Penny's Passion

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - March 15, 2023

Welcome to another week of 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, 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

Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR | 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 – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

Baked Corned Beef & Cabbage

VERY POPULAR

Spring Home Tour 2023

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Baileys Chocolate Pudding

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!

Friday, March 10, 2023

Five on Friday - March 10, 2023

Happy Friday friends! It has been a whirlwind of a week over here trying to get cleaned up from the wedding we helped with last weekend. We also celebrated our son's 32nd birthday! It's weird when your baby turns 32 and you don't feel older than 32 yourself. Mommas - hang on to your little ones because, in a blink of an eye, they are all grown up!

I know you popped in to see what five things I was sharing today, so let's get to it ~

1. Daylight Savings Time

Just a reminder to turn those clocks forward this weekend. It's a bummer that we'll lose an hour, but I'm so excited about it staying light longer! Will this be the last time we change our clocks? Could be. Last March the Senate passed legislation that would make daylight saving time permanent starting this year. The House of Representatives still must pass the bill and then it would go to President Biden to sign. If you hear chatter about the Sunshine Protection Act, that's this bill.

2. Champions

I'm ready for a good comedy movie and Woody Harrelson might deliver. His new movie, Champions, opens today. The previews had me laughing out loud. Here's the synopsis from Movie Insiders:

Woody Harrelson stars in the hilarious and heartwarming story of a former minor-league basketball coach who, after a series of missteps, is ordered by the court to manage a team of players with intellectual disabilities. He soon realizes that despite his doubts, together, this team can go further than they ever imagined.

3. Worthy Opponents

Danielle Steel's newest book was released this week. I used to never miss reading her books the minute they came out, but it's been a while since I've read anything by her. It's probably time for me to crack one of her books open! Here's the summary of this one ~

Spencer Brooke always knew she was destined to be CEO of her grandfather’s business—the most respected and luxurious department store in New York City. Brooke’s has been at the center of every happy memory she has, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. Seven years after her father’s death, her life is very different from the days when she walked through the store with her grandfather as a young girl. She may be the owner of Brooke’s, but she’s also now a divorced single mother of twin boys. And with the ever-evolving landscape of the fashion industry comes new challenges for Spencer and the legacy she’s inherited.

Mike Weston is known for making enormous profits by transforming small businesses into bigger, more successful ones. With his marriage at a breaking point and his children grown up, investing is where he thrives—where he can build something greater. And Brooke’s feels like the perfect opportunity. Yet the firm’s beautiful and savvy CEO turns down the offer before they even meet.

Spencer has no interest in outside investors meddling in her family business; her grandfather never saw the need for them, and neither does she. She refuses to be tempted by Mike’s offer, despite her big dreams of expanding the store. But when bad luck strikes, suddenly she is backed into a corner.

In Worthy Opponents, Danielle Steel crafts a thrilling story about a powerful woman—and her equally formidable opponent.

4. 95th Academy Awards

Sunday night is the 95th Academy Awards show. Usually, I'm all over the movies nominated for best picture and try to see them all. This year, not so much. As a matter of fact, we've only seen 5 of the 10 movies up for the top award. Of the five we've seen, I thought two were completely horrible. The front-runner, Everything Everywhere All At Once, is one I really didn't care for. Maybe we'll get back into it next year. Last year we hosted an Oscar party (HERE) and watched the infamous slap heard around the world with a room full of people. This year I'll be sitting in my pj's on the couch with Eric tuned into ABC to watch all the action.

5. My answer would be the same...

Have a great weekend! I'm not sure what we have going on, but I hope it involves a lot of relaxing. See you next week!

Wednesday, March 8, 2023

What I Read in February 2023

Today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday I'm recapping the books I read in February. They were three winners!

First up was That Sounds Fun by Annie F. Downs, which I listened to. I occasionally listen to Annie's podcast (also named That Sounds Fun) and love her voice. She has this upbeat tone that pulls me right in. The book did the same. I was pulled in within the first few pages. The book touched me and about halfway through I texted a friend recommending it to her too. Here's the summary from Amazon ~

We know there are certain things we must have to survive--food, shelter, and safety to name a few. But there are also aspects of life that truly allow us to be joyful and fulfilled. For popular podcaster and bestselling author Annie F. Downs, fun is close to the top of that list. Few would argue that having fun doesn't enrich our lives, but so much gets in the way of prioritizing it. Tough days, busyness, and feelings that are hard to talk about keep us from the fun that's out there waiting to be found.

With That Sounds Fun, Annie offers an irresistible invitation to understand the meaning of fun, to embrace it and chase it, and to figure out what, exactly, sounds fun to you--then do it! Exploring some research and sharing some thoughts behind why fun matters, she shows you how to find, experience, and multiply your fun. With her signature storytelling style and whimsical vulnerability, Annie is the friend we all need to guide us back to staying true to ourselves and finding the fun we need.

The Rosie Project was our library book club selection for February. This was a great story to read in February since that is the month that highlights love and relationships. It's the first book in a series of three. I haven't read the other two (The Rosie Effect and The Rosie Result). Both are definitely on my TBR list!

The international bestselling romantic comedy “bursting with warmth, emotional depth, and…humor,” (Entertainment Weekly) featuring the oddly charming, socially challenged genetics professor, Don, as he seeks true love.

The art of love is never a science: Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, who’s decided it’s time he found a wife. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which Don approaches all things, he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner: a sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the late arrivers.

Rosie Jarman possesses all these qualities. Don easily disqualifies her as a candidate for The Wife Project (even if she is “quite intelligent for a barmaid”). But Don is intrigued by Rosie’s own quest to identify her biological father. When an unlikely relationship develops as they collaborate on The Father Project, Don is forced to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie―and the realization that, despite your best scientific efforts, you don’t find love, it finds you.

Arrestingly endearing and entirely unconventional, Graeme Simsion’s distinctive debut “navigates the choppy waters of adult relationships, both romantic and platonic, with a fresh take (USA TODAY). “Filled with humor and plenty of heart, The Rosie Project is a delightful reminder that all of us, no matter how we’re wired, just want to fit in” (Chicago Tribune).

February reading was closed out with the book The Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. Kristin's also the author of Firefly Lane. This book is about the relationship between two sisters and their relationship with their mother. There's a little mystery weaved throughout the book that kept me turning the pages. Here's the summary ~

Meredith and Nina Whitson are as different as sisters can be. One stayed at home to raise her children and manage the family apple orchard; the other followed a dream and traveled the world to become a famous photojournalist. But when their beloved father falls ill, Meredith and Nina find themselves together again, standing alongside their cold, disapproving mother, Anya, who even now, offers no comfort to her daughters. As children, the only connection between them was the Russian fairy tale Anya sometimes told the girls at night. On his deathbed, their father extracts a promise from the women in his life: the fairy tale will be told one last time—and all the way to the end. Thus begins an unexpected journey into the truth of Anya's life in war-torn Leningrad, more than five decades ago. Alternating between the past and present, Meredith and Nina will finally hear the singular, harrowing story of their mother's life, and what they learn is a secret so terrible and terrifying that it will shake the very foundation of their family and change who they believe they are.

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

Tuesday, March 7, 2023

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - March 8, 2023

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

Ahna – HAMMERS N HUGS | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
Emily – LeCULTIVATEUR | 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 – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED

Vintage Cottage Weekend

VERY POPULAR

Spring Farmhouse and Vintage Finds

EDITOR'S CHOICE

Irish Soda Bread

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!

Monday, March 6, 2023

Weekending - March 3, 2023

Happy Monday friends! Recapping the weekend on the blog today. And what a weekend it was! My friend TW arrived at our house on Wednesday night and we spent every waking hour outside of our real jobs getting ready for the Stern wedding.

For those new here, my side hustle is being a wedding coordinator. I only do two weddings a year and work with the couple from start to finish getting everything ready for the nuptials. It's so rewarding to me when the big day arrives and the couple gets the wedding of their dreams. Knowing I played a small part in that really fills my cup!

This weekend, my cup overflowed! The newlyweds, Isabel and Matt, were a dream to work with and so were their families. I'm genuinely going to miss our planning meetings, but can't wait to see what life has in store for them.

My friend TW and my husband Eric keep me sane on wedding weeks. TW and I have been working together on weddings for over 10 years now. I doubt I could do this without either one of them!

I'll do a whole post on the wedding later, so be ready to see all the things we did for this wedding. Just look at the couple - they were stunning!

Photo Credit: Chosen Photography

The other big highlight from this weekend was something that came to me in the mail. I'm sharing it with you because I think it's the neatest thing ever. My friend Jamie sent me a letter. She preceded the personal note by saying that years ago, her minister suggested that instead of giving up something for Lent you consider adding something. Something that would be meaningful to each of us individually. So Jamie wrote me the most touching note about our friendship. She sends 40 letters to different people and I bet each of them is as touched by her words as I am. Getting her letter really made my day!

Sunday was spent recouping from all the Friday and Saturday festivities. TW packed up and headed back home early in the afternoon and we spent the rest of the day on the couch. Between watching an episode of Daisy Jones and the Six and reading my current book, I might have even snuck in a nap. The perfect way to wind down a busy weekend!

Thursday, March 2, 2023

Five on Friday - March 3, 2023

Friday is here! This is one week I could honestly have used an extra day. I'm helping with a wedding this weekend and every night I've been busy wrapping up all the last-minute details. My friend TW is here now to help me, so I'm feeling much calmer! Before I turn 100% of my attention to all things wedding, here's my five for this week ~

1. Aurora - Soundtrack from Daisy Jones and the Six

I'm so excited that Daisy Jones and the Six starts today on Amazon Prime! I'm equally excited to listen to the soundtrack, Aurora. When I was reading the book, I actually Googled Aurora to see if it was a real album. It wasn't then, but it is now! The album is comprised of 11 songs and I can't wait to listen to every one of them!

2. New Dress

I wanted something new to wear to the wedding I'm helping with this weekend but had zero time to shop. So I turned to Amazon. I found this little number and it was love at the first try on. The length falls right above my knee so I don't have to worry about bending over and showing more than I want to. It's made of polyester with mesh sleeves, which appears to not wrinkle easily. Perfect for wearing all day long!

3. National Anthem Day

Today is National Anthem Day, a time set aside to commemorate the day in 1931 the United States adopted "The Star-Spangled Banner" as its National Anthem. I have to say, I love a good rendition of our country's national anthem. One of my favorites is when Whitney Houston sang her version at Super Bowl XXV in 1991. What's your favorite?

4. Spray Can Trigger

You've heard me talk about this item before, but I've been using it a lot this week and it's definitely worth mentioning it again. If you are going to be spraying anything out of a can (paint, glue, anything), you need one of these triggers. It hooks right onto the can and is so much easier than trying to press down the nozzle with your finger. I use it a lot when I'm crafting for the spray glue can. We've also used it with paint. LOVE it!

5. Me and directions...

Okay - it's back to wedding prep for me! Have a great weekend and I'll see you back next week.

Wednesday, March 1, 2023

Things I Love About Girls' Weekend

Hello! Thanks for popping in Thinking Out Loud Thursday. Last weekend I hosted a girls' weekend at our house. Today I'm reflecting on some of the things I loved most about spending time with this group of friends!

Getting ready for a girls' weekend is one of my most favorite things. Goody bags awaited the arrival of my friends. I'm always on the lookout for fun things to throw in the bag and decorating the outside gives me an excuse to fire up my Silhouette.

Once the design was done for the bags, I figured I might as well make nametags for the towels!

It's not everyday our toilet paper looks like this, but I love to use the excuse to do some folding when friends are coming over.

I'm always looking for a reason to bust out the china. Moments, when we all gather around the table, feel so special. Why not set a special table to celebrate!

The table was made a little more special by using my grandma's silver. I use it every chance I get. There's not a doubt in my mind that my grandma is looking down from heaven with a smile every time her silver is on my table.

Speaking of using my china - I love drinking out of the fancy teacups. I don't always have tea or coffee in them. This weekend it was diet cherry Pepsi and charged lemonade from Panera. It just tasted better when it was coming from a tea cup!

There is a local baker who makes the best cookies. I've never gotten them for just me and Eric, but love it when we're having company because it's an excuse to bring home a dozen!

It's always fun to have cocktails! We enjoyed all kinds of fun concoctions over the weekend. Saturday started with mimosas and just got better and better from there!

The weekend was full of activities. Saturday afternoon we took a cooking / wine pairing class at a local store, Fezziwig's.

When the class was over, we enjoyed some retail therapy before dinner. After dinner, we went to a comedy club. Loved the comedy club! It's one of those places I just don't think about going to very often. That needs to change.

On Sunday, everyone headed home. It was such a sad feeling when they pulled away. Having fun with friends was something I greatly missed during the pandemic and I'm so grateful we are getting back to normal. Weekends like this one are good for my soul. I felt more energized this week than I have in a while. Let's face it, friends just make life better! I'm so very lucky to have the friends I do and love it when we can be together. Can't wait to do it again!

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