CasaSugar

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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Open House: What Are Your Thanksgiving Plans?

CasaSugar — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:30:39 -0800

This Thursday, friends and family will gather to socialize, give thanks, and stuff themselves silly. Whether you're hosting or putting in a guest appearance, there's always a lot of preparation and work that goes into every Thanksgiving gathering.

This year my husband and I are driving from Berkeley to Whidbey Island, off the coast of Washington, to stay with his family. We're driving because we're also traveling with our two dogs (I know, it's going to be quite the road trip). Once there, we'll help prepare the Thanksgiving meal, take lots of walks in the foggy forest and on the shore, and, I'm sure, play many, many rounds of Scrabble with my mom-in-law.

My favorite part of Thanksgiving is getting to visit with so many loved ones, and to contribute to a meal, and an experience, that would be impossible without many hands. Tell me: what are your Thanksgiving plans, and what are your favorite parts of the holiday?

Source: Flicker User Lane & Anne

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?

Coveted Crib: A Paper-Perfect Studio Loft

CasaSugar — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:00:50 -0800

If I had my druthers, I probably wouldn't choose to live in a studio. But if I had to, I cannot imagine a more perfect space than this studio loft in Lägenhet, Stockholm (which is for sale). With tall ceilings, a bed and extra storage are tucked up high, making for a true living room. The apartment's bright white walls and beautiful natural light expand the space, while a select few gorgeously wallpapered walls give it depth and serious style. The kitchen has streamlined modern white cabinetry and one of my favorite elements: concrete countertops. The bathroom is complete with a towel warmer (woot!), a washer/dryer, and a sharp zebrawood sink basin. And better yet, it boasts what every girl dreams of: a walk-in closet. Take the full tour when you read more.

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Do You Get Trick-or-Treaters?

CasaSugar — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:00:11 -0700

Even though we buy candy, put out a jack-o'-lantern, and turn on the porch lights, we've only received a few trick-or-treaters in the past four years at our home. It could be because we have a gate leading up to our walk, and even though we prop it open, it still might intimidate the kids. How about at your house?Photo courtesy of AMC

Desire/Acquire: Luna Chandelier

CasaSugar — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 05:30:30 -0700

If you're into dark glamour, run, don't walk to the Luna Chandelier ($1200). With gothically elegant charm, this chandelier balances its dark exterior shade with a cluster of clear crystals. However, even if you absolutely adore this piece, your pace might be slowed down a bit thanks to the chandelier's tragic price tag.

To find a more upbeat price for a similar chandelier, read more.

For a quarter of the price, you can pick up a near match in the Artcraft Lighting Claremont Chandelier ($317.55). Granted, there are fewer crystal, but you could add your own by buying some chandelier crystals on eBay. Do you like the cheaper option? Or is the original worth the higher price tag?

Roundup: Your Floor on Safari

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:30:56 -0700

Want to walk on the wild side? If you can't book a ticket to the Serengeti, why not sink your toes into some plush, safari animal-print rugs? Start with the Williams-Sonoma Zebra Crewel Rug (on sale for $199.99-499.99).

While we've seen the zebra pattern many times before, the rust color updates the pattern in a fresh way. Made from pure wool with a cotton backing, the pattern is outlined in black stitching.

Check out some other safari-worthy rugs below.

Do You Sit in Your Window?

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 10:00:09 -0700

New York, I Love You, which is one of BuzzSugar's Fall Romantic Movie Picks, looks atmospheric and lovely, and boasts a great cast, including Ethan Hawke, Scarlett Johansson, Shia LaBeouf, and Orlando Bloom. In this scene, Emilie Ohana peers out of her open window. I used to love to sit in my windowsill like this, when I lived in a walk-up apartment. It really made me feel part of my city. Do you?

Inspired: Where the Wild Things Are

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 09:00:02 -0700

Home is where the wild things are - just ask Urban Outfitters, which recently debuted a line of home accessories based on the movie coming out Oct. 16. I've found even more inspiration looking through the stills from director Spike Jonze's interpretation of the classic children's book. You'd be surprised how often the motifs of Max and his monster pals show up in decor. Take a walk on the wild side.
Source: IMDB

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"Light Tiger" Rug - $129.00	Jaguar Light Rug - $319.00
"Arnes Tiger" Rug - $129.00	Momeni "Serengeti" Teal Area Rug, 3' 6" x 5' 6" - $699.00
Zebra Wool Rug, Neutral - $139.99	Leopard Vine Rug - $49.00
"Mocca Tiger" Rug - $99.00	Zebra Rug - $109.00
Giraffe Tufted Wool Rug, Black - $459.99	Liora Manne "Ravella" 2034/06 Giraffe Tile Green Area Rug, 2' x 3' - $99.00
Seville Giraffe Taupe Accent Rugs - $119.99	"Zebra Tufts" Rug - $179.00