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One Man's Recyclables Are Another Man's... Furniture?

Ida Hsiang on Jul 2, 2009 10:21 AM PDT

How 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!

Tags : style , shopping , recycling , recycled newspaper , home

10 Outdoor Entertaining Tools You Need For The 4th Of July ...

Anna Yu on Jun 30, 2009 8:21 AM PDT

The 4th of July is rapidly approaching and I've been busy figuring out how I'm going to go to all the barbecue parties and picnics I said I'd go to! (I mean, how could I say no to juicy burgers, grilled veggies and cold drinks with all my friends and family?) Anyway, I know I have plenty of capable people who can work the grill as well as Bobby Flay so I can definitely count on a delicious meal. They've got the grill and the charcoal ready, but the last time I went to an outdoor grilling party, I noticed that all their tools have seen better days. I'm looking to replace their ratty and singed oven mitts with a suede bbq grilling mitt instead. There are some things that they didn't know they need too like the magic seasoning sheets that lay on the perfect flavor. For more outdoor entertaining tools that will make your 4th of July (and beyond!) tastier, check out my slideshow!

Tags : williams sonoma , summer , restoration hardware , pottery barn , home

Hot In The Hive: iPhone App Coasters

Ida Hsiang on Jun 26, 2009 6:20 AM PDT

Those of the slightly younger set may not know this, but before the iPod and Mac laptops, Apple was on the brink of being obsolete. They were associated with the huge, loud computers in the school library that you could only do research on or else the librarian would throw her glasses at you. The iPod is maybe the greatest comeback product in history. It not only brought Apple back from the brink, but ricocheted them to number one in technological gadgets. Now you'd be hard pressed to find someone who doesn't have at least one Apple product laying around the house. I've had an a few of the iPod variation, but I'm actually lusting over the iPhone. Well, those at Apple must have felt bad for people like me who would love to jump on the iPhone band-wagon but, for whatever reason, have not. There are now iPhone app coasters that I can also put on my table, and for the fraction of the price! These coasters come in a set of 16 "apps" and are made of MDF plywood wrapped in a vinyl and varnish. A rubber back keeps it from moving around and they're washable and reusable! Ok, so they don't actually allow you to pull up the weather in Tunisia or give you a recipe for "Easy Chicken Bake" with just a click of a button, but they are awesome and fun! At $60 for the entire set, these make a great gift for the i-Aficionado or for those like me who just want to rub elbows with this elite i-Group!

Price: $60.00 for set of 16
Who Found It: idabone was first to add the iPhone App Coasters to the Hive.

Tags : technology , summer , meninos , ipod , home

Cool Coasters That Keep Your Furniture (And Your Drink) Happy

Anna Yu on Jun 24, 2009 8:17 AM PDT

With the beautiful weather these days, I've been keeping cool by wearing cute summer dresses and staying barefoot as long as possible. I've also been making use of my ice maker and blender to stay cool. Smoothies, iced tea, you name it and I've made it (or plan to!). Nothing beats sitting down with a cold drink, a fun book, and the afternoon passing by. But wait, don't forget the coaster! Nobody likes excess moisture, especially your wood furniture. Whether you have a valuable antique or a cheap Craigslist find, your furniture is supposed to last. Quite unlike the fast fashion scene we've been experiencing, it's hard to buy and then throw away your furniture after a season or two. So that's why we've got to take care of it to keep it in shipshape. Take a look at the set of slate coasters from Crate and Barrel. You can keep track of the owners of each drink by writing your name on the coaster with a piece of chalk. Another favorite are the pinecone shaped coasters made out of durable vinyl. Take a look at my slideshow for more!

Tags : wood , home , furniture , decorate

Hot In The Hive: Good Chemistry Salt and Pepper Shakers

Anna Yu on Jun 23, 2009 6:18 AM PDT

The things that usually live on a kitchen table are not the first things that come in mind when we think of cool design. From napkin holders to salt and pepper shakers, those everyday utilitarian items are often taken for granted. I used to have a boss who obsessively collected unique salt and pepper shakers, so I got in the habit of keeping my eyes open. Who knew that there was a whole world of salt and pepper shakers that were completely different from the typical glass cylinders with metal caps? Shakers come in all shapes and sizes like a rooster and hen set I found one day! If you're a science geek or know one, then the Good Chemistry salt and pepper shakers are perfect for you. Labeled with their scientific names (well, one is completely made up but still very clever!) there's no confusing which is which. Next time you need some salt at the kitchen table, why don't you ask to "pass the NaCl"?

Price: $15
Who Found It: whatmedia was first to add the Good Chemistry Salt and Pepper Shakers to the Hive.

Tags : science , salt and pepper shaker , salt , pepper , home

Cute Things To Put Stuff In

Amber Fijolek on Jun 22, 2009 2:18 PM PDT

Sometimes you've just got too much stuff. Or, perhaps, sometimes it just feels like it. As a girl with a problem with misplacing things (my friends like to apply the term "loser"), there's no system I haven't tried when it comes to organizing all of my loose ends. Fittingly, I get excited when I see things that can contain my things. Especially if they're cute things that I can put those things in. When your recycled shoe box just isn't doing it for you and your home, there's a basket, box, bucket, cup, or tray out there to bring your room (and your pile of things) together. Now, it may not help you find where your things are -- for me, there's really no hope there -- but at least it'll help you express and articulate what impeccably good taste in decorating you have!

Tags : tray , tool box , style , store , home