A unique concept has made its way into a German community – enter the Open Air Library. This unique architectural feat provides an outdoor sitting area along with books that are free for neighborhood patrons to check out. The library is open 24 hours and was designed by Karo Architects in collaboration with residents to help revive a East German district. The space is completely green as it is made up of an recycled warehouse.

via Inhabitat

Recently, as in Monday, I created a quaint little dinner for two. It was delicious, simple, and elegant. A vegetable stir fry in a large wok coupled with half a package of cooked rice noodles. I added soy sauce and some spices for an Asian flare.

Oh and I also had some fresh roasted pumpkin seeds on hand courtesy two pumpkins that fulfilled their carving destiny. The seeds only lasted me two days and I’ve been using them as a healthy snack at work. Perhaps, I can get more via all the clearance pumpkins at the store now?

Thank you glamorous pumpkins.

There’s no hearty food on the cover of this cookbook, just two anorexic-esque models who probably haven’t eaten in days. The not-for-profit trade association, The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) requested that many of their noteworthy members contribute to this book with recipes of their own. The American Fashion Cookbook includes everything from appetizers to entrees within its pages. 100 American Designers were asked to contribute including: Isaac Mizrahi, Carolina Herrera, Mark Ecko, Derek Lam, John Varvatos and more. There is even a forward by Martha Stewart. I haven’t seen the book in person yet, it’s actually not on CFDA’s website either, but you can get it via Amazon for $29.50. Apparently food and fashion and go together after all.

Sometimes there are things (and people) that you can’t live with and sometimes there are those you can’t live without.

This about those things you can’t live without. They say “all you need is love” and “love is all you need.” In most cases it’ s true, but I tend to use the word “love” to describe a lot of things. I of course love and am grateful for my friends, family, and good health.

But I also love:

Laughter, not because it’s the best medicine, but because I can never take my self  too seriously. Nothing makes a bad day go away like a funny show or a random hilarious incident.

My iPhone, computers, and the internet. Since they all work together, I’m pretty sure I’m head over heels for this threesome – it’s serious.

Money. I work hard for my money, well not really, but I work for it and that’s how I pay for the above, along with other necessities, so I’d say we’re in a serious relationship. Also money is very humbling because no matter how much or how little you have there is always someone with less.

oh, and the ocean. I don’t discriminate, I love them all, I just happen to be closest to the Pacific. Gushing waves are calming and there is no sound like it. Holding a shell up to your ear really isn’t the same.

What can’t you live without?

This post is a part of 20SB’s Blog Carnival: Can’t Live Without, and Alice.com is awarding prizes to lucky bloggers and readers.

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Apparently some of these companies didn’t get the memo about the importance of your business name and how it may translate into another culture. Although, they probably get more attention with their eye-catching signs.

you can see more via oddee

Surprisingly, I’m not sick of “Your Sex is on Fire” from Kings of Leon as of yet; after all it is played on every radio station repeatedly, inside shops, parties, you get the idea. What I think is completely random is that they’re teaming up with French designers Surface to Air for a limited edition collaboration clothing line. Really? Do we need ANOTHER musician-turned-designer line? Especially one that looks exactly like items I could already purchase for any guy at Target or even a local thrift store. Alas, guys are VERY picky when it comes to fashion – they need that perfect fit without too much flare. That’s what this Kings of Leon and Surface to Air collab provides. No word on if the garments are going to be available in the states, but they will be at ParisTexas boutique in Copenhagen, Denmark if you happen to be in the area.

via 24bit and ParisTexas