One for the Books

Jan 28, 2010 is a day to remember folks.

 {via weheartit}

It's the day I woke up because I had a dream that I woke up. Did you get that?

It's the day after the night I barely got any sleep because of said dream.

It's the day I wore my glasses in the morning with plans to put my contacts on later that day.

It's the day I had to take my glasses off, so I could see when a short but windy snow storm decided to mess with me. Windchill was -18C btw.

It's the day my SFAM, my K-Puff shared her wonderful amazing news with the world. Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day my SFAM, my DimSum met a Country Singer and more importantly, found out she's got some "beautiful lining" :) Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day my Dr. had a look at things and said I've "never looked better". Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day I got whistled at. By someone not wearing a construction hat. And someone who isn't S. Never mind that I looked like a hot mess. Or a very cold one. Flattering? Not so much. Strange? Very much so.

It's the day I got a haircut trim. After 9 months.

It's the day my husband left work before 5 o'clock. 4:56pm to be exact.

It's the day he tried to take me to dinner. Even though he already cooked me dinner on our anniversary {even though he's got a whole weekend planned, sweet thing}. I say "tried" because we arrived at the resto to find a sign outside the door that read "closed for a private event". To which neither of us were invited to. So we ate somewhere else instead. Calling ahead...it's good to do.

It's the day I was supposed to have my very first chocolate covered gummy bear. From the candy shop I couldn't find. Near the resto I couldn't eat at.

It's the night I came home and attempted to remove my contacts. Right eye first. Contacts felt a *little* dry but I was not expecting what happened next. I pulled it out. But only half came. The other half was left lodged underneath my eyelid. Can you say panic attack? I did. In words that barely ressembled the English language. I called yelled for S and calmly told him what had happened in a clear and distinct voice words that he could not make out. He literally had to pin my arms down to keep me from going ape nuts. After some time and yelling he managed to get the other half out. He made me lie down and "rest" my eyes before I attempted to take the left one out.

I did a few minutes later. Very carefully.

It's the day all the above happened. A day that made me laugh, made me cold, made me cry - happy tears and scared ones. A day filled with a lot of memories, milestones and never agains. But all in all, a good day. One for the books. Hope it was for you too.

Have a great weekend, loves!

xo Ela

p.s. Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Shabby Apple Giveaway (CLOSED)

Valentine's Day often sparks my need to wear red. Most years I resist...but then again, most years I cave. But whether Valentine's means a night out with the girls, or dinner with a S, I've always tended to wear a dress. This year, I'm thinking black. Perhaps with a touch of white. Right now, I'm crazy for Shabby Apple's 1943 collection, these in particular: 

Casablanca

 
I'm in love with the wide wrap-around collar and dramatic oversized bow 

that'll frame your neckline perfectly.

Paired with earrings and cuff via Forever 21, Valentino Clutch 

and Stuart Weitzman Platforms.

Bugle Boy

A gorgeous rossette blossom paired with a tweed skirt gives just the right amount of flirtiness. And I love a dress with pockets!

Paired with earrings and bangles via Forever 21, Tylie Malibu Clutch 
and YSL Divine Platforms.

Ingrid

 

The perfect mix of creamy ruffles and black sateen.

If V-Day fell on a weeknight, it'd make the perfect work-to-night-out outfit.
Paired with bracelet and necklace via Forever 21, Elie Tahari Platforms 
and Marc Jacobs clutch.

Another reason why I love these dresses is that I can throw them on without having to find that perfect tank top or cardi ~ I've got all my bases covered so to speak. Shabby Apple is a return to what dresses were always meant to be — a one-piece outfit. It's dressing made simple. I love this concept!
One more reason to love Shabby Apple? Shabby Apple is generously giving a dress to one lucky follower of Extra Dressing On The Side!!! This crisp cotton poplin Duck Beach

dress in Cherry Red can be yours, just in time for Valentine's Day! Contest closes February 4th. The winner will be announced on February 5th.

To Enter:

1. Be or become a follower. Leave a comment telling me if you follow via Google Friend Connect or via bloglovin'.

2. Tell me your favourite Valentine's Day treat.

3. Post on your blog or tweet about it for an 2nd entry. Leave a comment with the link.
4. Blog and tweet for a 3rd entry. Leave a comment with the link.
5. If you're not a regular commenter, please leave me your email so I know how to get in touch with you.

6. Open to US residents only.

And if that's not enough, Shabby Apple is offering my US/Canada/International readers 10% off until February 27th. Simply use the code ExtraDots10OFF, it's that easy! Happy shopping and good luck!!!

xo Ela

{dress images via Shabby Apple,  
jewellery images via Forever21, shoes and clutches via Shopstyle}

Please Know...

Dearest S,

I can't believe how quickly the years have flown by. This week you and I will celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary. Words can barely convey all that I feel; there's so much I want to say, so I will start with this...

Having you in my life for almost *half of my existence, I can't ever imagine life without you. I sometimes wonder what took you so long and often wish you came into my life sooner. But please know that I am grateful you came when you did. I am grateful you came, to stay.

I may squirm away whenever you try to snuggle with me in bed but please know, there is nowhere I feel safer than when I am in your arms.

When dancing in the kitchen, you often tell me how well you think I dance, while I often tease you about your moves and *dance face* but please know, that whatever song is playing, when I dance in your arms and you hold me close, there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

I may crinkle my nose when you sing silly songs and ask you to "please stop" but please know that I still get goosebumps when I think of our wedding reception, when you pulled me up and sang Always to me. I couldn't stop the tears {and regretted my need for mascara} and looked like quite the wreck, yet you made me feel beautiful.

I may grumble in the morning{on account of me not being a morning person} while you're sweet as can be before we part ways but please know that I miss you the minute you leave, and when I see you later that evening, it is the best part of my day.

We may not look the same as we did when we first met. Lines may appear and grey hair may sparkle atop your head but please know that I love the lines, for they are reminders of the laughs we've shared. I love the grey that makes you look dapper, distinguished and wise. You are beautiful. Always.

Just the other day, I caught you staring at me. When I questioned your gaze, you told me I was beautiful. And with a smile, you said you wondered how you were lucky enough to have me as your wife. I don't believe in luck as much as I do blessings from the Lord, but please know that if it were luck, I would be the lucky one.

They say a good marriage requires one to fall in love, again and again...always with the same person. I sometimes think that I couldn't possibly love you more than I already do, but please know that each day, I do. I fall in love again and again, always with you.

Happy Anniversary, my sweet. Everyday I feel blessed to have you in my life; as my husband, my best friend...my eternal companion. I love you.

*S and I dated for a number of years before we got married, so don't worry, I'm not 16 :) EDIT: Yes, that is our cake. So yes, those are S's hands...GASP! His 2nd appearance, since revealing his feet ;)

P.S. A fellow blogger is experiencing heartache I can't even imagine. I don't know her personally but Wendy has asked people to help spread the word. Please read this post and help if you are able. Please send your prayers.

Sweet and Sour

S is always teasing me about having a "refined palette". He says I like "bland" food. I say, I enjoy subtle tastes. I also just need one bite in order to appreciate flavours. He however, needs a mouthful to savour the tastes. We eat the same amount but go about it differently. For example, I eat one chip at a time. And one popcorn kernel at a time. Partly because I enjoy it best that way...and partly because I know it drives S mad. He on the other hand, shoves a handful at a time so he can "actually taste" it.

Apparently, he's not that great at detecting "sour"....

S: [Chuckles to himself] That's funny.
E: What is?
S: Sweet and Sour Chicken.
E: Mmmmkay....if you say so.
S: [Stink eye] It's not really sour...
E: Uh, sure it is.
S: No. It's just sweet.
E: No it's not!
S: YES it is.
E: Fine. It's not "sour" per se, but there's definitely a tang to it.
S: Tang's not one of the four tastes.
E: But it's a type of sour...and there's five not four.
S: Five what?
E: Tastes
S: [Eyes bugged out. Insert heckling here] Name them.
E: Sweet, sour, salty, bitter and...
S: HA!
E: Give me a sec...I've got mushy brain [pause] Spicy!
S: Bwahahahahahahahaha. That's not a "taste"!
E: You can taste it can't you?
S: [Pause] No...it just burns.
E: Sweetheart, for people with taste buds, spice is a taste.
S: [Sad puppy face] But it just burns...
E: I don't know what else to tell you, hon....just eat your "sweet" chicken.

Leather Moto - Ralph Lauren (circa 2002), Plaid Top - Winners, 

White LS Tee - F21, Leggings - Aritzia, Boots - Lucky Brand {being sold here}

Gotta bundle up!

Scarf - via sample sale

Please excuse the bedhead, pale face and um...lack of eyebrows HAHA - hair/makeup to be done in car, hence the sunnies (YSL). Lipgloss was on though.

Well, since rehashing our convo. I've come to learn that I'm wrong. Shhh...I haven't told him yet. In 2002, they did indeed introduce the fifth taste: Savory. However, if you go by the ancient Chinese Five Elements Philosophy (according to Wiki), spicy is the fifth. Since, I'm Asian (oh and 1/8 Chinese btw) I think that makes me partly right, no?

Happy weekend, loves!
xo Ela

Tie it With a Bow

I've been a terrible blogger as of late...
S has had the flu, he was getting bettter then got hit with a fever for 3 days. So, I've been busy ignoring him playing nurse chef/errand runner/babysitter...ever notice when grown men get the flu, they suddenly act like babies? He says he can't help it. That's okay, I love him, big baby and all.

Though last night, S seemed to feel a ton better. And suddenly decided he needed to buy a MacBook Pro. That very night. So he called up his friend C who qualified for an "educational discount". We all headed to the Apple store and C showed his student card to get the discount. When the total was rung up and the rep expected C to pay, C turned to the rep, motioned at S and said, "My uncle will be paying for it". 

My Uncle???
Did I mention C is Chinese.
And S isn't even Asian.
Never mind that there's only a 6yr age gap between them.
And here I thought I was a terrible liar.

Anyhoots, we left the store. S giddy with having a brand new Chinese nephew MacBook Pro. Then headed a few stores down to get me a box of Cinnabons. Mmmm...cinnabons. It was the first (and last) time, we left the mall with S' total wayyyy exceeding mine.

I was just too tired to even bother looking - let alone shop. I think my body's been trying to fight off his flu cause I've been super duper tired. These days I just want to stay in my pj's all day. Too tired to even think about what to wear. It's no wonder the last thing I wore was inspired by an after dinner snack...

 Skirt with pockets - Penguin, Shoes - Winners, Belt - H&M

Bow Blouse with Gold Pinstripes - Juicy Couture

Blue Snakeskin and Gold Bow Bangle - Rachel Leigh  

Black/Gold Bangle Watch and Unicorn Bangle - Vintage/Thrifted

The after dinner snack that thoroughly amused me...
 

"vacuum sealed corn???", you ask. 

wait, it gets better.
it comes with a paper bag... 
"uh huh," you say...

but you see, the bag keeps it cozy while in the microwave...

and after a few minutes,

 

it comes out looking like this...

with a cob left to nibble on...
maybe you've all seen this and I'm years late in this discovery but it amused me nonetheless. "before"

"after"
 
Hope you're having an amazing week!
Anything you've discovered recently? 
xo Ela
p.s. Please read Lilu's Love Harder post or make a donation directly at http://www.loveharder.org/

Ho[o]dini

I was always amused by magic tricks when I was younger. I suppose it's because I never knew exactly how the trick would end, but I always knew I'd be in for a surprise. And I've always loved surprises.

Sweater - Thrifted, Scarf - Random, Jeans - Just Cavalli, 

Faux Fur Trimmed Boots - Macy's

But not the kind where you come out of a resto and find a parking ticket on the windshield of your car, even though you've got time left on the meter and there's a car parked in front and behind you, indicating you are indeed in a parking zone. But some toy cop parking officer decided you weren't.

Or the kind where you walk into the shower, drench yourself in the steamy water, then discover there's no soap left.

Or answer the phone expecting your favourite person, then get asked by a dodo lovely telemarketer if he could "speak to your mother or father" Um, did it occur to you that some grown women can still sound like toddlers?

Or come home from the gym hoping to gorge on have a scoop of some ice cream, then find your greedy hungry husband ate the last of it.

No, those surprises I don't like. So much. 

But I do love...
when I do the laundry and find some very clean money when I empty the machine.

Or when the grumpy lady who always scowls, catches your eye, then gives you a smile.

Or when your so called greedy husband, saves you the last piece of cake in the fridge or the last cheesie puff in the bowl.

Or when you come home late at night feeling tired and irritable but you decide to check the mail anyway, and find this...

 

card and key and rhinestone bow necklaces 

A super sweet surpise. Especially cause I didn't even do anything to deserve it. A lovely card and some super cute neck candy from my sweetheart of a friend sister from another mista', Summer (aka Bacon, DimSum and Sweetpea). Thank you, sweetpea, I love you.

And yes, I love hoods. Because they are full of surprises...

Now you see me

Now you don't

Just sound? Yes, I know. I act like a toddler too.

Happy weekend, loves!

Hoping they're full of little surprises!

xo Ela

p.s. Thank you sooo much for all your support with that guest post!
You guys are awesome :)
p.p.s. Please forgive me about being slow to comment today, I'll catch up over the weekend for sure!

Beetlejuice

I'm here but I'm not...
guest posting over at The Beauty File. It's my first guest post ever so I could really use seeing your friendly faces over there :)

Blazer - Vintage, Ruffled Blouse - Mario Serrani (worn here)

Liquid Leggings - Winners, Ankle Cuff Sandals - Fergie
Studded Cuff - F21, Black and Gold bracelet watch - Vintage

My feet'll kill me for this but car to doorstep dropoffs, 

make the 5sec exposure to Winter air bearable. 

Hope you guys are having an amazing mid-week!

xo Ela

p.s. Please forgive me, a few days ago, I misread a post and posted some *news* here on my blog. Apparently if I see the word "baby" in a post, I take that to mean someone is having one. Kristin, thanks for laughing it off! xoxo

I Could Have Done Without

I'm laughing here....

but this is how I really feel...

Wiped.

Wool/Mongolian Wool Vest - Thrifted, Turtleneck - Random

Pants and Booties - Zara

Did the 5:30am gym thing again. 
Can I just say...my friend H is discovering I am *el cranko pantalones* in the a.m.?
With a side of giddy...to keep her from slapping me.

So stinkin' tired this morning. I eyed the toothpaste which was next to my perfume. At the same time I stuck my bare toothbrush in my mouth. Then remembered - "I'm missing something", which then led me to pick up said perfume and nearly spray my toothbrush with it. I kid you not. That's the extent of my multitasking at insane hours.

Watch - Swatch

I'm fairly certain I could've done without filling in my right eyebrow today. It would've meant 2 extra minutes that I could've spent in bed. Sigh...

Over the weekend S and I had a Christmas-in-Jan party to go to. We also had dinner at our next door neighbours. Literally, next door but we were still 10 minutes late. Go fig. Anyhoots, after a lovely dinner their 2 and 5 yr old girls proceeded to give me and their mom quite the performance: a musical number from Highschool Musical. The 2 yr old, J, knew all the words. She topped it off with a sway of the hips and said, "I'm fabulous!" Sassy lil thing. I die.

Then she sat on my lap and snuggled into me. Which made her mom ask, "You really like Ela don't you?" To which J nodded and said, with a point of a finger, "And that one too." Following her finger, we realized she was pointing at S. I love that I get a name and he gets "that one". I think I'll start calling him that from now on.

How were your weekends?

I've missed out on a ton these last few days! Wanted to wish the BonBon Rose Girls Happy Blogiversary! Iva, belated Happy Birthday, I hope your day was as wonderful as you are!

What else did I miss???

xo Ela

My Side of the Bed

So remember the other day when I slept for 2 hours then woke up at 5:30am to go to the gym? I full on expected to fall asleep 12 hours later but guess what? I wasn't even tired till after midnight and went to bed at 12:44am. Who'd have thought that I could be more productive on 2 hours sleep and a workout, than on a day when I get 7-8 hours and no exercise? Have I been doing it wrong all these years??? Oh well, at least now I know....
...I'm a robot. 
Or a cylon. {Yes, I speak geek}
Not sure which yet.

Thankfully, I think these last few days seem to have fixed my insomia. Last night I went to bed just after 11pm then woke up before 7am. I'll do the 5:30am days whenever my friend H wants to go to the gym, otherwise I'm sleeping in till 7.

Since I'm on the topic of sleep, I thought I should mention how much I love my bed. It's a king and though we've only had it for about 2 years, I'm not sure I could ever do without it again. You see the king bed allows me to run away from S in my sleep. He's the touchy feely let's snuggle type and well, I'm more of a man the I need my space, don't breathe in my face type. Because why on earth would I want to breathe your recycled air?

via Restoration Hardware

Our bed looks like this but with higher front panel.

So I pretty much keep to my side of the bed, actually so close to the edge that one wrong turn and I'll end up on the floor, leaving him with about 80% of the bed. Where he can roam free. But does he? Heck no. He's all up in my grill back. Trying to chase and hug me without pushing me off the bed. He's mastered it to an art. While I squirm and tell him how annoying he is. Aren't I the best wife ever? The bestest I tell you.

While he was painting our master ensuite over the Holidays, we slept in the guestroom to avoid the paint fumes. On a queen bed. Suddenly I felt trapped, and breathed on, I couldn't get away, there just wasn't room. It was not pleasant. 
He on the other hand, loved it. Shocker.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not an ice queen. I love hugs and kisses. Slow dancing in our kitchen or family room. Being entangled in his arms while we watch TV on the couch. I'm all for affection in my waking moments...just not when I want to sleep. I dunno, maybe I really am a robot. Or a cylon.

Am I alone in this?

xo Ela
p.s. Remember my first DIY, that bib necklace I made? Elaine won it a while back, and it made me so happy to see how amazing it looks on her! Take a peek here and if you haven't been to her blog yet, I promise you'll love it...and her ;)

Who Needs Sleep Anyway?

So this morning I did something I never thought I would willingly do. At 5:30am...I hit the gym. It all started with S working out with our friend B. They went 3 days last week, which is more than S has ever gone since we got our membership in June 09. Apparently B is better at talking my hubs into doing the right thing. Yes folks, it's the right thing. Trust. xx lbs over almost 8 years of marriage...hitting the gym couldn't be more right.

For the past few months, our gym memberships have meant nothing but us paying $30/month to have a "fancy tag" on our keychains. I am over the moon {huh?} that's all changed in the last few days. So since our husbands have been going, my friend H and I thought we should go together as well. Last night she called to confirm if 5:30 would work for me. 
"In the morning???" I asked. 
I laughed hysterically {yes, outloud, on the phone} at the thought, only to have H tell me, she was indeed serious. HA! Then I laughed even harder. Well, all that laughing turned to anxiety {and sore abs} and I couldn't fall asleep. I finally dozed off at 3:00am...only to wake up 2 hours later. Here's what I wore...

I kid. Posting what I wore to the gym at 5:30 am won't be happening. I barely remembered to put a bra on.  But it is what I wore on New Year's Eve over our quiet dinner at home. S said I was "very sparkly". Just what a woman wants to hear...um...thanks, I guess.

All I had to do was set the table and S took care of the rest.

  

Had a votive-lit dinner

S prepared some seared foie gras

Anthony Bourdain says "one cannot live on foie gras alone". 

I tell you now, I may just die trying. Love it so.

In between courses, we slow danced in our living room. Oh yes, we did.

 Shrimp swimming in garlic butter. And some crab legs {ate too fast to capture} 

And some other tasties I didn't get to take pics of. Yums.

Since we don't drink, we rang in the New Year like 5yr old's...with a glass of champagnenade. Which in case you didn't know, is carbonated grape juice that smells like wine. Classy.

 

Is it just me or did 2009 just fly by?

I mentioned before that Filipino tradition {or superstition} says you must wear something new on New Year's eve, this top was purchased almost 2 years ago, but I just ripped the tags off and wore it for the first time that night, so I guess that still counts.

Rhinestone Bow Necklace - R.J. Graziano, Silver Cuffs - Bittersweet, 

Liquid Leggings - Winners, Sequin Top - Century 21 NYC

Hmmm...it's 1:30pm and I've eaten twice already, taken ALL the Christmas decor down and vacuumed the main floor - including the couch. Rotated all the couch seat and back cushions, swiffered the hardwood to make it extra shiny, and did a batch of laundry. I could get used to this 5:30am thing. Right now I'm thinking: Who needs sleep anyway? The verdict's still out cause right now, I also have a feeling I may just pass out before the sun goes down.

Hope y'all had an amazing New Year's and that 2010 has been off to a good start for you!

Tell me something...anything!

xo

Ela