PetSugar

Casa Quickie: Cleaning Soot

CasaSugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 08:30:20 -0800

If your fireplace's brick surface is marred by a thick layer of soot, here's one nontoxic way to deal with it. Just mix up an ounce of soap with an ounce of table salt. Mix with enough water to make a cream and then rub it onto the brick's surface with a cloth. After 15 minutes, scrub with a stiff brush. It requires some elbow grease, but it will help cut the soot!

Source: Flickr User Ted Percival

Guess What This Basket Is Made From?

CasaSugar — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 05:30:52 -0800

This basket may look like it's woven from a natural fiber, but it's actually made from a type of recycled wire. Can you guess the technology that uses the wire?

Open House: What Was Your Most Successful DIY?

CasaSugar — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 05:30:31 -0800

For crafters and DIYers, a few failures are par for the course. That's part of the reason why successful DIY projects are such a coup. I've had my share of successes and failures, and I'm currently in the middle of one of my more ambitious projects ever. I find myself fretting over it, since I'm not sure if it's going to completely work out yet, and there are still several steps to complete.

One of my favorite DIY projects was refurbishing a wood and canvas canoe with my father. It was a project that took a long time to complete, but the end result was absolutely amazing. I loved paddling around the lake in the canoe, knowing that we'd made that moment possible thanks to our hard work.

This table, shown above, was also a collaboration between a parent and grown child. You can read more about it here. But before you do, tell me a little about your most successful DIY project. Was it quick and easy? Or did it take lots of love, elbow grease, and patience?

Source: Flickr User Sporkist

Thanksgiving Tip: Calculate How Much Food You'll Need

YumSugar — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 10:42:21 -0800

For an elaborate meal like Thanksgiving, it's crucial to consider how much food you'll serve. Too little, and you'll leave guests wishing they could gobble up more; too much, and you'll wind up with Thanksgiving leftovers for weeks. To make sure your food doesn't go to waste, take time to do some adequate planning. A few pointers, when you read more.

Thanksgiving Tip: Use Food as Serveware

YumSugar — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:50:49 -0800

When planning a dinner as momentous as Thanksgiving, there are lots of elements to consider on top of cooking, like selecting the right menu (and bird!), detailing an oven plan, and considering your budget. But one thing I firmly believe you shouldn't have to stress about is doing the dishes.

Spare yourself - and the environment! - by using food as a serving vehicle whenever possible. Start off cocktail hour with cider poured in apple cups and homemade dip in a bread bowl. Or, if soup is part of your meal, offer it in festive roasted acorn squash. Not only is this serving method a fun surprise for guests, but it's also delicious, filling, compostable, and easy on the cleanup.

What serving tips do you have to cut down on the dishes at Thanksgiving?

Source

For Nine Bucks, Felines Can Beat This Eco-tastic Lounge to a Pulp

PetSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 08:00:07 -0800

Get excited for this new eco-tastic find! The Bergan Scratch Lounger is 100 percent recycled - it's a pulp material (think, a huge egg carton) that felines can scratch and sleep on 'til their furry heart's content. There are no dyes, glues or chemicals making it safe for pets' tongues and teeth, but the best part? The price. Pick up one of these recliners for just $9.

Eco-Friendly Outlet Banishes Power Vampires For Good

GeekSugar — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:50:52 -0800

Vampire power month may be over (how appropriate that it was in October, no?), but that doesn't mean I'm going to stop trying to find ways to reduce our electric bills! We are living in a digital world, which means nearly everything needs to be juiced up to work. I've already got my laptop working overtime at the office and at home, so you can imagine that I'm a pretty powerful energy vampire on my own. But I wouldn't be if I had this outlet.

View 4 Photos ›

A concept design I found while cruising Yanko, the Switch outlet allows you to keep your appliances plugged in (no more unplugging your power strip), but with a simple rotation, it cuts off all power to your gadgets, so you aren't draining electricity when it's not needed. Way to be eco-friendly and efficient! Power vampires, be gone.

Do You Use Storm Windows?

CasaSugar — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:15:20 -0800

Storm windows were once a common weatherization measure in older homes, but since new windows have super-efficient glass, it's less common. However, older homes that still use single-pane glass can benefit from the use of storm windows. Do you use them in your home?

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Before and After: Landscape Makeovers From SB Garden Design

CasaSugar — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 09:00:04 -0800

For over 10 years, Stephanie Bartron and her team at SB Garden Design have been transforming West Coast outdoor spots into livable, lush spaces. With a focus on sustainable residential design, the firm also offers design consulting and garden coaching. See some of the dramatic before and after photos from the firm's portfolio.

View Slideshow ›

Website Lil Loves: The Seventh Generation Million Baby Crawl

babysugar — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 13:00:50 -0700

What's up with the babies hauling it through a crosswalk on all fours? They're heading to Washington to speak up, er, babble, for their rights! Many moms agree that the best gift we can give our children is a better, greener, healthier Earth. As the green movement continues to grow, so do the eco-friendly options available to mums. The baby line Seventh Generation churns out environmentally conscience products for wee ones but they are also active in changing legislation to demand higher protection for our lil guys. In an effort to raise awareness for toxic chemical policy reform, they are sponsoring the Seventh Generation Million Baby Crawl.

Mommies who want to sign their baby up for the "crawl" can do so with a few simple clicks. The animated babe can be personalized with skin color and a pastel onesie. Friends, families and total strangers can come onto the site and click on the lil movers to support their cause. The goal is to get one million crawlers onto the grassy screen. So join the troops and get those booties, er, diapers shakin'! Just say "no" to toxic chemicals in the home.