What I'm reading: The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming

I just finished listening to The Family Romanov by Candace Fleming. I enjoyed this book immensely. I learned so much while reading this book. I thought I knew stuff about the Romanov's, more specifically Anastasia, but in reality I knew nothing. I had no idea what actually happened. I was pleasantly surprised. 

www.yainterrobang.com

I had no idea the disparity between the rich and poor. While listening to The Family Romanov, I learned that 1.5% of the population owned 90% of the money. I couldn't believe that; it's still hard for me to wrap my head around. 

I always thought I knew a few things about Russia and the Romanovs from watching the animated movie with Meg Ryan, Anastasia. Everything that I thought I knew was wrong. The movie has nothing that is historically accurate aside that there is a character name Anastasia and Rasputin. 

 While this book was nonfiction, it wasn't boring, full of sentences just stating facts. It read like a story. Candace Fleming would juxtapose the lives of the imperial Romanov family and the peasants. The two lived vastly different lives, and the ruler of all Russia was the oblivious to the fact. 

Would I highly recommend this book? YES. A big YES. I listened to this book and I really enjoyed it. On the audiobook I listened to, Kimberly Farr read the book, and she did a really good job. I also had the book and sometimes read a long and looked at all the photos that were included in the book. This book was written for young adults, but I think everyone high school or older would enjoy this book. I'd recommend this book to those who are interested in the World Wars or learning about royalty. 

                                                                         Andrea 

P.S. This books has also won several literary awards, which can be found here.

Taylor Swift 1989 concert

I have to share my amazing experience at the 1989 concert.It was one of the best nights ever. 

Taylor Swift singing "Wild Dreams" and "Enchanted".

I have been to Taylor Swift concert before. I went to the Speak Now World Tour. The Speak Now World Tour concert was amazing. I still reminisce all the time by watching the concert on the Live dvd. I still get emotional just thinking about it. It had a huge impression on me. I was already a huge fan, but after I completely immersed myself in her music and all things Taylor. 

Speak Now World Tour

My good friend and I bonded over Taylor Swift. She is the person that I went to the Speak Now concert with, and the person that I shared my obsession of all things Taylor with. It was really great. Several, years later we still each share that love of Taylor Swift. 

She had already been to the 1989 concert, but she loved it so much that she wanted to go again. I was game. We had a hard time finding tickets. We thought all was over until she won tickets from Xfinity. It was a dream come true. It was really surreal. Xfinity gave us tickets to the show with backstage tour passes. How did we get so lucky? Thank you Xfinity. You gave us the best night ever. 

Finding out we had backstage tour passes and great seats!

At our backstage tour, we got to see what goes into a Taylor Swift concert. We got see the costumes up close and the technology that brings Taylor close to everyone, even those up in the nosebleed seats. (Side note: At a Taylor Swift concert, there is no such thing as a nose bleed seat.) The best part about the backstage tour was the person giving the tour, Mama Swift (Taylor's mom). 

Meeting Mama Swift. She was so nice!

Mama Swift made a point to speak to everyone in our small group and to give everyone a hug. She gave lots of info about the 1989 tour and it's mouth-dropping statistics, but she also told little stories about Taylor. You could tell that she was one proud mom and was happy to help Taylor make her dreams come true. It was really great to be a little part of that, even if it was a very small part. 

Cardboard cut out of Taylor's cat, Olivia and Meredith. They were really big.

Every part of the 1989 concert was very tailored. Taylor took the time to dot all her I's and cross all her T's. She thought of every aspect, from the moment you walked in until the moment you left. She looked genuinely happy to be there performing. 

Taylor bringing the front row to everyone. 

If you have never been to Taylor Swift concert, you have really missed out. She gives amazing performances. Her shows are theatrical and very personal. You can't help but sing, dance, and cheer at the top of your lungs. You'll tear up at least once and revel in the wonderful night you were able to participate in. 

'selfie' with Taylor

Another 'selfie' with Taylor.

Taylor talks to the crowd like she is talking to you personally. She makes you feel special, and it is so amazing (sorry for the overuse of the word, but it's all that really sums it up). You'll leave the night wonderstruck and feeling like you just went to a party with 15,000 of your closest friends. It's a feeling I can't quite explain. 

Taylor inspiring the crowd.

If you haven't been to one of her concerts and have the means and opportunity to, I highly recommend that you do.


Love,
                                                      Andrea 

Healthy Homemade Iced Coffee

Every time I have ever purchased an ice coffee from a restaurant, I have never really liked it. Probably because both times, I went to McDonald's and tried their iced coffee. Both times I did so, it had a horrible  after taste and I'd only go back for another sip just to get rid of the taste that was left after each time I went in for another drink. As you can see, it ended up being this continuous cycle. Everyone I worked with and went to school with kept raving about iced coffee. What was I missing that they were enjoying so much? How did they enjoy this iced coffee that I hated so much? I mean really. Finally, I found a basic recipe somewhere-- I am not really sure where as I can't remember where I found it. This recipe is a skeleton. You can dress it up as much as you would like. I like my iced coffee simple. So, I stick to the basics not doing much to it. If it's not broken, it doesn't need a flavored syrup. :) 

I like to make my own iced coffee because I can control what goes into it. I know all the ingredients that I am going to be drinking and putting into my body. I can control how much sweetener or sugar is used or how much milk is put into it. Not only, I find that making my own iced coffee ends up making my calorie intake lower. This recipe is quick and easy, which only makes me love it more. 

Here is how I make my iced coffee:

  

1 cup coffee

3/4 - 1 cup almond milk

1 dash of Vanilla

2 Tbs. - 1/4 cup Splenda 

I then stir all the ingredients together. I place in a cute mason jar and put it in the fridge or freezer to cool. How much sugar or milk I use depends on how strong the coffee is brewed. Generally, I like my iced coffee to be bit sweeter.  

This is how I make my iced coffee. Use this recipe as the block and build what you would like with it. Make it fit the flavors you desire. If you don't like almond milk, use the milk of your choice. Don't like Splenda? Use Sugar or Stevia. It's all up to you. Don't what it to have a strong coffee flavor, dial back the coffee and add extra milk. It's all in your hands now.

Once I found this very basic recipe, I found a starting point that I needed to guide me in the right direction. Sometimes, I add a little caramel sauce or chocolate sauce for added flavor. Let this be your guide. The sky's the limit. Now I'm going to go pour myself a glass of ice coffee and enjoy a good book. Have a great day. 

Peace, love, bake on.

                                   Andrea