Penny's Passion: June 2024

Thursday, June 20, 2024

Five on Friday - June 21, 2024

Oh boy - this Friday rolled around really quick! Thanks for popping in to see my five for today. Let's get started ~

1. I Am Celine Dion

Celine Dion's story took quite a turn a few years ago when she had to stop touring because of a rare illness. The five-time Grammy winner is giving us a look inside her battle with stiff person syndrome (SPS) in her new film titled I Am Celine Dion. It opens today on Prime Video. The soundtrack will also be available starting today. Here's the summary of the show ~

Directed by Academy Award nominee Irene Taylor, I AM: CELINE DION gives us a raw and honest behind-the-scenes look at the iconic superstar's struggle with a life-altering illness. Serving as a love letter to her fans, this inspirational documentary highlights the music that has guided her life while also showcasing the resilience of the human spirit.

Soundtrack available HERE

2. Face Scrubber

I absolutely LOVE these face scrubbers! I've used them for years and recently needed to update mine. They are made of soft silicone with a nice little suction on the back for easy holding. It's like using an exfoliator and massager all in one. I keep one in my travel bag too. They come in a pack of four, so you'll have a few to share with friends!

Available HERE

3. Ed Sheeran - X

It's been 10 years since Ed Sheeran released X. Today is the release of the 10th Anniversary Edition! It includes the original 12-track album plus 9 bonus tracks that have never been released on vinyl before. Ed Sheeran is one of my favorites and I'm excited to listen to this album over and over again.

Available HERE

4. Strawberry Moon

Look up into the sky tonight to catch the Strawberry Moon! What's a strawberry moon you ask. It links back to the ripening of wild strawberries in June. This year the strawberry moon coincides with the summer soltice, giving us a super bright view. Peak illumination is today at 9:08 pm EDT, but you can see the full moon through Sunday morning. Our eyes will definitely be on the sky tonight!

5. This could be me...

Have a great weekend! We are headed to my friend's house in Monticello to go to a rodeo! I'm so excited to spend some time with friends. It's going to be an awesome few days. See you back next week!

Wednesday, June 19, 2024

Let's Go to Waco! - Days 1 and 2

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Thursday is the day I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm reminiscing about a recent trip I took to Waco, Texas with a friend of mine.

Earlier this spring my friend Sherri and I ventured to Waco, Texas to soak in all things Magnolia. We were both fans of Joanna and Chip Gaines and wanted to check out the empire they had built in Waco.

We flew from St. Louis to Austin on Saturday morning, picked up a rental car, and started the hour-and-a-half trek to Waco. Since the Magnolia hotel, Hotel 1928, was booked we opted to rent a unique VRBO instead. The description was Coach's Quarters on the Creek - A Night in the Trees.

After settling in, we decided to grab dinner and cruise around town to get our bearings. The spot we chose for dinner was Buzzard Billy's. We got a plate full of shrimp cooked all kinds of ways and it was delicious! Side note - when I checked the website to link it here, it seems the joint is permanently closed.

After dinner, we drove through town to get our first views of the Silos, stopped by the grocery store to pick up a few things and headed back to our treehouse. We were planning on driving to Fletcher's on Sunday. Fletcher's is the place Joanna frequently visits to gather items for their makeovers. This side trip was added to our agenda after we realized the Silos are closed on Sunday.

Sunday morning we woke up to quite the surprise! It had rained quite a bit Saturday night and the two ways into our treehouse were flooded. Our VRBO host sent us a message saying they were hoping to have the road open by mid-afternoon.

We were only mildly disappointed that our Sunday plans were scrapped. Our cabin had a lovely deck and a couple cozy chairs so we hung out there reading and talking. It actually ended up being a great way to spend the day!

We took a nature walk mid morning to see if the water had receded any (it had not). But the flowers were beautiful and it was nice just being outside.

As promised, by mid-afternoon the water had started to go down and they were able to get equipment in to move all the debris. The whole neighborhood came out to watch the show, including us.

Once the road was reopened, we were anxious to get into town for a late lunch. It was Cinco de Mayo and we were ready for a margarita! Hecho en Waco had just what we were looking for!

Waco is full of little shops to visit, so we spent Sunday afternoon wandering in and out of them, discovering unique finds and local treasures. The downtown area, with its charming boutiques and quirky stores, made for a perfect leisurely exploration. Each shop offered something different, from handcrafted jewelry and trendy clothing to artisanal home goods and antiques.

As we meandered through the streets, we stumbled upon a cozy joint where the sound of live music beckoned us inside. The intimate atmosphere and soulful tunes provided a delightful break from our shopping spree. We sat back, enjoyed the music, and soaked in the local vibe, appreciating the talents of Waco's musicians.

Our last stop of the day was the historic Hotel 1928, an elegant establishment that exudes classic charm and sophistication. Many of you may have followed Chip and Joanna's journey to renovate the space. We were excited to have dinner at The Brassiere, the hotel's renowned restaurant. Before heading into the dining room, we took some time to explore the rest of the hotel.

The grand lobby, with its vintage decor and luxurious furnishings, transported us back in time. We admired the intricate details of the architecture and the carefully curated art pieces that adorned the walls. Walking through the hallways, we could feel the history and stories that the hotel held within its walls.

If you're a fan of the book Lone Dove by Larry McMurty, you will be able to see his typewriter in the library of the hotel.

Dinner at The Brassiere was the perfect way to cap off our day. The restaurant's warm ambiance and delectable menu added to our dining experience. The burger and fries were calling my name!

After dinner, we made our way back to the treehouse. We were excited to explore The Silos the following morning! I'll be blogging about that soon.

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

Monday, June 17, 2024

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 19, 2024

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature!

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
Denise –THISISMYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

Top Tips for Finding Hidden Treasures

VERY POPULAR

Low Card Lemon Cheesecake Muffins

Jalapeno Lime Butter

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Ham and Cheese Macaroni Salad

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please. Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries
will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party!

Thursday, June 13, 2024

Five on Friday - June 14, 2024

Happy Friday! So glad you popped in to see my Five on Friday post. Let's get right to it ~

1. Bridgerton - Season 3 Part 2

Now we can see how this season is going to end! Part 2 of Season 3 dropped yesterday and I've cleared my calendar so I can do some binge-watching. Will the wedding of Penelope and Colin happen? Will Eloise ruin it all? We shall soon see! Who else will be glued to their television watching?

2. The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby

New book alert! The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby by Ellery Lloyd came out this week and it sounds very enticing. It's actually follow-up to the very popular book The Club. This one is going straight on my TBR list. Here's the summary ~

Some women won't be painted out of history . . .

Everybody knows that in 1938, runaway heiress artist Juliette Willoughby perished in an accidental studio fire in Paris, alongside her masterpiece Self Portrait As Sphinx.

Fifty years later, two Cambridge art history students are confounded when they stumble across proof that the fire was no accident but something more sinister. What they uncover threatens the very foundation of Juliette’s aristocratic family and revives rumors of the infamous curse that has haunted the Willoughbys for generations.

But what does their discovery mean? And how is it connected to a brutal murder in present-day Dubai?

A tale of love and madness, obsession and revenge, The Final Act of Juliette Willoughby unravels the riddle posed by a Sphinx who refuses to reveal her secrets . . .

Available HERE

3. Soda Boots

A friend of mine from work always wears the cutest shoes. When I was complimenting her on them, she said they were from Amazon and a brand named Soda. Upon doing a little searching, look what I found - a pair of adorable boots for only $15.95. Is that even possible?!? Yes, they immediately went into my cart! These Chelsea-style boots also come in so many other colors. I have a feeling several of them will be landing in my closet.

Available HERE

4. Father's Day

Sunday is Father's Day! Happy Father's Day to all the fathers out there. This day recognizes not just fathers, but also the father figures in our lives. However you are celebrating the day, I hope you are able to spend time with the father figures in your life and have a wonderful day!

5. Lessons learned...

Have a great weekend! I'm planning to bring out the Fourth of July decorations in between watching Bridgerton. We will also be spending time with our son and daughter-in-law. I see a wonderful weekend ahead! See you next week!

Tuesday, June 11, 2024

Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC - Days 3 and 4

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday. I'm going to share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm wrapping up our trip to Washington, DC to see the cherry blossoms!

After doing some heavy sightseeing on day 1 and day 2 of our trip, the next couple of days were spent meandering through the streets inhaling the beauty of the season. We were so incredibly lucky to time our trip during the peak of the cherry blossoms! Especially since this year the blooms popped at the second-earliest date on record, according to the National Park Service.

We woke on Sunday morning to sunshine! The rain from Saturday had moved out of the area and we could put away our umbrellas.

We brunched at Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak, and Stone Crab restaurant. Our dinner the first night was so good, we wanted to eat there again. It did not disappoint!

There are so many rich historical landmarks, museums, government buildings, and cultural sites to see in Washington, DC. You don't have to walk far without running into an interesting site to explore.

One of the most popular cherry trees is Stumpy. Stumpy, along with another 150 cherry trees, are getting taken out this year because they are rising and repairing the retaining wall of the Tidal Basin. Flooding has been a problem and the repairs are greatly needed. I'm glad we had a chance to see the area before the mature trees were gone. Have no fear - they will be replacing the trees! But these trees are special because they were planted more than a century ago after the mayor of Tokyo gifted them to the city.

The day flew by and we were ready to sit down and have a tasty dinner. Our reservations were at RPM Italian. The food was delicious and we saved just enough room to share dessert. The flambeed Baked Alaska was calling our names! Perfect way to end the day!

Day 4 we traveled home and took with us so many happy memories from the trip. Spending a few days with our son and daughter-in-law was just the best! And we can't wait to do it again.

Now it's your turn. What are you thinking out loud about? Link up and share!

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 12, 2024

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature!

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS

Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
Denise –THISISMYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

The Best Father's Day Cake Recipe

VERY POPULAR

How to Make a Small Bathroom Look Luxurious

Patriotic Tablescape with Transfer Ware

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Please follow all hosts on AT LEAST 1 of their social channels.

Add as many family-friendly posts as you would like to. NO Etsy shops, adult sites, or blog parties please. Visit others. Caring is sharing. Like, comment, and pin posts.

Party entries appear in REVERSE. This way your entries
will be seen no matter when you arrive. Please TWEET our party and invite others to join.

Let’s Party!

Thursday, June 6, 2024

Five on Friday - June 7, 2024

Happy Friday! Hope your June is off to a great start. Glad you popped in today to see what my five things are.

1. National Doughnut Day

Today is a day I can get behind - it's National Doughnut Day! A doughnut is like a magical ring of joy that can instantly brighten your day! Imagine a golden halo of deliciousness, crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, just waiting to be devoured. This national day has an interesting origin. It honors the Salvation Army Lassies. What are the Salvation Army Lassies you ask? They are the women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War 1. Even more of a reason to celebrate today!

2. Late Bloomers

I'm hoping this movie gets to our theaters soon because it looks adorable! It opens today and is going on my list of movies I want to see. Here's the summary ~

Louise (Karen Gillan), a 28-year-old Brooklynite adrift in life, finds herself suddenly single and grappling with her identity as a musician. While she struggles with her underlying depression, a reckless drunken stumble lands her with a broken hip, and leads to a stint in a physical therapy ward with patients twice her age. Here, she crosses paths with Antonina (Margaret Sophie Stein), a cantankerous elderly Polish woman who speaks no English. Reluctantly, Louise takes on the role of Antonina's caregiver, a situation neither of them welcomes. As they navigate their begrudging relationship, they confront the realities of aging, forcing Louise to consider her own journey into adulthood.

3. Swan Song by Elin Hilderbrand

Just in time for your summer reading pleasure, Elin Hilderbrand's newest book is hitting the stands. Elin Hilderbrand has brought us great reads like Five Star Weekend and Hotel Nantucket. Swan Song is being released on Tuesday so get it added to your cart and you'll have it the minute it's out. Here's the summary ~

Chief of Police Ed Kapenash is about to retire. Blond Sharon is going through a divorce. But when a 22-million-dollar summer home is purchased by the mysterious Richardsons—how did they make their money, exactly?—Ed, Sharon, and everyone in the community are swept up in high drama. The Richardsons throw lavish parties, flirt with multiple locals, flaunt their wealth with not one but two yachts, and raise impossible hopes of everyone they meet. When their house burns to the ground and their most essential employee goes missing, the entire island is up in arms.

The last of Elin Hilderbrand's bestselling Nantucket novels, Swan Song is a propulsive medley of glittering gatherings, sun-soaked drama, wisdom and heart, featuring the return of some of her most beloved characters, including, most importantly, the beautiful and timeless island of Nantucket itself.

Available HERE

4. Bonine

If you've read my blog for any length of time, you probably have heard me talk about Bonine. It is my go-to saving grace for motion sickness. It doesn't make me drowsy and it's good for 24 hours. I keep it in my purse, in the car, and in my carry-on bag. If you are thinking about taking a road trip this year, you might want to have some on hand! I used to never get car sick. Then out of the blue a few years ago it hit me. Be ready! It's good for anyone 12 years and older.

Available HERE

5. Just sayin'...

Enjoy the weekend! We have a fabulous weekend ahead with several fun things on the agenda. I can't wait to get it started! See you next week.

Wednesday, June 5, 2024

What I Read in May 2024

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday. On Thursdays, I share something I'm thinking out loud about and invite you to link up and do the same. It's the first Thursday of the month and that's when I share the books I read last month. Let's go ~

The Frozen River by Ariel Lawhon

The Frozen River was a re-read for me, which I don't do very often. But it was our library book club selection and I was going to be leading the discussion. I loved the book the first time around and wanted to have my facts straight for the meeting. It's a long book, 448 pages. Second time around it was as good as the first time. I've added another book by the same author to my TBR list titled Code Named Helene. I've heard it's good too.

Here's the summary of The Frozen River ~

Maine, 1789: When the Kennebec River freezes, entombing a man in the ice, Martha Ballard is summoned to examine the body and determine cause of death. As a midwife and healer, she is privy to much of what goes on behind closed doors in Hallowell. Her diary is a record of every birth and death, crime and debacle that unfolds in the close-knit community. Months earlier, Martha documented the details of an alleged rape committed by two of the town’s most respected gentlemen—one of whom has now been found dead in the ice. But when a local physician undermines her conclusion, declaring the death to be an accident, Martha is forced to investigate the shocking murder on her own.

Over the course of one winter, as the trial nears, and whispers and prejudices mount, Martha doggedly pursues the truth. Her diary soon lands at the center of the scandal, implicating those she loves, and compelling Martha to decide where her own loyalties lie.

Clever, layered, and subversive, Ariel Lawhon’s newest offering introduces an unsung heroine who refused to accept anything less than justice at a time when women were considered best seen and not heard. The Frozen River is a thrilling, tense, and tender story about a remarkable woman who left an unparalleled legacy yet remains nearly forgotten to this day.

Available HERE

Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez

I loved this book! It was one of those that I had a hard time putting down and wanted to read every spare moment I had. There were twists and turns I didn't see coming and it brought out all the feels. I loved it so much, my next read was by the same author. Here's the summary of this one ~

Justin has a curse, and thanks to a Reddit thread, it's now all over the internet. Every woman he dates goes on to find their soul mate the second they break up. When a woman slides into his DMs with the same problem, they come up with a plan: They'll date each other and break up. Their curses will cancel each other’s out, and they’ll both go on to find the love of their lives. It’s a bonkers idea… and it just might work.

Emma hadn't planned that her next assignment as a traveling nurse would be in Minnesota, but she and her best friend agree that dating Justin is too good of an opportunity to pass up, especially when they get to rent an adorable cottage on a private island on Lake Minnetonka.

It's supposed to be a quick fling, just for the summer. But when Emma's toxic mother shows up and Justin has to assume guardianship of his three siblings, they're suddenly navigating a lot more than they expected--including catching real feelings for each other. What if this time Fate has actually brought the perfect pair together?

Available HERE

The Friend Zone by Abby Jimenez

The Friend Zone was so fun to read! It would make a great book to take on vacation. This is book one of a three-part series. Immediately after I finished it, I downloaded the other two books and wondered what had taken me so long to read her books! Here's the summary ~

Kristen Peterson doesn't do drama, will fight to the death for her friends, and has no room in her life for guys who just don't get her. She's also keeping a big secret: facing a medically necessary procedure that will make it impossible for her to have children.

Planning her best friend's wedding is bittersweet for Kristen -- especially when she meets the best man, Josh Copeland. He's funny, sexy, never offended by her mile-wide streak of sarcasm, and always one chicken enchilada ahead of her hangry. Even her dog, Stuntman Mike, adores him. The only catch: Josh wants a big family someday. Kristen knows he'd be better off with someone else, but as their attraction grows, it's harder and harder to keep him at arm's length.

The Friend Zone will have you laughing one moment and grabbing for tissues the next as it tackles the realities of infertility and loss with wit, heart, and a lot of sass.

Available HERE

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

Tuesday, June 4, 2024

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 5, 2024

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop! We are so glad that you stopped by.

Here you will find inspiration from dozens of bloggers including recipes, home DIY, gardening, decor, family fun, traveling, fitness, and so much more.

A friendly reminder to our guests that as a courtesy to the hosts, we ask that you follow every host on at least one social media channel.

If you are a blogger, then be sure to link up below. You may be our next feature!

Before we get this party started, let’s meet the hosts and check out this week’s featured favorites.

MEET THE HOSTS