Don't Judge a Book...

I've always judged Big Lots as a dump. But I had to pop in today to purchase door handles my realtor recommended we buy, which is how I wound up discovering a treasure trove of organic goodies.

I am now a Big Lots believer. I stocked up on almost $28 worth of organic products and I will be back. In fact, I joined BL's reward program, the Buzz Club, which entitles me to 20 percent off the next purchase when I make 10 purchases of $20 or more.

I also had to swing by Kroger, so I got to make some price comparisons.

My purchases:

4 boxes Annie's Organic Macaroni and Cheese, $1 ea. (Kroger: $2.19 ea.)
3 bottles Glen Muir Organic Pasta Sauce, 25.5 oz., $1.30 ea. (Kroger: $4.99 ea.)
2 bottles Campbell's Organic Tomato Juice, $1.50 ea. (Kroger: $3.99 ea. for a comparable organic brand)
2 16-ct. boxes Yogi Organic Tea: green chai and apple spice, $2 each (Kroger $4.59 ea.)
1 box Cascadian Farms Fruitful Os Cereal (for kids), $2 (Kroger $4.99)
1 box Kashi Cinnamon Harvest Cereal, $2.50 (Kroger $4.99)
1 package Kashi TLC trail mix cookies, 8.5 oz. box, $2 (Kroger $3.49)
1 box Cascadian Farms Organic Peanut Butter Chip Granola Bars, 6 ct., $2 (Kroger $4.79)
1 cannister whole almonds, $2.50 (not organic, but the non-toasted almonds are really good for you; I forgot to price check at Kroger, but think I remember them being about $5)

The $1.30 Glen Muir pasta sauce is a steal and I'm wishing I bought all the bottles I saw. It's even cheaper than the regular pasta sauces on sale at Kroger.

The $1.50 organic vegetable juice is another steal (Yuck! But my husband takes them to work and really enjoys them!). The same size non-organic Kroger brand is $2.19, the non-organic V8 brand is $2.99, and a comparable organic brand is $3.99.

[Just added: Ben just came home and got really excited about the vegetable juice - and he's not one to get excited about groceries. He's been buying himself the store brand and paying more money. Now I have to go back and stock up!]

Alas, the Big Lots in Newnan does not accept coupons unless they're generated by the store. Some Big Lots do accept them. If you're planning to go and think you may go 10 times over the next year, sign up with the Big Lots rewards club first for extra saving.

And if your BL does accept coupons, click here and here for some Kashi coupons.