CasaSugar -- Home sweet home.

How-To: 7 Ways to Protect Your Countertops

casasugar — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:15:06 -0800

With all the cooking and entertaining we do during the holiday season, our countertops, along with the rest of our homes, take a beating. But, they’re pricey and tedious to replace (whether yours are Carrera marble or not) so it’s best to keep a few simple rules in mind when carving that turkey and whipping up those glasses of egg nog. First and foremost, you should follow any care instructions that came with your countertop, as each material requires different attention. To learn seven ways to protect your countertops,

How-To: Make Pumpkin Candle Holders

casasugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:15:04 -0800

Your jack-o'-lantern may be rotting on your back porch like mine (oops!), but that's no reason to shun pumpkins altogether. You can make seasonal candle holders that would be perfect for a Thanksgiving table from some inexpensive, mini pumpkins from your grocery store or local farmers market. I noticed this little trick within a DIY for making a mini pumpkin centerpiece on Martha Stewart, but I'm not so keen on the entire centerpiece idea. So, to make just the candle holders, you'll need a utility knife, a melon baller, tapered candles, and mini pumpkins. To learn the steps,

How-To: Steal Ideas From Mimou's Catalog

casasugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:30:00 -0800

I recently showed you how to steal ideas from Anthropologie's catalog, and today I'm back with more impressive styling from Swedish design shop Mimou. A purveyor of bed and table linens, cushions, poufs, and wallpaper, I ache for Mimou's fantastic materials and gorgeous design. But since I have no plans to head to Scandinavia in the near future, and I'm too much of a cheapskate to pay international shipping fees, I figure I might as well use its catalog for a little inspiration. To see how you can steal ideas from Mimou's catalog, check out this slideshow. Source

How-To: Light Your Home in Style

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 07:45:29 -0800

When it comes to decorating my own home, I've always found that I tend to focus on big furniture pieces and rugs first, and fill in the lighting and accessories almost as an afterthought. But it's important to think about how your lighting choices will affect not only the brightness of a room, but also the feel of it. House to Home has a helpful article about home lighting with a handful of style ideas that I thought I'd summarize for you.

Make a focal point out of your lamp by choosing a bold shade and simple base. Make sure to tie in the shade's color scheme with the rest of the room.
In your home office, use bright task lighting that directly spotlights your work area. Try clamp lights, which don't take up counter space and can be easily moved around.
Add drama to your dining room with a large, low-hanging chandelier. But, keep it flexible by attaching a hook to the ceiling which can adjust the height of the chandelier.
Light artwork and photographs with a picture light on the wall above them to give them direct light.

For more tips on home lighting, check out House to Home.
Source

How-To: Make Your Fireplace More Efficient

casasugar — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:00:45 -0800

With energy costs going through the roof these days, many of us will be resorting to our fireplaces to keep us warm, in addition to offering up ambient lighting. But unfortunately, it's very likely that your fireplace hasn't been honest with you. In addition to radiating heat while it's burning, it has also been seeing someone else: generating a current that can send conditioned air out the chimney, and effectively out of your room. And, when those logs aren't burning, your fireplace's damper should block inside air from heading outside, and vice versa. Unfortunately, modern technology has not worked in favor of the damper, and it's actually quite inefficient. So, you'll need to follow a few tips to maximize your fireplace's efficiency . . . otherwise you'll be turning up that thermostat. And we all know that's not budget beautiful. To hear my fireplace efficiency tips,

How-To: Get Rid of Fruit Flies

casasugar — Fri, 07 Nov 2008 11:00:37 -0800

It's not even the holidays and I already have house guests. Fruit flies. They've taken over my kitchen, and as much as I clean and toss out my produce, they continue to return. They're no doubt laying eggs somewhere. Gross. But thankfully I've found a quick solution for zapping those little buggers that uses household supplies, and doesn't require any toxic pesticides. To hear the steps,

How-To: Insulate Your Water Heater

casasugar — Wed, 05 Nov 2008 11:00:01 -0800

Even though we've already wrapped up (har har) House Warming month, I thought I'd show you how to insulate your water heater. After all, Winter's still ahead of us, as are those expensive heating bills. This project improves your hot water efficiency by keeping water in the pipes warmer, delivering hotter water when you run the hot faucet. This way, you're effectively wasting less water since the tap isn't running tepid water when you want hot water.

It's a really easy task, and you'll be able to find the supplies needed at your local hardware store. Make sure to read the manual that goes with your water heater, though, because some manufacturers preclude insulating their heaters. You should also be particularly cautious if you have a gas heater, as it could cause a fire. To learn the steps,

Halloween How-To: Martha Stewart

casasugar — Fri, 31 Oct 2008 10:00:24 -0700

This Halloween, I've costumed you as some of the biggest forces in the design world: Jonathan Adler, Simon Doonan, and Kelly Wearstler. But, you must also consider the queen bee homemaker herself, Martha Stewart. She may not sport a floral button-down daily like Doonan or experiment with wild tress techniques like Wearstler, but she does have a distinct style: classic and age-appropriate, always with her signature blond bob. Don't be surprised to see Martha with a crafting tool at hand either: she's always prepared. Here, she's seen posing at the ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Macy's Flower Show, where she also signed copies of her latest book.

Source

Halloween How-To: Simon Doonan

casasugar — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 10:00:38 -0700

Yesterday, I showed you how your man can dress like Jonathan Adler this Halloween. Adler's wardrobe is an endless bucket of fun, so he's an ideal costume inspiration for any design fiend. But Adler's hubby Simon Doonan, creative director of Barneys New York and recent Top Design guest judge, is the go-to guy when it comes to fashion expertise, and never shows up at a party in anything less than eccentric. Doonan's signature look features a vibrant floral button-down, so that's a must for anyone trying to model himself on the man. Here are a few other finds to finish off the look:

Source

Halloween How-To: Jonathan Adler

casasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 16:00:26 -0700

If your man is in need of a design-inspired costume this Halloween, tell him to look no further than to Jonathan Adler, an influential interior designer and the man behind the internationally recognized lifestyle and home furnishings brand. While Adler never ceases to impress me with his home furnishings and interior design portfolio, he's also got some serious personal style, worthy of emulation by any design-phile. So I thought I'd show you how to get the look of JA this holiday, without rearranging your living room. Stay tuned for a Halloween How-To on Adler's main squeeze and hubby, Simon Doonan!
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How-To: Make Fake Slime For Halloween

casasugar — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 12:00:16 -0700

Last year I dressed as Bjork in her infamous swan dress for Halloween, so I didn't require gory, gooey props. And, as usual, my Halloween costume will likely come together last minute. But, if any of you are in the need for some slime for your get-up this year, I have a simple fake slime (or snot) recipe for you. If you've got kids, it's a fun way to get them excited about the holiday, if they aren't bursting at the seams already. All you'll need is some borax, Elmer's glue, and food coloring. To learn how to make your own gooey green slime,

How-To: Make a Pinecone Lamp Finial

casasugar — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 07:45:26 -0700

I tend to gravitate toward more modern pieces that are a departure from nature and the outdoors; you won't find any taxidermy in my house. So, I wondered if there was a way to balance the two without sacrificing my aesthetic. There is, and Martha Stewart has found it. You can bring a dash of wintry outdoorsy-ness into your home by topping off a modern lamp with a pinecone as a finial. To learn how,

How-To: Live Green Like Jessica Alba

casasugar — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 06:15:36 -0700

InStyle currently has a great feature on celebrity interior designer Kari Whitman and her eco-friendly ideas for Jessica Alba's home. Whitman is known for her creative use of salvaged artifacts (like the vintage chandeliers shown here) that she finds by scouring antique shops, flea markets, and her clients' homes. For example, she says, "For Jessica Alba's house we bought almost every piece used." Snatching up second-hand pieces isn't the only way she has greenified Alba's home, though. To hear some of her other tips and tricks,

How-To: Make Pumpkin Pie Incense

casasugar — Tue, 14 Oct 2008 11:00:34 -0700

It's that time of year again. Witches and ghosts will soon parade the streets and arrive at your door begging for candy. So, your house better be in good shape when they do. I'm not one for faux cobwebs clogging up my doorway, but I do love walking into a house that just smells like October. I was pretty excited when I came across a Martha Stewart project for a carved pumpkin incense burner that smells like pumpkin pie, so I decided I had to share. All you'll need is a small pumpkin, a knife, an apple corer, pumpkin pie spices, cloves, and a tealight.
To learn how to make this adorable thing,

How-To: Display Your House Numbers

casasugar — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:00:18 -0700

There's nothing more frustrating than a late delivery (especially if it's 2 a.m. and you've got the munchies). It's easy to blame UPS or your pizza delivery person, or whoever you're waiting for, but believe it or not, you could be at fault for your own delivery woes. When I say that I mean if your house numbers are poorly placed, you could be sending your guests, delivery people, and service men on a wild goose chase. Here are a few simple things to consider that will maximize the visibility of your house numbers from the street:

Put your numbers horizontally on the side of your mailbox facing traffic, not the door or the nontraffic side.
Put your numbers in a well-lit area above eye level close to your front door. Centered above the front door is best.
Make sure that no trees or bushes are blocking the view of the numbers from the street.
If your front door recedes, just place the number on the house itself, not the door.
You should also paint your numbers on the street curb about two feet from the driveway towards your house, with the number facing the street.

To hear more tips like these,

How-To: Install a Peephole

casasugar — Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:00:21 -0700

This month, I've been home schooling you in all sorts of household tasks. And, now I'd like to teach you how to be a Peeping Tom without landing yourself in the slammer. It's okay to do some espionage from the comfort of your own home, if you're trying to figure out whose on the other side of your door. And, in fact, to be safe, you should always use a peephole to ensure you're not opening the door to strangers. To install a peephole in your door, you'll need a drill, a 10- or 25-foot tape measure, a peephole, a slotted screwdriver, safety goggles, and a dust mask. To learn the steps,

How-To: Repair a Hole in the Wall

casasugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:45:32 -0700

Like us, our homes are living, breathing creatures that need a little TLC every now and then. Just as we might stub our toes or nick ourselves shaving, our homes suffer some occasional battle wounds. But recovery calls for little more than a band-aid of sorts. If you're rearranging furniture or hanging artwork, you might wind up with a small hole in your drywall, but no worries, treatment is simple with a little first aid. To fix the hole, all you'll need is a putty knife, some sandpaper, an adhesive repair patch with a reinforced metal center, paint, tack cloth, and spackle. To be home schooled in how to repair a hole,

How-To: Make Home Repairs in Your Living Room

casasugar — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 15:00:58 -0700

During home schooling month, I've brought you a number of how-to posts. Many of these were courtesy of Barbara K, a home repair and carpentry expert who wanted to inspire women to become more self-reliant when it came to the world of tools and home repairs. Here, she shows you how to make home repairs in your living room.

Source

How-To: Replace a Doorknob

casasugar — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 10:00:14 -0700

A broken doorknob may be the culprit in many a poorly written sitcom scene, but it is actually a reality that many of us are likely to face at some point in time. Luckily, it's not the most difficult DIY, and you yourself can rise to the challenge. Since it is Home Schooling month, I figured that now is the time to show you how. All you'll need is a screwdriver, a hex key set, a new doorknob, and the appropriate hardware to go with it. To learn the steps,

How-To: Decorate Children's Rooms

casasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 08:30:34 -0700

Although decorating our own rooms sometimes seems like a daunting task, there's actually a lot less to consider than designing a space for another person, particularly your own children. It's no surprise we gravitate toward home décor items that please and interest us, and colors and textures we find soothing or stimulating; it's nature. But, when choosing furniture and accessories for another's room, we don't have that same innate instinct. Some children may be nurtured by a peaceful personal nook, secured by a cozy bed, or energized by their own place to play. While you should consider all of these things, it's crucial not to compromise your own taste or abandon your style when it comes to decorating your children's rooms. Check out this slideshow to learn a few more tips on designing for your offspring, courtesy of House to Home! Source

How-To: Make a Popcorn Tray From a Netflix Envelope

casasugar — Tue, 16 Sep 2008 05:30:06 -0700

If you're a Netflix member like Yours Truly, you've probably got a smattering of red envelopes lying around your house. And not the romantic, love-professing kind from your sexy valentine. Although, who knows, maybe you have both! In any case, there's a way you can put that tear-off slip of paper to good use without just sending it to the recycling bin, or heaven forbid, the trash!
Using ancient origami techniques, you can transform that petit papier into a tray to hold your popcorn while you're weeping over The Notebook (Netflix's ninth most popular film). All you'll need is your hands and the tear-off Netflix flap. To learn the steps,

How-To: Make Your Bedroom Glamorous

casasugar — Wed, 10 Sep 2008 07:45:16 -0700

I enjoy the imperfections in my life, and I don't have any illusions of grandeur. But sometimes I feel like I should be entitled to a little glamour in my life, even if I'm not making appearances at red carpet events. Amy Adams's character, Delysia, in Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day has it right: a knock-out Art Deco apartment with the style, fashion, and flair of the days of the greats like Carole Lombard and Clark Gable. To fully execute this look in my home would require a major overhaul, and ditching some of my favorite mid-century modern pieces. But, I can still have a little slice of glitz by completing a glamourous bedroom makeover, and House to Home knows exactly how to do so. To hear some of the Brit glossie's tips for living like Delysia for a day (or longer),

How-To: Fix a Running Toilet

casasugar — Mon, 08 Sep 2008 05:30:09 -0700

A running toilet is one household nuisance that we'll all encounter a handful of times in our lives (at least). It's a headache-inducing pain-in-the-butt, and a serious water waster (like Lance Armstrong), but it's not a destitute situation. You can actually fix your running toilet without calling in a plumber, or your man, and it won't take much time. If you couldn't fix it by yourself before, I have some instructions to help you out. For this task, you'll need an interchangeable screwdriver and a toilet repair kit. To learn the steps,

How-To: Patch a Gutter Leak

casasugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:00:38 -0700

Unless you live in a perpetually dry desert where it never rains, I bet you enjoy an occasional rainstorm pounding on your house. It's all fun and games and cozy on a Friday night, when you've got nothing to do but watch a scary movie. That is, unless you've got a leaky gutter that leaves your house with water damage. If that's the case, you'd better pull your ladder out of the garage and plug that leak. Then, get back to your Netflix. You'll need just a few supplies, including a ladder (high enough to reach the gutter), some steel wool, metal flashing, asphalt flashing cement or gutter patch, caulk, and disposable plastic gloves.
To be home schooled on how to seal up your gutter,

How-To: Fixing a Leaky Faucet

casasugar — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 08:30:31 -0700

A leaky faucet is a pretty common annoyance . . . but it needn't be! It's actually fairly simple to fix, so I figured this was an excellent start to your home schooling. So rather than letting water go to waste, and taking migraine medicine to remedy drip-drop-orchestra-induced headaches, just take a few minutes to conquer the inconvenience on your own. You'll just need a washer, faucet stem or O-ring, six-in-one interchangeable screwdriver, and eight-inch adjustable wrench or six-inch slip joint pliers. To learn the steps to saying sayonara to your leaky faucet,

How-To: Secure Your Home For a Hurricane

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 11:00:00 -0700

With Tropical Storm Gustav making its way through the Caribbean, I've got hurricanes on the mind. When I lived in New Orleans, to prepare for a storm, I'd basically move my bed to the center of the room away from the windows, and move things off the floor onto my mattress: pretty amateur and useless preparations. I lived in a rental then, so I guess I didn't really care about protecting the property. If that weren't the case, the most important precaution I'd take to reduce damage would be to protect the areas where wind can enter. According to recent wind technology research, you should strengthen the exterior of your house so wind and debris don't tear large openings in it. There are five critical areas of your home to protect and reinforce. To hear about them, and the steps you should take,

How-To: Removing Tea and Coffee Stains From Cups

casasugar — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:15:37 -0700

I like to collect coffee mugs from all the previous incarnations of myself (jobs, vacations). But you might have noticed that tea and coffee tend to leave not-so-pretty stains on ceramic cups. So, I wind up with a lot to clean. Luckily, it's actually fairly simply to whiten my collection, and the task doesn't require a big smelly jug of Clorox.

Just fill the tainted cup with warm water and drop in a denture-cleaning tablet like Fixodent. Once the tablet stops fizzing, it will be whitened, and the tablet will also kill away bacteria. Want your toilet bowl to sparkle too? The tablet works on porcelain toilets too; just drop it in, let it fizz, and flush! Don't have denture tablets around? You can also use white vinegar to do the trick!

Source

How-To: Homemade Linen Spray

casasugar — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 07:00:11 -0700

I recently came across a wonderful recipe for homemade linen spray at Hallmark magazine of all places and had to share because it's so simple and customizable. It's also an ideal way to infuse the scent of an endless Summer into your bedroom. Spritz a bit onto your sheets or onto your clothes as you're ironing, or spray it into the air to use it like a room spray.

Supplies:

16 or 32 oz. spray bottle
2 tbsp. 100 proof vodka
Your choice of two oils, such as jasmine, bergamot, lavender, etc.
Distilled water

To learn the steps,

How-To: Keeping Deer Out of Your Garden

casasugar — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:30:00 -0700

Growing up in the country, deer and other creatures were daily visitors to my garden, nibbling and trampling upon everything in sight, and they often caused car accidents in the area. Needless to say, they're not my favorite forest creature. But that doesn't necessarily mean you have to wait for deer season to keep them away from your casa; there are plenty of ways to keep them out of your garden without increasing your daily venison intake. Here are a few:

Install an extremely high fence. Deer can jump quite high, so it must be about eight feet tall to keep them out. Consider invisible deer fence, which isn't such an eyesore. And remember to fence off your driveway entrance or install cattle guards, which they can't cross.
Get a dog to scare the deer away.

There are plenty more to hear about, so

How-To: Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

casasugar — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 07:45:11 -0700

Outdoor furniture is built to withstand the elements, but it does require a little cleaning every now and then. To give your home Summer style, you've got to make sure your furniture is free of stains, mildew, mold, and any discolorations. Luckily, it's not so hard.

To find out how to clean your outdoor furniture,

How-To: Finding Your Property Lines

casasugar — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 07:45:48 -0700

If you're putting a fence around your property, building a deck or an addition, or planting trees, it's important to know exactly where your property lies before you begin. There are several ways to determine your property lines.

Many property developers drive metal pegs into the corners of each property lot, about four to five feet underground. You can locate them by scanning a metal detector around what you think are the edges of the lot; rent one from a rental store or buy one.
You can also hire a licensed land surveyor to survey your property and mark the corners of your lot; this is the most accurate way. You can find a local surveyor online or in the Yellow Pages.
Your county assessor's office likely also has maps, including subdivision plat maps, that show property dimensions for most properties. If you call your county assessor's office, you may be able determine your property lines and find monuments or property stakes using map information and measurements. Be sure to look at the most recent map, as property lines may have changed between sales, and the land itself may have changed naturally.
If any of your adjacent neighbors have recently determined their property lines, you can ask them or their surveyor for their property line information, to give you at least one boundary.

Source

How-To: Installing a Flag Pole

casasugar — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 08:30:43 -0700

It may no longer be Independence Day, but flags add Summer style to your home year-round. So if you haven't already, consider hanging a flag on the exterior of your home to cheer up the neighborhood — be it an American flag, a state flag, or the flag of your favorite sports team! To learn how to install one,

This Just In: July Is How-To Month at Etsy

casasugar — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 08:30:55 -0700

I'm excited to report that July is How-To Month over at Etsy! You know I love my How-Tos and my DIYs, so I'm eager to see what they've got in store. Etsy's mission is to transform us all into crafting royalty and to that end they will host 25 live tutorials, preempted by an article letting us all know what tools and materials will be needed ahead of time. They will also feature videos, podcasts, and accompanying How-To articles for a lot of their workshops. Some of their great workshops include Print Gocco, Metal Etching, Beginner Sewing, and Glass Etching. Check out their list of workshops and tell me if you've tried any of these techniques, and which ones you'd like to learn!
Source

How-To: Clean Your Deck with a Pressure Washer

casasugar — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 05:30:06 -0700

As much as I love to sit and muse over the saturated sunset views I have from my deck, eventually it comes time to clean the deck after the long winter, and prepare for Summer entertaining. If your deck has seen better days, there are several options for cleaning it, each with their own advantages and disadvantages. Today, I'm going to tell you how to clean it with a pressure washer. But before we get to that, you must remove everything from your deck (furniture, grills, plants — small children and adorable small animals included. Then, sweep your deck to rid it of dust, leaves, tree droppings, cobwebs, and other debris. To learn about the process and the steps,

How-To: Honeymoon at Home

casasugar — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 16:00:00 -0700

Whether you're post-poning your honeymoon until you can take time off of work, or you simply can't afford to get away, honeymooning at home is an option to consider. Don't yawn just yet! There are a lot creative things you can do to spice up the time after your wedding — and I don't mean buying new lingerie.Here are a few to get you thinking outside of the box (or bed). Feel free to add your own suggestions, laugh, applaud, or tell me I'm totally wacko.

Rearrange your furniture. Move things around in your bedroom, kitchen, living room, and other high traffic rooms in your home. If you have a guest bedroom, consider staying there for the week. When you return home after your wedding, it'll feel like a whole new world!
Hide all of your paperwork and lock your office door. Disconnect your cable and Internet. Don't let yourself get into your normal routine of watching prime time TV or glossing over your utility bills.
Treat your house like a resort hotel. Pick up a fresh new set of towels, and maybe even crisp white matching bathrobes. Set flowers everywhere. Hire a maid to clean everyday. Put travel bottles of shampoo and toiletries in your bathroom, and peanuts and chocolate bars in your refrigerator. Order "room service" from a restaurant.
Pack a vacation suitcase and only wear the clothes in it during your "honeymoon." Don't open your closet door or even worry about what you're wearing. Your husband loves you as is!

To hear some others,

How-To: A Trompe L'œil Headboard

casasugar — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 06:15:02 -0700

A headboard can create a stately focal point for even the most meager of spaces, and just because your mattress sits on the simple bed frame that came with it doesn't mean your bed should be ignored. Whether you can't afford to buy a headboard or simply want to try something unique, you can paint a trompe l'œil headboard to achieve the same, if not more interesting, results! Inspired by the Brocade Home Open Carved Headboard, which is an all-time favorite of mine, I decided to transform one wall into this Rococo style headboard, with just a small can of paint and a Sunday afternoon. To learn how to take on this project yourself, and to see photos of the steps,

How-To: Repurposing Your Magazines

casasugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:00:22 -0700

Since it's eco chic month, I can't tell you to avoid reading all of your favorite fab fashion magazines (or shelter magazines), but I will give you a few tips on what to do with your mags when you've finished. It's always nice to pass them along to friends, but if your friends aren't eco-conscious, it's likely they'll end up in a landfill. So, here are a few suggestions on what to do with your light reading when it starts to get heavy.

Make a mobile out of them.
Make a box out of them.
Transform them into an art-like wall-hanging.
Turn them around and around into a bowl.
Weave them into a clutch (and have the MoMA sell it).

There are many, many more where these came from, so

How-To: Greening Your Bedroom

casasugar — Wed, 14 May 2008 07:00:46 -0700

Test to make sure there is no lead paint on your walls, floors, and doors, especially if you live in an older home (before the '70s). If the paint is lead based, hire a professional to have the lead-based paint removed or replace the painted items (i.e. doors) altogether. Or, for a short-term solution, seal it with zero VOC paint.
Sleep with organic bedding, like a buckwheat hull pillow and organic cotton duvet covers.
Pick up a green mattress.
Use a wool blanket instead of turning on the heat.

To hear plenty more of these tips,

How-To: Organize Your Hangers

casasugar — Wed, 07 May 2008 07:45:43 -0700

Organizing your closet is not an easy feat, but one small change that'll rock your world visually and functionally is organizing your hangers. It also doesn't have to be a particularly expensive change, but it can be if you get picky and fancy. Since squeezing into your skinny jeans is already enough of a hassle, here are a few tips that'll expedite your daily-dressing ritual.

The Cardinal Rule: match your hangers. Matched hangers don't only create a closet that is aesthetically pleasing, but things will be equally spaced and therefore easier to find, and less likely to tangle, meaning fewer wrinkled clothes.
Use the appropriate hangers for your clothes. Use skirt hangers for skirts, pant hangers for pants, etc. Don't try to find a way around it like pinning your skirts to a pant hanger! Make sure your hangers are appropriately sized for your clothes; otherwise, they'll fall off and leave stretch/poke marks on your clothes. If you sport strappy tank tops, camisoles, or dresses, buy hangers that will actually hold them up (i.e. ones with hooks or slots). For silk tops that tend to slip off the hanger, buy fabric hangers or those with a rubber grip, so they stay hung up and not in a ball on your floor.

To hear more of these tips,

How-To: Organizing Your Books

casasugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 05:30:53 -0700

Unless you're of minimalist mindset, keeping books around can give your home a cozy look, add interest to a room, fill up empty space, make a place feel more like home, and reveal your personality to guests — not to mention keep you entertained. But when your library is simply causing visual and physical clutter in your home, it's time for a reassessment. It's time to hit the books! How you organize your books is another reflection of your personality — design-oriented, Type A, intellectual, etc, but actually logging down an inventory of your books will help you systematically and in case you lose track of them somehow. So, I'll give you a potpourri of options, and you can choose your own scent. To hear seven options,

Ask Casa: How to Kill Weeds (Without Herbicides)

casasugar — Fri, 18 Apr 2008 06:15:48 -0700

TeamSugar member Lafx23 recently wrote in, saying:

I have a lot of unwanted grass and weeds growing around my pool area (especially wild onions), and I really want to get rid of them. Every year it seems like they just come back twice as bad as the year before. Any suggestions on the best ways to kill them off?

To hear my response to Lafx23's weed dilemma, and to offer your own advice,

Casa Verde: Just Say No to Your Lawn

casasugar — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 08:29:01 -0700

Are you tired of spending your weekends mowing your lawn? Maybe you're concerned about how much maintenance, water, and pesticides go into creating it? Here's a list of some great alternatives to a big old swath of grass:

Plant wildflower gardens to replace your lawn.
Use a grass variety that's more eco-friendly and needs less water.
Construct raised bed vegetable gardens.
Plant container gardens.
Plant fruit trees and berry bushes in parts of your lawn.

For a video from The Garden Girl with all of the instructions on getting started, just

How-To: Be Green When You Clean

casasugar — Tue, 18 Mar 2008 06:45:31 -0700

It's not hard to be so fresh and so clean, and it's fairly simple to be green when you clean, too. Here's a handful of tips on eco cleaning:

Nix the paper towels, disposable wipes, etc., and go for a reusable rag, which you can wash with eco laundry detergent. Hang them to dry with some cute clothespins.
Cut cleaning time and chemicals altogether with microfiber cloths, which can handle your sinks, floors, windows, tabletops, and mirrors with little more than water.
Read labels. Buy eco-friendly cleaning products — look for words like biodegradable, phosphate free, and avoid ingredients such as EDTA, butoxyethanol, and bisphenol A. Don't be misled by greenwashing.
Don't use antibacterials, sanitizers, and disinfectants unless it's absolutely necessary, such as in the kitchen to clean your butcher block after cutting raw meats. Otherwise, just use all natural cleaners or kill germs with a good soap and water scrubbing.
Look for green-cleaning recipes in my Recipes For Clean!

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