CasaSugar

Nice and New: John Robshaw Christmas Stocking

CasaSugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 05:30:54 -0800

Not to be a brat or anything, but my family has been using the same gigantic Christmas stockings for more than 20 years, always filled to the brim with lots of goodies. So, at 12" x 21", the John Robshaw Block Printed Holly Stockings ($70 each) won't do for me, but they're certainly stylish enough to hang on the mantel simply as décor in my home. Available with a mistletoe, candy cane, or peppermint pattern, they're quite festive and would also make a wonderful gift for anyone you know who's building up their collection of holiday décor. What do you think?

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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Love It or Hate It? Ahna Holder Holiday Stocking Collection

CasaSugar — Mon, 17 Dec 2007 04:15:51 -0800

These high-quality hand-made felt stockings ($50) come in modern colors that are mixed with a retro design. Each stocking has its own individual picture frame instead of a stitched name, which would make these a fun present to give-you could simply slip your favorite photo in the frame instead of adding a tag to the present.

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 13:00:10 -0800

Tour a rich-hued hotel in Vienna. - AT:Chicago
Learn about the history of the Chesterfield sofa. - ShelterPop
Tour a swanky MCM home. - Re-Nest
Stock up on cute holiday gift tags. - PoppyTalk
Make candles for holiday gifts! - Craft
This gorgeous table is made from scrap wood. - Charles and Hudson

Give Back While You Shop With CB2's "Can Do" Drive

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0800

Last year, CB2 had tremendous success with its "can do" drive, helping to stock food banks in the neighborhoods close to its stores. This year, the "can do" drive is back. From today through Nov. 25, bring five nonperishable items into the store and receive 15 percent off your purchases for that day. All food collected will be directly contributed to a local food bank.

My local CB2 will be contributing to the Alameda County Community Food Bank. You can check here to see which charity your local CB2 will benefit during the drive. And meanwhile, make sure to head out to a store soon, with your five cans in hand. Not only will you feel good about providing food for needy families during the holiday season, but you'll also feel darn good about that discount. See below for some of my favorite CB2 items that I'll be shopping for when I bring in my nonperishables this week.

Su Casa: A Christmas Mantel Shelf

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:30:45 -0800

Since we're not all fortunate enough to live in our dream houses, we have to be innovative with what we've got. Su Casa member JenLovesGreen certainly subscribes to this train of thought. As much as she would love to keep cozy by a warm fireplace in her own living room, her current digs are lacking in that department. So, she's made the best of things this holiday season by bringing in an alternative: a shelf. "Although my substitute mantel doesn't frame a cozy fireplace," she says, "it does allow me to decorate for the holidays." She's festively dressed her faux mantel with an arrangement of elegant white pillar candles, cranberry garland, and two Christmas stockings to boot. I think this is a great alternative for all CasaSugar readers who want to hang stockings, but don't have a fireplace mantel - it's a brilliant solution. I can almost see those logs burning; can't you?
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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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Are You Over Shabby Chic?

CasaSugar — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:00:59 -0700

When Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic business filed for bankruptcy last January, it was a sign that the style she had single-handedly spawned 20 years ago was on its way out, if not already. But last month, the Shabby Chic name was bought of bankruptcy and she found herself stocking two new stores - one in Santa Monica and one in New York - so it seems that her signature ruffles, vintage florals, and crumply sofas still have fans out there. Are you over shabby chic or still an enthusiast?

Found It! Gossip Girl Bamboo Folding Chairs

CasaSugar — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 08:00:32 -0700

In last night's episode of Gossip Girl, beautiful bamboo folding chairs were used for seating guests at Lily and Rufus's wedding. When it comes to folding chairs, this is probably the most chic design you'll come across. But they're also good-looking enough to use in your home, not just for when you're having a party or extra guests. Wondering where you can buy some for yourself? Then read more.

A set of two Bamboo Folding Chairs ($89, reduced from $99), available in tortoise, black, or antique white, is currently on sale at Ballard Designs, and the store always seems to have them in stock.

A set of two Tropica Folding Chairs ($59.95, reduced from $128), in a black color, is also on sale at Anthropologie, but the shop doesn't always stock them.

And, you can also find a set of two Bamboo Folding Chairs ($75.99) at Target, where you'll save 15 percent and earn free shipping if you spend $125 on furniture. So, you'll only spend $129 for a set of four!

Photo courtesy of The CW

Found It! Stock Photography Bed

CasaSugar — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 05:30:50 -0700

On Monday, I told you how to Spring organize your bedroom, and one of you asked where you could find the bed featured in the stock photography image. I don't blame you: I love its hairpin-esque steel legs. So, I searched high and low for the bed. As it turns out, not surprisingly, the design derives from one of the most influential experiments in American residential architecture. To find out which bed it is, read more.

It's the Case Study Bed ($1,350). It has a thick maple veneer frame and six brushed-steel legs for extra stability. Its platform is zinc-plated and perforated, taking the place of a box spring and allowing the mattress to breathe - unlike a slatted wooden base would. The Case Study House program was a midcentury experiment in residential architecture in the US, sponsored by John Entenza. He commissioned major architects like Richard Neutra and Charles and Ray Eames to design and build inexpensive and efficient model homes for the postwar housing boom. The design of the bed is influenced by that of those homes, and is a midcentury classic.
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Jericho Stool - $129.00	Stixx Bed Linens - $19.95
Boxcar Credenza - $899.00	Clay Ox Mask Ornament - $2.95
Frost Pillow - $24.95	Rustle Napkin - $3.95
White Wash Floor Mirror - $189.00	Floral Flocked Ornament - $3.95
Sol Pendant Lamp - $99.95	Finn Lounger - $1,099.00
Ikat Pile Rug - $349.00	Champion Organic Cotton Blanket - $59.95