Jul 29

Hot In The Hive: Falling Books Bookends By Art Ori

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imageForget dull metal bookends that serve as only functional, minus the “fun” — your at-home library deserves a little character, whether your collection includes a fond selection of your favorite fiction or a boring set of textbooks that could use a good dose of humor. Art Ori Designs is known for its clever metal works, all featuring silhouettes of different characters that bring a little life to otherwise boring household objects like napkin holders and coin trays. Their latest addition is the Falling Books Bookend, which supports your books at an angle in a way that conceals its frame, giving the illusion that your books are about to squash the tiny figures below! But don’t worry — the frame is sturdy enough to keep the cute little guys safe, and you won’t have to crane your neck quite as far to read the book titles! It comes in three different colors and two shapes — check them out at Design My World!

Price: $35
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Falling Books Bookends to the Hive.

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Jul 28

Transform Your Abode With Asian-Inspired Home Decor

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imageThere are many times in my life where I would love to get away from it all and go to an exotic Asian country to enjoy the beautiful sights and delicious food. So when I looked online for plane tickets, the four figured price tag promptly stopped my plans for the whirlwind vacation. While I can’t afford to transport myself to another country, I can certainly transform my home to at least reflect my imaginary travels! Seeing a well decorated home with Asian-inspired objects makes me think the the owner is sophisticated and well traveled so what’s not to like about that? You can start out small like this pagoda wine bottle stopper from Saks Fifth Avenue for a bit of Asian flair whenever you’re entertaining. If you’re looking for a total room makeover, add a koi rug. Now you can sit back, light some incense, and imagine yourself into another world. Click my slideshow to see more Asian-inspired goodies you can get without a plane ticket!

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Jul 22

Hot In The Hive: Williams-Sonoma Sandwich Cookie Cake Pan

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imageI don’t know what it is about summer, but I tend to do a lot of baking during the months between June and August. Maybe it’s because friends are home from college and out of town visitors are making my home seem more like a bed & breakfast! Anyway, I love to entertain and I’ve even attempted a mini-pie business (sadly, it only lasted two weeks) so I’m always on the lookout for the latest and greatest. That’s why I’m a regular visitor to the local Williams-Sonoma store. Can you believe that everyone in the store heard my audible gasp when I saw the Sandwich Cookie Cake Pan? Perfect for kids and grownups alike, two cakes can come together with a delicious buttercream frosting middle or even add ice cream! Williams-Sonoma even provides a recipe on their Web site. So forget making a boring salad or casserole to your next summer party. This cake will definitely be a crowd pleaser!

Price: $29.95
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the Sandwich Cookie Cake Pan to the Hive.

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Jul 20

Hot In The Hive: Thermos-Minis by Crea Crea And Crescioni Vanina!

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imageYou almost wouldn’t expect something so whimsically designed and sweetly packaged from the seriously sophisticated and cynically chic French! Just to prove that they are always unpredictable and one-step ahead, French designers Crea Crea and Crescioni Vanina are introducing Thermos-minis! These cute little drink containers are the baby-siblings of the huge, heavy, stainless steel versions that my dad lugs around in order to save money on coffee. They are obviously smaller, but still hold enough that you won’t be left wanting more caffeine after drinking the last drops. These Thermos-minis hold about 8 oz of whatever drink you want… hot, cold, or spiked (just kidding). Besides keeping a good temperature on your drinks (because if it didn’t, it wouldn’t be a Thermos), these Thermos-minis also come in an array of fun and colorful designs and patterns. Personalize your morning pick-me-up by choosing anything from Asian-inspired floral patterns to multi-colored dots and shapes! There’s even ones that resemble a tiny man or an umbrella toting frog! All the designs are different, but all are whimsical, care-free and full of bright color. Their size allows you to pop them into a purse or tote, or to throw into the backseat of a car. No more cookie-cutter, silver steel thermoses that need their own carrier just to transport them around!

Price: $38.00
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Plyones – THERMOS-MINI to the Hive.

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Jul 17

Hot In The Hive: Retro-Style Internet Phone

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imageDo you have a gift for gab and talk on the phone almost constantly? Do you have a special place in your heart for all things obsolete and/or retro? Do you have a laptop that’s almost as old as you are? If you answered “yes” to any or all of these questions, I may have the perfect vintage gadget for you! Urban Outfitters’ Internet Phone (no, not that kind of iPhone) is about as unnecessary as laptop accessories get… that is, unless your computer doesn’t have a built-in mic and speakers like most are made with nowadays. In that case, it’s totally useful for finally carrying out successful Skype conversations and iChat video discussions (that’s only assuming you’ve equipped your ancient computer with an external webcam) via a plug-in phone receiver made just for your computer. Otherwise, the retro-looking cyber accessory is still pretty covetable, for the sake of cuteness alone… and I guess it could also help keep the receiving end of your e-conversations on the down-low from snooping roommates. So in conclusion, it may not be the most mandatory addition to your shopping list, but the fun things never are, are they?

Price: $15
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Internet Phone to the Hive.

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Jul 15

Hot In The Hive: Olive Poop Bags For Your Pups

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imageIf you’ve grown up in a dog friendly city like I have, you know that some dog owners let their dogs do their business, only to walk away without cleaning up. There have been many close calls to to soles of my shoes but I’m always thankful for the people who do clean up after their dogs. Since I’ve been on a eco-friendly mindframe, I’ve been thinking about all the plastic bags out there. Did you know that US dogs produce enough waste to fill an 800-foot-tall football field every year and plastic bags can take over 100 years to decompose? We’ve been using reusable bags when we go shopping to keep plastic bags out of the landfills, so why not change your poop scooping habits too? That’s why dog owners should check out the olive poop bags! They’re made of corn starch and vegetable oil which makes them biodegradable, and they’ll compost in about 40 days. Fido may be man’s best friend, but use these bags and you’re well on your way in being Mother Nature’s best bud!

Price: $14.99
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the Olive Poop Bags to the Hive.

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Jul 14

Bamboo Home Accessories That Are Stylish And Eco-Chic!

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imageWith all the talk these days about buying eco-friendly products made of materials such as bamboo, I decided to do some research. Turns out that bamboo reaches maturity in 3-5 years compared to 25-70 years for other trees. Bamboo is also renewable which means it will grow back after harvesting. So it’s not just marketing hype after all! Bamboo products are everywhere and it’s easy to decorate your hom,e from your living room to the kitchen, with bamboo! For the bathroom, I’m loving the bamboo bath accessories from Crate and Barrel. Did you know that bamboo fibers can also be woven into a gorgeous area rug? Remember, shopping for eco-friendly products means that you’re doing your part in helping the environment. For more proof that being eco-friendly no longer means bland and boring, take a look at my slideshow for the latest bamboo products in home decor!

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Jul 12

Pot Your Plants In Something Pretty!

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imageIt’s the little things that make a house a home. To make us happy, we put things we like in our homes — like lighting, art and throw pillows. Plants are one of those home-warming articles that are essential. Having a bit of green in every room is a great way to keep some fresh energy flowing in from the outdoors. So if plants make us feel comfortable in our homes, why shouldn’t our ferns and cacti feel comfortable in their homes? While the living, breathing creatures we keep in the picture window and on the coffee table don’t voice their opposition to the plain, rust-colored clay pots, it’s hard to not appreciate some prettier planter alternatives. Even better, a plant that’s outgrown its living quarters is really just a great excuse find a replacement — and perhaps even a new room motif to match! Especially now that your houseplants have the opportunity to see their wild, un-potted cousins of summer thrive outside through the windows, it’s important to give the aloes and orchids of the inside a little love as to not feel jealous. Enjoy these slideshow picks for some fun accents to your green-filled abode!

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Jul 06

Outdoor Furniture Your Garden Will Love!

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imageNow that the weather has finally warmed up, I’ve definitely been spending quality time outdoors. Whether it’s working on my tan or barbecuing all day long, spending time in my backyard is fun and economical too because it’s practically free! But if your backyard has more than its fair share of overgrown weeds and rickety furniture, then it’s time to start mowing and make the most of the possibilities in a frequently unused space. Once you’ve a clean slate to work with, it’s time to decorate with furniture and accessories. One of my dream gardens would definitely have a hammock where I can read a fun summer novel or nap the afternoon away. If you’re a fan of design and a little bit of kitsch then take a look at the gnome tables by Philippe Starck for a bit of cheeky fun. For more garden furniture you’ll want to live with forever, take a look at my slideshow!

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Jul 02

One Man’s Recyclables Are Another Man’s… Furniture?

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imageHow is it that a living space can get so cluttered? Some people are lucky and are born with the “organized and tidy” gene. I got the “cluttered pack-rat” gene instead. With every new beginning, I promise myself that I will only keep what is absolutely necessary and all that is not under that category will be swiftly thrown, recycled or donated. Instead, there are piles of fashion and gossip magazines dotting my floor, suitcases holding clothes because my closet and dressers are full and shelves of random knick-knacks, accessories and souvenirs that I swear are sentimental, but probably wouldn’t notice if they were gone. Some fellow pack-rats have found a creative and environmental way to rid our already small living spaces of junk and clutter and produce objects that are beautiful, funky and totally useful! From trash-cans and large vases made from old magazines (i could make a patio set) to bright, extravagant chandeliers made from “stuff” and a place to rest your feet made up of shoes that used to be on them, innovative designers are helping lighten the land-fill load and make our homes more fun and functional! Because the items are made of recyclables, subtle details will be different, ensuring that you truly have a one-of-a-kind piece. Sounds like something you’ve been looking for to help set the theme of a new house, or to spruce up a room? Check out the slideshow to see some favorite recycled furniture ideas and find one for your space!

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