Facebook Promoted Posts: My Thoughts

To Whom It May Concern:


Let me start off this letter by saying I LOVE FACEBOOK. Ask any of my friends, who will roll their eyes and say, "Yes, Steph is somewhat obsessed with Facebook." I find a lot of interaction on there, both on my personal page and my blog's Facebook page.  I love interacting and building community.


Isn't that what Facebook is all about?


Now, over time, Facebook has grown, changed and improved.  Often, we act like little kids when something new gets thrown our way on Facebook.  We grumbled with how our news feeds changed, and all but had a heart attack when Timeline unrolled.


But the recent Facebook rumor mill has many page administrators all a twitter (pun intended) about the future sustainability of their pages.


Facebook has started Promoted Posts. Essentially, this means that page owners (whether they are businesses, brands, blogs, etc) can pay a sum of money to get more reach out of that content they post. A small fee may get a few more glances, a large fee (upwards of hundreds of dollars) promises that almost all of Facebook will ogle your posts.


Ok. That last part isn't true. But sort of.


I've been hopping between many angry rant conversations on Facebook the last few days.  Groups I am apart of, pages I follow and personal friends have a lot to say on the matter of Promo Posts. Many are cranky that they have seen a drop in their reach and interaction since Timeline arrived on their pages, and some say they've seen a marked drop since the promoted posts started popping up.


I don't blame them.


I admit, I've been getting all hot and bothered about it myself.  Although reading this post from Addicted 2 Decorating consoling me that Facebook is NOT out to sabotage my page makes me feel better. And Mama Cheaps good instruction on how to make Facebook Lists so you don't miss any updates from your favorite pages helps as well.


Here's what I think, particularly after some research. I believe that Facebook is not out to get us.  But I do believe they are trying to make money. And while they are not requiring fees to use Facebook (or manage pages for that matter), I think that the promoted post statistics are deceiving. Possibly on purpose.  


Not sure what I mean? Check this out.


Now that Promo Posts are here, every time I post, it let's me know how many people that particular post has reached.  This is drawn from the Insights Data that we've already had access to. So, when I first post something, it may say only 18% of people are reached (which may be, like 144 people or something like that on my particular page). 


As a page owner, we might find this disconcerting, so when the option to "Promote" that post for as little as $5 with the promise that 900 people could be reached, we are tempted.


But how do you know what you are getting for your money?


A friend who owns a photography business paid a small fee to promote a post.  She was promised a large number would be reached. But at the time I spoke with her, only 21% of people had viewed it.


Where is the Return on Investment?


I've found that although many posts start with a small percentage, as more people are reached throughout the day, the percentage goes up.  A post that only has 9% reach in the morning may be up to 44% by the evening. That's a nice reach for a small blog!


Lastly, the statistical data (i.e.: the percentages they are showing of people reached) is deceiving, which I think is also causing alarm for no reason.  This is an actual math equation from posting that happened today (and while my numbers are small, I am still proud to use them):


As of the writing of this post, I have 667 page likes on the CSHM Facebook Page. One of my posts from earlier this morning (https://www.facebook.com/Confessions.Of.A.StayatHome.Mom/posts/396839067022005) had reached 584 people as of 11pm. Now regular math conventions tells me that 584 is roughly 87% of 667. But the post said it only reached 37%. WHAT? Am I misunderstanding "people reached?" When I click on the percent for further info, it says, "Only 37% of the 667 people who like your page say this." 


Really? Who taught you algebra?


Here is a screenshot of the post in question:

Notice the post on the right - where 584 people were reached (which is, according to Facebook, only 37% of my audience).   Then take notice to the post on the left from around the same time. That post reached less people, only 190, which, according to Facebook, was 27%.

Wait. 


What the what?


I'm not great on math, but if 190 is 27%, how is 584 only 37%?


The world may never know.


All that to say, the information is not clear nor is it consistent. And I think that the lack of clarity works in favor of Facebook scaring people into paying money to promote posts.


Now, I'm still unclear on whether or not less people are seeing my page because I am not paying for posts.  Some say that pages are popping up less in their feeds. But according to Addicted to Decorating (and Facebook help center), Facebook has not changed how posts are being shared with those who like our pages. (And for a peace of mind, know that if someone has "liked" your page, their default setting IS for your page to pop up in their newsfeed - so no need to have people go back and do it).


So if you are a page owner, keep doing what you are doing. Share your content, interact, and work on building genuine relationships with your fans.  If you are just a regular Facebook user and Page liker, keep interacting with the pages you love. The Facebook Algorithm is such that the more you interact with a page, the more it will show up in your newsfeed (or, use Mama Cheaps tip on adding them to a list).


In the end, I think we will most likely survive yet another Facebook change.  


Or we're encountering the Zombie Apocalypse.


Either way, good times to be had by all.

Save the Arts in Upper Darby

I believe in public education. 


If you've been around this blog at all, you know how strongly I feel about providing public schools with funding, good teachers and quality resources for our kids.  


A few months ago, I wrote about my feelings regarding the cuts to the Upper Darby School District.  Because let's face it: so many local districts are being threatened, having to make tough choices, and facing scrutiny.  Teachers have become the enemy, and "nonessential" classes such as language, library, music and gym are getting the axe.


It makes me sick.


Because who gets hurt the most?

SNAP Matters to ME

Growing up, I never had to worry about having food on the table.  Sure, there were times when money was tight and things go hard.  But we were lucky enough to have the means and resources to provide for ourselves.  


Having worked with Children, Youth and Family services in my county, I learned a lot about the lengths parents will go to make sure their children's basic needs are met.  The hard work, the sacrifice.  In our country and economy, sometimes even the hardest working, sacrificial acts are not enough to put food on the table.


Enter SNAP.

Lawnmower Empowerment {Weekly Challenge}

Confession: Up until last month, I had no idea how to mow the lawn.


Ok. Now let me back up.  I'm not completely inept.  Growing up, I mowed our lawn from time to time. My parents had more than a half acre lot, which was kept pristine with a riding mower.  I loved using the riding mower. Because before I had a driving permit, it was the closest I could get to driving.  And maybe once in a while I would pretend I was cruising around town instead of up and down my yard.


Starting in middle school, I learned the basics of the riding mower: how to let the clutch in and out, always keep the speed on the picture of the "tortoise" instead of "rabbit" (which I was rudely reminded one day when I attempted to see what would happen if I started the mower in "rabbit." I'm not saying it was a complete catastrophe, but a few small bushes may or may not have sacrificed their lives for the lesson), and how to keep the lines straight.

2012 Cookout Menu

I've made a few Cookout Menus in the past: Memorial Day Cookout Menu, Labor Day Cookout Menu and Fourth of July Cookout Menu.  They are good, but I needed new inspiration.  So I asked, and you responded! 

Here are even MORE Cookout recipes to fill your Summer with!

Fun recipe cards created by me of my recipes, reader submitted recipes and blogger submitted recipes!  Click on the picture to make it larger for viewing and feel free download to print!


I will update throughout the Summer as I come across more Cookout-worthy recipes.  Now we all have new inspirations for our BBQ's!

How Do You Take Your Coffee?

How do you take your coffee?


It's an important question, one you should know the answer to. 


We are asked this question in so many places: at the local coffee shop, when we are enjoying dinner at a restaurant, when we are being served by the hostess of a party.  They ask, and if you are unclear in your answer, you end up with a cup of coffee that does not appeal to your flavor palate!


Every coffee drinker is different. Hubby is among the ranks of hardcore coffee drinkers who takes their coffee black.  I don't get it, nor could I ever choke down the substance in it's most natural form.  


Personally, I like to doctor my coffee with all sorts of accouterments: Creamer, Sugar, Cinnamon.  Give me something sweet, and I'll try it in my coffee.  I believe coffee should taste the way coffee ice cream tastes.  So when you look at my cuppa, it's usually a pale brown color (which causes Hubby to gag).

Not Super Mom

Today?


Today I was not Super Mom.


I'm sure we all have days like this.  It wasn't a terribly bad day.  I've had plenty of those days.  Days where nothing goes right and crying is the only solution and you think you'll move to Australia.


Today was just one of those days where I could not do it all.


I'll blame myself for even attempting to wear the cape today.  It started with an ill-fated trip to the nail salon, where my little sister (who is getting married this weekend) and her bridal party were enjoying the morning getting their nails done. Since I am in the bridal party, I wanted to go. I wanted to support my littlest sister, and who doesn't love spiffed-up nails?


My mistake was thinking it would be a good idea to bring the kiddos.

Easy Macaroni Salad {RECIPE}

Macaroni Salad is a staple cookout side dish.  Everyone does it different, everyone has their preferences.  Some tend toward being heavy on the mayonnaise, others aim for italian flavorings. I've been making the same macaroni salad for as long as I can remember.  I learned this ridiculously simple recipe from my mom, who whipped up this salad every time we grilled in the Summer.  Another reason I love it? I have 2 words for you:


Four. Ingredients.


That's it!


SO EASY. And I've found it to be a real crowd pleaser.


I posted this recipe a long time ago in my Memorial Day Cookout Menu, but felt it deserved a post of it's own.   It can be tweaked to your preferences, and I'll share a few notes and tips at the end.

~~~~~

Things Moms Say: Kids TV Shows

Many of us look back fondly on the shows we used to watch as kids.  The theme song to The Brady Bunch, Looney Toons,  Full House, and  Mickey Mouse Club,  all create a warm stirring of memories in our hearts.  We loved those shows, but did we ever stop to think that maybe the shows or characters didn't quite win our parents over? Perhaps as we were singing the Lambchop's Song That Doesn't End, our parents were slowly losing their marbles.  I know many of my friend's watched the Simpsons, but it was banned in our house because Bart was such a wise guy.


Now that we are parents, we have to endure some less-than-savory TV shows.  Maybe it's the annoying theme song, maybe it's the impolite main character.  Or, if you are me, maybe the show has puppets, which you find ABSOLUTELY CREEPY (another post for another day, friends).


My gal pals from PSMM shared their thoughts on kids TV shows. It was not surprising to find that everyone had something to say, and there was much commiserating during the conversation.  Spoiler Alert: Caillou is not our friend.


Here's what they had to say:

{How To} Dixie Cup Popsicles

Nothing says "Summer" like a nice, cold popsicle.  Growing up, I loved the long days with lingering twilights.  Those nights when the sun seemed to slowly set, my sisters and I would dig into the thin cardboard box of orange, red and purple ice pops.  It was heaven.


Now I realize that it's easy to make popsicles at home. This saves money, allows you control over the ingredients, and gives you a chance to try really creative flavor combinations.


Last summer, I was excited to make homemade popsicles. I went out to Walmart and got a popsicle mold kit. The white plastic had 6 popsicle shapes complete with 6 plastic sticks.  On our way to check out, we got some sugar-free pudding mix and skim milk to create our homemade pudding pops. Little Chica and were ready to have some Popsicle Making Fun!


When we got home, we whipped up the pudding, poured it in the mold and popped it in the freezer. The next day we excitedly retrieved the frozen pops, but when we attempted to release the popsicles from the mold, the plastic sticks snapped off!  No sticks render popsicles all but inedible.


No popsicles. Total disappointment.

Can You Hear Me Now?

Do you ever just feel lost as a parent?


At many times in the 4 years that I've been a parent, I have found myself fumbling over some aspect of childrearing.  Eating issues, sleeping issues, health issues, etc.  I know that every stage will have it's obstacles, but I've recently been really struggling over some of Little Chica's behaviors.


Namely, listening.


Or, rather, not listening.


Chica is a wonderful kid. I love her to pieces. She is boisterous and fun and intelligent and creative. Her imagination is absolutely amazing, riddled with tales of princesses and whales and dragons and beaches and mountains. I believe she will do great things some day.


Presently, though, I am having a heck of a time getting her to listen.

T-Fal ActiFry Giveaway and Review

It's no secret that I enjoy cooking.  Not only do I love cooking, but I get excited to try new things: new recipes, new techniques, new kitchen gadgets.


Oh I get giddy about gadgets.


So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when the cool people over at T-Fal asked if I wanted to try out their healthy fryer, the ActiFry


Yes. You heard me correctly. HEALTHY fryer.


Say WHAT?


The ActiFry is a healthy cooker that helps people make delectable foods (like french fries) without loads of fat. 1 tablespoon of oil is enough for 2 lbs of tasty, homemade French Fries.  The ActiFry can stir-fry, slow cook and walk a tight rope.


All the above is true. Except for the tight rope.


I'd actually first heard about the ActiFry a year or two ago in Food Network Magazine. The article was a tour of Ellie Krieger's kitchen.  I love Ellie (we're on a first name basis, don't you know?).  She's a great chef with health at the forefront of all her cooking. Her recipes are thoughtfully healthifed and super tasty.


Anyway, Ellie said she enjoyed fried food, but knew it was unhealthy. The ActiFry has become one of her "can't live without" kitchen gadgets.


And it was on it's way to to my house.


Squee!!!


A few days ago, the ActiFry finally arrived.  This is how I felt about welcoming the ActiFry into my home:

Welcome home, my friend.

Grey's Anatomy Season Finale, Season 8

Warning: If you can't handle ridiculous discussion and speculation of a fictional TV Show, please stop reading now.

Tonight is the night. The Season 8 Finale of Grey's Anatomy.


Now, I know many previous fans of Grey's have since moved on, feeling like the show jumped the shark when George and Izzy left. Others have continued to be faithful viewers through thick and thin. I believe, though, that Grey's still has a strong and passionate fan base, which keep the writers motivated season after season.


I will be honest: I did not start watching the show until Season 7.  I caught the end of Season 6, where the shooter went rampant through the hospital and many Seattle Grace employees and patients lost their lives.  Starting that Summer, I began to watch syndicated reruns on Lifetime.  Each day, Monday through Friday, I could catch back-to-back episodes of past seasons from 1pm-3pm. Which was perfect, since that was during nap time.  I soon became hooked, and couldn't stand to miss a day. It was not long until I was caught up and ready to start with the current episodes when Season 7 started.  

Skunked {A Cautionary Tale}

It was about 11:00pm when I trudged up the stairs to make my way to bed this past Friday night.  The kids were in dreamland and Hubby was finishing up a few more things downstairs before he hit the hay.  I quietly stepped into the bathroom to brush my teeth, when I noticed a really funny smell. Not funny like haha funny, but a curious unsettling kind of funny. But not as bad as this historically disgusting funny, which wasn't very funny at all.


We live in the Mushroom Capital of the World, so funny smells pervade our house on a weekly, if not daily, basis. But this smell did not have the fresh hint of manure.  It was something more diabolical, a smell I've sniffed before.  I thought perhaps a dirty diaper had made it's way into a corner only to be forgotten. A quick search turned up nothing. Maybe the tub or sink drains needed to be cleaned?  But I bravely whiffed each, and neither smelled suspect.


I stuck my head into the hallway, and the smell followed me. As I rounded the corner and made my way up the final set of stairs to my bedroom, I was overcome by the stench.  Suddenly I knew where I'd smelled this before.  Memories of whizzing by roadkill on the side of the street, I finally placed the smell.


Skunk.


I smelled gross, icky Skunk spray.


This time, though, it did not pass as quickly as it does when you drive over a dead skunk carcass on the road.  As I tried to ignore it and lay in bed waiting for Hubby to come up, I kept getting hit with new waves of grossness.  This was not one skunk who was spooked enough to squirt a quick stinkbomb.  No, this smelled like a gang of skunks had a deadly squirmish with a rival gang of skunks thrown in with a few dirty diapers and a trashcan filled with raw chicken that had been left out in a heatwave.  


I swear I could taste it in my mouth.


My mouth, people.


While I was ranting about the smell, the attic door, which is accessed from our bedroom, creaked open a bit.  The sound made me jump. And my mind, already woozy from a skunk-induced high, created a thought that filled my stomach with ice.


What if the skunk was in the house?


Like, in the attic.


The attic whose door is roughly 5 feet away from where I am sitting.


What if the skunk, reloaded with stank ammo, was making it's way down the attic steps toward my bedroom this very moment?


My mind raced to decide whether this assessment was logical: I guess a skunk could have made it's way into our attic. Squirrels and raccoons have been known to do this in other houses.  But those animals climb, right? I don't think skunks can climb.  And where would the sucker have gotten in anyway?  Would I have heard it scratching? What is my plan of attack if a skunk flies out of the attic door? I feel safe on the bed, but only in as much as a 5 year old convinces themselves they are safe from the monsters that reside beneath their sleeping haven.  If a skunk could get into my attic, then it could clearly jump onto my bed. FOR ALL THAT IS SACRED AND HOLY, what if it sprayed the entire room?  Do hose it down with tomato sauce? Wait. It's tomato juice, right? WHAT IF IT HAS RABIES?  IF THIS SMELL GETS ANY WORSE I AM GOING TO GO CUCKOO BANANAS CRAZYPANTS.


As I was about to grab a pocket knife from Hubby's nightstand to be at least somewhat prepared for battle, Hubby stomps up the stairs.  He doesn't notice my blood-drained face, wide eyes and rapidly-beating heart when he asks, "Do you smell that? What is that? Burning rubber?"


I take a moment to find my voice, so as not to make him panic when I relay that there is a good chance we might have a rabid skunk smellicating our attic.  "That smell is skunk, sweetie."


Realization colors his face. "OHHHHHH.  It smelled so bad downstairs!  I cuoldn't tell what it was!  Dang that smells bad."


Downstairs.  He could smell it downstairs.  Which means that the smell is probably outside, and not directly above us.


I make a decision right then and there not to detail my last 60 seconds of horror and speculation.


"Hey, the attic door keeps creaking open. Can you lock it?"  Better safe than sorry, right?


He rolls his eyes, as though it was a ridiculous request since I was only a few feet away. What he doesn't know if that I haven't regained motion in my legs yet.


"Sure. I can do that," and he closes the lock on the door.


Despite the fact that we were plagued by the invasive skunk stench all night, I feel asleep peacefully knowing that a skunk was, in fact, not in our attic.


But hey, it totally could have happened.


Don't judge me.

A Terrible Realization

I realized this today when I started thinking about tomorrow.  


::sigh::

Never Will I Ever: Be A Carnie

"Carnies.  Smell like cabbage. ::whispering:: Small hands." -- Austin Powers

Carnivals creep me out.


Something about how one day they eerily pop up out of nowhere, and a few days later there is no trace of their existence.  The greasy food.  The rigged games.  There is just something not right about carnivals.


Luckily, Hubby is not fond of them either.  And after a quick stop at a local carnival last night, I am proud to report that Little Chica wasn't too impressed by her first carnival visit either.


When I was little, I got just as excited as the next kid when a local fairground popped up for the week. To a kid, there is something thrilling about going to a place filled to the brim with rides, games and food.  People chatter away as you walk, and there is opportunity to win prizes around every corner.


And then you get older, wiser and more cynical.

Note: There were no clowns at this carnival. But clowns are at the circus. And circuses and carnivals are cut from the same cloth in my book. Clowns also creep me out. After watching this movie as a a child, I've never been able to look at Bozo the same way again.  Have you seen it? Tell me it's not insane.

You begin to look at carnivals a little differently. You realize how disgusting the food is.  You are rubbed the wrong way by Carnies who salaciously attempt to lure you into playing their impossible games.  Upon further inspection, you find the stuffed animal you just won has matted fur and is filled with sawdust.  You begin to question an establishment that is assembled and dismantled in the matter of hours.


Like I said. The whole system is suspect.


So to start this Monday, I thought I'd share with you the 

Top Reasons Never Will I Ever Be A Carnie 

(in no particular order):

The Temporary Skyline

I find it unsettling that everything about a Carnival is temporary.  This same exact Carnival will be someplace else next week, creeping out a completely different town.  One day, it's an empty parking lot. The next day an entire town made of metal is erected.  3 days later, it is as though the fair never existed, save for the lone funnel cake carelessly shoved into a nearby bush. The only consistency is the eccentric staff of transient nomads that run the rides and games from town to town (aka Carnies). More on this later.

Tinker Toy Rides and Death-Defying Fun

You will NEVER catch me enjoying a ride at a Carnival.  Well, for what it's worth, you won't catch me enjoying rides at an amusement park either. I hate rides.  Mainly because they make me sick. But it is completely disconcerting to me that Carnival rides are built in a day. A DAY, people.  Like some oversized Erector Set.  How safe can that be?  You really think they are double checking every bolt and screw?  How certain are you that the "Zipper" will take you up 50 feet in the air and deliver you safely back on the ground?  Yeah. I don't think so.

Now, I am all about appreciating science. And I completely understand that part of the thrill of amusement rides is the physics of it all. Gravity. Centrifugal force.  But do we really need to put ourselves in ridiculous situations to have fun?  Take this bad boy for example:

The Freak Out

A ride that seats you in "safe" baskets on the end of a long arm. The ride then throws the baskets up in the air, and while a dangerously far distance from the ground, proceeds to spin you around until your stomach resides where your brain used to.

What ever happened to simple fun? Like Scrabble. Or Gardening.

Food

Sure, I love the occasional funnel cake. And as a kid, I though carnivals were a food-lover's paradise.  But as I grew up, learned about nutrition, and how money worked, it never fails to amaze me:

1) the disgusting food offered at carnivals (Deep fried oreos? How gross is that? Let me count the ways) 

and

 2) how much money some people are willing to spend on a limp hotdog or a soggy plate of nachos.  Suddenly a "fun day at the fair" rivals the cost of a classy dinner.

Carnies

Need I say more?

Torture Devices Disguised as Fun

Tell me this doesn't look like a torture device. I dare you.  Like, wasn't this featured in the movie Saw? Oh, and if you have difficulty reading the fine print, it says "Riders do not experience any sickness because the spinning changes directions and keeps each rider's inner ear balanced."

You sit on a throne of LIES.

Does this need any more explanation?

Don't say you haven't been warned.

PS - who wants to go back with me later this week?

An Open Letter to Moms

Hey you.


Yes you, the Mom who is reading this post.


I want you to know...


I think you're kind of awesome.


That's right!


You are all total class acts in my book.


No, really!


Why? Why do I think you are awesome? 


Well, where do I begin?  First and foremost, you have agreed to take on one of the most difficult roles on Earth: caring for another human life. You made the conscious decision to parent this small being, to provide for every one of her needs, to put his life before your own, and to one day make the equally difficult decision to let them spread their wings and fly.


I think each and every one of you is a hero. That's right. Partaking in motherhood is nothing short of heroic.  Day in and day out, you love your kids. And despite what the movies tell you, love is hard.  It means making the choice to love when you are tired. When you are frustrated. When you are lonely. When you are afraid.  When you want to do anything but.  


You choose daily to love and do what is best for your children.


So this letter, my dear friends, is for you.


This goes out to the moms who submitted to the hours and hours of hard labor to bring a child into this world.  The agony, the suspense, the healing.  Think about it: a life, a small being, came forth from your body!  Doesn't that just amaze you?  Can you believe you did that?


I can, because you are awesome.


This goes out to the moms who underwent surgery to meet their child.  Maybe you were awake, maybe you were asleep. But you sacrificed your body to give your little one life.  I can imagine in the moments before you met your child it was a little frightening!  Are you floored that you experienced that?


I am, because you are brave.


This goes out to the moms who endured the long process of adoption to bring their child into their homes.  The countless packets, the fundraising, the signing of signatures, the mailing of papers. The agony of not knowing if you'd ever be approved, if there would ever be a perfect match for your family.  The long plane rides halfway across the world to see where she lived. To finally have that life-changing moment where you meet her face-to-face. Have you ever thought about how amazing that is?


I have, because you are beautiful.


This goes out to mothers who only knew their children for a short time before they were taken away.  Some of you only knew them weeks within your body.  Some of you endured months of pregnancy before your child was taken Home.  Some of you had the joy of knowing your children in the flesh, for moments, weeks, months or years before you had to release them.  My heart goes out to each and every one of you, for knowing the love of motherhood and the pain of loss.  You are, and forever will be, mothers.  Never forget that.


I won't, because you are strong.


This goes out to the Moms-to-be.  You are working so hard to grow that small life in your womb. You may feel anxiety as you face the unknown of Parenthood, and the simultaneous excitement of bringing your child into the world. Welcomed into the World of Motherhood!  Did you know that you are already a mom, as you walk through these 9 months?


I did, because you are glowing!


This goes out to every woman who has taken on the role of mother, whether biological or not.  You have come into a child's life and vowed to care for him, raise him, love him, provide for him.  And he will be all the better for it.  


You are life givers.  You are healers. You are magicians. You are chauffeurs. You are cooks.  You are storytellers.  


And above all?


You are beautiful.


Every. Single. One. Of. You.


Nothing humbles me more than to meet another Mom, to hear her stories, and to celebrate her greatness.


This Mother's Day, I celebrate you.


Stay classy, Mommas.

Mother's Day Brunch Menu

Just to give some inspiration to those of us who will be serving (or contributing to) Mother's Day Brunch this Sunday, I thought I'd throw out a few of my favorite brunch recipes.  I made sure to do a good mix of "breakfast" and "lunch" items. Because that's the point of Brunch - that it's a partnership between the early and mid-day meals.  Too often I've arrived at a late brunch that starts at, say, 11:00am, only to find mainly breakfast items. This does not constitute Brunch, my friends.  That is a late breakfast.


So give the Mommas in your life an elegant brunch.  They deserve it!


This brunch menu actually goes really well for any brunch occasion. I make the Breakfast Casserole and Monkey Bread every Christmas Morning!


Here is my Quintessential Mother's Day Brunch Menu.  Enjoy!

Beverages

Mimosas

Orange Juice

Coffee

Iced Tea

Appetizers and Sides

Asparagus Roll Ups

Warm Tortellini and Cherry Tomato Salad

Main Meal

Breakfast Casserole

Dilled Shredded Beef Sandwiches

Desserts/Pastries

Fruit Pizza

Cannoli Dip

Monkey Bread

What items will you be serving on Mother's Day? What are your favorite Brunch recipes? I'd love to hear from you (and snag a few recipes while I'm at it), so leave a comment!