Buy Books and Support Local Libraries!

Buying Books for Christmas?  (Or just supporting your own addiction?) Make your list and wait a week or so, and your purchases can help support the Greene County Public Libraries!   Between December 3^rd and December 10^th, 2011, a portion of your purchases at the Barnes & Noble across from the Fairfield Commons Mall in Beavercreek will go to the Greene County Public Libraries.  

The proceeds are used to purchase prizes for the Summer Reading Program.  This offer really has a Pay-It-Forward effect!  Be sure to print out this “Bookfair Voucher” and present it at the beginning of your check-out transaction.  See the details on the voucher for some exclusions.  This opportunity is only valid at the Towne Drive location, but you can also shop online during the same time period and use the bookfair code 10450427.

Maybe I'll work on some Book Recommendations!  I borrow a lot of books from the library, and I routinely check books out from the library that I'm considering buying, to be sure that I really want to buy them! Especially cookbooks, where you can't really leaf through them if you're shopping online! 

Support your local grocer!

Head over to like Dorothy Lane Market on Facebook and follow the link on their recent post for a $3 coupon towards a Bakery Tea Ring or Coffee Cake - good through Sunday 11/27!  Add a bag of Boston Stoker coffee, and you've supported two local businesses in one trip!

Through Monday, November 28^th, you can also use the code “BF2011” to get free shipping on any order over $20 at shopDLM.com.  Check out the housemade breads or the "Ohio Products" page to send local items!

Remember, if you’re in the store before Tuesday, that you can still get the TruWhip for .29¢ with this coupon!  This is "whipped up" in Troy and contains no HFCS, no hydrogenated oils and is 70% organic with no GMOs! 

2nd St. Market open Wednesday!

I certainly mean to write more about the 2nd Street Market at another time, but I just want to quickly share that they will be open tomorrow! Usually, they are open Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. till 3 p.m., and on Saturday from 8 a.m. till 3 p.m.  They will open tomorrow, however, due to the holiday, from 11 to 3, which allows us the chance to pick up some wonderful bread from Rahn's Artisan Breads, last minutes veggies, spices or flowers for your table. Don't forget to get at least a cup, if not a bag, of Jim's organic coffee! 


If you have never been here, it's located at 600 East 2nd St., Dayton, OH 45402 and will resume normal hours on Friday.  If you have company in town, this really is a nice place to browse around! 

Better, Less Money & Local or Where Do Your Veggies Come From?

If you are fortunate enough to be near the Eaton/ Oxford area, you have a fantastic resource in the Boulder Belt Eco-Farm.  Right now they are featuring carrots of all colors: orange, white, yellow, red and purple that they just dug up this morning! Wouldn't this be a beautiful and tasty addition to your Thanksgiving feast?  

They are $3 a pound. Just call (937) 456- 9724 to make an appointment and go pick them up. They are located on the west side of US 127, a mile north of the Eaton Wal-Mart and 3 miles south of I-7- (exit 10). They have other wonderful items available, too, so  if you're close, check them out!

Be sure to ask about the Farm Share Initiative for 2012. I believe the regular shares work out to just under $21/ week, which always makes me reconsider if I'm really too far away from this farm when Lucy posts photos of the weekly shares! (You're not going to find this amount or those particular organic veggies for that price in the stores, and they won't be local.) 

Real Deal on the Real Deal at DLM!

See if you can guess what typical Thanksgiving food he's describing, and then check out this week’s DLM post to see how to get a much much better alternative for about a quarter of the cost this week! 

Be sure to print out the coupon - this deal is really something!

Dorothy Lane Market 11/16 till 11/29

Here are the highlights of Dorothy Lane Market’s specials beginning Wednesday, November 16th through Tuesday, November 29th. (Due to the holiday, these specials will run two weeks rather than one.)

Remember to sign up for the “Club DLM” card to receive offers by email based on your purchases.   You’ll get occasional rewards ($3 off Deli meat, for example) that, I suspect, are based on your spending patterns.  I don’t shop at DLM that frequently, or spend much when I do, so it’s possible that you’ll get “better offers” than I do.   I’ve received a nice page full of coupons in the past, but I have not for a while.  Click HERE to sign up online & receive your card by mail, or ask for an application in the store to start using it right away.

Every time you swipe your Club DLM card, you are entered for their monthly drawings, too.  Three prizes per month are given away at each location. 

Also, DLM does double coupons of .50¢ or less up to $1.  (Coupons over $1 are face value.)

PRODUCE

Organic Romaine Lettuce $1.49 lb 

Organic Peeled Mini Carrots 16 oz.  $1.69

Organic fresh Cranberries (6 oz) $2.99

ON THE SHELVES

DLM Premium Turkey Broth 27 oz. $2.99 

(Not inexpensive, but it seems like a high quality product, if you anticipate needing extra broth. Made by DLM from Free-Range, Locally raised, Antibiotic Free, Vegetarian Fed Turkey)

FROZEN

TruWhip All Natural Whipped Topping $1.29 10 oz

USE .55¢/ PRINTABLE COUPON HERE (I printed this 2/ page)

FINAL COST: .29¢!

DAIRY

Organic Valley Sour Cream 16 oz. $2.99

USE .50¢/1 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: $1.99

Organic Valley Cream Cheese/ Neufchatel 8 oz. $2.69

Organic Valley ½ & ½, flavored & original $2.69

USE .50¢/1 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: $1.69

** DLM carries a nice variety of Organic Valley’s dairy items. I’ve been buying their grated parmesan and keeping it frozen. It works great and doesn’t go bad if we don’t it that quickly.

PRINTABLES HERE & HERE

Note: Coupons from the company’s site are valid for 30 days from the date on which they are printed. Coupons are limited to two prints per coupon offer. 

KerryGold Butter 8 oz. $ ?.??

I was excited to find it on sale at Earth Fare this month for $3.19, but then last week it was $2.79 at DLM!  I just have to tell you “This is what butter is supposed to taste like!” This is such an exceptional product - from Ireland, made from the milk of grass-fed cows – and well worth this price.  

I’ll update this if I find any unadvertised deals in the store. 

DLM Best Buys through 11/14

Here are the highlights of Dorothy Lane Market’s specials running through Tuesday, November 15th.

Remember to sign up for the “Club DLM” card (ask for an application in the store) to receive offers by email based on your purchases.   You’ll get occasional rewards ($3 off Deli meat, for example) that, I suspect, are based on your spending patterns.  I don’t shop at DLM that frequently, or spend much when I do, so it’s possible that you’ll get “better offers” than I do.   I’ve received a nice page full of coupons in the past, but I have not for a while.

Every time you swipe your Club DLM card, you are entered for their monthly drawings, too.  Three prizes per month are given away at each location.  

Also, DLM does double coupons of .50¢ or less up to $1.  (Coupons over $1 are face value.)

On a “foodie side note”, DLM’s “Joke of the Day” tickled me on my way out:

“Why was the celery arrested?” (See the answer at the end of the post…)

Kroger Best Buys 11/14 till 11/20

PRODUCE

Org. Russet Potatoes 3 lb. $1.99

Org. Celery .99¢

Private Selection Organic Mini Peeled Carrots, 16 oz. $1.50

Private Selection Organic Salad, Select Varieties, 5 - 9 oz. $3

DAIRY & EGGS

Chobani Greek Yogurt, 6oz, $1

USE.30¢/1 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: .40¢

Fage Greek Yogurt $1

EggLand’s Best Organic Eggs 12ct. $2.99

                USE .50¢/1 dozen FROM THE 7/31/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 12/31/11)

                OR .75¢/1 dozen FROM THE 11/13/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 3/31/12)

FINAL COST: $1.99 *This is considerably less than the Kroger brand org. eggs.

(I intend to post about the Kroger re-launched “Simple Truth” organic line soon.)

ON THE SHELVES

Meijer Best Buys 11/13 till 11/19

ON THE SHELVES

Northland 100% juice, 64 oz. $2.50

USE $1/2 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR $1/2 FROM THE 10/09/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 12/31/11)

FINAL COST: $2 ea. IF YOU BUY 2

PANTRY/ BAKING ITEMS

Barilla Whole Grain Pasta .99¢

                USE $1/4 All Varieties MEIJER COUPON HERE

(must buy 4 to “stack” this coupon with the other manufacturer’s coupon. See how to use the Meal Box HERE)

                AND

USE $1/2 Whole Grain variety from the 9/18/11 SmartSource insert (***exp. 11/13/11)

OR

USE $1/2 HERE (you will need a box of the product present to enter a code)

FINAL COST: As low as .96¢ total for 4 boxes depending on your coupons!

Carapelli Olive Oil 25% off (**I’ll update the price once I get to the store.)

(With sales like this, I like to buy smaller bottles of Extra Virgin Olive Oil for salad dressings. Eventually I’ll usually come across a BOGO deal on larger bottles for cooking.)

USE $1/1 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: **

Better Than Bouillon $3.59 (except the reduced sodium variety)

                (They make organic varieties, but I did not see these at the Meijer I went to, so I, really would like to recommend asking the store manager to carry them and ask them to give you a raincheck.  They’d probably price the organic ones higher if they did have them, but it’s worth a shot!)

                USE $1.50/1 COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: $2.09

Diamond Crystal Sea Salt $1.79

                USE .40¢ COUPON HERE (WILL DOUBLE TO .80¢)

FINAL COST: .99¢

Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt $1.25

                USE .40¢ COUPON HERE (WILL DOUBLE TO .80¢)

FINAL COST: .45¢

McCormick Herbs, Spices, Extracts & Grinders 25% off  (see their line of organic spices HERE)

USE $1/4 All Varieties MEIJER COUPON HERE

(Buy 2 and receive a $2 Catalina TYNO, buy 5 and get a $3 Catalina)

FINAL COST: varies

BREAD

Aunt Millie’s “Family Style” wheat bread & white hamburger buns $1.33 

 (The coupons online and in the Red Plum insert 11/06/11 are for a different variety.)

Remember that you can buy this, as well as Meijer Organic Bread, for .65¢ HERE.

Kroger Best Buys 11/07 till 11/13

*M* Price listed is after the Mega discount for buying 10 participating items. 

(If there is an applicable coupon it is factored into the FINAL COST listed.)

BEVERAGES

1 Liter SmartWaters .75¢ *M*

USE $1/3 COUPON HERE  (LOAD ONTO YOUR KROGER, FRY’S OR SMITH’S CARD)

FINAL COST: .42¢ ea. When you buy 3

20 oz. Vitamin Waters .50¢ ea *M*

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze ½ gal. $1.99 *M*

OR .55¢/1 BLINKIE (coupon dispenser on the shelf) exp 1/31/2012 (if you find one)

OR $1/2 COUPON FROM THE 10/16/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 1/31/12)

FINAL COST: $1.49 IF YOU BUY 2 OR .99¢ EA. w/ the (DOUBLED) BLINKIE COUPON

**Also, through 11/27 ~

Buy any combination of Blue Diamond Almonds (6 oz+), Almond Breeze Almond Milk, Nut Thins or Nut Chips & earn $$ toward your next order (TYNO) in the form of a “Catalina” that will print out with your receipt.  See more about Catalinas HERE. The Nut Thins are also on sale for $2 (but not part of the Mega event) and they remain on sale through 12/04/11. Depending on your coupons, you may be able to purchase 4 Blue Diamond items for $4 and get a $4 Catalina TYNO!

Buy 2 = earn   .75¢ TYNO
Buy 3 =    “  $1.50 TYNO
Buy 4 =    “  $4.00 TYNO

Pepsi 2 liters .99¢ *M*

(I include this only because it is part of the Mega event, and I want to point out that Sierra Mist and the seasonally available Cranberry Sierra Mist are made without HFCS.  It is, to some degree, the lesser of the soda evils. You might enjoy mixing Sierra Mist with real fruit juice.)

* UPDATE 11/13/11 There is a coupon for Sierra Mist in the Red Plum insert in today's paper that would make this item FREE at Kroger TODAY ONLY!

DAIRY & EGGS

EggLand’s Best Organic Eggs 12ct. $2.99

                USE .50¢/1 dozen FROM THE 7/31/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 12/31/11)

                OR .75¢/1 dozen FROM THE 11/13/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 3/31/12)

FINAL COST: $1.99 *This is considerably les than the Kroger brand org. eggs.

(I intend to post about the Kroger re-launched “Simple Truth” organic line soon.)

ON THE SHELVES:

Annie’s Natural Mac & Cheese .69¢ *M*

USE .75¢/2 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR .75¢/1 Printable (if you printed when it was available)
FINAL COST: as low as FREE, OR .19¢ ea. IF YOU BUY 2

Blue Diamond Nut Thins $2

                USE .75¢/1 (will double: $1) FROM THE 8/28/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 11/30/11)

OR $1/2 COUPON FROM THE 10/16/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 1/31/12)

FINAL COST: as low as $1 ea (Also, see Catalina offer above)

Green & Black’s Chocolate Bars 3.5 oz. $2.50

USE $1.50/1 COUPON (See my previous post HERE.)

FINAL COST: $1 (!)

Wonderful Pistachios 8 oz. $2.99

USE $1/2 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR $1/2 COUPON FROM THE 9/18/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 11/25/11)

OR $1/2 COUPON FROM THE 11/13/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 11/25/11)

FINAL COST: $2.49 IF YOU BUY 2

Imagine Organic Broth, 32 oz $1.99 *M*

USE $1/2 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR $1/1 COUPON FROM THE 10/16/11 SMARTSOURCE INSERT (exp 1/31/12)

OR $1/1 BLINKIE (coupon dispenser on the shelf) exp 1/30/2012 (if you find one)

FINAL COST: as low as $0.99 ea. (Great Stock up price for Winter soups, etc.!)

C&H Cane Sugar 4 lb. $2.79 *M*

(I don’t think our Krogers carry this, but their affiliate stores (Fry’s/ Smith’s) apparently do, so I’m including it only as a possibility.  They may have it and it may be part of the Mega event. )

PRINTABLE COUPON HERE$0.50/1 4-5 lb. Bag

$1/2 Red Plum Insert 8/28/2011 exp 11/25/2011

$1/2 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE exp. 12/05/2011

$0.75/1 Red Plum Insert 8/24/2011 exp 11/25/2011
FINAL COST: as low as $1.79

FROZEN FOODS:

Cedarlane Entrees 9-11 oz. $2.49 *M*

(I really like these, and this is a great “Stock-Up” price. A great easy organic product to keep in the freezer, and you can still “embellish” them with extra veggies or whatever! The “better” Kroger stores will have more selection… as usual.)

USE .75¢/1 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE (exp 1/14/2012)

FINAL COST: $1.49

Kashi Pizza $4.49 *M*

USE $2/1 Recyclebank coupon (See more about RecycleBank HERE.)

FINAL COST: $2.49

Kashi Waffles $2.49 *M*

USE $2/1 Recyclebank coupon (See more about RecycleBank HERE.)

FINAL COST:  .49¢

MorningStar Farms EntreeS $3.19 *M*(We really like the “Griller’s Prime” burgers and the “Chicken” patties.)

USE $1/3 PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR $1/1 PEELIE COUPON ON PRODUCT (if you find one) (exp 3/31/2012)

(OR) There were some booklets hanging on the freezer door w/ coupons, but it is empty now in some stores. 

OR $2/1 MorningStar Farms AND 1 Wholly product PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: as low as $2.19

NON-FOODS

No-Nonsense Socks, various packages .96¢ - $3.34 *M*

I was excited to see several varieties of organic cotton, Made-in-the-U.S.A. socks included in this sale! Consider using your “Consumer Voice” on these items so they continue in this direction!

Scotch Brite Sponges 2-3ct. $2.49 *M*

(various products included)

USE .50¢/1 Botanical Disinfecting Wipes PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

OR .75¢/1 3pk Sponges PRINTABLE COUPON HERE

FINAL COST: VARIES

 Remember to keep count your Mega Items carefully so you DO get the best price! 

Best Organic & Healthy Buys at Meijer 11/06 - 11/12

I'm just cross linking for the moment, but I've listed some good deals at Meijer's HERE at my other blog.  I'll post it here once I update it!

Kroger Unadvertised Specials through Sunday 11/06

There are only a couple days left for some unadvertised specials at area Kroger stores.  These organic and “Not Organic, but Better than the Alternatives” items are priced as listed through Sunday 11/06/11.  The Mega sale, meanwhile, will continue through next Sunday 11/13, so I’ll post that list and coupon match-up separately.

My soda of choice is on sale!  The 8pks of Jones soda & cola are $2.99 through Sunday.  Jones doesn’t use HFCS or Monsanto Beet sugar, but cane sugar, which puts them rather high on my list.

If you didn’t already use the $1/1 coupons for DeBole’s pasta last week at Earth Fare, and get that for .50¢ a box, it’s on sale for $1.99 at Kroger only through Sunday, so .99¢ after the coupon.  I’m not sure if you’ll still be able to print that one HERE.  It looks unavailable to me.

Muir Glen 28 oz. cans are 1.99 through Sunday.  While I can’t really suggest using the $1/2 coupon in the Earth Fare booklet, there’s really no reason not to use the (same) coupon if you print it yourself from the website:  $1/2 any size HERE. 

Earth Fare works with these companies to put these coupons out there for us, but they are Manufacturer’s Coupons and can therefore be used at any store.  I just think using the ones that Earth Fare spends money printing and liberally disburses at the front door is somewhat shady and is taking advantage of a gesture that I really appreciate. 

The better Muir Glen one, however, particularly for this large size can, is the one at

coupons.com that I listed a few days ago: .75¢/1 any product HERE

“Select Varieties” of Garden of Eatin’ chips (7.5 oz. – 9 oz.) are $1.99 through Sunday.  The varieties available to select from, however, will depend on which Kroger store you frequent.  This is one of my disappointments with Kroger, as I’ll elaborate on in an upcoming post.  There were “Peelies” on some of these bags a while ago, so look carefully, and you could get these for .99¢, which is a very good savings on this brand that is produced with Non-GMO corn.

Great Bread at a Great Price!

There is an Aunt Millie’s Outlet store located at 3899 North Dixie Drive in Dayton.  

I’m promoting this because most of their line of breads do not contain High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) and you might be surprised (or disgusted) at how many other breads do!  

The exciting news is that as of November 1^st, they became a “Super Store” which means their breads are now priced at just 65 cents ALL THE TIME!  

They’ve extended their hours as well; they are now open:

Monday through Friday 8a.m. – 6p.m. and Saturday 8a.m. – 4p.m.

If you are on the North side of town, or perhaps you're planning a trip downtown to the 2^nd Street Market, consider venturing six miles further to check them out!  It is located opposite the Speedway, on the same side of North Dixie Drive.  (Just steer clear of the sweets, or at least check the labels!)