Whether it’s the casual atmosphere, breathtaking views, refreshing cocktails, or the good vibe crowd, SWC is THE place to be.
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits.
As I step into my inaugural issue, what better way to do so than with a celebration of our children and pets? Children are the light in our lives and an important part of our city. The joy that they give our families and the significant impact they make on their communities are not only memorable but impactful. Their innocence, curiosity, and boundless potential have the power to shape the world in ways we can only imagine. Kids represent our hardest work and greatest investment, and we are happy to highlight the best for [our city’s] kids in this issue.
Secondarily, who could forget pets? Their loyal companionship and unfailing love is a bond that all should experience. Pets provide us with the opportunity to learn, grow and develop essential life skills in a nurturing environment. And who could ignore the bond between kids and their furry or feathery friends? The bond is often deep and meaningful, fostering qualities like empathy, responsibility, and companionship.
I will never forget when my family adopted our French bulldog, Oakley. From the moment we saw her, we were in love. She’s been the best companion, dinner mate, and protector against all delivery services for two years. From the time we wake up, until the time we go to sleep, she’s right there with us. I hope this short story provides a chance to show some extra love to your pets this week.
Although children are of infinitely more value, what children and pets share in common is that they need us. Our care, attention, and intention shape how they are raised and who they become. We hope this issue inspires you to pour a little extra into the children and pets in your life this month.
August 2023
PUBLISHER
Taylor Lane | taylor.lane@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Angela Broockerd, Bailey Morris, Leann Parker
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Janie Jones, Leann Parker
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson
TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein
CONTROLLER Gary Johnson
TAYLOR LANE, PUBLISHER
@CHARLESTONCITYLIFESTYLE
AD DESIGNER Hunter Richie
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
In the moments between fishing in our pond and swimming in the pool, our family will celebrate birthdays and have outdoor parties. True to form, I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way. My beach ball garland is a spin-off of the traditional balloon garland. Everyone uses balloon garlands… so let’s make one out of beach balls instead! Everyone serves a birthday cake… how about one carved out of a watermelon for a crazy twist?? I hope you join me in the making of these fun additions to a party!
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY LEANN PARKERHave you ever noticed that when blown up, beach balls have a little plastic loop that forms where they are blown up and sealed? It makes for the perfect place to string twine through and use as an outdoor “balloon” garland! String it up, add some extra beach balls to the pool or yard and you have all the party decorations you need!
• 2 packs of assorted sized beach balls (assorted 20”, 16” and 12” for a total of 36)
• 1 pack of mini beach balls (5” sized, total of 25)
• Thin rope or twine
• Air pump
1. Using an air pump, blow up all the beach balls... It takes a while!
2. Arrange inflated beach balls in a line on the ground, alternating sizes as you go.
3. Starting on one end, thread your string or twine through the blow loop of each beach ball until you reach the end.
4. Tie each end of your beach ball garland to a post or tack to a wall.
A cake that you could eat for breakfast! Made only of fruit and (if you want to go real crazy) some fresh mint and whipped cream too. A few years ago we started making watermelon cakes for our summer birthday celebrations due to one of our little ones suffering from food allergies. In order to make a cake that even she could enjoy, the watermelon cake was born in our lives. Even if you don’t have family or guests with food allergies, this cake is a thriller and loved by all!
• 2 large watermelons
• Assortment of berries and fruit
• 4 wooden skewers
• Toothpicks
• Whipped cream (optional)
• Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
1. Prep both watermelons by cutting off the rinds and sculpting to create a cylinder shape with a flat top and bottom. Make the bottom cylinder bigger and the top cylinder slightly smaller.
2. Stack your smaller watermelon on top of the larger using wooden skewers to support the center.
3. Use assorted berries and fruit to decorate the outside of your watermelon cake. For the sides of the cake, use toothpicks to help the berries stay in place.
4. Serve alone or with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.
“I love creating something traditional in an untraditional way.”
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
This adorable outdoor play space is not only easy and inexpensive to build, but it is full of charm and the perfect spot for the kids to play and lounge. The A-frame structure is easily customizable to any style and color scheme desired. Leave the wood bare, or add flare with paint or stain. An outdoor clubhouse provides a space that allows kids
to make it their own and to let their imaginations run wild spending time outdoors.
For this project, we visited our local hardware store to get all the necessary supplies we needed. The deck is an 8 x 10 decking so there is no need to cut down the length of any boards and pressure treated wood was used. First, dig holes CONTINUED >
18 inches down to put the footers, which is a 4 x 4 x 8 treated post, and cut those into two foot lengths. Next, pour quick set concrete in the holes. Add water, and set the posts in and let it dry. We used lag screws to attach the base 2 x 10’s to the corner posts, and then 2 x 6’s for the joists with metal hangers. Now time to put on the decking boards with exterior screws. Don’t forget to constantly check with a level. Once the decking is finished, now it is time for the fun!
For the A frame you need a 60-degree angle at the top of the A, and a 30-degree angle at the bottom. You can run a 4 x 4 along the decking to attach the A frame to which adds a bit of height so adults can stand in it as well. Use heavy duty exterior screws to attach the A frame 2 x 4’s to the structure. The top of the A comes together and is held by exterior screws. For the roofing, we used 8-foot corrugated clear panels and screwed those into the A frame for a weather protecting cover. We left three feet uncovered so a chair and some pots with herbs and flowers could be added to the entrance. Decorate with outdoor pillows, a children’s table, outdoor rug and hanging flower pots to make it feel like a special place for kids to go. If entertaining friends, a few simple charcuterie boards are always a hit.
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VentureSouth is a network of angel investors that focuses on providing funding and support to early-stage companies in the Southeast. Potential benefits of membership:
Access to a network of experienced and successful entrepreneurs and investors who can provide guidance and mentorship.
Opportunities to learn about and potentially invest in promising startups in the Southeast region. The chance to participate in the due diligence process and help shape the investment decisions of the group. The opportunity to build relationships with other members and learn from their experiences.
The potential to earn financial returns on successful investments.
It's worth noting that membership in VentureSouth may not be right for everyone, and it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and rewards of angel investing before making any investments.
Chickens have become increasingly popular as pets in both suburban and urban areas during the last 20 years. Backyard chickens may seem to be an unsuspecting animal to keep as a pet but the tried and true egg producers are back in fashion as food costs are soaring and families are looking for more food independence in light of recent supply chain shortages. There’s a lot to like about raising chickens in your backyard. Surprisingly, chickens are relatively low maintenance. And bonus – unlike dogs, they don’t need to be bathed or groomed, and they don’t shed on your clothes or require training. Oh and bonus – they make you breakfast.
The eggs from backyard chickens are the best—tastier and fresher than any store-bought eggs. Much of the day, the birds entertain themselves, picking at grass, worms, beetles, and all of the good things that go into making those delicious farm eggs. Plus, with their keen eye for insect pests, chickens make for great gardening companions.
Chickens can provide family companionship, fun, entertainment, sustainable fresh food, and plenty of poop that gardeners prize as a natural fertilizer/composting material. Could backyard chickens be the perfect pet/producer to add to your home?
First, check local town ordinances to ensure that keeping chickens is even allowed in your neighborhood or if there is a limit to the number of chickens you can keep at once.
Make sure you have the space for a henhouse or a full-size chicken coop. It has to hold a feeder and water containers, a roosting area, and a nest box for every three hens. A proper coop should be large enough that you can stand in it to gather eggs and shovel manure comfortably, but a simple hen house can be quite a bit smaller. Plus, any housing must be sturdy enough to keep your chickens safe from all the predators out there. Gorgeous coops are aplenty on places like Pinterest if you’re building your own, but many pre-made options are available through various farm supply stores as well.
Chickens need food and water daily. Feed is about $20 per 50-pound bag, but prices vary depending on your location and the quality of the feed. How long a bag lasts depends on the number of chickens you have.
Hens will lay eggs through Spring and Summer and into the Fall, as long as they have 12 to 14 hours of daylight. Expect to collect eggs daily, or even twice a day.
Chickens are sociable creatures, so plan to keep three to six birds at least. With this amount, you’ll always have a steady supply of eggs, since an adult hen lays about two eggs every three days, on average. Local ordinances also dictate how many chickens one household can keep.
All of this costs money, of course. The materials to build and furnish a coop and a 20 x 5-foot run—including wood, fencing, and hardware—are going to set you back at least $300. If you can’t do this work yourself, you’ll also be buying skilled labor.
Overall, expect to spend between $500 and $700 when getting started depending on the size of your flock, coop and run. For prefabricated coops, expect to pay $600 or more.
Chickens need to have an enclosed coop that provides adequate space, protection from the elements and predators, and good ventilation. A modified shed, barn, or stable with an outdoor run is a good option for a coop. The outdoor run should be fully enclosed if you have predators like hawks or owls nearby. Ideally, coops are slightly elevated off the ground to prevent flooding and have windows on each side, enough nest boxes to allow several chickens to nest simultaneously, outlets for lighting, fans if they’re needed, air inlets or ventilation holes on the roof, and a concrete floor treated with a pet-safe waterproof coating that allows for easy cleaning and drainage.
Search Pinterest for “chicken coop building plans” if you’re building your own or consider going the luxury route with a gorgeous custom-built coop from a company like CutestCoops.com .
Most hens will start laying eggs when they’re about 18 to 20 weeks old, although it may take more time for them to reach their peak output. Often, the first eggs are laid irregularly or are smaller or oddly shaped when compared with a typical egg. This is nothing to worry about! Once a cycle is established, most hens will lay one egg per day.
Try these simple and healthy homemade treats for your furry friends. Not only are they easy to make, they are nutritious and seemingly delicious.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
|
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Ingredients:
• 2/3 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/2 cups flour
(whole wheat preferred)
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees and line baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, mix all ingredients except flour and blend well. Gradually add the flour until the dough isn’t sticky. Roll dough into a ball. Lightly flour your surface and lightly kneed. Use a rolling pin to roll dough to ¼-inch thickness. Use cookie cutters and place dough on baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Drizzle with peanut butter (optional).
Ingredients:
• 1 cup pumpkin puree
• 1/4 to 1/3 cup peanut butter
• 1/4 cup milk or half and half
• 3 cups oatmeal
Directions:
In a bowl, mix pumpkin puree, peanut butter and milk on medium for 1 minute. Gradually add 2 1/2 cups oatmeal and stir. Use a small scoop or spoon to create 1/4 inch balls. Roll balls into remaining 1/2 cup oats to lightly top. Place into a closed container and refrigerate.
Ingredients:
• 1 egg
• 4 tablespoons peanut butter
• 1/2 cup apple, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a ramekin and set aside. Combine all ingredients and mix well. Pour batter into ramekin and sprinkle a few apple slices on top. Bake for 20 minutes.
Our family had so much fun creating this At-Home Movie Theater party for our son Ezra’s 8th birthday. All you need is a projector and an outdoor space, but I wanted to jazz it up just a little bit more.
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY LEANN PARKER
I created a ticket booth and concession stand for a full movie theater experience to ensure that our movie night felt like our guests were actually going to a movie theater and not just our house. In attempt to achieve that, we set up a ticket booth at the front door using our kids old puppet theater.
Materials:
• Tickets
• Ticket Booth (optional)
Before entering our theater (aka our backyard), I set up a shadow box for guests to place their entry ticket.
I love displaying food in a creative way at our parties. I made this simple DIY Popcorn Display Wall as a statement piece in our concession stand. We have also used it in many other ways for other parties such as a donut wall, bagel wall, pretzel wall and more. You can easily recreate your own for your next party.
Materials:
• Pegboard. I chose the 4ft square size at Lowes for $10 and spray painted it white.
• Frame (optional). I bought two 1x4’s for $5 each, cut 2 pieces 4ft long and 2 pieces 3.5ft long, stained minwax walnut, attached to pegboard with screws through the back.
• Twine to string popcorn bags. Or, if you’re using the pegboard display for donuts, bagels or pretzels then use golf tees hot glued into holes from behind!
• Clothes pins to hang popcorn bags.
• Popcorn bags
My daughter handed out tickets for guests to use to “purchase” their popcorn, candy and drinks at the concession stand.
Materials:
• Popcorn Machine (optional)
• Popcorn
• Popcorn flavors for guests to get creative!
• Candy - Use boxes rather than bags for movie theater vibes!
• Soda - Use bottles rather than cans
• Napkins
• Cupcake toppers & Plates (if its a birthday celebration)
• Reused boxes and spray painted them white for guests to easily carry their snacks
I cut out red stars (from foam sheets) and stuck them to the floor (with adhesive putty) to lead guest through the house to the concession stand and back outside to where our movie was going to take place.
Finally, our guests could choose their seating on chairs or blankets around our yard. I also set up a little bug-spray table for people to grab as needed. Dramatic play, even as an adult, is so much fun! Who says staying home can’t be just as entertaining?
I hope you have as much fun at your party as we did! I’d love if you tagged me @silvertoothfarmhome so I can see your At-Home Movie Theater too!! In reflecting on the party, my son said that “the best part of the night was eating candy with my friends.” After all, people are what matter most!
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A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.
SATURDAYS
Charleston Farmers Market
329 MEETING ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29403
Shop local at the Charleston Farmers Market every Saturday now thru November 2023. Enjoy locally crafted home goods and fresh local fruits and vegetable vendors. charlestonfarmersmarket.com/
AUGUST 4TH
ArtWalk
175 CHURCH ST, CHARLESTON, SC 29401 | 5:00 PM
Join CGA every first Friday of the month for the first Friday Artwalk, get a chance to preview local art and explore local galleries. For more information please visit charlestongalleryassociation.com/artwalk
AUGUST 12TH
CHARLESTON MARRIOTT - 170 LOCKWOOD BOULEVARD CRYSTAL BALLROOM CHARLESTON, SC 29403 | 6:00 PM
Calling all fashionistas. Join Xpozure Modeling, Xpozure Media & NYC Live! at the “A Summer Night of Fashion” Showcase for a fun night out. Guests enjoy 12 designer showcases, swag bags, pop-up shop, and after party. Get more information and tickets at asummernightoffashionshowcase-august12th2023.eventbrite.com
in closed sales (thru 6/30/2023)
(843) 442-6534 | RobertsonAllen.com
$83,375,001 average sales price (in 2023)
Robertson Allen REALTOR ® Broker-in-Charge, Founding Partner of The Cassina Group
$5,379,032
4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,540 SF | $2,500,000
With sweeping views of the Intracoastal Waterway, a private dock, and numerous outdoor living spaces, this spacious Awendaw home epitomizes Lowcountry living at its finest.
4 BEDS | 6.5 BATHS | 6,869 SF | $8,750,000
This magnificent South of Broad gem beautifully blends rich heritage with modern luxury. Enjoy the spacious interior, adorned with preserved historic details, upscale finishes, an abundance of natural light and a private pool.
9 BEDS | 7/2 BATHS | 5,620 SF | $4,500,000
Welcome to Salty Oak Farm-a unique opportunity in the heart of McClellanville with limitless potential. It consists of an event rental venue (Salty Oak Farm), a working farm, and two luxury residential farmhouses.
4 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 3,216 SF | $2,850,000
Located in the heart of the Old Village, this stately brick home offers a private location with views of the Charleston Harbor, a private pool, traditional living spaces, a flowing floor plan, and upscale finishes throughout its two floors.
3 BEDS | 3.5 BATHS | 2,151 SF | $3,450,000
Located South of Broad, this stunning home boasts uninterrupted views of The Battery and Charleston Harbor, while being within walking distance to worldclass restaurants, shops, parks, galleries & museums.
906
4 BEDS | 3 .5 BATHS | 3,646 SF | $4,495,000
Magnificent Sullivan’s Island property that boasts unparalleled quality and luxurious living. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Intracoastal Waterway, multiple outdoor living spaces, an open floor, great natural light & more.
