Feathering Your Nest

Stores opening, stores closing.  Retail is definitely fluid and who is hot today, next week is a nobody.  Some stores cause a buzz when they open; others quietly open the door offering their wares in tasteful, intimate displays.  Some use social media to create that buzz, they take to Facebook, Twitter and Bloggers – with words and images they drive the public to their door and cash registers. Offering a carnival like atmosphere, shopping becomes an experience.

Known for their traffic driving, exciting, destination grand opening is IKEA and soon the Columbus IKEA will be opening. With IKEA’s opening a week away the news teams are previewing the store, law enforcement is preparing their traffic plan and area businesses are making plans for their employees to work at home. How crazy is that???

The economic impact of stores like IKEA opening in an area is admirable. They not only bring in construction jobs, retail jobs, warehouse jobs but area restaurants will feed off the destination shoppers that maybe don’t want a Swedish Meatball or say let’s check out Polaris while we are in the Columbus area. I think it’s safe to say Easton will get a small piece of the pie, being a destination shopping experience in it’s own right and with the updating and new stores it’s an easy trip down I71/270 to enjoy additional shopping and dinning. 

Whether you like all the new stores and growth in Columbus or not you definitely have to admit living in a growing thriving area does provide opportunity. You just have to look for your opportunity.  

 

Recently my husband and I were headed home and the usual traffic snarls had hit epic proportions! As we made our way slowly  toward Costco at Easton for gas the thought occurred to me why sit in the car lamenting all the things we could be doing while we inch our way home and not just do? After a quick fill up at the gas station I weaved my way through the parking lot and headed for Whole Foods Easton for a quick refreshing beer at their bar. While sitting there drinking a cool citrusy ale called Clown Feet we decided to eat and catch up on each other's day.

After a great dinner, a beer, relaxed conversation and a much better traffic outlook we headed home. What could have been a stress filled ride home turned out to be a great way for my husband and I to reconnect and enjoy each other's company. As I look around on my daily travels I have noticed how many places could become an oasis from stress. for future reference I will choose to find that oasis and just sit and watch the world go by.

Looking for a Spark of Creativity? #MYCMA

The Columbus Museum of Art

With winter upon us there are those days you seek  an outing. While you don’t necessarily want to spend the whole day away; a quick trip out is a welcome distraction. Recently I stopped  in the  Columbus Museum of Art. Sundays are free and there is plenty of parking.

The areas are organized by genre. With a well planned traffic flow it’s easy to move through the displays and plenty of room to linger. Each area has an interactive table for patrons to write down their thoughts, try their hand at drawing, etc. There even are Lego Pokemon   scattered throughout the museum. It’s like a Pokemon Go  type of activity, fun to see where these characters are placed. When you spot one snap a picture and post on Social Media with the tag #mycma - a great way to keep the kids engaged! A not to miss display for all ages, is the Lego exhibit.  This incredible cityscape  impressively  detailed will have you in awe as you spot stores, parks, buildings etc - I felt inspired by creativity!

During your visit don’t forget to stop in the café- Schokko Art Cafe we had a quick cold brew coffee and enjoyed the sun streaming in the wall of windows. The Columbus Musuem of Art is a jewel  offering many events, meeting places, special exhibits, a wonderful store and café  a not to miss place!

Closed Mondays

Tuesday

Sundays Free

Blue Star Program – Active Military and their families get in free

Free parking for café and Museum store patrons.

Tis The Season......

This time of year means different things to each of us. While I try to understand the righteous indignation of some I can't help but feel like we should all respect each others beliefs, feeling and traditions.

For me this is a time of joy and remembrance. Joy was brought to the world by the birth of Christ. My family celebrates a fairly traditional Christmas with the religious meanings included.  I will not apologize for our traditions nor our religion.

In the hopes of honoring the birth of our Savior I also try to give more back to my fellow man- be it in the form of monetary donations, toy donations or donation of time.

Re-telling stories of Christmas memories is a way to connect my kids with my past. It's a way to share a part of me that as they get older will hopefully help them to understand where I came from and my why's.

It's also a time to remember the people that have helped us all to enjoy the freedoms we often take for granted. Many individuals have sacrificed and still sacrifice today so we all have the freedom to celebrate this magical season in our own way.Take a moment to say thank you silently or out loud doesn't matter how just express your gratitude.

 WISHING ALL A  MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

Columbus is Changing the World!

Columbus is more than a great place to find foodie restaurants, museums, shows, shopping and The Buckeyes sports; Columbus is a community dedicated to changing the our little part of the world.

Over the past few weeks I have had the privilege to help out with multiple events, working side by side with a group of dedicated volunteers that show up year after year. They believe in what they are doing and they work hard to pull it off.

Yesterday, October 18^th, I participated in StandDown Central Ohio 2016. This event is held yearly to give a hand up to our Vet that struggle financially. It’s one day when these Vets know their service has not been forgotten. As they filed in they made their way to legal services, medical, veteran resources, cloths and cold weather gear, food, possibly a hair cut, a hot meal and their favorite – a new pair of boots courtesy of Rocky Boots.

These men and woman come with all sorts of baggage and health issues, they are appreciative of the what is being offered. Most take just what they need. They enjoy the hot meal and Dairy Queen blizzard with a side of  someone to talk to who is asking to hear their story.

Many of the volunteers come year after year and they recognize the Vets ask how their year has been and if they are ok. One volunteer I spoke with had been volunteering for 20 years at this event.

I moved here almost 2 years ago and as I explore things to do in Columbus I am happy to include volunteer opportunities!

A HUGE THANK YOU to Rocky Boots for the 100's of pairs of military grade boots once again given to our deserving Vets! And we can't forget the Ohio National Guard Troops that staffed the boot  department - I  so touched by how much patience and care they showed while fitting the Vets - I even overheard one say to a Vet that apologized for needing to try multiple sizes  - take your time today is your day and we want to get it right!

Thank you Hills Market!!

So I was told September was lobster roll month at Hills Market. I am a huge fan of lobster rolls and I don't mean the lobster like rolls, I mean LOBSTER - GET IN MY MOUTH- ROLLS!

So on a what looked to be a gloomy Saturday I headed down to Hills Market to get my September lobster roll. It was still a bit early so the line was not very long, they had a meal deal that included lemonade so I grabbed that and an ice coffee, headed to table for a delightful lobster roll!

The lobster was good quality,  nice sized chunks served on a simple roll that did not compete with the lobster. I could tell it was fresh made and the people at Hills are so friendly and you can tell they were enjoying lobster day as much as we were enjoying it!

I will admit I really wanted the pie slice that was part of the deal but I had no room left and wanted to make sure if I was going to eat those calories I was able to enjoy them. Don't miss the last Saturday of Lobster Rolls until next year!

Short North Does it Again!

When Short North throws a party you can expect the best! Sunday, September 18th a variety of homeowners opened their doors to the public. The Short North Tour of Homes & Gardens was well attended and as expected well worth the $15 ticket!

The variety of homes we toured was well rounded. The tour started with two apartments in the 55+ Westminister Thurber Community. It was a great way to be introduced to living options for older adults. Next we went off to see many homes that had been lovingly renovated, a new build and how it amazingly fit into the neighborhood vibe to a garage that had the owner's space and a private retreat in the back he rented out as an AirBnB.

I personally love seeing the creativity and getting decorating tips. It is amazing to have these homeowners allow us the privilege of coming into their personal spaces. A big thank you to all who participated!