Penny's Passion: November 2024

Thursday, November 28, 2024

Five on Friday - November 29, 2024

Happy Friday! Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I'm looking forward to putting away our fall decorations and pulling out all the holiday things. Before I start that fun, let me share my five for this week ~

1. Smart Bird Feeder with Camera

I’m absolutely fascinated by these bird feeders! I can think of a few people who would love them as gifts. Simply hang the feeder, and when birds come to eat, you get to watch them up close in action. Plus, you’ll receive instant alerts on your mobile device the moment a bird visits. Now that’s birdwatching at its finest!

Available HERE

2. Martha: The Cookbook: 100 Favorite Recipes, with Lessons and Stories from My Kitchen

Martha has new cookbook out just in time for Christmas! This one celebrates her landmark 100th book with a collection of 100 treasured recipes. If you're inspired by Martha, you need this book! Here's the summary ~

Join Martha in the kitchen as she shares favorite recipes and invaluable tips. Learn how to cook her mother’s humble Potato Pierogi, her decadent Gougères, a comforting Apple Brioche Bread Pudding, and the famous Paella she makes for the luckiest friends who visit her in summer. You’ll find something to satisfy everyone’s taste, whether it’s a simple meal you make for yourself, a weeknight family dinner, or a special celebration, recipes range from breakfast & brunch to soups & salads, hors d'oeuvres, cocktails, dinner, and of course dessert.

Like a scrapbook of Martha’s life in cookbook form, this is the ultimate collection for devotees as well as newer fans who want to become more confident in the kitchen and do what Martha does best: Start with the basics and elevate them. From timeless classics to contemporary delights, these recipes reflect storied moments from her legendary, trailblazing career.

Available HERE

3. Moana 2

Load up the kids and head to the theater - Disney's newest movie, Moana 2, opened this week! Here's the summary ~

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana and Maui for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced.

4. Outdoor Christmas Tree Set

You’ll definitely spot these on my porch this holiday season! I ordered a set and was so pleasantly surprised by their quality. They come pre-lit with 8 lighting modes and even have a built-in timer that keeps the lights on for 6 hours and off for 18 hours. Can't wait to see them on our porch!

Available HERE

5. Black Friday Shopping Advice...

Have a great weekend! I’ve got a long to-do list I’m aiming to tackle before Monday rolls around. Let’s see how much I can get done. See you next week!

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! I’m so grateful you’re here for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I share what’s on my mind and invite you to link up and share your thoughts too. I’m especially thankful for each and every one of you who support this blog. That’s what’s on my mind today!

Our pastor, Shane Bishop, from Christ Church shared three keys to true Thanksgiving this week and it's too good not to share.

1) Focus on what you have, not what you don't
2) Realize that all you have is a gift from God, not a trophy to your achievement
3) Understand that others have contributed to your success, no one is self-made.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love and tranquility.

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

Tuesday, November 26, 2024

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 27, 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 | X
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

TOP VIEWED

Five Quick Christmas Decor Projects

VERY POPULAR

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pretzel Cookies

Dollar Tree Jenga Signs for Fall

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Advent Acts of Kindness

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, November 21, 2024

Five on Friday - November 22, 2024

Happy Friday! Here we are, the Friday before Thanksgiving. Our weekend is full and I'm excited to start as soon as work is over today. This is a busy time of year for everyone and I appreciate you popping in to see what my five are today. Let's go ~

1. Wicked

The wait is over - Wicked has been released! The play is one of my favorites so I can't wait to see how it looks on the big screen. It's such a wonderful story. Here's the summary ~

Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, stars Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart. The two meet as students at Shiz University in the fantastical Land of Oz and forge an unlikely but profound friendship. Following an encounter with The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, their friendship reaches a crossroads and their lives take very different paths. Glinda's unflinching desire for popularity sees her seduced by power, while Elphaba's determination to remain true to herself, and to those around her, will have unexpected and shocking consequences on her future. Their extraordinary adventures in Oz will ultimately see them fulfill their destinies as Glinda the Good and the Wicked Witch of the West.

2. Christmas with the Queen

I love reading holiday books this time of year and the title of this new one grabbed my attention. The review says it's The Crown meets When Harry Met Sally - two of my favorites. How can I not love this book? Here's the summary ~

December 1952. While the young Queen Elizabeth II finds her feet as the new monarch, she must also find the right words to continue the tradition of her late father’s Christmas Day radio broadcast. But even traditions must evolve with the times, and the queen faces a postwar Britain hungry for change.

As preparations begin for the royal Christmas at Sandringham House in Norfolk, old friends—Jack Devereux and Olive Carter—are unexpectedly reunited by the occasion. Olive, a single mother and aspiring reporter at the BBC, leaps at the opportunity to cover the holiday celebration, but even a chance encounter with the queen doesn’t go as planned and Olive wonders if she will ever be taken seriously.

Jack, a recently widowed chef, reluctantly takes up a new role in the royal kitchens at Sandringham. Lacking in purpose and direction, Jack has abandoned his dream to have his own restaurant, but his talents are soon noticed and while he might not believe in himself, others do, and a chance encounter with an old friend helps to reignite the spark of his passion and ambition.

As Jack and Olive’s paths continue to cross over the following five Christmases, they grow ever closer. Yet Olive carries the burden of a heavy secret that threatens to destroy everything.

Christmas Day, December 1957. As the nation eagerly awaits the Queen’s first televised Christmas speech, there is one final gift for the Christmas season to deliver…

Available HERE

3. Swedish Dish Clothes

I am in love with my new Swedish dish clothes! They work great for soaking up spills, wiping down counters and all your other dish towel needs. When they get dirty, just pop them in the washing machine or dishwasher. They come in a ton of colors and designs so you can match your kitchen. These would make great stocking stuffers!

Available HERE

4. Rakuten

This time of year my online spending is in high gear. I love using Rakuten to get cash back on my purchases! If you're not already signed up, now is the time to do it. There are so many places you get cash back - Target, Walmart, Shein, Groupon, and so, so many more! Every quarter I get a "big fat check" with my rebates. It's kind of like getting paid to shop! Sign up HERE and start accumulating your free money today.

5. Procrastination at its best...

Have a great weekend! I'm hoping to get the guest room ready for my mom's visit next week. We are having lunch with friends on Saturday and dinner with other friends on Sunday. I love busy weekends! See you next week!

In Case You Missed It This Week

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

2024 Gift Guide for Book Lovers

Wednesday, November 20, 2024

2024 Gift Guide for Book Lovers

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is where I share what’s on my mind and invite you to join in and share yours. Today, I’m kicking off my holiday gift idea series with a post dedicated to the book lovers in your life!

Novel Teas

This would be the perfect gift for someone who loves books and tea! Each of the 25 English Breakfast teabags is individually tagged with literary quotes. It's great as a stand-alone gift, paired with another book-themed item or as a stocking stuffer.

Available HERE

Personalized Hand Embroidered Corner Bookmark

You just can't have too many bookmarks and this personalized one is adorable! I always love a personalized gift because it shows the giver actually thought ahead enough to pick out something just for you. This beauty would be great in a basket with other things or if you need just a little something for a neighbor or friend.

Available HERE

Bookshelf Christmas Tree Ornament

Does your book club do an ornament exchange? How cute is this Christmas Tree Bookshelf Ornament?!? This would be an adorable gift for the school librarian.

Available HERE

Jane Austen Books Coaster Set

All book lovers need a special set of coasters to keep by their favorite reading chair. These are especially great for the Jane Austen book lovers!

Available HERE

Book Embosser

I have gotten this book embosser for so many people and they have all loved it! This is my go-to gift for young adults. They will be able to mark their books for a long, long time. This one has a little bit longer delivery time so order it today!

Available HERE

Custom Library Neon Sign

Know someone who has a special reading nook? Why not give them a light with their name on it! If you don't want their name on it, go ahead and click through to see the other designs offered. They are all adorable! There are 5 sizes and 12 colors for you to choose from.

Available HERE

Book Journal

Keep track of all your reads in this handy book journal. This would be especially good for people in book clubs because you could easily jot down your thoughts on the book selected and have your notes from previous books all in one spot.

Available HERE

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

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 20, 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 | X
Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

TOP VIEWED

DIY Dehydrated Oranges for Christmas Decor

VERY POPULAR

Scandinavian Comfort Discovery

Crochet Mug Cozy Pattern

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Condensed Milk Rolls

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Friday, November 15, 2024

Five on Friday - November 15, 2024

Hello from Asheville, North Carolina! We had planned a trip here long before Hurricane Helene devastated the area. After much thought and prayer, we decided to continue with our vacation plans. And I'm so glad we did! Tonight we visited the Biltmore, which is all decked out for Christmas. I'll be blogging more about the trip in the coming weeks, but today we need to get on with Five on Friday! Here goes ~

1. Christmas Movie Streaming Cheat Sheet

As soon as I saw this Christmas movie streaming cheat sheet I knew I wanted to share it on the blog! Christmas is rolling towards us like a freight train so if you need help getting on board, these movies are just what you need! Here's a list of all the movies you are able to stream. Surely one of these will have you humming Christmas carols in no time!

2. To Die For

The third book of David Baldacci's series 6:20 Man came out this week. It's getting great reviews! Maybe this would be a book series you could gift someone in your life this year for Christmas. Here's the summary ~

Travis Devine has become a pro at accomplishing any mission he's given. But this time it’s not his skills that send him to Seattle to aid the FBI in escorting orphaned, twelve-year-old Betsy Odom to a meeting with her uncle, who’s under federal investigation. Instead, he’s hoping to lay low and keep off the radar of an enemy–the girl on the train.

But as Devine gets to know Betsy, questions begin to arise around the death of her parents. Devine digs for answers, and what he finds points to a conspiracy bigger than he could’ve ever imagined.

It might finally be time for Devine and the girl on the train to come face-to-face. Devine is going to find out the difference between his friends and his enemies–and in some cases, they might well be both.

Available HERE

3. YogoToes Gem Stretchers

Let's face it—aching feet can be miserable! Here's a gadget you can wear just a few hours a day to alleviate your foot pain. They are great for people who have no foot issues but need some foot pain relief or they can help improve things like hammer toe, minor bunions, or plantar fasciitis. Toss them in the freezer then slip them on your feet for relief. They are built to last a lifetime too!

Available HERE

4. Thanksgiving Kids Table

With Thanksgiving just around the corner, it’s time to plan how to keep the kids entertained while you put the finishing touches on the feast. Here are a few ideas to make your kids' table so fun, even the adults will want to join!

Tablecloth Available HERE

Thanksgiving Craft Available HERE

Placemats available HERE

5. Here's a thought...

Okay - I'm back to vacation! Today we're taking the rooftop tour at the Biltmore Mansion and seeing the Chihuly exhibit. Can't wait to share our experience with you! Have a great weekend and I'll see you next week!

Tuesday, November 12, 2024

Let's Make Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup

It's Thursday and time for some thinking out loud. Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday. Today, I’m excited to share an incredible soup recipe we tried last week. After reading, feel free to link up and share what’s on your mind today!

Last weekend I invited the ladies from our Bible study group to come over for a quick dinner before an event at church. I decided to serve three different soups, a salad, and dessert. Two of the soups on the menu were ones I had blogged about before (Loaded Potato and Gringo Chicken Tortilla). My new soup was Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Ditalini Soup.

Here's What You Need

1 lb Italian sausage

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small onion, diced

2 minced garlic cloves

1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup ditalini pasta

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Here's What You Do

Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the sausage and break it up as it cooks. I'm a huge fan of my meat chopper. We love ours!

When the sausage is browned, remove it from the pot and set it aside.

In the same pot, add the diced onion and minced garlic. Cook until the onion is translucent, which should take around 4 minutes.

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, chicken broth, dried basil, and dried oregano. Bring this mixture to a boil.

Add the uncooked pasta to the boiling broth mixture and cook until it is al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes.

Reduce the heat to medium-low. Stir in the heavy cream and shredded Parmesan cheese. Allow the cheese to melt and thicken the soup.

Return the cooked sausage to the pot, stirring to combine with the soup. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

The soup was a huge hit! We will definitely be having this one again!

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

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 13, 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