STYLE
We head out on Route 66 looking to capture that unique American style. Two girls , One Mustang, and the Open Road.
CONTENT
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Featuring: Amber Scholl (Left) Riria Niimura (Right) Make Up by Priscilla Miranda of Beautified Artistry
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DIY DĂŠcor
The Wannabe Cowgirl shows us some great tips on bringing the western vibe inside with simple DIY Tablescapes.
Visit Nicaragua Central America’s best tourist hot spot, surf, sun, and adventure.
California Dreaming Equestrian Lifestyle events in the Golden State
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Mike Satterfield has worked in media and design for over 15 years. As co-founder of western lifestyle company RBR Wholesale Mike is deeply connected to the western fashion community. Serving as a contributor Mike has photographed events like Santa Fe Fashion Week, WESA, and Magic Market Week for Cassidy. His work has been published I magazines and books in the UK, France, Australia, Japan, and the US. Born and raised in Southern, California Mike grew up on a small ranch in a agricultural preserve. Mike likes to spend his down time working on his classic race car, traveling, and volunteering with the NGO the Harvest Initiative. He resides with his wife in Southern California, not far from the ranch he grew up on.
Editor’s Letter Hello everyone, I am thrilled to be taking over as editor of Cassidy Magazine and I hope you like the direction we are going. I know we can make Cassidy the magazine of choice for those who love American style, adventure, and living life the cowgirl way. I have grown up around amazing cowgirls and I am so happy that I am a part of a publication that celebrates the American Woman and the West. Please feel free to contact me with suggestions, story ideas, or anything else you can think of at mike@cassidymagazine.com
Mike Satterfield Editor Cassidy Magazine
Contributors Bri Seeley Olivia Berg Kathy Satterfield Abigail Miles Michelle Blixen Amber Scholl Riria Niimura Priscilla Miranda Olivia Berg 4
of Beautified Artistry
Amber Scholl
The Inspirational Woman Project was born out of Bri Seeley's eponymous fashion line, which was focused on inspiring real women in their passions, businesses, personal lives, and more. It was a fashion brand to help women BE women. But what Seeley found was that women were not comfortable stepping into their femininity and embodying their womanhood. This inspired a 31 day blog series wherein women were interviewed about what it meant to be a woman, when they feel most feminine, and their favorite thing about being a woman. Two weeks into this series, Seeley was inspired to expand the project into a coffee table book and a movement. Seeley conducted 99 interviews over a course of 8-weeks for the coffee table book content. Shortly after concluding the interviews, the project was launched on Kickstarter and after successfully raising $15,000 in five weeks the transcript was sent off to the printer. It was exactly six months between the first interview on 7/7/2014 and the delivery of 500 books on 1/7/2015. Since the delivery of the books, Seeley has been working diligently on expanding the project into a movement. There are many developments in the works (including a second volume of the book!), so be sure to stay connected with the project through their website (www.briseeley. com) and social media. Facebook.com/theinspirationalwomanproject twitter.com/inspwomanprojct instagram.com/inspwomanprojct "The Inspirational Woman Project believes that every woman is inspirational - it's our mission to tell their stories!" The book can be purchased at www.briseeley.com 5
Jalapeno Bacon Sandwich Photo by Steve Buissinne Jalapeno Bacon Sandwich 4 jalape単os sliced 8 slices thick bacon 4 buns/bread 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/2 White Onion Cut in rings INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place jalape単o onto the prepared baking sheet, cut side down. Place into oven and roast just until the skin has blackened around the edges, about 6-8 minutes. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. Add bacon and cook until brown and crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate. Grill Sliced Onions in bacon grease until golden brown around edges.. Toast buns/bread slices in oven to liking. Spread 1/2 tablespoon butter over 1 side of each bun/bread slice. Top with roasted jalape単o, 2 slices bacon, onions and then top with bun/slice of bread, buttered side up, to create a sandwich. Serve immediately!
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American Style for Spring Photos by Mike Satterfield
American and western style have become some of the hottest trends in the world of fashion, for most of us, it’s just how we’ve always dressed. Brands both big and small are recreating classic American styles with modern twists and we like the look of it.
Rain is a Good Thing Sweatshirt by TumbleRoot Red Tank top by Cowgirl Tuff Boots by Durango via Urban Western Wear
Adventure is Out There Sweatshirt by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co. Boots by Lane Boots
Tunic by Tasha Polizzi for T.P Saddle Blanket Boots by Durango via Urban Western Wear Gemstone Desert Flower Bracelet by Ollipop Goes Country
The Tucson buckskin fringe bag By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique
Tunic by Tasha Polizzi for T.P Saddle Blanket Gemstone Desert Flower Bracelet by Ollipop Goes Country
Shirt by Roar via Urban Western Wear Tank Top by TumbleRoot Jeans Turquoise Sunset in Spitfire by Ariat Belt “The Apache” and Leather Cuff “Cowboy Canyon” By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique “Sunshine” Boots by Lane
Shirt by Roar via Urban Western Wear Tank Top by TumbleRoot Jeans Turquoise Sunset in Spitfire by Ariat Belt & Leather Cuff By Triesta for Wild Bleu Boutique “Muzzel Loader” Bag by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co. Thunderhill Skull Necklace by Ollipop Goes Country
2015 Ford Mustang EcoBoost Premium Convertible
“Aztec Print” Tank Top by Cowgirl Tuff
“Free Sprit” Tank Top by Original Cowgirl Clothing Co.
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HOME
Olivia Berg
Is a former former-career-woman-turnedcountry-girl…after ditching her corporate job in favor of a quiet life on the farm, she started The Wannabe Cowgirl blog, where she chronicles her adventures in rural living, DIY projects, and the process of building her family’s dream barn-house. In her spare time, she loves talking to her horses, hunting, running her graphic design company, and working outside with her hubby and lil’ cowgirl-in-training. Photographs: Olivia Berg
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HOME
The Wannabe Cowgirl CREATE A STYLE THE IS ALL YOUR OWN
“To begin the puzzle, I like to start in the middle and work my way out” Howdy! I’m Olivia from The Wannabe Cowgirl Design, and I’m so excited to be joining Cassidy Magazine to bring you some fabulous DIY projects and home decor inspiration! This issue’s theme inspired me to create a southwest tablescape for y’all…and I’m excited to share some simple tips for creating a beautiful table; on a budget, of course! When I think southwest, I think of sunsets, sagebrush, and warm tones. This tablescape incorporates all of those elements without looking too overdone! Putting together a table setting is kind of like a puzzle…
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you need to figure out which pieces fit together in order to complete the picture!
My simplest tips to piecing together your own tablescape puzzle are: 1.Start in the center and work your way out
To begin the puzzle, I like to start in the middle and work my way out. I 2.Think about symmetry, but occasionally chose to center my tablescape on this stray away from “matchy-matchy” balance pretty blush-and-gold geometric candle holder and my decor staple: antlers! 3.Work with different heights and textures Next, I wanted to add some chic greenery. Nothing is trendier right now than succulents! I didn’t want to make things look too balanced, so I chose to use matching glass vases, but mismatched plants. Next, I threw on some frosted-purple mercury glass votives too add some glow factor. I kept my glassware to muted tones of purple and bronze, and then wove them together with extra long, orange silk flowers. See how everything just works together?
(shimmering glass contrasted against rustic antlers, for example) 4.Less is more. Choose one or two fabulous pieces with a little wow factor (like my geometric candle holder) rather than a lot of little trinkets!
I hope this helps de-mystify tablescape design a little! I could definitely see myself pulling up a chair and enjoying a margarita at this table! Oh, and the total cost of this southwest-themed beauty? $35! Thrift stores are a great spot to check for glass ware and silk flowers… and I raided my personal collection for those pretty antlers!
California Dreaming
If you are not from California, you might not think that California as Horse Country. From Dude Ranches to Western Museums, California has something for everyone. by Kathy Satterfield
When someone says California, what are your first thoughts? Is it sun-kissed beaches, palm trees, the wineries of Temecula and Napa, or is it Hollywood? Yet here in California, according to the American Horse Council, there are 698,000 horses, with over 70 percent being involved in showing and recreational activities. There is an entire city in Southern California, the small town of Norco, also known as Horse Town USA, which claims to be the Horse Capitol of America and is largely dedicated to the equine lifestyle.
Horse Events
Besides having lots of horses, California is also know for great weather. Because of that ideal climate, California has year round horse events in all sizes of towns and cities; Rancho California, San Diego, Indio, Santa Barbara, and Sacramento are just a few. With all the equine events, the question becomes which fun events can we squeeze into our schedule and which new events will we get to see this year?
I have cataloged a few events below, some are celebrating anniversary years, and all are fun events to attend with friends and family. Just north of sunny San Diego, the Del Mar National Horse Show celebrates their 70th year, from April 16th to May 3rd. At this three week event you can see almost every breed of horse and discipline in the horse world; from Hunter Jumper, Dressage, Western Pleasure, Reining to Barrel Racing. The venue is breathtaking with its historic buildings, its close proximity to the beach, perfect weather and gorgeous grounds.
All across California, North, South, East and West equine related events are taking place; horse shows, rodeo’, show jumping, endurance riding, reining, vaulting, racing, mounted shooting, trail riding, western pleasure, ranch sorting, scurry driving and races abound from small arenas hosting a gymkhana event Heading north to the Capitol of to National and International competition in every genre you California, Sacramento, you will find the Sacramento International can imagine.
Horse Show. Held at the Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta this show is one of Northern California’s premiere equestrian events and takes place this year September 22-27, 2015. This gorgeous facility features four indoor arenas, thirteen outdoor arenas with bleacher seating to accommodate 3,000 spectators. The show attracts sell-out crowds for the Grand Prix and other special events. Riders on the international circuit regularly attend the Sacramento International on their way to qualifying for the World Cup and Thermal Million.
Rodeo
Growing up on a ranch in California, we participated in local horse shows and gymkhanas, but it was 25
Santa Barbara, Fiesta Rodeo the thrill of Rodeo that captured our family’s passion. My father and brothers were team ropers, calf ropers or bull riders while I liked to barrel race. Rodeo made for great family time as we cheered each other on to perform at our best. Throughout the year, in every California County, there is a Rodeo of some kind to attend. In cities like, Oakdale, Brawley, Livermore, Redding and Potter Valley, you will find an annual Rodeo Weekend. We have chosen four rodeos in the state to highlight. Each one has their own tradition, style and purpose. 26
July 16-19, 2105, marks the 105th year for California Rodeo Salinas, the largest rodeo in California. California Rodeo Salinas is one of the top 20 Professional Rodeos in the United States. They are known the rodeo world for their big arena, beautiful buckles, and for being a non-profit organization that gives back over $350,000.00 each year to local non-profits. Besides the rodeo, Miss California Rodeo Salinas will be crowned, Cowboy Poetry will be performed, a concert by Aerosmith this year will rock Salinas Sports Complex with their
Blue Army Tour, a fun time is to be had at the Family Carnival, Cowboy Golf Shoot Out, Mutton Busting, and Hall of Fame Inductions. Every day of Rodeo week brings a new adventure in Salinas For over 90 years the city of Santa Barbara has held the Santa Barbara Fiesta Stock Horse Show and Rodeo. The Fiesta Stock Horse Show was once a Saturday afternoon only event dating back to 1924. It involved showing stock horses, some cattle work, and roping. During the early fiestas, a “competencia de vaqueros” was the highlight of the festivities.
Cowboys from surrounding ranches came to town to show off their roping and riding skills and the young horses they were training. Rancher J.J. Hollister sponsored a handmade saddle to the winner of the stock horse class as a way to encourage the development of superior cow working horses. The main endeavor of the Fiesta celebration is to bring to town the cowboys from the many local ranches in the Tri-Counties. You must live within the Tri-Counties of San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara or
Ventura to be eligible to compete. The objective being to get local amateur horsemen competing among themselves to see who has the best horse, or is the best roper, brander, etc. Traveling a little farther south from Santa Barbara, in a town known as Horse Town USA, Norco Horse Week arrives every April beginning with Easter Sunrise Services this year on April 5th. Then, on April 17th, the Extreme Ranch Rodeo begins, with events continues
through April 26th. Every rodeo performance you will see Drill Teams perform, Bull Riding and Team Roping. Enjoy the culinary delight of the food truck festivals, watch the skillful team sorting, or participate in the fun poker ride. This will be their 47th year celebrating the horse in a town that has more horses than human residents. Bishop Mule Days happens every Memorial Day weekend since 1969. The town of Bishop is nestled on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains and
comes alive with the annual presentation of Mule Days. The outfitters and packers of the region wanted an event to start off the packing season and the businessmen wanted to draw vacationers to the Owens Valley. What began as an informal gathering and a test of skills has grown into a fun filled, world class event. These four events are each different, yet the same, each one celebrating the Horse, Cowboy’s and Cowgirl’s and the Ranch lifestyle. Plan for a fun time and you won’t be disappointed. If rodeos aren’t your thing and horse shows don’t fit your schedule you can find your particular genre such as Cutting/Reining Horses, Team Penning, Roping, Western Pleasure, Extreme Trail Events, Barrel Racing, Dressage, Ranch Rodeo’s, ….or by a particular horse breed such as, Quarter Horse, Paint Horse, Arabian Horse, Miniature Horse… oh my the list is long; there is an event somewhere in the state for almost every horse lover’s interest; to delight the audience, to participate in as a contestant or stir the desire to enter into the amazing horse lifestyle. All this to say that horses are a big deal in California! If rodeos and horseshows don’t peak your interest then maybe Horse Camping and Trail Riding will. California is home to expansive redwood forests, arid deserts such as Death Valley, long stretches of coastal countryside and mountain ranges including Cascade Mountains, Tehachapi Mountains and the Sierra Nevada’s. This all makes for 28
excellent horseback riding. For several years my father, brothers and a few other cowboys would ride up to Kennedy Meadows, high in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Sequoia National Forest, packing in with horses or mules for a week near the South Fork of the Kern River. It has made for great fishing and bear stories for many years now. California offers the perfect climate to saddle up and ride over grasslands, along mountain trails or ocean beaches. More than 270 state parks, ranging from redwood forests to deserts dunes, are managed by the California Department of Parks and Recreation. Spanning 1.4 million acres of recreational lands, California’s state parks feature 15,000 camp sites and 3,000 miles of hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Reserve a site at one of several campgrounds with horse trails and spend the day taking in the scenery with your favorite equine friend. We found several State campgrounds that offer horse tie-up areas, water, stalls, corrals, and toilets; not every park has amenities such as water, so come prepared with water for your animals. Beach Campgrounds are fun to explore and can be done almost year around in California. At Half Moon Bay State Beach, between Roosevelt and Francis Beach, you can ride a three mile costal horse trail. At Russian Gulch State Park near Mendocino, you can see the Devil’s Punchbowl cave and stroll along nearly a mile and a half of Pacific shoreline. Folsom Lake State Recreation
Area has 80 miles of horse trails, including the three-mile stretch between Rattlesnake and Horseshoe bars where gold was often found by miners. Millerton Lake State Park in the San Joaquin Valley has horse campgrounds and trails located near 40 miles of lakefront shoreline.
don’t own one yet. Well here is an option to consider. There are many private guest ranches, dude ranches, and stables that dot the landscape of California where you can bring your own horse or rent one of theirs.
California has many guest/dude ranches to choose from; Rancho Head south to Cuyamaca RanOso Guest Ranch and Stable is cho State Park, which is 50 miles located in the Los Padres National east of San Diego, and you will Forest near Santa Barbara. Here find over 100 miles of trails, oak you have all the creature comforts woodland forest, a few pines of home, including a heated pool trees and meadows with creeks. and meals. Trail horses are availChino Hills State Park offers able for guided tours, hand-led Mountain Valley campgrounds rides for children 5-8 plus many and is 40 miles east of Los Ange- more amenities and experiences. les, with 14,102 acres to horseRancho Oso Guest Ranch and back ride on over 65 miles of Stable trails. This park spans the Santa 3750 Paradise Rd, Santa Barbara, Ana Canyon and features valleys, CA 93105 wooded areas, ridge tops and (805) 683-5686 scrub land. It was here at Chino Hills State Park that our family At Marble Mountain Ranch they would go on an annual trail ride offer several different riding vaand BBQ for several years…so cations. They combine horseback many great memories with fami- trail riding vacation with thrillly are with our horses. ing guest ranch activities such as whitewater rafting, sporting clay, At California’s largest state park, fly fishing , kayaking and other Anza-Borrego Desert State Park adventures. Set in the Klamath you will find 500 miles of dirt National Forest the ranch terrain roads and 12 wilderness areas. is rugged, remote, heavily forested Numerous equestrian trails and unequalled in beauty. Email: traverse the Coyote Canyon area. guestranch@marblemountainHorses are permitted on all of the ranch.com park’s primitive roads. Marble Mountain Ranch Just 80 miles east of Bakersfield 92520 Hwy 96 is Red Rock Canyon State Park. Somes Bar, California 95568 Horses are allowed on all the park’s roads, which wind through Others Guest/Dude Ranches to rock formations and near scenic consider: Rankin Cattle Ranch in desert cliffs. Caliente, Stagecoach Trails Resort in Anza Borrego, J.T. Ranch in Maybe this all sounds very Joshua Tree, El Capitan Ranch in intriguing; you love horses, but Santa Barbara, Alisal Ranch in 29
Autry National Center Solvang, V-6 Ranch in Parkfield, Cowgirl UP Ranch Retreats for Horse Lovers in North Fork, Circle Bar B in Goleta, Thousand Trails Oakzanita Springs in Descanso, Lakeside Frontier Riders in Lakeside. You can even rent a private cabin that accommodates 6 people and 6 horses at White Horse Cabin, only a mile from the mountain town of Idyllwild. A guest or dude ranch will offer you the experience of being on a ranch but will also include other experiences such as the ocean, deserts and mountains and styled in high end luxury, casual outdoor life or true roughin’ it working cattle ranch. It would be close to impossible not to find something to suit your fancy.
Day Trippin’
Day trips without your horse offers many opportunities to experience the Horse lifestyle and
learn about the history of Califor- nal Victorian-style brick two-stonia at the same time in local muse- ry home built in the 1860’s and ums and at historic horse ranches. sits on the banks of the Calaveras River. Jack Tone Historic Horse Ranch Visitors are always welcome at the Jack Tone, came to California from ranch, 9700 N. John Tone, StockNew York with the Audubon party ton, California. Call the ranch at during the Gold Rush in 1849. (209) 931-4972 for more inforThe Jack Tone Ranch has been a mation. Or log on to http://www. valued historical site in the Central jacktoneranch.com. Valley and is historically recognized at the “oldest family-owned Heritage Museum-California horse ranch in continuous operaRodeo Salinas tion in the State of California.” This museum is open daily during The Tone family has a long history the rodeo celebrating the history of horse-lovers. John H. Tone bred of California Rodeo from its days Thoroughbred horses on the ranch of being a semi-annual round-up in the 1800’s. A certificate hangs to its modern day adaptations. proudly in the trophy room in the “Old Barn” won by his yearling Angels Camp Museum colt name “New York”. The trophy This California museum has a room also displays over 50 years of humble curb presence, yet houses Arabian horse trophies, memoraone of best collections of carriages bilia and plaques commemorating representative of the Mother Lode 160 plus years of family ownership. country, all contained in a 10,000 The 1,100 acre ranch has the origi- square foot building, the Angels 31
Camp Museum Carriage House located on the museum grounds. The collection even includes a stagecoach driven by Hank Monk, one of the most famous “knights of the lash”. There are all manner of logging wagons, a hearse, pleasure vehicles and a display of horseshoes used to keep the wagons moving in the deep snows of the Sierra. The carriages have been collected from local families. 753 South Main Street Angels Camp, CA 95222 Tel. (209) 736-2963 Autry National Center Located in Griffith Park northeast of downtown Los Angeles, California and across from the Los Angeles Zoo, this history museum is dedicated to exploring and sharing the stories, experiences, and perceptions of the diverse peoples of the American West with the Autry’s collection of over 500,000 pieces of art and artifacts. Oakdale Cowboy Museum 4700 Western Heritage Way Promotes and preserves the westLos Angeles, CA 90027 ern heritage of the Central ValTel. (323) 667-2000 ley in California by honoring its ranching and rodeo traditions. Carriage and Western Art 355 East F Street Museum Oakdale, CA 95361 Founded in 1972, this equine Tel. (209) 847-7049 museum’s collection consists of over 50 saddles once belonging to famous people, such as Cisco Kid, W. K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center Will Rogers, Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and many others and car- With an Equine Research Center riages you will see in the collection and the Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, this horse lovers destinaare mud wagons, army wagon, tion is home to approximately 85 circus wagon, and more. purebred Arabian horses used in 129 Castillo Street Equine Sciences’ teachings, outSanta Barbara, CA 93101 reach, research and internationally Tel. (805) 962-2353 recognized breeding and training programs. You can tour the Horse 32
Center on the campus of Cal Poly Pomona University, as a visitor from Monday through Friday from 8am to 5pm. 3801 W. Temple Ave. Pomona, CA 91768-4076 Tel. (909) 869-2224 Slip on your Cowgirl tee shirt and jeans, dig out those cowboy boots, get out your GPS and plan a trip; venture out to see a new event, hook up your horse trailer, visit a museum, or rent a horse, all different ways you can experience the horse life in California, Horse Shows, Rodeo’s, Museums, Trail Rides, Camping…..California’s horse world offers something for everyone.
W. K. Kellogg’s Arabian Horse Center by Michelle Blixen The W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Center was established by entrepreneur W.K. Kellogg, best known for his Corn Flakes Cereal. W.K. Kellogg sought out the finest Arabian bloodlines for his breeding program that was established at his ranch in Pomona, California in 1925. The Kellogg ranch became well known in southern California not only for its horse breeding program but also for its entertaining, every Sunday the ranch would host horse exhibitions, open to the public, a tradition that carries on to this day. In 1932, Kellogg donated the ranch, which had grown to 750-acre to the University of California, with the stipulation that the Arabian horse program and the weekly shows continue. Today the facility, located on the grounds of Cal-Poly Pomona, is home to approximately 85 purebred Arabian horses used in Equine Sciences’ teachings, outreach, research and internationally recognized breeding and training programs. Facilities at the center include 38 acres of pasture, three barns, foaling stalls, a breeding area, a veterinary clinic, a farrier shop, four arenas and a grandstand. The University operates the W.K. Kellogg Arabian Horse Library, which is open to the public
The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit organization located just north of Los Angeles in Santa Clarita, California that was founded in 1999 as a safe haven and place of recovery for abused farm animals. The charity gives inner city, at-¬risk and special needs children who have suffered physical, mental or emotional trauma a chance to interact with farm animals who have also had lives fraught with trauma. By interacting with The Gentle Barn’s one hundred and seventy-five animals and taking a hands¬-on role in their welfare, those who participate in the program learn empathy, trust, forgiveness and leadership. One such animal is Dudley, a young cow that had been suffering from a severed foot. Ten weeks since his recue, is now on his way to recovery after receiving top-notch medical support and a custom-made prosthesis. Unattended for months in a cold and muddy pasture on a ranch in Tennessee, Dudley was rescued by The Gentle Barn and admitted to the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Hospital where his severed foot was surgically amputated and was fitted with a prosthetic foot. Ronnie Graves, fellow amputee and owner of VIP Veterinary Inclusive Prosthetics and Orthopedics, designed and built the custom foot for Dudley. When Dudley’s prosthetic foot was not fitting him perfectly, Ronnie worked hard on making the appropriate adjustments to Dud-
The Gentle Barn “members of a local amputee support group, are already scheduled to visit Dudley”
The mission statement at The Gentle Barn is simple: “Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other and our planet.” Cassidy Staff
ley’s leg and large, growing body. "This part of Dudley’s recovery is so hard because he is in the process of adjusting to his prosthesis. We just want him to come home already,” explains The Gentle Barn’s Founder, Ellie Laks. “We are so close, but not there yet. We must be patient through the process and offer encouragement to Dudley while he bravely continues his rehabilitation, strengthens his muscles, and regains his balance.” The recovery and physical therapy that Dudley is going through, as difficult and prolonged as it is, can closely resemble treatment and challenges undergone by human amputees such as strength and mobility exercises. “The first group of amputees, who are members of a local amputee support group, are already scheduled to visit Dudley. We want to show that through the power of mutual healing that Dudley will benefit from them as much as they will benefit from Dudley.” These animals have a unique ability to connect with people who have suffered similar traumas and seeing them, interacting with them, and building relationships with them is uplifting.
Discover Nicaragua Nicaragua is fast becoming a top tourist destination for travelers from around the world. With something for everyone and incredible value, Nicaragua is becoming the go to country for vacationers and expats alike.
Nicaragua’s unspoiled rainforests are home to 7% of the planet’s biodiversity. A great way to observe this abundant flora and fauna is with a canopy tour. Visitors traverse between varying platforms ranging from 10 to 100 feet in the air, using high-climbing techniques and equipment. It offers an escape from the “real world” atop treetop perches surrounded by vistas of Nicaragua’s majestic volcanoes and a melodious symphony presented by native jungle birds. Mombotour offers such a tour from the Mombacho Volcano (located 9 miles south of Granada), which culminates with a 70-foot rappel from a 250 year-old Ceibon tree. Canopy adventures can be experienced around the country in a variety of environments and settings, whether taking an exhilarating ride through rainforests, coasting over lakes, rivers, lagoons or flying high above coffee plantations. With all tours, whether wildlife watching or adrenaline-pumping adventure, safety is always a priority. Guides are well trained and equipment is maintained to stringent standards. www.canopytour.com or www.vianica.com.
The beaches of Nicaragua, especially those on the country’s Pacific coast, are known for impressive surf and unexploited beauty. The most popular destination for surfers from around the world is a 37-mile stretch of beaches called San Juan del Sur. This region, located on the southwest coast of the country, was a stop on Quicksilver’s The Crossing in 2003, a worldwide quest in search of “the perfect wave.” Maderas, a secluded beach beloved by locals and visitors alike, is one of the surfing community’s best-kept secrets. For information on local hot spots and some general information about surfing and traveling in Nicaragua, visit www.nicasurf. com and www.surfnicaragua.com
Granada is the oldest city in Central America to remain on its original site. The most colorful and comfortable of Nicaragua’s cities, Granada has been charming travelers with its red-tiled roofs, grand cathedrals, breezy lakeshore, and drowsy lifestyle since the days of the Spanish, who used the city as their first Atlantic port (via Lake Cocibolca and the Río San Juan). Just 27 miles from Managua on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, this fascinating and colorful city was founded in 1524 and is now considered a showcase of Nicaragua’s Spanish Colonial treasures. Seventeenth century churches, courtyards filled with flowers, impressive museums, European cuisine and historic buildings converted to boutique hotels distinguish Granada as one of the most popular tourism destinations in the country.
Hot Dog Vendor Tipitapa
On Nicaragua’s central Pacific coast near its border with Costa Rica, San Juan del Sur is the country’s primary surfing destination and Nicaragua’s favorite beach town, the most popular with foreign tourists. Described as a port town, fishing village, surfing and backpacker’s haven, San Juan del Sur has undeniably become a tourism hot spot that has lured not only travelers, but a good deal of foreign investment as well. In addition to a crescent bay lined with barefoot restaurants and sandy bars, San Juan del Sur offers a slow-paced, tranquil setting, fresh seafood, and charming guesthouses. Several high-end residential communities are springing up and San Juan del Sur is also a favorite weekend getaway for wealthy Nicaraguans. Visitors can choose from a variety of perfect beaches surrounded by towering cliffs and a nearby wildlife refuge with a turtle-nesting beach. Various new restaurants and hotels, such as the Morgan’s Rock Eco-Lodge, accommodate an increasing number of sophisticated visitors. San Juan del Sur is also becoming a port destination for many international cruise ships.
At the turn of the 21st century, San Juan del Sur again grew in international popularity to the steady drumbeat of high-profile international press coverage declaring the area a real estate hot spot. The area attracted a frenzy of property pimps, land sharks, and a flock of checkbook-toting prospectors scouring the coastline for a piece of the pie. Some of the investment led to progress, new establishments, and healthy relationships between foreign investors determined to make money and a positive impact for their Nicaraguan colleagues and beneficiaries. But the economic growth was not without scuffles. Meanwhile, sunsets continue to paint the silhouettes of fishing vessels in crimson, and the mood in San Juan del Sur is low-key and fun. The noon sun is scorching, so life is langorous and measured, spent swinging in breezy hammocks, enjoying fresh fish and cold beer at seaside, or splashing about in the surf.
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Granada
Fruit Stand in Tipitapa
Nicaragua has shaken off its past and has now garnered a name as an emerging luxury ecotourism and surfing destination, and foodies are raving about the restaurants, putting Managua on the culinary map. A special place for sure that should be on your short list for your next vacation.
For more information on touring Nicaragua including special vacation packages check out visitnicaragua.us
2015 Ram Laramie Limited
Ram Laramie Limited
Featuring premium materials, such as an allblack, full-leather seating, real wood interior components and unique badges, Ram Laramie Limited is a the ultimate luxury pickup. The new trim level is available on the1500, 2500 and 3500 models meaning that even though this is a luxury truck, it still packs all of the towing and payload capacity needed to get the job done. The Laramie Limited’s all-new grille is the most prominent change of the exterior. As the leading point of the new Limited, its new billet port grille breaks from the long tradition of a crosshair styling making it immediately stand out from other Ram trim levels. Inside the seats are covered in Black Natural Plus premium leather and standard power adjustable pedals with memory, heated steering wheel, front ventilated and heated seats, heated rear seats and much more. The new Ram Laramie Limited takes luxury and utility to new heights. See your local dealer for detail and availability or visit RamTrucks.com 49