Culture From The PinHibited Cook

Here in the Midwest/lower Great Lakes region, Winter can be a mixed bag of "fun."  Some days you get rain, others you get snow or cold, and still others are sunny and t-shirt weather.  You just never know what to make of the weather around here!  When it's nasty outside, I like to stay inspired by reading a book or watching a show.  That is just what I did today whilst eating the yummy Blueberry Jam Muffins I made this morning for breakfast (though the blog about THAT is pending due to a tech...
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(Note: since the time of first writing this, the IMS has upped their game with more and more lights each Christmas season, making it well worth the drive through the Speedway- 2020).

This year, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway had a really neat drive-through light show display for Christmas.  It was definitely something worth going to see, especially for us track-lovers!  We thoroughly enjoyed the impressive display of lights as we circled around the entire length of the track.  While it w...
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Last year, we participated in a fun toy drive by partnering with a local organization in our city - and this year, we are doing it again!  Today kicks off the 2016 Child Advocates Inc. toy drive for foster kids!  Let the collections begin http://bit.ly/2ee99Dt

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To this day, the hubby and I talk about how much fun we had in exploring the city of San Francisco on our honeymoon, and ever since, we have found ways to incorporate its culture into our home.  We enjoy an eclectic mix of posters, nick-knacks, and other design elements in our surroundings. 

One such recent find was this jigsaw puzzle I bought from Half Price books!  It was a kit containing the puzzle, a frame, glue, and a double-sided backing, so that I could put this on display.


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I'm a bookworm, through and through.  If given the time, I can pore through a good novel from start to finish in one sitting.  But it's not always practical with my family life!  Even so, I make the time to read plenty during my free time.  I have a whole slew of favorite authors, thanks to my OCD tendencies that led me to make a lofty goal of reading new authors from A-Z by looking through the library's selection.  That was about 3 years ago.  Since then, I have gained a whole new appreciati...
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When it comes to stocking up the fridge, freezer, and pantry, there are so many factors in determining brand value, taste, and price.  Where you shop says a lot about you.  Are you health-conscious?  Do you have special dietary needs?  Is your budget stretched to its limit?  Do you want to save time and gas?

Let's talk about grocery stores for a minute.  In the US alone, there are over 37,716 grocery stores in existence (according to latest statistics from The FMI in 2014).  And then you throw...
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I have so many memories of watching Julia Child's show on PBS when I was a kid.  During the holidays, the movie Julie and Julia starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams was on tv, and having seen it once before, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to watch it again!  The movie is also one of the reasons for this site (though with much more laid-back goals!!).

Truly, the movie does such a good job of recounting the life of Julia Child, and Meryl Streep was phenominal in her portrayal of her.  It make...
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