Christina "Review All The Things!" C.'s Profile

Always check the clearance sections.

Wait. No. Don't. Then you'll snatch all my goods!

Not much new to add to a review of Marshall's. It is stocked with awesome, often designer, goods at affordable prices. The irony is I stil end up spending a FORTUNE! I just can't help myself.

Chances are if you really like something, it will be bought by someone else the if you pass it up. Merch moves pretty quick here. Which also means they rotate inventory quite a bit. An evil but glorious cycle for someone like me.

If you don't like Marshall's, you must be a terrorist.

Who knew they had wedding decor rentals?!!? I didn't - until last week. I wasn't planning a wedding but I did need photobooth props (columns in particular.) After a tip from a friend, I called and sure enough they had them, and for only $20 for the pair. On top of that they have candles, vases and lots of other decor items you'll have no use for after the big day. Again - who knew?! Apparently there's an actual area, which I've never even noticed until last week, that's in the front right corner (upon entry) where all this rental stuff resides.

And now you know!

Chances are you've walked by here a billion times if you've ever frequented any businesses along Gay St.

In an inconspicuous shop along Gay you'll find one cool shop full of bite-sized wallets you didn't know you needed - but really do.

Remember that recurring New Year's resolution to de-clutter and slim down your waistline - and your George Costanza wallet? Well, Zeroz can't help you with your weight loss, but they CAN help you maximize your minimized wallet.

These condensed wallets are hand-crafted from Italian leather right there in the store and from frist glance, you'll think it's too small to contain your life's keepings. When you put it that way, well yea, it probably is, but please remember your resolution above... Each wallet comes in sizes XS to L or XL and carry anywhere from 3 to 9? cards... (Not positive on the largest number, but the largest wallet carries more cards than you'll probably need. They each cost from $36 to $52.

I ended up purchasing this as a gift (a GREAT gift by the way) and was a little hesitant that the receiver wouldn't dig it since it's so slim. To my surprise he did - and is obsessed! I've never seen a man more happy to ditch his over-sized wallet!

But they're not just for fellas. There are dozens of fun, flirty colors and designs for ladies, too!

They do sell their products online, which I recommend if you don't live close by. But if you do, do yourself a favor and stop in. Ask the owner his story and see for yourself their operation up-close-and-personal. It's a family-affair! They make great, high-quality, local products and I'm happy to shout their praises from the rooftops. A great gift at a great price! So happy I finally stopped in after all this time!

Two Words: Dante's Inferno.

That sh@# is hot! They weren't joking around. But it burned so good! Somuchso that even though I was sweating, my eyes were watering and I couldn't suck down my beer... water... pop... fast enough... I couldn't stop shoving it down my throat!

It was surprisingly packed on a Tuesday night when I finally (after way too long apparently) finally dropped in here. I was meeting some friends and was a little early so I cozied up to the bar. Again, on a Tuesday night, it was actually the only free space in the place. Guess the cat's outta the bag that this is the place to be in OTE.

Like everyone else has mentioned, the beer list is killer! A mix of local brews, crafties and more... there were many that I hadn't heard of before. Happy hour is 1/2 off all drafts until 7pm. Quite the deal.

To my delight there was a slammin' DJ spinning old school LPs until about 9pm. Made for an awesome ambiance although it was crazy loud.

There are so many yummy sounding pizzas on the list it made it hard to choose. Nothing overly unique or complicated, mainly just different spins on traditional pies. I had to go for the DI though since it was still on special, but luckily my friends learned how to share in kindergarten because each of us agreed to swap our slices.

Coming in second favorite for me was the Big Sur, then the Rhode Island Red. The Sur has Pesto Sauce with chicken, artichoke hearts,minced garlic, red onions, feta and fresh tomatoes, and definitely was a welcome fresh flavor after the Inferno. The Red is just traditional with olive oil and red sauce, baked twice then covered in parmesan.

The service was great, the pizza was better, but the beer won my heart. I'll see you real soon, YB!

Looking like it's straight outta 1992, the Convention Center is Columbus's necessary evil and frequently used for many important and economy-boosting events, but frankly, it's really a huge eyesore.

Seriously, how old is the carpet? And are we really proud of the pastel paint covering the outside of the building in one of the city's most frequented areas?

Lots goes on here and there's plenty of space. Hey, even the food court has a couple gems, but oh, convention center, I sure hope you have better days ahead.

As for parking, there is a paid lot off Goodale and of course I always recommend snagging a meter and taking a walk to the building. Most people park in the garage off Vine as well. Whatever you do, don't park in the North Market lot.

If you're like me, leave a trail that will help you find your way out of here. It's so big it's easy to get lost since there are so many entrances and exists. I prefer a trail of M&Ms, but do whatever floats your boat and gets you back to where you belong/

The Greater Columbus Convention Center - great for events, but hurts your eyes.

Wine shops are my heaven.

Seriously.

Give me bottles of the good stuff  & I'm content.

How anyone could think that the selection here is less than adequate is a loon. There are dozens of options from all over the world and the co-owner is more than happy to guide you in the right direction.

Although they don't have food, they do offer carry out small dishes that will pair well with one of the bottles you snag. Olives, cheese... you know, the major food groups.

I haven't gone in to search for a particular wine, but I feel confident if I was, I would've been helped, served and if they didn't have it possibly been offered to order it promptly with a smile and not a nose up in the air.

The space is in a prime location in "up"town Westerville, and parking is in the church after hours or the lot beside the building. Walking distance is the way to go.

Almost the entire decor is hand-made so be sure to ask where they got their inspiration. Also checkout out events like classes and happy hours that are usually free, too.

I'm crushin on this place in a serious way. Go find out why...

My hip hurts.
I have two blisters the size of Texas.
I'm walking with a slight limp today.
I didn't have the best race of my career.
... but dang it, it was a great time running the Cap City Half Marathon yesterday!!

I know running isn't for everyone, but if you want to challenge yourself physically, make great friends, get goosebumps, hear hundreds of people cheering for you and be a part of something fun, you need to run yourself a half marathon.

This is my third time running the Cap City Half (5th half marathon total) and because of the route & start/finish location change, it was one of my favorites.

It's a super flat course, so for those of you worried about getting up those hills, forget that excuse.

This year's race was bigger (13,000+), more organized, and overall just more awesome.

Corrals are definitely the way to go, and although it was a tight squeeze, there wasn't a time when I tripped over someone at the starting line because he/she started before more - as a walker. There's nothing more annoying.

Since the course changed this year we ran through great neighborhoods that were generally convenient places for people to come out and cheer. One of my biggest motivators during a race is hearing & seeing folks making noise on the course. A lot of races races have you run through crappy neighborhoods or ones that aren't easily accessible for supporters. A total buzzkill for someone like me who thrives off of cheering crowds. Not this one though.

There were a dozen bands/DJs on the route this year, too! And while not all that good, it was great to hear different genres and see their support. One thing I learned is that almost any Michael Jackson tune makes for great running music!

Sometimes races don't have adequate water stops or porta potties either. But Cap City provided many of both proving they really put a lot of time and effort into making this year the best race yet.

Tons of medical professionals, knowledgeable & uber helpful volunteers, and a kick-ass after-party with great sponsors made this race one of my favorites (even though it wasn't my best run.) Thanks for the incredible improvements this year, Cap City! They didn't go unnoticed and I'm positive everyone enjoyed them as much as I did.

I'm not going to lie - I've been a hater purely because they're a chain... until tonight.

Headed here to carb load for my half marathon in the morning and as expected has dozens of awesome pasta options  - from the traditional spaghetti & meatball to the  seafood linguini. I like options.

My eggplant parm was a-ok, but the service was attentive, the place is absolutely gorgeous (can't wait to actually eat on the patio instead of just drive by), um seriously WHAT is in that bread & oil!, and the wine list is extensive. Doesn't take that much more to make me satisfied.

I noticed that they rent out the upstairs for parties, too. Again, give me wine, pasta, carbs and perfect lighting and you give me a good night.

If you are anything like me and have been avoiding this place just because it's a chain - stop avoiding it! I think you might be a little surprised.

You had me at beer.

Hundreds of options from all over the world! That's bound to make any beer lover ecstatic - including me!

The ambiance is awesome for the growing Brewery District and well, an all-about-beer place fits in quite nicely here, don't ya think?

Multi-levels allow for hoards of people to pack this place and I'm going to venture out and say that it's going to be rockin' come football season! (Secretly counting down the days, btw.)

I love the level of interaction they encourage, too, like the beer club or even their online social media efforts. Good times are happenin' @ WOB no doubt.

The food situation (they don't have a kitchen so you have the option to order from a few select nearby restaurants that deliver) although clever, hasn't always been as smooth for me, but food options are pretty slick. And it's an "organized" system so it takes the guess work out of hunting down places that would consider delivery. I honestly think that them not having a kitchen improves their ability to be a more focused & better bar - thus pleasing the masses.

A lot of the beers are craft so the prices are a bit high. That said, there are a few beers that are too high given what they are. If it's on draft, you can try before you buy, so keep that in mind.

Come here to perhaps find your long lost favorite, hard-to-find brew or discover a new taste for something entirely different. The choice (and there are hundreds) is yours.

Well, the option to try the soups before you buy them is nice. I seriously considered this the Jeni's Ice Cream of soups! There were nearly two dozen options! And of course, free wifi is always a plus, and so is convenient location and ample seating near outlets.

But for seriously fresh and tasty soups, and ones that contain less-than-a-salt-truck of sodium, I'd weigh other nearby options.

I ended up with a staff recommendation of the asian noodle soup and a half chicken caesar salad. For that combo and a medium drink my total was almost $11. Not too bad, but unfortunately they forgot my spoon on the first trip, and completely left of the salad dressing. Minor things, have you, but still, noticeable and mildly inconvenient.

Even though I got to try the asian noodle before I ordered it, and approved, after a few bites, you're gonna need at least a gallon of water.

I found more than a fair share of grissly chicken in my soup and on my salad, and that too (the chicken) was overly salted.

Again, if you're looking for a particular kind of soup that isn't the daily special, I'd give this place a shot (esp if you're looking for a place to work or enjoy free wifi) but honestly, there are a few other nearby options I'd recommend first.

**Bathroom note** - No bathrooms inside. You have to go to the bottom floor (down the escalator) to find 'em.