Country Lifestyles
Cultivating Young Minds
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By Savannah Magoteaux
From the time I was little, I loved reading. My favorite books were those centered around animals, whether they were funny, sad, educational, or a little of each. These books open windows into worlds filled with hard work, adventures, and connections to the lifestyle we all love. Here’s a roundup of some great books for children – I’m betting that you’ve read or heard of more than a few!
“Little House on the Prairie” by Laura Ingalls Wilder
A classic in children’s literature, “Little House on the Prairie” chronicles the life of the Ingalls family as they navigate the challenges and rewards of frontier life. The series, based on Wilder’s own experiences, paints a vivid picture of pioneer living, including farming and homesteading. It’s an excellent introduction to the historical aspects of farming and rural life in America.
“Charlotte’s Web” by E.B. White
“Charlotte’s Web” is a beloved tale that highlights the simple yet profound happenings on a farm. Through the friendship between Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a spider, children learn about farm animals, life cycles, and the values of friendship and perseverance. E.B. White’s gentle storytelling and rich characterizations make it a timeless read.
To read more, pick up a copy of the August issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
Country Lifestyles
Lacey’s Pantry: Banana Pudding
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By: Lacey Vilhauer
Total Time: 3.5 Hours | Serves 10-128
Ingredients:
1 1/3 cup milk
1 package of instant vanilla pudding mix 1 14-ounce can sweetened condensed milk 3 cups heavy cream
1 tsp. vanilla
1 box vanilla wafers
4 bananas, sliced into coins
2 tsp. sugar
Directions:
In a large mixing bowl, combine milk, vanilla pudding mix, and sweetened condensed milk. Whisk thoroughly, breaking up any lumps and refrigerate for at least 5
minutes, or until set. In another large bowl, combine heavy cream and vanilla. Beat until stiff peaks form, 2-3 minutes. Set aside half of the mixture for topping the dish. Fold remaining half into the pudding mixture.
Cover the bottom of a 3-quart trifle dish with vanilla wafers. Top with one-third of
the pudding mixture. Cover with another layer of the wafer cookies–you may want to also stand some cookies up vertically, sou can see the full circle along the edge of the trifle dish. Top with an even layer of banana slices. Continue layering the pudding, wafer cookies and banana slices until you reach the top, ending with a final layer of banana pudding.
Refrigerate for at least 3 hours, or overnight. Sweeten the remaining whipped cream by adding the 2 teaspoons of sugar and stirring to combine. Just before serving, dollop on top of the banana pudding, then sprinkle crumbled wafer cookies on top.
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Country Lifestyles
When A City Girl Goes Country
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By: Annette Bridges
Being Remembered By A Cow
You have no doubt heard the expression “an elephant never forgets.” I can confirm the same is true about a cow, especially one you have raised from birth.
Various health problems kept me away from helping my husband feed and move our herd to new pastures for a couple of months. I was so very happy to get back in the groove of our old beloved routine.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
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Country Lifestyles
Mandy Cleveland & Stable Strides Farm
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Utilizing the horse to human connection.
By: Hannah Claxton | Editor
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
Deep in the heart of Texas, both humans and horses at Stable Strides Farm in Pilot Point, Texas aer demonstrating just how big their hearts really are. Founded by Mandy Cleveland in 2001, Stable Strides Farm serves dozens of Equestrians with Disabilities and Veterans each week.
“My boys have been riding since they were 18 months old, and for the first 17 years they had a leader and sidewalker. When we moved here, and Mandy started teaching them, she just said, ‘Let’s see what they can do,’ and they ride independently now,” Danielle Frank explained, whose two sons, Adison and Aiden, ride with Stable Strides Farm. “Mandy is amazing beucase she doesn’t place any limits on them, she always wants to see what they can do.”
It is her dedication to never setting limits that earned Cleveland a spot as a national finalist for the NSBA 2024 Dianne Eppers Cowgirls Reaching-Out-to-Community Award. The award was established by the NSBA Foundation to recognize cowgirls across the industry for their selfless contributions to the equestrian community.
To read more, pick up a copy of the September issue of the NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.
(Photos Courtesy of Hannah Claxton)
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