Bulls...eye

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

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

Then I read the rest of the article. 

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

WTHeck??? 
Are you kidding me?

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

Seriously, Target, three years???

[via here]

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

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

With my 4 babies.

xo Ela

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

Happy VDay long weekend loves!

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

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

Coming Soon...or Not

Lilac Blouse - SO OLD, Pants - H&M, Shoes - Seychelles, Belt - Vintage

I was trying to capture the ruffled detailing...not sure if I succeeded

While recently out for dinner S and I were discussing blogging. I told him a friend of ours had a blog.

S: What??? If --- can have a blog, why couldn't I?

Ela: Nothing's stopping you. What exactly would your blog be about?

S: [Thinks for a moment] Lady Kaka and husband abuse...

Ela: Do you mean Lady Gaga???

S: [Blank Stare] Lady Kaka and husband abuse...I'll let my public know it doesn't just happen to the elderly. [Shoots me a knowing look] 
Ela: Mmmmmkay. [Heck if I know what he's talking about]
S: It'll be huge. Like big. Real BIG. People will know me as 'that [insert blog name here] guy'.

Ela: Pardon?

S: You know, people will stop calling me by name and I'll just be that guy

Ela: So what'll you call your blog?

S: [Thinks for a moment] Full Stop. [Jazz Hands]

Ela: [Looks around to see who saw that] OK...

S: I'll also blog about fashion, parenting, medical advice...

Ela: You do realize, we don't have kids?

S: Your point?

Ela: And what makes you qualified to give medical advice?

S: My blog is there to entertain people. What does yours do?

Ela: [Stumped. I blog about him so he has a point]

S: Oh and so I don't have to respond to comments, I'll just vlog.

Ela: You won't even let me post a pic of your eye on my blog. But you'll do a vlog?

S: Not on your blog. On mine.

Ela: Whatever. I won't even follow your blog.

S: Then you'll be one of the few.

Ela: [Blank stare]

S: I'll take your blog down.

Ela: [Snorts]

S: Letterman and Leno will want me on their shows. 

Ela: Leno...never mind...

S: I'd probably get my own talk show.

Ela: Of course you would. [see here] 

On the drive home:   

S: Or Period. Just Period. I could call it 'Period'.

Ela: So...you'll be 'that period guy'? Exactly what kind of readers and comments do you hope to elicit?

S: Well, I don't have to call it that. But whatever I call it, it'll be good. Real good. 

Later that night: 

S: I wonder who invented popcorn?

Ela: I dunno.

S: I think I'll blog about that. Yeah, I'll blog that my grandfather invented popcorn.

Ela: ???

So, if you see a new blog out there, with some guy dishing the latest scoop on Lady Kaka, spewing false claims of *husband abuse*, and his "grandfather's" claim to fame for inventing popcorn, let me know. You'll probably hear about it before I do. He'd never do it though. He's all talk. It wouldn't bother me if he did though. I'd read it [secretly]. Would you want your significant other to have a blog?

xx Ela
Happy weekend, folks! 
Remember to use FRIENDS15 to receive 15% OFF at my store MyDesignerFinds.com  

HURRY sale ends this weekend!!!

Zip It

About 2 months ago my aunt told me she was getting married.

Yay, right?

Um, not so fun when you can't share it with anyone. I was sworn to secrecy.

See, my Cousin T had just gotten engaged that same weekend.
So my aunt told me I had to keep it a secret. She didn't want to steal Cousin T's moment. Yup, she's sweet like that. 
FINALLY, it's out in the open. She's holding it in Arizona...next month.

Originally we thought the wedding would take place in Niagara, which is a 2hr drive from Toronto. Easy Peasy. But now S and I are scrambling to book a flight to Arizona.

Here's a snippet of our phone convo. It's a typical example of how I can't hold his attention for more than 2 minutes when he's working:

Ela: Hon, do you know if flight prices change throughout the day? And if they do, do you know what time they are cheapest?

S: Hmmm....that's a really good question. 

Side Note: Um, hello, do I ask any other kind?

S: [Pause]. Let me put it this way...

Long pause. (Ela silent with anticipation)

S: I...don't know.

Ela: Well, since you put it that way (rolling eyes) then that makes sense. Thanks for clearing that up. Remind me again why I tell you "you're the smartest man I know"?

S: [Chuckles] Oh wait.

Pause. (Ela *again* silent with anticipation)

S: It's 36 hours.

Ela: What is?

S: To drive there. Non-stop. 
Ela: Was that even at option? [Definitely NOT an option]
S: But wait. We could leave from Detroit!

Ela: ??? Mmmkay...we'd still have to drive to Detroit first, which would still make it a 36hr drive. Either way you cut it, babe...still 36 hours.
S: Huh? No. Fly from Detroit...

Ela: ??? Um

S: [Chuckles] Sorry, I think you've lost me. I should get back to work.

Thankfully, I don't let our convos lead me to think two minutes of me is actually the maximum amount of time a person can handle. As if. Hello, give me at least 5. However, I've come to accept that unless I can integrate technical jargon into our conversation, if there's something I need to say that requires a coherent response, I better make it quick. At least when he's at work.

Anyway, back to what I was saying, ever had a secret you were dying to share?
xx Ela

p.s. In case you didn't know, this is what I look like when I'm "zipping it". Weird, it's also what I look like when I'm picking crumbs off my lips. I tried the finger at the mouth to say "shhhhh"...that didn't work out so well. I did however, manage to channel Austin Powers. 

This tee had me at the zipper. I love that it actually works, I can zip it up midway as I did here OR if I really wanted to, and had the waist of 6 month old, I could zip it up all the way to my chest.

  

Tee -F21, Ankle Zip Pants - Zara, Backzip Heels - Jessica Simpson 

Ring - Winners
 
It's hard to tell but this ring has 10 hearts dangling from it. I just heart it.
Happy weekend, everyone!
p.p.s. The night I wore this, S told me I looked "different somehow" that I looked "Asian". Seriously, I'm speechless. After 15 years...wtheck did he think I was?

A Love Letter of Sorts

The other night, S cooked me dinner. Sweet right? Totes.
He's great in the kitchen so I'm always excited and appreciative whenever he cooks.
Who wouldn't be? Right.
Somehow, he always manages to make these occasions even more memorable.

Like leaving me this...

Oh, I'm sorry, did you need a close-up of my *warty* spoon?

Nice, huh?

As you can imagine, I thought it would be nice to send him a short email at work, just to thank him. Since he doesn't read my blog...I'm sure he wouldn't mind me sharing it with you:
Subject: Thank You
Date: Thursday, September 3, 2009 12:29 PM
Hi Hon,

Thank you again for cooking the other night. The fish was yummy. And I know you know I don't like the fishy taste so I really appreciate how you masked it with batter and deep-fried goodness. Really, I did, cause it was sooo good. So much so, honey-pie, that I didn't mind cleaning up the flour and cornstarch dustings on the floor, counter, stove-top, island or fridge door handles. Nope, not one bit. But, sweetie, I also found this (please see attached photo).

Funny thing, baby-cakes, I think the oil you used to deepfry the fish in...was actually very hot. I could be wrong but I think that's how the fish managed to get cooked. Love of my life, another thing about *hot* oil, it also melts plastic. Weird, right? I know. Perhaps, love, maybe next time you could use some tongs instead? Just a suggestion though, sweetie-poof.

Also, maybe next time one of our cooking utensils *bubble up*, I think it's safe to throw it out. I know we love to share our accomplishments with one another, "Look what I did, babe!" but I think we can skip the show-and-tell on this one, love. I know you don't like throwing my stuff out without checking first, but I think when a spoon begins to resemble a toad's back, it's safe to chuck it.

Thanks again, sweetie-pie. Have a great day at work and I'll see you when you get home.

Love,
Me

p.s. I may or may not have eaten the last KitKat Chunky you had stashed away. I thought it was safe to assume, you hid it...to save it for me. Thanks, honeybunch. You're the best. Kisses.

He called me right after he got it (and forwarded it to a co-worker) claiming he still had tears in his eyes. From laughing. He also asked, "but wait, did you actually like the fish." To which I replied, "Yes, sweetheart. That part, I actually meant."

Oh and here's what I wore the day I wrote this *love letter*.

Blazer - Vero Moda, Floral Top - Kersh, Jeans - Levi's 569 via eBay
Belt - Vintage Gucci, Nude Patent Pumps - Marc Jacobs, Bow Earrings - F21
Have a great longgggg weekend!
xx Ela

p.s. I may or may not have a birthday coming up so I may be absent from blogging for a few days...or more. Forgive me :)

Follow the Bouncing Ball

[EDIT BELOW IN GREEN]

If you sing karaoke or babysit or have children who watch sing-along movies you're familiar with the bouncing ball. I've decided to make this a part of my life with S....sans the bouncing ball, cause I don't know how to get one to magically appear and bounce as I sing. If I did, that'd be cool.

Nonetheless, I've decided that whenever I want S to do something he doesn't want to do or has trouble with, I'll make it fun by turning it into a song. Because that's not annoying. No, not one bit. It's fun. For all. Unless you're S, then it's just fun for me.

My latest song was entitled "Eat Your Broccoli", I'll let you guess what it was about.
I'm also working on "Talk a Little Softer. Please", I've got some ideas, but I need it to be catchy. Pronto. I find myself asking "What? What? What?" whenever others talk or when I'm trying to watch TV(yes, I talk to the screen). Just to clarify, since I have some new readers, S is not my son (though he can be a baby at times) but my husband :)

Anyway, since my blog claims to be a fashion blog...*on the side* of course, I thought I should post fashions from some of my favourite movie musicals. Or just movie musicals in general. Because let's be frank, some of these were painful and drove me up the wall....oh, actually just one did. I'll let you guess which one.

40s Glam - Evita

This dress is dreamy - Mamma Mia

Love this wedding gown - Sound of Music

The hair, the makeup, the gold dresses - Hairspray

These *styling* Munchkins put Oompa Loompas to shame - Wizard of Oz

Thursday I'll be checking out one last mall in Ohio, so I'll catch up with your blogs when I get back to the hotel!
xxEla

[via Google Images]

Mishaps: Beeps and Looks, and Third Time's a Charm

S has some business meetings to take Stateside this week and he wanted me to tag along. We love travelling together, be it long drives or sitting on a plane, having your "other half" around makes you feel like you're not away from home.

OK, enough mush...let's get to the title of this post.

Mishap 1: Beeps
While passing through Customs at the airport, I set off the metal detector like I was a slot machine on wheels. Of course I got pulled aside to get the manual 'wand detection' it went off on my head (earrings), my neck (obviously), my arms (duh), my waist (gotta hold those pants up) and at my ankles (that I can't explain).

At the hotel after a LONG day. Black Boyfriend Blazer - Necessary Objects available here (thanks Lily!) Tee, necklace and bangles - H&M. Jeans - Vigoss from Saks previously worn here

Side Note: Distressed jeans are great but seriously, everytime I fold my knees under me, the holes keep getting bigger. I'm convinced that at least one leg will turn into shorts....hopefully not while I'm wearing them.

Anyhow, after the Customs Officer was done with me. I got a look from S that said, "you should know better". I gave him back a look that said, "You should know better than to think I'd wear a tee sans accessories."

In all the commotion, for a *second* I misplaced my boarding pass and passport.
S gave me another look.
My handbag also had to go through twice...S decided to pack some Pringles in there - I guess they wanted to see what the *big cylinder* in my purse was.
Naturally, I shot S a look.
We're even.

Mishap 2: More Looks and Bim + Bo
Misplaced my boarding pass and passport...again...this time for *2 seconds*, S lovingly shot me a look and politely asked, "Can you please turn the Bim off?"
Not 10 seconds later he did something silly, "Who's the BoBo now?" I asked.
We're even. Again.

Mishap 3: Third Time's a Charm
When we checked into the hotel, we hurried up to the room. It was perfect, until we saw 2 double beds.

[This is NOT a picture of the actual room. These beds are huge. Ours were not.]

Do we look like a couple that sleeps on separate beds? Don't answer that.
So we head back down. Together.
Ask for a room with a king bed.
Back up we go.
Perfect. We love this room.
Then we check out the bathroom.

S insists I take my shoes off.
Me: "No way. You think the cleaning lady takes off her shoes when she's in here cleaning???"
Me having forgotten to pack some slippers, S insists I just put on some socks.
Fine. All is well.
Until I wash my hands and feel something wet touch my right foot.

Me: "WHY is the floor wet???"
S checks around. S: "OH...the toilet....is leaking"

Flipping Flippers.
I have dirty toilet water on my sock=foot=ME!!! I die. And not in a good way.
Back down S goes. This time I stay back.
He gets us another room. Feeling a bit like Goldilocks and much anxiety (Toilet water outside of the toilet + ON MY FOOT = NOT GOOD) we check it out.
Finally, a room I can live with.
S heads off to his meeting.
I go wash my feet.

Almost 4 hours later, he comes to get me - his once full-of-life wife, who is now slowly starving to death. Curse him and his love for talking.

At the end of the night, after I've been fed and am much happier...
S says, "Thanks for coming, hon. I love when you're here."
And knowing full well he married the BIGGEST germaphobe, adds...
"Oh...and the *incident* with your foot...highlight of my trip."

I turned off the lights. And shot him a look. A dirty one. And not in a good way.

xxEla
[via Google Images]

It All Works Out

Just the other night S came home and wanted to talk about something. So I listened. For 40 minutes. Straight.

And while I was *listening*, I got to thinking how different the two of us really are. Here are just 3 ways how…

1. When S tells a story, any story, he uses the phrases:

“So what ended up happening…”

“Basically”

the combo: “Basically, what happened was…”

and to *engage* whomever he is speaking to, he asks, “right?” at the end of almost every sentence.

I die.

When I tell a story, I use the word “like” a LOT more than I should. Especially for my age.

2. When dealing with multiple tasks and deadlines, S needs to finish one thing before he can move onto the next.

I on the other hand, can multitask like [there I go again] nobody’s business.

3.

I am a very good listener. I can listen, empathize and will speak only when there’s a pause, and if I feel you are actually done speaking and/or would like to hear what I have to say.

S on the other hand, likes to talk. And I mean, talk. He could have his own talk show. Sans any guests.

Case in point: About 2 weeks ago I got a call while I was out with a girlfriend. It was S in a panic.

S: “Hon?!? Where are you??? I thought you were home.”

Me: “No hon, I’m not…but I will be soon.”

S: “Oh. I came home and was talking to *you*...then about 10 minutes later I realized, you hadn’t said a word. I checked the whole house and realized…you weren’t home.”

Yes. It took him 10 minutes.

Despite the differences, and there are plenty more, it really does all work out :)

Hope you all lovely weekends! Happy Monday!!!

xx Ela

[Courtesy of Google Images]

Heat & It's Ugly Effects

[EDIT: Had to scale down the pics, they were massive]
I need you to take a look at this picture and tell me what's wrong with it.

Alright, I totally set myself up for that. I mean, you're probably thinking, "where do I begin?" So, I'm not talking about my head looking about 5 sizes too big for my body - they don't call me *lollipop* for nothing. I doubt you missed that...I'm wearing....only one earring?!?
WTHeck???
So basically my cousin J called me on my Bberry, I've got a terrible habit of cradling the phone between my ear and my neck. So, 40 minutes into the convo I realize, this isn't going to be a short call. I tell her *hold a sec* and remove the earring from my right ear. I get back on the phone and another 40 minutes later, hang up. And walk out the door. I didn't realize I pulled this *gem* until we got home.
While we were out S snapped some shots. I'm not quite sure if a) he noticed or b) he thought I was trying to make a statement {I'm a dork???}...either way, at least he documented my bonehead move.

Apparently, I'm on a roll with mishaps this week, I blame the incredible heat, here's what else I did:

• Drove to Goodwill. Parked. Popped the trunk. Realized the bag of clothes I was donating....still at home.
  

• Almost bought an "Encouragement" card instead of an "Engagement" card.

Good thing I decided to read it over before rushing to pay or I would've handed the bride & groom-to-be a card that said,
"May you remember the Lord is with you at this difficult time."

My cousin and her fiance would have been utterly confused. I know I was.
"What kind of an engagement card is this???" I thought.
Oh, and they probably would've been *slightly* offended.

{OK, I have a slight obsession with this tee from Zara, in stores now. I'd wear it everyday if I could. It's so nice and loose. Bangles & necklace, H&M}

{Excuse the funky toes. I loved the horizontal pleating on this thrifted purple skirt. Shoes are from Brown's, bought online here}

Oh and I didn’t forget, the winner of the Love Hangover Tee is the lovely Clare at Clarabelle! Congratulations, gorgeous!

Happy weekend everyone!

xx Ela

p.s. Does the heat have any ugly effects on you, or am I all alone here?

Spellcheck

[EDIT below marked in GREEN]

Remember spelling quizzes in elementary school? Losing marks on essay questions despite delivering a well written answer simply because of a spelling error? Spellcheck was invented in the early 90s and since I began relying on it, I must say my spelling has become right near atrocious (phew, I got that one right...right???).

I find that with most people, spelling errors are forgivable, at times they even go unnoticed. People attribute poor spelling to being rushed or mistake it for short-form or even laziness. However, for some it's a pet peeve or a less than perfect trait they wish they didn't have.

I have a friend that dreads sending emails because she second guesses every second word she writes. She uses spellcheck but recognizes that sometimes it won't pick up the error if she used the wrong word by accident.

It doesn't really bother me...I can always decipher what she's trying to say...

Tonight I'm making Scrimp Linguine & Vulgar Salad for dinner...

...sounds yum, right?

[OK, either no one really reads this stuff (which I can't blame you for)
OR
you are just way TOO polite to call me out on what you may think are typos.
I do know how to spell "sHrimp" but also note that most restos sCrimp on my seafood friends when serving. And I am aware it's Bulgar salad, please do not try to make or order Vulgar salad. I would hate for your server to respond with vulgar obscenities.]
I should probably get cooking :)

Oh and...

Mondays can be tough but this week something sweet sure did brighten my day!

I got this lovely award from The (lovely) Haute-Shopper from Haute World. Since finding her amazing blog, I tune in every chance I get! Her blog takes me away to places I can right now only dream about. Living vicariously, I get to visit local treasures and other must-sees and even do some fabulous window shopping. I told her that I felt undeserving but she only had kind words to say in return. So I will gladly accept :) Thank you so much!

Since I'm still new to all this, I still get that slight hesitation to put myself out there but everytime I do, I am grateful that I did.

And grateful to those reading along. I really do appreciate it.

There are so many blogs that I love (as you well know) but I would like to pass on this award to these lovely blogs that just began posting in 2009:

1. Lilies and Grapes
(Always enjoy her posts and she's super sweet)
2. Bonbon Rose
(not counting their intro post in Dec 2008)
(Who doesn't love Kristin & Megan and their Bonbon Deal of the Day?)
3. San Francisco Stylephile
(nothing says it better than "Fashion, food and fun in the city")
4. La vie...j'aime
(can't say it better than "art, fashion, life, jaime")

And to these bloggers ~ seasoned but new to me:

5. Denise Katipunera
(Super sweet and had these amazing beach photos that first drew me in)
6. Asian Cajuns
(Twins with fabulous individual style & writing that keeps me(and everyone else) reading)

Oh, and I just learned that this award was created by Little Rus of Fashion Titbits, thank you!


Hope you're all having a fabulous week!

~ Ela