Listed below in the Gallery are just a few of the beautiful pieces for sale on my eBay, all kniited and painted by myself, Anna Potthoff. I am selling my art and knitted crafts (plus other odds and ends) on eBay to help support my adventures and 10% of each sale also goes to the Wild Life Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado!
I have a special trip to Scotland coming up in a few weeks and would love to have fun spending money while I am there–you get a great item to hang in your home, give as a gift for a friend or loved one or to simply treat yourself while it’s the gift that keeps on giving as it helps others in the process! Happy Shopping!
Hand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfHand Knitted scarfOriginal art, hand paintd canvas of autumn, halloween/withes Flower cake painting with original art by Anna PotthoffPotraits of ancient man at Rosemarkie Firth
Yes, it’s true! It has officially been 2 months since I have quit smoking–and yes, I am fully nicotine-free the whole time–sans the time it took for the residual nicotine to detox/leave my system–
Admittingly, the first week was extremely unpleasant, but as with all good things, it takes time, practice, effort and in my case, some assistance for a great thing to occur.
Often, the first question, well, the first two questions when I express to someone that I recently quit smoking, are the following– When did you start smoking (or why) and what prompted to you quit smoking?
I started smoking 20+ years ago in college (shame on me!) and I was simply ready to quit and was tired of smoking–which is odd to say as I still get an oral “hankering” for a smoke/cigarette (referring only to tobacco products here, I have never smoked the other stuff!).
I don’t know which was more difficult in the beginning, even now, training myself to know that I am a non smoker or telling/sharing/remdinging those whom are around me/know me that I don’t smoke anymore. There are people in my life whom have only known me as a smoker and a person whom gets a bit “tense” if she didn’t get her break at someone point to light up–now I can go an entire shift at work without even noticing that I didn’t smoke or have that quick fix break–which is kind of nice and an adjustment as well–and it works the same way at home, I work through a list of chores and more and realize when I sit to enjoy my cup of coffee/herbal tea that I knocked out a lot more because I didn’t want or need to stop for a fix.
A perk I didn’t see coming was that my parents sent me a treat/reward for quitting cigarrettes, which was super sweet of them–I used the reward to book a special tour in Octobeber when we are on vacation, which is awesome–quitting literally has its pay off and another perk? I won’t miss anything on the tour because I won’t have to find a “smokers hole” or other approved spot and to enjoy the tour without jonesing for nicotine–and if an oral craving does pop up? I will chew on a piece of my trusty spearmint gum and be minty fresh all day–something that hasn’t happened in 20 years, being fresh breathed all day!
Is it easy? Nope, but it has been worth it and the small benefits and perks just keep popping up everywhere! Everyone whom wants to quit and has quit has their own ways and reasons for doing it but it is possible, and while this is an adventure blog in food and travel, quitting smoking only allows me to enjoy both aspects more!
Also, especially in the beginning my knitting has also been an aid to quitting!
Success does come in many forms! Happy Quitting!
Quitting smoking concept. Hand is refusing cigarette offer.
My Sweetness, along with his mother and abuelita (little grandmother) have a delightful garden at their house this year and have bestowed upon me a lovely variety of garden fresh produce and “farm” fresh eggs (yard fresh really with their awesome flock of ladies.) So, what is a girl to do but make a veggie meal out of it!
1 bunch of scallions, large bell pepper, large eggplant
1 jar of Marinara sauce (if you can make it from scratch, kudos!)
1 cup of Cornmeal flour
4 eggs
1 bag of shredded mozzarella or sliced provolone
Coconut or olive oil
Seasoning/spices of your choice
Slice up the scallions and bell pepper into “spears”
Have and slice the eggplant into 1/3-1/2 inch slices, trying to make the thickness as uniform as possible for even cooking
Layer bottom of baking dish with a bit of marinara and half of the bellpepper and onions with about 1/3 jar of marinar
Dip each piece of eggplant into egg wash and cornmeal flour twice and lightly fry on both sides until lightly brown in olive or coconut oil
Layer eggplant on top of first layer of veggies, top with cheese
layer another round of veggies, marinara and eggplant
Top with remaining marinara, a bit of salad and remaining marinara sauce, bake for 30-45 minute as 350 degrees Fahrenheit, until cheese is toasted and melted on top and dish is hot completely through.
If you prep this in an aluminium take away dish or baking tin, you don’t have to bake it immediately but can freeze it as a meal prep for later–bakes nicely from frozen or can be shared as a welcoming dish, a freezer meal for the expectant parents, a warm meal for a loved one recovering or just as a special treat for someone and the aluminium toss pass never needs to be cleaned or returned! (No need for the church ladies to write their name and phone number on the bottom anymore!)
I like to lightly sprinkle McCormick Grill Mates “roasted garlic and Herb” seasoning between each later for a little extra pizzaz. Happy Cooking!
It’s true! After more than 2 decades (21-22 years) of smoking cigarettes, I have finally quit! 😊😊
Yes, I started smoking years ago, while in college in North Carolina. Why did I start? Silliness? Stupidity? The convenience of smoking- in restaurants, hotels, practically everywhere a person attended or walked into, a person could smoke (even most McDonalds had a smoking area!)
Alas, times have changed but it has been know for quite some time that smoking is not good for one’s health or pocket book/wallet–and I felt it long overdue that I quit.
I sought assistance from my GP, though, as I tried in the past to quit cold turkey or with gum/lozenges or patches, none of which suited to what I need to quit–but with a prescription from my GP, I am 30 days nicotine and cigarette free (and not using vape or anything else!
While there are challenges and more, it feels great to quit and to celebrate, my Sweetness and w I went on a 2 mile (total, round trip) mini hike to a waterfall!! While quitting smoking isn’t a traditional adventure for me or others, this is a lifelong changing adventure for myself and my well being for now the future!
P.S. To aid in my quitting, my knitting has exploded as it helps to keep my hands busy, so check out the new goodies on my ebay!
Sweetness is happy too! I made it to the waterfall without wheezing!Playing in the waterfall, of course, shoelessMe and my SweetnessSweetness DavidI finally quit smoking
The heat and humidity are high and will only continue to rise as the summer goes–especially here in the South East United States–but every year, the summer sunshine beckons us to be outside, to explore, do and see!
Naturally, this isn’t an all inclusive list or know it all, merely some suggestions for you, your friends, kids and family!
Getting a library card for summer reading, many libraries offer book clubs or reading competitions for youth
Local Swimming Pools, doing laps or water aerobics or swim clubs
Work from home versus sitting in hot traffic
Walk your pet in the early morning or late evening–no membership fees required and Rexy benefits too!
Go on a vacation to a cooler climate–mountains, cabins, or the like are very attainable at last minute
Eating/Prepping cook-free meals are great and don’t warm up the house–salads, garden delights, sandwiches and more!
Picnics are a wonderful way to get out and about and enjoy a day-cation
Waterfalls! Need I say more?
Check out my eBay! Every purchase helps support this blog and adventures!
Adventures are amazing where there is so much beauty!
There is a trail head, just off the shoulder of HWY 11 (near Walhalla, S.C.) that I parked at, feet from the trailhead that lead to the Station Cove Falls–as seen in the photos, there are a several different informational placards, which is super helpful, not holding for “treasuring hunting” the local flora and fauna (seeking only, no harvesting or picking!)
Even with a funky knee, the trail was pleasantly mild and traversed it in roughly 35 minutes one way–it’s not wheel chair or scooter friendly for those whom need assistive devices but it’s family and adventure friendly for sure! Saw families enjoying splash time in the small creeks along the way and other families walking their bull mastiff and other dogs, so everyone one could be included!
Crossing over 4 different food bridges made it more fun (always reminds me of fantastical legends and lore to cross over small bridges!) The ferns, mushrooms and monks caps were fun flora to find along the ways to the Falls, which of course, I splashed around, enjoying the showers falling over myself–coming out looking like a soaked hooligan but well worth it!
Want to help support adventures? Purchase unique items from my eBay!
Station Cove Waterfall at the end of a very mild walking trail, 3/4 mile one way (1.5 miles round trip from parking area/trail head to waterfall and back!)
Located on the edge of Clemson, near the university, is a wonderful lake access park. That is a wonderful place just to chill out and enjoy the wonderful springtime weather.
I packed a picnic, okay, well, I used the McDonalds app to get a free chicken McNugget Happy meal with points, so they packed my picnic for me; it was yummy, of course.
An easy, breezy day with a tasty picnic is just what was needed!
Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase helps me to adventure and 10% of sales benefit the Wild Life Sanctuary in Keensburg, Colorado.
My Travels 