2015 In the Rear View

I feel like this year has flown by so rapidly! As I get older, it seems like New Years Eve and birthdays come back to back, hardly giving me time to rest in between. The saying is that " time flies when you are having fun." So, I guess I must be enjoying my life. Well, I can certainly say I have had a good year but it has also had it's not so great moments. For quite some time now, I have tried to keep a positive attitude and go with the flow when ever possible. This year I didn't get to do everything I wanted to do but I did a lot. I am ever so grateful for the great things I got to experience but also for the chaos because it turned into opportunities to bond with my family and friends.

In 2015 I made my first snowman who was actually a snow-woman. She was fabulous! I treated my guy to a Tesla concert in Troy, Ohio. It was my first Tesla concert and our first time in Troy. The city of Troy is beautiful, by the way. I saw Chris Brown, Trey Songz and Tyga in concert with my sister. I started a list of 101 Cool Places & Things in Ohio. I saw the legend,Stevie Wonder,in concert and was surprised by his special guest India Arie. I saw White Snake & Scorpions in concert. I got to hang out with my nephew all summer for the second year.  I took my nephew to his first concert to see Fall Out Boy and Wiz Khalifa where I blushed and cringed at the sight of large blow up joints being thrown around. I grew great tasting vegetables and fruits in my garden and my parents garden. My family took a trip to Orlando and introduced my nephew to Disney World. I saw my grandpa Robinson who I hadn't seen in ten years also while I was in Florida. My sister and I started a sister trip tradition. We spent a weekend in the Cincinnati area where we checked off four places on my to do list: Loveland Castle, Newport Aquarium, Jungle Jim's International Market & Findlay Market on a tour with Cincinnati Food Tours.  I took a meditation class to introduce the art of meditation into my daily life. To end the year I did my second list of residential holiday light displays and it became the most viewed blog post of any of the ChristinaKristin blogs in three days. Yay!

left to right: Frostine the Snow-woman, Tesla concert, Wiz Khalifa, My veggies, Epcot, Disney, Newport on the Levee with my sister, Findlay Market in Over the Rhine & Columbus KTC Buddhist Center

It has been an amazing year, full of love and color and hope. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store for me, other than a trip to the dentist next week. Lol. I look forward to spending more time with my friends home and away. I look forward to more travel and more learning. I look forward to really living my life and learning to be more independent.

What were your 2015 highlights?

Short North For Kids (Kiddie Crawl)

The Short North is my favorite place in Columbus. It has been since I was a young adult. Now it is one of my nephew's favorite places.  I love it because it is full of art and note worthy restaurants. Art is found in the galleries, on the walls of buildings, the way the retail stores dress the windows and the food. The food is art in it's presentation and in the efforts to create the flavors. My nephew could care less about most of these things. Yes, he has been trained to appreciate a little art and he loves food almost as much as I do but what drives him to want to visit is so much simpler. It's all about the treats that the area has to offer and they aren't all sugary, just most of them.

I have created a list of kid worthy stops for the kids or the kid in you. To my surprise as I walked through the neighborhood Saturday, after my Friday outing with my nephew; I ran into an old friend who follows me on social media. She was with her family retracing some of our steps. It confirmed I was on to something.  Check out my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl'.

Stop 1: The North Market
(Taste your way around the market!)
59 Spruce Street

Starting at the North Market is great because this is where you can have a hearty meal and there are so many options that you can't go wrong. Plus, you can taste your way through the market. Most places offer samples, some are readily available and some you may have to ask for but just about everyone offers them. Kids can taste as much as they'd like and after all the ethnic options, if they still want a hotdog or a slice of pizza; they can get that at a reasonable price. No wasting to worry about! Last Friday, we had Hot Chicken Takeover for our meal. It was quite a wait but worth it because it was a hit with both me and my nephew.




Stop 2: A Gal Named Cinda Lou
 (Say hello to Henry!)
647 N. High Street 

photo credit

You are probably wondering why I am sending kids to a vintage store. Well, you can find some vintage toys and collectables like Garbage Pail Kids, Chinese Finger Traps and Ball Puzzle Games from the 60s. The real reason we like to visit though, is Henry the Boston Terrier. Henry is a  friendly and patient dog. He is great around kids. My nephew is always excited to see him. While the kids visit with Henry, adults can have a look around and talk to Julia, the shop owner.


Stop 3: Big Fun
(Play with toys!)
672 N. High Street

Big Fun offers toys most of us played with as children. A lot of toys once deemed vintage are being reproduced today and Big Fun has both the old and some of the new. Bonding over toys of the past can be really exciting to the little munchkins in our lives. While we are reminiscing, they are seeing something new and shiny.  My nephew particularly loves the comic book section and together we stand staring at the trick toy wall, gathering up whoppie cushions, fake cigarettes and things likes shock pens. There is also a great selection of candy but save your candy cravings for the last stop!

Stop 4: Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream
(Grab a Cone!)
724 N. High Street 

I know you left Jeni's at the North Market but if you are like us,  you may need some time to digest your meal and tastings. Now after spending time playing with the dog and toys; ice cream sounds really good. Jeni's isn't just ice cream, it's a culinary experience that all ages can enjoy. There is something for everyone, you just have to do your research. By research I mean taste every flavor if you haven't before! Then select your favorite two to indulge in. My new favorite is Sun-Popped Corn but Salty Caramel is an oldie but goodie. If it's not too crowded, sit inside and enjoy or start slowly toward your next and final destination.

Stop 5 & Final Stop: Rocket Fizz
(Get some sugar to go!)
944 N. High Street 

The last stop may be the best stop! Who doesn't love candy and soda. At Rocket Fizz you will find just about any candy you may be craving and sodas come in very interesting flavors. Some soda flavors are even a little scary but for the dare devil, Ranch flavored soda may be a welcomed challenge. There are regular sodas as well, some that have been around a while like Frosty's. During our visit we were feeling a little courageous. We took home a few interesting flavors like Buffalo Wing Soda, Martian Poop Soda, Chocolate Peanut Butter Soda and Red Velvet Cupcake Cookie Dough Bites Soda for a soda tasting. The candies offered are also quite the variety, they offer some items created for other countries such as green tea Kit Kats. You can also find favorites like Now & Laters, chocolate bars and all the normal stuff.

Make a budget for the day or you can splurge if you want.  We spent the most money at lunch at the North Market at $10 each and at Rocket Fizz buying candy and soda at around $20. After toys and ice cream, our day was around $50 but it could certainly be done for less. You can try my 'Short North Kiddie Crawl' or you can also create your own crawl, catering to your child's personality. This is just one suggestion to help you get through a long summer season . Have fun! Be creative!

Until next time,
Be blessed! Be free! Be adventurous!
Kris,