tigermilk's Profile

we had the same thing too -- leftover imitation crab in the freezer left from a relative.

we made a scrambled egg dish inspired by spanish revueltos -- beat eggs, put in skillet over low heat and tossed in chopped crabmeat and some frozen peas with S&P, stirred around until just cooked through. was a quick and very easy addition to dinner.

Agree with books as a great alternative. Also, if you getting something not on the registry, it's a good idea to include a gift receipt, just in case.

Other suggestions:
- really nice picture frames
- music! this may depend on how well you know the parents and are familiar with their tastes, but I got two different families some childrens' CDs (for example, Mozart for Mothers to Be and Elizabeth Mitchell) and they enjoyed them for a while
- a blanket is also a good idea -- our 3 year old son still loves one that was given as a gift
- gift certificate to local photographer is also a great idea

Also, I agree that if it's something they would only really have use for one of (eg a mobile) I wouldn't get one in case, they already have one.

Good luck!

the mother of one of my childhood friends is norwegian and would make krumkake around christmas -- beautiful, delicious cookies made on a waffle and shaped into cones -- we'd fill them with whipped cream before gobbling them up. mm!

http://scandinavianfood.about.com/od/cookierecipes/r/krumkake.htm

another year, i was inspired by another friend's mom to make rainbow cookies. time- and labor-intensive, but very worth it.

http://smittenkitchen.com/2008/12/seven-layer-cookies/

we have a bdi avion cabinet, which is great because it has glass on the doors that allow us to use remote controls, so all our components and media boxes are always nicely hidden away, even in use.

an example:
http://www.bdiusa.com/theater/avion_2_8929.shtml

lamb, persimmon.

learned to tolerate goat cheese.
will eat raisins if it's too hard to pick them out of whatever they're in.

i am not a design expert by any means, but i agree that some warm colors might look really nice. i really like deep burnt orange colors and they would contrast with the chair (if you decide to keep it) and blue vases. i like the wall color (what paint color is it?) and the rug you have chosen already.

how about this for some patterned curtains, in the Persimmon color?

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/Linens-Fabrics/Panels-Draperies/Window-Treatments/Firenze-Embroidered-Panel/p/11796?path=1%2C2%2C1465%2C1513%2C2223&iProductID=11796

i also like the pottery barn curtains above, it just depends on what kind of look/scheme you are going for.

hilarious! and i love the first picture.

fiddleheads!