CasaSugar

Do You Keep Your Shoes in Shoe Boxes?

CasaSugar — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 08:30:55 -0700

My closet is the most unruly area of my home, and my shoes are the worst of it. The thought of keeping them all in shoe boxes, clear plastic or not, is actually funny to me; they wouldn't last even a week. But I applaud anyone who can keep up with it. Organization Tips group member PopGal recently spent a rainy weekend organizing her shoes in transparent plastic shoe boxes from the Container Store.
She says, "Not only can I see where everything is at once in a nice, organized way, but my favorite part is how clean it keeps my shoes. I have so many pairs I love, but only wear a few times a year, so it was making me sad to see the dust build up on them." How about you?

Do You Use Fabric Hangers?

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 14:00:26 -0700

Fabric hangers, in my mind, conjure up knitting grannies and stale, musty closets in country cottages. But they're actually great for protecting delicate materials like silk, expensive lingerie, and fancy dresses. I personally don't own any, but then again my closet may be in need of a hanger update.

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Cool Idea: Garment Dividers

CasaSugar — Wed, 13 May 2009 15:00:00 -0700

About a year ago, I gave you all an in-depth guide to organizing your hangers. If you're like me, your closet is in tip-top shape for a couple weeks, and then it's time to get organized again. Well, I don't know of any gadgets that will keep my clothes off of the floor, but these Simple Division Garment Organizers ($9.99) do seem like they'll help keep my dresses from wandering off into the pant section. The set comes with 60 labels (in English and Spanish) and 12 dividers. But, you can also print your own labels if you want to make them cuter or if you're the owner of a nontraditional garment that needs a unique label - chaps, anyone? These dividers seem pretty handy, but I'm also feeling a DIY coming on!

How-To: Keep Your Flatware Drawer Tidy

CasaSugar — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 09:00:35 -0800

Over the holidays, some of my friends housesat for us for a few days. When I have someone stay at my house, I try to make it as tidy and welcoming as possible, and one of my go-to tasks is tidying and cleaning the flatware drawer. It's rather disconcerting, in my opinion, to open a drawer, looking for a spoon for your ice cream, and find yourself staring at a messy and crumb-filled flatware drawer.

To see my tips for keeping your flatware drawer tidy, read more.

Start by purging your drawer of all mismatched, mangled, or shabby-looking silverware. Send any decent, but mismatched, silver to a local thrift shop or charity.
Remove any non-silverware items from the drawer. Measuring cups, spatulas, and other kitchen utensils should be placed in a separate drawer or container.
Take out all silverware and give it a good rub-down with this non-toxic polish.
Take out the drawer and clean it thoroughly, removing any spills or stains.
Replace everything and enjoy your newly organized drawer!

How Do You Store Your Shoes?

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 05:30:38 -0700

If you're sitting pretty like Blair Waldorf, your designer stilettos are neatly stacked in your custom closet. But, if you're more like Yours Truly, your ballet flats are piled up like Legos and plastic trucks in a kid's toy box.Source

Before and After: A Cutlery Tray Reenvisioned

CasaSugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 08:30:30 -0700

Last week I showed you another use for a plate hanger, and today I'm back with some more inventive repurposing. DIY queen Twiggie had a spare cutlery tray lying around and a need to store some of her finest personal possessions, which had been piling up. With some basic household supplies and some decorative paper and knobs, she transformed her basic cutlery tray into something both feminine and functional. Can you guess what she made? To find out, read more.

She transformed it into a necklace and bracelet organizer! To learn how to make one yourself, check out the DIY instructions.
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Casa Quickie: Taper Treatment

CasaSugar — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 14:00:41 -0700

I think most would agree that Martha Stewart seems a little OCD about organization . . . if there's anyone who can make a home a picture of perfection, it's her. Personally, I like to have a little mess in my digs: it calms me. But, where guests are concerned, I look to Martha as a guide. My mother has always had an elegant dining room with a sideboard that neatly stores her fine silverware, table linens, tapers, and matches - the perfect arrangement for entertaining. But, it has always vexed me that her candles get scratched up as they roll around in her drawers. I know, it's irrational to be irritated by such a trivial matter.
Again, Martha saves the day. To keep your tapers in tip-top form, she suggests wrapping them in tissue paper and slipping them into a recycled paper towel roll. Genius!

Open House: Where Do You Need to Organize?

CasaSugar — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 08:30:00 -0700

I'm currently in the process of organizing my closet, but because entropy is inevitable, there's been a lot of deliberation about what system works best for me. I've figured out how to best organize my hangers, and am trying to be diligent about hanging my clothes back up after I try them. And, I've organized my tops and sweaters by color. But I'm still working on the shoes; I think I have a gene that prevents me from keeping them in order, or at least looking neat. There are a few other war zones in my house that need to be handled with a peace treaty of some sort as well, particularly the garage. How about you? What area of your home needs to be organized, or reorganized? Where do you need to implement an actual organization system (inbox, outbox, labels, etc.)? Do you have any spots that are truly out of control? Are you disorderly to a point where it affects your efficiency? Tell me by commenting below!
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Room Therapy: Metal Accordion File Holder

CasaSugar — Fri, 30 May 2008 09:15:18 -0700

Dear Casa,
Can you ask your readers for help? I saw a metal accordion-style file holder in a magazine in the last few weeks. I can't find the magazine and I am trying to buy something similar for my office. It was something from the May issue of a design mag. Thanks for any help you can offer!
Cheers,
Jennemmy

To see my suggestions, and offer your own, read more.

Hi Jennemmy,
I've searched high and low and haven't had any luck tracking down a metal accordion file holder, but I've found plenty of stylish accordion file holders. So, I'll show you a few and then open the floor up to our readers. Hopefully between all of us, we'll be able to help you find something that suits you. Thanks for writing in, and feel free to keep the questions coming!
Casa

See Jane Work Accordion Organizer ($9.50)

Kasaa Memo Pocket ($26-$48)

Russell + Hazel Collator ($29)

The Container Store 13-Pocket Portofino Accordion File ($11.99)

Russell + Hazel Audrey Patent Tote ($60)

You may also like this Room Service Home Wire Tray from a recent Steal of the Day post.

Readers, do you have any suggestions for Jennemmy?
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Casa Quickie: Conquer Clutter

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 May 2008 13:00:46 -0700

One of the most sensible ways to deal with clutter (and consumerism) is to abide by this rule: "Every time you bring something new into your home, something else must leave." Since I bring you wonderful home décor products day in and day out, you'd laugh in my face if I told you to stop shopping — wouldn't you? But, if you get in the habit of recycling or donating one possession before you bring home another, you'll not only prevent clutter in your home but you might actually feel good about yourself. That's not to say that when you finally save up for an ottoman, you should get rid of your matching armchair, but you should routinely get rid of things you genuinely don't need or want. Just as you'd organize your desk, keep an outbox of things you can part with. It's the only healthy way to purge.
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