The Sewing Mom

I have been busy sewing and I took a break to try to catch up here a bit. I’ve started and finished several small bags, this being one of them. It measure approximately 8″x10″, has a zipper closure and an open back pocket. The over cross shoulder strap is approximately 42″ in length. The interlining is a natural cotton batting. Selling price is $15 + $2 shipping.

It’s less than a month now before we head to Tennessee. This is a driving trip because I’m taking supplies and all of my items that are for sale. We’re beginning the trip preparation phase now, making sure we have everything we need and making sure our van is ready to make the trip.

We just had the tires checked out and the wheels balanced and aligned last month. Now we’re focusing on the engine, getting the oil changed, belts checked, transmission fluid, etc. Sometimes I think it would be easier to just get a car rental and let the rental company take care of all the maintenance! Our van is 8 years old (although it still looks new), and so maintenance is key to a safe trip. Although, there are some really good deals on rental cars right now, including 50% off luxury cars and convertibles. Personally, I always enjoy a rental car because they usually have all the fun toys and upgrades.

If I could fit all of our stuff in our car, I’d probably drive that instead, it does get better gas mileage than our van. Anyway, I’m looking forward to our trip and will be glad to have the van in tip top running order.

It’s my favorite day of the week. I’m torn today between heading down south for a quilt show (that would cost gas money and an entrance fee) or staying home and making a new tote bag. I’d really like to just stay out in our pool and have margaritas delivered pool side, but since I don’t have a cabana boy to provide that service, I’m not sure what I’m going to do today!

One thing I do know is that it’s time for my favorite meme, Four Foods on Friday. If you would like to participate, head over to Fun, Crafts and Recipes to leave Valmg a comment under this weeks questions.

Without further ado, here are this weeks questions and my answers.

1. What is one food that is grown, produced or made near where you live. It’s funny that this is a question this week. As we were driving to my daughter’s softball practice last night, I commented how it seems so odd to see fields of planted corn here in North Texas, especially after living in Illinois, one of this country’s primary corn growing states.

2. What is one food from another location that you haven’t had anything like anywhere else. Many years ago, I traveled with my family to Switzerland and I’ve always remembered the wonderful pastries from the local bakeries. Many of them were filled with the most delicious Bavarian cream I’ve ever had.

3. What is your favorite food from somewhere else? One of my absolute favorites is the clam chowder from a restaurant in Seattle. It is absolutely the best I’ve had anywhere, very rich and creamy.

4. Share a family, ethnic or international recipe. The one thing that I think of whenever my mom comes to visit is her beef stew. I’ve tried to duplicate it, but it doesn’t come out the same. Mine is quite good, we had it last night in fact, but my mom’s is true comfort food and I enjoy it so much more when she makes it. Now, I could share the recipe with you, but it’s top secret and then I’d have to kill you!