CasaSugar

So Sweet! Candies iPhone Cases at Opening Ceremony

Kelly Schwarze — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:12:07 PST

Purveyors of all things chic and of-the-moment, Opening Ceremony has released its latest Spring import, and we're already craving more! iPhone cases from Japanese company Candies are making their adorable US debut. Candies creates all their cases from 100 percent natural silicone, free of nasty chemicals - good for you and Mother Earth.

Check out the range of cases including wheeled skate decks, cuddly cartoons, and bright graphics in the gallery.

4 Reasons to Love the New Tesla Model X (And 1 Reason You Won't)

Kristy Korcz — Sun, 12 Feb 2012 09:21:25 PST

Tesla announced the latest edition to its eco-friendly car lineup, the Model X, earlier this week. Staying true to its roots, the Model X will be sleek, powerful, and of course, easy on the planet, thanks to its all-electric motor. But more than just a pretty face, the Model X comes with some features you may not want to pass up. Check them out below and stay tuned for the Model X to hit the streets in 2014.

All electric motor - Of course, the most attractive thing about the Model X is its ability to go 200 to 270 miles on a charge from its electric motor, omit zero emissions, and go from zero to 60 in just 4.4 seconds. It's an eco lover's dream!
It's big enough for the family - Seating seven adults, the Model X is perfect for a growing family or car-share commuters. Three rows make for an easy ride!
Falcon Wings - You heard me right. Falcon Wings. Instead of sliding open like a minivan or swinging out like an SUV, the back doors on the Model X open up and out of the way to allow for more space to get in and out of the vehicle and to squeeze into narrow parking spaces. Easily one of the coolest things I've seen on a car.
The dashboard - The front panel of the Model X comes with a massive touch screen display to provide GPS and battery information, entertainment, and lots more.

Why on earth would you have a reason to hate a car that looks like this? Find out after the break.

8 Delicious Fruits and Vegetables to Eat Up This Winter

Camilla Salem — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:08:40 PST

The Winter season often gets a bad reputation when it comes to seasonal produce. There may not be big, juicy heirloom tomatoes or tender asparagus by the truckload, but this time of year brings us plenty of hearty, healthy, and flavorful produce options. Here are eight of our favorite Winter fruits and vegetables.

Source: Flickr User ghirson, Thinkstock, Flickr User clairity, Flickr User clayirving

Link Time: Decorating With Antique Sinks, Easy Paint Tips, and Best Design Hotels

Elka Karl — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 12:00:56 PST

Add character with a salvaged sink - Houzz
Learn more about a new tool for picking the perfect paint - Stylelist Home
Find a perfect pink Valentine's Day gift - House Beautiful
Try these easy cleaning solutions for every room - Real Simple
Tour gorgeous design hotels worldwide - Elle Decor
Make these wall-mounted boxy shelves - Craft
You won't believe how this firehouse was renovated! - Hooked on Houses

Leonardo DiCaprio Breaks Into the Coffee Biz

Susannah Chen — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:04:17 PST

Have a hard time getting up in the morning? Well, you've got more than just coffee to look forward to. Thanks to a new line of coffees, the best part of waking up could be Leonardo DiCaprio in your cup.

Today, The Great Gatsby actor announced he's partnering with La Colombe Torrefaction to produce a new coffee line, Lyon. Its entire net profile will benefit the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation to promote sustainability for the planet. "Raising awareness on the most pressing environmental issues of our time is more important than ever," DiCaprio said in a statement. "I am thrilled to be a part of this new project with La Colombe that will help aid the shift to a truly sustainable future for the planet and its inhabitants."

Starting today, the coffee will appear online and on shelves in Williams-Sonoma stores across the country, as well as select Whole Foods Markets. Will you try one of Leo's new coffees?

In Season: Carrots

YumSugar — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:29:21 PST

You eat carrots regularly - but how much do you know about them? Although they can be grown year-round, all root vegetables thrive during the Winter season, protected from cooler temperatures by the earth. Carrots are known for their vibrant orange color, but there are also purple, red, yellow, and white varieties - mostly grown as novelty crops. The root itself is crunchy and sweet, while the leafy greens tend to be on the bitter side.

To learn more about carrots and discover new dishes, just keep reading

Taste Test: Junami Apples

YumSugar — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 13:15:17 PST

We love any opportunity to taste test new and exciting products, and trying a new kind of apple was particularly exciting. The Junami apple comes from Switzerland originally and its standout characteristic is its juice. The apple is large, round, and brightly colored - definitely something you can't wait to sink your teeth into. Find out what we thought of the Junami apple when you keep reading.

Beautiful Block-Printed and Hand-Embroidered Textiles From Allem Studio

Elka Karl — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:46:29 PST

If you're on the hunt for beautiful block-printed and handmade textiles for your home, check out a relative newcomer to the market, Allem Studio. Founded as a design collaboration between friends Mitali Seth and Lovisa Shergill in 2009, Allem Studio creates lovely hand-embroidered and block-printed textiles for the tabletop, bedroom, and living room. Their collection of pillows, bedding, and tabletop items including napkins and place mats features vibrant, colorful designs that reference ethnic-inspired crafts with a modern twist.

Seth and Shergill work out of a studio located in Shrewsbury, MA, and source manufacturing of their products through socially responsible vendors, including SEWA, India, a women's only co-operative.

You can purchase Allem Studio's products through a variety of merchants across the country, as well as online. If you're in New York, make sure to check out Allem Studio at Booth 7962 at the New York International Gift Fair this weekend.

Is Going Organic Really Worth It?

Rebecca M Gruber — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 03:16:10 PST

Going green has never been quite so hip, but is it worth the cost? Just last week Jessica Alba launched The Honest Company, an eco-friendly baby care line that is not only safe but affordable when compared to other organic diaper and skin care companies. But now one of my favorite organic nursery companies is changing course.

Canada's 3 Sprouts - the maker of adorable modern storage bins, hooded towels, and wall organizers - just announced that due to rising costs, they'll no longer be an organic line. In order to keep costs down - and, presumably, sales up - the company is switching to nonorganic cotton and new packaging for the coming year.

The change has me wondering if more mamas are switching away from organic given the state of the economy?

In Season: Collard Greens

Camilla Salem — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 09:39:45 PST

Leafy greens are all the rage these days. Sure, they're chock-full of nutrients and vitamins, but they're also delicious. Collard greens are no exception. The mildly smoky flavor in the this Southern vegetable staple is great for cooking. Collard greens come from the same species as cabbage and broccoli, but like kale, this vegetable doesn't form a head. The leaves are dark blue-green and smooth, and they're a great source of vitamin C and fiber.

Collard greens are a very important part of Southern cuisine, often prepared with smoked ham hock. Since the leaves resemble folded money, traditionally, they are enjoyed with black-eyed peas for good fortune on New Year's Day. But the South isn't the only place that appreciates this cruciferous vegetable. Portuguese cuisine makes great use of collard greens. Popular soup Caldo verde, meaning "green broth" in Portuguese, employs collard greens as a base. In addition, the juice of pressed leaves is thought to alleviate several maladies, including bronchitis!

For more ways to eat up your collard greens, keep reading.