Learn From Their Mistakes

I should've taken advantage of Summer's late sunsets. 

Nowadays it's dark before 6pm, which makes taking outdoor shots a rarity.

Boys Blazer - Thrifted, Ruffled Cotton Shirt - J. Crew, Booties - Fendi(via eBay)

I bought this layered R.J. Graziano necklace last year and wore it with a Rachel Pally Short Caftan dress to S's company Christmas party last year. Just found out they're holding this year's party at the end of next month. I'm thinking of semi-recycling my outfit...last year I wore the dress in Eggplant but I also bought the dress in Red, which has yet to be worn. So, I'm thinking the red dress with gold jewellery. I don't think anyone will notice. And even if they did...um, don't really care. I just don't know about wearing red to a Holiday party, it seems so cliche. Oh well, got another 4 weeks to think about it.

One thing's for sure, I know I'll be doing my makeup in the car. I always do. It's a terrible habit but it's so efficient :) I only do it as a passenger of course. There are however, two things I will not do in a moving car. I suggest you don't do them either:
1. Put on mascara 
2. Use an eyelash curler

"Why not?" you ask.
1. One day, one of S's HS teachers didn't show up to class. The school later explained she had been in a car accident. Sort of. She was doing her mascara in the car...then poked herself in the eye. We never heard what became of her, we only know that she never returned to the School. I can only hope the injury was not permanent.
I know we love mascara, but please don't put your vision at jeopardy. If I need to put mascara on, I do it before I leave or once I get to my destination. I hope you'll do the same.

2. Also in HS, I was watching Fashion Television and a model being interviewed was so happy to have booked her first job after a 6 month hiatus. A little over 6 months prior, she was in the backseat of a moving car doing her makeup. She was curling her eyelashes, when BOOM! The car gets hit from behind. She lunged forward and in doing so, pulled out her eyelashes. I may not remember all the details but that part I remember - very CLEARLY. Eek! Can you imagine how much that hurt???
On top of the pain, no one wanted to hire her after that - I guess she couldn't get by on falsies. 
Just like you can't put extensions on a bald head.

So, if you're like me and you do your makeup in the car, please be careful.

Happy weekend!!!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

xx Ela

At Least We Know, He's Got Feet

Reading some comments from my last post, it seems that I gave some of you the impression that I was only 25....sorry, I want to clarify that I only *feel* 25. I'm actually in my 30's. I'm being vague not because I'm embarassed but because S prefers I don't divulge my age or my birthday. He lets me post a lot of things on here so I've got to respect his limits.
Also, I wanted to clarify that I love getting older - it's just some things that come with getting older that I'm not so crazy about. I worry more than I ever did(about anything and everything), I've had to become much more practical than I used to be, and my body can't withstand late nights or junkfood as well as it previously could - what I used to enjoy, now sometimes makes me feel sick. And arthritis is seriously not fun.

But at the same time, I love everything else that comes with getting older - the years of our marriage, our home, having a different relationship with my family than what I had as as teenager, seeing our friends welcome their 3rd or 4th child into their families, and so much more I didn't have 5 or 10 years ago. I apologize if I came off whiney, because as much as I may complain, I wouldn't change a thing or give up experiences that I've been priviledged to have. I'm enjoying this stage in my life and honestly look forward to the years ahead...here's hoping they involve 4 children. Not all at once but yes, that's the family S and I hope to have one day.

Now that, that's all cleared up... 

Whenever I can't figure out what I want to wear, like today, I do all black, all grey or a black and grey combo.
I've been looking for a slouchy knit hat the last few weeks and couldn't find one in frigid cold Toronto - go figure I found one in 100F Tucson, Arizona.

Oh and I'm slightly obsessed with these boots so you'll probably see them again - a lot.

Leather Jacket - Zara, Cardi - Dex, Studded Boots - BCBG, Hat - F21

One of the gals I love, who happens to be super gorgeous, Sarah Hannah at Death Wears Diamond Jewellery recently gave me a Blog Lovin' award. Thanks, *bubblegum* :) If you haven't visited her blog yet, GO! She's an amazing writer and I simply adore her. With the award I *must* list 7 random facts:

1. I constantly have a knot in my upper back - just below my right shoulder. I'm always asking S to rub it out...sometimes he's great about it. Sometimes, I may as well squat, find a table edge and rub my back against it.
2. I've always wanted to learn how to play the piano. I just might - it's never too late.
3. I keep fortunes from fortune cookies - but only if they make me smile. Now when I say "keep them" I don't actually know where any of them are...
4. Seeing dirt in people's ears, makes me gag.
5. I wash my hair every other day because any more makes my hair super dry.
6. I can't stand seeing men wear light socks with black or brown shoes. Or black socks with runners. *Shudder*
7. S has recently decided to wear ear plugs. In the house. Like, all the time. Even when I'm talking. He says "it's more peaceful this way". 
I beg to differ...he now speaks like he's going deaf. Yes, LOUDER than before. And makes me repeat myself over and over and over...and calls me a "mime" when he still can't hear me. Come over for dinner and see for yourself. It takes needing therapy to a whole 'nother level.

Speaking of the stinker, here's his first "photo" he's letting me post. 
It's a start, right?

 
Taken at the airport. Needing hydration as we sat on the ground with our laptops.

Big Fiji - S's, Small Fiji - Mine, S' Shoes - BOSS

xx Ela

JUST ADDED: Some of you may know Nicole at My Teacups in Peony. Her family needs your prayers right now, please, please, please include them. Thank you.

Going Grey

My mom always told me I was "an old lady, stuck in a little girl's body". I grew up being around mostly adults. Being labelled the "favourite" grandchild, of my maternal grandparents, didn't exactly win me points with the cousins. So I hung out with all the grown-ups. My favourite word as a 3 year old was "actually" and I used it in almost every sentence, as I would tell it like it is. 

 Dress/Skirt - Winners, Boys Jacket - Thrifted, Boots - Feet First

 

Silver Necklace - F21, Faux Pearls - Thrifted, 

Vintage Bracelet and Versace Belt - via ebay

 

Growing up, a part of me always felt older than I actually was. But now, somehow as the years pass, a part of me still feels like I'm 25. Maybe it's denial, maybe it's because I've pretty much looked the same since I was 19. Actually, back then I think I looked older than I do now. Yes my loves, makeup was my best friend.
But I know that age is catching up to me when this happens:

1. I realize a $1000 handbag is completely out of the question for me but that a $5000 couch is money well spent. "Have a seat...on my purse" just doesn't seem to fly.
2. S and I avoid movie theatres when we know it'll be rampant with teenagers.
3. When ballet used to let me extend my leg straight up in the air and now bending to get my shoes on feels like I may just pull a muscle.
4. I can't tell you when the last time I was on a roller coaster or even stepped into an amusement park, BUT I can tell you about my last visit to my physiotherapist or when I had to wear a tensor band after I got struck with inflammatory arthritis. Not even lying.
5. When teenagers at Church, think it's "so cool" that I know how to text, being "so old and all".
6. When as much as I enjoy fast-food, my body seems unsatisfied unless it's had a "real" meal.
7. When the cheese plate on the dessert menu sounds just as good as the chocolate ganache torte. And sometimes, tastes even better. Cheese better than chocolate? Sometimes, yes.
8. I won't even try on something if it looks too complicated to put on. And sadly at this point - that includes a lot.
9. Sleeping in is waking up around 8:30am. A late night is anything past 11:00pm. When I was younger, I'm pretty sure it was closer to other way around.
10. When my body is now looking for fruits and veggies. I can feel it in my bones. But somehow the 25 year old in me wins...and tells the old lady to "shut up". Then I eat some Gummi Bears.

When did this happen? And where was I as the years flew by?

All those years I couldn't wait to get "old"...funny, now I'm not so sure.

Anything making you feel old these days?
xx Ela
p.s. I'll be away from the computer today but I'll catch up with you lovelies Monday evening :)

Roasting in Arizona

If I had to sum up our Arizona trip in one word, it'd be "hot". Seriously, did not know I could sweat like that in October. And if I never attend an outdoor wedding in the boiling sun again, I think I'd be OK with that. Funny how amazing and beautiful an outdoor wedding in October sounds, but in reality, seriously...it's like sitting in a sauna, but with a dress and heels on. 

Dress - Bob Mackie Studio, Shoes - Seychelles

The wedding was beautiful and I tried not to cry like a baby. S took over 600 photos but since most of them involved people, I can't post them since only two of my cousins know about my blog...I can't even post shots with just the three of us because they haven't *approved* said photos. So unfortunately I don't have much to share.

This is me during the 10:30am cocktail hour...lugging a bag of Godiva chocolates, which amazingly did not melt, to the reception.

 

The resort where the wedding was held. Never before, have I wanted to jump into a pool more.

Some memorable moments from our trip:

1. My brother walked into a cactus. Seriously, the boy needs a haircut. When your bangs or fringe or whatever you want to call them, get in the way of your vision...dude, get a trim.

2. S loves to take photos but being in them, not so much. He did however get his picture taken before the wedding...by a speeding camera enroute to the wedding. And how lovely that we have to wait till the ticket gets sent to the rental car company before it gets passed onto us, which means we get to wait even longer to find out how much it's gonna cost us. The suspense is *killing* me. Thanks, babe. What a lovely souvenir.

3. Seeing my 10 San Fran cousins after about 25 years! Two of them are twins and I could only tell them apart by their tattoos.

4. Having a bad episode with mexican food. Let's just leave it at that.

5. Having a bad episode with chicken two nights later. Again, let's just leave it at that.

6. Shopping at one of the biggest F21's I've ever been in. We spent at least 2 hours there and lost each other every 10 minutes.

7. Watching S get into 3 other cars before going with the one we rented. Now I know how he feels when he watches me try on shoes.

8. Having our GPS tell us that it would take 5 1/2 hours to drive from Phoenix to Tucson. What the heck??? I nearly died. Good thing I figured out that some bozo had set it to avoid all highways. Who does that??? We got there in under 2 hours.

9. Freaking out because I thought a creepy crawly was on my leg, only to find out the strange sensation, was my leg...sweating. Did not previously know what that felt like. Or that my leg was even capable of doing so.

10. Witnessing my Aunt say "I do", to her Mr. Right. Made everything else, worth it.

I've missed you all so much! Can't wait to catch up with each and everyone of you.

Happy weekend, loves!

xx Ela
UPDATE: I haven't had the chance to comment on some of your blogs - AND I NEED TO - because for some reason, the Comment Box isn't popping up...I'll check again and hopefully comment soon!

Mish Mash

The fabulous lady with the fabulous - and just so we're clear, I mean FABULOUS, hair, miss Brooke at Oofa Luffa Le gave me this lovely a little while back Thanks so much, Brooke! The award also came with a tag that required me to answer the following with just one word, I thought I'd give it a try since my posts can get pretty *wordy*
1. where is your cell phone? Around

2. your hair? Stubborn
3. your mother? Mumsy

4. your father? Daddy-o

5. your favorite food? Steak

6. your dream last night? Didn't

7. your favorite drink? Water

8. your dream/goal? Motherhood

9. what room are you in? Kitchen

10. your hobby? Baking

11. your fear? Many

12. where do you want to be in 6 years? Vacation

13. where were you last night? Home

14. something that you aren’t? Ungrateful

15. muffins? Cupcakes

16. wish list item? These

17. where did you grow up? Haven't

18. last thing you did? Ate

19. what are you wearing? <---

Dress - Winners, Leather Bomber - 7FAM, Leggings - Aritzia, Boots - Bronx  
20. your tv? Off

21. your pets? Nada

22. friends? Golden

23. your life? Full

24. your mood? Antsy

25. missing someone? Nope

26. vehicle? Clean!

27. something you’re not wearing? Beard

28. your favorite store? Zara

29. your favorite color? Lotsa

30. when was the last time you laughed? Minutes
31. last time you cried? Sunday
32. your best friend? S

33. one place I go to over and over? Bed

34. one person who emails me regularly? Cous Cous

35. favorite place to eat? Colborne Lane 
Now awarding/tagging: Anyone and everyone who hasn't done this tag yet :) 

As some of you may remember I previously confessed my dream as a little girl, was to be a dentist. Oh and the Toothfairy, she was my favourite. She'd leave me the cutest toothbrushes, stickers, lil' treats and the sweetest notes. Then one day I decided to take one of her notes and do some handwriting analysis. I compared it to some of my birthday cards I'd received. My heart almost broke when I discovered she had the same handwriting as my mom. I confronted my mom that day and she was a taken aback to say the least, I think she really wanted to laugh if I remember correctly. I felt cheated and started to cry...it's OK, you can judge me.

Anyhoots, this leads me to the next tag I received from my bloggie Dentist friend, the girl with the cutest smile (she's got great teeth) at *Notes from the Toothfairy* gave me this Dinner Party tag. One day I hope to make it out to the Netherlands and do a non-virtual dinner date with her :)

1. What books are on your favorite shelf?

Library I am not, I tend to borrow books from friends who buy one book a week. But you will find scriptures, John Grisham novels, Aesop Fables and The Brothers Grimm Fairytales on my shelf.
2. What DVDs are on your favorite shelf?

I don't own so much as rent, but I do have Notebook, Narnia, Thirteen Going on Thirty, Hitch and Princess Diaries. LOL, say what you want. 
3. What are your two favorite cookbooks?

I love to take recipes here and there from the different cookbooks I have, the Internet and my mom's stash. I also love to try and recreate a restaurant dish that I can't get out of my mind, I do it till I get it right, or till S says, "I like your version better." 
4. Select 1-3 recipes you will cook for your special guests.

i) Caesar salad. I make my own dressing. It's garlic-ky to say the least but seriously anyone who's had it requests it everytime we get together.

ii) Lasagna. Cause these days I'm lazy and it's my can't screw it up go-to.

iii) German Chocolate Cake. My late grandmother's recipe, she took some courses in France then opened up a Bakery back home, this cake is delish. 
5. What will we be drinking that's available?

Pelligrino and Non-alcoholic punch. Sorry, kiddos, that's all I got.

I tag anyone and everyone who, having read above, would still show up at my door for dinner :)

Also the lovely KS recently gave me these. Thank you, KS, you know how much I heart you, lady. If you haven't been to her blog, While We're Waiting hands off she's mine please do so, you won't regret it :)

Hope you don't mind if I hang onto this one for a while...

And this, I pass on to all who comment on this post. Seriously, you all make my day(s) with the funny, sweet, amazing, kind, comments you leave me each time. Thank you so much, you all are *Superior Scribblers* LOL, have you read your comments from this post?

Hope you guys had the fabulous weekend you all deserved!

xx Ela

This is a scheduled post, still in Arizona, hopefully enjoying the sun and getting the tan I never thought I could. In October :)

Hello Goodbye....

You say goodbye and I say hello

Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello 

The Beatles are stuck in my head...and this song, well, it's me and Boston having a convo. S and I spent 4 nights there, but mostly, I spent my trip holed up in our hotel room, just me and my new BFF, I like to call "Klee". His last name's "Nex" btw. He's so fun, everytime we got together, we had a ball.
Just when I started to feel better, it was time to say goodbye to Boston.

Boston is such a pretty city, from what I gathered from dinners out with S, yes, that I managed to do - and even brushed my hair for. Next time, I'll be sure to take in the sights and take lots of photos. But I have some from the hotel, like from Wednesday's post, wanna see? 

Actually, first let me tell you a story. So, we walk in Sunday night and S is checking us in. The reso's under S' name but the lady working Front Desk looks directly at me and asks, "Have you been here before?"
"Um, no...." I manage to let out (just got my voice back).
So that's that, right? Um, not so much. So we get to the room and see lots of animal print...and I mean LOTS. Did I mention that I was wearing an animal print cardi? Yeah...so is that why she asked? Apparently taking a look at my outfit she was certain I dressed this way to match the carpet...and the rest of the decor. I've labelled the goodies for your viewing pleasure...

Did I mention we weren't in Vegas? OK, just checkin'...
And just so we're clear, that is not communal lingerie - or mine - the hotel places it in the closet with a tag advising that it's for sale at the front desk.

The tag below, was placed with the bathrobe...

 

Um yeah, if I'm going to spend $120 on a bathrobe, I'm pretty sure I don't want to look like a cougar. Anyhoots, I did wear it while I was in the room - it was all S's idea - to keep me warm. As for getting in touch with my *wild side* well, if drinking Tylenol, Dayquil, Vicks, grape juice (the unfermented wine), lots of water and living in my PJs for 22hrs a day is wild, well then, yeah, I went *wild*.

On Tuesday Night, I managed to get decent and met up with my first Bostonian friend Jaime from la vie...j'aime. We pigged out had a lovely dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and time flew as we chatted away. It was my first bloggie friend meet up and a few days prior, I was so nervous. I felt like I was going on a blind date, which I've never done, but I imagine that's what it would feel like. And I kept picturing her with a hat on(like her profile pic) even though I figured she probably wouldn't be wearing a hat, but still when she popped up from the bench to say hello I was stunned that the girl without a hat was Jaime.

She's such a cutie, and didn't even wince once the whole night as my laughter led to coughing fits. We're meeting up again next time I'm in town :) Thanks, Jaime, it was fun! We didn't remember to take a picture together but here's a pic of Jaime from her blog....

Just pretend I'm the lamp, but shorter and coughing. Oh and we have the same Tory Burch black patent flats...just thought I'd mention that.

Dress - Winners, Leather Jacket - Zara, Bag - Botkier, Boots - Lucky Brand, Scarf - F21 

This is me, our last night in Boston. Looks a lot like what I wore on Tuesday night (Wednesday's post). Yeah, I'm the girl you see on vacay that makes you say, "hey, wasn't she wearing that yesterday?" Not sure if you can tell that my nails are painted green. Fun, but not the ideal colour when you're under the weather...

So it's Friday and I'm back in Toronto. S is taking the day off to help me pack watch me like a hawk and keep me in check so I actually manage to get done all I need to before our trip to Arizona for my aunt's wedding. Which means, I probably won't log on to Blogger once today...or for the entire weekend, except maybe at the airport, if I pack my laptop...but I'll schedule some posts so come visit me :) I'll be spewing nonesense leaving you lovely comments on your blog soon as my world is right side up again!

Happy Weekend, you guys!

xx Ela 

p.s. The hotel we stayed at was lovely, I highly recommend it. I've just never seen so much animal print, outside the zoo, outside Vegas, at all once before. Now I can say, I have :)

p.p.s. My favourite banana is running hard this weekend but she's in a *funk* so she needs your cheers, so do your little kicks in the air(just stretch first and it can be done) and cheer loud (so she can hear you all the way in SF) and shimmy (cause it's fun) and let her know you'll be doing so till she reaches the finish line. Spanxalot.

Things I...

Sweater Dress - Questions? (Seriously, that's what the label says...), Leather Jacket - Zara, Boots - Lucky Brand you can buy here or here, Belt - Dunno, Cheesy/Stink Face - Still sick
*More on the carpet, where I am and who I got to meet on my next post :)

Do random thoughts pop into your head when you're under the weather? They do in mine. All the time actually, here are some Things I...

Things I am tempted to do when I'm lazy...

1. Only fill in one eyebrow since my bangs cover the other one anyway.

2. Not make the bed.

3. Sleep in my "next day's clothes" to save me all the trouble. If only I knew what they were.

Things I do when I'm tired...

1. Laugh when I actually mean to cry.
2. Crack an egg. Separate the yolk from the whites. Then throw away the yolk. The precious golden yolk. Health buff I am not.
3. Wear my glasses. In the shower. And wonder why everything is "so spotty".

Things I do...that I don't have an excuse for...
1. Call people then forget who I've dialed. Sometimes I hang up after a ring or two when I seriously can't figure it out.

2. Go in the fridge. And just stare. With the hopes that eventually the *thing* I went in there for will make itself known to me.

3. Forget to make dinner then wonder why there's nothing to eat.

Things I do that make me think I've lost it....
1. Once in the driveway, hop out the car to check if I've locked the front door. Once I've driven off, drive back. To check if I shut the garage door.

2. When my cell phone rings, click "Talk", then "End", then say "Hello?"
3. Attempt to wash my face with lotion. And rub cleanser on my legs.

Your turn, give me something you do.

xx Ela

Thanks and Forgiveness

So last Friday I whined about things I had to do but couldn't find the time for...looks like the stress got to me and made my body go haywire. Friday morning, I woke up with a wicked sore throat, then came the loss of my voice, the fever, the chills, the loss of appetite followed by the odd cravings. But today....dare I say...I think this is the beginning of the end.

Since S has been nothing but mostly sweet, I thought I'd write a post to thank him...

Dear S,

Thank you for thinking it was cute when all I could do to communicate was give a thumbs up and a thumbs down,

I forgive you for asking "what?" three times when I finally started to get my voice back,

Thank you for ignoring the greasy, unwashed hair,

I forgive you for asking very loudly in public, "Is that a tissue box in your bag???"

Thank you for acting like it was a madhouse when you returned from one of my favourite NYC shopping spots.

I forgive you for shopping there, while I was curled up in bed in layers of clothing, wrapped like a burrito in two blankets trying to keep from freezing,

Thank you for showing me what you bought, you know how I love to see the goodies,

I forgive you for not buying me anything. Both times. No, the box of tissue does not count.

Thank you for not asking "really?" when I asked you to buy me some apples.

I forgive you for not getting me that bottle of water when my throat was about to close up,

Thank you for not complaining when I picked the first place I saw delivered to Tribeca, which happened to serve us the worst mexican food we've ever had,

I forgive you for feeding me horse pills to suppress my cough, I suppose when they get stuck in your throat, they suppress something,

Thank you for waking up at 7am when I was so hungry and my stomach was eating itself, to go and get me some breakfast,

I forgive you for giving me the stink eye when I spilled grape juice all over myself as I tried to take a sip,

Thank you for waiting oustide the bathroom door, to wrap me in a bathrobe when I came out of the shower and finally washed my hair, (it sounds creepy but it was actually very sweet),

I forgive you for scaring the heck out of me with said sweet gesture,

Thank you for setting the thermostat to 24C(75.2F) so I didn't feel like a popsicle,

I forgive you for previously insisiting 22C(71.6F) was more than warm enough,

Thank you for taking such good care of me when I'm a sicky-poo,

I forgive you for thinking I wasn't really sick, when I said I was, on Friday.

Kisses

p.s. Now that I'm feeling a little better, I may or may not buy some stuff at the mall conveniently down the street from our hotel. Lots of stuff.

Hope you all had fabulous weekends!

xx Ela

p.s. To my NYC friends, sorry I didn't let you know I was in town, I just found out Friday night we'd be in NYC for less than 24 hours. And I was too sick (and unattractive) to see anyone. Next time, please save me a date :)
p.p.s. If I'm slow to get to your blog, it's only because reading is taking me at least 3 times longer than what it should, I'll get there I promise.

A Chain Reaction

...that's how I can best describe getting dressed.

Other than on my wedding day and back in school when I had to wear a uniform (it's a Canadian thing) I've always woken up with the thought, "I'm hungry" "I dont know what to wear." 

On this day I remembered the skirt I bought last year or early this year(?) that I still hadn't worn outside of H&M's fitting room. Which led me to remember the chain link sweater I also never wear. Then I remembered something else I haven't worn in ages - the Tiffany bracelet my cousin bought me after we had an epic fight many years ago, which involved many tears. I got a chill just thinking about it. Which reminded me that it's now cold outside, so I wore tights. Not wanting to look *too dark* I wore my nude pumps, wanting to tie it all together, I put on the nude belt....

That's my process for picking out an outfit. One thing leads to another...I know it's all over the place - my thoughts usually are. I'm just glad I managed to stay focused enough to walk out fully clothed.

 Cardi - Banana Republic, Skirt - H&M, Belt - Anne Klein, Pumps - Marc Jacobs

While we were out, S took a look. He smiled and said, "What a big belt for such a little person..." "All the better to beat you with", I said. Yeah...I didn't think that deserved a response either. "Thanks" just sounded silly. So, I just stuck out my tongue at him. Much better, no?

How do you pick out your outfit? Do you start bottom up - shoes first? Top first? Colour? With whatever's clean? I ask but I'm not sure advice will help, this haphazard dressing is innate I think.

I'm sorry this post doesn't have much substance or if I've been slow in getting to your blogs...please forgive me, I've got wedding head. My aunt's wedding is taking place next week and my mom and I have been given some assignments. I want to make sure that all gets done. But in the back of my mind I can't help but wonder when I'll get to give myself a decent mani/pedi for the wedding. No more time to schedule a haircut. Now trying to figure a way to put it up without having a stinking plastic "claw" in my head...I'm also trying to figure out all that needs to get done over here while I'm away. Never mind about the birthday cards/packages that should be at the post office but are instead taunting me in my hallway, or the phone calls and emails I haven't gotten back to, the house that needs to be cleaned, clothes waiting to be pressed - mocking me as I type and company coming over Friday night - when I've got nothing, zippo, zilch, edible in the fridge. Sigh. There's more but I won't bore you with the rest.

Happy weekend, loves! 

If you're Canadian, or if you just like turkey, Happy Thanksgiving weekend! 

xx Ela 
P.S. A lot of my friends, you know who you are, have been sick or down, or both, this week so I hope you enjoy an especially lovely weekend. You need it and deserve it! I may not say it, or send the emails I've been meaning to but you're on my mind. I'm sending you happy thoughts and feel better soon hugs :)

P.P.S. My lovely KS is having a super week and she's sharing the joy by having a Halloween Giveaway to end it off, head over now! Also, my fellow Canuck(I hate that word), the cutie at Pop Champagne is giving away some of her sweet GSP creations, head over there now!

It All Works Out Part II

Floral Top - Winners, Skirt - Century 21, Belt - Gucci (vintage via ebay)

I got this unlabelled stretch satin skirt almost 2 years ago from Century 21 in NYC. When I spotted it amongst the ransacked racks, like white on rice I was all over the hot pink like a fiend. But once I held it in my hands - the camera is actually toning down the colour just a tad - I thought "heck no", which was quickly followed by "maybe, if I were a pink popsicle." And then I spotted the price tag. $6.99! Um, hello...I can barely buy 2 pairs of socks for that price. Plus it reminds me of a skirt my Barbie used to wear. Reasoning I have not used before. I promise. Funnily enough, when I pair it with distracting patterns, it seems to to work...or at least that's what I tell myself.

The fabulous Jennifer at I know...right? gave me this a little while ago. J, you already know I heart you :) Thank you for reading the nonesense that is my life. And for recognizing the ridiculousness of it all could no way be made up. Who could come up with this stuff?
Now passing to some open and honest ladies I adore at: B is for Brown, It's Unbeweavable, K. Law: Inspired, Life is Bananas, Live it, Love it and  I'm supposed to list 10 things about me.
Some of you may recall reading It All Works Out where I shared how different S and I can be. I thought I'd give you part II to serve as my honest things to share...I'm only sharing 5 but it's 10 facts in total about me and S...sneaky, I know but at least I'm being honest about it :) 

1. S takes a while to digest things. 

I digest and over analyze things the minute I hear or see them. 

 

Case in point: I tell S a story or say something mildly amusing or over the top hilarious. Crickets. 5 minutes later, he chuckles and says, “[Insert 1 of 20 nicknames here], you are too funny.” Me, I just ignore it because most of the time, I don’t remember what I said 5 minutes prior. And even if I did, well, I finished laughing…by myself…5 minutes ago.

2. Generally, S is always happy. It takes a lot to make him McGrumpy.

 

I get cranky and/or grumpy when I’m hungry, when I'm sleepy and when I'm PMSing. Don't I sound like fun?

3. S is LOUD. He speaks as though he has a built-in megaphone. My friends and I often ask him to speak with his “indoor voice”. Sadly, it doesn’t help. Cause apparently, he doesn't have one. And if he’s passionate about what he’s speaking on – boy, you are in for a treat. Your ears will be ringing for days. Trust.

I at times am barely audible. It’s not unusual for someone to ask me to repeat myself. Or maybe they just love to hear what I say...over and over again. What? I said maybe...

4. S is super friendly. He’ll make friends at the grocery store.

 

Growing up I often got called a “snob”. People had it all wrong. I’m shy but once I get to know you, all bets are off. Then you'll think of other names to call me. 

5. S is a morning person.

I am not.

Can you relate to any of this? Me or S...either way, I'll heart you :)
Hope you're all having a fabulous mid-week, new readers that includes you!
xx Ela
[via Google Images]

Rain, Rain, Go Away

 Whenever it's gloomy outside, I feel the need to don brighter colours. I suppose it's my way of ensuring I get a ray of sunshine after a rainy afternoon.

Jacket - Le Tigre, Sweater - Moda Int. Jeans - Mavi, Boots - Aldo

The super sweet and stylish ladies at Haute World and Janetteria gave me this. Both of their blogs are definitely, to borrow Haute Shopper's term, *guilty pleasures* for me. Thank you so much! The award requires me to list 5 guilty pleasures. I don't feel much guilt when I do things I love but here goes:

1. Obsessive shopping: if I love a certain top, blazer, skirt, etc. I will buy the same style in a bunch of different colours.

2. Coats. I have an insane amount of coats. Although when Fall and Winter actually call for them, only about 3 are in regular rotation.

3. Black boots. I've lost track of how many pairs I have. Never mind that they all look the same. I know they're different.
4. Roasted marshmallows. If I can't get S to put them on the bbq, I stick 'em in the toaster oven.

5. Baking. I could spend the whole day in the kitchen, ignoring everything else that needs to get done, making sweets. And a mess. This, I do actually feel guilty about.

Now passing onto some divine ladies: Couture Carrie, Fab Blab, Fashion Titbits, LenoreNeverMore and We Were Damsels

Also, the sweet and well travelled Cheryl, passed this onto me. Thank you so much, love! Now spreading the love to some girls I love: Asian Cajuns, Drollgirl, Iva Messy, La vie j'aime, and Pop Champagne   

Lastly, the super sweet [this girl has sugar running through her veins] Nicole from My Teacups in Peony gave me this lovely. There are a few rules for this award, please see this post for info. Now passing onto some whose *scribblings* just keep me coming back: Always a bridesmaid...Finally a Bride, Dapper Kid, Haute World, Savvy Mode, and Through the Looking Glass 

If you made it this far, woohoo. Thanks!

If you didn't, there'll be a quiz tomorrow :)
Hope you had a great weekend!
xx Ela

Things I Learned This Week

 

Blazer - Thrifted (Boys Suit Jacket), Cowl Neck Sweater - Dex

Jeans - Juicy Couture, Shoes - Prada

Here's a List of Things I Learned This Week: 
1. If I try and write a post when I'm hurting even when my desire is to sound hopeful, it won't.

2. That I'm the kind of girl that scrunches her nose when she smells something foul, that contorts her face when she hears something mean, that stares with her mouth open when she sees something scary/terrible/disturbing...
So, OF COURSE it's silly to think I can hide my feelings on a post just because I'm not seeing each one of you, face to face. DUH.
3. That my readers = my friends. That you never cease to amaze me, with your kindness and your BIG hearts. Amazing.

4. That people I have yet to meet, but one day hope to, can brighten my day just as though you were a friend who lived 10 minutes away.
5. That it is possible to be too upset to eat or sleep. Seriously, did not know that. Wow.
6. That make-up works wonders, but not miracles. 
7. That making cupcakes, is a great pick-me-up, perhaps even better than eating them. Not even lying. 
8. That making sharp turns with said cupcakes in the backseat is never a good idea.

9. That I don't do sad well. I'd much rather be the silly girl that makes people laugh.

10. Oh, I also learned that using Windows Live Writer is sooo easy but makes your photos gargantuan. Sorry if seeing me this BIG creeps you out. I'll keep playing around with it and try to find a happy medium between HUGE and Blogger's mini pics.

Thank you for being you.

I love you guys.

Things are much better now. I promise.

Really looking forward to catching up on all I missed.

Happy weekend, loves!

xx Ela
Learn anything this week, you want to share?
Oh, one more thing to share...one of my bloggie besties KS is having a fabulous Happy Giveaway, enter till Oct 3rd! Hurry on over, click here