CasaSugar

Yummy Links: From Cupcakes to Star Trek

partysugar — Tue, 19 May 2009 07:50:02 -0700

Why there will never be a "new cupcake." - Eat Me Daily
Ten tips for successful grilling. - Chow
Brides-to-be: get to know this fun software that makes setting your table a snap. - Hostess With the Mostess
Is it OK to serve white wine with steak? - The Epi-Log
The restaurant industry reacts to the news about Frank Bruni. - Eater
Everything you need to know about the food and drink of Star Trek. - Serious Eats

Registry Roundup: Outdoor Living

CasaSugar — Thu, 23 Apr 2009 05:30:41 -0700

I love finding ways to make my outdoor space seem as welcoming and comfortable as my living room. After all, it's hard to beat the views and ambiance of a great outdoor space. Whether you have a small patio or a couple acres to stretch out on, you'll want to consider your outdoor needs when registering for wedding gifts. Do you barbecue a lot? Do you entertain guests with cocktails on the porch? Do you have a pool? How about a garden? Think about how you use the space before you register for an unnecessary item. If you're not sure where to even start when it comes to registering for your wedding, take a look at my downloadable registry PDF. Check out all of the Sugar network’s wedding coverage here.

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Download Our Free Wedding Registry Checklist

partysugar — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:00:30 -0700

The intense amount of planning that goes into a wedding can be incredibly overwhelming. That's why we've got the perfect engagement gift for brides-to-be: our designer has created the ultimate wedding registry checklist! It's free, it's downloadble, and it's a no-brainer. Simply print and carry with you when making registry selections. Wondering where to register? Here's 10 shops with great wedding services that get the YumSugar stamp of approval.

Registry Roundup: Bathroom

CasaSugar — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:00:12 -0700

As you continue contemplating your wedding registry, consider your bathroom. After all, the bathroom is the most public private room in your home: you can guarantee that every guest who steps into your home will use it, and they'll develop an impression of your style and habits through it. So, you want to keep your bathroom as organized, clean, stylish, and guest-friendly as possible. I've gathered a lot of different bath products and accessories that will dress up this space, many of which will add a lot of style at a small price point. Also, by registering for a number of smaller price-tag products, you're guaranteeing that your guests will be able to pick up a few gifts for you instead of just one. Take a look at my finds for some ideas. Check out all of the Sugar network’s wedding coverage here.

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Registry Roundup: Bedroom

CasaSugar — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 08:30:00 -0700

As you continue your wedding registry, consider your bedroom. I'm sure your first thought was to register for all of your entertaining necessities, like serving platters, silverware, etc. But where's all the goodness you keep to yourself? The bedroom, of course. As you may well know, a happy bedroom makes a happy marriage. So, that's one area you needn't omit on the registry. With our downloadable registry PDF as a guide, I've rounded up a variety of bedding and bedroom accessories that will be nearly all you need for ultimate nuptial bliss in the bedroom. Of course, these fab furnishings are all gender-neutral enough for both newlyweds to enjoy! Check out all of the Sugar network’s wedding coverage here.

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Registry Roundup: A Splendid Table

CasaSugar — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 15:00:55 -0700

If you've chosen the right kitchen registry thanks to YumSugar's tips, you're well on your way to having a beautifully dressed dining room for future dinner parties. But don't stop there - you must be sure to register for beautiful table linens, candlesticks, candles, and other essentials to have your table looking its best. If you're not sure where to even start when it comes to registering for your wedding, take a look at my downloadable registry PDF. Check out all of the Sugar network’s wedding coverage here.

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Yum's Top 10 Kitchen Registries

YumSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 14:00:47 -0700

Earlier this week, we offered some wedding advice for finding a gift registry that's right for you, but even with our recommendations, there are so many stores to choose from. So, we've compiled a list of our favorite registries - for the most part, nationwide retail outlets with standalone stores, call centers, and online sites to suit all of your guests' needs. We also took stock of shops with a wide selection of products and convenient perks and benefits. To see the list of our favorites (in no particular order), read more.

Williams-Sonoma: This tried-and-true kitchen store favorite boasts a thank you note manager, a solid return policy, and a 10 percent discount on items both remaining in your registry and outside it.
Target: Despite your income bracket, you can't go wrong at this ubiquitous store, which proffers a huge assortment of practical, everyday items at bargain prices. Guests can shop online with a Target or an Amazon account.
Crate & Barrel: This 160-store chain boasts a 10 percent completion discount on registries - and that includes furniture. Anytime an item is purchased or added, all changes, whether online, in store, or over the phone, will be reflected within a short window of 15 minutes or less.
Macy's: This national network of department stores is everywhere in the United States and offers a number of perks, including a charity donation program, completion rewards of 10 percent off, and a Registry Star Rewards program, which rewards purchases in the form of a Macy's Gift Card.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Aside from being practical and everywhere, this store offers a registry incentive program where you can register for or complete certain sets and get other items free. Need help? That's available anytime through the store's call center.
Bloomingdale's: For a range of timeless kitchen pieces and fun kitchen gadgets, sign up for this high-end retailer, which pairs you with a personal registry consultant and also provides a 10 percent completion program and donations to charity.
Sur La Table: Everything your kitchen ever wanted can be found at this culinary haven, which carries specialty items like DeLonghi grills, John Boos cutting boards, and Le Creuset cookware.
Kohl's: This registry ups the ante with a completion program offering 15 percent off, as well as announcement cards that give guests discounts on in-store purchases.
Neiman Marcus: Head here for the gold standard of gift registries, where you can choose from a massive selection of formal tabletop items. Gift packaging is complimentary on bridal registry purchases.
Cooking.com: If you want to go virtual, you can find everything and anything kitchen at this one-stop online shop, which has an extreme selection of 80,000 products and a 10 percent off completion program.

Brides-to-be, where have you registered? Let us know if you have any other recommendations!

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Registry Roundup: Furniture

CasaSugar — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:00:40 -0700

Though it may be a bit untraditional, for young couples living on their own for the first time or for recent grad student couples, registering for furniture is a good way to get the basics for your home, without running up credit card debt. In rare cases, a generous relative may pony up and buy you an entire sofa. For everyone else, there are retailers that will allow you to register for items at a range of price points, and then essentially exchange the sum for a credit to spend on a high-priced item you actually want, such as furniture. You can also register for cash gifts on MyRegistry, which can be combined to get you the dining table you're hankering for. If you do decide to register for furniture, choose the basics: bed, dresser, sofa, coffee table, dining table, and ottoman, along with four to six dining chairs. Following those guidelines, I've rounded up several furnishings that I myself would register for. My choices, I think, are a good combination of a masculine color scheme, some feminine curves, and classic designs that should last at least as long as a good marriage. We also have a downloadable wedding registry you can use, and be sure to check out all of the Sugar network’s wedding coverage here!

Eaton Ottoman - $1,150.00	Sasha Side Chair - $429.00
Astor Upholstered Chair - $575.00	Portica 1.5" 50x36 35h Custom Table with Solid Walnut Top - $1,189.00
Bryce Coffee Table - $950.00	Brentwood Sofa - $1,299.00
Farmhouse Tallboy Dresser - $1,299.00	Bento Bed - $1,599.00

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How-To: Register For Your Wedding

CasaSugar — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 07:00:15 -0700

Planning your wedding can be stressful, but the fun part is registering for gifts! Unfortunately, some people get carried away at the thought of all the presents coming their way and register spontaneously, not methodically. You have to remember that you're going to live with these gifts, and your friends and family are spending real money on them, so you better like them! Beyond that, you should think about what you need, not what you want, so you can really "set up house" - that's kind of the point. I have a few tips that will make it all easy for you. To hear them, read more.

Consider your timeline. If you're having any sort of engagement party, try to register by the time the invitations for that party go out, making sure you've covered all the price points. Many of your friends and family will want to buy your engagement and wedding gifts as soon as they hear about the engagement and get it out of the way. Don't feel rushed; you can always go back and add more items later on. If you're not having an engagement party, about nine months before your wedding day is a good time to register; it doesn't make you seem as if you're either rushing or procrastinating.
Do your Spring cleaning, and take note of what you already have and what you need for your home.
Then, get together and make a list of things you both want for your home.
Before you start checking boxes, cruise around to a bunch of stores and decide which one or which few suit your tastes the most. Stick to three stores or fewer to keep things uncomplicated, and make sure one of them is a national department store like Bloomingdale's or Macy's.
Most major stores have some sort of registry system, if not an online one. However, if you love a certain boutique or specialty store, they may not. But most will be more than willing to work something out with you, so just ask!
Go through all the questions. Figure out what kind of return policy each store has, how shipping works, whether they take phone orders, whether they have an online database to track orders, etc. Your older generation of friends and family may only want to shop by phone or in store, so there should be something available for them. And it's ideal to be able to track the orders as they come in, so you can add more items at different price points, or remove items if need be.
Use our downloadable registry guide to make sure you've covered all the bases for your housewares, and go ahead and register with each store, giving as much detail as possible to make it easy on guests. Choose size, color, brand, etc.
You can also use MyRegistry to register online from a variety of sources, giving your friends and family a central place to shop for you.
OK, so let's say you already have all the table runners and Le Creuset pans you could ever want. What then? Nowadays it's not uncommon to have an alternative registry. If you'd like, you can register with a charity or even to pay for your honeymoon. Although it's not the most proper of moves, if you really need help with your finances, you can even register for stocks or cash for big ticket items you may need.
Once you're registered, there's some etiquette you should follow for getting the word out. It's a bit taboo to send your registry information out with your invitation. If you have a website for your wedding, you can post it discreetly there. It's also common to have your maid of honor send out the details with the invitations for your bridal shower, and the same for the bachelor party. You can ask your family members to pass the word along to the guests as well. And, if your guests ask you up front where you are registered, go ahead! If you are sending out a package to your guests with other details about the wedding (maps, hotel information, etc.) apart from the invitation, you can slip in a printed card with the registry information.
Most registries remain active for at least a year after the big day so guests can make purchases after the fact. And many stores will give you a discount on the items that weren't purchased, so that you can buy them for yourself.

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How to Choose the Right Kitchen Registry For You

YumSugar — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:15:35 -0700

If you've got a wedding in the works, you've probably begun looking into a crucial element of the event - the registry. This retail service will help you determine what cookware, dinnerware, servingware, drinkware, tools, and appliances will be stocked in your kitchen. But with dozens of retail outlets, where should you sign up? Get tips for selecting the right registry for your kitchen when you read more.

Establish priorities. If your place is small, are you looking for kitchen tools to do double duty? Is eco-friendliness a must? If you want to mix and match tableware, make sure that's an option.
Choose a national registry that takes orders online, by fax, over the phone, and in person. That way, both your cousin in Silicon Valley and your computer-challenged great aunt in Baltimore can shop happy.
Your registry should offer a wide range of price points, so your guests can select gifts within their means.
Look for a large assortment of styles as well, from traditional to contemporary and basic to ornate.
Make sure you have a clear understanding of the return and exchange policy, as well as the overall terms of service. For instance: Is there a service charge? How long will the registry be kept active?
Some questions to consider: How much attention is paid to customer service? Is there a representative who can help you resolve any logistical issues? Does the registry alert you when gifts have been purchased? Will updates be reflected on your registry within 11 minutes, or 11 hours? Is the registry flexible with shipping locations?
Don't overlook perks. Some registries offer a completion program, which allows couples to fill in incomplete kitchen sets at a discount. Other sites will donate to a charity of your choice every time a gift is purchased.

If you've got any helpful tips for finding the perfect registry, please feel free to chime in below!

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5-Piece Coventry Dining Set - $1,095.00	Classic Garden Fire Pit - $249.00
8-Volt Impact Drill by Tomboy Tools - $79.00	Stainless Steel Infrared Tabletop Heater - $229.00
Great American Rain Barrel - $189.00	The PolyGreenhouse - $899.99
Veneto Adjustable Folding Chair Sunbrella® Cushion - $130.00	Bullet Planter Short - $159.99
Vintage Garden Tool Set - $39.99	Elemen'tary Design Screwdriver Set - $75.00
Tuuci Razor Shade Platform - $1,350.00	Fold-It Cart - $320.00
Wood-Handle Pruning Shears (Set of 2) - $70.00	The Ultimate Hammer Tool - $14.99
Teak Croquet Set - $498.00	Galvanized Drink Bucket by Charcoal Companion - $29.95

Square Feathergrain Wastebasket - $19.99	Modern Glass Bath Accessories - $16.00
Mediterraneo Toothbrush Holder by Alessi - $42.00	Vetiver Folding Hamper - $59.00
Shower Curtain Roller Rings Set Of 12 - $9.95	Shower Curtain Liner - $14.95
Italian Hotel Satin Stitch Shower Curtain - Select Colors - $79.00	Hotel White Bath Rug - $59.95
Fez Bath Mat - $19.00	PB Organic 700-Gram Weight Bath Towels - Select Items - $8.00

Heritage Washable Wool Blanket in Chocolate - $265.00	Area Harry Blanket - $155.00
PB Organic 400-Thread-Count Supima® Bed Skirt - $79.00	Draper Stripe Duvet Set F/Q - $249.00
Down Alternative Bed Pillows - $24.95	Blissliving Home Silk Duvet Fill - $335.00
PBK Waterproof Mattress Pads - $39.00	Baffled Box 95/5 Feather Bed and Cover in Full - $139.00
Blissliving Home Snow Sheet Set - $150.00	Blissliving Home Snow Pillow Cases - $40.00
Isotonic® Ultra Comfort Extra Loft Contour Pillow with Outlast Cover - $79.99	"Ella" Matelasse Coverlets and Shams - $84.00

Marc Jacobs Jean Footed Flare Posy Vase - $125.00	Sferra - $27.00
Maxfield Napkin Ring, Set of 6 - $30.00	Did Someone Say Drama Candleholder - $89.00
Octagon Napkin Rings by Aman Imports - $10.50	"Gaby" 3 Branch Candelabra by William Yeoward - $368.00
kate spade "Camelia Avenue" Pink Posy Vase - $25.00	Lalique - $199.00
Linen Cocktail Napkin Set - $39.95	Dragon Vase - $240.00
Celadon with Platinum Handled Hostess Tray (10.5-in.) by Noritake - $74.95	Ballet Table Linens by Waterford - $10.00
Simrin Solid Linen Napkins - $36.00	Unison - Porter Tablecloth - $64.00
Blissliving Home Maren Candlesticks White - $50.00	Orrefors Regina Medium Candlestick Pair, 7.5" - $150.00
Monogrammed Hotel Runner, White - $35.00