green printing in the new year

I just ordered eco-friendly flyers for some upcoming events from www.greenerprinter.com. They are a wonderful green business certified company that offers various FSC (comes from sustainably harvested forests)100% recycled paper products with soy and vegetable based inks.  In addition, they are a member of Green America (a community I hope we can be a part of in the future).  I purchased our holiday cards from them and was quite happy with the printing and quick turn around results.  They are a great resource for anyone looking to print anything from business cards and letterhead to banners and calendars. Their site even allows users to design online if you don't have the help of a graphic designer (more on this topic soon).


In looking ahead to 2010, we are committed to continue using eco-friendly printing solutions. The tough thing I've learned about green printing for a small business owner is the quantity discounts.  For example, in looking to purchase an eco-friendly stand-up pouch, we would need to order 30,000 units per sku for it to be economically feasible.  Something we clearly are not quite ready for at this point.  Hopefully as more companies demand eco-friendly solutions, the costs will begin to come down.

One step at a time... 

purely yours,

elizabeth

Journey Ahead...

It's been an incredible start since launching purely elizabeth. I'm so grateful for what I have learned, the people who have helped guide me and our amazing customers for their support.  In looking ahead to the new year, one of my goals (for which I have many BIG ones planned:)) is to use this new blog to let the community know about our evolving young company. The good as well as the  bad. Starting a business from scratch is quite an interesting journey, I hope you will stay tuned for the ride ahead!

purely yours,
elizabeth 

announcing our 2010 healthy monday giveaway sweepstakes!

Starting Jan 4th we will be giving away a healthy food package every Monday for the month of January. We know how hard it can be sticking to those New Years resolutions. So we are here to help! We hope these prizes support and inspire you on your journey towards a healthier lifestyle. Prizes include some of my favorite nutrition books, cookbooks, healthy food dvds, purely elizabeth merchandise and foods.

How do you win? It's easy really. First become a fan of us on facebook or follow us on twitter. This way you will be the first to know about the days giveaway. Then spread the word about purely elizabeth and our giveaway sweepstakes. Here's how to enter:

1. Follow us on Twitter, then tweet about the contest.

2. Write a post on your own blog about the giveaway and comment with the permalink to this post.

3. Email 5 of your friends and tell them your top health goals for 2010. Be sure to COPY us on the email (info@purelyelizabeth.com)! Then comment here stating you did so.

Stay tuned for details on the first giveaway January 4th.

purely yours,

elizabeth

Healthy Gluten-Free Treats For The Holidays

I'm headed to my boyfriends parents house in Reading PA for the holiday weekend.  While I never celebrated Christmas growing up, its fun to be a part of new traditions. So this year, I opted to make some healthy gluten-free treats in place of some more traditional fare.  I made a batch of gluten-free, vegan, agave sweetened thumbprint cookies and gluten-free pumpkin spice cake (recipe in previous post but modified by putting into two round cake pans for 30 minutes) with a creamy cashew frosting to be dairy free and soy free. 

While we are in Reading, I look forward to our usual holiday traditions; a stop by the Reading Farmers Market for some great organic produce and pre-made food, lunch at Good Eatz Green Cafe on Penn Ave for gluten-free and organic menu options, and a few long runs in the woods. Wishing everyone a very happy and healthy holiday weekend!

Creamy Cashew Frosting

Ingredients:

2 cups of raw cashews (soaked overnight)

1/4 cup of agave nectar

1/4 cup of organic maple syrup

2 tsp fresh lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/4 cup of raw coconut oil

1/2 cup almond milk

Directions: In a high speed blender, mix all ingredients until smooth.

purely yours,

elizabeth

Essene Demo

Due to the snow predictions for tomorrow, our demo at Essene Natural Market in Philadelphia (my home town) will be postponed until January 2nd (12pm-4pm).  We look forward to sampling our gluten free muffins and pancakes then! Don't forget to mark your calendars.  Have a great snowy weekend!

Holiday Recipe: Pumpkin Spice Gluten-Free Muffin Recipe

The results are in...

...Sources say the purely elizabeth pumpkin spice muffins are our most delicious, moist, healthy treats yet! Regis and Kelly even noshed on them and thought they were tops!

Gluten Free Pumpkin Spice Muffin Recipe:

1 Purely Elizabeth Apple Spice Muffin Mix
1 can organic pumpkin puree
½ tsp of ground cloves
1 egg
½ cup extra virgin olive oil/ extra virgin coconut oil, melted
¾ cup maple syrup or agave nectar
Optional: raisins, walnuts

Directions:
In a large bowl, GENTLY mix together dry mix, pumpkin puree, cloves, egg, oil and sweetener. Pour into muffin tray (I prefer using the mini muffin tray, as they are perfect bite size treats). Bake in the oven at 375 for 25-30 minutes.

*Note: If your muffin tray is apt to sticking, use a non-stick olive oil spray to coat

purely yours,
elizabeth