Organic Coupons

I must admit that I am probably the farthest thing from a coupon connoisseur.  But as I was enjoying some newly found spare time during this summer vacation, I headed to google and did a search for coupons on stuff I usually buy at Whole Foods.  Here's what I found...

Whole Foods actually has coupons.  I think I knew this, but needed a reminder.  You too?  You can get them in the store or print them out at home.

I also came across a website that links to a number of organic brand sites with manufacturer coupons.  It's called Organic Food Coupons.  Some of the links were stale, but I'm going to be saving 75 cents on Organic Valley eggs this week thanks to this site.

hertwist...Trader Joe's is my go-to, but for the couple of items that I can't find anywhere else, why not save a little?  Yes, it is time consuming to use coupons, but it's nice to save on all the stuff we're consuming.

Then and Now: Blogging and Magnolia Bakery

Then: It’s been nearly an entire year since I last posted something. And while I feel compelled to acknowledge this, I’ll refrain from expounding upon the reasons (excuses!) why and simply say that I’m back – at least for this post.

Now: Magnolia Bakery has opened in Los Angeles. Only a bakery? Perhaps. But, a fabulous one for sure. While I have been waiting eagerly for the bakery to open, others have been dreading a probable parking crisis in a neighborhood already jam packed with delicious eateries. BTW - We had no problem finding a free spot around the corner on opening day.

To me, Magnolia Bakery is a nostalgic trip back to NYC circa 2001. Living life as a grad student, dating my (now) husband, running all over the city with my girlfriends – the whole bit. I haven’t been to the city in six years, and I do miss it, but thanks to Magnolia, I’m so close, I can taste it – for real. It’s almost like I’m back at that little park on Bleeker scarfing the cupcake down with a bunch of friends, only now I’m enjoying one in Brentwood with my littlest girlfriend.  So sweet!




hertwist... For the best icing this summer (or any time of year)… 8389 West 3rd Street Los Angeles, CA 90048 - (323) 951-0636

banana muffins

After college, my mom gifted me with a book of our family recipes – such a great idea for anyone starting out on their own. One of my favorites has always been our Banana Cake. It’s easy and delicious.

Ingredients:
1 stick of butter
1 1/3 cups sugar
2 eggs
½ cup sour cream
1 cup banana – mashed (approx. 3 bananas)
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups flour
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 can of chocolate frosting

Directions:
This can be mixed in a food processor or using a hand mixer.
Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs, sour cream, then banana and vanilla. Mix flour, baking powder and salt. Add to banana mixture and blend. Pour into greased and floured 9 inch square pan. Bake @ 350° for 25-30 minutes or until center springs back when lightly pressed with finger. Cool in pan or on wire rack. Frost when cool with chocolate frosting.


her twist…

I'm kind of amazed at how being a mom has made me considerably more conscientious about buying, making, and eating healthy food than I ever was pre-motherhood. I’m also on a mission to find quick and easy, healthy recipes (please send yours my way). So, I’ve adapted this recipe into a slightly healthier version.



Ingredients & Directions:
Same as above except…

Substitute flour with organic whole wheat flour. (I’ve tried the gluten free baking mix by Arrowhead Mills, which probably tastes fine, but not when you burn it. Warning: the muffins bake faster with this mix.)

Add 2-3 tablespoons of flax seed with flour mixture. Make sure to use ground flax seed for maximum health benefits. (I like Spectrum Essentials Organic Ground Flaxseed. I write down the date that I open it on the front of the bag – I’ve heard it should last about 3 months.)

Add 1/3 cup of steamed spinach after everything is combined. (Our Trader Joes just started carrying frozen chopped organic spinach – hooray for not having to blend it myself.) Be sure to squeeze/drain out the excess water before adding the spinach to the bowl.


Instead of the baking pan, try a muffin tin. The recipe usually makes 12-15 regular sized muffins.

Once they’re cool, stick them in a Ziploc and throw them in the freezer. It takes about 20-25 seconds to thaw in the microwave.