Gabi "Yummy Mummy" M.'s Profile

On the prowl for some new socks for the baby, I popped in here the other day.  I was pleasantly surprised by the selection.  They have tons of cute clothes for babies and kids of all ages.  

I found what I was looking for and was happy to see that the (six pack) socks I found were on sale for "buy one get one 50% off."  However, even with the sale price, I thought $26 for 12 pairs of tiny socks seemed a bit pricey.  

Nonetheless, I liked this store.  The employees were friendly enough, there is plenty of cute clothing to choose from, and there is plenty of parking outside of the store as well.  I'm sure I'll return eventually, but not for awhile as at the time of this writing, Baby M has everything he needs and more!

I've been a fan of this Blockbuster for the past few years.  Sad to share the news that this location (among many others including the one on Thomas and Scottsdale) will be closing it's doors this week... that makes zero Blockbuster locations left in Scottsdale.

I guess I need to introduce myself to those red friends of my husband's: Mr. Netflix and Mr. Redbox.  You were fun while you lasted, Blockbuster!

Ocean Club used to be my go-to spot for girls night out and dates with out-of-town visitors... Sure, it's expensive, but I've never had a bad meal (or drink) there.  But, I took an unintentional hiatus from Ocean Club when I got married and had a baby, and what do you know, at least two years have passed...

So when it was time to choose a restaurant to celebrate my mom's birthday dinner this past Saturday, Ocean Club it was, and once again, I was reminded how fabulous it is!  While I used to sit in the bar (where there is great people watching including plenty of "hired help," awesome bartenders, and live music), we had the baby with us and a party of five, so we were seated in a back corner... this was totally fine by the way.  They had a highchair for the baby and everything!  

Tyler was our waiter and he was great... the rest of the staff was extremely attentive as well.  My husband, mom, and I went with dirty martinis, and my dad and brother went the bloody mary route.  We were all pleased with the drinks - as mentioned in other reviews, they are indeed pricey, but you get two drinks in one!

Bread bowl - this is worth mentioning as they always have a nice selection of breads and crackers including my favorite: pretzel bread... yum!

Appetizers at our table included two types of oysters, a lobster sushi roll, salads, and calamari.  Hint: ask to split their salads - they are still a decent size when split.  I love their "Ocean Club House salad" - It could possibly be a meal in itself as it has crisp lettuce, fresh shrimp, egg, blue cheese, tomato, and onion.  The other apps were delicious too.

For my entree, I split the Chilean Sea Bass with my husband... I'm a huge sea bass fan and this is up with there with some of the best I've had.  Again, splitting it is great as even a half serving is plenty once you add family style sides, etc...  My parents went with lobster tail and brother had a bone-in ribeye.  We chose the roasted brussel sprouts and signature lobster mashed potatoes (both cooked perfectly and oh so delicious as well).  Note that it's very difficult to choose just a few sides as there are so many to choose from and they are all delicious.  The sweet potato fries, onion rings, creamed spinach, and steamed broccoli are other faves that I've had in the past.  

As if any of us weren't full enough, Tyler brought out a huge slice of chocolate cake for the birthday girl, served with fresh whipped cream.  Mmmmm.... and once we licked that plate clean, we also ordered their signature butter cake, which came with more fresh whipped cream.  OMG - that butter cake is incredible!

We all went home full and happy and will definitely return for more special occasions.  Thanks to my dad for picking up the bill!

Boston Terriers galore!

Today was my mom's birthday, so when she asked if I wanted to go to a Boston Terrier meet-up at this dog park, how could I say no?! (She is the proud owner of an adorable little Boston named Lily).

I packed up my car with my dog and my baby and made the almost 30 minute drive to this park... Once we arrived, I was happy to find plenty of parking, paved paths to both the big dog and small dog areas, and lots of friendly people and dogs.  Of course, Minnie stood out like a sore thumb, but she had plenty of fun.  

I brought the stroller in to the dog park area, which wasn't a problem, and we hung out for a good half hour or so...

I'd probably return to this park on a regular basis if I lived closer, but I'll continue to take Minnie to Chapparal Dog Park only because of the convenience factor (it's much closer to home).  Nice to see that there are other options for the pups around the Valley though!

Third and Hollywood came highly recommended by my friend Howard L, and when I suggested it to Christina C, she was all about joining me for a late night meal last Monday night...

I liked this place from the moment we walked in; it has a warm and cozy atmosphere yet it's upscale and tastefully decorated.  Service was a bit slow (maybe because we were there really late and closed the place down), but everything else was fabulous!

We started with the grilled artichoke appetizer; Christina went for the veggie burger; and I had the pan fried fish of the day.  Served with a veggie medley and spinach salad, my plate was a gorgeous variety of colors and flavors... portions were healthy too!

I'm definitely a fan and wouldn't mind returning to this restaurant on future trips to Cbus!

Fresh. Local. Healthy.

Market 65 is my kind of place.  I didn't even mind the line at lunch since the custom salad I ordered and the jalapeno bretzel was worth waiting for (and I was in good company as I was standing in line with the Queen of Yelp Cbus at the time)!  

Yum... I just wish they had a location near me in Arizona. Oh, but then I guess instead of local Ohio ingredients, they'd have to have local AZ ingredients, but that's neither here nor there.  Back to Ohio...

I chose a salad with iceberg, romaine, asparagus, tomato, cucumber, egg, chickpeas, artichoke hearts, roasted turkey, and avocado with balsamic dressing.  I kind of wished I added even more of M65's locally grown ingredients when I saw them through the glass after I advanced in the line, but my salad ended up being just perfect.  The employees were friendly and I loved watching the salad guys chop chop chop everything up using their "Mezzaluna knives."

And that bretzel, oh that bretzel... delicious!!!

If you're in the "market" for a salad or wrap and you're in the Downtown Columbus area, go here right now.  What are you waiting for? Chop chop!

Pistacia Vera is the definition of classy.  They define themselves as a "dessert boutique," and that's exactly what they are.  With modern sleek decor, extremely friendly staff, an incredible array of fine looking treats, free wifi, and a central location in German Village, if you live in Columbus and haven't been here, you're missing out.

As if all of the above isn't enough, take one bite of your favorite flavor macaron, and you'll be sold... I guarantee it!

I went with a vanilla bean macaron and a cup of hot lemon ginger tea.  It was the perfect light dessert after my lunch at Katzinger's Deli down the street.  The macaron was so delicious, I swear - it's what "sweet dreams" are made of!  And all of PV's macarons are gluten free to boot!  

I knew Christina C wouldn't steer me wrong when she took me here.  I can't wait to return to Pistacia Vera on future trips to Columbus!

Thank you, Christina C, for dragging my ass to Pai this morning for Bethany's Spin/TRX combo class!  It's hours later and I'm feeling it already - in a good way!

Pai is located in a strip mall right by Trader Joe's, and they are in the process of expanding. It's a bit crowded as it is in the main workout area and in the area where you can put your coats and bags, so I think the expansion will do them good.  They seem to offer a decent variety of classes, as we were torn between the class we took and a slow flow yoga.  The facility is clean and instructors are knowledgeable.  The music that Bethany played in the class was upbeat and motivating, but I've had better in other classes.  Also, she didn't use a microphone, so it was hard to hear her at times.  Still, the class was great and if you haven't tried TRX, I recommend it... it's tough!  If I lived in the area, I could see going here regularly to mix up my workout routine.

So I'm a Wolverine in Buckeye town and my gut tells me I shouldn't like it here... but I do!  

I've only been at this hotel for a few hours so far, but I'm impressed...

Friendly staff? check!
Spacious, clean room? check!
Bathroom amenities? check!
Comfy bed? check!

And from what I've read in previous reviews, there is a kick ass workout room too!  

There's also something on the room service menu called "Buckeye Pancakes," described as Valrhona chocolate, peanut butter, and maple syrup.  I'll be staying away from those as it's too early in the year (read: new years resolutions and baby weight to lose), but they do sound delicious!

I think I found my home away from home when I come to Columbus!

You would never know it from the sign out front, but this little convenience store on 56th Street and Indian School is quite a gem!  I've been in a few times over the years for a drink or a snack or what have you, but today, I decided to go pick up a sandwich, and I was super impressed!

"Proudly featuring Boar's Head," says the sticker on the saran wrap that sealed my sandwich, and it's featured on the sandwich board as well.  Boar's Head = quality, or so my husband has ingrained in my head.  He grew up on the stuff in Jersey!  

Back to my sandwich... I ordered the turkey with the works on a wheat roll.  ($5.59) It was ready in minutes and totally hit the spot.  My only complaints were that they don't offer avocado and the store has a very limited chip selection.  (note to store - please order some sun chips!)

On a positive note, they have picnic tables outside, although I took my sandwich to go.  I'll be back to this deli / market for sure - I live and work super close by!