Penny's Passion

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

Let's Go To Belgium - Day 1

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is a space where I share what’s been on my mind—and invite you to link up and do the same. Today, I’m taking you back to March as I begin sharing about a special trip my son Ian and I took to Belgium!

First, I feel incredibly grateful to be able to take a trip with just my son. I truly have one of the best husbands—he not only encouraged this adventure but was genuinely happy for me to take our son while he stayed home.

Ian and I considered several destinations before finally choosing Belgium. Our decision came down to a couple of reasons: we found an amazing deal on airfare, and Ian has been a lifelong chocolate lover. A trip to the chocolate capital of the world felt like the perfect choice!

We landed in Brussels early in the morning and took the train from the airport into the city. Our hotel was just a short walk from the station. The room wasn't ready, but we dumped our bags there and headed out to see the city! Side bar - I love a good sunrise and seeing the sun come up while in the airplane made my day!

As we headed back out to walk around, we navigated ourselves to the historic city centre of Brussels. Along the way, we saw historical buildings blending with modern art.

We popped in the cutest little shop for crepes called Cappuccino. I was extremely happy to learn that Coke Zero is a thing there!

When we mentioned we were heading to Brussels, so many people brought up the Manneken Pis statue—so of course, we had to see it for ourselves! This little guy is tiny. I was secretly hoping he’d be dressed in one of his famous costumes while we were there, but unfortunately, he wasn’t.

We wandered through the area, taking our time and enjoying a little window shopping along the way. The waffles looked absolutely amazing!

A stop in the first-ever Godiva store was a must! We learned later that the locals aren't that impressed with Godiva because they believe they are too commercialized, but we still wanted to pop in and give it a try.

Our next stop was St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral. The remarkable architectural masterpiece is awe-inspiring!

The moment you step inside, the intricate details draw you in. The stunning stained-glass windows and beautifully detailed woodwork are truly breathtaking!

We made our way back to the hotel for an afternoon nap—the seven-hour time difference was definitely catching up with us, and it felt so good to rest for a bit. Once we woke up, we headed back out to grab dinner and enjoy the charming square just across the street from the Sofitel Hotel where we were staying. I'll be back with our Day 2 adventures soon!

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

Tuesday, May 5, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 6, 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

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
Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

Oreo Cream Pie Recipe

Easy Bacon Garlic Pasta

Easiest DIY Ever

The Perfect Strawberry Lemonade Mimosa for Mother's Day

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, April 30, 2026

Five on Friday - May 1, 2026

It’s May—and the first Friday of the month already! It’s hard to believe a third of the year has already flown by. I’m really looking forward to the months ahead; spring and summer are some of my favorite seasons, and I plan to make the most of every moment.

And speaking of time… it’s time to share my five things for today ~

1. Devil Wears Prada 2

I am so excited that The Devil Wears Prada 2 is finally out! The first movie was such a favorite, and I can’t wait to see this one too. Can you believe it’s been 20 years since The Devil Wears Prada?! If you remember, the original followed Andy Sachs, a young journalist who lands a job at a high-fashion magazine and finds herself working under the famously demanding Miranda Priestly. What starts as a stepping stone quickly turns into a crash course in fashion, ambition, and figuring out who you are in the middle of it all. The sequel steps back into that same high-pressure, fashion-forward world—this time exploring how the industry has evolved in a digital age and where these characters have landed all these years later. I’m expecting fabulous outfits, a little nostalgia, and hopefully that same witty charm we all loved the first time around.

2. Oreo Firecracker Pop Cookies

Keep an eye out for Oreo’s Firecracker Pop Cookies hitting shelves around May 4! These festive treats feature a red (cherry), white (lemon), and blue (blue raspberry) creme layered between golden wafers. They’ll only be available for a limited time, so be sure to grab a pack while you can!

3. Pizza Hut Summer Reading Program

It won’t be long before the kids are out of school and you’re looking for ways to keep them busy. Here’s a fun idea—let them read their way to free pizza from Pizza Hut! Their summer reading program is back, and each eligible child can earn one free Personal Pan Pizza per month at participating locations. Just download the BOOK IT! Mobile App for all the details and to get your child signed up!

4. Custom Wine Bottle Wraps

Gifting someone a celebratory bottle of bubbly? Elevate the presentation with these wine bottle wraps! They’re super easy to use—just apply the wrap and use a hair dryer or boiling water to shrink it snugly around the bottle. In under a minute, you’ve got a beautifully wrapped, gift-ready bottle. Plus, there are so many fun designs to choose from!

Available HERE

5. Definitely me...

Have a great weekend! Hope to see you back here next week!

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 29, 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

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
Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST

HIGHLIGHT LINKS

A Complete Guide to Candle Sand Wax

Cherry Linzer Sandwich Cookies

Teacher Appreciation Gift Idea

Fluffy No Fuss Bread Rolls

LET’S GET THIS PARTY STARTED!

Let’s Party!

Friday, April 24, 2026

Five on Friday - April 24, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! There’s just something fun about wrapping up the week and sharing a handful of favorites with you. Let’s jump in!

1. Running Point

Kate Hudson returned Thursday for Season 2 of Netflix's Running Point, and we’re excited to jump back in. Eric and I really enjoyed the first season and can’t wait to catch up with the characters again. The show follows a former party girl determined to prove herself as a capable businesswoman after unexpectedly taking over her family’s professional basketball team.

2. The Mother-Daughter Book Club

The husband-wife combo of Susan and James Patterson has released their first book together - The Mother-Daughter Book Club. It's sounds like a book I will like and also a great book to gift a friend or mother for Mother's Day.

Between their busy lives and their far-flung residences, the Mother-Daughter Book Club—four longtime college friends and their five daughters—more often discuss the books on their nightstands via 2 a.m. texts than in-person meetings. And maybe it’s just as well, after what happened at their last get-together ...

So it’s an emotional reunion when they finally gather again, this time on the spectacular shores of Italy’s Lake Como. Sightseeing excursions, reminiscing fueled by “Como-politans,” and a hint of vacation romance all build toward the book club’s trademark “Night of Secrets.”

These friends, and sometime rivals, are close readers—of novels, memoirs, and of each other. But as the years and the distance cast shadows and doubt, confidences and sympathies turn into surprising revelations.

Available HERE

3. Storage Containers

This time of year always puts me in the mood to freshen things up and tackle a little spring cleaning—especially in the kitchen. There’s something so satisfying about opening a neatly organized pantry, so this year I’m upgrading my storage with this 3-pack of containers. I love the clear design because you can instantly see what you have on hand (no more guessing or digging through boxes!), and they’re such a versatile size. They work perfectly for everything from cereals and pasta to nuts, baking ingredients, popcorn kernels, and more. It’s a simple swap that makes a big difference in keeping things tidy, functional, and easy to maintain.

Available HERE

4. Terro Ant Killer

I’ve spotted a couple of ants making their way through the house lately, and that was my cue—it’s definitely time to restock our Terro. Every spring without fail, they seem to find their way in, and I’d much rather get ahead of it than deal with a full-on invasion. This has been my go-to for years because it actually works. Instead of just getting rid of the ants you see, it targets the source, which makes such a difference. Within a day or two, you can really tell it’s doing its job. It’s one of those simple things I like to keep on hand so I’m always prepared when those pesky little visitors show up!

Available HERE

5. Planning Vacation...

Have a wonderful weekend, friends! If you’re in need of a dinner idea, I shared a delicious and easy recipe on the blog this week—be sure to check it out HERE. We’ve got our small group gathering tonight, I’m meeting a friend for lunch tomorrow, and Sunday is filled with church activities. It’s a full weekend, and I’m looking forward to all of it. See you next week!

Wednesday, April 22, 2026

Let's Make Boursin Chicken

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 thinking about a wonderful chicken entree I recently made - Boursin Chicken.

I discovered this recipe one day when I was casually scrolling my Facebook feed. I want to get it on my blog so it will be easier to find when I want to make it – and it’s so delicious we’ll be making it on repeat! This is definitely a recipe worthy of serving at your next dinner party. I guarantee my pictures don't do this dish justice!

Here’s What You Need

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

8 ounces Boursin Cheese (garlic & herb flavor)

2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon garlic powder

Salt and pepper to taste

½ cup chicken broth

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Here’s What You Do

Preheat oven to 375F degrees.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. A few years ago, Ian and Kayla gifted us a cast-iron skillet, and it’s become my absolute favorite to cook with. It transitions beautifully from stovetop to oven, and I truly think every kitchen should have one!

Available HERE

Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Full disclosure—I don’t measure here. I simply swirl a bit of olive oil around the bottom of the skillet and give each chicken breast a light sprinkle of garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken to the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

In the same skillet, add the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. We love sun-dried tomatoes, so I may have added a little more than the ½ cup the recipe calls for. Sauté for 2–3 minutes, just until the spinach is wilted.

Reduce the heat to low, then add the Boursin cheese and chicken broth. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the creamy mixture over the top.

Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165F degrees.

This recipe comes together in about 40 minutes from start to finish. While the chicken is in the oven, it’s the perfect time to toss a salad and roast a vegetable for a side dish.

We’ve enjoyed this dish a couple of different ways—once over spaghetti noodles and another time over mashed potatoes. If you’re short on time, the noodles are a great option. But if you have a little extra time, the mashed potatoes are absolutely worth it!

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

Tuesday, April 21, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 22, 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