CasaSugar

Gift Guide: Design Fiend-Approved Toys

CasaSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 08:30:35 -0800

Anyone who has ever heard of a gift registry knows that people get picky when it comes to which gifts they'll accept into their homes. This is particularly true with bride-zillas, first-time pregnant ladies, and design fiends. So, if you're planning to pick up a gift for the son or daughter of a design fiend friend or family member, you better restrain yourself before you head to Toys 'R Us. Toys and games are not simply for the enjoyment of children . . . they have an aesthetic purpose in the homes of design lovers.Take for example this MUJI New York City in a Bag ($15). God forbid you let your kids play with plain blocks: they must be hip and metropolitan! This set comes with eight wooden structures representing New York City's iconic buildings. Although your friend may have moved to Connecticut and quit her graphic design job to be a full-time, stay-at-home mom, her children will be able to say they grew up in The City . . . or at least with it. To see other children's gifts that will surely be approved by your design-fiend friends, read more.

Check out HolidaySugar for all of our holiday coverage.

Trumpo Top Small - $25.00	The Fable Game - $32.00
DwellStudio Finger Puppets - Set of 5 - $30.00	Wooden Pull Toy - Elephant - $70.00
HBC Single Sphere Rattle with Elongated Handle Silver - $70.00	Blank Matryoshka Doll Set - $125.00
Bowl with Dominos - $149.00	Vitra Girard Wooden Doll #8 - $160.00

If Money Weren't an Issue . . .

CasaSugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 10:00:54 -0700

. . . would you decorate your mantel with this Rare 1940s Balloon Mold ($3,800) from an old American toy factory?

Rethinking Pink: Planet Dog Pink Ribbon Toys

CasaSugar — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:28:06 -0700

To highlight Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we're bringing you some household items that benefit different breast cancer research and awareness charities in our Rethinking Pink posts. And since I know there are a lot of pet lovers out there, I thought I'd bring you some fun pet toys today.

The Planet Dog Pink Ribbon Ringo Toy ($9.99) is a tough dog toy that will stand up to Fido's tough love chewing. Since my dog only fetches in water, so I'll be using one of these along the shore. For a fuzzier and squeakier toy, try the Pink Ribbon Buddy ($15.99). For each toy sold, at least $0.75 will be donated to the Komen Foundation with a minimum guaranteed donation of $10,000.

On Planet Dog's website, they write that "All of us at Planet Dog want to help find a cure for breast cancer. To do that, we developed two great Pink Ribbon Toys-the Pink Ribbon Ringo and the Pink Ribbon Buddy. These special toys were designed with the signature pink ribbon in mind. The red of our Pink Ribbon Toys signifies heart. The pink 'ribbon' signifies not only breast cancer awareness, but hope, determination and support."

You can read more about Planet Dog Foundation's ribbon programs here.

Do You Use Layaway?

CasaSugar — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 05:30:34 -0800

Stores like Kmart, Sears, and Toys "R" Us are bringing back layaway programs. This service lets customers pay a small down payment, and then holds goods until the entire price is paid off. Big-ticket items, such as electronics, are increasingly being paid for through layaway programs, especially since shoppers are reluctant to rack up more debt on their credit cards.

Ask Casa: Decorating With a Puppy in Mind

CasaSugar — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 10:00:34 -0700

Hi Casa,

We've just recently adopted an adorable puppy, and we're having a great time with her. The only problem is she's taken over the house! We had to move and hide anything she might eat or chew, so our living room and bookcases look empty.

Our kitchen is overwhelmed by her dog bed, and her doggy toys are scattered all over. Plus there's always that dog "smell." I know we need to just find the right system of organization and storage that will be safe for her and attractive to us, but I don't even know where to start! Any suggestions or tips?

Thanks!
Alex

To see my suggestions, read more.

Hi Alex,

As it happens, I'm pretty well-versed on this one, since my husband and I adopted a puppy back in June (that's him lounging on a friend's sofa a few months ago). It's been eight years since I dealt with a puppy, and I'd forgotten how much work it is! Here are the most helpful things that I've gleaned from my experience of living with, and decorating around, a puppy.

During the day, the puppy is crated, so I usually air out his dog bed on our deck, to keep it smelling fresh. This helps cut the doggy smell.
To organize his toys, I placed a blue tin bucket in one corner. It's actually a really cute container in itself. While Haiko, our puppy, will take his toys out (and won't return them, sigh), it's easier to just toss them all in this bucket once he's abandoned one. This keeps us from tripping over bones and balls, and also keeps the house tidier.
Try to teach your puppy to enjoy one place in common areas as her spot. You can do this by placing her bed in that area, and then rewarding her with praise and treats when she stays there. Eventually, she'll settle in that spot.
I sympathize with you and your empty bookshelves, but don't worry, your puppy will grow out of the chewing stage. I'd try replacing your books little by little. Make sure to sternly tell your pup "No!" if she tries to chew on them, and give her a Kong or bone when she approaches your books. Our puppy went through a long chewing phase, but with simple reprimands and redirecting, he's now left our books and records alone.
To cut down on the doggy smell further, air out your house by opening windows. You can also try a natural air freshener or Nature's Miracle to eliminate odors.
Since doggy smells tend to stick to upholstery, keeping your pets off of furniture will reduce doggy smells as well. If you can't bear to keep your pup off the sofa or bed, you can try laying down a fleece blanket where your puppy usually rests. Make sure to regularly wash the blanket to cut down on smells.
You might also want to look into investing in a dog bed that will fit into your decorating scheme easier. Check out these dog beds on PetSugar for more ideas.

Anyone else have a great puppy strategy? Tell Alex about it when you leave a comment.

Hope this helps!
Casa

Ask Casa: Where Can I Donate My Stuffed Animals?

CasaSugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:30:15 -0700

Hi Casa,

I need to do a major overhaul of my room, clean it, make it look pretty. I have all these old stuffed animals from my childhood and I don't know what to do with them. They're sooo dusty that I don't even think I can give them away. What can I do with them?

Thanks,
Tatsauce

To see my answer, read more.

Hi Tatsauce,

Kudos to you for being such a conscientious cleaner and recycler! My first (not very serious) suggestion is to send your stuffed animals to the Campana Brothers, who could make them into another chair.

I also saw an intense, giant teddy bear sculpture called Pre-Loved at Oakland, CA, art gallery LoBot a few years ago, which had been fashioned out of 1,700 stuffed animals. You never know what artist in your city or area might be looking for some stuffed animals for an art project. Try posting an ad in the free section of Craigslist.

Perhaps the most gratifying and generous option is to donate your stuffed animals to Project Night Night, which will distribute the toys to children at homeless shelters. Another organization, Project Smile, donates stuffed animals to firefighters, police officers, and other officials to give to children involved in traumatic situations. You might want to also check with homeless shelters, foster care organizations, women's shelters, and other similar organizations in your community to see if you can donate your toys locally. Even if the toys are dusty, they can usually be cleaned and repaired.

As you can see, there are many options available. I know that whoever receives your stuffed animals will be very grateful indeed.

Good luck,
Casa

Source and Source

Midday Muse: Robot Love

CasaSugar — Mon, 23 Jun 2008 12:00:44 -0700

I'm loving how the display of these toy robots under bell jars takes them from geek to chic! This is a great idea for bachelors who want to give their homes a more mature look, but aren't ready to part with their toys. Or, you're working on finding a successful cohabitation design balance, you can compromise by letting him keep his Star Wars memorabilia collection under a glass cloche alongside something girlie of yours. You can pretty much turn anything into a work of art if you display it in the right fashion, such as these bread bag tags and nicely packaged New York City trash. Don't you think?
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How-To: Say Goodbye to Dust Mites

CasaSugar — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 07:00:25 -0700

If you have allergies or asthma, chances are you're also sensitive to dust mites. While you can't see these icky, little bugs (they're microscopic), that doesn't mean they're not lurking in your home. Dust mites love to hang out in warm and cozy spots such as carpets, rugs, upholstered furniture, and beds.

Don't worry though: there are plenty of ways you can combat the presence of dust mites in your home. For one, you can start by not making your bed. Since dust mites need humidity levels above 50 percent in order to survive, an unmade bed is too dry for the critters to survive in.

Want more tips for decimating your home's dust mite population? Then read more.

If you live in a hot and humid climate, invest in a dehumidifier. Since dust mites, as I mentioned earlier, need humidity levels above 50 percent, a dehumidifer can suck moisture out of closets, carpets, and other damp spaces, thus reducing dust mites.
Wash bedding in hot water, and dry on high to kill dust mites. Alternately, hang your bedding to dry in the sun to zap the bugs.
Vacuum regularly, and thoroughly, with a HEPA filter vacuum.
Use a HEPA air purifier to eliminate indoor airborne allergens.
Do you have kids? Replace their nonwashable stuffed animals with hypoallergenic, washable toys.

Also, check out these products to help you out with your dust mite fight!

Hoover® WindTunnel Bagless Upright Vacuum Anniversary Edition - $169.99	Vicks Nursery True Hepa Air Purifier - $59.99
Dyson Ball DC25 Animal Vacuum - $650.00	Kaz Inc Permanent True HEPA Air Purifier with Germ Reduction - $189.99
Graco HEPA Grade Air Purifier - $54.98	Miele 3-in-1 Stick Vacuum - $429.00
Kaz Inc Honeywell True Hepa Air Purifier - $149.99	Dream Baby® Dehumidifying Egg - $22.99

Source: Flickr User stacy michelle

Q&A With Personal Organizer Carrie Carlson

CasaSugar — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 08:00:34 -0700

I recently showcased an office organization project from personal organizer Carrie Carlson. Carrie was nice enough to sit down and answer some questions that readers had about her project.

To check out the Q&A, read more.

Reader Question: I would like to know more about how the pieces themselves were actually organized - I mean, my desk would be a lot less cluttered too if I had the space and money to just buy more storage.

Carrie: People often feel disorganized because they simply lack storage. I encourage all my clients and anyone trying to get organized to find cost-effective ways to create storage where they need it. Freecycle, Craigslist, or Ikea are all viable options for obtaining storage for a decent price. Each drawer/space in this office has a specific use, created just for this client and her lifestyle. The necessity for drawers is often overlooked. The drawers and cupboards house mailing supplies, which this client uses often, office supplies, and media and supplies. The baskets are used for the client’s dog toys, items to be routed to her offsite office, items for family and friends, and items to be taken to her second home. The bamboo bins are used for personal receipts, business receipts, and cash receipts.

Reader Question: I like the look, but where do you sit and do work?

Carrie: These pictures only show half of the office. There is an additional L-shaped desk (see photo), which is used for paper and computer work.

Reader Question: I would love to be a professional organizer. I just don't know how to get started!

Carrie: Visit NAPO to find out about becoming a personal organizer.

Reader Question: I like it, but would like to see the desk space. I'd really enjoy seeing some sort of makeover with objects/pieces of furniture already on hand.

Carrie: Most of these projects have re-purposed pieces of furniture. Check my projects for more examples.

Barbie Celebrates Her 50th in a Jonathan Adler Dream House

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Mar 2009 08:00:18 -0700

Happy Birthday, Barbie! It's been 50 years since Barbie was first introduced at the New York Toy Fair, and she's still as stylish as ever. Tonight she celebrates the big 5-0 with a star-studded birthday bash (orchestrated by celeb event planner Colin Cowie) at a real 3,500-square-foot Malibu Dream House decorated by Jonathan Adler, complete with a pink carpet entrance. The digs have been outfitted with "skirted, corseted, lace-up dress chairs, a chandelier, a closet filled with thousands of shoes, a sunburst mirror made from 65 Barbie dolls, and a garage that includes a real Barbie Volkswagen New Beetle car (all pink with a motorized, pop up vanity in the trunk)," in addition to a Barbie museum dedicated to displaying the original iconic doll, among other famous dolls. If this rendering of the living room by Jonathan Adler is any sign, Barbie's Dream House is one coveted crib, and her fête will be a memorable one.
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