Allison McCleary
Allison escaped the frozen tundra of Minnesota for the sunshine and beaches of Charleston in 2014. She lives on James Island with her husband, two little boys and new puppy! They love exploring Charleston, camping and making memories at home. She works as a part-time marketing consultant from home and is currently working on her MBA.
Oh, the Places We Used to Go (in Summer)
Maybe it’s the summertime that makes me so nostalgic. Summer used to be our time.
We spent so many summer days together, sweaty and messy, doing anything and everything to help pass the time. I...
French-Inspired, Kid-Friendly Olympic Food for the Opening Ceremony
The Olympics are almost here! In honor of the Olympics in Paris, kick off the summer games as a family with this French-inspired, kid-friendly Olympic food for your dinner menu -- perfect for snacking...
Summer First Aid for Dummies
*This article was originally published in 2018 and updated in June 2024.
First of all, you aren’t the dummy. I’m the dummy.
After my toddler had his third skinned knee in a period of two weeks,...
James Island and Folly Beach Park Guide
For a little sea island, James Island is full of a bunch of great parks for kids of all ages! Check out my list of our favorite parks on James Island and Folly Beach!...
8 Date Ideas on James Island
There are a million things I love about living on James Island. At the top of my list? The fact that you rarely need to leave! Everything we need is on James Island (minus...
Just a Normal Mom Wanting A Comfortable Bra (A Crowd-sourced List!)
You aren’t pregnant. You aren’t breastfeeding. You’re done having kids (for now at least). But you also aren’t 22 anymore. What the heck kind of (comfortable) bra are you supposed to wear?
This question was...
3 Ways to Strengthen Long-Distance Friendships
I heard the phrase “you can’t make old friends” a couple of years ago, and it really stuck with me. The friends that you have from elementary school, high school, college . . ....
7 Date Ideas on Folly Beach
Who doesn’t want to go on a date at the beach? We are so lucky to live in Charleston and have such quick access to the beach. Take advantage of it and hit the...
10 Summer Salads You Are Actually Going to Want to Eat
I like my salads light on the iceberg lettuce and heavy on the "good stuff." Think hearty greens, textured grains, healthy (but delicious) toppings, and easy, homemade dressing that is bursting with flavor. These...
The Unhinged Game of Summer Camp Sign-Up
It’s 11:59 p.m. and summer camp registration opens at midnight. I’ve got multiple tabs open on my laptop, the camp codes are written down on the notepad next to me and I’m staring at...