Advice for a person who want to travel.

I love to travel. I always have, I always will.  I think its in my soul, my blood or whatever else could have been the cause. Being a travel writer and review hotels and Inn's, B&B's is an amazing dream job that has now become a reality to me and my world.  I am going to pass on tips for traveling in my blog. Giveaways for travel related things. Between this and the great things going on in my neck of the woods in and around the great places that I have in my back yard of Kitsap County. 

Here are some tips I hope you find to be something that you enjoy maybe laugh a bit and maybe then book a great month away in a small little town to really learn the in's and out's of a different part of the world. 

Best advice: For over seas travel. 

1. Say Hello, to all other travelers. You never know when you need help.
2. Theft. Out of site, out of mind. Do not show people what you have. People steal what they can see. EXAMPLE: Walking around with a camera. Put it in a backpack.
3. Always take a taxi, or bus, etc from bus station to hotel.
4. Store you passport, travel check information in you e-mail box. 
5. Carry a Padlock, Place it on a door. Put eyelet screw on door if possible or when needed, use your own lock.
6. Do not look rich, dress, jewelry, tourist clothes, expensive backpack.
7. Take long pants on all bus rides. 
8. Take lots of pictures.

Hotels: Best 10 Questions

1. Let me look at the mattress please.
2. Do you have free water?
3. Do you have free breakfast?
4. Do you have hot water showers
5. Do you heat with Electricity? Solar? Gas?
6. Is the hot water 24 hours a day?
7. Do you have the hasp, so I can put on my own lock?
8. Are the showers free?
9. Can I bring friend into the hotel, or my room?
10. Do you have cable TV? HBO, Cinecanal?
11. Do you have a book exchange?

Save money:

1. Do not drink beverages, other than water. $3
2. Electric Hot Plate to cook,  $2 Day
3. Guidebook for rooms. $2 Day
4. Water purification drops. $1 Day
5. Take overnight bus. $1 Day
6. Rent rooms in hotels with free water. $1 Day
7. Travel, or share a room with a friend $1 Day
8. Wash you own clothes .50
9.  Eat only 1 sit down meal a day and eat in market for the others.
10. Stay for one month in each location and negotiate a price of room for 1/2 normal price.

Jobs:

1. Teach English
2. Waiter or Waitress
3. Pick Fruit
4. Cook food at hostel for a month
5. Reception of desk.
6. Massage Therapist
7. Dive master
8. Tour guide, or selling tours
9. Graphic on computer. Trade for room
10. Travel Agency.

Why I blog.....

Almost a year ago I began blogging thinking that it would be an outlet for me as a writer.  It has become so much more than just a hobby,  blogging is so fun, it has taught me so much, especially about myself. Just another thing to do to pass the time. It has become a start to a beautiful career.  One that will grow as fast and as big with the time I put into it. blogging might have started slow but with each day and with each post it's brought me to many wonderful adventures and is going to open many doors. 

I enjoy sharing MY stories, photos, and thoughts with people.  The main reason I work so hard on my blog is because I know that it is going to help me reach many of my goals and help my dreams to come true.  I love travel and I love to write so why not make this a place for my readers to be able to check out and then travel to there themselves. 

If you know me well at all you know that one of my goals and wishes, and that is that someday I want to share my unfinished novel with the world. I want to catch the eye of some out there who thinks that I have I am the next big thing.  I hate to disappoint people, and love to surprise them. Writing is my dream, I just never knew. Not until now. I know I have a "style" per se and I believe there is an audience out there who would enjoy my work.  I believe blogging could be my vehicle to where I want to be; a published Author. The west coast Samantha Brown!  

I will continue to write and promote my blog until I see my novel on the New York best sellers list. 

A change is coming.........

I am going to be doing a different spin on Kingstongirl News.  

This is going to be about reviews on places where I stay. 

about businesses that deserve to be talked about.

We are going in a direction that is 100% on target for Traveling, Review,

& seeing what is going on in the North West and especially the 

Great things that North Kitsap has to offer! 

Please stay tuned for some great stuff coming soon! 

xoxo

Tempt my tummy tuesday.

MAPLE BUTTERBUTTER NUT SQUASH

This wonderfully buttery squash puree, sweetened with maple syrup and whipping cream, is a classic fall favorite that's sure to make a spectacular side to your Thanksgiving turkey.

Ingredients

• 4 lb. (2 kg). butternut squash
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) butter
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) whipping cream
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) maple syrup
• 1/2 tsp. (2 mL) salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
2. With a large, sharp knife, cut butternut squash in half lengthwise. Scoop seeds out with a spoon and place both halves, cut side down, in a shallow baking dish or cookie sheet with sides. Pour in just enough water to cover the pan about 1/8 inch (0.25 cm) deep. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes. Turn the squash halves over and continue baking for another 30 minutes or until very tender when poked with a fork. Remove from the oven.
3. With a spoon, scoop squash flesh out into a bowl. If you have a food processor, puree squash with butter, whipping cream, maple syrup and salt until very smooth and creamy. (You may have to do this in two batches.) You can also beat butter, cream, maple syrup and salt into squash with an electric mixer, if you prefer. The squash won't come out quite as velvety smooth, but it will still be delicious.

Servings: 8

BRAISED RED CABBAGE & APPLE 
A little sweet, a little sour, this sensational side dish of braised red cabbage and apples is an easy accompaniment to roast turkey that can be made ahead of time and reheated right before dinner.
Looking for more Thanksgiving or Fall recipe ideas?  Do visit our complete listings of Fall comfort recipes that your family will just love!

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp. (30 mL) vegetable oil
• 2 medium onions, chopped
• 1 small head red cabbage, quartered and thinly sliced
• 2 apples, peeled and coarsely chopped
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) red wine (any kind)
• 1/4 cup (50 mL) apple cider vinegar
• 1 tbsp. (15 mL) sugar
• 2 tsp. (10 mL) salt
• 1/2 cup (125 mL) apple jelly

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring for 5 minutes, until softened. Add cabbage and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, for 10 to 15 minutes or until cabbage is thoroughly wilted and softened. Now add apples, wine, vinegar, sugar and salt, lower the heat to low and simmer, covered, for 1-1/2 to 2 hours, stirring once in a while.
2. Stir in apple jelly, replace the cover on the pot and continue to simmer for another 15 to 20 minutes.

Servings: 8

ONE POT CHICKEN AND PASTA!

This is a delicious and quick one-pot wonder. If you want, you can use herb and garlic seasoned diced tomatoes instead of the plain kind – but omit the basil in the recipe and save yourself a step when making this wonderful One-pot pasta with chicken and mushrooms recipe.

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp (15 mL) vegetable or olive oil
• 1 lb (500 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch (2 cm) chunks
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1.5 cups (375 mL) sliced mushrooms
• 1 can (28-oz.798 mL) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (250 mL) water
• 1 tsp (5 mL) dried basil
• 2 cups (500 mL) smallish pasta, such as shells, bow ties, fusilli or elbows
• 1/2 tsp (2 mL) salt
• black pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken chunks and cook, stirring, for 5 to 7 minutes or until just beginning to brown. With a slotted spoon, remove chicken chunks to a bowl leaving the as much of the oil behind in the pan as possible.
2. Add the onion and mushrooms to the pot and cook until softened – 5 to 7 minutes. Add the tomatoes, water and basil, bring to a boil, then stir in the uncooked pasta. Cover with a lid, lower the heat to medium low and cook for about 10 minutes or until the pasta is tender but not mushy, stirring once in a while. Drain any excess water.
3. Return the chicken to the pan, and cook for about 3 minutes, until the mixture is completely heated through. Season with salt and pepper and serve immediately.

Servings: Makes about 4 servings.

Meet Me Monday!!!

1. What do you do when you have time to yourself?

When I have time to myself where I don't have to write something, or clean something, I would scrapbook, I'm so behind its crazy so yes if I had some me time all to myself that is what I would do.

2. When you look out your kitchen window, what do you see?

I see my neighbors house and their veggie garden, a few piles of wood. Then there is the dry dirt that they dug up to put the propane tank in. Where my lawn and beautiful flower gardens were. Man I miss my flowers.

3. Who/What would you want to be reincarnated as

I have no idea, maybe my dogs, they are spoiled and get to hang out and sleep all day and have no worries.

4. What is your biggest pet peeve about other people's kids?

I can't HANDLE the whining!!

Makes me wanna gouge out my eyeballs when I hear whining. Or not having their children say thank you or the kids that are so lazy that they can't even pick up after themselves, or when I am on the phone and the parents are yelling to them through the phone, just hang up with me and have your loud discussion with out me.

5. Regular or Diet soda?

Diet Coke, I can't do much sugar or I would have to give myself even more insulin. 

& we don't need that now do we.....

What I am looking forward to...

The past week its been getting darker earlier, There is a chill in the air, the leaves are changing  

There are so many things I love about this time of year....

Here are some of the things I am looking forward to, 

Fall colors.

Hot apple cider.

Jumping into plies of leaves.

Knitting on a cold evening. 

Friday night football.

Pumpkins

Vintage Halloween

The Seattle Rain...

Candles in the evening. 

Reading all the books you didn't this summer. 

Snuggling down with warm blankets.

Shopping for Christmas gifts. 

The Fair. :)

The Fall TV show line up!!!!!!!!!!

I am in a contest and I need your help!

Hey everyone if you could please vote for me for the Western Washington's best Tweeter in our area I would be so Thankful! The link is on the right hand side under section of Events I am part of.
If you can do that and I win leave a comment and I will do a random drawing for a surprise giveaway.