Local Farms, Farm Stands Alternative Grocery Shopping

Farm to Table!!

There are alternative places to buy food and produce.
I took about 10 minutes and put together this list. I have been to every place that I have listed and I recommend each one. Some are just farm stands. But... there are petting zoos, hay rides, stores, dairy, bakeries, cafe's, pick your own, gather eggs and most important have something FUN for kids. And all right here within a few miles.

Spices are often found at farmers markets.

When I was a kid my mother would pile us in the car and just drive - she always managed to find an out of the way farms stand and I continued that tradition. I can't just drive by any farm stand - I have to stop!
It's a lot harder today to find those little gems. But they are out there.

Jams and Jellies taste much better when homemade.

Quite honestly, I am tired of my local market, they seem to push what they want me to buy and not what I actually want and need. Lately, I've had to make more than one trip or drive several miles to another store. Simple staples they don't keep the shelves stocked.

How about Honey?

Artisan Maple Syrup - this is Orange Maple and it is too die for.

I'm sure I missed some favorites - let me know and I'll add it.

Barkers Farm Stand OsgoosdSt N Andover
http://northandover.patch.com/listings/barkers-farmstand No webpage)

Ciderhill Farm Route 150 Amesbury Fern St
http://www.ciderhill.com/

Boston Hill Farm Route 114 N. Andover Ma
http://www.bostonhillfarm.com/

Mann Orchard/Farmstand Pleasant Valley St Methuen
http://www.mannorchards.com/

Salem Ma. Derby Square
http://salemfarmersmarket.org/

Brox Farm Stand (Farmer Dave) Rt 113 Dracut
http://www.farmerdaves.net/brox-farm

J&F Farms  Chester Rd Derry Nh
http://www.jandffarms.net/

Peter's Farm Cross St Salem Nh
https://www.facebook.com/petersfarmnh

Salem Nh  Farmers market Lake St
http://www.salemnhfarmersmarket.org/

Smolak Farms Bradford St, N Andover
http://www.smolakfarms.com/


Massachusetts Growth - pretty comprehensive link on Farmstands, Farmers Markets, Dair Farms etc...
Use the search
http://massnrc.org/farmlocator/map.aspx

Vintage Board Game Box Makeover

I've had this for several years and didn't know what to do with it. I purchased it for $3.00 at a local store where they raise money for charity. The other day when I was cleaning and once again tripped over it. I decided it is time for some French Country.

I used Cottage White Chalk Paint from Home Decor. One coat and then sanded with 180 grit sandpaper for the distressed look. Since I was distressing I didn't have to be neat!

I found the graphics on Graphics Fairy on Pinterest. A lot of her graphics are free to use. And she has most set up for reverse printing.  Your design must be the mirror or reverse image.  You can do this with almost any printer or photo editing software. I use Picasa and just hit  CTRL Shift H. So just google it!!!

After you have printed your design make sure to trim off any excess paper around the design. Then with a foam brush, you will need to spread Mod Podge on the ink side and place ink side. Smooth out any bubbles. Let completely dry.

Next, take a damp cloth to the design and begin removing the label/design - don't pick it just gently rub with your fingers.

Gently sand over the design to remove any debris or if you need to distress a bit more. Now it's time to add a coat of Cream Wax and buff. I chose clear by Americana Decor but you can use a colored wax - like a light gray.

And now that empty nook in my basement power room is not so empty. I have the wire basket for extra toilet paper.