Recession Chic: Best At Home Manicure

PhotobucketThere’s no doubt about it: Getting your nails done professionally is worth the money–if only because of the pampering that comes with it. But for most of us, booking and keeping a regular appointment is next to impossible. And also, kind of expensive! It’s easy to nail a good manicure or pedicure (one that lasts a week or more) at home if you allow yourself 30 minutes–about 15 minutes for prep work and application and 15 minutes for nails to dry. You can shrink that time if you use drying aids, like speedy topcoats or finishing sprays. While you are at it, pamper yourself with easy things like aromatherapy and some of your favorite music! Here’s how to score a perfect 10 — without the $40 nail salon visit.

1. Start by removing old polish. For natural nails, use a non-acetone remover. Try Cutex Essential Care Advanced Nail Polish Remover Pads.

2. Use a very handy 4-sided nail buffer for polishing, buffing and shining your nails. After using this product, your nails will have a beautiful manicure shine without the polish, so this inexpensive tool is great for when you want to go bare.

3. File nails to desired shape. What looks modern now is a shortish nail,straight across the top with rounded edges. File your nails in one direction starting at the edges and moving toward the top.

4. Soak in soapy water for a few minutes to soften cuticles.

Stylehive’s Stylescopes Help You Have Stylishly Sweet Dreams!

imageMany people believe that dreams are a gateway into our subconscious and can help us know our true selves and thoughts more clearly. This is the week to kick back, reflect and take a break from your busy schedule. Whether you’d rather curl up on the couch with a good book or just snuggle, the stars help you find the most comfortable and appropriate sleepwear for your ideal night in! With styles ranging from soft knit one-pieces for the comfort loving Capricorn to silky and slinky teddies for sexy Scorpios, it doesn’t matter what sort of at-home night you have planned this week; Stylehive’s Stylescopes have consulted the stars for the best sleepy-time ensemble for you. Cozy flannel, lacy babydolls and girly cami sets all lend their own type of sex appeal and comfort to bedtime, so click on the slideshow to see what stylish pajamas the stars have set aside for you!

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Flare With Fruit: Banana Vase

imageEvery home needs a unique piece to focus on. Personally, I’m a fan of subtle humor, and a banana vase plated in silver is pretty much hilarious, and a great conversation starter! Don’t get me wrong, you still need to have some class in your place and I think Jonathan Adler’s banana vase really captures the essence of mature humor. This vase is arty, quirky, funny, and totally unique, so I find it completely necessary to add this piece to my living room collection. It’s not only a really great piece of art, but it’s functional, too since it’s designed to hold a small bouquet of flowers! Regular vases are so blah and predictable, why waste an amazing flower arrangement in a not so amazing vase? Plus, think of all the great puns you can get in with a vase shaped like a banana, it’s so a-peel-ing (sorry, I couldn’t help myself!).

Hot In The Hive: Light Pillow

imageFinally — the bookworm’s comfy, camouflaged alternative to the book light! This light-up pillow, designed by Linas Kutavicius, can be placed on the floor, on the bed, or even hung up as a unique wall lamp or chandelier! While I’m sure its inner metal frame keeps it from being quite as squishy and cuddly as the rest of your bed linens, its washable cover keeps the lamp soft and safe while you cozy up in your bedroom. Get your own at Generate Design. Just don’t get any crazy ideas about a glow-in-the-dark pillow fight; I’m not certain the fixture is quite that multifunctional…

Price: $189
Who Found It: xgalexy was the first to add the Light Pillow to the Hive.