More Frequent Posts Coming Soon...

Hi all!

I appreciate your patience while I've been off trying to convince my body to behave. I'm happy to report that things are looking up and that I am able to be on the computer more now. This, of course, means that I can start posting more frequently and getting back into the swing of things with more vegan deals and vegan couponing tips.

Posts will likely still be a bit sporadic as I work on catching up on everything, but I have lots of notes on money-saving posts to write, so they will start showing up very soon.

In the meantime, I'm making some shorter posts on Twitter with vegan deals and links to articles of interest to vegans. You can follow me there (@CheapVeganChick) for printable vegan coupon links, store deals and more.

Thanks for Your Patience!

I apologize for this unexpected break in posting about vegan deals and ways to save money.

I'm on a bit of a forced break while I deal with some challenging medical issues.

I promise to be back to posting regularly as soon as possible, and I greatly appreciate your patience!

Vegan Deals at Northwest Albertsons thru Sept 6

Here are some of this week's vegan sales at Northwest Albertsons stores:

Produce

Green or Red Seedless Grapes - $1.99 per pound

Blueberries, Raspberries or Blackberries (6 oz) - 2/$5.00

Peaches, Plums or Nectarines - $1.49 per pound

Seedless Watermelon Bowls - $5.99 each

Strawberries (4 pounds) - $7.99

Bartlett Pears - $.99 per pound

Mini Watermelons - $1.99

Red Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Cantaloupe - $.79 per pound

Farm Stand Iceberg Lettuce - $1.29 each

Broccoli or Cauliflower - $1.49 per pound

Vine Ripe Tomatoes - $1.49 per pound

Sweet Onions - $1.29

Yellow or Orange Bell Peppers - $1.99 each

Farm Stand Baby-Cut Carrots (2 pounds) - $2.69

Cucumbers - $.79 each

Clementines (3 pounds) - $6.99

Jalapeno Peppers - $1.49

Sweet Corn - 2/$1.00

Whole Stuffer or Steak Cut Mushrooms - $3.49

Wild Harvest Herbs - 2/$3.00

Wild Harvest Salad Blends - $4.49 each



Other Vegan Goodness

Tim's Cascade Chips - $3.49

Libby's Canned Vegetables - $1.29

Gardein Meatless Entrees - 2/$8.00

Blue Diamond Almonds (16 oz) - $6.99

Deschutes Beer (12 pack) - $10.99

Albertsons Frozen Blueberries - $3.49

Barilla Pasta Sauce - $3.29

Albertsons Canned Mushrooms - $.79

Mezzetta Peppers - $2.19

Albertsons Canned Ripe Olives - $1.39

Vegan Deals at Top Food and Drug thru Sept 6

Here are this week's vegan sales at Top Food and Drug:

Produce

Green Bell Peppers - 2/$1.00

Cucumbers - 2/$1.00

Jumbo Keitt Mangos - $2.00 each

Red or Yellow Potatoes - $.79 per pound

Sunbursts or Cherubs Tomatoes - $2.98

Italian Prunes - $1.00 per pound

Fresh Express Salads, Spinach or Shreds - $2.00 each

Cantaloupes - $.39 per pound

Hass Avocados - $1.00 each



Other Vegan Goodness

Cascadian Farm Granola or Cereal - $3.49 (when you buy 10 or more mix or match sale items)

Haggen Canned Vegetables - $.79

Haggen Canned Olives - 4/$5.00

Haggen Canned Fruits - 10/$10.00

Haggen Frozen Vegetables (select varieties) - 4/$5.00

Deschutes Beer (6 pack) - $6.99

S&W Canned Tomatoes - 4/$5.00

Food Should Taste Good Chips - 2/$4.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Zevia Diet Soda (6 pack) - Buy One, Get One Free

Vita Coco Coconut Water - 2/$5.00

Vegan Deals at Safeway thru Sept 6

Here are some of the vegan deals you will find at Safeway this week. Don't forget to bring along your store club card to get these prices!

Produce

Personal Watermelons - $3.99 each

Navel Oranges - $1.49 per pound

Red or Green Seedless Grapes (3 pounds) - $5.99

Bartlett Pears - $1.49 per pound

Whole or Sliced White Mushrooms (8 oz) - 2/$5.00

Eating Right Baby Peeled Carrots - 2/$6.00

Eating Right Veggie Party Platter - $9.99

Asparagus - $2.49 per pound

Jumbo Cantaloupes - 2/$4.00

Sweet Platinum Corn - 6/$2.00

Hermiston Sweet Yellow Onions - $.99 per pound



Other Vegan Goodness

Kettle Chips - 2/$5.00

Safeway Canned Vegetables - $.69

Vegan Deals at Grocery Outlet thru Sept 6

Grocery Outlet has a few vegan deals this week that you might want to check out...

Cantaloupes - $.99 each

4-count Tomatoes - 2/$3.00

Bossa Nova Antioxidant Juice - $.99 (I believe these are vegan)

Pagasa Pasta - $1.49

Botticelli Extra Virgin Olive Oil - $6.99

Classico Pasta Sauce - $1.49 with in-ad store coupon (in today's paper)

Kettle Chips - $1.99 with in-ad store coupon (in today's paper)

Patio Gardening Update...and a Cute, Little Visitor!

I'm very excited to announce that I harvested the first green peppers from my patio garden today. Yay!

Here is a picture of my little green peppers:

And I also had to share a couple pictures of the super cute little visitor that came by yesterday...

And now that you know what little critter to look for, here is one from farther away -- so you can see just how cute it was for this little guy or gal to be hanging out on the basil leaf.

Today's Vegan Juicing Recipe

Today's vegan juice ingredients:

Today's vegan juice was awesome! Since my favorite juice is a tomato-basil-garlic combo, I decided to up the nutritional value by adding kale, carrots, celery and oregano.

Here is today's vegan juicing recipe:

1/2 bunch kale (leaves and stalks)
3 tomatoes
2 carrots
2 celery stalks
1 garlic clove
About 20 basil leaves (from my patio garden - yay!)
About 20 oregano leaves (also from my patio garden - double yay!)

Since I have a wimpy juicer, I used a grapefruit spoon to core the tomatoes and make a hole big enough to stuff with the basil and oregano leaves. This helps the juicer handle leafy greens much better!

Vegan Deals at Northwest Albertsons Through Aug 30

Vegan deals you will find at Northwest Albertsons stores through August 30:


Conventional Produce

Sweet Corn - 2/$1.00

Whole Seedless Watermelon - $.49 per pound

Prune Plums - $1.49 per pound

Russet Potatoes - $79 per pound

Green Beans - $1.49 per pound

Yellow Onions - $.59 per pound

Roma Tomatoes - $1.49 per pound

Strawberries (1 pound) - 2/$5.00

Celery - $.89 per pound

Green Peppers - $.69 per pound

Broccoli - $1.29 per pound

Cilantro - 2/$1.00

Farm Stand Carrots (1 pound) - $.79

Navel Oranges - $.189 per pound

Zucchini - $.99 per pound

Eat Smart Cut Vegetables (12 oz) - $1.99

Peaches - $.88 per pound

Nectarines - $.88 per pound

Green or Red Seedless Grapes - $1.99 per pound

Wild Harvest Romaine Hearts (3-count) - $2.99



Other Vegan Goodness

Tim's Cascade Chips - 2/$5.00

Albertsons Pitted Olives - $1.49

Albertsons Olive Oil (25.4 oz) - $6.99

Deschutes Beer (12-pack) - $12.99

Vitamin Water - $.70 each when you buy 10

Cascadian Farm Organic Granola Bars - $3.99

Cascadian Farm Granola - $3.99

Westsoy Soy Beverage (32 oz) - $2.69

Morningstar Farm Products - 2/$7.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Gardenburger Products - 2/$7.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Vegan Deals at Safeway Through August 30

Here are some of the vegan deals you will find at Safeway this week:

Organic Produce

Organic Red or Yellow Onions - $.99 per pound


Conventional Produce

Green Beans - $1.49 per pound

Tomatoes on the Vine - $1.99 per pound

Whole or Sliced Crimini Mushrooms (8 oz) - 2/$4.00

Red or White Potatoes - $.69 per pound

Red, Black or Green Seedless Grapes - $2.49 per pound

Hot House English Cucumbers - 4/$5.00

Navel Oranges - $.99 per pound

Peaches or Nectarines - $.99 per pound

Fresh Express Salads - $.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Silk Milk (soy or almond - 64 oz) - $2.79

Bush's Best Variety Beans - 4/$5.00

Vegan Deals at Top Food and Drug Through August 30

Here are some of the deals you will find on vegan foods at Top Food and Drug this week:

Organic Produce

Organic Sweet Yellow or White Corn - 10/$4.00

Organic Leaf Lettuce - $1.00

Organic Cucumbers - $1.00

Organic Black Seedless Watermelon - $.49 per pound


Conventional Produce

Grape Tomatoes (1 pint) - $2.00

Nectarines - $1.69 per pound

Green, Black or Red Seedless Grapes - $1.98 per pound

Celery - $.69 per pound

Cantaloupe - $.49 per pound

Radishes - 2/$1.00

Green Onions - 2/$1.00

Russet Potatoes (5 pounds) - $.99

Whole Seedless Watermelon - $.33 per pound

Green Cabbage - $.33 per pound

Fresh Express Salad Kit - $2.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Silk PureAlmond Milk (64 oz) - 2/$5.00

Full Circle Organic Pickles - 2/$5.00

Gardenburger Products - 2/$7.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Full Circle Organic Frozen Vegetables - $1.99

Haggen Frozen Fruit - $2.99

Vegan Deals at PCC Natural Markets Through August 30

Here are some of the great vegan deals you will find at PCC Natural Markets through August 30 -- plus a couple of vegan coupon matchups to help you save even more!

Produce

Local, organic cantaloupe – $.99 per pound

Local, organic watermelon – $.79 per pound

Local, organic green beans – $2.99 per pound

Local, organic cherry tomatoes (pint) – 2/$6.00

Local, organic basil (1/4-pound pack) – 2/$6.00

Local, organic yellow nectarines – 2.99 per pound


Other Vegan Goodness

Equal Exchange Organic, Fair-Trade, Shade-Grown Coffee - $11.49 per pound (decaf - $14.99)

Tony’s Organic, Fair-Trade, Shade-Grown Coffee - $9.99 per pound (decaf - $12.49)

So Delicious Organic Coconut Milk (32 oz) - $1.99

Westsoy Soy Milk (32 oz) – 2/$4.00

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze (64 oz) - $3.19
Print this vegan coupon from the Almond Breeze website to save $.55 more!

Bionaturae Organic Pasta (16 oz) – 2/$5.00

Sunshine Organic Veggie Burgers (3-pack) - $3.25

Cascadian Farm Organic Granola Bars – 2/$6.00

Cascadian Farm Cereal – 2/$5.00

Kettle Potato Chips (5 oz) – 2/$4.00

Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips (16 oz) - $3.99
Use this printable vegan coupon to save an additional $1.00.

Cascadian Farm Organic Fruit Spread (10 oz) – 2/$6.00

Back to Nature Cookies - $3.29

Vegan Deals at Fred Meyer Through August 27

Here are some of the vegan items you will find on sale at Fred Meyer this week - and three vegan coupon matchups to help you save even more!


Organic Produce

Organic Yellow Peaches - $1.49 per pound

Organic Nectarines - $1.49 per pound

Organic Valencia Oranges - $.79 per pound

Organic Mangoes - $1.00 each

Organic Kiwi - $.39 each

Private Selection Organic Celery Hearts - 2/$4.00

Private Selection Organic Spring Salad Mix - $3.99

Private Selection Organic Baby Spinach - $3.99

Organic Mini Peeled Carrots - 2/$3.00


Conventional Produce

Bartlett Pears - $1.00 per pound

Eggplant - $1.00 each

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.79 per pound

Tomatoes on the Vine - $1.29 per pound

Mushrooms - $2.49 per pound

Colored Bell Peppers - 4/$5.00


Other Vegan Goodness

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze - $1.99
Print this vegan coupon from the Almond Breeze website to save $.55 more!

Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips - 2/$4.00
Use this printable vegan coupon to save an additional $1.00.

Fred Meyer Frozen Vegetables - $.88 each (with coupon in this week's sale circular)

Fred Meyer Frozen Potatoes - 2/$3.00 (with coupon from sale circular)

Gardenburger Products - 2/$6.00 (only a few varieties are vegan)

So Delicious Coconut Frozen Dessert - $3.99
Visit the So Delicious website for printable vegan coupons and save even more!

Private Selection Frozen Fruit - 2/$5.00

JASON Body Wash - $8.99

Deschutes Beer - $6.99

Today's Vegan Juicing Recipe

I stocked up on organic produce at Fred Meyer today, so in order to make room for it, I figured I would just use up whatever I had in my produce drawer for today's juice.

That led to this easy vegan juicing recipe:

1 bunch kale
1 cucumber (not organic, so I peeled it)
2 carrots
3 celery stalks

Yum!

Vegan Deals at Fred Meyer Through August 20

Here are just a few of the vegan sales you will find at Fred Meyer this week:

Produce

Medium Hass Avocados - 4/$5.00

Strawberries (16 oz) - $1.88

Organic Red or Green Grapes - $1.99 per pound (We got some of these last week - they are great!)

Organic Broccoli - $1.48 per pound

White or Yellow Untrimmed Sweet Corn - 5/$2.00

Clementines (3 pounds) - $4.88

Iceberg Lettuce - $.68

Donut Peaches or Nectarines (16 oz) - 2/$3.00

Red or Gold Potatoes (2 pounds) - $1.00

Cucumbers - 2/$1.00

Green Peppers - 2/$1.00

Jalapeno Peppers - 10 pounds for $10.00

Serrano Peppers - 10 pounds for $10.00

Green Beans - $.99 per pound

Washington Yellow Peaches or Nectarines - $.98 per pound

Fresh Selections or Fresh Express Salad Blends - 2/$3.00


Other Vegan Goodness

Kashi Organic Cereal - 2/$7.00

Vitamin Water - 10/$10.00

Smartwater - 10/$10.00

Yesterday's Vegan Juicing Recipe

I was pretty under the weather yesterday, so I apologize for not posting this vegan juicing recipe sooner. I'm not sure what I will be brewing up in the juicer today, but I will post that one later!

Yesterday's Vegan Juicing Recipe

3 carrots
3 celery stalks
9 kale leaves/stalks
2 handfuls of spinach
1 small beet
1 small chunk of onion
1 garlic clove

This was my first time juicing a beet, and I'm not sure how I feel about it. The taste of the juice was fine, so that wasn't the problem; however, I got a killer headache soon after finishing my juice. I also didn't feel well for most of the day after.

My guess is that is was either too much sugar from the beet-carrot combo I had in there or the detox effect from including the all-mighty beet. Either way, I didn't like how I felt after this juice, and I'm thinking I might skip the beets for now.

Maybe I just need to juice a bit longer before amping things up with beets. Any thoughts?

Vegan Deals at Bartell Drugs Through August 21

Bartell Drugs has some great vegan deals this week, and you can save even more with a few vegan coupons that are currently available.

Here are the vegan sales at Bartell Drugs this week:

Food Should Taste Good Chips (6 oz) - $1.79
**Join the fan club at the Food Should Taste Good website to get a $1.00 off printable vegan coupon.

Lundberg Rice Cakes - $1.79

Lundberg Rice Chips (6 oz) - $1.99

Lundberg Gourmet Rice Blend (16 oz) - $1.99

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze (32 oz) - $1.39
**If you have the .55 off coupon from the 8/7 Sunday paper coupon insert, you can save even more!

RyKrisp Crackers - $1.69

Newman's Own Organics Prunes or Raisins - $1.99

Dr. Bonner's Products - 25% off

Kiss My Face Products - 25% off

Tree Hut Products - 25% off

JASON Products - 25% off

Natracare Tampons, Panty Liners or Pads - $20% off

Bob's Red Mill Cereal - $1.99

Seventh Generation Products - 25% off
**Visit the Seventh Generation website for currently available printable vegan coupons.

Renpure Organics Shampoo or Conditioner - $4.99 (Their website says they do not test on animals, but I could not find anything specifically saying they are vegan - so please check the ingredient list on the product you intend to purchase to be sure.)

Vegan Deals at Safeway Through August 16

Here are some of the vegan items you will find on sale at Safeway this week.

Remember: You will need a Safeway club card to get these prices.


Produce

Organic Carrots (1 pound) - $.99
Sugar Tree Lone Star Pluots - $1.99 per pound
Sweet Platinum Corn - 4/$2.00
Kiwis - 2/$1.00
Green Leaf, Red Leaf or Romaine Lettuce - $.99 each
Yellow Nectarines - $.99 per pound
Variety Melons - $.59 per pound
Green, Red, Yellow or Orange Bell Peppers - Buy One, Get One Free
Radishes - 2/$1.00
Green Onions - 2/$1.00
Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries or Raspberries - 2/$4.00


Other Vegan Goodness

O Organics Spices - Buy Two, Get One Free
Bush's Best Variety Beans - 10/$10.00
Tim's Potato Chips - $2.79
Safeway Pasta - $.79
Bertolli Pasta Sauce - 2/$6.00
Safeway Mustard - $.99
Deschutes Beer (12 pack) - $11.99

Vegan Deals at Northwest Alberstons Through August 16

Here is a list of some of the vegan sales at Albertsons this week - enjoy!

Produce

Sweet Onions - $.99 per pound
Zucchini - $1.39 per pound
Cucumbers - $.79 each
Blueberries (1 pint) - $2.99
Sweet Corn - 2/$1.00
Whole Seedless Watermelon - $.49 per pound
Vine Ripe Tomatoes - $1.99 per pound
Iceberg Lettuce - $.99 each
Peaches or Nectarines - $1.69 per pound
Green or Red Seedless Grapes - $1.99 per pound
Hass Avocados - $1.49 each
Celery - $.89 each
Pluots - $1.99 per pound
Navel Oranges - $1.99 per pound
Gala Apples - $1.99 per pound
Cantaloupe - $.79 per pound
Honeydew - $.89 per pound
Casaba or Crenshaw Melon - $.99 per pound
Wild Harvest Organic Celery Hearts - $2.49


Other Vegan Goodness

Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips - $2.99
**Use this printable vegan coupon to save even more!

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze 2/$5.00
**If you have last Sunday's paper, there were $.55 off coupons for this.

Wild Harvest Organic Tortilla Chips - $2.00

Top Food & Drug Vegan Deals Through August 16

Organic Produce

Organic Wheat Grass - $1.49
Organic Peeled Carrots (2 pounds) - $2.69
Organic Seedless Grapes - $2.49 per pound
Organic Red, Green or Romaine Leaf Lettuce - $1.49
Organic Blueberries (1 pint) - $3.49
Organic Nectarines - $1.98 per pound
Organic Personal Watermelon - $3.00 each



Conventional Produce

Pence Peaches - $2.49 per pound
Broccoli or Cauliflower - $.89 per pound
White or Crimini Mushrooms (8 oz) - $2.00
Cantaloupes - $.39 per pound
Mixed Melons - $.79 per pound
Honeydew Melon - $.59 per pound
Dulcinea Pureheart Watermelon or Heirloom Cantaloupe - $3.00 each
Seedless Watermelon - $.33 per pound
Fresh Express Garden Salad, Cole Slaw or Shreds - $1.49


Other Vegan Goodness

So Delicious Coconut Milk (32 oz) - $1.99
So Delicious Coconut Milk (8 count) - $6.49 (when you buy 10 or more participating items)
Better Oats Instant Oatmeal - $.99 (when you buy 10 or more participating items)
Vitamin Water - $.75 (when you buy 10 or more participating items)
Kikkoman Sauces - 2/$5.00
Haggen Vegetable Blends or Petites (16 oz) - 3/$5.00
Back to Nature Products - 30$% off
Barbara's Bakery Cereals - $3.99 each (only some are vegan)
Haggen Diced Green Chiles - 10/$10.00

Today's Vegan Juicing Recipe (with pictures!)

(This post was written before I posted the pics, so that is why the next part makes absolutely no sense now that the pics are up.)

I was so proud of myself for remembering that I wanted to get a picture of today's juice before gulping it down (so that I could post it on the blog with today's vegan juicing recipe).

Well...I had my guy take the pic - since he is a much better photographer - and then I promptly forgot to have him send it to me so that I could post it. He is now sound asleep, so I will post that darn pic as soon as I can get it from him.

In the meantime, here's the very green juice I made today:

Today's Vegan Juicing Recipe

1 cucumber
4 celery stalks
1 green apple
1 handful of spinach

This one was super simple to throw together and tasted surprisingly good!

As I was looking up some other stuff about juicing last night, I came across an article about celery being a bit high in sodium and recommending that it be used in moderation. I've been using it nearly every day at four stalks a pop, so I'll have to do a little more reading on this and see if I might want to cut back some on the celery.

Four stalks per day doesn't sound like a lot to me, but I'm no juicing expert. So I will have to look into that.

Awesome Sales on Organic Produce at Fred Meyer this Week! (and more vegan goodness)

This week is going to be a great week for organic produce at Fred Meyer. The only downside is that you might have to try to get there early in the day to grab these deals before they get swooped up by others. Today was the first day of the sale, and it was already down to just two remaining bunches of organic kale and two bunches of organic beets at my local Freddy's when I got there.

Of course, I don't need more than two bunches of kale at a time, and there was plenty of other organic produce to scoop up, so it worked out just fine -- but if anyone wanting organic kale showed up after me today...I'm sorry that I took the last two bunches!

Here is a pic of just one of the great organic deals this week:

And here is your list of some of the other organic and vegan deals you will find at Fred Meyer through August 13:

Organic Produce

Organic Herbs - 2/$3.00

Organic Wheatgrass - Buy one, get one free ($1.99 for two)

Organic Green Cabbage - $.69 per pound

Organic Red or Yukon Gold Potatoes (3 pounds) - $2.99 each

Organic Collard Greens - 2/$3.00

Organic Red Chard - 2/$3.00

Organic Red Cherries - $3.88 per pound

Organic Cantaloupe - $.79 per pound

Organic Peaches - $1.48 per pound

Organic Nectarines - $1.48 per pound

Organic Blueberries (18 oz) - $3.98

Organic Medjool Dates (16 oz) - $5.99

Organic Kale - 2/$3.00

Organic Italian Kale - 2/$3.00

Organic Bunch Beets - 2/$3.00

Organic Bunch Carrots - 2/$3.00

(See - I told you there were tons of awesome organic deals this week!)


Conventional Produce

Jazz Apples - $1.48 per pound

Fresh-Cut Fruit Bowls - 25% off

Hothouse Bell Peppers - 4/$5.00

English Cucumbers - 4/$5.00

Tomatoes on the Vine - $1.28 per pound

Australian Navel Oranges - $1.48 per pound

Broccoli Crowns - $.88 per pound

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.79 per pound

Hermiston Seedless Watermelon - $3.78 each

Radishes - 2/$.88

Green Onions - 2/$.88

Yellow or Zucchini Squash - $.79 per pound

Spinach - $.78 each

Anjou Pears - $.88 per pound

Green Beans - $1.28 per pound

Donut Peaches or Nectarines (1 pound) - 2/$4.00

Peeled Mini Carrots (2 pounds) - $1.79 each

Cucumbers - $.50 each

Leaf Lettuce - $1.00 each



Other Vegan Goodness

Muir Glen Salsa - 2/$6.00

Nature's Way Supplements - 20% off (not all are vegan)

Fred Meyer Tender Twist Bread - 4/$5.00 (check front of package for vegan varieties)

Sabra Hummus - $3.99 each

Miss Vickie's Potato Chips - 2/$6.00

Deschutes Beers (6-pack) - $6.99

So Delicious Coconut Milk (1/2 gallon) - 2/$4.00

Today's Vegan Juicing Recipe

I need another produce basket. Today's shopping trip to Fred Meyer filled both baskets I currently have, the veggie drawer in my fridge and most of one shelf in the fridge. One of the reasons I ended up with way more produce than originally planned is that my guy decided he would like to try juicing - but only with fruits. That is, of course, cool with me. I'm just happy he wants to try juicing at all.

So we ended up bringing home apples, pears, peaches, carrots, kale, spinach, cucumbers, garlic, onions, purple cabbage, beets, limes, kiwi, celery and more. Oh, and wheatgrass. I have no idea what to do with wheatgrass, but I now have wheatgrass sitting on my kitchen counter and will be looking up exactly how to incorporate it into my juicing recipes.

I bought organic beets with the intention of using them in tonight's juice. However, I have never done anything with a beet before, and after starting to do a little research online about juicing beets and beet greens, I decided to hold off until I have read more. As soon as it got into how I should use beet juice in moderation and not mix it with calcium-rich juices and such, I figured I better do a bit more research before popping a beet in my juicer.

So with all that said, here is the green juice I made this evening:

3 carrots
4 celery stalks
1/8 of a head of purple cabbage
1 handful of spinach
5 kale leaves/stalks
1 half-inch sliver of ginger

This was not the best juice I have made so far, but it certainly was drinkable. I think it would have benefited from a bit more ginger or maybe throwing in an apple, but it was still good.

I think I want to try juicing just carrots and ginger within the next few days. I love carrot and ginger soup, so I'm thinking carrot and ginger juice will be delish!

Saturday Vegan Juicing Recipe

Yesterday ended up being a pretty busy day, so I wasn't able to find the time to post yesterday's juice recipe. However, it was pretty boring - since it was just plain carrot juice.

Today's juice was much more exciting, so here is the list of ingredients I used in today's juice:

4 celery stalks
4 carrots
8 kale leaves/stalks
1 two-inch piece of white onion
1 roma tomato
About 1/8 of head of purple cabbage

This combo came about from me trying to use up the last of the produce I had on hand in preparation of heading to the store tomorrow to restock my produce drawer and basket.

I juiced the purple cabbage first and was surprised at how much juice I got from the somewhat small piece I juiced. I also tried the purple cabbage juice before I added anything else and was surprised again when I found the taste of pure purple cabbage juice to really not be that bad at all.

Once I added in everything else but the onion, the end result definitely had a distinctive green juice flavor going on, which wasn't exactly bad, but it wasn't quite as appealing as I had hoped. So I threw in the chunk of onion to spice things up a bit, which did the job nicely.

As for juicing the kale in my not-so-great juicer, I took the advice of Jackie, who was kind enough to leave a comment on a previous juicing post recommending that I run the kale through with the celery to give it something to wrap around. While I still think a better juicer would get more juice out of the kale, following this tip made a significant difference - thanks, Jackie!

If you would like to check out some of Jackie's other juicing tips and recipes, check out her blog here.

Vegan Deals at PCC Natural Markets August 3 Through August 16

PCC Natural Markets always has sales on vegan products, so it's no surprise that there is quite a list of vegan goodness on sale at PCC through August 16.

Turtle Island Tempeh is just one of the vegan deals you will find, and I am super excited about this one. Have you tried their Smoky Maple Tempeh Bacon yet? We fell in love with it a couple of months ago, and there is now a permanent spot in the fridge reserved just for it. If you haven't tried it yet, I highly recommend it!

Here are some other vegan deals at PCC right now:

Organic Produce

Organic Seedless Watermelon (locally grown) - $.79 per pound

Organic Cantaloupe (locally grown) - $.99 per pound

Organic Red or Green Seedless Grapes - $3.99 per pound

Organic Packaged Basil (locally grown) – 2/$6.00

Organic Portabello Mushrooms (locally grown) - $4.99 per pound

Organic Heirloom Tomatoes - $3.99 per pound


Other Vegan Goodness

Turtle Island Tempeh (7 oz) - $2.99

Gardenburger Veggie Burgers - $3.25 (not all varieties are vegan)

Boca Veggie Burgers - $3.39

Nasoya Nayonaise (14 oz) - $3.59

Maranatha Organic Peanut Butter - $4.99

Luna Bar - $1.09

Back to Nature Crackers - $2.79

Nature’s Path Organic, Gluten-Free Cereal – 2/$6.00

Kalani Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown Coffee - $10.99 per pound (decaf - $12.79)

Fidalgo Bay Nature’s Crest Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown Coffee - $9.49 per pound (decaf - $10.49)

Eco Teas Organic Yerba Mate (24 count) - $3.29

Blue Diamond Almond Breeze (32 oz) – 2/$4.00

Vegan Deals at Whole Foods Through August 16

Here are just a few of the vegan deals you will find at Whole Foods through August 16.

Blue Mountain Farms Organic Blueberries (18 oz) - $4.99

Kettle Foods Baked Potato Chips (4 oz) – 2/$4.00

Organic Red, Green or Lacinato Kale – 2/$3.00

Clif Kid Organic Twisted Fruit – 2/$5.00

Eco Teas Mate Teas - $3.64 to $6.74

Gabriel Cosmetics – 25% off

Today's Juice Recipe

I've had a juicer for a couple of years now, but I've only used it a few times. After watching the documentary Fat, Sick and Nearly Dead - and then watching Food Matters a few days later - I was inspired to dig my juicer out of the garage and give juicing another go.

So as I begin my renewed commitment to incorporating juicing into my daily routine, I figured I would share a little bit about how it goes and the juicing recipes I use along the way.

Here's the juice with which I started off my day:

Today's Juice Recipe

3 carrots
4 celery stalks
1 cup purple cabbage
6 kale stalks/leaves
1 apple
1 one-inch piece of ginger

I will probably use a little less ginger next time. I liked the taste of this juice, but my partner thought the ginger flavor was a bit strong.

I sent the kale through twice to get as much green juice as I could out of it; however, I don't think my low-end juicer ($80 Hamilton Beach model) is going to handle kale very well -- at least not from the looks of things today.

I might have to incorporate kale into my diet in other ways and stick to juicing fruits and vegetables that my juicer feels like juicing.

Anyone have any tips on juicing kale?

Vegan Sales: Northwest Albertsons Vegan Deals August 3 to August 9

Here are your Albertsons vegan sales for the week:

Local Produce (Pacific Northwest)

Red Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Blueberries (1 pint) - $2.99

Cucumbers - $.79

Green Cabbage - $.69 per pound

Sweet Onions - $.99 per pound

Green Beans - $1.69 per pound

Farm Stand Baby-Cut Carrots - $1.69


Other Produce

Green or Red Seedless Grapes - $2.99 per pound

Tomatoes on the Vine - $2.49 per pound

Strawberries (1 pound) - 2/$5.00

Granny Smith Apples - $1.29 per pound

Farm Stand Sleeved Celery - $1.29

Green Onions - $.69

Radishes - $.69

Yukon Gold Potatoes - $.99 per pound

Red Potatoes - $.99 per pound

Portabello Mushrooms - $1.99

Zucchini or Yellow Squash - $1.29 per pound

Albertsons Cut Vegetables (18 oz) - $3.49

Serrano Peppers - $1.49 per pound

Seedless Watermelon Bowls - $5.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Albertsons Salsa (16 oz) - $2.29

Vitamin Water (20 oz) - 4/$5.00 (Safeway has better sale)

Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil (32 oz) - $8.99

Albertsons Mixed Nuts or Cashews - $3.29

Albertsons Mandarin Oranges (15-oz cans) - $1.69

Albertsons Ripe Olives - $1.39

Star Vinegar (8.5 oz) - $2.89

Vegan Deals: Safeway Sales on Vegan Items August 3 to August 9

Here is a list of some of the vegan sales going on at Safeway this week. Remember: You will need a Safeway store card to get these prices.

Produce

Dino Egg Pluots - $1.99 per pound

Zucchini or Yellow Squash - $.99 per pound

Red Bell Peppers or Hothouse Cucumbers - 4/$5.00

White or Yellow Peaches - $1.99 per pound

Sweet Northwest Red Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Clementines (5 pounds) - $5.00

Red, Green or Black Seedless Grapes - $.99 per pound

Jumbo Cantaloupe - 2/$4.00

Safeway Grape Tomatoes - Buy One, Get One Free

Fresh Express or Eating Right Salad Blends - Buy One, Get One Free


Other Vegan Goodness

Vitamin Water (20 oz) or Smartwater (1 liter) - $.79 each when you buy 10 or more

Safeway Cashews (26 oz) - $10.49

Safeway Baked Beans - 2/$3.00 (look for ones marked vegetarian)

Star Olive Oil (17 oz) - Buy One, Get One Free

Classico Pasta Sauce (44 oz) - $4.49 (not all varieties are vegan)

Bush's Variety Beans - 10/$10.00

Bertolli Pasta Sauce 2/$5.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Smart Balance Spread - 2/$5.00 (Smart Balance Light is vegan; regular Smart Balance is not.)

Emerald Nuts (10 oz to 11 oz) - $3.99

Almond Breeze Milk (64 oz) - $2.49 (with in-ad coupon)

Top Foods: Sales on Vegan, Organic Food August 3 - August 9

Top Foods has some great vegan sales this week, including lots of organic produce!

Here is a list of some of the vegan and organic goodness you will find at Top Foods this week:

Organic Produce

Organic Girl Salad (10 oz) - $4.79

Organic Chard - $2.00

Organic Cilantro - $1.00

Organic Leaf Lettuce - $1.49

Organic Green Beans - $2.49 per pound

Organic Spinach - $1.49

Organic Cucumbers - $1.00 each

Organic Bunch Beets - $2.98


Other Organics

Full Circle Organic Soy Milk - $2.99

Full Circle Organic Orange Juice - $3.99

Full Circle Organic Oatmeal - $2.99

Full Circle Organic Cereal - $2.99

Full Circle Organic Applesauce - 2/$5.00


Conventional Produce

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.79 per pound

Green Peppers - $.59 each

Nectarines - $1.49

Red or Green Seedless Grapes - $1.98 per pound

Red or Black Plums - $.89 per pound

Iceberg Lettuce - $.89 each

Blueberries (2 pounds) - $4.98

Fresh Express - $2.00


Other Vegan Goodness

Libbey's Canned Vegetables - $.79

Libbey's Canned Fruit - 2/$3.00

Willamette Valley Farms Frozen Fruit (2 pounds) - $6.99

Tim's Cascade Style Kettle Chips - 2/$5.00

Full Circle Organic Coffee - $7.99

Que Pasa Tortilla Chips - $2.99

Boca Meatless Frozen Products - $3.99

Purely Decadent Non-Dairy Frozen Dessert - $3.99

Vita Coco 100% Coconut Water - $4.99

Full Circle Fruit & Cereal Bars - 2/$5.00 (I believe some varieties are vegan)

Haggen Ripe Olives (6 oz) - 10/$10.00 (mix or match sale item)

Haggen Canned Beans (15 oz) - 15/$10.00 (mix or match sale item)


Vegan Beer

Deschutes (6 pack) - $6.99


Vegan Baby

Seventh Generation Baby Wipes - $3.99
**Check out these printable coupons for even more savings.

Seventh Generation Diapers or Training Pants - $9.99
**Check out these printable coupons for even more savings.

Earth's Best Organic Baby Food - 10/$10.00 (mix or match sale item)

Vegan Deals at Grocery Outlet August 3 - August 9

Here are some of the vegan items on sale at Grocery Outlet this week:

Seedless Watermelons - $2.99

Seedless Grapes (2 pounds) - $2.99

Organic Classic Salads (5 oz) - 2/$5.00

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $1.99 per pound

Nature's Peak Berries (16 oz raspberries or wild blueberries) - $2.99

8th Continent Soy Milk (64 oz) - $2.49
**Visit the 8th Continent website for a printable vegan coupon to save even more.

Sun Valley Ripe Olives (6 oz) - $.79

Emerald Mixed Nuts with Peanuts (15 oz) - $3.99

Kettle Organic Chips (5 oz) - $.99

Another Reason to Love Bartell Drugs - and Vegan, DIY Soda Making!

In a previous blog post, I mentioned the JET Home Soda Maker Starter Kit, Sodamix and Sodamix Specialty Flavors available at Bartell Drugs.

Just after I published the post and tweeted it, Howie (the GM buyer for Bartell Drugs) contacted me to let me know that he had sent an email to SodaStream to make sure bone char was not used when processing their flavors.

First off, I'm happy to report that he has received an answer, and it is confirmed that these DIY soda-making goodies are vegan friendly. So if you enjoy drinking sodas - but aren't quite as keen on buying all of those expensive, single-use bottles of soda at the store - you might want to consider this handy DIY soda maker for your home.

Secondly, I want to point out that Howie is awesome. He saw my post and took it upon himself to contact the company and to message me to let me know he was making sure the product was vegan.

Now that is what I call some awesome, vegan-friendly customer service!

Thanks again, Howie!

Vegan Deals at Fred Meyer through August 6

Here is a list of some of the vegan deals you will find at Fred Meyer this week:

Produce

Olathe Sweet Corn - 12/$3.00

Kiwi Fruit - 3/$1.00

Yellow Peaches - $1.48 per pound

Nectarines - $1.48 per pound

Asparagus - $2.98 per pound

Grape Tomatoes (10 oz) - 2/$3.00

Private Selection Organic Salad - 2/$5.00

Organic Raspberries (1/2 pint) - 2/$4.00

Organic Blackberries (1/2 pint) - 2/$4.00

Red Cherries - $1.98 per pound


Vegan Beer

Deschutes (12 pack) - $11.99

Blue Moon (6 pack) - $5.99 (most are vegan friendly - just avoid the ones with honey)

New Belgium (6 pack) - $5.99

Mike's Hard Lemonade (6 pack) - $6.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Bulk Almonds (slivered, sliced or whole) - $2.99 per pound

Fred Meyer Canned Fruit - 10/#10.00

Pepsi (2 liter) - 4/$5.00

Country Oven Bread - 3/$4.00 (vegan options are marked as such)

Food Should Taste Good Chips - 2/$4.00

Emerald Valley Salsa, Hummus or Bean Dip - 2/$5.00

Cascadian Farms Cereal or Bars - 2/$6.00 (not all varieties are vegan)
**Visit the Cascadian Farm website for a printable coupon to save even more.

Household

All Bakeware - Buy One, Get One 1/2 Off

All FoodSaver Bags - Buy Two, Get One Free (with in-store coupon)

Kitchen Gadgets - Buy Two, Get One Free (with in-store coupon)

Wine Accessories on Sale at Bartell Drugs through August 7

Bartell Drugs doesn't have many vegan items listed in their sale circular this week; however, they do have some good sales on wine accessories that would make great gifts for vegan wine lovers - or would just be handy to have around the house!

Vinturi Wine Aerator (for red wine) - $39.99
I bought this wine aerator for my uncle and his partner for Christmas last year. It works great and allows you to enjoy your wine faster, since you don't have to take the time to allow it to breathe a bit first.

Picnic Stake Set - $14.99
I have never seen something like this before, but it looks like a really cute gift for a wedding or commitment ceremony. The set includes a bottle holder and two glass holders. Throw it in a basket with some vegan wine and wine accessories, and it will make an easy-to-throw-together gift!

Wine Accessories - 25% off
Select accessories that are on sale include wine bottle stoppers, wine coolers and bottle openers.

Seven Printable Vegan Coupons from Mambo Sprouts

Mambo Sprouts has several printable vegan coupons right now. Head to their website to print out these coupons:

$1.00 off McCann’s Irish Oatmeal

$.75 off Organic Valley Original or Vanilla Soy Creamer

$1.00 off Earth Balance Soymilk

$2.00 off Rescue Remedy Pet Products

$.55 off San-J Gluten Free Asian Cooking Sauce or Salad Dressing

$.75 off Two Mori-Nu Tofu Packages

$1.00 off Late July Organic Multigrain Snack Chips (I’ve never had these, but I believe they are vegan – correct me if I’m wrong!)

Sample Small Planet Organics Organic Dips and Spreads This Weekend

In addition to the other great vegan deals at PCC Natural Markets this week, you might also want to stop by the Redmond or Issaquah locations this weekend to sample Small Planet Organics all-organic dips and spreads.

These organic, vegan, wheat-free, gluten-free, sugar-free dips and spreads are produced locally and are currently on sale at PCC Natural Markets for just $3.99, so even if you can't make it to one of the sampling locations this weekend, you can pick up this vegan deal at the PCC nearest you!

You can learn more about Small Planet Organics by visiting their website.

Vegan Sales at Fred Meyer Through Saturday (July 30) - Plus Save More with Vegan Coupons!

As usual, Fred Meyer has some pretty good vegan sales going on this week. There are even a couple of vegan coupon matchups that make for even more savings!

Here are your Fred Meyer vegan deals for the week:

Organic Produce

Organic Strawberries (1 pound) - 2/$5.00

Organic Avocados - 2/$4.00

Private Selection Organic Frozen Berries - 2/$5.00


Conventional Produce

Personal Watermelon - 2/$4.00

Tuscan Cantaloupe - 2/$4.00

Blueberries (5 pounds) - $9.98

Blueberries (2 pounds) - $4.98

Blueberries (1 pint) - 2/$4.00

Rainier Cherries - $3.88 per pound

Red or Black Plums - $.98 per pound

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.79 per pound

Broccoli or Cauliflower - $.98 per pound


Other Vegan Goodness

Alexia Fries or Onion Rings - 2/$6.00
**Save more with this $1.00 off printable vegan coupon.

Fred Meyer Frozen Vegetables - $.79 (with in-ad coupon, limit 4)

Fred Meyer Frozen Potatoes - 4/$5.00 (with in-ad coupon, limit 4)

Turtle Mountain So Delicious Dessert (32 oz) - $3.98
**If you printed this .55 off vegan coupon when it was available, you can save even more!

Gardenburger Products - 2/$7.00

Fred Meyer 1/2 Gallon Orange Juice - 4/$5.00 (with in-ad coupon from sales circular - limit 8)

Fred Meyer Tender Twist Bread - $.99 (look for "vegan" at the bottom left corner of the package to find vegan varieties)

Imagine Rice or Soy Beverages - 3/$5.00
**Save even more with this $1.00 off printable vegan coupon! With a $1.00 off coupon, these will be just $.67 each - yay!


Vegan Beer! Vegan Beer! Vegan Beer!

Deschutes Beers (6 pk) - $5.99

I don't see sales on vegan-friendly beers very often, so I'm a bit excited. =)

Vegan Health, Wellness and Beauty

Alba Personal Care Products - 25% off

Nature's Way Select Supplements - 20% off (looks like coconut oil is included)

Vegan Deals at Safeway July 27 to August 2

Here is a list of some of the best vegan deals at Safeway this week. Remember: You will need a Safeway store card to get these prices.

Organic Produce

Organic Raspberries - Buy 1, Get 1 Free (equal or lesser value)

Organic Blackberries - Buy 1, Get 1 Free (equal or lesser value)

Organic Blueberries - Buy 1, Get 1 Free (equal or lesser value)

Organic Cantaloupe - Buy 1, Get 1 Free (equal or lesser value)

Organic Red or Black Plums - $1.49 per pound

O Organics Salads - 2/$5.00


Conventional Produce

Roma Tomatoes - $1.29 per pound

Red, Yellow or Orange Peppers - 2/$4.00

Portabella Sliced or Whole Mushrooms (6 oz) - 2/$6.00

Eating Right Sugar Snap Peas (2 pounds) - $4.99

Rainier Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.99 per pound

Apricots - $1.99 per pound

Red Seedless Watermelon - $4.99 per pound


Other Vegan Goodness

Red Lion Nectarines - $1.99 per pound

Wonderful Pistachios (8 oz) - Buy 1, Get 1 Free

Silk Non-Dairy Milks (64 oz) - $2.49 (with in-ad coupon, limit 3)
*If you have not yet used your printable Silk vegan coupons, you can save even more!

Kettle Chips - $2.75

O Organics Salsa (16 oz) - 2/$4.00

Safeway Ripe Pitted Olives - $1.29

S&W Beans - 10 for $10.00

Vitamin Water or Smartwater - $.79 each when you buy 10 or more

Vegan Deals at Northwest Albertsons for July 27 to August 2

Here are some of the best vegan deals at NW Albertsons this week:


Produce

Organic Wild Harvest Salad Blends (5 oz) - 2/$6.00

Eat Smart Cut Vegetables (12 oz) - $1.99

Seedless Watermelon Bowl (52 oz) - $5.99

Broccoli - $1.49 per pound

Cauliflower - $1.49 per pound

Jalapeno Peppers - $1.49 per pound

Plums - $1.49 per pound

Hass Avocados (medium) - 2/$3.00

Green or Red Seedless Grapes - $2.99 per pound

Hot House Tomatoes - $1.99 per pound

Asparagus - $3.99 per pound

Mini Sweet Peppers (1 pint) - $2.69

Fuji or Gala Apples - $1.99 per pound

Strawberries (1 pound) - $2/$5.00

Raspberries (6 oz) - 2/$5.00

Blackberries (6 oz) - 2/$5.00

Cantaloupe - $.48 per pound

Sweet Onions - $1.29 per pound

Green Beans - $1.49 per pound

Cucumbers - $.69 each

Red Cherries - $2.99 per pound

Blueberries (1 pint) - $2.99

Blueberries (2 pounds) - $8.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Farm Stand Peanuts in the Shell (12 oz) - $1.99

Vitamin Water - $.75 each when you buy 10

S&W Beans (26 oz to 30 oz) - $2.19

Albertsons Tomato Paste (12 oz) - $1.19

Albertsons Sliced or Chopped Olives (2.25-4.25 oz) - $1.29

McIlhenny Tabasco Sauce (2 oz) - $1.59

Bertolli Olive Oil (select varieties, 17 oz) - $5.99

Tim's Cascade Potato Chips (18 oz, selected varieties)- $3.99

Sabra Hummus (10 oz) - $3.99

Lundberg Rice Chips (6 oz) - $3.29

Top Foods Vegan Deals July 27 to August 2

Here is a list of vegan and organic deals at Top Foods this week:

Organic Produce

Organic Blueberries (1 pint) - $3.49

Organic Cilantro - $1.00 per bunch

Organic Radishes - $1.00 per bunch

Organic Girl Salad (5 oz) - $2.79


Conventional Produce

Apricots - $1.98 per pound

Rainier Cherries - $4.98 per pound

Red, Green or Romaine Lettuce - $1.00 each

Mann's Broccoli Cole Slaw (12 oz) - 3/$5.00

Mann's Snap Peas (15 oz) - %4.98

Fresh Express Salad, Spinach or Shreds (9 oz) - $2.00

Maui Gold Pineapple - $2.98

Yellow or White Sweet Corn - 10/$4.00

Carrots (2 pounds) - $.69

Cucumbers (2 pounds) - $.69

Yellow Onions - 3 pounds/$1.00

Olives (from the deli) - $2.99 (4 oz to 7 oz)


Other Vegan Foods/Drinks

San Juan Salsa (14 oz) - 2/$7.00

Juanita's Tortilla Chips (15 oz) - 2/$5.00

Mission Tortilla Chips (20 oz) - 2/$5.00

Stacy's Pita Chips (8 oz) - 2/$4.00

Drew's All Natural Dressing (12 oz) - 2/$5.00 (not all varieties are vegan)

Haggen Frozen Vegetables (10 oz to 16 oz) - 4/$5.00

Haggen Pickles (select varieties) - 2/$5.00

Napoleon Green Olives (6.5 oz) - $3.49

Napoleon Quartered Artichoke Hearts (13.75 oz) - $2.99

Zevia Natural Soda (6 pk) - $3.99

Pepsi (6 pk of 24 oz bottles or 12 pk of 12 oz cans) - 2/$9.00

Pepsi (2 liters) - $.99


Household

Method Cleaning Products (select varieties) - $2.99

Method Laundry Detergent - $6.99

Full Circle Natural Toilet Paper (4 rolls) - $2.99

Tons of Vegan and Organic Goodness on Sale at PCC Natural Markets (Through August 2, 2011)

There is so much vegan and organic awesomeness on sale at PCC Natural Markets right now!

Here is a list of just some of the deals you will find at PCC for vegan and/or organic goods:


Organic Produce

Organic Cantaloupe - $.99 per pound

Organic Dapple Dandy Pluots - $1.99 per pound

Organic, Local Zucchini - $1.99 per pound

Organic Heirloom Tomatoes - $3.99 per pound

Organic, Local Walla Walla Onions - $1.49 per pound

Organic, Local LaPierre Blueberries (pint) - $3.99


Other Vegan Goodness

Small Planet Organics All Organic Dip and Spreads - $3.99 (also gluten free)

Remlinger Frozen Fruit (3 pounds) - $9.99

Popchips Potato Chips (3 oz) - $1.69

Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips (9 oz) - $2.39
Print out this $1.00 off coupon to save even more!

R.W. Garcia Tortilla Chips (7 oz) - $2.29

Kettle Baked Potato Chips (4 oz) - $2.29

Popcorn Indiana Chip’ins Popcorn Chips (7.25 oz) - $3.29

Blue Diamond Nut Things (4.25 oz) - $2.09

Green Mountain Gringo Salsa (16 oz) - $3.99

Zing Bar - $1.75

Zevia Diet Soda (6 pk) - $4.59

Blue Sky Sugar Free Soda (6 pk) - $3.49

Columbia Gorge Organic Lemonade or Limeade (16 oz) – 2/$5.00

Volvic Spring Water (50.7 oz) - $1.99

Ancient Harvest Gluten Free Pasta (8 oz) - $2.29

Julie’s Organic Frozen Novelties (3 pk or 4 pk) – 2/$6.00

Bearitos Refried Beans (16 oz) – 2/$4.00

San-J Cooking Sauces (10 oz) - $2.99

Muir Glen Organic Tomatoes (28 oz) - $2.49

Guayaki Organic Yerba Mate (16 oz) - $1.75

Mediterranean Organic Organic Olives - $3.49

Wholesoy Yogurt – 5/$5.00

Rice Dream or Almond Dream Non-Dairy Beverage (64 oz) - $3.59

Tempt Hemp Milk Frozen Dessert (16 oz) – 2/$6.00

True Blue Juice (46 oz) - $3.99

Choice Organic Teas - $3.99

R.W. Knudson Just Juice (32 oz) - $6.99

Fidalgo Bay Nature’s Crest Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown Coffee - $9.49 per pound ($10.49 for decaf)

Kalani Organic, Fair Trade, Shade Grown Coffee - $10.99 per pound ($12.79 for decaf)


Vegan Supplements

Manitoba Harvest Hemp Protein Powders (16 oz) – 20% off

Organic India Turmeric Formula (90 veg caps) – 25% off

Spectrum Flax Seed, Flax Oil and Chia Seed (select sizes/products) – 20% off


Visit the PCC Natural Markets website to find the location nearest you.

Vegan Deals at Bartell Drugs for July 25 - July 31

Bartell Drugs has several vegan deals that are worth taking a look at this week. If you head over there to check out the vegan sales, don't forget to pick up a Bartell Drugs Summer Savings Book while you are there. I haven't had the chance to pick one up yet, but I'm betting there are some additional money-saving vegan deals in there!

Here's what is on sale at Bartell Drugs this week:

Tully's Coffee (12 oz) - $5.99

Napoleon Olive Oil (16.9 oz, limit 4) - $2.99

Brianna's Dressing (12 oz) - $2.19 (not all are vegan)

Pacific Naturals Broth or Soup (32 oz) - $2.39 (not all are vegan)

Snoqualmie Falls Lodge Oatmeal (52 oz) - $4.29

Coomb's Family Farms Pure Maple Syrup (8 oz) - $4.99

Oregon Fruit (14.5 oz or 15 oz cans) - $1.99

Barilla Pasta (13.25 oz to 16 oz) - $1.19

Classico Pasta Sauce (24 oz) - $1.99

Erin's All Natural Popcorn (4 oz or 5 oz) - 2/$3.00

Bigelow Tea (18 or 20 bags) - $1.69

Sahale Snacks ( 4 oz or 5 oz) - $2.79 (not all flavors are vegan -- all are gluten free)

Blue Diamond Almonds (6 oz) - $1.79

Vita Coco Coconut Water (17 oz) - 2/$4.00

Nature's Bounty Vitamins and Supplements - Buy one, get one free (look specifically for vegetarian capsules)


I'm also a bit intrigued by this home soda maker they have on sale at Bartell Drugs. I'm not really a soda drinker, but my partner is...and it would be great to be able to make it at home for him, rather than purchasing it in single-use plastic bottles.

Here is the list of soda-making goodies they have on sale:

JET Home Soda Maker Starter Kit (no batteries or electricity required) - $79.99
Carbonating Bottles - $14.99
Sodamix Specialty Flavors (500 ml) - $6.99
Sodamix (500 ml) - $4.99

Save 25% on Certified Vegan Essential Oils and Natural Wellness Products

Nature's Inventory is having a great sale on vegan, organic essential oils for wellness support.

Whether you are interested in natural menopause relief, joint support, sleep aids or organic detox aids, Nature's Inventory has it all on sale for 25% off when you use this vegan coupon code!

Examples of their offerings include:

Natural & Organic Products for Women
Natural & Organic Products for Men
Natural & Organic Products for Senior Health
Natural & Organic Products for Children
Natural & Organic Products for Babies
Natural & Organic Products for Emotional Health
Natural & Organic Products for Animals
Herbal Tinctures
Arousal Aids
Night Time Leg Calm - For Restless Leg Syndrome & Periodic Limb Movement

Aside from saving 25% with this Nature's Inventory coupon code, they are also currently offering free shipping on orders over $35.

For the best deals, check out their daily deals and clearance sections.

Here is the vegan coupon code to use for a 25% off discount:

SAVE25C


(I also put a widget thingy in the right sidebar and will leave it there for a while to make it easy to come grab the coupon code again without having to find this blog post.)

Printable Vegan Coupon: $1.00 off Alexia Foods Product

There is a printable vegan coupon available at the Alexia Foods website for $1.00 off any Alexia product.

If you aren't familiar with Alexia Foods, you can find their products (sweet potato fries, onion rings, veggie side dishes and more) in the frozen or natural foods section at your local grocery store.

Not all of their products are vegan, but there are several vegan-friendly options available.

To print this vegan coupon, go to the Alexia Foods website. Click on the $1.00 coupon button on the left side of the home page. Enter your name, email address, zip code, favorite Alexia product and such. You will then be taken to a page where you can print out your coupon.

Remember to hit the back button after you print your first copy, which will allow you to print again and end up with two vegan coupons to save even more!

Printable Vegan, Gluten Free Coupon: Save $1.00 on DeBoles, Arrowhead Mills, Imagine, Dream and More!

Visit the Gluten Free Choices website and sign up (requires name, zip, email, etc.) to print a $1.00 off coupon that can be used on a variety of vegan and gluten free products.

This printable gluten free coupon is good for $1.00 off any one Arrowhead Mills, DeBoles Pasta, Tropical Source, Gluten Free Cafe, Imagine Soup or DREAM (Rice Dream, Almond Dream, etc.) product.

**Remember to hit the back button to get a second copy of this printable coupon.

Printable Vegan Coupon: $1.00 off any Cascadian Farm Product

Head over to the Cascadian Farm website and sign up for their newsletter to receive a $1.00 off printable vegan coupon.

Cascadian Farm offers over 75 organic products, including frozen fruits and vegetables, granola bars and cereals. This particular printable coupon is good for $1.00 any of their vegan and/or organic products.

When you get to the website, you will need to enter your name, city, state, zip, email and birthday (just month and year). Once you have signed up, you will receive an email with a link to your printable coupon.

**Remember: You are allowed to print two copies of this type of vegan coupon from each computer, so don't forget to hit the back button to get your second copy!

Three Printable Coupons for Seventh Generation Products

Click the links below for three printable coupons for Seventh Generation Products.

Printable $2.00 Off Coupon for Seventh Generation Diapers, Training Pants or Wipes

Printable $.50 Off Any One Seventh Generation Baby Diapers, Training Pants of Wipes

Printable $.55 Off Any One Seventh Generation Product (Household, Baby or Personal Care)

Fred Meyer Vegan Deals for July 17 through July 23

Fred Meyer has some pretty good deals going on for vegans this week. If you still have the printable vegan coupon for .55 off a So Delicious product (not currently available on their site), you can use that to save even more on the So Delicious Coconut Milk Freddy's has on sale this week.


Organic Produce

Organic Blueberries (1 pint) - 2/$5.00

Organic Peeled Mini Carrots (1 pound) - 2/$3.00

Private Selection Organic Salad (16 oz) - $3.98


Conventional Produce

Large California Oranges - $.79 per pound

Hothouse Bell Peppers - 4/$5.00

Hothouse English Cucumbers - 4/$5.00

Tomatoes on the Vine - $1.28 per pound

Yellow Peaches - $1.48 per pound

Cantaloupe - $.48 per pound

Green Beans - $.98 per pound

Green Cabbage - $.38 per pound

Washington Red Cherries - $1.49 per pound


Canned Foods

Santiam Canned Vegetables - 4/$3.00

Fred Meyer Canned Tomatoes - $.50 (with in-ad coupon)

Fred Meyer Canned Beans - $.50 (with in-ad coupon - excludes organic beans and lima beans)


Vegan Drinks

So Delicious Coconut Milk (1/2 gallon) - 2/$4.00

Fred Meyer Orange Juice (1/2 Gallon) - 4/$5.00

Vitamin Water (20 oz) - $1.00


Other Vegan Foods on Sale

Country Oven Bread - 3/$4.00 (vegan varieties are marked as such on the bottom-left corner of the package)

Fred Meyer 12-Pack Taco Shells - $1.00

Bob's Red Mill (select products) - 30% off

Kettle Chips (4 oz to 8.5 oz) - 2/$5.00

Sweet Baby Ray's Barbecue Sauce - 5/$5.00 (some flavors have honey, so check ingredients when choosing)


Non-Food Deals Vegans Might Like

Seventh Generation Diapers or Wipes - 20% off
**Save more with this $2.00 off printable coupon from Seventh Generation

Emergen-C - $7.98 per box

Kitchen Gadgets - Buy 2, Get 1 Free (with in-ad coupon)

All Home Decor Candles - Buy 1, Get 1 50% Off (with in-ad coupon - good selection of soy candles)

Printable Vegan Coupon: $1.00 off Garden of Eatin' Chips

Vegan coupons are a great way to save money on healthier food options!

This particular vegan coupon is for $1.00 off a bag of Garden of Eatin' chips, which are made from natural ingredients, including organic corn.

To print this vegan coupon, go to the Garden of Eatin' website to complete a short form (name, email, etc.).

You can print this vegan coupon twice, so don't forget to hit the back button after you have printed your first one.

**Deal Idea**

Albertsons has Garden of Eatin' Tortilla Chips on sale for $3.99 until July 19...and we are getting Twice the Value coupons in this Sunday's newspaper. This means folks can save even more by stacking these coupons.

This means that you would use one Twice the Value coupon and one of your printable vegan coupons from Garden of Eatin' to save a total of $2.00 off of the sale price.

Yay for chips made from organic corn for only $1.99 per bag!



Side note: Garden of Eatin' is part of The Hain Celestial Group.

Safeway Organic and Vegan Deals for July 13 through July 19

Here are some of the organic and vegan deals you will find at Safeway this week. Please remember that you will need a Safeway store card to get these sale prices.

Organic Produce:

Organic White Mushrooms (6 oz) – $2.50

Organic Red Leaf Lettuce - $1.99

Organic Green Leaf Lettuce - $1.99

Organic Romaine Lettuce - $1.99

Organic Red Onions -$.79 per pound

Organic Yellow Onions - $.79 per pound


Conventional Produce:

Envy Apples - $1.99 per pound

Apricots - $2.99 per pound

Artichokes – 2/$4.00

Eating Right Baby Carrots – 2/$3.00

Rainier Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Hot House Tomatoes - $1.99 per pound

Zucchini - $.99 per pound

Yellow Squash - $.99 per pound

Fresh Express Salads (9oz to 12 oz bags) - $1.00


Other Sale Items:

Hunt’s Diced Tomatoes (14.5 oz – cans) - $1.00

Safeway Frozen Vegetables (24 to 32 oz) - $1.99 each (w/ in-ad coupon)


Five Dollar Fridays Vegan Deals – Friday Only:

Walla Walla Sweet Onions (10-pound box)

Albertsons Vegan Deals for July 13 through July 19 (Northwest Region)

This looks like a pretty good week for sales on produce and other vegan foods at Albertsons!

Remember: There will be Twice the Value coupons in the newspaper this coming Sunday. You can pair each Twice the Value coupon with one manufacturer's vegan coupon (with a value of up to $1.00 off) to double your savings.

Here are some of the vegan items you can find on sale at Albertsons this week:

Produce

Blueberries (1 pint) - $2.99

Red Cherries - $3.99 per pound

Apricots - $2.99 per pound

Rainier Cherries - $4.99 per pound

Zucchini - $1.49 per pound

Yellow Squash - $1.49 per pound

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $1.29 per pound

Green Leaf, Red Leaf or Romaine Lettuce - $1.29 each

Green Cabbage - $.69 per pound

Farm Stand Iceberg Lettuce - $.48 each

Wild Harvest Romaine Hearts (3-count package) - $2.99

Sweet Corn - $.59

Peaches - $1.99 per pound

Nectarines - $1.99 per pound

Plums - $1.99 per pound

Hot House Tomatoes - $1.69 per pound

Asparagus - $3.99 per pound

Strawberries (1-pound package) – 2/$5.00

Strawberries (4-pound package) - $8.99

Pluots - $2.99 per pound

Pink Lady Apples - $1.99 per pound

Clementine Tangerines (3-pound bag) - $7.99

Jalapeno Peppers - $1.49 per pound

Seedless Watermelon Bowls (52 oz) - $5.99

Dole Salad Blends (6 oz to 12 oz bags/select varieties) – 2/$5.00


Drinks

Florida’s Natural Orange Juice (59 oz) - $3.49

Albertsons 100% Orange Juice (64 oz) - $2.99


Other Vegan Foods on Sale

Wonderful In-Shell Pistachios (10 oz) - $4.99

Blue Diamond Almonds (16 oz) - $5.99

Albertsons Balsamic Vinegar (16.9 oz) - $3.99

Smart Balance Cooking Oil (48 oz) - $4.49
**There is also a $.75 off coupon in the 7/10 newspaper.

Bertolli Olive Oil (Extra Light or Extra Virgin, 25.5 oz) - $6.99

Guerrero Corn Tortillas (80-count package) – 2/$6.00
**Go to the Guerrero website for a $1.00 off coupon to save even more!

Albertsons Pitted Olives (6 oz cans) - $1.39

Libby’s Vegetables (14.5 to 15.25 oz cans, select varieties) - $.99

S&W Beans (15 to 15.5 oz cans) - $1.19
**Go to the S&W website for a $.75 off three coupon to save even more!

A.1. Steak Sauce (10 oz) - $3.79

Garden of Eatin’ Tortilla Chips (16 oz) - $3.99
**Go to the Garden of Eatin' website for a $1.00 off vegan coupon to save even more!

Annie’s Naturals Salad Dressing – 2/$6.00 (only some are vegan)

Better Oats Oatmeal – 4/$5.00

Patio Gardening Update

As I've mentioned before, I'm not exactly known for having green thumbs. With my past gardening fails, I'm pleasantly surprised at how well my little patio garden is doing this year.

I think the grow bags (which I'm currently using for tomatoes and peppermint) have definitely helped - as has the addition of the little greenhouse, which is now home to peppermint, spearmint, basil, oregano and cilantro.

While I'm certainly not yet growing enough to cut back on trips to the market, it's satisfying to grow even a small amount of my own vegan foods that come right from my patio and are grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

Here are a couple of pics of how things are going so far.


Tomatoes, bell peppers and serrano chiles:

My smallest bell pepper plant is the only one that has decided to produce anything so far:

And here is a pic of the greenhouse (this is actually from a few weeks ago, so things have been rearranged and have grown more since then):

Fred Meyer Vegan Deals for July 10 through July 16

This is a good week for produce sales at Fred Meyer!

Here are some of the best deals Fred Meyer has on vegan and organic items this week:

Organic Produce:

Organic Grape Tomatoes (10 oz) - 2/$4.00

Organic Mangos - 5/$5.00


Conventional Produce:

Washington-Grown Rainier Cherries - $3.48 per pound

White or Yellow Corn - 5/$2.00

Clementine Mandarins (three pounds) - $4.88 each

Variety Melons - $.68 per pound

White Peaches - $1.68 per pound

Peaches - $1.68 per pound

Raspberries (1/2 pint) - 2/$4.00

blueberries (two pounds) - $4.98

Apricots - $2.49 per pound

Bok Choy - $.79 per pound

Napa Cabbage - $.79 per pound

Leaf Lettuce - 5/$5.00

Radishes - 2/$.88

Green Onions - 2/$.88

Yellow Squash - $.79 per pound

Zuccini Squash - $.79 per pound

Greens (Mustard, Collard, Kale, Red Chard) - 5/$5.00


Other Vegan Items:

Amy's Kitchen Whole Meals - 2/$7.00 (only some are vegan)

Boulder Chips - 2/$5.00

Nature's Gate Personal Care Products - 20% off

Vitamin Water (20 oz) - 10/$10.00

Fred Meyer Bagels - 2/$3.00 (I believe these are vegan, but need to confirm next time I'm there)

Vegan Coupons in July 10 Newspaper

Sunday newspapers are a great place to get coupons, but we rarely see very many good vegan coupons in the inserts. That is why I was pleasantly surprised to see a vegan coupon or two in today's paper.

Here are the vegan coupons you can pick up today:

(From the SmartSource insert)

$1.00 of any two Smart Balance Buttery Spreads or Buttery Sticks (the light version is vegan)

$.75 off any one Smart Balance Rich Roast Peanut Butters

$.75 off any one Smart Balance Cooking Oil or Cooking Spray

$.75 off any one Smart Balance Popcorn (I believe there is a vegan option for this)

$1.00 off any one half gallon of Silk non-dairy milk

$1.00 off any two bags of Sour Patch Soft & Chewy Candy (This is made by Kraft, but is on PETA's list of accidentally vegan products)


Vegetarian folks, or those simply trying to eat healthier, might also be interested in these coupons:

$1.50 off any one carton of Smart Balance milk (This is NOT a vegan coupon)

$.75 off any one Smart Balance Omega Plus Light Mayonnaise Dressing (This is NOT a vegan coupon)

The Red Plum insert also has a coupon that might be good for vegan couponers, but I'm not sure. There is a $1.00 off coupon for any Nature's Bounty vitamin or supplement. I know this company offers several vegetarian options and does offer some supplements in vegetarian capsules; however, I'm not sure how many vegan options are available.

If you do not receive a Sunday newspaper at home, but are interested in these vegan coupons, here are a few ways you can obtain them:

- Ask friends, family members or coworkers who have newspaper subscriptions
- Ask local coffee shops if you can have the inserts from the papers they put out for customers
- Check local coffee shops for papers customers may have left behind for others to enjoy
- Visit a nearby recycling center


Of course, you can also run out and buy a Sunday paper, but if you do not have other uses for it, these are eco-friendlier options for just obtaining the vegan coupons you want without increasing demand for print newspapers and ending up with a newspaper that needs to be recycled.

**Also remember that coupon inserts vary by region, so the vegan coupons available in your region might be for a different amount off - or you could have some completely different vegan coupons.

Fred Meyer Vegan Deals for July 3 to July 9

Here are some of the best vegan deals at Fred Meyer this week:

Bulk Sunspire Trail Mix – 25% off

Kettle Bulk Deluxe Mixed Nuts or Cashews - $4.99 per pound

White Wave Silk Soy Milk (64 oz) - $2.79

Private Selection Organic Salad (5-9 oz) – 2/$5.00

Fresh Selection 3-Pack Tri-Color Peppers - $3.98

Walla Walla Sweet Onions - $.78 per pound

Organic Red Raven Plums - $1.68 per pound

Roma Tomatoes - $.89 per pound

Red, White or Yukon Gold Potatoes - $.58 per pound

Washington Red Cherries - $1.68 per pound

Strawberries (16 oz) – 2/$4.00

Kiwis – 3/$1.00

Gold Pineapple – 2/$5.00

Organic Blueberries (18 oz) - $4.98

Asparagus - $2.78 per pound

Mangos - $.68 each

Peeled Mini Carrots (2 pounds) – 2/$4.00

Personal Watermelon or Tuscan Cantaloupe – 2/$6.00

Fresh-Cut Fruit Bowls – 25% off

Private Selection Frozen Berries (12-24oz, selected varieties) – 2/$5.00

Pistachios (1 pound) - $5.88

Country Oven Bread* – 3/$4.00 (first six with in-ad coupon)

Nabisco Oreos - $1.99 (first two with in-ad coupon)

*To find Country Oven Bread products that are vegan, look at the bottom-left corner on the front of the package – the vegan varieties will state “vegan” in that spot.

Vegan Deals: Safeway Sales on Vegan Foods & Drinks July 6 to July 12

Here are some of the best deals available on vegan products at Safeway this week.

**Remember: You will need to have a Safeway Club Card to get these sale prices.

Morningstar Farms, select varieties - $3.99 (only a few options are vegan)

Organic Strawberries (2 pounds) - $5.00 (Friday July 8 only)

O Organics Salads (5-7 oz) – 2/$6.00

O Organics Blueberries (1 pint) - $4.99

Organic Red Grapefruit - $.99 each

Organic Broccoli or Cauliflower - $1.79 per pound

Rainier Cherries - $4.99 per pound

White, Red or Gold Gourmet Potatoes (2 pounds) – 2/$6.00

Romaine, Green Leaf or Red Leaf Lettuce - $.99 each

Spinach - $.99 each

On-the-Vine Cluster Tomatoes - $1.99 per pound

Green Onions – 2/$1.00

Radishes – 2/$1.00

Dulcinea Mini Watermelons or Tuscan Cantaloupes – Buy One, Get One Free (Save up to $4.99 on 2)

Kettle Chips (9 oz) – 2/$6.00

Safeway Canned Vegetables - $.69 each

Nabisco Oreos – 2/$6.00

Sales vary by region, so check your local ad circular to confirm that these vegan deals are going on where you live.

Vegan Deals at Albertsons for July 6 through July 12

Here are some of the deals you can find this week at Albertsons for vegan foods and drinks:

Dole Classic Romaine, Greener Selection, Just Lettuce or Spinach (9-12 oz bags) - $1.88

Vitamin Water (20 oz bottles) - $.88

Blackberries (6 oz package) – 2/$5.00

Raspberries (6 oz package) - $2.99

Raspberries (1/2 flat) - $12.99

Blueberries (1 pint) - $2.99

Blueberries (2 pounds) - $8.99

Strawberries (1 pound) – 2/$5.00

Strawberries (4 pounds) - $7.99

Sweet Corn - $.59 each

Anjou Pears - $1.29 per pound

Rainier Cherries - $5.99 per pound

Casaba, Crenshaw or Orange Flesh Melons - $.99 per pound

Clementine Tangerines (3 pounds) - $7.99

Farm Stand Baby-Cut Carrots (1 pound) - $1.69

Zucchini or Yellow Squash - $ $1.49 per pound

Green Leaf, Red Leaf or Romaine Lettuce - $1.29 each

Plums - $1.99 per pound

On-the-Vine tomatoes - $1.99 per pound

Wild Harvest Green Onions (6 oz) - $1.99

Food Should Taste Good Chips (5.5 oz) – 2/$5.00 (I believe only some flavors are vegan)

Nabisco Oreos (11.3 to 16.6 oz) - $2.99

Also -- Clif Bars and Luna Bars are part of the 10/$10 Mix, Match & Save promotion this week, which means if you buy any combination of 10 of these items, they will be $1.00 each.

Vegan Deals: Top Foods Sales on Vegan Foods for July 6 to July 12

Top Foods (www.top-foods.com) tends to be a bit pricier than other grocery stores in my area; however, they do sometimes have good deals in their weekly sales circular.

If you are a Top Foods shopper, here are some of the vegan deals you will find there during this ad cycle:

One pound container of Limited Edition Organic Strawberries - $2.98 each

Iceberg Lettuce - $.89 each

Broccoli or Cauliflower - $.79 per pound

Mangos - $.69 each

Green Peppers or Cucumbers - $.79 each

Rainier Cherries - $4.98 per pound

Cilantro bunches - $.59 each

Organic Chard - $2.00 each

Full Circle Organic Beans 15 oz cans – 4/$5.00

Food Should Taste Good chips – 2/$4.00 (not sure if all flavors are vegan, but some are)

Back to Nature Granola 12-13.5 oz packages - $3.99 (only some flavors are vegan)

**Also: In this week’s sales circular, there is a coupon for $1.00 off any produce item with any $10.00 purchase.

No More Twice the Value Coupons at Albertsons Customer Service Desks

Since the introduction of Extreme Couponing on TLC and the following surge in coupon use, we have seen stores changing their coupon policies by adding limits to the numbers of coupons used or other little tweaks to curb overzealous couponers.
The most recent of these coupon policy changes comes from Albertsons, which will no longer be handing out Twice the Value coupons at in-store customer service desks.

Twice the Value coupons are store coupons that Albertsons periodically puts out in Sunday papers. Each coupon can be matched with a manufacturer’s coupon of up to $1.00 in value, which results in doubling the coupon for twice the savings. Three Twice the Value coupons can be used per transaction, and most Albertson’s allow three consecutive transactions per customer in one shopping trip. These Twice the Value coupons were also available at the customer service desk, which allowed folks to enjoy these savings – even if they did not purchase Sunday newspapers.

Unfortunately, some folks were going a bit overboard and doing things like sneaking behind the customer service desk and taking the entire box of Twice the Value coupons, stealing the inserts out of Sunday papers, selling the coupons on Craig’s List or acquiring mass amounts of them and holding up lines with 20+ transactions in a row after clearing the shelves of product.

In response, Albertsons is changing its policy, which should allow for better management of stock and help to ensure that more folks will be able to take advantage of great sales with coupon matchups.

Here are the most significant points of which to be aware:

• Albertsons stores will no longer distribute Twice the Value coupons at in-store customer services desks as of July 17, 2011.
• Twice the Value coupons will no longer be distributed in Wyoming and Montana (in stores or in newspapers).
• Customers will still be able to use up to three sets of Twice the Value coupons in one shopping trip.

The biggest downside to this is that people will now have to purchase Sunday papers or acquire the coupons in other ways – recycling bin diving, asking friends or co-workers, etc. – instead of just stopping by the desk to grab one of the inserts.

This change in the availability of Albertsons coupons is being reported on by coupon bloggers across the country – here are links to a few of the blogs where you can read more or see excerpts from the official emails the bloggers received form Albertsons explaining the changes.

The Coupon Project
Coupon Connections
Queen Bee Coupons

50% off @ ECOlunchboxes.com After Completing a Bolder Challenge

If you haven't heard of Bolder yet, you might want to get on over to their website and check it out. On the Bolder site, you can take challenges and get rewards, which range from discounts and coupons to trees being planted or donations made to good causes.

For example, right now you can complete the challenge posted by ECOlunchboxes and earn a 50% discount on your next purchase of one of their reusable, eco-friendly lunch bags, containers or sets.

Here is how it works:
Go to the ECOlunchboxes challenge posted on Bolder.
Complete the challenge, which is to pack a snack without using plastic.
Post a message about how you completed the challenge.
You will then be given a discount code for 50% off, which is good at the ECOlunchboxes website.
You will also receive an email with the code, so you don't have to use it immediately.

While you are at the Bolder website, check out some of the other challenges currently available. While I was there today, I completed a challenge to have a tree planted and one where the challenge poster will eat vegan for one day for each action completed.

Sabra Hummus Deal at Albertsons - Through Tuesday, June 28

Here is a breakdown of the Sabra hummus deal at Albertsons (that I mentioned on Twitter).

Regular Price: $4.99
Sale Price: $3.99 (with store card)
Use $1.00 off one Sabra product from Sunday (6/26/2011) Smart Source insert
Use one Albertsons Twice the Value coupon (also from Sunday paper)

Final Price: $1.99

This deal is good through Tuesday, June 28.

Occasionally, Fred Meyer will do a sale on the Sabra hummus for two for $5.00. This makes them $2.50 each (since Freddy's doesn't make you buy two to get the two-for price). If you use a $1.00 manufacturer coupon with that sale, you can actually get a better deal by getting them for $1.50 each. However, I don't know if Fred Meyer will be doing that sale before these coupons expire.

And - of course - it is even cheaper to make your own hummus, which also allows you to avoid the plastic packaging.

Vegan Extreme Couponing: Example and Intro

A few folks have been contacting me to ask more about vegan couponing and exactly how it works. Of course, there is always the common way of simply using a coupon to save a bit of money the next time you go to the grocery store. But there is a better way to use vegan coupons that can save you even more.

It appears that the recent increase in interest regarding couponing is tied to the popularity of the TLC show, Extreme Couponing. So I think it’s important to get a couple of misconceptions out of the way before I talk much about how you can partake in some vegan-style extreme couponing.

For starters, a lot of long-time couponers absolutely hate this show, noting that it gives couponers a bad name and makes us look like a bunch of shelf-clearing hoarders. On the other hand, there are also plenty of folks who are happy to see a wider audience of consumers becoming aware of the potential for significant savings with couponing done right.

Read the rest of this post over at my new blog at www.CheapVeganChick.com. 

Patio Gardening: Loving My Grow Bag!

My thumbs are not as green as I would like them to be, but my patio garden is almost convincing me otherwise this year. While I would like to take all the credit for making my plants happy, I’m pretty sure it has more to do with some changes I’ve made in their living arrangements.

For one, I bought an Oregon Breather Grow Bag to try out with a tomato plant. I only purchased one grow bag, since I didn’t really want to make much of an investment in them before I tested it out. I was intrigued by the idea of grow bags providing better drainage, being healthier for roots and working as an eco-friendlier option for container gardening. I chose this particular grow bag because it is made in the USA from recycled materials, shipped from just a few hours from where I live and can be reused each year.

Now that I have been using it for about a month, I’m totally crushing on it and am planning to order more. The handles (which you can't really see in the pic - sorry) make it easy to move around whenever I decide I need to redesign my patio garden, and I actually really like the simple, clean look of it.

Also - I can’t believe how much the tomato plant has grown and how happy it is – which may not seem very impressive to all of you expert urban gardeners, but this is a definite win for me.

The other change I made this year was getting a tiny greenhouse, which I will write about in a separate post.

Side note: I am not at all affiliated with House of Green – the makers of this grow bag – and they have no idea I am writing this. If you are interested in checking out their grow bags, you can visit their website here. If you look locally, you might also be able to find a company that makes similar bags in your area.

Save $1.00 on Florida Crystals Organic Agave Nectar

I don’t generally use cane sugar when I bake, but I have used Florida Crystals organic sugar and was very pleased with the results. I also like that Florida Crystals is certified carbon free, their organic sugars are certified organic and they use no animal by-products in the production of their organic and natural sugars.

They have now introduced a new product that I am excited to try: organic agave nectar. And to make things even sweeter, they are currently offering a coupon for $1.00 off any Florida Crystals organic agave nectar product.

To get this printable vegan coupon, visit the Florida Crystals website. Look towards the bottom right of the home page to see where to click to print out your $1.00 off coupon.

I have been carrying around my coupon in my coupon binder and hoping for a chance to use it, but I have not yet found a store selling this product in my area. So if anyone knows where they sell Florida Crystals organic agave nectar in the Seattle-Tacoma area, please let me know!

Make Your Own Natural, Vegan Toothpaste - Easy DIY Tips and Recipes

I've always admired those women and men who make all of their own soap and toiletries, grow and can their own food, live off of the grid with their DIY solar panels and whatnot, and just generally live in an almost completely self-sustaining manner.

Now, I really don't have much of an excuse for not doing that myself. I know how to make soap, I know how to can food and I reckon I could figure out how to install a solar panel (or better yet, delegate it to my partner). So, really my only excuse would be coming up with the upfront cash to buy the land and set up housekeeping in a manner that befits this lifestyle.

So, while we work out that little kink, my partner and I are always looking for new ways to go one step further and incorporate eco-friendly, natural, cost-effective (and, of course, vegan) products and habits into our life. We grow some of our own food in a patio garden, make about half of our personal care products, buy organic when we can and so forth.

Making our own toothpaste is one of those little steps and, really, I had no idea it was so easy to make my own toothpaste, or I would have been doing it a long time ago. Starting from a baking soda base, you can easily (and cheaply) make your own vegan, natural, eco-friendly, inexpensive toothpaste that the whole family will love.

I researched a ton of articles online to find little tidbits of info and recipe ideas in order to determine what would work best for us. So, I thought I would share that info with you just in case you are also thinking of easy, cheap ways to go green and improve your family's health and wellness.

Making your own toothpaste really is an easy and cost-effective way to take control of the products you use, save money and lower your impact on the environment. You probably already have everything you need and it will take you about five minutes to mix up your first batch. Plus, when you make your own stuff you know for sure that it doesn't have any animal products and that it hasn't been tested on animals.

For tips and recipes, check out this article: How to Make Your Own Toothpaste


**I apologize for making you click a link to get to my article on how to make toothpaste. When I wrote the article, I sold it (with exclusive rights) to the site that it now lives on, so I am not allowed to publish it separately on the blog -- I can only link to it.