CasaSugar

Cool Idea: Wavy Rails on a Beach Shack

CasaSugar — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 08:30:00 -0700

I love architecture that mimics nature, but nautilus-shaped houses are sometimes a bit too wacky for my tastes. Instead, I like the subtle reference. Take this porch railing, for example. Instead of a boing, straight-as-an-arrow top rail, it's been outfitted thusly. The gently undulating rail mimics the shape of ocean waves, which residents can easily appreciate from a chair on the porch. The wavy rail adds an unexpected sense of whimsy and fun to the porch, and is perfect punctuation for a Summer getaway home.
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Casa Quickie: Bring August Flavor to Your Mantel

CasaSugar — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 07:00:00 -0700

Enjoy August both in and out of doors by adding some summery accents around your house. While it's still bikini weather outside, keep the chimney, flue, and logs off your mind, and opt for vibrant color and greenery instead. Create a summery arrangement of vases, plants, or candles (or all three) in your fireplace and on your mantel. Think of your fireplace like a shelving unit; stack your beach reads there, display your favorite knick-knacks, or lean artwork against the mantel.

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Casa Verde: Keep Your Energy Bills Low When on Holiday

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:00:00 -0700

If you're planning on vacationing this August, you know that you don't need to use as much energy at home while you're away as you would normally. But, I thought I'd give you a few reminders about how to cut back your energy use while you're off hitting the beach.

Most people like to leave some lights on to be safe, so you appear to be home even when you're not. If you live in a city or neighborhood where that's necessary, just put a couple of your lights (facing the street) on timers to go on at night so your house doesn't appear vacant, but isn't hogging energy all day long.
Aside from your refrigerator and freezer, you can turn off and unplug all of your major and smaller appliances. But, if you'll be gone for an extended period, consider emptying your fridge and freezer all together and unplugging them as well.

There's more where these came from, so read more.

You won't be needing hot water, so you can turn your electric water heater off, too, or if you have a gas water heater, turn it to the pilot setting.
If you live in a moderate climate, you can turn your air conditioner off as well, but otherwise, set it at 85 degrees.
If you're lucky enough to have a pool, turn off your pool heater as well — Wow, they're pricey! — and reduce the amount of times that your pump filter operates. But, then again, if you can take a dip in your backyard, why take a vacation?

Have You Had Any Rude Houseguests This Summer?

CasaSugar — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 14:00:02 -0700

In the recent New York Times article It's August. They're Coming For You, tales of house-guest terror unfold, from the guest that will never leave to those that are paid off by their hosts to get the heck out of Dodge. It's definitely worth a read, if you have the time to check it out. And after you do, you can (hopefully!) breathe a sigh of relief that none of your house guests behaved that badly.

Sale Alert: Pottery Barn Summer Sale

CasaSugar — Sun, 09 Aug 2009 08:30:05 -0700

Stock up on everything from furniture to linens during the Pottery Barn Summer Sale. But hurry, quantities are limited! See some of my sale favorites below.

How-To: Bring Summer Style to Your Fireplace

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 12:00:23 -0700

Since most of us aren't using our fireplaces this Summer, why not take advantage of them this August by using them for decorating instead of firebuilding? See my favorite ideas for accentuating your fireplace in this last month of Summer.
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Summer Style: A Lake Getaway in Surprising Colors

CasaSugar — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 07:00:04 -0700

I doubt that I would ever think of painting a cottage these two colors. Still, the contrast between the Mediterranean blue and rusty brick red is certainly eye-catching, and there's something so innocent and playful about the combination. In fact, it almost seems as if odd, surprising colors should be de rigueur for Summer getaways. It seems to me as if the colors alone demand that one relax, sit back, and enjoy the space. After all, there's nothing serious about a Summer getaway. It should be all about enjoyment!

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Casa Quickie: Endless Summer Decorating

CasaSugar — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 12:00:17 -0700

Just because we're reaching the end of the Summer season doesn't meant that your home decorating scheme has to bid the Summer adieu, too. While fresh-cut garden flowers will disappear after Indian Summer, there are other souvenirs of your beach season that can last all year round. Gather shells the next time you swing by the ocean, and then use them to decorate your home. Stack shells in a hurricane vase and position it on your mantel. Or, string them and hang them like a pennant across a bathroom window. That way, you can keep things beachy keen well into the Autumn.

Source: Photo by Elliston Lutz

Name This Flower

CasaSugar — Sat, 01 Aug 2009 08:30:56 -0700

This beautiful flower can be cultivated in gardens, but is more often seen on rural roadways during the late Summer. Can you tell me what it's called?

Casa Quickie: Water Wise

CasaSugar — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 05:30:23 -0700

Want to save some money on your water bill this Summer? A drip irrigation system or soaker hose can save 30-70 percent of the water that is used by overhead sprinkler systems. However, if you don't have a fancy irrigation system, you can still save water. If you water by hand, don't water foliage, but water at the base of the plants, where the plants will absorb the most water.

Source: Flickr User couragetoxlive

Trudie Table Lamp - $219.00	Linen Onyx Napkin - $12.95
Marimekko Iso Krassi Pillow - $59.95	Picnic Basket - $19.95
Remy Black Rug - $79.95	Solange Candleholders - $29.95
Stella Rug - $199.00	Crate and Barrel Pima Cotton Sheet Sets - $24.00
Marimekko Tamburiini Bed Linens - $39.00	Veranda Arm Chair - $179.00
Metric Bed - $1,699.00	9' Round Stripe Umbrella Cover - $199.00
Crawford Sideboard - $1,899.00	Magazine Rack - $21.95
Madura Bed - $1,299.00	Zia Bed Linens - $34.00
Provence Side Chair - $349.00	Windham Corner Desk - $299.00
Palisade Chaise/Cushion - $899.00