Handbook to Country Living

I happened upon this magazine about 15 years. I should be renamed to "A handbook of country life." Initially, I bought this magazine because of cute kitchen editorial in it. Now I buy it because it has basically became my country life bible.

Every other month, I can't wait to till it arrives in the mail. I adore the fantastic recipes. Each issue features either a fruit, vegetable or meat that all the recipes have to be based on. The recipes are easy to follow, simple to make, everything you need to make them is right in your kitchen. Not once have I had to "run" into town to purchase some off-the-wall ingredient. I have even entered them in our tri-country cooking contest and won the grand prize several times. There is also a recipe section for meals under 15 minutes, quick and simple recipes, and hints on how to handle and store the featured item.

The magazine is a very well rounded one. There is articles such as craft section for crafters, tricks and tips for country living, beautiful photography in country gallery, a "looking back" section...a nostalgic stroll into the past,and even a travel section which you can book vacations through them. My children have even used several of the article for reports at school.

There is also plenty of good reading material. My favorite has to be "I remember when...". It shares what life was like growing up and raising a family back in the "olden" days. There is also stories of today's life, embarrassing moments, things children say, and a page with games, jokes and brain teasers.

Another thing that makes this magazine exceptional is...NO ADVERTISEMENTS. The entire book is about country living for woman. No wasted pages on "NIKE" ads, nothing falling out in your lap...wanting you to buy this or that, no smelly samples to trigger your allergies. Just good articles and great recipes.