Extra Dressing on. the. Side

Winner NEXT Giveaway

2010-05-11T00:08:00.002-04:00

Thank you to all who entered the NEXT Giveaway.
I wish you could all be winners!

My apologies for the delayed winner announcement,
I meant to do this earlier today...

This girl is probably the luckiest girl I know. But she's also one of the kindest, sweetest girls I know.
Making her super deserving of all the giveaways out there.

Congratulations, KS!

Random.org certainly LOVES you :)

Ela

p.s. Be back in a few days!

Hope you're all having a great week!

The Love of My Life

2010-05-06T10:52:00.003-04:00

In the past few weeks, S and I have faced some things that have caused us to reflect on how much we truly, deeply, love one another. No, we never questionned it. Not for a minute. I say this, simply because when faced with this, and going through it together...

...every

step

of the way...

we feel so grateful and blessed to have one another.

He is my rock. He is my strength. He is my best friend.

He is the love of my life.

It's been a wave of emotions these last few weeks.
And today, I am incredibly humbled and inspired to watch this, and see the beautiful Nielson family, who through trials and their faith, have so enriched the lives of others. Life is so beautiful and "oh so good".

Have a lovely weekend everyone!
xo Ela
p.s. Enter the NEXT Classic 5 Giveaway if you haven't already
p.p.s. Canadian and International readers, please be patient with me, giveaway is in the works :)

NEXT Giveaway - CLOSED

2010-04-28T23:00:00.023-04:00

"NEXT please"...words I absolutely love to hear when I've been waiting in a queue for an extended period of time, but it's also something I've been saying since my fabulous Black and White Stripe Jacket, courtesy of the stylish and generous folks at NEXT, arrived in the mail a little while ago. I LOVE it! And am already thinking about the next NEXT item I want.

um...the vent gave me a bit of an unchoreographed Marilyn Monroe moment there...

For over 25 years, NEXT has been one of Britain’s most popular brands – acclaimed for its mastery of classic contemporary style evidenced in the combination of outstanding design, great quality and true value. When NEXT contacted me and asked if I'd like to receive one of their Classic 5 I said, "~~heck yeah~~!!!" "Yes, please!!!"

{Classic 5}

I love all five pieces but was so drawn to the Black and White Stripe Jacket. Isn't it fabulous??? What's even more fabulous is that NEXT wants to give one of my readers a chance to win one of the Classic 5 pieces. And the best part, you get to choose which one you want!

For ONE entry:
i) Be or become a follower of this blog
and
ii) Tell me which of the Classic 5 you'd like to win. And how you'd wear it.

For an EXTRA entry:
i) In addition to above, post this giveaway on your blog, add it to your sidebar, or tweet about it, just make sure to leave me another comment telling me you've done so, with the link.

For ANOTHER EXTRA entry:
i) On a separate comment, visit NEXT online and tell me what your favourite item is. FYI, I am in love with their dresses!

Giveaway will be open till May 9th.
Winner will be picked via random.org and announced May 10th.

Open to US residents only.

Good luck, everyone!

Ela

p.s. Canadian and International readers, stay tuned for a little something-something next week!
p.p.s. Thank you, sweet KS. I heart you.

Shirley Temple on the Rocks

2010-04-19T12:28:00.000-04:00

Hey guys, are you still here???

These past few weeks...eek, I can barely put in words. Here are a few high(?)lights.

Smiling on the outside with my Shirley Temple curls...

that smile is about to disappear.

My kitchen faucet, sprays water. That's good, right? Well last week it sprayed water from places that water should not be coming out of. It gave my kitchen blinds a nice wash though. I refused to call a plumber and "fixed" the problem by going all McGiver with a butter knife. No seriously, that's what I did. It seems to have stopped the leakage. Fingers crossed. Have I mentioned our home is less than two years old...

I've been battling with a skin rash I got from being around my friend's dog (I'm allergic to everything). Two weeks later it was barely any better. Turns out the cream I was given has a side effect, that shows up in about 1% of the population (yay me), of causing a skin rash. Did you get that? A cream that combats skin rash but actually can cause a skin rash. Can I say, WTHeck??? So, I'm now using two creams, one to fight off the rash and another to fight off the second skin rash the first cream is causing.

FACE = WTHeck???

Notice the one smaller eye with the puffier eye bag. Yup, that's what happens when I feel stressed. Serenity now, serenity now!!!

The other day S was pulling out of the garage then I heard some sort of commotion. Turns out our garage door decided to come off its tracks. Or thankfully(?) track, as in just on one side. It took 3 strong men and 3 hours later just to get the door back on the ground. We've had to leave it unopened this last week to you know, prevent it from killing anyone. We are still waiting to hear back from the garage people about when they can come to "service" it. Have I mentioned that our home is less than two years old....

When cleaning our master ensuite last week, I dropped a bottle of nail polish. On our bathroom tiles. Amazing how a small bottle can cause ~~so much tears~~ such a mess. Did I mention that our tiles are a creamy off white? Did I mention that the nail polish was RED??? Long story short, I got it off the tiles but we need to regrout some. S was sweet enough to tell me not to worry, that it's super easy to fix. Bless his heart.

I had to make a fondant cake for my BFF's little girl. 20+ hours later, no I'm not exagerrating, I got her Dora cake done. Never. Again.
Pics to follow...seem to have misplaced my camera. Seriously.

Anyway, that's just a piece of the last few weeks, there's more but then you'd think I'm lying so let's just leave it at that. MISS you all!!! Off to catch up on all you lovelies.

xoxo

Ela

Things I...Ch 3

2010-04-05T00:00:00.020-04:00

A few days ago after a heavy lunch, S and I decided to take a ~~long walk short stroll~~ few steps in the park. It's amazing what I learned from the ~~brief~~ time I was there...

1. Heels + Rocks = Not such a good idea. Did I really just learn this now?

2. All you need is a safety pin to add some dimension to a long top/tunic.
Just gather and pin {pin from the inside. duh}

3. Looking down as you step from rock to rock = Good idea.

4. I can't do up my hair in a bun at this length, but I can do a ponyhawk.

5. I squint a ~~lot~~ little when the sun is in my eyes.
Which makes me look a tad angry, no? HA.

6. I kinda like hay....that is what this is right?

7. Whoa. I gotta lot of moles. See the 4 on my cheek alone?

8. Pockets on skirts are awesome but so are pockets on tops!

Perfect for putting my glasses in. Oh wait, where'd they go?

9. The best part about taking a walk ~~in heels~~ is finding a place to sit.

10. Big rocks are actually quite comfy. Not even kidding. This one would've been perfect for my lawn or backyard. Made me wish I had a flatbed truck to haul it. Or a big monster of a man to pick up perfect rock-chair on his back.
Though it's probably illegal to steal rocks from a park...

Blazer - Necessary Objects, Striped Tank - Winners
Ankle Zip Grey 'Jeggings' {I hate that word} - H&M,
Grey Suede Shoes - Juicy Couture
Earrings - Heidi Klum, Necklace - Adina Reyter
Rest of jewelry- Vintage

Sorry for all the pics in the same outfit. I cropped my head out of a few so you wouldn't have to keep staring at my face.

You're welcome.

Learn anything new lately?

xo Ela

Thank You!

2010-04-03T15:00:00.001-04:00

Just a lil thank you note from me to you.
Hopefully you can see the "thank you" written on the cupcake!

Thank you for all your sweet and supportive comments {and prayers} with regards to my last post.

It felt {feels} good to get that off my chest.

My hopes are high and my faith is strong.

I'm looking forward to what the future holds for us :)

Hope everyone is enjoying a fabulous weekend.

Happy Easter everyone!

xo Ela

Heart to Heart

2010-03-31T11:00:00.002-04:00

I know I've been here and there these last few weeks...I suppose it's a reflection of what I've been feeling inside. I've never been one who was good at hiding how she felt. But somehow, this blog has made it easy. Feeling a little down but don't want anyone to know?
Easy.
Just don't post.
Thing is, I can't hide it anymore.
I don't want to.
So, it's time we have a heart to heart....

Have you...
...ever wanted something more than anything?
...wished for something so much, it made your heart hurt?
...longed to have something so much that it was all you ever thought about?
...and when you slept, your dreams would give you a taste of what life with it, might be like?

I have.

S and I have wanted children for quite some time now.
And have experienced much heartache over the years.
It has consumed my thoughts. Our thoughts.
And when I dream at night, if I'm lucky, I get a glimpse of the little ones we've yet to meet. And lift them in my arms. And hold them close.
S dreams about them too. And he shares his dreams with me.
And sometimes we let ourselves imagine, just a for a little bit {or a lot}, what it'd be like to have our family.

Maybe some of you don't want children and can't relate.
Then again, perphaps some of you are wishing for that someone you haven't met yet...then you know, in a sense, how I feel.
Maybe some of you already have everything and everyone you could possibly want and can't relate.
Then again, perhaps your life wasn't always like that. Maybe before the way things are right now, you might've longed for them to be this way, all those years ago.

But even if you can't imagine how I feel, just know that it hurts.
Know that things are hard.
And some days are harder than others.

But here's the thing.
I feel like I've hurt enough.
S doesn't want to see me shed another tear.
He hopes that if I do, they'll be happy ones.
I hope so too.
In some ways we've put our lives on hold...
...trying to make things happen.
...or waiting for things to happen.
In some ways we've put everything else aside.

But we've learned that hurting or waiting or even doing won't always bring you closer to what you want.
Even if you make it your priority.
Some things can't be planned.
You can't will them to happen.
You can't force it.
I firmly believe that nothing worth having is easily achieved.
But the thing is...
I also know that some things have to happen on their own.
In their own time.

So S and I have decided that the hurt stops here.
The all consuming thoughts end now.
Our lives...the happy worry-free ones we used to have...need to be the lives we live now.

S and I will continue to do everything in our power to make our family happen.
We have plans.
Things are in the works.
Maybe I'll share them with you another time.
Life has a funny way of always working out.
There is a child...
...children out there, waiting for us.
And I know it'll happen for us.

{our wedding}

But until they do, we'll have each other.
We already are a family.
We'll enjoy each other.
We'll count our blessings.
And be grateful for every single one of them.
Heartache may come every now and again.
But I won't let it stay long.
Someone once said life was like a fairytale.
If that's the case, then I look forward to my 'happily ever after'.
I'll look forward, but it won't be all I focus on, because if all I focus on is the happy ending, I'll miss all the good stuff in between.
Because the journey getting there can be just as good,
and just as happy, as the ending.

Thanks for listening.

xo Ela

I'm That Girl

2010-03-24T00:00:00.005-04:00

S and I met about a year a half(?) before we started dating. We had a *chance* encounter at a High School dance where he saw me outside, from a distance, in the center of our school's courtyard. He turned to his friend and said, "that's the girl I'm going to marry." True story.

Later that night in the gymnasium {this was a HS dance remember} I was doing my thing on the dance floor {girl can dance. trust} and suddenly felt someone dancing right behind me. I looked over my shoulder to see a tall guy peering down at me, I shot him a look that said "um, do I know you?"
Which seemed to scare said guy off since I never saw him again that night.

About a year later, I met S.
About six months following that, we started dating.

Then almost a year after dating, S found himself looking through one of my photo albums and spotted a photo of me wearing a striped dress and rocking a shorter do. He dropped the album, stared me straight in the eye and asked, "OMGosh, Is that YOU?"
To which I replied, "Um yeah. You don't recognize your own girlfriend when you see her?"
S: "That dress...YOU are that girl! You're that girl!!!"

He looked like he had seen a ghost.

E: [insert blank stare]
I had no idea what he was talking about, I thought I looked kinda cute in that photo. Why was he looking at me all ape nuts, eyes buggin' out, frantically pointing, finger flailing in the air and referring to me in third person as "that" girl???

He finally stopped chanting "you're that girl" to tell me about the night he *met* that girl. A night when he tried to strike up a convo with said girl. By dancing with her. Only to get "dissed" and shot some "cut eye". Once the night came back to my memory, being the sensitive girl that I am, I ~~apologized~~ rolled on the floor laughing. I had no idea he was that guy.

I laughed when I heard he had referred to me as the girl he was going to marry. Little did I know how right he'd be.

Sometimes, I ~~like~~ love when he's right.

xo Ela

p.s. I know they say it's "Spring", but right now it's -3 degrees.
And minus anything, is not Spring.

Wool coat with leather insets - Mackage

I'm Really Good...

2010-03-22T00:00:00.001-04:00

Is it just me or was that a reallllllly long weekend? LOL sorry, I had no intention of taking a week off. But life kinda knocked me down for a bit ~~then kicked me a lil while I was down~~ {grumble, grumble} and it took a while to get back up and dust myself off. Missed your faces and missed seeing the going ons in your lives. Looking forward to catching up with y'all!

[via here]

So....are you tired of hearing about me yet?
Too bad.
HA.
Cause one of my favourite people {ever} KS tagged me a lil while ago to list 7 Things I'm a Master At along with an award I mentioned a while back. Seeing as I received it over a month ago, obviously I'm a master at procrastination {for certain things} but that's not all...

I'm really good at forgetting whether or not I've seen a movie. How many times have S and I come home from Blockbuster{yes, we still go there} only to pop in a movie, watch the first 30 seconds then say, "OMGosh, we've seen this!" Then turn it off. And whine about how there's nothing to watch.

I'm really good at not knowing what I want. At restos. I am indecisive and often when I get my meal, I wish I had gone with the other thing I was contemplating. I'm quite certain that if a menu were to offer just three items, I'd need a good 5 mins to mull it over.

I'm really good at reversing into spots. No, I'm not kidding. I really am. But parallel parking...that's another story.

I'm really good at guessing ~~your weight~~ what the TV will say next. It's not unusual to ~~be loved by anyone~~ find me finishing sentences along with my fave TV shows. So ~~annoying~~ fun, right? S has said a number of times, "you should just write for them." Write for my fave TV shows. Oh, I'd love that. I'd do it for free.

I'm really good at impersonating bad dancers/dance moves. I just need to see someone *dance* once and I can replicate it no problem. Wouldn't you pay to see that?

I'm really good at giving presents. Late. There's a family we love with 4 girls who S and I have seen grow up and adore, every year I buy them Christmas pressies in November or December. But the Holidays roll around and I get tied up. I usually get their pressies to them later...the following year...in March. This year I managed to get it to them in February. Imagine their excitement when Christmas came early!

I'm really good at organizing things. In my closet, my shoes are stacked neatly on my shelves. My tops are sorted by sleeve length, then by colour, my sweaters are folded by type {cardi, pullover, etc.} then by colour, my dresses are hung by colour on the other end of my closet and my pants are draped over pant hangers by type {slacks, jeans, etc.} then by colour. OCD much? Yeah, I know.

I'm really good at other stuff too but I'm also good at keeping count, and I've already listed 7.

Tell me what you've mastered.

xo Ela

Get in My Belly

2010-03-12T00:00:00.027-05:00

A little while ago, the fabulous Jen tagged me to list 10 Things that made me happy. As I started to think...all I could think of was food...HA. So, here are ten tasties {in alpha order} that I couldn't possibly do without.
Side Note: If you know Jen but you haven't stopped over there recently, please do, and give her some hugs. She could use them.

Breakfast Saturdays

Homemade waffles with a ras-straw-berry sauce. And some uber crispy bacon.

It's the one day of the week I tend to ~~feed S~~ make a proper breakfast, which normally includes pancakes or waffles, bacon and eggs. Well, proper in my eyes.

Grilled BBQ Short-Ribs {Korean}

Delicious almost bite-sized pieces of grilled beef short-ribs over a bed of rice in a very hot stone pot. You can hear the BBQ sauce sizzle. Mmm. Mmm. Good.

Chocolate

For most of my life I ate at least one chocolate bar a day. That is, until I was about 25 or 26 when a co-worker was horrified to hear this. It suddenly dawned on me that perhaps one chocolate bar a day wasn't normal. Hmmmm...so strange. I figured I'd try to cut back and find a healthier alternative. Like an apple a day. Not so much. But now I can go a few days, maybe even a week, without a chocolate bar. Some of my faves: Twix, Aero, KitKat, Cadbury...

Gummi Bears

Now seeing as some of you know how much I love chocolate and gummi bears, some of you suggested I try some chocolate covered gummi bears. And so, I did. Here's the thing, I love chocolate. I love gummi bears. Separately. Together, I gotta say, I did not know what was in my mouth. I don't mean to hurt your feelings if you love them, maybe I had the wrong kind...but not quite the heavenly taste I had imagined...

Poutine

[via Google Images]

Yes, you are looking at cheese and gravy atop a bed of fries. Have you had it? Don't knock 'til you've tried it. It's very Canadian. And it's soooo good. Trust.

Prime Rib or Roast

Medium-rare with lots of gravy, mashed potatoes, yorkshire pudding and some really good horseradish on the side. Yum.

Shellfish

Lobster, crab and shrimp. With lemon-butter sauce. Yes please.

Steak

Medium-rare please. I find that most people who don't like steak have only had it well-done. And trust me, well-done does not equate to well done. A quick bite of medium to medium-rare and I've seen some converts.

Sushi

At least once a week. And the more wasabi, the better. I love the feeling that super strong wasabi gives, it's like getting punched in the nose. Not that I know what that feels like. Nor do I want to.

Sweet Potato Fries

[via Google Images]

With garlic aioli. Or without. Mmmmmm.

Let's eat!
Happy weekend, munchkins....it's not a dig at your height, I just have the munchies now.

xo Ela
p.s. Are you a rockstar? Enter my girl J's contest here until March 21st.

JUST ADDED: Hey guys, this was a schedule post, but just got back from a memorial service for some very dear to me and S. I don't feel much like blogging right now so if I don't make it to your blog today or get to catch up this weekend. I'll see you Monday. xoxo

Now You Know...More

2010-03-10T00:00:00.126-05:00

Blazer...it's a sweatshirt with a diagonal zipper - Winners

Striped Tee - H&M, Jeans - Just Cavalli,

Red Denim Platforms - Nine West (2002), EPI Pouchette - Louis Vuitton

So the other day I shared 3 {of 7} unusual things about me here....so here are other 4....

4) S and I don't drink alcohol. I find that when some people learn this, and learn that it's a lifestyle choice we've made, they look at me as though I just hit them in the face with a frying pan. Then once they've recovered, the questions fire away. And no matter how much I explain, I can't seem to quench their thirst.

Now I don't mind questions, in fact I'm happy to answer any question relating to the subject. But when I get the judging eyes, not so much. I never bat an eyelash or make a mental judgement when I know someone does drink, so it'd be nice if when I share that I don't, I didn't get the whats' wrong with you face. Or be looked at as though I suddenly sprouted a halo on my head and wings on my back. Though if I did, that'd be pretty cool, no?

Bow Necklace - gifted by Summer, seen here

5) I am a clown. Well, not really. Cause clowns freak me the heck out. Plus I made the mistake of watching the movie IT when I was 12. Watched it at my friend's house. Big mistake. It's the last time I ever failed to ask, "what's it about?" Anywho, I'm the girl that's not afraid to get silly at a party. Dance in the middle of a circle as I impersonate Elaine from Seinfeld {please tell me you've seen it}. Put on my friend's prom dress and top it off with a bicycle helmet. And yes, since you've read 4) you know I do all this sober. Granted there is a time and place for everything so you won't catch me doing this when it's not called for. Yes, there are times when it is called for. I will make you smile if I know you need it, I will liven up a party if it's gone lame-o and I am never afraid to laugh at myself.

6) That said, I am quiet. Or at least I can be. I attribute this to growing up, for the most part, as an only child. My brother came later in my teen years and my parents both worked full-time. I became independent and learned to love my alone time. I'm perfectly happy being left to my own devices. And perfectly capable of entertaining myself. Even in a crowd I can be quiet and sometimes quiet is the way to go. I get to observe and catch all the good stuff I sometimes miss out on when I'm being loud and ~~annoying~~ fun.

Zip it.

7) I may wear my heart on my sleeve, be warm and open. But I don't open up to just anyone. So if I share something with you, trust that I haven't shared it with a ton {or even four} other people. I open up to people I feel a connection with, to people I think can relate to me, to people I feel I can trust.

That said, some things, even those dear to my heart, I will share with the world {or with anyone who happens to read this}. Either way, I share pieces of me. And what you see is what you get.

So...now you know.

Your turn.

xo Ela
p.s. Are you a rockstar? Enter my girl J's contest here until March 21st.

Now You Know

2010-03-08T00:00:00.123-05:00

Dress - Kensie, Skirt (layered under dress) - H&M seen here,

Blazer - Morphine Generation, seen here, I love the buttons on the sleeves spiking out, Necklace - Tiffany

Recently my gorgeous lil gumdrop Sarah Hannah from down under tagged me to list 7 unusual facts about me. Easy peasy.

Let's start from the beginning shall we...

1) My mom nearly named me Allergy. As in "Achoo! Excuse me, it must be my allergies". She loved the way the "name" rolled off her tongue. Really? Cause I think I'd choke everytime I'd have to introduce myself. Seriously, why would you want to give your child a name that'll pretty much guarantee she'll have zero friends, suitors, confidence....

But then again, had she given me that name, I suppose I would've made it work. I would've given myself the nickname "Allie" but knowing kids are cruel, they'd probably refuse and call me "Algae". I'd probably be the girl with a chip on her shoulder the size of a boulder. Or the girl with a perma-look plastered on my face that said watcha lookin' at? Or I'd have rocked the 'ish outta that name and been the one *Allergy* all the girls {and boys?} wouldn't want a cure for. Either way, pretty sure when I was 18 I would've legally changed my name. To...anything other than that.
Thankfully my grandmother had the sense to ignore my mother, chocked it up to the Demerol or Epidural talking and talked her out of it.

Patterned tights - Hue, Shoes - Michael Kors

2) Speaking of names, my maiden name = married name. So what? I kept my name right? Yes....but that's not all. S's married name = my married name. What you married your brother? NO! So you met a guy with the same last name...you're sure you're not related? Nope.

When I got married and it came to changing my name, I knew I wanted to keep my name so I decided I should hyphenate. But with S, our relationship, our marriage is all about unity. About being "us" and "we". It was really important to him that we shared the same last name and felt that hyphenating my last name would still give us different surnames. I explained that keeping my name was really important to me. Suddenly a smile crept across his face, his eyes lit up as he told me he had an idea; he would change his name instead, and take mine. He caught me completely off guard, it's something I hadn't even considered! But that's exactly what he did. And everytime I write my name, I love and appreciate that he did that for me.

{I'm laughing because S is over in the corner...mocking me}

Love the arched hem at the back of this blazer

3) I'm warm and rather affectionate. Maybe being warm and affectionate doesn't make for unusual. But in this day and age being "sweet" makes people think you're *sketchy*. Rest assured, it's real. There's a reason why I've been called "sweet" pretty much 98% of my life {the other 2% of the time, I am PMSing}. Sometimes people take it for granted and the little things I do become expected, rather than appreciated. And at times because of that, I'd rather be something, anything other than "sweet" but it's who I am. And I can't be someone other than me.

When talking face to face with a friend, I may touch her arm or her hand or her knee. You might make me laugh and find me playfully pushing your shoulder. I may rest my head on your shoulder for a moment or two. If I call you "hon" or "love" or whatever *sugary* name I want, it's because I geniunely like you and mean it to be endearing. If I say "I adore you," it's true. If I say "I love you," I mean it. If I say "my heart breaks for you," it does. So if you take something I do or say as anything less than geniune, I have to put the sweet aside, be blunt and jump into my 2% mode and say, I'm sorry but that's your loss.

I know I've only listed 3 facts, I'll save the other 4 for later...

Tell me something.

xo Ela

Special {super} late thank you to the lovely Anna for the One Lovely Blog Award and the uber creative Sophia for the Circle of Friends Award. And more recently to the fabulous Nikosmommy for the Beautiful Blogger Award and The Best Blog Award, the talented Jennifer for the You're a Doll Award and The Happy Award, and the sweetie that is KS for the Blogger BFF Award and Master of Karate and Friendship Award.

Thank you so much.
p.s. I really enjoyed reading your comments from my last post, nice to know I'm not alone ;)

Wisdom Comes With Age...Later in Life

2010-03-05T10:43:00.004-05:00

A little while ago I told you I got my wisdom teeth pretty in my early teens. And I know I said in jest that I liked to think they made me that much smarter but I gotta tell you, they did not. Sure I brought home 90s, aced pop-quizzes, made the honor role and even brought home the occasional award. But sometimes...I was just downright dumb. Granted, I don't think it had anything to do with the teeth...

One Christmas Eve after a fight with my mom the night before, I decided I'd runaway forever. Yet I didn't even bother to pack a single thing. From the bus station I called my best friend. I told her I had runaway and that I needed a place to stay. She told me to hold on while she asked her parents if I could spend the night. By the time I got there her parents had called mine. But both parents agreed that I could spend the night and celebrate Christmas Eve with my best friend. That night I watched my best friend and all her siblings open pressie after pressie. My best friend's mom felt sorry watching me just sit there empty handed so she went upstairs and came back with a present for me. Imagine my excitement as I opened my brand new(?)...towel. Best Christmas ever? Not so much. 15 and smart as ~~a whip~~ whipped cream.

{via Google Images}

About a year later, I remember asking my mom to sign something from school. A permission form allowing me to participate in some fun activity, more importantly get me out of class for the day. My mom told me she was "too busy" at the moment but that I should remind her later. Being ~~impatient~~ helpful I asked if she'd like me to sign it for her. Confused by my offer, she asked me to clarify. I then proceeded to to tell her that I'd gotten really good at forging her signature. In response she looked at me with shock, awe, bewilderment and pride(?). So of course I had to add, "but forging dad's signature is even easier." 16 and sneaky. Just not smart enough to keep my mouth shut.

Any dumb moments you'd like to share?

Have a fabulous weekend!!!
xo Ela
p.s. In case you're wondering, I did not take my towel pressie home.

Yes, I'm Talking to You

2010-03-03T20:56:00.003-05:00

To the lady in the minivan who ~~stopped to help~~ yelled and honked like a mad woman when we had to pull our car over on ever busy Spadina. After it got rearended by a streetcar. I suppose you would've preferred us to stay in the middle of the road so you wouldn't have had to change lanes. What is the matter with you?

To the streetcar driver, you seemed very kind. And I don't want this accident to cost you your job. But please do not say we "suddenly hit the brakes" and decided to turn. We had our signal on the whole time. And came to a gentle stop as we generally do when we approach stoplights. Hopefully this was a first for you and the TTC will let this one slide.

To my Kr ummer ladies, thank you for keeping me calm. Heart you to the moon and back.

To S, my sweet S, I'm sorry I didn't believe you when you said "it's been a bad week" even before this accident happened. But thank you for looking forward to the good that comes after a string of bad events. I love you.

And love, thank you for sharing Life Lesson # 289 with me: When you shake a bottle, without its cap on, it will make a mess.

Yes darling, that is what tends to happen. I'm sorry you got it in on your bag, sweater, papers. And face. Sweetheart, you need to look at what you are doing. Sometimes.

To the people at UPS, how on earth did you scrap the first line of the receiving address? Now you are left wandering the streets of Florida. Please note, all lines of the address are equally important. And should not be ignored.

To the people who decided one must drink 3 glasses of water to have the perfect amount so you can conduct your ultrasound, clearly your bladder is the size of Alaska. Mine however, is not.

To K, thank you for letting me go "just a lil bit" when you saw my eyes watering. I've learned that when your bladder is beyond full, it's gotta come out somehow.

To my dear Ela, yes you. When will you learn that: A full bladder + A belted outfit = A bad. Freaking. Idea.

I don't care that you got dressed and left the house before 6am. You need to think things through. More.

To my lovely readers, my bloggie friends, I'm sorry I haven't been around your digs lately. This week has been a tough one for me to manage. I have a sweet pea I'm worried about, a family friend in the hospital, a BFF who won't return my calls (is she OK? No idea), eventful days that will not allow me much computer time, and my body has finally caved and is trying majorly to catch up on some sleep. I'll be around soon. I promise.

xo Ela

Addicted to Molasses

2010-03-01T15:00:00.005-05:00

No, it's not the name of a cool indy song, it is however, the truth. These darn Molasses Spice cookies have me climbing the walls when I can't have one. I'm obsessed with having some in the cookie tin at ALL times and the minute I see that ~~we're~~ I'm running low, I immediately bake more. Like drop what I'm doing and bake more. As though something terrible should happen if one lone cookie stays in the tin, all alone without any cookie friends to keep his cookie goodness company. Have I mentioned, I'm obsessed?

Who knew molasses was so darn addictive? Before these cookies I thought molasses = ick. Molasses is dark, sticky and smells like bark. Or something. But I picked up the carton from the store and it was sealed and everything so I know it hasn't been laced with anything. Right? Right??? Because if it were, it would explain the *mild* obsession I am having with these cookies. I'm cooky for cookies. And suddenly sound like a cereal commercial. Oy. I need to be stopped. Seriously. But just in case it's not such a bad thing, I thought I'd share the recipe with you. Then you can obsess right along with me.

Ingredients (Makes 36)

*2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups sugar
**3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 large egg
1/4 cup molasses

* I add an extra 1/2 C to make them fluffy.

** I use salted.
Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. In a shallow bowl, place 1/2 cup sugar; set aside.
With an electric mixer, beat butter and remaining cup of sugar until combined. Beat in egg and then molasses until combined. Reduce speed to low; gradually mix in dry ingredients, just until a dough forms.
Pinch off and roll dough into balls, each equal to 1 tablespoon. Roll balls in reserved sugar to coat.
Arrange balls on baking sheets, about 3 inches apart. Bake, one sheet at a time, until edges of cookies are just firm, 10 to 15 minutes (cookies can be baked two sheets at a time, but they will not crackle uniformly). Cool 1 minute on baking sheets; transfer to racks to cool completely. Store in an airtight container up to 4 days.

A few other things I'm addicted to these days:

- Hershey's Eggies ("Hershey's Eggs" in the US) They're egg-tastic! I could eat my weight equivalent. Even better than Cadbury Mini Eggs. Trust.

- Hawkins Cheezies Crunchy orange sticks have never tasted so good. I'm pretty sure I'm retaining water like a wishing well but I really don't care.

- Pickles The whole sour dill kind in the big jars in the refrigerated section, NOT the ones in the condiment aisle.

Are you at all concerned about what I'm eating?
Don't be. I promise I eat "real food" in between.
Anything you're addicted to these days?

Oh and thanks to all who entered the Orient Watch Giveaway. I nearly went bananas when I found out the winning comment (via random.org) was lucky no. 8...congratulations, Mayra!!!

xo Ela

"Be Ready in Ten Minutes"

2010-02-26T00:00:00.012-05:00

Those were the words out of S's mouth when he called the other day letting me know he was on his way home and that he wanted to head right out so we could grab a quick bite to eat. The eating part I like. The getting ready part...I like hearing those words almost as much as I enjoy being asked, "is that what you're wearing?" Um, seeing that it's on me and I'm about to walk out the door, yes, I think it'd be safe to assume that is what I'm wearing. Thankfully I can count on less than two fingers the number of times S has posed that question.

Although, being asked to be ready in 10 happens more often than I'd like. Well, at least S has come to know: you can't always get what you ask for. Asking me to be ready in ten minutes is like asking me to sneeze with my eyes open. Pretty much impossible. At least for me. Especially when I get the call as I'm mid-swing on the elliptical, ~~sweating up a storm~~ glistening just a tad and smelling like someone...who could use a shower. Never mind that having a shower, blow drying my hair so I it doesn't freeze when I step out the door, getting dressed, running down the stairs, finding my purse, and my keys, grabbing a coat, playing hide and go seek with my boots, and gloves, and running back upstairs to get my b-berry takes 20 minutes. At least. Am I alone here? Or is getting ready in 10 minutes actually the norm?

Sweater - Dex, Boots - Zara, Gloves - Ugg

Leather Bomber and Jeans - 7 for all Mankind

When I bought this sweater a few years back, it had little ~~boils~~ balls of yarn sewn all over it. I'm sure the lovely folks at Dex thought it added "whimsy". I thought it made my sweater look like it had warts. I detached the little nubs soon as I got home. Had I left them perhaps you'd be asking "is that what you're wearing?"

Bag - Thrifted

So in love with this bag I picked up last year, I've no idea why anyone would want to get rid of it. The leather is buttery soft and it's the perfect crossover length. Plus it cost me less than my usual Starbucks order {a lemon poppyseed loaf and a tall hot chocolate}.

Is it just me or is this post awful random and all over the place? A little bit like my thoughts before bed. Which reminds me, thank you so much for all your tips on my last post. Just in case you didn't know...you guys are AWESOME!

Have a great weekend lovelies!

xo Ela

p.s. Giveaway's open till Feb 28th, do enter if you haven't already!

I Need Sleep

2010-02-24T00:00:00.023-05:00

No really, I do. I've no problem taking a nap on our couch on any given Sunday or catching some zzzzs in the middle of S telling me a very interesting story as we drive in the car or sleeping through at least a third of any movie that is longer than 105 minutes. But lately, when it comes to getting sleep at night...in a bed...forget it.

Dress - Winners, Floral Necklace and Belt - F21

Logo Tights - Chanel, Mary Janes - Via Spiga (via 90s)

I'd love some good old uninterrupted sleep, to not have to get up in the middle of the night because I suddenly remember we need to buy potatoes, or because my bladder thinks it's 6am when really it's only 2am, or because the big lug next to me decides to see how perfectly his elbow fits in my eye socket{I feel you Tiffany}.

And please don't say "at least you don't have a crying baby keeping you up." Cause ~~then I'd have to slap you~~ that would be music to my ears. Yes, I'd still want sleep but at least getting up in the middle of the night would be purposeful. This however, has no purpose. Other than to give me puffy sullen eyes and a cranky disposition.

Actually, I'm getting ahead of myself. Yes staying asleep is hard but falling asleep is the hardest part. What's keeping me up, you ask? Nothing. I'd love to blame it on S and his snoring but 97% of the time I can tune it out. 2% of the time it's actually somewhat soothing. Like listening to static. And 1% of the time, I want to stick a pillow over his face but instead I stick one over mine.

Truth is, mostly, I keep myself up. My mind just won't stop. Thinking. I'm not trying to memorize the first 3,000 digits of pi. Nor am I trying to solve world peace. I'm just stuck on thinking about things that really shouldn't be keeping me up at night. Like what my ex-boss' daughter's name is. Or why in the world people like egg salad. Or how S can think Richard Gere and Harrison Ford are the same people. WTHeck. Not even close, right? Which leads to me wonder how much Calista Flockhart weighs. Which makes me think, "for sure I weigh more". Which makes me wonder what my BMI is. Then for a split second I forget what BMI stands for. Then I make up what it stands for. Then make myself giggle. Quietly, to not wake the hubs. Which makes me look at him and get jealous of how well he's sleeping. And how ~~loud~~ peaceful he is. Which makes me want to poke him and ask "are you awake?" Then I wonder if there's anyone I can call who would be awake. Then I realize it's 2:46am and everyone else is sleeping. Then I start to freak out because I imagine how hard it'll be get me out of bed in just a few hours. Sigh.

Any tips? And no, I won't be taking any pills. Drug-free suggestions only please.

xo Ela
p.s. If you haven't already, do enter my Orient Watch Giveaway!!!

Name Calling

2010-02-22T00:00:00.003-05:00

S and I tease each other a lot. It's what we do with people we love. We also have a thing for calling each other names. No, not those names. We tend to make up words actually. So the other day in the car, while he was driving a *tad* over the speed limit, I called him a "squindrel". Kinda like half scoundrel, half squirrel.

S: What'd you call me?

E: A squin-drel. Keep up.

S: What the heck is that?

E: Does it matter?

Leopard tank and Shrug - Winners, Jeans - Just Cavalli, OTKs - Guess

Suddenly I pictured S and I as little kids. Me calling him names with him looking at me with a blank stare. Me having to explain myself, him being a gnat. Him hogging everything, me screaming "MINE!" Suddenly it dawned on me...

E: I'm glad we met later in life.

S: What? Why?

E: Mmm...I don't think we would've liked each other as kids.

S: [Laughs] Of course not...we don't like each other now.

E: [Laughs].....squindrel.

And that folks, is how we stay happily married.
Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

xo Ela

Losing My Wisdom {Teeth}

2010-02-19T00:00:00.053-05:00

I got my wisdom teeth at a fairly young age; in my early teens. But I didn't decide to have them removed till my early 20s. Mostly because it didn't seem necessary to get them removed. And partly because I liked to think they made me that much smarter.

However, my dentist thought otherwise. He referred me to an oral surgeon to ~~make up for the money he owed over a lost bet~~ get them looked after. During our consultation "Surgy" informed me I would need to have all four removed. And he ~~and I~~ decided that removing all four at once, would be best. Yes, I consented to this, but wtheck did I know?

We set the appointment for the following week and Surgy had me sign a number of papers, including consent/release forms for a general anaesthetic. Because why on earth would I want to be awake for this, right? Right. However, after informing S that he'd need to take the day off ~~to comfort me~~ on the day of my oral surgery and letting him know I'd be in no condition to drive while the anaesthesia wore off, he pleaded that I not "go under". You see ~~he'd watched Sleeping Beauty one too many times~~ he feared that I would not wake up. After ~~spooking the heck out of me~~ hearing his concerns, I thought it best to give in.

When the morning of the surgery came, I informed Surgy that I would not be having a general anaesthetic but that I'd have a local instead. He explained that with a local anaesthetic, though I wouldn't feel a thing, I would be awake for the entire procedure. Yes, Surgy. I know what a local anaesthetic does. After trying to convey ~~that me going local vs. general would be less lucrative for him~~ his concern for my well-being, he reluctantly agreed.

So, his assistant proceed to stick a large needle in my gums to administer the anaesthetic. But I've learned that with gums like mine, I need at least three doses. So they do it again. And again. Once the effects kicked in, Surgy put his game face on and came at me with his pliers. Out comes one. One down, three to go. Out comes the second. Then the third. Plucking them out with ease, like a school girl plucking out petals from a daisy "he loves me, he loves me not, he loves..."

And then things headed in a different direction.

While gently trying to remove the fourth, it seems Surgy had lost his cool. The fourth did not want to come out with ease. Perhaps, it too was convinced it's what made me that much smarter, and wanted to stay behind to give me that extra edge. Whatever it was, it was not going anywhere. Surgy yanked and pulled. And grunted. Did he forget that though I couldn't feel a thing, I could still see and hear him? To gain some agility Surgy propped his foot on the chair. Yes, the one I was laying in. And firmly planted his free hand down. On my face. And pressed. He was now ~~gently holding~~ pushing my face down into the chair, causing the left side of my face to get better acquainted with the headrest. Now you can imagine the out of body experience I was having. Though I couldn't feel a thing, I knew I'd pay for this later. After much crunching, a few more grunts, breaking a sweat and nearly busting a gut, Surgy finally got it out.

I practically jumped out of that chair and hurried to the waiting room to see S. Can you say "get me outta here". Well, technically I couldn't say much but I believe my face said it all. S drove me home in a hurry so I could get some rest. Almost immediately after we got home, a huge green blob started to spread across my face. I was half-Hulk. Or half-Shrek. Whatever you prefer. S suggested I get some "beauty sleep". If by beauty sleep he meant "wake up looking like a puffer fish" then I did just that. By the time I woke up, the swelling was in full force. I had the bone structure of a Cabbage Patch Doll.

And just when I thought it couldn't get better...

Later that evening, S was on the phone with my mom letting her know how well the surgery had gone while I rested my head on a pillow on his lap, watching TV to try and forget the pain. Just when it seemed to be working, my mom must've said something to make S forget himself. Suddenly he had loosened his grip on the remote control he had in hand, only to have it plummet right into my face. Do you remember how big and heavy remote controls were about 10 years ago? I DO.

Ahhhhhhhhhhh!!!!

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!

Well, at least I could be certain the anaesthesia had worn off.

I could hear my mom on the other end frantically asking, "What happened??? Is she OK??? What happened???" After reassuring my mom he was not trying to kill me, S quickly got off the phone. Tears were streaming down my face as he tried to console me. He knew I was too weak to hurt him so he just stroked my hair till I stopped. As if my face wasn't big or green enough. You can bet I made S pay for that. For ~~a few days~~ weeks.

So long ago but I remember it like yesterday. Gee, I wonder why.
xo Ela
P.S. Stop in and visit Baby Lawlor to hear the most beautiful sound ever. AMAZING.

[Image via Urban Outfitters]

iPhon't Think So

2010-02-17T00:00:00.014-05:00

For the last year or so, S has been trying to convince me to get an iPhone. Scratch that. He's been itching to buy me one. But you see, I refuse. I don't want it. The thought of not having a tactile keyboard does not work for me. Never mind that the darn thing doesn't even register my finger half the time. I *press* things and I tell you, NOTHING. HAPPENS.

S says it's cause I'm "not human". Sometimes he softens the blow and blames it on my "dead skin". Frankly, I'm not quite sure which of his theories paint me in a better light, so I just blame the phone.

How do I know I detest this phone when I haven't even given it a chance, you ask.

I borrowed it for the day a few months back. But only because I had left my cell phone at home. And the thought of not being able to communicate with ~~people~~ people that I like for a full 8-12 hours was not an option. So he set up my email on his phone to keep me connected. Between me not knowing how hit the right keys and iPhone's auto complete, I was hopeless...

instead of "DimSum" I got "dumdum" NOT okay.

instead of "drolly" I got "frilly"..."dolly" I could understand. But frilly? Um ok.

Luckily, I double checked before hitting send but making the corrections...brutal.

Imagine how ~~intelligent~~ caveman like I must've looked ~~typing~~ hacking away with one finger. Brows furrowed, lips contorted mouthing the words as I went along and practically breaking a sweat trying to put together a 5 liner. Hard to feel pleased with yourself when 5 sentences takes 14 mintues to type. I mean come on, it's not like I've got flippers. I've been told my fingers are slender and dainty. I don't see why they're not compatible with the iPhone when S' grubby little paws just dance away on that thing.

Did I mention that when I answered the phone I hung up on my best friend's husband?

Once because I pressed the wrong *button*.

And a second time while he was on the line and my cheek pressed against the phone.

Did I mention he was calling to let me know why my BFF was in the ER?

Can you say panic and frustration.

Thankfully, I figured out how to call him back and everything turned out fine with my girl. Side Note: I headed over to the hospital to keep her company while she sat waiting in the ER.

But I can't have a cell phone disconnect a call simply because the *buttons* can't be pressed. Or because my chipmunk cheeks press ~~slightly~~ against its surface. So it won't take my fingers but it'll take my cheeks??? Am I the only one that thinks that is stoooo-pad?

I'm married to man who LOVES gadgets. But seriously, I'm not quick to embrace them. I don't need shiny and new ~~all the time~~ as long as I've got something that works. So me say "yes" to an iPhone? iPhon't think so. I didn't even want a Blackberry when he got me one. Of course I love it now but that's besides the point.

fell in love with the leather insets of this thrifted vintage fur

love the fun lining of this coat

Belt - Chinese Laundry, Dress - Winners, Boots - Diba/Bronx

Have I mentioned I don't even own an iPod?

Gasp.

Though I do know how to use one. I just don't need it.

At this rate, perhaps S isn't so far off when he says I'll be like one of those old people who refuse to learn how to use a computer. But seriously, just like they do, I'm sure I'll get by.

Ela

p.s. Don't forget to entery my Orient Watch Giveaway!!! GET TO IT!!!

Time Flies...Automatic Watch Giveaway (CLOSED)

2010-02-15T00:00:00.011-05:00

As you know, I've recently published my 100th post. I started this blog just 7 months ago, in a way it seems like more time has passed because I've met some amazing people {yes you} that I feel like I've known for much longer. Yet in some ways, time has just flown by. But I suppose it's only because time flies when you're having fun!

I've loved reading each and every comment you've left me and I've loved visiting your blogs, seeing what y'all are up to and sharing in the going ons of your lives; the good, bad and notsomuch. Celebrating blogiversaries, milestones and birthdays...speaking of which, today Feb 15th is Mayra's special day, Happy Happy Birthday, love!!! Enjoy your day and show us how it's done banana style!

So, in celebration of the fabulous time I've had with you all, I've teamed up with the lovely folks at Orient Watches Japan and am looking to give some fabulous arm candy to one lucky reader! I love the versatility men's watches offer because they look just as good {if not better :)} on a woman's wrist as they do on a man's. Trust me on this. So, I thought the Orient BEM5L003D Men's watch would be perfect. It's fully automatic, has a stainless steel case, is water resistant up to 50m and has day-date functionality. Plus, it'll look fabulous on you.

YES YOU!!!

To Enter: Be or become a follower of my blog and tell me about a time you'll never forget.
For a 2nd Entry: Post this giveaway on your blog. Leave a comment telling me you've done so.
For a 3rd Entry: Tweet about this giveaway and leave me a comment with the link.
Easy Peasy!
Open to US residents only.
Entries will be accepted until Feb 28 at 11:59pm EST.
Winner will be selected randomly and will be announced on Monday, March 1st.

And if you can't wait to get your hands on one, check out Orient Watches Japan and see what else you'd love to don on your wrist. One of my personal favourites is the Racing CFT0004B Model...the faces come in so many different colours, it's hard to choose which one I love most.

Good luck, everyone! And thank you for making these past few months so much fun.

xo Ela

p.s. To my International and Canadian readers, I promise I haven't forgotten about you. Something's in the works :)

Bulls...eye

2010-02-12T00:00:00.030-05:00

I can't pinpoint exactly what it is that I love about Target. Maybe cause I can spend an hour there and feel like only 20 minutes have passed. Maybe it's because I can take my time picking out mascara, lotion and gummy bears while S roams the aisles for who knows what. Maybe it's because I only step foot in one every 6-9 months ~ whenever we're Stateside. Whatever it is, I love it.

Imagine my excitement when I read that Target had plans of opening a few stores in Canada!

Then I read the rest of the article.

And found out it'll take a good three years. At least.

WTHeck???
Are you kidding me?

On average, it takes three years for a man to propose. In three years I could have 4 babies. In a row. If I had them back to back {anyone else think this would be a good idea?}. More if I gave birth to multiples. One with another on the way if I were an elephant. It only takes three days to travel to the moon. Need I remind you that Canada is attached to, not orbitting the US?

Seriously, Target, three years???

[via here]

Canada's always getting the bum rap.
Fine, our bacon's not as good. I mean, peameal bacon...who wants bacon with barely any fat? It's like eating baked fries. Which is only satisfying if you love oxymorons. Or baked fries. But Canada has really good maple syrup. And a better view of the Niagara Falls. Trust. Sure it's cold, but so is Alaska. And they have 3 Target stores. I looked it up.

Whatever. I'll see you in three years, Target.

With my 4 babies.

xo Ela

p.s. Just so we're clear, I've no intentions of being with child for 3 straight years.
You did know I was kidding, right?

Happy VDay long weekend loves!

If you're Canadian, happy "Family Day" weekend!

Yeah...it's basically something the Canadian government made up to match US Presidents Day holiday Monday.

Petunia

2010-02-10T00:00:00.039-05:00

I met my friend T interning at the ad agency. I tend to give all my friends nicknames so shortly after, T became "Petunia".

Sweater - Kensie Girl, Blue Belt {worn backwards} - Vintage
Cami and Skirt - H&M, Booties - Fendi {via eBay}

Now let me explain that before we were friends...we weren't. Petunia did not like me. How do I know this? A co-worker once invited both of us to lunch. Without hesitation I agreed to come along. It was my first week and I was happy to be welcomed. Or so I thought.

When we finished lunch Petunia reapplied her lipgloss at the table. Side Note: I was and still am obsessed with lipgloss. I thought the colour was really pretty but I had never used that brand before so I decided to ask P a few questions...
Ela: How do you like that lipgloss?
P: [Rolls eyes] It's lipgloss. What do you mean?
Ela: I dunno...is it sticky?
P: Sticky? [Stink face]
Ela: You know how some lipglosses are sticky like when your hair blows then it gets stuck to your lips...
P: No. I don't know what you're talking about. If you want to know so much, why don't you just buy some.
Ela: ~~PMS much?~~ Um...ok...

She was snarky most of the time. But it didn't stop me from being nice to her. It was week one, she and I would be working on pretty much the same ad campaigns and I had about 15 weeks to go - the last thing I wanted was to start some office conflict {ala the 90s version to Erin and Olivia on The City}. Plus, I had seen her be nice to other people, so I knew she ~~wasn't a complete cow~~ had it in her. ~~After the PMS train left the station~~ about a week or two later ~~I wore her down~~ she and I became inseperable. We bonded over shoe shopping, questioned whether it was legal to get paid so little, discussed the likeness between 8yr old Dewey from Malcolm in the Middle and our manager's 28yr old boyfriend{like twins I tell you} and counted how many Joe Louis Cakes our diabetic manager would eat that day. Petunia has a very nasal voice, I on the other hand sometimes speak at a pitch only dogs can hear. Yet somehow, we had started to rub off on each other. Picture Minnie Mouse congested. And on painkillers. That was us.

[via weheartit]

P later fessed up and gave me the reason behind all the 'tude. She told me I was "just so nice" that she figured I had to be up to something. When she realized I didn't ~~want her man or her job~~ have a hidden agenda, she finally saw that I was being sincere. Funny thing is, she's actually one of the nicest people I'll ever know{when she's not being paro}. It's been 8 years and P and I are still dear friends. Occasionally we relive our lipgloss convo - except she'll say my lines and I say hers then we ~~pull each other's hair out~~ die laughing. Funny how some of my best friends are girls, who in the beginning, I didn't like or didn't like me. Although it's never quite worked out with girls when the feeling was mutual. Go figure.

A little while ago, P and her husband B welcomed their first baby girl to their family. Congratulations, P and B!!! Lil Petunia is just darling. No need to wait and see, I know I love her already.

because I can, and it's fun

Ever have a friend who didn't quite start off that way?

xo Ela

Apparently I Like Being Told What to Do

2010-02-08T00:00:00.002-05:00

Okay fine, that's a big fat lie. I don't like it and probably never will. But I AM loving the recipe calendar I picked up late last year. A new recipe each and every day. And though I haven't gone all Stepford on the hubs, I am loving trying 2 or 3 different recipes each week so we're not stuck having heck knows what for dinner night after night.

[via amazon]

I'm thinking I need a calendar like this for all aspects of my life. Of course I wouldn't do everything it told me to, but it'd be nice to eliminate some "hmmm, what should I do?" moments.

Like when your girlfriend's 1 yr old wants to stick the drooly plastic stick he's been chomping on, into your mouth. Because he doesn't know you're the BIGGEST germaphobe ever. Or does he? I mean do you a)Smile and let him stick it in your mouth and say "nom, nom, nom" b)Politely decline and get him to stick it back in his mouth or c)Smack it out of your face and say "heck no".
C of course is not an option.
But it might be if a calendar told me so.

Or when family members tell you you've gained weight. Then wink. Do you a)Smile and say "thank you(?)" b)Cry because you're not pregnant but your dress makes you appear as though you are or c)Tell them their hairlines have receded since the last family BBQ.
Of course B and C aren't options.
But they could be...

Or when the driver in front of you decides to drive 40km/h in a 70 zone. Do you a)Pretend he has a bumper sticker that says "Honk if you Love Dogs" b)Get out from behind him, siddle up and ask if he'd like to drive a donkey cart instead or c)Pull over and walk home. It'll be faster.
Of course A, B or C aren't options.
But they could be...

I kid. I couldn't do it even if a calendar told me to. ~~But catch me on a bad day...~~

Embellished Tunic - F21, Leggings - Aritzia, OTKs - Guess(2008)

With my type A personality, I like order in my life so I tend to stick to what I already do or know. But maybe, in doing so, I've missed out. Maybe not on the drooly stick. But I kinda dig this trying new stuff. Is it weird that I'll take dinner suggestions from a calendar rather than just have S tell me what he'd like to eat?

I suppose it helps that the calendar won't make a sad face if I say "no".

xo Ela
Hope you had a fabulous weekend!

Face It...

2010-02-05T00:00:00.044-05:00

When I was little my mom always told me I'd be tall. Now, I'm taller. Than a hobbit. And toddlers. But that's about it. I had dreams of being a dentist. Surprised? I have an obsession with people having nice clean teeth. Now I find myself getting lazy about flossing ~~once~~ twice a day. It's time I face it, ~~I will never be a tall dentist~~ life knows what I need more than I do.

That said, I've also recently had to face that I:

No longer, and doubt I will ever, have anything close to a six-pack again.
The more I hit the gym, the more junk I ~~need~~ want to eat.
Always seem to have the car on empty on the coldest of days.
It will always rain or snow. The day after we get a carwash.
Cannot sing. Even if SingStar tells me that I can. But at least I have fun trying.

Speaking of *faces*, a few weeks ago the gorgeous Clare asked if I would do a makeup post. "Sure," I said, "I'd love to!" Silly, silly me. Um, taking pictures with your eyes closed...a little harder than I thought. Never mind that I had no idea how to put this post together. Clare, here goes...

I start with moisturizer and M.A.C Studio Fix in C4, applied with a kabuki brush.

I prefer it to a sponge.

Isn't math fun?
My brows aren't thin, the hair is just very fine so I fill them in with

an angle brush and Brun eyeshadow.

Urban Decay's Eyeshadow Primer Potion is seriously the best thing ever. Gives oomph to colours and great longevity - eye shadow lasts all day without creasing.

With the M.A.C. 224 brush, I apply Shroom from below my brow to my lash line,

well into the inner corners of my eyes.

I apply Yogurt to my eyelids.

I apply GO the outer crease towards the middle of my eyelids,

then use the 219 brush to line my lower lashes.

Apply Glamour Check! with the 219 brush to the outer corner of my eyes in a small V and take a wet angled brush to draw the shadow on as a liner at my upper and lower lash lines.

My super straight lashes get a boost from a curler followed by mascara. I've been a DiorShow girl but I'm loving Maybelline's Pulse Perfection mascara in Very Black.

Making a fish face and brushing M.A.C. Highligthing Powder in Golden Nectar below the cheekbones.

Smiling to apply the Gentle Mineralize Blush to just the apples of my cheeks.

Line lips with Rimmel Eastend Snob, add Blistex to moisturize, M.A.C. lipstick in Chatterbox and M.A.C. Dazzleglass creme gloss in My Favourite Pink.

That's it, got my face on!

To finish this post off, I am so excited to announce the winner of the Shabby Apple Giveaway is the one and only...

KS of While We're Waiting!!! I can't wait to see you in that dress!

Once again, thank you Shabby Apple! And thank you to all who entered! Don't forget, you can still get 10% off at Shabby Apple, simply use the code ExtraDots10OFF till Feb 27th. The discount is valid for International readers as well!

Happy weekend!

xo Ela
p.s. Anything you had to face recently?

What Took So Long?

2010-02-03T00:00:00.003-05:00

The above question is pretty much how I feel about a lot of things lately. Patience...I have it...but I don't. Anyhoots, this is my 100th post and I can't believe it took me ~~only~~ 7 months to get here! GAH! Obviously, I need to get back on track and up my *postage*.

This past weekend, S and I put on our tourist hats and went for a drive...

my tourist hat looks more like a beanie but whatevs...

we drove 1 1/2hrs. to get some of this...

at the Brazillian Steakhouse, Copa Cabana

photo via Copa Cabana because truth is, when the steak was in front of me, I couldn't care less where the camera was.

I heart meat.

We also drove to see this...

Frozen Water? Why yes.

~~I heart ice.~~

Better known as this...

[Niagara Falls via Google Images]

WEE!

I love this photo taken by S. The hotel had a package that included tickets for the Sky Wheel. Half Gondola/Half Ferris Wheel with an RPM a hamster could outdo, perfect for taking in the sights. From a distance cause we had no desire to actually walk by the frozen falls. It's breathtaking but we've seen it ~~a thousand~~ at least 10 times.

baby it's cold outside...

After a good 10 minutes outdoors, we hit the arcades to

"Feed Big Bertha" and beat the high score of "Belly Bomber"

That's S' ear and plaid shirt.

I heart that the games we played were food/stomach based. Seemed to be the theme of the weekend. We ended it off at the Melting Pot, for some amazing fondue.

I heart big melted pots o' chocolate.

Can't wait to see what you've been up to! Happy mid week, loves!

xo Ela

p.s. Giveaway to follow

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

p.p.p.s Wearing Beanie - Forever 21, Coat - Laundry by Shelli Segal

One for the Books

2010-01-29T00:00:00.007-05:00

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)

2010-01-27T10:00:00.020-05:00

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...

2010-01-25T00:00:00.050-05:00

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

2010-01-22T12:00:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-20T10:45:00.010-05:00

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

2010-01-15T00:00:00.004-05:00

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

2010-01-13T09:30:00.003-05:00

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

2010-01-11T16:00:00.005-05:00

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

2010-01-06T10:00:00.006-05:00

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?

2010-01-04T13:30:00.008-05:00

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 champa~~gne~~nade. 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!

Ela

[B]ring in the New Year!

2009-12-30T12:00:00.008-05:00

Cranky Christmas pants are off, I refuse to welcome 2010 like Eeyore. I can rock the grey but I can't pull off the tail and gloomy cloud. Besides, Filipino tradition is you wear something new on New Year's Eve and cranky pants are sad and old...*so 2000 and late*.

I was supposed to ring in 2010 in NJ/NY but it ain't happening. FUN would've been had but those plans will have to wait. I'm disappointed no doubt but I refuse to let it get me down.

So 2010 Hurry Up and Bring:

Enough work to keep S busy but not 18-hours-a-day-busy. I'll settle for 10...or 12 hours tops.
An 8 year wedding anniversary that is laptop/MacBook Pro/iPhone/B-berry free.
More blonde and red but just not grey.
A new car.
A bundle or two or ~~eight~~ three of joy. Octo-Ela I am not.
Toned arms. I'll work for them, I promise. I am so tired of making sleeves look like sausage casing.
Hardwood in our upper hallway.
This dining table.

via Woodcraft.ca
A plush banquette, like the one below but without the curved back, and 6 chairs that look nothing like the ones below.

Air Conditioning.
A proper moisturizer. Why are you so hard to find?
New recipes for our weeknight dinners. Excite my tastebuds please.
More veggies and fruits with my meals.
Better sleep. 7-8 continuous hours would be awesome.
Less knots in my back.
Lots of laughter.
A vacation. Or ~~eight~~ two. It's been wayyyyy too long.
Knees of someone in their 30s, not 50s. Arthritis you are evil.
The ladies I love {you know who you are} their hearts' desires.
A beautiful wedding for some beautiful brides.

You've got 12 months so I'm sure you can make it happen.

Oh and 2010, I may add things to my list...I mean, you're not even here yet.
Please and thank you!

This'll be my last post for 2009 so,

HAPPY NEW YEAR, LOVES!!!
Hope it's wonderful. Have Fun and Be Safe!!!

What are you hoping 2010 will bring?

xoxo Ela

...and a Side of Cranky Pants

2009-12-29T13:30:00.003-05:00

Christmas is not the same with a side of Cranky Pants. Trust. Trust. Trust. Me. I know. Christmas had it's moments but unfortunately, my cranky pants tainted a fair bit. Here's a behind the scenes peek - mostly in word format - because 99.9% of the photos I took, involve people {aka family} who do not know about my blog.

My Christmas Involved:

Pressies galore. I actually love watching people open their presents. At showers not so much but on Christmas, I love it.

Christmas at my uncle's

Froggie feet belonging to my aunt. She's in her 50s. I adore her. To the max.

Most days with just 3-5 hours sleep. Lack of sleep only makes the cranky pants feel tighter and stay on longer.
Thankfully, a day or two filled with LOTS of sleep. Better to be unconscious than spread ~~Christmas~~ cranky cheer.
S not wearing the Puck-Hawk out. BOO. He said he felt "too much like a rocker". Or a caveman. This from a guy *dressed for the shower*, which I think is what led to the caveman look. But whatevs. Next time I will wear him down and get him to wear it for out before shaving it all off.
Plaid, leopard print and acid wash. But not all together. I promise.
Two turkeys. Cause you can never get enough.

Turkey #2 fresh out of the oven, the only way I like birds.

Cake and yummy goodness. When you stuff cranky pants with chocolate, things always get better.

A painted washroom, a beautiful mirror and new lights! My Birthday(September) and Christmas pressie wrapped in one. It took a *wee bit* longer than I had hoped but it was worth the wait. I love it. I love my S.
A new sparkly light fixture for our bedroom ~~to stop the whining~~ just cause. I love my S.

No idea why the daylight is making our walls look blue, because they're
"Edgecomb Gray"...which is just fancy for beige :)

Hope y'all had the best Christmases and Holidays ever!!!

I'm off for the day but I'll catch up with you tonight!
xx Ela

Holiday Wishes

2009-12-23T23:30:00.002-05:00

I've been meaning to post forever and ago...I suppose *intending to do something* will only get you so far. I miss seeing and reading what you've all been up to, so I'll make this quick so I can head on over and see y'all!

Aside from being away from the computer and cursing my phone (in PG of course) for alerting me of emails only when it feels like it, like 12 hours after the fact...grrrr - it seems to work in the mornings but not so great after 10:00am, so yay for letting me get emails from 4:00am to 10:00am, which means 97% of the emails that come through are SPAM or from retailers I would NEVER buy from, which I guess still makes it SPAM, some highlights from the last few days:

- Baking a dozen x a dozen x a doz....cookies

- Stuffing my face with *some* of the said cookies, quality control y'know, but giving most of them away.

- Got an email over the weekend from this lil lady about her engagement, eek!!! I am sooooo happy and excited for her - I did a happy dance and everything! Congratulations, Nicole, you and Josh deserve all the happiness this world has to offer. Love you!!!

- Having a much needed girl's day with my cousins, though next time I propose we do it on a day when we're not all PMSing.

- Laughing at S for having a mini tantrum when I refused to try his eggnog. I know A LOT of people love this stuff, I can't do it.

- Convincing S to finally do a *Puck-Hawk* (Glee). He's doing it for Christmas Eve, if it turns out well, he'll wear it out to our Christmas Eve family festivities, if not...well, off it all goes. He's convinced my mom will hate it. Good thing he married me. He's been in our lives for 15 years, I'm sure she'll get over it.

- Our neighbour's kids baked S and I some festive rice krispie squares and brought them over for us. Cutest thing ever!

- S and I got to help put together some Christmas baskets for some families who are experiencing some hardships, and even got to deliver a few to their homes. It was a wonderful blessing to have been a small part of it.

I probably won't post for a *few* days so if you celebrate Christmas like me, wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas!!!

And Happy Holidays to all!

Ela

Clearly

2009-12-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

First things first, I've been a bad blogger this week, missing out on reading and commenting on my favourite blogs. Clearly, I'm a stinkasaurus, I know. Don't hate me. I'll be back soon. With a vengeance. ~~Spamming~~ leaving you insightful comments. And HELLO :) new followers/readers, leave me a comment so I know where to find you...some of your picture thingys, that's the technical term, don't link back to your blogs.And I wanna see your digs ;)

Have I mentioned that S is not a fan of unnatural curls on Asians?

Clearly, I don't take that to heart. Though I don't curl my hair often when it's short because ~~it makes my lollipop head look even bigger~~ I'm more likely to burn my neck with my flat iron. Yes, flat iron.

This week I:

Bought my dad....two combs and....THE END. Um...Santa, please help me cause clearly, I have no idea what to get the man.
Got the battery changed on one of my watches, woot! Is it wrong that this excites me? Clearly, I need to get out more. Trust.
I found a red hair. In my head. Attached to my scalp. I kid you not. S is boggled by this. The blonde one he shrugged off {found another blondie btw} but now with the red...he's convinced I'll find a purple one next. Clearly, I am turning into a clown....root-doot-doot-doot-doot...or Rainbow Brite. If any of you know of a rare condition that causes this, please enlighten me.
Came this close to throwing out my b-berry. Darn piece of junk decided to stop receiving emails. It also takes about 45 seconds to enter a phone number. Clearly, I'll be needing a replacement. Very soon.
Had one of the bathroom shower taps fixed. The hot and cold were reversed. We just discovered this a few weeks ago. We've been living here for over a year. Clearly, we don't ~~shower~~ use that bathroom.
Made these for S. Because clearly, ~~I was a jerk and had to make it up to him without spending a dime~~ nothing says ~~"sorry"~~ "love" like heart-shaped pancakes. They're far from perfect but he ~~forgave me~~ ate them just the same ;)

Tried to darken this photo because it was super duper bright but instead, now it just looks BLUE!!! Clearly, I've no idea how to use Paint.NET.

Button Down-Zara, Wool Blazer-Vintage, Jeans-Mavi

Is it wrong that I wish it weren't Friday? I'm probably alone on this one.

But seriously, I could use an extra day {or two} this week.

Happy weekend, loves!

xx Ela

What Really Matters

2009-12-16T00:00:00.005-05:00

This is me ~~giving my cramping hand a break~~ writing Christmas cards that I should've written {and mailed} weeks ago. If I send them out soon, they may just arrive before 2010. Better late than never?

Scarf worn here, Cardi and Buckle Headband - Century 21

and a pack of Gummi Bears for sustenance

Some of you may have seen my Christmas wish list {thank you, Jaime}, which I never actually shared with S. But apparently I didn't have to -
the other night, he asked "hey...which Cartier watch did you want?"
I answered him.
A little too quickly, I think.
But just as quickly, reminded him that it's what I would want if money wasn't an object. That being said, could we afford to go get me one right now? Sure, why not? Our credit card says we can. Are there better things we could spend our money on? Um, yeah. About 247 other things. So he asked what I did want since I was obvioulsy making money an object. I couldn't think of a thing. Other than #5 on my wish list of course, and although the name may fool you, you can't actually pick one up from Babies "R" Us. What gives? Toys "R" Us, clearly sells toys and if I opened up Cakes "R" Us, I think there'd be an uproar if I didn't sell cakes. Anyhoots, that leaves me back to not really wanting anything. Maybe a manicure that'll last?

Besides, I've haven't had time to think of what I might want. Like most of you, I've been inundated with shopping lists, presents to wrap, cards to write, packages to send, homes to visit, Christmas dinners to plan/host/attend/~~bail on~~, etc. etc. etc. Frankly, I don't think I'll get to everything I mean to. Actually, I'm pretty sure I won't. My heart is in the right place but there's just not enough hours in a day. And that leaves me feeling unsettled.

But when I watch this,

I'm reminded that

the things I have yet to do,

the things I may have time to do,

and the things I know I won't have a chance to

...really don't matter {so much}.
And that unless I stop focusing on trivial things,
I'm going to miss out on what really does.

xx Ela

Wandom Weekend

2009-12-14T12:58:00.003-05:00

No I don't really talk like a toddler. Well, sometimes I do. There, now you know.

Friday night S went to go see 2012 with the boys. I stayed home, caught up with some shows online and gave myself a manicure. Is it too much to ask for a manicure to last me more than two days?

Fast forward to Sunday, the first nail I ruined was the one on my thumb. I was in a daze cutting onions and got careless with the knife. I suppose I should be grateful I did a base coat, two coats and a top coat. Clearly my manicure saved me from actually hurting myself.

The second one I lost - yes "lost" - was on my ring finger. It popped right off while I was in the shower.

And sitting in the kitchen - yes just sitting - I discovered I lost another one. On my middle finger. Wtheck??? Just so we're clear, the polish was painted onto my nails, I have no idea why they are popping off like fake nails. I've been using OPI forever and doing my own nails for even longer and this has never happened before.

Clearly, I have no intention of putting an end to taking showers or sitting so I imagine more will fall off throughout the week. I can't be bothered to take the polish off the rest of the fingers right now, I'd much rather spend the time complaining about it, and who knows when I'll get to repaint them, so here I am with 7 1/2 fingers manicured. Perhaps, I'm just ahead of the trend.

Jersey Knit Infinity Scarf - Winners

Rewind to Saturday night when S and I finally saw New Moon. My favourite line from the whole movie..."What a marshmallow." Mmmm...marshmallows. At some point in the movie, S turned to me and said he'd like to be a wolf. Great, take the side that can't even afford shirts on their backs. I'd rather be a vampire, with clothes, a car and look like a 20 year old when I'm 104. And can someone please tell me what's up with the Bellya aches??? Why did Bella keep clutching at her side throughout the entire movie like she had a insane case of cramps? And don't think I didn't notice that she had to touch Jacob's abs every chance she could get. Edward who? Sparkle what? Stinkin' crazy abs.

S challenged me to a game of air hockey at the movie theatre right after the movie. I won. But bruised myself when I hit my hip on the table ~~doing my victory dance~~ as I accepted my win graciously.

Tee - F21, Sweater Vest - Ann Taylor Loft, Grey Jeans - Juicy Couture,

Studded Boots - BCBG

Is it just me, or is my thumb looking ridicously long, like ET long?

Sunday was filled with Church, visiting friends, nap time on the couch, eating steak and chocolate cake, and cooking three lasagnas, ~~because we're pigs~~ since two are for Monday's dinner...~~we like to start the week off with lots of carbs~~ we're having people over.

What'd you guys do?

xx Ela

p.s. Thank YOU for sharing what you love about yourselves, I really enjoyed reading all your comments. And am pretty sure they made me heart you, even more ;)

I Heart...

2009-12-11T00:00:00.007-05:00

I recently received the I Heart Me award, which requires you to list 10 things you love about yourself. Now, I know that I post outfits and stuff about my life on this blog but believe me, I am not narcissistic. I won't hesitate to list off things I don't like about myself or list off things that need improvement - I can rhyme 'em off like a grocery list, but ask me to list what I love about myself I get sarcastic or I'll say something in jest. I think in a lot of ways, we can be really hard on ourselves. We see the good in others and let their positive traits outshine their flaws, but when it comes to ourselves, at least for me, I hesitate.

But then I read the words Sher included in her post regarding this award, "Hope...this award...reminds you just how completely unique and special you are. There is no one in the world just like you!" And it reminded me, we all have our little things that make us, us. Little things that we do or have learned to appreciate about ourselves, little things that those we love, appreciate in us. Thank you, Sher. It still took me ~~an hour~~ some time to list 10 things but here's what I came up with:

1. I love that I am not afraid to laugh at ~~others~~ myself.

2. I love that I try to see the good in people. Even when they make it difficult.

3. I love that I am borderline OCD and have floors so clean, should I ever ~~feel like it~~ run out of plates, I could eat off of them.

4. I love that I can find the inner strength, I sometimes forget I have, which keeps me from giving up.
5. I love that whenever things seem hopeless, my faith always pulls me through.
6. I love that I know my way around ~~the mall~~ a kitchen. Even if that surprises some.

7. I love that ~~expensive~~ simple things can always make me smile.

8. I love that I don't always know what to say, but when I find the words, they are always sincere.

9. I love that my heart can heal and love like I've never been hurt.
10. I love that in the most unexpected places I am able to find wonderful friends.

I'd like to pass this onto each one of you, because I certainly heart ALL of you. So in your comments, please DO tell me one (or as many as you like) thing you love about yourself. It might just be what I love about YOU :)

On another note, I received this from the lovely and uber creative Kim of Cupcakes and Mace. It's a necklace I won by giving it its name, the "C² (C squared) Necklace". Winning one meant I could customize it - I picked two of my favourite quotes and Kim helped me choose between the two and she helped with the colour as well. And it turned out perfectly, I absolutely love it! Check out Kim's amazing Etsy shop to wear your favourite quote on your neck and/or pick up one of her other fabulous custom pieces! Thank you so much, Kim!

[love like you've never been hurt]
...it's the only way to do it...

Have a wonderful weekend, loves!
xx Ela

Time Flies

2009-12-09T00:00:00.019-05:00

Is it just me or is there something about this time of year that makes time speed up?

You hop from one Christmas party to another, a birthday bash in between, visit a friend or two (or five), allow yourself to cry a little (or a lot) when you know your friends are going through things you can do absolutely nothing to help with, decorate your home to infuse some cheer - including some adhesive "wall art", which once you've slapped on seems ~~slightly~~ ~~very~~ likely to take paint with it when you plan to peel it off in 4 weeks time, make some meals and drop them off for people who've been sick, buy Christmas cards (which you don't actually sign or mail), manage to hit the dry cleaners but fail to pick up your go-to winter coat in time for the first five snow falls, stay away from TV and Blogger for 5 days so you can do all the things you "need to" and still you're barely left with just enough time to have a semi-decent shower. But definitely not enough time to deal with your ~~sasquatch~~ slightly fuzzy legs. Sigh. Sigh. And then some.

Dress-BCBG, Patterned Tights-???, Earrings-Vintage
Pretty sure K is over 6' tall when she's in heels. I'm such a hobbit next to her.

I've been meaning to tell y'all about S' company holiday party but in the interest of saving time, I'll just list some highlights:

1. Telling S, for future reference, that being 2 hours late is NOT fashionably late. He told me 7:00 when it really started at 5:30. We got there at 7:30. Granted cocktails were ending at 7, just before dinner but nothing like getting to a sit-down dinner after the orders have been taken.

2. I learned that sitting while wearing a dress somewhat covered in sequins is not at all comfy. It's like sitting on eggshells. Oh and it made my butt sound slightly like a popcorn maker. At least while seated.
3. Dessert looked amazing. Like take a bite out of heaven amazing. But tasted, imagine if you will, like ~~plastic~~ shalaqued play-doh.

4. It's always fun to call the President of the company your spouse works for on a comment he made to your spouse about "buying" him a "new wife". A comment made in response to S turning down some pretty crazy perks and incentives to lure him into accepting a 4 month assignment in a far away land, after he said "my wife will never go for it." 4 months got turned to 3-4 weeks, sans a new wife, but S still turned it down.

5. Watching said President turn a shade of pink and later have him call S a "big mouth".
6. Being told by S' co-worker that I looked "just like Thandie Newton". BAHAHAHAHAHA Ms. Newton is drop dead gorgeous! I could only wish. I would more than love to accept the compliment but I'm ~~Asian~~ not delusional.

7. It finally hit me who my gorgeous friend K(my I have a LOT of friends named K) reminds me of...

Coco Rocha! Do you agree or is it just me?

Either way this gorgeous girl makes me wish I could be a redhead. Even for a night.

How are YOU all doing, loves??? PLEASE, fill me in on all I've missed!
Can't wait to catch up on your blogs!
xx Ela
p.s. Special THANK YOU to Jaime for posting my Christmas Wish List!
And thank you for the sweeties that left me well wishes, with YOU rooting for me,
I feel like it'll happen. Sooner than later.

Crush(ed)

2009-12-04T00:00:00.174-05:00

First, thank you for all your sweet comments and well wishes with regards to my previous post, I truly heart you guys!

It's funny, thinking about my hopes for the future led to some pretty random memories from the past...

...or not so much [via weheartit]

I met MF in the 6th grade. MF was a guy that had a crush on me in the 6th and 7th grade. He was cute...just not cute to me. Good thing because two of my BFFs - N and M were in love with him. M made sure to ~~remind me time and time again~~ tell me that she and MF were a "couple" in the 2nd grade. Um, not sure what that entailed but I think it was limited to holding hands during one recess.

Anyhoots, N and M would remind me that MF was off limits. No biggie to me. Frankly, MF bugged me. BIG time. One day he sent a friend to ask "why don't you like him?" To which I replied, "because he cries." It's true, he did. And even back then, I knew I needed a manly man. An *Alpha Male* as S would say. Well, lo and behold I had to stay and talk to the teacher after school that day...MF was in tears. Again. And I was to blame. Buddy didn't quite get he was only driving the point home.

You'd think that'd stop him but it didn't. He was determined. One day after recess, I came back to my desk to find a teddy bear. A little brown bear with a red bow tied around his neck. I picked him up and read the tag hanging from its ear, "To Ela, Love MF". I thought it was a sweet gesture but it didn't win me over.

The bear was cute. But also wet. Not soaked, but definitely wet. First thing that popped in my head: "Wtheck? Did he cry all over this thing??? Eeuww."

Well, N and M's desks were right next to mine.
"Cute bear," they said.
"Do you know why it's wet?" I asked.
Giggles ensue.
"Um, we kinda took it by the window (it was drizzling outside). You don't mind do you?" They smiled.
"Oh...that's fine...I guess." I replied. I'd take rain over tears any day.

N and M knew I didn't like MF. But no matter what I did or didn't do, whenever MF gave me attention of any kind, N and M made my life unbearable. They called me names. The stupid kind that'd make me laugh now but at the time only left me speechless. And ocassionally, in tears. I never said anything back because as mean as they were, they were my BFFs. Right. So instead of being upset with them, I blamed MF. He was causing me so much grief and I wanted nothing to do with him.

Fast forward to the 8th grade. While sitting in class one day, I suddenly noticed MF. He seemed different somehow. His face had matured a little. His voice had gotten deeper. He seemed to dress better. He no longer cried like a ~~girl~~ baby. Nor did he carry himself in a way that screamed sissy pants. Somehow...he had manned up.

N and M were over MF by this time. So I decided to ask MF to our girl-asks-boy dance.
Ela: M, would you like to go the the dance with me?
MF: [Smirks then pauses] It took you two years?
Ela: [Blinks]
MF: It's a little late now isn't it?
Ouch. I was not expecting that. I guess it was written all over my face because this is what came out next...
MF: Now you know...how it feels.

Apparently, MF was over me. And grudgeful at that. Later N and M confessed that the reason why my bear was wet all those years ago, was because when they saw MF leave it at my desk, they ~~cried~~ spat all over it.

I got rid of the bear shortly after that. Along with my crush for MF.

xx Ela
Ever had a boy come between you and a friend?

p.s. I'll be out of town for the day but I'll catch up when I get back :)
Have a great weekend loves!
p.p.s. Nicole's Etsy shop is open for business!There are so many beautiful earrings...but I can't help but love the elas :) Thank you, Nicole, they're absolutely gorgeous. Love you!

The Truth Is...

2009-12-02T00:00:00.108-05:00

So on my last post I promised I'd answer the question I asked you: growing up, did you ever leave the house then change into something else that you knew your parent(s) wouldn't approve of?

The truth is, no I didn't. Whatever I left the house in, I stayed in. I would however sneak make-up. Yup, I did. Starting in the 8th grade, I was allowed to wear lipstick once a week...funny rule I know. But in HS I started wearing it twice a week. Then one day I just started wearing it all the time - left the house with it on - with my parents driving me to school. I promised myself I'd stop if they told me to, but lucky for me, they never did.

I have a ~~small~~ teeny tiny dot of a mole above the left side of my lip. Well, remember the Niki Taylor craze in the 90's? People went nuts for her. I went nuts for her trademark mole. The truth is, I used to take a dark brown liner and dab my mole to accentuate it. Dork much? This little phase of mine didn't last very long.

I haven't dyed my hair in at least 8 years. The truth is, I may start again. A few weeks ago I found one blonde hair growing out the crown of my head. It's not white. It's blonde. I freaked out. A little. Then a lot. Especially when I thought it'd go from blonde to white. It hasn't. I emailed one bloggie friend about it though. Just one. It was her that I wanted to tell. Not that I thought she could make it go away. But cause I thought it'd make me feel better. It did.

I may joke about S, the lil stinker, not reading my blog. The truth is, a part of me is glad he doesn't. I love him more than anything. He is my best friend and we share everything. But sometimes it's nice to have something that's just mine. He is however, always welcome to read it.

I've mentioned that I wear bright colours when it's gloomy outside. The truth is, I also wear them when I feel "gloomy". It'd be easier to throw on head to toe black but wearing something cheerful...well, it cheers me up. When I'm down, the last thing I need is to catch a reflection of myself looking like how I feel. Maybe that makes me superficial. Call it what you want, it makes me feel better. Now don't go sifting through old posts trying to figure out which days I felt "gloomy". Cause I also just wear whatever I want when I feel like it.

Everyone loves getting pressies right? Unravelling a beautifully wrapped box and hoping it contains the latest thing you've "always wanted". The truth is, for the past almost 3 years, I've only wanted one thing. Just one thing. Unfortunately, it's not something you can buy. Or have gift wrapped. It has however been my birthday wish, my Christmas wish, my Mother's Day wish...my sole wish. And I hold onto it knowing one day, I'll get my wish. I just know it.

xx Ela
p.s. Any truths you want to share?
[Images via weheartit]
p.p.s. My lovely friend Nicole opens her Etsy shop on Thursday, Dec 3rd! Do check it out :)

Too Fancy for Pants

2009-11-30T12:00:00.002-05:00

Hope y'all had amazing weekends! We attended S' company Holiday party on Saturday. That's a story on its own...I'll save that for another post. But here are some pics for now...

Wool Sweater Coat - Vintage, Scarf - Winners, Satin Clutch - Prada

Since I knew S wouldn't let me post a photo with him in it, I did the next best thing and I found someone else who'd hold my hand....

Yes, I'm a dork...

Anyway...I recently met up with my friend K...remember the one I met at the Jimmy Choo for H&M launch, that snagged a bag for me? This time we went for dinner. And didn't even have to wait in line :)

We went to a resto chain that recently opened. It's not new but new at that location. The food was awesome, especially the dessert - a warm white chocolate brownie topped with whipped cream and served with vanilla ice cream....unbelievably good. But the girls that worked there, seemed...um...a little *underdressed*.

No, we didn't hit a shady wing joint. And it certainly wasn't a 5-star resto. But *classy* enough that you'd spend about $35-40/person without drinks or dessert. Yet management seemed to think it'd be a good idea to establish a dress code that left you wondering time and time again, "Um, why isn't she wearing...pants???" The Servers wore pants but the resto also had girls prancing around, mostly just walking back and forth...perhaps igniting fights amongst couples on their first dates. And occasionally bringing dishes to your table. One girl came to our table with a huge dessert plate asking if we'd ordered it...um, we were just about to take the first bite of out of our entrées - poor thing was utterly perplexed when we told her we hadn't ordered it. Too cold to think clearly? Perhaps.

Right now it's friggid cold in Toronto. My glasses have already started to steam up when I get indoors from being out in the cold. Minis are one thing. But stretching and pulling a top down, no matter how much you fidget with it, still makes it a top. All K and I could think was "Where are your pants?" or "But, why'd you leave your pants at home?" or "I can't take my mother here". She'd love the food but the *scenery* not so much.

Anyhoots K and I had a really good time. 2 1/2 hours flew right by. And we left with our stomachs full, and hurting just a little from all the laughs. We are definitely meeting up again.

Seeing as some of these girls looked young enough to still be living at home, another thought that crossed our minds was "There's no way in heck your parents let you leave the house like that". Which brings me to this question: growing up, did you ever leave the house then change into something else that you knew your parent(s) wouldn't approve of?

I di...I'll tell you my answer in my next post ;)
xx Ela

In The Spirit of Thanksgiving

2009-11-26T10:00:00.011-05:00

Lately, I've been feeling overwhelmed.

BIG time.

Sometimes life is hard.

Or at least it seems hard.
At times, it can be.

But then I stop and remember, it's all part of a plan.

And that I have much to be thankful for.

And I am.
Even the bitter, not just the sweet.

xx Ela

p.s. Have a wonderful weekend, see you Monday :)

Circle, Circle, Dot, Dot...

2009-11-25T00:00:00.128-05:00

Even though us Canadians celebrate Thanksgiving in October, in conjunction with Thursday's US Thanksgiving, I wanted to do a post on what I'm most thankful for since joining this amazing blogging community...

Note: 0:15 - 0:27 of above is my fave part. I am so thankful ~~none of you have cooties~~ to have met some truly amazing people. When I previously received the Circle of Friends Award I told you about Jaime, Little Rus, Kym, Mayra, Liz and KS. Fortunately a while back, the sweetest and cutest bride-to-be SG passed it onto me once more, which means I get to gush about another bunch of friends I simply adore and cannot do without.

Faux Velvet Blazer - Winners, Skirt - Thrifted, Belt - Vintage

LV Epi Pouchette, Multistrand Bracelet-Garbo, Unicorn Cuff, Braided Bracelet-Thrifted

Watch - Michael Kors, Clover Bracelet - Heidi Klum
Peeptoe Patent Platforms - Michael Kors

SG - Thank you. You seriously beat me to it. Thank you for sharing the joys and even stresses as you plan your BIG and very special day. You will have to video conf us all in cause you can't take us along for the ride and leave us hanging. You are sweet, thoughtful, a fabulous surpriser and all around amazing. Kristian is so blessed to have you in his life. I know you'll truly have your happily ever after :) And we are SO going on that double date one day. But not fishing, k? Cause fish freak me the heck out. Except in sushi form. And I seriously hope your blog name is not indicative of when you plan to shut down your blog. Because marriage does not mean K can have you all to himself 24/7. Uh uh...we'll give you some time off for your ridiculously amazing honeymoon but that's it.

Nicole - So unbelievably sweet you'd think you might just get a cavity but never ever sickeningly sweet. Gee...where am I going with this? I can't help it - when I think of Nicole, "sweet" is the first thing that comes to mind. Sweetness and sincerity are written all over Nicole's blog, her eyes, her smile, and I can't help but light up whenever I *see* her, read her comments or her emails. I feel blessed to call her my friend. And if I were a Betting Betty I'd say anyone who knows her feels the exact same way. She also takes amazing photos and I've recently learned she's quite crafty (DIYs not devious plans). She's going to be opening up an Etsy shop featuring some fabulous jewellery so stay tuned!

Kristen - aka Ryan's lover. aka Mark's stalker. aka Nerd monger. But as much as she professes love for other dudes her heart belongs to only one: incredibly lucky Kent. I'm not sure if those sparkly eyes of hers have special powers but she hooked me from day one. This lil Taco aka K Puff strutted her stuff into my blog, my life, my heart and though I can't remember how it all started, I'm just glad she did. We recently had our first phone call, there were no weird awkward moments, just giddy school girl talk. Truth is she makes me giddy all the time. Oh wait, I lied. ONE awkward moment...I called her and when she picked up, I said "Hey Summer!" darn redial messed me up. It happens. I can't wait to see what the new year has in store for this amazing ever-so-deserving-of-all-good-things-happening-to-her lady. I just know it'll be a good one for the Lawlors :) And I cannot wait to see her face to face next year!

Summer - Having met Summer through Kristen, I entered S and K's world and make no mistake I ain't never leaving. Grammatically correct? Not quite, but so very true. We recently shared our first call. Time sure flew but it was so good to hear my lil DimSum's voice. There was even talk of the B's making a trip down to Toronto! T.O. or NYC, either way with just 8.5 hours between us (7 if you drive with S) this is soon to be non-virtual. She's openly shared her deepest desires and even her heartaches. And when you see her heart break, yours will break just a little (or a lot actually). As you join her on her journey, you'll find yourself amazed and inspired and cheering her on because you just know her future is bright. Because she and Adam deserve it so very much. And I just know that the lil brownies are just lining up in Heaven, hardly able to contain themselves wanting nothing more than to come down and be a part of the Browny bunch. And just in case you hadn't heard, it was a REALLY, REALLY BIG day for Summer and her embabies yesterday. I know with all my heart that prayers are heard and answered. Please keep your prayers and happy thoughts strong for Brownie mama, papa and embabies.

If I didn't mention you above, please don't take it to mean that I don't value your friendship. Although I can't do a blurb on each of every one of you (on this post), I truly am thankful for ALL of you. You guys make my day. I heart you. And if you're new to my blog - nice to meet you! Leave me a comment so I can visit your digs :)

Wishing all my Stateside friends a Happy Thanksgiving! And for you who dare to venture out on Black Friday, please BE CAREFUL. And stay away from Walmart. Seriosusly. I mean it.

xx Ela

p.s. Even if YOU had cooties, I'd still be your friend ;)

Things I...Ch 2

2009-11-22T23:30:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts and commenting lately. I miss you guys like you wouldn't believe. Last week got the best of me. You ever have one of those weeks when you had so much going on yet you felt like you didn't actually get anything accomplished? Sigh.
I've been feeling that a lot lately. Over the last few months I've limited blogging to MWFs because as much as I love it, I can't seem to manage it everyday on top of my daily to-dos. Whenever I get on Blogger, I always seem to get carried away and forget to attend to my daily to-do lists. Note to self: Must master time management when it comes to blogging...

Until then, thanks for bearing with me. And forgiving me when I miss important posts, days when you're down or under the weather, have exciting news or just need to vent. I hate that I miss out on them. Please know that it's not for lack of caring.

Pants - Aritzia, Boots - Diba/Bronx

Feeling a bit like Sherlock Holmes in my Cape - Burberry (Kids, via eBay)

Clutch, Black and Gold Bracelet/Watch, Tassel Bracelet - Thrifted,

Multi-strand bracelet - Garbo, Belt - Gucci (Vintage via eBay)

Watch on other arm - Michael Kors

Thank you, to this little lady for reminding me to wear my accessories!

Seeing that my week was pretty random, here's a recap of what I did, what I thought, etc. in another chapter of Things I...

Things I Will NOT Do:
1. Get into an Escalade with one dude driving and another in the passenger seat who stops right front of me as I'm walking in a parking lot and says, "Hey, we've got an awesome home entertainment system in the back....blah, blah...an order fell through now we have it...blah, blah....do you want it? It's FREE!"
Ela: No thanks.
Dude Driving: Are you sure, it's practically free.
Ela: [Thinks, "um, what happened to just FREE?"] No thanks. Really NOT interested (or stupid).
One Dude turns to the Other: She thinks we're nuts.
Ela: [Silently concurs...and walks off very briskly.]

Things I Like to Do in the Car:
1. Sing along to songs. Even if I don't know the words. Bugs the heck outta me if someone else does it though. Unless they're singing with me. Then that's cool.
2. Apparently, talk to myself. Just a few words here and there. Not even full sentences. Just thinking outloud. That's normal, right?

Things I Hate to Admit:
1. For someone so little, I've got quite the case of road rage. I'm still working on it.
2. I heard the doorbell go off 10 times (in one go - who does that btw???) and did not answer it. Sorry, not a big fan of drop-ins. Especially if all I've got on is a robe.

Things I Did Last Week:
1. Started my Christmas shopping. Booya! And intended to buy lots for others but picked up way more stuff for myself. Not so booya...
2. Ate spaghetti and meatballs on far too many days than anyone ever should.

Things that I Will Never Get Used to Hearing My Mother Say:

1. "Bling" or worse yet, "Bling-bling". Yeah...it's just not right. No more buying sparkly accessories when Mumsy is around.

Paris Vogue, Scarf, a Sweet Note and London Keychain

A special thank you to Grace from vitaMinn Style who sent over these goodies when I won her giveaway! If you haven't *met* her yet, DO, she's fabulous! I can't wait to hunker down on the couch with my Vogue. Maybe I'll polish up on my French too. How I graduated from middle school with the French Award is beyond me. I guess I should've kept up with it in high school. Ah well, c'est la vie.

Je vous espère tous ont un beau weekend!

xx Ela

p.s. I don't even know if the above is right, LOL. Forgive me if it's not.

Cinched

2009-11-18T00:00:00.035-05:00

Full Skirt Trench and Skirt Underneath - Winners, Belt - Versace (via eBay)

Boots - Diba/Bronx

Whoever invelted the belt was a genius. It was probably invented to hold up pants, or wait is that suspenders? Regardless, I love belts because they add some definition to my straight figure, which by the way, Wiki defines as "Banana". Mmmmkay. Never quite thought I was built like a banana but then I found this [via Google Images]...

Yeah...I kinda see the resemblance. Besides, a certain banana I know is pretty cool so I'll take it ;)
I rarely leave home without a belt, especially when wearing flowy dresses or tops. I need to draw in that waist because there's nothing I despise more than hearing the words, "Oh my gosh!!! Are you pregnant?"
Seriously, seriously???
Seriously, when I'm preggo, everyone and their grandmother will know. I'll be shouting it from the rooftops so puh-lease, get your hands off my belly and save your question for someone with an actual bun in the oven.

Awk...ward...moving on, the winner of my recent giveaway is Elaine from Clothed Much! Congrats, missy! I'll be sending you an email to get your info.
Thanks to everyone who entered. And I'll be having another giveaway soon so stay tuned!

And I've also added some Gucci, Prada and Leather Goods to my online shop MyDesignerFinds.com so do take a peek! See something you like that's out of your budget? Make me your best offer and I may just take you up on it!

Happy Midweek Everyone!
xx Ela
p.s. Special Thank You to Clare at Clarabelle for the sweet shout out! BAH, forgive me for seeing this 6 days late. Thanks, hon :) And for those of you who haven't *met* Clare, you must! Get!

Choo-rific Weekend

2009-11-16T00:00:00.012-05:00

Wool Blazer - Necessary Objects, Skinnies - Zara, Striped Knit Tee - F21,

Peeptoes - Arturo Chiang

As some of you know, last Saturday was the highly anticipated launch of Jimmy Choo's limited collection for H&M which was available at 200 H&M locations worldwide. Only four stores in Canada would carry the line, two of them being in Toronto.

To bring some sense of order to the mayhem that was sure to ensue with this launch, as it has with each of H&M's prevous designer collaborations, this time round H&M enforced a wristband policy. A wristband would allow groups of 20 to shop in the Shoe, Handbag and Accessory section for a 10 minute period at the alloted time they were given. Knowing only the first 160 people in line would be given a wristband, I did the most logical yet dumbest thing I have ever done in quest for a designer piece at a discounted price; I got up at a ridiculous hour on Saturday morning. Oh well, at least I didn't line up at 5:30pm the night before, as I would later learn the first person in line had done.

When I got in line there were only about 90 ahead of me so things were looking good. Now, if I'm standing in line with someone for more than 10 minutes, you can bet I'm going to strike up conversation. So you can only imagine how chatty I got knowing I would be in line for hours. Our little group quickly established a camaraderie; within an hour we were buying each other muffins and hot beverages. We chatted about lots of things but it always circled back to what items we were hoping to leave the store with. We were all hopeful we'd leave with something.

All I wanted was one pair of shoes, just one. I didn't want to be greedy like a few in line (not in the group of friends I had made) who wanted to grab one in every style. You can bet eBay was going to be the next stop for those babies. One of everything would be delightful but I also knew, the more everyone took, the less everyone would be left with. And I've never been a "screw you" kind of girl.

I also wanted a handbag, the one I've stalked since the first day I saw it on H&M's website. But just before the store opened, I saw the bag in the window and though it was the closest I had ever gotten, suddenly I felt it couldn't be further away. By the time the wristbands were handed out more than 120 people were ahead of us. Yes, about 30 people had butted the line. I started to doubt I'd leave with anything, and figured if I'd manage to snag one piece it'd be a miracle. After waiting in line for hours I accepted that I could very well have done this for nothing. I thought it was highly likely I'd never want to speak of this day again.

Well, 10:00am finally came and those with wristbands were allowed in the store first. Anyone could shop the clothing but not the SHA section. You'd think after waiting in line for so long that I'd have a strategy. Well, I didn't. I found myself in the store, staring at racks of clothing. And there I stood. Frozen. Watching arms claw for the clothing on the racks and shelves. Everyone grabbed what they could, it didn't matter what it was or what size it was in, they'd sort it out later.

As I watched people squeal with delight over their soon to be purchases, I felt sick to my stomach because clearly I had no business being there. I had given up precious sleep, stood in the cold for hours, I was hungry, tired and slightly delirious. Amidst all the chaos, I felt completely out of my element. So I sat on an empy table that just minutes before was stacked with Jimmy Choo items. In the chaos I had lost the friends I had made in line, and were sure they had all been more successful than I was. Looking around, who wasn't?

Then as I sat waiting, K appeared. K was the sweetie that bought me a muffin. I had bought her a hot chocolate. She and I wanted the same pair of shoes (in different sizes) and the same handbag. As K approached me she had a shoe box in her hand and THE bag. Some guy that already been allowed in the SHA section had picked them up for her. She showed me her goodies and I must admit, I wished I had her good fortune but I truly was so happy for her. I knew how much she had wanted them. Then she did something I never expected.

She handed me the bag and said, "Here, I want you to have it".

I stammered a string of incoherent words then told her I couldn't accept it. We went back and forth then I finally accepted it with the the condition that she could change her mind over the next 2 hours, while we waited to get into the SHA section. I stood to give her a hug, and no joke, I was teary. Maybe it's because we were both sleep deprived, maybe it's because we knew even though we'd just met that we'd be friends even after that day, maybe it's because she's just so kind. It's one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me, let alone someone I'd known for just a few hours. Well, K never changed her mind. Meet my Chooey...

My New Favourite Bag - Jimmy Choo for H&M, via my friend K

Thank you, K. Everytime I wear it, I will think of you. It'll always be a reminder that kind acts can take place anywhere, even in the middle of mayhem, even in a place where most people are just looking out for themselves. And yes, K - we are going on our shopping date! But next time after the sun has risen ;)

When I finally got to the SHA section, I managed to snag three other handbags. And a pair of shoes. I gave them to three friends I had made that day. Three girls who had just missed the 160 cut off, who didn't have wristbands, which meant slim chances of them ending up with anything. In the end, each of them left with a handbag and one with the pair of shoes I managed to grab.

I didn't find a pair of shoes for myself. But it didn't even matter. I got THE bag I wanted, because of a sweet act I will always remember. And a sweet girl, I will never forget. Thank you, K.

Oh and if that didn't make my weekend, on Sunday I had the priviledge of speaking to the lovely Kristen on her birthday...I have a feeling that it won't be the last time either. Love you girly, hope you had the best birthday weekend ever!

Hope you all had fabulous weekends!

xx Ela

Hat Head

2009-11-13T00:00:00.047-05:00

Fedora - Item (Boston)

Blazer - Vero Moda, Cotton Shirt - F21, Trousers - French Connection,

Heels - Marc Jacobs, Bracelet - Vintage (via eBay), Faux Pearls - Thrifted

I'm pretty sure that one of the first times I ever tried on a hat, and considered buying it, was when I was 11 yrs. old. It was a big floppy purple one a la Blossom, do y'all remember that show?

I loved that show! Blossom was nerdy but cool and she was a good girl. I liked her. But I LOVED her best friend Six. I had never heard of numbers being names before, I thought she was soooo cool. Pretty much wanted to be her. Oh...and I also dug Joey, Blossom's brother. I'd actually let out an audible sigh at the very sight of him. And blushed just a little. Every time.

I remember watching the show and thinking how cool and "old" they were. How I couldn't wait to be as "grown-up" as they were. LOL, wtheck? Looking back, they were babies! Funny how things appear when they seem so far away...then you get there and realize, it's not at all how it appeared to be...

Anyway, I never did buy that purple floppy hat. Didn't think I could pull it off as well as Blossom. And knew I couldn't pull it off like Six could. I still think she's a cutie :)

Happy Weekend, loves!

xx Ela

If you haven't entered my giveaway, you still can till Sunday, November 15th!

Also, Friday the 13th is the last day to enter my SFAM's stachetastic contest! Go, go, GO! And it's our other SFAM's 29th+1 birthday this weekend! Harlot Johansson, please send Ryan over...NOW!

Cruella's Working on it

2009-11-11T00:00:00.019-05:00

Faux Fur - Thrifted ($3.99), Faux Velvet Pants - Zara, Leather Gloves - Aldo

Purse - Vintage ($2.50), Wedge Booties - Nine West

I tried these boots on, on three different ocassions before I finally bought them last week. I tend to be less impulsive with my shopping these days. Except when thrifting.

Which is probably why I quickly snatched up this coat that now makes me feel a bit like Cruella. And also gives the illussion that I have a pregnant belly. But for $3.99, it keeps me warm and cozy so there's no question, I'll be wearing it again.

Thinking of Cruella, got me thinking of my mean streak. I think we each have our shortcomings. I try to work on mine but just as I seem to overcome one, another pops up...why is that? S says I shouldn't be so hard on myself. But I think it's important to recognize your faults and work on them. Right now I'm trying to overcome giving the stink face. It's not even a stink eye - it's the whole face.

I should mention that there are many times when I do hold back on the face, and the verbage that tends to go with it...but sometimes, I regress. Like I did on one ocassion with a guy I'll call "Chump".

Chump is a guy that on one occasion told me that I "looked nice"...then followed it up with "must be the makeup..."
But I just shook my head and let that one go. Chump is also condescending and likes to have an opposing point of view just so he can argue with you. About anything and everything. He doesn't make the best arguments but he knows just what to say to get under your skin. And frustrate the heck out of you with mindless circle talk. He says bonehead things ALL the time but usually I manage to ignore them. However, on one ocassion, be it petty, I didn't want to deal with Chump's "words of wisdom".

C: It's so weird, I know you're Filipino and all, but wow....you look almost Asian.
E: [Blank stare]
C: Seriously. You do.
E: [Blinks]
C: [Chuckles] Weird right?
E: Wow, that is weird....considering Filipinos are Asian...with the Philippines being in Asia and all...
C: Huh. [Pause] Really?
E: [Ding, ding, ding!!! Insert stink face here]
C: Oh...I guess it's cause you're not Oriental....
E: ~~I think you should stop talking now.~~ [Insert blank stare]

Did I mention that Chump is Asian? Looking back, I'm a little embrassed at my reaction. But at the time I thought someone else should've been embarassed...or gotten an Atlas. I was having one of those days. Regardless, I should've been nicer. I should've just smiled and let the whole thing go. Sigh, don't hate me...I'm working on it.

Anything you're working on?

xx Ela
p.s. It's my SFAM's blogiversary today! Happy 1 yr, Krissy poo!
And my other SFAM's having a fanstachestic contest that you can enter till Nov 13th!
So stop by and show my loves some love will ya!
OH and if you haven't already, enter MY giveaway here!

Tastes Like Gasoline

2009-11-09T00:00:00.018-05:00

Dress and Boots - Zara, Cropped Blazer - Morphine Generation

Belt - F21

The pictures can't capture it but I love the bow neck tie of this dress,

it's a little librarianesque but I dig it. Snagged it 3 years ago for $10.99.

The buttons of this blazer are brass then covered in black mesh, wish I dig too.

A few days ago S woke up and decided we should have McD's for breakie. Knowing full well his wife wakes up hungry and ~~moves like a blind turtle~~ doesn't function at the speed of light in the morning, he said "we'll just do a drive-thru so don't worry about getting dressed...we'll just go in our pjs". Um OK. So we brushed our teeth, but not my hair - that's what hats are for, put on some shoes and hopped in the car.
He placed our order but just as we were about to pay he decided he wanted to add a Cinnamon Melt. Then I told him about "Choco Melts".
S: What?
E: It's like a Cinnamon Melt but chocolate.
S: They have those?
E: Uh huh.
S: OK....

So as he was paying he asked the lady to add a *Choco Melt* to our order. "No problem" she smiled. My mouth was watering at the thought of having this:

Off we drive to the second window to pick up our order.

We are handed a paper bag. And this:

What the heck???

Sigh. So then I had to hear about how he should've just asked for a Cinnamon melt. And how now neither of us got what we had in mind. Blah, blah, blah...

I tuned him out ~~till he no longer bored me~~ just long enough to remember that I canNOT drink chocolate milk. Nope, not since a bad experience I had in my last year of college. I was finishing up my last semester, interning at an Ad Agency. Yes, the same agency that later hired me on FT and paid me just slightly more than what I was previously making as an intern. Which was nothing.

Anyhoots, to gear myself up for free labour 5 days a week, I would start everyday the same way, I'm all about routine - ~~asking what I had done to deserve this~~ with a bagel and a chocolate milk, which I'd pick up from two separate places in the lobby. Then have my breakie at my desk.

Just as I did every morning, I popped open the carton of milk, plopped in a straw and took a big gulp. Well on this particular day, I took a gulp. Made the biggest stink face I could muster. And spat out the milk into my garbage can. I always thought bad milk would taste sour. Well it doesn't. At least not bad chocolate milk. Bad chocolate milk, tastes like gasoline. I kid you not. That stuff is toxic and pretty much tastes like it could drive my car.

I looked at the date on the carton. Yup expired. After a trip to the ladies room to rinse out my mouth, I went back down to the lobby to the milk place and ~~got them to take a sip~~ told them what happened. With full on face effects. They ~~laughed~~ apologized and gave me a new carton. Of course, I couldn't drink it. Nope. And haven't touched the stuff since.

Needless to say, but I shall say it anyway, when we got home from McD's I plopped the thing on S' side of the table. "Guess who's drinking that..." I said as I left the room unable to even watch him drink our *choco melt*.

Oh, I almost forgot to mention. Seated in the passenger seat as we headed home I caught a glimmer of white out of the corner of my eye.

E: Are you wearing white socks...with brown shoes???

S: [Said in a 5 yr old's voice] Don't look at me.

Yeah, he totally was.

xx Ela

[via Google Images]
p.s. My SFAM and favourite Taco is celebrating her 1yr Blogiversary this week. Show her some love and drop by. And you can even enter her giveaway! I dare you to stop by and not fall in love with her.