19 December 2010

We are now located at LancasterParent.com

 





Our Blog Has Moved!!! Visit us at . . .
LancasterParent.com!!!

We’ve taken your questions, concerns, suggestions, and thoughts very seriously over the last year and have created a site dedicated to all the members of your family! It is bigger, better, more complete, and entirely updated!

Looking for what’s happening this winter? We’ve got it all! Sports signups? Check out our extensive Youth Sports pages. How about the perfect music or dance class for your little one? You’ll find all you need to know on our Arts & Music page. Would your child like to get involved in a club or take part in a summer camp? Just visit our Camps and Clubs page for an up-to-date list!

If you’re looking for some last-minute shopping spots for your little darlings, check out our Around Town page which includes a Shopping for Kids section, as well as information about Parks, local Entertainment, and ways to Get Active in town. Also included on our site are Day Trips, Overnight Trips, and so much more!

We have a new Facebook page so ‘Like’ us at Lancaster Parent and ‘follow’ us on Twitter at LancasterParent. We’ll keep you updated and in-the-know about all the things going on in our community!

LancasterMommy.com is now LancasterParent.com! Same great people, beautiful new website, and MORE information!

13 December 2010

Picktown Lights!

Holiday traditions come in all shapes and sizes. Many families have pictures taken with Santa every year or bake cookies together. My family does those things as well, but one tradition we've recently added is our annual trip to see the Picktown Lights.

More than 20 homes on one street in Pickerington have their homes decorated with lights and synchronized to music. It is really something amazing to see. The music can be heard through a low-power FM transmitter. The best part about it is that it is absolutely free, but you can donate canned goods, if you'd like.

We have taken our kids the last two years. My son would sit on that street all night long if we allowed it. My husband jokingly says that he's sure you can see that street from space. There are so many lights and so much energy. It's the holiday spirit in it's most lively form.

If you want to check it out... go to Hail Ridge Drive in Pickerington after the sun goes down. If you can't find the street... I'm sure all you'll have to do is follow the blinking lights. Maybe you'll find a new holiday tradition too...

For more information, go to www.picktownlights.com.

10 December 2010

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of spending a full day at The Inn & Spa At Cedar Falls, and today I feel like I am trying to grasp onto the complete feeling of relaxation I had while I was there. It's not working yet. I know there are two loads of laundry that need to be done, the kitchen needs to be cleaned and dinner needs to be started. It's funny, because when I was at the Inn none of these things were on my mind. It's like the minute you enter, an invisible barrier goes up and blocks all of your worries. How do I get one of those barriers around my house?

The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls is located on Rt.374 in Hocking County and is surrounded by rolling hills and dense wood. It's close to home (about 35 minutes away from Lancaster), but feels like you're in the middle of nowhere.

Joined by my good friend and fellow blogger, Becky, I arrived at 11am for a holiday cookie workshop. The breakfast cook Joan and the innkeeper Ellen gave everyone in the class a holiday cookie booklet with several recipes in it. They helped us go over the recipes and went into detail about what the recipes entailed to help us choose wisely. I appreciated this part of the class - I knew I couldn't handle anything too complex. We decided on Oreo truffles and the mystery cookie. We did well, but of course we were the last to finish! One of the other attendees had to step in to help us dip the remaining truffles. Don't worry, our ego's are intact! After the class we enjoyed a delicious chicken salad sandwich with homemade soups and chips. Tasty, but just light enough to leave room for cookies! The cookie workshop is a yearly event and highly recommended! On The Inn & Spa's website you can find out about this workshop and all of the other events they have throughout the year.

After lunch we headed to our room to relax for awhile. When staying at the Inn you have a few choices - cabins, cottages or Inn guest rooms. We were in one of the guest rooms which was clean, cozy and not a television in sight! If (and hopefully when) my husband and I go, I think we will choose the cottages to stay in for a little more privacy. If we decide to take the kids, however, I think a cabin will accommodate us a little better. Their Hickory Hollow cabin is designed for 2-6 people and houses bunk beds. But as much as I love my kids, I think we will save The Inn for an adult only destination. The innkeepers wouldn't mind at all if you brought your kids along, I am sure some couples decide just that. But for our family, it just doesn't fit. I don't think my kids would appreciate the serene atmosphere or the amazing food. It would all be wasted on them, and we can't have that! So I recommend you find a babysitter (hello grandma?) and go out on a romantic date night...or weekend. On the website they have several specials that cater to couples. I know that I will be hinting unabashedly when our anniversary comes around!

Becky and I talked and relaxed until it was time for our spa treatment. Wow, did I just say spa treatment, I thought that was a dream! No, it actually happened. After years of wishing for another professional massage it finally came true! This was so much better then the last massage I had, simply for the environment. When we walked into the spa we were greeted by Jennifer and Randall, two of the therapists at the spa. We were draped with neck warmers, offered a seat, and given some water or warm tea. While waiting for Becky to have her massage I sat in the reclining chair sipping my warm tea listening to soft music. I have no idea why I didn't fall asleep. This was just the waiting part and I was already more relaxed than I had been in a long time. When it was my turn, I headed to the room in the quaint cabin where I was to get the massage. I had to laugh at myself, because I realized the curtains were a tad open when I went to undress and I instinctively covered myself. I peeked out and of course I was just looking at nature. The cabin is literally surrounded by nothing but trees and maybe some deer. The massage was coma inducing.

All good things must come to an end, but hey, if they are followed by a scrumptious dinner then I am okay with that! The spa offers several different types of massages and even a massage your mate class, where you and your partner learn how to give out-of-this-world massages!

Before dinner we socialized with a few other Ohio bloggers and the owners, Terry and Ellen, by the fireplace. After a nice chat, Terry and Ellen gave us a tour of their newest addition. A few years ago they added on some more dining space, a cozy lounge area and a banquet area. All eco-friendly! They also added a roof-top garden. How amazing would it be to have one of those? We eventually sat down to dinner in the cozy, welcoming dining area and finished up our miniature cheese balls and olive tapenade (yes, it was as good as it sounds). Gerard, the sous chef, prepared our food and did an amazing job. The executive chef, Anthony, was at home taking care of four little ones. Becky, who was with me, just happens to be Anthony's wife! So while she's lapping up every luxurious thing his place of business has to offer, he was at home probably serving McDonald's like my husband! I feel a bit guilty...but just a tiny bit. I had the grilled filet mignon with pink demi and caramelized shallots. Then for the main event, dessert of course, I had chocolate torte with raspberry sauce. I am not just being nice, it was incredible. As soon as I came home I told my husband that I have a new favorite dessert! For a look at some of the things they offer check out their menu on the website.

I am going to try to get back to The Inn as soon as possible, it might prove to be difficult considering it's not quite my husband's speed (he's more of a cheeseburger in paradise kind of guy), but that won't stop me from trying. Maybe we can just have dinner there one night, or better yet he give me the 1/2 day spa package for Christmas! Well, I might not be able to get back soon enough, but that shouldn't stop any of you!

To find out more about The Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls please visit their website at innatcedarfalls.com.


Inn & Spa at Cedar Falls
21190 State Route 374
Logan ,Ohio 43138
Phone: 1-800-653-2557