Check your bags or Ship them?

I have said this in the past I will say it again I am sure... I over pack. I think I try to take everything and the kitchen sink, it just makes it to hard to try to pick just a few things to bring. I might need this and what if I need that? What if the weather is bad and all I pack is summer clothes? What is a girl to do?

Well now that the airlines have put a cap on what you can bring and if you check a bag it is going to cost you.  In this time of fines, charges, and fees what is the cheaper route to go? With airlines charging $25.00 one way and $35.00 for the second bag not to stop there but then there is the added charges to heavy items and over sized items so what is it we should do? Why don't you try hard to weigh out your options, Here are a few Kingstongirl ideas.

If your baggage is bulky, or heavy shipping might just be the better way to go. Just make sure that you are able to not need to overnight it this is a big way to make it just as spendy as paying the high airline prices to ship your things.

Here is a point UPS can ship a 75lb box from NY City to Orlando Florida for around $57.00, checking that item at the airport will more then likely cost you around $100-175, ONE WAY!!! Make sure you check all your local companies that you are able to get quotes from places such as Fedex, UPS, USPS, DHL. You can also check out an online service Sports Express that are especially for you to get your items like skies, snowboards, golf clubs ect you catch my drift here.

In a time when you want to hit the ground running you are wanting to ship your items to avoid the large waste of time in the waiting game at the luggage carousel. I mean we all need to pretend that we are on the amazing race show and if we are on the plane to Vegas when the drinks are waiting and the gaming tables are hot and ready for our winning streak.  This is the one way to make sure that your bags will be waiting for you when you arrive for sure. Having your items shipped is an almost 100% guarantee.

When you have a connecting flight this is a sure win win to get your bags to the right destination to make sure that you can jump from plane to plane, making your low cost make your own flight deals is truly a good deal by not missing your luggage at the end of your three plane jumping connecting flights. Delivery services do offer far better deals with more bells and whistles then any airline carries can, namely better insurance, & tracking.

All the while it is the best thing to have your things sent right to your home sweet home, never having to sit with the rest of the hacking, coughing, screaming babies, or that one person that stunk up the entire cabin and you were the lucky one that got to sit right next to them.  You can avoid the luggage circus and all those people you are never wanting to run into again by doing one simple thing.........
Shipping your luggage in my mind this is a win, win situation. One that you should try.


THANK YOU PHOTOBUCKET FOR THE PIC'S

Cannon beach Stop number 3!

We pulled off of Hwy 101 to the exit towards Cannon Beach. If you haven't been there  Cannon Beach is located west of Highway 101 and is approximately three blocks between the highway and the Pacific Ocean. I feel like this is my safe Heaven, my retreat a place to go and experience some rest and truly relax. We decided to stay here for most of our week long trip. 

I have been going to Cannon beach for many years it is a perfect place to run away to. Most of the time it is a trip that my Mom and I take together for a girls weekend. This time I was able to enjoy it with my "Hub's"  Cannon beach was named  after a small, iron cannon that came ashore from a shipwrecked U.S. Navy schooner, "The Shark." 

While we were in Cannon beach we went to their lovely farmers market. Open every Tuesday opening June through the end of September.  Some of the upcoming events in Cannon beach are as Follows...

Dog Show on the Beach - Saturday Oct 16th at Surfsand Resort. A community event open to all dog lovers and guaranteed to make you smile. From the surf rider event to the barking contest, it's a fun day on the beach that benefits the Clatsop County Animal Shelter. 9a registration. Show runs 10am-4pm. 30 fun events. Hot Dog Roast. Ice Cream Social. call 436-2274 for details.

Stormy Weather Arts Festival, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (Nov 5 - Nov 7, 2010) is Cannon Beach's fall celebration of the arts. Cannon Beach, home to many galleries and artists, comes alive with creativity. The galleries, shops, restaurants and motels all get in on the act - featuring musicians, artists, performances, and exhibits throughout the weekend.

 

Friday nights Quick Draw event  is an art lovers dream. 15 artists have one hour to create a piece ready to be sold in the auction that follows. Food, drink and original art created before your eyes by well known local and regional artists is a Quick (and irresistable) Draw. Quick Draw tickets sold only in advance. To purchase call 503-436-2623. Galleries and shops pour it on all day Saturday capped off with refreshments beginning in the late afternoon. At 8pm on Saturday at the Coaster Theatre, headliner Linda Hornbuckle fills the air with her beautiful sound. Tickets are still available. 

Haystack Holidays - Thanksgiving thru New Years. Experience the Holidays, Cannon Beach Style. If you are from a metropolitan area, you know how frustrating it can be going out during the holiday season - always too many people and not enough parking. Avoid the hurried, harried city pace and come to Cannon Beach to enjoy relaxed, quality shopping, seasonal events, live theater, and fine restaurants surrounded by the beauty and charm of Cannon Beach, the Pacific Ocean and the Coast Range. Events include Lamplighting, Library Tea and Cider, Wreath Making, Family Fun Camp

live at the renowned Coaster Theatre - "My Fair Lady!" starting November 12 thru December 19, A great thing to do while you are on a girls shopping weekend in Cannon Beach so that you can relax and unwind during the most hectic time of year.  

Some of the great places to shop in Cannon beach are Josephine's  a great place to find that unique gift to give a friend or yourself. It is a great place to get one of a kind Jewelry.  Geppetto's Toy Shoppe you can find the perfect toy for you or someone young at heart! They have a great selection of wonderful unique toys.  Now my favorite as well as the "Fur Babies" is the fun Puppy Love by the sea a perfect place to go and spoil your little four legged friend, or you can get that perfect gift for that dog lover for you know. I am going to do a post just on Puppy love later next month when I highlight the top 5 dog shops to try out and check out. A great place to get a things for any weather to for you to wear to the beach in the summer or a perfect place to find that rainy day wear with a cute set of boots and a lovely little rain coat for your little one. No matter what the need is check out RainNshine  This is just a little selection of the places you are going to be able to shop at when you come down for your very own get away. 

We ate at some wonderful places on our Cannon beach trip,  having so many great eating options to choose from fine dining establishments to cozy cafes like the , great family dining we ate wonderful crapes and crab eggs ben at the The Pig in a Pancake. Pizza parlors like Pizza a' Fetta where we ate the best Crab pizza pie I have ever had in my entire life. Bakery's my favorite is cannon beach bakery where we bought a few loafs of the haystack bread that they are world famous for. 

We had a very nice grown up meal, trying to do one nice evening to get dressed up and enjoy something special. where I ate Draper Farms Chicken Marsala Pasta with spinach, tomato & marsala sauce it was to die for, "Hub's" ate the Lobster Ravioli hazelnuts & marsala cream sauce. I think I ate more of them then he did. It was a great dinner and we enjoyed some very wonderful house red wine and shared their White Chocolate Mousse Parfait raspberries & chambord it was a great ending to a great night. Deciding to try  Newmans 988    we were so happy that we did, we will go back now everytime we go to Cannon beach for a tradition. 

If you are over 21 there are many brewpubs for you to choose. Our favorite place to get great brews and the best fish and chips that you can get on the Oregon coast, is Bills Tavern and brew pub. It is a great choice to eat there and the outside seating is very popular in the summer time. A Martin Hospitality propirty If you want the best cornbread and a great place to have some great beer and still have a place to bring the kids then you need to The Lumberyard Grill 

No matter what you are looking for in Cannon beach to do they have something for everyone.  No matter what time of the year.  With a short distance and public access to the beach and Hay stack rock this is where you will feel closest to the California beach feeling of the Oregon coast. Take the time to enjoy and learn about the Cannon beach History at the The Cannon Beach Historical society. 

I plan to make lots of trips down to Cannon Beach and I truly hope you will join me when I do. I'm in the works with some of the lovely towns people,The Cannon Beach Chamber and many of the hotels to put together a Kingstongirl girls weekend!!!  Stay tuned there are going to be many events to come.  Leave me a comment below if you would like to be part of such an event. 

 

I want to meet new friends!!! Blog hop Friday!!

Friday Blog Hop Link.

It's Mommy Madness Friday Blog Hop!

Life with the Lebedas has teamed up with Call Me Laura Jane and Crunchy Cupcakes to start a weekly Friday Hop!

Want to join in on the fun? 

Here's what to do:

1. Become a follower of the 3 hosts (first three listed) - Life with the Lebedas, Call Me Laura Jane and Crunchy Cupcakes

2. Grab our Mommy Madness button and add it to a blog post or some place on your blog to help spread the word.

3. Link up to your blog and Start hoppin'!

(Blog link only - no giveaways or others, those will be deleted)

As a general rule, please follow everyone back that follows you.
If you leave a comment on their blog it will let them know you found them through Mommy Madness & they can follow back.

Thumbnails:  12 entries so far... you're next!

HAVE FUN & ENJOY YOUR NEW FRIENDS!

Surfsand Resort....

Our stay at the Surfsand resort has to have been one of the best places I have ever stayed in.  They rolled our the red carpet for us but let me let you in on a little secret they do this for all their guests especially their fur babies our four legged friends.

The resort is right on the beach we had such a great time!  Being very lucky, we were able to enjoy some warmer days when the sun peeked out after a chilly morning & it was great, especially the beautiful sunset it made in the evening a great end to a wonderful day in Cannon Beach. Later that night as we bundled ourselves in some nice warm clothes we decided to indulge in a camp fire on the beach with a marshmellow roast, this added so much to our experience as we ate smore's cuddled in blanket together listening to the waves crash and the stars dance above us sharing a bottle of red wine. 

All the while day or night the hotel is able to offer the commanding views of the beautiful Haystack Rock that you come to Cannon Beach to experience it for yourselves.  The other best part of staying at the Surfsand Resort  is within walking distance to downtown. 

 

We had a beautiful one-bedroom oceanfront suite with balcony, on the third floor. The bedroom had no view, but we sat with the balcony door wide open, with the roaring gas fire going as we listened to waves as they crashed upon the beach.  I was able to enjoy the beautiful jetted two person tub all the while enjoying the TV in the bathroom!!! Yes a TV in the bathroom, They truly thought of everything a women would want to have in this room. A great place for some romance or some much needed alone time. 

 

It was a great atmosphere for the two of us and our three little "Fur babies." In our room we also had a small kitchen & stocked up on breakfast foods so we only ate out at the last hour of Lunch time, (another travel trick to save money.) We were able to enjoy the free wifi in our room it is always nice to be able to check in with work a few times and truly enjoyed this convenience of checking in with my blogging friends and Facebook.  If you didn't bring your own laptop the lobby did have a pc that you could use to check email at the activity desk,

 

The day we got there we were able to spy on a wedding that was taking place it was done beautifully. They had a huge bonfire the night after the wedding with all the people that were there. I wish I could have thought of that when Hub's and I got married. Amazing location for a wedding. 

 

When I am able to go back to Cannon Beach we would definitely stay here again. It is a great place that rolls out the red carpet for you and your fur babies. It is nice to feel that you are a guest. The staff when above and beyond helping to insure that our stay was the best we could have with them. Our room and the entire hotel property was sparkling clean. 

Stop two on our week long trip.....

We left Astoria and headed for our second stop on the coast Seaside.We walked around and found many great stores and places to check out and tons of things to dIf you didn't know Seaside is a great family destination.  Thing's that set Seaside apart from other beach communities along the Oregon coast is that Seaside is a  everything is within walking distance and very easy to explore.

Oregon's first seashore resort was Seaside remaining a popular vacation destination, a place to take the time to slow down, relax. It is a place that you almost feel like you have gone back in time, even for a brief minute. The best place to bring your children and take them to the beach so they can build sand castles.

When looking out into the ocean, it is magical and it creates an abundance of activities. With  Amusements, arcades and shopping this town will entertain everyone that comes to Seaside. 

"Hub's" and I truly enjoyed our sunset beach walks with the dogs, the ocean views, the pleasure to enjoy the intimate dining that seaside has to offer. Seaside is much more then than just a day at the beach. It is an endless opportunity for countless memories to be made and I am so happy that "Hub's" and I were able to make many new memories. 

The history of Seaside starts when it was founded in 1937, Seaside is home to the oldest aquarium on the West Coast. 

 

 So this is stop #1 the Seaside Aquarium, Founded in 1937, it is privately owned by descendants of some of the founders that are still active in the aquarium and how it operates to this day. Hosting an amazing touch tank, a family of seals that they have had sense 1983! Along with an amazing under water viewing area making this a must for your Oregon Coast and your stop in seaside.

Stop # 2 : Another fun thing to take note in the landscape of Seaside is the very visible is the Tillamook Head, which Tillamook Rock Lighthouse sits on top of the rock and enjoys guiding ships to safety while approaching the Columbia River past the dangerous jutting headland, being note worthy it is one of the Pacific coast’s most interesting lighthouses. Sitting atop an outcropping of rock surrounded by ocean on all sides, the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse was completed in 1881.

 

Stop #3 is  Fort Steven's. When we were there it was pouring rain it was still so much fun. We even decided to take the time in the rain to walk around and explore. Explore it we did.  Fort Steven's is Located in Warrenton, about 30 minutes North of Seaside, the fort is part of a large park with lots of beaches, hiking trails, lakes, paved bike paths, old army bunkers, and even the remains of the Peter Iredale Shipwreck!( Check below for Stop #4!) Another great place to visit is the the South Jetty in Fort Stevens State Park. Built in the late 1800s, the jetty extends about 2.5 miles into the waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. From the observation deck, you can enjoy a spectacular view of waves pounding against the rocks of the jetty. This area is also a favorite location for birdwatching and the  Coffenbury Lake is also a great location for fishing, wildlife viewing, or you can do what we did and walk the 2 mile trail around the lake. Fort Stevens is an excellent place for the whole family to spend the day a weekend or a week long camping trip, with many camping spaces & yurts to rent this is the place to camp!  The KOA there is amazing as well. Located right across the street from the 1st entrance to the park. Both are wonderful to spend some fun with your loved ones in.

 

 Stop #4  When we reached the end of the drive out to The Peter Iredale Shipwreck, you can still see the few parts left of the original ship, that started as a  287 feet long ship that ran aground about 100 years ago during a horrible storm. Thankfully we were able to make our visit there during low tide that makes the shipwreck is easily accessible to park visitors. Just looking at what is left of the ship you can see how amazing it was in its prime. We didn't walk down to it but we got a few shots and to gaze at it through the rainy, windy, weather passing through my window wipers.

Stop #5 shopping on the Prom, this was my first time to Seaside and I have to say I was pleasently surprised when we drove downtown and seeing so many great things to do and so many great things to see. I was delighted in dozens of unique boutiques, specialty shops, art galleries and antique stores. My favorite shop to go to and spend lots and lots of money at is the Beach Puppy Where you can get all your "fur babies" all the things you need to spoil them. We also got our portraits done by oregon coast portraits and it was a great thing to do and a way to always remember our time together. Also we enjoyed the seaside carousel mall.

After a day of shopping we enjoyed the 1.5-mile long ocean front Promenade is perfect for strollers, joggers and bike riders. The “Prom” The wide and sandy beach is available for all kinds of activities, from low rider beach bikes, beach volleyball, and watching the sand castle building, kite flying. You will enjoy such amusements as the carousel, arcades, miniature golf, bumper cars and boats, tilt-a-whirl, paddle boats and canoes.  Seaside is more than just a day at the beach! It's a place to make wonderful memories. 

So these were the top 5 things that you need to do on your trip to Seaside. 
Next stop on the Oregon Coast trail is Cannon Beach......

The Paws event tomorrow night.

Tickets to the Spotlight on PAWS dinner/auction and gala that is happening tomorrow- Oct 9th at Kiana Lodge in Poulsbo. We will have over 200 items up for auction, including trips, experiences, local art and handmade jewelery, and gift certificates to services. All in the company of animal lovers. Tickets are still available can and can be purchased at our website - -www.pawsbainbridge.org

I was given this information and wanted to pass it on to all of the animal lovers out there. If you are not in the area you are more then welcome to donate anything you can. In this hard time we are facing as a country we often forget about our four legged friends. Take a moment to read this and remember them and all the unconditional love that they give to us.

On the heels of the economic melt-down two years ago, PAWS conducted a thorough program assessment, interviewed dozens of animal supporters, and made some tough decisions. Despite the temptation to pull back on services, PAWS decided to draw on its reserves to address critical needs in our animal-loving community.

In this economy, even seemingly routine veterinary necessities are resulting in neighbors faced with the unthinkable -- having to give up their cherished pet, or euthanize it, purely for financial reasons.

PAWS of B.I. and North Kitsap is proud to be one of only two animal organizations in all of Western Washington to offer direct veterinary financial assistance for pets of low-income residents. In coordination with four area food banks and seven veterinary clinics, PAWS provides up to $125 in veterinary care per year, per pet, for up to two pets of qualifying low-income residents. Costs for this program have skyrocketed, but it has provided a financial and emotional lifeline for hundreds of local families and the pets they cherish.

The new Pet Food for Food Banks program has offered additional support, in the form of high-quality donated pet food that we deliver to four local food banks. When picking up food for their family, low-income pet owners can also pick up food for their pet. More than nine tons have been delivered so far.

As part of our ongoing 35-year-old commitment to reduce pet overpopulation, PAWS has continued free or low-cost spay/neuter services to low-income families. We've seen a large spike in requests from families newly on the brink, including many families unaccustomed to asking for help -- small business owners, military families with loved ones deployed overseas, elderly whose retirement income has shriveled.

In addition to the critical services mentioned above, PAWS has initiated two low-cost volunteer-based programs that both serve to “strengthen the bond of companionship between pets and their people.” Pet Remembrance Gatherings offered by local counselor Jeremy Mays address a family's emotional response upon the loss of a beloved family pet. And the PAWS Buddy Brigade is beginning visits to nursing homes, libraries, and other facilities, where their compassionate visits bring well-documented physical and emotional benefits.

In all, these programs comprise an economically efficient and very well-focused effort to direct compassionate care where it is most needed. We humbly ask for your financial support to help us continue meeting community needs with confidence. In sum, these program expansions have added over $40,000 to our annual budget. For 2011, we do not expect the need to subside.

In case you missed the article in the BI Review last Friday about our new program the PAWS Buddy Brigade. Here's a link: http://www.pnwlocalnews.com/kitsap/bir/lifestyle/104114774.html

I truly hope that you will take a few minutes and tell a few people about this amazing event. 

The Inn At The Four Winds

The Inn at the Four Winds is a small Inn with fourteen beautiful rooms. It is in the most beautiful location in all of Seaside. It is located 9 blocks from downtown Seaside, It is only a quick stroll down the Prom that escorts you to the center of the action, with cafes, seashore boutiques and so many more things to do and see.

If gazing into the ocean is your only agenda then you have come to the right place to see the forever changing landscape that the Ocean has to offer.  For me the best way to pass the time is from the front lawn, in a lawn chair reading a book or just staring out into the sea with a nice glass of wine.  It is truly up to you if you ever even leave your room because you might just want to truly enjoy the panoramic ocean view, from your rooms sun porch.

  
Having captured the very essence of beach living for you they boast sunny and bright, with a homey feel, Instead of feeling like you are in a hotel, you feel as if you are someones guest. A comfortable room that instill a breezy mood with and warmly glowing fireplaces. Decorated in colors that are calming that don't take away from the fact that you are on a relaxing vacation trying to take in the rest that you so very much need.

Arriving to the Inn you feel as if you are pulling up to a cape cod house that your family could live in during the summer months, I was warmly greeted by the staff every I went. Then to top it off when I  walked into the lobby I instantly smelled the warm homemade baked cookies that all the guest are encouraged to eat, because when you are on vacation no need to count calories or carb's right?  They also have a major selection of DVD's for you to choose from, not like some places that I have seen that only carry the Disney movies or the movie Ghost from the early 1990's on VHS tapes. Nope not them they have most of the new releases you would find in any of the redboxes.

Our room was located on the 2nd floor, like more common in most rooms the Inn has a microwave, coffee pot, refrigerator, DVD player, gas fireplace and a balcony with an ocean view. Our room had a private bedroom with a queen bed, king bed and double sofa sleeper in living room, The beds are The DREAMSPA BED by Tempur-Pedic. You don't have to worry about a good night sleep when you have that kind of bed.  Also in the room is a wet bar with all the things you would need to make you feel at home.  When you are going all over for hotel reviews it can get pretty pricey to eat out all the time so we try to find places to stay that you are able to have a microwave and a small fridge so you are able to make a few meals without leaving your room or paying for the high price dinners.

 I can not wait to go back and I can't wait to have my friends go down and spend a few nights here. It is like they are a home away from home. A place to come rest and relax to take some time just for you. Remember to make sure that you do not smoke or have pets with you. This is a property that you can't do either of these things and in a way this is a blessing because you don't have to think of anything else besides yourself or the smoke of someone that is staying under you so you can really smell the sea air.