Penny's Passion

Tuesday, April 1, 2025

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 2, 2025

 

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


  1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
  4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
  5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
Free Printable April 2025 Planner

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, March 27, 2025

Five on Friday - March 28, 2025

Let's hear it for Friday!  This has been an amazingly fun and busy week.  I'm ready to relax a little and catch my breath.  First up is today's Five on Friday ~

1.  The Friend
Going on my list of movies I want to see is the new release, The Friend.  This movie stars Bill Murray, Naomi Watts, and a Great Dane!  Here's the summary ~
In The Friend, writer and teacher Iris (Naomi Watts) finds her comfortable, solitary New York life thrown into disarray after her closest friend and mentor (Bill Murray) dies suddenly and bequeaths her his beloved 150 lb. Great Dane. The regal yet intractable beast, named Apollo, immediately creates practical problems for Iris, from furniture destruction to eviction notices, as well as more existential ones, his looming presence constantly reminding her of her friend's problematic choices in both life and death. Yet as Iris finds herself unexpectedly bonding with the animal, she begins to come to terms with her past, her lost friend, and her own creative inner life.


Maria Shriver's upcoming book, I Am Maria: My Reflections and Poems on Heartbreak, Healing, and Finding Your Way Home, is scheduled for release on April 1, 2025. This deeply personal collection of poetry delves into themes of identity, grief, love, loss, and healing, offering readers an intimate look into Shriver's journey through life's transitions and challenges.  Definitely going on my TBR list!  Here's the summary ~
A book like no other, I Am Maria weaves Shriver’s hard-earned wisdom with her own deeply personal poetry. I Am Maria reminds readers there is strength and love on the other side of all of our hardest days.

I Am Maria is a powerful collection of Maria Shriver’s own poems that grapple with identity, grief, love, loss, longing, heartbreak and healing.

Her deeply personal poems address life’s transitions, challenges, successes and failures. Vulnerable and deeply moving, Shriver’s words are a collection of her life experiences woven into poetry to inspire everyone on their own journey. It is also an invitation for readers to write their own personal poetry, reclaiming the art as accessible to everyone and a tool to look within.

I Am Maria is a roadmap for anyone trying to shed the labels, layers, and armor that holds us back from creating a wildly authentic and meaningful life.


Have you seen the buzz on social media and the runways? Socks are officially back! We’re living in a sock-celebrating era, and I’m here for it. My current sock drawer isn’t exactly stocked with pairs I’d want to wear with my loafers this spring, so it’s time for an upgrade. These sheer socks are stylish, trendy, and absolutely essential. I’m getting some!


4.  Dairy Queen Deal
Want to snag a small blizzard from Dairy Queen for only 85 cents?  Between March 24 and April 6, Dairy Queen Reward members can get this deal with a purchase of at least $1.  To sweeten the deal, the new summer blizzard treat menu is releasing on March 31, consisting of two new flavors, two comebacks, and one ultimate fan favorite.  New is the Mixing Bowl Mashup and Dipped Strawberry Cheesecake.  Coming back is the Cotton Candy and Confetti Cake blizzards and the flavor that won the fan vote is S'Mores.  I can't decide which one to try first!  If you're not a member of their rewards program, to join visit dairyqueen.com/en-us/rewards/.


5.  Thought...


Now let's get this weekend started!  We are meeting friends for dinner tonight and I'm sure there will be lots of NCAA basketball watching over the weekend too.  Hope you have a fantastic time doing whatever is on your list.  See you next week!

Tuesday, March 25, 2025

Girls Trip to Tybee Island

I'm so happy you stopped by for Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Today, I'm reflecting on something that brought me so much joy. I recently went on a girls' trip with four of my friends, and it was an absolute blast! I'll be sharing a recap of our adventure, and then you'll have a chance to link up and share what’s on your mind today.

Almost two years ago, I left the workplace where I had spent nearly 30 years. During that time, I built some incredible friendships! This year, two of those dear friends are retiring, and we decided to celebrate with a girls' trip. We chose Tybee Island as our destination—a place I had visited once before and was thrilled to return to.


Tybee Island, a charming barrier island off the coast of Georgia, is a hidden gem known for its laid-back atmosphere, sandy beaches, and rich history. Just a short drive from Savannah, this coastal paradise offers visitors a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. The island boasts stunning sunrises over the Atlantic, a historic lighthouse with breathtaking views, and a vibrant pier where visitors can fish or simply soak in the ocean breeze. Its quaint streets are lined with colorful cottages, unique shops, and delicious seafood restaurants serving up fresh local catches. 



We rented a condo with an amazing deck that overlooked the ocean, offering breathtaking sunrise views each morning. The beach was just out the front of the building, allowing us to stroll along the shore whenever we pleased. One of the things I love about this beach is its firm sand, which makes it easy to walk for miles without straining my ankles like softer, looser sand often does.  On one of our strolls, I found a perfect sand dollar!


Each morning, as I got up to watch the sunrise, I left a riddle on the refrigerator for the girls to solve. It became a fun little tradition, and they loved trying to guess the answer. It added such a playful touch to our trip that I’ve decided to make it a tradition for all future getaways! (Thanks Sherry for this idea!)

Nacho Cheese!

French Flies!

A Milk Shake!

Someplace Cheep!

Savannah is just a 30-minute drive from Tybee Island, and we took advantage of its charm by making two trips into the city to explore. On our first visit, we enjoyed a horse-drawn carriage tour, dined at the historic Olde Pink House, and ended the night with a thrilling Ghosts and Gravestones tour. Each of these experiences was unforgettable, and I would highly recommend them to anyone visiting Savannah!




The second day into the city, we visited the breathtaking Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, the famous Fountain at Forsyth Park, and one of my favorite bookstores, E. Shavers.  




One of the highlights of our trip was reconnecting with a former coworker who had relocated to the Savannah area. After years apart, it was wonderful to reunite, reminisce, and catch up on each other’s lives. The laughter and shared memories made it feel like no time had passed at all!


This trip was the perfect mix of sightseeing, relaxation, and memory-making. In between our adventures, we worked on a puzzle together—a fun challenge that kept us entertained. At times, we weren’t sure if we’d finish it, but in the end, we pulled it off, adding yet another special moment to our unforgettable getaway!


This girls' trip is a truly special experience, filled with laughter, bonding, and unforgettable memories. Whether it's a relaxing beach getaway, a city adventure, or a cozy cabin retreat, spending time with your closest friends allows you to unwind, recharge, and reconnect. It’s a chance to escape the daily routine, indulge in new experiences, and celebrate friendship in its purest form. From heart-to-heart conversations to spontaneous adventures, every moment becomes a cherished memory. The joy of exploring new places, sharing inside jokes, and simply being in the company of those who uplift and understand you makes a girls' trip an absolute treasure.  I feel so blessed to have shared this experience with this fantastic group of women!

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



Monday, March 24, 2025

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - March 26, 2025


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

  1. Bev – ECLECTIC RED BARN | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  2. Penny – PENNY’S PASSION | FB | IG | PINTEREST
  3. Sinea – DUCKS ‘N A ROW | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X
  4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE
  5. Denise – THIS IS MY EVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | X | YOUTUBE

HIGHLIGHT LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
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, March 20, 2025

Five on Friday - March 21, 2025

Happy Spring! Yesterday marked the official start of the season, bringing longer days and the excitement of summer inching closer—both of which I’m really looking forward to! We’re also thrilled about the NCAA basketball tournament—it’s always a blast to watch the games and track our bracket progress. Before the next round of matchups begins, here’s this week’s Five on Friday ~

1.  Snow White Movie
Disney's latest movie, Snow White, opens this weekend.  Can you believe the original Disney version of Snow White came out almost 90 years ago!  I'm kind of surprised it's taken Disney this long to give us a remake.  I've seen mixed reviews, but that won't keep us from heading to the theater to see it.  In case you have no clue what Snow White is about, here's the summary ~
"Disney's Snow White," a live-action musical reimagining of the classic 1937 film, opens exclusively in theaters March 21, 2025. Starring Rachel Zegler ("West Side Story") in the title role and Gal Gadot ("Wonder Woman") as her Stepmother, the Evil Queen, the magical music adventure journeys back to the timeless story with beloved characters Bashful, Doc, Dopey, Grumpy, Happy, Sleepy, and Sneezy.
Lucy Score, author of the Knockemout series (Things We Never Got Over, Things We Hide from the Light, and Things We Left Behind) is introducing us to her newest series Story Lake.  Book 1, Story of My Life, came out on March 11 and went straight to my TBR list.  This one will take some time to read because it's 577 pages long!  But, if it's like her other books, I know I'll enjoy it.  Here's the summary ~
Hazel Hart was a successful romance novelist until a breakup drives her straight into writer’s block. Having failed (and failed some more) to deliver her new manuscript, she’s hiding from the world behind a wall of old takeout containers until her publisher lays down the law. If she misses her next deadline it’s The End.

Desperate for inspiration, Hazel impulse-buys a historic home online and flees Manhattan to tiny Story Lake, PA. Upon her dramatic arrival—involving an incident with a bald eagle—she discovers the charm of her new home may have been slightly exaggerated.

The house is a wreck and the town is struggling after their biggest employer shut down. Also, since her raccoon-infested home came with a seat on the town council our introverted heroine is stuck with a front row seat to all the small-town shenanigans.

But Hazel isn’t worried. Not since all six-feet-three inches of grouchy contractor Campbell Bishop slapped a bandage on her forehead and unintentionally inspired the heck out of her. There’s only one thing to do: Hire Cam and his equally gorgeous brothers to renovate her new spider museum…er…house.

Okay two things. A fake date for “research purposes” will really put her work-in-progress on track. Before Hazel knows it, she’s writing a romance novel and living one. At least until the drywall dust settles, the town she’s falling in love with faces bankruptcy, and growly Cam remembers why he can’t live happily ever after.
We are slowly but surely adding an office space to my craft room.  The desk and computer screens are in place.  I quickly realized I needed a space to store my pens and highlighters.  Then I remembered the rotating holder I got for my bathroom to store my makeup in!  It is perfect for desk supplies!  I ordered it in pink and it's now helping keep my desk look neat and organized.  The best part - it's functional and priced right!

4.  The Twister:  Caught in the Storm
In 2011, a powerful tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, tragically claiming 161 lives. Netflix's new documentary, The Twister: Caught in the Storm, explores the storm's devastating impact on the town and its families. I remember being glued to the television as it unfolded, and I’m eager to watch this documentary.


5.  Maybe tomorrow...


That wraps up this week’s Five on Friday! I hope you have a fantastic weekend filled with fun, relaxation, and maybe even a little basketball. See you next week for more updates and favorites!

Wednesday, March 19, 2025

Let's Make Roasted Carrots with Whipped Ricotta and Hot Honey

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! I'm so happy you stopped by today. I'll be sharing a new recipe, and once I'm done, feel free to link up and share whatever's on your mind today!

With Easter just around the corner, you might be searching through your recipe box, wishing for something new to try. I recently came across this carrot recipe on Facebook and couldn’t wait to share it with you! I’ve made it twice now, and it turned out delicious both times. It takes a little more effort than my usual recipes, but I promise the extra steps are totally worth it! Here’s how I made roasted carrots with whipped ricotta and hot honey ~


Here's What You Need
For the Carrots:
2 lbs of carrots 
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp maple syrup
1 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste


For the Whipped Ricotta
15 oz container of ricotta cheese
2 tbsp heavy cream
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and Pepper to taste


For the Hot Honey
1/4 cup honey
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1 tsp apple cider vinegar


For Topping
2 tbsp chopped pistachios
1 tsp fresh thyme leaves


Here's What You Do
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.  Peel and slice your carrots.  I like to use my crinkle cutter to make the carrots look a bit fancier.  


Spread the carrots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and caramelized, flipping halfway through.  While the carrots are in the oven, make the whipped ricotta.

Blend the ricotta, heavy cream, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt until smooth and creamy.  You can use a food processor or (what I did) a mixer.  Set aside.

Next, make the hot honey.  In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the honey and red pepper flakes.  Heat gently for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently.  Remove from heat and stir in the apple cider vinegar.  Let cool slightly.

To assemble the dish, spread the whipped ricotta onto a serving platter. Be sure to use a platter with a lip to prevent the honey from spilling over the edges—I learned this the hard way! The first time I made this, I used a flat plate, and let’s just say it was a bit of a mess.


Arrange the roasted carrots on top of the whipped ricotta. They’re so delicious on their own that they don’t even need the ricotta or honey—but trust me, those extra touches take this dish to the next level!


Drizzle the hot honey over the carrots.  Sprinkle with chopped pistachios and fresh thyme leaves.  



Even though this recipe requires a few extra steps, the end result is completely worth it! The combination of flavors and textures makes these roasted carrots truly special. The natural sweetness of the carrots, paired with the creamy whipped ricotta and the kick of hot honey, creates a dish that’s both comforting and elevated. Whether you’re serving them as a side for Easter dinner or just looking for a new way to enjoy carrots, this recipe is sure to impress. Trust me—once you take that first bite, you’ll know the extra effort was well spent!

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