Ask KQ Claus

[babybear]

Just offering another viewpoint on them
I'll get out of your thread tho since you seem to have it covered

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Pandora?

All your credibility... gone.

That's what I'd give my wife if I wanter a divorce.

[KQ]

Just offering another viewpoint on them
I'll get out of your thread tho since you seem to have it covered

No...no...no...no...no.... opposing views are welcome and necessary esp. for a guy who is venturing into an area he is not familiar with. I'm and certainly not the end-all-be-all on jewelry. I just wanted to say that she might like it even when others don't and to trust his gut.

I did also provide him with a link to Sundance which has artisan and unique jewelry in case I was way off base.

There is something for everyone.

Pandora?

All your credibility... gone.

That's what I'd give my wife if I wanter a divorce.

Sigh.... I know you're just jumping on to troll and <shrug> it was just a suggestion but I have to say I don't get why people have to bash the likes of other people. When you put other people's likes and desires down I think that reflects more on you than them. I mean, what's the purpose?

[babybear]

I did also provide him with a link to Sundance which has artisan and unique jewelry in case I was way off base.

There is something for everyone.

Love sundance jewelry- another good rec!

[RShea]

As BB said - women's sizing is screwed and I didn't even mention vanity sizing (the practice of putting a smaller number on clothes to appeal to women's vanity so what was an 8 is now marked a 6. Stupid).

I kind thought that sweater might be a good choice - nice thing about the sweaters too is that you can roll the sleeves easily.

I hear you on wanting to stay local and having personalized help but remember some of the web sites have chat now so you can "talk" to someone and more often than not it's an actual woman located in the US who has first-hand knowledge of the item. Also, as I said some stores just don't stock all their petites so you might get in-store help but still have to order (I used to have to do this for tall sizes at Ann Taylor). Talbots actually has a "red phone" in the store that you can just pick up and order right there.

I know of the Talbots Red Phone, I've actually used the Talbots red phone to phone their operators- but it was work related as part of their switch to new VOIP phone setup. May have to stop by and take a look at what they have in stock for ideas and colors.
I googled cardigan sweaters and like the LL Bean look and style much better (not 100% sure about the cotton though)- http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/51573...rValue_0=Stone

I did find a sweater for her last year that she does wear so maybe a different color or neutral that would go with other things....

[KQ]

I know of the Talbots Red Phone, I've actually used the Talbots red phone to phone their operators- but it was work related as part of their switch to new VOIP phone setup. May have to stop by and take a look at what they have in stock for ideas and colors.
I googled cardigan sweaters and like the LL Bean look and style much better (not 100% sure about the cotton though)- http://www.llbean.com/llb/shop/51573...rValue_0=Stone

Too funny about the red phone!

I have always been attracted to that particular LL Bean sweater. It is a boxy cut which might work if your mom isn't comfortable in fitted clothing.

I would suggest reading the reviews but honestly I find them more trouble than they are worth because people seem unable to stay on topic and fail to give adequate details about their build so you can accurately gauge what they are saying. If I read them I generally try to look for info about fabric weight and quality but even then you're never sure if someone didn't throw the thing in a conventional washer with a load of Velcro laden clothing.

I did find a sweater for her last year that she does wear so maybe a different color or neutral that would go with other things....

Maybe get her another one like the one you know she likes and something different. That way you've got a for sure thing and maybe a new favorite (or it can be returned without leaving her empty handed).

[I've seen black diamonds!]

Sigh.... I know you're just jumping on to troll and <shrug> it was just a suggestion but I have to say I don't get why people have to bash the likes of other people. When you put other people's likes and desires down I think that reflects more on you than them. I mean, what's the purpose?

First of all if I were trolling I'd come at you a lot harder than that. i'd say something like:

Pandora? great idea if you're married to her:


KQ, you are without question a good egg, a civilized asset to this often depraved community. But you've failed to recognize the snobbery of your audience. This is the land of Subaru vs Audi; Patagonia vs Arcteryx; DPS vs PMgear. This where dentists line up to buy $1000 touring bindings for skiing 10 days a year in the Poconos, and buy $500 "work" jackets for walking the dog. Even the bums round these parts have thousands of dollars worth of gear, meticulously researched and cherished, which serves not only as a tool of amusement, but as a badge of outdoor elitism. In fact the very act of venturing into the mountains convinces us we are a cut above- a little more rugged, a little more interesting, a little too unique to buy jewelry that is advertised during commercial breaks on Oprah and Good Morning America.

In summary, KQ, while you may be more pure of heart than I, my mocking this piece of advice just might save a man from spending christmas in the doghouse.

On the other hand if your wife is the kind of lady who says things like "I've never met a gay, but they seem nice," or, "Our town is pretty diverse. The pharmacist's name is Coen. He's not a Jew but he sounds Jewish. And he's a pharmacist, so..." please buy the bracelet and pray for the doomed likes of me.

Bah, Humbug!

[Bromontana]

ended up getting some high end precious metals for the lady, full rack as a reward for a year of good progress climbing.



and a hot plaid coffee heater

[muted]

^^^^ this is exactly why guys need to listen to KQ.

[Bromontana]

just keepin it fresh brah!

[KQ]

ended up getting some high end precious metals for the lady, full rack as a reward for a year of good progress climbing.



and a hot plaid coffee heater

Most excellent! Love the plaid coffee warmer.

^^^^ this is exactly why guys need to listen to KQ.

LOL! While I may or may not have some insight into what warms the female heart he knows his lady and appears to have taking care in his choice. Bravo!

[Bromontana]

thanks KQ, it's urban dirtbag chic.

[Art Shirk]

Hey KQ Claus, I thought I'd be set by now but alas I'm lost. Oddly enough, I've got the wife figured out and a few other people I was stumped on for awhile but I really need something for my sister in law and mother in law.

SIL - quirky, hippyish but not a dirtbag, just more of a free spirit. 37 years old with three kids in Ballard. Probably doesn't get enough time for herself. In years past I've scored with interesting books and art, clothes is a risky gamble. Any ideas?

MIL - immigrant, smart as hell, well read, no education, brutally candid, stylish, lives alone. I work around her house all the time to help out so labor is a great idea but has been tapped. Any thoughts here?

Wife stocking stuffers? I usually go with something warm (socks, gloves, sheepskin condoms), books, trinkets, candy, booze, coffee but wondering if anything else comes to front of mind.

Your service in this thread is amazing.

[KQ]

Hey KQ Claus, I thought I'd be set by now but alas I'm lost. Oddly enough, I've got the wife figured out and a few other people I was stumped on for awhile but I really need something for my sister in law and mother in law.

SIL - quirky, hippyish but not a dirtbag, just more of a free spirit. 37 years old with three kids in Ballard. Probably doesn't get enough time for herself. In years past I've scored with interesting books and art, clothes is a risky gamble. Any ideas?
.

Hmmmm how about a gift card for cooking classes at PCC? There isn't a Ballard location but there are two Greenlake locations that aren't too far away. It would get her out and give her time to herself while cooking with all natural ingredients. They even have gluten free classes. Maybe you could get her a fun apron to go with the gift card or a selection of spatulas (a cook can not have too many spatulas - I have a selection of different kinds).

Gift cards
Give a gift that an aspiring cook or a seasoned chef would love any time of year — a PCC gift card. Recipients choose what they like from our full menu of classes.

Purchase gift cards for classes and merchandise at any PCC checkstand or online.

PPC Cooks

Edit: Or if she really needs some alone time how about a gift certificate to Float Seattle? Hoo boy - I'd like to have a float tank in my house. Sounds wonderful! (just don't let her watch Altered States)

There is also Urban Float

MIL - immigrant, smart as hell, well read, no education, brutally candid, stylish, lives alone. I work around her house all the time to help out so labor is a great idea but has been tapped. Any thoughts here?

Wow - tough one here. Does she get out much? Does she like going to art galleries? Performing arts? Memberships or tickets to shows are always nice esp. if she's a person who doesn't want or need "things".

If she is into arts - likes a particular artist - many museum stores both online and local gift shops sell related items like scarves and replica art pieces.

Gardening? Maybe a lovely glass humming bird feeder or a bird house. Molbaks has some great stuff. (I'm sure there are great gardening stores in Ballard too).



Spying on the neighbors... er...... bird watching, checking out the mountains - a nice pair of binoculars and a guide book.

Does she love the holidays? Might she appreciate an artful ornament?

Wife stocking stuffers? I usually go with something warm (socks, gloves, sheepskin condoms), books, trinkets, candy, booze, coffee but wondering if anything else comes to front of mind.

Like the things you listed, in my house stocking stuffers are usually fun, silly things that still have practical application (see the W-S Avocado saver I bought above). There is always chocolate and generally soap (here in W2 we have an AMAZING choclatier and a wonderful soap maker) and the rest is purchased on a whim - if I see something in a store, under a certain price, that makes me think of a family member I pick it up. It could be anything from a book of crosswords to a natural bristle gardener's nail brush or smart phone accessories.

Speaking of electronic accessories have you been to a Staples lately? They have an interesting selection of small gifts perfect for stockings. I'm hoping to find a new optic mouse in mine as my current mouse is old and dying.

[KQ]

Thought a little more about stocking stuffers - here are some things I like:

Burt's Bee's Lip Balm - you can get multiple packs but even one tube is great esp. this time of year. Honey is my favorite:



Glass nail file. If you lady has natural nails these things are the bomb. Make quick work of hard nails and treats soft nails with kid gloves (won't cause splitting). Can be found at most drug stores/beauty supply stores (sometimes come in a cool assortment of colors). Make sure you are getting glass and not the opaque stone looking files - they suck:



While we are on the subject of nails - if she likes to polish her nails (hands or toes) herself this time of year you can find mini gift collections. OPI is a good brand choice:




Getting back to the outdoor theme that we have here at TGR there is always things like zipper thermometer and compass pulls (or a combo):




Maybe a holiday themed Nalgene bottle?



or a travel bottle kit:




On the subject of travel how about a leather passport cover:




Key chains can be fun and personal. This one is "smart" and pretty cool - lots of colors and options for add-ons:



I've used this one several times - Sunglass hut makes a gift pack of lens cleaner with a cloth. This stuff is great. Comes in an assortment of colors (the cloth):

[Art Shirk]

Holy hell, some great thoughtful stuff in there. I love the Float idea especially. Kinda trippy, interesting, relaxing. Thanks KQ Claus!

[KQ]

Holy hell, some great thoughtful stuff in there. I love the Float idea especially. Kinda trippy, interesting, relaxing. Thanks KQ Claus!

LOL!!! Saw a report on the news the other night about all the new float places popping up and I thought it sounded pretty cool. Not just good for your mind but all those minerals are good for aching muscles too.

BTW - you're in DT Seattle, you should wander down to the Market and check out the vendors in the north stalls, they have cool little things from dried herbs, honey to fused glass. I got a cool fused glass window hanging thing there that has an owl with a rising moon.

Edit: I'm going to have to remember that float thing for next year. I've got a GF in Woodinville that would really like that.

[skiballs]

Chrome or stainless for the Stripper pole?

[KQ]

Chrome or stainless for the Stripper pole?

Pink!

[skiballs]

^thanks, do you think there might be issues with clashing colors?

[KQ]

^thanks, do you think there might be issues with clashing colors?

pink goes with everything

[RShea]

Speaking of electronic accessories have you been to a Staples lately? They have an interesting selection of small gifts perfect for stockings. I'm hoping to find a new optic mouse in mine as my current mouse is old and dying.

I will help you out KQ- as I was just walking around Staples last night when you posted this...

Staples had both Microsoft and Logitech wireless mice on sale ($10 to $25 depending). You may want to wrap your hand around a few models as everyone has a particular size they like better than others. Also some like the extra side buttons, others just find them annoying and want to disable them because they hit them by accident. Most of course are wireless, so they take batteries. Get one that either has longer battery life (mentioned on the package of the Logitech as 12 months, 18 months, estimated between replacement, etc). Also you can be even more environmentally friendly and forgo the standard disposable Alkalines get a 4 pack of the rechargeable batteries so you are able to pull them out and swap in new set that is charged when they do die.

I found a nice Microsoft mouse back on the clearance table and of course your mileage may vary as to if your location has any clearanced items. (It was only a few dollars off the similar models not in the clearance priced bin.)

[MakersTeleMark]

MIL - immigrant, smart as hell, well read, no education, brutally candid, stylish, lives alone. I work around her house all the time to help out so labor is a great idea but has been tapped. Any thoughts here?

If I had the cash: http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/69051.do

[KQ]

I will help you out KQ- as I was just walking around Staples last night when you posted this...

Staples had both Microsoft and Logitech wireless mice on sale ($10 to $25 depending). You may want to wrap your hand around a few models as everyone has a particular size they like better than others. Also some like the extra side buttons, others just find them annoying and want to disable them because they hit them by accident. Most of course are wireless, so they take batteries. Get one that either has longer battery life (mentioned on the package of the Logitech as 12 months, 18 months, estimated between replacement, etc). Also you can be even more environmentally friendly and forgo the standard disposable Alkalines get a 4 pack of the rechargeable batteries so you are able to pull them out and swap in new set that is charged when they do die.

I found a nice Microsoft mouse back on the clearance table and of course your mileage may vary as to if your location has any clearanced items. (It was only a few dollars off the similar models not in the clearance priced bin.)

So you'll be coming down my chimney Christmas night?

Badda-Bing!

If I had the cash: http://www.sundancecatalog.com/product/69051.do

Wow - you've got good taste. Love their stuff but yeah, some of it is off the charts.

[MakersTeleMark]

^^^ for your resident sparkle pony.