Homemade Laundry Detergent

     For years, I've searched for the best price for laundry detergent, clipped and matched coupons to sales and lugged home countless bottles of the stuff.  Although I had heard about homemade detergents, these required a 5-gallon bucket, heating and mixing and lots of shaking each time a load of wash had to be done.  All this seemed like too much trouble.  I couple of months ago, I located a "recipe" for a powdered detergent.  With only three ingredients, I had to give it a try.


To make a batch you will need:

• 1 bar of soap (I use Dial Natural to avoid dyes and fragrances.  The Dollar Tree sells a 3-ct package.)
• 1 cup of Borax (Target and Wal-mart carry a box in the laundry idle for $4.)
• 1 cup of Washing Soda (Arm and Hammer makes this.  It is NOT baking soda and can be found at Kroger or Martins for around $3.)

Follow these simple steps:

1. Shave the bar of soap with a cheese shredder.  (My boys fight over who gets to do this.)
2. Add Borax.
3. Add Washing Soda.
4. Stir until well blended.
5. Store in a container with a lid.
6. Use 1 Tablespoon for 1 load of wash.  (I used a sharpie to mark the side of an old medicine cup.  For super capacity washers, and/or really dirty clothes, increase the amount of detergent.)

Does this really clean clothes?

Yes!  I've had been using "free and clear" detergents and have found the homemade variety has gotten some items cleaner than before.

What if I prefer Natural Cleaners?

Borax is sodium borate.  Washing Soda is sodium carbonate.  Both are natural products.  Use a natural bar of soap, if you do not want to add perfumes or dyes to your detergent.

Would you use this in an he washer?

I read many posts online before mixing up a batch because we do have an high efficiency washer.  This type of machine requires low sudsing detergent, due to the decrease in water volume.  Homemade detergents are low sudsing.  (If you have a new washer, read the warranty prior to using homemade detergents because some require you to use commercial detergents.)

Does this really save money?

I can purchase a box of washing soda for $3, a box of borax for $4 and six bars of soap for $2 (2 x $1).  My total purchase comes to $9 and will yield six batches of detergent.  (Although I have yet to find coupons for the ingredients, I have purchased some while using a store coupon, such as "Spend $50, Save $8 instantly", which brings down...calculations here do not reflect this discount.)  Each batch will contain at least 48 Tablespoons of product, for a total of 144 loads of laundry, which ends up being $.031 per load.  My target price for sale purchased detergent was $.10 per load, so this is nearly a 70% savings.  Also, there is enough remaining Borax to mix 1.75 additional batches of detergent.  (NOTE:  I have a super capacity washer, so I get fewer loads from a batch, but I also got fewer loads from each bottle of commercial detergent I purchased.)

What other benefits are there to using homemade detergent?

1. This saves time, over seeking out deals and clipping coupons.  
2. It's easy and inexpensive to stock-up on  basic ingredients without using too much space.  
3. My children are learning to be creative and resourceful.

Martin's Buy 5 Kashi, Save $3

Go-Lean Cereal $3 - $3/5 = $2.40 

Heart to Heart $3 - $3/5 = $2.40 

Organic Promise $3 - $3/$5 = $2.40 

Cookies $2.79 - $3/$5 = $2.19 

Crackers $2.79 - $3/5 = $2.19

Waffles $2.79 - $3/5 = $2.19 

*$1.50 off ANY Kashi product was included in the Free trial TLC bar you may have requested and received via snail mail.  Use on one of the products above to make the deal even better!

Sale dates 10/9/11 - 10/15/11

Hormel Natural Lunch Meat Deal

Pick up a package at Martins for $2.50*

- $.50 IP HERE (doubled) = $1.50

NOTE:  This is Gluten Free does not have added Nitrites or Nitrates!

*Sale runs through 9/17 or later.

New Mambo Sprouts Coupons

Click HERE for lots of new

Natural and Organic Coupons, including:

YoBaby

Luna

Cliff Kids

Santa Cruz

Blue Diamond

Kashi

and more!

Scotch Botanicals B3G1

Buy 3 Canisters

Use 3 x $.50 Q OR $.50 IP HERE 

Mail In B3G1 Form

(found in Sunday inserts from the

Richmond Times Dispatch)

Organix Facial Care $50 MIR

Purchase specific items (as listed on printable shopping list)
Earn up to $50 back!

View HERE

Target Printable Natural and Organic Coupons

Print coupons (TIP's) HERE, including:

Buy 3 Kashi Cereal - $1.50/3 TIP - 3 x $1 Tear Pad Q

= $4.50 Savings on 3

- Smile Guarantee HERE

Buy 2 Kashi GoLean - $1 TIP - $1/2 Tear Pad Q

= $2 savings on 2

Buy 3 Kashi Cookies, Crackers or Bars - $1.50/3 TIP - 3 x $1 Tear Pad Q

= $4.50 savings on 3

Kashi Frozen entree - $1 TIP - $1 OR $.75 Tear Pad Q

=$2 or $1.75 savings per item

Kashi Pizza - $1 TIP - $1 Tear Pad Q =

$2 savings per item

Buy 2 Annie's Homegrown items, Save $1 TIP 

on granola bars

=$1/3 Savings

Green Works Laundry Detergent - $3 TIP

Money Back Guarantee HERE

Green Works Dish Soap - $1/2 TIP - 2 x $1 IP HERE

= $3 savings on 2

Method Cleaning Item - $.50 TIP

Natural and Organic Coupons

Available HERE

• $1 Kashi Soft Baked Cereal Bar Bars
• $1 Kashi Berry Blossoms Cereal
• $.75 Muir Glen ANY
• $.75 Skikiddy (4oz+)

Greenworks Satisfaction Guarantee

Purchase any Greenworks Product

If not completely satisfied, visit website HERE

to get complete refund

Target Natural and Organic Offers

Buy 7 Frozen Items, get $5 GC

View details HERE

Offer includes:

• Archer Farms Frozen Vegetables -$5/7 GC - $1/4 TIP @ www.target.com/coupons
• Archer Farms Meals, Pizzas and More - $5/7 GC
• Kashi Entrees - $5/7 GC - $1 Save $6 Now Booklet or $1 Tear Pad Q
• Kashi Pizza -$5/7 GC - - $1 Save $6 Now Booklet or $1 Tear Pad Q
• Amy's Kitchen - $5/7 GC

Vegan Offers: 

• Boca - $5/7 GC - $1/2 IP HERE - $2/2 TIP @ http://www.target.com/
• Morning Star - $5/7 IP

Kashi Tear Pad Coupons

Head to Kroger (W.Broad, near Sam's) for Kashi Coupons

Eat Right Because It Tastes Good

(located over reach-in freezer near milk case in back of store)

• $.75 on any one Kashi Entree or Bake Product (2 coupons)
• $1 Kashi Frozen Pizza (2 coupons)

Whole Foods Coupons

Head to the Customer Service Desk and snag

the whole deal booklet (jan/feb 2011),

the following coupons are included:

• -$3 Eat Right America Nutritarian Handbook
• -$1 Health Starts Here Bread
• -$1 Nature's Rancher Chicken
• -$.50 365 Everyday Value Whole Wheat Pasta
• -$.50 Everyday Value Organic Yogurt
• -$1 Whole Foods Market Organic Castile Soap
• -$1 365 Everyday Value Household Cleaners
• -$1 Garden of Eatin' (3oz+)
• -$.50 Luna Bar
• -$5 Garden of Life RAW Meal
• $1 YoToddler Organic Yogurt
• -$3 (full size) JASON Shampoo
• -$1 Kashi Bar
• -$1/2 siggi's yogurt
• -$.50 Lifeway Bio Kefir 4-pk
• -$1/2 DREAM Beverages or Frozen Products
• -$1 Lightlife Product
• -$5 Garden of Life Select Vitamin
• -$1 MaraNatha Nut Butter
• -$.50 Cliff MOJO Bar
• -$1.50/2 Nature's Path Cereal or Toaster Pastries
• -$1/2 Newman's Own Pretzels
• -$2 Rainbow Light Vitamin
• -$.50 Cliff Bar
• -$.55 San-J Sauce or Dressing
• -$1/2 LARABAR
• -$.75 Sokenbicha
• -$1 Organic Valley Yogurt
• -$2 Spectrum Essentials Supplements
• -$.75 Stonyfield Yogurt
• -$.75 Simply Asia Product
• -$1 1/2 Gallon So Delicious Coconut Milk
• -$1/2 Organic Helios Kefir
• -$5 Garden of Life Diet Supplement
• -$1 udi's (gluten free) bread
• -$1 Earth Balance Organic Soymilk

Coupons are valid ONLY at Wholefoods

and expire 3/31/11.

Martin's Coupons

Head to the Natural and Organic section of the store

pick up free Martin's healthy ideas winter 2011 booklet

Clip coupons for:

$1 Valio Read Goodness Lactose-Free Milk (page 11)

$.35 EGG-LAND'S BEST (page 13)

$1.50 and $2 O-LIVE AND CO (page  23)

$1 Pompeian Olive Oil (page 27)

$1/2 Pompeian Vinegar (page 27)

Kashi Coupons

Pick up Kashi Coupon Booklets at Martin's

(found on display at VA Center Store)

Booklet includes:

- $1 ANY Kashi Cereal

- $1 ANY Kashi Crackers

- $1/2 ANY Kashi GOLEAN Bars

- $1 TLC Bars

- $1 TLC Cookies

- $1 ANY Kashi Frozen item

All are valid through 6/30/11 and are Manufacture Coupons, which can be used at ANY retailer

Seventh Generation Diapers Offer

Buy 1 package, get voucher via Mail In Rebate for:

FREE diapers AND FREE wipes 

12/9/10 - 12/16/10 ONLY

I received this offer in my in-box, hopefully anyone can print form by signing up  HERE

Relay Foods Discount

$10/$100+ Discount

Promo Code "WESTEND"

http://www.relayfoods.com/

valid in the West End only

Stepping Away From The Grocery Store

If you are just getting started on a Natural and Organic (or other special) Diet, you may be only beginning to discover what foods your family will eat.  Once you've found a foods you, your spouse and your off-spring love, you may be able to reduce the amount you are spending by buying from sources, other than grocery stores.  Below are four you can start with:

• amazon--This retailer carries lots of packaged items.  When our son found GFCF pretzels he couldn't live without, I searched for any place that carried the 8 oz bag for anything less than $3.50.  Eventually, I realized I could order a case of 12 bags for around $30.  I later discovered I could "Subscribe and Save".  Every three months a case was shipped to our house automatically for an additional 10% savings.  Shipping was free because I spent more than $25.  I noted prices for heavy items (like flour) were overpriced and assumed the inflated price allowed the retailer to make a profit while still shipping for "free".  Seventh Generation diapers and other products are also available.  You'll only use this retailer for items your family loves because you must buy an entire case.
• Quail Cove Farms--Although I have not used this food source, a number of folks I know have and each has reported lower prices and great quality.  View the current flier online, place your order and pick-up items at your local distributor's house.  Items are usually much less expensive than grocery stores, especially when items are purchased in larger quantities.  Prior to ordering, verify you will be available to pick-up your items on delivery day.  Also, consider combining your order with friends or family members if this enables you to purchase items by the case at the lower price.
• Bread Becker's--Although I would not consider this retailer to offer the lowest price on most items, you may be able to order specific items for less than local retailers sell them.  Hopefully, you now have a price book, which you can look at as you comparison "shop" on this website.  Note:   Shipping is NOT free.
• Relay Foods--No time to get to the store this week?  Relay Foods is local (Richmond and Charlottesville only).  Order items online by mid-night and have them delivered to a specific location in your area (see website for locations).  Click on "Store" (left-hand side of page) and select "Good Foods Grocery".  Although I haven't seen any spectacular prices, I have noticed occasional Val Pak coupons for up to 10% off.  You may want to use this retailer when you have a coupon. 

As I have said before, no single retailer is going to offer the lowest price on every item.  Pick and choose what you get from each to really see your grocery bill shrink!  Happy and Healthy Shopping!



Picking Organic Fruits and Vegetables

Though I doubt you will ever find organic produce less expensive than non-organic, there are several ways you can reduce the amount you spend on fresh items you and your family enjoy. 

1. The biggest and easiest way to save is EAT WHAT IS IN SEASON.  There's a reason watermelon is cheaper in the summer and apples in the fall.  Each item has it's own growing season.  During the harvest time, the market is overwhelmed with a particular product so farmers and stores do whatever they can to sell as much as they can as quickly as possible.  
2. When a particular fruit or vegetable is in season, and at it's lowest price for the year, stock up.  Of course berries won't last in your refrigerator for months on end, so you will have to preserve these.   Wash, remove stems, pat dry, then freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet.  Once frozen, transfer to zipper bags.  Use strawberries for smoothies, blue berries for pancakes and other baking.  Some vegetables are also easy to freeze, but may need to be blanched first.  Other vegetables can be cooked, drained, pureed then frozen.  Defrost as either "baby food" or as added nutrients to soups and more.  Click HERE for guidelines for freezing, canning and/or dehydrating fresh produce.
3. Be selective about the organic produce you buy.  Although it is admirable to purchase only organic produce, you may be comfortable using non-organic varieties of certain items.  Bananas, for example, are normally very low in pesticide residue.  Apples are very high.  Save money by purchasing non-organic bananas, yet spend the extra on organic apples.  For lists (and articles) on which fruits and vegetables are high (or low) in pesticides, click HERE OR HERE OR HERE.
4. If you determine you are comfortable with some non-organic varieties of fruits and vegetables, serve these more often. Save organic varieties for special treats or mix both varieties. (i.e. When you're making smoothies, use mostly pineapple and bananas. Throw in a few organic strawberries or blueberries for added flavor.)
5. Visit your local farmer's market.  Most towns have these from spring through fall.  As you shop, take the time to get to know the farmers.  You may find individuals who do not use genetically altered plants, artificial fertilizer or pesticides who choose NOT to apply for an organic label because of the expense.  You may be comfortable purchasing items from these men and women without an official "organic" stamp of approval.
6. Next spring, start a little garden.  Even if you didn't grow up on a farm and you don't have a couple acres of land, you can grow a few plants.  Although seeds are less expensive (Walmart carries organic seeds in the spring for around $2), you may want to start with seedlings.  Call ahead to verify organic plants are available.  You kids may even be willing to try some new things, just because they "grew" them.  For more ideas on organic and container gardening, click HERE OR HERE.

Using Pantry Items As An Alternative to Harsh Cleaners

If you are concerned about the health risks involved in using common cleaners in your home, but are discouraged by the inflated costs of eco-friendly alternatives, consider making cleaners from non-toxic items in your kitchen. If you want to go one step further, buy organic versions of these products to make cleaners. For more information and “recipes”, go to:

1001 Tips For Using White, Distilled Vinegar, Including Cleaning HERE

Cleaning With Lemon Juice HERE OR HERE

Understanding the Chemistry Behind Natural Cleaners HERE 

Top Fishing Spots for Natural and Organic Foods

Whether you are purchasing organic items nor non-organic, each retailer has it's own discounts, coupons and rewards.  This is a quick reference for retailers in our area which sell natural and/or organic items.  You may find these or other offers as you shop.

Big Lots

• Search grocery idles for organic cereal, granola bars and more. 
• Items being sold usually have expiration dates in the upcoming weeks or months. 
• Big Lots does NOT accept coupons.
• Sign up for the Buzz to get occasional 10% off (or more) store coupons via email.

Dollar Tree

• Look in the freezer section for fruit or potatoes.  (I was not pleased with one of the frozen fruits I purchased, so I recommend buying a bag to use prior to stocking up on frozen items.) 
• Check grocery idles for organic raisins, apple sauce, granola bars and more. 
• Inventory is not consistent, however it's worth your time to glance in the grocery idle, just in case there is something you can use because the price is so low. 
• Check expiration dates, which may been in a few weeks or months.
• Dollar Tree does NOT accept coupons.

Food Lion

• Although Food Lion has organic canned goods and produce, I have not been impressed by the selection nor the cost. 
• Produce is mostly on Styrofoam trays covered in plastic wrap and runs more higher in price than other retailers. 
• Food Lion stores in vacation destinations often have a larger Natural and Organic section.  Prices may be higher though.

 Good Foods

• As you enter the store, check for coupon booklets. 
• Before recycling your Reach Magazine, look for an ad for Gayton Crossing.  Occasionally this will include a $5/$25 Good Food's Grocery coupon. 
• The Entertainment Book has included a Good Foods $X/$Y coupon some years.  Use either of these coupons for items your family needs. 
• Look on end caps in store for clearance items. 
• Bulk items may be less expensive than those already in boxes.  These are also helpful if a recipe calls for a small amount of a single item your family rarely uses. 
• View the ad @ http://www.goodfoodsgrocery.com/.

Ellwood Thompson's

Because this retailer is located in Carytown, I rarely shop here.   In my few trips to this store I discovered:

• Ellwood Thomson's has a big variety of foods, including Gluten Free.
• Bulk items are available, which is helpful if you need a cup of something for a recipe or if you are unsure your family will like a particular grain, nut, etc.
• Homeopathic medicines are available, as well as informative books.  None seemed to be offered at a low price.
• Sale priced items are offered throughout the store, but these may still be higher that competitor's prices.
• Sign-up to view flyer's online @ http://ellwoodthompsons.com/
• If you are following a specific diet and cannot locate an item, check this retailer.
• Look for great deals clearance items.  Thanks Candy J!
• Ellwood Thompson's doubles coupons up to $.75 on Tuesday ONLY.  (Coupons over $.75 will be redeemed at face value PLUS $.75!) Thanks Candy J!
• Earn store credit of $.10 for each reusable bag. Thanks Candy J!

Kroger

• Inventory varies depending on the location. 
• Watch sales flyer's for discounts on produce (apples for $1#, Potatoes 3# $1.99....) and milk ($2.50 per 1/2 gallon).  Stock up during these sales. 
• Occasionally you may get a $X/$Y coupon in your mailbox.  Use these to stock up on organic or natural products rather than regular grocery items. 
• Kroger has also begun to include natural items in it's Buy 10, Save $5 and similar offers.  Recently Kashi Pizzas were included, another sale included Annies Homegrown. 
• Kroger doubles coupons, often yielding in free single serve granola bars w/Internet Printable coupons. 
• On Tuesdays, Kroger offers 5% discount to seniors. 
• Take reusable bags to the store for $.05 per bag used discount.

Martin's

• Inventory varies from one location to the next. 
• Compare prices for specific items to Kroger's prices, because each offers lower prices on some items and higher prices on others. 
• Look on the counter in stores with an entire Natural and Organic section for informative booklets.  Coupons are often included. 
• Occasionally, you may receive $X/$Y coupons in your mailbox.  Use these to stock-up on the items your family needs. 
• Comb natural or organic meat section for 33% off stickers (use or freeze immediately).  Also, note the expiration date on products you use, check back for discounts on or around this date. 
• Martin's offers a store brand of Organic and Natural products called Nature's Promise.  Prices are normally lower on these items (canned beans $1, boxed pasta $1.25...)
• Watch sales flyer's for Super Double Coupons.  Use organic coupons you have collected.  Coupons for $1 become worth $2.  (Note:  this deal normally excludes Internet Printable Coupons.) 

Ollie's Outlet

• Although inventory changes rapidly, I recommend stopping in Ollie's Outlet if you are in the area.  I have found organic cereal, snacks and dry goods for a fraction of the normal retail price. 
• Ollie's does NOT take coupons, however they offer discounts if you sign-up to be in "Ollie's Army".  Occasionally you will receive a 10% off coupon which could allow you to save even more.

Sam's Club

• Check out the produce section for great deals on lettuce, spinach and carrots.  (Baby, peeled carrots are a little more than $6 for a 5# bag.  Cook, drain, puree and freeze in ice cube trays if this bag is too large for your family.  When frozen, remove from trays and store in freezer bags.  Pop these into soup or sauces for added nutrients.)
• Organic milk is available, however it is overpriced.
• Look in freezer idles for corn and green beans.
• Natural and "no hormones added" meats are available.  I have not seen organic meats.
• Search in the deli section for sliced lunch meat.  Boars Head may be available.
• Sam's Club also has the best price on Little Critters Gummy Vites (Children's vitamins).

Target

• Watch Target flyer's for Buy XYZ, get Target Gift Card offers.  Occasionally these include Kashi, Burt's Bees or other organic brands. 
• Go to www.target.com/coupons for printable store coupons.  Combine these with manufacturer's coupons for bigger savings. 
• Use your Target Red Card for 5% back. 
• Take reusable bags to the store for $.05 per bag discount. 
• Check clearance end caps (around edge of store) for items you family can use. 
• Look for Target's store brand Archer Farms for less-expensive alternatives to other natural brands.  (At times coupons are available for these products @ www.target.com/coupons )

Tom Leonard's

• Although Tom Leonard's used to carry organic apples at a super low price, there was too little of a demand these so they no longer stock this item. 
• This retailer often has good deals on a variety of produce and meats, however the selection of organic items is low. 
• Avoid the natural chips, salsas and such because these are over-priced.

Trader Joe's

• Stop into Trader Joe's for good deals on select frozen foods. 
• Note: some organic produce is sold per item, not per pound, so it is difficult to compare prices to other retailers. 
• There is a limited selection of "Gluten Free" items at this store.

Whole Foods

• When it comes to variety of natural and organic foods, Whole Foods carries the largest selection.
• This retailer also offers a great buffet of acceptable foods, however the price is high. 
• Go to Customer Service to locate coupon booklets. 
• Use this retailer to find foods you cannot locate at other retailers.  Be sure to compare prices to those of other stores for items available elsewhere.