Saturday, May 28, 2011

Looking forward to many things this summer!!

Happy Memorial day weekend!!! 

Wow! Things are going so very fast this year. I know that this is normal but crap! I'm doing so many reviews for hotels and Inn's. Making connections. Everyday it becomes clearer what I need to do, the direction that Kingstongirl is needing to go. I need to settle into on direction.  

If you don't read this blog very often, in my personal life we are expecting twins!! They are due in January. ( Click on the waiting for baby G link on top if you would like to read more about this journey) 
So with that coming I have to be complete in the direction of where I am going. I know that I want to continue to travel and do get together for Girls nights, movie nights, ribbon cuttings and just anything that will help get the people out that need help getting to know each other and others businesses.

What are you looking forward to for summer??? This is the weekend I feel like Summer has began. It goes quick so make sure you take the time to sit and soak it in.  Here are a few things I am looking forward too this summer. 

$ The fourth of July! 
We start to celebrate it on the 3rd with the fireworks down town Poulsbo. We have a hidden spot to watch it and they are always amazing! The next day we get up & go to down town Kingston, grab a spot and watch the parade! It is something I have done my entire life. I have missed a few and it really doesn't seem like the 4th of July without it. After that a family BBQ & that night back to Kingston to watch the fireworks there! I might try to do a BBQ here that day! <
My birthday!!!! 
I will be celebrating my birthday on July 6th! 
I love my birthday!
 with the "Hubs" he has me celebrate for an entire week! 
It is always so much fun & I'm looking forward to it.
hoping that we can do something
 really special this year! 
Going on 
lovely bike rides all summer long!
            #Hint hint honey I need a bike for my birthday!# 
                       #Go to the Drive-in#
                  Shop at the local farmers markets
                  Spending many hours lazy in bed!
                    Going Camping with the "Hub's"
          filling my house with beautiful summer flowers!
               Picnics on hot summer nights with the
                     "Hubs" Stealing kisses

        
                       I will be writing my books!
              praying I get done by the end of September!
                    I will let my inner child Play!
                     I will read a book a week!!!
                         I'm a super slow reader 
                 but will do what I can to do this goal!
                 I will journal and document this summer.
                   Spend a day at the local fair!                                
 I will enjoy the beautiful blue skies!  
Spending lots of Long warm days at the Beach!!
  ; Building sand castles!  
 Maybe some more kisses!!
 Blow bubbles!
                     End a hot summer night
                             by
               Sleeping under the star filled sky!   
Travel as much as I can!    
                                

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Fairfield Inn & suites review.

We were able to go to another hotel in the sunny and beautiful city of Yakamia. This time staying at the Farifield Inn & Suites, a Marriott property. I have wanted to get into the marriott loop and start doing reviews for this company & this was the first step to that relationship. 
The Hotel has everything that you can think of. They didn't leave anything out that you might just want or need.  
They offer rooms at a quality value for both corporate and leisure travelers, a wonderful and Free yummy continental breakfast, indoor mineral pool and spa that is perfect for you to enjoy as you end a busy day of rodeos, the fair, wine tastings, extended time out enjoying that hot Yakamia sunshine. 
Our room was very nice and I was really surprised when I got to the room and the three of us sisters felt right at home with plenty of room to spread out,   Spacious guest rooms with a well-lit work desk, two phones and data ports, also  offering FREE cable TV with HBO, an in-room hair dryer, iron and ironing board along with a coffee maker, mini fridge & a bath tub to soak in. 
We had a King size bed in our room with a TV in the bed area along with a bed, coffee table, desk & a desk chair that is really comfortable. The sofa was a fold out & was comfortable, but the one thing that I couldn't get out of my head all night was that there was a big stain on the mattress. That is for sure something that didn't let me sleep to soundly.  Other then that the room was very cozy and comfortable. 
The staff went above and beyond, the manager was so sweet and even though this was a review she could have turned me away but instead on a full house and only one room left she put us up in her hotel. There were things that could be updated and talked about that needs to be changed a bit into. 


It must be hard to be a little older of a hotel when a new shiny one comes in right next door.  This hotel is like an old friend that you might forget along the way and wish that you hadn't forgotten. The friend that you remember fondly. With any Marriott property and this one is the same, they treat you like that old friend that you have been. 


I know when I think back to this trip I will think of staying here and I will remember the fun time I had with my sisters and best friend. I will remember that when I make my reservations for my next visit there to spend time with the little sister that move over there a little further then we would have wanted her to be.
The next time we enjoy ourselves with a weekend away there we will do the farmers market, the county fair, the movies, more wine tastings or just some fun hanging out in the warm sunshine!!!




Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Ledgewood Hotel in Yakima review!!

                            
Last weekend we went to the Yakamia valley, Visiting our little sister Allie, she is a school teacher and the girls and I were excited to go. What more could a girls weekend need besides each other some wine tasting and a hotel that made us feel right at home. The drive over was beautiful, it had been a few years sense the last time that I went over the pass. Our first stop was at the North Bend outlets. We found a ton of things we wanted to buy but we were good and saved our money but we will be going back sometime soon!


We then went to Allies apartment, grabbed her and then headed out to dinner. We ate the most amazing burgers & fries at this hole in the wall burger joint. The prices over in Yakamia were amazing. We looked around the mall and did a little shopping, after we were done we headed to the hotel for the night......


                                
The Ledgestone was beautiful! It was jam packed with kids and their sports teams. When we got there we checked in with their ever so friendly front desk staff was so helpful, they even helped us find our way to them when the GPS was having a hard time. Ledgestone Hotel offer unique contemporary  feeling to their suites. It truly reflects their commitment to offer spacious suites with “Essence of Home” All the amenities go above and beyond expectation at a amazing reasonable rate. Making their goal of making sensible ways to reduce the travel costs for every single one of their guests. They want you to feel like  you could easily  prepare meals in your guest room kitchen or use the complimentary laundry equipment to get all that vacation clothes clean.
                        
Our room had everything we needed. We kept telling Kerry that this is what she needed for her first apartment! It had a two person kitchen table, fridge, oven, microwave oven, coffee maker, cook top stove, sink, all the cups,plates and silverware, there was even a DISHWASHER!!!!  The living area had a couch, flatscreen TV, Coffee table, nice lamps and a really comfortable chair. The couch is a fold out so that you can have an extra pull out in case your kids or in our case the Mom comes!  The guest room feels more like a small home than a standard hotel room, with features you would see in a house, apartment or condominium, larger than typical hotel rooms, We kept telling our younger sister Kerry that this would be the perfect first time apartment or condo for her.


Each room comes with these beautiful details, that are so wonderful that the hotel owners thought of for each of us guests.
  • Luxury bed package featuring deluxe linens and a cozy synthetic down blanket 
  • Well-lit work desk
  • Flat-screen TVs in both the living room and bedroom
  • MP3-compatible alarm clock radio
  • Spacious closet with a convenient clothes basket
  • Iron and board
  • Hair dryer
  • Vanity mirror with 3x magnification


The Bathroom had a wonderful tub, a nice vanity with their own hairdryer and vanity mirror. It shows you how much thought really went into their comfort for all their guest here. The wonderful line that they used for the shampoo, conditioner, bodywash, soap, each Tarocco products feature olive oil with extracts of Sicillian Red (Blood) Oranges, whuch are rich in Vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants. The smell of these products sent me instantly on a mini vacation. 
The lobby had a coffee area, a computer work station for all the guests to enjoy,a vending room, and even a workout room. It was so nice, it would be just what I would be looking for as a great place to hang my hat on a long road trip. Perfect to climb out of the family car, strech out and enjoy some space.
                         
With perks like these things you will question why you would think about staying anywhere else when visiting.



  • Alaska Air Miles with every stay  
  • Wireless Internet access throughout the hotel
  • Weekly housekeeping services
  • Fully equipped kitchen with refrigerator, microwave, two-burner ceramic cook top, toaster, coffee maker, dishwasher and dining table



Sleep easier when you are able to  know that this hotel’s professional night security personnel adds an additional sense of well being while away from home. The only thing that made me not happy about this entire stay was the thought that if I want to stay at another property I would have to go to Alaska to do so, meaning that I know where I will stay when I go there!  I hope that I will find out that soon they will be going all over the United States so I can stay at a home away from home with them, they stick to their motto. Making sure that your as comfortable as you would be at your own home and where you are welcome to feel a little like family.
We can not wait to come back and stay here the next time we come to visit our little sister. 
The next time you are in town you should stay here as well. 




            
      



Thursday, May 12, 2011

Thrilling Thursday Linky Party! ( Crafts and more )


Thrilling Thursday at Paisley Passions





Here is a fun craft project. I had to borrow the pictures because I can not find my camera :( So enjoy from the blog hop today :)


using heavy card stock.2107_f1_imgp4052

The skill in these albums is co-ordination, making sure the album blends together in theme and colors. This is easy to do by matching shades of colors together and sticking to a strict theme. Alternatively you can pick up a Scrapbook themed kit from your supply store and use the ready selected designs, stickers and embellishments making co-ordination very easy.

2107_f2_imgp40542107_f3_imgp4058

To start with you need to paint your album. If you are adding background paper you only need to paint the edges, if you are leaving it wood style you can try different techniques such as crackling. Crackle: To crackle a section of your album you will need to apply a thick coat of crackle medium to the plain wood and allow it to set as per the instructions on the Crackle medium bottle. Then go over the crackle with your pink paint. Work quickly and try not to overlap your brush strokes as this covers the crackle design. You will see it begin to crackle straight away.

2107_extra_imgp4059

Once it has dried your ready to continue with your album. Place your background paper onto the other board pieces mixing and matching your papers and layout designs.







Then using the supplies you have decorate your album, usually "less is more" is a crafters motto, but with this album it's almost "The more the merrier" when it comes to embellishing.

2107_extra_imgp4070

Once you are happy with your layouts bind your album together using wire rings or large curtain rings. Just thread them through the pre-drilled album holes.

Decorate the rings with knotted ribbons, cord and lace for a truly shabby rustic look.

Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Blog hops! :)


Check out this great blog hop!!! Lets do this and celebrate! :) This is alwys a fun hop to do! 

WELCOME WEDNESDAY BLOG HOP

Happy Hump Day! I am so excited - my daughter is turning 1 on Friday!  I am in serious need for some hoppin' (and escaping from birthday details) so I hope you join in! What better way to get over the midweek hump then to kick off your heels and do a little blog hopping!


Haute Mom

 
 
This week we have our Guest Hostess- Elaina from A Time Out For Mommy. She is a fellow mommy blogger with some great stuff. If you didn't visit her last week, be sure to stop on over and say hello!



Blog Hop Rules: This is a low key hop. After all...it is Welcome Wednesday, here to get the inspirational juices flowing and find other blogs we can stalk! Put those feet up, relax, and join the bloggy fun. There are a few rules though:

1. Follow the hostesses, Haute Mom! Be sure to leave a comment so that I can follow you back.

2. Follow our guest hostess A Time Out For Mommy.

3. Link up your blog for all of us to love.

4. Make an attempt to check out at least two new blogs. Don't know where to start? How about the two blogs above you? If you love the blog, become a follower and leave them a comment letting them know.


So link up! You don't have to post about the hop...but you know how we ladies work, the more the merrier. Go to the links above and join in!!

Monday, May 9, 2011

My First V-log with The Maxwell Hotel in Seattle.


Sunday, May 8, 2011

Purse for a good Paws!

I love my "fur" babies more then I think most people can understand. I have three shitzu's. Sophie is the oldest and the one that has been with me for every good time and bad time I have had. She lays with me when I am sick. Even when I'm mad at the world or the entire world is mad at me she is right there. She has a few health problems and watching her hurt is heartbreaking. 

Then I have Howie who is more like the real life version of Scooby doo! He never makes does anything like a dog more like a cat and he makes me laugh every day with his surfer boy attitude he makes life seem so easy! He sings to the song "Great escape" and follows me around the house at all times. 


Then there is Minnie, She came into our life last summer and she is so sweet, we got her when she was only a few weeks old. She was so tiny. We could fit her into our hand and just hold her there, making her be a cuddle-love lickie kissie mama's little girl. I just love love her and so does everyone we meet! Minnie is a big people "person." I love how sweet she is.  Because of my love for animals this is a cause that is a big part of my heart! I hope you will join me in helping raise funds for PAWS TOO! Look at all that they do!


 So with that being said, when I was told about this amazing event to help other fun babies and their families out there I decided that I had to get involved for this event! 
This is to help raise funds for a great local program Called PAWS. 
The Event is going to be held downtown Poulsbo at the wonderful 
Purse for the Paws
Sogno di Vino Restaurant. 
May 15th 2:00PM to 4:00PM!  
This is going to be a fun afternoon event! 

Aimed at women who love their girl time, drinks, and appetizers. 
Match that up with the love for animals & the love of Purses 
and you have an unbeatable combo to raise funds for PAWS!


http://animoto.com/play/dECu0DPhcjw7XeOX09LezA
Click on this Link to see a preview of the Purses. 


Proceeds from the silent auction of purses ad accessories are going to go towards the Hartstone spay/neuter fund, this fund provides assistance through PAWS to North Kitsap low income pet owners for pet sterilization and vaccines.  The program works through local veterinary clinics to offer minimal cost to  spay/neuter procedures that otherwise could be unable to be payable making it out of reach. 
A surgery that could run up costs would already be undoable with a family that can't afford to put food on the table half the time, would be unthinkable. 


With this program low income families fill out a PAWS financial assistance form at any vet or clinic or any of the food banks in Bainbridge, Poulsbo Kingston. Some questions need to be answered including proof of income and ownership of the animal.  This has been successful for over 35 years. A big bonus is the fact that it has already had a hand in helping reduce the local population of unwanted pets, but it also helps to control contagious and deadly diseases.

A big thank you to PAWS for their "Paw" in helping more then 250 local families with their pet sterilization's in 2010. This year in 2011 they have high hopes that, that number will be even higher.  Before all of this I was unaware that if this is unchecked local dogs and cats populations will skyrocket, with an average of six puppies per litter, babies then grow quickly then have puppies of their own. Then soon they are in the thousands! 

Now spicing up the venue for the fundraiser is the famous local best selling Author Susan Wiggs, the events lead sponsor and long time supporter of keep the pet population down through spay/neuter. For this fundraiser she cleaned out her very own collection of designer purses, that she has acquired.


Not only can you come and bid on one of her bags but on one of her best selling books that she has Autographed ad added to the gift bags!
This is so exciting for me to come and meet her! 

What a great Mothers day gift!!! You can give yourself or tell your child or husband that this is just what you want!  This way you can have that relaxing afternoon with your girlfriends, all the while bidding on that purse that you just can not live without! 

Now just for you Kingstongirl fans if you buy at ticket you get a FREE PAWS Canvas tote that you can have at the event! Just mention that you are coming with Kingstongirl when you buy your tickets online at www.northkitsappaws.org See you there!!!!

            #Leave me a comment on your fur babies story! #