This is a guest post written by Crystal Paine, from Money Saving Mom. Be sure not to miss our giveaway below this post for Crystal’s new book The Money Saving Mom®‘s Budget.
Many people have this misguided idea that it is impossible to feed your family a whole foods on a budget. If you live in Alaska or some remote part of the country, this may be the case, but in most areas, you can feed your family natural, unprocessed foods without spending hundreds of dollars each week to do so.
Sure, you might spend a little bit more than someone who is eating a diet composed mostly of processed foods, but it really doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg as some people will make you
think–especially if you’re willing to get creative and think outside the box.
Now, let me be upfront and tell you that our weekly meal plans probably wouldn’t win us the Healthiest Family of the Year award. We eat some processed foods (though we do make the majority of our food from scratch), we like sweets and we certainly do not eat 100% organic.
I know some people are really bothered by this, but we strive to have a balance of serving lots of fresh fruits, veggies and whole grains while still enjoying the occasional brownies and ice cream or even letting our children have a Happy Meal every now and then (gasp! Can you believe it?!)
So, despite the fact that I’m not the most knowledgeable and experienced person to be tackling this issue, here are some suggestions:
1. Plan a Menu Based Upon What is In Season and On Sale
If you want to feed your family on a budget, you need to have a plan for what you’ll be eating. If you can make your menu plan mostly based upon what is on sale at the natural foods store, what is in season at the Farmer’s Market and/or what you’re reaping in abundance from your garden, you’re going to significantly reduce your grocery bill.
2. Practice the “Buy Ahead” Principle
If you happen to come upon an incredible sale on tomatoes at the Farmer’s Market, or the health food store has organic frozen vegetables on a great sale, stock up. Buying items you routinely use when
they are at their lowest price is another surefire way to savings.
3. Plant a Garden (Or Barter With Someone Who Does!)
If you can pull it off, plant a garden. Produce is typically only pennies per item from your own backyard, it’s tremendously fresh and you know exactly what you did or didn’t spray on it. Plus, you can can or freeze your extras–or bless your friends and neighbors with them!
Have a brown thumb? Find a friend who loves gardening and trade services (babysitting, breadbaking, car maintenance?) in exchange for their garden excess.
4. Stick With Simple Meals Using Inexpensive Ingredients
When you’re planning your menu, think about how much your recipes will cost you to make. It doesn’t have to be a scientific to-the-penny figure, but just having a good idea that there is a $10 difference between the price of making one meal as opposed to another meal can help you decide whether you can afford to make something or perhaps should save it for a special occasion.
5. Serve Meat as a Condiment
I shamelessly stole this idea from Family Feasts for $75 Per Week because it’s so brilliant. Serving meat in soup or on pizza is going to be a lot less expensive than serving roast and sirloin,
especially if you’re buying high-quality meat.
Need ideas? Laura shows you how to make six meals out of one chicken.
6. Buy in Bulk
It is usually much more cost-effective to purchase meat and staple ingredients in bulk. Call around to local farmers and see what they would charge you for purchasing half a cow. In many cases, it’s at
least $1 cheaper per pound to purchase in bulk. Buying grains, beans, as well as many other basic ingredients with long storage lives in large quantities will almost always save you at least 20%, if not more.
Costco, as well as many bulk foods stores and local co-ops, offer great pricing. You can also check with your local health food store to see if they’d offer you a discount for bulk purchases.
7. Consider Joining a CSA or Co-Op
If there is a co-op or CSA in your area, check into pricing and details for joining. You might find that it is an affordable and money-saving option for your family. If you can’t find an affordable co-op in your area, you could consider starting your own co-op.
8. Use Coupons on Non-Food Items
I know a number of my readers don’t eat processed foods, but they use coupons to save money on toilet paper, toothbrushes and other non-food items which they purchase. Your savings might not be so exciting as others who use dozens of coupons each shopping trip, but even saving $5 each week by using coupons can start to add up over time.
Crystal Paine is a wife, homeschool mom to three, self-proclaimed minimalist, lover of dark chocolate and good coffee (those can be “healthful” in moderation, right?) and wannabe runner. For practical help and inspiration to get your life and finances in order, check out her blog, MoneySavingMom or purchase a copy of her brand-new book, The Money Saving Mom®‘s Budget.
Interested in winning a copy of Crystal’s new book, The Money Saving Mom®‘s Budget? They’ve offered to give away five copies! Leave a comment on this post for a chance to win. I’ll draw five random winners on Monday, January 16. Please watch for a post stating the winner as you will be responsible for contacting me if your name is chosen!
Would be great to win a copy.
I’d love to have a copy of that book. We tend to be very frugal, but I’m always interested in new ways to save more while still eating whole foods.
I would love to read this!
Can’t wait to read Crystal’s new book, one way or the other. :)
I am always interested is saving money and with 3 boys and one girl, we like to eat! =0)
cooperkelly4@yahoo dot com
Definitely looking forward to reading this book!
Would love to read that book !!
Never hurts to try to shave a few more dollars off the bills!
I would love to read the book
Oh, please, please, please! I would love to win!
How exciting! Thanks for this chance :)
I would like to read this book – pick me.
I received some birthday money and this book is sitting in my shopping cart on Amazon! I just hadn’t purchased it yet. I would love to win!
I would love to win!!
Would love to win the book!
I’d love to win Crystal’s book! I love her blog.
I really, really want to read this book!
Great post! Sounds like a book I need!
I’d love to read this book. I’ll have to check out her blog too!
I actually found your blog through Crystal’s. I am glad too as I want to feed my family of 6 more whole foods Nd don’t think I’ll be perfect at it. I’m glad that you’re honest (and pretty funny too) about your life. :)
I would LOVE to have a copy of her new book!! I am always looking for new money-saving ideas!
I would love to read Crystal’s book!
I’d love a copy!
im always needing another good book to read.
Would LOVE to win! Looks like a great book!
I’d like to note for those hoping to use coupons that you CAN use them on food items too. Yes, your biggest savings might come from non-food items. But you can absolutely find coupons for food items.
My advice there is to go to the websites of foods you enjoy. Everything has a company connection. Actually, Pom (they produce the juice AND the whole fruits in the produce aisle) frequently has coupons in the Sunday inserts. There are always coupons for various salad greens too. And frozen veggies. But if you don’t see a brand you like, try looking on their website and/or Facebook page. Olivia’s Organics and Udi’s are two of my favorites and both frequently offer coupons via website or FB. Don’t limit yourself to bulk buying when often smaller purchases with coupons is a better deal. Co-ops often accept coupons too.
I am really interested in getting this book! We seem to have gotten a little stuck in our “pay-down-the-debt” plans and need some inspiration and a little bit of how-to.
Would love to win this book! I found your website a few months ago and it has been so helpful in learning to replace what we eat with more whole foods. I know I can always look to your blog to find recipes that promote health and don’t compromise on taste!
Thanks for the giveaway, would love to win a copy!!
been looking forward to this book
Very encouraging post… Needed these tips! Thanks!!
I love Crystal’s blog and would love to win a copy of her book!
I’d love to win a copy!
I read her blog too and I would love to win a copy.
I would love to read this book.
Great tips! I love to shop the deals and stock up! It really makes a difference in how much I spend! I would love to win a free book!
Just telling hubby we should buy this book, winning it would be better. :)
I would love to win a copy of this book! I’ve been intrigued since I first heard about it. Thanks for the giveaway!
I Would love to have a copy of this book.
Keeping my fingers crossed that I will be one of the lucky five to win this great book!
Would love to read this!!
I would love a copy : )
Thank you for this offer!
Yes, please!
I follow MoneySavingMom now and would love to win her book.
Great tips, can’t wait to read the book! Hope I win! I need it.
I would love this!
I would love to win a copy!
Sounds like a great book!!
I would love to win a copy of the book.
I would love to read this book!
Our family LOVES to be thrifty. I hope I win the Money Saving Mom’s Budget.
Sounds like a great book
Great post! Some tips there that I hope to put into practice this year.
Thanks for the new tips, and reminding me of some I’ve forgotten!
Would love to win this book. I have two (almost three) teenage boys and constantly work to tweak our food budget – these are great tips!
Great tips. I follow MSM she has very practical tips on saving money.
MSM is such a great website.
I’d love to win her book!
I would love to win a copy of MSM budget!
I’d love to win a copy.
I’d love to read this book!
There are always new things to learn. Thanks for the giveaway.
I am dying to read her book! It’s all over all the blogs I follow!!
I’d love to win this book!
I would LOVE to win this book!
Have heard great things about this book!
I can’t wait to read it.
I really want your book! I definitely need some help learning how to stretch our money and be wise!
Sounds like a good read!
I would love this, thanks!
Great tips, thanks for sharing. The book would be a super resource!
I’d love this! We live in France where it is hard to find good food for a good price, so tips for stretching the budget would be wonderful!
would love to read this book!
Would love to win her book!
Great ideas! This book sounds like an excellent, practical resource – would love to have a copy :)
Please enter me!
Would love to win, thanks!
I would love to win this book!
I would love a copy of this book! Thank you!
I would LOVE a copy! I have 3 Boys in my life INCLUDING my WONDERFUL HUSBAND! I amm on a mission to feed my family well, and have a year supply of food on hand for emergencies, no I am not LDS , but some family members are!…..Here is what Is WE do…….I do BLOG / Newsletter work for a local CSA, in return we get our veggies for free. I ripped out the flower beds along our new house, VEGGIES here I come! My husband works at a lifeflight Eagle base. They have a large raised garden that all can plant and harvest from, Our beens will be planted there. We both hunt so we have two deer in the freezer, I also make homemade deer stock instead of beef stock for use in soups and sauces. I have our local walmart price match EVERYTHING the other grocery stores are 30-40 min. away!I use online coupons when I can.
THANK YOU! I placed my first order with TROPICAL TRADITIONS, I ordered 2 gallons of coconut oil, coconut flour, and shredded coconut…I can’t wait!
Looks like an interesting read!
i would SO love to win this book! any way to help feeding my FOUR BOYS on a slim budget would be awesome!!!! :)
Thanks so much for your wonderful site. You have so many great recipes and resources. I would love a copy of the book!
I’ve been seeing posts from several of my friends on facebook about this book. I’d love to win!
Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for the giveaway!
Looks helpful! thanks!
Great tips. I’m trying to feed my little family of 3 (including my adorable 10 month old boy) a healthy diet on a very limited budget and I’ll take all the advice I can get!
I read your site and money saving mom every day! I would love to win this book!
Eating natural and organic foods in our area is very hard to do. Can’t wait to read your new book!!!!!!
Would love to read this book.
Please put my name in the “hat”. Thanks.
Thank you for the great tips :)
I’d love to win a copy!
I’d love to read this book. I’m definitely working towards tweaking our food budget this year.
Love Crystal. Would love the book. ;)
I LOVE your tips on feeding a family on a budget! We are about to become a family of 6 and I am already finding that with our family of 5 I have to start doubling most of the meals, but not all of them because our current youngest is a toddler. This summer I planted a container garden (I think I had 20 containers?) and that included 7 tomato plants. My hubby and I were amazed at how much we saved at the grocery store by taking the time to grow just some of our produce. We didn’t have enough to can or freeze, though, because the kids kept eating everything as soon as it ripened? Got any tips to keep the two-legged animals out of the garden? :)
Thanks for offering the giveaway, too. This would be a great book to read!
I would LOVE to win a copy of her book! Thanks!
[email protected]
Thank you for the opportunity. I would be interested in reading this book!
Sounds good. I’ll have to look into some of these options
I would love a chance to win a copy of the book!! Thank you!!
would love to win this book! Thank you so much:)
Great article! Would also love to win the book as well.
I really want to win this book!
Love this giveaway!!!
I would really love to read this book!
I am excited about the Money Saving Mom book! Can’t wait to read it! Thanks for the opportunity!
Great tips and a great giveaway!
Sounds like a great book!
I would love to add this book to my library. I’ve been following Crystal’s blog for many years. Thanks for the giveaway.
I want to read her book! :-)
Thanks for the great tips.
I love the emphasis on eating good food AND saving money. Good topic!
I need all the help I can get!
I’d love to read this. Heard great things about it.
Yeah!!! I’ve been waiting for her book to come out. Thanks :)
I’ve been reading both of your blogs for years, so I am excited to see this! We’re working on our budget and could surely find some helpful tips :) Thanks for the chance!
Great tips. I wish CSAs were affordable where I live–they are around $700 for a very short season. Our local farmer’s market is expanding a bit, though. I’d love to win a copy of the book.
I would love to win this book! Thanks for sharing the 8 Great Tips –some we currently follow and others will be something we’ll definitely work on.
I just checked out the Money Saving Mom website–it’s now bookmarked :) I would love to read the book! Hopefully I’ll win a copy. Thanks for the opportunity!
Great Giveaway! I’d love to win this!
Thanks for the ideas. We’ve been planting a garden and just this year started canning/preserving the produce. Your site helps me with that!
I would love to read this book
I would love to win a copy of that book!
Great giveaway!! I sure could use the help!
I’d LOVE a copy of the book.
Would love to win this book, looks like a fabulous resource!!
I would love to win!
Would love to start saving where i can in the grocery area…put me in!!!
Love your blog … would love a copy of the book .. thanks!
I would love to win a copy of the book. I love the article on stretching chicken… I currently do this!
Would love to read this book!
Thank you for having this giveaway. I have been a follower of Crystal’s site for a yr now and love it.
Would love to have this book. :-)
great giveaway!
Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.
I am a regular reader of Crystal’s blog. I would love to have a copy of her book!
I’d love to win this book. Hubby and I have noticed our grocery bill inching up though we’ve stuck to our regular meal plans. Nothing fancy. This book would be a great help!
I’d love a chance to win a copy, thanks!
Thanks for all those great tips. I love the “meat as a condiment” mindset. And thanks for the giveaway!
I would love to win her book!
Would love to add this book to the family library so my girls can read it too.
PICK ME PICK ME :) Always love new ways to save money and eat healthier :)!
I would love to win a copy of this book for my family! I’m new to all this and need as much help as I can get! :D
would love to read more ideas from her book!
I would love to win a copy :)!
I would love to win the book. Thanks for the chance!
I read her blog and would love to read her book!
These are great ideas. We already do some, but can always do better. Thank you Laura for real encouragement and great recipes!
would love the book!
I would love to win this!
Great tips! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for your wonderful website and thank you for sharing these great tips with all of us! The book looks absolutely wonderful! Thanks so much for the opportunity to enter the contest! Have a blessed day!
I would love to win this book! I am planning on purchasing several copies to give to mom and sisters for their birthday/Valentine’s Day whatever holiday I can use to give it to them! LOL
I’ve been reading Crystal’s blog for a long time (as well as yours) and am very excited for her this week. I’d love to read her new book.
I’d love to win the book. Big fan of Money Saving Mom!
As always, great tips! Thanks! And I would love to win the book, I found your site through Money Saving Mom, as well as a number of wonderful information.
Great ideas ! Sometimes we need to rethink how we eat to make better eating work.
Just ran across your site and I am inspired! Thanks for the wonderful information.
Love the tips Crystal is offering. I read both your blog and hers daily. You two ladies are both very inspirational to so many of us. Thanks for the advice, and the chance to win.
Hi Laura! I just recently started reading Crystal’s blog & I’d love to win a copy of the book! I really need some inspiration & guidance on getting our finances in order!
I would love to win this book!
Great tips! Wish I could find a co-op where I live. I’m sure that would help the budget big time. Jealous of all you out there that have this option….def make use of it! You won’t be sorry!
I love articles like this one. One of my goals this year is to lower the amount of money I spent on groceries and dining out. So far so good. I just always seem to crave veggies that are out of season :) I can’t wait to read this book
One further tip is to check out farmer’s markets, even in large cities. At the Union Square green market in NYC, the vendors often mark down prices at 4 pm (about an hour before closing) to make the deals even better.
I love to win this book! I read both blogs all the time. Great sites and alot of help to my family. Thanks.
I would love to win a copy!
Great tips! We’re going to be on a really tight budget for the next few months due to purchasing a home and I’m scraping up all the tips I can find on saving money. The one thing I don’t want to sacrifice is our nutritious food. We have a child that is on a wheat-free diet and I’m on a GFCF diet, so food is already more costly.
Thanks for the great tips! I wish we had a whole foods near by, closest one is an hour drive :(
I do my best with what we have, though.
Love that there are others out there concerned with eating whole foods and helping others.
I would love to win this book also! I lost my job in September. We were eating pretty much all organic, but then it got to be difficult after the loss of my income. I still try to maintain a mostly organic lifestyle, but we have had to make some compromises. Love these tips!
I would love to win a copy of this book. I’m doing my best to implement Crystal’s tips a bit at a time so we can get out of debt.
Great ideas, I would love to read this book too!
I would love the book!
Good timing with this post. My new years resolution is to provide healthier meals and snacks for my kids. Their diets aren’t awful, but there is certainly room for improvement. Thanks for the tips.
I really appreciate your tips and am doing my best to help my family eat better without blowing my budget. Thanks!
Great tips! Thanks so much!
I’ve enjoyed following Crystal’s blog and I appreciate her advice. I would enjoy reading her book and winning it would be a blessing.
Love this! Can feed a family of 4 for $50/week mostly organic, fresh, gluten free, made from scratch foods. It is a challenge and well worth it!
This is definitely something I can get into! Feeding a family of 5 on $90 a week is difficult, even more so if you’re trying to eat healthy. Bookmarking this one!
Love the tips and excited to add this site to my daily naptime reads :)
Would love to win this!
I just recently changed my own eating habits to more fresh produce and was excited to find using your article that there are actually CSAs near me. I didn’t think there were. So Thank You.
I would love to win the book too.
Love these tips!
Another thing you can do if you have time to commit to a co-op is looking for a local gleaning co-op. We take the old produce from grocery stores on a schedule, and take turns distributing it to our members. While it can be unpleasant to deal with sometimes, when you are sorting through rotting produce in bad weather, you are guaranteed more produce than you can use. Roast veggies, real fruit juice, and lots of crockpot soup fills our house. Bread products fill my pantry and freezer.
MSN did an article on gleaning in general, and interviewed someone from our group.
i’d love the book!
Great article…hope I win a book. Crystal’s blog helps me so much! I bet the book is even better.
You are right. I would much rather have a bag of apples than a bag of chips that only last one lunch because it doesn’t fill them up.
I love you tips and the book looks so great! :) Thank you!
Thank you for the suggestions! I am learning to live on a budget when it comes to healthy eating and every tip helps!
I would love to start incorporating these tips. But would also love a book!
Thanks for the opportunity to win this book – it will be great to win it!
I would really love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for sharing your wisdom.
I just found out about this option for produce and am going to try it out. Cost is $15 for quite a large amount of fruit and veggies.
http://www.bountifulbaskets.org/
Should have mentioned that that some cities have an organic option for $25.
Thanks for sharing!
I would love a copy of this book. Crystal is one of my heroes!
Great ideas, Crystal. And of course, I would love to win your book! Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to win her book :) . . . we do a trade with a farmer for their eggs – we wash out their farm sink and mop the floors and we get two dozen eggs – being creative is so helpful to our budget. Thanks for the ideas today, Crystal :)
I love the tips and I would love to win this book! Thank you!
Good tips. I would love to win the book!
Thanks for the guest post, Crystal – and thanks for posting heavenly homemaker! :) I’d love a copy of her book for sure!
Sounds like a great book! I’d love to win…
I wish we lived closer to a health food store. Now that we have a little more wiggle room in our budget, eating better is becoming more of a priority!
I’d love to win a copy of this book!
I like the idea of using coupons for others things to offset the higher food costs
Great tips!!! Thank you!
6 meals out of one chicken is absolutely amazing. My husband has asked that we eat less meat in 2012, so I am trying many new recipes, especially bean burgers and soups.
I follow Money Saving Mom every day, and would love to win a copy of her book.
I am a fan of Crystal’s blog and well as Heavenly Homemakers. Both have helped me in my journey to serve my family better. I’d love a copy of Crystal’s book, thanks!
I would love a copy of Crystal’s book. Thanks for the chance to win!
Crystal’s book sounds great! She always has such good advice.
I LOVE your site and am trying more and more recipes. I especially like the homemade mixes (taco seasoning, onion soup…) and the ranch dressing is one of our favs! Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful knowledge!
It would be great to win this book !!
Thanks for the tips on how to save on healthier foods… I especially like the idea of sharing with someone who gardens!
Thank you for your thoughts on feeding our family well! Would love to win Crystal’s book! Thanks
I am always looking for ways to save on food for my family!
I’d love to win
Great ideas! I would love to read this book!
Love your site!
I let my kids get Happy Meals too!:) Great post.
So excited about this book. I would love to have a copy!
This book looks like just what I need right now. Thanks for the giveaway!
Thanks for the ideas! Just started getting your emails last week and am enjoying it.
Book looks great- always interesting , budget ideas !
Love the points… And the nod to not having to be perfect!!!
Thanks for another great giveaway!!!
I’d love to win a copy- can always improve my budgetting skills!
I’d love to read it, especially for free… that’s in my budget!
Very good points! I really need to work on the meat as a condiment idea. That would help. Thanks for offering the giveaway! Looks like a great book!
I would love to win!!
Great article~thanks for sharing! I’d love to be entered into the contest…thanks! Blessings, Miranda
I think this book would be wonderful to have. It is hard for family’s to stretch a dollars these days. Price of everything is going up.
I would definitely appreciate the book.
I would really enjoy this book. Thank you!
Michelle
I would love to win a copy of this book. It can be my “one book for education” this year.
Thanks for the great tips! I was one of those that believed it was too expensive to eat whole foods. Especially living in a tiny town with no health food stores nearby. But these ideas are very manageable for anyone! I can’t wait to give them a try!
My goal for this year is to have my own garden, and not to rely on my moms :) It will be a good way to eat fresh and clean without breaking the bank
Book sounds like a good and educational read. Living on a fixed income, I do all I can to cut corners and still eat nutritionally. As for coupon-ing…..when I can get an item I don’t use for next to nothing, with a coupon, I do it. Then when I want to give a welcome basket to someone, I can pull together some items and it is my way to give a gift on a dime !
We use mosr of these tips already and I can vouch for the fact that it saves us a lot!
Love this article!
Great Tips! I have started trying to move more toward a whole food diet for my family, especially now that an organic market just opened up in our area! It does take more planning to make our grocery budget work, but it is worth it to me to be able to serve my family high quality food!
Great advice! Would love to win a copy of the book!
Great ideas as always.
Sounds great! I would love to win this book.
I’m the grandmother of ten children and would love to share this info with their moms! Thanks for all you do, Laura!
Great list of tips! And thank you for for the opportunity to win this book! :)
Looks like a good read!
What great ideas! I love saving money!! Thanks
The information in this book would be great to share with my daughters.
Thanks for the wonderful tips. I so need this book-I have been wanting to purchase this book- But funds are low. So I will wait patiently until the funds are available.
Would love to have a copy of the books for additional tips :)
I would add a #9 to the list.
#9 Price Matching on Produce!
We save at least $10 a week practicing this, for example Aldi this week has pineapple on sale for $0.99, 3 lbs of apples for $1.47, some other country super market store has 8lbs of navel oranges for $3.99, green pepper 2/$.099. In my area pineapples are normally $3.99, apples at least $1/lb, oranges at least $0.70 each, green peppers $0.99, so this week alone I will be saving and eating to my delight. Also saving on gas and picking up all the goods at Walmart with their ad match promise!
Love your tips listed here! We are family of 8 and have a budget for sure! We avoid processed foods, and have dont his for a long time. We do lots from scratch. We do not do all organic, but we do try to stick to organic or becareful of the “dirty dozen” list. A arden is so helpful too! Aldi is a good place for good prices and fruits and veggies. They also have a lot if preservative and msg free items. I have found Kroger’s organic prices to be very competitive as far as produce goes.
I would love to win a copy of this book. Sometimes it’s hard making ends meet each month with many mouths to feed!
Would love to win a copy of the book. We always but fruits and veggies in season and it saves us a lot of money. We also shop for discounted meat and freeze it immediately.
I would love to win copy of this book!
A friend shared this book on Facebook. I’d love to win a copy!
Would be excited t glean more ideas from Crystal’s book. Thanks for all you do, Laura.
Thanks for the info and the giveaway!
Love the ideas and can’t wait to read your book!
I am quitting my job at the end of the month, and I could definitely benefit from a book to help my husband and I save money!
This is a great help! Would love to win the book!
Thanks for all your work and for sharing it all with us.
I would love to win this book as I have 8 in my family. I can use all the tips I can get. Thanks for the opportunity.
Great ideas, especially about the meat! Hope I win a book! :)
Would love to win her book! I’m a huge Money Saving Mom (and Heavenly Homemakers!) fan!
I would love to win a copy. Thanks.
would love to win the book!
This would be great!! Thanks.
I would like to win a copy of this book-thanks!
I love Crystal.. so shes so open & honest.. Gotta appreciate that.
I can save a lot by canning or freezing my own foods.. soups, meals, and condiments I’ve made myself.
I could get by with trimming meat down if it werent for m’honey.. he eats a huge hunk of meat.. He thinks hes dying if he doesnt have it Owell.. we all gotta go someway, I guess. ;)
Great article.
I’d love a copy of the book – just had my fourth baby, and trying to get our family out of debt from my husbands 3 years in seminary!
Common sense advice!
I love the idea of using meat as a condiment, so many times I plan my family’s meal around the meat.
I am really exploring ways to eat healthy and to feed my family real food and not chemically altered prepackaged junk food from the store.
We save money by drinking lots of water! We throw in a little slice of lemon or lime, or buy powdered drink mixes to change it up a bit. I’ve found that if we buy soda, we blow through a 24 pack in two days. Not only is that TOTALLY gross and unhealthy, but it’s a waste of money.
Thanks for the tips, MSM. I’d love to win your book. :-)
Always looking for new ideas to help out. Thank you for the possibilities.
Great article! Hope I win a copy!
I would love a chance to win this book. One of my New Year’s Resolutions was to create a budget and stick to it. Any extra help and tips would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Those are great tips and ideas in this overly processed world and budget still friendly. Thanks!
oops i mean and still budget friendly. (mommy and pregnancy brain, haha)
I’d really, really love to win this book. Now to find out how to make sure I know if I win. :)
Those 8 tips were fantastic! I would love to read the rest!!
I have enjoyed Crystal’s blog so much. I know I’d love the book!
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks.
Great tips. Thanks a bunch!
Thanks for the tips! Am looking forward to reading the book and would love to win a copy.
So proud to say that we do all of these with the exception of #7. Thanks for the tips and chance to win!
Thanks Crystal, those are all great tips! Would love to read your book, and so excited you’re supporting those lovely women and children in the DR with the profits….such a blessing!!!
i love money saving mom and would love a copy of her book!
Once upon a time I thought I was a freak for the way my family ate now that I am a mom I can’t image feeding my precious family a steady diet of junk. It isn’t that eating this way is too much money, its just a challenge to find creative ways to get it all done! My children help me now that they are older and it has become more like a treasure hunt. Wednesday is ad day and I am not the only one pouring over the ads looking for great food deals. Also, I love that my children are label readers….drives grandma crazy!
I would love to win a copy of this book. I have it requested at my local library but am number 26 on the list
I’d love to win! Thanks!
I love the idea with meat as a condiment!
What a great post! thank you, Crystal! Would love to win a book!
That’s good stuff! It seems like we spend the most money in our grocery budget on fruits and veggies. one thing I’ve found it that it almost always cheaper at the mexican markets. We have one over priced natural food store, and some Walmart supercenters in our area.
I certainly try many of these techniques and I am looking forward to saving even more. Thanks for the extra help!
Great tips! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book.
I’m on the waiting list at the library but I would love to win a copy!
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book!
These are great tips. I especially like the buy ahead principle and the possibility of joining a co-op. Thanks for your suggestions and the chance to win a copy of your book. Congratulations, on that by the way.
Wonderful tips! Thanks heavenly homemaker & money saving mom! I would love to have your new book money saving mom! LOVE reading your blog! Keep up good work! I know I’ll keep on reading!
Not for me but my daughter. She won’t listen to me on several items so maybe if she read it she would get on board with it! She sees me live it so maybe in print will do the trick!
Would love to win–looks like a great book!
What fun!
Would LOVE to win a copy!!! This is one of my resolutions!!! Thanks!!!
I would love to have a copy of this book!!! What an amazing resource
I would love to win a copy of this book.
I would be so excited to win this book! Thanks!
Great tips! Can’t wait to get my hands on Crystal’s book!
Great post on saving money ~ we do have several meals where meat is the main dish, but most are casseroles or soups. We also have a few “boxed” meals we buy that we all like ~ great to use for really busy nights.
The books sounds great ~ whoever wins it will get a blessing!
I’d love to win a copy!
Great tips!
This book would be such a great resource! I’d be honored to win a copy and to learn how to be a wiser steward of the provisions we’ve been given!
Great tips! I try and get our family to eat 5 servings of fruits/veggies a day. I’d recommend looking for a local produce stand. The one near me is much more reasonable than the farmer’s markets nearby and their prices are comparable or cheaper than sale prices at local stores. I also love buying frozen at Costco or Grocery Outlet–both have great deals on frozen veggies and frozen fruit (often Organic).
I’d love to win this book. Good ideas :)
I follow Money Saving Mom’s blog and would love to read her book!
These are great tips! I especially like the one sticking with simple meals. People ask me all the time how I manage to feed 7 people(3 being teen boys) on a shoestring budget and one of my responses is simple meals. :)
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. :)
I have even had a container garden when I did not have a place to have an actual garden. It was a lot of fun and I still had lots of veggies to help with my grocery budget.
Book sounds great! I struggle with the coupons on non-food items because we try to eliminate (some) chemicals from our personal care products. So far, vitacost has the best prices for natural personal care products.
I would love to win this book, I have been looking at it. Thanks again, Ratnay
Would love to win this book!!!
Would love to win a copy. We already follow a lot of the tips but can always use more ideas.
Thanks for this giveaway…would love to win!
I would love to win the book! I enjoy her site as well as yours, Laura.
Really trying to improve our family finances this year. Would love some insight from your book!
Thanks for the tips. Would love a copy of the book.
Would love to win a copy! Thanks for the great tips Crystal!!
Great tips – we’ve been serving less meat per meal and the savings is adding up.
Would love the book!
Would love a copy!!
I would love this book to learn even more tips!!!
I would love to have your book. Times are stuff and finding ways to save money is always great!
Thanks for this helpful reminder. Both of your websites are so helpful and positive. Thanks
I love these tips & Crystal’s blog. I’m sure her book is chock full of all her best money-saving advice.
Would love to win this book.
Would love, love, love to win a copy…great article also!
I love the idea of using meat as a condiment. I have just started planning monthly menus and I am trying to got meatless or small amount of meat atleast twice a week. Thanks for the great tips.
Great ideas! Thanks!
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I’d love to win a copy! I have told others of the strategy to use coupons on non-food items.
I would love to win one of these books! I’m always glad to find more ways to save money, and live better in the process.
I would love to win!!
What a timely post! Thank you for the link to Local Harvest; when I checked on there about six months ago, there was only one farm in my area, and that farm uses pesticides and chemicals. I promptly dismissed it and forgot all about it. When I checked it today after reading your post, I found three more farms in my area. None of them use pesticides or chemicals and all are organic. Good for the environment, good for our family, and cheaper for our pocketbook. Thank you again!
I would love to win this book!!! I am always looking for ways to save money and eat healthier!
I’d really like to win this book. I’m sure I’d get lots of good ideas from Crystal.
Maria
I would love to win!
Would love a copy! Thanks for all your encouragement.
Love MSM! Check the site often and am very excited about her book.
Thanks for the chance to win!
oh, would love to win a copy of the book!! Thanks for the post Crystal!
great post, hope I win!
Would love to win!!!
I really need this book! Really need to overhaul our budget!
I have always wanted to plant a garden. When I buy a garden… it will be one of my first priorities.
I can’t wait to plant my garden. I love the fresh veggies.
Great tips that anyone can apply easily.
Great tips! I’d love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win this book.
Been looking at purchasing a copy for myself, winning one would be great!
This looks like it would be a great book.
I hope to win this book! I have learned soooooo much from your website in such a short time.
Thank you!!!!
Would LOVE this book! I love moneysavingmom!!!
Great opportunity – thanks!
Thank you for sharing this. Always looking for ways to help the make ends meet. I would like to go wholefoods. A goal for this year. I would love to win a copy of your book.
would love to win a copy of the book. I also would suggest visiting your local farmers market. Sometimes they beat the prices at the supermarket, but the produce is usually so much better and less likely to be wasted.
Would love to win a copy of this book. I’ve asked for it for my bday in May, but would love to read it before then! MSM and Heavenly homemakers are my favorite blogs! :)
Good tips and would love to win the book!
I would love to win this book!
Let me add: learn to cook new foods! It will greatly expand your options. I never liked brussel sprouts until I learned how to cook them (roasted, with onions and garlic). We do a LOT of stir fry at our house – bok choy is a GREAT veggie packed with vitamins and very economical too. Learn to make a few different stir fry sauces and you can enjoy a wide variety (not just “chinese” flavored meals!)
Great tips! One of my favorite bloggers guest posting on one of my other favorite blogger’s site. Cool! :)
I would love a copy of your book.Thanks
I’m always looking for more ways to save!
I love your site. The one about using chicken as a condiment is a great tip, I’ll have to try it myself. :)
We’re trying to eat more whole foods, and planning a bigger garden this summer. That is definitely my number one tip: eat what you grow!
I would love a copy of this book!
I always stock up on frozen veggies when they’re on sale.
I enjoy reading Crystal’s blog and would love a copy of her book.
I am looking at staying home full-time and need to learn to live on one income and eat healthy.
I would love to win Crystal’s new book!
I would love to win a copy!
Yes, yes, yes! I started my food blog just because people have lost the art of eating well on a budget. If you cook from scratch, you save tons of money, and it is in general healthier or you. You’ve got to strike the right balance for your own family!
I’d love to win a copy of this book…what a great way to start the new year!
Great post. Would love to win a copy of her book!
Love the tip of using meat as a condiment. We should not be eating as much meat as we do veggies!
We have been trying to switch to a whole foods diet while trying to reduce our grocery spending-quite the challenge, this book would be very helpful!
I’ll take a free copy! ;)
Great tips! I would love to win a copy!
Please enter me to win, thank you!
Love the idea of starting a small co-op if there are none available…and would love this book!
Wonderful ideas! Thanks for this – and a chance to win Crystal’s book! :)
I’ve been wanting one of her copies! Thanks for the great tips!
Great tips. I can definetely save more.
Great article, Crystal! I always love when people complain about the cost of tomatoes in winter. Obviously it’s a lot more cost effective to plan homemade salsa in the summer when tomatoes are in season than when they aren’t!
I’d love to look at this book
Yes, I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! It sounds fantastic! And I totally agree about using coupons for non-food items. It saves us enough money to spluge a bit here and there on really good, fresh food.
I would love to read this book! Thanks for the great giveaway!
I love using whole foods and fresh all the time. I find if it’s processed food I can figure out a way to make it myself. I make meals one to eat and one to freeze, buy family packs and repackage. I would LOVE to have a copy of your book!
I came here via “money saving mom” and I’m so impressed with both sites! You’re my latest favorite to add to my must-read list.
Helpful tips. Thank you!
Thank you for the giveaway!
Thanks for the great tips.
I’d love to see Crystal’s book!! Thanks!
I would love to win this book, thanks for the chance!
Laura, you are very modest/humble in your posts. I have learned a great deal from your experiences. I also have been following Money Saving Mom and this book sounds like it will have a lot of good information.
I would love to win!
Great tips – we don’t have space for a garden, but my kids love shopping at the Farmers’ Market in the summertime.
Would love to win a copy of the book.
Awesome article full of great tips! As a mother of 4 kids, I’m always looking for ways to cut down on our spending! Thanks! I’d LOVE to get a copy of Crystal’s book!
These are great tips. We need to start doing this not only to save money, BUT so we don’t stand there night after night trying to figure out what to eat!
Thanks!
Thanks for the ideas and I would love a copy of the book!
Thanks for the good tips, think I might have to try and incorporate some of these into my life. I would love to win a copy of this book!!! :)
We are working hard to eat healthy foods and reduce our expenses too. Thanks for an offer to win the book!
I would live to win a copy of your new book.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy!!
i love to save money!!!!!
Information is interesting. Got celery yesterday that was aging in our local little store for 59@ each, diced and froze the celery and leaves. A big surprise. Did the same with 1/2 price green onions. It can happen.
Thank you for the opportunity to win a book.
Thanks for the chance to win this!
I have four children and really need to save more on our food. I would LOVE this book!
New to all this and need some help! Would love a copy of this book!!
I have 5 teen boys and a 6yr old boy my husband and I have made this our new years resolution, I love your posts and I think this book would help us alot.
I love Money Saving Mom!
I’d love to win a copy of this book!
Great tips! I would love a copy of the book!
I would love to win this! As a recent college graduate and the mother of a hungry 8 year old son this book would be a God send to me!
Great ideas and suggestions! Please pick me for the book!
I love the fresh food tips.
I would so love a copy of this book!!
Great tips……..would love to win the book!
This would be helpful!
New to this site and I love it! I would love a copy of your book!
Yay! MMM is great!
would love to recieve a copy, sounds like something I need very badly.
I appreciate these tips. It’s my desire to get our family (back) on a budget this year in hopes of saving more. I’d love the inspiration from this book.
Never read this blog before, but now I’ll add it to my list :) P.S. My kids eat Happy Meals too.
Like the ideas and would love to win the book!
I would love to win a copy of the book!
I’d love to learn more about how to save! Thanks!
Would love a copy of this!
Great tips! This book would be awesome to win! Thanks!
love crystal and all over her idea. excited about her new book.
Great tips! Thanks for the giveaway =)
Great tips – now if I could just get my husband on board with less meat and having some beans instead.
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book!
Always looking for ways to save money and I’d love to see what Crystal has to say and see if there are some additional ways I can be serving my family!
Thanks!
I am an older lady (66) raising grandchildren on a very small budget. I use all the tips I remember from growing up in the 50s to save money, but would love to win the book!! Thanks.
trying to eat closer to the farm!
Would love to win and get a few more ideas on how to save money AND eat healthier for less!
My husband just lost his part time job and it will take a chunk out of our monthly budget. I would LOVE to recoup some of that by trimming our current budget and I know this book would be an asset. Thanks for offering it in a giveaway!
Nicole
Love the ideas! Opens my eyes to some things I haven’t thought of!!
Thank you for posting this! We are a family with five kids and learning how to eat on a budget. I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win this book. Thanks for the great ideas!
Love the tips! Would love to win a copy of the book!
I like buying ahead, the only problem is that I continue buying ahead and run out of space in my cupboards. This year I am working on my menu planning skills and will try to keep my cupboards from overflowing.
I love the idea of winning a book simply by following a blogger.
We pair up with friends and buy dairy and anything else they might have in season from the Amish, they live 1 hr away from us. Our friend goes every two weeks.
I am so blessed to be a blog follower of Crystal, she’s an inspiration. I’ll gladly take a copy!
This would be helpful…thanks!
I would love a copy of the book!
I would love to win- great tips
Love reading all the tips. Would love the book!
New to the site… would love to win a copy.. as I am always looking for ways to cut spending since I work at a commission (only) job.. so some months are better than others and would just make it a habit to cut spending anyway I can.. thanks for the opportunity…Valerie
Thanks for the tips. We’ve been meaning to look into purchasing meat in bulk! I’d love to win your book Thanks for the giveaway.
I love giving and receiving ways to save money! Thanks!
Thanks for the article. I used to eat this way before having a family and with growing kids it just seems impossible to fit in whole foods on a budget. I am going to re-assess and see if I can make it work. Adding to my 2012 goals!
Every little bit saved helps and can really add up over time. I am always looking to learn more about how to do this.
I would love to win this book. I am always looking for ways to save money.
I’d love to win Crystal’s book too.
I love the ideas of buying what’s in season. I am real vegetable lover and would love to try my hand at a very small garden this summer, even a couple tomato and pepper plants. I also would love to serve more meat as a condiment but I haven’t been able to sell my husband on that idea yet!
I would love this book!
We do decently buying fresh fruits and veggies – our hurdle is the desire to buy more organic items – which, I think is hard to do on a limited budget. We do have CSA and coops, but still, it is cheaper to buy conventional.
Love the post. Would also like to win the book. I just like winning.
I would love to win this book! Thanks for the tips!
I would love to win this.
I would love to read this book!
We are trying to eat more whole foods, so this was a timely article. I would love my own copy of the book. Thanks!
Thank you for the great tips. When you are pinching every penny it is hard to think that you can still eat healthy and organic.
I’m new to this whole group and loving every minute of it!! I’d love a copy of that book. Thanks for the article!
I would love to win – thanks!
I’d love to win a copy! I’d give it to my sister, who is needing some new reading material!
I’d love to win a copy!
Thanks for recognizing how hard it is to maintain a healthy low grocery budget in Alaska! It is discouraging sometimes to see all these great deals & savings people in the lower 48 have available to them. Although we in Alaska can’t take advantage of most of the sales your blog offers, it’s still encouraging & a fun challenge to see what other areas we can save in. Thanks!!
I would love to win MSM’s book! I don’t know how many giveaways I’ve entered for a chance to win it! lol!
Great ideas that I’m currently trying to incorporate into my habits! I would love to read Crystal’s book! Thanks for the chance to win.
I would love to win a copy. We just found out our income has been slashed by my husband’s company big time. Eating healthy is very important but we struggle to do it during the winter months when the garden is not growing.
We have a food and household goods (TP, feminine products, etc.) budget of $400/month for 8 of us, and the majority of that is whole foods. We were doing raw milk but our farmer is not delivering in our area anymore, so there are definitely a few areas where we are not all whole foods, but we try to avoid highly processed foods (convenience foods) as much as possible. It’s not always easy, but it can be done!
Love the tips! We can either stock our pantries with processed food or healthy. It is all about choices. Not saying we can’t have both but on a budget I need to prioritize. Would love a book to give as a gift.
Thank you for all of your tips. You are both inspirations! I would love to win a copy of your new book Crystal.
Great proven-to-work tips. I’ve been doing most of these for years. Would love to win the book.
Learning to feed a family on a budget is a wonderful way to save money. I really wish I were better at using leftovers, and things just out of the cabinet.
Would love to read this! Thank you!
Great post. Would love a copy of the book.
very helpful ideas! And I really want to win a copy of this book!
I’d love to have a copy of this book. Thanks for the chance!
Sounds interesting!
Would love to win a copy of her book!
Great tips, I’d love to win a copy of the book!
Great tips Crystal. I really like the idea of serving meat as a condiment……wonder if I could get my hubby on board with that one! Would love to win a copy of your book.
I’ve been following Krystal for about a month now and would love to win a copy of her book!
I would love to win this!
Crystal and I seem to have a similar approach to menu planning- although I might not be as disciplined at sticking to it!
I would love to win a copy of your book. I look forward to reading it.
Would love to win! Thanks!!
I would LOVE a chance to win MSM’s new book!
Thanks for these tips. I’d love to win a copy of her book!
Reading that has actually been a relief for me and made me feel like I’m not doing as bad of a job as I thought I was by not being completely organic and still have few processed fooods! Thanks for the pep talk! :) I would also love to win a copy of the book!
Thanks for entering me in the drawing for Crystal’s book! Looks to be a good one!
Please enter me into the drawing – I was just looking at her book and put it on my wishlist!
Would love to win a book. Love both of these blogs!
I want to win!!!!
Thanks for the tips! We’re working on eating healthy on a budget.
I love your website, it is one of the first ones that really got me thinking about healthy eating on a budget. And Money Saving mom helped me curb my spending in other areas so we could afford to spend a bit more on “real” food for our family. Now thanks to you and Chrystal and a few others out there, I find myself watching what others are putting in their grocery carts and find myself screaming inside saying “that’s not food that’s chemicals”. Oh and my migranes have decreased by 2/3rds! saving us $$ on meds.!
we do the garden here in northern jersey…extras end up lasting most of the winter – and i’d love a copy of the book!
This book would be so helpful as we pay off debt and save for emergencies!
I want to win!!!! I am trying to incorporate more whole foods in my families meals and I too thought it was “too expensive”, but I am finding out otherwise. These are all great tips!!!!
This is my kind of reading…I’d love to win it.
I would love to win this book!
Would love a copy of this book!
I would love to win a copy because living on less and giving more has been put on my husbands heart but nothings really changing for us because we don’t know how to start. This book sounds like it has practical ways for us to change our lifestyle.
Lots of good tips! Thanks for the chance at winning her book!
Good tips! especially the bartering :)
Would love to win a copy of this! Thanks
Would love to win a copy!
I’d love to win a copy of this book. we really need good tips on how to save.
Updating our budget is LONG overdue! We just had baby #5 right after Christmas, and I’m ready to get back on the band wagon this year. I’d love to win a copy.
Just read to sample chapter and like the way she delivers her knowledge. Would love to win a copy.
I would love to win a copy, I have been thinking of buying one as I subscribe to her blog as well and she has great tips on saving and of course wonderful meals.
Thank you for entering me!
We are hoping to do a garden this year. My kids are excited. Would love a copy of the book.
I have been hearing about this book and would like to read it!
Awesome, thank you so much!
This would be great for our current goals. Thanks for the chance.
This is great. I’m loving all of the meal planning resources and tips!
Excellent post! I can’t wait to read this book!
I also would love to read Crystal’s book. Thank you for the chance.
I would like to win a copy of the book.
Came over to read the article. It was good and gave me a few hints we don’t use. Thanks
Great advice! I’m trying to put some of these ideas into practice myself, really need to watch that grocery budget!!!
Would love to win a copy of the book!
I would love to win! I love Money Saving Mom and all her wisdom on saving money! :)
I usually never leave a comment on the web, but this title sounds too beneficial not to try. Thank you for the opportunity to win it free!
We just started the Dave Ramsey budget and are choosing to only pay cash and not have anymore debt! I glean any tips I can to help me stretch our dollars and help our family of seven save.
I would like to read her book! Thanks.
Awesome money-saving list! I am giving a presentation at our church on lowering your grocery budget, and I love some of your ideas. Thank you!
I have seen mention of this book…i follow her blog and this would be a great way to start the new year! :)
I love moneysavingmom.com and would love to check out her book. I already have one on hold at the library, but it would be nice to have one that I could mark on. :)
those were great tips. thanks for the opportunity to win.
Love your site! Great for those of us trying to convert to a healthier diet! Love your recipes! Still working on getting whole wheat breads to not be so heavy though.
These are great tips on how to save money in other places in order to have more to spend on the healthy foods. I have used coupons in drugstores for hygiene items and then used my “extracare bucks” or “rewards” to then buy the drugstore milk and eggs – especially if they are on sale!
I also read Crystal’s site. She has great tips as well. Her book should be really useful.
good suggestions. I’d like to get some more whole foods in our diets so you’ve given me some things to try. I’d also love to win a copy of the book.
Oh, I would love to win this book!
Money Saving Mom has great ideas – I would love to win a copy of her book!
Looks like a great book!! Would love to win! Thanks for the opportunity, Laura!
great tips….thanks for the give away!
LOVE the tips – especially love the meat tip & have started to incorporate that into our meal planning. We have had the honor of hosting 2 girls from the African Children’s Choir in the past & were amazed at the differences in their diet. Meat was considered something for a special occasion, while vegetables & unprocessed foods were daily staples. Sugar was to be avoided, if possible. We are hoping to gradually add in more international cuisine into our diet… most recipes are so much healthier & there are so many options for finding the recipes online!
Thanks for sharing!!! Love all your tips and suggestions! They’ve been super helpful to me and my family! Blessings!
Your post comes at a wonderful time in my life! This year my family goal is to make the switch to whole/organic foods. In just the two weeks we have been at it, I have lost several pounds and feel wonderful! I love that my seven year old son begged me to buy him asparagus at the grocery :)However, now I need to focus on doing it on a budget. Thank you so much! I can’t wait to read your book :)
I am enjoying reading your tips, and I would love a chance to read Crystal’s book.
Thank you for sharing such great ideas! Your website is a great help to me as I try to feed our family of five (all boys, too!) on the GAPS diet, which is all whole foods made from scratch. It’s been difficult to stay within my grocery budget, and my resolution this year is to actually just stay within my budget! :)
I’d love to win this book! Thanks for the chance!
That sounds like a great place to ‘start’ if you haven’t already started on this path.
I would love!!! a copy of her book!!
I really enjoy reading your e-mails that I get. They give me a lot of good ideas!
I admire Crystal so much, and would love to own a copy of her book!
I can always use help on saving
Great tips, we have recently switched to eating a lot less processed foods and I agree it can be done on a budget. I am so excited to read the money saving moms budget and would love to have a copy.
Thanks for the great tips! I too would love a chance to win this book. Thank you!
I’ve been wanting to learn more about feeding my family more whole foods. Thanks for the post and I hope I win the book!
Excellent advice as always.
Thanks for the tips! Would love a copy of the book!
I would love to win this! I’m always looking for ways to save money and get us out of debt!
I already bought this book and would love to be able to share it with my friend. Thanks for all of the tips!
I would love to win a copy of the book. Also I should share that I live in Northern Idaho and I am able to feed my family on $75 a week completely whole foods, and we have basically no fresh stuff growing here. You can do it!
We try to eat organics and whole foods at home as much as possible – so that when we are NOT at home, I can relax and not be rigid about the kids’ diets. We just got back from Disney World and while we ate the raisins and freeze-dried fruit I had brought, we also had ice cream and mega-lollipops! It’s not about deprivation, it’s about balance. Thanks for the tips!
I would love a copy of the book!
Thanks for the tips! Every so often I try to implement something toward healthier eating so it is not so drastic, and hopefully a lasting change.
I would love to win a copy!
Cooking healthy and saving money are my top two goals this year!
I hope I win!
Thanks for the tips! Saving $ and eating healthy are both important to my family!
I would love a copy for my daughter! Thanks!
Would love to read ur book!
I wish I could join a co-op, but am a little too far away from one to join. I would need another freezer for a 1/2 a cow. But I am starting a garden this year…YAY!
Great tips! I’ve been learning a lot this way in the last year or so!
Two tips on joining CSA:
1. Buy a half share if you can’t use the full. our family of four purchases an every-other-week share which we receive from June to November here in Wisconsin, and it is a super amount of produce for us.
2. see if your health insurance will reimburse you. Our insurance has a cap on what they will reimburse, and with purchasing only the half share, we get reimbursed for nearly 75% of it.
I would love this book! (I love saving money:)
I would love to get some more tips! Thanks!
I would love to win this! Thanks for all your great posts!
Growing a little of your own food can definitely save money.
Would a chance to win this book. Found you through GeekMom.
i want one. I hope i win.
I would love to win a copy of this book.
I would love to win this book! Thanks for all the tips!
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. I asked for one for Christmas, but didn’t get it. =(
I totally agree with Crystal’s tips, and would add that some of the healthiest foods are the cheapest: dried beans and whole grains especially.
All true. I’d love to read this book for more tips.
i would love to win this. thanks!
Feeding 4 growing boys on a budget as a Stay-at-Home Mom is a challenge! I would love to win this book and learn more tips! Thank you for the opportunity! :-)
Thanks for these tips! I am so looking forward to reading your book. Winning a copy would be such a blessing. If not, I will work it into my budget next month. Thanks again!
Sooo wanna read this book! :) Thanks for the helpful tips!
I love both your site and Crystal’s…would be grateful to learn more in her book as well, thanks for the opportunity!
Would love to win a copy of this book. it would so help me afford to feed my family better.
I would love to win a copy!
I would really enjoy a copy of her book. I love the Money Saving Mom website!
I agree – eating whole foods doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think it might be. Getting creative with how you serve meat is really important!
Love the tips- thanks!
Would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks for such great ideas!
Would love to win copy of your book
I’m really anxious to read this book…it would be great to win a copy!
we are doing the Daniel Fast right now and it really didn’t cost that much more to only buy fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And we feel so much better too in the process.
Thank you so much for addressing this! I’m new to couponing and making a budget and have found your blog so very helpful! Just yesterday I wondered if it’s possible to save money on a whole foods diet, which I would love to be able to move toward. I would love to get your book! Thanks again!
Thanks for your tips, Crystal! One of the biggest priorities for me arising for me recently has been to have more of a whole-foods focused diet. However, I wasn’t sure if this was practical. Thanks for showing me it is. I’d love to see a follow-up post on how to save time and eat healthy as well. (For example, it’s easier to buy jarred spaghetti sauce than make it at home, but if I can see that I can do it quickly and it will pay off financially and healthfully, maybe I’d do it!)
I would love to win this book. But we are in a no spend/ debt snow”blast” right now, so I can not buy for at least a couple months. Thanks!
I’m so new to all of this. Thanks for all the helpful ideas and recipes!
Would love to read the rest of Crystal’s book as I always enjoy reading her blog!
I have been following moneysavingmom.com for a while and this is how I found heavenlyhomemakers.com. I would love to win a copy of this book.
We would love to win a copy of this book:)
Some great tips and reminders! I’d love to win a copy of her book!
Thanks for the chance to win!
Great tips! I’ve also found that making larger batches of the same food seems to be cheaper. So, for example, if I’m making a particular soup I will double or even triple the recipe and freeze the extras for later.
Would love to win a copy of the book! My husband lost his job the day after Christmas, and we could use all the help we can get!
Thanks for the giveaway!!
I would love to win a copy. Crystal has helped me so much in the year I have been reading. Not just saving money, but organizing, goal setting and giving myself grace when I need it. She really is an amazing person, and role model.
I would love to read her book, its just not in the budget right now, so winning it would be awesome!
Count me in. This sounds great!
Looks wonderful. Thanks!
Would love to win a copy of this book too!
Would love to win! Thank you.
would love to win!
I don’t cut coupons but I do shop sale ads. Wal Mart will price match any competitor’s ad so I gather all the ads and price match sale meats, fruits, veggies, and other un-processed food items. I don’t buy organic though. I have also found buying local meat in bulk (except chicken-still trying to figure that one out) is cheaper than grocery store and you always have something to eat in the freezer!
I would love a copy, I love her ideas and would like to learn more!
I would love to win the book! Thank you for the chance!
I would LOVE the chance to win this book. Thank you!!
would love to win
Would love to win this book
I am a follower of money saving mom and this would be so cool to win. Count me in!!
Would love to win this book. We also strive to eat a balanced, natural foods diet on a budget.
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s new book!
I’ve tried to do coupons, but they’re just not for stuff that I would buy (we try to eat a healthy, whole foods, made from scratch diet, with a few Cheetos thrown in occasionally); I kind of feel like I don’t “get” couponing, like maybe there is something I’m missing! I do ad-matching at Wal-Mart, which really helps.
You know, one of the things I appreciate about your blog is that you’re human – you eat healthy, but aren’t afraid of a brownie! Thank you! (from a fellow brownie lover who also likes to soak her grains) ;-)
On a spending freeze and would love to win a copy!!
this is a great series!
Follower of Money Saving Mom and would love to win a copy! Great post by the way.
I love money saving mom and would love a copy of her new book!!
I love all of these suggestions and we use most of them already. We are hopefully going to buying a home in the next few months and one of my big requirements is garden space!!
Would love to win a copy!!
Wouldn’t mind having a copy. I am trying to find ways to get me and my family healthier this year. Thanks for the ideas.
the book looks great. Thanks for the opportunity to win, & for sharing these great ideas to promote healthful & budget-friendly eating.
I would love to win a copy of her book! Thanks for the opportunity!
Would love to win. I also love she keeps in real with the fact that they do eat ice cream occasionally – we do too!
Fresh food turns to brown mush a soon as it passes through my door, but probably because i don’t have a plan in place
I’d love to win
I love both of your guys’ blogs & would love a copy of Crystal’s book!
We do a lot of these things, and it definitely helps keep the grocery bill down. We do still eat some processed foods, but it is better than it used to be.
I would love to win this. I am trying to find different ways to help my family eat more healthier.
Thanks for the tips! Would love to win a copy of the book!!!
Thanks for the list. We eat similarly to this and it’s working great for us.
Yay! Love this!
We try to eat mainly a Paleo/whole food diet but two of our kids don’t because they don’t like meat. The easiest way I have found to save money at Whole Foods is to save their previous months fliers as those coupons don’t expire until 2 months later which is when they tend to also put them on sale. That stacked with a manufacturer’s coupon leads to cheaper than Walmart organic food!
Would love a book!
Thank you for the opportunity to receive this book!
This is always a concern with my family! Thanks for the ideas. And I’m dying to win a copy of this book!! :)
I’m so excited about this book. I love both Heavenly Homemakers and Money Saving Mom. Thanks for the great tips and inspiration!
We were part of a CSA this year and while it was an upfront expense, it was one less think out of my grocery budget.
Two of my favorite bloggers! I’ve learned so much from both of you. I’d love to win crystal’s book!
I would love to win :)
Thanks for the chance to win! I would love to learn more money-saving tricks…:)
Great tips and suggestions!
thanks for sharing all the helpful tips!
I would love to win a copy of the book!
Thanks for the post and for the chance to win Crystal’s book!
crystal, you are an inspiration! thanks so much for sharing with us!
I have been inspired to work harder on my grocery budget. This book would be such a blessing!
Great tips. Hope I can win too!
Would love a copy of the book! :)
I would love to win this book. Thanks!
I would love to win a copy of this book!!
Thanks for the article. I, like you, try to feed my family fairly healthy but do use processed food on occasion. I would love the chance to win Crystal’s book as I have been reading Money Saving Mom for a few years now and really appreciate her advice and like her style of writing.
I am so excited about this book. I would love to win a copy.
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thank you for the chance.
We just received our first Azure order delivered to our area this week. I love looking in the pantry and seeing my good deals. This book would be great.
These are great tips!
Your book would be great to read and to glean some more ideas on how our family could cut our budget and save money!
I would love to win this book!
I’d enjoy winning a copy of this book. I’ve heard good things about it. Thanks!
I started a co-op in my area recently. (There are VERY few in Northeastern PA.) And we are all saving so much money!
I’d love a copy of the book! After doing a lot of research, we have decided to go vegan (no meat, no dairy, and no oils). I must say, we will save a lot of money on groceries and on health bills by doing this! (For more info on why we made the change, watch the movie “Forks Over Knives”–available on Netflix streaming or at the library.)
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Great tips! We need to eat better this year!
I would love to win a copy of the book. I am a huge follower of yours and Crystal’s website. Thanks. Nancy
It would be great to win a copy of this book, since I am starting my own journey to getting out of debt.
Great tips!!!! Defitnely inspiring!!!!
I would love to win a copy of this book!
GREAT tips, Crystal! I would LOVE to win a copy of your AWESOME book! :)
I would love to win a copy.
Great article! Some of those tips are awesome! I especially liked the idea about starting a garden & joining a co-op. We just joined our co-op & I bought 50 lbs of organic beans for a great price! (we are vegan, gluten free, & eat primarily organic)
& I’d love to win that book! I’ve been following Crystals blog for years!
I have followed Crystal for a year now, and have learned so much about saving money because of her. I’m so excited about the book and how I can even further improve our financial situation. Best part? Crystal is donating ALL of the proceeds of her book to women and children in need! Go Crystal, and God bless you!
Rachel G.
asked my library if they could get this book! would love to win my own copy (especially since my birthday is saturday) :)
Great suggestions. This is perfect timing for me, as one of my goals this year is to go further with whole foods. I’m hoping to find good affordable resources for some of the foods I’m still not using. (like free range chicken and eggs, organic veggies, etc.). It’s encouraging to be seeing people like you online who are eating a whole foods diet on a budget.
I don’t guess we’ll ever get to a completely whole foods diet but we can always make one more change and get one step closer. (but never say never to the brownies and ice cream!)
Of course I’d love to win your book!
I would love a copy! I’m thinking about teaching a money-saving course at church with the goal of increasing giving to charities via savings, and I need all the help I can get! :)
Great tips – thanks! I’d love to win a copy of Crystal’s book too :)
Great post! We are currently transitioning our family into a healthier diet, in part due to my son’s short attention and hyperactivity. Thank you for helping me do this without breaking the bank! Thanks to Crystal for the great information she posts- would love to win her book.
I’m excited to read Crystal’s book and would love to win a copy.
I was so excited to get start getting seed catalogs in the mail today! Fresh from the garden is so much cheaper – and tastier – than the store!
Enjoyed the article! Would love the book too!
GrEat tips
This book sounds wonderful. I’m needing to work on budget and eating right – so this book would be wonderful. :-)
I’m definitely interested in reading this book! If I don’t win I’ll be sure to check our local library :) thanks!!!
I would love to win a copy of the book!
I would really like to win a copy – especially since we need to cut costs more right now.
I love that you are open about your families approach to eating. One of my favorite sayings ins “Everything in moderation including moderation”. Doing what you can is so much better than saying if I can’t do it 100% then I won’t bother.
This book isn’t in our library and looks interesting. To win one means I don’t have to buy one!
I would love to win a copy of the book. It sounds like it has a lot of great ideas.
I’d love to read this book!
I would love to win a copy of this book- I love her blog!
We struggle with maintaining our food budget, thanks for the tips. I would love a copy of Crystal’s book!
Would love to win this book! We just moved to a new area in the country and are thinking of joining a CSA!
I’m pretty sure I NEED this book – I’m a single mom going it alone and I NEED to get back to frugal healthy eating too. We’ve been doing without most “extras” so the food budget has to get serious now.
I would love to win a copy of this book! I need it!
I am just starting to branch out into whole foods! Great article! I’m sure the book is great too!
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! It looks excellent! :)
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the ideas to save on my food budget.
I agree. We eat very well at home practicing all of these tips. Especially the gardening and freezing. When fresh (not frozen) turkeys were on sale for Thanksgiving we cut up a few and they sit in the freezer for later meals. Learn to freeze your summer abundance and you’ll be eating well all winter. You can even garden on a small porch (which we do in addition to the raised beds) and don’t think gardening ends in the summer.
I love Crystal’s ideas. She is such a creative mind when it comes to being frugal. I’d love to win this book!
I’ve been feeding my family like this for over 12 years, and have found that the times when we’re traveling and eating mostly processed foods, that there is a huge health difference!
What great ideas – practical but helpful – as always!
THANKS FOR THE OPPORTUNITY!
Would love to win a copy.
I so want to win this book! It is so hard to try and eat healthy and live within a frugal food budget. Thanks for the tips!
What a great post!!! Thanks for the tips! Would love to win THE book!!!!
Thank you so much for this bl og and the chance to win this book.
I love these ideas and Im definitely going to look into the co-op idea. Thanks for all you do.
This book sounds AMAZING! Just like everything from Money Saving Moms!
Anything to eat better and save money, too!
Thanks for all the tips! I’ve got a cabbage/ham hock soup simmering in the crockpot as I type this. I was able to use up most of the odd ‘n’ ends in my fridge that needed to be used, so I’m pleased. I’d love Money Saving Mom’s book!
I just started back to work this school year, after being home for eight years. I can’t believe how much harder it is to feed my family well while I’m working outside the home! Thank you for the tips…We have got to get back to eating a good, home-cooked meal every night!
Would love the blessing of your book. Enjoyed this post. Thank you!
Great ideas here!
I’d love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! I’ve been following her blog for a while now and love all the money saving ideas. Thanks for the tips!
What a neat article! Glad I found your site! I would LOVE a copy of this book!!
i would love to read this book. i need a lot of help with finances.
Even though there are just the two of us now, eating healthy is still a priority, and meat isn’t a main centerpiece of our meals. We share a lot of meals when we eat out, picking a special we both like. We just ask for an extra plate and share. Most waitpersons are very understanding and are so helpful. It keeps us from eating too much.
Sometimes when we’re really hungry, we each order a special and bring our extras home. Helps the budget a lot! Thanks for all the tips. J.
Love to try and save some cash! My grocery bils are crazy high!
Love all the money saving ideas you have brought us! Winning a copy of this book would be fantastic, having hit a rough patch any & all tips are needed! Thanks again for tips:)
Love these ideas!
Thank you for the article, it’s great motivation in the depths of a new england winter. I would love to win this book!
Great tips!
Thank you for giving us a chance to win your book. I am going to look into the co-op idea.
Thanks for all this info! You and Crystal are my favorite two blogs!
My goal for the new year is to eat more whole foods and stick to my grocery budget so this posting was great to read!
I’d love to get a copy of your book, Crystal! Your generosity with the proceeds is such a great example!
I just came across Crystal’s blog earlier this week. I’d love to win a copy of her book. Thanks!
I would love a chance to win!
I read Crystal’s story after seeing your giveaway. I would love to win a copy of her book and read more about her journey!
Of course I would love the learn more to support our whole foods journey! Thank you for the opportunity!
Really hope I win this book. I could really use the advice in this book.
I’d love a copy of this book!!!
We started a garden several years ago and it was the best thing we ever did for our diet and our budget! Ther is also great pride in eating the food you’ve grown. Great post! Crystal’s book looks great too…would love to win a copy!
I enjoyed reading this and would love to win.
I would love to win a copy.
I am so excited that this book is finally here! what a blessing. Hope I win one, Thank you!
Very helpful information! This is definitely a challenge for my family!
The book looks fabulous!!
Thank you for the post. I like the ideas and pland to add a few to my meal/budget plan.
I love these 8 tips! I’m really trying to make sure my family eats healthier, but it can be more expensive. I’ve always hated that processed foods are cheaper. It’s no wonder why staying healthy is so difficult!
I love all your ideas. I just wish I could grow a garden this time of year where I live. I love the summer garden. We’ve decided to eliminate sugar and processed foods out of our diet recently because I was having some problems. So, this helped reassure that I can save money while still feeding my family healthy foods.
I need to do the 6 meals out of one chicken!
I would love to win the book ! Sounds like a perfect way to start the new year off right!
Another big plus of eating healthy is not getting stick. One of my sons is going for his second year of perfect attendance in school!
I would love to win this book – I can’t wait to read it. I am in line on the hold list for it at our library.
We save lots of money by not eating any meat at all.
pick me! (please)
Love her blog! Would love to win her book. I have already put into action some of her ideas and they work!
Great article! We buy natural/organic and local. This has great tips! I would love to win a copy of this book :)
Great article! We buy natural/organic and local. This has great tips! I would love to win a copy of this book :)
I would love to have some extra help with the budget :)
great ideas! I love the meat as a condiment one! Woudl love to see more in the book :)
This book looks very practical.
Our family food pledge is: “As much as possible we will eat whole foods, seasonally, and locally. We will support our local growers and food merchants.” We belong to a CSA, buy chickens, beef, and milk from local merchants. Nearly everything we eat is made from scratch. Last summer I lost 20 pounds, we walked as a family, and I got off of blood pressure medication for the first time in five years! We have a family of six and our budget for food is $400 a month. Although (truth in advertising) I spent just over $413 per month in 2011. Yep. We occasionally have a pre-made food. But, it’s not often. It CAN be be done… and for less money than you would think!
I am very interested in checking this book out. Thanks for the giveaway.
Am excited by the book! I do love how careful Crystal is to give credit where it’s due. I’m looking forward to checking out her link to 6 dinners out of 1 chicken.
Great, practical tips.
Thanks for all your money saving tips!
Would love to be a winner! I follow her blog regularly! Thanks for the giveaway!
Would love to read this!
I love all your tips and both Heavenly Homemakers and Money Saving Mom. We have moved a lot and one of the ways we have saved a lot of money through the years is by eating the cheap healthy food abundantly and the lower quality or more expensive food less. We used to live in a state where we could get raw milk at an amazingly good deal, but fruits and veggies were more expensive. Now any kind of milk is ridiculous but many kinds of fruits and veggies are super cheap in China. So now we eat more fruit and veggies. Perhaps someday we’ll be able to move out to the country and get our own cow or something, but for right now this is working for us.
I’ve enjoyed following along on Crystal’s many blogs and definitely look forward to reading her book!!
[email protected]
Thanks for the wonderful ideas! Would love to have a copy of your book!
I was told about money saving mom through a friend at church over a year ago and have been a follower and couponer ever since. Trying to live a more frugal life and save all the money I can. I would love to win this book for some good encouragement and ideas!!
I love Crystal’s blog! I just ordered her book today, but I would love a copy to give away to my mom. Thanks for the idea about serving food as a side rather than the main course.
I really want this book! Thanks for the guest post Crystal!
I love reading her blog, so it would be great to win a copy of her book!
I would love to win a copy! Thanks for the post, very helpful.
I love the website,so much information. I would love to win a copy to help become a better steward over what we have. Thank you
Nice guest post and it would be great to win!
I love Money Saving Mom and would love a copy of her new book! Thanks!
I sure could use the book. Why is everything going up but wages, ours went down. With gas prices I am working just to pay for my hubby gas to get back and forth so he can pay for the bills and stay above water.
These are great ideas! I’m sure the book will be even better.
I love Crystal’s blob (and Laura’s too) and I would love to read her book.
Oops, Sorry! I meant I love Crystal’s Blog not blob!!
I absolutely love Crystals emails. I am constantly getting great ideas on how to strech my food bill. I would love to win this book..I was just wondering can you really get better deals on produce and spices in ehtnic stores??
Good tips! As a registered dietitian, I speak to many people who believe they can’t afford to eat healthy. It’s simply not true – eating healthy comes in many prices ranges. And I might add eating unhealthy comes in many prices ranges too – but carries with it future costs as well. Thanks for spreading the important message that eating healthy within your budget is possible and important!
Good post and please enter me into the drawing.
You have inspired me to try new things to save my family time and money. I’m sure your book will help in getting started. Love reading your blog!!
I love buying in bulk from Azure Standard, plus we have our own laying hens, a large garden, and the past two years have raised and butchered our own pork. We, like Crystal, enjoy sweets from time to time, but I still try to keep those “whole” as well, using real, recognizable ingredients. It’s fun eating well and saving when possible.
I am thankful that you took time to write this! Can’t wait to read your book!
Love both blogs!! We have to eat healthier (lots of fruits and veggies) since all 3 of my boys have multiple food allergies. I would love to win Crystal’s book to try to save some money.
I check her website daily! I would really enjoy a copy of her book.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy of the book!
Thank you for the information and most of all for the encouragement. I have been getting together with a group of mom friends for a “coupon swap”, and sometimes I feel like I appear to be extravagant in my spending because we are trying to serve more whole foods to our families instead of the processed foods. I know that the changes we are making are better for our family’s health and the long term benefits will certainly outweigh any cost. Having the information that you provided will encourage me to continue to do what is best…and it can be cost-effective, too! Thank you!
We are on the same page when it comes to eating….mostly healthy to leave room for an occasional treat!
Thanks for the great ideas!
yup, sure want to win this one :)
Would love to win the book!
We are a family of 5 now and even though we’ve greatly increased our grocery budget we are still lower than almost everyone one we know and we eat more healthy! Skip the junk, eat from farmer’s market and local farmers and fill in with beans, whole grains and such…tastes better, you’ll feel better and supports our farmers!
Love to win the book too :)
Love Money Saving Mom! Thanks for featuring her – menu planning and grocery shopping are my weakest areas of household management. I’ll take all the tips I can get!
I would love to win a copy!!
Thanks for the great information you give us everyday!
I appreciate the whole foods tips! Hope to win the book!
Great practical suggestions! Thanks for sharing!
Great article, great blog. Crystal has so many practicle posts that we can use in our lives!
Thanks for the tips! Love the blog.
Your tips are great. We have grown a garden for the last 4 years. I try to buy fresh fruits & veggies that I am not able to grow when they are in season. I make my own bread every week. And through coupning, I am able to feed my family of 5 on just $50/week. I would so love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. I read her blog daily and love it!
I am a mother who tries to coupon as much as possible and I also try to eat as healthy as possible (i’m a runner and my family is extremely health conscience). However, in Southern Louisiana it is almost impossible to get healthy food for less than processed CRAP. I try my best to buy organic and local. We only have ONE local fresh market and it refuses all coupons. So I spend a ton of money on produce and very little on other groceries thanks to coupons. Anyone else in the south feel this way???
By the way, I love Crystal and was hesitant about spending the 9.00 on her book, because I am frugal ;) and then when I read her heartfelt story about why she finally chose to write the book, I used my last few dollars on a gift card to get it. And I have already read the entire book!! I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is an awesome list of tips! Thanks for sharing with us!
thanks for the chance to win the book… looks like a great read.
We’re making the transition to whole foods at our house and trying to buy things like honey and coconut oil is hard to do on a budget, but I am a creative woman and am finding ways ;)
Thanks for the giveaway. :-)
I’ve been wanting this book but can’t afford it!
I’m learning to do this more often and would love a copy of the new book!
I have been on pins and needles waiting and watching for the book to come out. Congratulatins! It would love to win the book; but will have to wait until it’s available at the library.
Thank you for offering this giveaway. We’re really tightening our collective belt at our house, so any resource is a valued one!!
Would love a copy of this book!
Great ideas. Instead of making trips to several different stores, find one that takes coupons AND price matches the sale price from competitors flyers.
Would love to win.
Love her blog and have already preordered her book, waiting for it to arrive. Would like a second copy to gift to a good friend of mine.
I use a lot of basic whole-food ingredients to feed for my family and I think we do it on the cheap – that does include a lot of beans and rice :)
I would love to read this book. Thank you for the tips on adding more whole food at a reasonable price to our diet.
I started the year eating whole foods, so I will be needing this book! I’m decided to commit to it AGAIN!
I am interested in winning!
Looks good!
Great suggestions!
I daily check Laura’s & Crystal’s blogs for tips in the home. I would love to win Crystal’s book.
We try to watch every penny in our one income home, I would love to win your book!
Enjoyed this. Thanks for writing. I’m here from Crystal’s blog and would love to win a book.
I have been looking foreward to this book! Would love to win!
Please count me in for an entry in the giveaway :)
Thanks for your tips on how to eat whole foods! I would love to win Crystal’s book – thank you.
Thank you for this article. I am trying to save for a special trip and the food budget is a good place to save.
Enjoyed reading the article. Always welcome new tips on how to work on our budget. With moving and a second child a little while back things have been so crazy that i just can’t get back on track. Would love to be one of the winners:) Thanks for the help!
So inspiring! Would love to win a copy of her book!
Great ideas! We’re starting to be much stricter with our budget. It occurred to me the other day, though, that when my 2 baby boys are teenagers it’s going to be REALLY hard to have a good food budget! I have to start practicing now!
I think the idea of meat as not the main element is great! My clan thinks meat is something needed at every dinner.
I would love to win this book!
Thank you for the article and the giveaway, would love to read your book.
Thanks for all the ideas!
i’d love to win a copy of the book!
Great ideas! If anyone is interested, my blog post this morning was about point #8. There are some good coupons out there for non-food items! http://www.faithfulwomanhood.com/2012/01/31-ways-real-foodies-can-save-coupon.html
Would love to win Crystal’s book.
Thanks for the tips! Looks like an interesting book!
Thanks for the opportunity to win her book! Great advice!
I really enjoy both your blog and Crystal’s blog. I’ve learned so much from the both of you.
We’re committed to eating a nourishing, whole food diet as much as our budget will allow. However, we also give ourselves permission to eat fast food once in a while! It’s all about balance.
Thanks for the chance to win the book!
I think I’ve read this a few times now, and I always see something I’ve forgotten. Thanks for the opp to win!
Great tips. I am trying to lower our grocery by $100 this month so this will be very useful info for me
Thanks so much for the information this is something that I struggle with weekly! I am always looking for ways to serve more whole foods to my family. I am headed over to the recipes section. Thanks again~Julie
I can always use more money saving tips.
I would love to win a copy of this book; I would love to save more money. Great article with super tips!
Thanks for all the great ideas and a chance to find out more :)
What a blessing both of you ladies, Crystal and Laura, are. It would be such a delight to win one of your books Crystal. You have challenged and spurred me on in so many ways. Thank you for all the hard work and for your extremely generous spirit. I hope your book continues to do excellently! Karen
Love reading about saving money and hearing other do not eat all processed foods . We are in a fruit and veggie co-op and that helps us save a TON of money .
Great, practical ideas! I love all your tips for saving on groceries.
I always enjoy your blog/articles. Thanks for all you do.
I’m so thankful for your transparency, and sharing your gifts and talents to the rest of us Moms. I am fascinated with food, nutrition, and practical tips for taking care of my family as a Prov. 31 women. I would love to win the book…as it is very difficult on “No Budget”.
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. Thanks for the chance.
Great advice! I especially like the idea of serving meat as a condiment!
I would love to win a copy of her book. I am already a follower of her blog!
Great article–I will try to incorporate some of the ideas in my next grocery trip!
I would love to win a copy of this book! Thank you for the opportunity!
What a great post! Great advice and well written!
Crystal’s book looks great, looking forward to reading it!
Rebecca
I would love to win her book!
I would love to win this!
I preordered a copy back in November and received it yesterday. I am just in the first chapter, but what I’ve read is already motivating because it is so logical. I would love to win one for my mother from whom I inherited my sloppy budgeting skills.
great tips! would love the book!!
hoping to win!
I would LOVE to win this book! Excellent info!!
~Cynthia
Crystal- Your book sounds interesting, but I’m not sure I can justify spending money with the intention to save money. So winning a copy would be great!
Thanks for the great info. Ive been looking in to CSAs in my area and they seem to be a bit expensive … think im going to start going to the farmers market.
Would love to win the book!!
Tawni :)
Would love to win a copy!!
I read your blog everyday. It is a resource of useful information on how to live in peace and also stretch the grocery budget. Hope to win your book.
thank you for this info. would love to have the book.
would love to win Crystal’s book!
good post, and the book looks like an interesting read! :)
This book couldn’t have come at a better time. Thanks for the giveaway.
There’s no better deal than free! Would love to win her book!
Our family recently had to switch to a diet that is drastically lower in carbohydrate because of pre-diabetes. Even beans count as carbs on this diet and cheese is sometimes more expensive than meat per pound so we are looking for budget friendly ways to eat this diet. Using meat as a condiment isn’t the right balance, any thoughts or ideas?
Thanks for the post.
Crystal, I love your blog and all of your great ideas.
Would love to sit and chat over a Starbucks someday!
Congrats on your book. I hope it does well.
Thanks for the chance to win it ! :)
Shelby
Great pot – cant wait to get my hands on the book!
*post*
This is a great giveaway. Thanks for the opportunity and your wonderful & helpful website!
This is a great post, as I’m always trying to find a balance between health and budget when I grocery shop. Thanks!
Great ideas! Thanks for sharing…I would love to win the book:)
Thanks for the tips, and for the chance to win Crystal’s book!
Love your website and the Godly focus. Thanks for the chance to win the book!
Thanks for the ideas. I’d love to win a copy.
My family eats a lot like yours! We do our best to eat non processed foods but we also love to have ice cream or cookies here and there! Thank you for being open and honest!
Good Reminders! Can’t wait to read this book.
Totally interested in reading the tips in this book!!
Nice tips. I would love to stop buying all of the Great Value foods for my family and start preparing better meals. Just not sure how…I’m still learning :)
Thank you, we’ve discovered many of the same things in our quest for a healthier diet, and the reality of our time constraints with a busy household and a traveling hubby.
Other people’s experience is wisdom gained for me. Even if there is one tip in Crystal’s new book I didn’t already know, I still gained!
I would love to read her book with buying…now that’s savings upon savings!
Loved this post, as my goal is to feed my family healthy, un-processed food as much as possible. I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book!!!
Thank you for being so real… Often times I get into the “I’m not good enough” mode when reading about moms who can feed their families food made from scratch. I’m a working mom and just don’t have the energy or time to do it. Thanks for admitting to the use of processed foods and non-100% organic in your meal planning.
Thanks for the tips. We strive to eat little to no processed food in our home. While it is difficult… so worthwhile.
Love your blog and would love to win this book!
I *love* the idea of serving meat as a condiment!!! It’s such a simple but brilliant idea. Thanks!
This would be wonderful to win! There is so much more to learn to be a bit more frugal.
I need to more intentionally practice the buy-ahead principle. Thanks for the opportunity to win your book.
We have been part of a CSA for a couple of years now and love it! I encourage others to look into it!
I would love to win this book.
Love both of your all’s blogs! Thanks so much for all the great ideas!
When I first started budgeting and cutting costs, I found the groceries were the area I saw the best immediate results! These tips are incredible money-savers!!! And, as a writer for a financial encouragement blog ( http://www.theholeinmyhandbag.blogspot.com ) I am always looking to learn more about living a frugal lifestyle. I would love to have a copy of Crystal’s book!
Buying whole foods is actually less expensive than processed foods – in many cases!
Bulk thick cut oatmeal is 77c/pound at our grocery store – packaged oatmeal (like Quaker) is about $4/pound – and boxed cereals are $3-4/pound.
Vegetables are remarkably inexpensive, but chips cost $2-$4 per bag. A whole 2lbs of carrots is $1.50! A full head of lettuce is between 99c and $1.49 while bagged lettuce can be $2-$4.
Cooking a whole chicken and cutting it up for meat (in meals or for sandwiches) is about $1 a pound – guess how much nitrate/sugar/chemical loaded lunch meats cost? Between $6-$8/pound. They are more expensive in the small sealed packages but are still about $6/pound at the deli.
Thanks for sharing your tips.
Would love to win a copy… We are on our Total Money Makeover journey and would live to ideas and encouragement from a book like this! Already a Money Saving Mom reader.
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. Thanks for sharing the great tips.
Love to cook whole foods
Thanks for the tips. We have totally removed processed foods from our diet and always look for ways to be more frugal with the grocery bill. Just found your blog this past week and I’m enjoying it. Blessings on your day!
Thank you so much for all this wonderful information. I have been wanting to steer away from processed foods for my family for some time now. I must admit the price tag on many organic items have been a deterrent. This article is encouraging. Thanks! I would love to win a copy of Crytal’s book!!
I feel so convicted about not having a garden! I have the spacr and the time, but I lack the motivation! My goal for June is to start out with one potted tomato plant. I figure if I reap the benefits from that one plant, it will give me the push I need to grow more! Thanks for the article and a chance to win your book!
love it! love crystal she is such an inspiration to me. We have recently started eating better and more whole foods. I got an electric pressure cooker for christmas (yeah). It makes it easier to cook beans and grains and have them on hand. We have been lucky, my favorite produce manager has moved to a store closer to us. it is just a few miles to good and inexpensive produce. we still go into town every other week to take advantage of the two stores that offer super produce deals on wednesdays. with a new freezer to fill up with excess we are really blessed. I am learning new skills. people who say that coupons are only for junk food have not experienced life in the coupon world. I use the coupons mainly for toiletries soaps and other things so that I have more in the budet for good food. maybe one day I will have a green thumb, but until then I think I will make freinds with the nieghbors that do. But we will keep trying because it is good for the kids to tend to a garden and learn the value of work and good food too.
I would love to win this book! Love her site!
Great tips. We serve meatless meals at least twice a week in our home, which also saves money. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of your book – it sounds great!
I have enjoyed MSM website for the last couple of years….lots of good advice and encouragement. I would love to read her book.
Thank yu for the opportunity to enter for this great book. I would love to win it.
Sounds awesome! I certainly can use some more tips on saving here! Thanks for the chance to win!
Love money saving mom! would love to have her book
Oh I’d love to win, pick me!
This book is right up my alley. Id love to win it and share it with some of my frugile friends as well. Thanks for the opportunity!
I would love to win a copy of this book.
I’m getting married soon and will be responsible for the meal prep for our household. I’d love to win a copy – her ideas sound attainable!
I’m looking to increase whole foods and save money in my budget.
Would love to win a copy for my family as my wife is she is stressed out with 3 small kids and trying to balance the household budget.
Would love to win a copy of her book!
Love the post. I cook for 3 big guys, and 3 not-so-big- guys, and am always looking for ways to make meals cheaply. I’d also love Crystal’s new book!
Would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book. Thanks!
I’d love to win Crystal’s book! I try to eliminate all the processed foods our family eats and would love new ideas.
I would love to win a book!
I’d love to win Crystal’s book! I try to eat unprocessed foods as much as possible, but working 40+ hours a week plus everything else makes a lot of cooking from scratch a luxury. So, we practice the “moderation” principle too :)
Would love to read this book!
Pick me! Love MSM and Crystal.
I would love to win a copy of this book!
Enjoyed this post, tip #4 and #5 are especially helpful to me right now…over the holiday months of Nov. and Dec. I got into the bad habit of planning more elaborate meals, with quite a bit of main-dish meats in the menu plan. Gotta get back to frugal, smart meal planning. :-) Would be excited to win a copy of this excellent book!
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! Thank you for this post as well. I am working on completely eliminating processed foods from our diet and love all the tips!
I’m expecting my first child and am on a tight budget. This book would come really handy!
Sounds like a good read!
I would love help getting our family healthier without breaking the bank!
For those who haven’t tried it yet, couponing really, really works to save money on non-food (and food)items. It really helps us to be able to afford the Whole Foods market for groceries for our autistic little boy.
I am very interesed in learning to feed my family healthy food. Thannks!
I try practice this weekly at grocery store
Oh yes, I would love to win this book. I can use all the help I can get. Thank you!
Sounds like a great book – I would love to win!
I love the blog so I would love to have a copy of her book!
I would like to eat healthier and we are definately trying to save money.
Winning a copy of her book would be beneficial!
Thank you for this info. We are really trying to dig our family out of debt and I just can’t stand the idea of feeding my kids junk just so we can be better financially. I appreciate this post and would love to win the book too! :)
Love the MSM and HH blogs! Would love to win a copy of the new book!
Love Money-Saving Mom and would love to win one of her books. Thanks for this article and the chance to win.
Oh, I would love to win.
Good ideas, especially using meat as a condiment!
I would love to win, if you ship outside the USA :) otherwise pick someone else :)
These are all great tips. It would be nice to win the book!
I would love a copy of Crystal’s book. I have been starting to remove processed foods from our families diet, it was difficult at first. Though we seem to be saving more money because we are not buying so many packaged items.
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win a copy of Crystal’s book! I am very glad I saw this article on Facebook this week: I have been really thinking about the whole/real foods vs. processed foods issue since the beginning of the new year, but have been holding back because of finances. I see great stories being shared on my friends blogs and other blogs I read about taking a “cleanse” challenge and/or “real foods” challenge, and I have been feeling compelled to address this in my family. We don’t eat poorly by any means, however when I started coupon shopping last year, I did start compromising on allowing certain foods in our family because they were purchased so inexpensively or even for free! I think part of the result has been some weight gain on my part, and I’ve also noticed some digestion issues, which I’ve never had before! After reading this article and the helpful links included, I feel prepared with a plan as to how I can clean up our pantry and our diet without spending hundreds more on food (which is what I imagined would happen if I followed any of these plans). I know it will take planning and organization, but I know it’s time to make it happen. THANK YOU Crystal!
You have great tips! Thanks for sharing. I would love to win this book :-)
I could totally use this book!!! Thank you for the tips!
this is great! Thanks for the tips!
Would love to win – thanks!
need all the help i can get
This looks great,Laura!
Would love a copy of the book. Love your tip about meat not being the main dish. I have started making lots of soups and it is helping my budget.
Love your practical tips! I’d love to win a copy of Crystal’s book too!
Would love this book :) Thanks!!
I would really enjoy this book.
her book looks terrific and just what I need in the new year!
Thanks for your article! Would love to win Crystal’s book, too. :)
Crystal’s book looks so great! Thank you for the opportunity to win one!
I had to smile at your opening comments- I do live in Alaska and in my part we do our best to eat whole foods, but believe me when we are in the lower 48 I am so amazed at the prices of organic food- and that’s what eat down there when vacationing!! In fact my husband is in Washington this weekend and he is so excited to go to a Whole Foods store!
And yes, I enjoy Crystal’s site too, and would so enjoy a copy!
Thanks for the chance!
Grear post., I agree I’m always saying it really doesn’t cost much more! Some processed items r really expensive to be buying all the time.
Crystal, congratulations on your book!
i would love to win!
Great ideas. We grow veggies on our small balcony. Hanging planters are great space savers.
Would be interested in taking a look at this book. Thanks.
Would love getting the book. With grocery prices rising in greater percentage than I’ve ever seen in my 68 years, we need to be smart — and maybe vocal — shoppers.
I’d love to receive this new book! Thanks for the giveaway!
I’d like to read Crystal’s book.
That book would help out a lot! I love your tips on how to eat healthier and meal planning. I think I may research buying a cow or half a cow locally and see about maybe splitting the cost with other family members.
These are great ideas. I would love to win a book. Thanks!
I appreciate Crystals suggestions and wisdom. I’d love to win a copy of her book!
I Really, really need this book! Thanks
Always looking for new ideas and ways to improve. This book sounds good.
I love all of your tips!!
With 3 growing boys it is always a challenge to have them eat healthy w/out breaking the bank. I’d love to check this out!
Thank you for a chance to win!
Thanks for the tips! I’m trying to find a co-op in my new area now…can’t wait:)!
I’m in! Thanks for this giveaway :)
thanks for the opportunity
This book looks really helpful!
Great post and fun giveaway! Thanks!
Great tips!! Thanks for hosting the giveaway.
I love Money Saving Mom and can’t wait to read the book.
Thank you for the helpful reminders. For example, I think a family can save money by purchasing produce that is in season. Also, I never knew about the co-op nor trying to barter with someone who has a garden. By the way, I would be grateful if I get the book. I am a single mom with a teen daughter. We are always looking for ways to save money. Thank you!
I’m so glad that you mentioned gardening. Just today my husband and I were talking about how much we miss all the delicious free produce from our own back yard. :-)
Great tips! Thank you
Looks like a wonderful book! Thanks for the opportunity to enter to win it. :)
I would love to win this! Thank you for the giveaway.
Thank you for this opportunity ladies! I would LOVE to have this in my “mommy toolbox”! :)
We have just recently started eating whole foods only, to see if it helps our boys’ focus and behavior at school, Thanks for the great ideas for whole foods on a budget! And If I win the book, that would be great too!
I would love to win Crystal’s book! Thank you for the tips on whole foods :)
Thanks for the tips! I’d love to win the book!
Love the tips, especially the one about joining a CSA. Produce from these groups is almost always organic and at least pesticide free, plus you support your local farmers. You also quickly learn what is really in season and what is not, and the prices for the quality of produce you get can’t be beat! I’m still trying to figure out the whole couponing thing for toiletries and non-food items. Would love to reduce the spending in that category!
What awesome tips! I’ve been making my 1 yr old’s food from scratch, and it is so much cheaper (and more appetizing) than the jars/pouches/boxes at the store. I would love a chance to win Crystal’s book, thanks!
Thanks for the tips – love learning and would love the free book too!
I would love to win this book!
The tip about stretching a whole chicken for several meals is great. I’m going to try that this week!
Thank you for all the tips you provide. I would love to have your book.
I would love the book to find out even more ideas on how to get my family on a budget! Thanks for the tips!
Would love to win a copy! Thanks!
Thanks for the great tips! I would love this book!
I would love a copy of this book!!
I NEED your book :) Thanks for all the helpful information!!
This looks amazing – such a great giveaway for January, when we’re all re-evaluating the budget!
I would love to win this book!
Thanks for the tips- we plant a garden and I freeze what we don’t eat. Would love to win this book–always looking for more info on living a simpler, less costly lifestyle.
Thanks for the tips and for the honesty that comes across with it, :)
Would love a copy of the book.
Great tips and a great giveaway!
I would would love to win this book!! I coupon but I don’t have much meal planning experience and need to figure out how to eat the food Im buying for almost free!!
This book looks amazing!!! Would love to win a copy!
Thanks for the chance to win!
gina.m.maddox (AT) gmail (DOT) com
Would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity!
Thank you for the opportunity!
Great ideas!
I would love to win a copy of this book. Thanks for the opportunity. Nancy
I love moneysavingmom.com website, and I’m sure the book has more to share! Would love to win a copy.
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I’ve been following Money Saving Mom for a little over a year now and have found a lot of help on how to save money, but I know I have a lot more to learn and would love to win a copy of her book.
We started our Real Food Journey this past fall and have been working to stay within our grocery budget, but incorporating more Whole Foods into our diet. Just this month I decided to meal plan for two weeks at a time and I can already tell that it is saving me time and money. Check out my post about it here: http://delicious-nutritious.blogspot.com/2012/01/healthy-on-budget-meal-planning.html.
I own this book but would love to win to give a copy as a gift
Great tips. There are a lot of great recipes using black beans also. I am on my phone at the moment, but will find this one bean patty recipe that I made and even my picky kids had to be convinced that it wasn’t meat! Our family is doing an experiment this month. Everyone gets their portion of the food budget and is making their own list, shopping themselves, checking out their own food and then bringing it home, labeling with their name using a perm. Marker and no one else is allowed to touch anyone else’s food. We are on day 5 of the first week. They get $25 apiece for one week. They are all over 13. I usually spend $700 to $800 per mo . on 7 of us. They are already learning about how difficult it is to live on that amount per person. I am blogging about our experiment as well. :-)
thank you for the information . I would love to win your book
Thanks for all of your great info!
Please enter me too — I’ve read Crystal’s blog for years … would be fun to win her book! :)
Great tips! I would love to read the book!
I’m curious if there is more information out there on starting a co-op, or a central information location to find all the co-ops available. Great tips!
Thanks for the chance to win, I would love to read it.
I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win a copy of your book as well!
I have been following money saving mom for about a year. Love the tips and advice. I have 5 kids and love the posts. Would look forward to the book!
Thanks. I would like to win a copy of your book.
Your timing is perfect! I just told DH today that we need to start cutting processed foods out of our diet! Thanks for the tips!
Thanks for this! I think Crystals original blog led me to you years ago. :) And thanks for the nod to Alaska. It IS hard eating well here. I wish I lived in America’s farming heartlands sometimes, but I just have to get creative! It can be done, and when I feel better and my family is healthier, it’s worth it!
I just ordered a book for myself and am anxious to read it, but I would love to give one to a friend who is in a very difficult financial situation. I appreciate the tips you shared!
Thanks for the tips. I need all the tips & advice I can get to help me feed my family of 6.
I look forward to reading your posts each day. You inspire me to be better at saving money by shopping wisely. Life has been very interesting the past few years, and you have been a blessing. I would love to have a copy of your book.
Love your common sense approach Crystal!
I would love to have Crystal’s book!
Wow! Over a thousand comments! Guess i will still try!!! I would love to win Crystal’s book!
Hope ut’s not too late to win! Love moneysavingmom.com!
This book would be helpful for my family. Awesome giveaway.
Ditto what Heather said. Read Crystal’s blog every day. Hope it’s not too late to enter. Would love to read her book!
Such great resources. Thank you! I would love to win!
Thank you for the tips and I would love to win a copy of this book!
I would love to win Crystal’s book! I love reading both of your blogs!
Who doesn’t need more information on saving money? I know I do!!
I love new books and ideas!!
I would definitely benefit from owning this book!
I hope it’s not too late to leave a comment. That looks like an awesome book to own.
I didn’t see a winner posted yet, so I’m with Michelle hoping we can still get in on this prize! Love Crystal’s writing.
Great post!!! And would love Crystals book!!!
I would love to win this book!!
I’m joining the others just in case you haven’t closed the giveaway yet:)
I would love to win this book!
If you still have copies of the book I would love one. Thanks You are so great!
With a family of 7 and one teacher’s income, I need all the budget help and inspiration I can get.