Marshmallow Chocolate Chip Banana Nut Muffins

Usually when I have bananas that have become overly ripe I'll make banana bread, but this time I thought I'd forgo the traditional route.  I came across this recipe and made it my own with the addition of chocolate chips and mini marshmallows.  The result was a super moist muffin with different, delicious textures in every bite. 

The Element Tree Store Grand Opening

As promised here are some photos of the Element Tree store's grand opening.  Thank you to everyone who stopped by.  Your support means the world to us.  A huge thanks to Billy at Fresh Paint NYC for the video!

Scenes From The Weekend

{made vanilla & red velvet cupcakes for the opener}

 We had a truly amazing weekend. The Element Tree Store is now officially open for business! It was a wonderful turn out. I will share more photos of the opening tomorrow. In the meantime, here's a little snippet of the rest of the weekend...

{cut the sleeves off of an old jean jacket for a little DIY on the fly} 

 {celebrated with family and friends at Barcade}

 {needed a serious caffeine boost Sunday morning}

{enjoyed some fresh fruit while watching the Oscars}

Eye Candy of The Week

{instantly lift your mood with some color}

Although, it was a short work week it still feels like Friday took forever to get here.  Tomorrow The Element Tree Store will have its official grand opening.  It's a pretty exciting time.  Hope you have an amazing weekend!

 {my love for a strappy shoe cannot be tamed}

{gorgeous star hair accessories at Rodarte Fall 2012}

 {in love with these wide leg crop pants from Derek Lam}

{turquoise nail art...I feel another DIY coming on}

images via Cupcakes and Cashmere, The Brooklyn Blonde, Honestly WTF, Because I'm Addicted

Strap Happy

{via}

In my opinion there is nothing sexier than a strappy shoe. Lately I have found myself gravitating towards t-straps and anything with an ankle strap. Here are a few lovely options I came across...

Yves Saint Laurent ankle wrap heels, $1,395Gucci shoes, $1,195B Brian Atwood high heel shoes, $350Giuseppe zanotti shoes, $595Giuseppe Zanotti leather wedge, $695L.A.M.B. high heel pumps, $276

The Element Tree Store

I am extremely happy to announce that The Element Tree Store will be having it's grand opening this Saturday, February 25th. Christian (my husband) has been working extremely hard at trying to make his vision a reality and now the time has finally come. If you are in the area swing through!

10am-7pm.

The ELEMENT TREE store

561 Hudson Ave.

Weehawken, NJ 07086

Pear Custard Bars

I present to you our Valentine's Day dessert as promised last week. Pears are Christian's favorite fruit so I thought this was the perfect way to show my love. This is a super simple recipe with super delicious results. The custard base was almost like eating a piece of light cheesecake, and the macadamia nut crust had the consistency of a tender shortbread cookie. This not only created a perfect balance of textures, but a dessert that did not survive even two days inside our fridge. 

Scenes From The Weekend

 {looked through some of my cookbooks for some dinner inspiration}

Um, how happy am I that I have the day off of work!?  Such a great feeling.  Here's a look into this past weekend.  Hope you enjoy your day! 

 {Celebrated Josiah's 1st Bday Yo Gabba Gabba Style}

 {the birthday prince!}

 {spent a sunny Sunday afternoon with my sisters.  Those girls know how to crack me up.}

{ended the weekend on a sweet note at Paris Baguette}

Happy 1st Birthday, Josiah!

Josiah,

Time truly does fly. A year ago today we remember waiting patiently in the hospital for your arrival and now look at you, you're the big 0-1! You are an adorable, sweet, lovable little man that brings so much happiness to us all. We are honored to call you our Godchild and will continue to help guide you in the right path throughout your life. We love you so much. May God always bless you and watch over you. Happy Birthday!

Love always,

Tio Chris and Titi Erica (sorry but madrino and madrina sounds too serious)

DIY: Neon Rhinestone Jewelry

 {before}

Another one of my favorite trends for spring are neon accents.  For this DIY I took some really old rhinestone jewelry and made it new with a little neon acrylic paint and a paint brush.  Just dab a few coats on each stone and once dried you are left with an updated version of a piece of jewelry you probably haven't worn since prom.

{after}

Dinner at Home

 Ever since Chris and I were married five years ago we have forgone fancy restaurants on Valentine's Day.  Instead we have a tradition of making a delicious surf and turf dinner in the comfort of our own home.  Working together is what makes our little supper so special.  Last nights menu consisted of filet mignon in a red wine reduction with portabella mushrooms, butter garlic lobster tails, white truffle mac and cheese, and a shaved asparagus and arugula salad.  I will share our dessert with you next week.  Needless to say I am still full.