CasaSugar

Do You Have a Lake or Pond on Your Property?

CasaSugar — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 06:15:38 -0700

At my vacation house growing up, we had two ponds on our property. In the Summer, we'd row our old rowboat around them, play with the frogs and salamanders that lived there, and practice our fishing skills. In the Winter, the ponds were prime spots for ice skating. And of course, they gave the scenery a face lift.

Crave Worthy: A Backyard Bocce Court

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:00:52 -0700

I've recently become a bocce fanatic - I'm even in a league. It's the ultimate social game because anyone of any age or skill level can play. So, when I saw this backyard bocce court at Ceja Vineyards, I nearly died and went to heaven. I'd kill to have one installed at my house. You can build your own by picking up perimeter and base materials locally and a crushed oyster shell blend from Boccemon for as little as $595, which is still an investment. To have a court professionally built, it could cost between $18,000-$35,000. Yikes, right? For now, I'm happy to play on uneven grass in my backyard or local park. Divits, wet soil, and other natural elements may leave things slightly out of control for the players, but I'm not in it for the competition. Would you like one built at your home?

Cool Idea: Corrugated Metal Siding as a Fence

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 12:00:04 -0700

A white picket fence may be an icon of domestic bliss, but it's too traditional for some tastes. I recently relaxed in an outdoor seating area with corrugated metal siding used as a fence and loved its industrial modern look.

It offers more privacy than a picket fence, which is ideal for city homes. It's also a much more affordable alternative - especially if you can find salvaged siding. Subtle blue stripes were painted here, which is a great way to personalize it. And paired with patio chairs painted in a neon yellow, this outdoor area looks distinctly fresh and contemporary

Do You Have a White Picket Fence?

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:00:18 -0700

There's nothing like a curious agapanthus peering its head out of your white picket fence on a warm Summer day. A white picket fence may be uninspired, but it's still a classic, like an L.L. Bean bag or a pair of canvas sneaks. You almost can't go wrong with one.

Do You Have a Hot Tub?

CasaSugar — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 10:00:31 -0700

Something about hot tubs has always screamed "Spring Break" to me. But this hot tub, built into a beautiful teak floor in a fenced-in area, designed by Katie Leede, looks sophisticated and has made me reconsider them. If I could create a beautiful outdoor space such as this, I'd buy one in a second. Do you have one?

Su Casa: Kimpossible's Pergola

CasaSugar — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 07:00:42 -0700

Do you remember when Su Casa member Kimpossible wrote in asking for suggestions for a rug for her patio? Well, since then her outdoor space has seen some major changes. Not only did she choose a Mad Mats Recycled Rug for the space, but she also installed a pergola! "The pergola is lovely," she says, and "it provides a good amount of shade and respite from the hot desert sun." What's next on the horizon? She'll be putting grass in that section of the yard. If you look closely you can see that she's also added a blue garden stool and planter to bring in a little color.
I love it! Sometimes once you start, you just can't stop. Get a better peek at the patio when you read more.

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Do You Tan in Your Backyard?

CasaSugar — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 06:15:00 -0700

As much as we may have been told not to, sometimes it's hard to avoid basking in the warmth of a sunny day. Whether you do it on a blanket in your backyard or from a comfy lounge chair, many of us still catch some rays around our homes.
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Roundup: Element-Withstanding Outdoor Furniture

CasaSugar — Wed, 10 Jun 2009 05:30:28 -0700

If you're going to invest in outdoor furniture this Summer, you want to know that it will withstand the elements. Choosing furniture made from teak is always a good idea, since this wood is highly resistant to the wear and tear of sun and rain. In addition, look for outdoor fabrics from Sunbrella. For over 45 years, Sunbrella has made outdoor fabrics that resist the elements. It's even earned the Skin Cancer Foundation's Seal of Recommendation for its fabric's ability to filter out the sun's harmful rays. You'll find Sunbrella fabric on everything from boat cushions to outdoor pillows to shade structures.

Just remember, even if outdoor furniture is weather-resistant, it will still need to be cared for. While it's definitely made to take more damage than indoor furniture, it still needs some TLC at the end of the Summer season. I'll give you more tips for caring for your outdoor furniture as we get closer to the end of August, but for now, see some of my favorite element-withstanding outdoor furniture when you read more.

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Roundup: Outdoor Folding Chairs

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 08:00:30 -0700

Summer means that we're often on the go: catching the best sunshine, the best waves, or the nearest picnic in the park. That means that we need on-the-go furniture to keep up with our Summer lifestyles. One of the best pieces of furniture you can invest in for easy seasonal living is an outdoor folding chair. To see my current favorites, read more.

Bali Club Chair or Canvas - $20.00	Tripolina Chair - $430.00
Floor Lounger + Cushion - $69.00	Gandia Blasco - picnic collection - deck chair by gandia blasco - $730.00
Wine Barrel Chair (Set of 2) - $349.00	Steamer Folding Chaise - $275.00
Veneto Adjustable Folding Chair Sunbrella® Cushion - $130.00	Set of Two Brisbane Folding Armchairs - $199.00

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Roundup: Fab Outdoor Finds Under $25

CasaSugar — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:00:47 -0700

Whenever Summer comes around, I'm überexcited over all of the great outdoor items on the market, with grand visions of hosting colorful weekend barbecues. I have to stop myself, though, and remember that the season is fleeting. It's silly to spend excessively on décor that might be compromised by the weather and the playfulness of outdoor parties and that will only be used for a short time. But that doesn't mean I'll go without. There is plenty of stylish, affordable outdoor décor out there. For a few under $25, read more.

Tovolo Placemat - $8.95	notNeutral - Melamine Tray - $17.00
Natural Tribeca Stacking Table - $49.99	Lantern - $14.95
Cherry Blossom Doormat - $14.99	Capetown Stripe All-Weather Indoor/Outdoor Rug - $19.95
Clear String Lights - $14.99	Yoko Red Square Paper Lantern - $19.99
Hexagon White Paper Lantern - $7.99	Basketweave Placemats - $2.95
Cutting Board Set (2-pc.) by Magic Slice - $19.95	Island Stripe Outdoor Tablecloth - $29.99
Miramar Pillows Topaz - $32.00	River Stones - $5.95
Flower Arranger - $8.95	Frog or Daisy Watering Cans - $14.99
Astro Balls - $3.95	Verona Oil Lamps Polished Steel - $10.00
Palisade Torri Indoor-Outdoor Pillow - $24.95	Tonal Stripe Outdoor Pillow - $29.00
Citronella Bucket Candle - $6.95	Wire and Glass Candleholder - $11.95
Solar LED Candle - $24.00	Recycled Lantern - $29.95
Topiary Wall Art - $49.95

Sunbrella® Cane-Stitch Outdoor Pililow - $79.00	Royal Botania - mixt series outdoor seating by royal botania - $789.00
"Relax" Teak Chair - $169.00	Montego Lounge Chair Cushions in White - $300.00
Ventana Sunbrella Cushion Collection - $120.00	Overlapping-Squares Metal Side Chair + Cushion - $30.00
Barlow Tyrie Dune Daybed And Ottoman - $4,713.00	Customized St. Tropez Indoor/Outdoor Rugs -Pattern - $129.00
Sunbrella Outdoor Drapery - $159.00	Montauk Rocking Chair - $499.00
Northshore Outdoor Lounge Chair - $949.00	Carlisle Sofa/Trovata Rectangular Coffee Table - $399.00
Sunbrella® Striped Throw - $198.00	Ballard Indoor/Outdoor Curtains - $64.99
Valencia Bench - $899.00	Corsica Outdoor Ottoman - $599.00
Trovata Chaise/Cushion - $999.00	Tufted Outdoor Chair Cushion - $24.00