Ask KQ Claus

[KQ]

Stuff looks cozy. We go with flannel sheets and two Hudson Bay wool blankets. Didn't need any Xmas help this year as I was given a list. The 7 y o grand kid was stoked that Santa could find the same pitching wedge grandma had lost. So now I have 12 days until her birthday that ends in an 0. She mentioned an interest in a Kimono but she's been on opiates from a foot operation and found out yesterday that she needs to wear her brace for 4 more weeks will be needing me to drive her around. I got her snow shoes last year if that helps.

Sounds like she could use some reflexology. When I crushed my tibia plateau and was laid up for 2 months reflexology really helped get my lymphatics back in order and relieved the ache in my leg.

Check with your local spas. Hopefully one will offer the service.

Other than that, if she can't wear a regular shoe maybe a nice pair of Uggs to keep her toes warm while you're driving her around.

Of course you could forget the foot and go for something sparkly since it sounds like a big b- day. Or.... maybe the promise of a nice vacation on she's healed - something to look forward to.... a light at the end of the tunnel as it were.

[wooley12]

Thanks, spa is always good. She's meeting hers sisters in Vegas when she heals. Her big toe knuckle was carved and straightened with metal added. I'll keep you posted if I see another direction but I like the Kimono. And a party.

[2nd mate]

10 Year anniversary coming late this month. She wears very little makeup, hates stuff that isn't natural for body care, makes most of her own stuff except for that beer shampoo we get(zer gut?), loves wine, meat and cheese and rugby(Rugby World subscription for stocking stuffer) and I think she just blew out here knee yesterday on the mountian. I am not home and wont be until late February. I can ship to my parents though and would like to have something to accompany the flowers she will be getting then. I have tried hard to do the traditional anniversary presents, with a twist, most of the last 9 years. For example instead of paper I got her a Cuckoo clock in honor of her heritage and out honeymoon. I got her a diamond anchor a few years ago so have I played out the traditional 10 year present??? She has expressed interest numerous times about tying flies but I think I will save that for her bday. thanks

[oftpiste]

^^^Whole cured ham.

[CountryFunk]

I've got to share this - ordered one of these little cross-body purses for my Mom who uses one of those rolly-walker things. Idea is she doesn't have to fumble with a handbag. Should fit everything she need - cell phone, keys, CCs. She lives in a retirement complex with shuttle buses and what not so she doesn't need to carry much when they take her to the store etc.

I got her the owl which is no longer available but there are many other cute ones. They also have wristlets (clutch) and purses.




Chala Crossbody Cell Phone Purse - Women PU Leather Multicolor Handbag with Adjustable Strap

These were a big hit with my teen nieces - thanks for your help KQ!

[oftpiste]

Put a bird on it!

[KQ]

Thanks, spa is always good. She's meeting hers sisters in Vegas when she heals. Her big toe knuckle was carved and straightened with metal added. I'll keep you posted if I see another direction but I like the Kimono. And a party.

She sounds like a lucky lady! I was going to suggest something like this to help her in her foot recovery:

Bilt Rite MAS025 Heated Booties Hot Cold Therapy

or this:

Spa Booties with Lavender Aromatherapy


But it sounds like she's covered. The Reflexology really is wonderful. I did a series of them through out my rehab.

Here's something that could be fun for her Vegas trip - call ahead and have something special left in the room for her like flowers, chocolates, champagne or if you're really daring ... a stripper

[KQ]

10 Year anniversary coming late this month. She wears very little makeup, hates stuff that isn't natural for body care, makes most of her own stuff except for that beer shampoo we get(zer gut?), loves wine, meat and cheese and rugby(Rugby World subscription for stocking stuffer) and I think she just blew out here knee yesterday on the mountian. I am not home and wont be until late February. I can ship to my parents though and would like to have something to accompany the flowers she will be getting then. I have tried hard to do the traditional anniversary presents, with a twist, most of the last 9 years. For example instead of paper I got her a Cuckoo clock in honor of her heritage and out honeymoon. I got her a diamond anchor a few years ago so have I played out the traditional 10 year present??? She has expressed interest numerous times about tying flies but I think I will save that for her bday. thanks

Where are you? Will you be going by stores? What kind of stores? I would suggest Origins products as they are natural and great smelling but you said she makes her own but maybe with a blown out knee she'd appreciate something ready-made?

Does she have a essential oil atomizer? Might be nice. I really like mine - this is the model I have but there are soooooooo many:

InnoGear Aromatherapy Essential Oil Diffuser Wood Grain Ultrasonic Cool Mist Diffusers with 7 Color LED Lights Waterless Auto Shut-Off, 200 mL

What about smudging? Lots here - books, kits, etc:

The Healing Power of Smudging: Cleansing Rituals to Purify Your Home, Attract Positive Energy and Bring Peace into Your Life

Smudging Kit - 3 California White Sage Smudging Wands (Salvia Apiana) with Beautiful Natural 5 in - 6 in Abalone Shell, Kit Includes Natural Wooden Cobra Tripod Stand - Sage Sticks are 4" in length


Hey... when you decide on the fly tying show her this too - an interesting piece on a lady fly tyer that ran in our local paper some time back.:

Montana woman immigrated from Germany, tied world-famous trout flies for decades

This is the Royal Wulff that the Montana woman tied for Sandra Day O'Connor:








The article mentions a couple books about lady fly tyers that she might be interested in:

Carrie G. Stevens: Maker of Rangeley Favorite Trout and Salmon Flies
Megan Boyd: The story of a salmon flydresser

[wooley12]

You never fail to inspire. A stripper would be fun. Especially if he would handle their luggage and make bar runs for them. I should post a job opening over in the Sugar Momma thread. When the 3 girls went on a casino weekend to Jersey we surprised them with a gold Caddy when they went to get their rental car.

[KQ]

These were a big hit with my teen nieces - thanks for your help KQ!

Yay! They really are cute.

You never fail to inspire. A stripper would be fun. Especially if he would handle their luggage and make bar runs for them. I should post a job opening over in the Sugar Momma thread. When the 3 girls went on a casino weekend to Jersey we surprised them with a gold Caddy when they went to get their rental car.

You do know how to have fun!

[2nd mate]

Where are you? Will you be going by stores? What kind of stores? [/URL]

I am on a ship floating in Diego Garcia. The store here is not good for much else other than beer, the rare decent red, and shit ramen. I am shopping local stores online and via phone for perhaps some vintage jewelry. My dad can pickup and deliver.

We are pretty dialed in with essential oils, I am even taking a diffuser to work with me, but I am very intrigued with the smudging. I have seen some around the house from time to time but I will def grab a book and some items. With 2 kids(6 and 9) and full time work she needs all the positive vibes and peace she can get. Thank you very much for this idea as well as others. You really nailed it. She will be all about Orgins products. So much great stuff to go with.

[riser4]

So the answer to the $200 Sears shopping spree question was a $99 DeWalt cordless drill and a $99 Craftsman corded electric chainsaw. The jury is still out on the wisdom in purchasing the latter item. Heck, it was mad money and Sears doesn't stock hookers or blow. We couldn't decide what to send $300 on and then we got distracted so we didn't use the $35 off of $300 coupon. We need new sheets however Sears didn't have any we wanted that would also fit our new mattress. I missed the last DeWalt 4 in 1 drill/saw/sawzall/worklight combo for $249 that was available online. I had it in my cart and then 12 hours later it was gone. The nearest and last one in a store was a two and half hour drive. They do have an $89 pillow I want, however, I'll probably wait until they go out of business for that. The drill is definitely a win because now my wife has two of them to misplace. Although maybe I should lock one in the gun cabinet so I know where it is.

[KQ]

perhaps some vintage jewelry. :

Not vintage jewelry but unique - I've posted this site a couple times and it's worth repeating. Neat stuff with a global twist. I picked up several items for gifts this year and was very pleased.

Novica

So the answer to the $200 Sears shopping spree question was a $99 DeWalt cordless drill and a $99 Craftsman corded electric chainsaw. The jury is still out on the wisdom in purchasing the latter item. Heck, it was mad money and Sears doesn't stock hookers or blow. We couldn't decide what to send $300 on and then we got distracted so we didn't use the $35 off of $300 coupon. We need new sheets however Sears didn't have any we wanted that would also fit our new mattress. I missed the last DeWalt 4 in 1 drill/saw/sawzall/worklight combo for $249 that was available online. I had it in my cart and then 12 hours later it was gone. The nearest and last one in a store was a two and half hour drive. They do have an $89 pillow I want, however, I'll probably wait until they go out of business for that. The drill is definitely a win because now my wife has two of them to misplace. Although maybe I should lock one in the gun cabinet so I know where it is.

Well there you go! Sears (through Kmart) carry some great sheets by Jaclyn Smith that you might give a try. I have several sets and LOVE them.

[riser4]

Well there you go! Sears (through Kmart) carry some great sheets by Jaclyn Smith that you might give a try. I have several sets and LOVE them.

Those look great except for one thing. They don't say how thicc of a mattress they fit. We just got a Beautyrest Platinum series plush top. Being stated to fit an 18" mattress is the shallowest that is practical for a secure fit. 20" would be better.

[east or bust]

glass top stoves... do I have a defective unit or are these things notorious for burning the fuck out of everything?

[MakersTeleMark]

Glass is ass, get gas.

[iceman]

glass top stoves... do I have a defective unit or are these things notorious for burning the fuck out of everything?

i'm not on the glass top stove marketing council or anything but there's 10's of millions of those things out there that seem to work okay, is operator error a possibility here?

[cravenmorhead]

Re Glass Stoves: This.

[KQ]

Re Glass Stoves: This.

LOL!

Is it induction or ceramic glass? Induction is supposed to be a superior way to cook saving energy and more efficiently heating your cookware. I've only cooked on one once so nothing to add from personal experience.

[neufox47]

glass top stoves... do I have a defective unit or are these things notorious for burning the fuck out of everything?

The low end ones are as the Instagram post indicate. I have a high end European model and it can warm a pot of coffee so that it will never boil at 1, and sear the shit out of a steak to a deep brown color in 90s at 10. To cook a steak on it I typically drop the heat from 10 to 7 as soon as I put the steak on it.

[KQ]

The low end ones are as the Instagram post indicate. I have a high end European model and it can warm a pot of coffee so that it will never boil at 1, and sear the shit out of a steak to a deep brown color in 90s at 10. To cook a steak on it I typically drop the heat from 10 to 7 as soon as I put the steak on it.

"Low end" is probably ceramic glass not induction which is what it sounds like you have.

Ceramic vs Induction Cooktops

[plugboots]

i'm not on the glass top stove marketing council or anything but there's 10's of millions of those things out there that seem to work okay, is operator error a possibility here?

Definitely operator error. I have had a glass top for the last 4 years, works fine. We have an induction as well, which is indeed superior.

[east or bust]

Definitely not induction. It’s just amazing that it has a simmer setting the barely generates enough heat to keep anything luke warm, then at setting 2 it is scorching pasta sauce.




Then again this is always an option..

[RShea]

So KQ- looking for some idea for an employee of one of my better customers. She is 9 months pregnant with twins no less. In the spring I missed the office diaper party. So looking for a little something for her as a new Mom (First timer) but have no idea (will be talking to her good friend in the office too.

Only thing so far is a Gift card of course comes to mind, but for where/what??

[KQ]

So KQ- looking for some idea for an employee of one of my better customers. She is 9 months pregnant with twins no less. In the spring I missed the office diaper party. So looking for a little something for her as a new Mom (First timer) but have no idea (will be talking to her good friend in the office too.

Only thing so far is a Gift card of course comes to mind, but for where/what??

Def. talk to her friend - she can give you the inside scoop on what she has already rec'd and might need but beyond that I vote for a GC to a spa for a foot massage!

I'm sure she's not seen her feet in months and they are probably barking up a storm. Make sure it's a quality spa that will give here the full-meal-deal. The one in Seattle I used to go to was fab - about an hour or more for a pedi that started with herbal tea and a foot soak then you were escorted into a quiet room where you got on a table and laid down for your pedi which included a foot and leg massage.

You might include polish but I know some women avoid it when they are pregnant/nursing due to concerns over the chemicals. They do make polish that are formaldehyde and toluene free but not all spas carry them.

If you want to go with something for the babies you could wait until they are born then get something personalized with names and DOB. Check out some of these items: https://www.babble.com/baby-showers/...after-arrival/

Pottery Barn Kids monograms a lot of their items.

Uncommon Goods has some neat stuff too.

Here's another thought - books for her to read to the babies. I know they are just infants but they will enjoy hearing her voice and it's such a wonderful thing to read to your children. My mother read to us all the time. It was so special. When we were really young we loved to have her read Dr. Seuss. "Fox in Socks" was a favorite as she would get all tongue tied and we'd laugh and laugh. When we got older she would read novels to us - an installment every night. Sigh... those were the days... the four of us all on her bed listening to her read and imagining the scenes in our heads.

Do they celebrate Christmas? Maybe you could get a fancy illustrated version of "The Night Before Christmas" that could turn into a family keepsake (we had one but it has long since been lost. I would give anything to have it back). This woman, Jan Brett, does wonderful illustrations in her books.


Oh oh oh... and since this is the "Ask KQ Claus" thread maybe you could get an ornament commemorating their birth - I really LOVE the ornaments made by this company out of McKenzie Pass Oregon: Old World Christmas - here is the page for baby things