CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Ostrich 3-in-1 Chair

CasaSugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 05:30:40 -0700

I'm not gonna lie: I like to flash a little tan in the Summer. But getting an even color can be tricky on the beach when you also want to read. So I was kind of thrilled when I came across this Ostrich 3-in-1 Chair ($89).

This is not your standard folding beach chair. The seat comes equipped with a face flap with cushions on the backrest, which you can flip up when you want to tan your back, and arm slots, allowing you to read with a book below. It also has five back positions and a three-position footrest, so it works as a chair, recliner, and chaise. I never thought I'd see innovation in a beach seat, but I'm so glad it has arrived! Now only if I can get myself a house with the ocean as my backyard . . .

Casa Quickie: Keeping Bees Away From Your Pool

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 15:00:02 -0700

It's hard to enjoy your endless Summer if bee stings come hand in hand with taking a dip in your pool. But bees have many uses for water, including drinking and using as material to build hives. So, unless there's another source of water nearby, you can bet your bottom dollar that they'll be making a poolside visit. According to the USDA, bees will forage any open water source, so the only way to detract them is by making the water unpalatable. You can do so by filling a spray bottle with a mix of 1/4 cup of dish soap or vinegar and a quart of water, and spraying bees that are at your pool. This will eliminate bees as they forage on water, and prevent others in the colony from learning about your pool's location.
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Midday Muse: Everybody in the Pool

CasaSugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 12:00:30 -0700

Wondering where this cool, patterned pool is located? I can tell you that you'll be surprised by the answer.

To find out, read more.

It's actually a manhole cover! British artist Slinkachu, a former design student, has been creating various everyday scenes - though in miniature -in London for the past year as part of his "Little People" street art project.

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Steal of the Day: Pottery Barn Chesapeake Changing Cabana

CasaSugar — Tue, 15 Jul 2008 13:00:52 -0700

Ever since I snuck up to the rooftop pool at W Hotel in New Orleans for a late-night swim, I've been convinced that a cabana is the key to the ultimate poolside haven. Not only can you use it to slip into your teeny weeny yellow polka-dot bikini, but it's also a great escape from the sun and other poolside dwellers. In other words, it's the quintessence of Summer style. Those of you with a pool might want to open your ears now: the Pottery Barn Chesapeake Changing Cabana ($299, reduced from $429) is on sale and ready to make its debut in your backyard. And, it has a FSC-certified solid eucalyptus frame finished with a protective oil-based wood stain, so it may actually outlast your bikini years.

Summer Style: Pool Photography

CasaSugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 05:30:04 -0700

If you can't pop out your back door and jump into a nice, wet watering hole on those dog days this month, you can still feel the warmth of Summer in your home by purchasing some pool photography. And, if you do have a pool, hanging a photograph of one on your walls will coordinate nicely. New York-based photographer Samantha West's moody and romantic "Saint James" print (2007) is available for purchase in 22" x 22" (inquire for price) — a perfect square to soak your house in Summer style. To get your feet wet with some other pool photography, read more.

New Zealander Carlo Van de Roer's Pools series explores abandoned swimming pools that were once bustling social environments, and his Swim series focuses on outdoor swimming pools and public baths marked by patterns and groupings of people. Inquire for prices.

Austin-based photographer Will van Overbeek's 24 Summers at Barton Springs Pool" is just that: a photo series documenting Summer after Summer spent capturing the allure of a favorite Austin locale. Call for prints.

Minnesota-based photographer FriendlyMade's "Swimming Pool" ($11) is a refreshing splash, and a far cry from the weed-filled lakes used by Minnesota swimmers. At 5" x 5" it's petite — or what I'd call a skinny dip.

Southern California-based photographer Jena Ardell's "Pool Triptych" ($25), a trio of three of her Polaroids on a white background, is a hat trick, proving that three is company.

How Would You . . .

CasaSugar — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 05:00:11 -0700

These 48-drawer Swimming Pool Basket Lockers ($600) were once the keepers of some groovy retro swimsuits and certainly not produced for home storage. But they've got a great industrial-style look to them that I think is worthy of personal use. In the past, the dealer's customers used the lockers to store vegetables, sewing supplies, porno (!), and socks. Unless you're the Brady Bunch, you probably have no need to store 48 wet swimsuits. So for the next round of this challenge, I'd like you take a look at this locker and tell me how you'd use it in your home. What would you store in it? Clothes? Veggies? Swimwear? Would you use it for a purpose other than storage (perhaps to conceal a secret door)? Would you leave the painted steel bluish gray or paint it? Would you paint it yourself or have it powdercoated? Tell me by commenting below!

Do You Have Water Access at Your Home?

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 06:30:05 -0700

While I'll reluctantly jump in a pool if need be, my favorite spot to be in the Summer is at a lake. Luckily, my mom's house has access to a secluded beach just a short walk away from her home, so I'm always kayaking or swimming on a Summer visit to her house. Do you have access to water at your home?

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What You're Wanting: Ryan Phillippe's Pool

CasaSugar — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 15:00:25 -0700

For this past What You're Wanting, I asked you to redecorate Ryan Phillippe's pool, which I thought could use some accessorizing.
One look that really caught my eye was put together by HippieCowGirl, who wrote, "I think the pool area is the perfect space for a really eclectic look. It's like a flea market with finds from all over the world."

HippieCowGirl wins the CasaSugar schwag of her choice for the look she put together. Congratulations! To see another lovely look, read more.

Christin043's look also has an eclectic feel to it, much like Phillippe's new house, and it also includes some fun Summer essentials like an ice cream maker and torch lights.

Chesapeake Lounger - $899.00	Saranac™ Chaise - $325.00
Antique Lamp Stands - $250.00	Cuisinart ICE-45 Ice Cream Maker, Soft Serve Mix-it-In - $125.00
Santenay Sofa - $1,799.95	Mosaic Marble Fire Pit Patio Table - $198.00
North Park Dining - $80.00	"Astra" Bath Towels - $20.00
Cabo Pub Set of 5 - $199.00	Chippendale Outdoor Bench, Red - $995.00
Recycled Glass Wasp Catcher - $13.00	Deneb Teak Stool - $398.00
Weber Genesis E-320 Gas Grill: 42,000 BTU's - $749.99	Storage Cube with Cushion - $99.00
Freeport Tabletop Beverage Stand - $119.00	Pool Raft - $179.00
Mosaic Oil Lamp - $19.99	Arched Three-Panel Privacy Screen - $325.00
Slate Indoor/Outdoor Clock - $139.00	Torch Lights - $12.99
Classic Elements Olive Mosaic Outdoor Jar - $617.00	Iron Wall Bracket for Lanterns - $6.99
Bamboo Deer Chaser Fountain - $129.00	Rennes Hose Holder - $99.00

Check out more looks here! Nice work ladies! And for the rest of you, check in tomorrow for our next ShopStyle Living challenge!
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What You're Wanting: Designs For Ryan Phillippe's Pool

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Jun 2008 09:15:24 -0700

Last week I told you about Ryan Phillippe's purchase of a $7.175 million zen-inspired mansion. While it's definitely a gorgeous place, the pool area could use some accessorizing, don't you think?

So, for this week's What You're Wanting, I want to know how you'd redecorate Ryan Phillippe's pool. What kinds of seating, accessories, plants, or outdoor entertaining must-haves would you put in this space? Add all the finds to your ShopStyle Living stylebook, and create a look tagged with the phrase Ryan Phillippe Pool. Private message me if you have any questions. Oh, and as extra incentive, I'll give some Sugar schwag away to my favorite look!
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Do You Have a Pool?

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 07:00:43 -0700

If you can answer yes to this question, then you are one lucky lady. One lucky lady who may be entertaining all Summer long! If not, then hopefully you have a friend who will offer you a dip in hers when the weather gets hot . . . and hopefully her pool boy will just happen to be there when you drop by in your best bikini.
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