3 Reasons to Love Clean Juice

On June 14, we celebrated 6.14 Day at the newest juice bar in town.  Clean Juice is a 100% organic certified juice bar with options for every member of the family.  Cold pressed juices, smoothies, Acai bowls, and delicious bites. 614 Moms had so much fun celebrating this new juice bar while sampling smoothies, toast, and juices. We also had a dedicated station just for the kids so they could decorate their own special toast.  

The franchise owners Hailey and Nate Crowley have decided to bring Clean Juice to Columbus because they have a passion for providing healthy choices to the people of Columbus.  Clean Juice is not just another juice bar, it’s a family owned business, with people who truly believe in providing quality ingredients, healthy food, and a great experience.

While there are so many reasons to visit Clean Juice, I’m going to share my top three with you.  Maybe we’ll save the rest for the next blog post.

The Menu

The variety of the menu is on the top of my favorite list.  I can always try something new which is something I really like.  I like having something delicious I can order and count on but I also really like being able to try something new I have a cleanse scheduled soon, so I will be sure to tell you how it goes.  I really like the Basic Smoothie, The Mangos and Cream One, and The Power Oats Bowl.

Kid Friendly

I love bringing my kids with me to visit Clean Juice.  They love the almond butter toast, complete with bananas and honey and the Basic Smoothie.  I love that I know exactly what is going into their body and that they are getting a healthy and filling snack.  
 

The People

From the franchise owners to the people making your food - they all truly care about making sure you have a great experience.  The juice bar is clean, welcoming, and it’s all because the people behind the counter are friendly and kind, and isn’t that a business you’d want to support? I know I do.

You can follow Clean Juice Polaris on Instagram and Facebook.  

ICYMI: Joshua Perry Foundation Giving Back to Our Community

Last week I headed to the newest Olentangy High School to get a firsthand look at the football clinic being put on by Joshua Perry and the Joshua Perry Foundation.  When I pulled up I could immediately felt the energy of the camp, everyone was so happy and excited to be there.  I grabbed a water bottle from M/I Homes and headed out onto the field to meet Joshua Perry and his family.  

The Joshua Perry Foundation is a non-profit organization focusing on inspiring youth to recognize their gifts and maximizing their potential.  The foundation works closely with Autism Speaks, athletic groups, education and art initiatives and community service. I got to speak with Perry about his foundation and the biggest thing that stood out was the passion he has for the youth in our community and youth everywhere.

The football clinic was completely free for all participants and open to children ages 7-13. Not surprisingly, this camp sold out so quickly.  They did ask anyone who could to bring school supplies to be donated to schools around Columbus. There was also a voter registration table at the camp, encouraging everyone to have their voice heard through their vote.

At the time of publication there was not a final number on donations made or voters signed up.  

You can learn more about The Joshua Perry Foundation on their website and follow Joshua on Instagram.  

Kids Fun Run Events in Columbus Ohio in 2018

My kids love when I sign them up for a kids fun run, typically it's attached to a race I'm running and sometimes (like the Choo Choo race in April) I sign up for the full race so they can run the fun run.  Each fun run has it's own special theme which makes it more exciting and fun for the kids - including the Dash for Donation where mascots from all over come and run the race with the kids, or the Frog Jog at the Columbus Zoo.  Take a look at the list below - I've included pricing, dates, time, and if there's extra special stuff I've included that too.  

Note:This list is subject to change. Please use the link attached to each listing to get more information.  

 

July

July 4th 8am - The Freedom 5K and Kids Fun Run - Kids Run is FREE and all finishers receive a ribbon

July 4th 7:55am - The New Albany Independence Day 5K - Kids Run is $20 and all participants receive a cotton t shirt and medal. The also have a FREE toddler crawl.

July 4th 9:15 am - Westerville Rotary July 4th 5K - Kids Run is $10 and all participants receive a finishers medal.

July 13 6:30pm - Honda Marysville Run 4 Kids - Kids Run is FREE and recommended for kids 7 and under

July 14th 8am - Dash for Donation - Kids run is  $10 and all finishers receive a medal. They also get to dash with mascots from all over Columbus!

August

August 2 6:45 pm - Dublin Irish Festival 5K and Kids Dash. The kids run is $5.  

August 9 6:50pm - Hilliard 5K Run/Walk Nite Classic. They have a FREE kids fun run for the youngest wildcats in attendance and they also have a 1 mile fun run for $15, which is sure to please the whole family.

August 10th 7:15pm - Westerville GameDay 5K.  This kids fun run is FREE.   

September

September 1st 12pm - Little Brown Jog 2018 - 5K and Fun Run - Kids Race is $12 and benefits Delaware People in Need.

September 3rd 10:10am - Run 4 The Health of It. Kids Fun Run is $10 and participants receive a tshirt and entry to the ridiculous raffle. :)

September 29 8:30am - Run Like a Girl 5K and Fun Run. Kids Run is a 100 yard dash for kids 9 and under and is only $10.

September 30 8am - Don Scott Trot 5K and Fun Run. Kids run is free and the kids get to run on the runway at the OSU airport.

October

October 6 9:30am - Columbus Division of Police Honor Guard Memorial Run - The kids fun run is a 1 mile run and is $25. The kids will get to see and explore police cruisers, SWAT vehicles, driving gear, and more.

October 13 8:30am - Safari 5K and Frog Jog.  The frog jog is a ⅓ mile run/walk for kids under 9. Registration is $15 and includes zoo pass, t shirt, and medal.

October 20 11am-1:30pm - Highlight Kids’ Run as part of the Columbus Marathon. Kids race is $10 and each participant leaves with a medal, a hat, and post race refreshments.  

November

November 22 8:30am - Chase Columbus Turkey Trot. This kids fun run is only $5 and the kids get a t shirt, medal, and finish line treat.  

Party Time Sliders with Prime Fresh & Kita Roberts

I had so much fun meeting with Kita Roberts from Girl Carnivore and making these easy and fun party time sliders using Prime Fresh deli meat.  

These party time sliders are great to make when your short on time and need to throw something together or if you want your dish to be the hit of the party.  You can grab the ingredient list below and then watch the video to see how we put it altogether.  

Visit primefreshdeli.com for more great recipes 

1 package fluffy dinner rolls or Hawaiian style rolls, about 6 to 12 rolls depending on size

 12 slices Prime Fresh Honey Ham or Oven Roasted Turkey

 Dill pickles

 Fresh herbs (chives preferred)

Tomato slices

2 TBSP Mayo

 Sliced Cheese (cheddar or Havarti)

Sliced red onion

Green leaf lettuce  

Meet The Coolest Jewelry Boutique in Columbus | Miss Em's | 614 Mom

Just last year I was introduced to one of the coolest businesses in Columbus, Miss Em’s.  Miss Em’s is a local jewelry boutique that specializes in pop up shops, house calls, online fundraisers, and even Facebook parties.  Miss Em’s makes it easy for you to get affordable pieces at your convenience.

Emily Smith, founder of Miss Em’s, is passionate about providing pieces for every woman at affordable prices.  Emily does an amazing job at curriating an excellent collection of quality pieces to fit every style, every budget, and even incorporating one of a kind pieces that benefits a great cause like this necklace.

You can find Miss Em’s at local craft fairs or you can book your own one of a kind party in your home, business, or online.  I’m actually doing an online fundraiser later this month, benefiting Pelotonia.  You can also do a fundraiser through Miss Em’s and pick the charity you’d like it to benefit.  

How It Works

Step 1: Pick a date and time for your virtual Facebook party

Step 2: Emily will set up a Facebook group for you - add your friends

Step 4: Emily will post an album full of jewelry and other accessories for your guests to look at.

Step 4: As your friends find their favorite pieces they simply type “SOLD” on the photo

Step 5: Emily will send out invoices to everyone who bought something

Step 6: The charity you selected will get 15% of the sales

**You can also get a select percentage of sales to use towards jewelry for yourself for putting it all together.  

These fundraisers would be perfect for PTO groups, to support your favorite charity, or you can have one just for fun.  

I’m currently obsessing over these earrings, this bracelet, and of course this canvas bag.

I hope you’ll join me for my virtual Facebook fundraiser benefiting Pelotonia. I would love to raise $200 for cancer research and I need your help! Join me!

Our First Class at Gymboree Play & Music - With a Special Promo For YOU! | Columbus, OH | 614 Mom

Gymboree Play & Music, located in Gahanna, provides educational play, music, and art for kids (birth-age 5) through a carefully crafted curriculum.  Gymboree Play & Music focuses on the whole child to support social, physical, and intellectual development.

Recently my youngest child and I tried out a Gymboree Play and Music class and I’m happy to report that we both loved it.  She enjoyed open play structure, the music, and the bubbles - she LOVED the bubbles. As a parent I was impressed with this program for a few reasons.  One being that the teachers are friendly and full of energy, they also allow the kids to explore openly. There were many times the babies would wander off and the teacher encouraged letting them explore and keeping them happy. I also loved that I could always see Elizabeth even if she would run to the next thing quicker than I could catch up. Of course, the biggest reason for celebration is how much fun Elizabeth had.  

Gymboree Play & Music also offers wonderful birthday parties (I had my oldest daughter's birthday party here 5 years ago and loved it but that’s a story for another day)! They also offer family classes, art classes, school readiness classes, and more.  If you’re in need of a gift for a birthday party, or for your favorite little one - Gymboree Play & Music has a full wall of goodies that make the perfect gift for the little ones in your life.

I would love for you to join Elizabeth and I in class soon! To make things even more exciting they have a really awesome promotion going on right now 

$59 for your first month and $0 Initiation Fee through the end of June.  It’s a great way to try a new program and save money at the same time. Total savings of $63

Play Group at the Park with 614 Mom | 2018

Join Eryn from 614 Mom and other moms from all over Columbus for a weekly playdate.  Every Tuesday at 10 am we will meet at a local park with our kids to play, explore, and meet new people. The location will change every week so be sure to check the schedule as well as the Facebook event pages.

Can’t make Tuesdays? No worries, we are also going to host a Saturday playdate once a month.  The full schedule is below.

Eryn will be there every Tuesday with her purple tent and her bucket of summer fun.  These playdates are relaxed so feel free to come and go as you please, Eryn will be there until 11:00 am, but honestly probably a little longer if her kids insist :)

Snacks and water will not be provided unless otherwise noted. 

June

June 12 - Hanby Park (New Westerville Splash Pad) - Sponsored By Clean Juice

June 19 -  Scioto Audubon - Downtown

June 26 - Blendon Woods Metro Park

July

July 3 - Fancyburg Park - Upper Arlington

July 10 - Easton Splash Pad

July 17 - Millstone Creek - Westerville

July 24 - Wyman Woods - Grandview

July 31 - Scioto Mile - Downtown

August

August 7 - Hilliard Station Splash Pad - Sponsored by Coffee Connections

August 14 - Hannah Park - Gahanna

August 21 - Prairie Oaks

August 28 - Homestead Metro Park - Hilliard

Saturday Playdates

June 23 - Hilliard Station Splash Pad - Sponsored by Coffee Connections

July 14 - Goodale Park

August 4 - Topiary Park

Our New Dentist | Dental Reflections Dublin | 614 Mom

Life with three kids is a whole new world and while it is wonderful, it is also a lot to manage.  We have work schedules for my husband and I, the kids school schedules, extra curricular calendars for all of their activities, while trying to maintain some type of a social life.  Of course, in all of that we also have the appointments we must keep - doctor, dentist, and other similar appointments. I probably didn’t have to go into all of that because I know you all get it, you go through very similar things. It can be a lot but I wouldn’t have it any other way.  

With all of the different schedules, I decided that I wanted to try and keep it simple by finding doctors who can see my entire family.  It makes life easier when we can schedule a few hours at one place instead of driving to multiple places to get the same thing done.

A few weeks ago I switched my family to a new Dentist and I’m really happy that I did.  Dental Reflections Dublin  is only 10-15 minutes from our house, they see kids and adults so I can take my entire family, and they are able to help me get back to back appointments so I only have to go once.

I went to my appointment a few weeks before taking the rest of my family because I wanted to see if my kids would be comfortable there.  There is nothing worse than taking your kids to a doctor that they hate. Seriously, it’s uncomfortable for the kids and heartbreaking for us as parents.

Luckily Dental Reflections Dublin is perfect for kids and adults. They know that not every dental experience is the same and each person has unique needs.  It shows in everything they do. Making the dental experience a comfortable one is high on their priority list and as a patient I can say they follow through on this every time.

My appointment went very well and I knew I could happily bring my husband and kids to this new office for their cleanings.  

My cleaning was very thorough, I have honestly never such a complete cleaning before.  They measured my gums to see if I was at risk for gum disease, they did an oral cancer screening - both things none of my previous dentists have done. Dr. Rudi As-Sanie  also displays your X-rays on a large TV screen to show you exactly what they are talking about, and as a visual person I found that very helpful. I was there for a little over an hour and a half but it was worth it.  

A few weeks later my husband and the kids had their appointments and they all had a great experience. I had the kids while my husband did his thing on the other side of the office.  The kids loved the fun stuffed animals, toothbrushes, and the X-ray machine. Their cleanings were quick and easy which is perfect for kids. They left with a fun bag full of goodies - toothbrushes, floss, small toys, and toothpaste.  Em and O have asked me to floss their teeth 45 times a day ever since the first appointment.

I would definitely recommend calling to schedule your appointment if you’re looking for a new dentist for your family.  Dr. Rudi As-Sanie is a wonderful dentist who has really created a wonderful office environment for all patients.

5 Best Fruit Farms For Berry Picking | 614 Mom's Guide To Summer Series | 2018

I don't know about you but one of my favorite parts of summer is all of the fresh produce. I get so excited thinking about the schedule of farmers markets coming up but my kids get really excited about berry picking.  They love going out to the fruit farm and collecting the strawberries and coming home to clean and prep them.  I let them do it all for the buckets they pick including cutting the berries - we use this safety knife that protects their little hands but also gets the job done.  I will do a longer blog post on our prep after we go picking for the first time but for now let me share with you our five favorite places to go strawberry picking.

If you're new around here let me explain - I never share ALL of the places you can go do something, only the best. I have personally been to everyone of these farms and have had a great experience.  I've also been to other farms but I don't list them because the experience wasn't great.  

Quick Tips 

-Wear close toed shoes
-Bring lots and LOTS of sunscreen
-Bring an extra outfit (including shoes) for everyone - it can get muddy so it's nice to have a back up plan. On that note throw some towels and a trash bag in the trunk just in case.
-If you can bring your own containers - plastic containers like these work wonderfully. Make sure to check in at the front so they can weigh it before you head out to the field. 

 

 

Hann Farms Market

Address: 4600 Lockbourne Road

Phone: 614-491-0812

Cash ONLY

Mid to late May

Mitchells Berries

Address: 9331 Mitchell Dewitt Road Plain City

Phone: 937-243-0635

Cash preferred - Cards accepted

End of May

Blue Frog Farm

Address: 5499 Sportsman Club Rd.

Phone: 740.927.8559

Cash and cards accepted

Late June through August

The Maize at Little Darby Creek

Address: 8657 Axe Handle Rd.

Milford Center, OH 43045

Phone:(937) 349-4781

Blackberry and Raspberry

Granny B Farms - Organic

Address: 7201 Tucker Rd

Centerburg, Ohio

Phone:(614) 668-5251

Cash preferred. PayPal also accepted

Early June is the expected opening date.

Raspberry and Strawberry

Columbus Splash Pads | 614 Mom's Guide To Summer Series | 2018

Splash Pads

614 Mom's Guide to Summer! www.614mom.com

Summer just isn't complete without a little run through the sprinklers and luckily Columbus is filled with fun places to cool off and splash around.  It doesn't matter what part of the city you're in, there is a splash pad nearby to make all of your summer dreams come true.  I'm giving you all the details so Pin this page and refer back to it all summer long. 

Hilliard Station Park 

The Hilliard Fountains may be new but they do not disappoint.  Open daily from 8 am - 10 pm, from May to October.  Note: On Special Event days the fountains turn off around 3 pm so be sure to check their special event calendar. While we're on the subject let's talk about all the special events, Flicks on the Bricks, Celebration at the Station, Food Truck Thursday and more.  Hilliard we had to wait a long time for these fountains but you made us proud.  

Address: 4021 Main St, Hilliard, OH 43026
Parking: Plenty of free street parking available along Main Street.
Food: You can pack a picnic or eat at one of the nearby restaurants.  Local Cantina, Abner's Diner, and Old Bag of Nails just to name a few. Donatos is just a short drive down the street, and Coffee Connections is directly across the street.  
Shade: There is a large event space directly behind the fountains that you can pop into for some shade.  
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Powell Splash Pad

Located at Village Green Park the splash pad is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day 9 am - 9 pm.  You can splash in the water and then have your picnic lunch in the solar picnic pavilion.  There is also a nice playground just steps from the splash pads.  This is also the same locations as the Lolli-Pops Summer Concert Series (June 4, July 9, August 6 this year). Note: If you're going to the Lolli-Pops concert be sure to bring a blanket to sit on as you watch and dance along. 

Address:  47 Hall Street Powell, Ohio
Parking: Plenty of free parking at the Municipal Building. 
Food: This is the perfect spot for a picnic, with tons of green space and the pavilion.  You can also grab lunch nearby on Sawmill Parkway, or at Local Roots not even 5 minutes from the park. 
Shade: The solar picnic pavilion is the perfect spot for a break and some shade. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Ballantrae Community Park (The Bunny Park)

You've probably seen this one on social media a lot. The kids love the dancing bunnies at the top the big hill, and the open green space with the fountains makes for the perfect summer afternoon.  Opens on May 26. Operates daily from 10am-8pm

Address: 6350 Woerner Temple Rd, Dublin, OH 43016
Parking: Plenty of free parking in the parking lot adjacent to the park
Food: This is a no frills park - make sure you bring your own snacks, drinks, and anything else.  
Shade: Not a great park for shade. I have seen people bring tents - so that may be a good option for your family. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

The Scioto Mile

 is one of our favorites. Open Sunday - Thursday 9 am - 10 pm and Friday and Saturday 9 am - 11 pm.  According to the website, it is now open for the season. 

Address: Civic Center Dr Columbus, Ohio, OH 43215
Parking: Plenty of meter parking and a parking lot nearby.  
Food: Milestone 220 overlooks the fountains and is a great place for a kid friendly lunch. I recommend grabbing lunch there before hitting the fountains.  ;-) There is also plenty of green space for a nice picnic. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms.  

Easton Fountains

I don't know about you but we can't go to Easton in the summer without our kids begging to play in the fountains. It is a must in the summer.  I will update this post with opening dates and hours when they become available. Note that on Wednesdays the fountain area closes at 4:30 for concerts.  The Kona Ice Truck is located just a few steps from the fountains for a fun, treat on a warm sunny day.  

Address: 160 Easton Town Center, Columbus, OH 43219
Parking: The Easton parking garages are nearby and have plenty of space.  You can find one next to Barnes and Noble and Panera as your closest spots.  There are also plenty of meter spots but those fill up fast. 
Food: Easton has plenty of places for a delicious snack. They typically have a snack bar located just outside of the fountains, as well as the Kona Ice Truck.  Northstar Cafe is very close, as well as Panera, Rusty Bucket, and Cheesecake Factory. The options are endless at Easton. If you're up for a quick drive Pies and Pints is at Easton Gateway and a great option for a summer lunch. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

Polaris Fashion Place

With all of the fun things going on at Polaris this is a very popular splash pad.  Head to Story Time at Pottery Barn Kids or The Disney Store and then go cool off at the splash pad.  Polaris also hosts many kid friendly events through their KidX Club. Every Friday from June 16 - August 18 from 10:30 - noon you can party at the fountains with Sunny 95, Polaris Mall, crafts, characters, and more. 

Address: 1500 Polaris Parkway ,Columbus, OH 43240
Parking: The parking is easy - park near Cheesecake Factory/Barnes and Noble for easy access to the splash pad
Food: So many options.  Food Court, Cheesecake Factory, Dave and Busters, and so much more. You can't go wrong. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

North Bank Park

With a beautiful view and fountains to splash in this park is sure to please.  You simply can't go wrong here. The fountain area isn't as big as other splash pads on this list but it is amazing. 

Address: 311 W Long St, Columbus, OH 43215
Parking: Meter Parking
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: There is some shade but it is hit or miss. 
Restrooms: Yes, they have public restrooms, nearby. 

Hanby Park 

The newest splash pad in town!! When it opens I promise to come back and give a full update and review. 

Address: 115 E Park St, Westerville, OH 43081
Parking:
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: . 
Restrooms:

Grove City Splash Paad

Grove City is getting a new splash pad!!! The new splash pad opens to the public on May 19 at Fryer Park. The park is free and open to the public 11am-8pm daily.  Open through labor day on days school is not in session.  Once we've been there to check it out I will come back for a full review.  

Address: 3600 Discovery Drive Grove City
Parking:
Food: Make sure to pack your snacks or lunch. 
Shade: . 
Restrooms:

Powell Splash Pad

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Powell Splash Pad

www.614mom.com