"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!

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

Clearly

First things first, I've been a bad blogger this week, missing out on reading and commenting on my favourite blogs. Clearly, I'm a stinkasaurus, I know. Don't hate me. I'll be back soon. With a vengeance. Spamming leaving you insightful comments. And HELLO :) new followers/readers, leave me a comment so I know where to find you...some of your picture thingys, that's the technical term, don't link back to your blogs.And I wanna see your digs ;)

Have I mentioned that S is not a fan of unnatural curls on Asians? 

Clearly, I don't take that to heart. Though I don't curl my hair often when it's short because it makes my lollipop head look even bigger I'm more likely to burn my neck with my flat iron. Yes, flat iron. 

This week I:

• Bought my dad....two combs and....THE END. Um...Santa, please help me cause clearly, I have no idea what to get the man.
• Got the battery changed on one of my watches, woot! Is it wrong that this excites me? Clearly, I need to get out more. Trust.
  
•  I found a red hair. In my head. Attached to my scalp. I kid you not. S is boggled by this. The blonde one he shrugged off {found another blondie btw} but now with the red...he's convinced I'll find a purple one next. Clearly, I am turning into a clown....root-doot-doot-doot-doot...or Rainbow Brite. If any of you know of a rare condition that causes this, please enlighten me.
• Came this close to throwing out my b-berry. Darn piece of junk decided to stop receiving emails. It also takes about 45 seconds to enter a phone number. Clearly, I'll be needing a replacement. Very soon.
• Had one of the bathroom shower taps fixed. The hot and cold were reversed. We just discovered this a few weeks ago. We've been living here for over a year. Clearly, we don't shower use that bathroom.
  
• Made these for S. Because clearly, I was a jerk and had to make it up to him without spending a dime nothing says "sorry" "love" like heart-shaped pancakes. They're far from perfect but he forgave me ate them just the same ;)
  

• Tried to darken this photo because it was super duper bright but instead, now it just looks BLUE!!! Clearly, I've no idea how to use Paint.NET.
  

Button Down-Zara, Wool Blazer-Vintage, Jeans-Mavi

Is it wrong that I wish it weren't Friday? I'm probably alone on this one. 

But seriously, I could use an extra day {or two} this week.

 Happy weekend, loves!

xx Ela

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

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!

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.

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

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.

Hello Goodbye....

You say goodbye and I say hello

Hello, hello
I don't know why you say goodbye
I say hello 

The Beatles are stuck in my head...and this song, well, it's me and Boston having a convo. S and I spent 4 nights there, but mostly, I spent my trip holed up in our hotel room, just me and my new BFF, I like to call "Klee". His last name's "Nex" btw. He's so fun, everytime we got together, we had a ball.
Just when I started to feel better, it was time to say goodbye to Boston.

Boston is such a pretty city, from what I gathered from dinners out with S, yes, that I managed to do - and even brushed my hair for. Next time, I'll be sure to take in the sights and take lots of photos. But I have some from the hotel, like from Wednesday's post, wanna see? 

Actually, first let me tell you a story. So, we walk in Sunday night and S is checking us in. The reso's under S' name but the lady working Front Desk looks directly at me and asks, "Have you been here before?"
"Um, no...." I manage to let out (just got my voice back).
So that's that, right? Um, not so much. So we get to the room and see lots of animal print...and I mean LOTS. Did I mention that I was wearing an animal print cardi? Yeah...so is that why she asked? Apparently taking a look at my outfit she was certain I dressed this way to match the carpet...and the rest of the decor. I've labelled the goodies for your viewing pleasure...

Did I mention we weren't in Vegas? OK, just checkin'...
And just so we're clear, that is not communal lingerie - or mine - the hotel places it in the closet with a tag advising that it's for sale at the front desk.

The tag below, was placed with the bathrobe...

 

Um yeah, if I'm going to spend $120 on a bathrobe, I'm pretty sure I don't want to look like a cougar. Anyhoots, I did wear it while I was in the room - it was all S's idea - to keep me warm. As for getting in touch with my *wild side* well, if drinking Tylenol, Dayquil, Vicks, grape juice (the unfermented wine), lots of water and living in my PJs for 22hrs a day is wild, well then, yeah, I went *wild*.

On Tuesday Night, I managed to get decent and met up with my first Bostonian friend Jaime from la vie...j'aime. We pigged out had a lovely dinner at the Cheesecake Factory and time flew as we chatted away. It was my first bloggie friend meet up and a few days prior, I was so nervous. I felt like I was going on a blind date, which I've never done, but I imagine that's what it would feel like. And I kept picturing her with a hat on(like her profile pic) even though I figured she probably wouldn't be wearing a hat, but still when she popped up from the bench to say hello I was stunned that the girl without a hat was Jaime.

She's such a cutie, and didn't even wince once the whole night as my laughter led to coughing fits. We're meeting up again next time I'm in town :) Thanks, Jaime, it was fun! We didn't remember to take a picture together but here's a pic of Jaime from her blog....

Just pretend I'm the lamp, but shorter and coughing. Oh and we have the same Tory Burch black patent flats...just thought I'd mention that.

Dress - Winners, Leather Jacket - Zara, Bag - Botkier, Boots - Lucky Brand, Scarf - F21 

This is me, our last night in Boston. Looks a lot like what I wore on Tuesday night (Wednesday's post). Yeah, I'm the girl you see on vacay that makes you say, "hey, wasn't she wearing that yesterday?" Not sure if you can tell that my nails are painted green. Fun, but not the ideal colour when you're under the weather...

So it's Friday and I'm back in Toronto. S is taking the day off to help me pack watch me like a hawk and keep me in check so I actually manage to get done all I need to before our trip to Arizona for my aunt's wedding. Which means, I probably won't log on to Blogger once today...or for the entire weekend, except maybe at the airport, if I pack my laptop...but I'll schedule some posts so come visit me :) I'll be spewing nonesense leaving you lovely comments on your blog soon as my world is right side up again!

Happy Weekend, you guys!

xx Ela 

p.s. The hotel we stayed at was lovely, I highly recommend it. I've just never seen so much animal print, outside the zoo, outside Vegas, at all once before. Now I can say, I have :)

p.p.s. My favourite banana is running hard this weekend but she's in a *funk* so she needs your cheers, so do your little kicks in the air(just stretch first and it can be done) and cheer loud (so she can hear you all the way in SF) and shimmy (cause it's fun) and let her know you'll be doing so till she reaches the finish line. Spanxalot.

Things I...

Sweater Dress - Questions? (Seriously, that's what the label says...), Leather Jacket - Zara, Boots - Lucky Brand you can buy here or here, Belt - Dunno, Cheesy/Stink Face - Still sick
*More on the carpet, where I am and who I got to meet on my next post :)

Do random thoughts pop into your head when you're under the weather? They do in mine. All the time actually, here are some Things I...

Things I am tempted to do when I'm lazy...

1. Only fill in one eyebrow since my bangs cover the other one anyway.

2. Not make the bed.

3. Sleep in my "next day's clothes" to save me all the trouble. If only I knew what they were.

Things I do when I'm tired...

1. Laugh when I actually mean to cry.
2. Crack an egg. Separate the yolk from the whites. Then throw away the yolk. The precious golden yolk. Health buff I am not.
3. Wear my glasses. In the shower. And wonder why everything is "so spotty".

Things I do...that I don't have an excuse for...
1. Call people then forget who I've dialed. Sometimes I hang up after a ring or two when I seriously can't figure it out.

2. Go in the fridge. And just stare. With the hopes that eventually the *thing* I went in there for will make itself known to me.

3. Forget to make dinner then wonder why there's nothing to eat.

Things I do that make me think I've lost it....
1. Once in the driveway, hop out the car to check if I've locked the front door. Once I've driven off, drive back. To check if I shut the garage door.

2. When my cell phone rings, click "Talk", then "End", then say "Hello?"
3. Attempt to wash my face with lotion. And rub cleanser on my legs.

Your turn, give me something you do.

xx Ela

Best Gift. Ever.

S hates birthdays. Seriously. He's the Grinch of birthdays. Except he's not green. And he's way better looking. Yet somehow the little stinker loves to celebrate mine. He actually throws me a whole birthday-week. It doesn't make sense but I'll take it :)

Cropped Blazer - Zara, Dress - Vertigo, Handbag - LV Epi Jasmin
Glads - Modern Vintage available here. There was lots of walking so I skipped the heels.

Highlights from the day:

• S taking the day off. This is only the third one for the whole year. Counting one he took for our anniversary.
• Me realizing there is actually something I want: S to paint the master ensuite. S promising to get it done by the end of the month. HA and you thought I was high maintenance. Yup, paint my ensuite and stick a bow on the door. Or don't. And I'm a happy girl.
• Being told by our server that two desserts, any two we chose, had been purchased for us. Our sweet friends K and S casually asked where S was taking me for dinner and called the restaurant to arrange the sweet surprise.
  

I also realized that S is the best gift life has ever given me.

I'll keep it short with 5 things I love about S, even if he won't let me post a pic of him:
1. After 15 years, he still says the sweetest things that bring happy tears to my eyes.

2. That he can detect when I decrease the amount of sugar in my baking but can't detect the whole wheat flour I sneak in my chocolate chip cookies. Since he doesn't read my blog. He'll never know. Mwahahahaha.
3. He says sorry, and means it, faster than I can formulate why it is that I'm even upset.
4. How he literally sat at my dad's bedside on our recent trip to the ER and told my mom when she asked if he had to go, that he had "nowhere more important to be and nothing more important to do". And meant it.
5. That whenever he holds me, there's nowhere else I'd rather be.

What's the best gift you've ever received?

xx Ela
I've missed all your blogs, still playing catch up :)
Happy weekend, everyone!