March is Meatless Month: How to Save Money on Organic Vegetables and Fruit

March is meatless month, which means it's time to load up on those veggies and fruit.  That's the best way to get all of your vitamins and minerals to boost your immune system and stay healthy.  And let's face it, it's much more fun than swallowing a handful of supplement pills, tablets and drinks.

These days most of our produce is covered in not one, but multiple pesticides.  Many times the pesticides are absorbed into the fruit or vegetable, so they aren't removed by a simple washing in your kitchen sink.  In order to avoid these harmful pesticides, organic is the way to go.  Some produce is safer than others when it comes to pesticides, and considering that not everyone can afford to go completely organic, here are some tips to making the healthiest choices on a budget.

 1.  Shop wisely in the produce section:  Put your money towards organic on the fruit and veggies that are highly contaminated with pesticides, and save your money with the "non-organic" produce that is the least contaminated by pesticides.  Also, try to shop in season and watch for sales! 

*Click here for a printable guide to keep your purse!*

Here are the top 12 items that you should buy organic:

(starting with most contaminated)

apples

celery

strawberries

peaches

spinach

imported nectarines

imported grapes

sweet bell peppers

potatoes

domestic blue berries

lettuce

kale/collard greens

Here are the top 15 items that for non-organic:

(starting with least contaminated)

onions

corn

pineapples

avocado

asparagus

sweet peas

mango

eggplant

domestic cantaloupe

kiwi

cabbage

watermelon

sweet potatoes

grapefruit

mushrooms

You can view a full list of most to least contaminated produce here.

2.  Become a locavore: Shop at the local farmers market.  Not only will you know where your produce came from, but you know it will be fresh.  You will also be supporting your local farmers instead of large corporations.  Sometimes if you go towards the end of the market hours, you may score some great deals.  Most farmers don't want to drag home the leftovers, so they will be more willing to work a deal with you on some fresh local produce! Go here to search for a local farmers market near you.  You may even find a unique vegetable that you've never tried before!

source

3. Grow a garden: Section off a small area in your yard and plant seeds or small plants.  You can start simple with tomatoes, peas, and peppers.  If you don't have a yard, consider balcony gardening - just a few veggie producing plants will save you some money on your grocery bill.  Try growing some fresh herbs too - basil grows very well.  This can be a fun educational project to do with your kids too!

4.  Sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture):  This program is becoming quite popular lately.  Basically, a farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. You can purchase a share or membership, and in return receive a box of seasonal produce weekly or bi-weekly throughout the farming season.  Sometimes you can choose from different size boxes, depending on how much produce you need for your family.  This program helps support your local farmers by providing cash flow early in the season to cover farming expenses, and you receive fresh local-grown fruit and veggies that will benefit your family's health.  It also helps you to cook more fresh foods and try new things that you wouldn't normally purchase.  Go HERE to locate a CSA farm new you.

**Happy Meatless March**

FREE ORGANIC MILK COUPON up to $4

HURRY!  THESE COUPONS GO FAST!!

Go over to Facebook and LIKE the Milk Mustache page to score a printable coupon for a FREE gallon of milk (any brand) when you purchase 3 breakfast items.  They are giving away 10,000 coupons each day until March 3rd, so if you miss it today, try again tomorrow!  Tomorrow is the last day to try!

The maximum price for the "free" gallon of milk is $4.00, so you can use this towards organic milk as well.  If the price of your organic milk is over $4.00, the cashier will probably take $4.00 off the price.  It's still an excellent deal!

As for the 3 breakfast items, the possibilities are endless.  I heard someone bought 3 yogurts as their breakfast items and had no trouble with the coupon.  Make sure that your store accepts internet printed coupons for FREE items; I know that my local supermarket does not accept them (so I just go elsewhere).

3 cups of yogurt and a gallon of milk for only a couple bucks or less is awesome!

Printable Coupon: $1/2 Applegate Organic Dinner Sausages

I am a big fan of Applegate products, especially because they are nitrate free.  

$1/2 Applegate Organic Dinner Sausages

You can print 2 of these coupons, by using the same link a second time.  Don't use the 'back' arrow because it won't let you print a second coupon then.

Printable Coupon: Up to $2 off one MaraNatha Product

Did you know that March is National Peanut Butter Month?  Yep!  And MaraNatha is celebrating by giving you coupons through their Nutty Days promotion on Facebook!  

Go to the MaraNatha facebook page and click LIKE.  Then share the e-card with your friends, and your coupon will be posted to your wall for printing!  So simple for some yummy savings!

FREE Milk Coupon Giveaway - or Cheap ORGANIC Milk

Go over to Facebook and LIKE the Milk Mustache page to score a printable coupon for a FREE gallon of milk (any brand) when you purchase 3 breakfast items.  They are giving away 10,000 coupons each day until March 3rd, so if you miss it today, try again tomorrow!  They are all out of coupons today, but get ready tomorrow morning for the next round!

The maximum price for the "free" gallon of milk is $4.00, so you can use this towards organic milk as well.  If the price of your organic milk is over $4.00, the cashier will probably take $4.00 off the price.  It's still an excellent deal!

As for the 3 breakfast items, the possibilities are endless.  I heard someone bought 3 yogurts as their breakfast items and had no trouble with the coupon.  Make sure that your store accepts internet printed coupons for FREE items; I know that my local supermarket does not accept them (so I just go elsewhere).

3 cups of yogurt and a gallon of milk for only a couple bucks or less is awesome!

Swagbucks Birthday Bash: Sign up and use promo code for 110 Swagbucks today!

Do you want to get FREE products on Amazon?  I'm sure you do, who wouldn't want FREE products, especially natural organic products, or even electronics!  Well here's how... you will be surprised how easy it is!

The secret to this is SWAGBUCKS.  

And all you have to do is sign up and search the internet like you normally would.  

Yes, it's that easy.

***
And today is the Swagbucks birthday bash!  
Use code BIRTHDAYBASH12 when you sign up as a new member to score 110 swagbucks!!

Here's what you need to do:

1- Sign up at Swagbucks.com. Use code BIRTHDAYBASH12 to get 110 Swagbucks!

2- Search the internet through the Swagbucks search engine, or you can download their toolbar (which you will get extra points for)  You will earn points randomly through your searches.

3- Once you sign into your account, you can also do surveys, watch Swagbucks TV, play games, take daily polls, etc. to earn extra points as well.

4- Cash in your swabucks points for Amazon gift cards.  450 for a $5 Amazon gift card is the best deal, but there are other denominations available.

5- Use your Amazon gift cards to buy products for FREE on Amazon.com!

Kids Healthy Cooking Class at Whole Foods Tustin on Jamboree

 Whole Foods always has an event calendar packed with free and low cost activities, hands on demonstrations, and classes.  At the Tustin Whole Foods on Jamboree, there is a Kids Club Cookery held on the 3rd Wednesday of every month from 3:30 to 4:30pm.  The cost is only $5 and it's a fun learning experience for your child!

Location address:
2847 Park Ave., Tustin, CA 92782

In the District at Tustin Legacy

Date:  March 21st at 3:30 pm
Space is limited to 40 so make your reservation ASAP!

Children of all ages are invited to come join Gerrie Adams, Healthy Eating Speicalist, as she leads participants in choosing their own fresh foods to complete a food pyramid, and then turn those selections into a healthy, kid-friendly, delicious dish!

Reservations are required 24-hours in advance.
Register at the Customer Service Desk or pay online.

Check out the events calendar at your local Whole Foods Market.

NurturMe Organic Baby Food Pouches only .66 cents each!

NurturMe Organic baby food pouches contain quick-dried fruits and veggies.  Simply add breast milk, whole milk, formula or water in any amount and combination.  And as your child grows, you can add it to grains, homemade purees, yogurt and even macaroni and cheese to boost their nutritional value.  The pouches last up to 2 years!

You can get a 48 pouch variety pack ($69 value) on Plum District (under Orange County - Central) for only $35!!  The shipping is FREE too!  That's only .73 cents per pouch of organic baby food!

***PLUS, if you use your Visa card, you can use promo code VISA10 and save an additional 10%!! That brings the price down to $31.50 or only .66 cents per pouch!  WOW

**HOT DEAL** Vitacost.com: Get $10 worth of natural organic products for only $2.22 shipped! AMAZING DEALS TOO!

Today only!!  Vitacost is having a special on their shipping costs, AND they are offering a $10 credit to new customers when you register through this link.  This means, if you add $10 worth of products to your cart, you can use your $10 credit to make them free and only pay $2.22 for shipping!  PLUS, if you shop through your ebates account, you will save an additional 4% in cashback!  This will make for some great deals, especially on the natural and organic products!

Some possible stock up deals (prices include shipping):

Sprout Organic baby food only .31 per pouch

Nature's One Organic Baby formula only $2.96

Earth Friendly Ultra Ecos laundry detergent only $3.34

Eden Organic beans only .37 per can

Bob's Red Mill aluminum free baking soda only .45 per bag

Bob's Red Mill aluminum free baking powder only .81 per bag

Santa Cruz Organic peanut butter only $1.85 per jar

Mrs. Meyers hand soap only .96 per bottle

SEVENTH GENERATION DEAL (dish soap, toilet bowl cleaner, and dishwasher detergent) only .98 per item

Here's how to snag this deal:

1. Register at Vitacost.

2. Check your email for your $10 off code. (It may take a day or so to receive.)

3.  Go back to Vitacost through your ebates account.

4.  Go on a $10 shopping spree, adding the items to your cart.

5. Use your special $10 code (from your email).

6. Only pay $2.22 for shipping, or score free shipping if your total is $22 or more (and pay only $12!)

**Today's deal of the day is on Santa Cruz Organic products.  They make great products with quality that you can trust!  My kids love their applesauce, and I always use their organic lemon juice.

So here's some deals that may inspire you to snag a great deal:

Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butter Light Roasted Creamy 16 oz is only $4.44 a jar.  

Buy 3 jars and pay only $5.54.

That's only $1.85 per jar for ORGANIC peanut butter!

Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Liquid Hand Soap Basil -- 12.5 fl oz priced at $3.55 

Buy 3 and pay only $2.87!

That's only .96 cents per bottle!!

You can score similar deals on the Mrs. Meyer's dish soap and countertop spray as well.

Eden Foods Organic Black Beans -- 15 oz is priced at $1.67 per can

Buy 6 cans and pay only $2.24.

That's only .37 cents per can of ORGANIC beans!

You can also mix and match with some of their other beans, like Garbanzo, Kidney, etc.

Bob's Red Mill Aluminum Free Baking Soda -- 16 oz is priced at $2.01 per bag

Buy 5 bags and pay only $2.27!

That's only .45 cents per bag!!! WOW!

OR Bob's Red Mill Non-Aluminum Double Acting Baking Powder -- 16 oz priced at $3.40 per bag

Buy 3 bags and pay only $2.42

That's only .81 cents per bag!

Sprout Organic Baby Food Roasted Butternut Squash Starter 1 -- 2.5 oz price at $1.09 per pouch

Buy 10 pouches and pay only $3.12

That's only .31 per pouch of ORGANIC baby food.

*Butternut squash has excellent nutritional value for your baby too.  It's an excellent source of vitamin A, plus significant amounts of vitamin C, E, K, B6, folate and thiamin.  It also contains minerals like potassium, magnesium, manganese, and calcium, as well as Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids!

Nature's One Baby's Only Organic Dairy Based Formula Iron Fortified -- 12.7 oz price at $10.74

Buy 1 can and pay only $2.96!!!

Earth Friendly Ultra Ecos® Free and Clear Laundry Detergent Unscented -- 100 fl oz priced at $11.12

Buy 1 bottle and pay only $3.34 for an all natural SLS free laundry detergent!

Or you can buy one smaller bottle and an Ecover Stain Remover stick, pay $2.29 or only $1.15 per item!

*SEVENTH GENERATION PRODUCTS DEAL*

Buy 1 Seventh Generation Dish Soap $3.07

1 Seventh Generation Toilet Bowl Cleaner $3.15

1 Seventh Generation Dishwasher Detergent $4.49

And pay only $2.93!!!

That's only .98 per item!!! WOW!!!

This list goes on, but I think you get the point.  Have fun with this deal.  Don't forget to register with Vitacost here first to get your $10 promo code (for new customers only!)

Koyo Dry Ramen (Organic Noodles) only .47 cents each shipped!

Today's Deal of the Day at Vitacost is on Koyo products.  Their Lemongrass Ginger Ramen, made with organic noodles is marked down to only .93 cents per pack!  This sale expires 2/16 at 9am EST so hurry!

If you register to Vitacost through this link, you will receive an email with a special $10 off your first order promo code!  Here's how to get a 'sweet' deal on this ramen:

1. Register at Vitacost.

2. Check your email for your $10 off code. (It may take a day or so to receive.)

3.  Go back to Vitacost through your ebates account.

3.  Click on the Deal of the Day or search for KOYO RAMEN and add 11 to your cart.

3. Use your special code to get $10 off your first order.

4. Final Price: $0.23 plus $4.99 shipping = $5.22 or .47 cents each!

***You will receive 4% cashback if you shopped through your ebates account, making the final total only $5.01 or .46 cents each!  They usually retail for $1.99 at Whole Foods!

GREAT DEAL!!  

3 Bins of Yummy Earth Organic Lollipops only $6.66 shipped plus 4% Cashback!

Yummy Earth makes delicious organic lollipops from real fruit extract, without artificial dyes or flavorings.  USDA certified organic.  My kids love them, and I occasionally have one too!  You can get 3 of these personal sized bins at Vitacost for only $1.67 plus shipping when register through this link to receive $10 off your first purchase.

Here's how:

1. Register at Vitacost.

2. Check your email for your $10 off code. (It may take a day or so to receive.)

3.  Add 3 Yummy Earth Organic Lollipop Personal Bins to your cart.

3. Use your special code to get $10 off your first order.

4. Final Price: $1.67 plus $4.99 shipping = $6.66 or $2.22 each

GREAT DEAL!!  

**You can also save an additional 4% in cashback if you shop through your ebates account (after you register your new Vitacost account with the link above) That would make the total only $6.39! --Thanks Harmony!

This is the perfect size for an office, a teacher, or your own desk at work!

Abe's Market - 15% off plus FREE SHIPPING (no minimum) for Valentine's Day!

Abe's Market is one of my favorite online shops for natural products.  It's a very down to earth company, filled with lots of hard to find natural items, and great customer service.  And when I saw their special Valentine's Day offer this morning, I just had to share it with all of you!

Today only, you can score FREE SHIPPING on your purchase, with no minimum (it's usually a $49 minimum for free shipping on other days).  PLUS, you can save 15% off your purchase by using promo code LOVE15.  To save an additional 3%, complete your transaction through your ShopatHome account!

I have purchased from Abe's Market many times, and always come back for more.  Check out the Organic Beet Powder - perfect for coloring your Red Velvet cake this holiday!  I also love the Preserve products that they carry - made from recycled plastic products.

RARE $1.50/1 Stonyfield YoKids Yogurt Product Printable Coupon

Go to the YoKids Yogurt Facebook page.  

Enter their Sweepstakes and score a coupon for $1.50 off one of the YoKids products.

New Mambo Sprouts Natural and Organic Printable Coupons

Mambo Sprouts just posted their new natural and organic printable coupons, and reset any old ones.


Here are a few of my faves:

$0.55/1 Nasoya Pasta Product
$1/1 Yogi box of Tea
$0.75/1 Earth's Balance Organic Soy Milk
$1/2 Vans Natural Food products
$1.50/2 Nature's Path Boxed Cereal or Granola Bars
$1 off Stonyfield OIKOS Organic Greek Yogurt any (2) Oikos 5.3 oz. or (1) 16 oz. or (1) 4 oz. 4 pk
$1/1 Alexia Foods item
$1/1 Country Choice Organic product


For more available natural and organic printable coupons, go HERE
To view the new Mambo Sprouts February 2012 Messenger, go HERE
(It's filled with tips and info for a healthy lifestyle.)

Organic and Natural Printable Coupon Round-Up

Here is an alphabetical list that I compiled of as many organic and/or natural printable coupons that I could find.  I will add any new ones that I find, and remove any non-working links.  If you have any to add or want to report an expired coupon, please feel free to let me know.

$1.50/2 8th Continent Soymilk Cartons
$1.25/1 Alexia product
$0.50/1 Annie Chuns product
$2/1 Annie's Homegrown Organic Rising Crust Pizza
$0.75/1 Blue Diamond Baked Nut Chips, 4.25oz bag
$1.10/1 Cascadian Farm Granola Bars
$1.10/1 Cascadian Farm Granola Bars
$1/2 Cascadian Farm Granola Bars
$1/1 Celestial Seasonings Wellness Tea
B1G1F Chiquita Avocado
$1/1 Country Choice Organic product
$1/1 Dorset Cereals
$0.50/1 Dr. Praeger's product
$0.55/1 Enjoy Life Foods product
$1/1 Food Should Taste Good Chips 5.5oz bag or larger
$0.75/1 Funky Monkey Snack
$0.75/1 GoGo squeeZ Applesauce, 4 pk or 12 pk
$0.55/1 Horizon Organic Single Serves 3-pk
$0.55/1 Horizon Organic Milk plus DHA, Half Gallon
$1/1 Kikkoman product
$2/1 Kiss My Face Moisturizer, 16oz. or larger
$1/1 Kiss My Face Foaming Soap, 8.75oz. or 17oz.
$1/1 McCann’s Irish Oatmeal Product
$1/1 McCann's Irish Oatmeal Product
$1.10/2 Muir Glen products
$1.10/2 Muir Glen products
$1/1 Naked Juice Smoothie
$0.75/1 Nasoya Tofu Product
$.50/1 Newman's Own Organic Chocolate Bar
$.50/1 Newman's Own Organic Licorice Twists
$.50/1 Newman's Own Organic Pretzels
$.50/1 Canned Formulas for Dogs
$1/1 Oregon Chai product
$1/1 Organic Girl fresh produce
$0.50/1 Organic Valley Yogurt, 32 oz.
$0.50/1 Organic Valley Soy Creamer
$0.50/1 Organic Valley Flavored Half & Half
$0.50/1 O'Soy Organic Soy Yogurt 6-pk
$0.50/3 O'Soy Organic Soy Yogurt, 6oz.
$1/1 POM Wonderful Fresh Arils
$1/1 Popchips, 3oz. bag
$0.75/1 Rudi's Organic Bread
$1/1 Silk product
$1/1 Simply Organic Baking Mix
$0.50/1 Simply Organic Mini Spice
$1/2 Simply Organic Glass Bottle Spices
$0.50/2 Simply Organic Seasoning Mixes, Dips, or Dressings
$0.50/1 Simply Organic Extract or Baking Flavor, 2oz.
$1/1 Simply Organic Vanilla Extract, 4oz.
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt, 32oz.
$0.50/6 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Cups, 6oz.
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt 0% Fat 4-pk
$1/1 Stonyfield Organic Activia Yogurt 4-pk.
$0.50/2 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Smoothies, 10oz.
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Yogurt Smoothies 4-pk
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Milk, Half Gallon
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Half and Half, Quart
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt, Pint
$0.75/1 Stonyfield Organic Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt, Quart
$0.75/1 Tofurky Product or Turtle Island Foods Tempeh
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Frozen Yogurt Bars
$0.50/1 YoBaby Organic Yogurt 4-pk
$0.50/1 Yobaby Meals Organic Yogurt 4-pk
$0.50/1 YoBaby Drinkable Yogurt 4-pk
$0.50/1 YoToddler Organic Yogurt 4-pk
$0.50/1 YoKids Organic Yogurt 6-pk
$0.50/1 YoKids Organic Yogurt Squeezers, 8-pk
$0.50/2 Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt, 5.3oz cups
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt, 10oz. or 32oz.
$0.50/1 Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt, 4-pk
$0.75/1 Oikos Organic Greek Frozen Yogurt, Pint
$1/1 Udi's Gluten Free product
$5/1 Wellness Natural Dry Dog or Cat Food purchase
$1/1 Zevia All Natural Soda 6-pk
$2/2 Zevia All Natural Soda 6-pk
$3/1 Zevia All Natural Soda 6-pk

$2/1 Annie's Homegrown New Frozen Pizza Printable Coupon, plus Whole Foods deal!

I love Annie's Homegrown products because they are all natural and healthy.  They have a brand new product out at Whole Foods - family size organic frozen pizzas!


Annie’s Homegrown Organic Pizzas $6.99
$2/1 Annie’s Homegrown Pizza
Final Price = only $4.99

***You can also enter their photo contest for a chance to win a whole year of Annie's Homegrown Organic Rising Crust pizza AND a $500 gift card to Whole Foods!

32oz Sambazon Organic Superfood Juice only $1.99!!!

Sambazon Acai Printable Coupon 32 oz

My Whole Foods currently has the large bottles 32oz of Sambazon juice on sale for $5.99 (regular price is $6.99), so you can score this organic juice for only $1.99!!!
an AMAZING deal!!!

Use $3 off Sambazon Acai 32 oz printable coupon

(use zip code 03452)

and stack with the $1 off Sambazon Acai coupon available in the Whole Planet Calendar.
(Calendars can be purchased at Whole Foods stores, and are filled with valuable coupons!)
Sale ends 2/1


Here's the deal for FREE 10.5oz bottles of Sambazon.

FREE Sambazon Organic juice at Whole Foods!

Whole Foods has Sambazon Organic juices on sale right now 2 for $4. 

Use $2 off Sambazon Organic coupon 

and get them for free!

(use zip code 90210)

*Whole Foods pricing can vary by region.  However, this price was seen at a local California Whole Foods, so it should be this price or less at other locations. 
The sale is good until 2/01.

HIGH VALUE $3 Sambazon Organic printable coupon!

Sambazon Acai Printable Coupon

$3 off Sambazon Acai 32 oz

(use zip code 03452)

You can also stack this coupon with the $1 off Sambazon Acai coupon available in the Whole Planet Calendar.  (Calendars can be purchased at Whole Foods stores, and are filled with valuable coupons!)

High value $1 off of Silk soy milk printable coupon

Silk is offering a $1 off printable coupon for their soy milk when you LIKE their Facebook page.

If you can't find the coupon, there is a link on the left in the sidebar for Coupons.

This is a great coupon if you enjoy their soy milk. You will be able to get it at a great price when it goes on sale!