....."And A Partridge In A Pear Tree"

 

Cocaine Princess here.

Okay here goes-- my last plea to Santa Claus.

Dear Santa,
I have been very good for the past one or two days.....so let's focus on that, okay big guy?

Love, 
Colombian Princess 

****

“Dasher... Dancer... Prancer... Nixon... Comet and Cupid... Donna Dixon?”
-Homer Simpson reciting reindeer names

Here I am blogging another year end post. Wow! I can’t believe another year is nearly over. It seems like only yesterday I was celebrating the most joyous day of the year and partying away into the New Year in the tropics with my loved ones, and soon enough I will be again. 

As you know by now my sister holds an annual event known as “The Cookie Exchange Party.” You can read previous entries about it here , here and here. The Cookie Exchange Party {CEP for short} is quite possibly-- and this is only my opinion--- the most bizarre food ritual on the planet. Hmm, you think by now I would be use to it, right? Sadly no. To this day I still can’t quite put my finger on why I think this whole cookie shindig is creepy. Oh who am I kidding? It’s downright weird! It’s no big surprise to anyone who knows me that I’m no Martha Stewart nor do I have any interest in possessing her crafting, baking or cooking abilities but I sometimes wonder if the CEP is really some type of weird cult and “the cookies” is really all just a massive coverup? To this day I’ve never received a proper reply from sister on why she feels compelled to hold it each year in our home.....unless she is head leader of this cult?

Prior to the guests arrival I was watching an Indiana Jones Marathon on TV. It had been years since I had seen it and I took notice of something. In Part 2 are you aware there is a club called “Club Obi Wan Kenobi?” I’m not sure if this was done on purpose but if it was wouldn’t it have made more sense to call it “Club Han Solo?” 
Sister and housekeeper {HK} were both in the kitchen getting everything ready. Aside from cookies there were refreshments and other little desserts available. I was sitting on the couch all dolled up. Although I find the CEP extremely bizarre, one aspect I like is the fact that when attending this function one needs to be dressed to the nines. As strange as I find myself saying this, I find it far more strange typing this next statement: The Cookie Exchange Party Is A Blinged Out Affair.

The cult meeting --err-- I mean “the party” commenced this past Sunday afternoon at 1pm, at least that’s what time the doorbell began to ring. The first time it did was one of those continuous rings which led me to believe the person on the other side of the door was a mischievous one. HK answered the door and judging by the chatter from the foyer it was a large group. I couldn’t wait to see their outfits......Oh! They looked marvelous! Little girls in their decorative headbands, wearing mini bolero jackets with sequences over their satin dresses and the little guys in dress pants, clean shirt and crisp ties. Dressed To The Nines! Two girls managed to get past HK without her knowing still wearing their pink suede Ugg boots on. Each and every child looked so brilliant, like festive ornaments and as they made themselves at home their parents brought their home made cookies. The entire kitchen counter and table was filled with a wide variety of cookies in colorful metallic boxes. In front were index cards with the name and recipe printed on it. Our kitchen at one point looked like a restaurant specializing in dessert buffets.

And so the sampling of the cookies and the exchanging of the recipes began. There is always one favorite but this year there was a tie: The Molten Chocolate Chip Cookie and The Triple Chocolate Candy Cane Cookie. I would have taken a picture but those cookie monsters in human form devoured them all before I had a chance too. It always surprises me how much food the kids are able to fit in their tiny stomachs. For little people they sure have big appetites.

While the parents swapped recipes and participated in gossip, I focused my attention on the children since I’m not apart of the mommies who love to tittle-tattle like they are still teenagers club. Happy, is not a word that doesn't even begin to come close to describe how the kids felt that Christmas was so near. Most of them wanted electronic gadgets-- LeapPad Explorer Tablet, the latest Xbox and something known as a Fijit. I had no idea what the heck that was until a 6 year old gave me the 411. Unlike fashion I'm not really into what's hot and what's not when it comes to toys. Some of them were heading south for the holidays while others were simply going to have a "staycation." Either way they were excited at the fact they were getting 2 weeks off from school.

 

  

Entertainment as always came in the form of watching DVDs. We saw “A Muppets Christmas Carol” {a lot of the kids were still pretty high on Muppet Fever after watching the latest film} and one of my personal favorites, “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” As we ate and watched holiday specials sister opened up the gifts that were given to her. She received what appears to be an endless supply of boxed soaps and bath and body gift baskets that I'm quite sure she could open up her own Body Shop! One little boy whom I call “Froggy”  well his gifts are always truly one of a kind. Last year he bought her a goat. This year an electronic ice cream maker.
 

“Let's Be Naughty & Save Santa The Trip” ~Gary Allan

Speaking of gifts, you're all aware of the popular and classic Christmas carol “12 Days Of Christmas.” You know a series of gifts that are given by a true love. Have you ever wondered what the actual cost of all these gifts are? I was interested in finding out and after I did a little online research, unknown to me there's an actual company called The PNC Christmas Price Index® who shows the current cost for one set of each of the gifts given in the song.

“It began 28 years ago when the chief economist at PNC Bank decided to figure out how much it would cost to buy each of the gifts. Little did he know, he was starting an economic tradition that continues to this day. The PNC Christmas Price Index® is similar to the Consumer Price Index, which measures changes in prices of goods and services like housing, food, clothing, transportation, etc.”

The Actual Cost:

Partridge In A Pear Tree                     
2011: $184.99 
2010: $161.99
Price Increase of 14.2%

Two Turtle Doves 
2011: $125.00
2010:$100.00
Price Increase of: 25%

Three French Hens 
2011: $150.00
2010: $150.00
Price Increase of: 0%

Four Calling Birds
2011: $519.96
2010:$599.96
Price Increase of: -13.3%

Five Golden Rings
2011:$645.00
2010:$649.95
Price Increase of  -0.8%

Six Geese A-Laying                             
2011:$162.00
2010:$150.00
Price Increase of:8%

Seven Swans A-Swimming
2011: $6,300.00
2010: $5,600.00
Price Increase of 12.5%

Eight Maids A-Milking
2011:$58.00
2010: $58.00
Price Increase of: 0% 

Nine Ladies Dancing
2011: $6,294.03
2010:$6,294.03
Price Increase of: 0%

Ten Lords A-Leaping
2011:$4,766.70
2010:$4,766.70
Price Increase of: 0%

Eleven Pipers Piping 
2011:$2,427.60
2010:$2,356.20
Price Increase of: 3%

Twelve Drummers Drumming
2011:$2,629.90
2010:$2,552.55
Price Increase of: 3% 

*** 

Every December a bright constellation emerges. It’s different from all the others that appear throughout the year because of the way it elegantly sits in the night sky. It doesn’t so much shine as it pulsates a radiant warm light and more importantly how it makes some people feel-- they feel hope and that's never a bad thing. Many believe this to be the Christmas Star while robed scholars argue such a thing never existed.  So, what do I think?  I like to believe it is the Christmas Star. When I noticed it last week I made my wish. One of the many reasons I love Christmas is because I'm reminded of the magic, and at times it can be so magical that it will make you believe again in things, things you may have stopped believing in.  

In a few short days I’ll be jetting off for my annual winter vaycay and will be on blog hiatus until the New Year. ADIOS to my sweaters, coats, hats and gloves and ¡HOLA! to my itty-bitty bikinis, sunblock, shorts, mini skirts and open toed stilettos. For me there is no better way than celebrating Christmas with swaying palm trees, warm ocean breezes, a rum runner in my hand, silky sand in between my toes and best of all.....dancing under a Latin moon. A white Christmas doesn’t cut it for me. 

Reading through my fellow bloggers posts I know some of you have been wrestling with various personal turmoils and your hearts are feeling heavy. Just hang in there, 2012 is right around the corner and with a New Year comes a fresh start and new opportunities.

Regardless of your faith and belief I hope the magic that I always feel during this time of year touches you in some way shape or form making your hearts a little lighter. 

Merry Christmas/Happy Holidays & May You Have A Sparkling New Year! Salud!!

May You Find Your Light in 2012. 
I Wish You Love, Light, Serenity & Happiness.  
Shine On & Twinkle On.
Peace Out. 

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess
~x

A Hippopotamus Lives In My Head

 

Cocaine Princess here.

It’s almost as if I have the never ending Christmas List. Just when I think I’m done, I’m not. On Monday I ventured back to the mall after practically shopping my brains out on Saturday from sunup to sundown. Christmas shopping at the mall on the weekend is like going into battle. Although I keep an upbeat and cheerful attitude it can be a little bit of a challenge when you’re being pushed, shoved and elbowed without receiving so much as an “I’m sorry.” One thing I’m thankful for is how so many of the malls this season are offering valet parking. I hate having to waste time circling the parking lot looking for a place to park. Anyways, two of the presents I needed to cross off my list involved a celebrity. Perhaps you’ve heard of the musician who goes by the name of Justin Bieber? A Justin Bieber bed in a bag {bed sheets, pillows, comforter etc. with his face on it} and a life size wall decal of him. The bed in a bag was a cinch to find but the decal proved to be nothing more than a pain in my tush. 

And it wasn’t just any Justin Bieber wall decal but a very specific one of him wearing white pants, purple tee with a white hoodie and a bubble caption over his head with those 3 famous words: “Never Say Never.” I’m going to go off topic here for a brief moment: Has anyone heard the duet he did with Mariah Carey? Ugh! Why Mariah? Why did you ruin one of my favorite Christmas songs, All I Want For Christmas by re~releasing it as a duet with The Biebs of all people? Was Barry Manilow not available? Sheesh! Getting back on topic: I looked far and wide and either the item was sold out or stores only had a much smaller size available. Just when I was about to give up a heavenly angel surrounded by a luminous glow appeared before me and showed me the way. And by angel I really mean a store employee at Hot Topic who suggested I try Home Depot. Guess what? He was right. Talk about a Holy Christmas Miracle! The home improvement center had a fully stocked inventory in their paint department.  Hmm, Home Depot is definitely one place I’d never thought I’d see myself shopping in for gifts. Boy, what a cold and drafty place.

One evening the school where my sister teaches held their annual Christmas pageant. Since I had nothing else better to do and because sister invited me I swung by the place. Nearly 3 hours sitting in an auditorium watching pint size people perform in a variety of holiday skits while in~between the choir dressed in festive looking robes delighted our ears to an assortment of classic Christmas carols in which everyone including yours truly joined in on, all except for one that is-- a song called, “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas.” Until that night I had never in my entire life heard of the song. When the pageant was over I questioned sister about it and according to her it’s very popular among the little ones. I googled the words: “I Want A Hippopotamus For Christmas” and had no idea just how popular this song is. And here I thought I was aware of every Christmas tune! I was baffled how this song eluded me throughout my entire childhood. I went over on youtube to view the original recording by Gayla Peevey and oh good grief, doing so turned out to be a huge mistake because now that hippo song is stuck on damn replay in my head. 

The song refuses to exit my mind. It's like one of those occupy protestors who refuse to move from their tents. The hippo has taken up permanent residency in my head and it will not go away. I could be reading, watching TV, even listening to music when all of a sudden Miss Peevey's voice comes bursting into my head at full blast. Holy snap it's even happening now as I blog out this truly remarkable post! Someone please make it stop!! I suppose posting the video has only made matters worse, right?

****

My loyal and dear readers, it’s finally Friday.

Whatever your plans are have a sweet weekend.~x

XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess

UPDATE: Home Renovation Fiasco

 

Cocaine Princess here.

Do you recall an entry I posted about “Contractor Guy?” You remember, it was about a bone-idle contractor my sister hired AND paid in~advanced {without my knowledge} to re~tile our laundry room BUT instead he left apart of our house in a dismal mess. In case it slipped your mind click here to refresh your memory.

Ta~da!! He completed the job.

BEFORE:

ALMOST DONE: 

                                        

FINALLY DONE:

 

I truly didn’t believe it was possible and given Contractor Guy's work habits I was convinced he would finish the job around spring 2012.......

but then again this is the Season of Miracles, right? 

 ****

15 shopping days left until Christmas. Has anyone completed their list? Me? Hmm, it appears my list this year is never ending or at least it seems that way. Just when I think I'm done there's still always that one more gift I need to buy for that someone.

My loyal and dear readers, it’s finally Friday.

Whatever your plans are have a spectacular weekend.~x

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess

 

Part 2: What's Not To Love?

 

 Cocaine Princess.

As promised in yesterday’ post here is Part 2. If you missed it click here.

 To review:

Speaking of the mall....

To Be Continued. Trust me this is a great segue way into part 2 that will be posted tomorrow, so hang tight.

Part 2: What's Not To Love?


Last weekend I was at the mall. My arrival happen to coincide with a Grand Parade Arrival For Santa Claus. I like to believe all this had something to do with my mere presence. Never underestimate the power of a Colombian Princess! Coincidence? Hmm, no. Perfect Timing? Definitely.

Had it not been for the extremely loud marching band I wouldn’t have had a clue about it. I was too pre-occupied trying on a sweet little dress. It had been quite some time since I had seen the Big Guy’s arrival. Usually when I go to the mall during this time of year his workshop will already be set up and Santa will be sitting on his throne with a mile long line of eager kids waiting to sit on his laps. I can still recall the exhilaration I would feel the days leading up to witnessing Santa’s grand entrance at the mall and of course the preparation– picking out the perfect outfit was just as important as writing out my list! I remember standing in line, clutching mommy’s hand and while holding my list in the other I would be bursting at the seams until those feelings were replaced by butterflies in my stomach upon hearing the sound of bells and the words “Ho, Ho, Ho” in the far distance. And the nearer the sound got the more those butterflies would flutter around. Nowadays I feel the same way when Fashion Week rolls around each year or when I receive the Neiman Marcus Christmas Catalog. I’m not going to lie, those same butterflies that once fluttered in my stomach returned for a brief moment upon hearing those magical jingle bells.

The particular mall I was at decided to throw a parade not just in honor of one Santa Claus but also the several different Santas that are celebrated through Europe.

Santa's Band Of Merry Elves:

                                   

  The parade began with Holland:

Russia:

Serbia:

Slovak Republic:

 

Hungary:

 

Poland: Hey look it's The Grinch!! Out of all the countries in the parade I found Poland to be the most lively.

Portugal: {I thought it was interesting how each European Santa paraded past American Eagle Outfitters}

   

Ukraine:

 

Croatia: Take a look at the little girl's face in the picture below this one. Boy, she seems happy, doesn't she?

 

 

O'Canada:

 

 

Spectators watching the parade:

Check out The Grinch’s pimped out jacket!!

The crowd by the elevator-- when the parade was over we decided to head up to the upper level for lunch as did everyone else:

 

While waiting our turn the country of Poland kept us entertained AND I got my pic taken with The Grinch! 

Santa's Workshop:

Lunch was in the food court at A&W. No big shock that my sister selected this delightful establishment. I decided to try their Fiesta Burger Combo: lettuce, tomato, cheese, jalapenos and spicy “fiesta” sauce. Olé!

 ****

I saw this Santa at another mall and while taking his picture the Holly Jolly Guy asked that oh so popular December question: “Have you been naughty or have you been nice?” I, of course replied,“NICE.” I tried saying it with a straight face but couldn't and began to giggle. 

I said it before and I'll say it again, being Naughty feels sooooooo Nice.

****

My loyal and dear readers, it's finally Friday! 

Whatever your plans are have a stellar first weekend of December.~x

XOXOXOXO,

Cocaine Princess

Part 1: What's Not To Love

Cocaine Princess here.

Happy December 1st My Lovely Ones.

I can finally breathe a sigh of relief. December has arrived. Excuse me while I do my Happy Dance in honor of this merry and festive month. November, the last few years has been an emotional month for me to get through, you know the kind where you don’t have the strength to get out of bed? I’m happy to report I made it through the last 30 days.

I love the month of December. What’s not to love? Here are a few of my reasons for loving this month:

Sweet Smooches Under The Mistletoe
No explanation needed.

Winter Vaycay
In a short little while I’ll be jetting off to the tropics to spend Christmas Vaycay with my best friend. Memo To Self: Pack more bikinis!

Candy Cane Crackle Ice Cream
I love the taste and smell of mint in the winter and this special flavor is only available during the month of December. The combination of peppermint candy pieces mixed into vanilla ice~cream is not only refreshing but delightful.

Chocolates And All Things Sweet
Each year my sweet tooth looks forward to the Signature Holiday Collection by Godiva. I’m not sure what the connection between chocolates and Christmas is but no matter where I go I see boxes of chocolates and for someone like me who meticulously watches what they eat-- out of all the months of the year the 12th month is the most dangerous. A few red and green M&Ms here mixed with a few Hershey’s kisses there and throw in a slice of cheesecake with Candy Cane Crackle Ice Cream on the side, December can somewhat seem like a guided missile destroyer of diets. Then again what would this cheerful time of year be without indulging in all things sweet, right?

The Fireplace
It's no big surprise I'm not a fan of cold weather but there is a lovely feeling of coziness that comes from curling up in front of the fire while I'm watching a movie and sipping on either hot chocolate or a fine glass of red wine. 
 
Holiday TV Specials
One of the many things that takes me back to my childhood is watching the classic animated specials, and although I’m an adult I can never tire of watching them year after year: The Grinch, Charlie Brown & his pitiful looking tree, Frosty The Snowman, Rudolph The Red Nose Reindeer, the entire Rankin~Bass Holiday Collection etc. Did any of you notice how this year they began airing in November?  P.S. I love when Burl Ives as the snowman sings “Holly Jolly Christmas” in Rudolph.

Christmas Music
It’s not officially the festive season until the Peanuts theme or Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas” is blasting in and out of every store at the mall. I always find myself humming Elvis’ this time of year and of course Bing Crosby’s classic “Mele Kalikimaka.” Speaking of Mele Kalikimaka--

Watching Holiday Movies
A few of my favorite: National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, Home Alone 1 & 2, Elf and The Holiday.

Whimsical Decorations & Twinkling Lights
Our entire indoor and outdoor decorations went up during the first week of November but there was a slight problem. When we took out the lighted plastic Santa from the storage room his head was lopped off! It was really strange. Neither sister, housekeeper or I knew what could have led to this tragedy. Hmm, unless there was a sadistic plastic Santa serial killer on the loose? We just chalked it up as one of those freak accidents. The problem was solved after we sent housekeeper to the local department store where she picked up another one.

Holiday Parties 
Who doesn’t love get togethers with friends and family? Maybe this is a girly thing {or quite possibly it’s just me} but what I enjoy most is the glamorous side of attending holiday parties. Getting dressed to the nines, applying black mascara with flecks of gold glitter and lip gloss that shimmers in the light..... 

Shopping For Gifts
Some may cringe and perhaps you’re saying you’d rather have a root canal but I absolutely love shopping for gifts. It doesn’t bother me the least  going from one store to the next or even from one mall to the next. Yes, the malls are filled with frenzied crowds. Yes, you may get pushed, shoved and elbowed by cranky shoppers and Yes, finding a good parking spot can be aggravating but I view all this as part of experiencing the Holy Joys of Yuletide. Besides, seeing my loved ones faces light up when they open the perfect gifts I bought them makes it all the worthwhile.  An added bonus: Let it be known that the mall can be an amazing place to experience the sights, sounds and scents of Christmas. The over the top and eye~catching decorations, the sound of the choir in their colorful sweaters singing in the center court, cinnamon and pine scented candles, cheerful wishes from store employees to the beeping sound of the debit card machine when I punch in my numbers all adds to the special atmosphere of the holiday season.

Speaking of the mall....

To Be Continued. Trust me this is a great segue way into part 2 that will be posted tomorrow, so hang tight. 

P.S. Remember to make your December Wish.


XOXOXOXO,
Cocaine Princess