CasaSugar

DIY: Paper-Covered Pens

CasaSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 05:30:57 -0800

I just came across this great tutorial for making paper-covered pens that would make a fun and affordable stocking stuffer for the holidays, so I thought I'd share. You most likely will have all of the supplies in your home, so this DIY is certainly budget beautiful! All you'll need is some clear ballpoint pens, scissors, a ruler or paper trimmer, pliers, double-sided tape, and some scraps of thin paper (try magazine or wrapping paper). To learn the steps, read more.

First things first: Pull the ink shaft out of the pen case by gently grabbing the tip with your pliers.
Cut a 4.5-by-5-inch strip of paper.
Wrap the entire ink shaft tightly with strips of your tape, pressing out any bubbles.
Wrap the paper over the tape, overlapping the edges of the paper and pinching the seams together.
Then, slide the ink shaft back into the pen case. Fini!

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Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 05:30:42 -0800

Opening stockings and seeing my friends and family open their gifts are probably my two favorite elements of Christmas. My family is always spoiled with enormous, brimming Christmas stockings. Our stocking stuffers are a mix of drugstore-variety essentials like Chapstick and socks, and a bit pricier things like special votives, coasters, and kitchen wares. So for this stocking stuffer guide, I tried to keep to my typical budget of $25 or less. I'd pick a couple "higher-end" things that stand out to you, and then mix in the fun and cheap-o finds.

Don't have a Christmas stocking yet? Or just want to upgrade yours to something prettier? Be sure to check out my roundup of designer Christmas stockings! And check out all of our other gift guides here!

Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 05:45:41 -0800

To be honest, pulling out stocking stuffers is probably my favorite part of Christmas. I think it's the surprise factor. Unless you're extraordinarily demanding and a huge brat, I doubt you send your family wish lists for your stocking stuffers. Right? So whether it's a fresh Chapstick, some sweetly scented soaps, or a classic Slinky, you never know what you're going to get. My stockings were always filled halfway with things I needed (socks, bobby pins, etc.) and the other half with goofy gags or gifts I'd probably never think to buy myself. To help you make the most of the stockings you'll be filling this year, I've rounded up a number of stocking stuffers that are either essentials, gags, or gifts that are just nice to have for the home.

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Gift Guide: Stocking Stuffers

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 07:00:53 -0800

Whether you're looking for a cute design-worthy toy for a niece or a genuinely useful household tool for your husband or sibling, there are definitely some great, inexpensive options for stocking stuffers related to the home world.

To see my stocking-sized picks, read more.

For more ideas, check out my other gift guides, and check out HolidaySugar for all of the holiday-related coverage.

Casa Holiday Gift Ideas That You Can't Beat

CasaSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 10:00:00 -0800

If you are still looking for a fabulous gift to perk up your family and friends' digs, take a gander at these CasaSugar-approved gift guides. You're sure to find the perfect present in one of these guides. You might even find an item or two to add to your own wish list.

Handmade Gifts For Indie Girls	Last Minute Gift-Baskets	Stocking Stuffers
Gift Cards for Picky Giftees	10 No-Fail Last-Minute Gifts	Gifting for Charity

No matter how hard I try, I always have some last-minute shopping to do. If you are in a pinch too, check out these gift guides from all the Sugar sites. Happy shopping!

Sale Alert: Restoration Hardware Is Cutting Costs

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 05:30:03 -0800

Currently, Restoration Hardware is offering 20 percent off of all items in its gift department, which includes hobby and interest items, tools and gadgets, games, toys, stocking stuffers, plush textiles, and holiday décor. And, for every $100 you spend now through Dec. 24, you'll receive a gift card of $20. Pretty good deal, I must say. The retailer is also offering holiday savings on dining, lighting, bedding, window, and holiday décor items of 20 to 50 percent off. To see a few things I have my eye on, read more.

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Gift Guide: $5 and Under

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 09:15:33 -0800

Whatever the income bracket, we're all on a budget these days. Not simply because of the struggling economy, but due to all of the gifts on our shopping lists. So, why not cut back where we can? If great gifts exist at low prices, why not snatch them up? I've rounded up a handful of fab gifts for the home that'll cost you only five bucks or less. Pick up a few to make a little gift basket, give just one as a Secret Santa gift or a small token for a co-worker, or buy a bundle to use as stocking stuffers. You choose! I just do the work. To see my finds, read more.

If none of these strike your fancy, or if you're looking to spend a little more cash, check back tomorrow for my next gift guide, where I'll feature home items that are all $10 or less!

Check out all of our holiday content on HolidaySugar!

Todd Oldham Introduces Charley Harper to Old Navy

CasaSugar — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:30:55 -0800

It's no secret that Todd Oldham is a big fan of the work of wildlife illustrator Charley Harper, considering that he co-authored a book with Harper. It's also no secret Todd Oldham is the creative director of Old Navy. Thus, welcome Charley Harper to Old Navy! A collection of Charley Harper books, games, and tees for children under $15 is now available at Old Navy and is part of the retailer's effort to target young moms on a budget. I'd call that budget beautiful! Although most of these trix are for kids, there's a great Charley Harper Coloring Book ($9.50) and a Memory Game ($14.50) that would both make easy, affordable artwork for your home. Stocking stuffers?

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 14:00:25 -0800

Visit an eclectic midcentury modern home. - AT:SF
Follow these 35 tips for restoring old houses. - Charles and Hudson
There's plenty of orange decorating inspiration out there.- Desire to Inspire
Try these 10 tips for greening your bedroom. - Forecast Earth
Create faux hooped tapestry art.- PoppyTalk
Check out these cool letterpress clocks.- Shelterrific
Order a customized light poem.- The Style Files
Need some early stocking stuffers? Here are some design-forward ones.- Daily Dose

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Steal of the Day: Stainless Steel Soap

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 06:15:14 -0700

Stainless steel has magical deodorizing/odor neutralizing power that can wipe the pungent scents from things like garlic, onion, and fish away from your skin. There isn't a clear chemical explanation for this, but it's been hypothesized that sulfurous compounds are somehow catalyzed by the steel. So, some clever entrepreneur came up with a stainless steel "soap" product, essentially a block of metal in soap shape, to rid your skin of whatever stink ails you. But rubbing your hands across a stainless steel knife, spoon, or other utensil will have the same effect. Knowing that you can you use any old piece of stainless steel is certainly a deterrent from purchasing a bar of the soap, but I think it makes a good gag gift (or stocking stuffer!) for a fisherman or chef friend of yours. Luckily, the Uma Stainless Steel Soap ($8, reduced from $12.50) is on sale.