Penny's Passion: 2026

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

A Charming Girls’ Trip to Galena, Illinois

Hello! Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is a time I share something on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I'm reflecting on a fun girls' trip to Galena, Illinois!

In December, I had the best weekend getaway to Galena, Illinois with three of my good friends. If you've not heard of Galena, it's a quaint little town in northern Illinois just across the border from Iowa. It's been on my list of places to visit forever and I finally made it happen! Luckily, three of my friends came along to make it the perfect trip.

Galena is about a five-hour drive from where we live, so the girls and I decided to head out after work on Friday and return home on Sunday. It was a short getaway, but one we planned to fill with as much fun as possible. Friday night, we met up, packed the car, and hit the road. To kick off the trip on a festive note, I had goody bags waiting in everyone’s seat when they climbed in. Tucked inside the bags were a few of my favorite things: handwarmers, face mask, nail file, chapstick, snacks, and tissues.

Along the way, we stumbled upon the perfect greasy spoon diner and couldn’t resist stopping for dinner. It was just what we needed—comfort food, great conversation, and lots of laughter to fuel the rest of the drive. Afterward, we headed on to the charming VRBO we had rented for the weekend. The house was ideal for our group, with four cozy bedrooms and plenty of space for us all to spread out. Even better, it was just a short walk from the main street, putting shops, restaurants, and all the Galena activities right at our fingertips.

We intentionally picked this weekend because Galena was hosting its Luminaria Walk and the Night of the Living Windows events. On Saturday morning, we treated ourselves to booked massages at the Stonedrift Spa, just a short drive away at Eagle Ridge Resort—and let me just say, it was absolutely fantastic. Every one of us loved the massage we chose, and the peaceful time spent relaxing in the lounge afterward was just as wonderful. We sipped their delicious flavored water, enjoyed a few snacks, and soaked in the calm atmosphere before deciding it was time to head back into town for a bit of shopping ahead of the evening festivities.

Downtown Galena is so charming! It looked like a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie. We meandored in and out of the adorable shops and picked up some special Christmas gifts.

Now, I have to say the weekend we were there it was COLD! Like freezing cold. But we bundled up and made the most of it.

The Living Windows were so interesting to see! Basically, most of the stores had live things happening in the storefront windows. I was amazed at the number of live animals!! Dogs, cats, goats, ponies - yes, LIVE PONIES!

We had made dinner reservations at Fried Green Tomatoes. Highly recommend dining there if you are in the area! Also, highly recommend getting reservations ahead of time. Our dinner was wonderful and fueled us to walk around a bit more and enjoy the luminaries.

Did I mention how cold it was? After a while, we decided it was the perfect time to head back to our rental and warm up with some games. Once we were back, we slipped into our comfy clothes and gathered around the table to play Mexican Train dominoes. It was the perfect, cozy way to end such a great day.

Sunday morning, we packed up early and grabbed breakfast before heading out of town. We chose Charlie's Place Eatery, and it did not disappoint. The food was delicious, and the hot chocolate was especially perfect for warming us up before the drive home.

There’s something truly special about a girls’ trip—the kind of magic that happens when laughter comes easy, conversations run deep, and time slows down just enough to savor it all. It’s a chance to step away from everyday responsibilities and reconnect with friends in a way that feels both refreshing and grounding. Whether you’re exploring a new town, sharing late-night snacks, or laughing until your sides hurt, a girls’ trip reminds you how life-giving friendship can be. You come home with a full heart, inside jokes that last forever, and memories that feel like little treasures tucked away for the days when you need them most.

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

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - January 21, 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

Save

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

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS

Heartbeat Pouch Bag

DIY Mossy Heart

Chipotle Spaghetti

Chocolate Milk Pancakes

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.

We are going to be taking a little break from doing the blog hop for the next two weeks. Our next blog hop will be on January 7. Enjoy your holidays!

Let’s Party!

Friday, January 16, 2026

Five on Friday - January 16, 2026

Here we are - it's Friday again! I'm pretty excited because this is the beginning of a three-day weekend for me. I love having an extra day off! We've got some fun things lined up to do, and I'm starting by sharing my Five on Friday post. Let's go ~

1. Woman Down by Colleen Hoover

We’ve been waiting for more than three years for this moment, and it’s finally here—Colleen Hoover’s newest book has officially been released! As a longtime fan, I can hardly contain my excitement and cannot wait to dive into its pages. I have a feeling this one is going to be another emotional, unforgettable read. Here’s a look at the summary to give you a glimpse of what’s in store…

In this twisty thriller from New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover, a frustrated author looks for her muse in a remote hideaway, but what she finds defies all expectations…and reality.

Her words used to set the page on fire. But a viral backlash over her latest film adaptation forced Petra Rose to take a hiatus, resulting in missed deadlines and an overdue mortgage. Branded a fraud and fame-hungry opportunist, she learned the hard way what happens when the internet turns on you. And she’s been uninspired to write ever since.

Now, with her next suspense novel outlined and savings nearly gone, she retreats to a secluded lakeside cabin, hoping to find inspiration. It’s Petra’s last-ditch attempt to save her career―and herself.

Then he shows up.

Detective Nathaniel Saint arrives with disturbing news, his presence igniting a creativity in her she thought long since burned out. Petra’s words return in a rush, and her fictional cop character begins to mirror the very real cop who’s becoming her muse.

Their “research” sessions blur the lines between fantasy and reality. Each glance, every touch pulls Petra deeper into a world she thought she’d never lose herself in again. She’s never felt more alive. But inspiration this powerful comes at a cost.

When Saint starts taking his role in her career a little too seriously, Petra’s forced to confront the chaos she created. But doing so could cost her more than the reputation she’s been trying to salvage. The reputation the world wrote for her―the reputation only she can reclaim.

Available HERE

2. People We Meet on Vacation Movie

Last week, People We Meet on Vacation was released on Netflix, and it’s high on my must-watch list. I’m really hoping I get a chance this weekend to curl up on the couch and finally watch it. My daughter-in-law has already seen it and enjoyed it, even though it doesn’t follow the book exactly. From everything I’ve seen, it looks like the perfect cozy movie to settle in with during the cold days ahead.

3. Makeup Brush Holder

Every time I travel, I’m reminded how thankful I am to have one of these silicone makeup brush holders packed in my bag. It keeps all of my brushes neatly tucked away, protected, and secured with a strong magnetic closure, so nothing shifts around during the trip. Best of all, there’s no more worrying about makeup residue getting on clothes or other items in my suitcase—such a game changer! The case is also roomy enough to hold a couple of extra makeup essentials, making it both practical and convenient for travel. Treat yourself to one!

Available HERE

4. I Just Might

Bruno Mars is back with a brand-new single, I Just Might, and it feels like a joyful return to everything fans love about his music. The song has that unmistakable Bruno groove—smooth vocals, a retro-inspired beat, and a fun, flirty energy that instantly puts you in a good mood. It’s the kind of track that makes you want to turn the volume up, dance around the kitchen, or roll the windows down and sing along. Have you heard it? What do you think?

5. How I'm Feeling About Now...

Have a wonderful weekend! I’m determined to finally get the last of my Christmas decorations put away—and who knows, I may even pull out the Valentine’s décor and start decorating for the next season. Be sure to check back next week to see if I actually made it happen!

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

A Weekend in Pawhuska: Exploring the World of the Pioneer Woman

Hello! Thanks so much for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday. This is where I share a little of what’s been on my mind and invite you to link up and do the same. Today I’m thinking about a fun little getaway Eric and I took to Pawhuska, Oklahoma to soak in all things Pioneer Woman.

Visiting Ree Drummond’s Mercantile in Pawhuska, Oklahoma had been on my bucket list for years. The eight-room Boarding House books up quickly, and every time I looked, reservations were already gone. Then one fall day, while I was down a rabbit hole searching for Thanksgiving weekend getaways, I spotted an unexpected opening at the Boarding House. I grabbed it immediately, and just like that, the trip planning began. We were only able to book one night—Sunday—but I figured one night was better than none. We planned to stay elsewhere for a few nights before checking in, and it all came together perfectly.

Eric and I were up early the Friday after Thanksgiving and hit the road for our six-and-a-half-hour drive. I knew being away all weekend would put me a little behind on Christmas decorating, but it was a trade-off I was more than happy to make. Spending the entire weekend together—plus taking Monday off—and kicking off the holiday season in the charming town of Pawhuska sounded absolutely perfect.

We rolled into town late Friday afternoon and checked into our bed and bath just a short distance from downtown. We had snagged dinner reservations at P-Town Pizza and were excited to finally see in person a spot we’d only ever watched on TV. The pizza did not disappoint—it was amazing!

Saturday morning, we couldn’t wait to have breakfast at the Mercantile restaurant. Shortly after we ordered, fresh biscuits and jam were brought to the table ahead of our meals. Honestly, I could have stopped right there—the biscuits alone were absolutely delicious. But when the food arrived, it was so delicious I continued to eat!

After we filled our bellies, we took a leisurely stroll through the Mercantile shop, soaking in all the fun wares on display. We also picked up our “ticket” to visit the ranch where The Pioneer Woman is filmed. The shop was absolutely adorable!

Visiting the ranch was something I was especially excited about! We made our way there using the directions we were given at the Mercantile, and once we arrived, we were free to wander and explore every nook and cranny. I couldn’t help but feel a little giddy standing in the very spot where Ree Drummond cooks her masterpieces. If you visit Pawhuska, going to the ranch should be high on your list of things to do!

After wrapping up our time at the ranch, we headed back into town and popped in and out of several adorable shops along the streets. Since it was a bit chilly, we decided a return trip to the Mercantile—this time to the bakery for hot chocolate—was in order.

With some time to spare before dinner, we visited the National Osage Museum, located just a short distance from the main street area. It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re in town.

For dinner, we found ourselves back at the Mercantile restaurant once again. Afterward, we headed back to our rental to relax and get ready for the next day, when we’d finally check in to The Boarding House.

On Sunday, we planned to visit a cousin of mine who lives in the area—someone I hadn’t seen in decades. I was so grateful for the chance to reconnect, and spending time with her and her husband was truly one of the highlights of the trip. She even made a homemade pecan pie that Eric and I are still dreaming about!

Later that afternoon, we checked into The Boarding House and settled into the Boudoir Room—and I have to say, it was absolutely fantastic.

Since most of the restaurants in town are closed on Sundays, we had preordered room service for dinner. Honestly, I didn’t want to leave the room! The bed and pillows were heavenly, and for anyone who loves a bath, the soaking tub was perfect for hours of relaxation.

The amenities alone made the stay completely worth it. Shortly after we arrived, we attended a complimentary happy hour, and later, around 8:00 pm, fresh cookies were delivered to our room. When we checked in, we submitted our personalized morning coffee order, which was delivered at the requested time along with a muffin and scone—a perfect start to the next day!

On Monday morning, we woke up to falling snow—it looked absolutely magical with all the Christmas lights twinkling. By the time we headed home, the roads were clear for most of the drive, only getting tricky as we neared our town. But we made it safely, bringing home a weekend full of wonderful memories!