Got the Savings Blues....

Well, Philip is turning in his notice at his job today. This means we have 2 and a half months to really save up before we have to really suck it in to keep the bills paid and the savings afloat.

Somehow, organics and saving money don't seem to go together. This distresses me.

I went to the grocery store yesterday, and because of the yuckiness on the roads I couldn't hit Greenlife, so I went to Publix instead. Publix tends to have a better selection of organics and humanely raised meats than Bi-lo, but still leaves something to be desired. For example, can a sister get some organic bacon in a chain grocery store????? Not in Chattanooga, apparently. I settled for Boar's Head, because after watching Food, Inc. there was no way in you-know-where that I was going to buy a standard, national brand. Still, I have my doubts and would prefer to buy my bacon from the meat case at Greenlife....but I needed it now!

Second, why don't large grocers have bulk bins? Why, why, why? I need my cane sugar, but I am not going to pay $4 for a container of the stuff when I could get the same amount for around $2.50 from the bulk bin and put it in my own container.

And don't even get me started on cereal. My husband eats a gigantic bowl of cereal every weekday morning. Cereal is expensive, but before my foray into the organic world, I bought huge quantities on sale using coupons and saved unbelievable amounts of money on cereal. Now....not so much. Geez. Even the Publix Greenwise brand of organic cereal is freakin' expensive. The flax flakes are affordable at $2.35 a box, but everything else is over $3.00....the same price as the Kashi, Cascadian Farm, and other organic/natural brands. With this, I have a problem! Plus, I have bought Philip flax flakes for two weeks now, and the man needs his variety! I swear, I need to learn to make my own cereal!!!!

I did manage to get some Seventh Generation stuff with coupons at Target.....dish liquid and dishwasher gel. If you go to their website and register, you can print their coupons too. And if you haven't heard of Mambo Sprouts, check it out...in fact, most major organic producers do offer some coupons. You just have to keep checking back.

To me, though, this is all a matter of principle. I am determined to do this, to maintain a sustainable lifestyle. I will eat out less....and honestly, the more I cook really great food at home, the more restaurants lose their appeal. I guess that's a good thing! I will cut back on spending in other areas to make this work. I will sell my wares (Pampered Chef, painted glass, jewelry) to finance my lifestyle. I'll do what I have to do....this is part of my calling.