Penny's Passion: May 2019

Friday, May 31, 2019

Five on Friday - May 31, 2019

Happy Friday!  When I typed the date for this post, it kind of stopped my heart for a second.  How can it be May 31 already?!?  June starts tomorrow!  Man, time really does fly when you're having fun.  Speaking of fun, check out the five fun things I'm sharing today ~

1.  The Upside Down Lego Set
If you are a lover of Stranger Things and Legos, your two worlds will meet tomorrow when the new Lego set titled The Upside Down becomes available.  It carries a price tag of $199 and has over 2,200 pieces.  Here's the description from Lego ~
Fans of the global hit Netflix original series will appreciate the authentic details of this highly collectible LEGO® Stranger Things toy – 75810 The Upside Down. This sturdy, brick-built model can flip between the real world and The Upside Down. The design of the model's building instructions makes it a great shared building experience with friends and family. The Byers' house features Will's bedroom, the living room and the dining room. The Upside Down version of the house, from an alternate dimension, features all the rooms from the real-world model but with a dark, vine-covered, dilapidated look that fans will instantly recognize from the series. With 8 Stranger Things figures, each with its own accessories, this playset makes a great gift for Stranger Things fans who will love to build and display this model to show their passion for the series.

2.  Sports Beach Lounger
Okay this falls under the category of "why didn't I invent this!".  It's a beach chair that folds into a wagon!  So ingenious!!  Anyone headed to the beach this summer should check this out.  When folded into a cart, it will haul up to 100 pounds of cargo.  It has wide tread wheels and a handle to make it easy to roll across the sand.  This baby even has a pillow head rest and a 4-position adjustable back when you fold it out into a lounger.  Know any dads that would love this for Father's Day?


Available at Target HERE

3.  The Handmaid's Tale - Season 3
Mark your calendar's for June 5 (next Wednesday) if you're a watcher of The Handmaid's Tale.  Hulu will be dropping Season 3.  I can't wait to see what June and the Waterford's will be up to this season.   Some binge watching might be in my near future.


4.  Bytox - The Hangover Patch
With summer parties getting ready to begin, you might want to have this hangover patch ready just in case you over indulgence just a bit on the alcohol.   One package includes 5 individual packages.  Each is a powerful blend of vitamins and nutrients that ward off hangovers before they start.  Best part - it's all natural 100% organic formula!  Where was this stuff when I was in college?  Want to have some in your medicine chest just in case?  Click HERE to check it out.
Bytox The Hangover Patch with 12 Organic All Natural Vitamins, 5 Pack (5 Patches)

5.  This definitely happened at my house....

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Have a great weekend!  We are looking forward to watching the St. Louis Blues move closer to winning their first Stanley cup.  Such an exciting time in St. Louis!  See you next week.  I'll be sharing a "bee" party I had this week that you won't want to miss.

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Thursday, May 30, 2019

Friday Favorites - May 31, 2019

Happy Friday!  Enjoy all the links on this last day of May.

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
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Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Going On A Trip?

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday.  So glad you popped in!  Don't forget to link up below and share what you're thinking out loud about today.

With the summer travel season beginning, I've been reflecting on some of my favorite items to take along on trips and that's what I'm thinking out loud about today!


Eric and I have had the opportunity to travel abroad the last couple years and are currently putting the final touches on our trip to Ireland we're taking later this summer.  It seems like with every trip we learn of a few more things that makes the next trip that much more enjoyable.  

Last year we invested in some spinner carry-on luggage.  After travelling with my friend Debbie and watching her ease down the airplane aisles, I knew a spinner carry-on needed to be added to my travel accessories.  My carry-on had wheels, but pulling it down the aisle was clunky.  With the spinner, you can easily turn it sideways and glide it smoothly to your seat.

                                     Samsonite Solyte DLX Expandable Softside Carry On with Spinner Wheels, 21 Inch, Mineral Grey

This next item I've mentioned several times before, but they were a game changer for me!  Packing cubes compress your clothes so they take up a much smaller amount of space in your suitcase.  I purchased a set for myself and loved them so much that I immediately got a set for Eric.  They come in lots of different colors so you can color code your entire family.  We now organize our clothes while packing and they stay much more wrinkle free.  


Neck pillows are a must for longer flights, but who likes to have a bulky pillow attached to your luggage and flopping around all over the airport?  We switched to an inflatable travel pillow and solved that problem.  It stores easily in your carry on and inflates quickly by simply pumping the built in button.  Deflating is a breeze too.  The design allows your head to stay in an upright position so your neck isn't killing you when you wake up.  Last weekend when we were driving to Memphis, I was wishing I had this in the car with me.  It would have made taking a nap a whole lot more comfortable.  It proved to me that this travel pillow isn't just for airline travel!


We have been packing power bank batteries for our electronic devices for years and love them!  You never have to worry about finding a place to plug in when your phone is on it's last bar.  They come in all kinds of shapes.  My favorite is the ones that are a bit flatter.  When we get to our destination, it fits nicely in the backpack in case we need a little recharge during our long days of sightseeing.


We love watching movies on long flights, but don't really dig sharing one pair of headphones.  With this adapter, you can each plug in your own set of headphones.  It's lightweight and a great add to your bag of tricks.

                                    

Rick Steves is our hero.  As soon as we decide where we're headed, we pick up the Rick Steves's book on that location and study it like our like our lives depend on it.  And then we pack it in our backpack and keep it with us during the entire trip.  We have gotten so many great tips and hints from his books.  Wouldn't dream of going on vacation without it!

                                      

This year I'm going to remember to throw in a couple wash clothes in our suitcase.  In our hotels in both France and Italy, they did not have wash clothes in the bathroom.  They provided hand towels and bath towels, but not wash clothes.  I figure I'll throw a couple in the suitcase just in case we don't have them in Ireland.  

Also, don't forget to get the electrical adapters for the country you're visiting.  We have found that four is plenty.  Check your appliances to make sure they will work where you're going.  In Europe, they need to be dual voltage.  

What are some items you can't travel without?  All this talk of travel has me wanting to pack up and leave!  

Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share.


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Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 29, 2019


Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! Today we have six Fabulous Features from last week's party for you to enjoy!

Our Fabulous Features






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Friday, May 24, 2019

Five on Friday - May 24, 2019

Hallelujah it's Friday!  Bring on the weekend!  After today, I'm looking at three days off work and I'm ready for it to begin.  Enjoy my five for today ~

1.  National Brother's Day
I'm surprised Hallmark hasn't gotten a hold of today's national holiday.  It's National Brother's Day!  I have a little brother that's the best.  There's 12 years between us and the day he was born was one of my best days ever.  He's my go to guy for fixing anything around my house and has blessed me with four nephews and a niece.  Love you baby brother!


2.  Honest Tea
For most of this week, I was at a work conference.  One afternoon I grabbed an herbal Honest Tea in the flavor of Pomegranate Blue from the snack table and was in love from the first sip!  The flavor is a perfect blend of pomegranate, grape and blueberry with a twist of hibiscus.  It's caffeine-free and only 100 calories per bottle.  Also, it's available on Amazon so I'm thinking of just ordering a case instead of searching the stores to purchase some!  Click HERE is you want some delivered to your doorstep.  It also comes in a heap of other flavors I would be interested in trying:  Orange Mango, Cranberry Lemon, Heavenly Lemon Tulsi, Black Forest Berry, Ginger Oasis and Golden Tumeric Pineapple.

3.  e.l.f. Professional Lip Exfoilator
Stumbled across this beauty recently and it is definitely blogworthy.  To use, gently rub the tube over your lips in small, circular motions.  Wipe with a cotton pad and then apply your favorite lip balm.  It's infused with vitamin E, shea butter, avocago, grape and jojoba oils which will nourish and protect your sweet lips.  I've only used it a couple of times and can already tell the difference in my lips.  It's leaving them much smoother than before the use.  You want to know the best part - it's only $2.99!!  Click HERE to grab a few for yourself.


4.  Aladdin
If you're looking for a family friendly movie to take the whole gang to over the long weekend, it's Disney to the rescue!  Aladdin is opening today and is starring Will Smith as the genie.  Rotten Tomatoes sums it up like this:  
A street rat frees a genie from a lamp, granting all of his wishes and transforming himself into a charming prince in order to marry a beautiful princess. But soon, an evil sorcerer becomes hell-bent on securing the lamp for his own sinister purposes.


5.  Shopping Tip


Enjoy your Memorial Day!  It's great to have a day set aside to remember and honor people who have given the ultimate sacrifice serving in the Armed Forces defending the United States.  We're headed to Memphis for part of the weekend to celebrate our niece graduating from the eighth grade.  It will be fun to see some of our family.  Hope you have a wonderful few days and look forward to seeing you back her next week.

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Thursday, May 23, 2019

Five Favorites - May 24, 2019

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | 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
Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst
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Let's Make Basil-Parmesan Salmon in the Air Fryer

As promised from my weekending post, today I'm sharing the mouth-watering salmon recipe I picked up from Gina over at SkinnyTaste.  After seeing how easy this dish is to make, you might just find yourself racing to the store to buy the ingredients!


Let me start by saying I wish I'd found the SkinnyTaste website sooner!  It's been around since 2008 - where have I been?!?  Gina finds all kinds of ways to cook healthy dishes without sacrificing the flavor.  If you haven't visited SkinnyTaste, definitely add it to your list of things to do.  You won't be sorry!

To take it one step further, I joined the Facebook group SkinnyTaste:  What's Cooking Tonight.  Oh.My.Goodness - so many helpful hints and ideas!

Now back to the recipe I am sharing today ~

Here's What You Need
Olive Oil Spray
4 Salmon Fillets, skinned removed
1/2 Lemon
1/4 teaspoon Kosher salt
Freshly Ground Black Pepper
3 Tablespoons mayonnaise (Yes, mayonnaise - no substitution)
6 Fresh Basil Leaves, minced (More for garnishing if you want to be fancy)
3 Tablespoons Grated Parmesan or Romano Cheese


Here's What You Do
Note:  I chose to make this dish in our air fryer, but it can also be accomplished in the oven.  Oven instructions listed in the last step.

Preheat air fryer to 400F.  Give the basket a little spray of olive oil.


Season the salmon with lemon juice, salt and pepper.

Mix the mayonnaise with basil and 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese in a small bowl.

Spread the mixture over the top of the salmon.  Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top.


Air fry 7 minutes or longer if you have really thick salmon pieces.  If you're baking yours in the oven, bake at 425 degrees for 10-12 minutes.


The salmon literally melts in your mouth!  We loved the subtle taste of basil mixing with the salmon and cheese.  Hope you do too!


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So that's what I'm thinking out loud about today.  What's on your mind?  Link up and share!


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Tuesday, May 21, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 22, 2019

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to our party! Do you have any plans for the coming Memorial Day weekend? There will be lots of parties and picnics. If you need a new recipe to take for your dish-to-pass you may just find it here at our party! Take a look around. But first let's see what you viewed the most last week!

Most Viewed

Broiler chickens as pets?
All from the same blog - Unexplained Underfoot Objects!

Very Popular

 
   
   
 

Editor's Pick


  So, let's get this party started!
We would love it if you followed us on social media and/or come by our blogs to subscribe by email.
Simple party guidelines >>­
  • Please TWEET our party ♥
  • 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 by!
  • 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 the title.
  • 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.
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Monday, May 20, 2019

Weekending - May 17, 2019

Here we are at the beginning of a brand new week and all things are possible!  We had a great weekend and I feel like I'm winning at life right now because my laundry basket is empty, my FitBit is charged and my gas tank is full.  Bring on the week!

The  highlight of the weekend happened on Sunday when my nephew's family grew by one.  One precious little baby boy and we were lucky enough to be able to meet him just a few hours after he was born.  He's perfect is every way and Mom, Dad, Big Brother and Baby are all doing great.




Backing up to Friday, we grabbed dinner with Ian and Kayla then ran home to watch the St. Louis Blues hockey game.  They managed to pull out a win, making the series tied at two games a piece.

No photo description available.

Saturday morning Eric had to work, so I took advantage of the alone time by reading my book club selection for this month, Educated.  This book has been sitting in my Kindle since last December and hadn't floated to the top of my reading list until my book club selected it for this month's subject.  Here's the summary from Amazon:
Born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho, Tara Westover was seventeen the first time she set foot in a classroom. Her family was so isolated from mainstream society that there was no one to ensure the children received an education, and no one to intervene when one of Tara’s older brothers became violent. When another brother got himself into college, Tara decided to try a new kind of life. Her quest for knowledge transformed her, taking her over oceans and across continents, to Harvard and to Cambridge University. Only then would she wonder if she’d traveled too far, if there was still a way home.

Educated: A Memoir by [Westover, Tara]


When Eric got home, we ran some errands and then stopped by Weber Grill for an early dinner.  It had been years since we dined at the Weber Grill in Chicago and had never eaten at the one here in St. Louis.  For an appetizer, we selected their skillet cornbread with molasses butter.  YUM!  Eric chose the brisket for his entree and I went with the meatloaf.  Both were good, but neither excited me enough to want to go rushing back.  The St. Louis location does have a Weber Grill Academy that offers cooking classes.  Now that's something I wouldn't mind trying.



Sunday morning we took it easy around the house and was waiting word on the arrival of our new great nephew.  For lunch we whipped up a recipe that used our air fryer.  It was a salmon recipe from SkinnyTaste and it will be making an appearance at our house again in the future!  It was quick and easy and tasted marvelous.  I'll be sharing the recipe later this week, so stay tuned!


Speaking of the air fryer, my copy of The SkinnyTaste Air Fryer Cookbook, was waiting for me when I got home Friday and I read it cover to cover.  There are 75 recipes in this book and I found at least 60 I wanted to try.  I don't think the air fryer will be collecting much dust sitting on a shelf!

The Skinnytaste Air Fryer Cookbook: The 75 Best Healthy Recipes for Your Air Fryer by [Homolka, Gina, Jones, Heather K.]


The St. Louis Blues were playing again on Sunday and it was a pure joy to watch!  They easily skated past the Sharks in a 5-0 victory and I had to bite none of my fingernails while watching the game.  One more win and we'll be in the finals for the first time in almost 50 years!


As soon as the game was over, we headed to the hospital to meet the newest member of our family.  Guys, he is so darn sweet!  We can't wait to watch him grow and blossom.


And just like that, it's Monday!  I swear Saturday and Sunday have fewer hours than Monday through Friday.  Hope your week is off to a great start and we'll see you back here soon.
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