Penny's Passion

Tuesday, March 31, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 1, 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
  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
  6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

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

Friday, March 27, 2026

Five on Friday - March 27, 2026

Happy Friday!  Who's ready for the weekend?!?  It has been a week over here and I'm so glad to have a little break to regroup as we head into Easter week.  Let's just right to the Five on Friday post ~

1.  The Night We Met by Abby Jimenez
Abby Jimenez's newest book was released this week and I can't wait to dive in!  This new book, The Night We Met, is the second in a series after Say You'll Remember Me.  Her books always make me laugh out loud, shed a few tears, and make me think about life choices.  Here's the summary ~
For Larissa, it came when choosing who to ride home with after a concert. That night, she had no idea she’d met the perfect man. She and Chris are great friends, co-parenting a slightly unhinged rescue Yorkie, sharing their favorite books, and judging bread (pumpernickel for the win!). For the first time amid all her side hustles to scrape by, things finally feel easy.

But she didn’t choose Chris to drive her home all those months ago—she went with his best friend, and he became her boyfriend. All Chris wants is for Larissa to be happy. Standing by on the sidelines is slowly killing him, but making a move would destroy someone else. How can something that feels so right be absolutely impossible?

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale started this week and runs through March 31. I’ve been checking in to see what deals are popping up, and there are some really great prices right now. I’m sharing a few of my favorite finds below ~


3.  Super Stuffed Pop-Tarts
Okay, fellow Pop-Tart lovers—have you seen this?! Hitting store shelves now are Super Stuffed Pop-Tarts! These new toaster pastries come in three flavors: Strawberry Blast, Molten Lava Cake, and Cinnamon Caramel. Each box includes five individually wrapped treats. Now I’m wondering…will I love them twice as much with all that extra filling?

I’ve been searching for a new dress to wear to a few events we have coming up this spring, and it was Amazon to the rescue! I love the eyelet fabric and the elbow-length sleeves. I went with the blue, but it comes in several other colors too. It’s machine washable, which means no extra trips to the dry cleaner. I can’t wait to wear it soon!


5.  Exercise plan...


Enjoy the weekend!  We will be watching lots of college basketball (even though my bracket is already a bust).  I’m heading out for a little shopping trip with a friend tomorrow, and I’m really looking forward to spending some time together. In between, I’m hoping to get our outdoor furniture cleaned up and ready for summer. We also put out our hummingbird feeders this week, so I’m crossing my fingers we spot a few visitors this weekend. See you next week!

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Three Things Making Me Happy Right Now

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 reflecting on three things that are bringing a little extra happiness to my life right now.


A couple of years ago, I decided to upgrade our laundry detergent because I wanted our clothes—and even the laundry room—to smell amazing. I tried a few different brands along the way, but I think I’ve finally found the one! It’s Laundry Sauce in the Himalayan Cashmere scent. The price gave me a bit of sticker shock at first, but honestly, it’s one of those things I’m happy to splurge on because it’s just that good.  

If you click HERE to purchase, you can get a $25 credit on a cart with a minimum of $90.  Wait until you smell this!

Available here:  Laundry Sauce

On our trip to Belgium, Ian and I spent quite a bit of time on trains—and thanks to Bonine, I felt great the entire time! A few years ago, I started getting motion sick whenever I read in the car or traveled on hilly, winding roads. A friend suggested Bonine, and I haven’t had a single issue since. It doesn’t make me drowsy, and one pill lasts up to 24 hours, which makes traveling so much easier.


After nearly 20 years, we finally had to replace our refrigerator. One item that definitely made the move from the old one to the new is our Lazy Susan for the shelf. It slides out and spins, making it so easy to reach items in the back. It’s been a game changer for keeping everything organized and making sure nothing gets lost in the back.


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

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - March 25, 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
  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
  6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

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, March 20, 2026

Five on Friday - March 20, 2026

Happy Friday, friends! I always look forward to this little pause at the end of the week to share a handful of things I’ve been loving lately. From simple everyday finds to a few fun highlights, it’s a mix of the little things that have brought a smile to my face. I hope you’ll grab something cozy to drink and join me as I round up this week’s favorites!

1.  Project Hail Mary
Okay, I don’t usually gravitate toward sci-fi movies, but I’m a big Ryan Gosling fan—so Project Hail Mary has definitely made my must-watch list. It’s been getting fantastic reviews, too! Here’s a quick summary ~
Grace gradually recalls his past and the purpose of his mission: to travel to Tau Ceti, the only star unaffected by Astrophage, and discover a solution. Along the way, he encounters a rock-like alien named Rocky, who becomes his unexpected ally. Together, they work to stop the Astrophage threat, facing challenges that test their ingenuity, courage, and friendship. The story combines high-stakes science, humor, and emotional depth, emphasizing teamwork and problem-solving.
Are you a fan of Judy Blume’s books? If so, you’ll be excited to know that her new biography by Mark Oppenheimer just hit the shelves this week. It’s quite the read at 480 pages—clearly there’s plenty to share about her incredible life and career. Here’s a quick summary ~
To know the name Judy Blume is to know and love literature. Her influential novels turned classics—including Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret; Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing; Deenie; and Summer Sisters—touched the lives of tens of millions of readers. For more than fifty-five years her work has done something revolutionary: it rewired the world’s expectations of what literature for young people can be—frank, candid, earthy, and unafraid to show the messier sides of humanity. But little is known about the real woman behind the iconic persona, and the unlikely journey of her literary ascension, until now.

In Judy Blume, journalist, historian, and longtime Blume aficionado Mark Oppenheimer pens a beautiful, multidimensional portrait of the acclaimed author through extensive interviews with Blume herself, invaluable access to her papers and correspondence, and thoughtful analysis of Blume’s beloved novels, including early, unpublished works that shed light on the pathbreaking writer she would become. Oppenheimer goes deep, exploring Blume’s middle-class 1950s upbringing, complicated childhood, varied relationships and marriages, unabashed sexual experiences, bouts of heartache and loss, and enduring legacy as a champion of free speech and contemporary literature. Oppenheimer peels back the curtain to reveal the woman behind the literary empire in all her complex, multifaceted glory—a true gift for anyone who grew up reading and loving these extraordinary books.
3.  Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff Bar
One thing I’m loving this week is spotting all the fun new food finds hitting the shelves lately. It seems like everywhere you look there’s something new to try! From a high-protein twist on classic mac & cheese to fun snack aisle additions like buffalo-flavored pretzels and PB&J-inspired bites, brands are definitely getting creative. Something that caught my eye this week was the new Cadbury Dairy Milk Biscoff  Bar.  It's a chocolate bar filled with Biscoff and new crispy caramel candies. It’s always so fun to pick up something new on a grocery run… you never know what might become your next favorite!
I’ve completely fallen in love with Swedish dishcloths! They’re super absorbent—perfect for drying, cleaning, and even a little scrubbing. When they need freshening up, you can just toss them in the washing machine. I’m due for a new set, and this pattern immediately caught my eye. They’ll coordinate perfectly with my kitchen and might just make cleaning a bit more enjoyable!


5.  Definitely me...


Thanks so much for stopping by this week’s Five on Friday! I always love sharing these little bits of life with you. I hope you have a wonderful weekend ahead—whether it’s filled with fun plans or a little extra time to relax and recharge. Tonight I'm having dinner with a friend and we are going to dry run a mantlescape we want to do at an upcoming bridal shower.  Then we're meeting friends for lunch on Saturday at one of our favorite places - Crown Candy Kitchen.  And of course we'll be watching or monitoring the scores from all the NCAA basketball games!  Here’s to soaking up the small joys, trying something new, and making the most of these early spring days. See you back here next week!

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

Dearest Reader: A Most Delightful Bridgerton Brunch

Hello and welcome 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 reflecting on a Bridgerton themed brunch I hosted a couple weeks ago!

There’s something so delightful about bringing a touch of elegance and whimsy to an ordinary day, and that’s exactly what inspired me to host a Bridgerton-themed brunch. With soft florals, delicate china, and just a hint Bridgerton charm, it felt like stepping into a scene from our favorite show. It was the perfect excuse to gather friends, sip something lovely, and enjoy a morning filled with good conversation and a little bit of magic.




I kept the menu simple—chicken salad on croissants, cucumber canapés, pimento cheese tartlets, fruit salad, and charcuterie cups. After all, it’s less about the food and more about enjoying time together with friends!


We had mimosas with orange juice balls dipped in pink glitter.  If you haven't done that before, let this serve as your reminder to do it!  Just pour orange juice in the round ice cube trays and freeze.  Remove the frozen balls and roll in edible glitter.  Pop a couple in your glass!  Easy peasy!

 

For dessert, I kept things easy by filling Athens Phyllo Shells with lemon curd, chocolate, and cheesecake for a trio of tartlets. You can find the shells in the freezer section at the grocery store. Guests could finish them off with a sprinkle of their favorite Bridgerton sugar on top!  I also used these sugars at a Galentine's breakfast I had on Valentine's Day with waffles.  Huge hit!


For a little favor, there was a Bridgerton Nivea lip balm on each plate.  I was so excited to find these!  They were the perfect thing to send home with everyone and come in several different flavors.


After brunch, we settled in together to watch an episode of Bridgerton, which felt like the perfect way to keep the theme going. With full bellies and happy hearts, it was so fun to relax, sip a little more mimosa, and get swept up in the romance and drama of the show.

We also had so much fun playing a few Bridgerton-themed games, which brought plenty of laughter and a little friendly competition to the afternoon. 


It was such a joy getting to spend a Saturday afternoon with friends, making memories and enjoying every moment together!


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

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - March 18, 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

  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
  6. Angie – SALT PRAIRIE | IG | PINTEREST 

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