Penny's Passion: July 2018

Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 1, 2018

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop
Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, hosted on 9 popular blogs! Every Tuesday evening we start our party [ 7pm ET ] where we showcase the most creative recipes, crafts, DIY, money saving tips, home decor, kids activities, parenting advice, inspiring stories and more! Bloggers share. Everyone enjoys. You know what the nicest thing is that you can do for a blogger? Show appreciation for her (or his) work by sharing it, pinning it or leaving a nice comment. Another GREAT thing you can do is to subscribe to their email list. Bloggers use a variety of methods to advertise their work. Social media is OK but the rules keep on changing. Reaching out to you, the readers, via email is by far the best way. We LOVE it when you follow us by email! Now, for our features! We select our featured posts based on how many clicks they received the week before. Let's see what they were last week!

Most Popular

Finding Some Old Friends - Old New Green Redo Blog

Very Popular

Pumpkin Bars With Ginger Snap Crust - Playdates and Parties
 
Condensed Milk Lemon Pie - Keeping It Real
   

Editor's Pick

  So, let's get this party started!
Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop 2018

This week, if you have not already, please follow our hosts on their blogs by EMAIL! You can find a subscription box or form on each of them and, in advance, we thank you so much for joining our email lists - it means a lot!
Simple party guidelines>>
  • Please TWEET our party ♥ Use the hashtag #WWBlogHop
  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
  • Visit others. Let them know you stopped!
  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us what number they are!
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
  • Thanks! ♥

Monday, July 30, 2018

Weekending - July 27, 2018

Happy Monday friends!  We started our day at the crack of dawn today because we had a 5:00 am flight.  The little sleep and early morning will be so worth it -- in a few short hours we will be on the beach in Cancun!  WooHoo!!  But let's do a rewind and look back on the weekend ~

Friday night I left work right on time and headed to Rosalita's, one of our favorite Mexican restaurants.  Eric and I met our friends Debbie and her husband, Larry, to grab a bite (and a margarita) before we ventured over to Old Rockhouse to hear a co-worker play some blues. 


This was the first time we had heard our friend and he really rocked it!  He was playing with the band that opened for Jimmie Vaughn.  Jimmie is Stevie Ray Vaughn's big brother and, man, does he have talent.  While we were waiting in line to get in the sold out show, we chatted with a couple from Indianapolis. 


Pretty cool to meet people who traveled to our city to hear the music!  Usually it's us visiting someplace outside St. Louis to capture a concert.  Both the opener and Jimmie Vaughn were fabulous!  And let me just say, this venue - so cool.  We will be going back.




Because I walked out the door at work precisely at quitting time on Friday, I needed to go in on Saturday morning.  As much as I try not to have to work on Saturday, I have to admit that it's sure easy to get a lot done when it's nice and quiet.  I rolled through a bunch of work and was able to leave feeling good about being gone for a week.

Saturday night Eric and I tried a new-to-us place to eat - Hop House - located in O'Fallon, Illinois.  Ian and Kayla joined us and we enjoyed trying several things on the menu.   They feature a wide array of good ole' southern foods.  I had to try the fried green tomatoes!



We headed home after dinner to begin packing.  I was still in the middle of laundry, so the packing went pretty slow. 

I met my friends in my non-book reading book club on Sunday for lunch.  It had been months since I was able to join the group, so it was fun catching up.  We talked travel, family and a tiny bit about books.  Just an FYI - I finished reading The Ocean Liner.  Good read.  Here's the summary from Amazon:
Cousins Masha and Rachel Morgenstern board the luxury liner the SS Manhattan bound for New York, desperate to escape the concentration camps that claimed the rest of their family. America offers a safe haven, but to reach it they must survive a hazardous Atlantic crossing.
Among their fellow passengers fleeing the war, each with their own conflicts, secrets and surprises, are the composer Igor Stravinsky, making a new start after a decade of tragedy, and Rose Kennedy, determined to keep her four children from harm. Particularly worrying to Rose is her daughter Rosemary, a vivacious but troubled woman whose love for a Californian musician may derail her family’s political ambitions. And then there’s young Thomas, a Nazi with a secret…
But, under the waves, the Manhattan is being stalked by a German U-boat. Will any of those aboard the ocean liner ever achieve their dream of a new life in America?
It's on sale right now at Amazon for $5.99 or read it free on Kindle Unlimited.  Well worth the money.  Click HERE to purchase.

The Ocean Liner by [Gabriel, Marius]

When Eric got home from work, we caught Mission Impossible:  Fallout.  Lots and lots of action!  A couple of times I actually had to cover my eyes.  It's pretty impressive that Tom Cruise performed his own stunts.  Hope that shattered ankle he incurred jumping from one building to another was worth it!

                            

Sunday night was more packing.  Then repacking.  I was determined to pack light, but in the end I still probably crammed more stuff in my suitcase than I will ultimately need.  Oh well!  Thank goodness Southwest let us check two bags for free!  I used my new packing cubes that I picked up on Amazon Prime Day.  I'm not going to lie, I love them!  My suitcase looks all nice and organized.  It will be interesting to see what it looks like when I open it once we arrive in Cancun.  If they work as well as I think they will, Eric will be getting a set before our next trip.  Want some?  Click HERE.

                      
And just like that we are at Monday.  With only two hours of sleep, we loaded our first leg to Cancun this morning.  I'm currently sitting in Chicago waiting to board the flight that will deliver us to paradise!  Have a great week and I'll talk to you soon!  Don't forget I have a linkup on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday so pop back in and check it out.

Check out what others were up to this weekend.

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks

Friday, July 27, 2018

Five on Friday - July 27, 2018

Happy Friday!  Who's ready for the weekend?  (I have both my hands in the air over here.)  I've finally recovered from the big wedding weekend last week and am looking forward to getting my house back in order over the next couple days.  While I'm doing that, I hope you will be enjoying my five for this week ~

1.  Orange is the New Black
Netflix Original Series Orange is the New Black Season 6 drops today!  We will finally be able to see the aftermath of the prison riot.  What's going to happen to Piper and Alex?  I'm clearing my schedule on Saturday to do some serious binge watching!  Can't wait to see what twists and turns they have in store for us.

                       Orange Is the New Black Season 6, OITNB

Eric and I have been grilling quite a bit of fish lately, and these grill mats have made it so much easier.  Since they are non-stick, you don't have to worry about spraying the grates or having your food stick.  Your fish stays in one nice piece even after you flip it and no food falls through.  Eric also uses them in his smoker.  It makes clean up a dream because you can just pull out the mats and wash them off.  Love these things!  Need some?  Click HERE to purchase.

Aoocan Copper Grill Mat Set of 3 - Grill Mats Non Stick ,BBQ Grill & Baking Mats - FDA-Approved,Reusable and Easy to Clean - Works on Gas, Charcoal, Electric Grill

3.  Mission: Impossible - Fallout
We are so far behind on our movie watching, but I'm adding another one to the list of movies I want to see.  Mission:  Impossible - Fallout opens today and I'm pumped to see what ole' Ethan Hunt is up to now.  Here's the summary from Fandango, "The best intentions often come back to haunt you. MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE - FALLOUT finds Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team (Alec Baldwin, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames) along with some familiar allies (Rebecca Ferguson, Michelle Monaghan) in a race against time after a mission gone wrong. Henry Cavill, Angela Bassett, and Vanessa Kirby also join the dynamic cast with filmmaker Christopher McQuarrie returning to the helm."


4.  Simply Nature Popcorn from Aldi's
Our Aldi's got a face lift months ago and I stepped into it for the first time since the renovations last week.  I'm so sad it took me that long to go!  The place is fantastic - wide aisles, very clean, nice displays.  Yes, I will be going back.  One of the things I picked up was a couple bags of Simply Nature popcorn.  Oh my goodness -- this stuff is good!  I purchased the Herbs & Spices and the Olive Oil and Sea Salt.  Both were so yummy!  Have you tried it?  It's going to be the perfect snack for my binge watching on Saturday.


5.  A friend posted this on Facebook and tagged me and my friend Linda.  It is so true!

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Enjoy the weekend!  We will be packing because on Monday we're headed off on vacation for a few days.  I need to tie up the loose ends with our house sitter, do laundry, clean, etc., etc., etc. but I don't mind one bit when there's something as fun as vacation at the end of the long list of to do's.  Eric and I are also catching a band in Soulard tonight with our friends Debbie and Larry.  Fun times ahead!!  Pop back in next week to see what we're up to!

Linking up with:
The Blended Blog
This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Friday Favorites Linky Party - July 27, 2018

Welcome to Friday Favorites!  Can you believe this is the last Friday in July already??  Summer is flying by.  We have some wonderful features for you today that capture the essence of the season.  Enjoy!
Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL
If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!
You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - July 26, 2018

Hey guys - welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  I'm sharing what's on my mind today and welcome you to share what's on your mind by linking up below.

If you read my Weekending post, you know that my brother got married last weekend.  I just can't stop thinking about it!  

I have the pleasure of helping with a couple weddings per year and occasionally I run across a vendor that is the total package - easy to work with, enjoyable, cares about the bride and groom, really knows their stuff.  Well, this past weekend I had the honor of meeting a new vendor I just LOVE!

Jackie Perkovic Wedding Films, LLC videotaped my brother and sister-in-law's wedding and did a fantastic job!  Jackie was fun, bubbly and professional at the wedding - really making the couple (and me) feel comfortable with her work.  By Tuesday she had the highlight video ready to share.  And I'm sharing it with you today ~


See what I mean - she did a fantastic job!  Can't wait to see the full version.  If you are in the Missouri area and are looking for someone to capture your special day on film, please consider Jackie.  I first reached out to her on facebook at Jackie Perkovic Wedding Films, LLC and her response time was super quick.  

Isn't the bride's hair and makeup fantastic!  Dawn Carter from New Florence, Missouri can take credit for the hair and Kaylee Concannon did her makeup.  Kaylee owns a salon in Columbia, Missouri called Uplifted Salon.  Both of these women were a joy to work with and I would highly recommend them both.

Another thing I loved about the wedding - vow books.  We've all seen the bride and groom pull out a crumpled up piece of paper and read their vows.  I swear I cringe every time!  Especially if the bride happens to pull her's out of the top of her dress!!  My sister-in-law purchased these vows books, they wrote their vows to each other in their book and the officiant handed it to them when it was time to recite their promises to each other.  Best thing ever!
Click HERE to purchase

We've all heard the saying it takes a village to raise a child.  Well, it takes a village to pull off a wedding also!  It truly warmed my heart to see so many of the couples family and friends helping make this day a success.  And a special thanks to my friend Linda for helping.  You guys are the best!


Now it's your turn -- what's on your mind today?  Link up and share!



Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at:

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - July 25, 2018

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop
Another fun party is now underway and we are so glad you are here! Summer is moving along quickly and, guess what is coming soon? School is! Enjoy as much summer as you can because Back To School time is upon us.
Before we start our party, let's see what you visited the most last week ...

Most Viewed

Christmas in July

Very Popular

Chicken Enchiladas - My Recipe Treasures
 
Favorite Finds Friday - Narrow Minded Woman
 
 
 

Editor's Pick

  So let's get this party started! First, we would love it this week if you would follow each of us on Twitter!
 
Party guidelines …
  • Please TWEET our party ♥ Use the hashtag #WWBlogHop
  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
  • Visit others. Let them know you stopped!
  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us what number they are!
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
  • Thanks! ♥
 
Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop 2018
We can hardly wait to see what you will share with us this week. Thanks so much for coming to our party!

Monday, July 23, 2018

Ernie and Carina Get Married - Weekend July 20, 2018

Hello!  I've been a little MIA lately because I was busy with life.  My baby brother got married last weekend and every second I wasn't sleeping, I was working on the wedding.  Thank goodness my friend Linda arrived at my house on Wednesday night and worked right along beside me.  Our efforts (along with the help of several others) paid off and the wedding was truly lovely.


I can't wait to share the actual pictures from the photographer and videographer, but in the meantime here's a few I was able to snap and a few that were shared with me.

As you've heard me mention before, I'm from a small town in mid Missouri.  That was the location for this outdoor event and we were all so thankful that the weather cooperated!  The gazebo where the ceremony was held was the perfect place to hold a wedding.  Fun fact - it was in this exact location forty one years ago that my brother was crowned grand champion baby of our annual picnic.  


Being the perfectionist that I am, five people spent four hours on Saturday morning ironing all the chair covers.  But don't they look lovely!  At each chair, there was a fan that served as the program, bubbles and a bottles of water.  



The gorgeous bride, Carina, arrived by horse drawn carriage.  She truly looked like a princess arriving to the big event.

Image may contain: horse and outdoor

Even though we might have had a little challenge getting the flower girl and ring bearer down the aisle, they are still the cutest in my opinion.



Their ceremony was a true reflection of their love for each other.  They each wrote their own vows and lit a unity candle to symbolize the joining of the two families.


As they headed up the aisle as husband and wife, bubbles glistened and floated in the air.  It looked magical!




Image may contain: Ernie Talbot and Carina Talbot, people smiling, people standing, wedding and outdoor

The ceremony was followed by a reception held next to the gazebo.  There was dinner, cake and dancing - lots and lots of dancing!  



When the sun started to set, the guests gathered outside the dance floor to light sparklers.  I'm super excited to see the photographers pictures!  

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The evening was great fun and I'm so happy to welcome Carina into our family.  She has made my brother so happy and that, in turn, makes me happy!


Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs!  Here's to wishing them years and years of happiness!

Friday, July 20, 2018

Friday Favorites Linky Party - July 20, 2018

Welcome to Friday Favorites!  Enjoy all the features today and have a great weekend.

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Maisy at Becoming Alice - FB | G+ | Pin
Sheree at Stage Presents - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL
If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!
You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!