CasaSugar

Ask Casa: A Sand-Friendly Vacuum

CasaSugar — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 11:00:59 -0700

Dear Casa,
I have seen posts on pet-friendly vacuums, but my problem is not just dog hair. It is massive amounts of sand that my beautiful Chow Chow drags in from Crissy Field [in San Francisco]. I need a recommendation for a vacuum for wood floors and carpets strong enough to pick up the sand. Any ideas?
Thanks,
MaryBeth

To hear my response to MaryBeth, read more.

Hi MaryBeth,
Funny you should ask . . . literally just two days ago, I spilled a fine-granule cleaning solution that is very much like sand, and used my Dyson DC24 ($399.99) to suck it up with no problems. I didn't even have to run over the sandy solution twice; first time was a charm! If you read Casa regularly, you may remember that I reviewed the Dyson DC24, so you can read about it for more details. If not this particular vacuum, I highly recommend Dysons in general for your dilemma, as they exhibit great suction power. Some other vacuum brands that I highly recommend are Electrolux (vintage ones are best) and Miele. I hope this helps!
Cheers,
Casa

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Steal of the Day: CB2 Rex Chair

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 14:00:13 -0700

With the Fourth of July fast approaching, Summer is in full effect. What that often translates to in my world are impromptu outdoor parties. You know when you have a couple friends over for some poolside baking and all of the sudden it looks like a Mardi Gras parade in your backyard? Then, someone gets the grill going, and everyone needs somewhere to sit while they chow down on their burgers and buns. The CB2 Rex Chair (on sale for $49.95) rises to that occasion, as its woven plastic piping and polished aluminum will stand up to the elements, and it can also be stacked for storage when it's just you at home in your bikini. Now only if you had a constant supply of Coronas to serve your unexpected guests . . .

The Card Shop: Father's Day Fish Letterpress Card

CasaSugar — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 07:45:50 -0700

The Papered Together Father's Day Fish Letterpress Card ($4) might not read "Gone Fishin'," but it's perfect for any Dad who loves to be on the river. And even if your pops doesn't own fly-fishing overalls, but he likes to chow down on some poached halibut or fish tacos from time to time, it's still appropriate. What better way to tell Dad you love him than to celebrate his hobbies and eating habits!? Honestly, I just think this 100-percent cotton letterpress card is elegant and sophisticated. Don't you agree?

Link Time!

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 11:27:58 -0800

Style Files featured these hiKARI timber lights by Danish woodworker and furniture designer Rasmus Fenhann.
GeekSugar has a great post about a 95-year-old blogger.
I love this three bin organizer from VivaTerra, which was featured on AT:SF. I also love that it's made from reclaimed wood.
The Hardware Aisle is featuring some beautiful fall foliage bronze tiles.
Good news! FitSugar gives us another reason to eat chocolate.
Chow has an inspiring round-up of centerpiece designs by a fellow blogger, design shop owner, and home accessories designer. I might just throw a dinner party!
Happy Mundane got in on the branches trend by spray painting a branch half white. A pretty neat DIY for anyone with a spare can of paint laying around.
Grassroots Modern Etsy-found some cozy geometric pillows made by felting old wool sweaters.
Ho ho ho! Poppytalk Handmade has some festive holiday cards to get you in the mood for the upcoming season.

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This Just In: Sleep Over at the Ikea Hostel

CasaSugar — Wed, 01 Aug 2007 10:45:32 -0700

Anyone who has ever been to Ikea knows that it can be a very tiring shopping experience. But get this: According to The Guardian (U.K.), shoppers in Oslo will get to stay the night at Ikea hostels, so customers can have a place to crash if they haven't finished shopping. According to the article:

Later this month, Ikea Norway will let shoppers sleep overnight in one of its two Oslo warehouses, an operation that will last a week. "It will be like an alternative hostel," said company spokesman Frode Ullebust.

"There will be the regular dormitory with lots of beds stacked up together. We will also have a bridal suite, with a round bed and a hanging chandelier, and the luxury suite, where customers can enjoy breakfast in bed," he said.

Guests will be allowed to stay free of charge and will even get to chow down on the usual Ikea grub - like Swedish meatballs and cranberries - for breakfast and dinner.

I personally like to get in and out of Ikea as quickly as possible, though a trip can admittedly take hours. But apparently, Norwegians see it as a major tourist attraction, so I guess it makes sense to add dorms. Would you spend the night at an Ikea?

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