CasaSugar

Gift Registry For Divorcées: Brilliant or Baffling?

SavvySugar — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 12:00:53 -0800

Divorce requires lots of support from the people who care about the couple who's splitting up, and now friends and family can be even more helpful along the path to starting over. UK department store Debenhams has launched a divorce registry system for ex-Mesdames and Messieurs who need a little assistance in building their new single lives.

The divorce registry is set up exactly like your typical wedding registry. The registrant selects items to include on the list, which is created with or without the help of someone from the department store, and the registry is then posted online. Some family advocate groups have criticized the chain for glorifying divorce, but the store says it's just being realistic and helping divorcées rebuild their lives.

This marks a new idea in the retail world, and it's one that could very well make its way over the pond to the US. What's your take on divorce registries, are they brilliant or baffling?

Cute Valentine's Ideas For Every Budget

BellaSugar — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:00:25 -0800

Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and gift buying can be tricky. To prevent you from having to slog through the morass of chintzy gifts and help you give something that your recipient will really appreciate, I've put together a selection of gifts that range in price from $5.50 to $65. To see what you can give your sweetheart or friends - or yourself, if you happen to be your own valentine - just read on.

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Do You Exchange Gifts to Get What You Really Wanted?

SavvySugar — Sat, 26 Dec 2009 10:00:19 -0800

If you're a fan of Friends like I am, you might remember that Rachel Green is a notorious gift exchanger. Almost always when gifted a present from friends or family, Rachel rushed to exchange it for something she really wanted.

Obviously, her little exchanging operation backfired more than a couple times, when she was called out for being insensitive and rude by more than one of her five closest pals. Of course, in Rachel's defense, if the gifts were truly going to waste, an exchange was probably a good way to ensure that the gifter's money wasn't totally lost on something that was never going to be used. But, if the giver ever asks to see you wear the scarf she gave you, and all you have to show for it are the new earrings you traded the scarf in for? Well, then you might be in trouble.

Sure, exchanging might be a thrifty way to get yourself what you actually wanted for Christmas, but does that mean you do it? Tell me, do you exchange to get what you really want or maybe even something you need?

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5 Slow Food Finds Any Locavore Will Love

YumSugar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 15:10:04 -0800

Wondering what to get your market-obsessed mother-in-law or locavore love-of-your-life this year? Thankfully, there's lots of loot to choose from, whether you're celebrating Christmas, Hanukkah, or Slow Food International's first-ever Terra Madre Day on Thursday, Dec. 10. It's an occasion geared toward supporting good, clean, fair, local food, small-scale production, and fair-trade food practices around the world. From farmers market accessories to locally grown goodies, we've got suggestions that will make any slow-foodie smile.

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21 Great Stocking Stuffers Under $20

BellaSugar — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 14:00:54 -0800

It's time again for Secret Santas, office gift pools, and tokens of appreciation for co-workers, friends, and family. If you're shopping for someone beauty-minded, there are plenty of cute, inexpensive gifts out there that are neither cheap-looking nor generic. To help you find the perfect lagniappe, I've assembled stocking stuffers for every taste and budget. Click through and get giving.

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5 Captivating Tomes For the Literary Foodie

YumSugar — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 06:50:58 -0800

In the age of iPod Nanos, bluetooth headsets, and Nintendo Wiis, there's something special about getting a loved one the time-honored gift of a book. For the culinary-obsessed friend who has enough cookbooks, but loves to read as voraciously as he eats, consider one (or several) books to further whet his appetite for the finer food experiences in life.

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5 Sexy Bar Tools For the Aspiring Bar Chef

YumSugar — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:30:46 -0800

Recently, a good friend has become quite enamored with the art of the bar. He's got a small kitchen and basic ingredients, but every time he hosts happy hour with a signature cocktail, it always steals the show.
This holiday, I'm looking forward to surprising him with a few essentials that will help transform his bar from typical to remarkable. Read on for some supplies that will thrill any mixologist.

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I'm Asking: If You're Hosting, Do You Expect a Gift?

SavvySugar — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:00:41 -0800

I've always been taught not to show up to a party, dinner party, luncheon - you name it - empty handed. It seems like a pretty easy thing to do, just bring flowers, a box of candy, a bottle of wine, or some other treat along with you. It also always seemed to me, the right thing to do, since wherever I was headed, I was being entertained, someone was making dinner for me, or providing apps and drinks. Still, when you're cash-strapped, it's a lot easier said than done.

As holiday costs add up, even every little thing matters. It may seem like a much bigger deal to grab a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers now than it does in the Spring or Summer when there are fewer functions and a whole lot fewer expenses. Still, when I'm on hostess duty, I always appreciate the thoughtful friends who bring something along. Even if it's just a simple dessert, muffins they've baked themselves, candy - it doesn't have to be fancy, but it definitely makes a big difference. I wouldn't say I've come to expect a gift when entertaining, but I definitely notice the ones who do make an extra effort. How about you, when you've planned and prepped for guests to come over, do you expect them to bring a little something for you? Especially around the holidays, are hostess gifts important?

Is It Rude to Regift?

SavvySugar — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:45:10 -0800

Have you stashed away disappointing holiday gifts from last year only to disguise them as new presents for others this year? If so, you're not alone. According to Time, a recent Consumer Report survey suggests that 36 percent of holiday gifters will be regifters this season, passing along unwanted or unneeded items from season's past.

Sure, the idea's a guaranteed money and time saver. It also ensures that nothing unwanted goes to waste - or does it? If you didn't like the gift in the first place, what makes you so sure someone else is going to? Unless of course he or she is dying for whatever item you've previously rejected and are wrapping up this year. And of course, there's always the risk that the original gift-giver pays you a visit this year, and looks for the special present she gave you last year to ensure that it's being used and loved.

Well, obviously there's a certain art form and etiquette to the whole regifting process, and if you're smart about how you regift, you'll probably get away with it, no questions asked. So tell me, is regifting something you do? Or is it rude to give hand-me-down presents from past holidays?

5 Fitting Presents For the Vegetarian Cook

YumSugar — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 05:50:00 -0800

Whether you're a vegetarian or not, going meatless is a growing trend, and you're certain to know a dear friend or family member who is. This holiday, show them you care by making selections that take subtle consideration of their lifestyle choices. For some practical - yet delightful! - presents to suit any budget, keep reading.

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