My Favorite Holiday Traditions

The holidays are my favorite, I love this time of year more than anything.  When I was growing up my Grandma Remy would always go all out for Christmas and I know that my love for Christmas comes from her love for Christmas and the joy she had around the holidays.   Sadly, my grandma is no longer celebrating Christmas on Earth with the rest of us but I am determined to make the holidays as memorable for my kids as she did for me.  I have taken some of my favorite traditions from my childhood, and added a few new fun ones that we love.  

Our Thanksgiving celebration is always so fun, and we make it extra special by creating our gingerbread house during our celebration. As the kids get older I see an annual gingerbread competition in our future! Nothing better than a little family fun! 

Thanksgiving weekend is filled with Christmas scented candles, Christmas movies, and decorating our house for our favorite holiday of the year.  We put the tree up, stay in our PJs, and sing Christmas music.  If everyone is feeling up for it we head to Easton to finalize Christmas lists and see the beautiful tree.  

Christmas Shopping Trip - Every year my grandma would take us to The Lee Middleton Doll Factory and let all the granddaughters pick out a special doll, we'd follow it up with Christmas shopping, and a fun lunch.  I have started doing this in two ways.  1. My husband and I do a date night, where we head to the toy stores, spoil our kids, and then head to dinner out together.  I buy a lot online to save money but we enjoy doing this shopping trip together, and it's fun for me to watch him spoil our kiddos.  2. My daughter and I also have a shopping day together.  She and I start with afternoon tea at Cambridge Tea House, followed by shopping for those she wants to shop for.  I love doing this with her and I'm so happy to carry on a tradition so special with my daughter.  I can't wait to do this with both of my daughters next year and watch them together as we make wonderful memories. 

Make A Gift - This tradition started with my mom, her sisters, and their spouses many years ago.  Every year they would draw names and whoever's name you got, you had to make a gift for them. You could buy materials but you absolutely could not buy the gift.  I always loved this gift exchange but was never allowed to be part of it, they had a rule that you had to be 16 years old to be allowed to be included, and by the time I was old enough they had stopped doing it. I never understood why.   So in our house we do a smaller version of this gift exchange, because we include our kids and there are only 4 of us. My husband, our kids, and myself draw names and then we make a gift for the person we get.  I am the only one allowed to know who has who, because let's be honest I'm the one helping both kids create their gifts.  This tradition is so fun, you get to see everyone's creativity, the hard work and thought that goes into every gift, and I love teaching our kids that money doesn't buy happiness.  If you give from the heart - that's what's matters.  

Christmas Cookie Party - Every year my mom would invite all of my cousins over to our house close to December 25, and together we would make sugar cookies, decorate them with way too much icing and tons of sprinkles, while singing Christmas carols and watching How The Grinch Stole Christmas.  Unfortunately, my kids don't have any cousins, with me being an only child and my husband having much younger siblings. That doesn't stop us from carrying on this tradition.  We invite some of our closest friends and their kiddos of course and decorate cookies, play fun games, eat way too much sugar and laugh until we cry. This is one of my favorite days of the year and I love that we have such great friends to spend it with.

Jam out to Christmas music in the car - This one is from my Pa, like my Grandma Remy, he is celebrating Christmas in Heaven now but every time, Little Drummer Boy, comes on the radio you better believe I am using the steering wheel as my drum and singing that song at the top of my lungs.  Embarrassing my kids a little and laughing with them a lot. We do something similar with a lot of other Christmas carols.    

Christmas Pjs - Every year my mom would let me open ONE gift on Christmas Eve, and every year I knew exactly what that gift would be....Christmas Pajamas.  A different pair every year but always very festive and fun.  She made me fall in love with this so much that I refuse to give up wearing Christmas Pjs as an adult, so even now as an adult with kids of my mom, my mom buys us ALL Christmas Pjs and I LOVE it!!! 

Those are all the big ones - we also watch How The Grinch Stole Christmas a lot, drive around looking at pretty lights, I wear red and dress up on Christmas Eve, we wear comfy clothes on Christmas, we have no rules on the holidays which basically means my kids eat way too much sugar and my husband takes a nap while laying on the playroom floor (haha - no seriously happens every year but he deserves it with as many toys as he has to put together),  Santa brings mom and dad stockings every year and I love seeing what my husband fills my stocking with, we have matching stockings from Pottery Barn and I am madly in love with them, we play board games on Christmas Day, we visit the Statehouse for their annual tree lighting in early December, we play in the snow if it's there, and we smile and laugh a lot.  

These are the moments I will remember for the rest of my life and I hope my kids know how much I love celebrating these moments with them.  I hope they find comfort in some of these traditions as they grow into adulthood and I can help them carry on some or all with their families.  

3 Reasons we are Thankful for Goldfish

Last week at our weekly swim lessons E and I noticed a giant turkey on the bulletin board near the front desk. Kids were eagerly writing down what they were thankful for on colorful feathers and placing them around the turkey. Of course, my kiddos wanted in on the fun so we headed to to the front desk where the feathers and pens were and we started discussing what made us thankful for Goldfish.  We each came up with one thing and I wanted to share them with you. 

1. "My teacher" - Emmalyn

Spending 30 minutes each week with Ms. Taryne is one of the highlights of Emmalyn's week. When I asked Emmalyn what made her most thankful for Ms. Taryne she said "She's very nice, Mommy. Its fun to be in her class, she makes it soooooo fun.  I love her" 

2.  "Swimming with Daddy" - Owen.  

It's no secret that my husband works long hours between his full time job and his start up that he is working so hard on, so we don't get to see him as often as we'd like (we are very proud of him though and love seeing him chase his dreams).  All of that means that when my kids do get some quality time with Daddy, they love it! Owen is thankful for Goldfish because it gives him 30 minutes of undivided Daddy/Owen time each week.  If you're looking for a great parent/me class, Goldfish is the way to go.  We love it so much!! 

3.  "The People" - Mommy

The people that work at Goldfish Swim School Westerville are some of my favorite people in the world.  My world can get a little crazy sometimes with working from home, two kids, being pregnant, and everything else so when I get my kids to Goldfish chances are I've forgotten something. I'm hoping this is just pregnancy brain but who knows, it could just be the start to having three kids. :-)  The wonderful people at Goldfish never judge, they just love my kids, smile and laugh with me about how wild my kids are, and understand and forgive if I forget the goggles or even a towel at home.  They've got my back and I always appreciate it.  Mindy, Tracey, Taryne, and Emma - I love you all! I am thankful for all of you! 

Foundations Learning Academy Has A Lot To Be Thankful For This Year Part 1

At the beginning of November I sent an email to my friend at Foundations Learning Academy and asked if she would mind asking the parents and the teachers at her school what they are most thankful for during this month of gratitude.  I think it's really important to remember why we are thankful and hear what others have to say.  Below are some of the answers from the wonderful teachers at Foundations Learning Academy - stay tuned for part two where I share what the parents are thankful for.  

“Enjoying each milestone a child accomplishes and how it makes them feel. It is as if they are my own little one’s moments of joy. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of a professional atmosphere and family like staff. ”

— Ms. Tara M

“I am lucky yo be in a profession that I can personally touch a child’s life and give them the tools needed to be a successful adult. ”

“I am thankful for being given the opportunity to nurture and guide 12 precious little lives. ”

— Ms. McKenze

“The moment that you see a child grasp a concept or skill they have been working hard on. I love the pride they feel for themselves. I truly love my friendships with my coworkers and our families. ”

— Ms. Mary O

“Foundations Learning Academy has shown me how a daycare should run. I am thankful for my helpful and kind boss and staff we have here. ”

— Ms. Stephanie

Mama Monday | Krile Communications | November 2016

Being a mom is amazing and so much fun.  Every single day brings new joy, new adventures, and also new challenges - add running your own business to the mix and the days are even more exciting and the challenges get more complicated.  No one understands this more than Anglea Krile from Krile Communications.  

I sat down with Angela last week to discuss her business and all the fun things that come along with being a mom boss.  Angela is my type of human - she sees a challenge and she faces it head on instead of letting fear run the show.  Krile Communications was founded in 2010 by Angela, when she had a 1 year old and a 3 year old at home.  Can you imagine starting your own business as you're in the middle of the toddler years, potty training, and all of the other fun that comes along with the baby/toddler years?  I'm sure that some of you actually can because you've also been there - as have I.  It's not easy, but it is so worth it.  

Krile Communications is focused on one goal: Make the community great! 

When Angela launched Krile Communications, the one thing not on her mind - failure.  It wasn't an option for her, and it wasn't something she feared.  She is surrounded by a loving support system in her small town of Sugar Grove and knew that she could easily count on any of the countless family members to help out with childcare, or any other needs should it take her awhile to get her dream up and running.  Angela also had the unconditional support of her husband, Greg.  He never doubted her and in response to her telling him she wanted to start her own business he said, "of course you will and of course it will be successful"  :) 

“Our goal is to have really good clients, really good employees, and make the community great. ”

— Angela Krile

Krile Communications is a Central Ohio communications firm.  Some of their specialties include message development, marketing, and public relations.  The team at Krile focus on each individual client and investing themselves in their clients success.  They have many clients that you would recognize like Telhio Credit Union, Ohio Children's Hospital Association, Ohio Chapter of Academy of Pediatrics, Buffalo Wild Wings, and more.  

I asked Angela if there was anything she'd like to say to 614 Mom readers and she said "Don't be afraid to ask for help.  Moms are afraid they have to do it all themselves but they don't.  It's okay to ask for help" 

Mama Monday | MereDee Designs | November 2016

Mama Monday is quickly becoming my favorite feature on the blog each week, and it's because I get to share amazing local mom bosses with you and every week I'm reminded on how supportive our Columbus community is because you all tell me how much you love these mamas. 

This week is especially exciting because I'm sharing with you one of my all time favorite Mom Bosses.  I met Meredith at an Ohio Creative Collective event during the summer of 2015 and as she introduced herself and her business to the group I couldn't help but notice her bubbly personality that just took over the room.  Meredith has a heart full of unlimited love that she shares with everyone she meets.  You can't help but feel happy and inspired after an iteration with Meredith.  Meredith and her husband Drue live in Dublin with their kids Addison and Nolan.  With two active kids and a wonderful business of her own she is a very busy woman - somehow she manages to squeeze in time to teach dance classes at REFIT.  

“Most days when my little guy is off to kindergarten you can find me behind the sewing machine or at the post office mailing out some MereDee goodies! It’s more than likely I’ll have on a headband or an Ohio hat, so if you see me out and about, make sure to say hi!”

— Meredith

MereDee Designs is an online boutique that offers a full line of handmade accessories, jewelry, and home decor, made right here in Columbus, OH with love from Meredith herself.   Some of her featured products this holiday season include adorable patch work hats, flannel scarves, infinity scarves, beanies, nursing wraps, headbands, and necklaces.  I feel like everyday I am seeing a new product or new design on her Instagram page, and I swear I want to buy it all.  So my dear sweet husband you is probably reading this - any of Meredith's products would be great for Holiday gifts.  I especially love the Be A Light Beanie, all of the scarves, the infinity nursing wrap, the floppy hat and the Dash Pendant - so basically her full line.  :) 

MereDee Designs was born three and a half years ago when she had a friend that gave her some fabric and told her to "make something crafty with it."  She made a statement piece and headed to a clothing swap hosted by another friend, once word got out that she handmade these pieces others started to request items of their own and from there she's grown into what we now know as MereDee Designs.  The name "MereDee" comes from her Grandpa Mike who used to call Meredith, MereDee, and when she was naming her business she felt like it was only fitting to honor such a unique nickname.    Seriously, how amazing is that?  I love that story so much.  

Head to her site to order directly, Facebook or Instagram to follow along with her product updates. You do not want to miss anything from MereDee Designs.  

You can also find her at the following retail locations. 

Creatively Stated-Dublin
Chunky Armadillo-Short North Heart & Soul Handmade Market-River Valley Mall
Enjoy! Gourmet Gifts-Ashland, OH
City Limits Western-Massillon, OH
The District Boutique-Uniontown, OH

Ronald McDonald House | Volunteering With Kids | November 2016

I am so excited to be starting this new series with you, Volunteering With Kids.  My husband and I are passionate about teaching our children to give back to our community and we want to do that in fun, safe, engaging ways. It's also very important to us that we start this practice during the early years, so that it becomes a lifelong practice for them.  I've done a lot of research on ways we can help them learn while also giving back to our community, which after all is our ultimate goal and I'm excited to share with you what I've found.  

The Ronald McDonald House will kick off this series because it is a place that is so near and dear to my heart.  I love everything that they do and over the years my husband and I have volunteered there with our employers (funny I was volunteering with the CEO of Huntington one time and I didn't even know it - my husband had to tell me and I was the one that worked there haha), donated pop tabs and wish list items, and encouraged others to donate their time and resources here, but nothing is quite like volunteering with your kids.  I've noticed, over the last few years of doing this with our kids, that they genuinely love helping others and it comes so natural for them.  The questions they ask come with such compassion for others and I love that.  I love that they care enough to ask the question as well as being respectful while asking what can sometimes be a difficult question.  

The Ronald McDonald House offers many ways that you can get involved, and most are very family friendly. They have a published wish list you can shop from so that would be easy for the kids with the opportunity to talk to them about the needed supplies, why The Ronald McDonald House would need those supplies, and other questions your kids come up with.  You can collect pop tabs as a family and turn them in when your bag gets full, put snack packs together at home and then take them to the house, and if your child is old enough you can make a blanket with them for the house. The Ronald McDonald House puts those blankets in their welcome bags so the kids can have a piece of comfort while at the home.

 My family and I love to bake fresh, homemade, goodies for the home in one of the many kitchens they have in the dining area.  I've spoke with families who have spent time at the house and the fresh baked goods were always a welcomed treat after a long day at the hospital.  I know it's not much but if it helps one person smile, that's all that matters.  Volunteering at the house also allows my kids to see the people they are helping, and that can be very helpful in teaching children to give back.  Not because it makes them feel good or makes them feel bad for others but because it's takes a normally abstract thought (donating toys to other kids for example) and puts faces and personalities to the recipients and for kids that can be very beneficial.   

When we bake we typically bake a variety of items including 

Rice Krispie Treats
Peanut Butter Blossoms
Chocolate Chips Cookies
Brownies

These items are quick and easy to make in the two hour time slot as well as easy to bag in the individual Ziploc baggies they request you put the treats in, for easy and safe handling.  

Some easy ways to guide the conversation after volunteering with your kids include open ended questions so they can have the floor to share with you all of their thoughts.  First start by talking about what they did, what they thought about it, and how it made them feel. Let them guide the conversation and be willing and open to discuss any questions they may have.  The questions may be hard to explain, at times, but it's important to follow up your activity by having these conversations.  

Enjoy some of our pictures from our latest trip to The Ronald McDonald House.  You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram to follow their journey and be the first to hear about new and exciting things happening there.  

You can learn all about the super awesome shirts we're wearing here. 

Good Deed Rags

A few months ago I came across Good Deed Rags on Instagram and instantly fell in love with their mission and their amazing designs. I loved the shirts and how they looked but then I did a little more research and found out that they don't just tell you to do good, they put their own words into practice, I was hooked. Doing good isn't just a tag line for them, it's a way of life.  

Good Deed Rags was founded on a simple question, "If just one percent of the proceeds from the millions of pieces of clothing we have helped make and sell over the years went to a good cause ...Would the world be a better place?" Jamie and team collectively has over 30 years of experience in merchandising, design, and product development experience.  They were ready to put their theory to a test and launch Good Deed Rags. 

Good Deed Rags offers something for every member of your family and every shirt is $28.  $10 from every shirt goes to a local charity. Some of their current Good Deed Partners include The Ronald McDonald House, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Jerseys of Hope, Buckeyethon, A Kid Again, and more.  

Head to Good Deed Rags to order a shirt of your own, and scroll through our pictures from our photo shoot with Susie Marie Photography.  You could soon be rocking a locally designed, locally made shirt while giving back to our Columbus community at the same time. What could be better?  

Personally, I think my kids rocked this shoot.  I am madly in love with Owen's cheeks and his happy expressions and Susie captured Emmalyn's sweet and sassy personality perfectly.  Thank you Susie!!! :) 

Stephanie Hanna | Hanna For Judge | November 2016

Experienced. Respected. Dedicated. 

Stephanie Hanna is a experienced attorney, running for Judge in Franklin County Common Pleas Court, General Division.  When I first sat down with Stephanie we discussed her experience, education, and many other very important topics. The one thing that stood out to me was her passion for the legal system, a passion she plans to bring with her as Judge. This is just the beginning of a career in public service for Stephanie, she is excited to begin serving our community.

Stephanie graduated from Michigan State University in 2005 with a degree in Business Administration and went onto The University of Toledo College of Law, where she graduated in 2008.  Following graduation she became Assistant City Prosecutor for the City of Lancaster, and then for the City of Tiffin.  She is currently a Senior Manager of Member Outreach & Engagement for the Ohio State Bar Association, with many positions under her belt including Attorney for Hanna Law Firm, Staff Attorney for Christopher J. Greer in the Franklin County Common Pleas Domestic/Juvenile Division, Staff Attorney for Kim J. Brown in the Franklin County Common Pleas General Division and Attorney at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP.  

Sitting down with Hanna to discuss her passion for our community and our legal system was inspiring. She firmly believes in rehabilitation and helping the members of our community get back on their feet, through drug treatment programs or other means.  To be successful in this effort, Stephanie is proactive about finding new and innovative solutions.   

““There is always a solution.””

— Stephanie Hanna

 We also discussed her work with Children's Hunger Alliance, and YWCA on which she serves on both boards. After meeting with her, I feel that Stephanie is a true asset to our community. 

As a young professional woman I am inspired by the work Stephanie is doing for our community and her focus on continuous improvement.  While I typically don't get too political on my blog or social media, I felt with Stephanie's experience and passion she was someone I could fully support and wanted to share more about her with all of you.  

You can follow the last few days of her campaign on social media and her website.  

Mama Monday | Canvas Creations For You | October 2016

I first met Tricia through the power of social media, she messaged me through the 614 Mom Facebook page to share with me all about her business, Canvas Creations For You, and to discuss how we could work together in the future, and I'm so glad she did.  I'm not sure she knew how many ideas I would had for her! :-) At the time of our first conversation she was primarily hosting parties in the homes of her clients, a local winery, and other similar venues.  She is now in her own shop (GO GIRL!!) in Delaware and killing it.  I have watched as she has grown her business into her dream come true.  I am so happy for her! I couldn't think of a more deserving woman! 

Her shop operates similar to a paint your own pottery studio, where you can walk in during studio hours, pick your inspiration, canvas, paint, etc. and paint away.  You may be concerned with actually learning how to paint something new with this type of set up, but no need to worry - Tricia has thought of it all. She has Ipads loaded with step by step instructions, so you can pick any design they offer and really make it your own.     

Tricia lives in Delaware with her husband, two boys, and is expecting a baby girl in a few months! They love to go to the zoo, and enjoy their town! She says they have such a passion for our city and giving back to the community and helping local businesses. 

I have actually been a student of Tricia's and I have to tell you she does an amazing job.  She was one of the excellent vendors at 614 Mom's annual event, Celebrating You, last year and she was a big part of a Mom Blogger Meet Up that I organized a few months ago.  I was really impressed with her skills at not only painting but teaching others to paint.  She has everything you need and she loves helping others make their masterpieces.  

If you're looking for something new to do for date night, girls night, or a Mommy/Child date this is your place!! You can find them on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.  

Candy Buy Back 2016

Happy Halloween!! I'm so excited for tonight, we've planned out costumes, bought the food treats and non food treats for Trick or Treat tonight and have spent almost all of October prepping for Halloween. Between truck or treats, Halloween parties, and prepping for the trick or treaters to come to our home we already have a ton of candy!  By tonight we will have a mountain of candy in our house as I'm sure many of you will as well.  

What are you supposed to do with all of that candy?  You can eat every single piece over the next year, bake a delicious cake with it, or sell it to a candy buy back program. My favorite is to do all three! :)  I've complied a list of some great buy back programs this year and a few details for each.  Enjoy! :) Share your trick or treat pictures (and what you do with all of that candy) with me on social media. #614mom 

New Albany Smiles - Take any unopened pieces of candy to New Albany Smiles, and exchange for $1 a pound (max 5 pounds), your child can even write a handmade card for our troops that they will send with the candy.  All the candy will be donated to our troops and Buckeye Military Moms.  Drop off anytime November 1-3 between 8 am and 5 pm.  
Address: 240 Market Street, New Albany OH, 43054

Lucky's Market Columbus  - On November 2 from 4:30-6:30 take your candy into Lucky's to exchange for apples.  The candy donated will be sent to Operation Buckeye.  
Address: 2770 N High Street, Columbus, OH 43202

Kiourtsis Orthodontics - November 1st from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm and November 2nd 7:30 am to noon in Hilliard and November 3rd from 7:30 am - 5:00 pm  November 4th from 7:30 am - noon in Grove City. Dr. Dean is paying $1 per pound (up to 15 pound per person) and sending the candy to our troops.  
Hilliard Address: 4440 Avery Road, Hilliard OH. 43026
Grove City Address: 4166 Hoover Road Grove City, OH 43123