Saving Family Green 2011

It's a new year and I'm working on my goals for this blog in the coming year.  My biggest goal (wish) is that I had more time to contribute to it.  Something I have never shared here before (at least not that I remember) is that in addition to being a blogger and mom, I am also work full time in the construction industry with an emphasis on green building. 

While I "wish" that I had more time to share the knowledge that's in my head in regards to going green, being environmentally conscious, etc. there is just not enough time in the day.  I thought as we enter the new year I would share some of the sites that I read daily in my google reader for time sensitive green deal posts that I am unable to share here.  While I do share some deal posts, usually they are only the ones that I either will personally take advantage of or are just so great that I believe they are worth sharing again!

Here are some of my favorite "Green" Deal Blogs:

Organic Deals
Saving Naturally
Tips for Green
Your Green Helper

Sustainable Saturday - 15 Ways Your Home Can Make You Infertile

Photo:  Design Pics/Ron Nickel/Getty Images

I have long believed that health of human beings is directly related to the chemicals and environments that we expose ourselves to, especially indoor environments.  When my husband and I married and purchased our first home, we made conscious decisions about the items and products that we would use in our home.  We have personally never struggled with infertility, however we have watched several friends go through infertility and eventually become pregnant.  Part of me has always believed that this was due to never having put hormones in my body in the form of birth control prior to having children and also to the indoor environment that we have chosen for our home including building materials like paint, removing wall to wall carpeting, cleaning products, etc.

15 Ways Your Home Can Make You Infertile

By: Eric Hagerman, This Old House online

Making a Home Healthy 

Getting pregnant isn't always as easy as it looks on TV. Some 7.3-million American women have trouble becoming pregnant or staying pregnant. Doctors can't explain what's wrong for about 10 percent of the couples who can't conceive, and some experts suspect the culprit is all around us: environmental contaminants, particularly in the home.

You can read the remainder of this article here.

Disclaimer:  The content of this post may be a little more in depth than what I typically share here on Saving Family Green, however I think this article is definitely worth sharing.  I am very sensitive to infertility as I have watched the several of our friends experience struggles with becoming pregnant. 

the whole deal coupons - NEW! January/ February 2011

  coupons

If you like to shop at Whole Foods Market® you definitely need to check out the whole deal for recipes and money saving coupons.

Whole Foods has began offering a lot more printable coupons on their website.  They are also featuring Sure Deals and Three Under $3 which are everyday values on quality products.

Depending on your local store policy, some stores will allow you to use one Whole Food coupons + one Manufacturer Coupon per item.  The corresponding manufacturer's coupons are listed below in addition to the Whole Foods coupon.

Here is a list of coupons available to print online:

50¢ off any ONE (1) Clif MOJO Bar

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life Vitamin Code 120 ct. or 240 ct. Excludes Vitamin Code Liquid, Vitamin Code Kids or Single Nutrient Formulas
+
$5/1 Manuf. Coupon for Garden of Life Vitamin Code, Raw Calcium 150 ct. available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Udi's Gluten Free Baked Good
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) large loaf of Health Starts Here™ Whole Grain Hearth Bread

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 16-oz bottle Whole Foods Market™ Organic Castile Soap, Almond, Lavender or Peppermint

50¢ off any ONE (1) 32-oz container 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Yogurt, Lowfat Plain, Nonfat Plain or Nonfat Vanilla

50¢ off any ONE (1) 16-ounce package 365 Everyday Value^® Organic Whole Wheat Pasta

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 365 Everyday Value^® Powdered or Liquid Laundry Detergent, Fabric Softener Sheets, Automatic Dish Detergent or Dish Soap

$1.00 off any ONE (1) 2.5-lb package Nature’s Rancher Individually Quick Frozen Chicken Wings or Boneless Skinless Breasts, Thighs or Tenders

$3.00 off any ONE (1) Eat Right America Nutritarian Handbook

50¢ off any ONE (1) Clif Bar

$1.00 off any TWO (2) DREAM Beverages or Frozen Products
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Rice Dream Aseptic or Frozen Product 10/24/2010 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2011)

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Rice Dream Refrigerated Product 10/24/2010 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2011) 

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Rice Dream Aseptic or Frozen Product 10/24/2010 SS Insert (exp 1/31/2011)

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Earth Balance Organic Soymilk

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Eatin' Product (3 oz. or larger)
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Garden of Eatin Tortilla Chips 10/17/2010 SS Insert (exp 1/17/2011)

$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder

$5.00 off any ONE (1) Garden of Life fucoTHIN or Diet 360

$3.00 off any ONE (1) full size JASON Shampoo or Conditioner

$1.00 off any ONE (1) box Kashi TLC Bars
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Kashi TLC Bars Kashi Booklet (exp 2/28/2011)

$1.00 off any TWO (2) LARABAR or JOCALAT Bars

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 32 oz. Organic Helios Kefir Products
+
$1/2 Manuf. Coupon available here

50¢ off any ONE (1) Lifeway Bio Kefir 4-pack

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Lightlife Product
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon for Lightlife Veggie Entree 1/2/2011 SS Insert (exp 2/28/2011)

50¢ off any ONE (1) LUNA Bar or LUNA Protein Bar

$1.00 off any ONE (1) MaraNatha Nut Butter

$1.50 off any TWO (2) Nature’s Path Organic Flax Plus Cereals or Toaster Pastries

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 7 or 8 oz. Newman's Own Organics Pretzels
+
$1/2 Manuf. Coupon Newman's Own Product available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Organic Valley Lowfat Yogurt
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$2.00 off  any ONE (1) Rainbow Light "Certified Organics" Product

55¢ off any ONE (1) bottle of San-J Organic Gluten Free Tamari, Cooking Sauce or Dressing

$1.00 off any TWO (2) 6 oz. siggi's yogurt

75¢ off any ONE (1) Simply Asia Product

75¢ off any ONE (1) Sokenbicha Bottle

$2.00 off any ONE (1) Spectrum Essentials Supplement (including Fish Oil, Flax Oil, Flaxseed or Fish-Free DHA)

75¢ off any ONE (1) 32 oz cup of Stonyfield Fat Free, Low Fat or Whole Milk Organic Yogurt
+
$0.50/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Stonyfield YoToddler Organic Yogurt Multipack
+
$1/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

$1.00 off any ONE (1) Half Gallon or Quart of So Delicious Coconut Milk Vanilla, Original or Unsweetened Beverage

Whole Foods Market® - This Week's Hot Deals (Ohio)

You can check out all of Whole Foods Market® Hot Deals here.  These prices are valid from January 5th thru January 11th.

You can read all about the current coupon deals available in both the whole deal and available to print online here.

Sales appear to be regional or even by State. Please confirm with your store their coupon policy as some stores will allow you to use one manufacturer coupon + one Whole Foods coupon per item.

You can check out many more deals at Whole Foods by visiting Your Green Helper, helping moms save while going green. 

This Week's Hot Deals!

Boneless Beef Chuck Roast or Chuck Stew
Savory cold weather favorites!
Sale! $3.99lb
Reg. $4.99–$5.49 lb

Boneless Beef Top Round Steak, Roast or London Broil
Great taste — Stock up on and save!
Sale! $4.99lb
Reg. $6.99 lb

California Organic Lemons (2 pound bag)
Add juice or zest to soups, dips or mayonnaise!
Sale! $2.99 ea
Reg. $3.99 ea

California Organic Baby Broccoli
Steam for a healthy and delicious side dish!
Sale! $1.99 ea
Reg. $2.99 ea

Stonyfield Organic Fat-Free Yogurt (6 oz)
Stock up and save! Selected varieties.
Sale! 10 for $5
Reg. 99¢ ea
$0.50/3 Manuf. Coupon available here

MSC-Certified Chilean Sea Bass
Treat yourself, you deserve it!
Sale! $18.99lb
Reg. $23.99 lb
Sale! $8.99ea (6 oz portion)
Reg. $9.99 ea

MSC-Certified Surimi Flakes (12 oz)
Great for salads or dipping!
Sale! $3.49ea
Reg. $4.49 ea

Surimi Salad
Great on a bed of salad greens! Made with
MSC-certified surimi.
Sale! $5.99lb
Reg. $7.99 lb

Lundberg Organic Rice (2 lb)
Pantry staples! Selected varieties.
Sale! 2 for $6
Reg. $3.99–$4.69 ea
$0.75/1 Manuf. Coupon available here

Made by Our Chefs In-House Roast Beef
Perfect for hot sandwiches!
Sale! $8.99 lb
Reg. $11.99 lb

$2/1 Wholly Guacamole Coupon!

You can get a $2/1 Wholly Guacamole Coupon here!  Sign up for your coupon by selecting the Rock the Guac option.

It's the New Year and so many of us are looking ways to eat healthier. Why not make the move by grabbing a back of veggies and some ranch dip as an alternative to fatty snacks?

We'll tell you why...

Ranch is a saucy seducer masquerading as a healthy snack!

We think it's time for Wholly fans to Get Off the Ranch! Go to our new website that will reveal all the things really hidden in what may be your family's favorite white dip.

Wholly Guacamole is a yummy dip and topping that tastes great and is packed with vitamins and minerals! Go to Get Off the Ranch for the details!

Thanks! Your Green Helper

Target Daily Deal: Burt's Bees Honey Spa Gift Set for $9.99!

 

Honey Do

Burt's Bees, you've done it again:  Put together the sweetest little gift set at a price that won't sting.  This'll fly off the shelves for sure.

Burt's Bees Honey Spa Gift Set

$9.99

Save 50% + Free Shipping
$19.99 List price

Sustainable Saturday - Organic on a Budget Year in Review!

I thought it would be fun to finalize our 2010 grocery spending to see how well we did throughout the year.  Included in these all inclusive numbers are all food, toiletries and personal care items.

Month	Shelf	My Price	Savings Rate	Goal	Variance
January	$746.78	$409.52	44.23%	$500.00	$90.48
February	$667.50	$452.99	32.14%	$500.00	$47.01
March	$913.86	$495.70	45.76%	$500.00	$4.30
April	$599.93	$255.88	57.35%	$250.00	$(5.88)
May	$731.37	$441.33	39.64%	$500.00	$58.67
June	$999.89	$516.66	45.82%	$500.00	$(16.66)
July	$564.56	$476.76	51.55%	$500.00	$23.24
August	$842.55	$466.11	44.68%	$500.00	$33.89
September	$520.09	$347.30	33.22%	$500.00	$152.70
October	$930.52	$589.33	39.68%	$500.00	$(89.33)
November	$711.24	$388.02	48.86%	$500.00	$111.98
December	$790.55	$588.89	35.48%	$500.00	$(88.89)
TOTALS	$9,018.84	$5,428.49	43.20%	$5,750.00	$321.51

For the coming year my food goals are:

• To produce more in quantity from our garden (2010 was not a great year for our garden due to pests).
• Explore canning foods more.
• Purchase (grass-fed) beef in bulk.  
• Purchase less refined products such as Turbinado (Raw Sugar) in bulk.  
• Purchase and experiment with Coconut Oil.