What Went Down This Weekend

Hey guys!  It's Monday and I'm sitting here once again wishing I had another day of weekend.  Eric and I had a wonderful time the last few days and I just hate the fact that Monday rolled around so soon.  I swear when I was walking in the building this morning to start my real job, it felt like just a few hours since I left on Friday.  Guess that means I'm making the most of my weekends, and that's not a bad thing!  So I'm going to put this post together over my lunch time and then start dreaming about what I have going on this coming weekend.

Friday night Eric and I headed to the Muny to see The Wizard of Oz.  We have season tickets with Kayla and Ian.  So glad we get to see them on Friday nights!

This was the first production of the seven show season and it was a great one!  If you're not familiar with St. Louis, the Muny is an outdoor theater in the heart of Forest Park.  Each summer the productions take place from mid-June through mid-August.  What's really cool is at each performance there are 1,500 free (yes, FREE) seats available on a first-come basis at the back of the theater.  Gates open at 7:00 pm, but lines for the free seats sometimes start forming as early as 4:00 pm.

Saturday we were off to the camping site my mom and dad had secured for us.  I posted this picture on Facebook Saturday morning with the caption, "Apparently we need this much stuff to survive in the wilderness for 30 hours."  Yes, that's a fan.  We had a camping site with electricity so why not try to stay cool!

If you know me, you know that camping really isn't my thing.  But I have to admit, we had a great time and I would go back in a heartbeat.  We met Mom and Dad at Mark Twain Lake in the morning and got our camp site looking like home.

Ian and Kayla drove up to spend the day with us and the washer games were on!

As you can see, some of us are better than others!  Disclosure:  I was not throwing the white washers.

We had a grill full of food for lunch.  For some reason, food cooked on an open flame just seems to taste better.

For dessert, we had these little pineapple upside down cakes.  It's one of the very few "camping" recipes I know.  You could easily fix them at home on the grill, but for some reason I only seem to think of them when we go camping.  I'll be sharing the recipe tomorrow on how you can whip them up.

After Ian and Kayla headed home, we decided to take a drive around the lake and stumbled onto a little winery in Florida, Missouri.  The Florida Winery served a great Moscato and we drank it while enjoying a band called The Echos playing on the winery's patio.  Fun way to spend the afternoon!

We returned to our campsite and played cards for a bit.  As the sun began to set, we went to a location we had seen earlier in the day at Buzzard Roost to watch it dip into the lake.  I'm so glad we did because it was one of the most beautiful sunsets I had ever seen.  It was wonderful to be able to share it with Eric and my parents!

Even though the temperatures had reached in the 100's throughout the week, Saturday night in the tent we actually got a bit chilly and had to turn off our fan.  Go figure!

Sunday morning Dad fixed a breakfast to die for -- bacon, eggs, hash browns, gravy, biscuits and waffles!  It was delicious!

After we cleaned up from breakfast, we played cards for a while and then decided to call it a wrap.  I loved spending Father's Day with my dad doing something he loved to do.  We made some great memories and camping isn't so bad.  In fact, camping was great.

We got home and tried to get all the stuff unloaded.  I'm having friends over tonight to see the Chad situation unfold on The Bachelorette and I really didn't want all our camping stuff to still be sitting in the middle of the kitchen floor!

Hope you had a fantastic weekend!  Stop back by tomorrow to snag that camping pineapple upside down cake recipe.

Check out what others were up to this weekend.

Champagne and Suburbs

B Loved Boston

More Pieces of Me

Bella and the City
The Quinntessential Mommy
How To Get Organized At Home
Over the Moon

Let's Be Friends Blog Hop with The Dwelling Tree

The Diary of a Real Housewife My Own Home While I'm Waiting Tuesday Talk Pennies into Pearls Simply Sweet Home Life is Lovely This post contained affiliate links.  I may receive a small commission if you click on the link and purchase.  Thanks!

Five on Friday - June 17, 2016

Happy Friday!  It's hard to believe that we are already 17 days into June.  This summer is going to be gone before we know it!  Eric and I are doing something this weekend we've talked about for literally years.  We are going camping!  Can't say I'm a huge fan of camping, but we're going with my parents so it will be great to spend time with them.  Ian and Kayla are joining us for the day on Saturday.  Should be a great time and a Father's Day to remember.

Before I begin loading up, here's my five for this week ~

1.  Orange Is The New Black
Season 4 debuts today!!  My friend Linda is coming next week and we are designating an entire day to binge watch the whole season in one sitting.  I'm packing a cooler full of refreshments and we are not moving our bottoms off the couch -- and I can not wait!  I've missed my friends at Litchfield Penitentiary and am looking forward to seeing just what they are up to.  Good thing I'm super busy from now until next Thursday or I might have had to sneak in an episode (or two).  But I'm going to use ALL my will power and hold off until Linda gets here.  Are you a fan?



2.  National Martini Day
Get your glasses ready because Sunday is National Martini Day!  Martinis are one of my favorite drinks.  For years now, my go-to drink has been pomegranate martinis.  My recipe is super simple.  It's 2 parts of Langers Zero Sugar Added Pomegranate Juice Cocktail and 1 part Pearl Pomegranate vodka.  Mix it up, pour it in a cute glass and you're good to go.  I might actually need some to get through our camping trip...but I digress.  Need some cute martini glasses?  Check these out HERE.  Pampered Chef has their adorable dot martini glasses on clearance.  The set of four is only $10!  These would make an adorable gift by themselves or paired with a bottle of vodka in a basket.  I'm snatching some up!  How about you?

3.  Pure McCartney

Paul McCartney is touring his way around the country this summer and we here in St. Louis are lucky enough to have him in our city for one night.  Eric and I are going with some friends and it's sure to be one of the highlights of the summer!  Last week his 4 CD collection titled Pure McCartney was released.  I really need to get this so I can brush up on my lyrics.  It would be so embarrassing to be belting out the wrong words to his songs during the concert!  Are you a McCartney fan?  His new CD collection is available HERE.

4.  Blueberry Pie Oreos

I sent Eric to Target to get a few things for the camping trip and he brought home a surprise - Blueberry Pie Oreos!  Don't know how many will actually make it to the campground because we had a weak moment and opened the package.  They are good.  Enough said.

5.  Honest mistake...


Have a great Father's Day weekend everyone!  I'm so glad I have the opportunity to spend this one with my dad.  See you next week!

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Hill Collection

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday

5 on Friday 
The Triplet Farm
Why Girls Are Weird
Ins and Outs

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

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - Blog is 2!

Hello everyone!  Thanks for popping in to join me and Vanessa from X-tremely V for Thinking Out Loud Thursday. Hope you link up below and tell all your blogger friends to link up too!

So today is kind of a special day for me -- my blog turns 2 years old!  I can still remember the day I hit "publish" for the very first time and felt the spark of excitement rush through my body.

Linda, my friend you've heard me mention a ton of times, and I had just returned from a beach vacation in Gulf Shores.  We had spent hours of therapeutic conversation while laying on the beach talking about where we were mentally at this stage in our lives.  My son, Ian, had gotten married and was busy in law school. Eric, my husband, was working all kinds of crazy hours with no real set schedule.

For a planner like myself, his schedule situation was making me crazy.  Couple that with the fact that my son was extremely busy with his own life and most of my mothering skills were no longer needed (or wanted).  My head was swimming with the "what's next for me".  I had toyed with the idea of starting a blog for a while and upon my return from that vacation, I decided to just do it!  And do it I did!

Some things are like that in life -- you need to just do them.  Sitting around talking (and talking, and talking, and talking) really doesn't get you anywhere.  Taking the first step is really the hardest sometimes.  After that, you look back and wonder why you waited so long in the first place.  Do you have things like that in your life?  My advice -- do it!  Don't let fear stop you.  Step out there and give something new a try.

Soon after publishing a few posts, I knew I wanted the look of the blog to be freshened up.  I solicited the help of Ali, from Ali in Bloom, and love the design she made for me.  As a matter of fact, just this week she helped make my font a bit bigger so reading a post can be a little easier.  She also added on the side my latest pins on Pinterest and what I've shared on Instagram.

Two years later I can honestly say that I still love blogging.  Having a full time "real" job keeps me so busy at times that blogging has to move to the side, but it never leaves my mind.  I love having an outlet to share ideas and adventures with others.  Even more importantly, I love reading your comments and getting your emails.  Honestly, I'm the type of person that needs THRIVES on positive feedback.  Some days your comments are the best part of my day!

Through it all, my friends Linda and Dorothy have liked every single Facebook post I've had sharing my blog link.  EVERY.SINGLE.ONE!  Now that is great friends!  And Eric, my husband, has shared every single post mentioning my blog.  What a devoted husband!  My friend, Michelle, from Grammie Time, has commented on almost all the posts I've published.  Thanks guys!  Diligently supporting my blog is just one of the many reasons I love these guys!

There are still a million ideas I have for this little space on the internet and hope to put some of them in place before another year rolls around.  I want to thank each and every one of you for reading Penny's Passion and hope you stick around and watch the evolution that's to come.

So that's what I'm thinking out loud about today.  What about you?  What's on your mind?  Link up your blog post below and let us know!  See you tomorrow for my Five on Friday.

Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at:

Home of Malones

East Coast Chic

Hodges Podges

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

100 Happy Days

The Deliberate Mom

This is How We Roll

Embark on the Journey

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

Five on Friday - June 10, 2016

Happy Friday friends!  Are you ready for a weekend?!?  This chick seriously is.  I'm motivated to get some things done this weekend so before that feeling leaves me, I want to hop into things.  Before I get going on my to do list, here's my five for this week.

1.  Plantable Cards
I am loving these plantable cards!  This is a set of 5 cards and each are generously embedded with a mix of wildflower seeds that will grow just about anywhere.  How cool would one of these be to get in your mailbox!  It's great to get a piece of snail mail, but this is a bonus to be able to plant the card after reading it and watching someone's kind words grow into beautiful flowers.  Buy yours HERE.

2.  Mad Men Auction
Were you a Mad Men fan?  Check this out -- there is an auction going on RIGHT NOW where you can bid on items like Don Draper's tool box, Pete Campbell's blue suit and Roger Sterling's sock garters - just to name a few.  There are literally hundred of items!  The lots begins closing June 13 through June 15.  Click HERE to check out all the goodies.  Let me know if you win one!

3.  National Ice Tea Day

Sip a nice, tall glass of ice tea day in celebration of National Ice Tea Day!  Guess what some participating Starbucks are doing today to celebrate ~ When you buy one iced tea on June 10, you'll get one free.  What a deal!  Starbucks has some delicious Teavana teas so stop by and grab a couple.  Not sure what to order ~ try their Mango Black Tea Lemonade.  It's the ideal balance of tart and sweet.  Snapple is also giving away a free bottle of tea.  Click HERE to get your printable coupon.

4.  Mango Coconut Ice Cream

One of the great things about my husband working at a grocery store is when a new product hits the shelves, he likes to bring it home to try.  This week Blue Bunny's new seasonal Mango Coconut Ice Cream showed up at our house.  It is coconut ice cream with a mango sorbet swirl.  YUMMO!  Highly recommend you giving it a try.

5.  I love my friends....

Have a great weekend!  I'm joining my friends tomorrow and heading to Hidden Lake Winery to celebrate my friend Tracy's birthday.  Should be a great time!  I'm also going to try my very best to get a meal plan in order for next week.  Lately that is something I haven't been doing and it makes my week so much smoothly when I do.  I'll let you know how that goes.  :)

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Hill Collection

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday

5 on Friday 
The Triplet Farm
Why Girls Are Weird
Ins and Outs

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

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - Father's Day Gift Ideas

Hello there!  Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!   So glad you popped in to visit me and Vanessa from X-tremely V!  Hope you link up below and tell all your blogger friends to link up too!

Crazy how Thursday rolled around so fast this week.  Makes me realize that Father's Day (June 19) is going to be here before we know it and I don't want to be caught searching out gifts for the guys in my life at the last minutes.  Today I'm thinking out loud about a couple gift ideas for the guys just in case you are on the hunt for some.

Do you have a fisherman guy you're getting a Father's Day present for?  Well, check out this fish finder.  The Deeper Smart Portable Fish Finder (Depth Finder) is a must have for ice fishing, kayak, boat and shore fishing.  It is compatible with iOS and Android devices.  See all the details HERE.  With Amazon Prime, it can be in your hands in two days.  



How about a yard game the whole family can enjoy?  Jenga Giant is a gift that will keep on giving for years.  This is a fun game for the family and also fun for when the kids are tucked in bed and the adults are hanging out around the fire pit.  Get yours by clicking HERE.

Looking for a gift that will last for a whole year?  Think of getting your guy a magazine subscription.  Something like ESPN Magazine, Sports Illustrated, or National Geographic.  There are TONS of magazines out there -- just pick the one that you think is something your guy would love reading.

Any Dad would love this Father's Day Coupon Book found over at Easy Green Mom.  This adorable printable is completely free!  Just download, print and bind together.  What a great thing kids to share with their dad.



Do you have a gift idea you'd like to share?  Let us know what you're thinking out loud about and link up your favorite post.  We love hearing from you!  And don't forget to stop by tomorrow for my Five on Friday!

Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at:

Home of Malones

East Coast Chic

Hodges Podges

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

100 Happy Days

The Deliberate Mom

This is How We Roll

Embark on the Journey

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

Five on Friday - June 3, 2016

Yikes!  It's Friday already!!  I'm so excited that the weekend is upon us.  I know it was a short week, but I'm still looking forward to having a couple days off to get my act together  regroup.  So before I move into complete weekend mode, here's my five for this week ~

1.  Me Before You
It's out -- and it's good.  Me, Debbie and Suzy took our tissues and headed to the movies last night to watch Me Before You.  All three of us loved it.  We had all read the book and weren't sorry we did.  Great casting!  This one should be on your summer watch list.

2.  Road Trip Bingo
Going on a road trip with the kiddos this summer?  Well, you might want to print these adorable Road Trip Bingo cards from Crazy Little Projects.  Amber has the most creative things on her blog.  Pop in over there and check them out.  But in the meantime, print these cards and get ready for an awesome road trip!

3.  Infusion Water Bottle

Check out Pampered Chef's newest item - the infusion water bottle!  The nifty bottle lets you infuse your favorite fruits and veggies into your water in a no-fuss, on-the-go kind of way.  The measure marks help you track your water intake and stay hydrated on these summer days we have ahead of us.  Need one?  Click HERE to purchase..

4.  National Donut Day

It's National Donut Day!  Who doesn't love a good donut?!?  Today you can pick up a free donut of any variety, no purchase necessary, at Krispy Kreme.  Dunkin' Donuts is also giving away a free classic donut with any beverage purchase.  Now, where I live those two stores are pretty closely located to each other.  I just might swing in Dunkin' Donuts, get a beverage and donut.  Then just cruise down the street a bit to Krispy Kreme to pick up my free donut there.  What a great day this is going to be!  Sugar high here I come!

5.  This is so me...

Have a great weekend!  Tonight Debbie and I are headed to the Keith Urban concert - YAY!!  I'm still cleaning up wedding craft stuff at my house and Saturday's my day to get it all put away.  Then on Sunday I'm hoping to meet my family at the zoo for some fun.  Hope you have some great things planned and enjoy this first weekend of June!  See you soon!

Linking up with:

Rebecca at XOXO Rebecca

Jennie at The Diary of a Real Housewife

Hill Collection

Amy at The Farmer's Wife

Amanda at Meet At The Barre

Erika at Little Bit of Everything

Simply Sweet Home
High Five for Friday

5 on Friday 
The Triplet Farm
Why Girls Are Weird
Ins and Outs

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

Thinking Out Loud Thursday - June 2, 2016

Welcome to Thinking Out Loud Thursday!  So glad you popped in to visit me and Vanessa from X-tremely V!  Hope you link up below and tell all your blogger friends to link up too!

Wow -- it's Thursday already!!  Heck, I'm still shocked that it's June already!  This year is zipping by at lightning speed.  That's what I'm thinking out loud about today -- how quickly life passes us by.  Today I'd like to share a touching poem that my friend Linda wrote about that very subject.  

Life Lessons on Vinyl

“It’s a record player!” I say

As I open the wrapped box.

My daughter corrects me:

It’s a turntable now,

And records have become vinyl.

Dropping the needle takes me back

To my much younger self,

And I’m ready to get lost in the chords and lyrics.

Billy sings, “You can get what you want, or you can get old.”

I sang the words back when the words were young, too,

Their meaning lost as other words quickly replaced them.

You can get what you want.

Or you can get old.

Like vinyl, age creates depth, layers, richness.

There is no fast forward:

We have to listen through the bad songs to get to the good songs.

In such a short time, deafening silence seems to close in,

And I realize the first half is over.

I tell myself, “Don’t worry:

There is always a side B.”

Whether you are in your side A or side B, hope you are making the most of your life.  Sometimes we get so wrapped up in the day-to-day that we forget to look around us and really enjoy life.  Life is happening NOW!  Don't miss it.

Now it's your turn -- link up what you're thinking out loud about today.  Join me and Vanessa at X-tremely V by linking up your favorite post(s) from the week.  We love hearing from you!

Enjoy more Thoughts for Thursday at:

Home of Malones

East Coast Chic

Hodges Podges

Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop

100 Happy Days

The Deliberate Mom

This is How We Roll

Embark on the Journey

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