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! 

Going Green? Organic savings!

It seems as if everyone is "going green" these days.  The only problem is knowing what to buy or how to save money.  I try to go organic whenever possible, but for the most part the products are way above what I like to spend.  Through doing a little research I have found a few great resources for organic/green coupons. 

1. Mambo Sprouts:  Coupons available online and about 4 times a year you get a mailer to your house with more coupons.  
2. Whole Foods : We no longer have one to shop at in our area, but if you are fortunate enough to have one, check out their website!  There are great recipes AND they have a ton of coupons on their website which you can use at other stores too.  They have an email list to join which you can get coupons to print off, too.  Always check in the front of the store while visiting for more coupons, too.
3. Muir Glen: I love their fire roasted tomatoes and their coupons go great with sales. Here is a great recipe for fire roasted tomatoes that I love in the summer months for a light meal.  Make sure you make the rice, too!
4. Seventh Generation: Cleaning products have been a new venture for me, I always seem to find deals on this brand and they always have great coupons. I didn't like their diapers, but the wipes and kitchen sprays are great.  The laundry detergent is amazing, but always so expensive!  
• Green Works is another brand (by Clorox)
• Don't forget, you can also clean by using baking soda.  I know, I know...it doesn't have a pretty smell, but it works! 
5. Earth's Best: Although I made (and will make again soon enough!) a majority of my baby food, I really liked their line of products and the variety.  Although they are a bit pricier, they have a lot of sales and just sent them an email for a bunch of coupons mailed to you!  
• If you are interested in trying Earth's Best, send me an email for some free product coupons! I have 10 to give away!
6. Store brands!  You may have noticed some store brands which have organic options, like at Meijer, Copps, Target, Cub and Walmart.  With the store brands, there is a good chance there will be sales or discounts without coupons. Do some price checking though, you can sometimes get name brands cheaper with sales + a coupon!
7. Earthbound Farms:  This is hands down my favorite organic produce brand.  I always have coupons and they have great sales at most grocery stores. Sign up for their mailing list and you will get coupons.
8. Cascadian Farms: Frozen veggies, canned soups, cereal.  Always coupons available on major coupon websites.  Click the link for some!

When I was making the baby food for the girls, I was more focused on buying all organic food for them, but after research, I found I should only buy certain things organic.  Here are some quick tips:

• When you are buying fruits and veggies, just buy organic for foods that you eat while (ie: anything you eat the skin of-- apples, pears, etc).  This tip helped me a lot and saved a lot of money!  The main thing I buy organic is spinach and lettuce, since the chemical level in those items tend to be higher than bananas or something. 
• Since the summer months are coming up soon (hopefully....), check out your local farmers markets for local products.  That's the best way to get fresh produce without gardening yourself!  I will really miss the Madison one, but I've heard the Grand Rapids market is fun too.  Not sure where to go?  Check out this farmers market finder.  So helpful!
• I know that organic products are not really something you think of as being for smaller budgets or cheap.  More and more coupons and sales are out there and once you start looking, you may realize going green is cheaper than you think!!  Companies know that people's budgets are tight, so simply emailing your favorite brands (or brands you are interested in) will result in some savings. 

Do you have any tips or websites I might like?  Let me know!