Everything You Need To Know About Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights | 614 Mom | Columbus, OH
We recently discovered Fantasy of Lights and I am so glad we did - our Decembers will never be the same. :-) Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a drive thru light show located at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds.
Thank you Butch Bando’s for sponsoring this post. As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
December is one of my favorite months of the year because it’s all about time with family, making gingerbread houses, parties, and pretty lights. One of my favorite traditions is packing the car with my family in their pajamas, complete with hot chocolate and yummy snacks and as we drive around to look for neighborhoods with beautiful lights. The only problem with that is that it’s hard to know where the best lights are and it changes year after year - except for the amazing Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights in Alum Creek.
We recently discovered Fantasy of Lights and I am so glad we did - our Decembers will never be the same. :-) Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is a drive thru light show located at the Alum Creek State Park Campgrounds. The show runs seven days a week from November 16-January 1, 2019. Pricing is based on the day of the week and the type of vehicle you are in. Scroll down to learn more about the pricing structure.
Photo Source: Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights Facebook Page
Everything You Need To Know About Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights
The best way to enjoy the lights is in your PJ’s while slowly driving through the show. There are so many special light displays that you don’t want to miss - so get comfy and enjoy the show is your coziest PJ’s but don’t forget your shoes because you’ll want them at the end.
Buy your ticket online or bring cash to help with the line. This will help you and the people in line behind you.
The show is open through rain, shine, sleet, and on the major holidays. Looking for something fun to do on Christmas Eve? The Fantasy of Lights is my recommendation.
Pricing is per vehicle and includes everyone in the car. If you’re driving a car or SUV the pricing is $20 Monday-Thursday and $30 on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. If you’re in a bigger vehicle like a limo, large van, or RV you are looking at $40, Motor Coach is $60, and buses are $100.
They have their own radio station! Be sure to ask when you buy your ticket so you can listen to the most festive music while looking at the beautiful lights.
Military Appreciation Show is December 26 & 27. Active Duty & Spouses get in free on those nights and Veterans get in for $10. Thank you for your service.
After you’ve spent the time driving through looking at the beautiful light show you can stop by Santa’s House at Cross Creek Camping Resort for hot chocolate, cookies, and of course Santa.
If you’re looking for a way to get in the holiday spirit look no further! Butch Bando’s Fantasy of Lights is your one stop shop for all things holiday. Have you been? Tell me what you’re favorite light display is in the comments. Oh & I can’t forget - they have two new light displays this year and I can’t spoil the surprise but you will L O V E them.
614 Mom Speaking Engagements | Nationwide Insurance
A few weeks ago I was asked to speak, for a second time, to the moms group at Nationwide Insurance. It’s always so fun to meet the people who read 614 Mom, invite new readers to check us out, and give everything I can to everyone there.
A few weeks ago I was asked to speak, for a second time, to the moms group at Nationwide Insurance. It’s always so fun to meet the people who read 614 Mom, invite new readers to check us out, and give everything I can to everyone there.
This year I reached out to my favorite businesses to give them a chance to share about their business with those in attendance. I also bought some really fun 614 Mom bags and with the help of the 614 Moms Facebook group - put some fun text on the front. Take a look at the following businesses and give them a follow - they are GREAT and I support each and everyone.
Sitters Unlimited
Juggle
Coffee Connections
Leeds
New Albany Ballet
Balanced Family Academy
Code Ninjas
Ten Pin Alley
Spa at River Ridge
Creative Art Bar
Picassos
Destination Hilliard
Easterseals
Peace Love Bling
Hydrate Me
Girls On The Run
Garden Art Studios
Cute As A Button
Optimize Chiropractic
Goldfish
New Leaf Wellness Retreat
Gymboree
Little Gym
Ella Ann
Crazy Richard’s
Not Just Make Believe Princesses
Spending Intentional Time With My Daughter
As my daughter has gotten older I’ve noticed that we are very similar and we share similar love languages. The biggest one we both hold is Quality Time. I just want to spend uninterrupted time with the people in my life, and when people put what they are doing on hold to focus on me I feel more loved. My oldest is very similar in that way and I am always looking for fun ways that she and I can spend quality time together.
Thank you Empowered Minds for sponsoring this post. As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own and I would never recommend a product or service I don’t fully stand behind.
As my daughter has gotten older I’ve noticed that we are very similar and we share similar love languages. The biggest one we both hold is Quality Time. I just want to spend uninterrupted time with the people in my life, and when people put what they are doing on hold to focus on me I feel more loved. My oldest is very similar in that way and I am always looking for fun ways that she and I can spend quality time together. Gosh, I love that kid. It truly fills my heart that she loves quality time as much as I do. It isn’t always a big event or something pricey, sometimes it’s curling up with a good book and reading together, sometimes it’s taking only her to the grocery store with me, and more recently it’s filling out her J.O.Y. Journal together.
J.O.Y. Journal
The J.O.Y. Journal helps us connect daily and sparks conversations that then turn into bigger conversations. The Just Own You (J.O.Y.) Journal is designed for girls to embrace their unique self through guided activities. The journal really encourages self acceptance and self love which are two things I want my children to feel every single day of their lives.
We started the J.O.Y. Journal by talking about E’s biography, her best day ever and what that looks like, quotes that guide her, detective work, and so much more. Once we wrapped up that part of the book we started a section called My Daily Review. My Daily Review is a section where we reflect on things she’s excited about, lessons she’s learned that day, and other really fun things to reflect on. It also gives her so much space to write whatever is on her mind.
The J.O.Y. Journal was created by a mother/daughter duo who are passionate about helping others live of a life of self acceptance, confidence, and self love. Hearing their story brought me to tears as I’ve thought about the conversations I’ve had with my daughter. About a year ago she drew a photo of us standing outside of a building with the word ‘SPA’ written on the building. Emmalyn told me that this photo is of our future mother/daughter spa that we will own when she is older. Instant tears. Watching another mother/daughter team go after their dream and doing it together is so inspirational for me and I am happy to support their mission.
Through working on this journey together my daughter and I have connected with each other in new ways, we have learned more about the other, we’ve laughed, we’ve been silly, we’ve been thoughtful, and most importantly we’ve spent uninterrupted quality time together and that is something I am so thankful for. You can get your J.O.Y. Journal through their website and on Amazon. The J.O.Y. Journal makes the perfect gift for the girl in your life whether that’s for the holidays, birthdays, or a just because I love you gift.
Have you used the J.O.Y. Journal? Tell me about it in the comments. If you order let me know! I’d love to hear what you think.
30 Unique Experiences To Gift The Adults In Your Life, Columbus Ohio
I’m a big believer in experiences over things which is why I’m so excited to share with you my suggestions on experiences to gift to the adults in your life. These can be used for anyone - your boss, parents, spouse, babysitter, etc. I’ve broken them down into categories so they are easy to browse. If you have one I should add to the list - comment and tell me!
I’m a big believer in experiences over things which is why I’m so excited to share with you my suggestions on experiences to gift to the adults in your life. These can be used for anyone - your boss, parents, spouse, babysitter, etc. I’ve sorted them by category so if you have a foodie in your life check out the Food/Drink section - if you have someone who LOVES Columbus - be sure to check out that section, as well as all of the other fun categories. Have a suggestion for the list? Tell me by commenting on this post.
Food/ Drink Related
Tickets to a Columbus Food Adventures tour - This has been on my Columbus bucket list since forever...The one I really want to do is the brunch tour. I mean brunch is my favorite thing of all time. Okay, if I'm being honest I really want to do them all.
Tickets to a Columbus Brew Tours - This one would definitely be for Riley , as I'm more of a tequila girl myself. However it looks like so much fun.They Pitchers and Pizza one is right up my alley!
Handcraft Your Own Wine at Camelot Cellars - This would be a perfect gift for the wine lover in your life. Please tell me I'm not the only one who would love to create my own batch of white wine!?
Distillery Tour at Watershed Distillery - This is an inexpensive way to experience something new.
Any of The Cheesecake Girl events would be a perfect gift. She pairs cheesecake with coffee, wine, you name it. You can also find cheesecake trails around Columbus through her. It goes without saying that the cheesecake is delicious!! :)
Brew your own beer at North High Brewing. This is actually on my list so I can’t speak for the experience but it looks and sounds REALLY fun!
Tickets to a participatory dinner at The Kitchen ! (Hint Hint - if my husband is reading this. I want tickets to any of the ones on the current calendar)
Columbus Love
Pedal Wagon Tour - Even as someone who has lived in Columbus most of her life, this is something I've seen as I walk through the Short North and I've always wanted to participate in.
Membership OR tickets to an event at the Franklin Park Conservatory
Tickets to a sporting event - Blue Jackets, Buckeyes, Clippers, or Crew
The Columbus Zoo - Believe it or not the zoo has a lot of events for adults only! They had a murder mystery event and a scavenger hunt recently and you can always count on them for Brew at the Zoo and Zoofari.
Candle pouring with Eleventh Candle Co at Polaris Mall or at their location in Worthington.
COSI After Dark- Oh COSI, thank you! Riley and I love your over 21 events. We are total nerds at heart, and I mean that in the most endearing way possible. We love COSI and sometimes it's fun to explore everything without all the little ones. We get to go at our pace and spend time somewhere besides Kid Space. Tickets aren't that expensive either - this is a go to date night for us.
Membership to the Columbus Museum of Art - this is a perfect gift for anyone! Endless possibilities here.
Candle Lab - Riley's family hosted a baby shower here and it was incredible. I wasn't sure if my husband was going to enjoy it because he normally just trusts me to pick out things like candles for our house, but he got really into it.
Pampering Gifts
Nail appointment from The Onyx Spot! Jee Jee is the best and she recently launched her own line of scrubs and oils..
A cleanse from Pure Pressed Juicery
Spa Day at Woodhouse Day Spa in Dublin (Total bonus points if it's a couples day at the spa)
A month (or more) at Barre3
Getaways
Day trip or weekend trip to Hocking Hills - a romantic weekend away is a perfect gift.
Staycation at The Jospeh in the Short North - You will have the best time. The staff there truly cares about making your stay special - you can read about our Staycation in May here.
The Arts
Tickets to see a show at one of our many wonderful theatres in Columbus. The Nutcraker is a great one to go see around this time of year.
Tickets to a show at Shadow Box
Tickets to a class at Glass Axis - we love Glass Axis.
Tickets to see a favorite comedian at the Funny Bone
Gift Guide By Kids For Kids | 614 Mom | Quest To Clean Up
Quest To Clean Up is the only app in the app store showing kids that if you want something you have to work for it. Because of the wishlists Quest to Clean Up has access to exactly what kids are wanting. Since we are hitting shopping season they have graciously decided to share this with us so we can be prepared for shopping this weekend (Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, and Cyber Monday) as well as the rest of the holiday season. I’m breaking it down by age to make it as easy as possible.
Thank you Quest to Clean Up for sponsoring this post. As always all thoughts and opinions remain my own and I only share about businesses I LOVE!
My kids are in this new stage of wanting ALL of the things...so we are currently teaching them about the value of money and working for what they want. My husband and I want them to know from an early age that money isn’t unlimited and if you want something you have to be willing to work for it. There are things in our home that they must to just because they are a member of this family like keep their rooms picked up, put their dishes in the sink, and just basic motions that help keep our house from being a chaotic mess. Outside of that I’m happy to reward them for going above and beyond.
I recently found a new app for my phone that helps me have those conversations while showing them the value in hard work. Quest To Clean Up is the only app in the app store showing kids that if you want something you have to work for it. Parents set the tasks and assign a value for each task from their side of the app - the kids can then go in and check things off as they go and know on the spot how much they earned for that and see how much closer they are to items on their wishlists. As a visual learner I love this because as a kid I was always writing it down and trying to remind my mom how much she “owed” me. Haha! Seriously though - it’s super helpful that the kids can see exactly where they are in relation to their goal and how much work they have to do to get there.
The wishlists are limited to 8 items and completely built by the child which makes it really fun for the parents to go in and see what their kids are working for. The app will also show the child how many chores they need to complete to be able to get an item on their wishlist, so they can decide if it’s really worth it.
Because of the wishlists Quest to Clean Up has access to exactly what kids are wanting. Since we are hitting shopping season they have graciously decided to share this with us so we can be prepared for shopping this weekend (Black Friday, Small Biz Saturday, and Cyber Monday) as well as the rest of the holiday season. I’m breaking it down by age to make it as easy as possible.
Don’t forget to download Quest to Clean Up so your kids can start earning all of those extra things on their Holiday Lists.
Ages 4-6 Years Old
Boys
Lego Character Sets
Lego Marvel Heroes
Nerf
Strike,
Laser X Tag Set
Girls
Our Generation School Set
Our Generation Vet Set
American Girl doll
American Girl Pastry Set
Unicorns
Pikmi Pops
LOL Surprise
Squeezamals
Ages 11-13
Boys
Xbox/Playstation online gaming cards
Fortnite
Madden
Segway Self Balancing Electronic Ride On
Gaming accessories (wireless gaming headset with microphone)
Girls
Make up – Benefit Cosmetics
iTunes
iPhone
Adidas gear
Wireless head set
Beats pill (speaker)
Thank you Quest To Clean Up for helping us all know exactly what our kids want even when they may not even know it. Be sure to download their app as an educational resource all year long.
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.
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
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,
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
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.
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
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! :)
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
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:
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.
