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

Circle, Circle, Dot, Dot...

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 ;)

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]

Rain, Rain, Go Away

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

If you made it this far, woohoo. Thanks!

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

Talking in Circles

 Red Cropped Blazer - Available for Purchase HERE

Jeans - Mavi, Pumps - Coach

Little Rus was so sweet to pass this onto me. This lovely lady was one of my first "followers" ever. I remember visiting her blog and thinking, "she wants to follow me?". We've been commenting back and forth ever since. And she has no doubt become a friend. She's fashionable, smart, kind and sweet. She has such a nurturing way about her, I get the feeling if I were to visit her in England, she'd take very good care of me. I feel very lucky to have her friendship.

When I started blogging I never thought I'd make the friendships that I have. I never imagined I'd be plotting states into Google Maps to see how far of a drive it'd be from Toronto to [insert bloggie friend's state here]. I'm a little late in the game but I think blogging came into my life at just the right time. Now I know I received this award before from my lovely friend Jaime and I passed it onto all my readers, this still stands because in case you didn't know, I love unexpected surprises and *meeting* all of you has been one of the best surprises yet. This time round, I'd like to say a little something about 5 great gals. Gals?

Kym - She calls me her "half name twin", I always wanted a twin (and a set of twins but that's another story) so I always get a kick out of it whenever she refers to me as such. Maybe it's because she's Canadian, fluent in Engrish, makes fabulous tees, sends me candy or just knows the right thing to say - all the time - whatever it is, she's stolen a piece of my heart and makes me want to visit BC. 

Jennifer - If you've read her posts, you know it's pretty darn obvious why she gets paid to write. If you haven't read her posts, what are you waiting for? Get. Well, read the rest of my post and then, get. I especially love the excerpts from her travel journals. And with every post, she lets you into her life - the ups and the downs. She's amazingly funny and bold(she once asked Juliette Lewis if she worked at a thrift shop, LOL), I've just discovered she's actually quite crafty(think necklaces not evil plans), she's got heart, and to top it off, she doesn't even know just how beautiful she is. Go tell her. 

Mayra - First let me tell you, I cannot stand bananas - pretty tasty in banana bread (with chocolate chips, please) and let's face it, without them they'd just be bread, and I do like them in banana splits...again without them it'd just be splits ice cream. But ask me to eat a banana on it's own...um, no thanks. But this banana, I love! She's spunky, candid, funny as heck and beautiful to top it off. In high school, I'm pretty sure she always sat at the cool table, heck she probably invented it. But behind that spunky exterior, she's a real sweetheart, no doubt her mom would be, is, so proud. 

Liz - Taking a look at Liz, the first thing you may notice is her unbeweavable hair but make no mistake, that's the least of what's unbeweavable about her. Let her in your life and you'll never want to let her go. She's warm, funny, has awesome taste in boots(with a T and has the pics to prove it) and is a real sweetie. I had a super tough day just the other week and she completely got me through it. Maybe it's because I knew all my BFFs were at work during my meltdown but 2 names popped into my head at that moment and Liz was one of them. Lucky for me, Liz was home that day and gave me all the time I needed. I kinda feel like one of the reasons she was meant to stay at home that day was to help me out. Pretty sure the Lord knew I'd need it. Thank you, Lizzy Whizzy, you don't even know. If my brother was old enough, I'd be hooking it up, all I'm saying... 

Kristen Sara - This little lady, is the main event in Wisconsin. Seriously, when S and I make the trek there - it'll be to see her(and eat some lots of cheese). Now this may take a while, so I hope she hops over to Toronto sooner than later :) She is so sweet after reading her posts (and the comments she leaves me) she makes me want to use terms like "sugar plum" and "honeybunch". I would but I don't say such things...unless I write *love*letters to S when he ruins my kitchen utensils or reeks havoc helps around the house. She's beautiful, funny and crazy humble (this girl won't admit how fabulous she is). Her head is in the books a lot (she's a law student) but she always finds time to let you into her life and into heart. She's got a big heart, no doubt. But I've already made room in there, so don't all line up now and take my space ;)

If I didn't mention you above, please don't take it to mean that your friendship means any less to me. If I'm on your blog spewing nonesense leaving you comments it goes without saying, I heart you. Thank you to everyone who comes here day in and day out and reads the blog that is my life. I love reading each and every one of your comments. I love visiting your blogs and learning more about you. And thank you to all who choose to follow me. And if you're new to my blog - nice to meet you! Leave me a comment so I can visit your blog :) 

And since we're ALL friends, take 15% off any purchase at my store MyDesignerFinds.com

When sending the purchase request, just mention - Friends15 in the Subject.

I've added new items so do check it out!

HURRY 15% off ends this weekend!!!

Happy mid-week everyone!

xx Ela

A Little Behind

 

Dress - Winners, Blazer - Zara,  Crossbody Bag - Vintage Gucci

Boots - Seychelles (again I know, pretty much all I wear in the Fall)

I tend to behind on awards...mostly because I stress about who to pass them onto, especially because I don't like leaving people out. Please bear with me.

Nubia at Nubia's Nonsense was so sweet to pass this onto me. Is it weird that I don't know what it stands for? Maybe she thinks my blog is as refreshing as lemonade? Or worth $0.50 a pop? Or that I look like I just sucked a lemon? Whatevs. It's awful cute. Especially since I always wanted to set up a Lemonade Stand when I was little but never did do it. Thank you, Nubia! 

Now passing onto some refreshing blogs: BonBon Rose, Fancy Pants, Oofa Luffa Le, vitaMinn Style and Wendy Brandes Jewelry.

Ashley at Breakfast at Saks was so kind to pass this onto me...a month ago. Eek! Sorry and thank you! I'm supposed to list 10 things about me, but maybe 5 quirky things will do:

1. I won't wear any open-toe shoes unless my toesies have been painted. Ever.

2. When walking next to someone, I always need to walk on the left side. If I'm on the right, it completely throws off my equilibrium. Though if someone is at my left and my right, I'll be fine.

3. I always wake up hungry. Even from a 20-minute nap. Which leads me to believe I burn a lot of calories when I sleep. Who needs the gym?
4. I can't eat salads with mayo in them like egg salad, potato salad, etc. I can however, eat a tuna sandwhich. It has mayo, I know.
5. I am a clean freak and always hated dirt and/or getting dirty as a child. My mom once caught me violently scratching at my arm, which was torn up and pretty much bleeding. She was so concerned (probably figured I'd lost it at the tender age of 3) she aked "What are you doing???" With tears in my eyes, I told her I was trying to scrub the dirt on my arm but couldn't get it off. I pointed at the "dirty spot", which she had pointed out to me the night before.

It was a mole. Of course my mom knew it was a mole. She thought she was being *funny*. Yeah, I still hold that one over her head.
Now passing onto some cuties: Janetteria, Made You Blush, Ocean Dreams, Sour Cherry and While We're Waiting

 

Have a great week, everyone!

xx Ela

Falling For You

It's official. Chilly mornings and nights are back in Toronto. And sweaters and boots are back on me. Fall is around the corner and I'm torn. I'm going to miss finding an excuse for a pedicure and the sun beating down on me(I wasn't saying that 2 weeks ago) yet I can't wait to throw on the layers, wear socks and boots and not worry about perfect pedis. What's Fall got you falling for?

Sweater - Kersh, Skinnies - Just Cavalli, Boots - Seychelles

While we're on the topic of falling for things, I love when S reminds me why I fell for him...

Recently he's told me that my skin is "losing it's elasticity", "getting more wrinkles" and "looks a little dry" and that my mom "possibly has better skin". Since he's put on a *little* weight since our nuptials, I lovingly respond by now referring to his belly button as a "blowhole".

Yup, we fall for each other, just a little bit more each day.

Seriously though, I love him more each day. Bonehead comments and all.

Ending on a different note...

A little while ago, the fabulous Clare gave me this award. She's got an eye for fashion and pairs it with witty commentary...just don't let her catch you pulling a fashion faux pas - she might just call you on it ;) Now passing, in alphabetical order (that's how I roll), onto some fabulous blogs, belonging to funny, witty, [insert all things fabulous here] amazing girls, that I love:

Death Wears Diamond Jewellery, I Know, Right?, It's Unbeweavable and Life is Bananas.

Also, the sweetie and I mean sweetie Kristen Sara passed this duo of awards onto me. She's one bloggie friend I truly hope to meet one day. Now passing onto the some of my favourite ladies who really do *give good blog* and are sweet and fabulous to boot:

Adored Austin, ButterSunshine, Fashion + Geometry,and My Teacups in Peony and Nubia's Nonesense

Hope you're all having a lovely week!

xx Ela

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

10 Things & Giveaway Winner

The lovely and ever so creative Sophia at Tic Tac Tomato was so kind to give me this Kreativ Blogger Award. DO check out her blog. She paints shoes and makes bags out of juice pouches and you won't believe she's only 16! With the award, she asked that I list 7 Things about myself.
Also, the fabulous Miss Janet at Janetteria, who by the way has the BEST shoes, was recently given an insane amount of awards. She was so kind as to pass this lovely onto me.
Now she asked that I share 10 *Interesting* Things about me, so I'll just add on 3 to the 7 I had already planned, cheating I know but also efficient :) Hopefully they'll be *interesting* enough, LOL. Here goes:

1. As I child I took ballet but had to stop when I got very sick.
I always regret not picking it up again once the doctors gave the go ahead.

2. I love to cook & bake.

My friends say I'm like the Asian Martha Stewart...
I think they mean it as a compliment?

3. If chocolate were a food group, I'd always get my daily recommended intake.

Sadly, I can't say the same for fruits and veggies.

4. I don't like pork but I love bacon and ribs...so long as they don't taste *porky*.
5. I've always wished I were taller.
At least 5'6 or 5'7...though at least I surpass 3 apples high :)

6. I'm a BIG sap.
At that time of the month, I get even more emotional and can be found crying at commercials.

7. I wish I knew how to sew.

I always have that pefect piece in my mind but rarely find it in stores and I can't seem to sketch my *visions* on paper.

8. I'm very loyal.
Most of my best friends (which also include some cousins) are those I've had friendships with from when I was a child.

9. S and I planned our wedding in about 2 weeks.
I kid you not. And I know what some of you are thinking...
LOL, no I wasn't pregnant.

10. I handstitched the lace and beads onto the bolero(worn above) that I had custom made, for my wedding gown, which I wore a year after the wedding...to our reception. It's a longggg story.

Enough about me, now to pass the Kreativ Blogger Award onto 7, oops I snuck one in again, 8 Kreativ Bloggers! Bee Creative,Call Me Dorothy,Clarabelle, Cupcakes and Mace, Delectable Swank, Eggshell Green, Josiebean!, Polished Sense
Please do share your 7 things & pass on the love to another 7!

I'd like to pass on the Awesome Girl Award to all who comment and choose to accept. Do let me know when you'll be sharing your 10 Things!

Alright, I've stalled enough...and the winner of the All You Need is Love Giveaway is...

Sara from Sara Loves Shoes
CONGRATULATIONS!!! I'll be emailing you soon to get your mailing address :)
Thank you to everyone for entering. I really enjoyed reading your comments!
I'll be doing another giveaway in August so stay tuned!

Sending you all hugs and wishing you a lovely weekend!
If you're Canadian, have a great long weekend :)
xx Ela

[Images *except me* courtesy of Google Images and screen shot from Random.org]