Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Outdoor Movies | 614 Mom's Guide To Summer Series | 2018

 Outdoor movies are fun for the whole family.  Make sure to pack your favorite snacks, a blanket to lay on and maybe a light one to cover up with as you lay under the stars with the ones you love the most. Making memories together that will last a lifetime. 

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Grab your popcorn and picnic blanket and head to the park to catch a new movie you've been dying to see or an old favorite.

 Outdoor movies are fun for the whole family.  Make sure to pack your favorite snacks, a blanket to lay on and maybe a light one to cover up with as you lay under the stars with the ones you love the most. Making memories together that will last a lifetime. 

 Enjoy this comprehensive list as you plan for family nights this summer. Pin it for later so you can refer back to it all summer long. 

MAY

May 25 - Coco - The Main Event in Bexley, 9 pm

May 26: The Greatest Showman - Free Movie Night at the Columbus Commons 8:15 pm

JUNE

June 5 – The Wizard of Oz (1939) - Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 8 - Charlotte’s Web - Upper Arlington (Mountview Christian Church (Drive In)) Movie begins at dusk

June 12 – The Emoji Movie (2017) - Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 15 - Princess Bride - The Main Event Bexley 9pm

June 16 - Daddy Daycare - Flicks After Dark in Hilliard 6pm-10pm

June 19 – The Muppets (2011- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 22 - Honey I Shrunk The Kids - Upper Arlington (Family Camp Out - Sunny 95 Park) Movie begins at dusk

June 26 – Despicable Me 3 (2017)- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 29 - To Be Announced - Free Movie Night at the Columbus Commons 8:15 pm

JULY

July 10 – Paddington 2 (2017) - Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 22 - Angles In The Outfield - Upper Arlington (Summer Celebration - Thompson Park) Movie begins at dusk

July 13 - Lion King - The Main Event at the Bexley Pool

July 13 - Coco - Free Movie Night at the Columbus Commons 8:15 pm

July 17 – Coco (2017) - Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

July 24 – Elf (2003)-- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

June 27 - Monsters Inc - Upper Arlington (Thompson Park) Movie begins at dusk

July 31 - The LEGO Movie (2014)- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

 

AUGUST

August 7 – Wonder (2017) - Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

August 10 - Trolls - The Main Event Bexley 9pm

August 10 - Paddington II - Upper Arlington (Thompson Park) Movie begins at dusk

August 11 - Little Giants - Flicks After Dark in Hilliard. Movie begins at dusk

August 14 – Sherlock Gnomes (2018)- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dus

 August 21 – Peter Rabbit (2018)- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk

August 28 – Beauty and the Beast (2017)- Easton Movies By Moonlight movie starts at dusk 

SEPTEMBER

 

September 21 - Star Wars The Last Jedi - The Main Event in Bexley, 8 pm

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Our Second Little One Gone Too Soon | Mama Monday | 614 Mom

When that second call came, the levels had dropped even more, and they were confirming my worse nightmare, I was having a miscarriage. I was devastated. The days following were filled with so many tears and so much pain. We were beyond sad, beyond hurt and beyond shocked. I would have never imagined after going through a healthy pregnancy with my daughter that I would miscarry with my second pregnancy.

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Courtney Traves runs The Traves Life, a lifestyle blog focusing on parenting and sharing inspiration with her readers.  She lives in Dublin, OH with her husband, daughter, and sweet husky, Jules.  

You know that feeling when you see those two lines. When everything in your world has changed in two minutes. I was giving my husband another child, my daughter a sibling, my parents another grandbaby.

Best. Feeling. In. the. World.

Overwhelmed with joy and excitement, the happiness of bringing another bundle of joy into the world.

When I found out I was pregnant with my first, my husband wanted to shout to the world we were having a baby, but for me I wanted to go to the doctors, make sure baby was healthy and everything was good before telling anyone. This time was so different, we both wanted to shout to the world! First-time pregnancy I was worried about miscarrying, false positive and this time none of that even crossed my mind. It took everything I had not to send the positive pregnancy test picture to our family and friends.

But I knew we wanted to share the news in a cute way, so we kept quiet, made our doctors appointment and in the meantime bought a shirt for our daughter to wear “I’m going to be a Big Sister” for her to wear to our family dinner. We could not wait for it to be delivered and have her show it off.

Then everything changed.

I woke up feeling off, that feeling when you know something is wrong, with cramping and horrible back pain coupled with a few more symptoms I knew were not a good sign.

I called the doctor to explain what was going on and I was scheduled for blood work that day to check my hormone levels and 48 hours after to get rechecked. The blood test is basically to confirm a progressing pregnancy, with the hormone levels doubling every two or three days in early pregnancy.

Those days felt like the longest I had ever gone through. The first call came the next morning, and my fears were coming true, my levels were already low but they wanted me to come in again the following day to be rechecked because it might not mean anything. But I knew deep down that it wasn’t good, I was having all the symptoms of a miscarriage and now coupled with the fact of low HCG levels.

When that second call came, the levels had dropped even more, and they were confirming my worse nightmare, I was having a miscarriage. I was devastated. The days following were filled with so many tears and so much pain. We were beyond sad, beyond hurt and beyond shocked. I would have never imagined after going through a healthy pregnancy with my daughter that I would miscarry with my second pregnancy.

All I could think about were the what ifs and whys, thoughts of guilt, shame, and failure, took over my mind. What did I do wrong that caused me to lose my baby? What if I ate better, or didn’t have that extra glass of wine before finding out, or maybe carrying my daughter was too much for me? I cannot explain the mental and physical pain that I was going through. 

We shared the loss with our family and close friends and will always be grateful to them for showing us so much love and support through it all. Our family and friends have been an amazing support system, between checking in on us and offering to babysit so we can have some time to ourselves.

Within those short few weeks of carrying our sweet little one our future had changed in an amazing way, we knew we would have another fall baby, due in November, we were already figuring out the babies room, already discussing boy and girl names, so many aspects of our lives were going to be changing and just like that its not.

Those pregnancy tests sat on our counter for awhile, neither of us wanting to throw them away, knowing that somehow throwing them away makes it even more real that we lost our baby. One day I finally asked my husband if he could throw them away because I wasn’t strong enough yet but needed to start healing without seeing the tests daily. There was a silent acknowledge between us of pain, love and closure.

This is something very difficult to get out in spoken words but something I want to share because I don’t want this to be a huge secret; I want to remember the precious baby I was blessed to carry for a short amount of time. Miscarriage is often grieved in the silence and in the shadows, it’s too hard to bear the news to everyone and in the moment too private to express how deep the pain of the loss really is. I want it known that there was a little one so loved, time spent dreaming of our future together, and losing our sweet little one for reasons I might never understand.

I would love to be announcing to all our family and friends that we would be welcoming another baby Traves this coming fall, and be planning on a little boy or little girl joining our family. But while we pray to be blessed with another baby we will be enjoying our little family of three and all the hugs and cuddles we can get from our daughter.

Motherhood is such a beautiful gift and I wish I could guarantee you that if you have gone through or are going through a miscarriage now you will get pregnant again and have your own sweet little one to hold tight.

I am trying to let go of my worry and stress about getting pregnant again and having a healthy pregnancy again. I trust that there are plans for everyone, and I pray having another baby is in our plan. I can tell you that life does move on, that the joy of finding out your pregnant and the pain of loss will be there but its okay that life continues.

It’s okay if you are at the point where you realize life has moved on or is moving on, the pain was real, the loss was real, but it’s okay to continue living your life. I know that can seem hard and difficult, I know I still struggle with it, but I find peace in trusting there is a plan.

I will never be able to answer the whys but acknowledging the pain and our loss in a way gives me peace. Our little one was carried for only a moment but will be loved for a lifetime. We went through an emotional rollercoaster and with so much pain mentally and physically but we remain hopeful.

Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT

xoxo, The Traves

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

A Story of Hope and Love Through Organ Donation | Lifeline of Ohio | 614 Mom

“April  was put on the transplant list at age 24, while on the list she got very sick.  April wasn’t living a traditional life as a mom with two young kids, her life was filled with unknowns and real fear.  She would put her kids to bed and then when they were asleep just go in to where they were sleeping just to watch them and study them.  She wanted to remember every single thing about them, memorize every single dimple…”

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Meet April.  April was born with Biliary Atresia and received her liver transplant at age 25. She is the mother of two wonderful boys, wife, daughter, friend, and is now a proud liver transplant recipient.  I met April last month at an event for Lifeline of Ohio, and she so graciously shared her story with me. April is kind and strong and has faced heartache that no mother should ever have to face.  

Because April is passionate about honoring her journey and the journey of organ donor she has generously allowed me to share her story with you.  

What is Biliary Atresia?

Biliary atresia is liver disease of infants caused by inflammation that targets the bile duct.  Biliary atresia leads to blockage of the large bile duct that exits the liver. Without proper bile drainage, the person has impaired digestion of fats leading to poor growth. Experts don’t know why some babies are born with this liver disease but the research is ongoing. Children with Biliary Atresia typically need a transplant by age 5, without surgery biliary atresia can be fatal.  80% of patients require transplants by the age of 20.

April's Story

April  was put on the transplant list at age 24, while on the list she got very sick.  April wasn’t living a traditional life as a mom with two young kids, her life was filled with unknowns and real fear.  She would put her kids to bed and then when they were asleep just go in to where they were sleeping just to watch them and study them.  She wanted to remember every single thing about them, memorize every single dimple and the way they slept. She made videos for them so that she could be there for them throughout their entire lives even if she wasn’t there in person.  She felt immense pain and fear as she longed for just one more day with her family.

After being put on the list April received three phone calls that there was a liver and each time something came up which made that liver unacceptable.   On January 6, 2017 April got news that changed her life. She wasn’t expecting it as she was completely out of hope that she was ever going to get a transplant, but that liver was a perfect match and the idea of the future was promising. April finally saw hope at the end of a very long tunnel.  

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Meet April’s Donor

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Travis Bering was April’s Donor.  Travis lost his life due to Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis, which is when a blood clot forms in the brains venous sinuses.  This prevents blood from draining out of the brain and results in hemorrhage. Travis was the father of two young daughters who are now a very active part of April’s life. Travis was also a Marine, brother, friend, and lifelong hero to April and her family.

April met Travis’ family after his sister heard a radio commercial April did for Lifeline of Ohio. His sister, Autumn, messaged her Facebook shortly after hearing the ad to ask a few questions because she just had a gut feeling. After speaking they knew it just had to be.  Of course, they did get confirmation through the proper channels that Travis was in fact April’s donor.

While the pain of losing Travis can’t be erased, his family has embraced April and loves knowing that she is doing so well.  April and Travis’ daughters have met and have a great relationship - like aunt/nieces.

While speaking to April it was very clear that she loves Travis and wants to honor his memory.  She speaks of him often and is so thankful that because he said yes to being an organ donor.

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Important Facts about Organ Donation

114,894 people are currently waiting for an organ
2900 in  Ohio are waiting for an organ donation
600 in Central Ohio

20 times a day a man, woman, child dies because someone didn’t say yes to organ donation

1 person can save up to 8 lives

The doctors in charge of your care will take care of you and work hard to save your life before even considering organ donation.

 

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Franklin Park Conservatory Children's Garden | Columbus, OH | 614 Mom

Earlier today my son and I headed to one of our favorite places ever - Franklin Park Conservatory. We have had a membership here for years so my son has grown up loving everything from the annual butterfly exhibit to the preschool time and craft time offered throughout the week.  On May 19 the Children's Garden officially opens and after our tour today I know it will be a regular place for our family.  I'm excited to share a sneak peak of the garden with all of you. 

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Earlier today my son and I headed to one of our favorite places ever - Franklin Park Conservatory. We have had a membership here for years so my son has grown up loving everything from the annual butterfly exhibit to the preschool time and craft time offered throughout the week.  On May 19 the Children's Garden officially opens and after our tour today I know it will be a regular place for our family.  I'm excited to share a sneak peak of the garden with all of you. 

The Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden opens May 19, 2018 at Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.  This multi-sensory, recreational, artistic and educational garden for children and families provides a place for children to play and learn in a safe and exciting space.  

When the planning started for the Children's Garden those in charge reached out to schools and other family groups to ask what kind of things would they like to see in the garden.  The kids wanted rainbows and fun elements like that and parents, of course, wanted safety. 

This new 2 acre garden will promote Ohio plants, animals and geology.  It will serve as an opportunity for children and families to play outside in a safe, educational place, resulting in enhanced creativity, problem-solving, and cognitive abilities.  

Access to the garden is included in your daily ticket or membership.  Will I see you there this summer?  

Enjoy some of our photos from the tour and tell me what you're most excited for! 

10 Things we love about the Children's garden

The Rainbow Welcome Terrace

Sensory & Pollinator Gardens

Nature Play Zone

Sandstone Bluff

Playhouse Garden

Canopy Walk

Fairy Garden

Nature Art Studio

The Whisper Bench

Sandstone Creek

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

The Reality of Motherhood While Legally Blind | Mama Monday | 614 Mom

Hello! I am local Columbus mom and teacher. I have two girls; Mae-5 years old and Grace—almost 2 years old. I am like many moms around here, I love to experience Columbus with my kids, husband, and friends. However, I do experience things a bit differently than all of you. I am legally blind with 20 degrees of vision left, while most of you have 180 degrees. It sometimes called, “tunnel vision”. I am unable to see the ground as I walk, therefore I use a mobility cane (or white cane) to get around.

Hello! I am local Columbus mom and teacher. I have two girls; Mae-5 years old and Grace—almost 2 years old. I am like many moms around here, I love to experience Columbus with my kids, husband, and friends. However, I do experience things a bit differently than all of you. I am legally blind with 20 degrees of vision left, while most of you have 180 degrees. It sometimes called, “tunnel vision”. I am unable to see the ground as I walk, therefore I use a mobility cane (or white cane) to get around.

I have something called Retinitis Pigmentosa and it is an inherited retinal disease that will slowly steal the rest of my vision over time. The hardest part about this disease is that it does its most damage right about 30-40 years old. For me, being 33, I am in the midst of raising kids and advancing in my career as my blind spots get larger and larger.

jen walker

When I was 8 months pregnant with Grace, I had my first white cane Orientation and Mobility lesson through the Bureau of Services for the Visually Impaired. I’ll admit it, as soon as that cane when in my hand, I cried. I cried for the ‘mom image’ I had. None of my images had me pushing a stroller with a cane. None of the images had my keys being taken away and my license turned in. It was all happening so fast, at a time in my life when I was beyond busy raising kids and working and just having a life.

One of the biggest supports, besides Jesus, was the Foundation Fighting Blindness Columbus Chapter. The FFB is a national organization for research for cures and treatments for inherited retinal diseases like my Retinitis Pigmentosa, Age-Related Macular Degeneration, Stargard’s Disease, Usher Syndrome, and more. This was a place I could find local people with the same vision struggles. It has been wonderful to connect with others who have a rare disease. You can check out more at blindness.org or find us on Facebook under Foundation Fighting Blindness – Columbus Chapter.

The Columbus Chapter has 3 events each year. On August 17th we’ll have a golf outing called Swing for Sight at The Safari Golf Club. In the winter, we also do a Dining in the Dark event at Columbus restaurant and wear blindfolds while we enjoy a meal without sight. Lastly, in the spring we have a free presentation from a doctor or researcher on what cures, treatments, and preventions are in the works.

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You can have that life you dreamed of, and it’s ok if it looks different than you imagined. There is joy and peace in everything, if you look hard enough.

In the end, I noticed how much easier life became with this cane. It allowed me to walk much faster, be safe while walking, and it let me actually look around instead of focusing on the ground in front of me. While I haven’t totally mastered the stroller push with the cane, I have noticed that anytime I leave the house my 5 year-old yells, “Don’t forget your cane, mom!”  In those moments, I am glad that my girls are able to see me overcome obstacles (literally) with a smile and continue about my life.

jen walker 614 mom

I have learned so much through my journey. As my vision gets worse and worse, I am bound and determined to share with other women, moms, and humans, that YOU CAN DO IT. You can have that life you dreamed of, and it’s ok if it looks different than you imagined. There is joy and peace in everything, if you look hard enough.

Walk by faith, not by sight.   2 Corinthians 5-7

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Code Ninjas Opens In Columbus | 614 Mom

When I first found out that Code Ninjas: Coding Center for Kids, was coming to Columbus, I was thrilled.  As parents, my husband and I feel passionate that our kids are comfortable with technology.  We want them to know how to code and how to make technology work for them as they are growing up in a tech fueled world and we feel is is beneficial that they understand how to not only use it but create it.

Thank you Code Ninjas Columbus for sponsoring this post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own. 

Code Ninjas Columbus

When I first found out that Code Ninjas: Coding Center for Kids, was coming to Columbus, I was thrilled.  As parents, my husband and I feel passionate that our kids are comfortable with technology.  We want them to know how to code and how to make technology work for them as they are growing up in a tech fueled world and we feel is is beneficial that they understand how to not only use it but create it.

Code Ninjas focuses on teaching children ages 7-14 how to code while also having fun. The owner of the Hilliard location, Kyle Stuebs, is passionate about providing a space for kids to learn, create, and have fun.  Being a father himself Kyle knew there was a need for this type of programming in the Central Ohio area, and after some research he landed on Code Ninjas, a franchise based out of Texas.

Code Ninja 614 Mom
Code Ninja 614 Mom

My family actually went to the Hilliard Grand Opening and my kids had a blast. My son thought it was so cool to play Minecraft with other kids and my daughter really enjoyed building her own game.  She left asking when I plan on signing her up for the program so she can come back every week.

So what is Code Ninjas?  Code Ninjas is a coding program designed for everyone’s style.  From the flexible schedule to the way you can progress in the program - there is something for everyone. Every Ninja starts as a white belt and works all the way up to a black belt. You can drop your kid off (or stay with them) anytime between 3-7:30 for one hour up to twice a week. They head into the dojo with the senseis and get to work learning, building, and having fun. As they progress they get a new wristband and see their name progress on the leader board in the lobby.  The atmosphere is warm and inviting, the dojo is a student only zone but open to the parents through a large window. At Code Ninjas the students have fun and learn but they also develop friendships with other Ninjas who have similar interests.

I recently sat down with Kyle to about talk all things Code Ninjas. I learned a lot about the learning philosophy, Kyle’s passion for this business, and what makes Code Ninjas so unique.  

I’m sure I will be sharing more about Code Ninjas and maybe even all about my daughter’s experience with the program very soon.  Stay tuned, and if there is anything you’d like to know about the program leave it in the comments and I will be sure to get the answer for you!!

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Eryn: How does it feel now that it’s all put together and kids are here?

Kyle: It’s so fun. When the kids start getting here around 3, it gets really fun. 

Eryn: Why Code Ninjas?

Kyle:Code Ninjas was largely because of my personal story. I’ve looked at businesses over the years, lots of different types of businesses, and what I found was that each of them was what I call, just another. Just another restaurant, just another place to get a haircut, whatever it may be and this was something that was really unique. For me personally, I didn’t want to get into just any business. It needed to be something that would help out the community, help out children, and be personally fulfilling.  

Eryn: How many location are you opening in the Central Ohio area?

Kyle: 4.  Hilliard, Powell, Westerville, and Dublin, in that order.

Eryn: What can kids take away from this program that will benefit them for a lifetime?

Kyle: One thing would be logic, so in order to get the programs to work properly you have to put it in a logical sequence in the way you lay it out.  They start off with step by step instructions so they start off with the tools they need to become the problem solver. Then we give them games they have to make without instruction, so they have to take what they’ve learned and apply it. That application part is the critical piece.

Eryn: So problem solving and logic are the two biggest things they take away for a lifetime?

Kyle: I think so, the two main things.

Eryn: The room the kids are in, parents are not allowed. What is the thought process behind that?

Kyle: We want the kids to be focused and actively learning and when parents are here they tend to be a distraction.  There is a lot of fun and camaraderie in the dojo and if parents are around I’m not sure that they would be as open and come out of their shell, high fiving each other over a game and I think it will detrate a little of the vibe we have going.  We tell parents up front, and we let them know then the dojo is a parent free zone. The kids can bring their laptop out to the lobby to share their progress with their parents. I think it’s very important to the core of what we do. 90% of parents drop off and run errands while their kids are here.  

Eryn: How can parents check progress?

Kyle: White belt can login from home to show their parents progress, when they get to yellow belt there is a parent portal so they can login and see every step of the way their child’s progress. They can also take the laptop into the lobby here at the center. We believe strongly that parents need to see results.

Eryn: Does your kid need their own laptop to come here?

Kyle: They do not. We have laptops here that are available.

Eryn: Is there anything else you’d like people to know about you and/or Code Ninjas?

Kyle: I truly believe to help kids achieve their highest potential a good partnership between public and private sector is important. The schools are doing an amazing job introducing technology and that’s part of why Hilliard made a lot of sense, because the schools here are really tech driven. With how much the world is being automated and the coding that’s happening behind the scenes to make that happen it’s important for kids to get that leg up, early on in life. It’s the time their brains are the most ready to be learning a foreign language and essentially that’s what this is.

Code Ninja Columbus







 

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Movers For Moms® | Columbus, OH | 614 Mom

I remember hearing about Movers For Moms® a few years ago, at a local Touch-a-Truck event and I honestly thought it was a really cool slogan. I had no idea that Movers For Moms is a national campaign to help women all over the country.  Last year I had the chance to learn a little more about the program and what they do, and I’m excited to share the program with you and all the fun details on an event they are hosting Saturday, May 5 in Westerville.

I remember hearing about Movers For Moms® a few years ago, at a local Touch-a-Truck event and I honestly thought it was a really cool slogan. I had no idea that Movers For Moms is a national campaign to help women all over the country.  Last year I had the chance to learn a little more about the program and what they do, and I’m excited to share the program with you and all the fun details on an event they are hosting Saturday, May 5 in Westerville. With all franchise locations participating and over 1 million items delivered in the programs 10 year history, the program has become a staple event for Two Men And A Truck®.  

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Two Men And A Truck®, Columbus is accepting donation items for the YWCA Family Center as part of the national charity program, Movers For Moms®.  Movers For Moms® is a national campaign supporting moms all over the country by delivering items to local women’s and family shelters before or on Mother’s Day.

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This year the Columbus franchise is accepting donations for the YWCA Family Center.  The YWCA Family Center provides emergency food and shelter for homeless families and provides resources to find permanent housing.

Needed Items: Toothpaste, Toothbrushes, Laundry Detergent, Deodorant, Shampoo, Conditioner, Feminine Hygiene Products, infant care items, grocery gift cards and more.

How To Donate: Two Men And A Truck® is hosting a family picnic this Saturday, May 5 from 9am-1pm at their location 5083 Westerville Road. Bring your donations and enjoy hot dogs, brats, soda, chips and enter to win a VISA gift card.

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“Every year we collect more than 2,000 items for local women’s shelters and would love to increase that this year,” said Steve Barton, general manager for TWO MEN AND A TRUCK®, Columbus. “We are honored to be able to give back to moms in our community.”

I hope you’ll join me and my family on Saturday May 5, as we drop off our donations in Westerville.  

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Mother's Day Staycation at Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph

We were both so excited to spend some one on one time together in such a beautiful and welcoming space. My husband, being the wonderful husband that he is, insisted that this be a Mother’s Day staycation. I picked the food, the activities, and we both put work away for the weekend. It was wonderful.

Thank you Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph for hosting us this weekend and sponsoring this post.  As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own. 

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My husband and I both work from home, which means that outside of meetings we spend every single second together. It really is wonderful, it gives us flexibility with our kids which is a huge blessing, but it also means that it’s harder for us to break away from those work roles.  When the wonderful people at, Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, invited us to come for a little staycation, I immediately said yes.

We were both so excited to spend some one on one time together in such a beautiful and welcoming space.  My husband, being the wonderful husband that he is, insisted that this be a Mother’s Day staycation. I picked the food, the activities, and we both put work away for the weekend.  It was wonderful.

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When we arrived on Saturday we got all checked in and headed up to our room. The view in that room is spectacular.  Once we got settled we decided to take a walk in The Short North. Something we’ve done a million times before but this time without a stroller or diaper bag!! :) We stopped at some of our favorites stores like Anthropologie, Rocket Fizz, and Columbus Running Company. 

We headed back to the hotel to get ready for the evening.  We stopped at Soul for a glass of wine before heading up to our room to get ready. That night we went to Romancing The Grape, Central Ohio's premier wine tasting benefiting Easterseals Central and Southeast Ohio.

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The next morning we woke up in the big cozy bed to a beautiful view of High St.  I can never sleep as long as my husband, he didn’t wake up until after breakfast was delivered to the room - I had been up, showered, and catching up on Netflix shows I love.  

We knew we just had to order room service, the menu looked delicious ordering breakfast meant that we had extra time to just relax. Riley ordered the pancakes, bacon and Ohio maple syrup and I had the yogurt parfait with fresh fruit and granola.

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Shortly after breakfast we headed to our couple’s massage which we were both really excited about. The Spa Suites are simply stunning, sunlight poured in and created a warm and welcoming atmosphere.  Riley and I left feeling relaxed and excited to head home to our kids.

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Our visit was everything we wanted a more.  Riley is already talking about wanting to go back for a Father’s Day Staycation. Complete with dinner at The Guild House and another massage.  :-) If he gets his wish and his wife plans a trip just for him, I will share all about it.  

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Eryn Gilson Eryn Gilson

Life Time Fitness Goal Setting Session with 614 Mom

I've been sharing on the blog a lot about Life Time Fitness and how much I LOVE it there, and I've had a lot of questions.  I've decided to start answering your questions through this new video series.  Send me your questions and I will answer them in one of the next videos. 

I've been sharing on the blog a lot about Life Time Fitness and how much I LOVE it there, and I've had a lot of questions.  I've decided to start answering your questions through this new video series.  Send me your questions and I will answer them in one of the next videos.  

Today's video is brought to you by a reader who sent me this:

"I want to sign up but I need a place that will help me get started. I don't know what I'm doing in the gym or what I should be doing to reach my goals.  Is this something they help with?"

The simple answer is yes, they will help you.  The longer answer is that yes, they will help you - but even more than that, they WANT to help you. I've truly never felt more encouraged than I do when walking in the doors at Life Time.  It's more than a gym.  The group fitness instructors, the personal trainers, they all want to help you. They want you to be happy and confident.  This video goes through the FREE 1 hour session you get with a personal trainer when you sign up.

In this 1-hour session you will:

Get an overview of all the resources you have on the fitness floor

Review and develop a personalized plan based on your goal

Experience a sample workout

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Bottomless Mimosas and Mimosas by the Carafe in Columbus, Ohio

A few days ago a dear friend of mine sent me a message asking for a recommendation on where she could find the best place for bottomless mimosas.  I immediately sent her my favorites but it got me thinking that maybe you guys would also like my list so I'm throwing my list on the blog and hoping you can use it when planning your weekend brunch plans! :-)

A few days ago a dear friend of mine sent me a message asking for a recommendation on where she could find the best place for bottomless mimosas.  I immediately sent her my favorites but it got me thinking that maybe you guys would also like my list so I'm throwing my list on the blog and hoping you can use it when planning your weekend brunch plans! :-) 

Below are places you can find mimosas by the carafe or bottomless mimosas.  This list is subject to change. I will update frequently but always good to triple check with the restaurant before heading in. 

 

Bottomless Mimosas

FORNO (Short North)

Saturday and Sunday Brunch 10 am - 3 pm
$20

Balboa (Grandview)

Saturday and Sunday Brunch 11 am - 3pm
$15

Oddfellow's Liquor Bar (Short North)

Saturday and Sunday 10 am - 2 pm
$15 for a bottle of bubbly and a carafe of OJ

Mimosas by the Carafe

Market Italian Village 

Saturday and Sunday 9am-2pm
$22 - one bottle of le colture fagher prosecco with carafe of orange juice

VASO (Dublin)

Saturday and Sunday 11 am - 4pm
$25 - Cava, orange juice, served by the glass or by Porron, classic Spanish vessel used to pour directly into your mouth

Milestone 229 (Downtown)

Sunday 10 am - 3pm
$30 - bottle of Cava and carafe of orange juice

 

Mimosa Bar 

The Goat

Sunday 10 am - 2 pm
$6 per mimosa - build your own mimosa with different fruit drinks, fruit, and other garnishes.  

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