This week's links. Enjoy.
Tranquil Modernism
Take a tour of a minimalist South Yara home that mixes clean modern lines with natural textures—all wrapped around an internal courtyard filled with stunning tropical plants. That's the dining area shown above.
Otherworldly Architecture in Japan's Magical Mountainside
As Liz Lemon would say, "I want to go to there." Love this slide show of the stunning avant garde architecture in Karuizawa, Japan.
How the Victorian Obsession With Order Created the Sugar Cube
Fun food history about the creation of the humble sugar cube.
Read Books. Live Longer.
A new study by researchers at Yale University's School of Public Health shows that book readers live two years longer on average than those who don't read at all—and even half an hour a day was enough to create a significant survival advantage. Happy reading!
From Picasso to Noguchi, 11 Artists Who Designed Spectacular Playgrounds
Fun list of artist-designed children's playgrounds around the world. A lot of adults would enjoy exploring these, too.
New Shampoos For Dry, Curly and Coloured Hair
Guardian beauty editor Sali Hughes discusses the benefits of the new no-sulphate shampoos—foamless or low-foaming shampoos with increased conditioning properties for dry, curly and coloured hair.
Spiced Grapefruit Tea Loaf
Perfect for with tea or coffee on chilly early spring afternoons, this variation on the classic lemon tea bread is delicately scented with cardamom, cinnamon and allspice.
(photo: shannon mcgrath for robson rak architects. via sfgirlbybay)