Hot In The Hive: Cheri Bento Box

imageWhen it comes to preparing for lunch at work, usually I… well, don’t. As much as buying take-out every day burns a whole in my wallet, sometimes I’m just too lazy in the morning to do anything but dress myself and down my mandatory 2 cups of coffee before I hit the road. And when I do muster up the motivation to whip something up, it’s usually a slapped-together sandwich and a granola bar thrown in a plastic Safeway bag. Maybe if I had a lunchbox as cute as this Cheri Bento Box, designed by Shinzu Katoh, I might be a little more enthusiastic about saving money, being less wasteful, and incorporating more culinary savvy with my daily on-the-go lunching! It has plenty of pull-out compartments for easy organizing (and more room for the healthy side dishes of my would-be balanced mid-day meal!), yet still remains compact for convenient travel. Plus, it’s totally cute… which is my favorite part about it, quite frankly!

Price: $23.99
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Cheri Bento Box to the Hive.

Get Organized With Chalkboards For Your Home

imageMy favorite cleaning chore to do when I was in elementary school was to go outside the classroom with some chalkboard erasers and whack them together to get all the chalk dust out. Not sure if my nose and lungs liked that very much, but seeing the clouds of dust seemed so cool. So when I thought about organizational tools for the home, I thought about chalkboards! The simplest way to go is to get a chalkboard wall decal that you can stick onto multiple surfaces without damaging your walls. The Peel and Stick Chalkboard can be arranged with just one at a hallway for reminders and notes or you can group multiples and cover a whole wall. I also love the Sabrina Basket & Chalkboard Labels for easy storage from anything like kids toys or your toiletries. The best part is that nothing is permanent so just a swipe can erase your words. Take a look at my slideshow to see more!

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Hot In The Hive: Giant Donut Cake Pan Set

imageWhen it comes to food, I’m the kind of person who will try anything once! Fun fact: the weirdest thing I ever ate were deep fried bees. (And before you ask, they didn’t taste like much.) Anyway, like most people, I love fried food and probably rival Homer Simpson in donut consumption. So when I stumbled upon the Giant Donut Cake Pan Set from Williams Sonoma, my heart skipped a beat. From afar, this delectable treat may look like a giant donut, but cut into it and you’ll see that it’s a cake! The non-stick cake pan set comes with two molds you can customize with your favorite cake flavors (try a ha;f/half combo with chocolate and vanilla). Let the cakes cool, put them together with your favorite filling and then add toppings like a fudge frosting with sprinkles or a lemon creme glaze. It’s sure to be a hit at your next party!

Price: $19.95
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Giant Donut Cake Pan Set to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: The Butt Station

imageThe whaaat? Yup. The ‘Butt Station’. Now before you start getting disgusted and click away, it’s not what you think. This questionably named device actually has nothing to do with anybody’s derriere, but is in fact a very practical, multi-functional and humorous desktop device. So why the suggestively funny moniker, the ‘Butt Station’? This quirky office helper features a cute, brightly colored mini man sitting on a ‘toilet’ and ready to assist you with any small tasks that you may need to make your day at work run a little smoother. He’ll happily hold your pen or pencil in his mouth and balance a tape dispenser between his knees, ready for your convenience. The back of this unique item readily holds a stack of business card, and simply lift his magnetized behind to help yourself to a paper clip (stored in the ‘toilet bowl’). The ‘Butt Station’ is a great way to add a little laugh into your hectic work week while still staying on track. It comes in a variety of colors and can be yours at an affordable price. The ‘Butt Station’ also makes a great gift for anyone just entering the work force, or pick one up for mom for Mother’s Day!

Price: $18.00
Who Found It: Idabone was first to add the ‘Butt Station’ to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Portable Sewing Machine

imageWhen watching my favorite reality TV show, Project Runway, I’m always amazed at how quickly all the designers can sew! Of course, sometimes the quality and taste level can be questionable, but I still marvel at their skill with a sewing machine. I’ve been accustomed to taking my clothing to a tailor if I need to hem my jeans or shorten jacket sleeves, but sometimes I want to try my hand at a simple project like making a tote bag or cosmetic pouch. Looking at home sewing machines I found that they can cost over $100! And I have to admit that I pick up and drop hobbies as quickly as fleeting trends, I definitely need a more affordable option. I found the Portable Sewing Machine from Urban Outfitters that’s only $24! The ultra portable machine comes with everything you need you get started on whatever design project you can think of. Just remember to thank me when you’re a big shot designer.

Price: $24
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Portable Sewing Machine to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Demy Digital Recipe Reader

imageUnless you’re Julia Child or Martha Stewart with everything artfully prepared and measured before making any delicious recipe, you’re bound to make a mess in the kitchen. And of course, cookbooks bear the brunt of our abuse by turning the pages with sticky dough covered hands. So what’s a chef to do besides memorizing long recipes or encasing everything in plastic? While the Kindle and iPad may be the it gadgets of the moment, would you really feel comfortable using them in the kitchen? The Demy Digital Recipe Reader is a simple device that can store 2500 recipes, splash resistant, has three separate timers, and even a handy conversion calculator. So go ahead and take all those crusty cookbooks out of your kitchen and replace it when the Demy instead.

Price: $299.95
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Demy Digital Recipe Reader to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Graphic Lap Desk

imageI know I’m not alone when I say I take my laptop everywhere. After all, that’s what their conveniently portable nature is for, right? But despite the name, working on one’s laptop or netbook on the go (anywhere you can possibly get decent WiFi) isn’t always as comfy as just setting it on your lap and tapping away. Your knees don’t really make the best makeshift desk! This Graphic Lap Desk, courtesy of The Container Store, provides the perfect comfy portable tabletop to more easily work electronically, whether curled up in bed, at a meeting (sans desk), or sprawled on the floor. Plus, with a built-in cup holder (smart!), you won’t risk spilling on your precious Macbook as you attempt to type one-handed with a drink in the other!

Price: $24.99
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Graphic Lap Desk to the Hive.

Get Contemporary, Artsy Styled Versions Of Classic Literature Greats!

imageAs long as it takes to read a novel, it would only make sense for it to be pretty to look at. For the most part, classic reads tend to fall under the same cover category: plain, English-101 style. With the help of literature and art enthusiasts, new cover designs have made shelving favorites like Wuthering Heights and The Adventures Of Tom Sawyer more of a decorative statement rather than a storage method. As these types of renovations are commonly found near the you-need-one-more-thing bins near the checkout at novelty hipster stores like Urban Outfitters, contemporary renditions of classics have paved themselves a new market for old works. And although you should never judge a book by its cover, these titles were acclaimed well before their wardrobe change, so you can actually feature some books atop coffee tables and nightstands that are worth their beauty.

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Francis Kurkdjian Incense Papers

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Having perfumed bubbles at Versailles, created olfactory installations, and collaborated with dancers, perfumer Francis Kurkdjian is no stranger to clever experimentations with scent. For a slightly less fantastical but equally delightful experience, he infuses delicate little paper strips with versions his signature fragrances—A Piece of Me (APOM), Lumière Noire and Aqua Univeralis—tailored for interiors. The Perfumed Incense Papers come in chic matchbox-style packaging (matches included) and either fold into zig-zags for burning or, slipped into drawers and luggage, keep clothing smelling fresh.

Boxes of 20 sell from Francis Kurkdjian’s online store for €18 each or from Bergdorf Goodman for $25.


Hot In The Hive: Kikkerland Mini Magnito Salt and Pepper Shakers

imageSalt and pepper shakers are a mainstay on any kitchen or dining room table. A lot of times I don’t even notice what they look like! New York based design team Kikkerland has taken a whole new spin (literally) on the salt and pepper shaker. The Magnito Mini Salt and Pepper Shakers join together as a spinning top that can roll around on your tabletop. Pull the two sides apart and it separates into salt and pepper shakers. Each part is labeled “S” or “P” so you know which is which. The designers even thought to have the holes in different spaces so the contents never mix. This little thing could be an amusing diversion for anyone waiting for your famous beef bourguignon to be done. While your mother always told you not to play with your food, she never said anything about this!

Price: $10
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Kikkerland Mini Magnito Salt and Pepper Shakers to the Hive.