A year in Reflection-wrapping up 2024


It has been an exciting and wonky year but overall good–I landed a new and better job in November.

I also managed to take 3 vacations, which is something considering how things went during the height of the Pandemic.

Life in Upstate South Carolina has been hot and humid but overall nice, I made a few new friends and explored the region, laid on Tortuga Beach in Punta Cana, Dominican Repbulic and visted my beloved highlands with my best friend. I also visited family and friends in Colorado, overall a great year!

Lunch (or Dinner) made simple-Chicken and Vegetables


Okay, so the holiday feasting and goodies have come to pass. We all have packed on the fudge, inhaled the cookies and overstuffed ourselves with turkey-and we hope now for easy meals that don’t give the kids the sugar zoomies or the adults a case of indigestion or overindulgence.

Ingredients:

4 pieces of chicken

1 pound bag of frozen Brussel Sprouts

a bit of olive oil

Lemon Pepper Seasoning

1 pint of fresh blackberries (or whatever is on special)

Simmer up the chicken until 90% cooked, toss in the frozen Brussels sprouts, season all with lemon pepper seasoning, simmer until chicken is 100% done and sprouts are al dente. Serve it up on a plate and put some fresh fruit with it and Voila! Quick healthy meal.

Serve it up, serves 2 adults (or 4 if you are using large chicken breasts)

Easy meal of chicken and veggies

Decorating for Christmas–inspired original art


$124.99 with free shipping https://www.ebay.com/itm/226498341381 (ebay link)
An original 9″x12″ framed original oil painting, signed by the arist Anna Potthoff (AP) done in oil paints on a cotton canvas board. The original art is already framed but the frame can be changed by the buyer if so desire. The Christmas tree painting is ready to hang. The purchase also includes free shipping to the USA (but can be shipped world wide for an additional fee).

The painting was inspired by the large Frasier Fir in the front of my parent’s drive way that was just small when they moved in but has grown tremendously and stands tall and proud out in the field by their mail box. I dream of decorating it with large baubles and twinkly lights sets up against the sun setting in the west over the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. There is red paint brush plants and hues of dried grasses all about, which beautifully reflect the sunsets as well.

The painting is one of a kind, unique and would adorn any home or office perfectly–Can be used year around or seasonally as one so desires–an affordable, handmade one of a kind gift for yourself or a loved one. Make me an offer.

Celebrating the season–gifts worth sharing, free shipping, AND handmade–the perfect trio! Happy Shopping (yes, I made the items!)


Christmas is just around the corner and Santa could always use more elves to help him out!

There are over 100 items on my eBay, 99% of them handmade, all with free shipping! Happy Shopping!

Here is the link to my eBay store where all can be found (the images are just a few of the items available!)

Turkey Taco Chili–a hot meal with ease (and cheap!)


It’s cold outside, December is here but why not have a little south of the border flare to your meals?

The holidays are just around the corner and groceries are already costly–but this meal is very affordable-I bought all the ingredients for less than $6.50. It will feed a family or small crew a wonderful meal!

This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled if you are hosting a gathering and it feeds many without breaking the bank.

Ingredients

1 pound ground turkey, browned (frozen is cheaper!)

1 medium yellow onion, pealed and chopped

1 small can diced Jalepenos

1 8 oz can tomato sauce

1-32 oz can of pinto beans (don’t drain it) You can also used dried beans if you soak them before

1 packet of Taco seasoning (or 3 tablespoons if you use the bulk)

In a soup pot, brown the turkey, then add all the other ingredients and let simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Serve hot and can be topped with cheese or sour cream if you desire

The Chatham Food Pantry in Siler City could really use food items to help feed those in need! You can send items from their Amazon Wish List–many items under $3–every little bit helps–buy/send 1 item or many!

Tis the Season–Filling theFood Pantry Non Perishable Food Drive–Siler City, N.C.


The weather outside if frightful and the food bank could use some supplies and stocking up–an Amazon wish list is here!

There are many many items under $2-$3-$4 and $5-making giving super affordable! Each item also ships free if you have Prime and is sent directly to the food pantry!

There are also larger ticket items, like cases of soup that would go a bit further–also free shipping! And don’t forget, can openers (also on the list) help open those great items!

I hope we can help get their shelves stocked for those in need this winter season and afterwards! $5 in food donations can go a long way (several items can be purchased for a combined total of $5!)but you don’t have to stop at $5 if you wish to do more, Happy Shopping and Giving!

Here’s the Amazon wish link!

https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/1UJX66V7NGWFI

*here is a thought, in lieu (or in addition to) doing an advent calender, you could send a canned/boxed food item a day to the food bank (or all at once) !!!

Season’s Greetings!!! It is time, Sir–they are waiting.


Don’t forget to do your Christmas shopping on my eBay–the link below will take you directly to my eBay store!! Over 100+ items available–free shipping to the USA and for a small fee can be shipped world wide! Merry Christmas! I will gift wrap upon request.

Yes, this explains Season’s Greetings.

Don’t forget to do your Christmas shopping on my eBay as Santa could use some help with those gift giving!