I guess the old neighborhood’s changing…Danish architectural design firm Bjarke Ingels Group and developer Durst Fetner Residential have a vision – build a 450 ft. tall, 600 unit tower with a unique silhouette that will stand apart from the boxy, glass-covered edifices of Manhattan’s Westside.  (Note: I used to park may Subaru across the street from the W57 development’s building site between 11th and 12th Avenues.)

The ambitious sail-shaped structure, simply named W57, which is a hybrid architectural form – European design married to Manhattan high-rise residential comfort and features – will seek LEED Gold Certification. (more…)

Guys, what we girls really crave is you, every day of the year. This V-Day, this one silly “romantic” day of the year, tell us we’re special – in your own special way. Write a poem, have us over for dinner and a movie, you don’t have to spend a lot of money, just spend some quality time and let us know that we make you happy.

If you want to shower your lovely with extra tender loving care, try treating her to a massage and adorning her body with pretty jewels. Below are a few of our favorite baubles – full of heart and soul – made in ways that Mother Earth would approve. And guess what, they won’t break the bank.

Sexy stacking rings made of recycled sterling silver, customizable. heartandstone.com $95/ea

This sustainably stylish jewelry (above) feels and looks awesome. It’s handcrafted from natural materials by artisans in Ecuador for a NY-based, socially responsible company, The Andean Collection. prices range from $9 – $138

Alex and Ani signature expandable bangles are all made of recycled materials. They’re hip, lightweight and adjust to any size. The Charity By Design collection (above, L) starts as low as $18. (above, R: $58)

Have a penchant for word games? These quirky pendants are handmade from recycled Scrabble game pieces by HomeStudio on Etsy. $8.95 (Sterling chain not included, but they’re easy to acquire.)

Are diamonds your girl’s best friend? Classic design, recycled sterling silver and diamonds sourced in an ethical manner, what’s not to like? Ten percent of profits are donated to non-profits and with each necklace, the company comes clean with a certificate of specific origin to ensure total transparency. above, L $100 @ Ruff&Cut & above, R $220 @ Ruff&Cut. (more…)

Winter got you feeling boxed in? Here’s a tiny house prototype that will match your mood.

The prefab geometric Boxhome was constructed in Oslo, (more…)

When we previously posted about this wi-fi controlled electric back last year when the Shadow Ebike wasn’t yet for sale. Well the bike’s manufacturer, Canada-based Daymak, recently announced that they’re taking orders and they’ll start shipping bikes to customers on April 30th.

The Shadow Ebike, which is marketed as the world’s first power-assist wireless electric bike, features a Daymak Drive controller with wireless support. The controller talks directly to the throttle, brake lever and pedal assist.

The average electric bike has 40-feet of unappealing exposed wire on, or in, its frame. The Shadow Ebike has no exposed (more…)