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Yum's January Must Haves

partysugar — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 12:30:48 -0800

Happy New Year! After the excitement of the holidays, January is a tough month for me - instead of partying, everyone is detoxing. That's why I'm going to focus on becoming a better home cook. Here you'll find six must-have items to maximize time in the kitchen.

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Buzz In: What Are Your Entertainment Hopes For the New Year?

BuzzSugar — Sun, 04 Jan 2009 13:30:04 -0800

With the new year comes a whole new set of hopes, dreams, and goals to fulfill, and while I'm making my own resolutions, I'm also thinking about what I want my entertainment to be like in 2009. I've been sharing some thoughts about what I'm looking forward to in the coming year, but for now, I'm wondering: What are your big entertainment hopes for 2009?

I'll start: I hope there's no actors' strike, I hope Privileged gets renewed, I hope the film adaptation of Where the Wild Things Are actually hits theaters, and I hope that Damages, Mad Men, and Lost stay strong in their upcoming new seasons.

Your turn! What are your hopes for entertainment in '09?

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Open House: What's Your Green Resolution?

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 10:30:09 -0800

Resolutions are often made with the best intentions - and then promptly forgotten. This year, I'm going to try very hard to stick to my eco-oriented New Year's resolutions. Starting off, I'm going to try to keep a better attitude about living green. I won't complain when we keep the heat down, but I'll instead try to cheerfully don a sweater and a pair of slippers. After all, turning down the thermostat saves you green, as well as helping out the environment.

Other resolutions include finally buying rain barrels for the house, expanding my garden, and remembering to use carbon offsets for my plane travel.

What are your green resolutions for 2009?

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Happy New Year!

CasaSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:30:42 -0800

Happy New Year! Here's hoping that you all enjoy health, happiness, and beautiful, well-appointed homes in 2009! Thanks for making 2008 such a great year here on CasaSugar. I know that you will all continue to inspire me in the new year.
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Let's Dish: What Are Your Culinary New Year's Resolutions?

YumSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 05:30:34 -0800

Every January, we are filled with renewed determination to be more organized, stop smoking, or lose weight. While I make plenty of common New Year's resolutions, since food and cooking are such an important part of my life, I make culinary resolutions as well. Whether it's sharpening my knife skills, learning an unknown kitchen technique, or experimenting with exotic cuisines, I always feel like I have something new to learn.

After reading Michael Ruhlman's Elements of Cooking, I've been wanting to make my own veal stock from scratch - a long, drawn-out process that takes more than a day. But the famous author and Next Iron Chef judge has made so many arguments about veal stock adding depth and body to sauce that I simply have to try incorporating it into my dishes.

What kitchen accomplishments are you determined to make in 2009?

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Do You Know the World's Best Hangover Cures?

YumSugar — Thu, 01 Jan 2009 03:00:03 -0800

If you woke up this morning feeling a little under the weather, know that you're not alone: All around the world, revelers are rising with a pounding headache, waves of nausea, and, after a night of wearing some serious beer goggles, 20/20 vision that's clear as day. Hangovers may be a universal experience, but each culture boasts its own cures, from simple solutions to seemingly bizarre behaviors. Can you match the cure to the country? Take this quiz to find out!

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Casa Verde: 5 Tips For a Greener New Year's Party

CasaSugar — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 09:00:32 -0800

Celebrating the new year doesn't mean that you have to start 2009 with an extra large bag of trash. There are some smart ways that you can decorate and prepare for your party that will keep garbage to a minimum. What better way to start off the new year than with a clean and green conscience?

To see my tips, read more.

Use reusable cloth napkins and dishes, such as these CB2 Marilyn Plates ($ .95), which are made of melamine and can be reused at future parties in 2009.
Encourage your guests to carpool, or arrange to pick them up from the nearest public transit station, if one doesn't run close enough to your home for guests to walk.
Don't put away those holiday decorations yet! Reuse decorations, such as holiday ornaments, as chic centerpieces.
Make your own confetti out of old wrapping paper.
Encourage guests to make green resolutions for the new year.

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7 Festive Sparkling Wines

YumSugar — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 03:00:42 -0800

Are you faced with the same dilemma every New Year's Eve of what wine to select from the Champagne aisle? We hear you. There are a growing number of bubblies that fall in the range between Cook's and Cristal, and choosing the right one can be tricky. Here's a tip: The bargains lie in sparkling wines outside of the Champagne region of France. We've compiled some of our favorite Champagne alternatives, so you can choose the perfect sparkler for your celebration.

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New Year's Quiz

CasaSugar — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 10:30:43 -0800

There are many traditions and customs surrounding the new year. A very popular tradition says that Lady Luck will grace your home if a handsome, tall, dark-haired man is the first person to step into your home in the new year.

Take the quiz

Happy New Year!

CasaSugar — Tue, 01 Jan 2008 08:28:52 -0800

The ball has dropped, and it's a new year! I wish you and all of your homes the best in 2008. And of course, I can't wait to see how your New Year's resolutions get resolved. I've got lots of great posts in store for 2008, so be sure to stay tuned. Keep on commenting and contributing to our Su Casa group. I have a feeling that '08 will knock last year's socks off!
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