Honor Your Mother(s)
I’ve been really fortunate to have been surrounded by amazing women who have nurtured me and guided me into becoming the mother, wife, and friend I am today. To my Nanny, Mom, Virginia, my Aunts, and countless other women who have served as mentors, friends, and “mothers”, I say thank you from the depths of my soul.
From babyhood, my Nanny served as more than a grandmother. She was the one person who I knew had my back without a shadow of a doubt. She gave soul-restoring hugs, offered sage advice without a hint of criticism, and lent a listening ear whether sitting right beside me or from miles away. She was my safe place to land. And while this blog is dedicated to her memory, I have many other women in my life who have been influential and have taught me invaluable skills throughout my life.
For children of divorce, step-families can often be challenging. I was blessed on both sides with step-parents who love me like their own. To my precious step-mother who taught me about hard work, how to read a recipe, use a sewing machine, entertain babies, clean everything, nurture living things, and love with all your might- I love you dearly. And while I’m sure you’ll never even see this post, I hope you know how much I appreciate your guidance.
To my Aunts who gave this only child cousins who are more like siblings, summers of cherished memories, and love my kids like their own grandkids too- you are amazing and I hope you know how much you’re loved.
To all the friends and mentors past and present who took me in and offered warmth and friendship- you make me believe in faith that moves mountains and give me laughter beyond measure-you are my inspiration.
And last, but most importantly, my own Mommy Dearest. I could write pages upon pages of stories about us and the wonderful life you gave me. You taught me how to love and how to be a person who loves fiercely. You taught me how having the right attitude can change almost any situation, and to pursue my dreams no matter how challenging they might be. Because of you I see the good in people, see the silver lining in all situations, and give people second chances. You taught me to never give up, that less is more-especially with eye makeup (ha), and giving is always better than getting (unless it is noisy toys for your grandchildren). You inspire me to be better, to work harder, and stand up for what I believe. With all my heart and love, thank you.
In honor of women and mothers everywhere this Mother’s Day, here’s a collection of brunch recipes for the inspiring women in your life…
easy enough even the kids can
help!
Serve with some scrambled eggs and bacon or sausage for a feast she didn’t have to cook herself…I promise she will love it!
As a bonus- I’m including a Strawberry Tart to WOW any crowd. It’s ridiculously easy and super yummy.
To get our FREE printable recipe cards click HERE.
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Virginia’s Cinnamon Bread
Ingredients:
1 Cup sour cream
1 Tsp Baking Soda
1 3/4 Cup flour
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Butter
2 Eggs
1 Tsp Vanilla
1 Tsp Baking Powder
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1 TBSP Cinnamon
Preparation:
Mix together sour cream and baking soda- set aside.
In a dry bowl, mix flour and baking powder- set aside.
In a small bowl mix together brown sugar and cinnamon- set aside.
In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, eggs and vanilla.
Add your flour and sour cream mixtures alternating and blending well between each addition.
Pour 1/2 batter into loaf pan and sprinkle brown sugar and cinnamon mixture
over the batter. Top with remaining batter and then sprinkle 1 TBSP of cinnamon mixture over top.
Use a knife to swirl the batter in the loaf pan.
Bake in a greased loaf pan at 350* for an hour or until knife inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Slice to serve.
Melanie’s Mimosas
Ingredients:
2 Cups Simply Orange orange juice
1 cup Dole Pineapple juice
1/2 Bottle La Marca Prosecco
Makes 4 servings
Preparation:
In a pitcher, mix both juices and pour in 1/2 bottle of Prosecco.
Pour into pretty champagne or wine flutes and garnish with mint, orange slices or strawberries.
Kay’s Strawberry Tart
Ingredients:
1 Boxed cake mix- prepare as per instructions on box. Bake in a parchment lined
jelly roll pan and let cool.
1 pkg cream cheese- softened
1 tub cool whip
1 can Eagle Brand sweetened condensed milk
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 small container of strawberry glaze
Preparation:
Using a mixer, blend together softened cream cheese, 1/2 can of Eagle Brand
sweetened condensed milk until smooth. Fold in the container of cool whip.
Spread over cooled sheet cake in an even layer.
Slice your strawberries into a bowl and add 1/2 container of strawberry glaze. Stir
well and then carefully spread strawberries over your cream cheese layer.
Chill your tart for at least an hour then slice into squares to serve.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
I hope you all have a lovely week, filled to the brim with yummy food, laughter and surrounded by the people you love most!
