How I saved by spending $10 to support Somerville Local 1st

There is only one thing that beats my love for good healthy food..and that is my love for a good healthy deal.  I am totally that person that cannot just "thank you" when someone complements a new dress or pair of shoes.  Oh no, I must tell you how much the item was originally, how much of percentage I saved from sales and coupons and the final amount.  I may even force you to guess the final cost.  I am a sucker for a buy one, get one sale..even when it is on something I do not need at all.  If there is one thing my mother (and Fran Drescher) taught me..never pay retail.

When I heard that Somerville Local First  was releasing a coupon book with $1,000 in saving for the low price of $10, I was one of the first in line to get it.  This book is filled with great discounts at all my favorite stores plus new places that I have yet to try...but will now because I got me a coupon.  The bonus is that the $10 goes to supporting an organization that supports local businesses who in turn support the local community..by shopping there we are supporting the local economy...it is a local love-fest!

I have had this book for about a month now.  Within days I recouped the cash I laid out for it, so now I am 100% making out on these deals.  Me and my iPhone camera will show you what great savings and items have come our way...

1. Davis Squared, Somerville: 20% of a single item.  I got this item...a wonderful brown (faux leather) bag. Stylish, yet simple...and large enough to fit all the junk I accumulate  I wanted something like this and the coupon was the little extra push I needed to make the purchase.   Complements galore..and yes, I talk about the coupon. Savings: $6.00

2. Harvest Co-op, Central Square Cambridge. 20% off of $50.00
I shop here regularly, so spending $50 was a breeze.  They carry tons of local items from 21st century Tofu (JP) to Teddy's peanut butter (Everett, MA)...you can find many great items.  They also carry a huge selection of bulk grains, spices and teas.  My personal favorite thing is being able to grind my own almond butter..fabulous.  You can become a member for only $20 a year (includes free parking after 5 and on weekends!) and help support the community.  I went with my coupon and loaded up on tofu, almond butter, spices, Taza chocolate and other grocery items.  I spent almost exactly $50, so a great savings of $10 on items I would have bought anyway...  Take your coupon on over and give this market a whirl...I am sure you will love it.

3. Dave's Fresh Pasta, Davis Sq. Somerville.  20% off 1 item.
You can use this to try out that fancy cheese that has been out of your price range or on many lbs of pasta for a large party you are throwing..or you can be like me and use it on wine.  On a regular day I buy wine on the cheap because that is what the budget allows..but a splurge once and a while is good for the soul.  I wandered into the shop after work one Friday just in time for a wine and Butter Girl Bakery tasting.   The wine was amazing and the Butter girl peanut butter  brownie was like a taste of heaven.  I bought both..the 20% coupon was applied to the more expensive of the two (as any good place would do)...I think the wine was up in $20 range.  I am saving it for something..a special occasion or maybe just a bad Monday.  The brownie was almost totally consumed on the car ride home....

4. Mass Metta Massage, Broadway Somerville.  $20 off a massage (60 mins; Reg. $75)

Some time at the end of last year I started to develop pain after running a long distance...an awful thing to happen to a distance runner!  My doctor cannot exactly pinpoint the issue.. arthritis? tendonitis?  Who knows..I just call it over-running-itis.  I continue to run and just live with the pain, so any help is welcome.  So what is helpful for this issue?  A wonderful massage.   Massages are definitely on the once in a great while luxury list ...but something that I felt I needed now.  Mass Metta is a place I may not have tried without the incentive of the local first book.  Called for an appt and the owner Emily was super friendly and extremely knowledgeable.  The massage was fantastic and really helped out with the pain.  I love that there is only 1 massage room and 1 masseuse...which means only the 2 of you are there..which truly adds to the relaxation of the hour.  She  also has great taste in music that is relaxing but not boring...no waterfall sounds at this place!

p.s...notice that this stop alone gets you your money back and then some from the book purchase!

5. Eat @ Jumbos, Ball Sq. Somerville. 15% off meal purchase
Maybe you walk by this place and think it is just another pizza joint.  You would be so wrong!  All of the ingredients are fresh and purchased local (when possible)...nothing frozen or precooked!  The pizza comes in either white or the healthier option of whole wheat dough.  Wing lover?  This guy has got wings..apparently the hottest in town!  Vegetarian?  All items can be substituted with tofu or seitan.   I love the "seitan bomb" sandwich..it is just like a traditional steak and cheese sub but with the meat substitute seitan.  I actually took a piece out the sandwich and examined it because I could not believe it was not steak.  This is a great neighborhood shop..
I would also like to note that Eat @ Jumbos will be donating 20% of their lunch (11am-4pm) sales on March 23rd to Meals on Wheels..supporting the elder population in Somerville and Cambridge.  If the coupon does not get you there..than their commitment to the community should!  Try this place out on that day..then go back with your coupon and try it again!

6. Greenward, Mass Ave Cambridge $5 off of $20.
Yet another store that I love to shop in.  Small yet filled with many wonderful items to help you green-ify your life. Always greeted with a smile and a hello..the owner and workers are helpful but not overbearing.  I went specifically to purchase a new travel mug as my previous one took a bad fall out my car door.  Since that was below the minimum amount, I also decided to upgrade my lunch bag.  When you are at work for 8 hours a day, I think you need to pack a good amount of food, so by upgrade I mean buy a larger bag.  I love the colors and the design..who said lunch cannot be fashionable?

So that is what I have bought so far...I estimate I saved ~$47.00.  Subtract the cost of the book..$37.00.    I am  looking forward to $5 off a VIP pass to this year's Harvest Fest, $5 off of $20 at poor little rich girl,  and 20% off of $50 at Sherman's Market..plus all the other cool savings!

If you love a deal and you love to shop local...support Somerville Local First in their efforts.  Buy a coupon book today!  Available at: Sherman's Market, Blue Cloud gallery, Davis Squared, Grand/poor little rich girl and Dave's fresh Pasta.  Learn more about book here.