Kingston Girl

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.

Alderbrook Lodge has always been one of the Hood Canal’s crown jewels and has been here since 1913, when people used to take a steamer ship out of Seattle and come here. It was basically a tent camp back then. The rich history has transformed over the years. Bringing a lot of Seattle natives back here with the memories of the childhood they spent playing on the grass and swimming in the water.

My own personal history with the resort take me back to when I was a little girl,  my mom would drive us around the curvy road that runs along the water of the Hood Canal, I always felt like I was in another world, with the Olympic Mountains close enough to almost touch. It is a drive as I got older I would take when I needed to clear my mind.

As soon as we would go through the Tahuya State park and campground I knew the next thing to cast my eyes on would be the Alderbrook Lodge. Even before the remodel, it was something that was magical like it was straight out of Hollywood.  My Great Uncle Ernie lived across the water from the lodge and it was always fun to be able to watch people playing on the grass and in the water.  My whole life I have had dreams of staying there.

Well dreams come true..... The past week on this adventure I brought one of my best girlfriends Stephanie. We were able to do a girls weekend. It was a much needed break for the crazy lives we both lead. Especially Stephanie who is a mom of three,  a wife to a fire fighter, along with being a women who also works at a full time extremely stressful job. I thought that getting away and to de-stress would be perfect and a wonderful way to really celebrate our friendship! 

Talking the entire way there, stopping by Crazy Eric’s to get milkshakes and home made french fries, while we traveled through part of the cute town of Belfair. The sun was shining, and at every mile that we came closer to getting to the Lodge, we both spotted the sparkling water of the Hood Canal. We felt like we were a million miles away from any of our responsibilities back home.


Pulling up to the Lodge we were greeted by the Valet staff, and they came and grabbed all of our belongings &  parked our car. The reception staff was amazing and made sure every detail was met for our girls weekend package. You see there are packages for everything you can think of.  These are just a few of the packages that they offer. Escape to Alderbrook, Golfer's Escape Package, Making Family Memories, Late Checkout Please!, Rekindle Your Passion &  a boaters paradise package as well as a few more to try out. 

The Girls weekend package that we had, which included, Luxury overnight accommodations, $380 spa credit at the Spa at Alderbrook  (Spa Appointments Required), 4 cocktails or a bottle of wine, Spa gift, extended checkout until 3pm and Valet parking.

Walking into our room was more then either of us expected. The details that they put into this room, just shows how much they think of their guests, elegantly furnished, with all the luxuries you’d want.  Our room was immersed in the natural beauty of the Northwest, which reflected in the colors: sage green, chocolate brown, vibrant sunset reds.  It made me want to come home and paint the inside of my house.

They had a great selection for a mini bar, an I-pod dock so you could listen to your own music. A 27” television with premium cable, movies on-demand and DVD players. A desk and stationery, a bay window with enough room  for two to snuggle up to or a place for one to dive into that book that you can't put down, or just sit and watch the boats go in and out of the canal. I have to say that the high thread count linens and down comforters were by far the most comfortable bedding I have ever slept in outside of my own house.

Then they give you cozy throw blankets to wrap yourself into, that is perfect to use as you sit on your private balcony. The bathroom was beautiful and the lovely Spa amenities for each guest to try like the soap, shampoo, and body lotion were exceptional. Then there is the "to die for" spectacular soaking tub which is the icing on the cake to your room and completes the relaxation part of your stay, where you don't need to even leave your room to feel at ease.

After we could drag ourselves from our beautiful room with our swim suits on we decided to walk around and check out the property, first stop the gift shop with again anything you could think of. Then we were pulled to the dock to check out the beautiful boats. The one I love the most was the Lady Alderbrook. We had the pleasure of meeting Dave Wagner the man that takes care of all your boating needs for you. There are kayaks and paddle boats and much more for you to enjoy. Dave makes it easy and exciting to plan an adventure with his company Hood Canal Adventures.

The two of us decided that we would jump in and swim in the canal, and with the help of Dave tempting us and telling us that if we were to just jump in, we would be warm!

It was amazing, once we got use to it. I love swimming in the Canal especially when you swim through the heat pockets of warm water, and the belly laughs that the two of us girlfriends shared together with the sun shining as we were splashing around with the beauty of the Resort behind us with the creative and wonderful music of Biff Moss and his ukulele. His music filled the air for us and as my friend Stephanie said. " It brings me right back to the day's I have spent swimming in the water at Key West, only the water was a little warmer." The music Biff plays can be summed up by saying that his music is a mix of Island beats and rhythms that make you happy and leave you with the feeling of being uplifted.  This was just what the Doctor ordered for us as we swam.

After we our dip in the water we went back to our room got changed and headed back down to the out door restaurant where we were able to share a table with a mother and daughter and her beautiful grandson. All along with Biff still playing beautiful songs, even playing my favorite "Some where over the rainbow." It was a perfect evening to spend making new friends, being with your best friend, drinking a little wine and enjoy a great meal. I had the rib's and Steph had the pulled pork, both dishes were mouth watering.  All the while listening & enjoying Biff's live music, it was truly just a perfect summer evening.

We decided after dinner to hit the indoor pool, and hot tub then try out the herbal-infused steam room, it was my first time ever being in one. I loved it so much that I wish there were a way to make one at my house.  After the trip to the pool area we decided to go back to our room where we were surprised to find the Movie night package that had a six pack of diet coke ( you can have any soda or beer)  a large bucket of buttered popcorn and a chick flick! It was a perfect way to end the night.

The next morning we had Breakfast delivered to our room.  (They give you a form to fill out and put on your door before you go to sleep and the meal will be ready to be sent to your room at the time you choose.) I had the most amazing cinnamon roll french toast and Stephanie had the Denver Omelet that she raved over. Once we were done with Breakfast we headed down to the spa. We were met by the Spa Director Elizabeth, taking time out of her busy schedule, she showed us around the spa and before any treatments were done on us we were well beyond our way to being relaxed. Escorting us to the quiet relaxation room, where we drank the lemon water and snacked on fruit.

The two of us were lucky enough to be asked to try the Signature Spa Pedicure  Rose Petals in a basin of warm water for my tired and worn out feet. While you are relaxing one foot in the bubbly soak your other foot is being exfoliated then the Shea Butter is applied to a hydrating treatment with moisturizer and paraffin - With a wonderful foot and leg massage that left my feet feeling smooth and rejuvenated. It was the first time that I didn't feel like I was a part of the cattle car and in a big row but a private setting between me and my therapist, Beth, who made me feel like I was on old friend..... I will happily tell you more in a future article about just the spa, so please stay tuned.


There are so many things that I loved about Alderbrook. I have never gone anywhere that I have ever felt more relaxed or so at peace.  They have something for everyone. You can be with your girlfriends for a great girls weekend like Stephanie and I did, or you can bring your family and enjoy quality time and smore's kit's where you can use one of the resorts fire pits,  A Golfing adventure with the guys, A romantic get away for you and the one you love with a couples massage and a hotel room that is so romantic you might just never want to leave.  Whatever it is that you are wanting to do, the Alderbrook has it for you.

You don't have to hop a plane or even drive for hours to get to a wonderful place to enjoy yourself or with your loved ones. Sometimes the best vacations are only a few miles away from home.  I know I am looking forward to going back in the thick of the fall and enjoy the stormy weather on the Canal, wrapped in the wonderful throws, enjoy a great book and a glass of wine next to the out door fireplaces.

It is a place where you can go all year long and find something different each visit.  One thing you might not know is that you can enjoy a day at the spa and their Restaurants with out staying at the Lodge, but please do yourself a favor and stay the night. One night and you will be wanting to go back again and again.




I had an amazing time and can only hope to be asked to come back again. If you book a stay, please mention Kingstongirl.

1. How many pets do you have?

We have three dogs, Howie, Sophie, & Baby girl Minnie Bella.  

We have three fish ( Lary, Moe & Curly) we are getting more for our big tank so stay tuned. I love animals of all kind and love the idea of having many many more. 

The house we live in has enough land to have several animals and if I can have my way we are going to have  a bunny and some chickens next spring as pet's, I would also like a few goats so I can make some goat milk soap. 

2. If you could switch places with anyone in the world for one day, who would it be?

I have always wanted to be a singer go ahead and laugh!  (a country singer when I was little) If I could trade with anyone it would have to be....Taylor Swift. 

Young. Gorgeous. Talented.

For just once in my life, I'd love to experience what it would be like to walk on a stage with an arena full of people screaming for me. But just once.

Or maybe...........Kristen Stewart because she get's to hump him Robert Pattinson! :)

3. What is your favorite money saving tip?

Stay home........If you don't go anywhere unless you have to leave. Not leaving the house means using no gas, not spending money at a store. 

4. What do you want your kids to be when they grow up?

I don't have children of my own but I have niece's and nephew's that I love more then anything in the world. The thing's I want most for all of them is to love deeply, to be loved deeply back, do good in the world. Always be kind to other's and live a healthy life.  Oh and to always love their Auntie! 

5. What is your favorite quote?

Oh, well here are some that I love. 

Do not pursue the past.
Do not lose yourself in the future.
The past no longer is.
The future has not yet come.
Looking deeply at life as it is.
In the very here and now, the practitioner dwells in stability and freedom.
We must be diligent today.
To wait until tomorrow is too late.
Death comes unexpectedly.
How can we bargain with it?
The sage calls a person who knows how to dwell in mindfulness night and day,
'one who knows the better way to live alone.'
By Bhaddekaratta Sutta

*********************

Do not weep.

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there; I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow,
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sun on ripened grain,
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there; I did not die.

Dear Friends & Family,

I am building a team for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's (LLS) Light The Night Walk, and I would love for you to join me September 25th 2010 at 7:00PM at Green Lake in Seattle

Light The Night Walk is LLS's annual walk and fundraising event- and the nation's night to pay tribute and bring hope to people battling cancer. Teams of friends and families or co-workers raise funds for cancer research and to provide services in their communities. Each Walker who raises $100.00 or more becomes a Champion for Cures and get's to carry a special illuminated balloon- white for survivors, red for supporters and gold for those who have lots a loved one to blood cancer.

As you may know this hits home for me and my family, being diagnosed, going through treatment and all of the financial burden that can bring a family to their knees.
Many families participate in this walk every year. It is an amazing time that everyone at the walk has the same goal- curing cancer! Everyone has a great time on the walk night too! The live entertainment keeps everyone moving, and dancing, the food is plentiful, the camaraderie was amazing and the kids have a wonderful time! The entire night gives us all so much hope!

Your participation and support WILL make a difference. I hope you will consider walking on my team and making a commitment to become a Champion For Cures by raising $100.00 or more. If you cannot participate, you are more then welcome to make a donation toward my efforts. Any amount you can give is greatly appreciated!

We are also doing a fun event for the girls at

The white house/black market store. Where we will see a fashion show, with a DJ and food and drinks! It is going to be a fun time.
%10 of everything you buy that day will go towards the walk! If you would like to be part of this event space is limited so please
RSVP! Thanks ladies :)

	September 18 · 2:30pm - 7:00pm
Location	Store #: 3171 3000 184th Street SW Suite 936 Lynnwood, WA 98037
For more information or to donate online please visit http://pages.lightthenight.org/wa/SeattleL10/StaceysDream Thank you for your support in the fight against blood cancer. Thank you Kingstongirl. kingstongirlnews@gmail.com

What love looked like! This is my Great Grandparents, Ida Maye and Hank Freiboth. They were loved so much raisng 7 children. That makes getting together now hard unless we rent a hall to do it in. This family is amamzing and they were together for over 60 years. Not one day goes by that I don't think of them.

I love this time of the year because Peaches are in season. Our neighbors have a peach tree and we are lucky that they are nice and that they are willig to share. So I will share some fun things to make with the in season Peaches................ Yes today I made two pies and a blackberry crisp! Yummy. All from my garden. Enjoy!



Peach Pie




Prep Time:

1 Hr Cook Time:

45 MinReady In:

1 Hr 45 Min

Servings (Help)

US Metric Calculate

Original Recipe Yield 1 - 9 inch pie

Ingredients

10 fresh peaches, pitted and sliced 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup white sugar 1/4 cup butter 1 recipe pastry for a 9 inch double crust pie

Directions

Mix flour, sugar and butter into crumb stage.

Place one crust in the bottom of a 9 inch pie plate. Line the shell with some sliced peaches. Sprinkle some of the butter mixture on top of the peaches, then put more peaches on top of the the crumb mixture. Continue layering until both the peaches and crumbs are gone.

Top with lattice strips of pie crust.

Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 45 minutes, or until crust is golden. Allow pie to cool before slicing. Best when eaten fresh.


Peach Pie!
Ingredients


6 eggs, beaten 3 1/2 cups white sugar 10 fresh peaches, pitted and chopped 4 cups heavy cream 2 cups half-and-half cream 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

In large bowl, mix together eggs and sugar until smooth; puree peaches in blender or food processor and stir 5 cups of puree into egg mixture. Stir in cream, half-and-half, vanilla and salt and mix well.

Pour mixture into freezer canister of ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer's instructions


Peach Jelly... ( a great gift to stock up on for xmas) yes I said it!






 
 
 
Ingredients


12 fresh peaches, pitted and chopped 4 1/2 cups white sugar 1 (2 ounce) package dry pectin

Directions

Crush 1 cup chopped peaches in the bottom of a large saucepan. Add remaining peaches, and set pan over medium-low heat. Bring to a low boil, and cook for about 20 minutes or until peaches become liquid (my family likes a few bits of peach left) .

Pour peaches into a bowl, and then measure 6 cups back into the pan. Add sugar, and bring to a boil over medium heat. Gradually stir in dry pectin, and boil for 1 minute.

Remove from heat after 1 minute, and transfer to sterilized jars. Process in hot water bath canner for 10 minutes. Let cool, and place on shelf.

Last but not least,

Peach Omelet
 
Ingredients


1 cup peeled, sliced peaches 2 tablespoons lemon juice 4 slices bacon 2 tablespoons water 6 eggs 1 teaspoon chopped fresh chives 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon white sugar 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 pinch paprika

Directions

Mix peaches with lemon juice; set aside. Place bacon in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium high heat until evenly brown. Drain, crumble and set aside. Reserve 1 tablespoons bacon grease in skillet.

In a large bowl, mix together crumbled bacon, water, eggs, chives, salt, sugar and black pepper.

Reheat bacon grease over medium high heat. When grease is hot, pour egg batter into pan. Arrange peach slices on top of egg batter. Cover and cook over medium heat for 1 minute. Uncover and cook until set. Sprinkle with paprika. Let cool slightly before serving.

1. What are you most afraid of?

Let's see besides snakes, I can only think of one big thing.....Death!

I am so incredibly terrified of dying. I can't even bring myself to think of one of my family memebers or close friends passing away. I just think that my life wouldn't be the same without any of them. I am an only child and have been worried about this for as long as I can remember.
Obsessive much?


2. Do you use a flat iron or curling iron?

Well right now no but when my hair is a little long, well them I'm a flat iron girl...but, back in the day, when I had long hair, I was a curling iron girl...just couldn't get the job done with a flat one!

3. Hands-free or phone to the ear?
Phone to the ear. I know everyday that I am behind the wheel I am breaking the law! Opps!
Yes.  I do get the weird quirk/fear. If I'm passing a police officer, I always try to act non-chalant and hide it...like he/she can't tell that I'm jabbering away on my phone! I'm afraid they'll pull me over, throw me in the clink for talking on my phone.

But it doesn't stop me.

4. Do you have a matching bedroom set? No I try to but I don't. I am going to do a bedroom, makeover in the future. It would be great to have a grown up room! So when I get done with my bedroom make-over I will post before and after pictres. Promise!


5. Do you believe in the paranormal?
Yes, I do. I feel there are people that spirits are left behind.

I like "scary stuff"...I enjoy the occasional ghost story...and I get totally intrigued by stories like the Glensheen Mansion. Oooooh, gives me the shivers just a little bit!