Relax & Surf Sunday!

This blog hop is the fun one I look forward to doing all week. I love making new blogging friends and I love to get new friends to follow, my main objective is to grab friends to follow me to help me in my long term goal of selling my ad space on my blog and help me with my reviewing of hotel, inn's and B&B's,

Welcome to Relax & Surf Sunday, with your hostesses The Life of Rylie...and Bryce too! and Shibley Smiles! This is a great blog hop for everyone to make new friends! You can find some new blogs to check out, and also get your blog out there and gain some new followers.

Here are the rules...

Wait, there are no rules! That is the whole point behind "Relax & Surf". We just want you to relax, and surf around as much as you want to. You don't have to make a post. You don't have to post our button. You don't even have to follow us. Of course we hope you like our blogs and will want to follow us, and we WILL follow back! Just add your blog to our linky at the bottom of this post, and visit as many blogs as you would like to. If you decide to follow a new blog, make sure you leave them a comment so they will know you are following them.

Each week we will randomly select one blog from the previous week's entries to be our featured blog for that week. If that blog happens to be yours, you will get a cute little button to display on your blog, and you will also get the #3 spot for that week!

Rainbow Girls.

For those of you that might not know what Rainbow Girls are it is a nonprofit organization that strives to give girls the tools, training, and encouragement to let their individual spirits shine bright. By providing members with a safe, fun, caring environment where responsible, older girls can interact and mentor younger girls through family involvement. In a time when most young ladies don't give back to the communities that they are part of this is bringing back values. By participating in fun events and activities, keeping up with new friends, and traveling to different cities and states, giving these young women the experience and excitement of what a productive life has to offer. 

Teaching these young ladies to be involved in their community & volunteering for different charities, and working to improve their public speaking, mastering the lessons of Rainbow, members tackle alot of challenging hurdles but ultimately walk away with a sense of pride and accomplishment.   No matter what their life long goals are, be it a stay at home mom, a doctor, teacher, writer, anything that they set their minds to Rainbow Girls learn that they can accomplish anything and that they can make a difference. 

These are some of the Charities that Rainbow Girls work with

Shriners Hospitals for Children
www.shrinershq.org
Susan G. Komen for the Cure
www.komen.org
Dogs4Diabetics
www.dogs4diabetics.com
Ronald McDonald House Charities
www.rmhc.org
Camp BraveHearts
www.campbravehearts.org
Habitat for Humanity
www.habitat.org
Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation
www.teddybearcancerfoundation.org
Comforter Program
www.theanimalspirit.com
Alzheimer’s Association
www.alz.org
Make-A-Wish Foundation
www.wish.org
Duke Children’s Hospital & Health Center
www.dukechildrens.org
Operation Christmas Child
www.samaritanspurse.org
Relay for Life
www.relayforlife.org
Gales Creek Camp For Kids With Diabetes
www.galescreekcamp.org
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention
www.afsp.org
Burned Children Recovery Foundation
www.burnedchildrenrecovery.org
American Cancer Society®
www.cancer.org
American Heart Association®
www.americanheart.org
Freedom In Motion
www.freedominmotiontrc.org

 Our local Rainbow Girl, Christie is looking for how to raise money for some of these great Charities, she along with her Mother Heather, Auntie Hayley, & Grandma Linda come from a long line of strong wonderful women.  Helping Christie raise funds,  her Grandma Linda, help teach and make Apple butter and yummy jelly's. If you want some great tasting treats all the while helping with a great cause feel free to use the information below, or if you would just like to make a donation towards Christie's chosen charity contact her through the below email.

For sale, for a great cause, The Rainbowgirl's are fundraising!

They have mint, apple, grape and apple butter. They are $5 a jar.  They will actually  be selling them at the December 11th holiday bazaar at Suquamish Elementry from 10-4.

If anyone that would like to buy them in advance,

They can contact them at heatherlytle2001@aol.com.

                  Please make sure you let them know that Kingstongirl sent you!

It is time to sit back and enjoy the small businesses in your town.

With the dust settled from Black Friday!!! I know it is ton's of fun and the bargain shoppers really try to get the best deal for that must have toy, Today is the day that you can go and give back to that small business in your community!


The concept to the Small Business Saturday was designed to encourage shoppers across the U.S. to support local merchants in their holiday shopping as a means of driving up local economies.
Over a dozen advocacies along with public and private organizations have joined American Express, the event's primary sponsor, to declare today Small Business Saturday and raise awareness about the importance of small business to local communities.

The event is not meant to discourage people from shopping at larger chains or online. Rather, its advocates hope to encourage consumers to dedicate a percentage of their holiday shopping budget to local businesses, this means that it can be  by having dinner at a local restaurant or buying gifts at neighborhood stores to support the cause, American Express is offering its cardholders the opportunity to earn a $25 statement credit on purchases of at least $25 on Small Business Saturday at locally owned independent small businesses.

They wanted to be the catalyst for a movement for small businesses, We all know how important small business is to our economy. Small businesses generated 60-80% of the net new jobs over the last decade. What a great way to raise awareness and get people involved. We're all in this together we can make a difference. When you buy local and small business, you're creating jobs,

Research conducted by the 3/50 project suggests that for every $100 spent in locally-owned, independent stores, $68 returns to the community through taxes, payroll and other expenditures – far greater than national chains.This holiday of sorts also presents a great excuse to get out into your community to discover those one of kind hidden business treasures where you may very likely meet the owner face to face. As you may be aware of my passion for the small, local business. This is a movement that I have no problem getting behind completely and hope you will too.

I know that this is the concept that I am using. I chose to skip black friday this year and opt to go and spend the evenings that the local towns are hosting some girls nights out or extended hours for shopping.  

Small Business Saturday Enjoy this link it is amazing! Go to Facebook and Like it! 

I am excited to go and shop in Down Town Poulsbo on December 1st. I am looking forward to shopping in the Kitchen shop, buy some great chocolates at Bohems, Have a bite to eat at the Loft or That's a some a Italian.  Going to buy a few of my girls that are on my list  the new City of Bones series at the Poulsbo Liberty Bay Books.  Also going to get my craft on at the Quilt shop & Rubber soul, maybe even paint a cup or two at the Dancing Brush. All the while with a hot white chocolate mocha from Hot Shot's java! 

Port Gamble is going to be all a hussle and bussle, December 3rd, most if not all store are going to extend their hours from 4:30 to 6:30 then follow me back to the Opening night of the Christmas Carol, for the first night sense the late 1950's when the theater closed. The historic theater with the set's from the 1950's will leave you feeling like you haven't seen the production of the Christmas story like you should have all these years when you see it in this magical of a setting. 

Going to Kingston to shop on December 4th is going to be a blast, join me if you are in the area for you to join us, we will be out shopping around Kingston from 4:30-6:30 then join us at the Filling station from 6:30 to whenever you want. During the shopping night I am going to go shop at  Lucky star, Pine Cone Gifts, Clever, The Country pet shope for the fur babies, The Firehouse Theater for some movie tickets for stocking stuffers, Nancy's green garden for some beautiful flower's to order to put on the table and get some flowers for my Nana, also at Nancy's green Garden,  I eyed some mother daughter aprons that I would love to get for a few of my friends and their little girls. Checking off all the kids on my list with a stop at Lil Sprouts! The best toy story on this side of the water! Then Stopping by Mr. B's books is where I spent most of my shopping last year getting all the kids books to read at a great price.  Strolling into Henry's Hardware, there is always something for everyone on your list there. I love the very back room in the store with hand picked items you can find some special things! Moxie Salon to go and grab a tanning package to make sure I can get some people on my list Jersey Shored up!  I would love to see you all join us for ladies shopping night! 


These are just a few great places to join in on the Small Business Saturday in our area. All of us need to try to give back to our local peeps! They keep our community's going.  I am looking forward to doing what I can to help the small town shopping. Now this doesn't mean that I wont go to my favorite store to shop at Target, or a fun stroll to TJ Maxx,  Macy's or Kohl's are all great places to shop but I will do what I can to help spread it out where I can. I hope you will as well. 

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wow! As I get ready for the wonderful day of Thanks.  It's funny things always happen for a reason and each bend in the road you think is a tragedy is some how turned into a blessing that you would have never seen come true if you hadn't gone that way.  Every rain storm bring sunlight. The miracle of a snow storm that every flake is not like any other.

This year I am thankful for My "Hub's" that he loves me for the person he knows I am flaws and all he still loves me. He is my true best friend and would do whatever, however to make me happy!
I am thankful for my three "fur" babies the addition to our little family this August when we got Minnie. Who everyday brings a smile to my face, I can't love anything more then a Puppy!  Howie and Sophie love her now, scared that they would never except her. We are so lucky to have Minnie, we named her after my Nana.

Friendships. The friends I have are so important and this year I was able to really take a long look at what friends we have and what friends we have when we need someone the most,  I let go of a few friendships and relationships, but that only made it so I could go and really make room for the friendships I needed to make more time for. 

Family.  Family has always been important to me,  On my Dad's side we are so close and for the life of me up until a few years ago I really thought that is what all families are like! That isn't the case, but that makes me feel extra thankful that in my family we are close. My parents, hubs and I are not just family but the best of friends that love to spend time together.

I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and I want to just say I am so very thankful for each and everyone of you that read my blog and love and support me.
You are each a blessing to me. :)

 

FUN FOLLOW FRIDAY!!!

Welcome to Fun Follow Friday hosted by Simply Stacie and My Wee View. The goal of this hop is to get new Google Friend Connect Followers for your blog and be introduced to new blogs to follow! We wanted to keep it fun and easy so all you have to do is add your blog link and start blog hopping and following away! You aren’t required to write a post for your blog for Fun Follow Fridayunless you want to (but we really appreciate it if you do to help get the word out).

When you visit a blog that you like and want to follow, leave them a comment with your link telling them you are following from the Fun Follow Friday. Of course, we would love for you to follow both hostesses blogs, Simply Stacie and My Wee View, but it isn’t mandatory. If you do follow us, just leave us a comment and we will follow you back.

The main goal is to have fun and follow the blogs that interest you!

There are a few fun things that Fun Follow Fridays does each week:

1.  Each week 1 winner will be randomly drawn for the #3 Spot, this week it’s One Brownie at a Time.

Happy hopping along!

The Hallmark Inn. Newport.

The drive to Newport was a beautiful drive, so much to see and so much to do. When we found our hotel the Hallmark inn, The hotel itself  was  a bit outdated, nothing you would think seeing the other Hallmark inns. Especially the Hallmark inn at Cannon beach which I have had the pleasure of staying at a few time's. Having that place to compare to this hotel made the Hallmark a little bit of a let down, at first.

The Resort's 158 non-smoking guestrooms and staterooms feature a variety of amenities, that most hotel's now come standard with, Snack-size refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, DVD players available in most rooms, complimentary newspapers are available in the hotel lobby, personal care and bath products, hair dryer, bathrobes in spa rooms, telephone with voice mail, complimentary high-speed wireless Internet access and a desk for you to sit and write at.  Our "fur" babies were welcome here and the hotel is very pet friendly without the feeling of getting second class rooms. Especially appreciated was the pet basket with towels, bed sheet, toy and treats. It was that point that they made to make them so welcome that made me know I would stay here again and again.

Georgie's Restaurant has ocean views, friendly waitstaff, good food and is on the premises, We had dinner reservations for 6:00PM and they called our room at 5:45PM and they said that they had room for us now and even asked us what we wanted to drink, it was all ready for us when we made our way to our beautiful table.  I had the chowder and warm bread, a shrimp, crab salad. It was amazing. "Hub's" had a wonderful seafood pasta and even though the price was a bit high for the 70's decor, the food made it all worth it. We can't wait to go back to eat here again.

One thing that we loved was the little window to let in the the sounds of the surf without compromising the security. The fireplace was the perfect compliment to the early morning foggy beach.  You can't beat the view in each room they make sure nothing competes with that. Along with easy trails to the beach and a wonderful pool and hot tub. We found another thing we loved about the Hallmark resort and that is the ideal location that is close enough to walk along the water to the historic nye beach. Amazingly while we were there on this stay we were lucky to witness the whales surfacing and spouting from our hide a bed couch we had decided to make up to watch the waves and as we were watching we were so excited to see the whales dancing about right in front of the hotel.

What this place lacks in sophistication and class it makes up with in charm. This is not a newer facility, but it is nice and, in the right conditions, offers a great stay for a great price. One thing I know for certain is that the staff is above and beyond friendly.

There staff even told me that they are doing alot of upgrades around the hotel and will be making improvements to most of the guestrooms this winter. On your next visit look for new flat panel TVs, fresh duvets on the beds and a new MP3 player. It is like a book that you judge from the cover, unless you dive deep into it you might miss out completely on this wonderful hotel.  We might have had our second thoughts about where we were staying at in the start, but peeling the layers away we found a place that we would stay at again. Recommending to many of our friends!

A Proud wife..........

Today "Hub's" was on the inaugural sailing today, between Whidbey Island and Port Townsend. Making the new ferry is called the  MV Chetzemok,  It was named after the late Klallam Chief Chetzemoka, A piece of history was made when the first passenger drove aboard, this was by Washington State Governor Chris Gregoire.


"The Chetzemoka provides an important link between communities on both sides of the inlet," Governor. Gregoire said. "The inaugural sailing is truly a big event, and I'm thrilled to be able to share in the excitement of the occasion."

The new ferry will carry 64 vehicles and 750 passengers It begin its regularly scheduled service between Port Townsend and the Coupeville (Keystone) terminal today linking Whidbey Island to the Olympic Peninsula. For three years there has been a much smaller ferry traveling this route, which was leased from Pierce County, on the Anderson Island. The route that my father began working for after his 37 years as a Captain in the ferry system.  The people that work the run along with the passengers that are more like family and a large part of what makes the ferry system what it is nicknamed the M.V Steilacom Two, BOB. Because of her ability to BOB up and down with the roughest current and route our fleet has to go through.  Many time and occasions, due to weather, the ferry wasn't able to leave Port Townsend or getting to Keystone and then being stuck over on Whidbey until they were able to weather the storm.  Everyone hopes that the Chetzemoka will help make traveling easier.

Many things on the ferry were done in a poor manor, the list that you can feel as soon as you drive on in fact you don't even need to take the ferry to see this, all you have to do is look up and you will see the ferry tilting to Starboard side.  There was a ton of wasted money in this project and a lot of headache. Being able to be part of the History of Washington State was something that my husband was a part of. It was something he will always remember and a great story he can share and tell the rest of his life.

The ferry was recently investigated and it was soon discovered that for every vehicle the ferry can carry it cost $1.2-million to build. By that measuring standard it is by far the most expensive ferry ever built in this country. The $80.1 million vessel was built by Todd Pacific Shipyards in Seattle.
Todd is in the process of building two more ferries of the same design for Washington State Ferries. Hopefully under budget to off set some of the cost it was to build this over budget ferry this time.

I have never been more proud of my husband and the idea of my Grandfather, Father, & now my husband have all been involved in the history of new ferry's in the system. My Grandfather was there when the Hyak was brand new on the fleet, My father was there when the Walla Walla was brand new to the fleet, I was there when the Tacoma came out to the fleet and now my husband when this boat came out. Although I no longer work there it is still a big part of my family. A large part of my past and present. Now I am looking forward to the next generations of Ferryboats that will come up.