Dear America Book Series

 

Dear America Book Series

I know this isn't my usual spot for book reviews. You can view those here: A Novel Experience 

 I wanted to do a little showcase on these great books. I'm calling these a series, although they actually are stand-alone. I definitely recommend buying as many as you can!

I have 3 daughters, am a self-taught history buff, and an unapologetic book hoarder.

According to Goodreads, there are 43 books. We probably own 15 or so and have read more of them.

These historical fiction books are fascinating. They are full of wonderful information on some of America's biggest historical moments!

While the protagonist is usually a fictitious, young girl writing in her diary, the historical events are factual and many of the names are also real people.

I actually just finished reading another one of these books, which is mainly the reason for this post.

I wanted to hop on here and share this one.

Dear America, A Time For Courage

The Suffragette Diary of Kathleen Bowen

Washington, D.C, 1917

written by: Kathryn Lasky

I honestly was just drawn into this book from the beginning. There is so much information that I learned.

A few of the things I am taking away from this book.

The suffragette movement was so much more than just women wanting to be legally allowed to vote.

Women were not allowed to sue anyone, have mortgages, and were often denied higher education. Women were also required to quit their jobs once they became married at one time in history.

Mrs. Elizabeth Cady Stanton was the first to hold a meeting for woman's rights in her home. The meeting, held in July 1848 held over 300 women and 40 men, including Frederick Douglas.

Lucy Burns was arrested with many other women. In 1917, she led many of the women prisoners on a hunger strike that eventually led to their pardons and release from jail.

President Wilson did not support the Women's movement and often refused to listen or acknowledge the picketers and spokespeople.

Women picketers were called unwomanly, pathological, diseased, dangerous, among other things.

Women today still fight for equality.

 

As you can see, this book alone is full of wonderful history.

I would love for you to check out more of these books here.

More Dear America Books!

Have you read any of them?

Which is your favorite?

National Fudge Day!

 It's National Fudge Day!

I know I missed a few days last week, but I'm trying to focus posts on either things I know about or things I'm interested in learning about. Or, just something that looks fun!

I do know about fudge!

I think of fudge as something nostalgic. It reminds me of Mamaw's kitchen, being at fairs or flea markets, going on vacation, and watching the confectioners churn chocolate those huge brass vats!

Fun Facts(Wiki):

Fudge originated here in the United States in the late 19th century.

Its popularity was partly due to the decreasing costs of refined white sugar, and partly because it was easily made at home without any special equipment.

 Mackinac Island Fudge, located on Mackinac Island, Michigan was the first candy shop established!

Founder, Rome Murdick was also the first to use a marble slab to make the fudge. This not only gave the fudge a unique flavor but also let customers watch it being made!

I think one of the things that attract people to fudge is its diversity.

You can start with any base(chocolate, peanut butter, or vanilla) and add in just about anything to jazz it up. Try adding crushed cookies, fruits, nuts, coconut, marshmallows, baking chips, candies, even liqueurs, and anything else that sounds yummy in a piece of fudge!

I went over and grabbed a couple recipes for you to check out.

For those that want quick and easy.

Easy 2 Ingredient Fudge!

For the more adventurous.

41 Delicious Fudge Recipes

If you're like me and love fudge but have no desire to actually make it...

Go here! 

Great selection of fudge! Yummm!

Make sure to comment and let me know how you are celebrating National Fudge Day!

National Iced Tea and Herbs & Spices Day!

 Today is National Iced Tea and Herbs & Spices Day!

   That's right! Today you get two! Is it a coincidence these two share a day? Probably not. 

   The two go so well together.  I have to admit, I'm pretty stoked about sharing this one! 

We are admittedly a household of iced tea gurus. We have definitely tried a wide variety. We don't buy soda/pop for the house, so other than water or occasional juice, it's milk or tea for my kids(coffee for Momma). We are outside pretty much all Spring and Summer so, iced tea is a nice refresher. We also have the notorious debate...sweet or unsweet?

I choose the latter. I'm the unsweet kind of gal. I feel like the herbs, fruit, flavors, some even have syrups, that add plenty of sweetness for me.

I love trying new teas. All the flavor combos to choose from or even brewing some at home and adding your own herbs.

If you grow them fresh, even better!

The most common of the "tea herbs" are Lavender, Lemon Verbena, Mint, Chamomile, and Jasmine.

I haven't forgotten to add some spices to your tea adventure.

The most used spices for tea are Cinnamon, Ginger, Mint, Cardamom(I love a good Chai tea), and Clove.

What is your favorite or go-to tea?

Do you have a combo we should try?

Whether you've never really gotten into tea or you're feeling adventurous, here are some great ideas to look into. The choices could go on and on!

Let me know what you find!

Shop for great herbal and spiced teas here!

Happy National Iced Tea and Herbs & Spices Day!