The Sewing Mom

I was tagged a couple of weeks ago by Jenny at Up The Hill Gang and it has taken me so long to get around to writing this post that I wound up getting tagged again, this time by Mrs. Mecomber at New York Traveler.net. Needless to say, I thought I best get off my lazy butt and do this meme before I got tagged again! Thanks ladies for thinking of me by the way!

So, here it is, 7 random things about me. This could be more difficult than it sounds!

1. I said it in the beginning, I can be quite lazy. I’d be content to sit in my pajamas on the sofa all day with a good cup of coffee and my laptop!
2. I love my coffee. I’m picky about coffee though, it has to be good quality with French vanilla creamer! I have my coffee delivered monthly from Green Mountain Coffee in Vermont.
3. I didn’t start drinking coffee until I was 30!
4. I’ve lived in two different countries and 7 different U.S. states during my lifetime and have owned homes in 4 of those. I’ve never lived in one place longer than 7 years.
5. If I won the lottery, I would hire my stylist to do my hair, wash & set daily!
6. I enjoy painting walls; I hate cleaning up after painting.
7. I cry at the drop of a hat. Hallmark commercials? I cry. Humane Society? Huge tears. Sappy movies? Gully washers. I cry if I’m happy, sad, and mad. It makes me mad to cry when I’m angry which only causes me to cry more, very pathetic!

Now I must tag 7 random bloggers, who shall it be…

I tag:

Ellen

Nissa

Elizabeth

Charlotte

Lisa

Karen

and YOU!

A few more hours and it will be Friday! It can’t come soon enough. With all of the storms this week I’ve definitely not had enough sleep. I’m looking forward to the weekend. To celebrate, here is the Four Foods on Friday meme for this week. Thanks to Valmg for hosting this fun meme!

#1. What’s your favorite food smell? My favorite food smell has to be the smell of cookies baking. This is not a smell that is in my house too often, but I love it none the less!

#2. What’s your favorite kind of apple? I enjoy granny smiths and red delicious. No matter what kind I’m eating, it has to be crunchy and juicy. If it’s at all soft, I can’t eat it.

#3. What veggies do you like in your salad? I typically only put mushrooms in my salad, but will sometimes toss in a little broccoli.

#4. Share a recipe that uses beef. I would have to go with beef stew.
Brown the stew meat in flour, salt & pepper. Add 2 c. beef broth and 1 or 2 c. water. Add cut up carrots, potatoes and onion. Season to taste. Simmer for about an hour. Serve over cooked rice.

It’s Friday! I’m celebrating by posting my favorite weekly meme, Four Foods on Friday. We didn’t do this meme last week because of the Easter holiday and I have to say, I missed it! Glad it’s back this week.

#1. What’s your favorite form of potatoes? This is difficult, I love a really good fried potato, but I can’t make these, so I don’t get to eat them too often. My second would probably be a tie between a totally loaded baked potato, or mashed potatoes with gravy.

#2. Pie crust. Premade or from scratch? The only person I’ve ever known that could truly make a good home made pie crust was my Grandma. Unfortunately, I didn’t inherit her skill at making pie crusts, so, on the rare occasion I make a pie, I use pre-made.

#3. Vegetables. Fresh, frozen or canned? I probably use mostly frozen, although I try to buy fresh when they’re in season.

#4. What one dish do you wish you could prepare better? Meatloaf. I don’t really care for meatloaf, but I know my husband likes it so every now & then I attempt it. I just can’t get it right.

Have a great weekend!

I know I’m really late with this one, but it’s been a very hectic week and that includes today. It’s after 11 P.M. and I’m just now getting around to posting my favorite meme of the week, Four Foods on Friday from Valmg.

This weeks questions and my answers:

#1. What’s your favorite fruit and how do you like to eat it? This is tough, I don’t really have one favorite. I love pink grapefruit and have recently discovered the “fresh” jarred grapefruit slices in the refrigerated section of the grocery. I love it! I also love apples, strawberries, raspberries and blackberries. Pretty much any berry is at the top of my list.

#2. What is the one spice in your kitchen you use more than any other? Besides salt & pepper, I would probably have to say that I use a lot of Italian seasoning.

#3. Pudding. Instant, stovetop or premade? I’m not a big pudding fan but when I do make it, I make instant pudding. The only time I care to eat pudding is when it’s in a banana or coconut cream pie.

#4. Share a recipe using potatoes. I like to slice potatoes and onions and layer them in a large dish. Mix sour cream and a can of mushroom soup together and put half over the potatoes and onions. Place browned pork chops on top and pour remainder of soup mixture over the top. Bake at 375 for about an hour, until potatoes are tender.

I have been so busy over the last couple of weeks that I haven’t sewn a thing. I have a few project in my head and one embroidery project that I’m getting ready to do. That particular project has to be done by next Friday, so I’ll be sure to post pictures as I progress with it, it’s currently in the planning and design stages.

So, for this weeks Sew Crafty Friday meme sponsored by Waiting For Him I have decided to show the bag that is currently under way. It’s actually almost done, I just haven’t had time to get in there and finish it!This is my second jelly roll bag. It’s made from jelly roll strips, fully lined and supported by interfacing to allow it to stand up and not just flop over. I am adding a snap closure to this one. It may be another week or so before I can finish it, but here it is as of today.

Friday, THANK GOODNESS! Today is the first day all week that other than taking my daughter to and from school, I have NO plans outside of the house. Good thing too because I have to clean it in preparation for her “party” tomorrow. She’s having two friends come over and we’ll all spend the day at the mall, go out to dinner and then back here to the house where they’ll be sleeping over. This is in celebration of my daughter’s 12th birthday.

So, I’m up early thinking of all the things I need to get done today (and feeling very glad that I don’t have to leave the house) and I know for sure it’s Friday because it’s time for the Four Foods on Friday meme!

This week’s questions:

#1. Do you ever use scissors to cut any foods? Which? Raw or cooked? I use scissors to cut open packages in the kitchen, but that’s pretty much the only thing my kitchen scissors are used for.

#2. Popcorn. Homemade, microwave, bagged, hot, cold. How do you like it? Microwave. I can’t even remember the last time I saw a popcorn maker. I have tried Jiffy pop over the stove, but my arm gets too tired!

#3. Sushi. Love it or hate it? EWWWWWW! Not a fan, at all. My husband likes it and my daughter likes to nibble on California rolls, but me, I’ll leave it in the ocean where it belongs.

#4. Share a dessert recipe.  This is one I haven’t had a chance to try yet, but it sounded yummy.  I just keep forgetting to buy the hot fudge sauce!

1 3/4 c. flour

2 envelops rapid rise yeast

2 T sugar

1/2 tsp. salt

3/4 c. very warm water

2 T butter

1 c. hot fudge sauce

Spray 9 1/2 inch deep dish pie plate with cooking spray.  Mix all ingredients except fudge sauce, in pie plate.

Top batter with evenly spaced spoonfuls of hot fudge sauce.  Using a spoon, swirl fudge sauce into batter.

Bake by placing in a cold oven, set temperature to 350.  Bake 25-30 minutes, until lightly browned and firm in center.  Cool 10 minutes.

Make icing with 1 c. powdered sugar and 1-2 T milk.  Drizzle over warm cake.

I was tagged by Angela at Unexpected Art for this 4×4 meme. I’m a little bit slow getting this one up, but I like the idea of it and wanted to get it going. Basically the meme is answering 4 questions on 4 topics (thus the 4×4) and then tagging 4 people. So, here it goes.

4 Jobs I’ve Had in My Life

1. My very first paid job (besides babysitting) was working in a dry cleaners. This was an interesting job, but I have to say, I did not enjoy the smell of all those dirty clothes!
2. In college I worked two jobs, but my favorite was probably working in intramural sports. I was a referee for volleyball, assigned racquetball courts, and checked out equipment. I got to do a lot of studying while getting paid!
3. I have worked at all levels of retail, sales associate to store manager. I would have really enjoyed my last retail position as Operations Mgr. for Old Navy had the General Mgr. not been such a complete ass to work for. Let’s just say it really peaked when he wanted me to come in and work while I was on maternity leave!
4. My most recent job was working as a classroom and one-on-one aide in our school district. I learned a lot about autism and I gained a lot of respect for school teachers.

4 Shows I DVR (TIVO)

1. Lost
2. Las Vegas
3. The Apprentice
4. Desperate Housewives

4 Places I’ve Been

1. Kenya - I got the rare opportunity to go on a photo safari with my parents many years ago. I have and will never forget it. I hope to be able to do the same thing with my daughter some day.
2. Switzerland - This is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. I would love to go back someday.
3. Niagara Fall, Canada - One amazing trip, and the first real vacation we ever went on with our daughter, she was two at the time.
4. The Grand Canyon, Arizona - We were fortunate enough to travel with my parents in their motorhome and traveled to the North Rim. This side of the canyon is less crowded with tourists and it was a beautiful drive from the south side

Now, I have to say that is was very difficult only choosing four places that I’ve visited. My parents lived overseas when I was in high school and I was given the opportunity to travel the globe. I filled up 2 passports with visas and entry/exit stamps. I would give anything to give my daughter the same opportunity.
4 Favorite Foods

1. Seafood - In particular, I have to say that I love shrimp and fish.
2. I love all things Mexican, especially cheese and chicken enchiladas.
3. Pasta - Who doesn’t love pasta?!
4. My mom’s beef stew. I’ve come close, but no matter what I do, my beef stew isn’t quite the same as hers. I usually ask her to make it when she visits. It’s my comfort food.

4 People I Tag

1. As someone who recently made the decision to try to make a living online, I know he is wanting to build traffic, so I am tagging The Random Forest and hope you will go visit him.
2. I’m also tagging Laura’s Daily Life because I know she enjoys telling us stories of her children and I hope she will enjoy telling some things about herself.
3. I would also like to tag fellow stitcher and crafter extraordinaire Fatiah at Sew My Name who also has taught me a thing or two about blogging!
4. And last but certainly not least, I am tagging one of my newest blogging friends, Ellen, from All In A Day who is not only a fellow blogger, but a fellow crafter as well. She has some wonderful bags for sale at Etsy.com so be sure to check out her blog and her shop.

It’s late and we’re off to bed. My daughter and I both love to read a good book in bed before turning out the light. I think it’s an amazing way to unwind and tune out everything that’s going on in our minds. It helps me relax and I typically sleep much better after I’ve spent some time reading.

I’m currently reading “The Spyderwick Chronicles”. I wanted to read them before we go see the movie, it allows me to use my imagination instead of simply envisioning what the move producers want me to see. I’m enjoying the books, they’re a pretty quick read and very creative. I just finished reading the third book tonight.

I didn’t want to start a new book so late at night, so I decided to head over to check out the Weekly Shorts at Before I Am Famous for a quick nightcap of reading.

Her latest short story, The President of the United States, is very creative, although, it does sound a little too much like “Men In Black”. I think I would have enjoyed it even more had it been a bit more of her own ideas, more original. I know Jen is a very creative thinker and writer and I do enjoy her blog very much. The site sponsors a Weekly Shorts meme which allows readers to leave a comment with any character or theme idea they have and Jen will write a short story using that information. It’s really a fun way to be involved in the creative side of writing. As a bonus, if your idea is used in a short story, she will give you a link back. What blogger can’t use one of those?

When she’s not authoring short stories, she also writes poetry on her blog. She has quite a few short stories and poems to be read on her site.  They cover a why range of interests, something for everyone.  I for one, visit her site several times each week and find it to be quite entertaining. So, if you’re looking for a good read, be sure to check it out.

This has been a busy week, culminated by a very busy morning this morning. I finally have a moment to sit down and so wanted to get my favorite meme done, Four Foods on Friday and you should feel free to join in. Simply stop by and give Valmg a visit and let her know you’re participating!

#1. Steak. Plain, steak sauce, hot sauce, ketchup or something else? I love steak, wish we could have it more often! If it’s a really tender, well cooked piece of meat, I’ll eat it plain. If it’s lacking in flavor, I’ll use A-1 on it. If it’s prime rib, I have to have my horseradish.

#2. Water. Flavored, plain, carbonated. How do you like it? Here at home we’re drinking bottled water because I’ve been unable to get my ice maker connected and I have to have my water cold. I can’t drink it out of the tap. If I’m at a restaurant, I drink ice water with a slice of lemon.

#3. What’s your favorite kind of waffle? I like a simple, plain Belgian waffle with butter and maple syrup. Occasionally I enjoy having blueberries in the waffle.

#4. If you could have any one new small appliance for your kitchen what would it be and why? Considering I have a cupboard full of unused small appliances, this is difficult. I wouldn’t mind having a new ice tea maker since I seem to have lost parts to mine. I’m also beginning to think I would enjoy having one of those robotic floor sweeps/vacuums to keep my hardwood floors free from dog hair.

TGIF!! I started the week off well getting things done around the house. The middle of the week pretty much sucked for me as I’ve been suffering from a migraine and haven’t been functioning too well. After babying my head most of yesterday and last night, including using a lavender cold pack on my eyes that was a gift from my sister, I am feeling somewhat better today and am making an attempt to end the week the way it started, productively.

I just finished cleaning the kitchen and was attempting to do some online banking, but my bank’s website is currently down, so I thought I would come over here and post my Four Foods on Friday, my favorite meme. If you’re interested in joining in, please head over to Valmg’s site and leave her a comment after creating your post.

This week’s questions:

#1. What’s your favorite potato chip? If I’m just eating chips by themselves, I’d have to go with Doritoes. If I’m dipping, I’d go with Ruffles, but when I’m out at a restaurant, I can’t get enough of tortilla chips and salsa!

#2. Do you use butter, margarine, both or neither? I tend to use both, it really depends on what I’m doing. For spreading on toast and bread, I use Country Crock spread with calcium. For cooking, I tend to use real butter.

#3. What’s your favorite mixed alcoholic (or virgin) drink? I enjoy a frozen margarita or daiquiri, but I was recently introduced to the mojito which I found quite tasty!

#4. What’s your favorite vegetable and how do you prepare it? I don’t know if I have a favorite, but I love the taste of potatoes when they’ve been cooked with a roast or in beef stew.

Happy Friday!!