Monday, August 30, 2010

Tempt My Tummy Tuesday.

Enjoy this wonderful meal for an end of the summer BBQ! As summer comes to a close we always do one more wonderful BBQ. Time for you to enjoy these recipes.

Grilled Salmon. 


Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets
  • lemon pepper to taste
  • garlic powder to taste
  • salt to taste
  • 1/3 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup brown sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions  

  1. Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt.
  2. In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
  3. Preheat grill for medium heat.
  4. Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6 to 8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Strawberry & Almond Salad. 




             Ingredients

  • 3 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1/4 cup sliced honey-roasted almonds
  • 1 tablespoon cider vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. In a jar with a tight-fitting lid, combine the vinegar, honey and sugar; shake well. Drizzle over salad and toss to coat. Serve immediately.                 


Asparagus with Blood Oranges.



Makes 1-2 servings

1 blood orange
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1 scallion, finely chopped
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 stalks green asparagus

Zest the orange; set zest aside. Slice off the ends of the orange. Set an orange on end; with a small knife, slice off and discard the peel and the white pith. Holding the orange in your hand, use a knife to cut the orange segments away from their membranes. Place segments in a bowl and set aside. Over a separate bowl, squeeze the remaining orange pulp to extract any remaining juice. Whisk 1 1/2 teaspoons oil, lemon juice, oregano, and scallion into orange juice and season with salt and pepper; set dressing aside.

Cut off about 1" from the tough end of the asparagus and transfer asparagus to a large microwavable baking dish. Sprinkle asparagus with reserved orange zest and drizzle with remaining oil and 2 tablespoons water. Microwave on high for about 2 minutes, rotating the dish if necessary until asparagus is just tender. Drain off cooking liquid. Toss asparagus with reserved citrus dressing and season with salt. Top with orange segments. Serve immediately or at room temperature.

Grilled Pineapple Desert



1 fresh pineapple, peeled and sliced in rounds
Ice cream, I used Dulce De Leche (caramel)
Caramel sauce. This is an optional step, but I brush my slices with canola oil so the pineapple caramelizes better with great grill marks. As the pineapple grills it gets sweeter and softer, even the core gets softer. Remove from the grill when you have a nice caramel color and good grill marks on either side. I used my indoor grill but Bobby Flay did his on an outdoor charcoal grill! Allow your slices to cool slightly or your ice cream will melt too quickly. Place a slice on the dessert plate, top with a scoop of ice cream and drizzle some warmed caramel sauce. If you really want to go over the top like we did, add some fresh whipped cream!

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Meet Me Monday!



1. How many pets do you have?


We have three dogs, Howie, Sophie, & Baby girl Minnie Bella.  
We have three fish ( Lary, Moe & Curly) we are getting more for our big tank so stay tuned. I love animals of all kind and love the idea of having many many more. 
The house we live in has enough land to have several animals and if I can have my way we are going to have  a bunny and some chickens next spring as pet's, I would also like a few goats so I can make some goat milk soap. 

2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

I have always wanted to be a singer go ahead and laugh!  (a country singer when I was little) If I could trade with anyone it would have to be....Taylor Swift. 

Young. Gorgeous. Talented.

For just once in my life, I'd love to experience what it would be like to walk on a stage with an arena full of people screaming for me. But just once.

Or maybe...........Kristen Stewart because she get's to hump him Robert Pattinson! :)

3. What is your favorite money saving tip?


Stay home........If you don't go anywhere unless you have to leave. Not leaving the house means using no gas, not spending money at a store. 

4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up?


I don't have children of my own but I have niece's and nephew's that I love more then anything in the world. The thing's I want most for all of them is to love deeply, to be loved deeply back, do good in the world. Always be kind to other's and live a healthy life.  Oh and to always love their Auntie! 

5. What is your favorite quote?

Oh, well here are some that I love. 


Do not pursue the past.
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no longer is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is.
In the very here and now, the practitioner dwells in stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
To wait until tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows how to dwell in mindfulness night and day,
'one who knows the better way to live alone.'
By Bhaddekaratta Sutta
*********************
Do not weep.
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Light the Night Fundraiser.

Dear Friends & Family,

I am building a team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light The Night Walk, and I would love for you to join me September 25th 2010 at 7:00PM at Green Lake in Seattle

Light The Night Walk is LLS's annual walk and fundraising event- and the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. Teams of friends and families or co-workers raise funds for cancer research and to provide services in their communities. Each Walker who raises $100.00 or more becomes a Champion for Cures and get's to carry a special illuminated balloon- white for survivors, red for supporters and gold for those who have lots a loved one to blood cancer.

As you may know this hits home for me and my family, being diagnosed, going through treatment and all of the financial burden that can bring a family to their knees.
Many families participate in this walk every year. It is an amazing time that everyone at the walk has the same goal- curing cancer! Everyone has a great time on the walk night too! The live entertainment keeps everyone moving, and dancing, the food is plentiful, the camaraderie was amazing and the kids have a wonderful time! The entire night gives us all so much hope!

Your participation and support WILL make a difference. I hope you will consider walking on my team and making a commitment to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100.00 or more. If you cannot participate, you are more then welcome to make a donation toward my efforts. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated!

We are also doing a fun event for the girls at

The white house/black market store. Where we will see a fashion show, with a DJ and food and drinks! It is going to be a fun time.
%10 of everything you buy that day will go towards the walk! If you would like to be part of this event space is limited so please
RSVP! Thanks ladies :)


September 18 · 2:30pm - 7:00pm

LocationStore #: 3171 3000 184th Street SW Suite 936 Lynnwood, WA 98037



For more information or to donate online please visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/wa/SeattleL10/StaceysDream

Thank you for your support in the fight against blood cancer.

Thank you
Kingstongirl.
kingstongirlnews@gmail.com

Friday, August 27, 2010

Wordless Wednesday

What love looked like! This is my Great Grandparents, Ida Maye and Hank Freiboth. They were loved so much raisng 7 children. That makes getting together now hard unless we rent a hall to do it in. This family is amamzing and they were together for over 60 years. Not one day goes by that I don't think of them.

Monday, August 23, 2010

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday!

I love this time of the year because Peaches are in season. Our neighbors have a peach tree and we are lucky that they are nice and that they are willig to share. So I will share some fun things to make with the in season Peaches................ Yes today I made two pies and a blackberry crisp! Yummy. All from my garden. Enjoy!



Peach Pie




Prep Time:

1 Hr Cook Time:

45 MinReady In:

1 Hr 45 Min

Servings (Help)

US Metric Calculate

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9 inch pie

Ingredients

10 fresh peaches, pitted and sliced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup butter 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions

Mix flour, sugar and butter into crumb stage.

Place one crust in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. Line the shell with some sliced peaches. Sprinkle some of the butter mixture on top of the peaches, then put more peaches on top of the the crumb mixture. Continue layering until both the peaches and crumbs are gone.

Top with lattice strips of pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden. Allow pie to cool before slicing. Best when eaten fresh.


Peach Pie!
Ingredients


6 eggs, beaten 3 1/2 cups white sugar 10 fresh peaches, pitted and chopped 4 cups heavy cream 2 cups half-and-half cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In large bowl, mix together eggs and sugar until smooth; puree peaches in blender or food processor and stir 5 cups of puree into egg mixture. Stir in cream, half-and-half, vanilla and salt and mix well.

Pour mixture into freezer canister of ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions


Peach Jelly... ( a great gift to stock up on for xmas) yes I said it!






 
 
 
Ingredients


12 fresh peaches, pitted and chopped 4 1/2 cups white sugar 1 (2 ounce) package dry pectin

Directions

Crush 1 cup chopped peaches in the bottom of a large saucepan. Add remaining peaches, and set pan over medium-low heat. Bring to a low boil, and cook for about 20 minutes or until peaches become liquid (my family likes a few bits of peach left) .

Pour peaches into a bowl, and then measure 6 cups back into the pan. Add sugar, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Gradually stir in dry pectin, and boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat after 1 minute, and transfer to sterilized jars. Process in hot water bath canner for 10 minutes. Let cool, and place on shelf.

Last but not least,

Peach Omelet
 
Ingredients


1 cup peeled, sliced peaches 2 tablespoons lemon juice 4 slices bacon 2 tablespoons water 6 eggs 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pinch paprika

Directions

Mix peaches with lemon juice; set aside. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoons bacon grease in skillet.

In a large bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, water, eggs, chives, salt, sugar and black pepper.

Reheat bacon grease over medium high heat. When grease is hot, pour egg batter into pan. Arrange peach slices on top of egg batter. Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Uncover and cook until set. Sprinkle with paprika. Let cool slightly before serving.

Meet Me Monday.................

1. What are you most afraid of?

Let's see besides snakes, I can only think of one big thing.....Death!

I am so incredibly terrified of dying. I can't even bring myself to think of one of my family memebers or close friends passing away. I just think that my life wouldn't be the same without any of them. I am an only child and have been worried about this for as long as I can remember.
Obsessive much?


2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

Well right now no but when my hair is a little long, well them I'm a flat iron girl...but, back in the day, when I had long hair, I was a curling iron girl...just couldn't get the job done with a flat one!

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?
Phone to the ear. I know everyday that I am behind the wheel I am breaking the law! Opps!
Yes.  I do get the weird quirk/fear. If I'm passing a police officer, I always try to act non-chalant and hide it...like he/she can't tell that I'm jabbering away on my phone! I'm afraid they'll pull me over, throw me in the clink for talking on my phone.

But it doesn't stop me.

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set? No I try to but I don't. I am going to do a bedroom, makeover in the future. It would be great to have a grown up room! So when I get done with my bedroom make-over I will post before and after pictres. Promise!


5. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Yes, I do. I feel there are people that spirits are left behind.

I like "scary stuff"...I enjoy the occasional ghost story...and I get totally intrigued by stories like the Glensheen Mansion. Oooooh, gives me the shivers just a little bit!

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Sunday re-cap.

This past week has gone by so fast. I tryly never thought that this summer would almost be over in a blink of an eye. I am wondering if I am the only one that feels this way. I hate when summer ends, but I love when the fall starts. Here in Kingston today the weather was rainy and wet. Then this afternoon it ended with some heat and some sunshine. It was a pretty lazy day. I didn't shower I didn't get dressed I just lazy dazed around.

This week was so crazy busy that I could hardly keep up with anything and so my blog got a little forgotten.
Then I got told by a random person that my blog needed polish and that it wasn't as good as it could be.  The words that I read in the email that was sent to me made me feel sad and dumb. I decided that I would take a break for a little while and try to re-group. This is my baby. I love writing my blog and reading all of yours, the relationships I have because of this blog are amazing. That the fact of us having become freinds because of this blog is just wonderful. It is a great feeling to know that I can hop on this computer and just let it all out there and you will all be right there to lift me up. Just wish others could remember that saying..........."if you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all." Yeah do what your mommy taught you.

Another reason that I haven't been writing this past week is because the MAC isn't working well. I have to take it into the shop for some work. It will be so freaking nice to have my baby back. I miss how easy it is compared to the PC and how in 5 years it has yet to crash on me!

My friend Steph and I went to this beautiful lodge on the Hood Canal. It was amazing. I will be posting that on Friday. I have been given some thought to the post and going over my notes and truly hope I can go back with my "Hub's" I think it would be just amazing in the dead of winter with the snow falling all over the property. Because of the lap top being down I have to do all my posts on a blackberry so please bare with me if you do happen to see the type o!

I promise I will be more into writing this week and that I will get to all of your blogs to say hi!  One more camping trip planned for the summer and its done. We have gone three times so far this summer and it has to be the best summer that I have had in a very long time.

Have a great night and a very wonderful Monday morning.

Monday, August 16, 2010

Meet Me Monday..............

1. Have you ever visited another country?
Not yet but there are a ton of places that I hope my blogging about Travel will lead me to.
I want to go and backpack Europe. I am planning so many things in my mind its crazy. :)
Oh I went to Victoria B.C. One time does that count? I always think as us and Victoria and Vancouver as part of Washington. :) We are so close and I love them all eh'

2. Where is the strangest place you have ever been?
Hands down the underground with my "sister" in Colorado Springs. I thought I was going to die
when we went into this black dungeon of a bar that use to be where people would go and get cremated. And the Goth crowd was around us but these people were my age, I am all into twilight but come on! :)

3. What is your favorite season?
I love all the seasons but I really love the fall, I love the colors the foods, the laying in bed to read, the last of the bon fires, the football games, the leaves changing, my Mom, Hub's,Daddy's, my sister in law's and my "sister" b-day. Craft fairs, hay rides, the boo at the zoo, the fairs, I love them all....Yup I love the fall.

4. What one song will always cheer you up?
The one on practical magic movie with the word's You put the Lime in the coke you nutt! :)
Also LA women by the doors when you drive in to the Valley of LA and for the first time you see all those lights. My Parents did this every time we drove to California. :)

5. What Disney character do you resemble most?
Oh man...... I would have to say Mary Poppins, not just because I dabble in nannying, and all things domestic but when I do those travel review's it seems like I have her bag. I'm pretty entertaining and I have a man that is my equal not all of who I am. Whenever I am sick I still to this day watch that movie over and over and over. I am able to get anyone to love me with a spoonful of sugar.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

Say something Saturday.... SweetBrier Patch Review.......



Sweetbrier Patch is what I am going to write about this month. This is my saving grace for my dogs. The way in how they get groomed is so wonderful now. My Dog’s use to get so scared when we would hit a mile or two away from the groomers. Now that Sweetbrier Patch come to our home make both of my fur babies feel so much more at ease. Plus when I am at home writing then they each get some one on one time with me and I think that we all love that.

Linnie became a resident  of Kingston in 1994. Her grandparents built a summer home on Miller Bay in 1942. Back then it was just a summer cabin to visit when they would come from the "big city". There was no road beyond Bay Marine, so they would have to walk past that point. Showing her roots she told me  “My grandfather taught "electricity" at the U of W. My father grew up on Miller Bay and started his own business reparing outboard motors when he was only 12 years old! My aunt was a postmaster.”

“I love Kingston!” Linnie said.  When she moved here in 1994 from Spokane she lived in her grandparent's house on the bay for about a year. Like most people Linnie fell in love with Kingston the first time she drove through it. Something very quaint about it always stuck with her. Linnie and her husband purchased property on South Kingston 13 years ago, Linnie just couldn't imagine a better place to raise her kids. The friendly and supportive community and the willingness to help one another makes this place special.” I really wouldn't change a thing.”

When I asked Linnie if there was anything she would like to see in the community, She said “ I would like to see Kingston offer a dog park at some point in the future. I think there are many dog lovers in our area that would really appreciate a place to take their dogs and socialize.” With that being said I couldn’t agree more. Maybe this is just one more thing our growing community needs to work together on. 

 When she came to the idea to do grooming she had been in between jobs about 3-1/2 years ago and really gave it a lot of thought about what to pursue next.  She happened to be visiting with my friend one evening and we were tossing out different ideas and she said, "Hey, I always thought it would be fun to be a groomer. Especially if you were a mobile groomer". I didn't really think much of it that night but it really stuck with me for a few weeks” This lead her to start doing some research on grooming schools and grooming in our area. With that research she found a few schools on the Seattle side and a couple of mobile groomers around the Kitsap Peninsula. But only a few. This idea started to take off.

When she decided  to make the leap three years ago she never gave it a second thought and to this day has never looked back. “That's kind of how I am about things. Full speed ahead. I knew that is I wanted my business to work that I would have to offer something different. By going mobile this would offer service to your door, less stress on the dogs, and one on one attention in a safe and loving environment” Her  husband Chuck "tagged" along with me and after about a year, we decided to add a second trailer to help meet the demand. Chuck helps out with some of the larger bath dogs. In addition they use only natural and organic products and everything is biodegradable.  You could call us "green groomers".

In asking about her business I asked what the hardest part is and Linnie said that It would have to have been the commuting to Marysville for grooming school 5-6 days a week for 3-1/2 months, during the winter.  That is a lot of time to give when you have a family and we are on the Peninsula. All of us that have done it even one time knows that it takes dedication and that is just how dedicated Linnie was.

 The upside to having her own business is that I get to set my own hours and it works well for taking time off  to spend time with her family. The downside is that there is only one of her, so when she is booked full, she is booked full! I know this because it takes 4-6 weeks to get in with her.  I drag my feet sometimes and it just means that my poor dogs have to wait because I wont go to anyone else. I wait for an opening.

They give to the community as well, by donating gift certificates for local area auctions and have volunteered thier services at some local events. “We groomed the dogs that were in our son's classes at Gordon the past 2 years as our "volunteer" time.” They even have their own discount program for grooming service dogs and dogs of disabled veterans. In the future Linnie said “ I am hoping to work out some details with the Salvation Army and are hoping to start a program where we can groom some dogs for the homeless.”  It made me even more proud and wanting to keep my business with Sweetbrier Patch when she told me “I am a veteran myself, so it means a lot to me go give back where I can”

Linnie gives all the credit to her awesome family that consists of her husband, Chuck, and three sons, Talon, Colin, and Gavin.

In the future they are hoping to open a grooming shop in Kingston within the next 5 years, in addition to being mobile. We also want to offer a pick up and delivery option to the salon as we realize mobile might not work for everyone. I know that those that know and use Sweetbrier Patch hope so too.

Linnie is so passionate about what I do and everyday she get to work with dogs. Who wouldn't love that.
 “ The best thing I have learned from running my own business is that as long as you stay true to yourself, be honest with your clients,  and do your very best everyday then success is sure to follow!”  Linnie is part of our family now. We love all she does to our dogs and if my dogs love her and aren’t afraid of her, but instead run up to her even when they know their getting a bath it means something. Animals just know who to love and trust and those of us that are lucky to get Linnie to groom our dogs know it too, She is a special lady with a great business.

 Linnie would like to take some time to  just have to add “ That if  it weren't for all of those wonderful and patient clients that stuck with me through all of the "bad hair" days with their pups.first hair cuts. I wouldn't be where I'm at today. And for that I am truly grateful. Also for the wonderful pet stores and veterinarians who have recommended our services.”

One last note Sweetbrier Patch serves Kingston, Hansville, Poulsbo, & Bainbridge Island.

Friday, August 13, 2010

Happy Birthday to one of my best friends.

The Friendship that I have with Stephanie is one that started the way any other friendship would start. It was a day that "Hub's" said it was okay to go to a yard sale because it was only a few streets down from where we lived at the time. So we went over introduced ourselves and in an instant we were talking and exchanging numbers to meet up and have dinner together. They had three babies and we were getting close to trying to work on adopting. Here this girl just met me and we tell her we were working on starting a family and she gave me tons of baby items that her two year old twins no longer needed. 
This right here tell's you what an amazing person Steph really is. 

   Over the next few months we became even closer and got to really know one another.
Knowing that our friendship was a once in a life time find.  We are there for each other when we need someone to listen, to laugh with and to give a shoulder when we need to cry. 
My Hub's and her Hub's S went on the Husband play date and pasted with flying colors.
They have become the best of friends as well. 
Yeah for Husband Play dates!!!
 Over the years our families have become family. 
Celebrating daily events, special moments in each others lives.
Even become Auntie and Uncle to their three children.
Making the fact that "Hub's" and I feel a lot better not having 
a baby of our own. ( Yet )

I love the fact that this friendship is one I will have for the rest of my life.
She is my rock and is there whenever I need her. ( I need her alot)
When we needed a place to live they let us stay for free in their back cottage.
 Until we were able to get back on our feet.


 
 I will never be able to pay back the wonderful things they have done for us. 
One thing is for certain we are the lucky ones to have her and S in our lives. 
I  am not the only one that know's that being Steph's friend is a gift.
  She has ton's of friends.  
Each and every one of us know 
    how lucky We really are!     

I LOVE YOU STEPH!!
THANKS FOR LETTING ME BE A PART OF YOUR LIFE!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

                                          


Thursday, August 12, 2010

I don't know...........

As I sit here and write this post I am thinking of what I need to do. What is my next move in the jumbled game of life.  I don't know what is my next step what to think of doing. I get up and wake up tired. I go back to sleep and try to feel rested but I can't feel rested no matter what. My mind swims 100 miles a second, trying so hard to decided what my next move is in life. I talk it over with the "Hub's" With the pro's and con's of all of life's little up's and downs.

I am having a bad time with the lap top so I need to make this post quick because I have written this same post 6 times. I will write more tomorrow. Happy Weekend! <3

Monday, August 9, 2010

Tempt my Tummy Tuesday.

 

 

Ingredients

  • 3 cups frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 head cauliflower, chopped into bite size pieces
  • 1/2 cup pitted green olives, chopped
  • 1 cup thinly sliced celery
  • 1/4 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup nonfat plain yogurt
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 cup cashew nuts

Directions

  1. Mix the peas, cauliflower, olives, and celery together in a large bowl.
  2. Whisk the ranch dressing, yogurt, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Pour over pea mixture, and stir until ingredients are evenly coated. Sprinkle cashews on top just before serving.

Nutritional Information open nutritional information

Amount Per Serving  Calories: 180 | Total Fat: 10.8g | Cholesterol: 2mg

Meet Me Monday...


1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?

I jump around a lot until I get to the one place that is comfortable enough to fall asleep. Then I don't move the rest of the night.

I must have the top cover taut & tucked in against my feet, or I just can't take it.

for the most part I am a neat tummy sleeper.

2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.

Of a free spirit that I use to be. I use to be the fly by the seat of my pants kind of a girl and then I grew up and became a total OCD planning freak show. I write lists and plan vacation down to the very second. I know one thing I made my Mom &
Hub's trip so stressful, it wasn't as fun as it could have been if I would have just chilled out a bit. In my family we call it being the camp boss! ( Type A control freak I guess)
          But even with me being a type A We still had an amazing time! 
        I love my husband & Mom so much, this memory was wonderful..... 
                             Only thing that was missing was Dad!

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?


That going to collage was not something I should have skipped. I should have been told I needed to be in collage because those that have a education can get paid more then someone that didn't,  Because they put in the hard work.

I should have gone to collage, but I decided to go to work and start making money, I thought that I would work there forever but things change and I don't work there now but because of that I am now working on being a paid freelance writer and truly doing something I love!  
 


4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?

I am a thrifty person and I love to go to yard sales and flea markets. The best thing I found at a Yard sale was the drapes I have in my living room, the Chair that I sit on everday, and the wonderful vintage fabric that I always seem to find.

Almost the entire living room is from Craigslist and yard sales :) Not to bad huh?

5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?

Hummmmm. Tonight I would love to have my Nana's home made Chicken noodle soup. YUMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

I love my Grandma more then she or anyone else will know. She is an amazing wonderful women and she is one of my best friends...I just love her so much. 
                        This is a picture of the new puppy Minnie & My Grandma Agness Minnie

Friday, August 6, 2010

No-Go -BlogHer- BOOOOHOOOO!


Thousands of bloggers will be gathering together in New York for BlogHer 2010.
Sadly, I am not one of those bloggers. (insert tears here!)
Instead, I am participating in the No-Go BlogHer blog hop sponsored by To Be Thode and Marf Mom.

We have been asked to answer a couple of questions and then. THEN, we will be entered to win one of the really great prizes offered by these two generous gals and their sponsors. I am trying to meet new people and find new friends. So with that thought I have decided to play along.

So here goes.
1. When did you start blogging?
  • I started blogging back in 2002 when I got married to vent, the ramblings of being a newly wed, house mouse, trying to stumble through my life and all the new adventures & health issues that I was faced with throw in my husbands ex-wife and I just needed some way to have an outlet. Then last winter I was home a lot shut in the house with the feeling that I needed to find a way to write and truly let my love for writing be out there.
2. Why did you start blogging?
  • I started blogging this blog because I decided to write an article for the local papers, I thought that adding a blog and writing about the places that I go and stay at so I am able to share all my thoughts about my stay . I started my own blog here on the world wide web because I enjoy making people laugh, Also get my ideas in my head on paper. To make myself a brand and connect people in my community! ( I never thought that in a few months time its gotten so big)
3. What is one thing you are going to do this week that is WAY cooler than going to BlogHer?
  • I will be going to a family BBQ on Saturday, This part of my family is so special to me and I just love that I will be swimming in the water, eating good food, making new memories with my family.  I will be taking pictures of the entire day.  Oh and I get to clean house...
4. Share a post that you thing says a lot about you or is your favorite.

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Great Wolf Lodge mini Vacation.......

Last Sunday myself and my friend April, her daughter Angeleila, and Angeleila's friend Kaylala  packed ourselves in the car for a three hour tour from Kitsap County to the Great Wolf Lodge. What a beautiful drive. I love seeing the State Capital in Olympia stick up above the green trees with the beautiful blue sky behind it!   I would never get sick of seeing that view.

When we took the turn off to make are way to the GWL, you are able to know that with the  big wolves in the front protecting the lodge is not the only a Grand thing you are about to experience.
At first I really wasn't sure if I didn't have a child of my own if I would really get the big picture. The attraction of why it is such a big and important place to go to and experience. As I am writing this I am still smiling for the great time I had and can only imagine what I would feel if I was a child going here for the first time.
 In entering the lobby you instantly know your in for a great stay. Right away you see the line the hussle and bussle of all the people going in and out of the water park, through the lobby to get to their rooms. It was amazing how families were around smiling and laughing, making memories.  I loved how alive the lobby was it was a wonderful feeling to see it so busy and full of families having great times, a time that a family will forever remember.

As the line was backed up through the rolling ropes up to the hotel front desk. I was reminded of my many stays at the Disney properties. I was greeted with a smile and explained in detail about all the perks and where to take the kids and really all the amazing things that they have to offer.

The water park was much more then I thought it would be. I was thinking it would be a lot like the other water park in Federal way. Nope this blew anything around out of the water...( No pun intended.)  The star of Great Wolf Lodge is the indoor waterparks,  with 340,000 gallons of swirling, sloshing sliding water make it one of America’s largest!!!!  Boasting with 6 huge slides, 3 pools, giant water fort, indoor/outdoor hot tubs, then even have an enormous outdoor waterpark! It is something that all ages will enjoy on their own or together!

Our room was on the second floor and was number 217 it was big and comfortable and every thing you could think of. It was a KidCabin Suite decorated with a log cabin in the middle of the room. Inside the "log cabin" was a bunk bed & a day bed and a small flat screen TV,  with movies and Nintendo, ( you have to rent both the movies and the games) I would love to see a DVD player in the rooms and a redbox in the lobby. Maybe even board games in each room to play before bed. I think the families would enjoy it.

In the main room there was a queen bed that was comfortable with extra pillows and blankets, there was a full-size sleeper sofa so two families could fit in this room if they wanted to. There is also another TV in the main room.  This suite has a beautiful gas fireplace. The KidCabin is so spacious, I would stay in there again, maybe just have a patio or deck off the room would have been nice. The added touches like the log cabin themed side tables, trim,  & coffee table, even adding a country kitchen table for your family to sit up at just makes it wonderful for your family to enjoy also.  Included in the room are granite counter tops a separate vanity from the shower area and the yummy bath products they give you from the spa are to die for!! ( Even the bubble gum shower gel)  The added touches that the lodge goes to for making it extra special shows in every single hand picked detail.


Speaking of things that they offer.... talk about not having to leave once you get there. They have everything your heart could think of or dream of wanting on site. The gift shop is just wonderful and the prices are so good.  Starbucks is on hand, now how could you go wrong when you can get your "Bucks" easily and on site. A wonderful Gift shop Buckhorn Exchange, Bear Essentials swim shop.

There are places to eat where you can find something your entire family would like and enjoy. Camp Critter's bar and Grille, Spirit Island snack shop, Grizzly Rob's bar & even a Pizza hut!
I decided to go to the Critter's bar and Grille. It was a great choice, I had the best salad with crab, salmon, shrimp. It was so big that two of us could have eaten it but I was a piggy and ate it all by myself. :)

I took the kids to the Cub Club where they were able to do some fun free activities and enjoyed a one on one story time! They then made flip flop sun catchers, it was fun to see them enjoy their time! The kids could have also done a Jr Life guard class and then spend the next day following a lifeguard. We also made two husky puppies at Great Wolf Stuffing Station, ( Just like the build a bear) Also one more non-swimming thing to do is a build your own crocks (the slip on shoes with the holes) We did a pair for each of us and laughed the entire time.


For the older child that you might bring there is an option for something fun for them to do as well. There is an Arcade  &  a place called gr8_space with multiple gaming stations like the Nintendo Wii, XBox360, and Playstation 3,  along with fun games like Guitar Hero and Rock Band. There are also  computers with parent approved Internet access so your kids will never have to miss a Myspace, Facebook, or Twitter update, ( Ok maybe us grown ups as well.)  You can enjoy the latest movies & today's hottest music and videos.  Their most popular event is their Teen Dance Party which is hosted by a GWL dj’.  Your teen can dance to all of "in" dance music in a safe and fun environment, where you as their parent's wont have to worry and you will seem pretty cool to let them join in on the fun!

If that isn't enough for your family try going to the Northern Lights Arcade. Just make sure not to wear a thin shirt with a white bra or all eyes will be on you,(insert laugh here) yup it happened to me!! There are over 100 games that are on the token system and is super fun. Located on the 2nd floor on the entrance level of the Water park. It is also a great escape for that little break you might need for an hour or so before or after a long swim.  While your kids are there you can go use the fitness room

After hours of swimming and going down water slides, we went to the room got in our PJ's and went to the Great Clock Tower and if you haven't seen this for yourself it is an animated display in the Grand lobby.  It is a 15 minute show. Animals coming alive singing and telling a story to teach your children and maybe even teach you a great life lesson. They run three times at day at 10:00 am, 8:00 pm & 9:00pm.

Feeling like you need some extra pampering while on your mini vacation? Do what I did and go get a treatment at the Elements Spa where they offer guests the perfect retreat.  Specializing  in much needed stress reduction and relaxation, I was able to enjoy a facial and a wonderful foot treatment. They have the spa set up perfectly to relax, with low lit lighting it takes you miles away from whatever you need to run from. So grab your spouse or a girlfriend and hit the mini getaway designed for you to slow down and unwind & re energize. There is so many wonderful things to pick off of the menu from  massage's to a facial's. You deserve the pampering.

While you are there you should have your little girl go to Scoops, where your little girl can enjoy a spa that was created just for kids with services designed exclusively for ages 4-12 years old. Everything in scoops is centered around delicious ice cream dishes!!!  Ice cream flavor's you crave for a manicure or pedicure. They even have special facial's that are just  for young tween faces and skin needs. We’ll pamper, beautify and spoil your girl. Make sure to bring the camera!!!

Then there is MagiQuest  an adventure game unlike anything you’ve seen before. Armed with magic wands, Children will explore an enchanted kingdom to solve puzzles, discover hidden treasures, help mystical characters, and even slay a dragon. The combination of video gaming, role-playing, and story-telling makes you the star in this fun game. A great way to truly see and experience the entire hotel. You have to look up and down and all around the hotel or you will miss it! We did this and the Pixie Hallow was the best part of it for Angie, she was able to learn and play at the same time. Some parents might think that this is a non-needed Indulgence, but if a $14 dollar wand will add that smile to your child's face its so worth it. Remember they're only children for a while so you might as well make the most of it!
I had a great time and I even booked another trip to return with just the "Hub's" and I.  Something really important for us is to have fun together and this is just the right place to do that. Stay tuned for that review!  I will add some fun things that we did as a couple in that post.

I was invited back to stay Oct. 15-17 in celebration of their Howl-O-Ween festivities.  They’ll have crafts, spooky story time, trick-or-treat, and much more! Because they know how important my readers are to me they’re also giving something to you!!!!  A chance to join in the festivities! For a limited time, they are offering a discounted rate of $169 per night to guests that book using the promo code “1010FAMBLOG” before 9/14/10.  They are only promoting this through bloggers. Check out the special website for your readers to get more details here,
:http://www.greatwolf.com/halloweenspecialevent.   If you do make a reservation please let them know you found out through Kingstongirl!!!

 In the interest of full disclosure, I was provided a discounted stay by Great Wolf Lodge in connection with my review.