What or who is Kingstongirl???

What a fun weekend, this past one was. We did some really fun things. I went to review Tetro ZinZanny, It was so fun. I think it would be great to go again with a big group. Stay tuned this week for my full review it is going to be a fun read! 

Saturday I was in my first big wedding and event show! Learning a lot of  wonderful things, about what my faults are and my strengths. What I need to work on and what I need to try and change.  I loved meeting so many great people, so many wonderful contacts. I look forward to all these amazing new thing that are about to happen in my life. You know when you are standing right before something amazing and you know through the bottom of your soul that things are about to change? Well that is what I’m feeling like.  My entire life is about to change I can feel it. 

Over Saturday I was asked by some of the new people that didn’t know what Kingstongirl was?! Who I was?? What I was selling?? What have you been living under a rock? You have to know what and who Kingstongirl is?! Right?? So I thought in this post I would tell you what I do and what Kingstongirl is all about.  To get some people to even stop and talk to me I had to yell out at them "I'm not trying to sell anything!"

It started almost a year ago when I was trying to get my writing to a new level, instead of it just being a hobby for me. So I looked around thinking what I have to write about that would make a small difference. Then my mom who was new to facebook wrote on the local newspaper facebook page, telling  them that they need to have me spice up the boring paper that people just gaze over. Two weeks later I wrote my first monthly article about women in business in our local community. 

Then I decided that I was going to write about what I love, traveling! I love anything that has to do with travel and decided that this and doing reviews on fun and new things going on in and around the local area or the areas that I traveled too. 

So I guess here is a quick run down of what I do. 

1) I'm a freelance writer first off! Working on a series of travel books. :) This is my baby and I am so excited to go on a book tour.  Hoping that the path will lead me to becoming bff's with Tori Spelling. 

2) I pick places to get groups of people together. I believe that if you take money that you would spend in a big over paid place like wallmart and go and spend it over a few locally owned places each month. It will truly make a big difference in the big picture of things, maybe it isn't feeling that way now but in time it will. 

3) I'm a planner, with OCD and this makes my crazy little mind focus on something else besides endless amounts of worry and stress.  Making it a fun way to get groups of women to meet for a girls night out, do a movie night at my favorite theater in my area, wine tastings, and so on.... I want people to get out and do something fun. I know that people are reserved on what they spend their money on but you have to get out there sometimes and do something fun!  I try to keep the cost down for all of my events. 

4) I network, network, network. I want to meet & work with new people all the time, trying to always grow as a person and as a brand.  I want to be the go to girl. "where you need to go when you need to know."   

5) Being a travel review writer my entire goal is to be the West coast "Samantha Brown" I want people to know of great places to travel but not only that I want them to have an entire experience when they do. I like to talk about where and what to go see and do on their weekend in Porland or their over night in Seattle  to not only be about the hotel but a nice dinner, a new place to see and check out a production at the fifth Ave! It doesn't matter as long as I give you a run down of what you should try. 

6)Word of mouth is the best or worst thing that can happen to a business or a a person, so the word of mouth that people talk about me I want to make sure is wonderful, fun & only positive! 

I try to make sure that I give fair and truthful review.  

7) In the past year In my communities I have seen more places close then I ever thought that I would, hearing that more are in danger all of the time to close, so doing reviews are just a little way for me to give back to the places I love. I have a big mouth and I like to be able to use in to talk the places I like up!

8) I'm also on a weekly radio show called Outlaw radio and have to say that K-dawg is one of my favorite people and I love that this has brought me to many friendships but this one I have with Kevin has to be one of my favorite! :) 

There are more things that I do but this is just a taste of who I am. Oh and another question I get asked is Why did I name myself Kingstongirl??? 

This is why, in the time when Kingston, Washington was just starting to be homesteaded, our family(my Dad's side) moved there, settling in at the time in a place that was then known as Apple Tree Cove. 5 Generations later and our family's history still runs deep here. My pride of being who I am & where I came from made me decide that I needed to give my history and my town a nod of  thanks and love! I am proud of being a Kingstongirl! This is what made me use this name! :) 

Stay tuned for another amazing year of great adventure with Kingstongirl :) 

Meeting some new friends on Sunday blog hops! :)

This weekend I was able to be in a few blog hops & I have to say I love meeting new friends. Happy Sunday friends. I have some great posts for you this week. 

A travel writers worst fear.. Bed Bugs.

I have a secret that I’m going to let only my close friends know so listen closely. I have a fear.......

BED BUGS!!! 

I wake up in the middle of the night feeling like something is crawling over my legs, that brings me in a panic tearing my covers off me in a panic just to check my mattress. Thinking that I see a speck that is moving against the mattress or lint on my Pj’s knowing that they just have to be A bed bug. 

Here are some things that helped me try to calm down just alittle bit about where I am staying you can now check the hotel that you are staying at ahead of time at bedbugregistry.com. A great resource to check and see if you can rest your head in peace. Be careful not to end up like me, this is like crack to me and my OCD just loves it! Another bonus about the web page is you can tell them 

What has been known in the past until now was that it was mostly in the Big Cities. this isn’t the case anymore. With this big scary bed bugs getting rid of them is not an easy task. Most cases of  infestation will require treatment by a pest-control expert. A variety of low-odor sprays, dusts, and aerosol insecticides can be used to eradicate the problem. Once applied to all the areas where the bugs have been seen or could be at, all the spaces where they may crawl or hide. The worst part that can happen is that you will have to ask the pest-control company for help so that you can determine if the mattress can be disinfected or discarded. That is a big amount of money  for you to replace a bed since beds cannot readily be treated with insecticides, it's often necessary to discard infested mattresses and bedding. What are bed bugs? 

Many people don’t know what Bed bugs are, so here is a run down to my nightmare! They are small, oval, non-flying insects which includes three species that bite people. Adult bed bugs reach 5-7 mm in length, while Nymphs are as small as 1.5 mm. Bed bugs have flat bodies and may sometimes be mistaken for a tick or small cockroaches. Bed bugs feed by sucking blood from humans or animals! If I wanted to be bitten I would call up Edward Cullen!!!! Adult bed bugs are reddish brown in color, appearing 

more reddish after feeding on a blood meal. Nymphs are clear in color and appear bright red after feeding. The wings of bed bugs are vestigial, so they cannot fly. If you see little black spots or stains on the mattress that is a true sign that you have been infected! This is bed bug poop! Yes bed bugs poop!!! It is like lice in your bed, having to watch or take everything that can’t throw in the machine to be washed to the cleaners. 

Bed bugs die in a temperatures over 120. I have a complete check list of things I do when I arrive at my hotel room, I check the headboard and box spring for the bugs. If I find any I ask the hotel front desk to find me another room. I store my luggage in the bath room so that it is less likely to  find a cold, hard surface unlike the new soft materials.  Always use the luggage rack set nothing on the floor!

You can bring bed bugs in your house by your bags, or purses, jacket, all your clothes, your suitcase that you were in the hotel with. 

Here are a few tips to not bring the bedbugs home with you.

Wash everything after a trip! Not just the dirty stuff. Maybe going the extra mile by taking all your clothes off in the garage ( make sure you shut the door so you don’t scare the neighbors!) Clean out and vacuum your suitcase.

Here is one that you might never think about....    Double and triple your second hand clothes, Not just that the second hand clothes but the ones you by at the stores like Old navy  or Kohls, You are not the only one trying on the clothes that you buy and bring home. Protect you beds by using a encasements made by either a protect-a-bed or a mattress safe! They are pricey but worth it to not have to go buy a new bed set. 

Remember that since bed bugs can live for months without feeding, they can also be found in vacant homes!!! Yikes I am know scratching my head, legs, my dog! Just remember the saying
“Sleep tight and don’t let the bed bugs bite!” I will never think of that again the same way. Now I’m off to bed with the flashlight to do my nightly bed check! 

For my Seattle friends here you go a list of Seattle area hotels. 

1112 4th Ave Seattle, WA

Travelodge Seattle Weste Sw Ala
1800 Yale Ave Seattle, WA

Best Western Loyal Inn
13700 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA

La Hacienda Motel
5414 1st Ave S Seattle, WA

Holiday Inn Express Seattle City Center, Seattle
226 Aurora Ave. North, Seattle, Wa Seattle, WA

Green Tortoise Seattle Hostel

105 Pike St Seattle, WA

Econo Lodge North Seattle

14817 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA

Oaktree Motel

8900 Aurora Ave N Seattle, WA

Curben Apartments
1726 Summit Ave Seattle, WA

Hampton Inn Bellingham
3985 Bennett Dr Bellingham, WA

Bad waitress!

Today we went to a new place for us, trying to put together a quick sit down meal that didn’t have a playground with golden arches. We decided to try this place call the Toad house. 

We pulled in and thought that it would be a nice place to try. I had gone there before with my parents almost a year ago. When I went there we had pizza. I thought at that time there were not good, but not bad. This made me think to try it again. 

“Hubs” and I walked into the door & were greeted about four minutes after we entered. The waitress looked like she was going to be a extra in the latest zombie movie.  Nameless waitress sat us down, put the menu down, walked away.  

Eight minutes later we got asked if we wanted to have something to drink. 

five minutes later she brought the diet coke and water, she then takes our orders.  40 minutes later our order came, we ordered two sandwiches, yes sandwiches!!!!!!  They were good except for the fact that they put five cups of mayo on it when I asked for no Mayo but I guess we would have to have a waitress  that acted like she gave a damn, not even coming back once to ask if we need anything else or bring refills for out drinks! 

So I will never go back here! I couldn't go to sleep tonight before I gave a review. People should always act like they have a food reviewer at each table. It is amazing why people that have a job in a public business that they should be happy and thankful in the time when jobs are so hard to come by to act like they are happy to be there! 

I am sure the owners of the Toad House is going to be pretty upset that because one of their employees 

not giving a crap O' La about their guests that come to enjoy their food, and for that two people with big mouths told ten people who told ten more people, and so on and so forth until the words has gone all over the place! 

So next time Zombie waitress put a smile on your face, check in with your tables and really act like you give a damn! 

the Salishan Lodge & Golf Resort

Our stay at the Salishan Lodge & Golf Resort was a romantic getaway. A great way for me to spend the day in the spa while the “Hub’s” played his game of Golf.  Then having a wonderful dinner at the onsite places to eat and shop at were the icing on the cake.  

The front desk was very helpful and cordial to us at check in, we were greeted by name and we found that the staff was tremendously generous added a great, personal touch to our stay with them putting a basket of goodies in our room, I have to say that is what always makes me feel a little extra special.  They even upgraded us to a wonderful & beautiful deluxe room on the side of the property, that has a great view of the bay. Having just done a complete remodel,  now all of the rooms have a flat screen TV.  The Bathroom was my favorite part of the entire suite because of the rich decor and the marble tile walls and floors, and a granite counter, the fireplace out in the family room was a nice addition. Being able to feel like you are staying in a studio flat, with Wifi, kitchen table for two, a fold out couch and two big oversized chairs perfect to do some reading time to get lost in your little world. My other favorite thing about our room was the lovely rockers for you to sit out in like did as we sat out there with our glass of wine and watched the sunset over the beautiful golf course & the view of the ocean. It was so stunning. The rich greens and gold tones took your breathe away. Truly one of the best sunsets I have seen in my life time. 

 The Salishan Spa continues to be an indulgent, luxurious, and a beautiful experience,  Adjacent to the resort part of the property they have a complex the most sought after part of this complex is the spa. It shows off the amazing views of the  Siletz Bay, the spa is located in this location is the perfect  marriage to provide a tranquil escape. They want you to relax, rejuvenate and revitalize your mind, body, and spirit.  “Hub’s” and I enjoyed the co-ed whirlpool,  wet and dry saunas, rain showers.

We also enjoyed the above and beyond place to eat, 

The food at both the main dining room and through room service are excellent. The service at the bar is wonderful as well, the more casual restaurant was just as wonderful and you could go their dressed down.  

Activities in house are amazing, you never even have to leave the resort. For the outdoor lovers you can enjoy the Outdoor Recreation Center With a Bocce ball, half court basketball, beach volley ball, and jungle gym there is something to do for everyone at the outdoor recreation area.

Not a great golfer but still love the game? Well you are in luck for you and your family you can do what “Hub’s” and I did and enjoy their Putting Course Perfect for some family fun or an after hours gentlemen's game. With the natural beauty of the golf course as the backdrop, par is attainable but fun is guaranteed.  Also fun things for you and your family to do that the resort hand pick activities that they knew would make all of their guests happy, Like their smores parties, BINGO, Putting competitions, sports games, children’s golf and even tennis clinics.  They even have a unique thing that they offer to their guests, http://www.jetsetbabies.com/hotel-guests_salishan-spa-golf-resort.htm

While I was there I checked out their event areas, because I am always looking for places to hold blogger events or Kingstongirl weekends, I would have to say that I would plan a weekend event here in a heartbeat. truly an excellent place to host business associates both during meetings as well as in a social environment. 

The 1/2 mile or so walk along the nature trail that leads to the beach is very nice--especially with “Your Fur babies” Our dogs loved the walking trail & the large pet room! One of my number one favorite things to “Hub’s” and I was the fact that you can stay in a deluxe suite and not feel like you are in a room that is pet friendly like so many are. Where they give you the worst room with all the worn out bedding, and the carpet you walk on feels wet because it is so dirty! This is not the case with this pet friendly room. 

For the golf lovers they command your respect hands down there isn’t much competition with this course, this course features 18 distinctive holes. The moment your cleats hit the course to the time you are walking off  after you finish your game you will be in awe of the spectacular scenery that surrounds you. This course will test all of your skills, from the front nine holes surrounded by old growth timber, to the back nine holes that pay tribute to origins of golf with links style play. 

Along with the Resort remodel at the same time they Redesigned the Golf course, designed by Oregon golf legend and PGA Professional Peter Jacobsen this par 71, course is open year round.

Having an onsite pro shop features state of the art equipment, the best in men and women’s sports wear, and a relaxing bar and grill. Another added treat is the onsite PGA Professional Mark Swift he will fit you with a set of rental clubs or fine tune your game with a lesson on their year round driving range or practice green!! 

I enjoyed the entire experience, although you are not directly on the beach. Where most of the resorts on the coast are, this is perfect to be off the beaten path, a mecca for the ones that love being outdoors or sports this is your safe haven. They even give us the views of the ocean from most of the hotel property. 

I look so forward to coming back and enjoying another relaxing and fun weekend. Never even having to leave the resort. For those of you that haven’t stayed here do yourself  a favor and book your trip soon!

Sea Lion Caves..

I hadn’t been to the Sea Lion Caves for years. I think the last time that I was there was when I was about 6 it was the summer between my kindergarden year and first grade.

We drove down Highway 101 down to California. It was so fun. I remember the smell of that cave. So when the “Hub’s” & I had the chance to visit and check out the Sea Lion Caves we were both pretty excited. 

The Sea Lion Caves is nature's home for wild sea lions and a variety of sea birds. Sea Lion Caves is located North of Florence on the Oregon Coast. The large cavern with the roar of the sea lions, the cries of the wailing birds, and the restless surge of the ocean into the cave below, is truly a treat from all ages.  Going down below the earth in the elevator my heart sunk down my chest as we dropped and dropped down. When we got to our final level we were able to go and take a great look at the caves that the hundreds of Sealions. that live there.

Inside of the cave it is wet, dark, and cold. The smell wasn't as bad as I would have thought or that I remember from when I was little. From the elevator to the opening of where you can view the sea lions you is about 40 steps down, and 40 steps back up. We also enjoyed the fact that we were able to walk a slightly steep walk up a wet, slippery stair way to the original stairs into the cave. I couldn't even try to imagine myself going up and down that way you use to. I would have been sick and my fear of hights would have never been allowed me to go that way to get down there. The idea of the elevator was almost to much for me this modern day way. 

Generally in the spring and summer the Sea Lions are on the rocky ledges just outside the cave. This is their rookery where breeding, birthing, and congregating goes on. During the fall and winter they are usually inside their cave. When we were there they were all out in the water from the top of the viewing area you could see them. We also saw whales dancing around in the waves there as well.

Sea Lions breed and bear young in the spring, usually in May and June, although some breeding occurs as late as July or even August. The coincidence of breeding and bearing was once thought possible because female Sea Lions have a twin uterus, a characteristic of all pinnipeds. Also, it was assumed that the Stellar Sea Lion bore a pup each year like it's close relative the Alaska Fur Seal.

During the breeding season, the bulls fight for territories on the rocky ledges just outside the cave. Only the largest and strongest bulls maintain harems of fifteen to thirty cows. The remainder are called bachelor bulls and are driven away to live elsewhere during this period. From April until about mid-July, the family structure is plainly evident with the young born on the rocky ledges outside the cave. It is very rare for a cow to give birth inside the grotto.

 Until late in July when the harem structure dissolves, the herd bulls keep constant vigil over their females. Occasionally a young, strong bachelor succeeds in besting an older bull thereby acquiring the herd. The herd bulls do not leave their harems even for food for perhaps three months. Only the largest ocean waves can drive them from the ledge into the sea. Females display no loyalty and when a harem is broken by a storm, the bull may never recover all of his chosen mates. Therefore, much of his work involves keeping his "wives" from slipping away in search of food or because of high waves and rough ocean. Naturally, the bulls have lost weight and are exhausted by the end of the breeding season and they generally spend the remainder of the summer by themselves, resting and regaining their strength.

The entire experience of the caves was wonderful except that you have to pay an arm and leg to go down to the caves. I wish that they would have told us there were no sea lions in the cave. I am happy that we went down but know that if I didn’t go down I would have completely kicked myself for not going. 

What is the one thing that you keep or collect on trips? For me I collect spoons and art that is done by any local. I keep the cost down by taking pictures. This is a great way to collect memories and then upload all of 

them for a coffee table photo booth. 

I loved this adventure. It was a fun time and another memory I get to share with the "hubs" I'm beyond blessed to be a travel writer and get to see so many fun things and go back to things and places that I once enjoyed as a child. 

My Assistant is a life savor...

So I wanted to do something that I know I can do to help just a little. Then she turned around and did something else to make it back about being about me. So sweet.  If you want any information about her marykay business feel free to tell her Kingstongirl has sent you! 

I  have the pleasure of having an assistant her Name is Sara & she has also started her own MaryKay business. Being that I have done direct sales a time or two she is such a go get it kind of a girl & will go above and beyond for you! It would be great for you to just have her ad you to her mailing list. 

I am doing a promotion for my assistant's business.  She is offering 25% off on orders now through Sunday.  Sweetly she is offering that any sales she will be donating A portion of her sales is being for mine & Chris’s baby fund.  There are great gifts for Valentine's day for men and women....Mini Satin Hands is the gift with purchase when you order 50.00 worth of products.....free gift wrapping, gift certificates are available and always free delivery!  

Sara Wright

Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant

360 536 1456

sara92506@hotmail.com

Marykay.com/swright71199 

Sara, 

Thank you for helping me when I need it the most, to always be thinking  one step ahead for me. You are amazing and I am blessed to have you as an assistant but more importantly my friend. I just know that this year is going to be fun, & a great start to a wonderful business & friend relationship!