CasaSugar

Geeky Mugs to Keep You Warm on Cold Winter Nights

Kristy Korcz — Sat, 11 Feb 2012 13:50:40 PST

Winter is still rearing its cold and dark head, and if your neck of the woods isn't as toasty as you'd like it to be, try warming up with a hot beverage instead of turning on your radiator. Your coffee or tea (or Captain Picard-style hot toddy) will taste even sweeter in one of these geeky mugs. Cin cin, baby. Cin cin.

Celebrate V Day With Some Pink and Red Gadget Goodies!

Kristy Korcz — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 03:13:00 PST

Geeky ladies don't always want their gadgets in the color pink, but accessorizing with them every so often is totally acceptable. If there's ever a time to skip the red hearts and pink roses to shower your geek with some similarly hued tech accessories, Valentine's Day is it. Check out a few in the slideshow!

Getting Crafty in Sci-Fi and Superhero Aprons

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 03:14:13 PST

While you're baking up deliciously nerdy treats or working on your latest genius DIY, you've got to protect the duds. Don a geek-chic apron by Etsy seller HauteMessThreads, and you'll feel like a superhero as you tackle household chores. Plus it's not just all work for these creations - they make perfect Halloween, party, and Comic-Con costumes.

Check out the whole HauteMessThreads collection and buying details in the gallery.

26 Geeky Valentine's Day Cards to Show Your <3

Kelly Schwarze — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:00:52 PST

Even though you show your love all year long, Valentine's Day is the ideal excuse to shower your favorite geeks with an extra dose of x's and o's. Pick one of these 26 cards up for the physics know-it-alls, Star Wars-sweeties, and robot-obsessed cuties in your life.

Etsy Rolls Out Direct Checkout - Will You Prefer It Over PayPal?

Elka Karl — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 10:19:07 PST

Have you ever tried to buy something on Etsy, but didn't follow through on the sale due to the extra step required to complete the sale through PayPal? I can think of at least one instance when I forgot my PayPal password and abandoned a sale - and I'm sure I'm not the only buyer who's faced this quandary. Starting today, however, the PayPal step will become a thing of the past: a direct, on-site Etsy payment option is rolling out in the next few months.

Today, Etsy's CEO Chad Dickerson wrote in an open letter,

I'm excited to announce that we are rolling out direct checkout, a new way for shops to accept credit card payments from buyers directly on Etsy. The rollout will continue over the next several months to all U.S. sellers . . . This is an important step forward for Etsy.

Etsy shop owners can learn more about the direct checkout in this video or on this open Etsy thread. Direct checkout will cost an additional three percent plus 25 cents USD in payment processing fee per sale, which may turn off some sellers, especially those who deal in lower-price-point items.

One of the other improvements slated for rollout in 2012 is a gift-card option, which should boost Etsy sales even further. While I love choosing Etsy items for friends and family, sometimes a gift-card option would make it a more feasible option for those hard-to-buy-for folks like my dad.

I know that I'll appreciate having the checkout process streamlined and not having to hop over to PayPal to finish my purchases. Will you be using the new direct checkout instead of PayPal?

I Heart You! 5 Lovely Valentine's Day Cookies From Etsy

Nicole Abbott — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:04:27 PST

Valentine's Day is around the corner, and hopefully you've got lots of special someones expecting to receive a token of your affection on this "lovely" day, starting with the most special one of all - your little one. Cookies make great Valentine's Day gifts, and these five sweet cookies from Etsy will have your tot - or any other recipient - falling head over heels!

Etsy Finds: Sweet, Snarky, and Clever Valentine's Day Cards

Elka Karl — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:39:00 PST

What's your mood this Valentine's Day? Happy? Sentimental? Grouchy? Mischievous? However you're feeling, there's a great handmade card to express the sentiment. Come along with me as I round up some cards that will help you to express exactly what you mean on the 14th of February.

Lord of the Rings: Geeky Jewelry For Gifting

Kelly Schwarze — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:02:49 PST

A thoughtful jewelry gift doesn't have to mean rare gemstones and hefty price tags. Step outside the, uhm, jewelry box and shower your sweetie pie with the geeky lifestyle treats they love so much. These rings combine romance with pop culture favorites like nostalgic video games and Doctor Who.

20 Cool, Modern Mobiles From Etsy

Kate Stahl — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 05:23:56 PST

Finding a cool mobile that adds style to your nursery, but is also appealing to your baby can be a harder task than most new moms realize. Go with those ubiquitous big-box store mobiles and you'll get the lights, colors, and sounds that just might make your newborn fall in love with his crib - which for some new moms can feel like an impossible goal - but you're stuck looking at a plastic monstrosity in your otherwise-chic baby's room. Scour the upscale baby boutiques, and you'll find some incredible mobiles, but they can come with some equally outstanding price tags. Not to worry! We've scoured one of our favorite sources for creative decor, Etsy, and have found 20 gorgeous mobiles at a range of price points. The only problem now? Choosing just one!

Touchdown! 5 Football Party Themes For Kids

Nicole Abbott — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 13:03:10 PST

With all of the hype leading up to the Super Bowl, we know lots of dads - and mamas too! - and their kids are bonding and making memories as they enjoy some Sunday night football.

Is your lil one a lil football fanatic? You'll be sure to score a touchdown at your lil one's next birthday with a sports-themed party, so check out these five football party themes for kids!