Penny's Passion: 2023

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 29, 2023

 

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you are here.

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 | TWITTER
  4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  5. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
  6. Denise –THISISMYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED
VERY POPULAR
My Weight Loss Journey Through Weight Watchers

EDITOR'S CHOICE
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

Thursday, November 23, 2023

Five on Friday - November 24, 2023

Happy Day After Thanksgiving!  I adore the Friday after Thanksgiving.  We have pumpkin pie for breakfast and I have a free day off work.  Before I get too deep into the day, let me share my five for this week ~

1.  Small Business Saturday
Remember to save some of your Black Friday budget to shop at your favorite small businesses on Saturday.  The Saturday after Thanksgiving is officially Small Business Saturday and it reminds us to look for the shopping opportunities right in our own communities.  I have several small businesses in our area I can't wait to pop in on Saturday and support the Small Business Saturday movement!


2.  Next Goal Wins
We are looking forward to seeing a movie tonight and the one we picked was Next Goal Wins.  We've seen the previews and it looks like a fun, light-hearted film.  It's not getting super great reviews, but I want to see it anyway.  I'll let you know on Monday what we thought of it.  Here's the summary ~
Directed by Academy Award Winner Taika Waititi (Jojo Rabbit, Thor: Ragnarok), NEXT GOAL WINS follows the American Samoa soccer team, infamous for their brutal 31-0 FIFA loss in 2001. With the World Cup Qualifiers approaching, the team hires down-on-his-luck, maverick coach Thomas Rongen (Michael Fassbender) hoping he will turn the world's worst soccer team around in this heartfelt underdog comedy.

You might have seen me blog about this one before, but it's worth another mention.  On Thanksgiving, we busted out this game as soon as the dishes were done.  With the deluxe edition, up to 8 people can play.  It's easy to learn and fun to play!  It's also great to take with you on trips because it's so easy to pack.  Get one for yourself and one to give as a gift this holiday season!


4.  Power Bank    
This time of year it seems like I'm using my phone more than normal.  I'm taking a ton of pictures, talking to friends, getting directions, and checking to see if I'm getting a good price on things.  I certainly don't want to run out of power!  Ensure you don't with this handy power bank.  I love this one because you don't have to have an extra cable - it just plugs right into your phone!  The size is small and it comes in several cool colors.  This would also make a perfect stocking stuffer!


5.  Anyone else feel this way?


Enjoy the weekend!  We will be pulling out all our Christmas decorations in preparation for my friend Carol coming on Monday to decorate.  It's the best day of the year when I walk in the door after work and all the decorations are up!  Let the Christmas season begin!
 

Wednesday, November 22, 2023

Nicolette and Timothy Get Married

Happy Thanksgiving!  Thanks for popping in for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, where I talk about something I'm thinking about and invite you to link up and do the same.  Today for Thinking Out Loud Thursday, I'm reflecting on how thankful I am when couples put their trust in me to pull off their weddings!  

On a crisp fall day in October, I had the honor of witnessing Nicolette and Timothy tie the knot after months of working with them to plan their big day.  It had been a joy to help them navigate the wedding preparations and planning!  


They had a first-class set of vendors and I would recommend working with any of them!
VENDOR CREDITS 
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Brianna Rose Photography 
PLANNER / COORDINATOR: Penny Struebig
VENUE: Haue Valley
BRIDAL GOWN: Mia Grace Bridal
GROOM ATTIRE: Men’s Warehouse
BRIDESMAID ATTIRE: Revelry
FLORIST: Carley Jeans Floral
HAIR ARTIST: Beauty Haus 4061
MAKEUP ARTIST: Alison Sivagnoli
CATERER: The Hawthorne Inn
CAKE ARTISTS: Sweet Spot Cake Shop
Desserts: Sling N Scoops
DJ: Applause Productions
I often get asked what's included in my planning package.  The answer is I help with whatever the couple needs!  With Nikki and Tim, my help began with addressing the envelopes for their wedding showers and designing their wedding invitations.  The invitations turned out beautifully!

Their wedding venue, Haue Valley, is one of my favorites in the St. Louis area. When renting this space, it comes with an elegant house for the bride and bridesmaids to get ready, a special area for the groom and groomsmen, and outdoor spaces for the wedding ceremony and photos. Haue Valley also has a supply closet full of items like candleholders, table numbers, vases, and a slew of other reception necessities you can use at no cost. It's amazing!

The couple decided to share their vows with each other privately before the ceremony.  One of the things I'm a huge fan of whether you're sharing your vows in private or publically at the ceremony is using vow books.  I cringe when I see a bride or groom open up a folded piece of paper or pull out their phone!  Vow books - that's the way to go!


Nikki designed her programs and we also had tissues on hand for the guests' happy tears.  These items were handed out as guests were seated for the wedding.



The guests were led to their assigned tables with escort cards.  These were also handed out as the guests arrived.


One of the things I noticed at the wedding rehearsals is the worry on the grandparents' and parents' faces when we talk about where they are supposed to sit.  A few weddings ago, I started putting their names on their seats.  When I tell them that their name will be on their chair, you can see the relief flood in!



Kids in weddings always make me nervous.  The ringbearers in this wedding were pros!  They did an excellent job carrying the signs we made for them down the aisle.


Each guest had a wedding favor at their place setting.  It was one of the coolest favors I've seen - a scratch-off lottery ticket!  We placed them in sealed envelopes with a little note on the front and back.



Everyone's sweet tooth was satisfied with the several options for dessert that were available.  If the bread pudding served by the caterer wasn't enough, you could indulge yourself at the dessert table full of cannolis or get some ice cream at the adorable ice cream cart.  



The bride and groom had a wedding cake just for them.  It was gorgeous!  


We placed it front and center on their sweetheart table.  They cut the cake when they walked in and we whisked it away.  




After everyone had gone through the buffet line, the bride and groom quickly visited every table and got a picture.  This is a great way to get a picture with everyone at the wedding and thank your guests for sharing in your special day.


We also had a QR code that guests could use to share their pictures with the bride and groom.  What a great way for them to get those candid shots they might otherwise not have seen!  We placed signs at the bars and other various places around the reception.


It was a pure joy working with Nikki, Tim, and their families at the wedding!  Nikki was a beautiful bride and you could see the love she has for her groom.



Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Siesener!  Here's wishing you years and years of happiness!


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, November 21, 2023

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - November 22, 2023

 

Welcome to another week of the Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop!  We are so glad that you are here.

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 | TWITTER
  4. Tammy – MY LIFE ABUNDANT | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER
  5. Tara – STILETTOS AND SHIPLAP | IG | PINTEREST
  6. Denise –THISISMYEVERYBODY | FB | IG | PINTEREST | TWITTER

TOP VIEWED
The Best Homemade Gingerbread Syrup

VERY POPULAR
Christmas Tree Skirt Ideas

Breakfast-Sausage-Egg-Cheese Scramble

EDITOR'S CHOICE
How to Make a Christmas Pillow from a Kitchen Towel

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

Monday, November 20, 2023

Weekending - November 17, 2023

Last weekend was about as perfect as a weekend could be!  Here's the summary ~

We got back from our cruise on Wednesday and Thursday was my actual birthday.  Eric sent me the most beautiful flower arrangement to work!  It was absolutely stunning.  


Friday night our small group from church met.  We have been studying The Ping Life:  How to Pick Up the Signal When God Is Calling book, which is written by our pastor Shane Bishop.  So glad we had the opportunity to explore this book with a wonderful group of people!


Saturday morning we had some errands to do to get ready for the final birthday celebration we were hosting in the evening.  Eric had a great idea for breakfast - American Kolache!  I'm a lover of the savory ones.  It was a great way to start the day!


Saturday evening we celebrated my turning 60 with a group of special friends at Boarding House Bistro.  I'll be sharing all the details from the party in a future post.  Huge thank you to Eric, Ian, and Kayla for pulling this party together.  It was wonderful spending the evening with some of my favorite people!  Can't wait to share all the details with you!




After church on Sunday, we had lunch with friends.  Then the ladies headed off to see The Nutcracker performed with the Belleville Philharmonic Orchestra.  The costumes and sets were magnificent!  What a great way to kick off the holiday season!  


Now we just have a few days of work before Thanksgiving is here!   My goal for this holiday season is going to be present and enjoy every minute.  We have some great plans already in the works!  Hope you do too.


Friday, November 17, 2023

Five on Friday - November 17, 2023

Friday came fast this week!  We returned from vacation on Wednesday and were back to work on Thursday.  Just in time for my Five on Friday!  Here we go ~

1.  The Crown
It's back for the final season!  Netflix dropped four episodes yesterday and the next six will be released on Thursday, December 14.  This season will cover the events from 1997 to 2005.  I'll probably have these four episodes watched before the end of the weekend and will be anxiously awaiting the next six episodes coming in December.  This has been a great series and one that Eric and I watch together.  We will be sad to see it come to an end.


2.  Julia
The second season of the HBO Max series Julia was also dropped yesterday.  We loved the first season and can't wait to dive into season two.  Julia and Paul's escapades are so fun to watch.  There will be no binge-watching because they are releasing an episode each week for the next eight weeks.  I hear some of it is about their time in Paris, so now I'm even more intrigued to watch!

Mitch Albom's newest book, The Little Liar, was released this week and it went straight on my to-be-read list!  Here's the summary ~
Eleven-year-old Nico Krispis never told a lie. When the Nazi’s invade his home in Salonika, Greece, the trustworthy boy is discovered by a German officer, who offers him a chance to save his family. All Nico has to do is convince his fellow Jewish residents to board trains heading to “new homes” where they are promised jobs and safety. Unaware that this is all a cruel ruse, the innocent boy goes to the station platform every day and reassures the passengers that the journey is safe. But when the final train is at the station, Nico sees his family being loaded into a large boxcar crowded with other neighbors. Only after it is too late does Nico discover that he helped send the people he loved—and all the others—to their doom at Auschwitz.

Nico never tells the truth again.

In The Little Liar, his first novel set during the Holocaust, Mitch Albom interweaves the stories of Nico, his brother Sebastian, and their schoolmate Fanni, who miraculously survive the death camps and spend years searching for Nico, who has become a pathological liar, and the Nazi officer who radically changed their lives. As the decades pass, Albom reveals the consequences of what they said, did, and endured.

A moving parable that explores honesty, survival, revenge and devotion, The Little Liar is Mitch Albom at his very best. Narrated by the voice of Truth itself, it is a timeless story about the harm we inflict with our deceits, and the power of love to ultimately redeem us.

4.  Hunger Games:  The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes
Where are my Hunger Games fans?  Are you excited about the newest movie opening this weekend??  It's been a minute since I read the book, so I'm sure there will be lots of parts I'll re-remember when seeing it play out on the big screen.  Here's the summary ~
Experience the story of THE HUNGER GAMES — 64 years before Katniss Everdeen volunteered as tribute, and decades before Coriolanus Snow became the tyrannical President of Panem. THE HUNGER GAMES: THE BALLAD OF SONGBIRDS & SNAKES follows a young Coriolanus (Tom Blyth) who is the last hope for his failing lineage, the once-proud Snow family that has fallen from grace in a post-war Capitol. With his livelihood threatened, Snow is reluctantly assigned to mentor Lucy Gray Baird (Rachel Zegler), a tribute from the impoverished District 12. But after Lucy Gray’s charm captivates the audience of Panem, Snow sees an opportunity to shift their fates. With everything he has worked for hanging in the balance, Snow unites with Lucy Gray to turn the odds in their favor. Battling his instincts for both good and evil, Snow sets out on a race against time to survive and reveal if he will ultimately become a songbird or a snake.

5.  Old age...


Have a fabulous weekend!  We are celebrating my birthday one more time, then the festivities will be put to rest and I'll have to get used to being 60!  Pop in next week when I'll be talking about the weekend and some of our cruise details.  Hope to see you then!