Gifts for the Future In-Laws

Dear H,
I'm going to visit my boyfriend's parents for the first time. I've met them before, but this will be the first time I'm staying at their house, so I'd like to bring them a gift. I'm flying across the country, so it needs to be something easily transportable (and non-perishable, of course). Any ideas for a thoughtful, appropriate gift?

Thanks,

Meet the Parents

Meet,

Ahhh, the hospitality gift for the significant other's folks; probably the trickiest of presents to figure out.  You could bring wine, but they may not be drinkers.  You could bring flowers or other plantlife, but there may be an allergy. Tchotchkes?? Always a no-no.

Here are a few non-perishable, easily transportable suggestions for you:

1.)  A reusable tote bag.

No gift is better than a useful gift (see the monogrammed branding iron I mentioned in an earlier post).  Most Baby Boomers are now going green and bringing reusable totes for their errands.  You can pick one up at grocery stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, and most other home stores are selling clever versions as well.  Or, try a local museum or landmark in your city--chances are they will have totes in their gift shops as well.   One with a local or personal touch will help remind the future in-laws of your thoughtfulness. Even if the parents are not yet using ecofriendly shopping totes, this will show them that you care about the environment (and by association, their son). You can even personalize the gift a bit by throwing a few of your favorite recipes or some clever kitchen gadgets into the tote bag. 

2.) A framed picture of you and your boyfriend.

This may be the ultimate "duh" idea, but believe me, it's a parent-pleaser.  Is it unique?  Not particularly. Is it stylish? Sure, if you pick a good frame.  However, I'm willing to bet your boyfriend has not given or shown his parents any pictures of you two, much less one that is printed out and framed.  His father may not care much for the sentiment, but you will forever be in his mother's graces.  (Bonus points if you can get a picture with the parents in it from a time you previously met them)

3.) A special candy or chocolate.

"Edible" is another classification of host/hostess gift that never fails.  A nice set of candies or chocolates will travel well and are non-perishable.  Is there a local confectioner that is particularly well-known? Or, channel your inner Martha Stweart and try making your own candy.  Keep in mind that the candy should be from a specialty shop or homemade by you--Hershey's Kisses won't cut it here. 

(A note about edible goods:  If there is a local shop that is well-known regionally or nationally for their food, perishable or not, they are usually willing to ship their products.  This may be a great option if there is something local to you that you'd like to share with the parents that you can't bring on the plane.)

I've shared with you three options that a practical, thoughtful, and/or edible.  Hopefully, if you don't use these, they inspire another great idea!

Good Luck,

H*

Readers, how have you gotten in the parents' good graces? Leave a comment.

*Ask A Question Now*

Email ask.h.blog@gmail.com

Submit your Questions!!

Readers, I need your questions!  Submit them now at ask.h.blog@gmail.com. 

And don't forget to follow me on Twitter @AskHToday

Until next week...

Beachy Keen Cover-ups

Dear H,

I am so excited for my beach vacation this month, but my skin doesn't take well to the sun. Can you give me some guidance for covering up head-to-toe? Emphasis on style, please; I don't want to be labelled the beach freak.

Thanks!

Shade Seeker

Shade,

While I ascribe to the minimal-SPF/maximum-skin-exposure philosophy in summer, I understand that not everyone enjoys the beach for the sun. You can still enjoy the warm sand on your feet, soothing sound of the waves...boy, do I wish I was at the beach.

Regardless, here are some stylish ways for covering up and avoiding the burn, but still remaining beach-trendy.

Hat: Raffia Wide-Brim Hat, from Proper Topper, $70

I love the drama of the pattern in this hat, and the raffia gives it structure to standup to beach breezes while still allowing your head to breathe. It's pricey, but a good investment, and will certainly be a showstopper. For a cheaper option, Proper Topper has an array of beach-specific headwear for less than $70 as well.

Sunglasses: Large White Round Sunglasses, at Target, $16.99

A hat with that drama needs a pair of equally Hollywood-worthy shades. These white shades (from Target no less) are a steal and totally beach-appropriate. They are large enough to shade you from the sun, but the white frame lightens them up for the beach. And for the truly sun-sensitive, they have maximum UV protection, all for just under $17.

Coverup: Solid Halter Maxi Dress, from Victoria's Secret, $95

A solid swimsuit and cover-up in an earthy tone would really complement the statement made by the hat and sunglasses. You are lucky that full length maxi dresses are in style, which will give your legs full coverage. Try this cover-up from Victoria's Secret which comes in a variety of beachy, earthy tones: I like seagrass.

If you are more concerned about arm protection, try a caftan style cover-up, or invest in a large, sturdy beach unbrella.

Note that a good heavy duty sunscreen is necessary no matter how covered up you may be, but as my expertise in that area does not go beyond olive oil, check out Real Simple's road test of sunscreens for some good suggestions for slathering some on.

And if all else fails, you can always dig yourself into the sand!

To endless summer,

H*

Readers, how do you stand up to the sun? Leave a comment.

*Ask A Question Now*

Email ask.h.blog@gmail.com

Veggie-Friendly BBQ Recipes

Dear H,

This 4th of July, I’ve been invited to a 100% meat-themed barbeque. The only problem: I’m a vegetarian! Any ideas for some veggie-friendly dishes I can bring to throw on the grill and share with the group?

Thanks!
Boneless BBQer


Boneless,

Ahh, the perpetual dilemma of the vegetarian in summer. You could take the easy route and just bring some frozen veggie burgers to slap on the coals, but it is highly unlikely you’ll have success sharing, as they are not nearly as delicious as the all-mighty beef burger.

Here are two recipes you can make for yourself—one for sharing, and one just for you!

For Sharing: Edamame Succotash

So, I won’t beat around the bush—this recipe is straight from Whole Foods. But it is such a update on traditional lima bean-based succotash (not tasty), I had to try it for myself. Luckily, Whole Foods shares its recipe, which I’ve shared with you below. My twist: The mix is missing some crunch, so I would add in some crushed walnuts, candied pecans, or slivered almonds.

Ingredients
2 (4 ounce) packages gourmet mushroom blend, coarsely chopped
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt, to taste
Ground pepper, to taste
1 (16 ounce) package Edamame soy beans, thawed
2 cups fresh or frozen corn kernels, thawed
1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup roasted red peppers, diced
Dressing
2 tablespoons Thai sweet red chili sauce
1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon Thai red curry paste
2 tablespoons mirin
1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
Method
Sauté mushrooms over medium-high heat in olive oil with salt and pepper for 7 to 8 minutes or until mushrooms give up their liquid. Place edamame and corn in a large serving bowl. Add hot cooked mushrooms, cranberries and peppers. Make dressing by whisking together Thai sweet red chili sauce, Thai red curry paste, mirin, and toasted seame oil. Gently toss together and adjust seasoning to taste.


Not For Sharing: Ellie’s Super-Easy Tofu Kabobs

My vegetarian friend Ellie made these last night along with some chicken kabobs, and they were a hit….for her. While everyone else reached for the chicken, she chomped on her own teriyaki-flavored tofu feast. These kabobs are advantageous because a.) they are delicious, and b.) no non-vegetarians would spring for the tofu, even if it does look delicious (I know from experience).

Here is the recipe, straight from the source:


Ingredients
Tofu (get extra firm or it will fall apart!)
Rainbow peppers (green orange yellow red)
Mushrooms (best are whole baby bellas/criminis. Sliced tend to fall apart)
Red onion
Pineapple
Your favorite bottled teriyaki marinade
Method
Brush the tofu and peppers in the marinade. The mushrooms could soak in it for a little while before grilling, but most veggies shouldn’t in general marinate for very long. Assemble the kabobs by alternating ingredients, just don’t put the yellow peppers next to the pineapple! Spray the grill first, or the tofu will stick. Cook for 10 minutes on each side, or until the veggies appear done.

Bon Appetit!
H*




Readers, any other veggie friendly options you'd recommend? Leave a comment.
*Ask A Question Now*
Email ask.h.blog@gmail.com