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Etsy Finds: When It Rains

CasaSugar — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 12:00:17 -0700

We've been hit with crazy rainstorms over the past 24 hours in the Bay Area, prompting flooding, school closures, and one tough commute. Instead of focusing on the perils of our first major storm, I thought I'd focus on the pretty instead. See some of my favorite rainy day-inspired finds.

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Indian Women Asked to Plow Fields Naked For Rain

TresSugar — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 06:00:00 -0700

Modern women in eastern India have been asked to participate in an ancient tradition: plowing dry fields naked with the hope that it will embarrass the weather gods and urge them to respond with a much needed monsoon.

This year, Indian farmers are worrying over a very dry start to the monsoon season and having nude women plow the fields while chanting hymns is the most trusted custom among farmers. Interestingly, only unmarried women are allowed to participate.

If I were asked to plow fields naked to help California's drought problem, you could bet that more than the weather gods would be embarrassed.

Drip Tips: Exercising in Summer Rain

FitSugar — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 05:55:00 -0700

For many of us, exercising in the Summer weather is no picnic. The heat and humidity can make it unbearable, not to mention, it can be a health risk. So when the clouds roll in and rain starts to sprinkle from the sky, it can offer relief. What's that? You've never considered exercising in the rain? It's time to give it a try since it be a really exhilarating experience. You just need to arm yourself with these tips.

Check the weather map. A little drizzle is much easier to run in than a full on downpour. Be patient and wait for a bad storm to pass before heading outside.
Just because it's raining, doesn't mean you need to get wet. Wear a lightweight raincoat like this one from REI ($119). It's made of breathable material, so it'll keep you dry on the outside and cool on the inside.
Get a pair of shorts or pants made of waterproof material that will repel water.

For more essential tips keep reading

9 Reasons to Pray For Rain

CasaSugar — Mon, 11 May 2009 15:00:29 -0700

Rain can be a cumbersome thing, and no one will argue with a sunny day. But, when clouds and showers inspire charming, sharp home furnishings, what's not to love about stormy weather? Check out a few of these stylish finds, and you'll find yourself fervently praying for rain in a way you never imagined.

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Bare Bones: Raincoat Roundup

PetSugar — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 07:00:06 -0800

I can't stand the rain, North can't stand the rain, and many of you also have pets that can't stand the rain. Even though it's a touch early for April showers, we've been drowning out here in SF. I've gathered up some chic ways to keep furry friends' fur dry, like this full-on rain suit. Whether your dogs want just the hairs on their backs covered or maybe even a matching hat, see my picks in the widget below.

10 Tips For Surviving a Rainy Day

DearSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 09:00:00 -0800

The rain just started in San Francisco, so if you're like me and struggling with how to survive the bad weather ahead, check out my 10 helpful tips to keep you sane this rainy season. And as always, if you have any suggestions to add to my list, please do so in the comments section below.

Be sure to weather-proof your leather and suede shoes and handbags. The rain can do a number on your nice accessories.
Invest in a cute pair of wellies!
Master your rainy day 'do. Nothing can ruin your mood faster than having a bad hair day, so have a go-to style that you can rely on when you know your hair won't cooperate!
Don't forget that men are more attracted to women's bodies during the Winter months, so embrace the season!
Just because it's gray outside doesn't mean you have to wear dark colors. If you brighten up your wardrobe, I'm sure it'll help brighten up your mood, too!

Want to see my last five tips? If so, just read more.

Own multiple umbrellas. It's easy to leave them places, so make sure you always have an extra at home or in your car.
Be sure to have a weather-resistant laptop bag.
Buy a good doormat this Winter. You don't want to track mud or water throughout your house.
Stock up on logs for your fireplace - you want to take care of that chore before the heavy rain starts!
It's easy to get a little blue when it's dark and dreary outside, so focus on the positives of a rainy day: cozy sweaters, a warm house, soothing soups, and hot bubble baths!

What helps you get through a rainy day? Tell us in the comments below!

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Rain, Rain Go Away?

PetSugar — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 03:00:51 -0800

When the ground is wet, are your pets playing in the splashy puddles or slinking around with tentative steps?

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14 Things to Do When It's Chilly

DearSugar — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 14:00:00 -0700

When other people are wishing it were still Summer, I'm savoring the Fall air. But even though I love Fall, I admit that this in-between season can be difficult for planning ahead since there's always a possibility of rain, wind, or chills. Fortunately, I've got a list of things to do if you wake up to a gray morning when you expect sun.

Stay in bed!
Rent a few movies or download a season of a TV show you've been meaning to watch.
Clean out your closet.
Invite your friends over to play a board game and drink hot buttered rums.
Make a casserole, a roast, or one of your other favorite comfort foods.
Reread your favorite young adult book.
Do a yoga video in your living room.

To see the rest just read more.

Bundle up and head out for a walk.
Go to a bookstore and spend as long as you want reading the back covers.
Start a craft project that you can work on through the Winter.
Light some candles and make yourself a real cup of hot chocolate.
Try your hand at pumpkin carving. And bake the seeds for a treat!
Give yourself an at-home spa day. (Let your significant other sub in as professional masseuse.)
Get your significant other, pet, or closest friend and snuggle up under a blanket.

What's your favorite way to enjoy a cold Fall day?

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How-To: Patch a Gutter Leak

CasaSugar — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 14:00:38 -0700

Unless you live in a perpetually dry desert where it never rains, I bet you enjoy an occasional rainstorm pounding on your house. It's all fun and games and cozy on a Friday night, when you've got nothing to do but watch a scary movie. That is, unless you've got a leaky gutter that leaves your house with water damage. If that's the case, you'd better pull your ladder out of the garage and plug that leak. Then, get back to your Netflix. You'll need just a few supplies, including a ladder (high enough to reach the gutter), some steel wool, metal flashing, asphalt flashing cement or gutter patch, caulk, and disposable plastic gloves.
To be home schooled on how to seal up your gutter, read more.

Here's how, from Barbara K!:

First things first. Make sure your ladder is secure, and ask someone to spot you if you can.
Then, clean out the gutter of leaves, twigs, and other debris. A small broom or scrub brush should do the trick.
To prepare the gutter to be patched, you'll want to scrub the inside of it surrounding the leak with your steel wool.
Then, trim the metal flashing a little larger than the area you need to patch.
Put your disposable gloves on.
Now, to patch the leak, coat the back of the metal flashing with asphalt flashing cement or gutter patch using a putty knife, and press it into place firmly.
Smooth off any excess adhesive using your finger (still wearing gloves).
Test the patch by pouring water onto where the leak was. It should be fixed. If not, run through the steps again, and make sure you're not missing any other leaks.

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Casa Quickie: A Softening Rain Chain

CasaSugar — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:00:35 -0700

Danny Seo recently shared a wonderful tip on his blog to keep water from rushing out of your gutters too quickly, and I had to share. "Just connect a chain to the downspout of your gutters and let the rain slowly and gently trickle all the way down the chain," he says. The softening rain chain creates a beautiful sound when the rain dances down the chain, adding a sweet musical element to your home. Much nicer than the harsh pounding of gutter water hitting the ground. If you've got plants to water though, you may want to just set a barrel beneath the downspout of your gutter to collect rain for watering.
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Lollipop Rain Slicker & Hat ($25 and up)	Hooded Camo Raincoat ($29)
Reflector Rain Jacket ($29)	Black Lace Trench Coat ($60)
Belly Strap Coat ($65)	Reflective Raincoat ($60)
City Slicker Pink Dog Raincoat ($70)	Port-o-Pocket Dog Raincoat ($28)
Brown Base Dog Raincoat ($45)	Port-o-Pocket Dog Rain Suit ($29)