Life is Full of Chances

This Saturday my family and I were supposed to be celebrating my cousin T's engagement to my soon to be cousin-in-law V. As you know, life happens when we're busy making plans.

As I was getting ready my mom called to inform me that she was taking my dad to the ER. He was having trouble standing, was extremely dizzy and nauseous. She asked if S and could make it over. We left 5 minutes after she called, with a prayer in my heart the whole drive over as I bit back tears.

When we got to the hospital my dad was slumped over on the nurse's desk as my mom rattled off his symptoms. When they had finished up, S transferred my dad to a wheel chair so he could be mobile. At one point my mom left his side to go to the restroom. Shortly after, my dad tried to get up. He fell but landed on his hands and knees. With all the strength I could muster, I lifted him up by wrapping my arms around him but he tried to take another step. I felt his body falling as I struggled to keep him up. I let out a little yelp because my heart was breaking and I felt so helpless in not being able to help him more. S and some nurses rushed over to help. "No more standing for you," they ordered. We sat in the waiting room for about another hour and then he received a bed, an IV drip and a slew of bloodwork. In the end they couldn't find anything so they diagnosed him with Vertigo and sent him home with a prescription. I said a prayer that he'd only be sent home if nothing was truly wrong. My late grandmother died within hours of being sent home, so I'm sure you can understand my apprehension.

My dad was only in the hospital for about 6 hours and I know other's parents go through much worse. But, for me, it was the first time I had seen my dad weak and frail. I've always been slightly envious of friends who have amazing relationships with their fathers. To say the least, my father and I have had our ups and downs and only in the recent years have come to have a deep respect for one another. As his daughter, I loved him but in the last few years I love the man he is striving to be. He has his faults but who doesn't? He's trying his best, and I can't ask for more than that.

I know it's only Vertigo. But, before my dad was diagnosed, I had no idea what his condition was and whether or not he would be okay. At the very least, the experience opened my eyes and left me feeling as though I've been blessed with another chance. Maybe I can have what I've always been envious of, after all.

I hope you all had stress-free weekends.
xx Ela

p.s. Please forgive me if I don't make it to your blogs on Monday, my dear friend J and I are spending the day together. A few months ago she moved to Calgary, Alberta (3,400 km from Toronto and in a whole other Time Zone) and is here only till Wednesday. Catch up with you soon.
[Photo via Google]

In a Nutsh...I Mean Eggshell...

Disclaimer: After reading your comments on my last post, it seems I may have given you the impression that I can actually sing...Um, no. So sorry to disappoint. If you recall from a previous post, I confessed to sounding like Minnie Mouse. And when I sing, well...it's like Minnie on helium...or trippy pain killers - either way, it's not pretty. But oh so great...for taunting S.

I've recently been tagged by Chickie Little at Eggshell Green to share the following:
What is your current obsession?
Boyfriend blazers, I've bought 6 over the last 6 weeks. Hello Fall, I've missed you! *fluttering lashes*
What is your horoscope and how do you relate?
Virgo. I’m a neat freak, a *bit* of a perfectionist, things have to be done in a certain way, in a particular order or it completely throws me off.
I'm also very loyal :)
Side Note: Can someone please tell me, when a post is edited, are subscribers alerted? If so, I do apologize because when I see a typo, I have to edit...sometimes repeatedly when I don't spot them at the same time. Oops. Though I've held back and *ignored* a few...it took a LOT of restraint.
What are you wearing today?
<---- Please excuse the poor lighting and tiny pic(click to enlarge) but must finish packing...got a plane to catch so no time to play around :) Top - Winners, Jeans - Vigoss, Saks (again, I know), Patent Pumps - Coach. I'm packing my blazer in my carry-on because planes get cold and I'd rather not use the communal blanket (shocker). And rest assured, I'm packing some socks so right before I pass through the 'detection' I can slip them on and not have to walk barefoot.

What is the last thing you bought?
2 maggies for the plane ride...probably stuff I really shouldn't be reading...

What do you think about the person who tagged you?
I've adored her from day 1 - it was love at first post :) She's uber creative, check out her Etsy shop here. One of the cutest preggers I've ever seen. Her cooking and baking also make me wish I was her next door neighbour. I also have in my head that she'd be a dear friend if we ever met in *real* life.
What’s for dinner?
Since we're flying home, *I Got A Feeling* [sing it B.Eyed.P] that I won't be cooking. We'll see what we're in the mood for when we touch the ground.
What’s your favourite decade, fashion wise?
Right now! Amazing designers are emerging all the time and with fashion now, there's so much available that each of us can put our own stamp on things - our twist on trends, mix vintage with new, mix highs and lows, etc.
What are your must haves for summer?
Sunscreen, hair-free legs, pedicures, sandals, dresses, skirts, loose tees and cardis/jackets for chilly nights.
What would you love to be able to afford?
A week at the beach. At least every six weeks. With the exception of quarterly 3-week trips alternating between Europe and Asia. Hopefully before I'm old and wrinkly and can don a bathing suit without scaring little children and can travel without tiring.
What is your favourite piece of clothing from your wardrobe?
I can't play favourites, I love all my shoes.

[Um, these are not actually mine. Sigh.]

What is your dream job?
What my heart desires most...being a mom.

What is your favourite magazine?
I subscribe to InStyle, Lucky and People Style Watch. The first 2 were gift subscriptions from many moons ago and I've renewed them over the years, I've come to look forward to receiving them in the mail...I'm not quite sure if I keep it up because I love them or because they're now part of my routine. Of course, who does't love Vogue?
Describe your personal style?
I'm not afraid to experiment but I also dress modestly in terms of being *covered up*. I follow trends in the sense that I know all about them but won't jump on the bandwagon if it's not for me. I own a lot of classic pieces that I mix with "current" pieces. I like polished-casual but mostly I'm a girly-girl. I wear a dress or skirt to Church every Sunday and at least once throughout the week.
Which Beatle is your favourite?
I know they're legends but sadly I don't have an affinity for any particular one. I did however want the car pretty badly a few years back.
What are you proud of?
Of accomplishing everything I've set my mind to. Some things have taken time, some things are still in progress and that's perfectly fine by me, I've never felt especially proud of things that came easy.

No pressure as to if/when you actually do this, but I'm tagging you anyway...the lovelies at Life is Bananas, K. Law: Inspired, Made You Blush and Lar from Asian Cajuns

Happy Weekend, everyone!

xx Ela
p.s. Please wish me a safe flight...the plane is teeny tiny and those *baby planes* scare the heck out of me...thanks :)
I'll catch up with your blogs soon!

[via Google Images]

Follow the Bouncing Ball

[EDIT BELOW IN GREEN]

If you sing karaoke or babysit or have children who watch sing-along movies you're familiar with the bouncing ball. I've decided to make this a part of my life with S....sans the bouncing ball, cause I don't know how to get one to magically appear and bounce as I sing. If I did, that'd be cool.

Nonetheless, I've decided that whenever I want S to do something he doesn't want to do or has trouble with, I'll make it fun by turning it into a song. Because that's not annoying. No, not one bit. It's fun. For all. Unless you're S, then it's just fun for me.

My latest song was entitled "Eat Your Broccoli", I'll let you guess what it was about.
I'm also working on "Talk a Little Softer. Please", I've got some ideas, but I need it to be catchy. Pronto. I find myself asking "What? What? What?" whenever others talk or when I'm trying to watch TV(yes, I talk to the screen). Just to clarify, since I have some new readers, S is not my son (though he can be a baby at times) but my husband :)

Anyway, since my blog claims to be a fashion blog...*on the side* of course, I thought I should post fashions from some of my favourite movie musicals. Or just movie musicals in general. Because let's be frank, some of these were painful and drove me up the wall....oh, actually just one did. I'll let you guess which one.

40s Glam - Evita

This dress is dreamy - Mamma Mia

Love this wedding gown - Sound of Music

The hair, the makeup, the gold dresses - Hairspray

These *styling* Munchkins put Oompa Loompas to shame - Wizard of Oz

Thursday I'll be checking out one last mall in Ohio, so I'll catch up with your blogs when I get back to the hotel!
xxEla

[via Google Images]

Mishaps: Beeps and Looks, and Third Time's a Charm

S has some business meetings to take Stateside this week and he wanted me to tag along. We love travelling together, be it long drives or sitting on a plane, having your "other half" around makes you feel like you're not away from home.

OK, enough mush...let's get to the title of this post.

Mishap 1: Beeps
While passing through Customs at the airport, I set off the metal detector like I was a slot machine on wheels. Of course I got pulled aside to get the manual 'wand detection' it went off on my head (earrings), my neck (obviously), my arms (duh), my waist (gotta hold those pants up) and at my ankles (that I can't explain).

At the hotel after a LONG day. Black Boyfriend Blazer - Necessary Objects available here (thanks Lily!) Tee, necklace and bangles - H&M. Jeans - Vigoss from Saks previously worn here

Side Note: Distressed jeans are great but seriously, everytime I fold my knees under me, the holes keep getting bigger. I'm convinced that at least one leg will turn into shorts....hopefully not while I'm wearing them.

Anyhow, after the Customs Officer was done with me. I got a look from S that said, "you should know better". I gave him back a look that said, "You should know better than to think I'd wear a tee sans accessories."

In all the commotion, for a *second* I misplaced my boarding pass and passport.
S gave me another look.
My handbag also had to go through twice...S decided to pack some Pringles in there - I guess they wanted to see what the *big cylinder* in my purse was.
Naturally, I shot S a look.
We're even.

Mishap 2: More Looks and Bim + Bo
Misplaced my boarding pass and passport...again...this time for *2 seconds*, S lovingly shot me a look and politely asked, "Can you please turn the Bim off?"
Not 10 seconds later he did something silly, "Who's the BoBo now?" I asked.
We're even. Again.

Mishap 3: Third Time's a Charm
When we checked into the hotel, we hurried up to the room. It was perfect, until we saw 2 double beds.

[This is NOT a picture of the actual room. These beds are huge. Ours were not.]

Do we look like a couple that sleeps on separate beds? Don't answer that.
So we head back down. Together.
Ask for a room with a king bed.
Back up we go.
Perfect. We love this room.
Then we check out the bathroom.

S insists I take my shoes off.
Me: "No way. You think the cleaning lady takes off her shoes when she's in here cleaning???"
Me having forgotten to pack some slippers, S insists I just put on some socks.
Fine. All is well.
Until I wash my hands and feel something wet touch my right foot.

Me: "WHY is the floor wet???"
S checks around. S: "OH...the toilet....is leaking"

Flipping Flippers.
I have dirty toilet water on my sock=foot=ME!!! I die. And not in a good way.
Back down S goes. This time I stay back.
He gets us another room. Feeling a bit like Goldilocks and much anxiety (Toilet water outside of the toilet + ON MY FOOT = NOT GOOD) we check it out.
Finally, a room I can live with.
S heads off to his meeting.
I go wash my feet.

Almost 4 hours later, he comes to get me - his once full-of-life wife, who is now slowly starving to death. Curse him and his love for talking.

At the end of the night, after I've been fed and am much happier...
S says, "Thanks for coming, hon. I love when you're here."
And knowing full well he married the BIGGEST germaphobe, adds...
"Oh...and the *incident* with your foot...highlight of my trip."

I turned off the lights. And shot him a look. A dirty one. And not in a good way.

xxEla
[via Google Images]

It All Works Out

Just the other night S came home and wanted to talk about something. So I listened. For 40 minutes. Straight.

And while I was *listening*, I got to thinking how different the two of us really are. Here are just 3 ways how…

1. When S tells a story, any story, he uses the phrases:

“So what ended up happening…”

“Basically”

the combo: “Basically, what happened was…”

and to *engage* whomever he is speaking to, he asks, “right?” at the end of almost every sentence.

I die.

When I tell a story, I use the word “like” a LOT more than I should. Especially for my age.

2. When dealing with multiple tasks and deadlines, S needs to finish one thing before he can move onto the next.

I on the other hand, can multitask like [there I go again] nobody’s business.

3.

I am a very good listener. I can listen, empathize and will speak only when there’s a pause, and if I feel you are actually done speaking and/or would like to hear what I have to say.

S on the other hand, likes to talk. And I mean, talk. He could have his own talk show. Sans any guests.

Case in point: About 2 weeks ago I got a call while I was out with a girlfriend. It was S in a panic.

S: “Hon?!? Where are you??? I thought you were home.”

Me: “No hon, I’m not…but I will be soon.”

S: “Oh. I came home and was talking to *you*...then about 10 minutes later I realized, you hadn’t said a word. I checked the whole house and realized…you weren’t home.”

Yes. It took him 10 minutes.

Despite the differences, and there are plenty more, it really does all work out :)

Hope you all lovely weekends! Happy Monday!!!

xx Ela

[Courtesy of Google Images]

Heat & It's Ugly Effects

[EDIT: Had to scale down the pics, they were massive]
I need you to take a look at this picture and tell me what's wrong with it.

Alright, I totally set myself up for that. I mean, you're probably thinking, "where do I begin?" So, I'm not talking about my head looking about 5 sizes too big for my body - they don't call me *lollipop* for nothing. I doubt you missed that...I'm wearing....only one earring?!?
WTHeck???
So basically my cousin J called me on my Bberry, I've got a terrible habit of cradling the phone between my ear and my neck. So, 40 minutes into the convo I realize, this isn't going to be a short call. I tell her *hold a sec* and remove the earring from my right ear. I get back on the phone and another 40 minutes later, hang up. And walk out the door. I didn't realize I pulled this *gem* until we got home.
While we were out S snapped some shots. I'm not quite sure if a) he noticed or b) he thought I was trying to make a statement {I'm a dork???}...either way, at least he documented my bonehead move.

Apparently, I'm on a roll with mishaps this week, I blame the incredible heat, here's what else I did:

• Drove to Goodwill. Parked. Popped the trunk. Realized the bag of clothes I was donating....still at home.
  

• Almost bought an "Encouragement" card instead of an "Engagement" card.

Good thing I decided to read it over before rushing to pay or I would've handed the bride & groom-to-be a card that said,
"May you remember the Lord is with you at this difficult time."

My cousin and her fiance would have been utterly confused. I know I was.
"What kind of an engagement card is this???" I thought.
Oh, and they probably would've been *slightly* offended.

{OK, I have a slight obsession with this tee from Zara, in stores now. I'd wear it everyday if I could. It's so nice and loose. Bangles & necklace, H&M}

{Excuse the funky toes. I loved the horizontal pleating on this thrifted purple skirt. Shoes are from Brown's, bought online here}

Oh and I didn’t forget, the winner of the Love Hangover Tee is the lovely Clare at Clarabelle! Congratulations, gorgeous!

Happy weekend everyone!

xx Ela

p.s. Does the heat have any ugly effects on you, or am I all alone here?

What I Wore Wednesday & New Additions

Kind of a funny title seeing as everything I post is obviously what I wore. This is *the dress* I wear when I don’t feel like wearing dresses. Do you have an anti-dress? Want to disguise some bloating? No problem, cinch a belt and you’re set. Super bloated? Skip the belt altogether and let the drapes do their magic. Only drawback, the pockets are falsies… just draping, stick change in the *pockets*....and leave a trail as you walk.

It’s what I wore on Monday, when all I really wanted to do was throw on a pair of jeans and a tee. Except with this heat, denim is much too heavy to keep me cool. I would’ve preferred a messier ‘do’ but with the crazy heat and humidity I’ll settle with just having my hair up and away from my neck.

Dress – Romeo & Juliet Couture, Tee – H&M $6.90

Necklace – Adina Reyter via Shopbop, Earrings – Vintage

Bracelet – Vintage, Belt – Vintage Gucci, Watch – Michael Kors

Loafer Pumps – Gucci, Scars – Courtesy of Summer ’09 Mosquitoes

Remember when Penny Loafers actually had pennies in them? Did you ever own a pair with the coinage? This amused me to no end when I was little girl. The thought of wearing shoes *adorned* with money was just nutty to me. Like having a coin purse...or a piggy bank on your feet…except two pennies wouldn’t get you very far.

Happy mid-week everyone!

xx Ela

New Items just in at My Designer Finds

Gianfranco Ferre Jeans - Stretch Satin Blazer Med/Lge- $35CAD

Gucci Sunglasses 2574/S - $65CAD

Dolce & Gabbana Patent Belt - $65CAD

And more….click here!

Weekend 5

5 Things I Did This Weekend:

1. Nursed a headache on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday.

2. Attempted a DIY on Friday night; frayed/destroyed denim. I was doing well, until I got lazy and realized it was almost 1am and started to tear *rips* in random places as opposed to sanding the denim down to weaken the fibres, causing the frays. I learned that though I may spend 2 hrs on one scrapbook page, I won't *sand* denim for more than 40 minutes.
Was more like a Don't.D.I.Y. Ruined a completely good pair of vintage Levi's.

3. Broke a sweat. Without working out or doing any strenuous labour. No one likes going to the gym with me because apparently I come out with a "nice glisten" as opposed being drenched.
I pretty much NEVER sweat. No matter what I do.
Except this weekend...without even doing a thing...
Toronto is having a serious heatwave.

4. Wished I were in Hawaii. Blame it on the s-s-sk-sk-skirt
...blame that on Jamie Foxx.

5. Went for Sushi. Baked brownies and chocolate chip cookies.
And ate a lot of gummy worms.

How was your weekend?
Is it an inferno where you live too? Ever tried *sanding* denim?
I'd rather peel potatoes.

Happy Monday!
xx Ela

Wearing:
Tee-Costa Blanca, Skirt-Vintage, Leather Belt-Vintage,
Bangles-Guess, Watch-Vintage Gucci, Shoes-Vintage Escada and LV Speedy 25

Site Launch

I’m happy and excited to announce that MyDesignerFinds.com launched on Thursday, August 13th! My Designer Finds is an online boutique I’ve been working on for some time now and I’m so excited that it’s finally ready. Do check it out when you have a moment!

Happy Weekend, everyone!

xx Ela

p.s. Prices listed are in $CAD. I’m also offering 10% off to those on my blogroll for any purchases made in the month of August. Please note at this time, shipping is limited to US and Canadian residents.

2nd Giveaway (CLOSED)

Approaching 2 months of blogging, I wanted to hold another giveaway for all my lovely readers including new ones since my first giveaway. If you know Kym from beecreative, you know she's amazingly creative! I recently ordered my first [I am now addicted] custom tee from her and couldn't be happier. It arrived just the other day...

I LOVE it and am looking forward to wearing it for more than the minute I threw it on for these pics. Probably going to top it off with a black blazer, which is another thing I'm addicted to these days.

Do you love it? If you do, here's your chance to get your own Love Hangover Tee.
Here's what you need to do:

1. Be or become a follower
2. Leave a comment telling me something about YOU, Love or your favourite tee
3. For a second entry, post this contest on your blog.
Please leave me a separate comment so I can enter you twice.
4. Open to International readers as well!

Entries will be accepted till August 20th. Winner will be announced on August 21st.
Please note, colour of the tee may vary depending on the winner's size.

"I've got the sweetest hangover, I don't wanna get over."
~Diana Ross, Lyrics for Love Hangover
Good Luck everyone!
xxEla
p.s. I've got some news coming up tomorrow...
p.p.s. Kym is also holding a giveaway, do check it out!

Laugh with me, just not AT me

So in yesterday’s post I mentioned that over the years I’ve managed to have some celebrity crushes that I now shudder at the thought of. The lovely Kym at Bee Creative urged me to share a few…I’m always happy to oblige, especially if it involves laughter at my expense. So, here I am sharing them with you. Now, just make sure that as you go through the list you’re laughing with me…

Here are some from my Grade 6 and 7 days

Do any of you know/remember this ‘band’? All 2 members were named Chris, so they named themselves Kris Kross…yes, they’re witty. Oh yeah, they also wore everything backwards…perhpas it’s best I post a pic where you don’t actually *see* them.

Can you guess which one I dug? I sure can pick ‘em…I managed to pick the one member who actually doesn’t like women.

Yeah, I watched Blossom and I know he looks *much* better now, but I had to find a pic that actually depicted him back in the day when I thought he was *IT*

I know what you’re thinking, I could’ve posted his mug shot, but c’mon this was Eddie was at his prime…I think he was supposed to be 14 in the movie…I dug the motorcycle.

Grade 8 and through most of High School

The ONLY reason why I watched General Hospital. Oh and do you remember him in Janet Jackson’s video? I died. My co-worker’s best friend actually had a short fling with him, by then I had moved on anyway…so I could care less.

OK, before we move on, I just want to note that not all are *laugh worthy* or maybe they will be for you…but I wanted to show the *progression* over the years…

High School and University/College Years

I don’t think I’ve actually ever heard Tyson Beckford speak, but back then, I never really needed to.

The ONLY reason why I ever tuned into Y&R. I hear he’s a sweetie to his mom so that I LOVE.

Mid and Late 20s

I especially dug when ‘Vaughn’ spoke French on Alias

A little bit on the slim side but I dug him…though I never actually watched Prison Break

Sigh…Drollgirl has showed me the light.

NOW

I don’t necessarily think Will Smith is handsome per se, but I do find him to be quite charismatic. Oh, and S has a bit of a crush on his wife Jada, so I guess it all evens out.

I KNOW what you’re thinking. But I find Mr. Connery, yes I was raised right and address my elders as such, very distinguished. I get that he’s 78 but if I was 65…

Go on, you know you’re dying to say it. Leave a comment, make me laugh or want to hide under a rock. Oh and if YOU feel like sharing, let me know if you post your 10. I’d love to see them in their glory :)

xx Ela

[Photos courtesy of Google Images]