CasaSugar

Do You Take a Walk Around Your 'Hood on Thanksgiving?

CasaSugar — Thu, 26 Nov 2009 08:30:55 -0800

Since I'm a dog owner, there's always a walk on my horizon, no matter what day of the year it is. But on Thanksgiving especially, I welcome a nice after-dinner walk. Whether it's just me and the pups or a whole group of friends or family, it can really add a nice element to the day of feasting.

Do You Live in a Walking-Friendly Neighborhood?

CasaSugar — Mon, 09 Feb 2009 14:00:00 -0800

One good way to keep yourself and your family healthy is by living in a neighborhood that has services, such as grocery stores and restaurants, close by. Other good signs for a walking-friendly neighborhood include walking paths, sidewalks, and public transit stops that enable you to walk part way. Is your house located in a walking-friendly neighborhood?

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Eco Chic: Walk Score

CasaSugar — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 11:00:57 -0700

One of the best ways to stay in shape and give the planet a break from carbon emissions is by walking. In my old neighborhood, I walked and biked everywhere with my dog, since nearly everything was easily accessible, from the farmers' market to the public library to my favorite cafe. In my new neighborhood, there's a pretty major hill to contend with (actually the steepest street in the East Bay), as well as about a 3/4-mile walk each way to just get to the cafe or grocery store. I still do this walk about three or four times a week at least, but it's not really a neighborhood stroll - it's an expedition.

Curious about my new hood, I went to Walk Score, which calculates the walkability of an address, essentially measuring how easy it is to live without a car, or with minimal use of a car, in that particular neighborhood. My old neighborhood is the top map, while the new one is one the bottom. Just from looking at the map you can see that my old neighborhood has a lot more cafes, markets, libraries, gyms, etc., within walking distance.

To find out my neighborhoods' Walk Scores, as well as how this service works, read more.

If you want to see how walkable your neighborhood is, just enter your address. Walk Score will then pull up a map of your neighborhood, identifying all of the neighborhood ameneties, and scoring your neighborhood between 0 and 100. Here's the interpretation for the score:

90 - 100 = Walkers' Paradise: Most errands can be accomplished on foot and many people get by without owning a car.
70 - 90 = Very Walkable: It's possible to get by without owning a car.
50 - 70 = Some Walkable Locations: Some stores and amenities are within walking distance, but many everyday trips still require a bike, public transportation, or car.
25 - 50 = Not Walkable: Only a few destinations are within easy walking range. For most errands, driving or public transportation is a must.
0 - 25 = Driving Only: Virtually no neighborhood destinations within walking range. You can walk from your house to your car!

My old neighborhood scored a 75, while my new one scored only a 46! I'd have to agree with Walk Score's assessment; even though I walk in my neighborhood a lot, lugging a backpack of groceries back up 3/4 a mile of a steeply pitched road isn't my idea of fun. Usually when I do this walk, it's just to pick up a DVD or grab an iced coffee.

How does your neighborhood score? Go find out!

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Midday Muse: Front Walk Whimsy

CasaSugar — Wed, 28 Nov 2007 11:34:28 -0800

I'm so used to seeing fences and boring view-blocking gates in residential neighborhoods, so I was particularly thrilled when I strolled by this house over the holiday weekend and spotted its chalkboard. Passersby are free to offer up a message for others to read. I'm kind of attached to the one left here.

Do you do anything to make your front walk stand out?

Artist of the Day: Russ Wagner

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

It's easy to love a local artist, especially when the subject is the San Francisco hills. On a walk by the water last weekend, I happened upon a random art fair and met a charming painter by the name of Russ Wagner. Both he and his artwork were matches for the gorgeous afternoon sunshine.

Wagner showcased large canvases that depict street scenes of the city by the bay, complete with cable cars and iconic buildings, but he also does personalized pieces for commission. In addition to the scenery, I love the bold choice of color and the likeness to Van Gogh with his thick layers of paint. To top it off, he was the kindest gentleman - humble, friendly, and not pushy in the least. Take a minute to browse through some of his dreamy works and tell me which one you like most.

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Looking for artwork showcasing your own hometown? Check out some more city-centric art.

Cool Idea: Driftwood Key Holder

CasaSugar — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0800

Children can hardly walk by a large piece of driftwood and let it be. Adults? Our goal is often not to step on it. A quick look at this design for a Driftwood Key Hanger ($14) from Etsy seller Bricheese has me thinking like a child and envisioning new ways to use sustainable items.

Instead of tossing this Y-shaped branch back into the water or compost bin, the artist added a few hooks to the piece of wood and attached a wall hook to the back. Small and unassuming, it is the perfect place to hang keys and a small purse. So the next time you pass by an interestingly shaped piece of wood, check it out for sturdiness and consider adding some fun hooks to it for an entryway talking point.

Home Library: Cheap Chic

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 09:00:08 -0800

Interior stylist, author, and owner of London shop Caravan, Emily Chalmers has made a career out of finding beauty in objects that require more ingenuity than income. Cheap Chic ($20), which was originally published in 2003 in hardcover, will be released at the end of this month in paperback, and is a perfect example of her talent at transforming overlooked secondhand objects into things of beauty.

I was lucky enough to take a peek at the book thanks to a review copy from the publishers. While I'm definitely a fan of Emily's philosophy to use "more dash than cash to create inspirational interiors," it's often hard to know how to style the thrifted, flea marketed, and found objects and furniture that many of us pick up on weekends and on vacations. If you've ever been stumped by how to integrate that dinged-up antique dresser into your home, then Cheap Chic is definitely a book to add to your home library.

The photos in the book come courtesy of Debi Treloar, who also partnered with Chalmers on her books Flea Market Style and Contemporary Country. The photos themselves are often shot with natural sunlight, and are imbued with a fresh, buoyant feel. While the book provides plenty of practical tips, exploring flooring choices, building materials, and sourcing furniture and accessories, it's truly the beautifully styled photos that bring this book to life.

For some of my favorite advice from the book, read more.

Check out five of my favorite tips from Emily, and then pre-order a copy of Cheap Chic.

Funky functional objects can easily be made to double as decoration - all they need is a showcase.
When it comes to furniture, it pays to acquire a few key items that have been chosen for their quality, particularly a proper bed.
Fabulous fabrics may have unlikely origins - your grandmother's shawls or your latest cast-offs, for example.
Old wrought-iron bedsteads from scrapyards and antique shops make romantic headboards and footboards for basic beds, while scaffolding poles can be turned into industrial-style curtain rods.
Decoration can cost no more than a walk on the beach. Collect objects such as striped pebbles, speckled seashells, and sculptural driftwood and put them on display.
Whatever you choose, ensure it is classic, since fashion fads are a waste of time and money.

How-To: Share a Closet With Your Valentine

CasaSugar — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 08:00:18 -0800

In a dream world, we'd all have a custom-built walk-in closet to ourselves, à la Carrie Bradshaw in Sex and the City: The Movie. But let's face it: wallets the size of Mr. Big's are few and far between. So, we share. Sometimes, unfortunately, sharing a closet with your better half feels like World War III. To lighten the tension and take the frustration out of making two wardrobes fit into one - whilst keeping you both organized and happy - I got a few tips from the experts of closet organizing: California Closets.

Split your closet: ladies 60/men 40. In order to make this work, give your man the hall closet to store his large items, like jackets and suits.
Ladies: If your spouse stores his stinky gym shoes in the closet, add lavender sachets to your hangers to keep your clothes smelling sweet.

For the rest of the tips, read more.

Have a “no clothes on the floor” rule. If your man’s clothes are on the closet floor for more than 24 hours, he has to give you a 10-minute foot massage.
Since women like to display their shoes, add a shoe rack on the back of the closet door and have him use the closet floor.
Couples with a small closet: Remove all accessories as these take up a lot of space. An easy way to store these is in a flat, plastic bin under the bed.

House Tour: Toni and Patrick's Floridian Flat

CasaSugar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 08:00:51 -0800

Toni and Patrick, graduate students at the University of Florida, had both spent a lot of time in student housing. So when they began attending UF, they were looking for something special. Toni writes, "When we found this place with the wood floors, exposed brick, two fireplaces, front porch, great windows, and claw foot tub, we were thrilled."

Toni and Patrick live on the first floor of this 1920s house, which was originally a parsonage. The couple notes that they love living within walking distance of downtown Gainesville. She also notes that they are homebodies who love spending lots of time reading, watching movies, cooking, and playing with their dog.

When asked to describe their style, Toni explains, "Patrick and I both really enjoy looking for random stuff in thrift stores/ on Craigslist/ on the curb when we aren't too busy with school. I don't know how to define our style, since it's mostly dependent on what other people are getting rid of. Vintage, retro, kitschy, oddball... Nothing new in the blogosphere but our friends and family think it's pretty cool." I have to agree with Patrick and Toni's family and friends: their style is definitely pretty darn cool! Come along on this house tour to check out their charming house, cute pup Herman, and awesome style. Then, check out Toni's great blog to learn more about her Florida life.

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Casa Capsule: The Week That Was

CasaSugar — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:30:57 -0800

Tour the fabulous carriage house of New Orleans artist Amanda Stone Talley.
Learn how to make a blanket from recycled sweaters!
Take a virtual walk through an über-minimalist modern home in Amsterdam.
Get the look of Eddie Ross's window display for the Big Window Challenge.
You all offered some smart tips on keeping toasty during the Winter.
Check out these ideas for decorating with houseplants.