CasaSugar

How-To: Make Quick and Easy Apple Votives

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 14:00:49 -0700

One of my favorite Fall traditions growing up was picking apples on Columbus Day weekend. After piling into the car, my cousins and I would head up to an orchard nearby and pick more bushels of the fruit than we knew what to do with. Of course, apple pies were the obvious choice, but sometimes you can have too much of a good thing. So, we had to get creative with our bushels.

One simple way we'd use up our inventory was by transforming the apples into votive holders. Just trace the circumference of a votive onto an apple, and cut out the shape with a utility knife to the votive's height. You can actually buy a little gadget called a Candle Carver ($11.99) to simplify the process, if you want. I love the way these votives bring a seasonal warmth to the house. If you like, you can even float them in a galvanized bucket of water as shown here. Pretty cute, huh?
Source

Casa Quickie: Decorate With Apples

CasaSugar — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 13:00:00 -0700

Having a vibrant home is crucial to an endless Summer. For some, that may translate to kids running through the house wet from a sprinkler, and others, a fresh coat of paint and some perky new throw pillows. But, I try not to always advocate consumerism because it really shouldn't be necessary to buy, buy, buy with each new season. One simple way to introduce color into your home is with apples! The pomaceous fruit stays fresh looking for about four weeks. So, arranging a few in a bowl, on a plate, or even on your fireplace mantel, will instantly but not transiently add an accent color to your home. A bag of Granny Smith apples, or Red Delicious, goes for about $1.99, so it's not a huge investment. In addition to color, there's also an organic factor to them that is a nice way to combat the spareness of industrial-looking, modern homes. Of course, you can decorate with other colorful fruits, too, like lemons, but they don't tend to stay in shape for as long.
Source

Gwyneth Paltrow's Feminine Hamptons Home

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Oct 2007 12:22:54 -0700

The summer home of Hollywood beauty queen Gwyneth Paltrow and her rocker hubby Chris Martin in Long Island's happening East End, which they purchased for $5.4 million in 2006, is featured in this month's House & Garden, and the word breathtaking doesn't begin to describe it. Paltrow, who took the digs' design into her own hands, chose a cool palette and clean lines, creating a space that is both functional for her family of four and illustrative of their individual styles. She stuck to muted tones throughout and used patterns sparingly, very much like her killer wardrobe. Martin's rock-and-roll vibe and UK heritage is asserted with needlework art by Ann Carrington depicting the Crown Jewels, and a geometric-patterned wallpaper in the powder room and charcoal cabinets in the kitchen bring the noir rocker look to a more sophisticated level. Sadly, though, there is no yellow to be found. The couple's three year old daughter, Apple, even had a hand in the design; she chose the fabrics for her canopy bed. Paltrow also made the place kid-friendly with stepping stools throughout for Apple and her one-year old brother, Moses. It's understandable to be envious of this superstar family, but you don't have to be: the prices of their décor range from the remote Tord Boontje Blossom Chandelier ($22,500) to the very near CB2 appetizer plates ($2.50). Furthermore, if you ever find yourself in need of a design guide, ask Gwen, who said, "I've become an encyclopedia of design for my friends." Stay tuned for tips on how to get the Paltrow-Martin's look, and for an inside look at other images from their magnificent home, read more

View 15 Photos ›

Source

Fab Fall Photos: AimeeB's Apple Picking

CasaSugar — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 10:00:46 -0700

These great photos from AimeeB are making me homesick! I used to go apple picking every autumn with my family, too, and it's such a fun fall tradition. AimeeB reports that she now has four bags of apples in her kitchen, and is ready to start making some crisps or tarts. Maybe this YumSugar apple buckle recipe will tempt her.

Any other Casa readers have some fab fall photographs to share?

View 6 Photos ›

Get the Look: The Cullen Living Room

CasaSugar — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 08:00:13 -0800

Twilight had some serious design eye candy, so it's no surprise that New Moon would follow suit. This photo of the Cullen's living room is making me a feel a pang of envy. The apple greens and beige mixed with the abstract artwork, flickering pillar candles, and plethora of flowers creates a moody vibe that is totally calm and almost otherworldly. These colors wouldn't normally be my go-to colors, but seeing this beautiful space has me itching to redesign my home. I thought I'd see if I couldn't re-create the look in case you're digging it too. Learn how to get the look when you read more.

Source

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:00:34 -0700

A pair of Parisian designers built their own kitchen island entirely out of Legos! - The Cool Hunter
9 projected artworks illuminate indoor and outdoor spaces. - Woman's Day
These notecards are a treat for typography geeks. - Poppytalk
York House is pretty in Portugal. - Shelterpop
Enid in Texas is my new fave design shop. - Simply Stated
These scary candy apples are absolutely gorgeous. - Shelterrific

Link TIme!

CasaSugar — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 13:00:47 -0700

This home is the apple of Elizabeth's eye. - AT:DC
Tour the Pioneer Women's Lodge. - The Nest
Craft this owl for your Halloween decorating. - Craft
I'm in love with this deco-glam home. - Desire to Inspire
Artists featured on Man Shops Globe! - PoppyTalk
Wow, Audiowood turntables! -Shelterrific
The Obamas choose "avant-garde" art. - ShelterPop

Nice and New: Gardener's Fall Finds

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 06:15:15 -0700

Vermont-based gardening company Gardener's is one of my absolute favorite resources for gardening and landscaping supplies and advice. I recently received its Fall catalog in the mail, and I was impressed with all of the great Fall-related gardening finds that are currently available through the retailer.

I'm totally coveting this Orchard Rack ($99.95). It's the perfect way to store "keeper" crops such as apples, Winter squash, onions, and potatoes. Set up the rack in a cool, dark space such as a shed, basement, or cellar, and you'll be able to preserve your Summer harvest without canning or freezing for months to come. It's also great for drying herbs.

I've also rounded up some of my other favorite Gardener's products for Fall, including insulated rubber boots, leaf buckets, and more. Check them out below.

How-To: Decorate With Autumn's Bounty

CasaSugar — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:00:44 -0700

One of the most inexpensive and festive ways you can add Fall flavor to your home is by decorating with the bounty of the season. Think apples, wheat, gourds, and other Fall harvest crops. See some of my favorite ideas for adding Autumn's bounty to your home.

View Slideshow ›

Decorating Ideas to Steal From Andrew's Vegetable Stand

CasaSugar — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 10:00:19 -0700

Readymade recently posted photos and an interview with recent grad Andrew Milauckus, whose aesthetically pleasing Michigan produce stand is beyond adorable. While the exterior of his stand, Summertime, has a '50s vibe, the eclectic interior is a mix of styles. Check out my favorite ideas from his shop.

Embrace a rustic look by painting exposed beamwork.
To create a focal wall, use stencils to create a pattern. This chevron wall is one of my favorites.

Check out more ideas when you read more.

Hang bare bulbs from the ceiling in multiples for an unexpected and cool look. Try these E27 Pendants for a fun, colorful take on the bare bulb.
Use apple boxes and baskets for rustic storage in your kitchen or entryway.
Repurpose a gilt frame as a chalkboard. The bigger the better!