Roasting in Arizona

If I had to sum up our Arizona trip in one word, it'd be "hot". Seriously, did not know I could sweat like that in October. And if I never attend an outdoor wedding in the boiling sun again, I think I'd be OK with that. Funny how amazing and beautiful an outdoor wedding in October sounds, but in reality, seriously...it's like sitting in a sauna, but with a dress and heels on. 

Dress - Bob Mackie Studio, Shoes - Seychelles

The wedding was beautiful and I tried not to cry like a baby. S took over 600 photos but since most of them involved people, I can't post them since only two of my cousins know about my blog...I can't even post shots with just the three of us because they haven't *approved* said photos. So unfortunately I don't have much to share.

This is me during the 10:30am cocktail hour...lugging a bag of Godiva chocolates, which amazingly did not melt, to the reception.

 

The resort where the wedding was held. Never before, have I wanted to jump into a pool more.

Some memorable moments from our trip:

1. My brother walked into a cactus. Seriously, the boy needs a haircut. When your bangs or fringe or whatever you want to call them, get in the way of your vision...dude, get a trim.

2. S loves to take photos but being in them, not so much. He did however get his picture taken before the wedding...by a speeding camera enroute to the wedding. And how lovely that we have to wait till the ticket gets sent to the rental car company before it gets passed onto us, which means we get to wait even longer to find out how much it's gonna cost us. The suspense is *killing* me. Thanks, babe. What a lovely souvenir.

3. Seeing my 10 San Fran cousins after about 25 years! Two of them are twins and I could only tell them apart by their tattoos.

4. Having a bad episode with mexican food. Let's just leave it at that.

5. Having a bad episode with chicken two nights later. Again, let's just leave it at that.

6. Shopping at one of the biggest F21's I've ever been in. We spent at least 2 hours there and lost each other every 10 minutes.

7. Watching S get into 3 other cars before going with the one we rented. Now I know how he feels when he watches me try on shoes.

8. Having our GPS tell us that it would take 5 1/2 hours to drive from Phoenix to Tucson. What the heck??? I nearly died. Good thing I figured out that some bozo had set it to avoid all highways. Who does that??? We got there in under 2 hours.

9. Freaking out because I thought a creepy crawly was on my leg, only to find out the strange sensation, was my leg...sweating. Did not previously know what that felt like. Or that my leg was even capable of doing so.

10. Witnessing my Aunt say "I do", to her Mr. Right. Made everything else, worth it.

I've missed you all so much! Can't wait to catch up with each and everyone of you.

Happy weekend, loves!

xx Ela
UPDATE: I haven't had the chance to comment on some of your blogs - AND I NEED TO - because for some reason, the Comment Box isn't popping up...I'll check again and hopefully comment soon!

Columbus

As some of you may recall, I accompanied S on a business trip to Ohio about a month ago.

I packed this wrap dress because it's so low maintenance.

Dress - Vero Moda

Clutch -Thrifted $4.99, black fabric with gold and pearl accents

Shoes - Prada worn here

Here a few things I most enjoyed and/or intrigued me about Columbus, Ohio:

1. My breakfast everday included pancakes, french toast, hashbrowns, bacon and custom omelettes made to order (I had bacon, mushroom and cheddar.) Yum.
2. People are so darn nice.
Case in Point: People will hold the door open for you if they see you heading towards the door. I don't mean when you're a few steps behind them, I mean a good 30 feet away. I found myself scurrying just so they wouldn't have to wait there too long. This happened everywhere I went. Every. Single. Time.
Case in Point: I was walking behind S. He stuck his hand behind him to try and reach for me. Instead he groped brushed against another woman's hips. He apologized, she just laughed it off. All he could say was, "I'm sooooo sorry." All she could say was, "oooh...I got excited for a minute."
Well, maybe they're too nice.

3. The servers at every single restaurant we went to were the absolute best. Bar None.

4. I discovered a thrift store that had items from J.Crew, White House|Black Market, Banana Republic, etc. with price tags still on. Score!

5. People drive with two hands. Wow.

6. People drive within the speed limit. Oh my.

7. Easton Town Center. Seriously, way cute. Great shopping. Great restos. And they have a little square where they set up a huge projection screen and play movies. I especially loved seeing little munchkins in their jammies lugging their blankies and pillows to the square getting geared up for the movie. I felt like I was in Stars Hollow.

8. Snagged these babies (now on sale here) for just $23.99 at Macy's.

On that note, I certainly wouldn't mind making a return trip.

Any city or town you unexpectedly loved?

xx Ela

Also, these items are now available at my store MYDESIGNERFINDS.COM
 

Vintage Gucci - $47

 
Coach - $80
 

Mui Mui -$140

Zara Patent Platforms - $35

 
Zara Leather Jacket -$25