the art of ice

Maybe it is because I grew up in the Midwest (with 4 definite seasons), but I like winter. I really do. It is calm, peaceful, cozy & reflective.  So it is no surprise that I had a different perspective when it came to our recent visit to an ice hotel.  It really was the beauty of all things winter.  Sculpted, carved, illuminated...it was breathtaking.

The hotel uses no metal or wood structures, it is all packed snow.  With tables, chairs, glasses even chandeliers carved from special reverse-osmosis ice shipped in from Montreal, the organic combination of hydrogen & oxygen collide into art.

In anytime of day, the hotel just glowed.  

I'll be sharing more about our overnight stay & the rest of our trip to Quebec City, but I thought your Friday needed some winter beauty.  Click on each image for a more detailed view.

Slide carousel mirrors

I cannot always explain the random things I pick up.  All I know is that a little voice yells...'you need that'.

I often have no idea what the end use for 'said' item, but I do know it stirred a little creative part of me, and for that, it is worth saying YES and letting it marinate.

I got my idea for my racket mirrors from a DIY from Country Living, so when I saw another DIY from Flea Market Style I thought...hey I have got a few of those in my stash, that have just been waiting for a project.

Vintage slide carousels turned into mirrors.

Quite modern yet vintage to the core.  I have 3 of these fun mirrors.  One black, one charcoal & one light grey.  Display together or in a grouping.

All come packaged in their original Kodak box. Think of it as a little extra bit of history. 

Twice forgotten finds

A sunny weekend, means time to take some pictures.  I have spent the last few weeks digging thru my stash of 'end of season' treasures, which seemed to have escaped my mind once the weather got chilly.  From books, to toys, to vintage shelf decor, there were some cool things.  Combine those with new styles of racket mirrors and some Fisher Price necklaces, and the shop has been restocked post holidays.

Trio of red metal cars

 Chippy wood bowling pin

 Set of wire lab baskets

 An ephemera-ologists dream.  A set of illustrated children's dictionaries

a mod 1960's cookbook from California cuisine.

Check these and many more in my Etsy shop.  Hopefully- you've noticed my NEW look.  It was high time to give the banner and the light green background an update.  Still a work in progress, but I am already liking the cleaner, more unified feel.

Simple arugula pizza

We have all had those days. Long one at the office, tired, hungry.  Not motivated to go out, but nothing in the fridge.  There is a solution.  Filling, healthy and quick quick quick.

Take a frozen flatbread or cheese pizza, a bag of arugula & some dressing and a little Parmesan.  That is it. 

For the dressing...take an old spice jar, mix 3 parts extra virgin olive oil to 1 part balsamic vinegar .  Sprinkle in a little kosher salt, and if you want to jazz it up a bit...grate a clove of garlic, then give it a good shake.

Cook the pizza according to directions.  While it's cooking, toss the greens with the dressing and crack in some fresh ground pepper.  When the pizza comes out, layer on the greens, sprinkle on some Parmesan, & slice.  The warmth of the pizza wilts the greens just a bit.  Easy, easy, easy. You'll feel like you are at a local bistro for about $10.  Add a spicy red wine and you've got a date night for 2.  If you need something more substantial, throw on some roasted butternut squash, marinated peppers, or some sliced up chicken.

I have been photographing all kinds of treasures for my Etsy shop.  Look for a post on all the goodies next week along with a few new projects.