I'm Really Good...

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

Now You Know...More

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

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 ;)

I Heart...

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

Crush(ed)

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...

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 :) 

At Least We Know, He's Got Feet

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

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

Now that, that's all cleared up... 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

xx Ela

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

Mish Mash

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

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

4. your father? Daddy-o

5. your favorite food? Steak

6. your dream last night? Didn't

7. your favorite drink? Water

8. your dream/goal? Motherhood

9. what room are you in? Kitchen

10. your hobby? Baking

11. your fear? Many

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

13. where were you last night? Home

14. something that you aren’t? Ungrateful

15. muffins? Cupcakes

16. wish list item? These

17. where did you grow up? Haven't

18. last thing you did? Ate

19. what are you wearing? <---

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

21. your pets? Nada

22. friends? Golden

23. your life? Full

24. your mood? Antsy

25. missing someone? Nope

26. vehicle? Clean!

27. something you’re not wearing? Beard

28. your favorite store? Zara

29. your favorite color? Lotsa

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

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

34. one person who emails me regularly? Cous Cous

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

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

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

1. What books are on your favorite shelf?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hope you guys had the fabulous weekend you all deserved!

xx Ela

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

It All Works Out Part II

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

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

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

1. S takes a while to digest things. 

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

 

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

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

5. S is a morning person.

I am not.

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

Weight a Minute

Here's the thing. I've lost 6 lbs. 

This is not good. 

Why?

Well, because if you remember, I get comments like "go eat something". Also, because despite the weight loss, my clothes fit exactly the same...actually, to tell you the truth, now they fit worse. Sleeves on certain tops, make my arms look like plump sausages about to bust through their casing. 
You are what you eat? 
My calves have gotten even smaller.
Yet my pants are sligthly harder to zip up. Which tells me, the weight I loss - must've been all, which wasn't much to begin with, the muscle tone that I had.

How did this happen? 

Simple, I haven't been to the gym since June. Around this time I also stopped doing toning exercises for my arms. Basically summer came, and I became a lazy bum.

 

Even my shadow's turned to mush.

Neon Cardi - Smart Set, Shoes - Arturo Chiang

Dress - Costa Blanca - I've had this for over 10 years, bought it when I worked for the Urban Behaviour/Costa Blanca slave drivers retail chain while at University/College. The side slit used to go up to my waist but I had a *funny* notion of wanting to wear this dress out in public so I had my tailor fix that. It nows goes just above my knee.

I'm "thin" but not in shape, do you know what I mean? I'd like to think that if I kicked someone it'd hurt, not tickle. I've got to get my butt in gear. And eat better as well. First step in fixing the problem is identifying it, right? Enter the food diary from a few weeks ago...

Sunday:

Breakfast - Bacon and cheddar omelette

Lunch - Sausages on the barbi, greek salad (sans olives + loads of Feta) and 2 roasted marshmallows.

Dinner - Shrimp Bruschetta and Seafood Rissotto

Monday:

Breakfast - Cleaning like a maniac - no time for breakfast - popped a few Sun Chips in my mouth though

Lunch - KFC with a side of Poutine

Dinner - S's Fried Fish. Grapes, *fancy* cheese and honey. And a Drumstick - the ice cream kind - chocolate oreo version. Mmmmm good.

Tuesday:

Breakfast - Nature Valley Chewy Almond Granola Bar....chased with a KitKat Chunky

Lunch - Sausage...again

Dinner - Thai Chicken Red Curry and white rice

Oh and throw in some Gummie Bears and brownies as I like to snack in between "meals". Food? Well, it is edible. Nutritious? Not so much. Is sausage really a meal? Is chasing granola with anything *chunky* ever a good idea?

Why don't I just bathe in the Hudson River while I'm at it. That'd probably be more conducive to my health. At least it would get my heart going. Seriously, what is this? Is this a food diary or the grocery list of a 5 year old girl playing house?

Forget keeping track, clearly writing it down isn't helping anybody.

So here's the plan. I'm going to commit to getting on the elliptical at least 3 days a week so I can stop feeling winded after making a trip up the stairs. And strengthen my legs. Do some weights so  I can put on some muscle. I'm going to eat a proper breakfast, hopefully it'll include some milk (I actually hear my bones when I move) and I'm going to eat at least one fruit and or veggie a day. Not major goals, but it's a start.

It's what I decided over the weekend. I'll start any day now.
How was your weekend?
xx Ela
p.s. Thank you so much for all the sweet birthday wishes!
p.p.s. Some of you have suggested I should post a pic of S since he doesn't read my blog anyway. I should probably mention, he ocassionally reads the comments :)

Best Gift. Ever.

S hates birthdays. Seriously. He's the Grinch of birthdays. Except he's not green. And he's way better looking. Yet somehow the little stinker loves to celebrate mine. He actually throws me a whole birthday-week. It doesn't make sense but I'll take it :)

Cropped Blazer - Zara, Dress - Vertigo, Handbag - LV Epi Jasmin
Glads - Modern Vintage available here. There was lots of walking so I skipped the heels.

Highlights from the day:

• S taking the day off. This is only the third one for the whole year. Counting one he took for our anniversary.
• Me realizing there is actually something I want: S to paint the master ensuite. S promising to get it done by the end of the month. HA and you thought I was high maintenance. Yup, paint my ensuite and stick a bow on the door. Or don't. And I'm a happy girl.
• Being told by our server that two desserts, any two we chose, had been purchased for us. Our sweet friends K and S casually asked where S was taking me for dinner and called the restaurant to arrange the sweet surprise.
  

I also realized that S is the best gift life has ever given me.

I'll keep it short with 5 things I love about S, even if he won't let me post a pic of him:
1. After 15 years, he still says the sweetest things that bring happy tears to my eyes.

2. That he can detect when I decrease the amount of sugar in my baking but can't detect the whole wheat flour I sneak in my chocolate chip cookies. Since he doesn't read my blog. He'll never know. Mwahahahaha.
3. He says sorry, and means it, faster than I can formulate why it is that I'm even upset.
4. How he literally sat at my dad's bedside on our recent trip to the ER and told my mom when she asked if he had to go, that he had "nowhere more important to be and nothing more important to do". And meant it.
5. That whenever he holds me, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

What's the best gift you've ever received?

xx Ela
I've missed all your blogs, still playing catch up :)
Happy weekend, everyone!

Thank You

First, thank you so much to all who left such warm and sweet comments. Dad is doing so much better and is going back to work today! To say the least, our whole family is relieved to see him doing so well. Thank you again for your sweet prayers, knowing you are pulling for my family truly warms my heart. Also, thank you for sharing your stories with me, please know you've got my thoughts and prayers as well. I couldn't ask for nicer readers [friends really], you guys are the absolute best.

Speaking of friends, a while ago Jaime passed the Circle of Friends Award onto me, Jaime's one of the first bloggie friends I made, DO check out her blog if you haven't already. It was so sweet of her to think of me. After Sunday's post, I think it's only appropriate that I pass this onto all of you. It looks like my dad's over this hurdle but your words meant, still mean, a lot to me. I really hope each of you will accept it.

Also, three lovely ladies Janet, Kristen and Aubrey were so kind to pass the MeMe Blog Award onto me. I'm hooked on all their blogs, they're all sweet and they're all beautiful...c'mon now, don't hate :)
I'm supposed to share 7 things about me. In putting together this list I've realized I'm a bag of contradictions...
1. I love to eat and will try pretty much anything at least once. Just don't ask me to eat the last thing on the table, I can't bring myself to take the last piece. Of anything.
2. I'm a super light sleeper and wake up whenever S tosses and turns (or snores). Yet, some of the best sleep I've ever received has been at movie theatres. Something about the dark, the blasting AC and 3-hour movies knock me right out.
3. I could live off of Sun Chips, Gummy Bears, Chocolate and Ice Cream. However, I never feel completely satisfied until I've had a good heavy, and I mean heavy meal.
4. Mayra may not believe this ;)...but I'm very patient. I'll wait when you're super late, I'll stay on the phone when I've been put on hold for what seems like forever, I'll wait for you to come through on what you promised months ago. Just please don't drive in front of me at 40km in a 60 zone.
5. I can't stand clutter and having *junk* in the house but I'll keep a note my BFF wrote to me in 6th grade.
6. I don't like fish but I love sushi and sashimi(so long as it doesn't taste fishy...yes, it's possible).
7. I don't have a lisp, but can't say the word "links" without sounding like I have a forked tongue. Can you?

Onto the 7 blogs, in alphabetical order, to whom I'm passing this award: All Things NYC, Always a Bridesmaid...Finally a Bride, Clothed Much, Gabby, She Wrote, I am Style-ish, Modediktat and Tic Tac Tomato

Happy Tuesday, lovelies!
Looking forward to catching up with y'all!

xxEla