Happy Monday Photography & A little bit sassy!!!!

This is a conversation between myself and Gretchen of Happy Monday Photography and a little bit sassy.

How long have you lived in the area?
This time? lol My family and I lived here from 2002-2007. We are a Navy family so we moved down to the San Diego area for awhile and returned to this area again last August. Unfortunately we will have to leave the area again next August. We look forward to retiring here in six years.


How much family history do you have in the area? 

None in the Kitsap area. I spent most of my childhood in Bellevue.

What is your favorite thing about the area?
I love the “small town” feel but the fact that it is close enough to so many different city type activities.

What would you change if you could about the area?
I take away to stupid Toll on the Narrows Bridge. :)

What made you start your own business?
I felt VERY strongly that I needed to be a stay at home mom. I have attempted many different home based business and was never successful because my heart wasn’t in it. Before my 3rd child, a baby girl, came along, my husband bought me my first “real” camera. I have been interested in Photography since I was a teenager but I fell in love with it when I started taking pictures of my children. My passion for creating images evolved when we were in California and after a year of portfolio building, Happy Monday Photography was born.

Where would you like to see your business be in 5 years?
I would like to be in a beautiful studio filled with the sound of little feet, belly laughs and lots of love. My goal is to have a boutique in the front where I can sell all my crafty stuff. :)

What is the hardest part of having your own business?
Its all up to me. Whether I succeed or fail, its on my shoulders. I love the challenge though, it keeps me on my toes and gives me the opportunity to continue growing artistically.

Where would you like our town to be in over the next five years?
I would love to see Downtown Silverdale become something more than buildings filled salons. It would be so great to have a bustling area filled with a nice variety of businesses, galleries, resteraunts, etc.

What is your favorite thing to do in our town?
Our family LOVES geocaching!!! Never heard of it? Check it out, www.geocaching.com. It is a real life treasure hunt and is such an awesome activity for families to do together.

What is your favorite Store in town?
Goodwill. I LOVE transforming wood furniture into perfect pieces for my house.

Do you give to any local charities you work with?
I make several different products with a Breast Cancer Awareness theme. I donate a minimum of 50% of the profits of those items to the Susan G Komen Foundation.

What is your business motto?
“Leave Boring at the Door”. I am a fun person and I want my clients to have a carefree, relaxed, candid and fun time when we are together.

Tell me anything you would love to share about your business.
I do this because I LOVE it. I love giving people the gift of Heirloom quality images. Lets have some fun and capture the important moments in your life, big and small.

Sometimes you only have each other.

A few weeks ago some family drama emerged like a wreaking ball it destroyed some amazing relationships but what it didn't do is destroy my relationship with my husband it made us closer. The time I have been taking away from writing has been so that I could nest in our new home and snuggle closer to my husband.

My hub's works. A lot. I work. A lot.We are about to have two beautiful baby boys born in January, who will fill up a super amount of whatever little time we will have left. Add that to bills that keep showing up every month. A almost 40 year old home that needs to be up dated and made into the home that we will raise those boys and our family in, it never has a day go by that goes with out a creak or complaint and the typical everyday American life. 

I realize how much I miss the man that I get to proudly call my husband everyday. The vows of "to love and cherish." that keeps getting drowned down with the "payment due" or the truth of "living day by day and paycheck to paycheck to paycheck. " 

So with the ideas of what we want our home to look like especially the yard. "Hub's" and I started to plan the entire landscape DIY projects.  We have started this out by a weekend a month to work on it. I don't work outside of the home and don't really feel that once the babies are home and safe if we will be more of my job to work around the house. We will tackle the shed remodel ( I am making it into my get away room and craft area, I think)  I was thinking back to all the projects that we have done together in the past. I think back fondly to the project that we did in our back yard in our first home in Kingston. 

We did a beautiful patio. 

I knew that we were in trouble when it took the whole day to place stakes and string to start the perimeter.  I would love to rewind and watch the funny arguments between us. Like any husband and wife the banter back and fourth wouldn't be funny in the moment but looking back it would be funny now.  It was almost evening by the time the two of us started the strong willed of the two of us would keep that banter going for hours. Then over dinner and cocktails we discovered that we were going to take a few weeks to get the entire section done.  We made trip after trip with a half a dozen gallon buckets along with a few kitty litter boxes filled with dirt  to the dump, then back to the house to fill more dirt and then back to the dump.....over and over again we were able to do load after load. 

The hum of the road, wind blowing in our hair, sunshine pouring through the window and the heat  feeling so wonderful warming our skin for a few seconds.  If we were able to close our eyes we would have felt like we were on a mini vacation for a few seconds. By day 7 of our 2 day project we had laughed and enjoyed our time together laughing and joking that we were to be the next HGTV show leaving his real life job to become the landscapers that we have now become. 

We had gained so much more then a patio we gained a togetherness that we were so blessed to have been a part of.  Him+Me= family. So every so often we walk the property with a notebook & pen and jot down our honey do together list. Allowing us to dream big and plan that mini vacation of staying home and building our relationship and value of our home. 

All the busy work....

I felt it in the air today... Did you? That first sign of fall? 

In Western Washington we have had the best two weeks of sunshine all summer. I love it so much! 

Until today! 

Then I wanted to go shopping for knee high boots & a wool jacket, sweaters and scrafts! 

Highschool football games.

Pumpkin patches.

I have so many things to look forward too.....

All the fall hotel reviews. 

Stay tuned for the two Hotel review next week when I am back 

to my Monday through Friday 

Reviewing and writing 

~ 

Off to pack it is moving day on Thursday!

It has been a while. I am so sorry!!

Hey there friends,

I have to start off by saying how very sorry I am about not writing in such a big span of time. So many changes have been happening lately that trying to take anytime to think straight let alone take the much needed time to write.
Summer is always busy but never like this.

We lost our Sophie girl a few weeks ago. I wrote in one of my last posts about how much she meant to us and how badly she was doing. A few days after that post she jumped of the sofa when "hubs" got home from work, it hurt her so so much that she couldn't even walk. So we made the most painful choice we have ever made to put her to sleep. This completely distroyed me and "hubs."

The next day in a fog, my mom and I went to Target, on our way back to the car I tripped over a curb and fell flat on my face, hurting my right foot, couldn't walk, or put any weight on it. A small break is what the Dr. said it could have been.

We are moving in less the 10 days and we are not even half way done un packing. Tomorrow will be a very busy day.

Having some major family drama. The drama has turned me and my life upside down. I feel like we have been handed a bomb and then left to sit and wait until it blows up in all of our faces.

So please forgive me for not writing as often as I should. I feel lost and a little out of sorts. We can only hope that this will pass so fast. I am so done feeling so broken and so out for control.

chrysalis Inn & Spa review........

Hub’s & I had the pleasure of spending a wonderful night at this beautiful Inn right on Bellingham Bay. Upon pulling into the Inn you feel a world away with the beautiful fountain that greets you. There was no hassle at check in - parking was easy and the entire staff was friendly. The gift shop right next to check in is full of every little thing you could want or need! I bought a birthday gift and a few cards to send to friends. 

The suite was very thoughtfully decorated, extremely comfortable, with a grand twin-sized window seat overlooking the water, while reading my book the view of the bay and the Alaskan State Ferry loaded cars and passengers as they prepared for their Friday night departure from Bellingham bay to Alaska. 

Fino wine bar showcases a graciously proportioned dining room with expansive views of Bellingham Bay. From the exhibition kitchen, the master chef will delight your palette with regional culinary treasures and distinctive wines from around the world. The extensive library of wines is available by the taste, glass, or bottle.

Savor a glass of wine by the fireplace, entertain a party in the dining room, or share an intimate dinner for two on the outdoor terrace.

The Chrysalis balances an inspiration from nature with the sophisticated styling and technology that distinguishes our region. We provide our guests an intimate haven in which to rest and restore during both personal and business retreats.

This place has an Expansive view of Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands. It also has a beautiful Waterfront location, with thirty four beautifully appointed deluxe rooms & nine luxurious suites with a Full service day spa, along with a nice

Wine bar & two different types of Meeting Facilities

With cozy throws and pillows, & the King size bed was so lovely with nice linens, with wonderful pillows and the most comfortable mattress. The deep oversized bathtub set beside the retractable wall, allowed for a peek-a- boo view of the stunning lights of the blood red sunset. To top it off, the plush bathrobes and inroom fireplace made this the ideal room for a romantic. This was a perfect place to re connect. 

The hotel thinks of the little details that you might never think of to pack for yourself, like leaving you a few paris of earplugs. You do have some slight noise when the train does steam through on occasion, the placement of the rooms make it absolutely more quiet then you would think of a passing train right under your hotel... Extra things in the room, a nice lounge chair, nice lighting, Complementary wireless internet and a morning newspaper; a very nice flatscreen TV and a great channel selection, with that said, I was very pissy that On Demand was turned off to use but the menu was active so you could see what you could have been watching. Knowing that on demand with comcast is free with the service it should be an option for the people staying here! I would have loved to gotten all caught up on my Reality TV shows! 

The mini bar items are normally high priced but the specialty snacks are outrageously priced- can't imagine they sell many of them, which was sad because I always get a sweet tooth in the evening and always try to buy one or two things to try and sample for the sake of the review ( that is at least what I tell the hubs!) Oh & the FREE morning breakfast was nice and fresh with a small variety of hot and cold choices for you to choose from. With a view of the bay that will have your writing home about

Chrysalsis Inn and Spa makes this a nice and short walk from the train station to the hotel, for being about 5 minutes away by friendly taxi, or a easy 20 minute walk on the private trail that leads you straight to the Inn &Spa’s door.

the Amtrak station is in the beautiful downtown area of Fairhaven, with its wonderful book stores, restaurants, and a special toy store is .2 miles by nice walking trail, and Bellingham is an easy, flat two miles the other way on another fabulous walking trail. This is a nice idea for you to come up from Seattle or even Portland. I love it because once you hit the Amtrak seat I’m in Relax mode, anyone that goes on the train trip will feel the same way so do yourself a favor and book your trip on the Amtrak when you come up to stay here.

A boardwalk runs from the hotel down across the water and into a great little park. At the end of the boardwalk is Woods Coffee shop. What a great afternoon stroll along the water all the while hubs was enjoying his latte & I a double scoop of Ice Cream.... The Dinner options were abundant and within walking distance as well. We hit the book store and got the new children's book, "Go to F*uck to Sleep" laughing the entire time, we also found a wonderful children's store and found my diaper bag!! There are trails that lead from the hotel into Fairhaven. What a cute town that we feel madly in love with.

Sadly we didn't have time to enjoy the Spa, but all the guests that stay here are able to use the shower and steam rooms. 

The Special packages for the Hotel that we will use this summer when we return would have to be The  Relax and enjoy your stay in a deluxe side view room with fireplace, walk-in slate shower, 2 person soaking tub, window seat, down comforters and spa amenities.

Or maybe the Kayak Adventure Package:

“This 3 hour paddle is one of the most scenic and varied available in the Bellingham area. We start out at the Wildcat Cove Boat Launch in Larrabee State Park. We travel north from there along impressively scalloped sandstone cliffs. We often see river otters, seals, cormorants, eagles, loons and oyster catchers along this relatively pristine shoreline. Our destination is Chuckanut (Dot) Island in beautiful Chuckanut Bay. This island is an archaeological site owned by the Nature Conservancy and well known for its visible shell miden (refuse from 10,000 years of native Salish people’s use). We can stretch our legs on its beaches and trails, before reloading our boats for the trip back to Wildcat Cove. If time and weather permit, it is also possible to visit petrified palm tree fossils and a bird sanctuary. A lot to see in a relatively short paddle!”

    The Wine package for all you wine lovers like Hubs and I.

     Tour Whatcom County's Wineries and stay at The Chrysalis Inn.

Discover Whatcom County's boutique wineries with Whatcom Wine Tours. Meet the wine makers, enjoy great wines and experience the beauty Whatcom County has to offer. Each tour includes lunch, a souvenir wine glass and a night at The Chrysalis Inn.

* Side View Deluxe Room $304* Full View Deluxe Room $314* Luxury King                Suite $384* Luxury Corner Suite $404

This Package is a great idea for the Girls weekend. When I do my Shopping weekend with the girls this fall this is the place and package I will be using! 

Our in-room party includes:

* One night stay in a Luxury Room* Manicure or Pedicure* Chair Massage* Champagne and Chocolates* Party Food* Spa Gift

You can also do a wedding package and a great honeymoon here would be amazing. I will come back here when I do my trips up to Bellingham. My sweet sister in law lives up here so it is always a plus when I can find a place to stay and enjoy seeing the family & with the rates so low this is a top on my list. 

I am so looking forward to going back there! I hope that you take the time to go up here it is so worth the trip. 

Tell them Kingstongirl sent ya!

Thank you to photobucket & the chrysalis inn & spa

A little lost.......

Things have been a little crazy lately. 

I want to first start by saying how sorry I am that I haven't been writing as much as I should. 

Things have been so busy around here. 

The past few weeks have gone by again so fast. 

We are faced with loosing one of our best friends. 

Our 10 year old Shitzu puppy.

Sophie aka Margret Goodrich

We got Sophie on our 1st V-day. 

We wanted to find a pet that we would have 

be in every sense of the word

"Our baby Girl" 

We looked for her and she was brought to us, 

we rescued her from a lady that couldn't stand her. 

( that was in the ad) 

So we had her and she had our hearts from day one.

In our life we have been able to do so much with Sophie...

Her favorite thing to do is go on car rides, 

especially when they end up 

at the beach. 

With Sophie we have gone on.....

Camping trips, 

Down the Oregon Coast..

To Colorado & Back.

To the Drive-in

When I have been sick she has sat with me, 

making me feel so much better, Every time. 

Taking long naps with me.

All our Friends and Family have fallen in love 

with her like we did. 

She has a Degenerative Disc Disease, 

she has been sick off and on the entire time we have had

her. 

In the past she has been hurting so bad that when we 

take her to the vet, they give her some med's and shots.

This time it is the worst I have ever seen her. 

We take her to the vet. 

They are going to guide us in the choice to 

give her relief or put her to sleep.

Either thing is completely heartbreaking........

She is my baby, She is my heart, 

My heart and my life will never be the same 

without her.

Once a fur baby grabs your heart they 

own it forever. 

I love you Sophie.  

A Conversation with Renee Brofsky

This Conversation is between Renee Brofsky 

Q) How much family history do you have in the area? 

A) No family history here, but my parents did move here when we became pregnant. 

Q) What is your favorite thing about the area?

A) My favorite thing about the area is the water! The views of the mountains, the water, and the lush greenery is incredible! 

Q) What would you change if you could about the area?

A) if I could change one thing, it would be the weather. I get tired of wearing fleece and smart wool socks year round! 

Q)What made you start your own business? 

A)I started my Stella & Dot business in 2010 when my husbands work took a down turn with the economy. With three kids to support, we needed a little extra help. Since I love jewelry and meeting all kinds of women, Stella &Dot seemed like the perfect fit. But besides earning extra income, it has been an amazing opportunity for me to boost my confidence and have another purpose outside our family. Plus, it is so much fun! 

Q)Where would you like to see your business be in 5 years?

A)I plan on doing Stella & Dot as long as I can. I have a small team right now and plan on it continuing to grow! 

Q) What is the hardest part of having your own business?

A)The hardest part of having my own business is juggling office hours and family. It can be challenging not jumping on a call or the computer when the kids are around! 

Q) Where would you like our town to be in over the next five years?

A) I love seeing our area grow. There are always fabulous new businesses and shops going up; along with new people.

Q) What is your favorite thing to do in our town? 

A) There are so many great things to do in this area. My favorite thing is camping in our travel trailer with the family. There are so many gorgeous and fun places to explore! I also love to go treasure hunting at Goodwill. I always find great stuff! 

Q) What is your favorite Store in town?

A) It's hard to pick one favorite store in the area…I love Trader Joe's, Goodwill, the Bakery in Old Town Silverdale, Rumplenewskins and Indigo Plum in Poulsbo and Lilies and Eagle Harbor books on Bainbridge Island. 

Q) Do you give to any local charities you work with?

A) I do work with the Helpline House on Bainbridge Island. I am a part of the birthday party program; making custom cakes for kids to make their birthday wishes come true! 

Q) What is your business motto? 

A) My business motto is this: "No great thing is created suddenly. There must be time. Give your best and always be kind." 

Q) tell me anything you would love to share about your business.

A) Stella & Dot is a newer jewelry company created by two women and named after their grandmothers; Stella and Dot. As her senior thesis at Stanford, Jessica Herrin created the weddingchannel.com and then sold it for millions. She loved jewelry and teamed up with Blythe Harris, who had previously designed for companies like Banana Republic and DeBeers, to create a direct-selling company with a modern twist. The boutique-style jewelry is set up in home trunk shows with no sales presentation, shipped directly to the customer 3-4 days after ordering, and offers generous hostess incentives (most end up with over $200 in free jewelry), and great customer service. Stella & Dot is regularly seen in InStyle, O Magazine, Marie Claire and Vogue and has been spotted on celebrities such as Penelope Cruz, Debra Messing, Rachel Ray, and Christina Hendricks. Stella & Dot has also raised over two-hundred thousand dollars from the sales of the foundation bracelets to three charities: ACCION USA, build On, and girls, inc. I feel so lucky to be a part of this amazing team!

Make sure that you tell Renee that Kingstongirl sent you to here. We will be working on a giveaway in September. Check out her webpage at the Stella and dot link in the sponsor section of this blog.