Have I shared with you about Azure Standard? They specialize in natural, organic, earth-friendly foods and products. They deliver directly to customers, buying clubs and retailers by semi truck and UPS.

Let me spend a few minutes sharing about Azure. Maybe you’ve never considered using something like this for your groceries and other items.

I have been a member of Azure Standard since the mid 1990′s. They are out of Eastern Oregon, but truck their products all over and ship UPS to just about anywhere.

Some of the items I like to buy are pop corn, herbs and spices for the kitchen, baking powder, liquid aminos, oats, honey, etc.

Azure requires that you telephone them and set up an account, which requires that you pay for your first purchase BEFORE they ship it. After you have established a relationship with them, they will let you pay for your merchandise after you receive it, which is nice, because sometimes an item is out of stock and did not come out on the truck. If you have prepaid, you will be credited.

If you order on your own, you must have an order that totals $550, minimum; but if you order in a group, your individual order must be $50, minimum. In some areas, there is a three percent shipping fee for the truck. If you order via UPS, that’s a whole ‘nuther ball game.

I have a Yahoo Group, in which I coordinate our drop point. There are about 21 families in my co-op.  Not everyone orders each month. As a matter of fact, since Azure recently raised the minimum for the group to $550, we plan on ordering less. I digress.  I use the Yahoo Group calendar feature to send out reminders when the upcoming deadline is for ordering. I also communicate the coordinating of when we will be meeting the truck to get our merchandise.

It only takes moments for the truck to unload. Often, they drop at homes in residential areas, businesses, or in a parking lot. It is recommended that if you need to use a parking lot for your drop point, that you ask permission from the lot owner first.  The driver calls ahead of time and lets you know when he will be there.

I doubt if I have covered everything you might want to know about Azure Standard.  This link is a great place to read about getting started with Azure from their website. One of the first things that must be done is to find out if they deliver in your area and if there is already an established drop point.

Tomorrow, I will share with you some of the items I really like and use often. If you have questions, please feel free to ask and I can address them.

Tags: great finds, kitchen cares

Have you heard about this big sale over at Biblical Womanhood? TODAY ONLY you can get an incredible ebook package from MoneySavingMom.com–over $100 worth of money-saving ebooks, homemaking helps, and encouragement for only $5.97! This is a really super offer. You can check it out here.

This ebook package includes the ecourse Supermarket Savings 101. This course, alone, is worth much more than $5.97. It claims to teach you how to drastically reduce your grocery bill. She says, “If high fuel and food costs are discouraging you and leaving you strapped for cash, you definitely need to buy this ecourse. You’ll learn how to cut your grocery bill by up to 50% or more and have fun saving money at the same time!”

Go here to read more about this nice package. All the items are listed with images. I have a couple of these, already, myself, but plan on purchasing this package. Hurry, though, the price goes up tomorrow–get this ebook package at this really good price while you can!

Tags: great finds

I want to share about an audio I listened to recently that may be a great help and encourager to other mothers who are trying to juggle family and home.

From Chaos to Order, Bringing Organization to Your Home (41 minute  workshop) comes from www.homemaking911.com.

Malia shares, in a seminar-type approach, how you can get your home organized and cause less stress for yourself and give your home a new peace.  I found it to be a shot in the arm, even for me! It is an exhortation with practical insights to get one going.

For $7, I think this resource is worth it. It is something you will want to listen to now, and then again in six months. You may not be able to implement everything at once, but she gives you step by step ideas to get you going. You will want to come back and glean more later.  It is so practical and doable!

Malia is a great example of a Titus 2 woman. If nothing else, you will enjoy browsing her site! She is adding to it constantly!

Tags: great finds, Organization