Penny's Passion

Monday, August 4, 2025

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - August 6, 2025

 

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

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK


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, July 31, 2025

Five on Friday - August 1, 2025

It's August!  Boy, this summer has flown by.  We're on the eve of our vacation and when we were planning it, August seemed so far in the future.  Now, here we are!  Before I head off to pack, let me share my Five on Friday post ~

Shari Lapena's newest book came out this week and it sounds so intriguing!  It sounds like a great book to curl up and read for hours.  Here's the summary ~
When a beloved wife and mother disappears, a luxurious condo building transforms into a potential crime scene, and the investigation begins: can the detectives find her before it's too late?

Bryden and Sam have it all: thriving careers, a smart apartment in a luxury condominium, supportive friends and a cherished daughter. The perfect life for the perfect couple.

Then Sam receives a call at his office. Bryden – working from home that day – has failed to collect their daughter from daycare. Arriving home with their little girl, he finds his wife’s car in the underground garage. Upstairs in their apartment her laptop is open on the table, her cell phone nearby, her keys in their usual place in the hall.

Except Bryden is nowhere to be seen. It’s as if she just walked out.

How can she have disappeared from her own home? And did she even leave the building at all?

With every minute that passes – and as questions swirl around their community – Bryden and Sam’s past seems a little less perfect, their condominium less safe, their friends, neighbors and relatives no longer quite so reliable . . .
2.  Little Debbie Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies
Little Debbie has officially kicked off pumpkin spice season with the launch of their brand-new Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Creme Pies—and they look amazing! This seasonal treat features two soft and chewy oatmeal cookies sandwiched around a rich, pumpkin spice–flavored orange creme filling. It’s a nostalgic twist with a fall-inspired flair that sounds like a perfect match for cooler days and cozy cravings. I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for these limited-time goodies—because once they hit store shelves, they probably won’t last long! Let the pumpkin spice festivities begin!

Back-to-school season is right around the corner, and what better way to brighten your child’s day than with a little surprise? These adorable lunch box joke cards are the perfect way to bring a smile to their face during the school day! Each box includes 60 unique, kid-friendly joke cards that are sure to get a giggle at the lunch table. And the best part? There's space on the back of each card for you to add a personal note, word of encouragement, or sweet message. Whether you tuck one into their lunch box, backpack, or pencil pouch, it's a fun and thoughtful way to stay connected while they’re away at school.

I’m absolutely loving this new Apple Watch band I found! One of my favorite things about having an Apple Watch is being able to swap out the bands to match my outfit, the season, or even just my mood—and this one looks like a total winner. It’s comfortable, stylish, and super affordable—under $20! Even better, it comes in tons of different colors, so you can mix and match or grab a few to rotate throughout the week. If you're like me and enjoy personalizing your watch without breaking the bank, this is definitely a great find!

5.  Yep...


We are celebrating our daughter-in-law's birthday tonight.  I can't wait for them to get here so we can start celebrating her!  Then, bright and early tomorrow morning, we are headed off on vacation.  We're visiting three national parks we haven't been to before.  I'll be posting on Instagram, so follow along to see what we're up to!  

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Let's Make Chicken Enchiladas

Hey friends! Thanks for stopping by Thinking Out Loud Thursday! This is where I share what's on my mind and invite you to link up and share what's on yours too.

Tomorrow we’re celebrating our daughter-in-law Kayla’s birthday! I always let the birthday person choose the meal, and this year Kayla picked my Chicken Enchiladas. It’s been 10 years since I originally shared the recipe on the blog, so today I’m bringing it back for a little reshare ~


This recipe was in a church cookbook circa 1980 and I've adapted it a couple times over the years.  The thought of blogging this recipe didn't come to me until well into the prep, so please forgive my lack of pictures.

Here's What You Need
About 2 pounds of chicken (I used boneless breasts)
Corn or Flour Tortillas
1 cup sour cream
2 cans cream of chicken soup
1 Tbsp. taco sauce (I use mild, but if you like heat go for the hot)
1 lb. shredded cheddar cheese (yes, that lb. means pound, as in 16 ounces)
1 lb. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
2 - 4 oz. cans green chili peppers (diced)
2 Tbsp. (or more) chopped green onion

Here's What You Do
Cook chicken in salted water in a large cooking pot until tender.  As soon as it cools enough for you to touch it, shred it up.  You could also use a rotisserie chicken to simplify this step.

In a bowl, mix together shredded chicken, sour cream, chicken soup, diced green chilies and taco sauce.

Place about 3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture into a tortilla, roll up and place in a greased 9 x 13 baking dish.  Continue until the baking dish is full.  I usually get the large tortillas and use 7 out of the 8 in the package.  If you roll them pretty tight, you could easily use all 8.  (It was at this point that I realized I was going to blog this recipe, so let the pictures begin.)


Spread remaining chicken mixture over the top of the tortillas.


Spread the cheeses over the top.  I usually alternate between the cheddar and Monterey Jack.  It's a lot of cheese guys, so just push it down a little if you have to.


Sprinkle the chopped green onion on the cheese.


Bake in a 350 degree oven for 45 to 60 minutes.


While the casserole is in the oven, you can whip up some Spanish rice and beans and you are all set for your Mexican fiesta!  Ã“le!


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

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - July 30, 2025

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

HIGHLIGHTS LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
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, July 24, 2025

Five on Friday - July 25, 2025

It's Friday - time for another Five on Friday post!  Let hop right in ~

1.  The Fantastic Four First Steps
Marvel's newest creation, The Fantastic Four: First Steps, hits theaters this weekend, promising to kick off a bold new chapter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This highly anticipated film introduces audiences to a fresh take on the iconic superhero team, showcasing their origin story with stunning visuals, a dynamic cast, and action-packed storytelling. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to the Fantastic Four, this movie is set to be a must-see event for Marvel lovers everywhere.  Here's the summary ~
Set against the vibrant backdrop of a 1960s-inspired, retro-futuristic world, Marvel Studios' "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" introduces Marvel's First Family--Reed Richards/Mister Fantastic (Pedro Pascal), Sue Storm/Invisible Woman (Vanessa Kirby), Johnny Storm/Human Torch (Joseph Quinn) and Ben Grimm/The Thing (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) as they face their most daunting challenge yet. Forced to balance their roles as heroes with the strength of their family bond, they must defend Earth from a ravenous space god called Galactus (Ralph Ineson) and his enigmatic Herald, Silver Surfer (Julia Garner). And if Galactus' plan to devour the entire planet and everyone on it weren't bad enough, it suddenly gets very personal.

2.  Happy Gilmore 2
If you’re planning a cozy movie night at home this weekend, Happy Gilmore 2 is now streaming on Netflix! Adam Sandler returns to the green for another round of golf, and this time he’s joined by a star-studded lineup of cameos—including Travis Kelce, Post Malone, and golf legend Jack Nicklaus.  

I’m obsessed with these Celsius water sticks! The flavor is amazing, and they’re perfect for staying energized on the go. I actually stocked up to toss a few in my suitcase for our upcoming Yosemite trip. Each stick is packed with seven essential vitamins and just the right amount of caffeine to give you a boost without the jitters.

We were really struggling to keep our bird bath clean. Eric picked up a birdbath and fountain maintenance liquid to add to the water—and it works like magic! The water stays so much clearer now, and we no longer have that slimy buildup at the bottom of the bowl.


5.  Yep...


Have a great weekend!  We are looking forward to doing several things with friends.  Don't you just love weekends!  See you next week.

Wednesday, July 23, 2025

Let's Make Foil Pouch Pineapple Upside Down Cake

Hello and welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday! Summer is in full swing, and I know many of you are soaking up the great outdoors—maybe even heading out on a camping trip! Today, I’m reminiscing about a camping-friendly recipe I first shared back in 2016. If you're on the hunt for a sweet treat to make while camping—or just something fun to grill—this one’s for you!


Here's What You Need
Cake-style donuts
Can of Pineapple Slices (one can has 10 slices in it)
Brown Sugar
Butter
Marachino Cherries
Aluminum Foil


Here's What You Do
Tear off a piece of aluminum foil big enough to make a pouch around a donut.  Cut your donut in half and lay one half on the aluminum foil.  Put a little bit of butter and brown sugar on top of the donut.



Lay a pineapple ring on top and sprinkle a bit more brown sugar.  Drop a cherry in the middle of the pineapple ring.



Fold the aluminum foil into a pouch around the donut.  



Pop on the grill and let cook.  We put them on when we pull our entrees off the grill and let cook while we're eating.  


When you're ready for dessert, pull open the pouch and enjoy the pineapple upside down cake!  This mound of golden goodness is so moist and delicious!  


I love how the pineapple gets just a bit caramelized!  This is such an easy recipe and it's my goal to make it on the grill at home the next time we are in the mood for a little something sweet.  Hope you enjoy it too!


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

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop - July 23, 2025


 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

HIGHLIGHT LINKS FROM LAST WEEK
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