Penny's Passion: April 2019

Tuesday, April 30, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - May 1, 2019

Welcome to our party!

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

We are so glad that you stopped by to party with us. Our features represent the most popular posts from the week before. Let's see the ones you visited most last week ...

Most Viewed

Chicks and sprouts

Very Popular

 

 

Editor's Pick

Super easy chocolate ice cream cake #recipe
 
So, now, let's get on with this party!

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Simple party guidelines >>­
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  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
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  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us the title.
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
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Friday, April 26, 2019

Five on Friday - April 26, 2019

Happy Friday friends!  Where did this week go?!?  After having a glorious three day weekend and celebrating Easter, this week has gone by in a flash and, unfortunately, the blog kind of took a back seat.  I did have time to pull together my five for this week!  Here it is ~

1.  Stuffed Puffs
Get ready to take your s'mores to a whole new level this year -- these new chocolate stuffed marshmallows are hitting the shelves at Walmart.  Can you imagine the chocolate part of your s'more treat being just as gooey as the marshmallow part - OMG!!!  Even if you just want to snack on them, the chocolate surprise center would be pretty delicious.  They are definitely on my shopping list for the weekend.

Image result for stuffed puffs

2.  Rolling Stones New Box Set
Today's the day -- the Rolling Stones is releasing a brand-new Best Of compilation album call Honk.  It features their biggest hits from every Rolling Stones album from 1971 to 2016.  Who else would love to add these vinyls to their collection?  Jammin' to tunes like "It's Only Rock'n'Roll" and "Start Me Up" is always a good time!  Want the collection for yourself?  Click HERE to check it out.

Honk (3 LP Version)


3. Sangria from Aldi's
If you haven't been in an Aldi's lately, I'll give you a good reason to go.  Sangria.  They have big bottles of Sangria in both red and white for only $5.99!  I've tried both and they're good guys.  Add some fruit and you have a summertime cocktail ready to serve.  I'm headed back there this weekend to restock.  
                      Image result for sangria from aldi's
4. Avengers Endgame
Just in case you haven't heard, Avengers Endgame opens today.  Good luck getting a ticket though because presale tickets have been crazy!  It opened in China two days before us here and crushed sales!  It's expected to get close to or surpass the $258 million opening of "Infinity War".  That is a crazy amount of money!  Here's the movie synopsis from Fandango ~
Adrift in space with no food or water, Tony Stark sends a message to Pepper Potts as his oxygen supply starts to dwindle. Meanwhile, the remaining Avengers -- Thor, Black Widow, Captain America and Bruce Banner -- must figure out a way to bring back their vanquished allies for an epic showdown with Thanos -- the evil demigod who decimated the planet and the universe.
Image result for avengers endgame
5.  So true...


I have one more exciting thing to share with you today.  I'm taking part in a Mother's Day Giveaway!  Enter for your chance to win one of three great gift cards.Come and enter the Mothers Day Giveaway! Enter for your chance to win gift cards totaling $410! Winners choice of gift card

We are so excited to be giving away $410 in gift cards for Mother's Day to three lucky readers. The giveaway will run from April 26th – May 10th.

The prizes are:

  • 1 - $200 gift card
  • 1 - $105 gift card
  • 1 - $105 gift card
Each winner will choose the gift card you want. Please choose a gift card which comes from an online store and can be paid by US dollars. EX: Amazon, Target, Walmart, Macy's, Kohls, etc. You may ask for more than one gift card but must add up to your prize amount.

Come and enter the Mothers Day Giveaway! Enter for your chance to win gift cards totaling $410! Winners choice of gift card


Now its time to meet our co-hosts who have made this giveaway possible.
Carrie at Curly Crafty Mom | Mary at Real Girl's Realm | Dana at Create To Donate | Marie at The Inspiration Vault | Debi at Life Currents | Meredith at The Mom of the Year by Meredith Spidel | Audrey at That Recipe and Munofore | Tammy at Creative K Kids | Kellyann at This Blonde's Shopping Bag | Michelle at Our Crafty Mom | Leslie at Once Upon a Time & Happily Ever After | Kristin at White Arrows Home | Penny at Penny's Passion | Mary at Dine Dream Discover | Trish at By Trish Sutton | Lisa at Coast to Coast | Janelle at Num's the Word | Tara at Noshing With The Nolands | Emily at Domestic Deadline | Linda at A Labour of Life | Gladys at Moms to Grandmas | Habiba at Craftify My Love | Sinea at Ducks 'n a Row | Nancy at Nancy On The Home Front | Heather at The Super Mom Life | Jodie at Jodie's Touch of Style | Terri at Our Good Life | Beverly at Eclectic Red Barn | Tammy at My Life Abundant
Please stop by and say hi to these wonderful co-hosts and their blogs.
The giveaway will end midnight on Friday, May 10th, a few days before Mother's Day. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email claiming their prize. If we don't hear in 48 hours, we will choose another winner. The giveaway is open to anyone over 18 years of age and able to receive e-gift cards from the U.S.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Have a great weekend!  We will be glued to the television on Saturday afternoon watching the St. Louis Blues hockey game.  Love playoff hockey!  Then on Sunday I'll be going to my niece's baby sprinkle.  Fun times ahead!  

Linking up with:

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks

Thursday, April 25, 2019

Friday Favorites Linky Party - April 26, 2019


Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL
Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst
If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!
You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 24, 2019

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to our blog hop!
We had a great time last week at our party and these are the features that you visited the most...

Most Viewed

Very Popular

how to fry a turkey safely

Make your Easter table look gorgeous with these great DIY ideas! #homedecor
 
tips
 
Good night's sleep #tips

Editor's Pick

 
  Now it is time for this week's party - let's get it started!
We would love it if you followed us on social media and/or come by our blogs to subscribe by email.
Simple party guidelines >>­
  • Please TWEET our party ♥
  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
  • Visit others. Let them know you stopped by!
  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us the title.
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
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Click here to enter

Friday, April 19, 2019

Five on Friday - April 19, 2019

Happy Good Friday!  I'm enjoying a day off work and I hope you are too.  With a little luck, I'll be able to get through my to-do list and then still have a few days to enjoy the Easter holiday.  Before all that, here's my five for today ~

1.  Breakthrough
Have you seen the previews for Breakthrough?  We've probably seen the trailer 20 times and I've gotten tears in my eyes every single time.  This is a true story that actually happened in St. Louis.  I remember when the story was unfolding and I'm curious to see how they portray it in a movie.  Here's the synopsis from Fandango ~
BREAKTHROUGH is based on the inspirational true story of one mother's unfaltering love in the face of impossible odds. When Joyce Smith's adopted son John falls through an icy Missouri lake, all hope seems lost. But as John lies lifeless, Joyce refuses to give up. Her steadfast belief inspires those around her to continue to pray for John's recovery, even in the face of every case history and scientific prediction. From producer DeVon Franklin (Miracles from Heaven) and adapted for the screen by Grant Nieporte (Seven Pounds) from Joyce Smith's own book, BREAKTHROUGH is an enthralling reminder that faith and love can create a mountain of hope, and sometimes even a miracle.
Image result for breakthrough

2.  Homecoming:  A Film by Beyonce
Are you a Beyonce fan?  Is so, you're going to want to see this.  On Wednesday, Netflix began showing a movie titled Homecoming: A Film by Beyonce.  It's a documentary made up from a mixture of footage from the actual Coachella performance and video-diary-style footage of everything that went on behind the scenes.  She also released a surprise live album sharing the same name.  You can grab the album HERE.  I'll definitely be watching the movie this weekend!

Beyoncé Had a Hand in Every Tiny Detail

3.  Philadelphia Dips
Having company coming over this weekend but no time to make an appetizer?  Try one of these three Philadelphia dips!  There are three flavors to choose from:  Jalapeno Cheddar, Buffalo State with Celery, and Southwest Style Black Bean and Corn.  They are made with real vegetables and are deliciously rich and creamy.  

Image result for philadelphia dips

It seems like everywhere I look, the spring thing is wicker earrings.  Amazon has this set of 4 for only $10.99!!  With Prime, the shipping is free.  That's a heck of a deal!  Click HERE to check them out.  

5.  A little humor.....

                   

Hope you have a wonderful Easter!  We're looking forward to spending some time with family and having a bit of time at home to wipe out a few projects.  We'll also be in front of the television Saturday night cheering for the St. Louis Blues!  See you next week.

Linking up with:

This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks

Thursday, April 18, 2019

Friday Favorites Linky Party - April 19, 2019

Happy Good Friday!  Hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend and enjoy all the links today!

Please support and follow our lovely blog party hostesses:
Jerri at Simply Sweet Home - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Lisa at Condo Blues - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Penny at Penny's Passion - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst
Kelly at Under a Texas Sky - Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL
Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer - Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst
If you are featured this week, be sure and grab a featured button for your blog!
You can show your love for this week's favorites by going over and commenting on the posts and by pinning or sharing!
And if you love all of this week's favorites, please pin, share, and invite your friends to this week's linky party!

Wednesday, April 17, 2019

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - April 18, 2019

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  Hope you are having a great day and are looking forward to seeing what everyone is thinking out loud about today.

As for me and what I'm thinking out loud about, here goes ~

I just need to say out loud how very, very sad the fire at Notre Dame Cathedral made me feel.  After glancing at the TV monitors in our cafeteria on Monday and seeing this breaking news event, I just couldn't turn it off.  I came back to my desk and pulled up the CNN coverage on my second computer monitor and watched the devastation for the rest of the afternoon while trying to get some work done.  Did anyone else do the same thing?


When the spire slowly twisted to the side and came crashing down, did you too think of the day the Twin Towers crumbled?

The fire has been burning for hours. Picture: Geoffroy Van Der Hasselt

It was just two years ago Eric and I stood in the middle of Notre Dame and was in awe of it's beauty.  I'm so very, very glad we had an opportunity to see it.  Experience it.  Feel it in our souls.  I'm also feeling sad for all those people who had viewing Notre Dame on their bucket lists and will never be able to see the 856 year old structure in it's original form.  It makes me want to rush through seeing things on my list before something tragic happens to those.





There are a few things, though, that we can all be elated over.  One - there were no casualties.  With over 12 million visitors streaming through the massive doors each year and this being such a busy week due to Easter, thank heavens no one of was killed.  We are keeping the two police officers and one firefighter who was injured in our prayers. 

The other thing that brings a sigh of relief is the fact they were able to save so many of the precious artifacts.

Image result for crown of thorns notre dame

Image result for crown of thorns notre dame

I'm already looking forward to revisiting this world treasure when the renovations are complete.  New artists and craftsman will have an opportunity to leave their mark in history when they use their talents to put the structure back in order.  It will once again be a masterpiece!


Now it's your turn - what are you thinking out loud about today?  Link up and share!
re invited to the Inlinkz link party!
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Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - April 17, 2019

Welcome to the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop

Welcome to our blog party! So many of us celebrate Easter and Easter weekend is just days away. We have really been enjoying all of your posts and can hardly wait to see what you have for us this week! Here are the posts you, our guests, viewed the most at our last party:  

Most Viewed


sewing tips for beginners
 

Very Popular


 

Editor's Pick

DIY magnetic pin dish tutorial #tips

  So, then, let's get this party started!
We would love it if you would follow us on our blogs and social media:
Simple party guidelines >>­
  • Please TWEET our party ♥
  • Add as many of your family-friendly posts as you would like to. No Etsy shops, adult sites or blog parties, please.
  • Visit others. Let them know you stopped by!
  • If you are NEW to Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop, let us know in the comments so that we can follow you back. ♥ Help us find your posts – tell us the title.
  • NOTE: party entries appear in REVERSE. i.e. the most recent entry goes to the top! That way all of our guests will have a chance to be seen no matter when they arrive.
  • Thanks! ♥
You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!
Click here to enter

Monday, April 15, 2019

Weekending - April 12, 2019 | Wedding Workday and Celebrating a Birthday

It's Monday so soon!  Some weekends so by faster than others and this past one flew by!  We had a lot on the docket, so I'm not surprised.  But this morning I was a little sad that the weekend was over.  Here's how it went down ~

Friday night was total preparation for the wedding workday we had planning for Saturday.  I stopped by Sam's and the grocery store, cut paper for the invitations we would be working on on Saturday and cleaned the laundry room.  Full evening!

Saturday morning we were up bright and early to get ready for the bride I'm working with and her tribe to arrive.  Our goal for the day was to finish constructing all 95 invitations.  I'm proud to say - mission accomplished!!


The bride, Kristina, had the best group working on the invitations.  She brought her mom, future mother-in-law, sisters-in-law and a couple of her bridesmaids.  They whipped out all 95 invitations in just under 3 hours!


I always like to get the bride's I'm working with a special hanger for their wedding dress.  I've been using Carney's Custom Hangers and let me tell you, they are GREAT to work with!  These hangers make great shower gifts too.  Brides out there -- get a custom hanger for those wedding dress pictures!  You'll be sad if you don't.


After the wedding crew had lunch and left, Eric and I decided to go to the show.  We elected to see The Best of Enemies.  Very thought provoking and touching movie!  I'm a huge fan of Sam Rockwell and Taraji P. Henson and neither let me down by their performances in this movie.

Image result for perfect enemies movie

We met up with Kayla and Ian for dinner at one of our favorite places - Peel Wood Fired Pizza.  Even if you don't get one of their fabulous pizzas, there are so many other great things on the menu to try we never get tired of eating there.  

Sunday we woke up to cold, rainy weather.  I even drug my winter coat out of the closet to wear to church.  After church, we headed home so I could get ready for a birthday celebration I was hosting at our house for my friend Carol. 

We had a tea party and I used some treasured teacups I've had in the pantry for literally years.  There's a lovely story behind them.  When I was growing up, my mom was a beautician.  Many of her Friday customers were "weeklies" and when I wasn't in school, I would sit in the beauty shop and chat with them.  Well, one of them would occasionally take me home with her after getting her hair done and I would spend the night at her house.  Each time I stayed with her, she would let me pick out a teacup and saucer to take home from her very elaborate collection.  




Now it's been forty some years later and this is the first time I've actually used them to serve tea.  I kind of felt her looking down from heaven smiling yesterday as I sat sipping tea with my friends out of cups from her treasured collection.

My friend Tracy contributed the dessert for our gathering and she did the most ingenious thing.  She had bought sponge cake and topped it with strawberries and whipped cream.  And here's the ingenious thing -- she crushed pretzels and sprinkled them on top!  Oh my gosh -- it took the dessert to a new level of goodness by adding a little crunch and a bit of salty to go along with the sweet.  So good!


When everyone left and I finished cleaning up, I spent the rest of the evening on the couch relaxing and trying to finish my book club selection.  If only the Blues would have won the hockey game, it would have been the perfect ending to a fabulous weekend!  I sure can't complain, though, because all in all it was a great weekend!