The Newport Beach Film Festival kicked off its 12th Annual event Thursday night. The 10 day international event will feature films from around the globe, along with an Action Sports Film Series. Along with the numerous amount of films playing during the Festival, Riviera Magazine is hosting a Pop-Up village called “Lido Goes Pop” just down the street from the Regency Lido Theatre. The waterfront village will have shopping, dining and of course, a touch of Hold It Contemporary Home. Visit the NVision + One Medical Group area within the village to see some of Hold It’s favorite pieces in the VIP lounge and in the waiting area. Check out the images of this awesome lounge location or stop by the village to see it for yourself!

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The San Diego Zoo doesn’t only have animals to view, the massive gardens are taking the spotlight for the zoo’s Garden Festival. This year’s theme is “Incredible Edibles” and will feature the Zoo’s executive chef using ingredients grown on property for dishes, horticultural experts available for questions and some fun events for the kids.

For more information, visit the San Diego Zoo’s website.

When it comes to incorporating designs into nature, nothing does it quite as well as glass houses. The illusion of glass walls gives those both inside and out a seamless view of their surroundings. Not only do these designs feature interesting architecture and simplistic modern design, but they also offer a fun optical illusion to those lucky enough to visit or live in these glass masterpieces.

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It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s a…bowl? Flying Wall Bowls from Global Views to be exact. These lovely crucibles have heroically transcended the world of kitchen cabinets to rescue you from the menace of bland walls. Cloaked in an array of colors (Pale Aqua, Fossil, White, Fiery Red, Raspberry Wine, Firecracker, Cypress, Ecru Olive, Antique Moss, and Ocean Depth), and teamed up in sets of 3 different sizes, these gravity defying bowls are doing their part to fight the good fight. Perfect for any contemporary home!

See them at Hold It Contemporary Home starting at $89 per set of 3.

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On Thursday, April 28th San Diego restaurants will join together for a good cause. It is all for Dining Out For Life San Diego. More than 125 San Diego eateries will donate at least 25% of their sales to The Center’s HIV/AIDS services and prevention programs. To find out if your favorite spot is participating or to find local restaurants, coffee shops and nightclubs that are involved, visit the Dining Out For Life website.

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The Pittman Dowell Residence is a prime example of a contemporary home. The unique structure paired with the simplistic interior stylings are a bold contrast to more conventional dwellings.  The polygonal shaped home has an internal courtyard, skylines throughout the home, and no doors to keep the home feeling open. Architect Michael Maltzan was able to create this space that is unconventional yet extremely functional.

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San Diego Chargers’ fans have been debating the idea of moving the team’s home stadium into the East Village of downtown San Diego. Though no official proposals have been made and no budgets have been presented, two Australian architects have come up with a plan for a new Chargers Stadium. The design offers a circular stadium with Charger bolts along the sides, an amphitheater and a 7.5-acre park. Pauly De Bartolo and Ivan Rimanic (from Debartolo + Rimanic Design Studio) suggest placing the entire park and stadium downtown between 14th street and K street. Whether or not the stadium is moved, this design is exciting to image in the city.

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Lego sets are not just for creating Star Wars models or Space Shuttles. Lego has introduced a model set for the Farnsworth House. The modern structure designed by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe will fit nicely on your coffee table when completed, being only 10 inches wide and 3 inches tall. The replica of the famous house comes complete with the minimalist interior furnishings, printed label name and a packet of information and history about the house. Try building the Farnsworth house or one of Lego’s other Architecture sets for a fun project.

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The San Diego Museum of Art is hosting the 30th annual Art Alive event from April 28th until May 1st. More than 100 floral designers will create arrangements inspired by works of art. Members and the public are welcome to view the floral arrangements, Garden of Activities and lectures throughout the weekend. For tickets, visits the Museum of Art’s website.

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The small town of Greensburg, Kansas was completely destroyed by a tornado in May 2007. But only a week after the disaster, the residents decided to rebuild their town, not exactly as it had been, but better and greener. Now, almost four years later, Greensburg is home to 7 LEED certified buildings, including stores and community buildings, more than 40 homes that use 50% less energy than standard homes and a community committed to going green. Wind mills are everywhere, solar panels are common and energy efficient appliances in the home are a given. Visitors can stay in LEED certified vacation homes, visit the community Farmers’ Market and take Green Walking Tours. To learn more about Greensburg, visit their website.

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