deliciously moist & healthy whole wheat flaxseed & walnut banana bread with shredded coconut

Even though my blog revolves mostly around fashion, I still feel quite a heavy sort of emptiness when I don't occasional sprinkle a little bit of love into the blog belly. For some reason, the satisfaction of doing a recipe post seems to be so much greater than that of a fashion post. Even though I spend countless hours preparing for a photoshoot, doing the photoshot, and the editing the photographs - I just don't get the same sense of pride that I do with my food posts. I think it has a lot to do with the fact that I am creating something from scratch. If I were to design my own clothes and then execute the design, I'd probably feel the same way I do about conjuring recipes.

There are basically two reasons why I create recipes: One Out of necessity, and two, out of boredom. Necessity dictates that I have an event coming up, or that I do not have a certain ingredient on hand, or that I'm hungry. Boredom, well I'm sure you guys know that feeling where you just have nothing to do, and rather than just sit there on your couch and mindlessly stare at that little device on your palm or turn on that television set, you just do something. Recently, though I've been finding that I've been more inspired out of necessity than out of boredom.

This healthy banana bread recipe was born out of the fact that I've been leading a much healthier lifestyle. Years ago, as I forged through a number or banana bread recipes, I actually managed to create a perfectly moist, sweet, and delicious loaf. Unfortunately, the recipe is laden with all sorts of unhealthy ingredients that contain little to no nutritional value. So now that I have cleaned up my lifestyle, I thought it was time to clean up my banana bread.

After a couple of trials, I managed to create a delicious and nutritious banana bread that was ever so slightly indulgent. Rather than using all purpose flour, I used a combination of whole wheat and coconut flours. I omitted the egg yolk, and whipped up the egg whites with some cream of tartar for some extra volume and fluffiness. I even added flaxseed meal for extra nutrition.

The end result? Hubbs approved.

This is actually one of my favorite shots of the day. Funny how satisfying this photo makes me feel even though the bread is all gone.

PUNK: Chaos to Couture Costume Institute Gala - My Top 10 Picks for the 2013 Met Gala

I was extremely excited for the Met Gala this year! I felt like a little squirmy fan girl waiting for her favorite boy band to come on stage as the opening act. Most years, I enjoy watching the amazing stream of fashion inspiration, but I never care much for the theme. This year's punk inspired theme definitely piqued my interest. I couldn't wait to see how my favorite Hollywood and fashion A-listers would translate the once "bizarre" subculture into high fashion.

After scrupulously scouring the photos, I've come to the conclusion that I am quite disappointed. I feel like there were many missteps in this years theme, or rather, total disregard for a theme at all. Some celebrities (oh boy), took the theme way too literally, but others just didn't even bother. This left me with a feeling that is quite-- uninspiring.

Regardless, there were still a few standout looks that I definitely appreciated (in no particular order):

Rooney Mara in Givenchy - I love the zipped plunging neckline and the soft ruffle lace hem. It is the perfect juxtaposition between the edgier side of punk and the fierce femininity that the subculture hails.

Perfection. Alexa Chung in Erdem. This dress oozes in sex appeal without being over the top. She remains completely timeless and classy, but still manages a little bit of 90s punk with the ruffle collar.

Nina Dobrev in Alutuzarra and Monique Luhullier was spot on.

Nicole Richie in Topshop Couture. The beading in this dress is so fabulous. And the white from head to toe is stunning.

Jessica Hart in Diane Von Furstenburg looks absolutely stunning. She really has quite the body, and she sure did show it off in this look. The bustier shows just enough skin, and the long skirt is a perfect balance.

Rose Hunington-Whiteley looks amazing in this Gucci gown. I think she nailed the theme without compromising the punk theme whatsoever.

Stacy Kiebler in Rachel Roy. I just love the detailing of the heavy studding and beading with the lightness of the sheer chiffon.

Carey Mulligan in Lanvin. I think by all accounts, this is really just a perfectly pretty dress. However, the added quirkiness of the oversized safety pin at the neckline is what really conveys the punk attitude. It was a perfect play for Lanvin!

Kate Bosworth in Balmain. Again, beautiful beading in an appropriate mini!

Lily Cole in Vivienne Westwood. Perfectly executed. I love the inflated organza skirt and the very classic bodice shape with the boat neckline. What defines this look is the tosseled hair and strappy flatform shoes. This is 90s punk rock.