Family 2018

FREE I THE ULTIMATE CIT Y GUIDE FOR BIG AND SMALL 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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introduction ou know how “they” say, “There is never a right time to start a family.”

I’m always wondering about this proverbial they that everyone talks so much about, because “they” are usually right.

Certainly for me and my husband, I can attest that the “right time” would have looked a lot different than our reality.

Regardless of timing, something else “they” say is, “Kids change everything.”

Fortunately for us, and everyone lucky enough to live in the 614, we have a community that not only accommodates, but exceeds expectations on providing opportunities for rad learning experiences, true growth, and just plain fun to have with your kiddos.

The team at (614) Magazine has taken it upon themselves to bring all of these spectacular around-town activities straight into your hands and or onto your fridge. So the next time you hear, “I’m borrrrreddd.” Flip through

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f a m i ly Publisher Wayne T. Lewis Editor-in-Chief Travis Hoewischer Associate Editor Jeni Ruisch Managing Editor Emma Kate Low Contributing Writers J.R. McMillan Linda Lee Baird Najah Goldstein Contributing

our second annual Family issue, pick something new, and soon you’ll be hearing, “This was the best day ever!, You’re the best parent ever!, I’ll take care of you when you’re old, I promise!”

Or something along those lines. Here’s hoping, right?

Maybe you’ll find solace in some of our stories about, getting back into the workforce after being a stay at home parent, or

knowing there is a place that your kiddos can play AND you can have a grown up lunch and latte, and of course tips on how to stay stylish while wrangling a rug-rat.

Because, to be honest, along with your new human comes a new identity, and adding “parent” to that identity, well it’s the most magical thing I’ve ever done.

Have fun out there. – Emma Kate Low

Photographers Brian Kaiser Megan Leigh Barnard Rachel Joy Barehl Steph McNally Ashley West Katie Forbes Claire Roeth Manager of Audience Development Stephanie McFarland Advertising Director

co n t e n t s

Meggin Weimerskirch SENIOR Account Executives Derek Landers Liza Worthington Account Executive Becky Hart graphic Designers Hugo Albornoz Jess Wallace

G A M ES

B OOKS

ART

Ta b leto p G a m e C a fe ............ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1 6

Sto r y S n a cke r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . .1 8

Art wi th Anna . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Sarah Moore VP of sales/marketing Lindsay Press

(614) Magazine 458 E Main St., Columbus, OH 43215 Office: (614) 488-4400 Fax: (614) 488-4402

FITNESS

FASHION

FOOD

S q u ats w i t h Tot s ........... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Cub Shrub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

To o G o o d E ats . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

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Email submissions to: editor@614columbus.com www.614columbus.com

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Looking to find a creative way to capture you and your family’s memories forever? (614) Family built our own scrapbook of top shots in Columbus, complete with a behind-the-lens story:

The Mulford Family

Rachel Joy Barehl Photography

racheljoybaransi.com Janie, a new a big sister, finds independence and joy while mom and dad tend to new baby brother’s needs. •

The Caraway Family Love Emma Photography

I took this photo when I was doing the Caraways fall mini-session.

This was actually Murray’s idea—I’m so glad she suggested it because it’s one of my favorite family photos I’ve ever taken. It’s just too real. An almost teenager covering her eyes, a five year-old looking up at them happily, and their toddler picking his nose.

Perfection. – Emma Kate Low

The Gillis Family

by LewisLens Photography lewislens.com

Chris Jr. was born premature and spent three weeks in Mount Carmel NICU, which made this session so emotional. His mom Tamia said that the first year of parenting was already such an impactful year, but knowing what Chris Jr. went through added a different perspective. “This year meant so much more to us as a family than it probably would [have] otherwise. I know if 12

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he would [have] came straight home I would have been super emotional today, but when I scroll back through the pictures and think about everything he and we went through as a family...it makes me so much more thankful, joyful, blessed and humbled by his strength and the grace of God. I am so thankful to my husband who stayed emotionally strong for me when I was broken, who stayed emotionally, mentally and physically strong for us on the days I couldn’t bear to walk out of the hospital without our baby. To other moms who are going through a similar experience: you got this and you and that baby are stronger than you will ever know.” - Monty Soungpradeith

The Aminian Family

Rouxby Photo

Parents always talk about how their toddlers rule the roost. Before we had Ayla, we would tell each other how that wasn’t going to happen to us. We talked about how we’d set boundaries and be firm. We were convinced that we knew better. That attitude lasted until Ayla was about two. Now, she tells us when and where to sit and stand. She tells us what music to play (always the soundtrack to Moana) and what to put on the TV (usually

Moana). If we’re eating a snack, she’ll casually stroll over and take it away from us, like a bully at school. If we sit down to relax, she’ll grab our hands and drag us over to whatever toy she wants to play with. She’s stubborn, demanding, and non-stop, and we love every second of it. What we didn’t understand about toddlers until we had one ourselves is how amazing it is to watch them learn to express themselves, even (and sometimes especially) when they’re telling you what to do. It’s a lot of work, but we wouldn’t have it any other way. – DanaMarie Aminian

The Bowman Family Ashley West Photography ashleywestphotography.com

This image was taken on an early fall evening in September. After a mostly cloudy shoot, the sun quickly peeked through the clouds and backlit this family so perfectly. The baby girl is so happy, and her parents just staring at her lovingly. The entire scene evokes emotion and has definitely become one of my favorite photographs. Being able to capture these kind of moments is absolutely the reason I do what I do.

– Ashley West

The Borghese Family Stephanie McNally Photo stephaniemcnally.com

I have been photographing this family since the start of my business in 2014.

Tony and Amy’s love story began in high school and their love continues to grow with the addition of their two beautiful children. I seek to capture life’s most precious moments, as I believe those are the cherished memories we will long to remember. We started this sunrise session with some morning cuddles. Nothing makes me happier than sharing my gift with other families so they, too, can hold onto memories that may otherwise be forgotten.

– Steph McNally •

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BOARD-D

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Tabletop Game Cafe brings cover charge concept to board games

By J.R . M c Mi l l a n • P h otos by Kati e F o rb e s

G

ame nights are increasingly popping up at bars and breweries, and not just trivia. Old school board games and their modern-day descendants tap into the social necessity for competition. But parents are left out of the intersection of beer and board games as much as their kids— unless you head to Tabletop Game Cafe in Clintonville, a place that finally brings pints and half pints together.

With more than 500 games in their enviable inventory, offering the opportunity to “try before you buy,” owner and parent Aaron Brown wanted to create a destination for families as well as adults. But it’s not always about competition.

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“We have more than 20 cooperative games where everyone is on the same team playing against the game. I recommend those to a lot of families with mixed-age kids,” he explained.

“That way the kids aren’t playing each other on an uneven field.

With cooperative games, they’re all working together.”

Imagine a play cafe, but for older kids, their peers, and parents. It’s genuinely multigenerational, which lots of socalled “family” activities really aren’t. Most relegate adults to simply a supervisory role. Tabletop is analog and interactive for everyone. It’s about disconnecting, and reconnecting. •

For a minimum purchase of $6 per adult between food, beverage, and retail sales, you can pull up a stool and get your game on. Kids under 13 are even included with a grownup. Food options are fresh and better than your average bar fare, from hot sandwiches and espresso drinks to sweet and savory empanadas. There are also three dozen local and regional beers from which to choose between drafts, bottles, and cans, also a better selection than most bars.

“I love Argentinian empanadas because they’re the perfect gaming food. They’re small enough to hold in one hand and eat while you play,” he explained. “We started with those, but added deli sandwiches and some more snacks over time.”

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We have tons of families who come in, including grandparents. But an unexpected demographic that we really appeal to is divorced parents who have weekend visitation with their kids—particularly dads and daughters, Board games don’t really have a presumed gender like a lot of activities...

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Just because beer and board games go together, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any bureaucracy. Tabletop opened in September of 2016, but couldn’t add alcohol sales until the following February.

“Because Clintonville is a local option area, I had to collect signatures for a liquor license—twice. The first time, they discounted about 20 signatures and we ended up seven short. So I had to do it all again six months later to get on the ballot,” he recalled. “We had plenty of support once there was a vote. People understand Clintonville isn’t going to turn into campus anytime soon.”

Board games aren’t always about skill. There’s still a lot of luck, and the same is true of most businesses, occasionally serving a surprise clientele.

“We have tons of families who come in, including grandparents.

But an unexpected demographic that we really appeal to is divorced parents who have weekend visitation with their kids—particularly dads and daughters,” Brown noted. “Board games don’t really have a presumed gender like a lot of activities. If you ask people what mothers and daughters do together, or what fathers and sons do together, you’re going to get a long list. But I didn’t realize how effective games are at crossing a multigenerational gender divide. We have regulars who come in on the weekends, with the time they have together, and they bond over board games.”

Games offer academic and developmental benefits, more tangible and tacit than the scholarly abstractions of game theorists. From math and science to history and geography, games can stretch the brain— tapping into popular culture, without becoming a monoculture. (Though it doesn’t hurt to have Stranger Things introduce a new generation to Dungeons & Dragons.)

“We have two kids who are academically doing great, and I attribute a lot of that to the board games we play, and how much they played

growing up,” he opined. “It’s a learning experience, but they’re having fun. Homework can be a chore, but you can incorporate many of the same skills into a game, and all of a sudden kids want to do it.”

Board games also create opportunities for children and young adults who may struggle with sports or other common adolescent activities due to mobility challenges and disabilities which aren’t always obvious.

“We have several groups of kids on the (autism) spectrum who come here, and I love sharing games with that community. For kids who have trouble figuring out social cues, they often understand games really well because it’s a strict rule set,” he revealed. “These kids can interact with each other over a game and they have a great time. I think it’s important for them to have an opportunity to succeed and show their strengths to each other.”

Like any new pursuit, there’s always some apprehension. Brown doesn’t expect his staff to know the minutia of every game, just have a good grasp of a handful of go-to options for first-time families or those who may need a nudge in the right direction.

“On a Saturday night, there are groups of people, cracking up, and having a good time. One roll changes the whole game, and the table explodes,” Brown explained. “We have couples and families who come here to meet up with friends and try something new, who then become regulars. It’s an energy and an atmosphere you’re not going to get just playing at home.” • For a complete list of games available and upcoming events, visit tabletopgamecafe.com What Makes a Great Game Night?

Aaron Brown isn’t just a guy who love games. He understands what makes a great game night and what makes a game great, having become a frequent source of insight for would-be game creators as they refine their ideas and seek investors.

Board games, not bored games.

“I love games in which every turn you have to make a decision, there is something to do, you can make some mistakes early and recover later, and games you can teach in about 15 minutes and finish in about an hour.”

It’s okay to keep it simple.

“I don’t need a super complicated game. I like to have several games over a game night. If you play one game for six hours, you probably only have one winner. But if you play three or four games, you can have multiple victors, and everyone gets to figure out what kind of games they like.”

Something for everyone.

“If you play just one game and someone doesn’t like it, that’s their whole night. If everyone loves a game, you can always play it again. If not, you can try something new. Everyone isn’t going to like every game, so having different kinds of games increases the odds that everyone will find one they really enjoy.”

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QuickBooks With StorySnacker, local kids author merges savvy tech and storytelling

By T r av i s Hoew is c h e r • I L LU STRATION S BY ERI K S L A N G ERU P

Erik Slangerup

knows he can’t get everyone to put down their phones.

He’s just trying to slip a little short story into them—and with them, long-lasting moments for parents and kids in Columbus and beyond.

The published children’s author and copywriter has given himself a writing challenge and parents the gift of swift storytelling with StorySnacker, an app full of customized mini stories that parents can whip out and get into, needing only a few minutes to spare—anywhere.

It’s a simple premise for a savvy app: pull out your phone, open StorySnacker, and start reading aloud any of the 60-second stories written and illustrated by Slangerup himself. The stories build, and images evolve as you swipe.

It all started a few years ago, at a place where no parent or child really wants to be. The grocery store.

“I was standing in the checkout line at the grocery, every lane was several carts deep, and I saw a tired-looking mom pull out her phone and start scrolling while her daughter stood there next to her, basically looking up at the back of her mom’s phone,” Slangerup said. “Neither one looked happy. And I thought, ‘Hey, wasn’t the promise of these mobile devices to better connect 18

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us to each other?’

Seemed like it was falling short.

I fantasized about if I could magically turn her phone into something like a picture book...and then I thought, hey, maybe I can!”

Co-created and developed with the help of his partners Adam Bergman and Zach Overholser, the app was released on the App Store in 2017, and recently updated, features 50 stories for the low-, low one-time price of $.99.

In a world where parents are swirling in a rapidly evolving technical landscape, phones and tablets are a tempting tactic for entertainment and placation. Moms, dads AND kids are all awash in the glowing light of modern technology. StorySnacker steers into the trend by allowing that familiar device to create a new experience, one where a human connection is essential to deliver a traditional, valuable exercise between parent and child. Beyond just a way to create little cherished moments, it’s providing a device for accelerating cognitive development and literacy skills within children.

Lucky for us, Slangerup squeezed us in for some storytime, too, not only answering questions about StorySnacker, but sharing a small sample of the tiny tales you can find on the app in the process.

I think it’s amazing that you’re able to merge the ubiquitousness of screens with an old-fashioned parent-child Activity. Was that part of the original plan?

Yeah, that’s exactly it. I love the mash-up of old and new. The screens don’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, so the plan has always been to find a way to hijack the technology that’s so guilty of distracting us from the people we’re right next to, with a feature that allows us to connect in one of the most classically human ways we know: storytelling.

What stories do you have left in your mind to get across?

The list goes on and on. That’s the fun thing with writing stories at this length. Each one has to be exactly 160 words, to keep it a minute long. So that structure allow you to keep jumping to the next idea. Right now, I’ve got a notebook filled with half-finished stories about a hiccuping astronaut, a bottle full of happiness, a runaway baby stroller, a really hot pepper, a secret submarine, a pair of pants with a talking pocket, the saddest song in the world, a ballerina that spins off the ground...

What books did you respond to when you were a kid? What did your parents read?

My absolute favorite book as a kid was Mercer Mayer’s One Monster After Another. Read that all the time. Also loved Maurice Sendak’s Where the Wild Things Are and In the Night Kitchen. Big fan of anything with strange creatures in it. And I love stories with lyrical or rhyming language. My parents gave me a steady diet of Shel Silverstein and Dr. Seuss, which I’m passing on to my kids.

What are some surprising things you’ve learned about kids or parents or learning through creating this app?

I’ve had one suspicion confirmed...I’ve noticed at readings that most adults tend to go for the softer, sweeter stories. I think it’s a protective instinct we have as parents. We don’t want to expose our children to anything too troubling or scary. But on the other hand, the kids are always drawn to the darker themes, the stories with more tension. I think it’s because as humans, no matter our age, we all just like a good story, and stories inevitably have conflict. So maybe the Brothers Grimm with all their gruesome tales were on to something...

Does it surprise you what your kids choose and what they return to as their go-to stories?

I have five children that range quite a bit in age. My two youngest are girls, and I think they’ve completely cured me of any gender bias I may have had as a writer when I was younger. For them, the more action the better, along with mention of anything irreverent. For example, there’s this one story that mentions a burp, a trash can, and a pair of underwear that I’ve probably read hundreds of times.

Can you think of some responses from parents that have been particularly memorable in terms of what you’re trying to accomplish with StorySnacker?

Mostly, it’s been the responses that kind of validate my thesis that have been the most satisfying—the accounts that when parents and their children were stuck waiting at the barbershop, or in the lobby of a restaurant, or a parking lot, they were able to turn what would’ve been just kind of a wasted moment into something magic...that you can make storytime happen anywhere. Every time I hear that, I think: it works! It’s also been nice to hear that kids ask for StorySnacker specifically, versus a YouTube video on their parents’ phones, that they actually prefer the read-aloud interaction with their parents to something passive. •

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The Flower That Wasn’t Out in the wild, Maiya loved to pick flowers.

She just couldn’t help herself.

She’d weave them into beautiful necklaces— or right into her hair.

One day she found one like no other she’d ever seen, peeking out between two daffodils.

It was covered in bright, fuzzy orange stripes, waving in the wind.

She grabbed a hold of it and yanked, but it wouldn’t budge.

Then, it growled and yanked back, dragging Maiya headfirst through fields of lilies, orchids, and petunias!

Finally, the striped flower whipped Maiya around until she was facing two very large cat’s eyes…

Right above a row of very long whiskers…

Right above a smile with very sharp teeth!

It wasn’t a flower at all! Maiya had grabbed a tiger by the tail!

“Well, looks like I found my lunch” said The-Tiger-Who-Was-NotA-Flower.

“Funny, so did I,” said The-Girl-Who-Was-Not-Afraid, and bit down.

CHOMP! “YEEEOOOW!” cried the tiger, who took off running.

But not before Maiya let go.

Feed Me! It was my turn to take out the garbage—again.

After I lugged the big, smelly bag out to the backyard, I lifted the lid to the old tin trash can and dropped it in.

But when I turned back I heard something…like a burp.

I spun around.

Nobody was there but the trash can.

Slowly the lid opened.

“FEED ME,” the trashcan demanded.

“MORE GARBAGE!” But I had nothing else. So I ran.

The trashcan chased me around the block.

“HELP ME!” I screamed.

The neighbors told me to keep it down.

They threw rotten tomatoes and old shoes, which I threw at the trashcan, which the trashcan ate.

I kept running, until I tripped and fell in a mud puddle.

SPLASH! The trashcan gained on me, its lid flapping up and down with a loud CLING-CLANG-CLONG. So I stripped down and gave it my dirty clothes.

Finally, the trashcan was satisfied.

And that’s why I’m walking home in my underwear.

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Tips to Make Read Aloud Come Alive

As parents, we all know storytime is an important job. Here are a few ways that might make it more fun for everyone—even you:

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Play with the volume and tempo.

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Try on an accent or two.

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Insert a few sound effects.

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Make them guess.

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Switch up the venue

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Venture off script

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Give them a job

Think of a story like an amusement park ride.

Ups and downs make it more fun. When you see all caps, get loud. If you reach a suspenseful moment, whisper. Read fast, then slow. A range of decibels and speeds will keep your audience holding on to your words a little tighter.

Terrible at accents? Your audience won’t know, and doesn’t care! They’ll appreciate the effort, or find it hilarious, or both. And if you want to start small, remember: anything in quotes gives you the perfect excuse to jump in and out of different voices for just a sentence (or word) at a time.

The Meatball Battle Alfredo and Umberto hadn’t spoken in years… even though the two brothers had restaurants across the street from each other.

One day, Alfredo tripped, causing a stray meatball to fly out the window, across the street, and—WHACK—into Umberto’s eye.

Umberto got so angry, he tossed back a ball of pizza dough, which—SPLAT—hit Alfredo in the nose.

A battle had begun!

Alfredo lobbed ripe tomatoes at Umberto. Umberto tossed cannoli at Alfredo.

They hid behind bunkers of parmesan cheese and chucked garlic stink bombs.

Fettuccini flew. Spaghetti soared.

Hours later, both kitchens were empty, food was everywhere, and marinara sauce ran through the streets.

The brothers rushed out wielding salamis, ready for a final duel.

Just as they were about to strike, the two slipped on lasagna, crashing headfirst into the mess.

“That’s pretty tasty,” Alfredo admitted.

Umberto agreed.

They smiled.

The next day, they opened a new restaurant: Alfredo’s & Umberto’s!

Or was it…Umberto’s & Alfredo’s?

Slangerup’s published works include Dirt Boy, Monsterlicious, and Santa and Me. Dirt Boy was a Children’s Choices 2001 designee, and a recipient of the Volunteer State Book Award. It has been translated overseas, adapted for the stage, and once inspired a young reader from Alaska to jump into a mud puddle.

True story. He has also visited many schools, and would love to come visit yours. To schedule an appearance, or for other inquiries, you may contact the author directly at erik@storysnacker.com.

Every action in a story has a sound, even though some may be more obvious than others. So make the most of all those onomatopoeic words like splash, whir, rumble, crash, or buzz. Take time to really draw the sounds out. (And a random, well-placed fart noise is always a winner.)

One thing that really helps coach their growing noggins is to pause mid-story and get their take. Be sure to keep your questions open ended—things that can’t be answered with a yes or no: “Why do you think she made that choice?” or “What do you think happens next?”

Do your children have the impression that storytime only happens in one spot? Try it in a pillow fort, or on a park bench, or behind the coats.

Reading in a variety of places helps them to form new associations while their brains build those neural connections.

A little improv goes a long way. Feel free to add in a brief detour about a side character that’s not getting much attention. Or make a glaring mistake on purpose. If your child knows that particular story by heart, they can’t help but to stop and correct you (which they kind of enjoy).

That’s right, you don’t have to do all the work here. Let them choose the story, or be the page swiper, or put them in charge of sound effects, like: “Remember to say ‘rawr’ whenever you see the tiger.” Being read to will feel less passive, and more collaborative. • 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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Brick

by

Brick

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus at Easton Town Center builds creativity—quite literally

By Linda L e e Ba i r d | p h otos by m e ga n le ig h barnard

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T

he sun is setting on a perfect day in downtown Columbus, where dragon boats are racing in the Scioto, the bandshell is rocking, and of course, the Buckeyes are playing. Just when you think it can’t get any better, fireworks burst across city the skyline.

There’s just one thing that feels a little off: I am taller than the buildings.

It’s my first visit to MINILAND at the new LEGOLAND Discovery Center, and I am seeing Columbus in a totally new way: as a city composed of over 1.5 million LEGO bricks.

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is full of unexpected surprises like this. As the second-largest LEGOLAND Discovery Center in North America at 36,000-square-feet, there’s lots of room for delightful details. I was expecting to see brick installations of all shapes and sizes, plenty of areas for interactive play and building, and space for kids to climb and run around, and I did. What I was not expecting was to find myself on a ride called Kingdom Quest shooting lasers at spiders and skeletons, but I’m glad I did.

There are even more surprises hidden within Kingdom Quest that some lucky riders will get to experience.

“Not all targets are equal points so you never know when you’re going to hit something and make it move and give you more points, or if you’re going to find a hidden gem that may give you the highest score of the day,” LEGOLAND Discovery Center Marketing Manager Jenna Maffei said.

It was clear from the unconventional ribbon-cutting ceremony on opening day, in which 10 excited children knocked over a wall of LEGO bricks, that LEGOLAND Discovery Center knows its audience. Eightyear-old Aubrey told me that she was excited to ride the rides later that day as she and a friend snapped bricks together. Aubrey and other youth members of the LEGOLAND Discovery Center Creative Crew will work alongside the Master Builder on special projects this year.

The space is well set up for families. There’s a centrally located cafe that offers free wifi. Its seating overlooks the DUPLO FARM, a play area for very young children, and the LEGO Friends, an interactive space that feels geared toward girls but has plenty to offer older kids of any gender.

The design allows parents to monitor play while taking a short break for themselves (in theory, at least!). If you do stop for coffee at the cafe, be sure to keep an eye on the clock at the quarter-hour; it provides another must-see surprise.

Jennifer Peterson, chief executive at Easton, was excited about Easton’s newest space and expects it to draw visitors from across the state and throughout the region. “It’s a new dimension of play and interaction.

The whole family can enjoy this attraction together,” she said. •

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LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is more than just a fun place to visit, however. Jacob Kristensen, general manager, said that playing with LEGO bricks help to “develop skills —physical, practical, and creative—from the age of three to adulthood.” Maffei said that they also offer LEGO education workshops for classrooms and homeschool students. “We cover all of the subjects... [Teachers] can go online, and we have all of our workshops spelled out, and how they align with common core standards.”

Buying tickets in advance is recommended to get a discounted rate and a guaranteed timed-entry. Staff suggest allowing 2-3 hours for the full experience, however visitors are welcome to stay as long as they like.

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Maffei offered an additional tip for parents planning their first visit: “It’s always fun to make it a surprise… seeing faces of children just when they see the entrance, it’s just pure joy.”

LEGOLAND Discovery Center Columbus is located at at Easton Town Center. Tickets start at $20 per person, and children ages 2 and younger are admitted for free. Visit columbus.legolanddiscoverycenter.com to learn more and purchase tickets.

Kid-Tested Jenna Maffei, Marketing Manager from LEGOLAND Discovery Center, answers three questions for the author’s five-year-old son Henry.

Why is it called LEGOLAND?

That’s a good question! We are a land of LEGO bricks. Or a world of LEGO bricks. I suppose we could have gone either way. I’m sure someone down the line made that decision.

Who built all the LEGOs?

We have a master model builder on-site. And he built everything close to [LEGOLAND Discovery Center’s] opening. But we also have a wonderful team, they are located in Florida, and they built most of the MINILAND models for us ahead of time.

Can the cars really move?

Yes! Nothing is stagnant here, we are about animation and movement and fun. There’s lots of movement. Even in MINILAND, you’ll see it. •

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ON A ROLL Ten Pin Alley goes beyond bowling

By J.R . M c M i l la n | p h otos co u r te sy o f te n p i n a l l e y

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I

f not for the kinetic crack of pins and the unmistakable preamble of a polished polyurethane ball rolling down 60 feet of pine, you might forget Ten Pin Alley was originally built just for bowling.

But beer, burgers, bocce ball, and bluegrass have helped transform the oncemodest bowling center into a bone fide family entertainment destination beyond the outerbelt. Following their most recent renovation, Ten Pin Alley is unrecognizable as the old Northwest Lanes, one of several names since it originally opened in Hilliard in 1960.

“Boutique bowling alleys were something you’d see in larger cities, but there was nothing like it in Central Ohio,” explained Andy Beougher, director of marketing. “The first renovation more than a decade ago was just a start: a new name, putting couches along the lanes, repainting everything, hiring a chef to take the menu in a different direction.”

Full disclosure, this was about the time I first discovered Ten Pin Alley, when my kids were just old enough to fit into the smallest pair of shoes and barely muscle a 5-fingered ball onto a ramp, a device that makes bowling inclusive for anyone who may struggle to add enough oomph to get it down the lane.

Even then, the menu was remarkable and the taps credible. I’d tell friends my favorite lanes had a seasonal menu and they’d laugh.

Then I’d tell them about the muffuletta, Louisville “Hot Brown,” and the duck nachos with a choice of more than a dozen local craft beers and they’d beg to tag along. It was a secret suburban pub, far from the reheated freezer fare, thin layer of grime, and smokestained ceilings of the average alley eatery its age.

“We’d talked for a couple of years about a more extensive remodel. So we closed last July through the winter and opened back up again in February,” he noted. “There’s now a private eight-lane center, which we use for open bowling and birthday parties. But it’s also perfect for private events. We can close the doors, it has its own bar and bathrooms, plus access to the restaurant.”

“Restaurant” is not a generous exaggeration. With a mix of high-tops, tables, and booths, in addition to the sweeping bar, you could easily mistake it for its own establishment. The flames from the open kitchen’s pizza oven are visible from nearly any seat, serving up Neapolitan pies to order.

The current menu features enough traditional and original options with clever names for any carnivore, but also a vegetarian burger dubbed “The Imposter.” There are also robust house salads, craft cocktails, and a solid selection of bourbons, ryes, whiskeys, and scotches. Wine folk will fit right in as well, by the glass or the bottle.

“Now that we have the four-season patio, we have bocce leagues, as well as open play.

Parents can relax, or watch the game while their kids play in the arcade,” Beougher explained. “And corporate and family gatherings have more options. They can bowl, or play laser tag, or bocce ball—or all three.”

Underneath all of the obvious and invisible updates, the real change is choice. Any family with more than one kid knows the rub.

Someone always wants to go somewhere else.

Ten Pin Alley doesn’t just entertain; it defuses the debate. Pizza or burgers? Bowling or laser tag? Maybe mom wants to listen to live music with some wine on Friday night, but dad wants to watch the game with some wings Saturday afternoon? Trying to be all things to all people is a dangerous bet for any business, yet Ten Pin Alley seems to have found the right balance for everyone by putting families first.

“Most lanes have always been very league heavy, but there wasn’t a lot of time for families. You could call your local bowling center or show up and there wouldn’t be any lanes available,” he explained. “We still have sanctioned leagues, but also lots of open bowling and leagues that are just for fun.

There are Saturday morning kids leagues, and our new craft beer league.”

The remodel didn’t just make the building bigger. All of the additions were deliberately designed at a grand scale. The ceiling over the original 16 lanes was raised to match the elevated aesthetic of the expansion. The steampunk styled laser tag arena is two stories, and feels like you’re underwater, complete with a giant squid. There are even towering versions of Pac-Man and Galaga in the arcade with 10-foot tall LED displays. Pretty high tech for a bowling alley that opened the same year the Flintstones premiered on significantly smaller screens. Fred and Barney might grumble about the kid-friendly bowling alley upgrades, but Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm would surely approve.

“We occasionally had live music before the remodel, but we weren’t known for it. With the patio open to the restaurant, we knew we didn’t want to do anything too loud. No

drums, no electric guitar, maybe something that would bring in a new crowd on a Friday night,” he explained. “Bluegrass covered all of the bases. We didn’t want to do it every week, so we decided to just try it out—four bands, every other Friday, and we hope to bring it back after the holidays.”

As an alternative to high school football, live music attracts an audience. But on the weekend, college and professional football tend to crush it. So the upgrade also added enough screens between the bar, patio, and the lanes to make Ten Pin Alley a place people prefer to watch the games instead.

“There are bottle and bucket specials, as well as the Tailgate Menu,” he noted. “We also have a ‘Lane for the Game’ where you can reserve a lane for unlimited bowling and watch the Buckeyes on one of the big screens as a home base while still entertaining the kids.”

Rotating and recurring specials also keep it fresh and affordable. Every day is different, from two-for-one deals and themed evenings to the “Snow Day Special” whenever school is cancelled due to bitter cold or enough of the white stuff. Kids even have their own happy hour from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays, with half-price arcade games and discounted laser tag missions.

“Our Summer Bowling Pass has become an institution, and it was the first thing many of our families asked about after we reopened.

We’ve tweaked it over the years, adding to it, adjusting the dates and the price based on customer feedback,” Beougher revealed. “For one price, up to six people can bowl for an hour every weekday, all summer long. Some people use it a few times, some use it almost every day. Every family is different, so we’re always asking how we can make things better.” • For more information about everything available at Ten Pin Alley, visit tenpinalley.com. It is located at 5499 Ten Pin Alley Blvd., Hilliard.

Creative Kids:

Art with Anna Story a n d p h otos by e mma kate low

A

fter graduating with an Art Ed degree in 2007—and years of many applications, substitute teaching, and serving tables—Anna Sokol was very desperate to teach art.

With a doable $400 rent for a realty company’s box-filled basement, friend volunteers, and all the supplies she owned, she opened her first successful Summer Art Camp.

After that, she just kept going. Nearly 10 years later, she’s created a kid-friendly empire in Bexley, her calendar always filled with fun art enrichment for central Ohio kids—and their grown-up guardians.

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Art with Anna is located at 420 N Cassady Ave., Bexley. Search @ArtwithAnna on Facebook for a variety of events throughout the fall.

If you’re looking for other creative Columbus outlets for your kids, consider these:

Young Chefs Academy 425 Beecher Rd.

Tell us about your favorite adult/kid classes?

Lately, my favorite events to teach are corporate groups. I love to work with each company to consider intent and mission for the project. Over the years, I’ve learned that for adults, art gets everyone out of their comfort zone and strips us all of egos.

It immediately creates a whole, “we’re in this together” vibe that works really well for collaboration and team building. CFO or temp position, in an instant, everyone is on the same level. And if you didn’t already know, creative goal setting or re-creating a company logo via paint or collage with your colleagues is more therapeutic than you’d expect.

What is one thing you have learned as a small business owner that has served you well over the years? How do you feel about the terms “momboss” or “momprenuer?”

Less is more. After having our first son in 2015, I finally truly understood this saying.

Less classes equated to more students, less stress and angst made room for more brainpower and time to market and strengthen those classes. As for the controversial “momboss” term, it is a real thing. Because I’m a mom first, boss second. This, by far, has been the most difficult lesson for me to accept. After birthing our second son this year, I’ve grasped that my kids need me more than my business does. “If you want to change the word, go home and love your family.” Experience has determined the only way I make this successful is by forming meaningful boundaries, sticking to them, and letting go of the shoulds and guilt of being Mom first.

Do you think being a parent has influenced the way you operate your business?

Being pregnant this year, I knew (from the experience with our firstborn) that I had to change my role at Art with Anna, and for good. Because of this, and with the help of my business coach, I transitioned from lead teacher/worker-bee into owner/operator.

My payroll has doubled, but so have Friday nights at home with my boys.

When you’re not working, what is your favorite thing to do in Columbus?

I like big sports and I cannot lie. Clippers baseball, OSU hoops & football remind me of my childhood growing up in Cincy. There’s a reason I have two boys, amirite?

Friday nights, the kids are asking,” What are we going to do tonight?” How about a hands-on seasonally themed experience in the kitchen!

Founded in 2005, Young Chefs Academy offers a multitude of opportunities to get your kiddos working with their hands creatively gaining life experience as well.

Columbus Children’s Theatre • 512 N Park St.

All the world’s a stage, and maybe your child is already a true thespian when it comes to fake crying. Maybe they want to hone these skills for the greater good and take a class at the CCT—they offer after school and weekend classes, along with camps throughout the year.

Smallcakes Cupcake and Creamery • 1249 N Hamilton Rd.

Want all the fun of cupcake decorating but not the baking part or mess cleanup? Head to Smallcakes in Gahanna, and enjoy the magic of creative baking and sugar highs.

Columbus Art Museum (Free Sundays) • 48 E Broad St.

Sunday Funday! Visit CMA, play in the Wonder room, work on a puzzle in the gallery, get breakfast after, and know that you had a great affordable culturally enriching Sunday.

Music Matters • 6185 Huntley Rd., Worthington

Have a budding Mozart or Tommy Lee? Music Matters offer mixed aged non-performancebased exploratory classes, as well as Rhythm classes where kids learn drumming patterns and experiment with various percussion instruments. This is also a perfect thing to get your kid into before the winter weather and cabin fever hits. •

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Fit for Family: Squats for Tots Story a n d p hotos by Emm a Kate Low

G

rowing up, Lindsay Goodman was always dancing. After high school, she wasn’t too familiar with how to use a gym and the options out there intimidated her. So, with some guts and some risk, she discovered her love of fitness, and eventually even became a personal trainer while studying kinesiology at Arizona State University. From there, she earned a doctorate in physical therapy at The Ohio State University and even became a clinical specialist in geriatrics.

Now, as as a mom and a movement expert, she’s decided to channel her knowledge, passion, and experiences into inspiring kids to be active as young as possible.

How should parents/family get their kiddos to engage in physical activity?

Tell me about why you started squats and tots?

What is something someone has never taken the class may want to know?

When my kids were babies and toddlers, I was constantly struggling to balance taking time for my health with quality time with my family. I’d skip a workout to play with them and feel a bit like I was neglecting what I really needed for myself. I’d leave them to with a babysitter to go work out and feel a little mom guilt. I tried to find a workout we would all do together, where the kids and parents were equally involved that “counted” as a real workout and was genuinely fun and engaging for the kids. My search came back empty, so I created Squats and Tots.

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Our metro parks have great trails. Bring a cheap pair of binoculars and play “I spy” on a hike. Tune into YouTube and search family fitness. We love Cosmic Kids yoga in our house. Even my husband participates!

Enroll in a mommy and me yoga class at your neighborhood studio. Start a walking club with your neighbor friends. You could hit Easton before the stores open or walk the Hoo-Fit trail at the Columbus Zoo. There are also several Fit 4 Mom programs in town, too.

Squats for Tots gets down at JCC Columbus (1125 College Ave.). For other ways to keeps your kids energized and engaged: Vertical Adventures 6513 Kingsmill Ct.

Kids like to climb. We try to stop them when they’re little and it’s horrifying— but eventually they get to the age where they can experiment. Vertical Adventures is a place where they can get out energy—safely—with a helmet and trained professionals closely by.

Chiller Ice Rinks

The grown-ups are always surprised how much real exercise we pack into a half hour.

We work!

A lot of parents are concerned their child won’t be the right fit for class. Guess what? You can’t flunk out of Squats and Tots. We allow for tons of variation. I love to look around the room and see everyone exploring and making it their own. It’s important to me that every exercise is adaptable for babies who want to be carried, toddlers who are going to flop on the floor, and preschoolers who spend a whole song chasing each other.

7001 Dublin Park Dr.

Jackets onnn theeee powerrrr play. Its hockey season. Do your kiddos want to try their hand at ice skating? Buy them a lesson, take one with them! Visit their website (thechiller.com) and look under “classes” for more details.

Yoga on High • 1020 Dennison Ave. Suite 202

The benefits of yoga are seemingly endless, even for the little ones in your life. Yoga on High offers prenatal,baby and me, and kids yoga classes—all of your yogi needs are met. •

CO LUMBUS SCAVENGER HUNT wi th saynplaycolumbus.com i l lu str ati o n s BY sa r a h m o o r e

Find the following items, check them off as you go, and be sure you are talking the whole time!

Take a ride on the Carousel at the Columbus Commons.

What animal are you riding?

Find the deer statue on the Rich St. Bridge. What can he see?

Follow the boardwalk down to Hayden Falls.

Is the water running fast or slow?

Attend a story time at the Scioto Audubon Metro Park.

Take a stroll through Topiary Park and see if you can spot the monkey and the pug.

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Find a must-read book at Cover to Cover. The only bookstore in Columbus designed for young readers.

Create an epic echo at the Ohio Birds Mural in Glen Echo Park.

Take the bridge across the pond at Schiller Park. How many different types of birds can you see?

Experience farm life from the 19th century at Slate Run Living Historical Farm. What animals live on the farm?

Enter the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s children section through the small door.

Search for the giant rooster at the North Market. Take a picture with it and be sure to say CHEESE!

Adolescent Docent

Pre-teen tips from the Youngest Certified Tourism Ambassador in the country

By J.R . M c M i l l a n • I l lu str ati o n by rya n c as k e y

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C

overing a story, despite a personal connection, is asking for criticism, and risking objectivity for unprecedented insight isn’t always an even trade.

My rule is simple. If someone else would write about it without an inside angle, but my access makes the story more relevant or revealing, then I should be the one to do it. That’s why I’m interviewing my own daughter, Lia McMillan, who also happens to be the youngest Certified Tourism Ambassador in the world. Really.

For those unfamiliar with the program, Certified Tourism Ambassador is a professional credential for folks working in a range of hospitality industries, from museums and attractions to restaurants and municipal governments. The goal is for participating cities to build a grassroots army of insiders willing to share suggestions with everyone they meet. There’s no secret handshake, but there is a lapel pin and local perks for those who pass an exhaustive training program. With ranks that now boast more than 17,000 CTAs nationwide, the movement is already going global with the recent addition of Bermuda.

Last year, as I was registering for the four-hour training class, prepared to pour over the 150 pages of materials for weeks in advance of the final exam, my daughter asked if she could also become a CTA. It was an unexpected request from a then 11-yearold, but not a precocious one. She was serious, so I told her I’d investigate.

There’s a catch to becoming a CTA, which for her, turned out to be a loophole. You have to work or volunteer in the tourism industry, but technically there’s no age restriction—because the requirements are somewhat self-limiting, or so it would seem.

Lia happens to be a bit of a word nerd. A voracious reader, and a pretty good writer, far better than her father at that age for certain. She’s already written her first book, which she planned to shop around over the summer, but her first patent application took priority. (Like I said, smarter than her dad for sure.) But among these more introverted interests, she’s been a docent at Thurber House since she was 10, leading guided tours for adults and school-age groups of James Thurber’s historic home turned literary center.

True to my word, I checked with Experience Columbus, the organizing entity for the program in Central Ohio. Rather than being dismissive, they were supportive, relaying the request all the way to the Tourism Ambassador Institute. No one that young had ever asked, much less met the minimum requirements or passed the test. So she studied, attended a training day full of folks at least twice her age, and aced the exam. Honestly, I was less worried about her passing than getting a higher score than mine.

With our first year as CTAs winding down and next year’s calendar already starting to fill up, it seemed like a good time to reflect on what we’ve learned along the way and why Columbus is still a city with something for everyone, regardless of age.

Obviously your age affects your perspective as a tourism ambassador. What makes Columbus an ideal destination, and hometown, for families?

We’re just the right size. Big enough to offer the experiences of a larger city, but still small enough to easily get around and become a part of it. But I still learn about new places all the time, some often overlooked. When I meet a family at Thurber House, or out in the community, I know I offer suggestions they may not get from someone older, places for the whole family that maybe aren’t as well-known, but are just as interesting. • 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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Our first CTA outing was to the Early Television Museum in Hilliard, which has hundreds of televisions sets, including one built in Columbus in the 1920s with a one-inch screen. Most people don’t even know television existed before WWII. There are lots of rare and experimental models, like a prototype color TV from the early 40s, and one of the first with a remote control, that looks like a ray gun.

Transportation isn’t a challenge exclusive to those too young for a driver’s license. What kinds of close-tohome experiences do you recommend?

Columbus has more festivals than you can count, but the bigger ones aren’t the only ones worth checking out. Smaller community festivals are also part of what makes a neighborhood feel like home. Summer Jam West is just down the block at Westgate Park, but attracts people from across the city. It’s a one-day festival with local artists, food, and music. Everyone there makes something with their hands. I like to shop for Christmas gifts early, because everything is one of a kind.

There are several food trucks, so families can try something new or share something familiar. This year, my favorite new band was Honey and Blue, but there’s always a good mix. Kids don’t often get to see live music up close, so smaller festivals are an easy and affordable way to enjoy it together.

Food crosses community and cultural divides unlike anything else. It’s probably the best taste of any town.

Where do you like to eat and why?

Just because there’s a kids menu, that doesn’t mean it’s kid-friendly.

And just because there isn’t one, that doesn’t mean they aren’t. If it’s too loud to talk without screaming, it’s not a family restaurant. I really miss Mezze. Their shawarma is incredible, and they used to be so close before we moved, we’d eat there all the time. (Sigh) They’re like a Middle Eastern version of Chipotle. But I also like Halal New York Gyro, the food truck next to the gas station around the corner. Their chicken and

rice is also excellent, and only six bucks with a soda. Kids will eat more than you think if parents give them a chance.

Flip Side might be my new favorite burger place. It’s local and they have gluten-free buns. Remember when we were there last time and I looked around and was the only kid not eating mac and cheese? I’m sure it’s probably good, but just because I’m a kid, that doesn’t mean I won’t eat a burger with bacon date aioli.

Columbus is often compared to Nashville. What did you enjoy most and which lessons did you take away as a CTA from our trip there last year for the solar eclipse?

Columbus needs to start getting ready now. Remember the game we played, looking for license plates from different states? People came from as far away as Alaska. It’s going to be crazy in 2024. The next total solar eclipse comes right through Columbus, the same week as my 18th birthday. I already feel like I’m not planning ahead.

Even on an ordinary weekend, Nashville really has its act together.

But if you rely too much on the typical tourist attractions, you can miss a lot of what makes the city special, and what makes Nashville a lot like Columbus. The trick is figuring out where the locals go that visitors might miss, like that little paleo doughnut shop that always sells out or the Columbian restaurant Mom found with those awesome empanadas that used to be a Ruby Tuesday. Why would you visit anywhere only to eat at the same restaurants that are everywhere?

And Nashville is known for music more than anything else, but a lot of it is in bars, sold out, or expensive for families. Musicians Corner is like Summer Jam, every weekend at Centennial Park. But you have to know about it, and tourists often don’t.

Tourism ambassadors help visitors get the local experience with personal recommendations they probably won’t get anywhere else. We help tourists not feel like tourists, like this is their hometown too. • For more information on the Certified Tourism Ambassador program, visit experiencecolumbus.com/joinuscolumbus/cta

Overlooked Adventures Close to Home It’s easy to fall into ordinary family outings and overlook all that Columbus has to offer.

Next time, do something new in your neck of the woods—or travel across town for an overdue adventure no one will forget.

NORTH

SOUTH

ZipZone Outdoor Adventures • 7925 High St.

Scioto Audubon Metro Park • 400 W Whittier St.

Tree top canopy tours for all ages and aerial parks or both kids and adults await just north of 270. On the grounds of Camp Mary Orton, it’s easy to miss this hidden world of ropes and ravines. Safety still comes first, but any of the courses are perfect for beginners, but with enough adrenaline for your inner daredevil.

Let your kid become a rock star. With more than 6,000 square feet of surface area, the three towers and two enormous arches of the main climbing wall are enough to challenge children and adults alike. There are even smaller boulders for those not quite big enough for hand holds or their own harness.

Vintage Baseball at the Ohio Village • 800 E 17th Ave.

South Drive-In • 3050 S High St.

The Clippers aren’t the only baseball team in town. The Ohio Village Muffins and Lady Diamonds play 1860s rules “base ball” all summer long against opponents throughout the state, culminating with The Ohio Cup Vintage Baseball Festival, as visiting teams converge on Columbus from across the country.

The last drive-in movie theater in Columbus is almost an outdoor museum dedicated to a vanishing era of Hollywood history. With two colossal screens, the first show almost always offers a family-friendly feature. Kids under 12 are just $2 and those under 4 are free. Concession stand prices are also nostalgic.

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EAST Creekside Blues & Jazz Festival • 151 Mill St., Gahanna Gahanna celebrates its 20th anniversary of preserving America’s most original and indelible musical genres next year. Three days and five stages attract more than 35,000 visitors annually to Creekside Park. Headliners lend a hand to aspiring students from the Jazz Academy, performing alongside local legends.

Lynd Fruit Farm • 9393 Morse Road SW, Pataskala Pick your own apples, berries, peaches, and pumpkins in nearby Pataskala. Round out your trip at the farm stand if you don’t get lost in the corn maze. Selection is seasonal, but the market stays open through December for holiday gifts. Always evolving, Lynd Fruit Farm will celebrate the century mark in 2019.

WEST Indian Run Falls • 700 Shawan Falls Drive, Dublin This tiny park has one of the most scenic natural settings in Central Ohio, a series of gentle gorges and gradually cascading waterfalls mere miles from downtown Dublin. Boardwalks and overlooks provide the perfect perch for picture taking year round. Pack a picnic lunch, stake out a shelter, and make an afternoon of it.

Buckeye Raceway • 4050 W Broad St. Satisfy your tiny speed demons before they’re old enough for a real ride. This indoor, quartermile course is open to drivers as young as 12, and junior drivers as young as 8. Training is included and their electric karts straight from Europe are clean, green, fun for the entire family. Helmets on, buckle up, and hit the gas.

Lynd Fruit Farm, photo by Emma Kate Low

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Tiny Threads

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Sto ry & P h otos by emma kat e low

W

hy do we find miniature clothing so freaking cute? Even the most hardened soul can’t refuse the inherent “awwww” factor of a knitted hat that transforms a child into a bear, dragon, or princesses. Cub Shrub is the place where all of your sartorial kiddo-style dreams come true— Itself the dream of Tigertree founders, Josh and Nikki Quinn, who spread their retail wings just before the birth of their daughter, Emma.

“Once upon a time, an itty-bitty kid’s store was born,” she said. “You may know its parent. Tigertree, an eclectic shop in Short North famous for its carefully curated blend of novelty and nostalgia. Cub Shrub is like that, only for kids.”

Any parent could spend hours and hours putting together hundreds of looks in this store—and we admit it was almost impossible to restrain ourselves. But hey, in this magazine we can let our imagination run wild— and this is what it looks like to go wild at Cub Shrub for a day.

L

uckily we had our girl model Mila (age 5), who killed it in all of her outfits. A favorite of her three looks would have to be the mustard coat with the black dress with a velvet peacock, heart sunglasses, and sparkly shoes...don’t we wish we could all have that much confidence? •

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O

ur little male models, were a little more demanding, but still pulled off their looks with only slight disapproval. Sawyer (age 3) in the black and white graphic robot hoodie, with the power red sweatpants, decked out with bandit tigers on the knees, was the perfect amount of power-clash.

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K

ai (age 2) was dressed in a slightly more refined outfit. This buttondown and khaki combo was made kid friendly with the slip on red shoes, and of course a beanie. Street-cred level 1,000! •

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T

r-Ma

d e

a

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MoMs sto ry a n d p h otos By e mma kate low

K e e ping fas h io n fr e s h —and pu t t ing family first—is n’t e asy, bu t t h e s e mo ms pu ll it off eedless to say, the transition to becoming a parent is a challenging one.

When you’re juggling diaper bags and dockets it’s easy to for personal style to get left behind as a lower priority than, you know … keeping a person alive.

But, hey, while parenting is always a wild ride, there are plenty of local moms who give the ones just beginning hope—that once you get the hang of it, you can hang up the Mom Jeans without giving up any of the rest of the joys of motherhood. •

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Meagan Cafarelli

karmen dann

piecesofmomlife.com • @piecesofmomlife

Karmendann.com • @karmendann

aegan Cafarelli is one of those mamas who is just effortlessly chic. Her blonde bob and classic style is made that much more endearing by her bubbly personality and sincerity. We asked Meagan a few questions about how her style has evolved since becoming a mom, a little about blogging, and few insider tips for Mom’s out there trying to look like they have it together.

What do your boys think about your fashion blog and fashion choices? Do they notice?

Well, my oldest will tell you with an eye roll that all I do is blog.

I often have them in tow when I’m out pulling clothes for shoots or doing fitting room try-ons for my Instagram stories. They even take my picture from time to time! But I try balance blog errands with fun stuff for them, like a visit to a park or library, or even a little Pokemon Go.

What is the best fashion tip

you

can

give

to

moms who want to feel stylish?

If you feel like you have nothing to wear every time you look in your closet, start to invest in timeless, classic pieces. Those are the workhorses of a great wardrobe. Save the trendy shopping for sales. If you love the way something fits, buy it in multiple colors! And when you can’t think of an outfit to wear, go back to basics: a white button down or tee with jeans and a stylish shoe is always a good look.

armen’s a cool mom. Her two kiddos? Just as cool.

Having a stylist as a mama you could say set them up for fashion-forward greatness. I often find myself perusing her Instagram and thinking I would wear what she often dresses her toddlers in. But, that’s beside the point. In addition to great insight on being a small business owner, Karmen tells us how her style changed in motherhood, and advice for mamas on how to stay stylish.

Do you like styling your kiddos? Do they enjoy fashion? What are your favorite kids stores?

I like to let them guide their looks. I attempt to not push my choices on them but I am obviously the person providing the options. I love Cub Shrub, Zara and vintage from Reunion and Smarty Pants.

How did your style change after becoming a mom—or did it?

The first few years of having kids were not very cute for me. A lot of yoga pants and gym hair. As they have gotten older and require less hands-on attention, I have been able to have more fun with fashion again. Surprisingly, I still wear quite a few pieces I’ve owned since before having kids. My style has always been pretty casual, comfortable and practical, so it hasn’t changed too drastically.

How did your style change after becoming a mom—or did it?

When I became a mom I wanted to be better at everything in my life. My kids still do push me to be the best version of myself. And style is a huge part of that for me because it’s a large component of my job and also it’s how you show up in the world. I would say my style elevated and matured; I began investing in quality clothes and investing more thought in my everyday wear. It takes the same amount of effort to put on a pair of sweatpants as it does a pair of jeans.

What advice do you have for mom’s that want to still be stylish?

Pick a palette and shop most of your pieces in that palette.

Helps you make quick, easy and consistently stylish looks.

Thin down your closet. Store things away you find yourself 44

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photo by Ch ad Di blasi o

Kristin Taylor pinklemonsblog.com • @kristin___taylor

not wearing; when your closet is just full of things you love it’s just easier to get ready. Don’t cheap out on shoes: get a couple great pairs that can add a sophistication or edge to jeans and a T-shirt. Style is just half of it—nice shoes are comfortable and last longer.

My best friend Lindsay has always said “you can be underdressed but never overdressed.” Never be afraid to be the most stylish one in the room. Dress down for no one!

How’s the balancing act of being a mom and a business owner?

Something I learned about myself when I hit 30 is that I thrive when my plate is full! It’s a lot of work to balance it all but I have a supportive husband, good kids, really great friends/family—and awesome babysitters. I have a great team, too, and they are supportive that family is first. Another key is having great clients: I think the climate these days is more understanding and encouraging of a work/life balance.

I have heard clients kids yelling in the backseat and they have for sure heard mine.

hen life hands you children … you make (pink) lemonade? Although she’s busier now than she’s ever been, Taylor, by-day Vice President of Legacy Retirement Group, who also appears on NBC and ABC/Fox weekly, still finds time to fill in other moms about unlocking the secrets to being style savvy and sane.

How did your style change after becoming a mom—or did it?

You know, it’s interesting. I guess technically I changed, but not in a good way. I went through a rough phase shortly after having my oldest son Christian, who is now almost 12 years old. I fell into that mom trap of not washing my hair, not feeling like I had time to do my makeup … everything was wrapped around his schedule and his needs, causing a lack of confidence which just snowballs into all things that I was doing. Don’t get me wrong: having a newborn is hard, but shortly after I had my second child, Cameron (10), I realized that I needed to pull it together. Fast forward to child No. 3, Jaden (5), and my schedule is totally crazy but I still take the time to put myself together. If I feel good about what I’m wearing or how I look, then that makes me a much more confident woman.

What made you want to start blogging?

There are a couple reasons I started my blog but most of all I really enjoy anything creative. I run a financial practice with my husband, Greg but I really needed a creative outlet. I love photography and fashion and beauty but most of all I really

like encouraging other women. I think we are in a different time, a time where perfect images are plastered all over the Internet and we really don’t know the true person behind the image. My goal with my blog is to create beautiful content that people can enjoy but also tell a small story behind it. My hope is that my “Pink Lemon” Stories encourages someone else. Sometimes just writing about a situation with one of my kids or work encourages me. It’s a place to let it out. I also hope to do more content about things that I do with my children that create memories because I think it’s so important to have fun memories to cling to throughout childhood and as an adult.

What is the best fashion tip you

can

give

to

moms

who

want to feel stylish?

I’d say if I could give one tip that would be to do it on purpose. Nothing in life comes easy and no good thing happens unless you do it on purpose.

Pick a few things that make you feel good—it could be styling your hair or doing your make up every day. Make that a non-negotiable; you will do that every day no matter what. Then I would say to find your style. For me, I’m a professional so I dress up most of the time but I realize a lot of women stay home with their children. Even if you stay home, don’t just throw on whatever— put some effort into it. If you are going to wear leggings and an oversize sweater then throw a belt on, a necklace, and some booties and it makes it look like you put together an outfit on purpose! • 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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Too Good and True Through local family business, kids are getting less mean about going green

T

By N a ja h G o l dst e i n • photos by b r i a n ka i s e r

oo Good Eats’ Raspcherry ice pop has a sweet, tangy flavor—and a secret. Each popsicle treat has a serving of cauliflower and jicama. Too Good Green, another frozen snack, is the perfect blend of mango, and banana.

And the diabolical geniuses over at Too Good Eats have snuck in the ultimate health food.

Kale.

Good luck refusing your veggies now, tiny humans.

Anique and Ali Russell, the owners of Too Good Eats aren’t

trying to pull the health food wool over kids’ eyes. But they do know how to dress up good-for-you ingredients so tots will want to finish their vegetables.

“Kids tend to love the green color and parents love that it’s not artificial food coloring but real kale!” Anique said.

Cooking isn’t something that the Russells did regularly, but that all changed once they had their son their senior year at Central State University. Anique was studying education and Ali environmental engineering. • 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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“Ali and I both learned to love cooking and while young parents we experimented every evening making dinner and our meals came out pretty delicious,” Anique said. “I became a self taught nutrition lover passionate about viewing food as fuel.”

The goal wasn’t just to satisfy younger Ali’s hunger for food. It was truly a thought process to give him food that would help in the development of his mind and body.

Their duo mission soon became a successful family business.

The married couple knew other parents could benefit from having nutritious snacks for their own children. So they decided to have family members try out their new product and they approved.

In 2016, they launched Too Good Eats with the mantra “Parent Made, Kid Inspired.” Their fruit and veggie pops are the root of their business, they started with top sellers: Too Good Green and Red Pop (AKA) sweet red.

The Russells started off small, now they have products ranging from popsicles to snack pouches, Anique shared how they put it all together.

“For the popsicles we select the best market fresh fruit and veggies.

We don’t use any added water or sugar, just fruits and veggies juiced and blended to create a wholesome delicious treat. The snack pouches have a similar selection process except those fruits and vegetables are

"kids love the color and parents love that it's not artificial "

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puréed in a reusable pouch that you can put in the freezer.”

During the summer you can catch Anique, Ali, and their brand ambassadors at community festivals and farmers markets. They also cater special events including birthdays parties.

For those looking for a convenient way to shop you can purchase their popsicles and snack pouches online at TooGoodEats.com. Online purchases give you the option to enjoy free home delivery with their flexible monthly subscription plans. (See sidebar.)

Most importantly, the prices for Too Good Eats won’t break the bank for parents wanting to feed their children a healthy snack. Prices can range from $20 to $50 depending on the amount of popsicles and snack pouches you purchase.

The married couple wants to make sure everyone is eating healthy.

They are in the process of expanding to a business to business model, which includes having Too Good Eats available at schools and hospitals, and an HQ for learning and growing. They started out their business wanting to provide healthy and delicious food for their son, but their ultimate goal is to expand operations to provide increased access to healthy food choices for all kids. When you start a business based on love and nurturing from the ground up, the sky truly is the limit.

Too Good Goals

Too Good Eats has an aim: to create a subscription model that fit the needs of every family—big family, small family, babies, toddlers, and big kids. No matter what stage your family is in, they’ve got a unique and delicious subscription box that will nurture a love for healthy snacking! The Russells have created an opt in/opt out model for their subscriptions. They understand that family budgets may change from month to month and as millennial parents, they value flexibility. There are four options, each one Too Good to pass up!

Seedling Box

They call this the starter box because it includes a variety of real fruit & veggie ice pops and snack pouches. Their Seedling Subscription is a perfect box for anyone looking to plant the seed of healthy eating. This one is packed with a combo of our organic pops and fruit & veggie snack pouches.

Root Subscription

They call it the “Root” because their unique and delicious pops are what birthed Too Good Eats. The Root Subscription is the perfect box for a popsicle enthusiast! This option is packed with 30 flavorful and delicious pops.

Nurture Box

The Nurture Box is for the family that values healthy delicious convenient snacks on the go. This subscription is filled with Too Good snack pouches. The perfect blend of fruits & veggies. Snack pouches are perfect for lunches. Everything is made fresh, and then frozen to naturally lock in nutrients and flavor. Eating and thawing snack pouches is simple, with directions on the back of our pouches. Simply refrigerate to thaw, or place in water for 1-to-2 minutes for quick thawing & eating, or simply pack frozen in a lunch box and it’s ready to eat by lunch!

Growth Subscription

The Growth Box was created for larger families and families with babies. There is an array of goodies for kids of all sizes in this special delivery (including parent-sized kids-at-heart).

This box is filled with baby blends, snack pouches, & pops. •

614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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Future Creatives At Columbus’s Arts and College Prep Academy, acceptance and arts come first

By L i n da L ee Ba i r d photos by m eg a n l ei g h b a r n a r d

It started in the late 1990s with a mural—a teenager’s best interpretation of Starry Night—swirling across a Worthington garage. The police were summoned over it, and a conversation about what qualified as appropriate home design followed. As GG Howard watched her daughter defend her artwork to the cops, she realized that her child needed to be in an environment where she would be celebrated for her creativity, not scorned for it. The seed for the Arts and College Prep Academy (ACPA) had been planted in Howard’s mind. •

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Howard founded ACPA in 2002 as one of the first charter schools in the state. In planning for ACPA, she looked to some of Columbus’ high-performing high schools for inspiration, specifically Columbus Alternative, known for its rigorous college-prep curriculum, and Fort Hayes, known for the arts. She decided her high school would combine them.

“I thought, I’m going to make a school that’s a college prep school for creative kids,” she said.

Now in it’s 17th year, ACPA holds two notable titles: it is the both the most diverse high school and the highest-ranked charter school in Ohio. The spirit of creativity continues to thrive there. Student Leigh Moore said that a prospective student might be a good fit for ACPA “if you want your school to recognize [art is as] important as you think it’s important.” The school is expanding to admit its first seventh and eighth grade students in the 2019-2020 school year.

Celebrating the uniqueness of every individual is part of Howard’s core vision for the school. “The goal when I started this school was to have a school where every child is safe walking through that front door just the way they are,” she said. “They don’t have to change anything about themselves, and they need to be proud of everything they identify with.”

To accomplish this goal, ACPA holds events that elevate students who might be marginalized in other schools. For example, in October, ACPA organized an art event called ChalkFest to celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month. During the event, student artists worked alongside professionals to create original pieces in an underutilized medium: sidewalk chalk.

Moore said it was significant to him that the school chose to recognize LGBTQ+ History month. “In high school, you’re kind of really like finding out who you are,” he said, adding that events like Chalkfest help give students exposure to different kinds of people. This exposure then serves as an education for the students and community members who attend. Senior Vivian Morrison said, “I didn’t know anything about like the LGBTQ+ community or, I mean like ethnicities or culture... I dived more deeply into because I’m here and it’s like a safe environment to talk about that stuff... we also talk about how to talk about it safely.”

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ACPA students and staff spoke proudly about the inclusive atmosphere at the school. “It’s a place to be safe. A lot of places say that they’re no bullying but we really are no bullying,” visual arts teacher Melanie Holm said. To accomplish this, ACPA has seven core values— kindness, respect for diversity, honesty, problem solving, participation, communication, and awareness—that are introduced when prospective students begin the application process and are reinforced regularly as part of the school’s culture. “We make sure students and their families know what we’re about [and our] expectation to uphold the values,” Development Director Ben Shinabery said.

Holm believes the school is so strong in the arts because the students support each other, following the ACPA values.

“I think it goes back to feeling safe. Because to be really out there [creating art], you have to make yourself be vulnerable to possibly failing, but since we have a safe place for them to be, then they feel like they can go to the edge of their abilities.”

Recruitment for the 2018-2019 school year is already underway. As a public charter school, there is no cost to attend, but students must apply for a space. Prospective students can complete a preliminary application online. Once it’s received, applicants will be invited to visit the school to finish the application process.

If ACPA sounds like it might be the right place for a young person in your life, Shinabery recommends coming to Winterfest, their “best of the best” seasonal performance. Students from the band lab, dance, and rock and roll classes will perform on December 13 at the Riffe Center’s Jo Ann Davidson Theater. “You see the high quality. It’s amazing with the kids can do,” Shinabery said. The $10 admission fee goes to supporting school arts programming. •

To learn more or apply, visit artcollegeprep. org. Winterfest will be held December 13 at the Riffe Center.

Smiles from

Peer to Peer Unique partnership pairs unites kids from all walks of life Story & photos by E mm a Kat e Low

F

ifteen years ago, April Brehob walked in as an Otterbein student and walked out as an admirer and an ally—a feeling she described as “pure magic.”

She’s not the only one that feels that way about the Franklin County Board of Developmental Disabilities Early Childhood Education Partnership (FCBDDECEP), but now, as a teacher and a parent, she’s one of its greatest advocates.

“What is happening at the building is what they tell you early childhood education should look like,” she said. “When I walked in, I knew I wanted to be here, and now 15 years later I am still in awe and proud of the work we do.” •

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This hidden gem, tucked away off of 670 East— which my son so lovingly refers to as “Airport School”—is an inclusive school that works tirelessly to serve the children and parents of Columbus. They utilize “typical” peers—meaning children developing consistently will model age-appropriate behavior for other students with emotional, learning, or physical disabilities. This unique model doesn’t just extend the classroom; there are a multitude of services the ECEFC offers for the whole family. Not only do they offer medical and dental services, they assist families with counseling, education and job training.

“Children and families are respected and become the center of our work,” Brehob said. “They have freedom to explore, make their own choices, and enjoy the learning process.”

In terms of the actual setup of the center, it mimics that of a small city. It has a “town square,” that’s centered around a giant clock on the floor.

Small trikes line the walls and play areas with large wooden blocks or small Lego stations are available.

Plus: multiple art rooms, areas for sensory exploration and yoga, and the most amazing sandbox on a more natural modern playground.

All told, there are 29 classrooms that make up “neighborhoods”—pod-like areas that overlap to offering individual and group activities for over 700 children. Walking into this, you can feel the connectedness and a calm control—quite the comfort for any parent.

Myself included. My son, Sawyer has recently joined the school as a peer.

In order to shed more light on the services that this unique school has to offer, we wanted to sit down with a parent from the different programs offered within the school.

Liam

student on IEP (via mom Britany) What is your favorite thing about the FCBDD Early Childhood Education Partnership?

How they treat the children. It’s such a heartfelt feeling that all children are included. It’s such a wonderful thing that my child, who does have an IEP, is able to be in a class with peers. I’m always so optimistic about Liam’s future. It’s always a worry in my mind if he will be picked on or if he will fit in but it’s been proven to my family, the teachers, and staff that they are teaching people to accept themselves and others as they are. I feel as if Liam gives of a energy that everyone could benefit from. It’s been proven each year with the friends Liam has made, and his peers have such a way with him and are always so gentle with him.

How has Liam grown since starting at school?

He’s gained wonderful social skills. Although Liam is nonverbal, he is able to express himself with the tools he has learned from teachers, therapists and peers.

What services are most important to you?

Aside from the classroom setting, Liam’s also able to receive physical, occupational, and speech therapy. They also offer wonderful workshops for parents. I was once able to partake in a workshop call Hannan which taught me ways to communicate with Liam since he is non-verbal whether it was being taught some sign language to learning body language and certain cues Liam does. It’s not only a fantastic place for children but for parents and families as well. They also have a wonderful family picnic towards the end of the year.

What’s one thing you would like people to know about your child?

I want people to know that it’s OK to ask questions about Liam and to not feel bad for him because is in a wheelchair. He’s not able to walk with his legs just yet but he does get around fairly well—whether it’s when he’s scooting or in his wheelchair. At the end of the day, Liam is a happy healthy ornery little fouryear-old boy who has a wonderful support system. He is so loved with involved parents, fantastic big brothers, a dog he loves more than anything and his cousin Grace, who is his best friend and is always included when she comes to FCBDD with us. He also has a new little cousin on the way, a wonderful aunt and uncle, many other aunts, and out-of-this-world grandparents.

What is your favorite thing about them?

I have so many favorite things about Liam—from his smile, to his compassion to his orneriness. I love that he is mine though; this little boy has taught me more than I could have ever imagined in his short four years and I can’t wait to see the things he will do.

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How to get into this unicorn school you might ask? Visit fcbdd.org. Services are provided to children and adults of all ages who have developmental disabilities and who qualify under standards established by the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Pearl Bryson

student with Head Start Program (via mom, Ariel)

What is your favorite thing about the FCBDD ECEP? The open communication is amazing. I love the relationships teachers and staff have with the parents and family.

How has your child grown since starting school?

His growth is amazing. He’s blossoming so well. Bryson loves the school his teachers and friends.

What types of services does the school offer to you?

All and any service requested. Anything I ask for there is a service provided and we really appreciate it.

What do you want people to know about your child?

Bryson is a leader. He is very independent and always ready to learn.

He is very smart and has a great attitude; loves making friends and trying new things.

What is your favorite thing about them?

My favorite thing about Bryson is his personality, smile, and eyes. He has a genuine soul.

Peer student (via mom, April, Educator and Parent) Tell me what you love most about teaching at FCBDD ECEP? We always think about the families and children first, we are looking for what we can do better, how we can do more, and what more families and children need. We are always providing hands on activities, authentic experiences and supporting the parents.

What is the biggest impact this school has made on you or a student/ family member/ community?

I have learned to look at things from any different angles, and put myself in other people shoes. Both my children have been peers at ECEFC and they have gained a love of learning which is more important than any other skill that they could have been taught.

How has your child grown since starting school?

She has become more outgoing and values others.

What types of services does the school offer to you?

A variety of experiences that create a lifetime love of learning.

What do you want people to know about your child?

She is wicked smart, has memory that amazes me everyday, and will run something one day.

What is your favorite thing about them?

Her love of singing, dogs and babies. • 614columbus.com (614) FAMILY 2018

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