Milk money

See this kid? His name is Robbie and he is a milk-aholic. He probably drinks at least a gallon of milk by himself every week. There are worse things to be addicted to. (I know, I know...Diet Coke)


I'm not especially particular about the milk I buy. Usually the store brand skim. But there are plenty of more informed consumers who are picky about the milk they serve at home. If you're one of them and you live in Central Indiana, listen up.


Nature's Farm is a dairy located in West Lafayette, Indiana. If you're into the slow food/local food movement, you might want to check out Nature's Farm. Nature's Farm employs small Indiana farms to raise dairy cows using a special feeding system that increases the amount of Omega-3 and CLA fatty acids -- reportedly good for human heart and brain health -- that the cows produce. No hormones are added to the milk either. 


The result is healthy, tasty milk that is hormone and additive free produced right here in the Hoosier state. 


The 4th Frog Blog is definitely not a coupon or deal finders website. However, Nature's Farm sent me some certificates to try their milk for free. Whole milk, 2%, 1% and skim are sold by the half-gallon at 16 Marsh stores (see below) and a handful of other supermarkets. As you might expect, Nature's Farm milk is more pricey than the store brand. The price at Marsh was $3.99/half gallon -- though it was on sale 2/$4 today.


Seem a little steep? Keep reading...


I served the Nature's Farm skim milk tonight at dinner. Annie mentioned that she thought it smelled different, though I didn't notice it. The boys didn't say anything -- except Charlie who asked for more because he had chugged his glass before I'd finished pouring everyone else's. 


In addition to the free milk certificates (good for 2.5 gallons) I received, Nature's Farm also sent me beacoup de coupons to share. If you live in Central Indiana and would like to try Nature's Farm milk, I have $2 off and $1 off coupons to distribute. Here's how you can get yours:

1. Follow me on this blog or like the 4th Frog Facebook page
2. Send an e-mail to me -- 4thFrog70 at gmail dot com -- letting me know you want some Nature's Farm coupons. I'll give you an address where you can send a self-addressed stamped envelope.
3. Send your SASE to me and I'll send back your coupons. 

I won't record or keep your address. I'll just drop the coupons in your envelope and send them on to you. I'll send at least $3 worth of coupons, maybe more depending on the response. The first 20 people who respond get the coupons. I should get more coupons next month, so I can send them to anyone who doesn't get them this month. 

Marsh stores that carry Nature's Farm milk:
2904 S. St. Rd. 135
Greenwood, IN 46143


320 N. New Jersey
Indianapolis, IN 46204


6965 W. 38th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46254


843 E Main St
Brownsburg, IN 46112


5830 W. 86th Street
Indianapolis, IN 46278


1435 W. 86th St
Indianapolis, In 46260


2350 Broad Ripple Ave
Indianapolis, IN 46220


2140 E. 116th Street
Carmel, In 46032


12520 116 Th St
Fishers, IN 46038


11625 Fox Rd
Indianapolis, IN 46236


715 S. Tillotson
Muncie, IN 47304


1500 W. McGalliard
Muncie, IN 47304


208 E Southway Blvd
Kokomo, In 46902


2250 Teal Rd
Lafayette, In 47905


2410 North Salisbury Street
West Lafayette, IN 47906


3825 State Road 26 E.
Lafayette, IN 47905

Critical Blood Shortage

We interrupt this blog to bring you the following Public Service Announcement:

The Central Indiana Regional Blood Center is reporting a critical blood shortage. I know this because when I drove past the main branch of the blood center today, there was a sign out front that said Critical Blood Shortage. Two blocks later, I heard an ad on the radio saying the same thing. Then about an hour later, the Blood Center called to ask if I could come in to donate.

I'm thinking God is trying to tell me something. So I went to www.donorpoint.org and made an appointment to donate. I gave myself two days to load up on iron-rich foods, because low iron often quashes my intention to donate.

Still unsure about whether to offer your arm as a pincushion? Ponder these:


Top 10 Reasons to Donate Blood

10. The blood center will never say "Sorry, you're not my type."

9. You might weigh 1/2 pound less after you donate, a whole pound if you sweat anxiously about the needle.

8. It's a great -- and free -- mini check-up of your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

7. Your boss will look like an evil villian if s/he turns down your request for a longer lunch hour so you can donate blood.

6. You get snacks after you donate.

5. You might get other free stuff just for donating (donate this Thursday and get a free ticket to the Indiana State Fair!)

4. The blood draw-ers (I'm too lazy to look up phlebot....) are super nice.

3. The blood center is air conditioned -- a plus when the weather is 85+ and humid.

2. As CIRBC likes to say, you'll have someone's undying gratitude.

1. Know that saying, "if it feels good, do it?" Well GIVING feels REALLY good!


If you're not in Central Indiana, go to your own local blood center and give up some of the life-giving red stuff.