CasaSugar

Open House: Where Do You Cut Back?

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 09:15:29 -0700

Unless you're a celebrity with money to burn, or just one very successful lay-dee, most of us have to cut back somewhere when it comes to furnishing and renovating our homes. I myself have been known to drop big bucks at high-end design shops and haggle over flea market finds in the same day. And although I'll concede that spending money on my house itself is in most cases a better investment than purchasing furnishings to fill it with, sometimes I just can't restrain myself from bringing home a beautiful lamp or having a chair reupholstered. Some of you may be renters, and it wouldn't make sense to spend on renovations. Or maybe you'll splurge on an antique dining table, but pair it with Ikea chairs. Maybe you spend on your interiors, but haven't given a thought to buying even a plant for your front stoop, let alone hiring a landscaper. Maybe you don't spend any money on your home at all. Tell me where you fit in by commenting below!
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How-To: Go Green in the Bathroom Without Spending Money

CasaSugar — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 12:00:29 -0700

With all the talk of living eco-friendly these days, it's easy to feel like you can never do enough to make a difference. And with so many new "green" products on the market, you might feel like you can't go green without spending a fortune. But there are plenty of ways you can make your home an environmentally friendly one without spending a penny. The bathroom can be an enemy to the environment when you consider all the water and products used there. To learn a few tips on going green in the bathroom without spending a penny, read more.

Take shorter showers! Keep your showers under 5-7 minutes. Set an alarm just outside your bathroom each time you get in, so you'll have no choice but to get of the shower to turn it off.
On that note, cut down the number of showers you take in general - no more showering twice a day.
If you run your water before you get in the bath or shower until the water temperature rises, collect it in a bucket and use that cold water to water your house plants.
Use a permanent razor with refillable blades instead of throwaway plastic ones.
Towels don't get dirty when you dry off after each shower. Reuse them until it's necessary to wash them.
Take a shower in the dark! I've found that taking a shower in the dark with a single candle or LED light on is supremely relaxing, and you'd be surprised how much light you don't need.
Let your hair dry naturally! Gasp!

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How-To: Green Your Laundry Routine Without Spending Money

CasaSugar — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:00:53 -0700

By now you've learned to go green in the bathroom and the kitchen without spending money, but your work's not over yet. If you factor in the energy and water required used to run your washing machine and dryer, and then all the chemicals in your detergents, the laundry room can be a very unfriendly place. Learn some ways to go green in the laundry room without spending money when you read more.

Check your pantry to see if you have the household supplies needed to make eco-friendly laundry detergent.
Wash your clothes in cold water.
Use baking soda in your rinse cycle instead of fabric softener, which is full of toxic chemicals.
Only run your washing machine on a full load but not overloaded.
Ditch your dryer and hang your clothes on a line or drying rack, if you have one.
Reuse your dryer sheets for other household chores.

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How-To: Go Green in the Kitchen Without Spending Money

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:00:38 -0700

So, you've learned how to go green in the bathroom without spending any money. But you shouldn't stop there! There's still more eco-friendly business to be done around the house. The kitchen is a hog when it comes to energy use and water consumption, so you should be particularly careful there. To learn some tips for going green in the kitchen without spending a penny, read more.

First of all, I shouldn't have to tell you this, but recycle! Learn what not to recycle and which plastics are recyclable.
Don't use anything disposable if you have a reusable alternative. That means, use microfiber towels instead of paper towels; porcelain or china dishware and utensils instead of paper or plastic; cloth napkins instead of paper napkins, etc.
Use your city's curbside compost.
Use your microwave instead of your stove top or oven whenever possible. It's more energy efficient. But, don't use plastics in your microwave, which can potentially leach chemicals into your food.
Do some Spring cleaning and organize your kitchen storage containers so that you're more likely to use it for leftovers. Cooking at home cuts down on wasteful packaging.
Use household supplies to make homemade and eco-friendly cleaning solutions.
Prevent phantom energy loads by plugging your kitchen appliances into a power strip.
Run your dishwasher on a full load, but not overloaded.
Use a tote bag you already own for grocery shopping instead of plastic bags.
Arrange grocery runs with neighbors or friends. It will make your errands more fun while cutting down on gas expenses. You may also be able to split bulk items with a friend, which will help you to save money. But obviously, don't shop unless you have to!

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How-To: Green Your Life Without Spending Any Money

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 15:00:22 -0700

So, I've told you how to go green in the bathroom, kitchen, and laundry room without spending money, and hopefully you'll take note. But, there are a few other ways you can become a better friend to the Earth by making changes around the house and in your lifestyle. To hear them, read more.

Donate any housewares and clothes you no longer need to a local donation center or Goodwill.
Get a library card.
Ride your bike, walk, carpool, or drive at a steady, reasonable speed whenever possible.
Turn your lights off when you leave a room and your house.
Prevent phantom energy loads by plugging your appliances into a power strip.
Set your thermostat at a reasonable 68°F.
Forgo turning on your elliptical machine and do some exercise that requires no electricity! Go for a run. Ride your bike. Lift weights. Work on your garden. Do some Spring cleaning.

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Desire/Acquire: Anthropologie Songbird Chandelier

CasaSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 08:00:23 -0800

Featuring finches, lories, and parakeets behind a delicate copper wire, the Anthropologie Songbird Chandelier ($798) is a bit gimmicky, but I can still definitely see its appeal. It would look great along with some busy, bird-themed wallpaper - like the one in Domino editor Rita Konig's foyer. But for a piece that requires a very specific design scheme, I certainly wouldn't spend nearly $800.

Luckily, you can buy nearly a carbon copy of this bird chandelier for under $100! To see it, read more.

Etsy seller Meggan Colleen's Twitterpated Chandelier will cost you only $99, and it's complete with a wire cage and plenty of birdies sitting on their bars.

12 Works of Art Made From Books

CasaSugar — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 12:00:00 -0800

You needn't spend top dollar on oil paints and horsehair brushes to prove your artistic skill. These days, plenty of artists are creating magnificent works of art from things as simple as books and X-acto knives. Some of you may think that books are sacrilegious, and that they should remain as they were printed, from cover to cover. But don't forget that books are printed en masse - and these days, available for download - and one-of-a-kind artwork made from books can be much, much more than the sum of their parts. Let me show you!

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Su Casa: A Thrifty and Hip DIY Shelf

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:25 -0800

Often, home enthusiasts find a product that is perfect for their homes, but find that the price point is definitely less than ideal. Such was the case with Su Casa member Senorita.

She writes, "I had fallen in love with the CB2 Hancock bookshelf ($199). I wasn't keen on that exact color (a bright orange), but I loved the shape. I debated on buying two and repainting them, but at $200 a piece, that was a little more than I was willing to spend. So I started my search for a shelving unit that would work on this extra-large wall of mine."

To see what she found instead, and what fabulous color she decided upon, read more.

Senorita continues, "I happened to browse through Ikea and found a series called Lerberg. They were a little smaller than the CB2 shelves, but with a little paint could be whatever color I wanted, and for three (enough to cover the wall) a mere $60. So, I got to work and bought three shelves and three cans of lime-green paint. I am thrilled with the final product - they definitely pop with color!"

Have you come up with a smart DIY or home project? Then share it in our Su Casa group!
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How Much Would You Spend on a Throw?

CasaSugar — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 07:00:05 -0700

I'm not much of an animal-print person, but for some reason I'm really drawn to these Williams-Sonoma Home Safari Printed Cashmere Throws ($268, reduced from $368). While its luxurious cashmere and wool blend may be cause for its high price tag, that doesn't mean I'll actually be buying it. I think my max has to be $200 for a really, really lovely throw. What's yours?

Ask Casa: Post-Grad Style

CasaSugar — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 08:00:56 -0700

Hi Casa!
I'm 22 and I just started my first job out of college. Unfortunately, I still live with my parents. But I figure that if I have to do so then I might as well have a room I enjoy coming back to after a long day of work. I've been wanting to redecorate my room for a while now. However, I don't have a lot of money to spend on new furniture or décor. Most of my furniture is mismatched, and I've had it all since college. Do you have any tips on how I can update my room on the cheap and make it a place that I enjoy spending time?
Thanks! - Kerry

To hear my suggestions for Kerry, read more.

Hi Kerry,

Congrats! I don't think you're alone in this query. Luckily, there are a few easy and affordable things you can do to perk up your bedroom. The idea is to give your room polish and a distinct style, separate from how your parents may have decorated.

First of all, shed everything! If you'd moved into your new apartment, you wouldn't bring everything you've owned since grade school that's still sitting in your parents' house. So, go through it all and recycle, donate, or toss won't you don't want or need. This will give your room a more grownup, less cluttered feel.
Next, create symmetry. The easiest way to do this is to use matching nightstands or bedside table lamps. You can find very chic, affordable lamps at places like Target and HomeGoods. A nightstand can be just a simple side table.
Get a headboard. A headboard will instantly give your room a focal point, and curb any mismatched feel your other furniture gives off. If you can't afford a headboard, try any one of these 10 cool alternatives to off-the-shelf headboards.
Paint your mismatched furniture in one color - glossy white always works - to give the space cohesion.
Create a designated sitting area for reading, having your morning coffee, or making phone calls, etc., with a chair, small accent rug, and small side table. Then you won't feel trapped on your bed or hanging with your parents.
Paint your walls. Color is an easy and cheap fix for any room!
Give your bed a grownup makeover with white bedding, and add color and pattern with throw pillows or a bedskirt.
Find cheap artwork at flea markets, garage sales, or student art sales, or create your own.
Make the space cozy with a rug.
Go "shopping" in other rooms in your home. Look around your parents' home for furnishings that might facilitate the above. With an open mind, you never know what you may find.

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