Penny's Passion

Friday, June 12, 2026

Five on Friday - June 12, 2026

Wooza - this week flew by!  It has been an extremely busy one and I'm so looking forward to being able to take a breath this weekend.  Five o'clock can't get here soon enough!  Let's jump right in to my five for today ~

1.   Sweet Magnolias Season 5
My weekend plans definitely include some binge-watching because Netflix just released the entire new season of Sweet Magnolias! I’ve been looking forward to catching up with Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue and seeing what new adventures, challenges, and small-town drama await them in Serenity. One of the things I love most about this series is the strong friendship between the three women and how they always support each other through life's ups and downs. The previews hint at plenty of surprises this season, including a wedding storyline, which has me especially excited. If the past seasons are any indication, there will be plenty of heartwarming moments, a little romance, and a few unexpected twists along the way. I have a feeling I'll be spending more than a few hours on the couch this weekend watching "just one more episode!"

Mary Kay Andrews has a new book out just in time for your summer reading list.  Road Trip is promised to be a fun, heartwarming read filled with family drama, mystery, romance, and plenty of Irish charm. When two estranged sisters inherit a painting that could be worth millions—or could be a fake—they set off on a journey to Ireland to uncover its secrets. Along the way, they find themselves untangling long-buried family mysteries, revisiting their roots, and navigating a relationship that has been strained for years. With picturesque Irish villages, colorful characters, a touch of romance, and an intriguing treasure hunt at its center, this novel has all the ingredients of a classic Mary Kay Andrews summer read. It's an engaging story about family, forgiveness, and second chances that will have you dreaming of an Irish adventure of your own.


There's nothing better than an easy, comfortable dress for summer, and this one checks all the boxes! The relaxed fit makes it perfect for staying cool on warm days, while the soft, stretchy fabric keeps it incredibly comfortable to wear. Even better, it's wrinkle-resistant, making it a great option for travel or busy days on the go. It comes in a wide variety of colors, so there's something for everyone. When the temperatures dip in the evening, it pairs perfectly with a denim jacket. I chose the black version, but after seeing how much I love it, I have a feeling I'll be adding a few more colors to my closet soon!


4.  Bonine
If you've been around here for a while, you've probably heard me sing the praises of Bonine before, but with summer travel season in full swing, it's worth mentioning again! Whether you're heading out on a road trip, setting sail on a cruise, or spending a day at an amusement park, Bonine is one of those products I never travel without. A few years ago, I started experiencing motion sickness whenever I read in the car or rode certain amusement park rides. After a friend recommended Bonine, I decided to give it a try, and I've been a fan ever since. For me, it works incredibly well, lasts for a full 24 hours, and best of all, it doesn't leave me feeling drowsy. If you or someone in your family struggles with car sickness, seasickness, or motion sickness of any kind, it's definitely something worth keeping on hand for your summer adventures.


5.  Cheers!
Have a great weekend!  We have some fun things planned and hopefully will also be catching up on rest.  Whatever you're doing, I hope you have a wonderful time.  See you next week!

In case you missed it this week on the blog:


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Wednesday, June 10, 2026

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 5 in Paris!

Hi and thanks for popping in to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  This is a time when I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today I'm continuing to recap our trip to Belgium.  I'm up to Day 5 and you are never going to guess where we spent it - PARIS!  If you've missed the first part of our trip, you can catch up here ~

Day 1     |     Day 2     |     Day 3     |     Day 4


We hadn’t completely decided where we wanted to spend Day 5 of our trip before we left. We tossed around several ideas, including Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and Luxembourg. But once I discovered that Paris was only about an hour and a half away by train, the choice became easy. Paris, here we come!

Since we only had one day to see as much of Paris as possible, I decided to splurge on both the Paris Museum Pass and a Big Bus pass. The Museum Pass allowed us to skip the long lines at several attractions, helping us make the most of our limited time.

When Eric and I visited Paris several years ago, we absolutely loved the Big Bus hop on hop off experience. We've tried similar buses in other cities since then, but none have compared to Paris. I knew it would be the perfect way to see the city's highlights while giving us a break from navigating the subway system or spending the entire day on foot.

As soon as we got off the train from Brussels, we headed straight to the du Louvre.  If you've ever visited this museum, you know you could spend days there!  We had a plan and moved fast!  




Located near the Louvre is the D'Orsay.  We hit that next!



There was a Big Bus stop right outside the Musée d'Orsay, so we climbed aboard and set off to explore the city. As we rode through the streets of Paris, we soaked in the sights and sounds all around us, trying to take in every detail and capture as many memories as possible.  Our hopping off spot was the Eiffel Tower!



After walking around the tower a bit, back on the bus we went to go the Notre Dame.  Before entering the cathedral, we stopped for lunch across the street at Cafe Panis and got so incredibly lucky to have an amazing view from our window seat.   


Eric and I had visited Notre Dame before the fire, so I was anxious to see it since it reopened.  I swear I could still smell the smoke!  It is so beautiful and seems brighter than before.




After Notre Dame, we loaded up on the bus for another spin around the city.  Paris has so many beautiful things to see!




To close out our day in Paris, we boarded a sunset cruise on the Seine River. It was the perfect way to sit back, relax, and soak in the beauty of the city one last time. As we drifted past some of Paris's most iconic landmarks, we reflected on all we had seen and experienced during our whirlwind visit. 


As the boat docked, the twinkling lights on the Eiffel Tower put on their show!


We had just enough time to stop at Breizh Cafe for a crepe on the way to the train station.  It was as delicious as the reviews said it was!


I had visited Paris once before, but it was Ian's first time experiencing the City of Light. To be honest, Paris wasn't very high on his list of places to visit, and I was hoping our day there might change his mind. Mission accomplished!

He fell in love with the city and, shortly after we returned home, booked a trip to come back with his wife, Kayla. While one day is certainly not enough time to do Paris justice, it was enough to leave a lasting impression. I'll gladly take any amount of time I can get in this incredible city!

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

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Tuesday, June 9, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 10, 2026

 

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


HIGHLIGHT LINKS 
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! 

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Friday, June 5, 2026

Five on Friday - June 5, 2026

 Happy Friday!  I'm crazy busy getting ready for a wedding I'm coordinating this weekend, so let's get right to my five for this week ~

1.  Whistler by Ann Patchett
Ann Patchett's latest book was released this week and I can't wait to crack it open!
When Daphne Fuller and her husband Jonathan visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art, they notice an older, white-haired gentleman following them. The man turns out to be Eddie Triplett, her former stepfather, who had been married to her mother for a little more than year when Daphne was nine. Now fifty-three, Daphne hasn’t seen Eddie for many years, not since the fateful event that changed the direction of both their lives. Meeting again, time falls away; while their relationship was brief, it had a profound impact on them both, and now that they are reunited, they have no intention of ever being separated again.

Whistler is a story about two adults looking back over the choices they made, and the choices that were made for them. It’s a story about bravery, memory, the often small yet consequential moments that define our lives, and the endless stream of loss that in time comes for us all. Beautiful in its simplicity, it is ultimately about how love endures, and how the feeling of being known by one other person, even for a short period of time, can change everything.
2.  Carolina Caroline
Headed to the theater this weekend and wondering what to see?  Carolina Caroline opens today and is getting great reviews.  Carolina Caroline is a heartwarming film about family, second chances, and finding your way home. Filled with small-town charm and relatable characters, the story follows Carolina as she navigates unexpected challenges, rekindled relationships, and personal growth. With its blend of humor, romance, and heartfelt moments, it's an enjoyable feel-good movie that celebrates the importance of love, friendship, and staying true to yourself.

I was searching Amazon for a cute dress to wear to our Fourth of July celebrations and came across this adorable find! The tiered silhouette is especially flattering and forgiving through the midsection, and the red gingham print feels perfectly festive for the holiday. It also comes in several other color options if red isn't your style. One thing to note: shipping took a little longer than the typical Amazon Prime delivery, so be sure to order early if you have a specific event in mind.

I'll admit it—I own more pairs of sunglasses than I probably need, which means they tend to end up scattered all over the house. To make it easier to find the pair I want each day, I decided it was time for a designated storage spot. Enter this chic sunglasses case! Not only does it keep all my pairs organized and easy to find, but it also gives them a safe place to live when they're not in use. Stylish, practical, and much better than hunting through drawers and countertops!

5.  Charge it...


And that's a wrap on this week's Five on Friday! Thanks for spending part of your day here with me. I always love hearing what you've been reading, watching, wearing, or loving lately, so be sure to leave a comment. Have a wonderful weekend, and I'll see you back here next week!
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Wednesday, June 3, 2026

What I Read in May 2026

Hello, friends, and welcome to another Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Since it's the first Thursday of the month, it's time for one of my favorite posts—looking back at all the books I finished during the previous month. Then it will be your turn to share what you are thinking out loud about today!


Not a lot of reading happened for me in May. As you can probably guess, I'm knee-deep in wedding planning mode, so most of my free time has been spent checking things off wedding to-do lists, meeting with vendors, and tying up all the little details that come with a wedding that's just around the corner.

Even so, I did manage to finish three books during the month. And if I'm being completely honest, one of those was actually a short story, so it wasn't exactly a record-breaking reading month! Still, every book counts, and I enjoyed having a few stories to escape into whenever I could carve out some reading time.

The Seamstress of New Orleans by Diane C. McPhail
Our library book club chose The Seamstress of New Orleans for our book last month.  I have to admit, I had a hard time finding anything I liked about this book.  Well, I am glad it was free on Kindle Unlimited and was glad I didn't have to pay for it.  The person that recommended the book wasn't able to attend and I was so curious to hear what she liked about it...
The year 1900 ushers in a new century and the promise of social change, and women rise together toward equality. Yet rules and restrictions remain, especially for women like Alice Butterworth, whose husband has abruptly disappeared. Desperate to make a living for herself and the child she carries, Alice leaves the bitter cold of Chicago far behind, offering sewing lessons at a New Orleans orphanage.

Constance Halstead, a young widow reeling with shock under the threat of her late husband’s gambling debts, has thrown herself into charitable work. Meeting Alice at the orphanage, she offers lodging in exchange for Alice’s help creating a gown for the Leap Year ball of Les Mysterieuses, the first all‑female krewe of Mardi Gras. During Leap Years, women have the rare opportunity to take control in their interactions with men, and upend social convention. Piece by piece, the breathtaking gown takes shape, becoming a symbol of strength for both women, reflecting their progress toward greater independence.

But Constance carries a burden that makes it impossible to feel truly free. Her husband, Benton, whose death remains a dangerous mystery, was deep in debt to the Black Hand, the vicious gangsters who controled New Orleans’ notorious Storyville district. Benton’s death has not satisfied them. And as the Mardi Gras festivities reach their fruition, a secret emerges that will cement the bond between Alice and Constance even as it threatens the lives they’re building . . .

The Daisy Chain Flower Shop by Laurie Gilmore
This is Book 6 in the Dream Harbor romance series, and it was such a fun, enjoyable read. It wasn't anything particularly deep or thought-provoking, nor was it trying to be the next great literary masterpiece. Instead, it delivered exactly what I was looking for—a light, charming story that was easy to pick up and get lost in for a few hours.

The characters were likable, the romance was sweet, and the small-town setting was as cozy as ever. Sometimes it's nice to read a book that simply entertains, and this one definitely fit the bill. If you're looking for something lighthearted and relaxing to toss in your beach bag this summer, I think this would be a great choice!

Daisy is fed up with being unlucky in love. And since Mayor Kelly declared her beloved flower shop cursed in one of his infamous visions, business has been slow.

Dream Harbor newcomer Elliot has been adjusting to small-town life following his own relationship turmoil. And until now he’s avoided the flower shop at all costs. If the mayor is correct, he doesn’t need any more bad luck in his life.

When he finds himself walking through the door of the Daisy Chain Flower Shop, he doesn’t expect it to be a life-changing moment. But as the petals blossom in the sunlight, might the unluckiest woman in Dream Harbor finally find that love comes when you’re least expecting it?
Lift Me Up by Millie Johnson
I love a good short story, and this one definitely fit the bill! Better yet, it's available for free on Kindle Unlimited, which is always a nice bonus.

There's something so satisfying about sitting down with a story and finishing it in one sitting. In a world full of lengthy books and never-ending to-do lists, it's fun to experience a complete story from beginning to end in just a few hours. Lift Me Up was the perfect Saturday morning read—quick, engaging, and easy to get through with a cup of coffee in hand. If you're looking for a short escape that won't require a huge time commitment, this one is worth checking out.

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

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Tuesday, June 2, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - June 2, 2026

 


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


HIGHLIGHT LINKS 
Patriotic Table Design

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! 


You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter
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Friday, May 29, 2026

Five on Friday - May 29, 2026

Happy Friday!  I always love these little Friday posts.  Let's jump right in ~

1.  The Four Seasons - Season 2
If you loved Season 1 of The Four Seasons as much as we did, you’ll be excited to hear that Season 2 is officially happening! All eight episodes are available now on Netflix.  The show perfectly balances humor, friendship and all the complicated moments that come with long-time relationships and getting older together. The cast chemistry is what really makes it special. Truth be told, I stayed up way to late last night watching the first several episodes!

Frieda McFadden's newest book, The Divorce, has arrived!  The Divorce is a fast-paced psychological thriller full of secrets, twists and unreliable characters. The story follows a woman whose seemingly normal life begins to unravel as shocking truths about her marriage and the people around her come to light. Just when you think you know what’s happening, another twist changes everything — making it the kind of book that’s hard to put down.  And, if you have Kindle Unlimited it's free right now!  I'm adding this one to my summer reading list.

I wish I had had these when my son was little!  These little things are honestly genius. No more freezing your hands while holding an ice pop, and they help catch all the drips before they end up all over clothes and patio cushions. They’re especially great for kids, but honestly adults would love them just as much. Such a simple idea, but one of those summer items that makes life so much easier.  They come in a ton of designs too!

I was on the hunt for an easy peasy shirt to wear to work and I ordered this one.  I loved it so much that I immediately went back and got it in another color!  It looks more polished than a basic tee but is still comfortable and easy to wear, even on warmer days.  I plan to pair it with my skirts and pants for work during the week and jeans on the weekend.  Prices vary by color, so check them all out!

5.  Thoughts...


Hope you have a wonderful weekend! We have several fun things planned, so it should be a really good one around here. We’re also officially just one week away from the first of the two weddings I’m helping with this summer, which means lots of wedding prep and excitement happening over here. See you back here next week!
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