CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

Su Casa: Show Me Your Casa!

casasugar — Fri, 29 Feb 2008 16:00:30 -0800

I hope that you spent some time this month getting your love shack romance ready. Even though we're finally at the end of February, though, doesn't mean that it's time to stop loving your casa. In fact, I want to see it, so I can fall in love with it, too! Is your casa looking lovely? Then show it off in my group on TeamSugar called Su Casa, where readers can share snapshots and stories related to home decorating, crafts, organizing, and gardening.

A Su Casa post could be anything from a photo of your favorite room to a tiny nook you're tickled by. Think of it as a Look Book for home style. If I see something I like in Su Casa, I might end up featuring it on CasaSugar, so don't be surprised if you get an email from me!

To learn how to join and post in the group,

Love Shack: Romancing Your Walls

casasugar — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 09:00:58 -0800

Looking to add a final touch of romance to your home this month? Then don't forget your walls! By adding a new print to your home, you can easily change the mood of the entire room. If you're thinking about adding some romantic prints to your wall, Montreal-based photographer Irene Suchocki is an excellent choice. Irene's photos capture a sense of mystery and beauty in her subject, whether she's turned her lens to a flower or a common park bench. She says that she enjoys "creating little poems for the eyes."

Irene's work has appeared on numerous book covers, magazine spreads, and in exhibitions at festivals such as Sundance. Best of all, her prints are quite affordable, ranging in price from $25 to $185. Take a look at the gallery and see if anything catches your fancy.

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Open House: A Spa-Like Bathroom

casasugar — Sat, 23 Feb 2008 05:26:21 -0800

I've been posting a ton of ideas for bringing romance to your Love Shack this month, including plenty of products and a handful of crafty DIYs. One place still to be conquered, though, is the bathroom.

So for this Open House, I want to hear your tips and thoughts on transforming your bathroom into a calm and tranquil spa-like chamber, where romance is bound to follow. Aside from the Bath-O-Matic Bathtub Filler, what products do you use or suggest to get the look and feel of a spa? What color schemes work best? What DIY projects have you completed to make this transformation? What layout and methods of organization and storage do you recommend?

Let me know by leaving a comment below!
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Love Shack: Candela Lights

casasugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 14:00:22 -0800

You can quickly change the mood of your Love Shack by switching off overhead lighting and setting votives around the room. But, since there's nothing romantic about burning the house down, why not go for some Candela Lights ($69-$129), rechargeable and portable lights that give off an ambient glow? They light up as soon as they're removed from their dock, and recharge in the same sense. Candelas are also illuminated by LEDs so, they're pretty darn energy-efficient, too.

Steal of the Day: Silvretta Heart Throw

casasugar — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 12:00:52 -0800

Since it's Love Shack month, and since I've been yearning for a cozy throw as of late, I think this Silvretta Heart Throw ($72, reduced from $85) is an ideal steal. Designed by David Fussenegger, in red and pink, this cotton throw is marked by clashing but cozy colors. The perfect way to chastely bring a little love to the living room. Pick one up and get a heart on!

Love Shack: Incense Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

casasugar — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 06:45:18 -0800

According to The Mistic, an old-time occult shop that supplies products and services for the "spiritually minded," in New Orleans (a place with a long history associated with sellers of Hoodoo and Voodoo products), incense can be used "in spells to encourage romance, stimulate sexuality, draw love, and create harmony."

Some of the herbs included in these incense blends are juniper berries, lavender, calamus root, basil, red roses, periwinkle, and cinnamon. According to the Mistic, "Occultists generally agree that the best time to do work which draws love and sex is Friday under the Waxing Moon or Full Moon." And, single gals, incense can be used, according to the Mistic experts, to "lure anyone to your shores," or just to "create a general feeling of love amongst partners, friends, family, or coworkers." Are you an incense person? Or would you try it, considering the benefits to your Love Shack? Personally, I just can't fall in love with the scent . . .
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Do You Use Candles to Set the Mood?

casasugar — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 08:30:24 -0800

Nothing is easier (and more economical) for setting the mood in your love shack than lighting candles. I admit though, I often forget to light them at the dinner table or to warm up a room. How about you? Source

Do You Use Candles to Set the Mood?

I use them all the time.

I use them when I can remember.

I rarely use candles.

I never use them.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

Midday Muse: Love Is Where You Find It

casasugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 12:00:58 -0800

For that matter, your Love Shack is where you find it as well. For this little fellow, it's in the middle of this gorgeously heart-shaped leaf. Valentine's Day may be over, but that doesn't mean that the love has to end. Indeed, there's still two weeks left with which to explore this month's theme. So don't be surprised to find yourself reading more posts about how to love your home.

Photo courtesy of Sajith Kurian

DIY: Chocolate Box Picture Frame

casasugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 09:45:38 -0800

Did you receive the gift of chocolate this past Valentine's Day? Repurpose the heart-shaped box (I know you've already eaten the chocolate!) into a cute picture frame, courtesy of ljc fyi. Source and Source

Midday Muse: Happy Valentine's Day

casasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 12:00:22 -0800

Whether you're a Valentine's Day curmudgeon or a full-blown romantic, I think you can agree that this is one pretty picture. So, at the risk of you telling me to hush my mouth, I wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day!

Photo courtesy of Kakadu

DIY: Felt Fortune Cookies

casasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 11:15:51 -0800

I spotted these Felt Fortune Cookies from Martha Stewart Living and thought they'd be so fun for your Love Shack that I had to share. Of course the red and pink felt is cute (and fit for more risqué fortunes) for Valentine's Day, but why not use other colors for more perennial fun? Check out this slideshow to learn how to make them.

Supplies:

Fabric shears
Felt (pink and red, or your choice of colors)
Matching ribbon
Wire cutters
Floral wire or pipe cleaners
Craft glue or hot glue gun
Paper fortune
Candies

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Steal of the Day: Photo Display

casasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:45:39 -0800

Show off all of this year's Valentine's Day cards in your Love Shack with this simple and styling Pottery Barn Photo Display ($16.99, normally $49). Copying the look of a vintage drying rack, this cute little display rack would be perfect for cards, memos, or photos. Made of of six sturdy espresso-finished wooden pieces that are held together with two chains in an antique-bronze finish, it comes with 12 metal clips attached.

DIY: Squirrel Papercut Valentine

casasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 06:45:37 -0800

Little Acorn is responsible for this very crafty-cool Valentine's project. So if you've been dragging your heels on creating a cute handmade gift for the loved ones in your life, try your hand at this adorable squirrel art project. Source

Love It or Hate It? Boyfriend Arm Pillow

casasugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 04:30:16 -0800

Calling all single girls and chicas with traveling lovers! You never have to curl up on the couch alone again. The Boyfriend Arm Pillow is the answer to all of your spooning session shortages. It's made of polyester and filled with comfortable, snuggly foam to give you the best movie night you ever had. If you could only find a shirt that weren't so reminiscent of Publix uniforms, you could quit dating altogether . . .

Love It or Hate It? Boyfriend Arm Pillow

Love It

Hate it

Undecided

Win This Love Shack Tablescape!

casasugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 13:57:57 -0800

Could you use some help transforming your cozy home into a romantic love shack this month? Then look no further than this month's Casa giveaway. I'm giving one romantic tablescape package away to a lucky Casa reader!

This month's contest includes an amazing mix of products that will have your dining room or kitchen table feeling the romance all month long. Start by dressing your table with a red-and-pink Henry Road table runner ($50), then add a DayNa Decker Botanika Bacara candle ($54) for some low-light ambiance. Finally, finish the look with a white Jonathan Adler Pinch Vase ($75), which you can fill with your choice of gorgeous organic blooms from the folks at Organic Style ($100).

To enter, you must log in and take the quiz below. Your eligibility is not based on getting the answers correct, just by completing the quiz once you are logged in. You do, however, need to be a TeamSugar member and log in before you take the quiz. If you're not already a member, just register here for an account. One quiz entry per person; all repeat quizzes will be ignored.

Contest ends Thursday, Feb. 14, at noon PST. Click here for Official Rules.

Roundup: Seeing Rouge

casasugar — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 06:26:30 -0800

In honor of tomorrow's lubby-dubby holiday, I thought I'd round up a few rouge items I'm digging these days, so you can get the Valentine's look in your Love Shack without going so far as to sprinkle red satin sheets with rose petals — yuck. Although I'm not one for romance, I do go weak in the knees for good design. So, welcome to La Maison Rouge, a house full of ruby red furnishings, sans the ick factor.

Steal of the Day: Ghost Candelabra

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:56:53 -0800

Since it's Love Shack Month, you've got to have a romantic dinner table. Yes, antique silver candlesticks would be nice . . . but why splurge when you can buy this Innermost Ghost Candelabra ($35) for less than the price of your filet entrée? Lucite squares are etched with the traditional design of a candelabra, and glass insets hold the candles which, when lit, illuminate the etched patterns and casts changing shadows. Hopefully pink-orange suits your décor: It's the only color on sale.

Roundup: Prettiest Valentine's Day Bouquets

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 11:10:52 -0800

While I always prefer to buy organic blooms, I know that sometimes it's fun to see every floral option out there. Since we all have different tastes when it comes to flowers, I thought I'd round up some of the prettiest bouquets I've seen around the internet. And since it's only Tuesday, you could covertly leave the laptop open to this post when you know a flower-purchasing pal may be walking by. Don't worry — he or she will still have time to order that bouquet for you.

Crave Worthy: Wallter/Fold Bedding

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 09:30:06 -0800

I'm always looking for romantic, striking bedding that will satisfy both parties in a household, even if those two differ on the idea of what's romantic. I think that this lovely ruby-red spread might just fit the bill. This Wallter/Folds bedding ($580) is made of wool flannel with accenting overlock stitching. It's simply stunning. Now, I wonder if there's $580 hiding in the couch cushions . . .

DIY: Fabric Valentine's Day Hearts

casasugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 08:00:38 -0800

Sassy Priscilla reports that this cute toile Valentine's Day craft project takes under an hour from start to finish. It would also be a fun project to try with little ones.

What You'll Need

4-inch toile fabric squares
fusible interfacing
freezer paper
ribbon or yarn
cardboard heart template smaller than the size of your scraps
sewing machine
scissors

To find out how to make it, just

Casa Quickie: Save Water the Painless Way

casasugar — Mon, 11 Feb 2008 08:00:58 -0800

Since showers account for 21 percent of average household water use, cut that number by hopping in the shower with your sweetheart. While you're at it, install a low-flow showerhead to cut that water bill down further. And if you're feeling muy romántico, get the bubblebath out and hop in for a good soak with your sweetie — it is Love Shack month after all.

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Casa Query: What Says Romance?

casasugar — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 10:30:15 -0800

Here's a confession: I don't do romance. Not in any traditional way, at least. If Mr. CasaSugar sprinkled rose petals on the bed as part of some romantic effort, I'd probably laugh him right out of the house. Still, there are some things that make me swoon. And maybe I'm the antiromantic romantic, but one of the most lovely and romantic things that my guy recently did was clean out the garage (an all-day affair, let me tell you).

I'm not a complete killjoy though. There are other, more traditional places where I find romance in my home. One of these is finding the space and time for a quiet moment alone to watch the birds on the deck. Another is stopping to take in the scent of jasmine from the front steps. And of course, nothing says romance at home quite like the look and scent of freshly cut flowers.
Where do you find romance in your home? Tell me by leaving a comment below.
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Get the Look: Low-Key Heart Art

casasugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 15:00:27 -0800

If you want to spruce up your Love Shack this month, but you're not the type of decorator who digs pink hearts and red Valentine's Day cards, then you might compromise with some of these low-key art pieces that communicate your love of good design and art, but your reluctance to play this holiday over the top.

For my fave heart art finds, just

Would You Want This Bouquet For Valentine's Day?

casasugar — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 06:30:47 -0800

Given my history with boys and flowers, at this point I'd take nearly anything floral for Valentine's Day. Even a bouquet of carnations would thrill me (in spite of Charlotte from Sex and the City's protests). So, while I might personally love this orchid and snakegrass bouquet ($85), it might be a definite miss with some Casa readers. What's your take?

Would You Want This Bouquet For Valentine's Day?

I think they're gorgeous!

I'd prefer something more traditional, but I'll still take them.

No way, not for me.

Other, I'll tell you in the comments.

The Card Shop: My Zombie Valentine

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:00:54 -0800

Do you have a special someone in your life who can't get enough of zombies? Maybe this special someone is a sucker for 28 Days Later? If so, you might want to consider one of these zombie valentines to say "I love you." I know that I'm fully loving the tough love message of this card ($4) from Etsy seller Nastypapercut.

Take a look at the widget for some of my other favorites. A few of these items wander outside of the realm of cards, but I'm sure your zombie-loving sweetheart would also welcome a zombie pillow on Feb. 14, too.

Etsy Find: Hearts Dishtowels

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:30:11 -0800

Love Shack Month doesn't only apply to the bedroom or a romantic tablescape. You've got to have love in your kitchen, too. These Appetite Home Hearts Dishtowels ($12 for 2) are just the thing to get that fire burning in the cucina, emotionally speaking. They're 100 percent cotton and hand screenprinted with hearts in nontoxic red and pink inks, completely usable, and washable. A simple way to turn up the heat in your home. Just make sure not to scorch your dinner.

Love Shack: Year of Seeds

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 06:30:57 -0800

Don't want to send roses this Valentine's Day? Then consider giving that special someone a Year of Seeds ($70). Your favorite gardener can grow a windowsill garden year round with this unique starter kit of easy-to-grow seeds. Simply place the included soil pellets and seeds into the pots, add water, and watch the flowers come to life — one month at a time. Seeds include petunias, marigolds, pansies, lobelia, alyssum, zinnias, impatiens, baby's breath, dianthus, cosmos, poppies, and sweet peas, and come with an earthenware pot featuring an etched illustration of the corresponding flower.

Love It or Hate It? Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase

casasugar — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 04:15:06 -0800

Does this vase have a place in your love shack? This Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase ($48) is an airy and clever interpretation of a vase. From the Museum of Modern Art, the vase is a unique way to display a single bloom without interrupting the space around it.

Love It or Hate It? Portrait of a Flower Outline Vase

Love it

Hate it

Undecided

Love Shack: The Heart Garden

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 14:00:01 -0800

Pink isn't the only color that you should decorate your Love Shack with this month. In fact, green is my favored choice for sending valentines. The Heart Garden ($10) is the perfect Valentine's Day gift for that green-thumbed friend of yours. Each heart garden contains a heart-shaped container, creeping thyme seed, soil, and granite drainage medium. It's the kind of fun, simple, and reasonably priced present that will keep on giving months from now — and if you live in a harsh Northern climate, it'll be a fun kitchen window gardening project to tide your gardening friend over until the snow melts.

Etsy Find: Panky Hankies

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 13:00:54 -0800

Maybe you're shy. Maybe you're not quite sure how to initiate a good make-out session on the sofa. If that's the case, then these panky hankies have found you just in time for Valentine's Day and getting romantic at home.

Can you think of a cuter way to tell your significant other that you're ready for some loving than by demurely blotting the corners of your mouth with this hanky? I'm certainly hard pressed to come up with a more lady-like solution.

Steal of the Day: Briar Hill Antiqued Bed

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 11:00:08 -0800

Such throwback romanticism may not be everyone's bag, but I'm really loving this Briar Hill antiqued bed ($399, marked down from $999). The beautiful antiqued-brown finish is contrasted by delicate handpainted floral accents. The bed features a gently scalloped design on headboards and footboards and is constructed of sturdy Asian hardwood and veneers. The king bed set includes headboard, footboard, and rails.

Casa Query: Do You Still Craft Valentine's Cards?

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 09:30:50 -0800

This week I'll be cutting, crafting, and mod-podging my way towards finishing some Valentine's cards for my family (and maybe, just maybe, for my special valentine, too).

Making valentines may seem a little middle school to some, but my grandmothers and siblings really appreciate a handmade card on Feb. 14. What about you? Do you still craft Valentine's cards for anyone?
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Would You Want a Pink and Curvy Seat For Your Love Shack?

casasugar — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 04:20:52 -0800

Leave it to over-the-top designer Karim Rashid to give us a pretty-in-pink two-person chair for your Love Shack. The Veuve Clicquot Love Seat ($10,000) resembles two huge flower petals with an adjoining middle champagne bucket, connected on a chrome-plated pedestal. The loveseat is a contemporary take on an 18th century French armchair, and with only 120 produced, you know you're getting a rare and romantic piece indeed.

Would You Want a Pink and Curvy Seat For Your Love Shack?

It may be over the top, but I love it!

Maybe, if I could find some way to integrate it into my home.

No way!

Other, I'll tell you below.

Etsy Find: Peony Jar

casasugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:00:29 -0800

To swank up your toilet room this month, why not try this Peony Jar ($55)? Wheel thrown, incised, and hand painted, this porcelain jar is perfect for bathroom items on a vanity. The black and white pattern will complement a variety of color palettes while adding a touch of contemporary elegance to your space, while the peonies will add a romantic flair. You could hide all sorts of bathroom essentials in here — tissues, cotton balls, even condoms.

Love It or Hate It? Bath-O-Matic Bathtub Filler

casasugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 09:30:26 -0800

Bath-O-Matic (inquire for price) is a home automation product that accurately delivers the right amount of water to your tub, automatically adjusts for fluctuation of pressure and losses due to ambient temperature of bath and air, and can fill your bath with bubbles and scented oils with the push of a button. Since it's Love Shack month, I thought I'd ask you: do you think not pouring in the bubbles by hand and running the water yourself kills the romance, or do you dig it? Source

Love It or Hate It? Bath-O-Matic Bathtub Filler

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

The Card Shop: Lumber Love

casasugar — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 08:45:28 -0800

These letterpress wooden cards from Night Owl Paper Goods come in single cards ($6) or packages of 6 ($24), but no matter what number you buy them in, you're getting a serious amount of cuteness for your cash. Constructed from eco-friendly, sustainably harvested yellow birch, these cards can be written on with a pen, pencil, or marker, and come with cheery red envelopes. This is a lovely way to send Valentine greetings.

The Card Shop: Set of 4 Valentines by SusyJack*

casasugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 16:00:38 -0800

What's the word? Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. Love. A sweet mingle of pretty pinks and ravishing reds in a variety of dashing fonts with, of course, a handful of hearts for good measure, the SusyJack* Set of Four Valentines ($6) is the perfect way to express the "L" word to friends and lovers alike. The lovely set of notecards will have you set for an entire presidential term. Or, if by chance you have four lovas (or friends) this year, it's good for all of 2008.

Would You Dare to Use This? The TwoDaLoo Toilet

casasugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:45:00 -0800

Yes, it's Love Shack month here at Casa, and yes, I'm all for communication, openness, and intimacy in a relationship, but this is taking it a little too far. The TwoDaLoo is billed as the world's first toilet that two people can use at the exact same time. According to the site it "brings couples closer together and conserves our water supply all with one flush." What would it take to install this in your home?

Would You Dare to Use This? The TwoDaLoo Toilet

Oh yeah! I'd install it in my house in a second.

Um . . . If you paid me a lot of money, maybe.

Are you crazy?

Other. I'll tell you in the comments.

February Must-Haves

casasugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 08:00:02 -0800

Welcome to a new era of romance here at CasaSugar. That's right, it's Love Shack month, and I'll be bringing you a bevy of beautiful posts telling you all about romancing your home, from prettifying your powder room to tracking down shagalicious sheets. Take a look at the slideshow for all of my must-have items and ideas for the month.

February Is Love Shack Month

casasugar — Fri, 01 Feb 2008 05:45:00 -0800

As an homage to the B-52s' classic hit, CasaSugar's theme this month is "Love Shack." All throughout the month, I'll be bringing you the best products, tips, and projects to help you bring a little love into your home. Not so quick single girls: this theme has more to do with romancing your home than romancing a lova in your home! Regardless of your "status," by transforming it into a peaceful, blissful, and fairy-tale like place, you'll have a little liaison with your home, so much that you won't want to bid it adieu. To start off the month, here's a little inspiration:

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