CasaSugar

Steal of the Day: Turquoise Cleaning Bucket

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Oct 2008 08:30:28 -0700

"Clean house" is always the last thing to be checked off my to-do list. But, that might not be the case if I were the proud owner of the Conran Shop Turquoise Cleaning Bucket ($29.50, reduced from $59). Made of iron coated in a vibrant shade of blue, the durable bucket will last until your cleaning days are over - which will be never. OK, maybe it won't make scrubbing my floors more pleasurable, but it'll lessen the blow a bit, reassuring me that I look good while I'm at it.

Casa Quickie: A Housewarming Bucket

CasaSugar — Mon, 06 Oct 2008 13:00:12 -0700

Moving into a new house is stressful. You're finally cured of the headache of packing, and then it occurs to you that you still have to unpack! Then, something inevitably goes wrong. The faucet only gives off hot water, the movers break something, etc. Then, you think you're all set and ready to settle in and you realize you're out of t.p. Ugh! So, as much as a warm apple pie or a batch of your specialty cookies will taste delightful to your new neighbors or a friend who's just moved, a more useful (and migraine-relieving) housewarming gift is a bucket of the essentials she'll need to get settled. Think about the things that were most helpful to you when you moved. Then, pick up a handsome galvanized bucket, or even a colorful scrub bucket, and then comb the aisles of at the hardware store for those items, as well as any tools and practical items they might need. If you happen to throw a cold Corona or a black-and-white cookie in there while you're at it, I don't think you'll face any opposition.
Source

Ask Casa: Decorating With a Puppy in Mind

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:34 -0700

Hi Casa,

We've just recently adopted an adorable puppy, and we're having a great time with her. The only problem is she's taken over the house! We had to move and hide anything she might eat or chew, so our living room and bookcases look empty.

Our kitchen is overwhelmed by her dog bed, and her doggy toys are scattered all over. Plus there's always that dog "smell." I know we need to just find the right system of organization and storage that will be safe for her and attractive to us, but I don't even know where to start! Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!
Alex

To see my suggestions, read more.

Hi Alex,

As it happens, I'm pretty well-versed on this one, since my husband and I adopted a puppy back in June (that's him lounging on a friend's sofa a few months ago). It's been eight years since I dealt with a puppy, and I'd forgotten how much work it is! Here are the most helpful things that I've gleaned from my experience of living with, and decorating around, a puppy.

During the day, the puppy is crated, so I usually air out his dog bed on our deck, to keep it smelling fresh. This helps cut the doggy smell.
To organize his toys, I placed a blue tin bucket in one corner. It's actually a really cute container in itself. While Haiko, our puppy, will take his toys out (and won't return them, sigh), it's easier to just toss them all in this bucket once he's abandoned one. This keeps us from tripping over bones and balls, and also keeps the house tidier.
Try to teach your puppy to enjoy one place in common areas as her spot. You can do this by placing her bed in that area, and then rewarding her with praise and treats when she stays there. Eventually, she'll settle in that spot.
I sympathize with you and your empty bookshelves, but don't worry, your puppy will grow out of the chewing stage. I'd try replacing your books little by little. Make sure to sternly tell your pup "No!" if she tries to chew on them, and give her a Kong or bone when she approaches your books. Our puppy went through a long chewing phase, but with simple reprimands and redirecting, he's now left our books and records alone.
To cut down on the doggy smell further, air out your house by opening windows. You can also try a natural air freshener or Nature's Miracle to eliminate odors.
Since doggy smells tend to stick to upholstery, keeping your pets off of furniture will reduce doggy smells as well. If you can't bear to keep your pup off the sofa or bed, you can try laying down a fleece blanket where your puppy usually rests. Make sure to regularly wash the blanket to cut down on smells.
You might also want to look into investing in a dog bed that will fit into your decorating scheme easier. Check out these dog beds on PetSugar for more ideas.

Anyone else have a great puppy strategy? Tell Alex about it when you leave a comment.

Hope this helps!
Casa

Garden Therapy: Preventing Creatures From Eating Fall Bulbs

CasaSugar — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:00:00 -0700

Ann Whitman, the green goods supervisor at Gardener's Supply, recently offered some advice for preventing squirrels, deer, and other critters from digging up and destroying your Fall bulbs. Check out her tips below.

Squirrels love to dig in newly disturbed soil, so prevent them from exploring by disguising your newly planted bulbs. Cover the planting area with rocks, boards, buckets, or chicken wire. Once the ground freezes, you can move the rocks or other materials.
Since deer don't care about bulbs until the Spring, protect tender leaves by covering them with wire mesh once they start popping up next Spring.
Avoid damage from chipmunks and voles by surrounding bulbs with sharp gravel and oyster shell. You can also plant them inside a wire cage.
Deter rascally rabbits by spraying repellents, such as Liquid Fence, or predator urine, around bulbs in the Spring.
Try planting bulbs that animals find unappealing. Chief among these are daffodils, alliums, fritillaries, grape hyacinths, and many other spring-flowering bulbs.

Source: Flickr User Gilles Gonthier

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.

Roundup: Cocktail Trays

CasaSugar — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 07:00:53 -0700

Every entertaining household should have a stocked bar with an ice bucket, glassware, cocktail shakers, mixers, and a few choices of poison. I recommend keeping these bar essentials out in the open on a console table of sorts, so guests feel they can serve themselves. Sometimes a closet or cabinet is the only option, though. Regardless, a cocktail tray is crucial for keeping all these items in a cohesive, orderly arrangement. I recommend a rectangular tray with a raised edge and handles so you can carry the tray around to guests if you want to serve a special cocktail. See a few of my tray picks when you read more.

Photo courtesy of AMC

Casa Shops: Alice Supply Co.

CasaSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 10:00:39 -0700

There are two things I know to be true: I'm a sucker for good packaging (and color), and my cleaning supplies rarely see the light of day. The answer to and beguiling lovechild of these truths: Alice Supply Co. In hopes of giving mundane household items a little personality, making chores a little less laborious, and ending "the humble dustpan's days of being shoved away in a closet," former surfwear industry execs Maria Barnes and Raili Clasen founded Alice, aptly named after The Brady Bunch's witty housekeeper.

Not only have they infused sunny, citrus colors like clementine and lime into their essential household tools, as well as summery stripes, cordial camo, and fresh faux bois, but they've also used classic shapes and quality, durable materials like metal and wood. While you'll find plenty of lucky retailers peddling Alice products around the country, you can also order a sponge set, dust pan and brush, plunger, toolbox, garden hose, and bucket online - and at friendly prices. I'm convinced, and if housekeeping is anything like their hip lifestyle photos suggest, you can call me Alice.

Summer Style: Decorate With Summer Sports

CasaSugar — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 11:00:11 -0700

This weekend, while shopping at the Alameda Flea Market, I nearly bought a beautiful vintage croquet set. Now, when I see how the set has been used in this space, I'm kicking myself for not making the purchase!

This foyer is practically bursting with Summer spirit. To cultivate a similar sense of fun and spirit in your entry, add an often-used Summer sports set to your foyer. Pile bocce balls in a sturdy metal bucket, or artfully arrange croquet mallets in an umbrella stand. It'll add some fab Summer style to your home.

Source

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 13:00:21 -0700

There are so many crafty ideas in stylist Camille Soulayrol's portfolio.- Desire to Inspire
Have you ever seen a coat rack so beautiful?- Design Milk
This Helllo pillow is sweet as can be.- Poppytalk
I'm crazy for these patterns.- The Scoop
A leather-handled galvanized bucket is next on my wish list.- Remodelista
Design Within Reach voluntarily de-lists from Nasdaq.- UnBeige
Shape up by kicking these 5 bad habits to break at home.- AT:LA
Thinking of becoming a collector? Here's some inspiration.- Automatism

Cool Idea: Galvanized Steel Instead of Shower Tile

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

Country Living has an inspiring article about how one of its contributing editors (also a carpenter) transformed his dated, minuscule bathroom into a seriously glamorous one for only $1,000. The photos definitely wowed me, but I have a soft spot for clean, white rooms, especially those with feminine accents. What really impressed me was his innovative use of sheets of corrugated, galvanized metal as a tub surround instead of traditional shower tile. The sheets totaled only $21, and the only other supplies he needed to install it were an enamel finish, roofing screws, and caulk, for about $10.
The juxtaposition of the frilly, ruffled shower curtain and crystal chandelier with the galvanized sheets and bucket keeps it all from looking too industrial, and fittingly, gives it a country vibe.
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Simrin Botanical Large Rectangular Tray - $108.00	GG Collection - $245.00
Barneys New York Mondrian Mini Handle Tray - $165.00	Alessi Recinto, Rectangular tray with handles - $168.00
R & Y Augousti Brownlip Circles Tray- Multi - $115.00	R & Y Augousti Shagreen Tray- Ivory - $396.00
Vellum Mercer Tray - $325.00	Alessi Tau Rectangular Tray With Handles - $220.00
Cork Tray - $39.00	Elegant Lacquer Trays - $125.00
Match - $65.00	All-Over Mother-of-Pearl Trays - $88.00
Mother-of-Pearl Tray - $98.00	Christofle Anemone Large Rectangular Tray - $1,570.00
Christofle Three-Part Cocktail Server - $330.00