Back Woods Farm

  As a dog owner, walker, and sitter, I deal with a lot of dogs, doggy products,  and doggy ideas and there are some products and ideas out there that just shouldn't be. Retractable Leashes- In theory these seem like a great idea but the number of injuries to humans and dogs from these make them a no go for me. Also you have no control over your dog when using them. Greenies- I know these are popular treats for dogs, but after almost having to hospitalize my Shepard due to a severe allergic reaction to these. Then I learned that it is fairly common for dogs to react this way to greenies.  Prong Collars- These collars have their time and place in training but for the common man these collars should not be used. The injuries I have seen due to the misuse of these collars is just sad.  Children Stuffed Toys- This one is a no brainer, if the toy isn't made for dogs, don't give it to them. The small glass eyes on children's toys can be hazardous to dogs and result in a tr...

 Weekend getaway anyone? Even though spring is around the corner winter still feels in very much here as we shoveled more snow this last week and maybe that has you thinking it is time for a vacation! How about Hampton Beach? I know the beach in the winter time? I'm not crazy it is actually really nice and where I went to escape my winter realities.  So first things first, you can find some really nice places right on the water for a fraction of the price right now. The airbnb I chose to stay in came with everything I needed and was only steps from the beach, would have costed me at least $299 a night in the summer but instead was just around $100 a night. It was awesome! Next, what about food? All the restaurants are going to be closed in the winter! Don't worry the Flamingo Coffee Bar was open for breakfast and lunch. This place was adorable and had some amazing looking doughnuts. For dinner the Ashworth Hotel   has a restaurant and bar inside for anyone to enjo...

 Ten Hangover Cures Number one cure for a hangover is to drink fluids . You get to choose if you want water or gatorade but start hydrating. Coconut Water is extremely hydrating. Did you forget to eat while you were drinking last night? Some hangovers are caused by your brain working without fuel. Try eating some carbohydrates. Your best option would be some toast and some juice. Eat slow if you are feeling nausea. Take a pain reliever. But avoid Tylenol! Aspirin and Ibuprofen are going to be your friend. Take one of these to help relieve the headache and other body aches. But don't take Tylenol as that will react with the alcohol and could cause liver damage.  Find yourself some Dunkins! Although there is no proven fact that caffeine will cure a hangover but the caffeine will help with the grogginess. Try some ginger tea for the nausea Find yourself some B Vitamin and Zinc Foods. The consumption of foods containing B vitamins and zinc have shown to reduce the severity of a...

      It is finally time to dust off the green! St. Patricks Day is right around the corner, the stores are filling with green like things and Salt Hill Pub is preparing for their all day feast. Let's see what all the options are for next week.      With St Patricks Day on a Friday this year why not look to get away for the  weekend! No need to go too far away, the Inn at Long Trail in Killington is the perfect St Patricks getaway. Here you can enjoy traditional Irish fare in a traditional Irish Pub. McGraths Irish Pub is run like a true pub in Ireland welcoming to everyone. Being the first pub to sell a Guinness pint in Vermont, they still continue to sell the most. If Guinness isn't your thing don't worry McGraths also has a large selection of Irish Whiskies to enjoy.     I understand maybe getting away for the weekend isn't possible, we all have those weekend obligations. Don't worry there is still plenty to do right here. On Friday Salt...

      With the impending winter storm coming for us this weekend let's talk about something very local to us, Montshire Museum . This museum is fun for all ages and is a perfect spot to escape from the house. Located right off highway 91 close to Hanover, the Montshire seems to be an escape into a world of science. There are tons of indoor activities, along with a water science park (summer only) and hiking trails.  I think if you are feeling adventurous and want to venture onto the trails do this last with your little ones, that way you don't try to explore the museum with cold, wet children. The longest trail offered here is the Planet Walk . This trail is three miles roundtrip and will take you through the solar system. You will start with the Sun, then travel through space past the planets through an asteroid belt, all the way to the dwarf planet of Pluto and the Kuiper Belt. This hike can be a lot of fun as you travel along the river but may not be suitable fo...