Lisa Johnson

National Popcorn Poppin’ Month

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Boomchickapop popcorn truck in Quincy

Earlier this evening, I went to Stop & Shop to quickly pick-up a few groceries. As I was parking my car (add the Boston accent if you like), I spotted this pink and purple truck and took a picture. I walked into the store and they were handing out free bags of popcorn, so of course I took a couple.

According to The Popcorn Board, October is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month. Until a few minutes ago, I didn’t know there was a Popcorn Board never mind that that this is the official month of popcorn poppin’.

The Boom Tour is in the Boston area right now and I just happened to walk smack into it. A Huffington Post article says that Angie Bastian started her business, BOOMCHICKAPOP, because she was trying to make some extra money to put toward her children’s college funds. She and her husband Dan turned it into a $50 million dollar business and their products are sold in all fifty states and Canada.

Looks like the kids won’t be needing student loans!

Google Doodle: National Batik Day 2014

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National Batik DayDid you know that today, October 2nd, is a national holiday celebrating batik? It is! In Indonesia.

I’ve been a fan of Google Doodles for a while and often blog about them. Usually I blog about the Google Doodles that we see here in the United States. But depending upon where you are searching from, the Doodle will be different.

According the Doodle page for National Batik Day, it sounds like a fun day.

Today’s a day of fashion for Indonesians everywhere as they mark National Batik Day. “Batik” is a traditional Indonesian cloth that has roots in the country’s historical artwork. In celebration of their culture, Indonesians dress head-to-toe in “Batik” for the holiday.

There are different cultural events going on this month to celebrate this textile that is important to not only the history of Indonesia, but also for commerce.

I’m trying to think of something similar that we have here in the United States, but I’m drawing a blank. Can you think of a similar American holiday?

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Photo Credit: Google Doodle

A Feeling of Fall at Houghton’s Pond

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Houghton's Pond

Last Sunday, a friend and I took what now seems to be our annual hike at Houghton’s Pond. The pond probably looks larger than it is. We walked around it twice, at a leisurely pace, stopping along the way to talk and take pictures. It took us about an hour and a half to walk a little more than two miles.

The picture that I posted on Monday for the weekly quote was taken that day as well. It was nice to catch up, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. The day was hot, humid and in the upper 80s.  A real treat for this time of year!

But the red, yellow and orange trees betrayed the real season. The fall colors are bright right now and seemed to happen in just a few days. If you’re looking to visit Massachusetts to do some leaf peeping, Houghton’s Pond is a wonderful place!

Enjoy the view!

Favorite Recipes in New England

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new england mapRecently I saw an article in Parade where the favorite recipes of each state were revealed. At least according to Pinterest. I was particularly interested in the New England region and thought that you might be too.

I created a Pinterest Board to get the visual and was rather surprised by the results. Not what I would have imagined. I would have expected some seafood in at least one of the states.  You just never know.

Are you surprised too?

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Photo Credit: Original image found at Discover New England