I’ve had a busy week, hey what can I say the life of a Colombian Princess is a fast paced one and throw in getting only 2.5 hours of sleep in total this week, {Thanks Mr. Sandman!} time didn't permit me to post my usual awesome and spectacular Friday entry and for that I apologize. I know how heart broken you must be so again I apologize from my latin heart. The exciting sequel to my previous postwill be up next Friday. In the meantime I do hope you've enjoyed reading this short but sweet post.
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My loyal and dear readers it’s finally Friday.
Whatever your plans are have a splendid weekend. ~x
ME: Thanks to you we’re going to be on an episode of COPS.
My lovelies, you must be dying with curiosity to know what made me say that? Permit me to explain the events that lead up to it.
This may sound strange but one of the few ways I enjoy relaxing and unwinding is by going shopping. I can’t explain why but hitting the mall can sometimes help alleviate any type of stress I may be under. Hmm...I guess that explains the phrase Retail Therapy. Last Saturday I drove into the city with sister for a little relaxation. I was in one of my preferred stores trying on a pair of shoes. Admiring how they looked on me in front of the full length mirror, my sister who was sitting on one of the store’s plush chairs asked a pressing question:
A: Do you really need to buy another pair of shoes, Imelda?
ME: Yes, I do.
A: Don’t you have 5 pairs in that color already?
ME: No, Miss Smarty Pants. I have 4 and not one of them is in this style.
Sister shook her head and let out a little sigh to which I replied:
ME: Yes?
A: I was going to tell you this later but I think now is the perfect time. I signed you up for “Shop~Aholics Anonymous.” They meet 2x a week. Come on my little darling repeat after me: “My Name is Colombian Princess and I am a shop~aholic.”
Choosing to ignore her comical remark, I asked what she thought about the shoes. I was trying on a pair of khaki colored gladiator style stilettos. Most all of the gladiator sandals I’ve seen are flat so I was more than giddy with excitement when I laid my eyes on a pair with heels.
A: They look sweet on you.
After removing them from my pedicured feet I signaled for the sales girl to pack them up for me. Sister continued:
A: Buying shoes is an absolute need for you today?
I nodded yes while strapping back on the sandals I came in with.
ME: I need them badly.
A: I think you mean you want them badly.
ME: No, I really need them.
A: You really don't know the difference of wanting something and needing something, do you?
ME: Look, I’ve had a tough and tiring week so I made the decision to treat myself, okay?
A: I’m sorry I had no idea.
Slight pause.
A: What happened, did you chip a nail and your manicurist couldn’t fit you in? I can only imagine how tough it must have been for you to walk around with an un~manicured nail.
WOW! Sister was on a roll that day!
ME: Why are you trying to spoil my day of shopping?
A: Darling, I’m teasing. You buy whatever your heart desires.
Hey, when it comes to shopping that’s always been my motto and it’s a mighty fine good one too! After paying for the shoes I headed over to the store's second level to pick up a couple of more things I needed badly, including a cute, silk red top adorned with black lace beading.
When I was done shopping and as we waited for the valet to bring the car around, “A” mentioned she wanted to pop inside another store to pick up a few things for the house. I suggested she write out a list and have housekeeper pick them up.
A: Why, when I can do it myself? The store isn't that far from here. It won't take long, we'll be in and out in a flash. I promise.
The particular department store sister wanted to shop in I sincerely dislike with a capital “D.” I had been in there once before and all I can say is the place was like a damn zoo.
Upon entering inside we saw a middle~aged woman wearing a red smock with a name tag attached to it that read,“GREETER” and written below was her name. She wasn’t doing her job and I say that because she didn’t greet us in any way. Hell, she didn’t even offer a smile. The woman in the red smock stood stiff with her hands behind her back. Had she not brought her hand forward to scratch her head I might have mistaken her for a mannequin. In close proximity to her were the shopping carts and baskets. I was relieved when “A” picked up a basket because it meant she didn’t have a lot to buy. I wasn’t too keen on hanging around the zoo.
Most of the things sister was purchasing could have been bought at the same place I bought my shoes, only in a much better brand and I let her know. Her reply:
A: Unlike you I’m not too interested in designer names. It doesn't bother me knowing the candle I have lit doesn't come from a big time fashion house in Europe.
It would definitely bother me and this time I was the one left shaking my head and sighing. As I’ve blogged before, my dear sister and I are opposites in nearly everything under the sun. After getting a few more items we proceeded to the check~out area. There were 6 lanes and 4 were open. All 4 lanes were quite lengthy and had approximately the same number of people so at random we stood in lane #3. The cashier worked in an efficient manner and the line was moving along quite smoothly until she shut off her light and left! Did I mention there were still a good 10~12 people in front of us and also several more behind us? Needless to say the customers in line weren’t amused. As one customer stated in high volume, “I guess it was too much for her to tell us she was closing up!” Curious to see what the cashier’s reaction was I turned around and judging by the way she was walking the cashier didn’t give a damn and like the greeter she too didn’t say a word. Those of us who had been abandoned glided over into the next lane, except for one person who decided to cut in front of several people with shopping carts. His “perfectly rational excuse” when confronted by the woman he now was standing in front of, as well as the others:
LINE CUTTER: I have 2 items. You all have a full cart.
He had a bottle of Scope Mouthwash and a box of tissues. Hmm, so I suppose it made sense in his mind because he had less things he should be allowed ahead of those who don’t?
FEMALE CUSTOMER: I don’t care how many items you have. You wait your turn like everyone else!
After being confronted he shrunk down to about 10 inches tall- at least that's what the expression on his face said. Seriously, what did he expect was going to happen? Did he honestly believe he wouldn’t be confronted? It doesn’t take a genius to figure out what he did was wrong and dis~respectful. Without even apologizing he stepped away to return back to his spot BUT the individual who was now there refused to budge.
MALE CUSTOMER: Sorry Cue~Ball you just lost your spot. End of the line for you.
In case you’re wondering Line Cutter was, ahem, follically challenged. Taking his shopping cart the male customer positioned it in a vertical~like way, in order to block him from getting back in. After putting down his items on the floor, Cue~Ball, err I mean Line Cutter physically put his hands on the cart in attempt to move it. They're behaving like idiots, I thought to myself. I was always under the impression humans have evolved a long way since the days of the caveman but after the spectacle I witnessed it became clear to me traces of caveman DNA are still present in some humans today. The entire cash area came to a stand still as grown adults fought over a spot in line which prompted the cashier to pick up her phone and over its’ intercom stated the following:
“Security ASAP to Lane 2! Security ASAP to Lane 2!”
I looked at sister and said:
ME: Thanks to you we're going to be on an episode of COPS.
In the entry below this one I posted a Madonna video. I’ve been listening/watching a lot of her music as my battle for slumbercontinues. I love her entire collection of songs but her early stuff I find to be her finest work to date. One of the Material Girl's biggest hits came from the soundtrack “At Close Range.”Live To Tell, is an incredible ballad. I especially love the music, I love the way Madonna sings it and how she looks in the video, old school Hollywood.
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My loyal and dear readers it’s finally Friday.
Whatever your plans are have a tender and loving weekend.~x
Happy First Day Of Summer! My Lovelies, I present to you:
"007"
Many would argue that any drink affiliated with the James Bond/007 franchise should be a Martini. This drink's name, however, is derived from the "O" in "Ohranj",the "O" in "Orange" and of course, the "7" in "7-UP". The end result is a very unpretentious cocktail that you can still ask for "shaken not stirred", but that's up to you.
INGREDIENTS: *1 oz Stoli® Ohranj vodka
*1 1/2 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
*1 1/2 oz 7-UP ®
PREPARATION:
Mix vodka with ice in shaker. Pour over ice in highball glass. Fill with 7-UP to taste.
Today is Monday June 20th. 1. Just 1 more day!!!!! My Lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #20:
"Indiana Jones"
"Warning: Mixing tequila and whiskey may be your last crusade.".
PREPARATION: Add the whiskey and tequila together, and double-up with champagne or sparkling wine. Place your hand or a beer mat over the glass, slam it down onto table and then down it in one. Tomorrow Drinkie #21.
Today is Sunday June 19th. 2-- that's it, 2 whole days until the first day of summer! My Lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #19:
"Captain Ron"
"Quite possibly both Martin Short and Kurt Russell's best film ever. Captain Ron learns from a family that there is more to life than one's selfish, hedonistic pursuits. And the family learns from Ron how to laugh, how to love, and how to live a with a little more fun. Bonuses: the shower scene and when Ron's glass eyeball falls out."
INGREDIENTS *2 - 3 oz Captain Morgan® Original spiced rum
*4 oz Juicy Juice® orange tangerine juice
PREPARATION: Pour the Captain Morgan into a hurricane glass filled with crushed ice. Add the Juicy Juice orange-tangerine juice, stir and serve.
Tomorrow Drinkie #20
Today is Saturday June 18th. Just 3 days away until the first day of summer. My Lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #18.:
"Star Wars"
"Not one of the strongest drinks on the list, but this cocktail offers some eclectic ingredients that combine to be greater than their sum. Much like the cast of this much-loved trilogy. Hold above your head like a light saber and then swing it around rapidly.
INGREDIENTS: * 1 oz Southern Comfort® peach liqueur
*1 oz amaretto almond liqueur
*1 oz sweet and sour mix
*1 oz Sprite® soda
PREPARATION: Mix all ingredients, and serve in an old-fashioned glass with ice.
Tomorrow Drinkie #19.
As the last weekend of spring approaches, 4 days remain until the 1st Day Of Summer. My Lovelies, I present to you Drinkie #17:
"The Hollywood"
"The Hollywood is an interesting mix of fruit flavors that one may not think of at first as a possible combination. Realistically, the dark black raspberry and light pineapple work well together in a sort of yin and yang relationship. The Hollywood is also sometimes called a Raspberry Smash."
INGREDIENTS:
*1 1/2 oz Vodka
*1/2 oz Black Raspberry Liqueur
*Pineapple Juice
*Pineapple Chunk For Garnish
PREPARATION:
1.Pour the vodka and black raspberry liqueur into a collins glass filled with ice.
2.Fill with pineapple juice.
3.Garnish with a pineapple chunk.
Tomorrow Drinkie #18.
Today is June 16th. We're looking at 5 days until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #16:
"The Ginger Rogers"
""Always somewhat testy about comparisons with her famous dancing partner, Ginger Rogers liked the cartoon caption that she "did everything Fred Astaire did, except backwards and in high heels."
INGREDIENTS:
*1 oz Dry Gin
*1 oz Dry Vermouth
*1 oz Apricot Brandy
*4 Dashes of Lemon Juice
PREPARATION: Mix the ingredients well with ice and serve in a chilled cocktail glass. If sweet martini isn't to your taste, try the alternative Ginger Rogers: a mix of champagne, ginger root and fresh lime juice.
Tomorrow Drinkie #17 and new Friday Post!!
Today is June 15th. We're only 6 days away until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #15:
"The Douglas Fairbanks"
"Father and son actors, both named Douglas Fairbanks, each made their mark on the classic Hollywood movie scene. The senior Fairbanks rose to fame by starring in over 40 films including The Mark of Zorro. This drink is a variation of the classic Martini that uses Plymouth gin instead of a London dry and has a more elaborate garnish."
INGREDIENTS *2 oz Plymouth gin *1 oz French vermouth
*Orange peel for garnish
*Lemon peel for garnish
PREPARATION: 1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes. 2.Shake well. 3.Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 4.Garnish with the orange and lemon peels.
Tomorrow Drinkie #16.
My lovelies, allow me to take a wild stab in the dark: you’ve been waiting in suspense for today to arrive. I bet some of you have been sitting on pins and needles, right? Or perhaps some of you have been marking the days off your calendar? I'm happy to write: the wait is over so you may all now breathe a sigh of relief. The Princess’s Tuesday Tomato Garden Update is posted!!Good Lord! Seriously, there’s a sentence I never thought I’d utter!
The picture was taken yesterday. Since last week the tomatoes have been growing quite nicely. Housekeeper added the mini green picket fence and she's been taking good care and tending to the garden lovingly.
Next Tomato Update: Tuesday June 21st AKA First Day Of Summer. I realize it's 7days away but I do hope you are able to hold on until then. Think of it as only 7 short days away!! Also I would like to add, there is no need for any applause on your end for this supremely written update.....Ah, what the heck-- go ahead! Applause! Applause!..... Thank you, you are too kind.
I'm having another sleepless night and because once again I have chosen not to wake up the bear, I decided to pop a DVD in the player and hear some tunesin hopes listening to a little late night ♫ music ♫ might relax me. Track #7 has begun. An oldie but definitely a goodie:
Hmm, relax me? To be honest, all I want to do is get up and dance, dance, dance!
And no, I haven't forgotten: for all you drinkie lovers......
Today is June 14th. One week remains until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #14:
"The Greta Garbo"
"The Garbo Cocktail is in honor of Greta Garbo's performance in "Anna Christie." It is an interesting cocktail and the creme de menthe may not be the first thing we would normally add to a brandy, orange juice and grenadine cocktail, but it is surprisingly good. The mint liqueur adds just a splash of cooling herbs and is a nice accent if used in small amounts."
INGREDIENTS:
*1 oz Brandy
*1 oz Dry Vermouth
*1 oz Orange Juice
*1/4 oz Grenadine
*Dash of white crème de menthe
PREPARATION:
1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice cubes.
Sometimes I wish I was equipped with a built~in timer so I could program what time I would like to fall asleep and what time I would like to wake up.
Loyal readers of my blog are well aware the ability to fall asleep does not come so easy for me. It’s a constant battle. In fact it’s no exaggeration when I write sleep is my enemy and insomnia is my best friend. Sure, we all have those sleepless nights but for me it’s sometimes a nightly event.
"Sleep is like the unicorn - it is rumored to exist, but I doubt I will see any."— Anonymous
I have good months and I have bad months. A good month can be described when the moment I start feeling sleepy, I’m able to fall asleep and stay lifeless for a good 6~7 hours. A bad month, although I may feel sleepy I’m not able to fall asleep. Currently I’m having a bad month. This past week I’ve been so tired I can’t keep my eyes open yet when I go to bed I can't sleep, which has led me to believe 1 of the 2 following conclusions: 1} I’m too tired to sleep. 2} I’ve forgotten how to sleep. I had also a 3rd one: I'm a Vampire. Since I don't burn to a crisp when I step into daylight I can definitely rule that one out.
It use to be the more I'd fight to fall asleep the worse it would get. I now either lye in bed twiddling my thumbs as I stare at the ceiling while quietly repeating over and over: “why can’t I sleep?” Yes I know--- uttering those words doesn't help. Or, I obsessively keep looking at my alarm clock every 2~3 minutes to see how much time is left 'til the alarm goes off.
"Life is too short to sleep on low thread-count sheets." ~Leah Stussy
There is truth in the above quote!
Since my sister has flat out refused to club me over the head even after I offered a generous sum of money, I have tried nearly every possible remedy under the sun: taking hot baths, exercising at night and relaxation CDs– seriously, what is so calm about the sound of raging thunder and lightning? If anything it’s damn annoying. I even tried several types of herbal teas: some of them worked but now their ability to let me have a good nights' rest no longer works. A while back I tried one that went by the name of “Sleepy Time Tea.” Wow, talk about an ingenious name! I wonder how long it took the advertising execs to come up with that one? On the box was a cartoon picture of a bear wearing a nightshirt and sleeping in a recliner. Next to him was a table with a tea~pot. Oh, did I mention the bear was living in a neatly decorated cottage? I had a good feeling with this particular tea after all it had a picture of a rested mammal so how could it not work, right? I drank the tea every night for 2 solid weeks. Guess what? The damn thing didn’t work. Not even one frigging yawn came out of my mouth! Speaking of bear....Wednesday at around 3am I went into sister’s room. {Sometimes I’ll climb into bed with her} She was sleeping like how she always sleeps: like a bear in hibernation. Out of nowhere I had the sudden urge to find some type of object and poke her awake with it. A shrunken version of that tempter with the pitchfork stood on my shoulder whispering, “Psst...hey Princess, if you can’t sleep, why should she? Wake her! Wake her up now!” After much deliberation I decided it was best I not awaken the bear. The bear had work that morning. I wasn’t so much thinking of sister as I was her students. I didn’t want them dealing with a grumpy teacher on account of my devilish prank.
"Who said nights were for sleep?" ~Marilyn Monroe
This week rather than lay in bed twiddling my thumbs, here are some of the fun things I pursued in the wee hours of the night.
THE EXCITING WORLD OF PUZZLES
I tried my hand at Sudokubefore and decided to give it another go in hopes the dullard game would put me to sleep. Again, instead of relaxing me it provided nothing but sheer frustration. Good grief, I have no idea how my sister is able to conquer these puzzles without the use of a calculator. HOME DECORATOR I re~arranged my shoe closet. My winter boots were still on the shelf so I boxed each one up and returned them back to the storage room, then I arranged my spring~summer stiletto collection according to color.
PEOPLE WATCHING I spent one entire night staring out the window and saw a few people walking between the hours of 12am~2am. Close by is a strip mall with a 24hr grocery store, gas station/convenience store and of course a Tim Hortons. I’m assuming those folks were either coming or going to work.
PLAYING GOLDILOCKS I do this when I can’t sleep: I’ll test out different places to sleep throughout the house: the living room, family room, rec room, guest bedrooms etc. Unlike Goldimouse, err I mean Goldilocks I didn’t find anything that was “just right.”
I'm been functioning this past week in a semi~conscious like state and my body feels like it's being weighed down by cement blocks. I wish my best friend insomnia would pack its’ bag and take a permanent vacation from me. I miss being able to hit my head on the pillow and fall peacefully asleep. I miss waking up feeling refreshed and rested. I miss having dreams. I wish sleep would return to me. I wish Sheep #50would quit being so rebellious! By the way, whoever said “counting sheep” helps you fall asleep has obviously never met the stubborn flock I deal with.
Once more it looks as if I'll be seeing the sun peak through my blinds to greet me. Shortly after that my alarm will go off and my workout regime will commence. They say every cloud has a silver lining and although these past few days I've roughly gotten about 2~3hrs of slumber, here is my silver lining for the week: not once during my morning jog have I encountered that damn hairy, beast.
Today is June 10th. 11 days remain until the 1st day of summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #10:
"Benjamin's Age Reverser"
"If you have seen the movie The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, or even if you know what the story is about you will understand the name of this cocktail. The key ingredient to this "age-defying" cocktail is the pomegranate, which is rich with anti-oxidants and an invigorating ingredient. The drink is a nice rum cocktail."
INGREDIENTS: *2 oz 10 Cane Rum *1 oz pomegranate juice *3/4 oz fresh squeezed lemon juice *Dash of simple syrup *Pomegranate seeds or lemon twist for garnish
PREPARATION: 1.In a mixing glass, combine all ingredients. 2.Add ice and shake vigorously. 3.Strain into martini glass. 4.Garnish with pomegranate seeds or lemon twist.
Tomorrow Drinkie #11.
Today is June 11th. 10 days remain until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #11:
"Juno-Go Citrus Splash"
"The June-go Citrus Splash is in honor of the film Juno. It is simple and fruity, combining mango and pineapple flavored rums with orange juice for a tall, refreshing mixed drink. This cocktail shines with fresh squeezed orange juice, an effort you’ll find worth your while."
INGREDIENTS: *1 Part Malibu Mango Rum
*1 Part Malibu Pineapple Rum
*Orange juice
PREPARATION: 1.Build the ingredients in a highball glass over ice.
2.Stir.
Tomorrow Drinkie #12
****Today is June 12th. 9 days remain until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #12:
"The Blood and Sand is one of the few Scotch cocktails that is a true classic. The complete history is somewhat shaky, but it is accepted that it was inspired by the movie Blood and Sand. The original film was produced in 1922 (starring Rudolph Valentino) and was remade in 1941 (starring Tyrone Powers) and again in 1989 (with Sharon Stone)."
{"The cocktail is a beautiful one with a touch of sweetness. Cherry Heering is a great option for the brandy and fresh squeezed orange juice is definitely recommended."}
INGREDIENTS: *3/4 oz Scotch whisky *3/4 oz Cherry brandy *3/4 oz Sweet Vermouth *3/4 oz Orange Juice *Orange slice for garnish
PREPARATION: 1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 2.Shake well. 3.Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 4.Garnish with an orange slice.
Tomorrow Drinkie #13.
Today is June 13th. 8 days remain until the 1st Day of Summer. My lovelies, I present to you Countdown To Summer Drinkie #13:
"The Charlie Chaplin Cocktail"
""The Charlie Chaplin Cocktail was one of the premier drinks of the Waldorf-Astoria prior to 1920. The equal mix of lime, apricot brandy and sloe gin is documented in A.S. Crockett's The Old Waldorf-Astoria Bar Book and it's a nice, gentle mix, although rather thick and sweet."
INGREDIENTS: *1 oz apricot brandy *1 oz sloe gin *1 oz fresh lime juice *Lime peel for garnish
PREPARATION: 1.Pour the ingredients into a cocktail shaker filled with ice. 2.Shake well. 3.Strain into a chilled cocktail glass. 4.Garnish with a lime peel.
Tomorrow Drinkie #14
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My loyal and dear readers, it’s finally Friday.
Whatever your plans are have a sparkling weekend. ~x
