CasaSugar

How-To: Be the Hostess With the Eco Mostess

CasaSugar — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 15:00:38 -0700

Want to learn how to make your Summer soirees a little more eco friendly? Elizabeth Rogers, the best-selling author of The Green Book, recently gave me some tips for throwing parties that won't negatively impact the planet. So many times when we're busy organizing a backyard bash or a big dinner party, we forget the impact that all of our disposable cups and plastic party favors can have on the environment. But not to fear! Just because you're keeping the earth in mind doesn't mean that your party has to be any less fun. In fact, it can be even more so - and these tips are even budget friendly! Elizabeth recommends that, "While preparing for your party, stop by a local swap meet or thrift store for fun vintage items you can reuse all summer long."

Want to hear Elizabeth's smart entertaining tips? Then read more.

Instead of running through dozens of plastic cups and paper plates, vintage glass-wear and dishes found at swap meets, will add a unique touch to your dinner party. Using dishes already in existence instead of buying brand new ones or disposable is 100% eco friendly. Plus they can be reused all summer long, saving you upwards of $100 in disposable paper, plastic and Styrofoam products.
Approximately 70 million bottles of water are drunk in America everyday and, because petroleum is used to manufacture these bottles, the impact on the environment is significant. For your party use vintage glass pitchers filled with filtered water. My favorite is PUR because it adds an extra level of filtration, so it has a crisp taste. Your guests will love the vintage feel, and you’ll be saving yourself the cost of buying all those plastic water bottles.
Vintage tablecloths and napkins, found on your swap meet excursion, are a more fashionable way to set your table than paper or plastic throw-away table covers. Antique lace will lend a summery elegance to your party, and after a quick spin through the washing machine it will be ready for your next soiree. Paper napkins and paper towels are two of the reasons paper waste in the US has jumped from 30 million tons to 84 million tons a year since the '60s. So, as well as being more durable, cloth napkins will prevent your party from ending in the trash.
Centerpieces are a sophisticated finishing touch, when decorating for your party. Instead of buying cut flowers that travel in gas-guzzling cooler trucks, and will be wilted and gone before the end of the week, potted plants are a beautiful alternative. Potted orchids require little care and will look stunning in your home after the party has ended. The cost of purchasing several potted plants for your table tends to be less than purchasing bouquets of cut flowers from a florist or the grocery store, plus the flowers will be ready to shine again at your next party.
Light your party with soy candles in Mason jars. You’ll save on electricity, plus soy candles don’t emit carbon or smoke as they burn and purchasing soy candles supports soy farmers. Mason jars, have been used for canning since the 1850’s and these antique glass jars can be purchased for a few dollars at local flee markets. The soft candlelight will lend a charming Midsummer Night’s Eve quality to the evening.

For more excellent tips, as well as to learn more about Elizabeth and The Green Book, check out her website.

Source

Casa Verde: Cameron Diaz on Going Green

CasaSugar — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 03:50:46 -0700

Cameron Diaz has written the foreword for The Green Book (2007, Three Rivers Press), a new book on the importance of living an environmental lifestyle. I certainly agree that we should try to live as sustainably as possible, for our sake as well as that of our children. Let's see what Cameron has to say.

"I never got into the environmental movement [before] because I really didn't connect to what was being said and how it was being said. I'm a selfish American. I don't want to give it all up. But at the same time, I found that I was already practicing the basics, everything from recycling to composting to saving energy to hybrid cars. I had been pursuing those things myself without knowing that they were part of the movement. Then I started listening more closely to what was being said because I was looking for a way in. I wanted to do more than what I was doing just for myself. I wanted to help other people do more. ..."

To hear more from Cameron, just read more
"Look at how long it's taken us to create what we have today and all we've done efficiency-wise, product-wise, and quality-wise-all of the things that we as Americans gain comfort in and expect to have available to us. We're doing pretty well. We're in a good place. It's an exciting time to be alive. We can figure out how to maintain our lifestyles and the health of the planet if we do it right. And that's what I want. I don't want to be running around barefoot, pushing my car like Barney Rubble. I don't want to go back to the Stone Age. I just want to maintain what we have for a long period of time-forever. How nice would that be? I'm very selfish."

Source

H&M The Garden Collection: A Flower-Powered First Look

fabtv — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:30:59 -0800

FabTV got a sneak preview of H&M’s eco-friendly, flower-filled spring line, The Garden Collection. With fabric made using organic and recycled materials, The Garden Collection brings together flowy, feminine designs inspired by green gardens, sunny landscapes, and ‘70s hippie chic. The collection hits H&M stores March 25th, and has us asking: is green the new black?

Share Your Lovely Little Vignettes!

CasaSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0700

I'm so curious to see how CasaSugar readers are decorating this Spring! There are so many talented, design-forward readers on this site that I hope you will share your styling and decorating ideas with the rest of us in the Lovely Little Vignettes group, which is the place to share photos of the small vignettes you create in your home or those you see online or at a friend's home. If you're not sure what I mean by vignettes, this slideshow should make it clear.

So, show me what you've got! Be it some art books on your coffee table or your arrangement of green cachepots on your windowsill, I want to see all of your beautiful photographs of the little details throughout your home.

Want a $50 Spa Treatment? Book Soon.

BellaSugar — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 06:00:11 -0700

Got 50 bucks? That cash can get you 50 minutes - or more - of relaxation during Spa Week. From April 12-18, spas around the country are offering a variety of sybaritic delights for $50 each. The specials include facials, waxing services, laser hair removal, hair color, and other indulgent treatments. This time around, Spa Week has highlighted eco-friendly and organic treatments on its site, giving you the chance to go green if you so desire.

The only catch is that you have to act quickly. With many treatments costing less than half of their usual price, appointments get filled fast. For a list of participating spas and specials, visit Spaweek.com, and book your time sooner rather than later. Happy relaxing!

A Southern Writer Shares Tips on Wigs and Tans

BellaSugar — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 07:00:33 -0700

If you've ever heard of the Sweet Potato Queens, then you already know H.R.H. Jill Conner Browne, the author of the hilarious books about the Queens and the nation's third largest St. Patrick's Day parade.

Their wigs and makeup are the stuff of legend, and Jill was nice enough to talk with me about how the Queens get themselves together for the big day, how to keep an enormous wig on, and why spray tan is your friend. To see what Her Royal Highness had to say, just keep reading.

Must Haves For March

LilSugar — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 12:00:04 -0800

March may bring a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, but you won't need riches to purchase some of this month's must haves! From designer duds at a discount price to a book that's made to be played as much as it's intended to be read and a sturdy sling to tot your tot around town in, check out a few of Lil's favorite things!

View Slideshow ›

Assisted Living: Decorating PartySugar's New Digs

CasaSugar — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 07:00:00 -0800

PartySugar asked the Assisted Living group for help decorating her new place:

Hey readers! I just moved and need to start decorating my new place. I have tons of white walls and am open to affordable and creative ideas. The bad news is, I can't paint because I don't own the place. I took a bunch of photos of the space now. It's a studio. I'm going with brown as a base color and pink, turqioise, and green as accents. I've also included photos of my inspiration board. Think Moroccan-inspired prints, leopard, and lots of textures. How should I decorate?

With her inspiration board and limited budget in mind, I've rounded up a few products that might help PartySugar achieve the look she's going for. I also have a few suggestions for her to keep in mind while she's shopping. Want to see my thoughts and offer your own?

How I Met Your Mother Style: Anita

PopSugar — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:15:00 -0800

Before Barney met his match in Anita, she promoted her book on Wake Up New York with Robin. Looking nothing like her cutthroat self, she wears a colorful and sweet looking DVF wrap dress that she simply pairs with a green pendant necklace and nude platform heels. Shop her exact look now!

Absolutely Fabulous

FabSugar — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 08:23:22 -0800

Alexander McQueen's pre-Fall look book makes us miss him even more.
Milan Fashion Week was alluring, artsy, and awesome; which of Ashley Greene's Milan looks did you like best?
Zara delivers more Spring goods; needless to say, we want it all.
Daria Werbowy and Maria Testino mimic the fabulous Ave Maria in W Magazine.
Sneak peek: Liberty of London for Target's printed cuteness.
We've caught the Alice in Wonderland bug, too; here are 10 inspired fashion items.
Ashley Olsen is over them - are you over extreme shoulders, too?
Butt pads, compression briefs, padded panties - giggle at the craziest of crazy shapewear.
I met the queen of J.Crew. Read my exclusive interviews with J.Crew's Jenna Lyons!
Who looked most Fab at Vera Wang's LA store opening?
Do you approve of my March most wanted?
Did you see Shirley Manson and Elijah Wood bored on Sundays?
Double take: The Miller and Olsen sisters face off in black and navy.
Pre-Oscars coverage: Dressed Up or Dressed Down? Red Carpet Edition, Guess the Oscar Attendee by her Fabulous Accessory, and 50 Iconic Oscar Gowns.