You all know by now that I LOVE ALDI. I've been shopping there for years--even before I had kids. It's a budget shoppers dream store and you can really find some gems there.  Their season section is always fun to browse.  Like I always say: you can get MOST of your groceries there, but not all.  I like to go there first to knock of most of my list before heading to Meijer or Costco.

Door to Door Organics: Week One {UnBoxing Video} #JoyDelivered

Disclaimer: I have partnered with Door to Door organics for a review.  All opinions are my own and I promise to give my honest opinion.

This month, we are trying out Door to Door Organics.  If you're unfamiliar, they deliver organic food (fresh produce, dairy and more!) right to your front door.  I was first on board for the convenience...plus we love to try out new foods!

I know a lot of people are interested in these deliveries, but aren't sure if it can fit in their budget. This month is a somewhat of an experiment to see if it fits in OUR budget and I'm set to give you honest feedback!

Hello 3-1! My Birthday Goals for 2015 #StonyfieldBlogger

I used to make New Years Resolutions, but then I would forget them by mid- January--just like everyone else.  So last year, I decided to make goals for myself on my birthday.  Even though it's just 16 days into the year, I feel like birthday goals are less daunting.  Don't ask me the method to my madness!

Last year, being 30, I wanted to push myself to get out in the community more.  We'd been in Michigan since 2010, but I felt like I still didn't know much about the area.  I also wanted to spend more time on myself, especially health wise.   I now regularly eat breakfast--which never used to happen.  Even if we're running late, I grab a Greek yogurt to take with me.  Ricky always comments on my food selection in my car: bananas, protein bars and usually a yogurt, since it's cold out. Gotta be prepared!

This year, I want to continue those goals and also try to shop more organic.  Being on a tight budget, it can be hard but there are SO many more deals and coupons than there used to be.  

My main organic focus is on produce and dairy.  I think it's really important for the girls to have organic milk, yogurt and cheese whenever possible.  I am finding it's best to shop sales and use coupons.  One of my favorite brands is always Stonyfield for yogurt.  I love their Greek yogurt cups and the girls gobble up the French Vanilla by the quart. Coupons are readily available and you can easily combine with a sale for cheaper than store brand prices.  Milk has been a hard one for us--especially since we all drink different types: I'm almond, the girls are 2% and Ricky is skim.  If you have any tips for saving on organic milk, I'm all ears! 

I realize people find organic shopping really scary, especially if you're on a budget. Here's a few tips I have for you:

• Pick something to focus on.  If it's produce, stick with the dirty dozen (aka, the most contaminated foods).  For lettuces, Earthbound Farm is always on sale and they offer weekly coupons. With dairy, find a brand you love with coupons (*cough* Stonyfield).  It's best to realize you can't go completely organic all at once, especially on a budget! 
• Shop Around. Hands down, the best organic deals for us are at Costco and Aldi.  But that might not be the case for you--it's best to check out organic sections at your local stores.  Don't forget to check out health food stores!  Since we don't have a Trader Joe's or Whole Foods (I know...it's awful!), I check out Harvest Health foods once a month to stock up on bulk items--sesame seeds, grains, etc.  Buying items in bulk is a great way to save, since you're just buying what you need.  
• Contrary to popular belief, coupons for organic foods are everywhere! Pair them with a sale and stock up, if you can use it! My favorite sources for coupons:
• Mambo Sprouts
• Rock the Lunchbox
• Bob's Red Mill
• Stonyfield
• Green Mom's Meet 
• Earthbound Farm 
• Not a website, but watch Target Cartwheel for discounts
• Don't Stress.  I know this is a hard one.  There is SO MUCH information going around about how you should eat. It's overwhelming! Do your research and do what you can for your budget!

As far as my health goals are concerned, I'm trying to stay on a regular workout routine.  I'll be honest, I love working out after I'm done--but I'll come up with any excuse to not make it to the Y. So I'm working on that for my big 3-1 year.

Did you set resolutions? How are they going so far?

Disclosure: I was compensated for this post as a #StonyfieldBlogger, but all opinions are my own! 

Let's Chat About: Grocery Shopping at Aldi

I'm going through some of my older posts and I realized I really need to update my Aldi one! It's still visited quite frequently, but I have MANY more tips!

If you aren't an Aldi shopper (and there's one in your area!), you really should check it out!  They offer healthy foods, gluten free, organic and more at rock bottom prices!

Quick starter tips:

• Bring a quarter.  It's for the cart and you'll get it back!
• Bring your own bags.  You can also purchase them there. After checkout, you will be bagging your own items.  
• Come with an open mind.  I always have a "try anything" mentality when shopping there--although, we aren't too brand loyal anyways.
• They don't accept coupons, but it's okay! Prices are so low, it doesn't matter!  Occasionally, the Sunday paper will have a $5 off store coupon to use.
• No credit cards are accepted! Only debit, cash or Snap. 

Part of shopping on a budget means keeping a stocked pantry! I like to keep a running list of items we need on my phone, categorized by store.  (It's the Reminder app on my iPhone)  When we run low on rice, I know it's cheapest at Aldi so it goes on that list.  Totally helpful!  

One thing to realize is you can't buy EVERYTHING at Aldi, but you can knock off at least 50% of your list....usually more!

They have a health focused brand called Fit & Active.  Most of those items will be lower in fat, sugar, sodium, etc.  This is the main brand I buy there. Favorite items: rice cakes, jelly, ground turkey, meatballs, yogurt.  There are also gluten free and organic brands they recently introduced!  

Aside from their store brands, they have some main-stream brands also.  The selection depends on the store

My favorite items to buy at Aldi:

• Lunchbox fillers/Snacks: granola bars, crackers, nuts, bread, lunch meat
• Baking items: flour, sugars, spices, corn starch, salt
• Pantry fillers: tomatoes, stock, beans, tuna, rice, seasoning packets, oil, vinegar, coffee
• Frozen items: Fit & Active meatballs, frozen boneless thighs, whole chickens, veggies, Fit & Active whipped topping
• Dinner helpers: thin pizza crusts, gnocchi, whole grain pasta, rice
• Produce/Dairy: almond milk, milk, egg beaters, eggs, yogurt, lettuce, cheese
• WINE: My favorite right now is Intermingle...it's a red blend that is the same as Cupcake Red Velvet, but $3 cheaper!  The knockoff Corona is tasty too.  

Keep in mind: some items are seasonal, others aren't always in stock.  When you find something you love, it's smart to stock up.  When I see my favorite ranch rice cakes, I get a few bags!  

Produce is usually at great prices, but the selection can be hit-or-miss.  No matter what you can get bananas, potatoes and onions, but items like avocados, berries or peppers might not be in stock.  When there's a super low price on a produce item, it's best to go early in the week!

When browsing the meat section, if you see red stickers, the $ off amount is the markdown.  For instance, if a roast has three red $1 stickers, it's $3 off!  They count EACH sticker on there! We don't eat much beef, but I do like to grab pork chops and ground turkey there!

My biggest tip is to TRY EVERYTHING.  I really don't have any items that I steer clear of at Aldi. Many people have a bad impression of the store and they've never even set food inside!  For people who are on a budget, but can't find time to coupon, Aldi is a perfect option for you.  

I suggest you browse the aisles and check out all they have to offer! The stores are usually small, but packed with tasty looking food!  In the seasonal section, I can always find something new--I even found my hand weights and yoga mat there! Not sure where your local Aldi is? Use the store locator! 

Here are some recipes I have based on Aldi shopping:

• Baked Brie
• Chicken & Dumpling Soup
• Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats
• S'mores Black bean Brownies

Update: After receiving a few questions on FB and Twitter, I took it upon myself to ask Aldi directly about allergens in their food.  All items are clearly labeled and it's safe shopping for you! Here's a statement from Aldi:

Thank you for contacting us regarding the labeling of allergens on our products. 

 

In accordance with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, ALDI product labels indicate any ingredients that contain any of the eight major allergenic foods and food groups:  milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat or soybeans.  All of our manufacturers adhere to this standard. 

 

Thank you for shopping at ALDI.

 

Sincerely,

 

ALDI Customer Service

Now let's chat! What are your thoughts on Aldi? What do you buy there?