See, Hear and Taste and the Greek Festival in Columbus

Labor day weekend is a celebration of the American worker.  However it’s also the time to enjoy Greek culture and food at the Greek Festival on North High Street.  Polaris Crossing apartments is 25 minutes drive north of the event which is taking place at the Greek Orthodox Cathedral.  Local residents can enjoy special dining experiences with Greek meals and pastries.  There will be Greek cooking demonstrations, lots of dancing, music and tours of the beautiful cathedral.

The event runs Friday – Monday, 11am until midnight during the weekend and until 7pm on Monday, September 6th.  Admission is $5. and good for the entire weekend.  Visitors will find abundant parking around the cathedral and the Columbus Convention Center.  Have fun this weekend and celebrate American and Greek cultures!  Here’s a video to get you in the mood for some dancing.

Celebrate Cabernet Day Around the World

On September 2nd, 2010 wineries and vino lovers will celebrate Cabernet Sauvignon.  The 24 hour event begins in Australia and will celebrate the bold, aromatic wine that so many of us adore.  Vineyards and wine bars have events scheduled and everyone is encouraged to tweet about the Cabernet they’re enjoying.

One of my favorite Cabernet wines is by Duckhorn Vineyard Estates in California.  They produce exquisite, dark and fruity Cabernet wines and I’m anxious to try the 2005 Cabernet Sauvignon from the Candlestick Vineyard in Napa Valley.

Residents of Polaris Crossing apartments can enjoy this wonderful bottle at Vino Vino in Columbus.  They’re located on Grandview Avenue and owned by the same couple who owns the popular restaurant Figlio.    If you can’t make it out tonight to celebrate Cabernet Day with friends, pick up your favorite bottle and enjoy in the comfort of your spacious home.

Look Younger with a Few Celebrity Tips

Looking and feeling younger can be achieved easily if we take the time to invest in ourselves.  I know we all get busy with work, family and life, however if we follow a few simple steps we can take 5 years off our look.  I know I would love to look younger without spending a lot of money or utilizing plastic surgery.   So what are things any of us can do to shave those years off?

Softening the hair color is a big factor.  So many of us when we’re younger over dye or bleach our hair.  However as we age we have to soften the color, giving it more of a flattering tone, rather than going for dramatic color.   Also consider changing the style of your blue jeans to flatter your figure.   Look for jeans that have a 2% or higher stretch so they hold their shape better.

Residents of Polaris Crossing apartments have so many options for pampering and shopping, all within a few minutes.   Mia & Maxx at Polaris Fashion Center has monthly specials, making it more cost effective to maintain beautiful hair.    When shopping for jeans, stop by Gap to see the latest collection of blue jeans for all figures.   Being conveniently located is a great asset of the community, making it easy to stop by for a little pampering day or night.

The Fun Benefits of Dancing

We’ve all watched the changes celebrities have gone through on the show “Dancing with the Stars”.  I know I’ve watched and thought about taking classes, just so I could get those toned legs and abs.   Plus despite the challenges it looks fun!  Fortunately, we can all get the benefits of dancing without overworking ourselves.

Did you know when you practice Latin or hip hop dancing you’re doing squats and lunges without even realizing it?  You’re also doing a great cardio workout, boosting your heart and lungs.  Dancing is a fun, overall workout but it’s something we can all do throughout our entire life.  Unlike certain exercises that are tougher on the joints, dancing can strengthen your hips and knees.

If you’re interested in getting into a class, consider a visit Columbus Dance Centre in Gahanna.  It’s about a 20 minute drive from Polaris Crossing Apartments, making it an easy commute for a life long workout!  To learn more about the benefits of dance, read the full article at Jersey App.

Community Pool Party!

We’re excited about our upcoming pool party on Saturday, August 21st from 4-8pm.  Join us at Polaris Crossing Apartments, near Polaris Fashion Center, for a fun afternoon of live DJ music, food and prize giveaways.  AT & T, Chipotle and Papa John’s are sponsoring the event.  Join us for a fun-filled afternoon!

A Little Bit of George, A Little Bit of Reba

George Strait and Reba McEntire have been entertaining country music fans for years now.  Both award winning artists invite you into their world with a soulful, singer songwriter style.   On Thursday, September 9th, 2010 both George and Reba will delight and entertain fans at the Nationwide Arena.  Residents of Polaris Crossing Apartments and the greater Columbus area can purchase tickets from Ticketmaster and great seats are still available.   For a hearty meal before the show, stop by The Spaghetti Warehouse on Broad Street.  Everything is conveniently located downtown on the 71, approximately 25 minutes south of the Polaris Fashion Shopping Center.  While you wait for the concert, enjoy this video of George Strait.

Who Will Take the Title This Year?

According to predictions, the Cincinnati Bengals should repeat as the AFC North Champions in 2010.  However, the Cleveland Browns are expected to look better this year, so who will actually take the title?  To play fair, since Westerville is centrally located between both teams, I decided I would remain neutral.

In the spirit of football season, here are the August schedules for BOTH teams.  If you have your own predictions I’d love to hear them!

CLEVELAND BROWNS:

8/14 AWAY @ Green Bay Packers

8/21 HOME with Saint Louis Rams

8/28 AWAY @ Detroit Lions

CINCINNATI BEGALS:

8/15 Denver Broncos

8/20 Philadelphia Eagles

8/28 AWAY @ Buffalo Bills

To read more in depth on 2010 NFL predictions visit ESPN.

Benefits of Oxygen Bars

Have you been to the new O2 bar in town, O2 Heaven?  It’s receiving a lot of press lately and people are enjoying incredible benefits from the oxygen bar.  Many people report increased alertness and concentration.  However, did you know it also helps fight aging of the skin, strengthens your heart and improves digestion?

NBC Columbus did a story on the local Westerville bar that is the only one in the Columbus area.   The owner decided to open O2 Heaven after experiencing the benefits at an oxygen bar in Las Vegas.  His full service bar serves 90% oxygen mixed with various aroma therapies like peppermint, coconut and spiced apple.  He charges $1. per minute with a 10 minute minimum. The oxygen bar is located downtown on South State Street, approximately 10 minutes from Polaris Crossing Apartments.

You can learn more about the benefits and facts about O2 bars here.  Or watch this video regarding the benefits and aroma therapy.

Go Wild at Blendon Woods Park

Not far from Polaris Crossing Apartments is Blendon Woods Park.  It’s a 653 acre park with a large waterfowl refuge in the middle.  There are two elevated observation decks with scopes for viewing the more than 220 species of birds at the refuge.

If hiking is your thing, enjoy the eight trails, ranging from short paved to a 2 mile wooded trail that’s great for snowshoeing in the winter.  The park also offers a pet trail so bring your dog and get exercising together!   And if you can make it out on Wednesday evenings, enjoy a live reptile show with Jasper and Coyote.    They provide fun, adventure and education at 6pm Wednesdays throughout the month of August.

Get Motivated and Run With the Club

I know it’s hard to sometimes get up and get motivated to start running.  I remember how it felt when I decided to start running again; something I hadn’t done in years.  I was so excited about how fit and healthy I’d be again.  In fact, I was so motivated, I purchased new running shoes and clothes.  After all I wanted to be comfortable and look the part.

Well, few weeks into it I hit a motivation wall, forcing myself to continue running.  I’d be fine after I hit my first mile but every time I’d feel I was dragging myself out there kicking and screaming.  Then I came across some motivational tips from Couch to 5K that seemed to help.    Here are a couple of them:

1. Keep a log and set goals for yourself.  It helps to see how you’ve progressed, even in one week.

2. Reward yourself for your accomplishments.  Treating yourself once a week or once a month is a great motivator.

Another thing I found that was helpful was joining a running/jogging club.  The social aspect of it helps keep you excited and motivated to get out and meet your goals.  Luckily there are several in the Westerville area.  The closest one is Club Run Wild.  They meet every Saturday at Sharon Woods Park in the Maple Grove Picnic Area, 8am.    Another good one is the Columbus Running Company which meets every Sunday morning, 8am, outside their Westerville store.   They participate in races throughout the year in the Columbus area.   Good luck and let me know what motivates you to keep running!

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