PetSugar

Gift Guide: The Handyman

CasaSugar — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 06:15:55 -0800

Each holiday season I inevitably find myself searching for gifts that the men in my family will actually enjoy. For some reason, furry suede slippers never do well. And, you can only give a man a tie and a set of cuff links so many times before he starts to think you want him to spend more time at work. But anyone with a Y chromosome wants to think he's useful at home as well as the office. So, whether you need to encourage the men in your life to do a little more work around the house, or you want to reward them for all the picture-hanging and deck-building they can't seem to get enough of, a handyman-style gift is just the thing to put a smile on your dudes' faces this year. I've collected some items I know they'll love, and perhaps laugh about (overalls). But I also recommend checking out your local hardware shop and some old standbys like Duluth Trading and L.L. Bean. If you're working with a beginner handyman, the ideal gift is a sturdy toolbox or bag filled with all of the essential household tools. Also, listen closely, there may be some sort of power tool your very own handyman is already aching for. To see my suggestions, read more.

Source

For more gift gifts, holiday home decorating tips and more, check out HolidaySugar!

Celebrity Redo: Todd Oldham

PetSugar — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 13:00:25 -0800

In big cities like the big apple, if you're taking public transit, hailing a cab, or trying to ~~sneak~~ bring a doggie into a shop, you're often only allowed if your pet fits in a carrier. But, I remember from one of our first PetMarking missions, there are plenty of cute cases out there for people to choose and use! I don't agree with dog-as-accessory, and I think putting a pup in your purse – a bag not sold specifically for pet purposes – can hurt both the doggie and the bag. Now, Todd Oldham's certainly a busy man – being the new creative director of Old Navy causes him to jet between NYC and SF and sometimes, I'd imagine, he just grabs the first bag laying around before running errands. While there's nothing wrong with his classic L.L. Bean Boat and Tote, but I'd love for him to express that preppiness with a petspecific version instead. If you want to see which carrier I have in mind, then read more.

First off, Todd's doggy does not look comfy in that bag – it's meant for groceries and magazines, and the little one can barely see out despite obvious neck straining. This sturdy Wagwear Boat Canvas Carrier includes a crucial leash attachment and buckle closure (for the squirmers) and a handy peek-ready slot to give doggies a good view. It comes in a rainbow of color combos and two sizes for around $100.

Source

Last Minute Gift Giving: L.L. Bean

PetSugar — Tue, 18 Dec 2007 07:00:43 -0800

L.L. Bean stocked up on new products just in time for the holiday season – as long as you order by Dec. 21, they'll make for happy Christmas morning pups. My faves are these totes that come completely stocked with gear for the big dogs or the new, little ones. It couldn't be easier to give a themed gift as they've eliminated multiple stop shopping by offering items produced and packaged specifically for L.L. Bean by Planet Dog for under $30. To see the rest of my top present picks from the site, read more.

Love It or Hate It? Canoe Coffee Table

CasaSugar — Fri, 02 Nov 2007 03:17:42 -0700

This L.L. Bean Canoe Coffee Table ($999) is kind of endearing. For what it is, this table isn't bad looking, but I feel that sometimes people take their hobbies a paddle stroke too far. Then again, that lodge-y look can be cozy sometimes, after a long day of fly fishing and shooting stags. What do you think?

Do You Have a White Picket Fence?

CasaSugar — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:00:18 -0700

There's nothing like a curious agapanthus peering its head out of your white picket fence on a warm Summer day. A white picket fence may be uninspired, but it's still a classic, like an L.L. Bean bag or a pair of canvas sneaks. You almost can't go wrong with one.

How-To: Organize Your Desk

CasaSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:19 -0700

Although Eric Abrahamson and David H. Freedman's book A Perfect Mess claims that there are hidden benefits to being unorganized and cluttered, I'm not sure I'm a believer, and I stand by the aesthetic reasons for being organized. So, I thought I'd give you a few tips on streamlining your workspace that seem to have helped me out. I know that many of you are super organized already, so this is for the rest of you!

First and foremost, rely on a computer filing system. Save your documents on your hard drive and back them up. Keep your computer organized as one would a filing cabinet. Scan your paper documents and save them to your hard drive, then recycle them.
Say no to paper. Only print out paperwork if it's completely necessary. If you do print something out, recycle it once you've completed the task you used it for.
Ditch the pens. You shouldn't have more than three pens, a pencil, and if needed, a marker, at all times. Once you have them, don't be tempted to add to the collection by stealing from your hotel or office supply closet. Leave your writing utensils at your desk; don't carry them away with you in your purse.

To hear more of these organization tips, read more.

Kick Post-Its to the curb. Post-its look messy and are easy to lose track of. Keep a notebook on your desk, next to your keyboard instead, and get in the habit of using it. If you use it every day, you're bound to see your reminders written down.
Build a system to manage your paper. If everything has a place, you won't need to search for it. Whether you use file folders, letter trays, accordion files, or L.L. Bean tote bags, delegate a location for each type of paperwork you have. That means, an inbox, an outbox, an on-hold box, a reference file, files for active projects, files for finished projects, and of course, have a recycling bin or shredder on hand.
Maintain a time frame. Find a way to categorize your inbox by day, week, and month. That way, your work each day will have a better shot of getting done, and you'll have a sense of how productive you are. If you're not ready to handle your paperwork, or not sure how to deal with it, put it in your on-hold box.
Keep books on your bookshelf. Bookcases, not desks, were invented for the sole purpose of storing your books. So, use them! Keep your books off of your desk unless you are actually, physically reading them. Read my how-to on organizing your books for more tips.
Your desk is not a dining table. Don't eat at your desk. Ever. And keep your lunch, silverware, etc. off of it as well. You can keep one glass of water or coffee, etc. there, but only one.
Display your photos on your computer. Nix the family photo frames, and opt instead for a rotating slideshow of personal photographs on your computer, or choose your favorite photo to use on your desktop background. Frames just add clutter, which we're trying to lose here.
Schedule digitally. Use your computer calendar or PDA to schedule meetings, etc. Ditch your ratty planner. Set alarms to remind you of important dates.
Tidy up. Take five or 10 minutes at the end of each day to tidy up your work space, making sure all of your papers are in the appropriate files, and then everything is set up for the next day. Wipe down your desk at the end of each week with a damp cloth to keep dust from accumulating. Jot down reminder notes in your notebook if you have any.

Source

Would You Dress Your Floors in Monogrammed Rugs?

CasaSugar — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 14:00:58 -0800

This George Monogram ($30 to $35/sq. ft.) by Diane Elson Bankoff is part of Elson & Co.'s children's collection, and I assume it's meant for a nursery. I'm not going to lie: It's certainly a good-looking rug. But personally, I feel that monograms are best left on the doormats, flasks, or preppy L.L. Bean tote bags of the world. Covering your floor in a fun pattern, or a classic Kilim, says more about who you are than a trio of initials ever will. But I suppose a monogrammed rug is one step up from a dull sisal. Tell me what you think: Would you or wouldn't you?

What's Your Favorite Wall Decor?

CasaSugar — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 04:59:38 -0800

As part of our Best of 2007 polls, I want to know what's your favorite way to dress your walls. There are plenty of trends in wall décor these days, like sunburst mirrors and branches, and there are the old standbys like paintings and mirrors. I love it when people get creative and hang things that aren't traditionally found on a wall, like the old L.L. Bean boots in my grandfather's bar. What about you?

Source

Fab Finding Follow Up: Camping Cutie

FabSugar — Thu, 12 Apr 2007 17:27:13 -0700

A reader recently wrote me suggesting we do a Fab Finding for cute camping clothes. I may be a high maintenance camper but I'm up for any fashion challenge so my response was: where's the compass?! Let's do it! I started you off with these Joe's Jeans Perry Cargo Shorts, $152, because nothing says roughing it like a pair of designer denim shorts (wink).

I asked you all to go Fab Finding for ruggedly cute camping outfits and to feel free to throw in some camping essentials for those of us not well versed in the way of the camp. To see all the camping fab finds click here. Let's see what you all came up with!

Look #1, found by misssixty02 is totally Troop Beverly Hills with this Flex Fleece Sleeveless Hoody and L.L. Bean Camp Bag Flannel-Lined. Check out the Smores kit!

View 8 Photos ›

More, more, more, read more

Look #2, found by Punky is colorful with this western style blouse and Marc By Marc Jacobs Sunglasses.

View 5 Photos ›

Look #3, found by atripp is a bit more daring with these Prima Crocs and this Nature Necklace.

View 9 Photos ›