So I judge books by their cover...

Sue me.

There are few that have pretty, elegant covers, but have been absolutely terrible. CoughSense&Sensibility&SeaMonstersCough.

But for the most part, I like finding old editions of books I love.  Even if I already own a copy. It's nice to have a spare to lend to someone.
I always feel like Mel Gibson in "Conspiracy Theory" when I can't pass a copy of F.Scott Fitzgerald's "This Side of Paradise" or any Sherlock Holmes Collection. Each copy has its own personality for me.

I want these. I don't need them, but I WANT them. I only have one out of this collection designed by Coraline Bickford-Smith and I had to order it online. (The Hound of the Baskervilles By Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)There are only two other editions that I have actually held and for some idiotic reason, I did not snatch them up.

Especially when one was Jane Eyre and my only copy is abridged...which I'm not going to bother reading. So as you can tell, I'm still stewing over that.

Ms. Bickford-Smith is pretty amazing in my opinion. . She's also designed a set of F. Scott Fitzgerald covers that I gush over and have been searching for in every bookstore I've stood in since my eyes beheld their art deco design.

Maybe this love of covers, stems from a love of bookshelves. Oh, and I just love when people colour coordinate. Like these:

That's definitely very Type-A of me. But it creates another work of art. Don't you agree?

These three books were recent finds at the Annual Friends of the Library Book Sale. They were quite eye-catching.

The set shelves in my room is quickly overflowing. That always tends to happen after our local library book sale. I need to de-clutter it a bit so the bowing shelves do not break under pressure. Oh, but there are so many things from around the world that friends have given me or I have been fortunate enough to acquire in person that only hold sentimental value to me and would probably be worthless to anyone else. It's difficult for me to see that shelf and not feel bombarded with good memories.

What treasures do you have on your shelves?

(I apologize for the grainy pictures. I definitely do not consider myself a photographer.)

Post Cards

Ice Box Cards will soon be available in the form of a Post Card!

Here's a sneak peek!

Aren't you excited?

In the meantime, if you would like to make a purchase of cards designed by my father, you can visit
iceboxcards.com. There's even a variety pack now!

Making Progress...I Hope

Here's the latest poster design that I've been working on for Festival 5.1K 2011.

I'm sure it will change drastically, but I feel like it's peppy and simple for the most part at this stage. I'm also limited to three colours, so it's been a challenge to create depth.

Here is a header for their website. I really have nothing to do with their actual site. I've just been fortunate enough to be asked to work on the poster and t-shirt for the past 4 years.

Does anyone have any suggestions? You know I would love to hear some feedback!

On Hosting a Rummage Sale

On Friday & Saturday, I conducted a sale from my garage. I had been gathering items for months, but waiting for nicer weather. I couldn't have asked for a sunnier day nor lovelier customers. A peculiar thing happens when you invite people to stop by and rummage through your possessions, they talk to you or maybe they are just easier to talk to. They are rarely in a hurry, because nobody stops at a garage sale when they have somewhere else they need to be. These are the sort of people who like to snag a deal, because there are few things better than finding a new inspiration piece for only a quarter or an antique chair for 3 bucks. I like these kind of people. They are my kind of people.

I met a woman that I saw in the Douglas County Historical Society Fashion Show at Glensheen Mansion a month ago. Now I think I may want to join that society and cross my fingers that we'd get to picket a building from getting knocked down (haha Makayla's idea) or get to participate in the next fashion show!

I met several mothers who were thinking of getting things for their kids. Showing a mother's constant thought on her children. Or adult children seeing something that their mother would appreciate for Mother's Day. Precious.

I talked to a woman who informed me that the monogrammed covered pot that I found at an antique store and was selling for $1 is actually what they call a silent butler and was used to collect cigarette ashes from guests, extinguishing the embers. I had always imagined that it was just a fancy way to serve scrambled eggs.

Learning that new fact, made this pack rat remove the item from the sale and it will be able to be seen in the background on a future episode of TLC's Hoarders.

Yet there were a few things I was able to part with. I will express my goodbyes now.

So long, Glee Albums Volume 1 & 2. You were the better part of several lonely, lip-syncing Saturday nights and I will always remember your severely auto-tuned tracks that made Cory Monteith sound decent.

Take care, trusty Casio keyboard with light up keys that served me well throughout college and had "Everything I Do (I Do It For You)" in its song bank.

Lata, Miami Vice Board Game. You are the worst game ever made and I know that your new owners are going to sorely regret purchasing you for $1.75

Fare-thee-well, plant pedestal that I picked up off the side of the road and somehow managed to become $2 richer by giving you up.

Peace out, Parasuco jeans. I sure hope you didn't have any money in your pockets.

I owe a round of applause to Makayla (who actually found a $20 bill in a pair of her jeans that were for sale! Good thing she checked!), Katie (who carried out a grand tradition), my sweet mom for helping me out (especially when I wanted to check out the other rummage sales in the neighborhood), and to all the rummage "salers" out there who bought my junk. It sure was nice to de-clutter our life a bit and meet some new faces. Remember the age old adage, "One man's junk is another's..."

'Til next time!

Jane Eyre

She finally made it to Duluth. I actually thought I'd have to wait until the rental was available because the theatres around here like to make money and let's face it..."Prom" is going to make a heck of a lot more money in this town than some film with an actual plot that has stood the test of time . But thanks to the swanky, cultural Zinema in downtown Duluth, my friends and I were able to catch the film in all its cinematic splendor.

It was a 'beautiful, beautiful, beautiful' film. Let's just say, "Hello, Michael Fassbender."

Loved everything about it. Stand out performances on all accounts. Mia Wasikowska's portrayal of Jane Eyre was lovable and revealing. Her chemistry with Michael Fassbender as Edward Fairfax Rochester was clearly evident. I had nearly forgotten that was capable of being captured in a movie. It's been so long since I've found that believable.

Jamie Bell was dispicable which impressed me, because he's so darling in "Billy Elliot" and "Defiance". And I loved that I didn't even recognize Sally Hawkins of Persuasion fame and had completely forgotten that Dame Judi Dench is as prestigious as she is when she played the modest housemaid, Mrs. Fairfax.

Although I've never read the book (GASP) ...I know, I know (At least I've read Wuthering Heights...) I did see the last adaptation of the story that was a BBC mini-series in 2006 starring Ruth Wilson. I would have to say there were portions of that that I still prefered, but this film was quite stunning and I would definitely recommend it.

Oh, and I was just tickled by the graphic design of the poster. Such a contempory look for a classic story. Delightful juxtaposition.

What do you think about it? I would love to hear other thoughts!

 I don't know why I didn't take a picture of the Star Wars portion of this mural...that's so unlike me. I must have been distracted by the fact that the movie was so evocative.

Thank goodness for the Zinema!

Simply Smashing- No. 2

Yes, the day was April 29. We witnessed history. People are still talking about how they woke up in the wee hours of the morning to watch Princess Diana wed Prince Charles in 1981. I most certainly plan on being able to tell people where I was when the Duke & Duchess of Cambridge exchanged their vows. It was an exquisite ceremony in every way.

Makayla found this little date reminder and informed me that it's been set to this date for sometime in anticipation.

Jody brought many items from her collection for us to browse through as we watched the ceremony.

These Paper Dolls are fabulous! I should have taken pictures of the outfits inside. They were a riot! I feel like they don't make things like this anymore.

Dana made the punch. It was delish!

Someone brought champagne. I feel terrible that I can't remember who to thank for it.

 Here are the party favours. Makayla read Royal Wedding trivia questions about etiquette, traditions, and the Royal Family. Jody was the winner and won the replica sapphire engagement in the glittered union jack box that I made. Katrina won the second place prize which was "Royal Wedding" starring Fred Astaire & Jane Powell ( I think it's famous for the scene where Fred Astaire dances on the ceiling), a Peanut Butter Seroogy Chocolate bar and a mini red telephone booth tin filled with teas. 

Oh! This dress was stunning! I couldn't imagine anything prettier. The anticipation was ridiculous. I actually started watching Live coverage at 2 in the morning and the dress wasn't revealed until 4:51...I was so afraid I was going to fall asleep before the big reveal. I didn't even want to wink in fear that I may miss the iconic moment. The party was held in the evening so we were able to fast-forward through commercials and get to the good part.

 This was by far my favourite shot of the ceremony.I feel as if it was slightly able to capture the grandeur.

 The music was phenomenal. We were all really pleased with the pieces by John Rutter and Paul Mealor. Could he have been a contemporary of Eric Whitacre?

I was having too much fun taking pictures of Makayla's TV. I have an illness where I have to take pictures.

Pamela & Makayla! Rocking royal red!

Kat & Cat! Abner's eyes are ginormous!

 The lovely Brette and Makayla! You can really see her vintage hat in this picture.My gorgeous Mum!

I simply had to have a picture by the British table cloth and faux palace gates

Finishing off the last of the sugar cubes. ;) It was a lovely evening and I really don't think it could have gone better. I can't wait for the next themed party! Makayla and I both thought of a few things we could do next year, but if only this was an annual event! Maybe we'll luck out and get to celebrate Prince Harry's wedding...

Simply Smashing!

My dear friend, Makayla and I threw a party to celebrate a little wedding held over seas.  Naturally, hats were a must at this soiree. We rented hats from The Duluth Playhouse and had a thrill of a time going through their treasure trove. Truly a milliner's fantasy, as we needed ladders to see all the hats. 

We've been planning this for weeks...nay...months. We were both really excited about it. And to find out, so were several others. 

  

Makayla's mother, Dana prepared the programmes for us. Full colour, factual and great momentos to remember the occasion. The front had Prince William's family crest and the back cover, the Middleton family crest was represented.

Above: Strawberries and cream, Chocolate Oblivion, and my little Battenburg cake.Below: "Cheese & Crackers, Gromit!" scrumptious Cucumber Tea Sandwiches, delightful Raspberry Scones, and delicious Crescent Roll-ups of which I devoured.

My mum and I. My dress is actually another one of my Gram's dresses from the 60's. Isn't it a doozy? My mum's ensemble actually reminded me of Kate Middleton's mother's morning suit in a lovely powder blue.

 

Katrina & Jody sporting chic fascinators that I believe Katrina made. Aren't they great?

Dana & Dede dressed to the nines!

The marvelous Makayla! The union jack table cloth was actually made from a white linen sheet that Makayla and I spray painted by using masking tape. Jolly good fun!

Believe me, I think I ate 2/3's of the crescent rolls pictured here.

So here's my Battenberg Cake that I stubbornly made using the metric system. "No, I refuse to measure this in cups!" It's actually a cake that was made for Queen Victoria's granddaughter when she wed Prince Louis of Battenberg.

My mum made this chocoholic treat, Chocolate Oblivion. It's so rich. I love it! 

A close-up of Dana's delectable Raspberry Scones. Mmm!

There they are...making my mouth water.

I think I have another picture of the pudding cakes in the background. They were delicious and brought to us by Katrina and Jody. The tea cups were from my Grandma LaPine's collection as well as a set that was on loan from my friend, Katie. In the back, there is a picture of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert on their wedding day. Queen Victoria's dress is worth seeing up close. You can see it here. Also, Makayla found these dainty coasters and napkins. "C" for Catherine of course, and "W" for William. ;)

Flags to wave with the rest of Great Britain as well as our array of programmes.

Here's the new engagement picture. What an attractive couple! Oh, wait, but there's more to this post. To be continued...