We can all be more energy conscious by unplugging unused appliances.  Another choice is to take advantage of power-saver settings.  Millions of people have game consoles in their homes which have auto-shutdown modes that can be preset so you don’t have to remember to turn it off when you’re finished.

Save money.  Save energy.  Get all the details for energy saver settings on your Xbox 360, Playstation 3 and Wii.

Photo courtesy of Natural Resources Defense Council.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Here is a highlight of this week’s coupons and organic deals for the week of February 6.

Organic and Natural Coupons:

$1.25/1 Alexia item

$1/1 Alter Eco Item (Thanks, Healthy Life Deals!)

$1/1 Country Choice Organic Product

FREE 20oz bottle of Evamor Natural Artesian Water (Thanks, Surviving the Stores!)

$0.55/1 Florida Crystals or Organic Sugar Product

$0.55/1 Horizon Milk plus DHA Half Gallon (must create account for coupon offer)

$1/2 Muir Glen Products

$1/1 Oregon Chai Product

$0.50/1 Organic Valley Yogurt

$1/4 Rise Bars

$1/2 Simply Organic Spices, Grinders & Extracts

$1/1 thinkThin Crunch Bar

$1/1 Wholesome Sweeteners Organic Blue Agave Packets

Don’t miss any coupons by checking the Coupon Database before you head out.  Also, don’t forget these other sources for organic coupons to make the most of your shopping trip.

Organic and Natural Grocery Deals:

Tisano Organic Chocolate Tea, 4oz – $14.95 each. Eligible for Free Super Saver Shipping when order total is over $25.  Buy 3 Tisano products that are shipped by Tisano and receive 15% off.

R.W. Knudsen Sparkling Essence, Organic Cucumber, 24 pack of 10.5oz cans – $19.37.  Get this low price when you select Subscribe and Save to take advantage of free shipping.  That’s $0.81 each!

Subscribe & Save sets you up with an automatic shipment plan, but you can cancel if you wish under “Your Account” and “Manage Subscribe & Save Items.” Be sure to verify the price before ordering.

A few years ago I went to the Apologia Live Homeschool Conference. I was just starting to venture into the realm of homeschooling with my young children. The conference was a great way to connect with other homeschooling parents, learn some great things, and discover great teaching materials.

The upcoming conference dates are as follows:

• Baltimore, March 9-10, 2012
• Atlanta, March 23-24, 2012

Find out more about Apologia Live and register here. This year Pam Tebow (mother of Tim Tebow) will be speaking at the Atlanta event, and I am very excited to meet her! I also hope to meet up with some of my readers there as well, so be sure to let me know if you plan on going!

I recently got to spend some time with Liz from Apologia. She’s such a wonderful lady, and I instantly felt a kindred spirit connection with her. I strongly believe that Apologia is doing some great things for homeschoolers, and writing some fantastic materials that are Scripture-Centered.

Apologia wants to give away a ticket to one of my readers (you choose which location), and I also want to give away a selection of materials that Apologia sent me. This giveaway is for one ticket to Apologia Live, valued at $115. A selection of Apologia materials will also be given to the winner.

Sometimes wool sweaters get washed in hot water and dried on high heat.  It just happens.  But do not throw out that tiny, felted wool sweater!  Make a pillow and you just might love it more than you did before.  This DIY sweater pillow tutorial will give you step-by-step instructions on creating this upcycled beauty.

Of course, you can use any sweater even if it’s not felted wool.  I think this would be a really sweet project to take on with one of your grandmother’s or aunt’s favorite sweaters.  Spray it with her signature perfume and cherish it in your comfy chair.  Keep them close to your heart by allowing them to decorate your home.

Photo courtesy of Going A Little Coastal.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Your man doesn’t want flowers or chocolates.  He wants to know how great you think he is!  The 52 Reasons I Love You deck is great for any man in your life.  Wives to husbands.  Daughters to daddies.  This is a versatile and personal gift to show him how much you care.  The tutorial is very detailed and even has a FAQ page for timid crafters who want to get things just right.  Have a fun time creating something you know he will love.

Image courtesy of PaperVine.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Sometimes I need a good, swift kick in the pants to get me moving.  Other times I need a gentle word of encouragement that my plans are good and the project is manageable.  That’s what this article about starting an organic garden in your backyard did for me.  It is an overview of general steps to take to begin thinking about gardening.  It’s not overwhelming and it really makes the whole idea seem attainable.

From site selection through supporting the soil and proper watering, these pointers will get you thinking about the next step to succeeding at this worthwhile venture.

I hope you enjoy these tips.  Maybe it will encourage some of you to go ahead and plan your own organic garden.  For those that have some experience in organic gardening what is the one most important tip you wish you knew before you started?

Photo courtesy of Brendon Calling.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

With the start of the month, there are a variety of new coupons including organic options such as:

• $1/2 any Cascadian Farm Granola Bars

• $1/2 any Muir Glen products (makes for very inexpensive tomatoes or tomato paste!)

Print these organic coupons and more here!

Here are the organic specials at Mountain Rose Herbs, for February, 2012 .

• 20% Off! Herbal Bath Salts, Relaxing
• 20% Off! Red Alaea Salt
• 15% Off! Grateful Heart Tea
• 15% Off! Herbal Roots Calendar
• 25% Off! Lovers Essential Oil Kit
• 25% Off! Hops Flower essential oil
• 30% Off! Rose essential oil (Bulgarian)
• 20% Off! Spice Jar
• 20% Off! Cacao Beans, whole
• 20% Off! Hawthorn Leaf/Flower
• 20% Off! Mugwort
• 20% Off! Olive Leaf

These items are certified USDA organic. Mountain Rose Herbs is one of the best places to buy Coconut Oil in bulk, if you are looking for the best price.

See these and more deals at Mountain Rose Herbs.

Give your reusable canvas bag a distinguished look with this DIY doily project.  The monogram and delicate black details give a timeless class to this modest tote.  Who said being green had to be plain jane?

Photo courtesy of Under the Sycamore.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

We’ve mentioned so many household uses for vinegar.  It’s great in the laundry for getting clothes clean and soft.  You can even use it on your hair.

If you’re cutting the chemicals in your home, what better place to start than your children’s toys?  This recipe for homemade toy cleaner is a natural way to eliminate germs without adding toxins.  You could also use this citrus recipe if you want a gentler clean without the tea tree oil.

Photo courtesy of borganic.net.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Here are the Whole Foods deals for the week of February 1-7. Remember….

• Some stores allow you to stack manufacturer coupons with store coupons.
• Buy a case and get a 10% discount.
• Bring your bags for 10 cents off your order per bag.
• Prices and deals will sometimes vary by store.

Check out the current Whole Foods Printable Coupons.  Sales, coupon policies and available items will vary by store.  Please call your store to confirm and/or check your local ad.

Meat Deals

• Beef Hamburger Patties $8/8 (Save $3)
• Chicken Cordon Bleu $8.99/lb (Save $3)
• Farmed Salmon Fillets $13.99/lb (Save $2)
• Top Sirloin Steak $8.99/lb (Save $4)

Grocery Deals

• Brown Rice Vegetable Roll $5.99 (Save $2.50)
• Chocolate Chip Cookies 24-pack $7.49 (Save $1.49)
• Herb Roasted Potatoes $3.99/lb (Save $3)
• Jasper Hill Harbison $12.99 (Save $4)
• Meld White and Red Blend Wines 750ml $9.99 (Save $3)
• O.N.E. Jamba Fruit Juices 16.9oz 2/$4 (Save $1.98)
• Roasted Brussels Sprouts with White Beans and Parmesan $4.99/lb (Save $4)
• Stem and Leaf Satsumas $1.99/lb (Save $.50)
• Somersault Sunflower Seed Snacks 6oz 2/$5 (Save $4.38)
• Nature’s Rancher Hot Dogs $2.99 (Save $1)
• Whole Trade Red Bell Peppers $2.49/lb (Save $.50)
• Whole Trade Yellow or Orange Bell Peppers $2.99 lb (Save $1)

New Coupon Deals

Alter Eco Chocolate Bars 4oz $3 (Save $.99)
-$1/1 Alter Eco product 11/01/11 Chinook Book (exp. 10/31/2012)
=$2 each after coupon

Bear Naked Granola $3.99
-$2/1 Bear Naked Product (scroll to the bottom to register to receive coupon by e-mail)
-$1/1 Bear Naked Product
-$1/1 Bear Naked Product
=as low as $1.99 each after coupon

Cascadian Farm Organic Granola Bars 7.4 oz $3.99
-$1/2 Cascadian Farm Granola Bars
= as low as $2.50 each after coupon

Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips 16oz 2/$6 (Save $3.98)
-$1/1 Garden of Eatin product (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/2 Garden of Eatin Chips, 6 oz+ 01/22/2012 SS Insert (exp 03/22/2012)
=$2 each after coupons wyb 2

Kettle Brand Potato Chips 4oz $2 (Save $.79)
-$1/1 Kettle Chips, 4 oz+ 01/29/2012 RP Insert (exp 03/11/2012)
-$1/1 Kettle Baked Potato Chips, 4 oz 01/08/2012 RP Insert (exp 03/17/2012)
=$1 each after coupon

Muir Glen Organic Pasta Sauces 25.5 oz 2/$6
-$1/2 any Muir Glen products
= $2.50 each after coupons wyb 2

Muir Glen Organic Tomato Paste $1.29
-$1/2 any Muir Glen products
= as low as $0.79 each after coupons wyb 2

Pacific Natural Foods 17.6oz Organic Soups $2.99
-$1/2 Pacific Natural Foods 17.6-oz or 12-oz Organic Soups (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/1 Pacific Natural Foods Soup, 17.6oz Hearty or 12 oz Condensed 
=$1.99 each after coupons wyb 2

Voskos Greek Yogurt $1.29
-$1/3 Voskos Yogurts
=$.96 each after coupon wyb 3

Continuing Coupon Deals

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze $2
-$1/2 Aseptic Blue Diamond Almond Breeze (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/2 Blue Diamond Almond Breeze Almondmilk Chilled or Shelf Table 10/16/2011 SS Insert (exp 01/31/2012)
= $1 each after coupons wyb 2

Brown Cow Yogurt 32oz $2.50
-$0.50/1 Brown Cow Yogurt 32oz
=$2 each after coupon

Celestial Seasonings Tea $3.39
-$1/1 box Celestial Seasonings Tea (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/1 Celestial Seasonings tea bags 11/06/2011 SS Insert (HURRY! exp 02/06/2012)
-$1/1 Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags 12/04/2011 SS Insert (exp 03/04/2012)
-$1/1 Celestial Seasonings Tea Bags 01/15/2012 SS Insert (exp 04/15/2012)
= $1.39 each after coupons

CLIF Bars $1.25 ea.
-$1/4 CLIF Bars (Whole Foods Coupon)
= $1 each after coupons wyb 4

CLIF Mojo or Mojo Dipped Bars $1.25 ea.
-$1/2 CLIF Mojo or Mojo Dipped Bars (Whole Foods Coupon)
= $0.75 each after coupons wyb 2

Fig Food Co. Organic Soup or Beans
-$1/3 packages Fig Food Co. Organic Soups or Beans (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/3 Fig Foods Soups or Beans
=final price varies

Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder psa $40
-$5/1 Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder (622g or 1130g only) (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$5/1 Garden of Life RAW Meal or RAW Protein Powder
=as low as $30 each after coupons

Honest Tea $1.49
-$1/2 Honest Organic Beverages (Whole Foods Coupon)
=$.99 each after coupon wyb 2

Kashi GoLean Cereal
-$1/2 boxes Kashi GOLEAN Cereals (mix or match) (Whole Foods Coupon)
= final price varies

Lifeway Organic Lowfat Kefir $3.79
-$1/2 32oz Lifeway Organic Lowfat Kefir (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/2 Lifeway Kefir 32oz
= $2.79 each after coupons wyb 2

Method Dish Detergent $3
-$1/1 Method item (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/1 Method Dish Detergent 01/08/2012 SS Insert (exp 03/31/2012)
=$1 each after coupons

Naked Juice Smoothies 15.2 oz $2.50
-$0.75/1 Naked Juice Smoothies (Whole Foods Coupon)
=$1.75 each after coupon

Nasoya Tofu $3.99
-$1.25/1 Nasoya Product (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$0.75/1 Nasoya Tofu (IE)
= $1.99 each after coupons

Nature’s Path Organic Granola Bars $5.78
-$1.50/2 Nature’s Path Organic Granola or Granola Bars (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
=$5.03 each after coupons wyb 2

Organic Valley Soy Creamer $2.50
-$.50/1 16-oz Organic Valley Soy Creamer (Whole Foods Coupon)
= $2.00 each after coupons

Sambazon Organic Juice 10.5oz $2.99
-$1.50/1 Sambazon Organic Juice or Smoothie (10.5oz or 32oz)
=$1.49 each after coupon

San-J Gluten Free Tamari or Asian Cooking Sauce $3.69
-$.55/1 10-oz San-J Gluten Free Tamari or Asian Cooking Sauce (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$0.55/1 San J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce or Asian Cooking Sauce
-$1/2 San-J Gluten Free Tamari Soy Sauce or Asian Cooking Sauce, 10 oz, p.73 First for Women, Jan 2012 (exp 03/31/2012)
= as low as $2.59 each after coupons

So Delicious Coconut Milk Aseptic 32oz $2.69
-$1/1 So Delicious Half Gallon or Shelf-Stable Quart
=$1.69 each after coupon

Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Premium Flax Seed 14oz $5.99
-$1/1 Spectrum Essentials Supplement (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/1 Spectrum Essentials product
=$3.99 each after coupons

Stonyfield Organic Oikos
-$1/1 16-oz cup or any ONE (1) 4-oz 4-pack of Stonyfield Organic Oikos Greek Yogurt (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$1/2 Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, (75 points) 
-$0.50/1 Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, 16 or 32 oz 
-$0.50/1 Stonyfield Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt, 4 pk 
= final price varies

thinkThin Crunch Bar $1.50
-$1/1 thinkThin Crunch Bar
=$0.50 each after coupon

Xlear Nasal Spray
-$2/1 1.5-oz bottle Xlear Nasal Spray (Whole Foods Coupon) AND
-$2/1 Xlear xylitol Kid’s Nasal Spray, p.41 Kiwi, Dec 2011 (exp 06/30/2012)
-$1/1 Xlear Nasal Spray or Kids Nasal Spray
= final price varies

Zevia Sodas 6pk $5.99
-$1/1 Zevia 6-pack 
-$1/1 Zevia All Natural Soda, 6 pk
=$4.99 per 6pk after coupons

Let us know if you find any other great deals at Whole Foods!

See more Natural and Organic Grocery Stores.

Give your hair a nutritious boost of life.  Drench your mane in this avocado hair mask.

It penetrates deeply to bring back a healthy moisture and shine.  If oil treatments leave your hair heavy and weighed-down, then this could be the perfect dose of moisture without the heaviness.  Avocadoes are absorbed more readily and rinse out more cleanly than olive and almond oils.

Photo courtesy of California Avocado Commission.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Amazon has some great deals on Melissa & Doug toys right now…perfect for stocking up on gifts for birthdays and holidays throughout the year!  Some of the best deals for Melissa & Doug toys include:

• Decorate Your Own (DYO) Train on sale for $6.40
• DYO Race Car on sale for $5.70
• DYO Wooden Heart Chest on sale for $6.66
• DYO Wooden Flower Chest on sale for $6.17
• Create-a-Craft Wooden Spinning Top Kit on sale for $5.60
• Create-a-Craft Cozy Cottage Kit on sale for $5.40
• Create-a-Craft Princess Doll Set on sale for $4.99

All of these items include free shipping with Amazon Prime on any size order or Super Saver Shipping with any $25 or more purchase.  Amazon prices do fluctuate constantly so be sure and verify the price before ordering!

Thanks, Lady Savings!

It’s the end of the month and that means all of the major coupon sites will be restocking and resetting. Now is the time to print your favorites before they are gone!

Coupons.com: Printable coupons for brands like Frigo, Jell-O, Oscar Mayer, Peace Organic Cereal, Hidden Valley, Hillshire Farm, Yoplait, Purina, Philadelphia, Muir Glen Organic, Fiber One, Cheerios, Athenos, Huggies, Garnier and so many more!

Cellfire: Coupons added to your store card with just one click! No printing required.

Mambo Sprouts: Printable coupons for brands like Santa Cruz organic, Stonyfield Oikos, Frontera, Celestial Seasonings, Organic Valley, Peace Cereal, R.W. Knudsen, Newman’s Own, So Delicious and more!

Upromise: Coupons added to your store card with just one click! No printing required.

Redplum: Printable coupons for brands like State Fair, Tums, Abreva, Quaker, Jimmy Dean, Rimmel, Breathe Right, Newman’s Own, Nature’s Bounty, L’Oreal, Natural Choice, Whiskas and many more!

Whole Foods: Printable store coupons for Whole Foods.

Print all your favorites because they will either disappear or reset!

We’re all looking for creative ways to kick cabin fever and this recipe certainly fits the bill.  Recently I had a friend asking for tasty recipes to use the kale she got from her organic coop.  I think this Quinoa and Kale Crustless Quiche would be an elegant and simple use for such a noble green.

Do you have a favorite kale recipe you’d be willing to share with us?  Please leave a comment with all the juicy details.

Photo courtesy of Food52.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Here is a highlight coupons and organic deals for the week of January 30, 2012.

Organic and Natural Coupons

$.50/1 Clover Stornetta Farms Organic Butter

$1/4 Dannon Oikos cups, 5.3 oz Kroger eCoupon

$.75/1 Lundberg Brown Rice pasta

$1/1 Odwalla Drink, 12 oz, Walgreens IVC Walgreens IVC

$1/1 Texmati White, Texmati Brown, Texmati Light Brown or Jasmati (Thanks, Mashup Mom!)

$.75/1 Wildwood Organic product

Food Allergy and Gluten Free Coupons

$1/1 Canyon Bakehouse GF products

$1/1 French Meadow Bakery GF product

$1/1 Rudi’s GF Bread

$1/1 Udi’s GF Bread

$.30/1 Yoplait Lactose-Free Yogurt

Thanks for the gluten free and food allergy coupon help from Food Allergies on a Budget!

Don’t miss any coupons by checking the Coupon Database before you head out.  Also, don’t forget these other sources for organic coupons to make the most of your shopping trip.

Organic and Natural Grocery Deals

Baby Gourmet Organic Juicy Pear and Garden Greens – 12 pack of 4.5 oz pouches – $13.75 when you clip the 35% off coupon and select Subscribe and Save option.  Free shipping as usual with Subscribe and Save!

Davidson’s Organic Hibiscus Flowers, 16oz – $11.02 with free shipping when you select Subscribe and Save.

Other Organic and Natural Deals

Free One-Year Subscription to Organic Gardening Magazine from Lundberg.  Get all the details here.  (Thanks, Healthy Life Deals!)

]]> http://www.thethriftymama.com/natural-organic-deals-and-coupons-130s.html/feed/ 1 http://www.thethriftymama.com/natural-garden-pest-and-disease-control.html http://www.thethriftymama.com/natural-garden-pest-and-disease-control.html#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 01:00:47 +0000 Beth K http://www.thethriftymama.com/?p=164835 The winter months are the perfect time to start planning spring crops.  Many gardeners have started seedlings and are ready to watch the final frost give way to warmer weather.  After working so hard to plant a garden the last thing any gardener wants is to see the fruit of their labor ravaged by pests [...]]]>

The winter months are the perfect time to start planning spring crops.  Many gardeners have started seedlings and are ready to watch the final frost give way to warmer weather.  After working so hard to plant a garden the last thing any gardener wants is to see the fruit of their labor ravaged by pests or disease.  What gardener has not had nightmares about dealing with ants, aphids or the like?

That’s why these tips for natural pest control are so invaluable.  Diligent gardeners can use creative and natural methods to protect their harvest.

Have you used any of natural pest control methods with success?  We would love to hear your stories as we encourage each other toward a successful spring crop.

Photo courtesy of Fine Gardening.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

We don’t all own electric cars but we can all be a little greener when it comes to our car care routine.  Check out these tips to more eco-friendly car care including a greener alternative to traditional detailing that skips the chemicals which can irritate many passengers’ respiratory systems.

Some products to help you green your car care routine can be found here.

Photo courtesy of GreenCar.com.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

What a joy it is to see a little chef in their own kitchen!  I just love watching my kids role play and serve each other their homemade culinary creations.

Many children’s play kitchens are plastic which some may find undesirable.  If those options do not appeal to you consider making one from a recycled furniture piece.

Check out these creative, personalized play kitchens and let your imagination run wild.

Photo courtesy of Deep Fried Creative.

Natural & Thrifty in 365 is a year-long series of 365 tips for living more green, natural and healthy while saving money. Do you have a natural and thrifty tip that you would like to share with The Thrifty Mama readers? Submit your awesome idea here. You just might get featured as one of the 365 tips!

Amazon has Clif Kid Organic Chocolate Brownie Zbars (18 pack) for only $11.04 with Subscribe & Save including free shipping!  This makes each bar only $0.61 each…perfect for on the go snacking or packed lunches!

Grab this Amazon deal here.

Subscribe & Save sets you up with an automatic shipment plan, but you can cancel if you wish under “Your Account” and “Manage Subscribe & Save Items.” Be sure to verify the price before ordering.