Community Supported Agriculture is Healthy, Green and Frugal

I am so excited to report that I am now a member of the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at Sweetwater Organic Community Farm. I can't wait to pick up my first share of produce in November!

If you are not familiar with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), it is basically a way for farmers and consumers to share the risks and rewards of farming. As a consumer, you pay a membership fee and donate some time to the farm. In return, you get locally-grown organic produce. It's great for your health, the environment, and your budget! Click here to learn about other benefits of CSA.

If you don't live in the Tampa Bay area, click here to find a CSA near you.

Here's what membership at Sweetwater entails:

• I purchased a half membership for $390. That means I will receive one share of farm produce every other week. A full membership costs $700 and gets you a share every week.
  
• How does the cost compare to grocery stores? The cost of a share to CSA members is $16-$25 per pickup. According to Sweetwater's price comparison, the same produce would cost $35-$50 at local health food stores.
• A share typically consists of 2 to 4 grocery bags filled with 10 to 15 different items.
• Pick-ups are from November to May.
• Shares are picked up at Sweetwater Farm in West Comanche in Tampa. Members can also pick up at the St Petersburg Saturday Morning Market.
  
• Members are also required to volunteer at least 4 hours to the farm. I'm actually quite excited about this part, as I hope to learn something about organic gardening.
• If your not sure if this will work for you, consider sharing the the cost of membership (and the produce) with a friend or family member. My parents are splitting the cost with me!
  

Shares are still available at Sweetwater last time I checked. Click here to get the application.

Reusable Bags Earn Extra Bucks at CVS

You can now earn Extra Bucks at CVS by using your reusable bags! That's green and frugal!

Here's how to earn Extra Bucks by using your reusable bags:

• First need to buy a Green Bag Tag for 99 cents. The tag is a leaf-shaped card that attaches to your reusable bag.
  
• At the time of the transaction, present your Extra Care Card, Green Bag Tag, and reusable bag to the cashier.
• There is a limit of one Green Bag Tag use per scan per day per household.
  
• Every fourth purchase your Extra Bucks will print at the bottom of your cash register receipt as a $1 coupon good for your next purchase.
  

Thanks Couponing to Disney for this information.

Codes for Free Movies at Blockbuster Express

Use these codes to get free movies at Blockbuster Express kiosks.

• DT99A (expires 10/15/09)
• GW9RA2 (expires 10/21/09)
• GE99A (expires 10/23/09)

Click here to find a kiosk near you. Most Florida Publix stores will have a Blockbuster Express kiosk by November 1 (click here for the full story).

Free Hot Beverage at 7-11

Click here for a coupon for a FREE 12 oz. coffee, cappuccino, hot chocolate or tea at 7-Eleven. You can print the coupon as many times as you want. Sometimes these valuable coupons don't stay online very long, so print yours out soon! Thanks Deal Seeking Mom.

Free Panty from Victoria Secret

Click here for a free pair of panties from Victoria's Secret (no purchase required) and a $10-off coupon for a bra. You just have to become a member of their Pink Nation, and then you can print the coupon right away.

Free Sample of Little Duck Organic Snacks for Children

Click here to get your free sample of Little Duck Organic Snacks for children. Thanks to The Thrifty Mama.

60%-Off Code for Restaurant.com

I used my first Restaurant.com gift certificate this weekend at Restaurant BT. I'm happy to report that it went smooth as silk. I also found out that a friend of mine has already been using Restaurant.com. It's always good to get confirmation that a deal this good is legitimate!

Here's a new discount code for you. Enter discount code SWEET at Restaurant.com to get 60% off restaurant gift certificates. That means you pay $4 and you get a $25 gift certificate! Offer expires on October 17.

Visit Restaurant.com to see which restaurants are participating in your area. The restrictions vary for each restaurant, so be sure you are okay with them before ordering your gift certificate.

Purchase through Ebates to earn cash back rewards.

20% Off Everything at CVS Online

Enter coupon code "oct20" at checkout (case senstive). Free shipping on non-perscription orders of $49 or more. Offer expires October 15.

Meditarranean Diet Good for Mental Health?

A recent study suggests that certain elements of a Mediterranean diet, such as fruits and nuts, legumes and a high ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fats, are linked to a lower risk of depression. Click here to view the study from the October issue of the Archives of General Psychiatry.

Click here for the recipe to that delicious-looking spinach salad with grilled Mediterranean vegetables I found on the Food Network website.

Healthy, Green & Frugal is Now on Facebook

Healthy, Green & Frugal now has a Fan Page on Facebook. Click here to visit the site. Become a fan and you will see posts from Healthy, Green & Frugal on your Facebook wall.