Archive for November, 2008

Dan: If you play guitar (any type of guitar) or a variety of other wooden stringed instruments then this post pertains to you!  I have been playing guitar since I was in the fifth grade and every year one of my cherished babies has to go to the guitar doctor to get a fix up.  There are many reasons for why a guitar becomes unplayable (change of seasons and wood warping, friends touching it without your permission, gauges of being too heavy, etc.) but there is one that most people do not know about.  How do you store your instrument?

For years I had my guitars hanging on vertical wall holders or standing on a vertical floor stand.  BAD!  The best way to keep your instrument is lying horizontally on its back as it places the least amount of strain on the neck.  Therefore, a great helpful gift recommendation for the musically inclined is a unique horizontal instrument stand.  This gift can be creative, make it from scratch!  The effort shows that you care for the person and will also provide you space saving storage and a better quality product.  There are horizontal guitar holders that you can find on sale, yet they may not be exactly what you are looking for.  SO PLEASE, musicians, listen to me and start storing you instruments horizontally flat instead of upright, you will save hundreds if not thousands of dollars of repair fees over the years.

Grace: I really love this gift idea, not only because it protects your instruments, but it’s also a nice way to show off your guitar collection.  Unlike with the violin, many people who play guitar happen to own more than one of the instrument, so this is a great way to keep the instrument in good condition and to show them off.  This is also a great follow-up gift if you gave someone a guitar or guitar lessons as their last gift.  It will not only encourage them to keep playing, but it also makes sure their guitar lasts them long enough.  There’s nothing more discouraging than having to play with a broken instrument.

Grace: Now that the holiday season is coming up, I’m sure many people are looking for beautiful and special pieces of jewelry to give as gifts.  I, personally, love silver jewelry because it goes with anything, unlike gold jewelry.  However, it tends to be a little boring sometimes and it’s difficult to find a piece that is unique and beautiful.

There is this great site, though, that sells silver handcrafted Peruvian jewelry, and I think any of their pieces would make the perfect holiday gift.  Not only are they made of 950 sterling silver, which is of better quality than the 925 sterling silver in the United States, but every piece is handcrafted and unique.  There aren’t hundreds of the same handcrafted necklace, so you’ll be sure to get a completely unique piece.

I actually happen to own this beautiful, Peruvian turquoise necklace, and I absolutely love it!  It’s simple, which means it can be worn with practically anything and for any occassion, but it also has a unique twist to it, which is the handcrafted detailing.  This necklace is the perfect gift for someone who can appreciate all the hard work that goes into handcrafting jewelry.

Dan: Even though I am not a fashionista, I must admit that the necklace you own is quite impressive.  It is more beautiful than anything I have seen in the grandiose department stores in a long time.  You are completely right when referring to their distinctive and non-repetitive pieces.  It seems like everywhere you go to find jewelry for yourself or as a gift here in the United States everything looks the same.  From a guy’s perspective, this aspect of the jewelry industry, creates a lot of friction when trying to buy a gift for someone.  The distinctiveness of their work really eases this tension.

Dan: I am really starting to feel the squeeze of college right before Thanksgiving as all my professors try to get as much done as possible before break.  Unfortunately, when you multiply that by five professors all trying to do the same thing the effect is not pleasant.  In due part, I find myself digging through papers, trying to find previous assignments and informational packets.  For the most part, I am quite organized in retrospect of previous semesters, but I am still having a difficult time.  I could really use an organizational system such as a filing cabinet to get my classes together.  For someone like me it would make a wonderful and useful gift.

I could make a drawer a single subject or class (or a file a single subject or class).  Then I can additionally add subsets to the courses such as assignments, notes, and exams.  For the time being I will make due, but if you know someone who has many things to keep track of and does not have the equipment to do it…this is the perfect gift.  It is proven that organization reduces stress and can enhance your productivity.  Many people question how important being organized really is.  It really is that important when it comes down to those rare moments when you need that certain item and cannot find it.

Grace: Dan, I completely agree with this gift.  I’ve always talked about getting some kind of desk or filing cabinet for school, but I’ve never gotten around to it and really regret not buying one.  Although many schools provide desks, there’s no such thing as too much organization!  The best thing about these set of drawers is that you can use them after college too, since they look so nice.  I would definitely recommend them as a gift!

Dan: Fall is here and it is by far my favorite season.  Not only because my birthday is in fall, and it was just Halloween, but because of the crisp air and the never ending supply of pumpkin pie at the dining halls.  We have been taking a break from writing because we have been so swamped with work recently, but we are back to grant you with some more great gift ideas!  My first idea is from a really wonderful Peruvian Jewelry website.  Fall is a great time to remind people how you appreciate them right before the big Christmas season flood.  This site is full of great jewelry for anyone and everyone.

What I have noticed is that their prices are extremely fair.  If you want to get someone, something that is great quality and treats your wallet well, you should really take a look at their silver bracelets.  One great bracelet is on sale!  It is made of leather cord and huayruro seeds and fits the fall season here on the east coast wonderfully.  Its bright red seeds catch any eye and is great for any outfit.  So, if you want to give someone special a nice reminder and gift of your appreciation this is one great way to go!

Grace: I’ve always found that shopping for organic jewelry is extremely difficult because it tends to look a little granola.  However, this huayruro seed bracelet is absolutely beautiful and it’s very unique; I’ve never found anything like this in the United States.  Also, it’s filled with symbolism!  In Peru, huayruro seeds bring good luck, which is why Peruvians always wear or carry them at all times.  The only thing better than a beautiful gift, is one that has special meaning to it.