Allison Linden
Allison Linden is an Alabama native who moved to the Midlands in 2011 with her now husband, Darin. Allison and Darin currently live in Red Bank with their children - Vivian and Henry. Allison has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and obtained her MBA in May 2019, while almost 8 months pregnant with Vivian. She has worked for a retail energy company since 2013 and began working from home during the pandemic. Her husband became a house spouse after the birth of Vivian to allow Allison to pursue her career goals. Balancing working at home with a baby and a preschooler has been a challenge, but she has thoroughly enjoyed watching her children grow up. Allison enjoys taking her children to Edventure, Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens (the garden is way cooler than people give it credit for), local parks, the library, gymnastics, and dance class. When she is not working or momming, Allison enjoys exercising, binging true crime shows on Max, and occasionally having dinner and drinks with friends. Likes: Vacations, concerts, stand-up comedy, nice restaurants, bacon, juicy gossip. Hates: Yard work, driving, pants without an elastic waistband (hard pants), running.
Columbia Mom EATS :: Bodhi
A few weeks ago, I celebrated the 20th anniversary of my 21st birthday. I have some wonderful friends who asked me how I wanted to celebrate. My answer? "Go to a nice restaurant and...
Two Easy Halloween Crafts for Kids
My four-year-old LOVES Halloween. She has been practicing "Trick-or-Treat" the entire month of October by knocking on various doors in our house while holding her pumpkin bucket. She loves the costumes, the movies, and...
Is Montessori School Right for Your Child?
My husband and I toured traditional, church, and Montessori preschools when we decided it was time for our daughter to start school. They all seemed like fine choices, but we ultimately decided on a...
4 Local Activities for Your Little Ones Who Are Not Yet in School
With school starting this month, my child's status as a stay-at-home child will come to an end. She will be starting preschool for the first time. Up until now, I have had the good...
5 Products to Make Breastfeeding Easier
Breastfeeding is a job. It consumes anywhere between two to six hours of your day, depending on the age of your child, whether you're pumping or nursing, and other factors. This time doesn't even...
Columbia Mom EATS :: Flight Deck
Your four year old nephew is in town to hang out with your three year old daughter. The kids have been cooped up inside all day while you and your sister work from your...
Why My Husband Chose to Be a Stay-At-Home Dad
When my husband and I first started talking about having children, he told me that it was very important to him that they spend their first few years at home with a parent instead...
Columbia Parks & Playgrounds :: Guignard Park
My daughter always gets excited when we take a trip to the playground. Some of our local favorites include Carraway Park, Felton C. Benton Park, and Virginia Hylton Park. We've recently started to branch...
The Curse of the Invisible Trash Can
Many, many years ago, the members of my household were placed under a terrible curse. You see, no one in my family can see the trash can. It is completely invisible to them. It...
7 Signs You Are Living With a Newborn
My husband and I recently welcomed our son into the world. Although he is our second child, we are still having a bit of a rocky adjustment. I remember the crying, feeling tired, the...
Columbia Mom Eats :: O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe
Downtown Lexington is home to Icehouse Amphitheater, several local shops, and many fantastic places to eat, including O'Hara's Bakery Cafe.
O'Hara's Bakery Cafe is one of the few local places where you can start your...
Columbia Mom’s Clutter-Free Christmas Gift List
In recent years, social media has been abuzz with the concept of "clutter-free gifts." Clutter-free gifts refers to presents that give the recipient something to do instead of a material possession. These gifts are...
Columbia Parks & Playgrounds :: Felton C. Benton Park
Springdale in the near the West Columbia area located between downtown Columbia and the Columbia Metropolitan Airport. The area is home to many families and one of our favorite playgrounds, Felton C. Benton Park....
2 Easy Fall Cake Recipes for Moms Who Don’t Really Bake
I have a confession to make. I hate baking. I don't own a stand mixer, pastry bag, or even a whole set of round cake pans.
The thing is, I have a daughter now who...