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: Bottle Opener Ring!

imageThey say the quickest way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. How about through beer? Be ready at all times to crack a few cold ones with this unique Bottle Opener Ring from Urban Outfitters and impress that cutie you have your eye on (or just have a refreshment for yourself)! Not a drinker? The Bottle Opener isn’t just for alcoholic beverages and is perfect for any bottled refreshment, anywhere. The sleek stainless steel construction and its functional design gives it an edgy, industrial vibe. Not only is it stylish, practical and versatile, but also easy on the wallet. At only $8.00 a piece, buy one for yourself, a friend, or the cutie you have your eye on (and have him open his own beers!).

Price: $8.00
Who Found It: Idabone was first to add the Bottle Opener Ring 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.

Hot In The Hive: Plug & Socket Rings

imageWe all remember fighting over those two-piece friendship necklaces in elementary school — you know, the ones with the heart split in half (one said “best,” the other “friend”), or the separate yin and yang necklaces that were reunited whenever you ran into each other on the playground. These Plug and Socket Rings from Artifacts by Casey put a unique spin on that childhood accessory. They’re certainly not as expected as two sides of the same heart when it comes to jewelry, but somehow they turn household electricity into something fashionably funky. Buy one for yourself and one for your equally fierce BFF, go for a “his and hers” deal, or keep them both for yourself (after all, a plug’s no good without a socket)!

Price: $180 for the plug, $150 for the socket (sold separately)
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Plug and Socket Rings to the Hive.

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.

Hot In The Hive: Police Line Shower Curtain

imageDespite my cheerful personality, I’ve been known to have pretty morbid thoughts and especially enjoy post-apocalyptic movies (sidenote: I totally recommend the comedy “Zombieland”). I also love crime TV shows like CSI and Law and Order: SVU where they definitely use their fair share of police tape from the props closet. So of course I instantly fell in love with the Police Line Shower Curtain from Urban Outfitters. If you’re looking for extra privacy, other than adding a deadbolt to the bathroom door, this could be the easiest and cheapest solution for you. Designed by artist Aleksander Mukomelov, who fittingly designed the uber-conceptual Infinity Bath. At less than $20, it’s a small price to pay to decorate your bathroom and score some privacy too. But don’t blame me if your roommates have a different kind of humor and play the “Psycho” theme song the next time you take a shower!

Price: $19.99
Who Found It: facadeindreams was the first to add the Police Line Shower Curtain to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Stila Jewel Lip Glaze Trio

imageRunning out of places to wear your bling? The new lip glaze from Stila is made from a formula that contains real jewels! No joke — the three glosses in this set (only $32 for a $66 value!) include Stila’s “gem complex,” which contains diamond, emerald, jade, ruby, moonstone, rose quartz, sapphire, topaz, amethyst, amber, garnet, mother of pearl, and opal. Crazy, right? I totally gave up buying lipgloss for Lent (okay, not really… but I’ve been forcing myself to seriously cut back), but this trio is just too luxe to let pass me by. Plus, aside from that whole treasure trove of jewels packed in each tube, the gloss also contains moisturizing agents like mango seed butter and shea butter, so your lips won’t be left feeling rough and grainy like some other glitter-heavy formulas!

Price: $32
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Stila Jewel Lip Glaze Trio to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: Desk Cassette Tape Dispenser

imageOne of my favorite childhood memories was gluing myself to the stereo and waiting for my favorite songs to come on so I could hit record and put it on my cassette tape. Okay, maybe I’m showing my age a little bit, but I miss those days! Before iTunes playlists or burned CDs, there were carefully crafted mix tapes that were for your listening pleasure or for your #1 crush. Anyway, even though those days are long gone there are plenty of people like myself who wouldn’t mind a small reminder of our history with analog. The Desk Cassette Tape Dispenser is a fun and functional desk accessory I wouldn’t mind having in my office. Be prepared to explain what it is to anyone born in the 90s though. The only difference is that this time it’s probably not the end of the world if the tape runs out in the middle of a song!

Price: $19.99
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the Desk Cassette Tape Dispenser to the Hive.

Hot In The Hive: 108 Time Box by Owen & Cloud

imageI work at a cool paper goods store on the weekends when I’m not sharing the best products from the hive. During the holidays, one of the most popular products flying off the shelves were calendars! In fact, people are still coming into the store to see if we have any left in stock. If you’re one of the people left out in the cold and don’t know what day of the week it is, the 108 Time Box is definitely for you. Why 108? Well, that’s the number of months that’s included in the box! That equals to 9 years which means that’s the last calendar you’ll have to buy for quite some time. Much like a tape dispenser, pull out the continuous roll of paper one month at a time to reveal each unique type-based design. Created by Taiwanese design duo Owen & Cloud, choose between a black or white box and enjoy 9 years worth of unique designs!

Price: $25
Who Found It: facadeindreams was first to add the 108 Time Box to the Hive.