GeekSugar

Totally Geeky or Geek Chic? Electric Table

GeekSugar — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 13:05:58 PDT

The electric table is "decorated" with electrical outlets on all sides and mixes electronic aesthetic with furniture and function. As the designer Broberg and Ridderstrale points out, this encourages the integration of gadgets in our homes.

"Depending on how it is used, the electrical appliance turns into "electro-decoration," says the designer.

Power source issues are a big deal at my house and at my office, so I am naturally intrigued by the idea of being able to hook up my phone and computer right at my desktop. I'd prefer the outlets be hidden under the table top, but this is still a clean way to avoid the ugly black surge protector - assuming this table has a protector built in.

25 Things to Do With Old Jeans

Wise Bread — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 16:00:46 PST

We're thrilled to present this smart Wise Bread story here on Savvy!

Recycling fabric is a powerful green living and cost saving strategy. Denim is one of the coolest fabrics to do it with. It's sturdy, gains character with age and can be acquired very inexpensively at yard sales or in your own "old clothes" closet. Some of the coolest ideas I've found?

Pot holders. In my opinion, these look far better out of used denim than the new stuff. And you can incorporate your own style via choice of trim or a patch stitched to the outside. Here's a link to some tips for making your own.
Cool quilts. You can do this in many forms. Different shades of denim patchwork options abound and are certainly sturdy and fun. Unfortunately, one of the coolest ideas I've ever seen I've been unable to find pictures of. It was done with pieced denim, but they had left on all the details like pockets, buttons, belt loops, etc. It made for a really fabulous unique quilt with a lot of attitude. If anyone has a link to a picture of one of these, please post below in the comments section.

For more ideas, read on.

3 "Skinny" Thanksgiving Sides (Sweet Potatoes and Stuffing Included!)

Self — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 04:02:58 PST

We are pumped to share one of our fave stories from Self here on FitSugar!

We have some alarming news about your Thanksgiving dinner plans. According to SkinnyChef.com founder Jennifer Iserloh, the average American consumes 3,500 calories on Thanksgiving Day. That, Iserloh points out, is the equivalent of one pound of body fat, people. (Are you running in place yet?)

Don't worry. We're not going to suggest that you skip the gravy or - gasp! - dessert (let's not get crazy here). Believe it or not, says Iserloh, despite that "pound of fat" comment, the average Thanksgiving meal is already fairly healthy. "It's all about portion size," she explains. "So remember not to overload your plate - your waistline will thank you, and it means a lot more leftovers throughout the week!"

Iserloh offers two simple strategies for making traditional sides "skinny," so your table (and thus your plate) isn't totally overloaded with calories:

Cut down on milk fat. Use skim milk when the recipe calls for milk or half and half. And, Iserloh assures us, you don't have to forgo butter all together - just cut the amount in half and use a little chicken broth if you need more moisture for whipped potatoes and stuffings.
Boost the flavor! When you cut the fat in half in your traditional recipes, use "flavor boosting" ingredients that are low-calorie. Iserloh recommends orange zest, cinnamon, nutmeg, mustard and turkey bacon.

And now, the SkinnyChef's three recipes for trim and tasty Thanksgiving sides

Michelle Williams Talks Marilyn Monroe, Healing, and Being Single in Vogue

Allie Merriam — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 07:23:14 PDT

Michelle Williams covers October's Vogue, which hits newsstands on Sept. 20, and she's featured wearing the makeup, hair, and costumes from her upcoming movie My Week With Marilyn. The Marilyn Monroe biopic is out in the US on Nov. 4. Inside the issue, Michelle speaks about the process of making the movie. Michelle also touches on more personal topics, like how she and 6-year-old daughter Matilda are faring three years after Heath Ledger's death as well as some thoughts on dating. Michelle confessed to being single despite an apparent romance with director Cary Fukunaga! She said:

On getting older: "I feel like something has changed for me, but it’s a new change, so it’s going to be hard for me to describe. Maybe it has something to do with turning 30. I don’t feel as shy or nervous or self-conscious. I have more confidence that I can handle what life brings me. I don’t feel scared to have an idea and express it. I feel giddy about it because it’s a complete transformation. It’s like I’ve found my voice."
On gaining weight to play Marilyn: "Unfortunately, it went right to my face. So at some point it became a question of, 'Do I want my face to look like Marilyn Monroe’s or my hips?'"
On healing after Heath's death: "Three years ago, it felt like we didn’t have anything, and now my life - our life - has kind of repaired itself. Look, it’s not a perfectly operating system - there are holes and dips and electrical storms - but the basics are intact. . . . It’s changed how I see the world and how I interact on a daily basis. It’s changed the parent I am. It’s changed the friend I am. It’s changed the kind of work that I really want to do. It’s become the lens through which I see life - that it’s all impermanent."
On dating: "Relationships have always seemed very mysterious, and therefore worth exploring. I’m single, so it’s still kind of a mystery - a worthwhile mystery, one that I want to be on the scent of. . . . I’m not lonely, and I think that has a lot to do with what’s on my bedside table rather than what’s in my bed."

Quick Tip: Try Using Fans Instead of Air Conditioning at Night

Elka Karl — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 12:30:49 PDT

Isn't this retro-looking fan adorable? I have a couple fans in this style at our house and love the way they look - and the fact that they help cool the house effectively on the rare, hot Summer days in the Bay Area.

Did you know that you can actually use electric fans to supplement your air conditioning system? Instead of running the AC all day and all night, try using fans during the night to pull cool air into your house. Then, pull down the curtains and shades in the morning to eliminate sunlight pouring into rooms and warming up your house. With these easy steps, you can often delay turning on your air conditioner during the day and eliminate its use at night in many areas of the country.

Have you tried using fans instead of - or in addition to - air conditioning in your home? Interested in buying the fan shown here? It's the Deco Breeze Retro Table Fan ($47).

DIY a Radiant Cocktail Station

Julia Walsh — Tue, 10 May 2011 12:31:25 PDT

If you read my five ideas for creating a bar at home and you're still stumped as to where to set up a cocktail station in your own digs, look no further than your radiator! Gap's director of concept, Jane Herman, got creative in her home, which was featured on Refinery29, and turned an unsightly radiator into a pretty tabletop and minibar by setting a basic - or homemade - console table over it. (She can't take all the credit though; Jane says she learned this trick in Domino magazine.)

Whether you have an old iron radiator like this one or an electric one, the trick works the same - assuming it's about hip height. I'd just be careful to make sure your tabletop is thick enough; you wouldn't want your precious liquor bottles overheating. Then accessorize as you see fit, with a tray, a lamp, a family photograph, etc!

Have any of you ever created a bar at home?

Macarons

OnSugar Blog — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 03:22:23 PDT

Love macarons? Then you'll enjoy OnSugar blog Yoo Eatz's recipe for black sesame macarons.

Relationships often have early omens that signal whether they are meant to last. When I met my husband in college, it was clear that our mutual love for Star Wars (I know, I know -- nerd alert!), amusement parks, late night runs to Jack in the Box, and practice of couch potatoism were harbingers of a long life together. But oddly enough, what sealed the deal was meeting his parents. It happened at an elegant Chinese banquet restaurant over the largest meal you have ever seen. His dad took charge ordering for the four of us, and soon four 5-course meals appeared followed by five or six additional heaping platters. We had so much food, the waiters couldn't fit it all on our table. We had so much food, boxing it up in doggie bags seemed like a futile effort. We had so much food, his mom got violently ill later that night. I knew I was in love with him, but I guess I kind of sort of fell in love with them, too.

Then I met his sister, and all of the pieces fell into place. She shares my love of baking (though she shares their dad's scientific curiosity and patience, whereas I am impatient and want it to work the first time), and within the last few years took up the task of creating the perfect macaron. Mind you, she has been a full time grad student living on her own in NYC, so where she finds the time I have no idea. But her creations are lovely, and while she was visiting this past week, she taught me her fine art.

The recipe and tips for making macarons right this way.

Savory Sight: Fun Fourth of July Table

Yum Community — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 03:37:07 PDT

Throwing a Fourth of July celebration? If so, take inspiration from colorsizzle, who created a festive Independence Day scheme for her dessert table.

Inspired by the Interstate signs while driving one day, I decided to design these cupcake toppers and tags for a 4th of July cookout. That lead to this entire "Sweet Street" theme.

The "street" is actually a black tablecloth and the "painted" lines were done with electrical tape. I think this is an idea that guests of all ages will enjoy.

For more photos and tips on re-creating this, check out her blog. Got your own sweet sightings you want to share with us? Then join the YumSugar Community to upload your own!

Pippa Middleton Picks Up Starbucks on Her Way to One of Her Many Jobs!

Allie Merriam — Wed, 25 May 2011 06:44:16 PDT

Pippa Middleton swung by a London Starbucks this morning on her way to work in a Zara dress. She bought a drink as well as some snacks, which she carried along with her computer into her office. She also made a stylish commute on Friday, but apparently left the city afterward to spend the weekend at her parents Bucklebury home with boyfriend Alex Loudon. Pippa has been working as an event planner and writer for the last few years, both for her parents' company, Party Pieces, and another firm called Table Talk. She may, though, be entering a new phase in her career. Pippa is rumored to be linking up part time with her ex George Percy, with whom she just shared a vacation in Spain, and his geothermal energy company. She's to help George and his Cluff Geothermal to lobby the government for permission to test out their method of using hot water stored underground to generate electricity within the UK.

A Light and Bright New Year's Day Brunch Table Setting

Casa Community — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 11:00:09 PST

Here's a post from CasaSugar Community member CourtneyOutLoud from the Lovely Little Vignettes group:

During the winter months, I crave brightness. Some people call it seasonal affective disorder or some other fancy name, but I just know that by the end of December, I want bright, light, and cheery. This need has manifested itself in different ways throughout my life ranging from an inherent need to dress in bright patterns during the Winter months to turning on every light in the house come dusk. Fortunately for my electric bill, this year manifested itself in a need to create a bold and lively table setting for our New Year's Day brunch.

Since most of our friends are parents and a night of partying isn't in the cards anymore, we have opted for a low-key New Year's Day brunch. The gathering is low-key and informal with kids hiding under furniture and the occasional lap dog or two stealing a breakfast sausage. I wanted the table to reflect this mellow vibe but still be vibrant, as the event is the first "official" social gathering of our friends.

Keep reading to see how Courtney achieved this vibrant and mellow vibe.