I Need Sleep

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!!!

Apparently I Like Being Told What to Do

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!

What Took So Long?

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

Shabby Apple Giveaway (CLOSED)

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

Casablanca

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

that'll frame your neckline perfectly.

Paired with earrings and cuff via Forever 21, Valentino Clutch 

and Stuart Weitzman Platforms.

Bugle Boy

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

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

Ingrid

 

The perfect mix of creamy ruffles and black sateen.

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

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

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

To Enter:

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

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

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

6. Open to US residents only.

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

xo Ela

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

Sweet and Sour

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

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

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

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

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

Gotta bundle up!

Scarf - via sample sale

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

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

Happy weekend, loves!
xo Ela

Beetlejuice

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

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

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

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

make the 5sec exposure to Winter air bearable. 

Hope you guys are having an amazing mid-week!

xo Ela

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

Wandom Weekend

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 ;)

Choo-rific Weekend

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

 

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!

Tastes Like Gasoline

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.

Hootie and Sushi

I'm actually not a fan of birds. I know they're beautiful creatures but I find them to be quite erratic. And having that uncertainty makes me nervous. But a few months ago while visiting the lovely, and I do mean LOVELY, gals Lar and Cath at Asian Cajuns Lar happened to feature an owl ring and I was enamored. I was thrilled to come across one at F21 on the way home from Boston a few weeks ago. It's not as fab as Lar's but for $5.80 it was a steal.

Meet Hootie!

S made fun of him a little, then he moved on to making fun of me. He couldn't quite get why I'd want to adorn myself in something that freaks me out. I tried to explain that having a real life owl perched on my finger is not at all the same as me wearing an owl ring.

 Once he was done with the owl mocking he asked, "Are you wearing white socks...or are those your legs???" To which I replied, "Why would I be wearing white socks??? Sigh...yes, they are my legs." Then he laughed for a good 40 seconds. Lil brownie that he is, never has to worry about getting pale in the winter. Oh well, at least my legs match my jacket. 
Um, that doesn't actually make me feel better.

Ivory Faux Leather Moto Jacket - F21, Turtleneck - Winners, Pants - Zara, 

Booties - Fendi (via ebay), Belt - H&M

All that mocking must've made him hungry. Cause he took me to one of my new fave Japanese restos. So laugh all you want Mr. - just feed me when you're done.

 

 We pigged out on some sushi.

And S always orders the Black Dragon Roll which he LOVES. 

I'm not crazy about eel so I pick it off and eat everything else.

We ordered way more than this but once I started eating I forgot about taking pictures.
Priorities :)
Hope you're all having a fabulous week!

xx Ela
p.s. KS, a lady with one of the BIGGEST hearts ever, is hosting a Thankful Giveaway over at While We're Waiting. And if you don't know her already, she's amazing, trust me, you want to know her.

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.