One for the Books

Jan 28, 2010 is a day to remember folks.

 {via weheartit}

It's the day I woke up because I had a dream that I woke up. Did you get that?

It's the day after the night I barely got any sleep because of said dream.

It's the day I wore my glasses in the morning with plans to put my contacts on later that day.

It's the day I had to take my glasses off, so I could see when a short but windy snow storm decided to mess with me. Windchill was -18C btw.

It's the day my SFAM, my K-Puff shared her wonderful amazing news with the world. Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day my SFAM, my DimSum met a Country Singer and more importantly, found out she's got some "beautiful lining" :) Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day my Dr. had a look at things and said I've "never looked better". Good news, loves. Good news.

It's the day I got whistled at. By someone not wearing a construction hat. And someone who isn't S. Never mind that I looked like a hot mess. Or a very cold one. Flattering? Not so much. Strange? Very much so.

It's the day I got a haircut trim. After 9 months.

It's the day my husband left work before 5 o'clock. 4:56pm to be exact.

It's the day he tried to take me to dinner. Even though he already cooked me dinner on our anniversary {even though he's got a whole weekend planned, sweet thing}. I say "tried" because we arrived at the resto to find a sign outside the door that read "closed for a private event". To which neither of us were invited to. So we ate somewhere else instead. Calling ahead...it's good to do.

It's the day I was supposed to have my very first chocolate covered gummy bear. From the candy shop I couldn't find. Near the resto I couldn't eat at.

It's the night I came home and attempted to remove my contacts. Right eye first. Contacts felt a *little* dry but I was not expecting what happened next. I pulled it out. But only half came. The other half was left lodged underneath my eyelid. Can you say panic attack? I did. In words that barely ressembled the English language. I called yelled for S and calmly told him what had happened in a clear and distinct voice words that he could not make out. He literally had to pin my arms down to keep me from going ape nuts. After some time and yelling he managed to get the other half out. He made me lie down and "rest" my eyes before I attempted to take the left one out.

I did a few minutes later. Very carefully.

It's the day all the above happened. A day that made me laugh, made me cold, made me cry - happy tears and scared ones. A day filled with a lot of memories, milestones and never agains. But all in all, a good day. One for the books. Hope it was for you too.

Have a great weekend, loves!

xo Ela

p.s. Don't forget to enter my Shabby Apple Giveaway!

Shabby Apple Giveaway (CLOSED)

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

Casablanca

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

that'll frame your neckline perfectly.

Paired with earrings and cuff via Forever 21, Valentino Clutch 

and Stuart Weitzman Platforms.

Bugle Boy

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

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

Ingrid

 

The perfect mix of creamy ruffles and black sateen.

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

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

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

To Enter:

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

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

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

6. Open to US residents only.

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

xo Ela

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

Please Know...

Dearest S,

I can't believe how quickly the years have flown by. This week you and I will celebrate our 8th Wedding Anniversary. Words can barely convey all that I feel; there's so much I want to say, so I will start with this...

Having you in my life for almost *half of my existence, I can't ever imagine life without you. I sometimes wonder what took you so long and often wish you came into my life sooner. But please know that I am grateful you came when you did. I am grateful you came, to stay.

I may squirm away whenever you try to snuggle with me in bed but please know, there is nowhere I feel safer than when I am in your arms.

When dancing in the kitchen, you often tell me how well you think I dance, while I often tease you about your moves and *dance face* but please know, that whatever song is playing, when I dance in your arms and you hold me close, there is nowhere else I'd rather be.

I may crinkle my nose when you sing silly songs and ask you to "please stop" but please know that I still get goosebumps when I think of our wedding reception, when you pulled me up and sang Always to me. I couldn't stop the tears {and regretted my need for mascara} and looked like quite the wreck, yet you made me feel beautiful.

I may grumble in the morning{on account of me not being a morning person} while you're sweet as can be before we part ways but please know that I miss you the minute you leave, and when I see you later that evening, it is the best part of my day.

We may not look the same as we did when we first met. Lines may appear and grey hair may sparkle atop your head but please know that I love the lines, for they are reminders of the laughs we've shared. I love the grey that makes you look dapper, distinguished and wise. You are beautiful. Always.

Just the other day, I caught you staring at me. When I questioned your gaze, you told me I was beautiful. And with a smile, you said you wondered how you were lucky enough to have me as your wife. I don't believe in luck as much as I do blessings from the Lord, but please know that if it were luck, I would be the lucky one.

They say a good marriage requires one to fall in love, again and again...always with the same person. I sometimes think that I couldn't possibly love you more than I already do, but please know that each day, I do. I fall in love again and again, always with you.

Happy Anniversary, my sweet. Everyday I feel blessed to have you in my life; as my husband, my best friend...my eternal companion. I love you.

*S and I dated for a number of years before we got married, so don't worry, I'm not 16 :) EDIT: Yes, that is our cake. So yes, those are S's hands...GASP! His 2nd appearance, since revealing his feet ;)

P.S. A fellow blogger is experiencing heartache I can't even imagine. I don't know her personally but Wendy has asked people to help spread the word. Please read this post and help if you are able. Please send your prayers.

Sweet and Sour

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

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

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

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

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

Gotta bundle up!

Scarf - via sample sale

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

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

Happy weekend, loves!
xo Ela

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/