PreciouStatus at Foundations Learning Academy

I don't know about you but when I started my infant in daycare (almost 6 years ago) one of my biggest fears was missing out on some of the everyday things like diaper changes, feeding schedules, random smiles, the cute way she'd grab her toes, the list could go on - this was in part because I was being sentimental and also a control thing as well as a care thing. I wanted to make sure she was healthy, eating enough, having enough wet diapers, etc.  Yes, with my first born I had a journal where we wrote down every detail from every single diaper change.  I just wasn't sure if this wonderful teacher taking care of 4 other babies besides mine would have time to give my child the love and attention I wanted her to have while still keeping me informed and doing this for all of the babies in her care.  

I recently learned about an app that Foundations Learning Academy in Hilliard has implemented.  PreciouStatus -  it allows the caregivers at Foundations Learning Academy the ability to keep the parents informed throughout the day on everything from how much their child ate, to diaper changes, potty training updates, other items that you'd find on the normal daily sheet at pick up as well as other alerts and then of course pictures! :-) What could be better in the middle of a hard work day than to see your baby (of any age) smiling at daycare. This app also works for multiple kids and you can customize it with their names and pictures and go to each "folder" to view different kiddos.  The app works on any smart phone and is of course free for all parents at Foundations.  

I know I would have loved this when my girl started daycare, the peace of mind it would have given to me would have been so nice.  If you haven't checked out Foundations Learning Academy yet you can read more about them on the blog and then head to their Facebook page to learn more and get their contact info.  

A Little Bit of Honesty....

DISCLAIMER!!! This post is something that has been weighing heavy on my heart over the last several months and I really want to take some time to share some of my thoughts on the subject.  I love being a mom, I love sharing my favorite kid spots, I adore my family, and I love all of your families even though I haven't met them all.  I take great pride in what I write and I only ever want to give you quality pieces. If we go somewhere "new and trendy" but I feel like I was let down - I simply don't share it with you.  That business could have been having a bad day, short staffed, or whatever.  My goal is not to hurt businesses but to help the families of Columbus and I believe to do that I need to be totally honest is everything that I share.  I hope you'll read this and understand where my heart is and not simply think that I'm complaining because I'm not.  I just feel like some of these things need to be said.  I would love your feedback.  

Being a mother doesn't define me, but it is also a title I wear very proudly.  I am a lot of things woman, mother, wife, friend, daughter, entrepreneur, and many more.  I have found through numerous engagements that people are quick to judge the mothers of this world as if we no longer care about anything other than motherhood.  I have been known to through back a few shots of Patron and dance the night away since becoming a mother, I can carry on conversations about world events and I enjoying reading books other than Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  At the same time I can talk in detail about the struggles of the tantrum stage, I won't blush when you tell me about that time your son started talking proudly about his penis in public, and I am happy to share my thoughts on the best places in Columbus for kids.  I am well rounded, as most of us are.  

Truth be told, I find being classified as a "mom blogger" very limiting. It's easy to assume that because this is 614 Mom, that I won't discuss anything other than kids. NOT TRUE!  However I am not ashamed to be a mom blogger - I actually love it a great deal.  I get to share some really amazing things with the moms of Columbus and the families visiting Columbus and that is something I don't take lightly.  614 Mom was founded on the fact that while we are moms, we are humans too.  It's the foundation on which 614 Mom was built and I plan to stay true to the 614 Mom brand as we grow. 

I just hate the thought that Moms are these really uptight women who only focus on their kids. Moms are strong. We are devoted, loving, strong humans and we kick ass. I have some serious goals and some wild dreams that I am currently chasing and having kids will not change that. I adore my children and I know that while I can't spend every waking moment with them, I am doing my best for them and for myself.  Finding my true happiness is extremely important because if I can't love myself and love where my life is headed then how can I be a great mother?  

This post is filled with thoughts that have weighed heavily on my heart over the last few months and I just feel like it needs to be said.  I am so proud to be a mom, a wife, an entrepreneur.  I am chasing my dreams and I hope you'll chase yours with me.  Tell me what are some of the things you're working so hard on while also juggling motherhood?  

Our Favorite Mother/Daughter Spots | December 2016 | 614 Mom

I grew up as an only child to a single mother so getting quality time with just her wasn't something we ever had to plan for or make happen.  It was just us, living life, doing normal things, and I didn't really think anything of it. Sure, there were times we did extra special things like our trips to New York, or the time she took me to see The Nutcracker for the first time, but everyday was a  mother/daughter date.  Fast forward to 2014 - I now have my husband, my daughter and my son.  There was no big conversation on how we needed to make this a priority, we just made it a priority.  My husband and I started taking our oldest on dates, the days and times would change, the things we'd do would be different every time, but at the end of the day it wasn't really about what we did but that we were spending quality one on one time with each other.  I've compiled a list of our favorite Mommy/Daughter dates.  Hopefully some of these can inspire you to find the perfect thing to do with your little ones.  Also, check back because I will be sharing my husband's favorite places to take our daughter, as well as our favorite places to take our son on dates.  

1. Cambridge Tea House - We LOVE the Cambridge Tea House in Grandview. It has quickly grew into "our place" for my daughter and I. We celebrate the small and big moments here, we dash off for scones and iced tea any chance we get. My daughter loves getting dressed up to go here and politely requesting that I wear a dress as well.  The staff is always so friendly, the food is delicious and the tea is the best I've ever had.  I love that there is a place in Columbus that my daughter and I can call our special place.  I would highly recommend reservations. We've tried to just pop by occasionally when we were able to get away but sometimes they run out of scones, or have a full house.  If you do wait - trust me it's worth it. 

2. Spa Day - I'm raising a diva and I'm okay with that.  E and I LOVE spa days.  Not kidding, her favorite place for a mani/pedi is The W Nail Bar, in the Short North.  I one time made the mistake of letting her pick what type of pedicure she wanted and she picked coffee.  WOW! Let me tell you, the coffee in your pedicure really does give you a burst of energy. Luckily it was just us in the space - plus about 5 of my closest friends, so I didn't have to worry too much because everyone thought it was hilarious but wow was my girl was bouncing off the walls.  So, just a little tip - get yourself the coffee in your pedicure but make your little ones get the rose petals.  ;-) We are also obsessed with The Blowout Bar.  This is a personal favorite of mine.  They have two locations, Dublin and Grandview, that are equally amazing.  Blowouts for Mom are $40, and Blowouts for 10 and under are 25. They have a ton of other options like up dos, dry style, I woke up like this, hair extensions, and my personal fav 10 minute scalp massage.  They have all of their menu selections with prices listen on their website to help you plan. 

3. Lunch and Craft at American Girl Store - If you have a little girl I'm sure you are at least aware that there is an American Girl Store at Easton now.  We've had a few lunches there and enjoyed it every time.  We went for my daughter's birthday almost two years ago, for the first time and it was very sweet. They had high chairs for her dolls, the staff was very kind, and they had a very special birthday cake for her.  We've also been on a random day and had just as much fun.  If you ask - they have crafts in the back that they can bring out for your little ones (for a fee) which are fun to do while you wait on your food.   Make reservations ahead of time! 

4. Ice Skating - We have a few options for this fun date.  The Chiller is an obvious first choice but if you don't need to rent skates Dublin offers a fun outside option at Coffman Park.  In February Winter Park downtown opens - right next to Nationwide Arena. $5 per skater and includes skate rental. This year it opens February 3 and it looks like they will also have snow tubing as a fun option.  Bonus, there is a Tim Hortons right across the street.  

5. Seeing a performance - Seeing a play at the theatre is one of our favorite things to do together.  Whether it's heading to Children's Theatre to see their newest feature or catching a musical with Broadway In Columbus - we always leave with our hearts full.  I absolutely love that she is as into the theatre as I am.  It has created lasting memories for us and I can't wait to take her to her first Broadway musical in New York.  Note: CAPA is a great resource for all live entertainment in Columbus.

6. Paint Your Own Pottery - Oh, this one is so fun.  We really enjoy our time at Color Me Mine in Dublin.  They have a whole line of princesses, super heroes, unicorns, and so many really cool things for the kiddos to paint.  They also have seasonal items, and the items do change often so you'll never run out of things to paint.  We really enjoy this because we get the chance to sit and talk to each other while it's peaceful and calm.  

7.  Lunch at her favorite place - My girl is known to change her favorite place for lunch often.  Occasionally it's North Star, sometimes it's Red Robin, sometimes it's Rusty Bucket.  I just never know.  Right now she's on a Chinese Food kick so I imagine she would pick a new restaurant if I were to ask her tomorrow.  Letting her pick gives her so much power which is super fun for that age...which leads me to my next idea. 

8. Let her take the lead - These days are my FAVORITE!!! I can only ever do them when we have all day to spend otherwise I end up having to cut it short and that makes her sad.  We start mid morning/early afternoon and it's her day until bedtime.  Typically it starts with brunch, some shopping, pedicures, stopping at every photo booth we see, getting an Iced Tea from Panera, and a whole lot of other random things she feels like doing. It's the perfect day. Sometimes I wish I could do this with her everyday, but then they wouldn't be as special.  

9.  Hiking - We normally do this as a mom/dad/daughter date.  Our girl is very adventurous so it's better when it's 2 against 1 so that we can keep her safe.  It's so fun and opens up so many conversations about nature, the world, and adventure.  Our family favorite is Hocking Hills. 

10.  Mommy/Me Yoga - I am very active, I love staying fit and taking care of my body.  My daughter sees that when I take her to the gym with me but she gets so sad that she can't work out with me.  While the gym doesn't allow kids under 12 anywhere besides childcare and the pool - I can still get her passionate about fitness through Mommy/Me fitness classes. I've found yoga as the best option for her age.   

Remember, it's not always about what you do or how much money you spend, it's about spending quality time just the two of you. These are memories she will look back and remember.  She may remember that time you slipped on ice, or the way you laughed when she told a joke, she may remember you teaching her to ice skate and making her get back up when she fell, or the way you'd kiss her boo boo. The point is, she will remember these moments big or small and it's important to have these special memories between just the two of you.  

Chinese Lantern Festival | December 2016 | 614 Mom

The Sunday after Thanksgiving, we bundled up the kids and we headed to the Ohio Chinese Lantern Festival.  This was a new experience for all of us but it's safe to say that it's a new favorite. My kids have already asked when we can go back and my husband and I really enjoyed it.  The larger than life illuminated displays are crafted by Chinese artisans from Zigong, Sichuan.  You can also enjoy nightly performances at 6:30 and 8 as well as a 9:30 show added for Friday and Saturday evenings only.  Craft and food vendors are on site with one of a kind traditional Chinese crafts to purchase and plenty of delicious food for everyone. 

I would highly recommend this as a fun family event! My kids loved the lights and it was an easy and enjoyable path all the way through.  

The Details

Where: Ohio State Expo Center
717 E 17th Ave. Columbus, 43211

When: Nightly until January 2nd
5pm - 10pm

Cost: $15 Adults
$10 Youth (17 and under)
$12 Military
 

Deal: You can purchase the Family Four Pack on the website.  $40 for two adults and two youth.  ($10 savings) 

Enjoy some pictures from our fun night at the Festival.  Be sure to follow them on social media to see even more photos.  Note: It wasn't super cold the night we went - but I would make sure to bundle up, there aren't any places to get warm. 

Macy's Believe Day | December 2016 | 614 Mom

I am so excited to share with you a fun event happening this Friday December 9 2016 at the Easton Macy's.  Believe Day is a FREE family friendly event with balloon twisting, face painting, crafts, and so much more. You won't want to miss it - we love visiting Macy's during the holidays and this is a favorite event of ours.  You can find out more details below.  

During Believe Day at Macy's make sure to drop a stamped letter off to Santa in the big red letterbox and Macy's will give a DOUBLE donation.  Providing an additional $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 Million.  

Macy's Believe Day

Location: 4141 Easton Loop E
Columbus, OH 43219

Date: December 9th 2016

Time: 12 pm

Cost: FREE

For more information on this and other events with Macy's this holiday season be sure to check here.  

“This post is sponsored by Everywhere Agency on behalf of Macy’s; however, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.“

Sweet Gifts For The Mamas In Your Life | Shop Local | 614 Mom

My favorite gifts are the thoughtful gifts that come from the heart.  The ones that you can tell someone put a lot of thought and love into.  I've complied a list of really sweet gifts to give the mom (or grandma) on your list this holiday season.  The best part?  All the items on this list are from local businesses.  Shop local while getting something to be treasured for a lifetime by the mama you're shopping for.  Moms - send this to your significant other. Husbands/Wives/Boyfriends/Girlfriends - book mark this page, it will still be here in April when you're starting your Mother's Day shopping.  ;-) I do this because I love you! 

To my husband - I will take them all! ;) 

1. Tag Necklace from BOHINDI - this particular piece is one of my personal favorites. I love that it is a gorgeous classic piece that I can love for a lifetime. It's not overly trendy so I know even in 10 years I could still wear this and love it. I love that you can add different tags as your family grows and each tag can have something different on it. The length makes it even better - 20" inches for the chain - yes please.

2. Custom watercolor family portrait from ElmerConceptions - Amanda, a local mom of 6, hand creates these beautiful custom watercolor family portraits. I can't wait until our bundle of joy gets here so I can order one when we officially become a family of five. :-) I follow Amanda on Instagram and had the pleasure of meeting her at 614 Mom's Celebrating You event last year and she is the sweetest woman with such amazing talent. This gift would make any mama heart happy. It's too late to order one of these for the holidays but you can always get a gift certificate through Amanda, and allow mom to pick the photo she loves the most to use as inspiration for this custom artwork. :)

3. Almost anything from Good Makery - located in Grandview, Good Makery, allows children (or adults) to create one of a kind gifts using their own handwriting. Some ideas I'd have for you would be picture frame, surprise candle, keepsake box, necklaces, or ornaments. Personally, I am obsessed with my daughter's handwriting. I think it's the most adorable thing ever - so to have something I could have forever with such sweet moments of their childhood would mean the world to me. I can't be the only mama that feels this way.

4. Silhouettes from Little Mugshots - You may have read all about my love for Stephanie and Little Mugshots on the blog a few days ago. This is a definite must for this list. Stephanie offers one of a kind hand drawn silhouettes on both paper and Christmas ornaments. This is such a sweet gift for any mom on your list. Hurry, you only have until December 5th to make sure you get your order by Christmas.

5. Beloved Names Necklace from Geo Supply Co - This is such a classic and beautiful piece that allows you to make it your own by customizing the names on the necklace. This necklace can fit up to 4 names with 9 letters per name. Geo Supply Co also offers the most adorable marble + rose gold Christmas ornaments. They deserve all the heart eyes.

6. Take your kiddos to Clay Cafe to make a special gift for mom - these handmade gifts are probably the most cherished by mom. A lifetime of memories in one hand painted piece. Nothing will ever replace that time your two year old made you a purple dinosaur because purple is your favorite color and a dinosaur is his favorite animal. :-)

Foundations Learning Academy Has A Lot To Be Thankful For This Year Part 2

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.  You can read what the teachers at Foundations Learning Academy love about their jobs in part one of this series and below read all about why the parents who send their kids to FLA are thankful for such a great center.  

“The care and affection that is given to our daughter. Thank you for always smiling and offering to hug or sit with her to make her feel loved and safe. She loves Foundations. ”

— Barry & Nicole B

“We are thankful for the caring, compassionate, and understanding teachers and director who take care of our children. ”

— Deanna G.

“Thankful I have such nice and welcoming people who work at Foundations. ”

— Stephanie.

“The staff is so caring, sweet, and patient. They are my kids second mom. We love them like family.”

— Erica S.

“My kids love to go to school and love and trust their teachers. I’m thankful for daycare providers I can trust. ”

— Brittany F.

“We are so thankful to have such reliable and loving care for our daughter when we can’t be there for her. ”

— Megan R.

“I am thankful for the one-on-one care and attention that all of the teachers show. They make it easy to leave him while I’m at work because I know he is being loved and spoiled. ”

— Aaron & Lindsey T.

“Our son loves it there and the staff seem to really care about him. He is also learning a lot. ”

— Monica & Jason D.

“I am thankful for the care and involvement in providing for our children. A great learning & caring environment. ”

— Bekah M.

“The peace of mind Foundations Learning Academy gives me. Knowing that my kids are safe and happy while I’m at work. ”

— Ali D.

“Mrs. Susan is amazing!!!”

“We are thankful our sons are in good hands when they cannot be in ours. ”

— Tynan's

“Knowing my children are properly cared for, learning and growing, getting on routine. Love, love, love, the precious moments app. ”

— Wendy W.

Little Mugshots | Create Happiness | 614 Mom

One of my favorite parts of social media is finding amazing people doing great things, that I otherwise probably wouldn't have found.  A few months ago, while doing my normal post bedtime browsing on Instagram, I came across an Instagram page called Little Mugshots.  I started browsing the feed and instantly fell in love, I knew I had to follow along with her journey and even more than that I really wanted to place an order.   Stephanie, the owner, offers hand-drawn paper-cut silhouette portraits as well as water color typography.  She is truly so talented and brought me to tears with the silhouettes she drew of my children - they will forever hang in our home.  

I can't even begin to express how deeply I fell in love with Stephanie's silhouettes of my children.  Some days are hard, the laundry piles up, the attitudes of little Eryn's running around my house (have you ever tried to discipline yourself?1? That's my life...daily), my constant need to make everything perfect for them, and everything in between.  Then I pause and I look at these beautiful, peaceful, amazing, children that make me laugh, cry, smile, burst with joy in these perfect hand drawn silhouettes hanging above my dresser, right above my jewelry box and I feel all sorts of pride and joy. These are my babies, and they are the reason I work hard everyday, and strive for perfection.  They deserve every last ounce of my energy.  I'm not exaggerating when I tell you that's truly how I feel every single time I look at what Stephanie drew for me.  I am brought to tears looking at my beautiful babies, and while I love her Instagram feed (and I REALLY do) I never knew I would feel this way every single time I'd see the artwork hanging in my home. 

Ordering was very simple - I ordered through her website and then emailed her profile pictures of my children and within a week she sent me proofs.  It was so easy and the quality is top notch.  

We are lucky enough to have Little Mugshots in our community because Stephanie was creating these one of a kind masterpieces for her friends and family as a hobby and once word got out she started getting so many requests she knew it was time to turn her hobby into a business.  Her husband, Anthony, is in the Army and currently their family is stationed in Columbus, which they love. They have two adorable children, who make occasional appearances on the Little Mugshots Instagram page, Josephine and Evan.  Columbus is home to them - they both grew up in Ohio and they met while attending Ohio State University.  They have lived in 4 different states over the last 10 years and know that Columbus may not be their forever home but that doesn't stop them from investing their time and energy into our community.    Our wonderful city has taken note of Stephanie's passion for her business and has been so supportive from her wonderful customers who love shopping local to fellow makers who have embraced another creative brain in our city - Stephanie is feeling the love.  

You can see some images of what she made for me below! I ordered an 8x10 of each child (and pre-ordered for the little one we are expecting shortly) and a Christmas ornament of each child.  I practically squealed when I saw that she also offered Christmas ornaments!!! 

“Above all else, I love what I do. I love creating modern heirlooms, I love connecting with people and customers, and I love having built a small business that can grow and move with me and our Army family. ”

— Stephanie Douglass

Juvly Aesthetics | 614 Mom | Lifestyle

Juvly Aesthetics offers cutting edge cosmetic services, with accessible pricing, a welcoming atmosphere, and highly trained staff, all right here in Columbus, OH. They offer a wide range of services from wrinkle relaxers, dermal fillers, body, face, and medical treatments.  You can get a better list of too the left and an even more extensive list on their website.  I can't wait to try some of their services so I can tell you about it first hand, and I have plans to do that after I have this baby! Hello, stretch mark therapy! ;-) Seriously I CANNOT wait!! 

Juvly was started right here in Columbus and has expanded to New York, Cincinnati and soon another location in Columbus.   They sell a top of the line skin care line that is a serious miracle worker.  I tried one of the hydrators that they offer and fell madly in love.  

I have extremely dry skin, and this fall and winter weather in Ohio have my skin a hot mess - that was until I tried a bottle of HA5 Rejuvenating Hydrator .  Every morning after showering (which dries out my skin a lot - to the point that I can feel how dry it is, ouch)  I put some of this miracle product on my face and neck, I can instantly feel the change in my skin, I follow it up with my moisturizer as directed and of course my moisturizer has a good SPF (yours should too).  I've been using it for a few weeks now and I am loving the results, you can see the difference in my skin and I can really feel it.  It used to be that I would put on my moisturizer on my face and have to reapply two to three times in one day because my face would hurt due to the chronic dryness. Not anymore!! YAY!! My skin is soft all day and I'm more confident in my skin texture. I haven't worn foundation in weeks because I'm just loving my soft face - make up free! 

I can't say enough great things about Juvly.  The location is in the heart of downtown, with easy parking, and when you walk in you're immediately greeted by the sweetest staff who are focused on one thing - providing excellent care to their client.  The rooms are clean and cozy, it allows you to really relax and make the most of your time there. 

I can't wait to share with you about my journey with Juvly and the stretch mark therapy, but until then be sure to check them out for all of your skin care needs.  

Teacher Gift Guide

The holidays are approaching and we have a long list of people to shop for, kids, spouses, in laws, friends, and everyone in between.  One very special person that is most likely on that list is your child's teacher.  They spend all year taking care of our little ones making sure they are learning, staying safe, teaching them to good be friends, and so much more. 

I know that I have struggled in the past coming up with a gift for my daughter's teachers that they will truly enjoy. I don't want to get them a pack of lotion that they don't like the scent of and ends up in the back of their vanity, or thrown away.  It's a waste of my money and it's not a great gift if they don't like it. I've spoken with a lot of teachers and the general opinion is that they appreciate gift cards the most.  So I've came up with a long list of places that offer gift cards that also allows you to put some thought into it.  You may not know enough about your child's teacher to put them into a category of local lover, spa goer, or active, and that's okay - at the end I have a list of Obvious, Can't Go Wrong Gifts.   I kept it simple with only a few options in each category so it doesn't seem overwhelming, I promise you can't go wrong with any of these options.  I made sure to include something for every budget.  Where are my teachers at? What would you add to this list?  

To Help Them Relax

Blowout at the Blowout Bar 

Mani or Pedi at The W Nail Bar

Massage at Spa at River Ridge 

Float from True Rest Float Spa

Blowout from Blowdry Cafe 

Airbrush Tan from Bliss 

 

For The Active Teacher

3 class pass from Barre3

Ride pass from Cycle Bar 

Class Pass from Balanced Yoga

Holiday Pass from Cycle 614 

Barre Pass at Pure Barre 

Gift Card to Columbus Running 

Gift Card to GoYoga

For the Local Lover

Columbus Food Adventures Tour 

Columbus Brew Adventures Tour

Gift card to The Candle Lab

Membership to one of the many wonderful attractions we have in Columbus (you may want to ask if they have a membership before purchasing) 

Wine Club Membership at Camelot Cellars

Tickets to an OSU, Blue Jackets, or Clippers Game 

Gift Card to Simply Vague

Columbus Monthly Subscription 

Treats from a local bakery - Dough Mama, Mrs. Goodman's, Bake Me Happy

 

The Obvious, Can't Go Wrong Here, Gifts

                                                                                                                

Target Gift Card

Starbucks Gift Card 

Food Gift Cards - local restaurants that you think or know they love?  Tucci's, Paulie Gee's, Cameron Mitchell, Katalina's, Red Hook Grill, Third & Hollywood all come to mind.  We have an amazing food scene in Columbus so the options are endless. 

Easton Gift Card

Gas Gift Card 

*Tip: If you're getting a gift card to a place that provides a service - make sure it's enough to cover at least 1 service,even if it's the basic, nothing is worse than showing up for a mani and finding out that your gift card only has $5 on it.  

**This post is sponsored by Foundations Learning Academy but all thoughts and opinions remain my own.