Here's a new monthly feature - a little recap to keep you updated on everything that happened on and off the blog this month.
I'm calling it our virtual cuppa tea and a chat, so pour yourself a cuppa and let's have a chat about our little corner of the internet.
Here I’ll feature new posts published during the month, take a look at the most popular posts of the month, see who won our giveaways, plus share some of my favorite comments from you, the wonderful readers of Irish American Mom.
And of course, we'll take a look at our ever growing Irish clan, a community of people who share a deep love of Irish heritage and culture.
If you're pressed for time, this monthly post can be your one stop shop, for catching up on all the happenings around our Irish American community.
Here you can let me know about the posts you enjoyed the most and what you'd like to see happening on the blog. It's a way to help me plan my recipes and writing schedule. So feel free, to leave comments at the end of this post. I promise I'll read each and every one.
So, let's dive in and take a look at October 2019 - the spookiest month of all on my blog, thanks to the Irish love of Halloween.
Most Popular Posts for October 2019:
Here's a look at the top 3 most popular and viewed posts on my blog this month.
A few early sniffles must have started around the northern hemisphere since my recipe for the famous Irish flu shot, an Irish Hot Whiskey was viewed the most this month, with an amazing 6,573 page views.
Now everyone must be getting into Thanksgiving mode and thinking about which sides to serve with turkey.
The second most viewed post on my blog was once again a recipe.
Second place goes to my tutorial on how to roast potatoes Irish or English style. This recipe received 2,888 page views.
And third place goes to all the rutabaga lovers out there. It seems to be all about recipes this month.
There was a whopping 2,886 page views for my tutorial on how to peel and cut a rutabaga.
Again, another sign that Thanksgiving is just around the corner.
New Blog Posts:
New posts featured some information on Halloween and it's Irish origins, plus we had two giveaways this month.
The Celtic Festival Of Samhain
The Origins Of The Jack O'Lantern
The Dog Who Lost His Bark By Eoin Colfer
Strong Roots and HOME: Irish Trees And A Giveaway From My Irish Jeweler
Giveaway Winners:
We had two lucky winners of prizes this month.
Robin won a beautiful sterling silver Tree of Life Pendant from My Irish Jeweler.
Plus Joan won a copy of Eoin Colfer's middle grade novel, The Dog Who Lost His Bark.
Comments That Made Me Smile:
Now this is the part of blogging that really makes me smile. I LOVE your comments.
They are a joy to read. They brighten my day, and make this whole blogging business worthwhile.
They also make these recipes and ramblings more enjoyable, and valuable for everyone who stops by our corner of the internet, to celebrate their Irish heritage.
Here are a few favorites from this month's blog post comments:
"I have been fascinated with Ireland and Irish folk law since I was a little girl. My grandmother told us stories of a beautiful and simple way of life. Her family was poor but in many ways richer than we are today. Family was everything to her. She was sent to America at age 16 to work for relatives so she could send money back to Ireland. She married and continued with the values of Ireland. As in most Irish families she held everyone & everything together. Her love Of Ireland was ingrained in all of us. How perfect to honor her Irish values with the beautiful symbolism of the family tree. This necklace represents all the beauty that my Grandmother brought with her and passed down to us." ~ Ginny McGrath
"All my trips to Ireland have been like coming home. You visit other countries and places to see them- I visit Ireland to be home and be absorbed by the people and culture. Some day I will move back and be home again. (3 generations away)." ~ Casey
"Thank you so much for this detailed history of the origins of this holiday; I knew a bit about Samhain before, but not nearly to this extent. I love knowing that it used to be partly about preparing for the change of seasons, encouraging peace instead of war, and feeding people who needed help. There is an old movie titled “The Halloween Tree” about how different cultures observe Halloween, and it’s fascinating learning about how people celebrate this holiday. When our children were growing up they enjoyed watching it, and that’s part of our tradition with grandchildren now." ~ Lynn
Update On Our Growing Clan:
Many thanks to all who signed up for my close to weekly emails. It's a great way to stay in touch and to receive updates on new ramblings and recipes.
If you would like to join our community, then you can learn about how we celebrate our Irish heritage, and sign up for emails here.
Our Facebook Community continues to grow. We have 6,209 likes and 6,404 follows.
Pinterest users are pinning away and there are 8,669 followers in our Irish American community. The most pinned image from my blog this month was an oldie but goodie - a graveyard Trunk Or Treat decorating idea ...
Charity Donation On Behalf Of Irish American Mom's Readers:
This month I'm also starting a new tradition within the Irish American Mom community. I'm going to make a charitable donation on your behalf whenever possible.
You put up with ads on this site, which unfortunately are a necessary nuisance around this neck of the woods. The cost of running this blog is rising as our viewership grows, and as the server size required to run this website increases. Advertisement revenues keep the lights on around here.
Good news is that revenue this month covered costs with a little extra left over. For that reason, I've decided to donate some money to charity from the Irish American Mom community. I'll do so whenever there's an excess of monthly revenue.
And so, this month I'm delighted to make a donation of $100 to The Ireland Funds.
The Ireland Funds is a global philanthropic network established in 1976 to promote and support peace, culture, education and community development throughout the island of Ireland, and Irish-related causes around the world.
With chapters in 12 countries, The Ireland Funds has raised over $600 million for deserving causes in Ireland and beyond, benefiting more than 3,200 different organizations.
Thank You For Your Support:
As always, I really appreciate YOU, for stopping by to support my website. Our Irish American Mom Community is a kind and giving place because of you. Here, we'll always celebrate our Irish heritage together.
Many thanks for following my recipes and ramblings. Stop by again, in November. I've many more stories to share, and Irish style side dishes to cook before Thanksgiving.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
Other posts you might enjoy ....
Irish Expressions Of Gratitude For Thanksgiving
How To Steam A Christmas Or Plum Pudding In A Crockpot
- Buttered Baby Carrots
- Easy And Delicious Cranberry Brie Bites Recipe
- Homemade Vegan Vegetable Stock Cubes
- Easy Bat Donut Holes Recipe For Kids
- Tasty and Simple Vegetarian Meals and Ideas
- Healthy Honey Roasted Parsnips Recipe
- Mustard Champ - An Easy and Flavorful Irish Side Dish
- How To Make Irish Style Cream of Celery Soup
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