I don’t know what to get my mom (turning 69, lives very far away from me) for her birthday. Does anyone have, like, a charcuterie-type gift basket that they like for more like, say, $75 than $150? She also likes red wine but it’s hard to have that delivered. and I’m not super knowledgeable. She’s not as into desserts and I have done sweets before so looking for something different.
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Eh, but there is absolutely no business reason why I need a car. Work will pay for my flight and transportation to/from my hotel. The hotel is more expensive because it’s right downtown and walking distance to the conference. The only reason I want my own wheels is to do things like visit my old apartment building and the bookstore I used to work at and that kind of stuff when I’m not working. So I’d really consider it a personal expense.
I could also price out the cost of a rental car + a hotel further away + parking and see if that would make sense. Note: this is not a major metropolitan area. When I’m talking about “further away” I mean like a 10-15 minute drive.
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Zipcar works great!
The only downside is that it charges by time, not mileage. So every hour that the car is sitting there parked, it is racking up fees.
And sometimes it got stressful trying to get the car back in time due to traffic. I had to overestimate the length of the reservation just in case the expressway turned into a 2 hour long gridlock.
Other than that, no complaints. Insurance and gas is included which is nice.
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They still should expect to cover the costs of you having a semblance of your normal life while you don’t have access to your personal vehicle on their behalf. I know you work for a nonprofit; I’ve been there, too. Just reminding you that, if you go without or pay for it yourself, you’re doing them a favor.
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Thanks - that’s good to hear!
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What sort of condiments should someone have on hand if they’re hosting a bbq and literally don’t own any condiments except for tiny mayo?
Ketchup, mustard, bbq sauce?
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Maybe not considered a condiment but pickles!
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Yes. And hot sauce.
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@chavala Oh nooo I hate pickles and the smell of pickles, good suggestion but I am going pickle-free. Unless someone else brings pickles. Which is FINE.
@IDoMe Haha I even thought of hot sauce but I know at least one guest always brings her own, and I can’t do hot sauce, but whatever I’ll get some.
Thanks! Still open to other suggestions of condiments/sides that a guest probably won’t bring.
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I would just expect ketchup and mustard (yellow, not Dijon). Some folks might have some sliced or diced onions, but I think the 2 would be the biggies.
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What food is being barbecued? For hot dogs/hamburgers the classics are ketchup mustard and relish - you could do a different relish instead of pickle relish.
But if you’re doing corn and portobellos, maybe some salt and butter.
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I used Framebridge once years ago for a watercolor my aunt did on delicate paper. They did a beautiful job and it was fast and easy. I think it was about $100 for a 2x3’ piece. I haven’t used it again because didn’t quite seem worth the $ for everyday art (eg photos where the original isn’t as precious).
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I can recommend OneHope for wine delivery - they do nice baskets and also donate to a cause.
Stonewall Kitchen does good baskets, and of course Harry and David.
Oh - and Zingerman’s in Ann Arbor delivers delicious bread and desserts and olive oil…
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My cat has been vomiting sometimes after drinking water for a few days now, it is usually just clear with a little sticky goo in it. Sometimes it is a couple of times a day. She does not seem to be drinking more than normal. She has rarely drank from her water bowl even though it is always clean. She wants the bathroom faucet turned on a few times a day and that has always been the majority of her drinking. She has also had some diarrhea in her litter box. She was recently on antibiotics for 9 days and has been done with them for about 9 days now. This all started after she finished the medicine. I have not changed her food at all. She is otherwise happy and acting like her normal bossy self.
Do I need to take her to the vet? Or give it more time?
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I would want to rule out intestinal blockage based on those symptoms. I would call.
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Just to close the loop, I ordered a gift box from them with a bottle of cab sauv and some li’l snacks. She was just half-heartedly griping about how expensive it is that my sister and niece are always dropping by for a glass of wine (not that she would have it any other way, of course). I can be with them in spirit!
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I need another gift recommendation! My parents’ birthdays are 11 days apart!
I hear my dad is very into FRUIT so I want to send him a really nice fruit basket or something along those lines. One time I personally received on that contained a champagne mango, for instance. Any suggestions?
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I only know of Harry and David and Edible Arrangements. Both have been great when I’ve had them.
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Same - though I don’t have much real experience with them. You might find deals at Costco (online).
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Home decorating question! I am now the proud owner of two Ikea Tarva nightstands. 
A while ago I bought some dark green paint in the same color family as the bedspread in anticipation of wanting to paint them.
Would you paint them totally green? Keep some of it pine? Paint some of it white (like the inside shelf and maybe angled white/green legs?
Would you paint both the same way?
Photo for reference (the bed and bedstand table will eventually be moved a few inches farther away from the chair when I have other adults who can help me lift)
ETA: here are some inspiration photos but I’m not going to be cutting any of the legs/top to give it cleaner lines, only painting is in scope lol
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