Elaine Whitesides

About Elaine Whitesides

Elaine is a former teacher who is interested in many things from cooking, gardening and sewing to the arts and education to auto racing and business. She feeds her curiosity through her writing company, Whitesides Words. A suburban Chicago transplant, she and her husband have appreciated the feel of quiet country living in Hendricks County since 2009.
Author Archive | Elaine Whitesides

Enjoy Some Winter Fun at Natural Valley Ranch

By on January 28, 2013 in attractions, Brownsburg, family, recreation

If you think the winter boxes you in and relegates activities to only those you can enjoy hearthside, I have news for you. Grab those warm winter wraps and picture yourself atop a fine steed enjoying the brisk air and snow-laden forest – seeking a glimpse of Bambi skittering through the woods at Natural Valley [...]

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Catch Art Fever During Classes at Finer Things

By on January 19, 2013 in arts & culture, Brownsburg, girlfriend getaways, rural routes to main street

There was a lot of chatter and laughter, but that was in between moments of real concentration. Janis Brunner was leading a class all about “Yoga for the Mind” through an art technique called Zentangle at Finer Things in Brownsburg, Indiana. With markers in hand and lots of examples of “doodles,” everyone in the class [...]

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New Cultural Trail Site: Sheep Street Fibers Provides Authentic Experience

By on January 18, 2013 in arts & culture, family, girlfriend getaways, history & education, rural routes to main street, shopping

For this Illinois flatland girl, going over the hill and through the dale to Sheep Street Fibers was a delightful excursion! That’s because to arrive at this new addition to the Rural Routes to Main Street Cultural Trail, you truly get to experience the hills, curves and rural ambiance of Morgan County. Just when you [...]

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Eat Healthy, Savor Flavors at Mediterranean Grill

By on January 11, 2013 in Avon, dining

January is the time when we all make resolutions to eat healthier, exercise more and weigh less. One of the diets physicians and health experts suggest is the Mediterranean Diet.  An article from the Mayo Clinic says that a “Mediterranean Diet incorporates the basics of healthy eating with perhaps a splash of olive oil and [...]

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Give Sweets to your Sweeties for the Holidays

By on December 19, 2012 in Danville, holidays, holly's holiday tips, rural routes to main street, shopping

Add a little something extra to your dessert tables this holiday, and no, I’m not talking about glitter or lights. I’m talking about a few delectable candies and confections. Those little bite-size sweets that melt in your mouth and make you say, “Aahhh.” Pamela Powell-Warden at Confection Delights in Danville, Indiana, can help you find [...]

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Personalize that Christmas Present with a Custom Gift Basket from Carla’s

By on December 4, 2012 in Danville, holidays, holly's holiday tips, rural routes to main street, shopping

Ready for another stop on the Hendricks County holiday Cookie Recipe Trail? This one is at Carla’s Creations & Gifts on the south side of the Hendricks County Courthouse Square in Danville, Indiana. If you are looking for that holiday cookie that will be one of the favorites for years to come, this is where [...]

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Capture holiday pet portraits at Frazee Gardens, Dec. 8

By on December 3, 2012 in arts & culture, Brownsburg, events, family, holidays, rural routes to main street

If you are on Facebook, you know the power of pet pictures. They make us laugh, they make us cry and they sometimes even put life back into the proper perspective. There are some pets that are just naturals – or hams (no, I don’t mean real bovines, although…never mind, we won’t go there…). However [...]

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Welcome the holidays at Christmas Under the Stars in Brownsburg, IN

By on November 21, 2012 in Brownsburg, events, family, holidays

Brownsburg, Indiana, brings in the holiday season in a very special way. Since 2007, the town has held a special evening starting with a parade under the stars of the winter sky. It isn’t the usual ordinary start to the holiday season seen in most communities, but makes for a wonderful change. The Christmas Under [...]

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Angel of Hope

Angel of Hope, Dec. 6 vigil provide comfort [VIDEO]

By on November 20, 2012 in Avon, events

Everyone who lives in Hendricks County knows this community is a unique place, and everyone has their own reasons for believing that. One reason I have discovered that illustrates what makes Hendricks County special is that it is home to the 93rd Angel of Hope statue placed in America. The Angel of Hope began with the [...]

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Find treasures at new Thrifty Gypsy in Brownsburg [DISCOUNT]

By on November 3, 2012 in Brownsburg, shopping

Oohh, you just don’t know how excited I am about the Thrifty Gypsy opening in Brownsburg, IN. The owners say it is the place for “New and Second Hand Treasures.” I think that with new items as well as handmade items, it’s more than a resale shop, although you might just find some treasures that [...]

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