This solid oak, hand-carved side table from Brocade home ($99, originally $299) has a rugged sensibility that makes me think it might have been found in the abbey from Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose. There's something both medieval and simplified about it, but with its small embellishments of carved detail, it stands out, much in the same way that it might if it were found in that book's labyrinthine medieval library. Whether you associate this table with Eco's novel or not, you will have to agree that this is a fantastic deal for a pretty table, yes? And the perfect place to put that novel, if you were so inclined.

Recently, I asked you to tell me about your view. Many of you responded with descriptions, and a few of you responded by posting photos in my Su Casa group.
Steen posted this lovely pic of her nighttime view, saying, "I don't have too many pictures of our view but the house we're renting right now backs up to a conservation area. It's quite lovely, despite the influx of mosquitoes due to the wetlands. It's nice to hear the frogs and crickets at night or watch the fireflies play out in the thick foliage. Sandhill cranes and other assorted birds fly around and there's even a big family of rabbits in the drier part of the conservation area."

Show off all of your home views, both interior and exterior, in my group on TeamSugar called Su Casa, where readers can share snapshots and stories related to home decorating, crafts, organizing, and gardening.

A Su Casa post could be anything from a photo of a loved one's home to a tiny nook you're tickled by. Think of it as a Look Book for home style. If I see something I like in Su Casa, I might feature it on CasaSugar, so don't be surprised if you get an email from me!


To learn how to join and post in the group, read more

Apparently talent runs in the family, as Salma Hayek's brother Sami just launched an exclusive “Sami Hayek for Target” collection, full of cool, colorful, and well-designed products. The collection features home furnishings and accessories that blend contemporary chic with native Mexican culture. The multifunctional pieces are ideal for small spaces and are designed with minimal packaging that’s made to be reused or recycled. The collection includes bedding, lamps, clocks, and unique home-organizing accessories.

I love that the new collection tries to keep things eco by using reusable packaging, and many of the home accessories are just darn cute. The collection ranges in price from 99 cents for a notebook to $149.99 for an office desk, and are just now available at Target. Keep an eye out and tell me what you think!

Palecek established the National Geographic Home Collection to celebrate authentic designs of artisan traditions and their countries of origin. What's even better is that net proceeds from the National Geographic Home Collection go to the World Cultures Fund, created to support the work of archaeologists, cultural anthropologists, and artists. Again, awesome.

Even though I definitely think that this collection is a cool idea, the styling for this photo is a little over the top. Although I realize that the intent was to highlight as many of the collection's products as possible, the overall effect is a jumbled, world-traveler-with-no-editing-ability mess. Am I just being harsh, or do you, too, find the overall effect a little unsettling?

If you're the type of gal who destroys even those hard-to-kill houseplants, consider trading in your dying snake plants for the Outside In wall graphic ($30). Made from cut vinyl with a matte surface finish, this graphic can be easily applied to walls, windows, mirrors, and other smooth, clean surfaces. The graphic is self-adhesive and easily removable. Just choose your color and design, and you're well on the way to prettying your pad with plants guaranteed not to keel over due to your gardening neglect.