One Night in Poulsbo and the World's Your Oyster

Poulsbo Washington is my favorite local getaway. Poulsbo offers something for everyone, it really does.

 My getaway weekend went a little something like this…

 After a scenic ferry ride to Bainbridge Island from Seattle, and a 6 mile drive down Highway 305. I cross the Agate Pass Bridge and immediately to my left is the Suquamish Clearwater Hotel and Casino

http://www.clearwatercasino.com/casino/.

This is Kitsap counties largest casino and the only North Kitsap casino with an adjoining luxury hotel.

 
I have some time to kill before I head to Poulsbo. I think I will try my luck in the casino and if I win big I’ll hit the gift shop for some really fun and garish cocktail bling.                                                                                               Photo courtesy of Clearwater Casino.com 

One Hour Later…

Back in the car with a free hot chocolate and a couple of sparklers on my fingers, I continue down Highway 305 towards the Norwegian town of Poulsbo, but before I hit the shops I want to check into my mini suite at the quaint and charming Poulsbo Inn
 

It’s cute, friendly and conveniently located, plus they give you really good chocolate chip cookies when you check in. The Poulsbo Inn is a great place to stay if you’re not making the Clearwater Casino your only destination. From here you can do it all and see it all.

http://www.poulsboinn.com/                                                                                      Photos courtesy of Poulsbo Inn.com 

Now that I’m all checked in and refreshed, I’m going to bundle up and take a short scenic walk down the hill to fabulous downtown Poulsbo. All of the shops are on one main drag so walking is no problem for almost anyone. My first stop is Maple Grove Cottage. I love this clothing store. The owner has a taste for funky, flashy retro chic, that reflects throughout the whole store. Whether you are shopping for coats, shoes, jewelry or handbags (The Cottage as I call it) will have you standing out from the crowd and looking sophisticated and sexy for your day out in Little Norway.

 

Now that I feel confident in my look, it’s time to get my browsing on. I’m going to pop into Kitsap Mosaics. I would love to get a group together for a day of making beautiful mosaics. They have a fantastic selection and no studio fee. I like that. Then it’s off to Saison’s Boutique. This shop has everything that is delicate and decorative. It’s perfect for your seasonal needs. Across the way from Saison’s is Liberty Bay Books. These guys are seriously helpful and friendly. They have a great selection of the latest best sellers and series novels, and they love to chat about what you are reading or direct to a new and exciting read based on your favorite books.

All of this looking around has me ready for a tall caramel macchiato from Hot Shots Java. This is where the locals congregate (Unless they are between 21 and 35, then they are at downtown Poulsbo’s only tattoo parlor, Thor’s Hammer ha ha ) the inside of Hot Shots is very artsy and cozy. It’s also a great place to find out what’s going on in town. Poulsbo has a plethora of events year round and they are always posted at Hot Shots, or check the Poulsbo Chamber of Commerce website ttp://www.poulsbochamber.com/annual_festivals.htm.

There is still so much to see and do. I have to go across the street after I finish my coffee and go into the Marina Market. They have the largest selection of Haribo candies I have ever seen! Not to mention tons of other cookies and candies from all over the world as well as a large selection of chocolate liquor candies, yummy. Oh and they do have real food as well, good news if you come in by boat and need supplies. I am going to take a quick run through Bad Blanche’s they have amazing deals on costume jewelry. As if I need more, right?

    
 
 
I'm feeling peckish and even though every restaurant in Poulsbo has it’s merits, I’m going to choose Tizley's Europub because I can sit outside up on their deck and take in the scenic Poulsbo main street as I’m having my afternoon cocktail, delightful!

Well it’s already late afternoon and I haven’t even visited half of my favorite shops, because they are ALL my favorite, and I just don’t have the time but you will if you get an early start and keep in mind, ferries are mostly always crowded so get there early. No sense in spending your precious weekend at the ferry dock frustrated and bored.

After a wonderful afternoon in downtown Poulsbo I’m going to make one last stop at the famous Sluys Bakery and buy a few goodies for tomorrow morning
 (If I can wait that long).

    It’s time to wind my way back up the hill to the Poulsbo Inn. There is a rather scenic church and cemetery on the way for those who like to tiptoe among the tombstones, If not the sidewalk will suffice. On my walk back I pass 2 Mexican restaurant right next to each other, Las Cabos Grill and Jalisco. I hear good things about both places. It’s a curios thing to see two Mexican restaurants right next to each other. Still good to know for later, being that they are right across the street from my hotel.

Back in my cozy but spacious room I unwind before getting ready to be picked up for a night out at the Point Casino in Kingston, WA with my girls. “The Point” as I call it is a 10 mile drive but well worth it.

The Point is a smaller property then the Clearwater, It doesn’t have a hotel yet, but I believe they will in the next few years, which will be great and I’ll tell you why. Even though The Point is a much smaller casino then the Clearwater, it has a lot of potential and if very focused on entertaining their guests with activities, especially in the summer time. In the past they have had many events where they have set up an outdoor bar, and had BBQ and bands. It’s really fun!  They have also turned the main showroom into an indoor beach party, trucking in sand and everything. I haven’t seen that with my own eyes yet but I hope to this summer

.http://www.the-point-casino.com/

The Boom Room lounge is a hoot. It would be a perfect place to see your favorite performer. It’s just the right size with a stage and dance floor and those fantastic over sized booths. They also have a very reasonably priced café for snacks and a full service restaurant. Oh and lots of really fun games to play. I can’t guarantee you will walk out a winner but I can guarantee that you will be planning your next visit on the ride home.

Well as the evening wears on we want to get closer to out hotel but also make one more stop.

Back to downtown Poulsbo, our destination, the Portside Pub.
They have a really rocking
house band on the weekends, and they have a full bar. It’s a fine stop for late night partying when everything else is closed and you don’t feel like being in a casino anymore. It’s located on the water, very local and not far from the hotel.
 

Yawn back to the room for TV and Mexican food….

The next morning I check out and wave goodbye to my favorite local motel.

 I meet the girls at the Clearwater for a Bloody Mary breakfast buffet and maybe one last 20.00 on my favorite game Rich Little Piggy’s.  I cash in my winnings and head back to the ferry to wait in line, a smile on my lips thinking about what a great weekend getaway I had in Poulsbo.

 

   

 

A Goth Christmas or The Art of Decorating for Multiple Holidays Part 2

I have finally put my money where my mouth is, so to speak and took the Christmaween challenge.
Now, anyone who knows me, will be surprised that it took me this long to combine my holidays, or they will roll their eyes and say to themselves that's just typical Jolie, I don't see the difference.

    I actually wasn't even going to decorate at all this year. I didn't decorate for Halloween, and thought I would skip the Holidays as well. But my mood turned around, thanks to 2 really cute Christmas cards I received, I got inspired!

I got the dolls out of the cupboard, and they look as happy as always (not at all). I think they are bored and need me to make them some new friends,  I only have 4 left and have given about 6 or 7 others away.

I love the holiday combo for this year but next year I will split it up and keep it fresh!

Merry Christmaween Everybody

XO J

My Exclusive Interview with Star Power Christine Deaver

Christine,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy holiday schedule. Your fans (myself included) miss you in Seattle, and so I thought we could catch up on what you have been doing . 

Now I know you have been on the go since leaving Seattle last spring. Can you tell me about some of the engagements you have been doing all over the country?

Since finishing with Teatro Zinzanni, I have been performing in various gigs in Los Angeles, Hawaii, Seattle, Atlanta, and that hip, hoppin’ town, Stockton, CA. 

  

 Stocton, That's almost as good as Fresno! Christine you are queen of the funny stories! What’s the latest funny thing that has happened to you?

I was doing this gig for, shall we say, a high end event.  This wonderful fellow, Dave, was assigned to take care of me for several days for this event.  He was my driver, security guard, butler, assistant.  I think the only thing he didn’t do for me is my taxes.  If, only!  During our first conversation from the ride from the airport, he said “Well, I’ve been doing all the talking, why don’t you tell me about you?”  I jokingly said “ Well, I used to be a man, but now I’m all this”.  We laughed.  I find out later that he wasn’t sure if I was joking so when we got back to the estate he googled me.  One of the things that came up online was “Christine Deaver drag queen”.  This was due to a review of a production I did years ago where myself and my onstage partner were in drag.  I, as a man, he, as a woman. 

So after three days of Dave and I being joined at the hip, it was time for the ride back to airport and back to Los Angeles.  By now, Dave and I are buddies and singing harmonies to songs on the radio as we speedily drive down the freeway in the souped up Mercedes.  A song by Cher comes on the radio.  Dave mentions her daughter, now son, Chaz (formerly Chastity Bono). He asks me what is the difference between a transsexual, a transvestite, and a drag queen.  I explain to him the differences.  There is a pause……..Dave says “So, when did you have your surgery?”  It took me a minute to realize that based on my joking response to his question when he first met me, he thought I was serious when I said I used to be a man.  In addition to the results of his online research.  I laughed so hard I almost fell out of the car.  Then Dave tells me all the security guards are taking bets on whether or not I really am a “natural” woman or not.  I get on the plane, still laughing out loud to myself, and I’m sure the people around me are thinking I’m either drunk or crazy.  I’m laughing over Dave’s parting comment which is “During the whole time I was with you I kept looking at your face and thinking you have such fine female features and you can’t even see your adam’s apple!”

 Too funny! All of the security guards huh? Did you get any phone numbers either way?

 You are a star of stage, screen and recorded music are there any future plans to conquer a fourth genre or even fifth genre? 

 

 If I could go back in time, weigh 100 pounds and be 5 feet tall, I’d be a serious kick ass figure skater!  Oh, the quadruple lutz’s I would do!  I’d be the female version of Kurt Browning.  In drag, of course. 

 

 Ok last question, which “Tom” do you think is hotter? Tom Hardy or Tom Hiddleston?

Tom Jones, baby!  Tom Jones!

I like that answer! 

Christine ,I have some You Tube clips that are hilarious!  I hope you don't  mind if I forward them on to my readers  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AfebqQLupJc 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yT7jUyiWmlU

Thank you so much. We love you, and look forward to your return to Seattle in September!

  

Christine’s CD “Showgirl” can be purchased on CDBaby.com.  She will return to Teatro Zinzanni Seattle, in Sept. 2014.

A Quick and Easy Christmas Wall Hanging

Happy Holidays,

Here is a little something that I sketched out and thought might be very easy and inexpensive to make. It was, and depending what supplies you have around the house it may be completely free.

First I gathered 4 sturdy slim sticks from outside. Of course they were wet this time of year so I cleaned them up brushed them with a wire brush to get all of the extra dirt off and brought them into dry. I did this project at my parents house and dried my sticks in front of the wood stove but you might just have to clear a space, put some paper down and let them dry overnight naturally.

Once my 4 sticks were dry I got out some glue and glitter. I had a gold premade bottle of glitter glue and that worked great. A trip to the Dollar Tree can get you everything you need for about 3- 5 dollars. I also watered down some Elmer's glue, used a disposable paintbrush I could toss afterward and I had a bottle of red glitter. So I brushed the glue and water mix onto the sticks and used another cheapy paint brush to brush on the red glitter.

Once you get all of your sticks all glittery, let them dry. Now get out your glue gun and whatever small to medium Christmas tree bulbs you want to use. Glue the bulbs directly to the glittery sticks.

Now let dry over night and then be sure to spray your project with a clear varnish to seal it from moisture which will cause the bulbs to come unglued, the varnish also gives it a nice shiny finished look, and it allows you to hang your project outside if you wish without ruining it. Now the last step is to take some thin wire and lash your sticks together all facing the same way and hang. It should fairly lightweight, so you can use small nails and a little bit of wire if need be.

Time to hang outside!

 

I hung mine on a log house porch.
So that's it, quick and easy, and so simple. It's a good project for kids that want to make something shiny and Christmassy but you want to keep it clean and simple.

Let's Have Lunch

Look I know Seattle is a big food truck town, and that it's all hip and trendy but it's not cheap, and it's not readily available in every district in the city .I think it would be great if restaurants had lunch carts or even cheaper, a lunch table with a heat lamp on it, and from 11:30p to 1:30p they can feature one or 2 items from their restaurant for sale on the street, wrapped and ready to go.Pizza places can have pizza slices and meatball sandwiches and Chinese restaurants can have pot stickers or noodles for 3 or 4 dollars. Gyros are a perfect wrapped and ready food. nachos, burrito bowls, anything on a stick.
   How come there isn't a Fair Foods cart people love corn dogs, and anything fried, how about corn dogs, french fries and onion rings, oh and deep fried cheese sticks, cotton candy, popcorn.
  Lunch tables are a faster  way to sell smaller portions for a cheaper price and increased business from passers by will have a high volume effect. it's better to sell 30 gyros in 2 hours at$ 4.00 ($120.00 ) then have 5 customers come in for 10.00 lunches ($50.00) or why not both!

The Gingerbread Man

 When I was a little I had this Disney record and I I played it over and over again. I would sing along with the Gingerbread Man as he ran and ran from everybody. 

I've run away from a little old woman, I’ve run away from A little old man,
I’ve run away from a pig, I’ve run away from a cow,

I’ve run away from a from a  barn full of threshers,
I’ve run away from a  field full of mowers,
And I can run away from you, I can!  

Now I don’t know if this particular gingerbread man did not want to be the old couples son or not, because he just takes off running, maybe he thought they were going to eat him. Regardless, off he goes eluding everyone and singing and singing until he meets the fox. Well I won’t ruin the end for those who haven’t read the story yet. Yes all 2 of you.

     In the 1800’s everybody was coming out with their own version. Russia, Germany, England , Scotland and even America. In Russia it was a Kolbok (ball of dough) in Germany, it was a big fat pancake. They must have really loved the idea because several different versions were published from the mid century to 1900.

    In England it was a rolling Johnny-cake, in Scotland it was a bannock, which I’m pretty sure is a biscuit.

     My favorite thing about this whole runaway food genre is that people have been very creative with it and tell a tale based on their food and their culture. It keeps a simple story fresh and alive as it is passed down from gereration to generaton.

    Some of our more contemporary versions include as Eric Kimmel's The Runaway Tortilla (2000). A Hannukah version called The Runaway Latkes (2000) by Leslie Kimmelman. And  Chang Compestine's Chinese New Year tale, The Runaway Rice Cake (2001)

   Those all sound hilarious! But I think for my next food related read I’m going to choose the Gingerbread Baby by Jan Brett.

The Art of Decorating for Multiple Holidays

 

First off I just want to state for the record that I realize some people may take offence to the very idea of combining holiday decorations. I agree that while I like it, it is not for everybody. My favorite is the Halloween slide into Christmas motif; with only a few adjustments, you can have a very haunted Christmas. Holiday greenery looks great with bats and little shiny multi-colored bulbs. Add a few snow covered houses and a miniature Christmas tree to your already existing Halloween village.
     What also makes seasonal decorating so great is that you get to premier your handiwork for three to six months out of the year instead of only one .I like to do Fall/Winter and Spring/Summer. In March I start thinking and planning for Spring and Easter motifs. Yes I think doing a major decorating over hall twice a year is perfectly ok, especially for the busy busy everyone’s that are running around like chickens trying to get from one holiday to another, tearing down and putting back up, packing and unpacking. Give yourselves a break and think seasonally instead of monthly.    
      Will your friends think you are incredibly lazy or maybe touched in the head for combining holiday decorations? Maybe for a while until they see all of the extra time you have for shopping, lazing by the pool or doing Christmahalloween crafts.
       So get out there and turn that fake white flocked Christmas tree into a Halloween tree and keep it rolling right back into Christmas.