"Be Ready in Ten Minutes"

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

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

 Sweater - Dex, Boots - Zara, Gloves - Ugg

Leather Bomber and Jeans - 7 for all Mankind

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

Bag - Thrifted

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

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

Have a great weekend lovelies!

xo Ela

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

Tie it With a Bow

I've been a terrible blogger as of late...
S has had the flu, he was getting bettter then got hit with a fever for 3 days. So, I've been busy ignoring him playing nurse chef/errand runner/babysitter...ever notice when grown men get the flu, they suddenly act like babies? He says he can't help it. That's okay, I love him, big baby and all.

Though last night, S seemed to feel a ton better. And suddenly decided he needed to buy a MacBook Pro. That very night. So he called up his friend C who qualified for an "educational discount". We all headed to the Apple store and C showed his student card to get the discount. When the total was rung up and the rep expected C to pay, C turned to the rep, motioned at S and said, "My uncle will be paying for it". 

My Uncle???
Did I mention C is Chinese.
And S isn't even Asian.
Never mind that there's only a 6yr age gap between them.
And here I thought I was a terrible liar.

Anyhoots, we left the store. S giddy with having a brand new Chinese nephew MacBook Pro. Then headed a few stores down to get me a box of Cinnabons. Mmmm...cinnabons. It was the first (and last) time, we left the mall with S' total wayyyy exceeding mine.

I was just too tired to even bother looking - let alone shop. I think my body's been trying to fight off his flu cause I've been super duper tired. These days I just want to stay in my pj's all day. Too tired to even think about what to wear. It's no wonder the last thing I wore was inspired by an after dinner snack...

 Skirt with pockets - Penguin, Shoes - Winners, Belt - H&M

Bow Blouse with Gold Pinstripes - Juicy Couture

Blue Snakeskin and Gold Bow Bangle - Rachel Leigh  

Black/Gold Bangle Watch and Unicorn Bangle - Vintage/Thrifted

The after dinner snack that thoroughly amused me...
 

"vacuum sealed corn???", you ask. 

wait, it gets better.
it comes with a paper bag... 
"uh huh," you say...

but you see, the bag keeps it cozy while in the microwave...

and after a few minutes,

 

it comes out looking like this...

with a cob left to nibble on...
maybe you've all seen this and I'm years late in this discovery but it amused me nonetheless. "before"

"after"
 
Hope you're having an amazing week!
Anything you've discovered recently? 
xo Ela
p.s. Please read Lilu's Love Harder post or make a donation directly at http://www.loveharder.org/

Ho[o]dini

I was always amused by magic tricks when I was younger. I suppose it's because I never knew exactly how the trick would end, but I always knew I'd be in for a surprise. And I've always loved surprises.

Sweater - Thrifted, Scarf - Random, Jeans - Just Cavalli, 

Faux Fur Trimmed Boots - Macy's

But not the kind where you come out of a resto and find a parking ticket on the windshield of your car, even though you've got time left on the meter and there's a car parked in front and behind you, indicating you are indeed in a parking zone. But some toy cop parking officer decided you weren't.

Or the kind where you walk into the shower, drench yourself in the steamy water, then discover there's no soap left.

Or answer the phone expecting your favourite person, then get asked by a dodo lovely telemarketer if he could "speak to your mother or father" Um, did it occur to you that some grown women can still sound like toddlers?

Or come home from the gym hoping to gorge on have a scoop of some ice cream, then find your greedy hungry husband ate the last of it.

No, those surprises I don't like. So much. 

But I do love...
when I do the laundry and find some very clean money when I empty the machine.

Or when the grumpy lady who always scowls, catches your eye, then gives you a smile.

Or when your so called greedy husband, saves you the last piece of cake in the fridge or the last cheesie puff in the bowl.

Or when you come home late at night feeling tired and irritable but you decide to check the mail anyway, and find this...

 

card and key and rhinestone bow necklaces 

A super sweet surpise. Especially cause I didn't even do anything to deserve it. A lovely card and some super cute neck candy from my sweetheart of a friend sister from another mista', Summer (aka Bacon, DimSum and Sweetpea). Thank you, sweetpea, I love you.

And yes, I love hoods. Because they are full of surprises...

Now you see me

Now you don't

Just sound? Yes, I know. I act like a toddler too.

Happy weekend, loves!

Hoping they're full of little surprises!

xo Ela

p.s. Thank you sooo much for all your support with that guest post!
You guys are awesome :)
p.p.s. Please forgive me about being slow to comment today, I'll catch up over the weekend for sure!

I Could Have Done Without

I'm laughing here....

but this is how I really feel...

Wiped.

Wool/Mongolian Wool Vest - Thrifted, Turtleneck - Random

Pants and Booties - Zara

Did the 5:30am gym thing again. 
Can I just say...my friend H is discovering I am *el cranko pantalones* in the a.m.?
With a side of giddy...to keep her from slapping me.

So stinkin' tired this morning. I eyed the toothpaste which was next to my perfume. At the same time I stuck my bare toothbrush in my mouth. Then remembered - "I'm missing something", which then led me to pick up said perfume and nearly spray my toothbrush with it. I kid you not. That's the extent of my multitasking at insane hours.

Watch - Swatch

I'm fairly certain I could've done without filling in my right eyebrow today. It would've meant 2 extra minutes that I could've spent in bed. Sigh...

Over the weekend S and I had a Christmas-in-Jan party to go to. We also had dinner at our next door neighbours. Literally, next door but we were still 10 minutes late. Go fig. Anyhoots, after a lovely dinner their 2 and 5 yr old girls proceeded to give me and their mom quite the performance: a musical number from Highschool Musical. The 2 yr old, J, knew all the words. She topped it off with a sway of the hips and said, "I'm fabulous!" Sassy lil thing. I die.

Then she sat on my lap and snuggled into me. Which made her mom ask, "You really like Ela don't you?" To which J nodded and said, with a point of a finger, "And that one too." Following her finger, we realized she was pointing at S. I love that I get a name and he gets "that one". I think I'll start calling him that from now on.

How were your weekends?

I've missed out on a ton these last few days! Wanted to wish the BonBon Rose Girls Happy Blogiversary! Iva, belated Happy Birthday, I hope your day was as wonderful as you are!

What else did I miss???

xo Ela

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 ;)

Things I...Ch 2

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

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

Pants - Aritzia, Boots - Diba/Bronx

 

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

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

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

Watch on other arm - Michael Kors

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paris Vogue, Scarf, a Sweet Note and London Keychain

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

Je vous espère tous ont un beau weekend!

xx Ela

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

Cruella's Working on it

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Anything you're working on?

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

DIY - Bib Necklace and Giveaway (CLOSED)

My DIY skills are nowhere close to Maegan's. She's amazingly creative and talented. I'm pretty sure the crafts she brought home from Kindergarten are more astounding than what I can do now as a grown adult, but last weekend I gave some thought as to what would be easy enough for me to do. And came up with this...

 Cropped Velvet Blazer - Zara(ages ago), Belt - Vintage, Bib Necklace - DIY

Ring - Thrifted, Black 3/4 Sleeve Tee - Down East Basics

Tweed Trousers - Aritzia, Shoes - Coach

If you want to give this simple DIY a try... 

Get Yourself Some:

Ribbon, Scissors, Tweezers(for picking up small beads or flat embellishments), Glue, Glue Gun, Needle and Thread (if sewing on buttons or beading), Felt (for Front), Felt with Adhesive Backing (for Back), Buttons, Old Jewellery and Beads

You Need To:

1. Draw a bib outline or use an existing bib necklace to trace outline.

2. Cut out shape.

3. Play around with placement of beads, buttons, etc.

4. Once you're satisfied with placement, glue and/or sew beads, buttons, etc.

5. Cut two pieces of ribbon  to be used to tie around your neck. Give allowance to tie the bow.
6. Glue ribbon onto the back using glue gun.

7. Cut the adhesive felt so it's the same height as your bib necklace front felt, but wider.

8. Peel off the adhesive and place the necklace front onto the sticky side of the adhesive felt. You can move it around about but it's pretty sticky so be careful with the positioning. Once the top and bottom line up, pat down to secure.

9. Cut around adhesive felt.

Ta-dah!

 

[added more studs to fill the gaps]

I showed it to S as soon as I was done. His response: "pretty bib". And was beyond amused to learn I referred to this "craft" as a *bib necklace*. In his mind it's more *bib* than necklace. I know it's not perfect but it's made with LOVE! I made two so I wanted to pass one onto YOU, along with these stackable rings from H&M (approx. size 6/7)

1. Leave a comment on this post.
2. For 2 entries, be or become a follower and let me know in your comment.
3. For 3 entries, spread the word on your blog and provide me with the link on separate comment.
4. International readers welcome.
5. Open till Nov 15th. Winner will be announced that week.
Also, NEW ITEMS available at My Designer Finds! 
Men's 7 for all Mankind Jeans, Metallic Sweater Tank and CK Jacket!
Plus FALL MARKDOWNS so do check it out!
Happy Weekend!

xx Ela

Learn From Their Mistakes

I should've taken advantage of Summer's late sunsets. 

Nowadays it's dark before 6pm, which makes taking outdoor shots a rarity.

Boys Blazer - Thrifted, Ruffled Cotton Shirt - J. Crew, Booties - Fendi(via eBay)

I bought this layered R.J. Graziano necklace last year and wore it with a Rachel Pally Short Caftan dress to S's company Christmas party last year. Just found out they're holding this year's party at the end of next month. I'm thinking of semi-recycling my outfit...last year I wore the dress in Eggplant but I also bought the dress in Red, which has yet to be worn. So, I'm thinking the red dress with gold jewellery. I don't think anyone will notice. And even if they did...um, don't really care. I just don't know about wearing red to a Holiday party, it seems so cliche. Oh well, got another 4 weeks to think about it.

One thing's for sure, I know I'll be doing my makeup in the car. I always do. It's a terrible habit but it's so efficient :) I only do it as a passenger of course. There are however, two things I will not do in a moving car. I suggest you don't do them either:
1. Put on mascara 
2. Use an eyelash curler

"Why not?" you ask.
1. One day, one of S's HS teachers didn't show up to class. The school later explained she had been in a car accident. Sort of. She was doing her mascara in the car...then poked herself in the eye. We never heard what became of her, we only know that she never returned to the School. I can only hope the injury was not permanent.
I know we love mascara, but please don't put your vision at jeopardy. If I need to put mascara on, I do it before I leave or once I get to my destination. I hope you'll do the same.

2. Also in HS, I was watching Fashion Television and a model being interviewed was so happy to have booked her first job after a 6 month hiatus. A little over 6 months prior, she was in the backseat of a moving car doing her makeup. She was curling her eyelashes, when BOOM! The car gets hit from behind. She lunged forward and in doing so, pulled out her eyelashes. I may not remember all the details but that part I remember - very CLEARLY. Eek! Can you imagine how much that hurt???
On top of the pain, no one wanted to hire her after that - I guess she couldn't get by on falsies. 
Just like you can't put extensions on a bald head.

So, if you're like me and you do your makeup in the car, please be careful.

Happy weekend!!!

Have a safe and Happy Halloween!

xx Ela

Going Grey

My mom always told me I was "an old lady, stuck in a little girl's body". I grew up being around mostly adults. Being labelled the "favourite" grandchild, of my maternal grandparents, didn't exactly win me points with the cousins. So I hung out with all the grown-ups. My favourite word as a 3 year old was "actually" and I used it in almost every sentence, as I would tell it like it is. 

 Dress/Skirt - Winners, Boys Jacket - Thrifted, Boots - Feet First

 

Silver Necklace - F21, Faux Pearls - Thrifted, 

Vintage Bracelet and Versace Belt - via ebay

 

Growing up, a part of me always felt older than I actually was. But now, somehow as the years pass, a part of me still feels like I'm 25. Maybe it's denial, maybe it's because I've pretty much looked the same since I was 19. Actually, back then I think I looked older than I do now. Yes my loves, makeup was my best friend.
But I know that age is catching up to me when this happens:

1. I realize a $1000 handbag is completely out of the question for me but that a $5000 couch is money well spent. "Have a seat...on my purse" just doesn't seem to fly.
2. S and I avoid movie theatres when we know it'll be rampant with teenagers.
3. When ballet used to let me extend my leg straight up in the air and now bending to get my shoes on feels like I may just pull a muscle.
4. I can't tell you when the last time I was on a roller coaster or even stepped into an amusement park, BUT I can tell you about my last visit to my physiotherapist or when I had to wear a tensor band after I got struck with inflammatory arthritis. Not even lying.
5. When teenagers at Church, think it's "so cool" that I know how to text, being "so old and all".
6. When as much as I enjoy fast-food, my body seems unsatisfied unless it's had a "real" meal.
7. When the cheese plate on the dessert menu sounds just as good as the chocolate ganache torte. And sometimes, tastes even better. Cheese better than chocolate? Sometimes, yes.
8. I won't even try on something if it looks too complicated to put on. And sadly at this point - that includes a lot.
9. Sleeping in is waking up around 8:30am. A late night is anything past 11:00pm. When I was younger, I'm pretty sure it was closer to other way around.
10. When my body is now looking for fruits and veggies. I can feel it in my bones. But somehow the 25 year old in me wins...and tells the old lady to "shut up". Then I eat some Gummi Bears.

When did this happen? And where was I as the years flew by?

All those years I couldn't wait to get "old"...funny, now I'm not so sure.

Anything making you feel old these days?
xx Ela
p.s. I'll be away from the computer today but I'll catch up with you lovelies Monday evening :)

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?

Weekend Recap & Interview

Hope you all had an amazing weekend! Do something exciting?
It was a lazy one for us but I did manage to do something I quite enjoy...

Ela: OK hon, I'll be back in a couple of hours.
S: Where are you going?
Ela: Um, just running some errands.
*Gave a quick kiss and under my breath I muffle*
...then just going to go look at some stuff...
S: Oh, so you're off to go digging through people's trash again?

Yup, that's what he calls it. I say "thrifting" he says "digging through trash". Tomatoe, tomato...Call it what you want, either way I like to indulge every now and then. However, there are certain aspects about thrifting that I don't enjoy.

For one, I don't actually like going through all the stuff. But then again it's that thrill of the hunt...finding that needle in the used, sometimes smelly haystack.

I hope you don't take this as me being a snob - it's NOT that at all.
I'm just a bit of a germaphobe. OK fine. A BIG germaphobe. Which means, I have certain rules about thrifting where my outfit is concerned. I don't actually care about how I look or whether or not I match but the following is a requirement:

1. Long Sleeves = Minimal contact with the goods.
2. Full length pants, but ones that do not drag = Minimal contact with the goods...and the store floor.
3. Hair must be up and away from my face.
Nothing worse than having to touch your face to get the hair out of your eye or mouth after you've just riffled through the men's section and found a shirt that says: I like to fart, but only because I love you.
No. Literally. That's what it said.
4. A purse/tote without a zipper closure = Easy access...to my hand sanitizer.

Apparently I fit right in with my outfit...while shopping, someone asked me if I worked there. Seriously.

Top - Calvin Klein, Jeans - Mavi, Green Epi Noe - Vintage Louis Vuitton

Anyhow, I managed to score some great finds. I spent a total of $17.86 for 3 items *it was 50% off*. One of the items being what I believed to be a fabulous coat. The dry cleaning will cost about 4 times what I paid for it because of the fur trim, but whatever. All the way home I thought, "I can't wait till it's cold enough so I can wear it." When I got home I tried it on excitedly to show S. With a big smile staring back at me, I took courage.
Ela: So...what do you think?
S: It's nice. *smile* I like it. *pause* You look like you belong...in a play.

There you have it folks, apparently what I thought was a *fabulous coat* should only be seen on stage. Grrr....

S: So, can we go out now?
Ela: What are you crazy? I can't go anywhere. I need a shower. I just dug through trash, remember?

We had a quiet weekend, vegged on the couch and watched Seven Pounds and Passengers. Hope you all had a great one!

xx Ela

Also, if you have a moment, click to read a fun interiew
with the chic Delectable Swank

LOL, I know what you're thinking...I was surprised when she asked me, too :)
If you haven't already visited her blog, you're in for a treat! It's filled with an amazing fashionable mix and writing that makes you think, but not too hard that it gives you a headache :) Plus, she's a sweetheart!

[Photo of Thrift Store Courtesy of Google Images]