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Patch Picks

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Patch Picks: Best Fall Pumpkin Recipes

Pumpkin season is upon us.

Halloween has passed, but autumn's favorite orange orb is still going strong as an item worthy of the plate, bowl and belly. From soup, to main course to dessert, pumpkin is a colorful and versatile ingredient... especially when you want to go the quick-and-easy route (read: canned pumpkin). Here are some picks for favorite pumpkin recipes: 1. Pumpkin soup. Perfect for the cold weather, and a little lighter without using cream. This is from allrecipes.com. 4 Macintosh apples - peeled, cored and chopped 1 tablespoon butter 1 onion, finely chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 tablespoon curry powder 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 4 cups chicken broth 1 cup water 1 teaspoon white sugar Melt butter in a large saucepan …

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Patch Picks: Best Halloween Candy Alternatives

Don't want to give out candy? Check out some other ideas.

Tired of giving out the same fun-sized bags of candy on Halloween? Looking for a perhaps healthier or non-food idea to hand out on the upcoming holiday? Patch Picks today provides some ideas, a week ahead of the Oct. 31 holiday. I'll start with a disclaimer that I'm not to be blamed if your house gets egged or toilet papered by little ghouls or goblins whose sweet tooth you angered by handing out pencils or raisins. That said, you might be looking for some Halloween candy alternatives. Here's some inspiration: Most of these items can be found at Sudbury Farms, Shaws, Rite Aid or other local stores. Plus, your kids can stock up on eggs and toilet paper while you're forgoing the candy aisle (we're kidding, of course). Do you have other non-…

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Patch Picks: Where to Pick a Pumpkin

Pumpkin season has arrived.

Whether you're looking for the perfect pumpkin to carve, decorate your home with or whip up into a pie, this week's Patch Picks selections have got plenty of bright orange orbs for you to choose from. 1. Mainstone Farm Address: 103 Old Connecticut Path, Wayland The buzz: Mainstone has a pumpkin patch, or you can buy a pre-picked pumpkin. The farm stand also offers fresh veggies and meat. 2. Pickard Farm Address: 160 Great Road, Littleton Phone: 978-486-4141 The buzz: Pick your own pumpkin right off the vine. The Pickard Farm pumpkin patch is near Kimball Farm Ice Cream Stand and Witch's Woods. 3. Hanson's Farm Address: 20 Nixon Road, Framingham The buzz: Hanson's Farm offers a large crop of pumpkins and gourdes, Native corn and corn stocks…

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Patch Picks: Where to Buy Fall Cleanup Supplies

Leaf bags, rakes, wheelbarrows and more.

It's that time of the year — time to haul out the rakes, wheelbarrows and leaf bags. Time to tend to your lawn before the snow comes. Or time to knock out that yard or garden project you've been meaning to do. Below are some options on where to stock up on your fall cleanup supplies: 1. Russell's Garden Center Address: 97 Boston Post Road, Wayland Phone: 508-358-2283 The buzz: Russell's Garden Center provides an array of gardening options, in addition to fountains, bird baths, statues and lawn ornaments. Russell's also offers gift and season items. Hours: Open Daily 9:00am-5:30pm Check website for seasonal evening hours. Contact email: info@russellsgardencenter.com Founding Date: 1876 Payments accepted: American Express, Cash, Debit Card, …

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Patch Picks: Leaf Peeping Day Trips

The leaves are changing - here are ideas on where to view autumn's show.

The cool temperatures mean autumn's true colors are beginning to show, with reds, oranges and yellows making their way into the tree tops. This week, we offer five picks of places for prime leaf peeping. Looking at the leaves as you drive to these areas is half the fun, then check out these quaint New England towns for the shopping, dining and more.

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Patch Picks: How to Plan Your Next Vacation

Several local travel agents take the work out of planning a vacation.

The snow hasn't started to fly, but it's never too soon to start planning your next vacation, whether you're getting away for the holidays or taking a break next spring. While the Internet has made do-it-yourself vacation planning easy, there's something to be said for passing the legwork on to someone else. Travel agents know which hotels are the nicest, tour groups to trust and secret getaway spots. Here are a few local companies that could help plan your next retreat:

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Order Your Firewood Now Before It's Too Late

Here are some places close by that will deliver seasoned firewood.

Labor Day weekend is quickly approaching, which signals the unofficial end of summer, and the nearing of cool, crisp nights. And as the temperatures begin to cool, you may be in the market for seasoned firewood for your outdoor firepit or fireplace if you heat your home with wood. To help you decide where to purchase your wood, here's a short list of area businesses that deliver seasoned firewood. Lynch Landscape & Tree Service 110 Old Sudbury Rd Wayland, MA 01778 978-443-2626 508-655-0798  lynchlandscape@yahoo.com MetroWest Firewood 508-735-2252 6 McLaughlin Street Framingham, MA 01701 Chip-in Farm (781) 275-2545 201 Hartwell Road Bedford, MA 01730 The Pickard Farm 155 Great Road Littleton, MA 01460 978-486-4141

Pauline Henderson

8:13 am on Thursday, August 30, 2012

Mainstone Farm also offers 2 year old seasoned firewood cut and split 18 " Delivery is free to surrounding towns. Hendersons@mainstonefarm.com or 508-3584740 to place an order.   more ›

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Patch Picks

Beach Reading Suggestions for Your Summer Enjoyment

When packing the sunscreen, beach towels and cooler, don't forget one of these books to help get you through the day.

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following books were recommended by Goodnow Library.) By Jennifer Weiner Actors aren't the only ones trying to make it in Hollywood . . . At 23, Ruth Saunders left her childhood home in Massachusetts and headed west with her seventy-year-old grandma in tow, hoping to make it as a screenwriter. Six years later, she has hit the jackpot when she gets The Call: the sitcom she wrote, The Next Best Thing, has gotten the green light, and Ruthie's going to be the showrunner. But her dreams of Hollywood happiness are threatened by demanding actors, number-crunching executives, an unrequited crush on her boss, and her grandmother's impending nuptials. Set against the fascinating backdrop of Los Angeles show business culture, with…

Wednesday, July 4, 2012

Patch Picks

Patch Picks: Places Kids Eat Free

Choose from classic American fare, Japanese and British-style restaurants.

70 Worcester Road, Framingham When to go: Tuesdays Why go: the great news... kids eat free all day. Order pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, pasta, and more. 1138 Worcester Road, Framingham When to go: Sundays Why go: Kids 10 years old and younger eat for free while also receiving free cotton candy and a show presented by Magic by George between 5 to8 p.m. 18 Commonwealth Ave, Concord When to go: The day after the Red Sox bring home a victory. Why go: Parents with kids 10 years old and younger will be able to celebrate a Sox win this year without breaking the bank. Kids can order hot dogs, burgers, grilled cheese sandwichs and more, all for free. They can even order a free ice cream sandwich. 39 Main St., Waltham When to go: Mondays Why go: …

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Summer Safety Tips for Your Mobile Devices

Cell phones and high temperatures are not a good mix, so don't leave your phone in your car during hot days.

Ever gotten the "Your phone is overheated" message? Here are a few tips to avoid that stopage on your phone. Tips courtesy Marissa Dursin.

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