BEAUTY: Interiors--Luiz Fernando Grabowsky

Lofts can be quite a challenge, even to a seasoned interior designer. They might have soaring ceilings, but the actual footprint or living space can be quite cramped. Here is a great example of a fun, interesting, well appointed loft by Brazilian architect and designer Luiz Fernando Grabowsky. The space is used well, and while there are clearly defined areas, the open feeling of loft living remains.

http://www.studiograbowsky.com.br/arquitetura/

BEAUTY: Interior

This spectacular retro gem in Melbourne, Australia has been renovated and restored to its former 50s-60s Palm-Springs-esque glory. It is hard to tell what is original and what is "new" retro (I have my suspicions), but I can easily see all new appliances in the kitchen. So the house has been updated, but faithfully so. And the furniture choices are period-perfect!

And it is available for weekly rent--fully furnished! Click on the link at the bottom...

http://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-caulfield+north-409152283

Gassho Zikuri

Gassho zikuri is an ancient style of Japanese dwelling known as minka. The steep pitched roofs help snow to slide off, preventing water from getting inside and preventing the thatch from rotting. Gassho zukuri villages were listed as World Heritage sites by UNESCO in 1995 and this example in Shirakawa in Gifu prefecture will be illuminated for tourists until February 16, 2013.

I'll Be Home For Christmas

Even if it's only in my dreams.

While we wait...

...and bite our nails, here is a bit of good news to keep us going until we get election results.

Tammy Baldwin, the first openly gay Senator in the history of the United States, has WON!

The marvelous Elizabeth Warren has WON! HuffPo notes that "Warren was the intellectual godmother of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and was its first head. She was denied a permanent appointment due to objections from congressional
Republicans and from within the Treasury Department." Go get 'em Senator Warren!

Powerful truth-teller Alan Grayson has won back his seat in the House.
Welcome back, Rep. Grayson, we missed you!

And openly gay House member Jared Polis has won his third term.

Glad to have you stay with us, Rep. Polis!

Images via Joe Jervis' ever-informative and valuable site Joe.My.God.