Hot In The Hive: Ice Invaders

Take me to your leader… or just the nearest drink! With the hot weather seasons fast approaching, these Space Invader shaped ice-cubes add fun to any style drink for any age! Anybody that had a childhood obsession about the old school Atari game will get a kick out of seeing the little guys floating and cooling down their favorite summer drink. Kids who are too young to remember “the good ol’ days” will still love these cute and quirky aliens having a galactic battle in their lemonade! Really bring in the old school creativity and fill it with a favorite juice for a quick, homemade, bite-sized popsicle! Currently available at Urban Outfitters, these cool, throwback ice-cube trays are versatile and affordable. They’re made of silicone, making them durable and easy to clean, as well as oven-safe! For even more fun and uses, you could easily have a Space Invaders theme party and bake some cookies and sweet treats in this multi-use ice-cube tray!

Price: $12.00
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the Ice Invaders Tray to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: The Swarovski Crystal “Bling-Kini”

While many of us are hitting up Target and the sale racks at Victoria’s Secret to stock up on bargain swimwear this season, others overseas are opting to splurge on more impractical poolside pieces, such as The Anita by Pistol Panties, for example, a suit made exclusively for London-based Selfridges department store. Made with 5,000 Swarovski crystals, the appropriately-dubbed “bling-kini” doesn’t officially go on sale until later this week (for about $2986 in American money), yet stores in London, Manchester, and Birmingham already have rapidly-growing wait-lists of cost-fearless crazies who can’t wait to get their hands on one. I guess if you have three months worth of rent to spare, there’s nothing wrong with trying to live a little — as long as it doesn’t involve swimming, because that’s strictly off-limits in this morbidly-priced maillot! So if you happen to be strolling along the beach and see someone who resembles a glistening stained glass window headed for the waves, do them a favor and stop them before they dump $3000 down the drain (as if they haven’t already). In my humble opinion, I say that if we can’t even swim in it, they could have at least made it cute!

Price: Ridiculous.
Who Found It: Victoria1 was the first to add the Anita Bling-Kini to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Paulette Macarons

I recently discovered the joy of macarons a little over a year ago, but these delicate European deserts date back all the way to the 18th century. The origin is arguably either French or Italian, but the most famous location for macarons is definitely Paris, France at the world renowned LaDuree on the Champs-Elysees. Creamy ganaches, chewy caramels and sweet fruit compotes are sandwiched between two delicious almond-tinted meringue-like cookies. Macarons are crisp and light as well as chewy and delicious at the same time, leaving mouths craving more. They come in familiar favorites like chocolate, strawberry, and caramel, as well as more innovative flavors such as rose anise, pistachio and black currant. As famous as LaDuree is, ordering them to your doorstep in the United States may leave them a little stale by the time they arrive. Since discovering these pretty, pastel gems that are almost too pretty to eat (almost), I have been on an avid mission to find an equally superior macaron in America that is either in my area, or will deliver quickly. There seem to be quite a few places in California that can boast on selling a more than decent macaron. Paulette Macarons in southern California and the Bay Area is a favorite and their passion for making macarons is apparent since it is the ONLY thing they sell! You can sample flavors like Columbian coffee and Violet Cassis and they can even be delivered over-night directly to your doorstep and into your mouth! Macarons are quickly becoming the next big thing in desserts and if you haven’t had one yet, you’re definitely missing out!

Price: $1.60 each, $19 for a gift box of 12, and $36 for a gift box of 24
Who Found It: idabone was first to add Paulette Macarons to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Edelweiss Classic Swiss Army Knife

Do you know what the motto for the Girl Scouts is? No, it’s not “delicious cookies.” The motto for the Girl Scouts (and Boy Scouts) is “be prepared.” And what better way to be prepared for whatever life throws at you than with a Swiss Army Knife? The distinctive Swiss cross on a red handle has been in the pockets of most men I know, which means I can always count on them for small emergencies. But before they get sick of me asking for the knife every minute, I know it’s time to get my own. That’s why the Edelweiss Classic Swiss Army Knife is a great fit for the girls. The traditional red may have been replaced with edelweiss blossoms, but the inside is still the same. From a small blade, a nail file, and even tweezers, the little knife sure does a lot! Backed by a lifetime warranty, this will have you humming “Edelweiss” from The Sound of Music in no time.

Price: $20
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add Edelweiss Classic Swiss Army Knife to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Grow An E-Garden With The USB Tulip Hub!

As you know, we at Stylehive are always looking for the coolest and funkiest gadgets. While it certainly keeps us organized and geeky-chic, one of the side effects is that we often find ourselves suffering from Fred Flare overload… but this gizmo was just too cute to pass up! If your techie self (or not-so-techie self) is constantly surrounded by messy tangled wires from your various computer plug-ins (iPod, camera, printer, zip drive — whoever thought only two USB slots would suffice?!), this USB Tulip Hub is the perfect solution to keeping your workspace organized in the cutest form possible and you’ll be able to stop using eeny-meeny-miny-mo to choose which electronic will have to sacrifice its port to make room for others! Embrace spring (and spring-clean all those homeless loose wires!) with this flowery desktop accessory — no watering necessary (in fact I strongly advise against it)!

Price: $22
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the USB Tulip Hub to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Fran’s Smoked Salt Caramels

What is the “perfect” chocolate-caramel? What are we looking for when it comes to finding and loving the ultimate sweet-tooth treat? Many times, in the middle of a hectic day, i just need a little pick-me-up, a bite of sugary happiness to make me smile again and sustain me for the last bit of a tiring day. My relationship with chocolate is one that a man will never begin to understand or replace. Just like my taste in men, I have standards when it comes to my taste in chocolate and not any kind will do. Any chocolate that is too weak or cheap or that carries to many fillers and “excess baggage” will not garner a second chance. When it comes to both, I can’t stand anything too sweet. I like a little edge and personality. I have yet to find the perfect man, but I may have found the perfect chocolate treat! Fran’s Chocolates best-seller is the grey or smoked salt caramel. It is buttery, soft caramel coated in a creamy coat of fine milk or dark chocolate and topped with just a sprinkle of grey or smoked salt. The salt does not overpower, but instead, subtly brings out the individual flavors of the chocolate and caramel. Originating from Seattle, Washington, Fran now has stores in both Bellevue and Seattle. Not in the area? No worries! Begin the best long-distance relationship you’ll ever have and have these salty-sweet chocolate-covered caramels delivered right to your front-step!

Price: $24.00 for a box of 20
Who Found It: idabone was first to add Fran’s Smoked Sea Salt Caramels to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Jeweled Animal Rings

I’m the kind of person who loves to find and wear distinctive accessories for any occasion. Nothing beats dressing up a plain blazer with a few distinctive pins I borrowed from my grandmother’s bureau or stacking a bunch of bracelets together on one arm. And when it comes to rings, the gaudier the better! Cocktail rings aren’t reserved just for cocktail hour anymore, so why not wear the biggest, flashiest one you can find? One thing to keep in mind though: to avoid looking like an aging matriarch from a soap opera, I suggest sticking to just one ring. That means you should make it count, embrace the animal kingdom and slip on a jeweled animal ring. Whether it’s the octopus, parrot, or elephant, it’ll be sure to spark up some interesting conversation! Now the biggest problem is choosing your favorite!

Price: $178
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Jeweled Animal Rings to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Peter Waltz’s Dollhouse Light Fixtures

Known for his skillful reworking of recycled materials such as old vacuum cleaners and used speakers, innovative artist Peter Waltz’s latest gig is his crafty conversion of vintage dollhouses into modern light fixtures to brighten up your own life-size abode. These tiny “homes” come in a variety of floor plans and styles, varying not only in their architecture but in the way Waltz chooses to remodel them as well. Whether he opts to restore its original paint or force it to rust to create that distinctly antique look, each dollhouse is subtly unique from the others, not to mention wholly original from any type of light fixture you’d find at Ikea! They can be attached to a wall or even placed atop an end table — either way these vintage dollhouses combine the youthful nostalgic charm of a girl’s favorite former plaything and the edginess of modern home decor. Check out the whole collection on his online portfolio and order one yourself through the site’s contact sheet.

Price: $300-700
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add Peter Waltz’s Dollhouse Light Fixtures to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: The Pac-Man Hot Head Oven Mitt

My affinity for all things PAC-MAN is one I’ve cultivated for quite awhile now, from memories of holding the high score on the machine at the ice skating rink to the old school Namco plug and play system that I can now blame for a sore wrist… that red monster is SO MEAN. Oh, and I get the munchies a lot, but that could be from anything. (No, not that). So when I came across this PAC-MAN oven mitt, I just knew it was destined for my kitchen. The silicone pot holder and oven mitt features a no-slip grip– in the form of the actual arcade maze embossed inside of the mouth. Brilliant! I’d scoop it up right now except #1, it’s not available until later this month, and #2, I don’t really bake. But other than that I can’t think of any reason why I shouldn’t have it!

Price: $14.95
Who Found It: lisannebee was the first to add the PAC-MAN oven mitt to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Molave Ring Vase

When I look at decor magazines or even the Ikea catalogs, it seems that stark minimalism is everywhere. I’m talking about bare walls, white lacquer furniture and really uncomfortable looking sofas. While I can definitely appreciate the simple and clean lines of modern decor, I like some organic shapes too. Then again, I don’t want my living room to look like a ski lodge or hunting trophy room either. That’s why the Molave Ring Vase is perfect for nature lovers with minimalist tastes. The vase features sustainable Philippine molave wood and a recycled glass cylinder. They even kept the bark on for a authentic rustic look! Best part is, you don’t have to spend an arm and a leg for it (it’s doubly guilt-free!). So keep your walls bare and set this vase down on your glass side table to create a room even the Swedish have to appreciate.

Price: $59
Who Found It: Annna was the first to add the Molave Ring Vase to the Hive.