CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

I've Got My Eye on You, Kitty

PetSugar — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 14:00:33 -0800

Still looking for a super unique holiday gift for pets? Well, when I spotted these catnip eyeballs, they seemed just the thing for cats that love the homemade. After all, these cute toys are made from recycled sweatshirts (inside out) so that the nubby cozy part is what your pet chews on. At $10 for a set of two, each is made per order so it's only the freshest catnip for your kitties. That's what they deserve . . . obviously.

Love It or Hate It? Birdies on a Chair Fabric

casasugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 16:00:46 -0800

I think the idea of Laurie Wisbrun's new Birdies on a Chair fabric ($8) is cute as well as the design. But, I wish the white chairs would pop more against the blue background, and I think the palette could be reworked a bit. I guess I'd say I'm undecided. You?

Love It or Hate It? Birdies on a Chair Fabric

Love It

Hate It

Undecided

Wrap Star! Letterpress Buckle With Ribbon

casasugar — Mon, 01 Dec 2008 04:30:39 -0800

When you're no longer stuck on stick-on bows and curling ribbon doesn't make the cut, spend a few bucks on the DSharp Letterpress Buckle With Ribbon ($7.50). This large oval belt, comprised of letterpress red striped printed paper, will replace your fussy bows in a cinch. The buckle arrives with ribbon, and that's all you'll need to dress your gifts: Just slide through and pull. No tape required! We all know a belt can easily transform a basic outfit, so why not use one to dress up your solid gift wrap or some brown packaging? Instant style.

Etsy Find: Chroma Lab Fruit Stripe Dresser

casasugar — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

I love people who aren't afraid of color. Take, for example, Laurel's Rainbow Bright Home. Thanks to her fearlessness of color, her home shouts personality . . . the kind of style that simply can't be replicated. But, given that I like my color in small doses, I'd be more likely to fill my house with items like the Chroma Lab Fruit Stripe Dresser ($480). Its turquoise acrylic satin polyurethane topcoat is certainly bold, but its slivers of watermelon and lemon color are hidden until you open the drawers. The colors aren't always competing for attention, but you know they're there.

Etsy Find: Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet

casasugar — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 09:15:35 -0800

My Etsy Finds normally fall under the categories of crafty things, textiles (napkins!), or artwork. But it's rare to find a furniture piece that's not just a reupholstered ottoman. So, I was surprised to come across this Jean Pelle Vanity Cabinet ($129). Quite the unique, modern piece, it's a small vanity cabinet with an extending side mirror, three interior storage cubes, an interior cork board, and door-front knobs to hang jewelry from. The cabinet is also fixed with a light bulb to illuminate while you're applying makeup or trying on jewelry. The cabinet can be attached to a wall or rested on a table. It's certainly not for a traditionalist, but for those with a contemporary home, it's a wonderfully functional piece to own.

Manabot and Robotee Print: Perfect For the Art/Animal Geek

geeksugar — Sun, 23 Nov 2008 10:15:00 -0800

Art, manatees, and robots? If just the image of this Manabot and Robotee Print ($25) doesn't charm you, wait till you read the artist's whimsical description: "Manabot lived in the wreckage of an undersea robot factory. He made Robotee out of spare parts to keep him company."

I can't resist a robot or a cute print, so my defenses are useless. Race you to the checkout!

Etsy Find: Matryoshka Doll Ornament

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 14:00:27 -0800

Somehow Matryoshka dolls are still trendy after a year, but I suppose that's because they're so darn cute. I couldn't pass up the Saidie Matryoshka Doll Ornament ($9), which will bring a bit of traditional Russian kitsch to your Christmas tree this holiday. The original Matryoshka illustration was printed with a Gocco onto linen fabric, hand sewn, and stuffed. I love how the embroidered ribbon adds an additional little touch of ornamentation. If dolls aren't your thing, Saidie also sells sweet birdcage and bird on a branch ornaments.

Gift Guide: Handmade Gifts For Indie Girls

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 05:30:19 -0800

Last year, many of you told me that you were making or buying handmade gifts. Many of you also took the handmade pledge. So, if you're in the market for a one-of-a-kind gift for a special someone in your circle of friends, I thought I'd round up some of the best handmade gifts I've come across, using, of course, my favorite purveyor of everything DIY and handmade, Etsy.
These gifts are great choices for all of your independent-minded, design-savvy friends and family members who are looking for something as unique as they are this holiday season.

To see my handmade finds,

Mmmmm, Pie: Desserts For Finicky Felines

PetSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 14:00:17 -0800

While nine bucks is a lot of money to spend on a slice of pie for me to eat (read: gone in minutes), it's totally reasonable for these jumbo toy pieces filled with organic catnip.
Dish out this cute present for resident felines at Thanksgiving dinner (so they don't get jealous of their lucky dog counterparts). I plan on eating some pumpkin pie myself so I'm choosing this one, but Catzilla Crafts' Etsy store "bakes" up a bunch of goodies including cakes, donuts, eclairs, and even (my fave) banana pancakes. Cue the Jack Johnson, I'm diggin' in.

Product of the Day: Necklace That Says Cheese

GiggleSugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 11:00:00 -0800

OK, folks. Start pooling your change because this is what I want for Christmas. I already have an "I Heart Cheese" T-shirt. And I already have an ironic "Leo" necklace. What better way to broadcast to others what you're really all about? Also, this awesome cheese necklace is only 35 smackeroos — the price of a month's worth of Reggiano Parmesan, by my estimation. Or, like, six movie-theater nachos.