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! 

I reached a goal! :)

Happy Monday everyone! I am so excited to say that I am busy enough to have an assistant!  It is so exciting for me to have grown so big  so fast. I have so many great things to reflect on. 

I feel so blessed to have the connections that I have made. All have started as professional but almost all of them have ended up in friendships.  I couldn’t have hand picked them myself. 

The past year I have stayed in places I have only day dreamed about. I have tried things, tested things, been to amazing places to eat. Swam in the cold water of the canal with my best friend.  I have had the chance to be on a weekly radio show and become really great friends with the main host Kevin! 

Now being so busy I have been thinking about a few things that I truly  feel like I need extra hands, so I have a check list 

I need an assistant maybe two (2) I  need a agent for all my pots in the fire! :)  It is a goal and has been a goal from the time I started this venture.  

So that is what I did! One of my goals has been reached! I can cross this one off my list of things to do!  I got an assistant today! A great girl name Sara. She is fun, outgoing and driven. She is dead on and will work hard for me. I know she will have my back and help me problem solve, book hotels and events.  Sara reminds me of who??? Me a few years ago. I just love her!!!!

Happy Monday! ( almost Tuesday!)

Shaving time at the airport!

You know that it is very hard to fly now a days. Crowds, lines, naked ex-rays. Well I wanted to give you a few friendly travel tips.  I love to travel ( Or I wouldn’t be a travel writerduh!)

So if you want to travel and do it a little fast start with going on a Tuesday or Wednesday  Airports tend to be less crowded on those days. What is even better is if you leave on a Saturday morning just by doing this you skim down 45 minutes. 

Like us in Seattle you should always check the smaller airports first. I always check the boeing Field. My sister in law who is one savy chick got a steal of a deal to fly out of Bellingham & Portland  is also a great smaller airport to fly out of. DOing this will help shave off the wait time saving you at least 30 minutes. Plus if you are a nut case like me you wont have to worry about missing the plane.  I get to the airport so early that most of the time I can hop a earlier flight! :) 

Print your boarding pass at home. This is the easiest way to travel. You can also almost have your hotel print them for you on your return home.  Now a days most hotels have a business center and you can do that all on your own. Saving you at 30 minutes! 

Avoid having to be naked body scanned by going through the first time with flying colors! ( not pun intended.)  Don’t wear a underwire bra and hair pins, even these littlest things can send  the bells ringing and hold you up and the countless number of people behind you!

Never ever wrap a gift in wrapping always make it easy for TSA to not hold you up.  I always put everything in zip lock bags. The lap top, cell phone, i-pod, cords all together in one, my camera & cell phone in another, & then the lap top can go in it’s own bin.  All this will save you about 15-20 minutes

Also another thing that “Hub’s” and I do is one of us will go first add all of our stuff in the same bins walk away and collecting the stuff and putting it in the right place!  Saving you about 5 minutes and the piece of you rear end the person will bite off for taking so long,  this way no one can run off with your things! Yes even TSa agent has been known to take a thing or two. 

Don't get a Cart to wheel around your stuff from one end of the airport to the other until you are through security! Also this is a great hint for your carry on. Now you get two things to carry, Have a husband and you have 3 1/2!  What I do is pack all the things you will need or want in two bags that will fit in the floor storage in front of you.. This way it is easy to grab.  In one bag I have any meds, food/snacks an extra diet coke that I buy after the security. Then the other one is filled with our digital readers, mags,  gum, laptop, camera for that on the plane pose we always have to do!  Chapstick,  You name it for entertainment. 

Well I hope that helps with your time shaving on jet setting! :)  Don't forget that you should always wear slip ons! :) 

Sorry........

Sorry for the brief vacation on the blog. I will be 110% on it again Starting tomorrow. I have had some rough things happen this week. 

I have lots of fun things ahead the next week. 

I also will be splitting into two blogs. 

A personal one ( because I like to talk about my everyday life)

But I feel like this is should be 

business only on this blog. 

Travel.

Reviews.

Fun things to do and places to do it.

Hotels and vacation stories. 

xoxo

That is what is happening next. <3

Thanks for keeping coming back for more! 

Challenge three.....

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

Secret Single Behavior

When you were single, what behaviors did you keep to yourself?  If you are single, what behaviors do you only exhibit when you aren't around a date, etc…    {Pigging out on a tub of ice cream, etc…}

My Single secret behavior when I am on a Travel Review is to bounce on the bed when no one is watching... turn on the I-pod docking station and dance in my PJ's! I also take a hot bubble bath when I wake up in the morning just to be able to soak in the 24 hours of a hotel stay!