CasaSugar

Roundup: Chain Reaction

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 12:00:48 -0800

I just stumbled across this porcelain Jonathan Adler Chain Frame ($125) and was reminded of how much I cherish the equestrian-chic look of a classic chain link. As much as I love the frame (white porcelain, yum), I don't know if I'd throw down over 100 smackers for it, unless perhaps it displayed a photo of me and say . . . Matthew Fox, sigh. So, I decided I'd seek out some other chain link patterns and motifs and see what comes up. The winner, I think, is Iomoi's Bamboo Chain Link Pattern Lucite Tray ($100), but there's still more goodies that may chain-ge my mind.

To see them, read more.

Before and After: A Brooklyn Backyard Gets Beautified

CasaSugar — Wed, 27 May 2009 08:00:54 -0700

When homeowners David and Vivian bought their brownstone, the backyard wasn't attractive in the least. A decrepit deck, falling-down retaining walls, and exposed soil made the whole space unappealing and uninhabitable. But with some gumption and planning, the husband-and-wife team took the yard from desolate to delightful. To see what they did, read more.

The couple terraced the yard, added stepstones, flowerbed borders, and a variety of foliage to the area. They created multiple "mini gardens" to break up the space, and for privacy and aesthetic purposes, covered an ugly chain link fence with a cedar fence. All in all, they saved about $10,000 thanks to their DIYs. Want to do something similar at your house? Get all of the details and instructions at This Old House.

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Casa Beta: MIO For Target Organic Cotton Fabric Hammock

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 10:00:50 -0700

Target sent over some items from its new collection of exclusive eco-friendly outdoor living products designed by MIO. You may remember that I tried out the gardening tool set, but now I'm onto the MIO Organic Cotton Fabric Hammock ($59.99) from the collection. It's made from 100 percent cotton, and has an attached storage pouch for the hammock when it's not in use. To hear what I thought of this hammock, read more.

I conveniently have a small fenced-in area on my rooftop, so the hammock was easy to hang with a short piece of chain and a spring link - and also easy to take down quickly when there's a rain shower. While the hammock is weather-resistant, I figured, why leave it out in the rain?

The hammock supports up to 250 lbs, and while I can't say that my weight comes anywhere close to there, I will say it held up perfectly for Yours Truly. Still, I wouldn't recommend it for more than one person at once. Beyond that, it is super comfortable. The hammock's canvas is pretty wide (55 inches wide by 80 inches long), and envelops you like a big hug, while shielding the wind. I am definitely guilty of taking multi-hour naps in it, which is testament to its comfort. You can also wipe the hammock clean with soap and water, which is convenient. So as far as function and comfort is involved, it's fantastic.

Let's move on to the design. The main canvas of the hammock is a versatile, natural, off-white color made from thick organic cotton, and it has smart green piping along the sides. Attached to one side is a green storage pouch that is absolutely cheerful, and which turns into a bag when you want to take it on the go. When opened to reveal the hammock, the interior of the pouch is a modern green and yellow leaf pattern that is fun and summery. In other words, it's completely adorable. Sold? Find your own MIO organic hammock at a Target near you.

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DIY: Recycled Glass Chandelier

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 11:00:19 -0800

This holiday season, many of us may be throwing dinner parties, and expecting more guests than usual on a typical Saturday night. Maybe we'll pull spare seating out of the basement, or rent chairs, fold-out tablecloths, and white linens for the evening, but the last time I checked party rental shops didn't rent light fixtures. So, the next best thing is to fashion one of our own. With a few recycled materials and some tea lights, you can make a gorgeous, energy-efficient, glass chandelier that you may just end up hanging year-round. Make one to hang about each table, and your guests will be well-lit. Just add good food, wine, and conversation! To learn the steps, read more.

Supplies:

10-12 spare glass jars (mason jars, baby food, jam)
Circular gridded cooling rack
Thick and thin gauge wire
Beaded chain and locking links
1 large S hook
10-12 small S hooks
Wire cutters
Sand or small pebbles
10-12 tea lights

Here's how, from Ecologue:

Wash all your recycled materials.
Turn over your cooling rack, and at its center cross two lengths of the thick wire, looping their ends through the feet on the rack and twisting them to secure them.
Attach the large S hook by twisting the wire at the point where the two wires cross (at the center).
Under the lip of your jar lids, wrap the thinner wire around the tops three or four times, and tuck the ends underneath the wire to secure it.
Cut various lengths of beaded chain using wire cutters at twice the length you want them to hang from the cooling rack. You may consider a random arrangement or some sort of pattern for hanging.
Loop a piece of beaded chain through the thin wire on one jar, and then lock its ends together with the links. Do this with all the jars.
Fill the base of the jar with sand or pebbles, and then place a tea light on top.
Hang the cooling rack above your dinner table, or wherever you'd like it to be.
Then, hook your candle-filled jars with the small S hooks onto the cooling rack.
Use a long lighter to light them right before guests arrive, and fini!

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Steal of the Day: Williams-Sonoma Link Embroidery Sheet Set

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Oct 2008 04:30:05 -0700

Sheets may not be the most exciting decorative home purchase, but you can't live without 'em, so I think a little ornamentation is due where they're concerned. That's why I'm loving the Williams-Sonoma Link Embroidery Sheet Set ($99.99-149.99). The chains of embroidered diamonds in orange, blue, or khaki give your basic white sheet a subtle hint of color and flavor, without looking overwhelming, tacky, or complicated. Like most, the set comes with one flat sheet, a fitted sheet, and two standard cases, and you can also purchase extra cases if you're a pillow person.