This week is a pretty big shopping trip, but I was so amazed the deals I got. Also the Saline Farmers Market begins Saturday so I will be getting lots of fresh fruit and veggies this weekend!
Whole Foods
Cascadian Farms Organic Raisin bran 1 @ 2/$7
Cascadian Farms Organic Cinnamon Crunch 1 @ 2/$7 plus whole foods coupon save $1
Van's Breakfast Gluten Free Flax Waffles 1 @ 2/$5
Van's Breakfast Gluten Free Blueberry Waffles 1 @ 2/$5 plus whole foods coupon save $1 on 2
Ians Breakfast sandwich Gluten Free 1 @ $4.99 plus whole foods coupon save $.50
Brown Cow yogurt 4/$3 plus coupon save $1 on 4
Thai restaurant kit 1 @ $1.99 plus whole foods coupon save $.75
Meyenberg Goat Milk 1 @ $3.99 plus coupon save $1
Santa Cruz Orange Mango Juice 1 @2.98 plus coupon save $.75
Naked Blue Machine half gallon 1@$7.49
Total: $30.44
Country Market
Organic Valley Milk 2/$6 plus coupon save $2 on ANY 2 Organic Valley products
Eden Organic Pasta 2/$5
Manwich 1 @ $1.25
Ground Sirloin 1 lb @ $3.95
Amish chicken tenders @ $3.19
Organic Salmon Fillets 2 @ $1.49 each.
Total: $20.37
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Monday, April 27, 2009
Natural and Safe Insect Pest Control
It's that time of year for pest to be showing up in our homes. Below are some healthy, safe, and inexpensive ways to control ant, spiders, mosquitoes, and flies.
Ants
~Keep a small spray bottle handy, and spray the ants with a bit of
soapy water.
~Set out cucumber peels or slices in the kitchen or at the ants' point
of entry. Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber. Bitter
cucumbers work best.
~Leave a few tea bags of mint tea near areas where the ants seem
most active. Dry, crushed mint leaves or cloves also work as ant
deterrents.
~Trace the ant column back to their point of entry. Set any of the
following items at the entry area in a small line, which ants will not
cross: cayenne pepper, citrus oil (can be soaked into a piece of
string), lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds.
~Mix a half-teaspoon each of honey, borox, and aspartame (Equal,
Nutrasweet, etc.), in small bottles. Place bottles on their sides,
with lids off, in areas of most ant activity. Ants will carry the bait
back to their colonies.
~Leave a small, low wattage night light on for a few nights in the
area of most ant activity. The change in light can disrupt and
discourage their foraging patterns.
Spiders
~You can use peppermint or spearmint oils to repel spiders. Mix
one of these oils with water and pour it into a spray bottle. Or you
can put a few drops along window sills and other areas that
spiders use to enter your house.
~Garlic is another repellant that you can use. Put a few cloves in a
spray bottle and add water.
~Another option is using tomato leaves. Blend the tomato leaves
and mix with 4 pints of water and one tablespoon of cornstarch.
Strain the liquid in the fridge and use as needed. Put it in a spray
bottle.
Mosquitos
~An effective natural bug repellent, mix one part garlic juice with 5
parts water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray
lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up
to 5 - 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this
mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized
deterrent.
~Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the Neem tree in
India. The leaves, seeds and seed oil of the Neem tree contain
sallanin, a compound which has effective mosquito repelling
properties. Neem oil is a natural product and is safe to use. Look
for new Neem Oil-based commercial products on the market.
~Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug
repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying
insects do not like.
Flies
~Use mint as a fly repellent. Small sachets of crushed mint can be
placed around the home to discourage flies.
~Bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus wrapped in small cheesecloth
squares can be hung by open windows or doors.
~Place a small, open container of sweet basil and clover near pet
food or any open food in the house.
~A few drops of eucalyptus oil on a scrap of absorbent clothe will
deter flies. Leave in areas where flies are a problem.
~You can make your own flypaper with this simple recipe: Mix ¼
cup syrup, 1 tbsp. granulated sugar and 1 tbsp. brown sugar in a
small bowl. Cut strips of brown kraft paper and soak in this
mixture. Let dry overnight. To hang, poke a small hole at the top
of each strip and hang with string or thread.
Best of Luck!
Ants
~Keep a small spray bottle handy, and spray the ants with a bit of
soapy water.
~Set out cucumber peels or slices in the kitchen or at the ants' point
of entry. Many ants have a natural aversion to cucumber. Bitter
cucumbers work best.
~Leave a few tea bags of mint tea near areas where the ants seem
most active. Dry, crushed mint leaves or cloves also work as ant
deterrents.
~Trace the ant column back to their point of entry. Set any of the
following items at the entry area in a small line, which ants will not
cross: cayenne pepper, citrus oil (can be soaked into a piece of
string), lemon juice, cinnamon or coffee grounds.
~Mix a half-teaspoon each of honey, borox, and aspartame (Equal,
Nutrasweet, etc.), in small bottles. Place bottles on their sides,
with lids off, in areas of most ant activity. Ants will carry the bait
back to their colonies.
~Leave a small, low wattage night light on for a few nights in the
area of most ant activity. The change in light can disrupt and
discourage their foraging patterns.
Spiders
~You can use peppermint or spearmint oils to repel spiders. Mix
one of these oils with water and pour it into a spray bottle. Or you
can put a few drops along window sills and other areas that
spiders use to enter your house.
~Garlic is another repellant that you can use. Put a few cloves in a
spray bottle and add water.
~Another option is using tomato leaves. Blend the tomato leaves
and mix with 4 pints of water and one tablespoon of cornstarch.
Strain the liquid in the fridge and use as needed. Put it in a spray
bottle.
Mosquitos
~An effective natural bug repellent, mix one part garlic juice with 5
parts water in a small spray bottle. Shake well before using. Spray
lightly on exposed body parts for an effective repellent lasting up
to 5 - 6 hours. Strips of cotton cloth can also be dipped in this
mixture and hung in areas, such as patios, as a localized
deterrent.
~Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil extracted from the Neem tree in
India. The leaves, seeds and seed oil of the Neem tree contain
sallanin, a compound which has effective mosquito repelling
properties. Neem oil is a natural product and is safe to use. Look
for new Neem Oil-based commercial products on the market.
~Planting marigolds around your yard works as a natural bug
repellent because the flowers give off a fragrance bugs and flying
insects do not like.
Flies
~Use mint as a fly repellent. Small sachets of crushed mint can be
placed around the home to discourage flies.
~Bay leaves, cloves and eucalyptus wrapped in small cheesecloth
squares can be hung by open windows or doors.
~Place a small, open container of sweet basil and clover near pet
food or any open food in the house.
~A few drops of eucalyptus oil on a scrap of absorbent clothe will
deter flies. Leave in areas where flies are a problem.
~You can make your own flypaper with this simple recipe: Mix ¼
cup syrup, 1 tbsp. granulated sugar and 1 tbsp. brown sugar in a
small bowl. Cut strips of brown kraft paper and soak in this
mixture. Let dry overnight. To hang, poke a small hole at the top
of each strip and hang with string or thread.
Best of Luck!
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
How Far Does Green Go?
Happy Earth Day! I actually saw it posted on facebook that everyday should be Earth Day. It also has to make me wonder, how far does green go? We all know the basics: recycle, reusable grocery bags, energy saving electrical appliances & light bulbs, etc. But what about chemicals? Those buggers can't be real good for us or the environment. Most of the cleaners in our homes are causing more damage to our families and the environment than we realize. I know some of you might be thinking, well I use "earth friendly" cleaners. Hmmm, well I've done some research on two of the biggest "green" cleaners known: Greenworks and Seventh Generation. Neither met my standards for "green" which are:
* Biodegradable
* Formulated without dye
* Nonflammable
* Contain no ammonia, acids, alkalis, solvents, phosphates, chlorine, nitrates, borates, or volatile organic compounds.
Here were my findings: Greenworks has many of the same chemicals found in traditional cleaners only they have diluted them, meaning they just added water.
Seventh Generation I found the following: All purpose cleaner contains hexahydro-1,3,5-Tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine which is a preservative and a pesticide. According to here . The toxicity level to humans is Toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity. I’m not too sure if that sounds safe.
Natural Dish Liquid contains sodium laureth sulfate. This chemical does a world of dangers to us. Sodium laureth sulfate can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity. It also contains hexahydro-1,3,5-Tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, which I have discussed above.
Even for the concentrated form of these cleaners you are paying for them to put the water in. Do you want to pay for diluted chemicals? When I checked the prices for both Seventh Generation and Greenworks I was shocked on how much they are. Plus can you imagine how much plastic bottles you use every time you purchase another one and paying for it for that matter. The only truly green product I have found to meet the above standards and saves me money, is safe for me, my family, and the environment is here
For most of my cleaning I use a fragrance-free basic household cleaner, which is super-concentrated. You can make a whole bottle of cleaner for most applications with somewhere between 2 drops and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the concentrate. One bottle of this can make literally hundreds of bottles of ready to use cleaner. Since this reduces the number of plastic bottles that need to be manufactured, shipped, and recycled, it greatly decreases the environmental impact of using the product. The cost per use is also a lot lower than almost any other product, just 25 cents makes four 32 ounce bottles (one gallon) of all purpose cleaner Even vinegar in comparison, can cost 10 to 20 times as much per gallon, depending on what size is purchased and where. So why pay $2 or more for a cleaner that isn't going to last you as long, going to cost you more, and is bad for the environment and bad for you?
Don't be "green-washed". Some examples of tactics used by companies include: seducing with images in ads, using environmental organizations to promote products, distracting from destructive products, claiming to seek solutions while lobbying against regulation, using charitable endeavors to gain support, and the misuse of the word “sustainable.” I really liked this quote from Jeffrey Hollender, and it sums up my feelings on the subject as well. ”“Green” is not something a company becomes because of a new product line, a marketing campaign, a decision to be carbon neutral or even the selection an enlightened new CEO. “Green” is about the inside, not the outside of a company. It’s about its DNA, its culture, and its very reason for being.” Is Clorox Green Works and Seventh Generation really green? What do you think?
There is a way to eliminate 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills. There is a way to eliminate 248 pounds of greenhouse gas. There is a way we can make a difference. Use something that together plants 10 trees and saves you money. Click here.
* Biodegradable
* Formulated without dye
* Nonflammable
* Contain no ammonia, acids, alkalis, solvents, phosphates, chlorine, nitrates, borates, or volatile organic compounds.
Here were my findings: Greenworks has many of the same chemicals found in traditional cleaners only they have diluted them, meaning they just added water.
Seventh Generation I found the following: All purpose cleaner contains hexahydro-1,3,5-Tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine which is a preservative and a pesticide. According to here . The toxicity level to humans is Toxicity to humans, including carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, neurotoxicity, and acute toxicity. I’m not too sure if that sounds safe.
Natural Dish Liquid contains sodium laureth sulfate. This chemical does a world of dangers to us. Sodium laureth sulfate can lead to direct damage to the hair follicle, skin damage, permanent eye damage in children and even liver toxicity. It also contains hexahydro-1,3,5-Tris (2-hydroxyethyl)-s-triazine, which I have discussed above.
Even for the concentrated form of these cleaners you are paying for them to put the water in. Do you want to pay for diluted chemicals? When I checked the prices for both Seventh Generation and Greenworks I was shocked on how much they are. Plus can you imagine how much plastic bottles you use every time you purchase another one and paying for it for that matter. The only truly green product I have found to meet the above standards and saves me money, is safe for me, my family, and the environment is here
For most of my cleaning I use a fragrance-free basic household cleaner, which is super-concentrated. You can make a whole bottle of cleaner for most applications with somewhere between 2 drops and 1⁄4 teaspoon of the concentrate. One bottle of this can make literally hundreds of bottles of ready to use cleaner. Since this reduces the number of plastic bottles that need to be manufactured, shipped, and recycled, it greatly decreases the environmental impact of using the product. The cost per use is also a lot lower than almost any other product, just 25 cents makes four 32 ounce bottles (one gallon) of all purpose cleaner Even vinegar in comparison, can cost 10 to 20 times as much per gallon, depending on what size is purchased and where. So why pay $2 or more for a cleaner that isn't going to last you as long, going to cost you more, and is bad for the environment and bad for you?
Don't be "green-washed". Some examples of tactics used by companies include: seducing with images in ads, using environmental organizations to promote products, distracting from destructive products, claiming to seek solutions while lobbying against regulation, using charitable endeavors to gain support, and the misuse of the word “sustainable.” I really liked this quote from Jeffrey Hollender, and it sums up my feelings on the subject as well. ”“Green” is not something a company becomes because of a new product line, a marketing campaign, a decision to be carbon neutral or even the selection an enlightened new CEO. “Green” is about the inside, not the outside of a company. It’s about its DNA, its culture, and its very reason for being.” Is Clorox Green Works and Seventh Generation really green? What do you think?
There is a way to eliminate 108 pounds of packaging waste from landfills. There is a way to eliminate 248 pounds of greenhouse gas. There is a way we can make a difference. Use something that together plants 10 trees and saves you money. Click here.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
This week's Penny Pushers
I was pretty impressed with the deals I got at Whole Foods today. I could have probably gotten more if I remembered my other coupons:). I'm super excited about the Farmers Market starting up again in May in Saline.
Whole Foods
Organic Bananas 1.68lbs @ $.99/lb = $1.66
Organic Red Pepper .47 lb @ $3.99/lb = $1.88
Organic Kiwi 2/$1
Organic Blackberries 1@ 2/$5 = $2.50
Organic Green Pepper .65lb @ $2.99/lb = $1.94
AD Spinach Fettichini @ $2.99 (found this afterwards at Country Market for 2/$5)
Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes @ $2.19 save $1 used Coupon
Organic Valley Half & Half @ $3.39 used $1 whole deal coupon
Meyenberg Goats Milk @ $3.99 save $1 used coupon
Organic Valley Mont cheese 1@ 2/$7
Organic Valley Colby cheese 1@ 2/$7 used whole deal coupon $2 off
Steaz Organic Energy Drink 4 pack @ $7.99 save $1 coupon
Santa Cruz OrangeMango @ 2.98 save $.75 coupon
Brown Cow Yogurt 4/$3 plus save $1 on 4 coupon here
Plus saving on using 2 green bags
Total: $35.06
Other coupons to check out:
Santa Cruz Peanut Butter
RW Knudsen Juice
Rosetto Pasta
Simply Organic Grinder Spices
Country Market
Our Family Paper Towel @ $6.18 save $1 coupon here
Simply Orange Juice @ $2.95
Horizon Organic Milk 1@ 2/$7 save $.55 coupon here
Wolfgang puck organic soup 2/$4
Angus Ground Sirloin @ $3.67
Amish Chicken tenders @ $3.39
Total: $22.14
Have a great day, happy shopping!
Whole Foods
Organic Bananas 1.68lbs @ $.99/lb = $1.66
Organic Red Pepper .47 lb @ $3.99/lb = $1.88
Organic Kiwi 2/$1
Organic Blackberries 1@ 2/$5 = $2.50
Organic Green Pepper .65lb @ $2.99/lb = $1.94
AD Spinach Fettichini @ $2.99 (found this afterwards at Country Market for 2/$5)
Muir Glen Fire Roasted Tomatoes @ $2.19 save $1 used Coupon
Organic Valley Half & Half @ $3.39 used $1 whole deal coupon
Meyenberg Goats Milk @ $3.99 save $1 used coupon
Organic Valley Mont cheese 1@ 2/$7
Organic Valley Colby cheese 1@ 2/$7 used whole deal coupon $2 off
Steaz Organic Energy Drink 4 pack @ $7.99 save $1 coupon
Santa Cruz OrangeMango @ 2.98 save $.75 coupon
Brown Cow Yogurt 4/$3 plus save $1 on 4 coupon here
Plus saving on using 2 green bags
Total: $35.06
Other coupons to check out:
Santa Cruz Peanut Butter
RW Knudsen Juice
Rosetto Pasta
Simply Organic Grinder Spices
Country Market
Our Family Paper Towel @ $6.18 save $1 coupon here
Simply Orange Juice @ $2.95
Horizon Organic Milk 1@ 2/$7 save $.55 coupon here
Wolfgang puck organic soup 2/$4
Angus Ground Sirloin @ $3.67
Amish Chicken tenders @ $3.39
Total: $22.14
Have a great day, happy shopping!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Health Food News and Locations
The Whole Foods coupons are out. Our Whole Foods runs out of their "Whole Deal" coupon issue within a week so head to your store and pick one up before they run out.
Don't have a whole foods?, that's okay there are plenty of health food stores in you area. Here is a list of ones you may find in Michigan or other states. Most take coupons so check out my links on the side panel.
Better Health Store : Ann Arbor, Belleville, Grosse Pointe, Lansing, Livonia, Novi, Plymouth, and Warren.
Plum Market: Ann Arbor, Bloomfield, and West Bloomfield
Simply Natural Health Foods : Auburn Hills, Bloomfield, Clarkston, Commerce, Davisburg, Highland, Ortonville, Pontiac, Waterford, West Bloomfield, and White Lake.
Trader Joe's : Ann Arbor, Farmington, Grosse Pointe, Northville, and Rochester. Ohio: Beachwood, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dublin, Dayton, and Westlake. Multiple locations in Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York City area, and others in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, DC area, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Whole Foods
Several store locations in US, Canada, and UK. Check website for locations.
Remember, many regular grocery stores carry Organic foods. Here are some in Michigan that do: Busch's, Country Market, Meijer, and some Kroger's so check your store. If you find another store, please let me know so I can add it to the list.
Don't have a whole foods?, that's okay there are plenty of health food stores in you area. Here is a list of ones you may find in Michigan or other states. Most take coupons so check out my links on the side panel.
Better Health Store : Ann Arbor, Belleville, Grosse Pointe, Lansing, Livonia, Novi, Plymouth, and Warren.
Plum Market: Ann Arbor, Bloomfield, and West Bloomfield
Simply Natural Health Foods : Auburn Hills, Bloomfield, Clarkston, Commerce, Davisburg, Highland, Ortonville, Pontiac, Waterford, West Bloomfield, and White Lake.
Trader Joe's : Ann Arbor, Farmington, Grosse Pointe, Northville, and Rochester. Ohio: Beachwood, Cincinnati, Columbus, Dublin, Dayton, and Westlake. Multiple locations in Boston, Chicago, Indianapolis, New York City area, and others in California, Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Missouri, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Tennessee, Georgia, North Carolina, DC area, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Whole Foods
Several store locations in US, Canada, and UK. Check website for locations.
Remember, many regular grocery stores carry Organic foods. Here are some in Michigan that do: Busch's, Country Market, Meijer, and some Kroger's so check your store. If you find another store, please let me know so I can add it to the list.
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