for those of you looking for the irreverent:
https://society6.com/mugs
Printable View
for those of you looking for the irreverent:
https://society6.com/mugs
KQ Claus..... my wife and I have just gone through the most difficult year in our lives. We have just finished construction of our dream home on the lake, endured the worst flooding our area has ever seen (almost lost the house while under construction) our neighbours sued us, major drama with some good (x) friends and the house is about 6 months behind and way over budget.
So she doesn't want me to spend anything (legal bills are stupid!) but I am looking for a nice idea or cheap(ish) Say under $300 piece of jewelry or some thing/way to say thanks for sticking in there through all of this and to signify that we have overcome the obstacles and we actually still over eachother.
Fire away!:o
Yikes... jewelry.... I've gotten grief for this before because I suggested Pandora bracelets which I happen to like (I like glass beads and charms). So if that appeals to you and you think it would appeal to her go for it. I like the idea that you can add charms to it for life events. Basically how it works is you buy a base bracelet (they have gold, silver, snake, bangle, leather etc.) then you buy the charms/beads to go on it. You can have as many or few as you like. They have them for practically any occasion you can imagine plus some that are just pretty baubles. They make both bead type and dangling ones.Quote:
Originally Posted by el hefe
Look - they even have a house charm:
https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/mp...Vo/s-l1600.jpg
https://ssli.ebayimg.com/images/g/kD...T-/s-l1600.jpg
Okay....enough of that before I get pounced on again for mentioning Pandora. If you like the idea of a bracelet but don't want a charm might I suggest a nice tennis bracelet? I can't begin to go into the many styles and choices out there as there are hundreds from inexpensive crystal and semi-precious stones to rope or braided and full on diamond. If this interests you I suggest you do a Google and look at images to get ideas. I have a diamond tennis bracelet that was a gift from my father. It's quite lovely.
What about adding to her wedding/engagement ring? A small band of stones that she can slip on next to it - what is commonly called a ring guard/enhancer/wrap Maybe something in a colored stone to add some contrast? That would certainly say "I love you and would marry you all over again" aka "glad you're still here". LOL!
Necklaces - whoo boy. Like bracelets the selection is practically endless. They can run from plain silver/platinum/gold to fancy with multiple stones or pearls (a single pearl pendant is always pretty IMO) or lockets that can hold your picture.
I like this necklace. It's called "heart essence" and has two hearts designed into the setting that holds a solitaire diamond. I think it's sweet. You have your choice of round or princess (square) cut.
http://www.kay.com/images/products/1...g?resize=90:90
http://www.kay.com/images/products/1...g?resize=90:90
This pearl and gold bauble necklace from Nordstrom is cute - I like the symbolism of togetherness:
Duo Pearl Pendant Necklace
https://n.nordstrommedia.com/ImageGa...600&quality=70
Am I hitting on anything? Getting any ideas that I can narrow down for you? Bottom line is to know your wife. What does she wear now? Is she into gold or silver (platinum) or maybe she likes leather. Does she take issue with the diamond industry? Does she like vintage jewelry or is she into modern design? Is she into understated elegance or BLING!
el hefe:
Just because it's rough, doesn't mean it isn't beautiful:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/5214978...-ring-14k-rose
That's nice - sort of old world style.Quote:
Originally Posted by MakersTeleMark
This just popped up in my feed. I like the pounded/crimped look of the links:
Italian 14kt Yellow Gold Textured Oval and Circle Link Bracelet
ok,
I got a digital phone to picture printer(you put your phone on it and it'll print pictures on the classic picture paper the 4x6s and 5x7s print on) for someone, but it's on back order.
I should get it this next week, but there's no promises.
should I try and find it locally ?
get them something else ? (and any suggestions for that ?)
much appreciated,
signed out of time.
What a neat gift!Quote:
Originally Posted by SkiCougar
Q: How easy are returns at the company you bought the picture printer from and how important is it to have that particular present on Christmas day?
If you have the time look around and see if you can find it locally at a price you like then decide otherwise you could give related gifts like frames, mats and paper. If you have an Aaron Bros. locally check them out - they have a wide array of frames from small to large, inexpensive to very expensive.
If opting to wait for the item you ordered and it fails to show up in time (though retailers have an extra day this year since Christmas falls on a Monday and delivery companies will be delivering on Christmas day) I would suggest printing out a picture of the item and wrapping that in an elaborate box. You could add the printer paper to this box if you like.
edit/add: A couple other things you could get if you opt to go with accessories while you wait for the item to arrive is a selfie stick, a straight edge cutter for smaller pictures (I have a Canon picture printer and though I can print 5X7 pics I still have to cut them to size. Using a straight edge cutting tool is a lot easier and cleaner than scissors or an xacto knife). Also, and this may seem silly but it is something I never have when I decide to hang pictures - picture hanging hardware.
How about a digital picture frame? Can load a bunch of photos onto it and it looks like a regular frame, but with nice led back lighting.Quote:
Originally Posted by SkiCougar
Those are fun!Quote:
Originally Posted by MakersTeleMark
Ok KQ the Kate Spade bag arrived, I paid for gift wrapping cuse I suck at gift wrapping. Well the outside says "Kate Spade" should I re-wrap or just throw it under the tree as is?
Hate when companies do that!Quote:
Originally Posted by ICantLogIn
Is it just a center logo or is it printed all over the paper? Can you cover it up with stick-on bows? If not, and you're really not a wrapper you could put it in a gift bag or you could just stick it under the tree as is. She'll know she's getting a Kate Spade but she won't know which purse so she can sit and imagine all she wants until Christmas day.
Big logo right on the bottom right corner. And the bow/ribbon has little "Kate Spade" logos black on black all over it.
You could always take the ribbon off and put a couple stick on bows over the logo or go with the gift bag with some tissue stuffed in the top to hide the box or like I said, opt to leave it and let her imagination make her crazy for the next week.Quote:
Originally Posted by ICantLogIn
So my wife has mentioned a few times over the years that she would like a Morganite ring very similar to this. Problem is I know nothing about jewelry. Based on about 20 minutes of searching this seems like a good deal and a coworker that buys a ton of jewelry vouches for the website. But I have no clue. Does seem like a good deal and gift? They can get it here in time and I avoid going to the store which is a win.
https://www.bluenile.com/morganite-d...t&vtype=sample
Nice!Quote:
Originally Posted by alias_rice
A quick Google ("Is Blue Nile Reputable?") brought up the following:
https://www.weddingwire.com/reviews/...97088275e.html
https://www.diamonds.pro/reviews/blue-nile/
https://www.creditdonkey.com/blue-nile-review.html
http://blog.longsjewelers.com/engage...e-nile-cheaper
The last one makes me giggle as it is a blog written by another jewelry seller - of course they are not going to have good things to say about
Blue Nile. Looks like reviews are overall positive and since you're not buying a diamond solitaire I think you can ignore some of what is written in those posts. Morganite, while beautiful, is not in the same category as a diamond (part of its beauty is derived from inclusions - something you don't want in a diamond) thus you don't need to be as concerned about the "four c's".
Here's some info on the gem if you're interested:
https://www.gia.edu/morganite
My verdict? Go for it!
Poop chick has a point.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydRQsMU8gm0
Need a present for myself. A decent Dutch Oven for $50 or less? I use the slow cooker a lot. However sometimes I don't get motivated early enough or am distracted and therefore need the faster option.
Not sure if you can get into see this review without a subscription but I'll put it out then just in case:Quote:
Originally Posted by riser3
https://www.cooksillustrated.com/equ...h_experience_1
From Cook's Illustrated Review:
We tested seven inexpensive ($125 and under) Dutch ovens against our winning Dutch oven, the Le Creuset 7 1/4 Round Dutch Oven, using each to boil, cook, fry, bake, and braise. We rated them on the food they produced as well as their durability and how easy they were to use and clean. We purchased all models online and have listed the price we paid; they appear below in order of preference.
COOKING: We rated each pot on the food it made; pots that produced perfectly cooked food within recipe time ranges rated highest.
CAPACITY: We looked at how much food the pots could fit; those with wider cooking surfaces allowed us to cook food in fewer batches.
EASE OF USE: Broad, relatively medium-weight pots with comfortable handles and lower sides rated highest.
DURABILITY: Pots that remained functionally and cosmetically intact rated highest.
************************************************** ***********
Have you thought about buying used? Have you tried Craigslist? My GF picked up a used Le Creuset for practically nothing and it was in fantastic shape.
I would not recommend getting anything less than 7 1/4 quarts if this is your first/only Dutch (or French as Le Creuset calls them) oven. Anything smaller will leave you wanting and bigger is hard to handle and has too much surface area for most things you'll cook (your liquids will not be as deep).
In the review I linked these were the least expensive and were "recommended with reservations". Obviously the Le Crueset is the most "highly recommended" along with the Cuisinart. Next came the Caphalon ($111) and the Lodge ($84) at "recommended".
(the Nordic Ware 6.5 Quart ProCast Traditions Dutch Oven was "Not Recommended")
At $69:
Tramontina 6.5 Qt Round Cast Iron
The pot turned out quality food. It had a light interior, and comfortable handles. But its shape was slightly more challenging to use. Its sides were quite tall so we had to add food at a more extreme angle, which caused splatter; it also had a narrower mouth, making it hard to get our hands out of the way. Thanks to a narrow base, its cooking surface was smaller, too, so we had to sear beef in two extra batches.
WEIGHT
13.45 lb
CAPACITY
6.5 qt
MATERIAL
Enameled cast iron
USABLE COOKING SURFACE DIAMETER
8.4 in
MODEL_NUMBER
80131/076DS
For $60
Lodge Enamel 6 Quart Dutch Oven
This pot had nice handles, low sides for accessibility, and a light interior to track browning. But it had rounded sides that curved in at the base, robbing the pot of some of its flat cooking surface; this meant we had to sear beef in four batches instead of two, which took an extra 15 minutes.
WEIGHT
13.85 lb
CAPACITY
6 qt
MATERIAL
Enameled cast iron
USABLE COOKING SURFACE DIAMETER
7.5 in
MODEL_NUMBER
EC6D38
At $25
Imusa Cast Aluminum Caldero Dutch Oven with Natural Finish
This pot stained and dented, its knob became loose (we fixed it), its handles were small, and it ran a bit hot. That said, it made good food and has some major selling points. It’s ridiculously cheap, extremely lightweight, has a great shape (low sides and a broad cooking surface), and has a light interior to monitor browning. If weight or money is what’s keeping you from a Dutch oven, this is a workable option: Just be prepared to replace it.
WEIGHT
3.7 lb
CAPACITY
6.9 qt
MATERIAL
Cast aluminum
USABLE COOKING SURFACE DIAMETER
8.5 in
MODEL_NUMBER
GAU-80506W
OK, that's more than I had in mind... I'll have to re-evaluate.
Le Creuset is wonderful.
You won’t regret the investment.
The only problem is... the price tag.
Is that you, Dr. Freud?Quote:
Originally Posted by el hefe
sounds like a tough year, hang in there mang
Hey KQ Claus, nephew just turned 13 so I need birthday and Christmas presents. Kid is nerdy, Asperger-ish, super smart and despite it all very sweet. In all senior-level courses as a Freshman in High School. Prone to absolutely freaking when overly frustrated. Prone to not giving a shit if he's not challenged. Has done all things Lego in the past, like the 3000-piece ones with motors and belts and shit. Musically talenteed but I don't know what he likes to listen to. Loves Star Wars, Star Trek and all things sci-fi and computer. No idea what to get him, l'il help?
What about an Arduino kit?Quote:
Originally Posted by iceman
Not sure what that is, I'll look into it, thanks.Quote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
It's kind of a plug and play circuit board. The kit adds a breadboard, and sensors and parts to make electronic gadgets. You learn by doing the projects in the book, then apply that knowledge to making basically anything. There are a shitload of add-ons, too.
https://www.sparkfun.com/products/14418
Awesome. I'm getting it for him. Thanks.
A maulQuote:
Originally Posted by iceman
And some jeans that have been water proofed
The gifts that keep on giving.
Thank you for the reply KQ!Quote:
Originally Posted by KQ
"
What about adding to her wedding/engagement ring? A small band of stones that she can slip on next to it - what is commonly called a ring guard/enhancer/wrap Maybe something in a colored stone to add some contrast? That would certainly say "I love you and would marry you all over again" aka "glad you're still here". LOL!"
This is a great idea and went with it, she already has added a slim band on one side so this will be perfect to balance it out. Great idea. Little pricey but worth it.
Kinda how I feel about my wife too.Quote:
Originally Posted by el hefe
Wow - that sounds like just the ticket!Quote:
Originally Posted by bagtagley
Here's something else to check out from National Autism Resources:
Gifts for Teens & Adults
and some more information you might find helpful:
Your Ultimate Gift Guide for the Kid With Asperger’s in Your Life
Fat Brain Toys - Aspergers
KQ, the SO is saying she and I are not exchanging gifts this year- that we should save the money for a trip we're planning. Is this a trap?
Yup - Lodge cast iron is good provided you're not Iceman ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by riser3
What Irul said. LOL!Quote:
Originally Posted by GiBo
I think everyone likes to unwrap something on Christmas day even if it's a silly something. Maybe an ornament? Some nice hand and/or body lotion? Salt scrub? A pretty votive?
At this point you'll probably have to pay for fast shipping but this site has some neat stuff esp. if she's into yoga:
Buddha Groove
http://news.entertainmentearth.com/w...BBP23814lg.jpgQuote:
Originally Posted by KQ
I see Kay Jewelers is still selling Jane Seymour's diamond-encrusted scrotums:
Attachment 219370
I always thought it looked like T&AQuote:
Originally Posted by Flyoverland Captive
Man I love that video. The best!Quote:
Originally Posted by Meadow Skipper
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-li.../3505985?snl=1