Mothers' Day is this Sunday ... so what do you have planned? If you are deciding to stay home, why not surprise her with a homemade meal? Nothing says "I love you, Mom" that taking the time to make her a special meal on her special day. Below are four recipes that are easy to make and allow the kids to join in the fun. Tasty Turkey Chili Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 30 minutes Ingredients: 1 large onion 2 tablespoons corn oil 1-1/4 pounds fresh ground turkey (ground without skin) 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 large cloves garlic, peeled and minced 2 teaspoons …

Hanukkah, the Jewish “festival of lights,” begins at sunset on Saturday, Dec. 8, and ends at sunset on Sunday, Dec. 16. When many people think of Hanukkah—sometimes spelled “Chanukah” because of its pronunciation in Hebrew—they think of dreidels, the nine-armed version of a menorah called a Chanukiah, and Adam Sandler. But here’s a few things you might not know about the world’s most oft-misspelled eight-day holiday: 1. The dates of Hanukkah are always different. Well, at least to our calendar. If you had a Hebrew calendar on-hand, you’d see that Hanukkah always begins on the 25th day of the …

Halloween may have 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 chopped1 tablespoon butter1 onion, finely chopped2 cloves garlic, crushed1 tablespoon curry …

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: Dried fruits: Raisins were never popular when I was growing up, but they are good …

Halloween is two weeks away, so we're devoting this edition of Patch Picks to the upcoming haunted holiday. In my opinion, the best Halloween costumes are the ones that are homemade. It's fun to make your own costume, and can be an affordable option if you stick to items you already have around your house. Not to mention, you get to put your creative genius (or kids) to work. Here are my picks for the best homemade Halloween costumes: God's Gift to Men/Women: This can be as simple or as elaborate as you'd like. Take a few cardboard boxes and used the material to make a you-sized box. Cut a …

Whether you're looking for the perfect pumpkin for 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 FarmAddress: 103 Old Connecticut Path, WaylandThe 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 FarmAddress: 160 Great Road, LittletonPhone: 978-486-4141The 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…

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. MetroWest Firewood 508-735-22526 McLaughlin StreetFramingham, MA 01701 Lynch Landscape & Tree Service 110 Old Sudbury Rd Wayland, MA 01778978-443-2626508-655-0798  lynchlandscape@yahoo.com Chip-in …

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Kathleen Parente.) When packing a healthy lunch, try choosing from the rainbow of foods in your supermarket’s produce department. Include foods that are red (red peppers, apples, tomatoes), orange (carrots, peaches), green (salad, celery sticks) and choose foods from the different food groups. The Alliance for a Healthier Generation, founded in 2005 with the American Heart Association and the William J. Clinton Foundation, suggests including one serving of vegetables or salad and one serving of fruit (fresh, canned or dried all count); one …

The Dog Days of summer are coming to a close, which means Labor Day, the unofficial end of summer, is creeping up on us. Most Americans celebrate with a barbecue, inviting friends and family for one final celebration before the leaves begin to change color. This year, instead of just throwing burgers and hot dogs on the grill, wow your guests with these easy, yet tasty, recipes that will leave them with fond memories of the sultry season. Triple Berry Salsa Ingredients 1-1/2 cups fresh blueberries 3/4 cup chopped fresh strawberries 3/4 cup fresh raspberries 1 medium tomato, seeded and chopped…

Yes, we still have most of August left to enjoy the summer season. But don't blink, because before you know it that big, yellow school bus will pull up to your children's bus stop for the first day of school. Are you ready? Are they ready? If you're unsure, here's a list of what every student needs for that first day back (recommendations courtesy greatschools.org.): The basics When it comes to writing essentials, teachers say, don't waste your money on feather pencils, light-up pencil sharpeners, or pretty erasers that don't work. And for organizational helpers, keep in mind that expensive …

Have you noticed gas prices have increased by about 10 cents per gallon over the past two weeks? We have. So to curb you angst over trips to the gas station, here are some tips to get the most mileage out of your fuel. Drive Sensibly Aggressive driving (speeding, rapid acceleration and braking) wastes gas. It can lower your gas mileage by 33 percent at highway speeds and by 5 percent around town. Sensible driving is also safer for you and others, so you may save more than gas money. Keep Your Engine Properly Tuned Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can…

(EDITOR'S NOTE: Tips courtesy Center for Disease Control.) There is no vaccine against Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) or West Nile Virus (WNV) for humans. Reducing exposure to mosquitoes is the best defense against infection with EEE and WNV and other mosquito-borne viruses. There are several approaches you and your family can use to prevent and control mosquito-borne diseases. Use repellent: When outdoors, use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus on exposed skin and/or clothing. The repellent/insecticide permethrin can be used on clothing to …

Rootbeer floats This was always a favorite of mine during my childhood — and still today. And it's simple to make. A couple of scoops of vanilla ice cream, add your favorite brand of rootbeer (mine is Mug) in a tall glass, grab a straw and long spoon and you're in paradise! Kiwi ice pops Pleasing to the eye, and more so to your palate, this glowing, green goodie is appealing to kids and adults alike. Ingredients: 1 3/4 cups water 1 cup sugar 4 kiwis 1/2 cup (about 4 limes) fresh lime juice Directions: Make the syrup: Combine 1 cup of water with the sugar in a small saucepan and bring just to …

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following books were recommended by Goodnow Library.) The Next Best Thing 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-…

Uno Chicago Grill 70 Worcester Road, Framingham When to go: Tuesdays The great news ... kids eat free all day. Order pizza, pasta, grilled chicken, pasta, and more. Samba Steak & Sushi 1138 Worcester Road, Framingham. When to go: Sundays Kids 10 years old and younger eat for free while also receiving free cotton candy and a show presented by Magic by George between 5-8 p.m. Ninety Nine Restaurant and Pub 18 Commonwealth Ave, Concord When to go: The day after the Red Sox bring home a victory. Parents with kids 10 years old and younger will be able to celebrate a Sox win this year without …

Keep your phone in a cool place - don't leave your phone in a hot car or trunk. Mobile phones can retain heat very quickly. Never handle a phone when it's too hot to touch. Bring it to a cool place and leave it alone until it's safe to touch. Certain mobile devices may actually warn you from using the device until it cools down. Water can be a major foe for mobile phones. Keep your phone protected when you go to the beach or pool – an Otterbox cover is a good option, but plastic baggies can work just as well. Try to keep your phone in a shady, or covered, spot while you're taking a dip. And …

Rock of Ages 2hr 3min‎‎ - Rated PG-13‎‎ - Drama‎Director: Adam Shankman - Cast: Julianne Hough, Diego Boneta, Paul Giamatti, Russell Brand, Mary J. Blige - : If you're a fan of 80s hair bands and mullets, this movie is for you. It's the story of small town girl Sherrie and city boy Drew, who meet on the Sunset Strip while pursuing their Hollywood dreams. Their rock 'n' roll romance is told through the heart-pounding hits of Def Leppard, Joan Jett, Journey, Foreigner, Bon Jovi, Night Ranger, REO Speedwagon, Pat Benatar, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake, and more. Snow White and the Huntsman …

(EDITOR'S NOTE: The following was submitted by Taste of Home cooking magazine.) Whether you consider yourself a grilling expert or someone who can't even spark up charcoal, you can be sure you'll be able to make these recipes for good ole' dad this Fathers Day. All of these tasty, summer-filled recipes are made with easy to find ingredients from local grocery stores. Grilled Romaine Toss Recipe – A spin on a salad favorite, grilling lettuce adds the perfect fresh, summer flavor to any meal. Shared by Trisha Kruse of Eagle, Idaho. Grilled Corn Salad - Nothing beats the flavor of grilled …

Craft beer brewing kit If your dad is someone who enjoys a cold brew while watching the big game, and is someone looking for a new hobby, this is the perfect gift. Tell him to get off the sidelines and turn the kitchen into a craft brewery where he's the brew master and his friends and family are the master taste testers. Just make sure mom is OK with losing the kitchen for a few hours. Price: $28-$48 Wireless talking bbq + oven thermometer What dad doesn't like to stoke up the grill? If yours enjoys a juicy steak or burger seven days a week, then order this nifty gadget. This digital …

1. Camp Sewataro 1 Liberty Ledge, Sudbury 978-443-3100 www.​sewataro.​com Located in a north woods setting in Sudbury, Camp Sewataro is dedicated to providing a fun, safe environment for children to enjoy the outdoors and try new experiences. Camp Sewataro offers two to eight-week sessions for boys and girls between the ages of 4 and 13, as well as Sewataro Sprouts, a two-session half-day program for either five or three days a week. Activities include archery, rock climbing, sports, swimming, paintball, field trips, overnights, arts and crafts, music, fishing and more. Fax: 978-443-8153 …