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How to Take Great Food Photos

geeksugar — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 09:03:03 -0800

With the mother of all food holidays just around the corner, I thought this would be the perfect time to discuss food photography. Whether you are a total foodie wielding a blog about your nightly experiments or are just into taking pics, I found lots of helpful tips on Digital Photography School about how to take mouth-watering food photos.

Although you can check out the full list of hints and tricks on the blog, the tip that stood out the most was one that told me to experiment with different angles. Don't get stuck taking an overhead shot, just cause you're sitting above your plate. Sometimes, the best shots are found when you're at eye level with your fluffy, carb-filled stuffing, and others are captured when you're looking straight down at your uncut pumpkin pie. Don't be afraid to move around!

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Stretch It: Down Dog Neck Stretch

FitSugar — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 10:00:00 -0800

Who doesn't need a good neck stretch? This is one of my favorites because not only does this move deeply stretch your neck, but it also stretches the backs of your legs at the same time. Do this exercise on a mat to prevent your hands from slipping. To warn you, this is a really intense stretch, so make sure to keep most of your weight in your hands and not on your head. Roll just enough forward to feel a stretch in the back of your neck, and keep in mind that you don't necessarily have to go as far as the video shows. If you have neck problems, this stretch may not be for you.

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Music: "Out of the Woods" by Nickel Creek

Begin on your hands and feet in Downward Facing Dog. Walk your feet in one inch toward your hands.
Tuck your chin in slightly and bend your elbows so you can lower the top of your head to the floor.
Very slowly, rock your weight forward, coming onto your toes. Keep your head where it is, but allow your shoulders to move forward so you can stretch the back of your neck. Then rock your weight back toward your feet.
Repeat this as many times as you feel necessary. Then straighten your arms, lift your head off the ground, and place your knees on the ground. Keep your chin tucked as you sit up. Then slowly lift your head up, opening your throat and lowering your head behind you for a counter-stretch.

How-To: Decorating Tips From Top Design Contestants

casasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 10:00:18 -0800

We've finished the second season of Top Design, but there's still plenty of material to reflect on before we bid it adieu! Recently, PointClickHome assembled 11 decorating tips from the final three contestants. I've gathered together six of these tips. For all of the contestants' tips, check out PointClickHome's article. To see my fave tips, check out the slideshow. Photos courtesy of Bravo

How-To: Make Garlands For Grown-Up Homes

casasugar — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 06:15:26 -0800

I have fond memories of pasting together rings of construction paper with my brothers and sisters, assembling paper ring garlands for holidays and parties. While my childhood garlands were eclectic mixes of color and width for each ring, these paper ring garlands have left a lot of the childishness behind. I love how festive they make the space look, in part because they are strung at great heights and lengths across the room.

For tips on making your own grown-up garlands, and to see this garland’s expansive use of space,

How-To: Set a Gorgeous Thanksgiving Table

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 06:15:54 -0800

This Thanksgiving, take some advice from designer Marc Blackwell to set a gorgeous and personalized holiday table. Blackwell, who designed a table for Beringer Winery at San Francisco's annual benefit for Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, also designs very cool tableware, which you should check out after you read his tips.

Here are Marc's five tips:

Make a centerpiece from what's in your garden and refrigerator. For instance, arrange oranges among eucalyptus branches or set asparagus or artichokes in glass containers.
Mix family heirlooms and keepsakes with new things for a modern combination.

For the rest of the tips,

How-To: 10 Tips For Better Laundering

casasugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 10:00:11 -0800

Tired of pulling laundry out of the dryer and seeing that it's frayed or faded? A recent San Francisco Chronicle article, "How to Make Clothes, Bedding, Last Longer," by Susan Fornoff, offers some smart tips for getting your clothes clean while also extending their lifespan.

Here are some of my favorite tips from the article:

Try to avoid sateen sheets, as they aren't as long-lasting as plain and twill weaves.
Button up pants and shirts, close zippers, and turn garments inside out to reduce wear from laundering.
Check for stains after washing and before drying, because drying sets the stains.
For comforters, choose the highest fill you can afford. 550 and up is recommended.
Don't use hot water unless you're washing items you believe must be absolutely clean and disinfected. Hot water wears down fibers.

For the rest of the tips,

Back to Basics: Dumbbell Squats

FitSugar — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 14:30:00 -0800

Not everyone shares my love of squats, but strong quads, hamstrings, glutes, and a lower back are essential if you're looking to run or cycle faster, as well as help prevent sports-related injuries. So going back to the basics, I want to review dumbbell squats. They are easy and effective.

To learn how to do this exercise

How-To: Nicole Richie's Laid Back and Natural Braid

bellasugar — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 08:00:20 -0800

At the 18th Annual Environmental Media Awards, Nicole Richie was all laid back and natural with her delicate French braids wrapped like a headband. If you're feeling this sexy, bohemian style, I've got the how-to below. And for another hippie-esque take on the look, try out Sarah Michelle Gellar's more twisty, less braidy updo from earlier this year.

Slightly dirty hair is easier to work with than freshly washed hair, but you can create "day-old" hair with a texturizing product. Lightly sprinkle Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion ($23) on the roots, working through to ends.
Next, part hair down the middle, stopping right before the crown area.
On one side, start French braiding. Gather pieces of hair as you move down, wrapping around to the opposite side, stopping before the ear. Hold together with a clear elastic band ($3.99). Don't worry about loose ends. Leave them for later.
On the other side, French braid — still gathering pieces as you go down, wrapping around to the opposite side like before. Focus on hiding the clear elastic band from your previous braid by tucking and intertwining loose ends from this braid. Use bobby pins to secure. The whole look is earthy, so be creative. The more you weave pieces from each braid together, the more organic and "flowy" it will feel.

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How To: Flawless Foundation Like Kate Moss and Dita Von Teese

BellaSugarUK — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

As the days and nights get colder that fresh-faced, just-a-touch-of-tinted-moisturiser look simply won't cut it anymore. It's time to get serious and sort out your foundation. I've found that this is one beauty product that most of us are willing to fork out for, yet it's still tricky to get right.

We've all had bad colour matches or sloppy formulas from foundation but luckily the new breed of products aim to put an end to that. My current favourite is Chanel Lift Lumiere Firming and Smoothing Fluid Makeup (£34). It has an SPF15 to protect the skin, plus the fantastic creamy texture means it just glides on. It's ideal if you're looking to sculpt your face and show off your cheekbones.

Whether you prefer a strong look like Dita Von Teese or more natural glow like Kate Moss, there are some simple, yet effective, new rules for applying base. For my expert tips on getting a flawless look, just

Ask Casa: Advice For a Beginning Quilter?

casasugar — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 10:00:05 -0800

Hi Casa,
I have this awesome idea to make a quilt out of sari fabric. I found a couple listings on eBay for lots of sari fabric. Problem is, I don't know how to make a quilt. Do you have any suggestions for websites or books I may be able to use to help me?

Thanks!
Valova82

To see my suggestion,