2018 Holiday Guide from Columbus Bloggers

This time of year makes me really thankful for the friends and family that make up my world - the people who I spend my days with, laugh with, cry with, and some of those people I only know thanks to this blogging world. I have met some of the most amazing women through starting this 614 Mom journey and I am so thankful that they are in my life. Today I’m sharing some of their posts in this Holiday Hop - and I am encouraging each of you to check out the following posts from some other Columbus bloggers and be sure to follow them on social because they share great content all year long.

Lindsay from Find Where You Fit is my favorite resource for all things fitness in Columbus. She finds the best local gyms, tries them for us, and then shares all about her experiences. I’m loving this Gift Guide for Active Kids. I plan on using this list when shopping for my kids.

I met Alison over the summer when she took a blogging class I teach. I have loved following her amazing growth in writing and blogging and her blog is truly a fun place for me to learn, read, and have fun. I just love Alison and I know you will too - check out her post on Hosting Your Holiday Party and then do yourself a favor and scroll through the website and read any of her other fun posts.

Kim from Wear Love Wanders is seriously GOALS. Her kids are always dressed in the most adorable clothes and I love when she posts lists like this Guide to the Best Holiday Tees for Kids (and Mamas) because I can basically shop her closet and that makes me happy! :) I know I will definitely be grabbing - Grinch Mode On. How cute is that?

There are so many fun gift guides in this post and the next one by Ashley from Cbus For Kids is clearly well thought out for those of us who love to explore with our kids. I will be guying the Kidnoculars for our next trip to The Wilds.

Kathleen from Just Keep it Simple Fitness is helping all of us with her gift guide for those fitness fanatics in your life. This will be so helpful for us this year because I have some fitness fanatics in my life (including myself) and I never know what to buy them. Kathleen killed it with this list and I’m so thankful.

Malini from Lakes and Lattes gets me! This season is busier than normal for me - and I am outsourcing as much as possible. The Exhausted Mamas Guide to Hacking the Holidays is an amazing post and I am happy to know there are more exhausted mamas just like me. Online shopping for the W I N!

Do you have a travel lover in your life? I do - and Zen Life and Travel has me covered!! These travel themed gifts include fun maps, socks, mugs, and even a carry on cocktail. These gifts are perfect for the travel lover in your life.

Last but not least my blogging bestie Julie from What Should We Do Today Columbus? Julie is full of great information including this list of Tried and True Gift Ideas for Young Boys and I can attest that these are great gifts because my son has approved them all. :-)

My contribution to the Blogger Holiday Hop? 5 Reasons to Gift a COSI Membership this season. Head on over there to check it out…

5 Reasons To Give a COSI Gift Membership This Year | 614 Mom

Thank you COSI for sponsoring this post. As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

I’m a big believer in experiences over things in everyday life but especially during this gift giving season.  I talk about it a lot because I truly believe in creating meaningful experiences for my kids vs. another toy that they will play with for a hot second before getting bored. When grandparents ask for christmas gift ideas we always suggest memberships to local places, this definitely takes more coordination because you don’t want two sets of grandparents to buy the same membership, but it’s worth it because those memberships help us create a lifetime of moments with our kids and that’s worth every second of coordination.  

The one membership we ask for every single year? Family COSI Membership! We LOVE COSI - it has something for everyone in our family and is perfect in every season - it’s a must have.

Because this is something we do every year, I’m becoming a pro at rattling off the reasons a COSI membership is the best gift you can give. Sooooo I thought I’d share my reasons with you so that you could just easily send this list over to the grandparents along with a request for a Gift Membership.

It’s Perfect in Every Season

COSI is our go to place in the winter when we need to burn off some extra energy, it’s a great spot during the summer as a place to play and cool off, and with all of the special events and exhibits there’s always something fun to do.  

Special Events & Exhibits

Speaking of special events let’s talk about a few of our favorites.  Big Machines & Farm Days are two of our favorites - the kids get to climb in the big machines and learn by playing which is always a huge win! Hot Wheels is a new exhibit that we can’t wait to check out and in the past we’ve enjoyed the Curious George, Thomas the Train, and other fun special exhibits.

It Saves Money

Having a place that we can go to without an admission fee is always a plus for this family of five.  I love knowing that we can go 5 days a week and it’s included in our membership. I pack some snacks and we have a low cost (no cost) outing.  There is parking but you can park at a meter and save money or park in the underground parking garage for convenience. Either way a COSI family membership will pay for itself in one visit for a family of four. Tickets for adults are $25 and for children 2-12 tickets are $20 - and a family membership is $149.  

Little Kidspace

Little Kidspace is where we spend most of our winter. The kids love the tree house, clinic, and barn in kidspace.  I love that my son can play in the helicopter while my daughter slides down the slide and I can see them both at the same time.  Don’t even get me started on the water play! It’s a hit for my kids (ages 4 and 2) and brings out so many smiles and laughter. You can read more about my love for COSI here.

Dinosaur Gallery

The Museum of Natural History Dinosaur Gallery is more than enough reason to get a COSI membership.  Do you have a dinosaur lover in your family? They will love the full size cast of Tyrannosaurus Rex, climbable full scale model of an Oviraptor nest discovered in China complete with 20 eggs, and the 8ft titanosaur femur.  Share the love of dinosaurs with your little ones -or your husband (my husband loves this area more than the kids).

Really you can’t go wrong with an experience like a COSI membership. I highly recommend using this holiday season as the perfect way to share more experiences with the ones you love so dearly.  

5 Reasons Kids Love Cookie Cutters | Columbus, OH | 614 Mom

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

It’s that time of year where my kids (and I) need new haircuts, new clothes, new winter coats, and the list goes on and on...Luckily this year my choice for where to take them for a haircut was really easy.

I was only planning on getting my son’s haircut because my oldest has been really anxious about the idea of a haircut and flat out refuses when I bring up the idea and my baby just isn’t old enough to need one.  

When I found out that there was a new Cookie Cutters that had recently opened in Grove City, I knew we had to check it out. My son loves fun places to get his haircut and is easily impressed with a car to sit in and an ice cream from mom at the end.  So I packed them in the car and we headed to Grove City for a haircut for my little guy.

When we got there my son was ready, he picked out his car very quickly and watched Netflix as they started cutting his hair.  It was going exactly how I planned. What happened next was not expected…

My daughter said “Mom, I want to get my haircut”

I was speechless. Seriously. I hadn’t even made an appointment for her so part of me was stressing because I didn’t want to pass up the opportunity but they have busy schedules so I wasn’t sure they’d be able to fit her in.

She’s always been so insistent that she not get a haircut because she was growing it out to be as loooonnnggg as possible.  I was all on board and luckily they were able to fit her in. YAY!!!

This change of heart actually inspired me to do a little something different with this blog post. Instead of telling you why I love Cookie Cutters I asked my kids to tell you what they love about it.

5 Reasons My Kids Loved Cookie Cutters

The Fun Seats

My son really loves being able to sit in a car while getting his haircut and more specifically Lightning McQueen.  That little guy has such an imagination and I can see it take off when he sits down in the car for his haircut. Just look at this photo - doesn’t it just scream happiness?

Netflix on Demand

Being able to not only watch TV but to pick a show they love is key to true haircut happiness.  The TV gets them distracted enough to let the hair stylist do their thing without my kids even paying attention.  My son loved getting to watch Paw Patrol and my daughter loved watching Fuller House during her haircut.

Friendly Staff

When we left one of the things my daughter mentioned was how friendly the hair stylist was.  If I’m being honest I think that the welcoming environment and friendly staff was the biggest reason that my daughter ended up getting her haircut.  As a mom, I was also really happy with the friendly staff and the owner who was obviously passionate about what she does and the customers she serves.

The Fun Stuff

I’m pretty sure both of my kids added five things to their Christmas wishlists at Cookie Cutters.  Fun colorful gel, pretty wet brushes, toys, and vanilla styling cream just to name a few. The play space was also a big hit of the baby sister. :)

Of course, The Haircuts!!

My little guy loves to spike his hair so he was happy when it was back to his preferred length so he can spike it everyday.  My daughter requested a haircut similar to Taylor Swift and was over the moon when that’s what she got.

Overall, I would say our adventure to Cookie Cutters was a major success.  I would highly recommend finding a Cookie Cutters near you for the perfect experience with your kids.

2018 City Festivals and Tree Lighting Ceremonies

CITY FESTIVALS AND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONIES

It’s my favorite time of year!!!! I feel like Will Ferrell from Elf!!! I’m lucky that my kids get just as excited as I do. Tree lighting and city festivals are some of my favorite events to go to because the energy is lively, the trees are beautiful, and my kids love it. I’ve put together a list of local festivals worth going to during the holiday season. Hopefully I will see you at one or two! :)

““I planned out our whole day: First, we’ll make snow angels for two hours, and then we’ll go ice skating, and then we’ll eat a whole roll of Toll-House cookie dough as fast as we can, and then to finish, we’ll snuggle.””

Ohio Statehouse Tree Lighting

Thursday, December 6 from 5:30 pm - 7:30 pm you can enjoy a holiday festival at the Ohio Statehouse complete with their annual tree lighting as well as carolers, model trains, refreshments, and much more.  We love this event, it has turned into a family tradition for us. Hope to see you there!

Easton Tree Lighting 

On November 16th at 6:30 join Easton Town Center and Santa as they kick off the holiday season.  Of course, there will always be special surprises and you can even receive special offers that evening. This event is very popular - so be sure to plan for traffic.

Hilliard Holiday Hop & Tree Lighting  

December 2nd from 4-6:30 you can enjoy some extra holiday cheer at Hilliard’s Station Park.  Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, hot chocolate, live reindeer, letters to Santa, ice sculpting, horse and carriage rides, and so much more.  

 Gahanna Holiday Lights Celebration

November 18th from 3:30-6:30.  Enjoy exhibits, food, lights, and more as they count down to the annual lighting of the Gahanna community tree.  

Holidays in Powell  

Saturday, December 1st from 2-5:30 head to downtown Powell as it turns into the North Pole for the day. The day is filled with so much fun including story times, visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus, horse drawn carriages and more.  The evening will end when Santa, Mrs. Claus, illuminate the city’s Christmas tree at 6pm.

Westerville Tree Lighting 

November 30, from 7pm-7:30pm. Live holiday music, a candle lighting ceremony and more. Music performed by Milestone Lane Preschoolers and the Westerville Community Band.

 Upper Arlington Winter Festival and Tree Lighting

December 1 from 6:45 pm - 8:30 pm. Fun activities all night including, live reindeer, ice sculpting demonstrations, visits with Santa, bonfire with s’mores and so much more. Located at Mallway Park.  

As more get scheduled I will add them to the list and I will also share on Facebook and Instagram so make sure you’re following 614 Mom on both platforms. Use #614mom to share your photos with me!

7 Ways To Conserve Energy and Save Money During Energy Awareness Month | 614 Mom

Thank you Vista Energy for sponsoring this post. As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own.

October is National Energy Awareness Month and to honor it, Vista Energy, a national third-party provider of electricity and natural gas solutions, has developed some simple tips to help home and business owners conserve energy usage and lower bills. 

The tips come at a time when energy bills are at an all-time high. Per recent research conducted by Vista Energy, the average home typically spends $1,900 a year just on energy bills. Home and business owners can celebrate National Energy Awareness Month with Vista Energy by heeding the following seven tips:

Turn Down the Thermostat

1. Lowering the thermostat by just five degrees can save up to 10% of a consumer’s energy bill. Or, by using a smart thermostat to control temperature via smartphone, consumers can save up to 20% on heating and cooling bills a year.

Use LED lights

2. Switch from normal bulbs to energy-efficient and low-wattage LED lights. LED lights work up to 20,000 to 50,000 hours and take up 50-80% less energy than incandescent bulbs. Though the initial cost of LEDs is higher, they ensure a reduction on energy bills with a lifespan that’s five times that of incandescent bulbs.

Seal leaks

3. The more leaks, the more cold air can rush into a home or business, which means an increase in thermostat temperature and a boost in bills. Check for cracks and crevices in unlikely places such as attics and basements. Use caulk and insulation pads to seal leaks around doors and windows.

Use fireplaces properly

4. Energy is wasted when a fireplace is not in proper use. Install a sealing damper at the top of a fireplace, which helps to keep conditioned air tucked inside a home. Or, try installing a fire back that is designed to absorb and keep heat in the rear of a fireplace.

Go green

5. From tiny light bulbs to big refrigerators, there are many eco-friendly products designed to cut energy consumption in half. For example, look for the Energy Star rating on appliances that signifies it is part of the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy’s program committed to superior energy efficiency.

Turn off the computer

6. Consumers waste a lot of energy leaving computers on when not in use. To save energy, turn computers off or put them to sleep. This can save $50-$100 a year.

Switch off sockets

7. Microwaves, toasters, blenders, chargers and other electric appliances connected to a single socket still siphon energy when not in use. Buy a multi- socket plug for these devices and when switching off the plug, all devices connected to it shut off accordingly.

For information about Vista Energy, visit www.vistaenergymarketing.com or call (888) 211-4093.

Free Tips To Keep Your Family Healthy All Year Long | Nationwide Children's Hospital | 614 Mom

I don’t know about you but my email is filled with promotions, sales, and other newsletters that I don’t always have time to read.  While I don’t get the chance to open every single email there is one newsletter that I really enjoy reading as soon as it hits my inbox.

The Nationwide Children’s Health E-Hints Newsletter is always filled with great information that is customized to the age of my children (and yours) which is so helpful.  I like staying up to date with important information when it comes to my kids and their health. The Health E-Hints Newsletter is written by pediatric experts and that’s exactly who I want my information from.  

When I signed up I was asked the name and ages for each of my kids and I didn’t really know why but when I got the first email I totally got it. They have articles listed as “For Owen” or “For Elizabeth” so I know exactly which kid this piece of information is most relevant for.  

Ready to sign up?  You can sign up here and get your Health E-Hints Newsletter delivered to your mailbox monthly, and don’t worry your email is safe and confidential.  

When Cancer Does Not Care We Have To | Mama Monday | 614 Mom

October 1st marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month and here at 614 Mom we take women’s health (and everyone’s health) very seriously. We encourage you to get regular medical care, eat a healthy diet, protect yourself from the sun and visit this Mayo Clinic blog post on Cancer Prevention: 7 tips to reduce your risk.

My dear friend Anne found out that she had breast cancer while pregnant with her 2nd child. She has bravely shared a piece with us for Breast Cancer Awareness Month and I am so thankful that she is willing to share her true feelings in hopes that it will help someone else. Anne - you are one of the bravest women I know. I admire you so deeply and you inspire me daily. I’m so lucky to call you a friend.

Cancer Does Not Care.....

that you are pregnant or that you have a 5 year old daughter.
Cancer does not care that the only way to keep it from damaging you is to damage you.... by cutting, poisoning or burning.

Cancer doesn’t care that money still needs earned and the house still needs cleaned.

Cancer doesn’t care that you just bought a house, that you just got the promotion, that you have a trip planned.

If you ignore cancer it will continue its silent take over and eventually it’s presence will be painful and deadly.

So even though cancer doesn’t care you have to. You allow pieces of your body to be removed. You allow poison to be placed into your veins. You take the risk of doing this with your much wanted baby in your belly in the hope you can be her mama. You take this risk so that maybe you can see you kindergartner go to middle school. 

You give up the ability to breastfeed your newborn. You spend hours on the recliner letting your older daughter have too much screen time. You hurt, your bones, your brain, your feet your heart.
The months go by and it seems the cancer is gone. You start to heal the collateral damage the weapons of this war have done to your body. You start cleaning your house, rebuilding your career, being an active mother.
But fear remains... is the cancer hiding to return again possibly somewhere scarier?

Because cancer doesn’t care that you need your lungs to breathe, your brain to think and your liver to do what ever livers do.

Cancer doesn’t care that your baby is almost 2 and your daughter is now 8 and that they still need you. So every weird bump, back pain, lingering cough begins the process of scans, biopsy’s, stress.

Will the battle have to be started again? Will fighting this battle even save you?
The truth is no one knows. People care, doctors, family friends, and thy help you through these moments but the only thing that will change the reality of how to stop breast cancer is finding a weapon that stop it with out ravaging bodies. The only way to do that is research. So wear pink this month because you want to support, buy the pink items because you enjoy them but know those don’t fight the battle.
To truly make a difference try one or more of these things:

Donate to an organization that gets unique research funded.
Peletonia is a great example.

Donate to an organization that provides support to women going through treatment.
Pinkribbongirls.org did that for me. 

Be aware of your own health. Be aware of changes and see a doctor sooner so if you have your own battle the weapons needed may be smaller. If breast cancer runs in your family fight for earlier mammograms. If you are 40 or older get your mammograms.

Because although cancer doesn’t care you can and you can save both your self and others.

Anne Belt is 38 years old and lives in Hilliard Ohio with her two daughters and husband. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016 while pregnant with her daughter. Currently she is in remission and her daughter is almost 2.

LEGOLAND COLUMBUS Sneak Peek | 614 Mom | Columbus, OH

It’s been the talk of the town for months now...LEGOLAND Discovery Center as the newest addition to Easton Town Center and after getting to visit today, I can officially say it’s worth all of the hype.  LEGOLAND is exactly the type of business Easton has been needing - a place I can take my kids to play, a break from the shopping and eating, and a place we can spend the entire day. LEGOLAND Columbus officially opens next week and we can finally celebrate all of the fun it’s bringing to our city.  

We’ve never been to a LEGOLAND Discovery Center so I wasn’t really sure what to expect but after taking my youngest two through today and getting the chance to see firsthand what it’s all about I’m ready to buy a membership and my son is dying to have his birthday party here.  There’s a lot you can do here so let’s jump right into some of the best part of LEGOLAND Columbus.

Factory Tour 

The Factory Tour is TOP Secret but what I can tell you is that you get a behind the scenes look at how LEGOS are made.  My son who is 4 loved this area.

Miniland 

When we walked into Miniland the first thing that I saw was the beautiful replica of the Ohio Statehouse and I was immediately filled with joy.  If you don’t know - my husband and I got married at the Statehouse and it is by far my favorite building in all of Ohio.  They have a lot of other fun Columbus, Cleveland, and Cincinnati landmarks like COSI, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Easton, and of course Ohio Stadium. It’s not a space you just walk through - oh no! They have boat races, glowing tours that change from day to night, and even a way to play a little football! :)

 LEGO Friends

If my oldest would have been with us I know this would have been her favorite spot. This space has large flowers on the wall dedicated to each Lego friend to tables of LEGOS complete with multiple build books at each table, and a view of Heartlake City.  

Earthquake Tables  

I thought this area was really cool. Build your creation and then test it by simply hitting a button and watching it shake. Will your tower be able to make it through?

 DUPLO Farm

Perfect for ages 2-5.  My 19 month old loved sliding down the slide and building with bricks that were the perfect size for her.  This area is right next to Lego Friends, Lego Racers, Merlin’s Apprentice Ride. 

 LEGO Racers

I thought I was never getting my husband and son away from this area.  Here you can build your car and test it on the tracks.  They had so much fun working together to build the fastest car possible.

Other things we loved

City Play Area

Merlin’s Apprentice Ride

DUPLO Village

Things we didn’t get to try yet

4D Theater

Kingdom Quest

Creative Workshop

Let’s talk food and drink now that I’ve told you all of the ways you can stay at LEGOLAND - ALL DAY LONG. LEGOLAND Columbus does not allow outside food or drink (except in the case of allergies and babies) but they do have a wonderful coffee shop filled with drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and cute little LEGO lunch boxes that make the perfect souvenir. They offer a Kids Meal Deal for $8 that includes a kids sandwich, snack, and drink - for an additional $4 you can add on the LEGO lunchbox.  

LEGOLAND Columbus has really thought of everything.  I’m really impressed with the facility and the level of detail put into each and everything.  I’m sold - we are totally buying annual passes for our family.  Will I see you there? What’s something you’re really loving about LEGOLAND Discovery Center at Easton?  Would you like to see a Cost Analysis on this space? Tell me in the comments. 

8 Ways To Participate In National Thank A Police Officer Day

My kids adore the police officers in our community, anytime we go anywhere they make sure to at least wave from a distance and absolutely love when they an officer gives them a tour of his vehicle.  You may have seen this post about a year ago of my kids on a Columbus Police Officer motorcycle. It was the highlight of the year for them, especially my son, who is firm in his stance that he wants to be a Police Officer when he grows up.

The third Saturday of September is National Thank a Police Officer Day and a perfect way to make sure our officers know we appreciate them. We try to make sure every Police Officer we see throughout the year knows how thankful we are for them but a dedicated day to share our appreciation is a perfect way to make sure of that.

I’ve decided to put together a list of fun, practical things you and your family can do to participate in Thank a Police Officer Day.  If you participate I’d love to see your photos - use #614mom on social media or tag me!

A special thanks to the Hilliard Police Officers and the Columbus Police Officers who are apart of keeping my family safe each and everyday. We love you!

• Visit your police station to say Thank You.

• Bake (or buy, like I did) a plate of cookies, muffins, or other bakery items and bring them to the Police Station.  You could also bring fruit, veggie tray, or a full meal - I would recommend coordinating with the Police Station before doing this.  

• If you see a Police Officer out in the community, pick up their tab. It could be their lunch, coffee, or something else.  Just a simple act of appreciation can go a long way.

• Have your kids make cards to show their appreciation. My son loved writing “Thanks for catching criminals” on his card along with a photo of a VERY tall Police Officer

• Fly the Thin Blue Line flag at your home

• On the home front, you can also change your porch light bulb out for a blue light bulb.

• Send a nice note

• Make a donation to the FOP or another organization dedicated to supporting our Officers.

Witches Night Out | Leeds Farm | Pink Ribbon Girls

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is coming up next month and Leed’s Farm has a one of a kind event on their calendar to celebrate friendship, fall, and farm fun all while raising money for Pink Ribbon Girls. Witches Night Out is on October 4, 2018 from 6-8:30 at Leeds Farm.  

Join the ladies at Leeds Farm for this women’s only event complete with snacks, drinks, bonfire, entertainment, all of the Leeds Farm fun, and your girlfriends.  

You will find Belnd of Seven Winery, Bokes Creek Winery, Buckeye Winery, Camelot Cellars, and Soine Vineyards on site for drinks and even bottles for purchase. Wine tickets are $5 and bottles are there to purchase separately.

What to wear?  Wear your favorite witches attire - a fun hat, black leggings, costume, or fun accessories.  

Looking for another fun Bid on a raffle basket - over 25 different baskets ready for you to take home. Each basket has a value between $100-$250 with the big grand prize basket being a value of $500.  

Will I see you at Wiches Night Out? I hope so! Let’s raise money for Pink Ribbon Girls together!! See you on October 4.

Will I see you at Wiches Night Out? I hope so! Let’s raise money for Pink Ribbon Girls together!! See you on October 4.