Fancy Fruit Flan

Happy Birthday Mom,

Are you watching mom? There's so much going on that I don't know what to do. I know if there was someway for you to be here with me right now to help me through all this you would. What I would give to be able to just hear you whisper some advice into my ear......

Instead you gave me something more. I felt you one day giving me one of those reassuring looks that means "everything is going to be okay." Thank you.

Later in the day I'll be picking up your cake. I ordered a Fancy Fruit Flan because I know how much you love eating them. As soon as "A" comes home we'll place the candles, light them one by one and then make a wish.

Regardless how big or small every celebration needs music. So we will be busting out all your favorite tunes: Duran Duran, Shannon, The Cover Girls, Fascination, Lisa Lisa and Cult Jam, Exposé and of course...... Sheila E!

Feliz Cumpleaños Mama

Te amo. Le falto. Le necesito. Deseo que usted estuviera aquí.

Amor Por Siempre,

Princesa Colombiana

*******

My loyal and dear readers it's finally Friday!

It's the first full official weekend of Fall. Though the weather is still quite muggy up here letters have sent and received urging people to get their Flu Shots, the leaves are starting to change colors and ads for Leaf Peeper Tours are everywhere which means in a couple of weeks there will be buses and buses of eager people ooohing and ahhing while snapping pictures at the marvelous color transformation of the leaves. Personally it doesn't impress me only because it's a sign winter is approaching.

Whatever your plans are have a terrific weekend.-x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

Celebrate: September 20th

Cocaine Princess here.

"Happy Anniversary To Me,

Happy Anniversary To Me,

Happy Anniversary Colombian Princess,

Happy Anniversary To Me"

Yes my lovelies today my sweet little blog turns 2 years old.

Exactly 2 years ago today I posted my very entry: September 20th 2007 at 12:17am.

Including this post I have blogged 220 entries and have received nearly 1000 comments.

Hmm, some of the things I`ve blogged about:

My Vay-Cays
My Chicken Pox
My 2 Speeding Tickets
My Fascinating Day in Traffic Court
Appearing For Jury Duty
Attending Concerts: Madonna, Duran Duran, The Eagles
My Sweet Tooth
My Preference Of Eating Square Shaped Waffles Over Round Ones
My Preference Of Drinking Diet Dr. Pepper in a 591ml Bottle Than
From The Can
St. Valentine`s Day
My Sister Forcing Me To Eat In The Food Court
My Sister Taking Me Grocery Shopping Against My Will
My God Awful Bus Ride Experience
Mourning A Loved One's Passing While Celebrating Their Life
My Lovable Encounters With Poodle Lady
Having My Sweet Little Blog Flagged For "Objectionable Content" Not Once But 2 Frigging Times
My 12 Straight Days Of Having A Drinkie (Something I'm Never Doing Again)
My Extreme Shopping Addiction

....and the list goes on.

I can't say I have a favorite post seeing how each one is near and dear to me but I do know there hasn't been anything that I've written that I regret since every word I have written has come directly from my latin heart.

I remember my very first follower "elise" from across the pond and my very first reader, who else? My best friend since I was a little lamb, Valentina.

One of the best things I love about blogging is all the awesome people I've met (-x) who equally all have fabulous blogs that I enjoy reading.

To my very loyal and dear ones, much love and appreciation for taking the time to read my blog and for leaving comments. I'm sorry spammers but you don't get any of my appreciation or love.

XOXOXOXO, -x
Cocaine Princess

Hmm, Maybe It Needed Linus' Blue Blankie?

Cocaine Princess here.

I had every intention of posting "If Only I Had A Squash Racket Part 2" but because I've had all the energy drained out of me this week I won't be. I don't have the strength. This week's entry will not only be short and sweet but I also promise it will be an outstanding one. Read on my lovelies.

Two months ago I blogged about a tree our gardener had planted. Remember the one that looked like it came out of "A Charlie Brown Christmas?:"


The gardener tried everything to keep it healthy and growing including using "Miracle Grow." So much for the frigging commercial where there is a farmer hitching his prize winning gigantic pumpkin to a wagon while promising if you use Miracle Grow, "you too can have prize winning shrubs and vegetables." It refused to grow or even stay green like its nearby elder siblings:



As weeks went by it kept shriveling and turning yellow. The gardener stated there was nothing more he could do. The little shrubbie did not have the will to live. So after much deliberation and thought I gave the gardener the go ahead. He yanked the shrub out of the ground and got rid of the poor sap. I could not bare to watch. {I was told about the gruesome details later}

This is all that is left. An empty spot between its' brother shrub to the left and sister shrub to the right:


Here is a closer look at the empty spot:


An autopsy was preformed. The results were inconclusive.

Hmm, maybe the shrub needed Linus' blue blankie?

My loyal and dear readers it's finally F-R-I-D-A-Y.

Whatever your plans are have a fabulous weekend.-x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

P.S. I told you it was an outstanding entry!!

My Report

Cocaine Princess here.

On Tuesday my sister was back in her classroom teaching. She gave her students an assignment, to write a report on "How I Spent My Summer Vacation." I gave her grief for handing out homework on the first day. "How can you be so evil?" I asked. Each student will present their report orally on Friday (today) and bonus marks will be awarded if pictures are included.

For this posting I decided to do the same. To write a report on not how I spent my summer but "How I Spent My Labor Day Long Weekend."

(I will post next week part 2: "If Only I Had A Squash Racket" because I know you're all dying to find out the ending)

"How I Spent My Labor Day Long Weekend"
by Cocaine Princess

I spent Labor Day long weekend in Niagara Falls. My sister and I left Friday evening. "A" had some type of teacher's meeting and didn't come home until 5.

The two of us have a little ritual before either of us ventures off on any trip even if it's just for the weekend: we get ourselves our cake and light 3 candles.

The 1st candle represents: A safe journey going and a safe journey
returning.
The 2nd candle represents: To have a fantastic time.
The 3rd candle is a bonus candle: To make a wish.


It was a chocolate truffle cake. Usually I just have a bite but "A" forced me to eat half. And yes it was like tasting heaven.


By the time we arrived it was after 11pm. Traffic was awful and was going at a turtle's pace. When we checked into the hotel the lobby was filled with dogs back to back. Little ones and big ones. I inquired at the front desk, "what's with all the dogs?" Auditions were taking place in the hotel for a new upcoming reality talent dog show. Too bad the hideous creature with four legs wasn't part of the audition process. It has a phenomenal talent of scaring people.

We entered into our suite around 11:30pm. I was able to capture the following shots from our room.

If you recall there was a full moon on Friday.


The world famous Niagara Falls at night. When dusk occurs the Falls are lighted with different colors of the rainbow and keep on changing colors until midnight.

This first picture I took came out very blurry.

So I tried again from a different location in the room.


We had a suite booked at "Sheraton On The Falls." I prefer this hotel because it sits right in the heart of the city's entertainment district and they have one of the most grandest indoor water parks!! Our suite was on the 21st floor on the left hand corner with 4 scenic balcony views. I wanted the 22nd floor but the entire floor had been booked in advanced for several weeks. So who all was staying on the floor above us? The talented dogs and their owners.


Connected to our hotel is the Hard Rock Cafe and Casino Niagara (casinoniagara.com), The Hershey Store and the Coca-Cola Store. Inside the hotel is a separate underground passage that only guests have access to so they get into the Hard Rock and the casino without having to wait forever in line outside. Oh yeah, I got asked for i.d. Poor big sister didn't! A little further down is Planet Hollywood.

I'm shocked this place is still open. It's like a ghost town inside.


RAINBOW BRIDGE

I took this pic a little after 8am. Sitting high above the Niagara River is Rainbow Bridge. This bridge connects the cities of Niagara Falls, Ontario and Niagara Falls, New York. You can either drive across into the states or you can use the pedestrian walkway.


A daytime shot of the Falls:



In the picture below, left hand corner can you see a ferry? That is the Maid Of The Mist. A ferry ride that will take passengers right past the Falls. I've taken the ride on the ferry just once and it was several years back.



KONICA MINOLTA TOWER

The structure behind the Marriott hotel is the Konica Minolta Tower. It stands 160 meters above the Falls. Located inside is an observation deck, a souvenir store, a steak house, a hotel and like almost every hotel in the Falls a wedding chapel and a jewelery store.



SKYLON TOWER

Here is the view from the corner balcony. Over to the right is the Skylon Tower. The top part was cut out.


Here is a better shot. The one below this one was taken standing outside.


This structure is 236 meters above the Falls. At the top is a Revolving Dining Restaurant/Buffet Restaurant. Below is a family fun center, fast food court and 3D/4D Movie. To get to the top of the restaurant/observation deck you ride in the "yellow bug" (glass elevator) and in an under a minute you arrive at the top. If you dine during the daytime and if the day is clear you can see all of Buffalo. We had lunch here one afternoon. It was established weeks ago "I" would be choosing where we would be eating for breakie, lunch and dinner. The lunch menu was so-so. Personally I prefer dining here at night. The food is better and the nightly illumination of the Falls and the skyline is really pretty.

ENTERTAINMENT DISTRICT

The entertainment district (as well as Niagara Falls itself) is made up of so many different and fun things to do and regardless of what your taste is and age there is something for everyone. You need at least a good week long stay to experience and see everything Niagara has to offer. There is no way anyone will be bored.

Regardless of what day of the year you visit it's packed with tourists. Take for example the picture below.


This was all happening behind our hotel. There is the WWE Store, Rainforest Cafe and to the right which was cut out of the picture The MGM Store. There I bought a deck of James Bond playing cards and some other goodies. You literally have to push your way through the crowds and that's not the worst part. What is? The entire area sits on a steep sidewalk and it takes awhile before it begins to level off. You're not so much walking as you are climbing.

On the left side where the WWE store is, can you see the 3 cement plaques? Each are hand impressions of wrestling greats. I managed to maneuver my way through the crowd carefully not stepping on anyones's toes however that didn't stop several gigantic feet from stepping on mine. I was able to get this clear shot.


The other 2 hand impressions I think belonged to Batista and the 3rd to Rey Mysterio.

RIPLEY'S BELIEVE IT OR NOT MUSEUM

I didn't go inside, I just took a picture. The museum contains Ripley's collection of bizarre artifacts and items from his travels around the globe. There is also a cinema showcasing a movie of past daredevils who challenged the Falls over a barrel.



THE FUDGE FACTORY

A really popular place along the strip for chocolate lovers is The Fudge Factory. 20 different flavors of fudge and other treats are made fresh daily in front of you.

That's me standing in line with my new Birkin Bag. I decided to take her along.

I selected Decadent Chocolate.

Here is a back shot of our hotel I took coming out of the store. The tall thin tower in front is the WWE Pile Driver Ride.


NIAGARA SKYWHEEL


Riding the SkyWheel was pretty fantastic. It stands 53 meters and you're able to view the Falls in a totally cool way.The entire ride lasted nearly 10 minutes and each little compartment is climate control. If you notice to the left is Boston Pizza and to the right, what else? Tim Hortons.

FALLSVIEW CASINO RESORT

No trip (for me) is complete without doing a little shopping. On Saturday 'A' and I went to the shopping arcade located inside Fallsview. This is Niagara's Falls 2nd casino.

Here is the front of the casino. Behind is the thunderous Falls. It's quite a magnificent sight. This is the only picture because of course once inside the use of cameras aren't permitted. I was tempted to try to sneak a picture but with all the security personnel and cameras I ran the risk of having my own camera confiscated.


Sunday night we dined inside the resort at "NOIR 17" and had a fabulous and delicious champagne dinner. If you head on over to the resort's website: fallsviewcasinoresort.com you'll see the lovely shopping arcade, the casino and where we dined. It's such a beautiful restaurant and the service, well let's just say Gordon Ramsay would be proud.

Apparently the glass of champagne during dinner wasn't enough for my sister. So we (this time "WE" means "HER) decided to open up the bottle of wine that came with our welcome basket at 2am after returning from both casinos.


I decided to have a little sippie myself.
Close up shot of the bottle.


"A" had to be back at work on Tuesday so we left Monday morning after breakie. Before actually going home we made a stop in picturesque Niagara-On-The-Lake. (N.O.T.L.) My sister wanted to tour one of the wineries and decided to drag me along with her. I thought, "hmm, maybe this will be fun."


I was wrong. At this exact moment here (pictured below) I decided to bail from the tour and did a little exploring on my own. "A" caught up with me awhile later.


I stumbled across a little community within N.O.T.L. A little village called "Virgil." Aside from wine the Niagara region is known for its fruit. It's actually the fruit belt region of Ontario so it's very common to see roadside fruit stands here. But I had never seen this before. The town had a self serve roadside fruit stand. You select your fruit and/or veggie basket and put money in the box.


I picked up a basket of peaches and put 2 toonies and a loonie into the box


Further down the road were a group of women who call themselves "The Grape Ladies." They were selling homemade Grape Pies, Tarts, (grapes from one of the local wineries) and jam.


While waiting my turn I overheard the customers in front of me talking about the film "The Dead Zone" with Martin Sheen and Christopher Walken. They mentioned the filmed was shot in N.O.T.L. I looked it up, they were right.

Here's me with my pie and jam.



The pie was extremely sugary sweet. Perfect for someone like me who has a sweet tooth.


There you have it my lovelies my report on "How I Spent My Labor Day Long Weekend." I know Niagara Falls doesn't exactly measure up to Sin City but it's the closet thing we have. I always love visiting here and each time I do I have a fantastic time.

****

My loyal and dear readers it's finally Friday!

The VMA's are on this weekend hosted by comedian Russell Brand. One of the performers is Beyonce who will be singing her new single "Sweet Dreams." The rumor is she is set to put a twist on it by infusing The Eurythmics "Sweet Dreams" into her song. A huge tribute to the King of Pop is planned too. Also on Sunday the season finale of HBO's True Blood (my absolute fave drama show) will be airing. It's going to be a good cliff hanger I hear.

Whatever your plans are have a magical weekend.-x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

P.S. Saturday night I tried my luck at Casino Niagara. I'm not good at any type of gambling. I just like getting all dressed up and having fun. When I do go I prefer the slot machines. I pumped $50.00 worth of coins into one of the slots and look how much I won:





Instead of cashing it I decided to keep the voucher as a souvenir.

"If Only I Had A Squash Racket"

Cocaine Princess here.

I lost my keys. They were found in the trash can at Burger King. How did this happen? Well my dear ones let me retell this fascinating knock your socks off post!!

It all started last week after my sister purchased the George Foreman Grill. {POST:8/21/09- My Sister's Shiny New Toy} If you recall we were at the cash scratching off our cards to see how much we had saved. I had predicated we would save the minimum of 5%. I was right. After paying my sister said she was feeling hungry and so was I at that point but was dreading it because it was A's turn to pick. Yep you guessed it, Burger King. She requested that I wait for her in the food court while she put Mr. Scarecrow and her shiny new toy in the trunk of the car. So off she went pushing the cart and proudly I might add. She was smiling from ear to ear over her new purchases. I do the exact same thing each time I leave the mall.

I exited Sears and stepped into the mall and proceeded to go into the direction of the food court. As I did I passed several stores I wanted to go into and silently said, "Me and my Amex will be back after lunch." I arrive in the food court and found a table close to "Home of The Whopper." I opened up my purse and took out my little travel size can of Lysol and sprayed down the table. {Not that I don't have any faith in the mall's janitorial staff. I'm sure they do a good job scrubbing away the germs but it was just for my own personal satisfaction. As I sprayed the entire table all I could think about was a restaurant that was only a few feet away. A dining restaurant. You know the kind where there are pretty looking hostesses who walk you to your table, a table with linen table cloth, nice dishes, silverware and wine goblets?} Just as I finished wiping down the table clean a person decided to seat himself down at MY table. Allow me to describe this person: He was an excessively large gentleman (if you call him a gentleman) in a suit holding a tray with his lunch in one hand while he was chatting on the phone with the other.

"Excuse me," I said.

He raised his pointer finger at me indicating that I wait as he continued with his conversation.

"Cancel my 4pm next Wednesday. I have a meeting with the buyer that day followed by a game of squash........."

He went on gabbing for 2-3minutes. Yes I know I could have easily walked away and found another table but I had a few things to say to him. He finished up his conversation, unwrapped his whopper, picked it up and began to eat with one hand while this time texting with the other. He must have had outstanding peripheral vision because the grand pooh-bah noticed I was still standing there.

"Can I help you?" he asked with his mouth full. The ketchup from the burger was dribbling down the corner of his mouth in a disgusting way.

"Yeah you took my table," I replied. "I was sitting here."

"You weren't actually sitting here."

Looking at his phone he chuckled. What did he receive, an email from the "Joke Of The Day" website? I replied back to his little "You weren't actually sitting here" statement.

"I was about to," I explained. "After I had finished wiping it clean."

"Is that why you were cleaning it because you wanted to sit here?"

"Well I wasn't cleaning it for you," I snapped back.

"Oh...I didn't know," he said back stuffing his face with fries. "Sorry, you want your table back."

"No thanks. Enjoy your lunch," I replied back in a very sarcastic tone. During the entire conversation he did not make eye contact with me, they were glued to his damn phone. I managed to find another table,  away but not far enough from Mr. Table Stealer.

My sister finally showed up. Sitting down she asked,

"There you are. What are you doing sitting all the way over here."

I was sitting by KFC/Taco Bell. She assumed I would be sitting by BK.

I told her in extreme detail about the moron eating the whopper who stole my table.

"Don't tell me you're upset over something so childish as someone stealing your table?"

"Well I was there first."

"Oh for heaven's sake. Darling if he doesn't have any common sense or manners surely you do unless...Unless you went all Gordon Ramsay on him?" she questioned.

"No," I answered giggling.

{Now that I think of it maybe I should have}

"Good I'm glad because it wouldn't have been worth it. Let's have lunch now, I'm starving. Please order me the Angry Chicken Combo darling."

"You're not actually making me go up and order? Haven't you traumatized me enough by bringing me here?"

While shopping with my sister that day she kept ignoring my questions which was becoming increasingly annoying. Her response to my above question:

"Remember no mayo."

Getting up from the table I remarked,

"Burger King, really? Why not just pump me full of lard and cholesterol and get it over with?"

"And don't forget the little dipping sauce for my fries, darling."

I avoided going past Mr. Table Stealer and made my way to BK. If only I had a squash racket I would use it to whack him in the noggin.

There were 4 cashiers and 4 lines. I stood in the 3rd line. I'm looking up at the menu board and I see the Angry Tender Crisp Chicken. It looked appealing so I decided to order the same. The cashier finished taking the customer's order in front of me and then moved to the left as he waited for his food to be brought out. The employee announced with a smile:

"Next please."

I stepped up to the counter.

"Welcome to Burger King. How may I take your order?"

I opened my mouth and was about to say: "I would like to order 2 Angry Chicken Combos, one with no mayo please."

I never got a chance too.

I never got a chance because....

You know what my lovelies? I'm sooo tired right now and I don't have the energy to finish this post but I will sometime next week. I've had a tremendously restless week.

My loyal and dear readers it's finally not only Friday but the start of the long weekend!
The last official long weekend of summer and my suitcase is packed for it. "A" is joining me so it's no where far or exotic seeing how school starts next week for her. A brand new classroom of little lambs await for her.

Whatever your plans are have a H-O-W-L-I-N-G weekend. Hey, La Luna is full tonight so get wild.-x

Happy Labor Day Long Weekend.

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess