“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: It Goes On.”
Robert Frost

Monday, January 7, 2013

Ice Castles . . .

We are still having fun with the snow here in Minnesota. I am not sick of it yet, but just wait until the end of February! Here are a couple more fun things people do here for entertainment. The first is the castle at the Mall.


"This winter, Mall of America® will bring a one-of-a-kind experience to visitors from around the world. Ice Castles, will build its largest structure ever, a castle that will stand more than 40 feet tall at its peak and span two acres." source




Ice Princesses just hanging out in front of the castle.

source
LED lights inside the structure, help with the glow.






The picture below is one I found this week on Pinterest, I couldn't resist after my post on the Polar Plunge last week. This Finnish swimmer looks quite glamorous, notice her hair is not wet. I wonder how far down the ladder she actually went?

                     A Winter Swim in Finland.


The second fun thing to do is go to an ice bar. To top it off, how about a night cap at the BLU Ice Bar Lounge.

 Yes thanks, I would like a triple-hot chocolate 
with cinnamon schnapps please!

Source                  
BLU Ice Bar and Lounge - Grand Superior Lodge - Minnesota




source
 No, I have not been there, yet!
Now that you are freezing, how about that hot chocolate!?

  
                                                                       source



Blazing Hot Chocolate

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 pinch salt
1/3 cup boiling water
3 1/2 cups milk
3/4 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 cup half-and-half

Combine the cocoa, sugar and pinch of salt in a saucepan. Blend in the boiling water. Bring this mixture to a medium boil while you stir it. Simmer and stir for about 2 minutes. Watch that it doesn't scorch. Stir in 3 1/2 cups of milk and the half-and-half, heat until very hot, but do not boil!

Remove from the heat and add the vanilla. Divide between four mugs.
Add some schnapps at your own risk!

Garnish as you wish. Drink, enjoy, aahhh!



12 comments:

  1. Oh, wow! That ice castle is so pretty, especially with the lights glowing inside. (Funny, but to help me sleep last night I watched Faerie Tale Theater's "The Snow Queen" and then I see a REAL ice castle here on your blog today. Lol!) Where I live, we only have ice in the freezer so this was fun to see.

    It looks pretty darn cold though. Not sure I could stand seeing it in person.

    Kristin

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  2. The Ice Castle looks fabulous! But you know I'd be at that Ice Bar in a flash! Although even I can be temped away by that yummy looking hot chocolate. I'm so weak, Diane!

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  3. That Blu Ice bar is unreal! Hot Chocolate would definitely be my drink of choice :)

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  4. Those are beautiful photos. Winter has a certain type of charm to it. But after just looking at that woman climbing down the ladder into that freezing cold water, I'm chilled! So that hot chocolate sounds about right!,

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  5. I can't believe someone can take a swim or dip in such cold water. I wouldn't look that happy.

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  6. the winter swim made me squeamish in my seat!!!!!!!!

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  7. By Gawd, you Minnesotans know how to do winter right!

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  8. Gosh you have snow.. None here, and it is quite mild for the time of year.

    Lovely images - as always!

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  9. Wowness..such beautiful creations of ice ..magical..enchanting!! Fabulous post!yay! no swimming for me..lol!
    Thanks for your lovely visit!
    Wishing you a sparkling rest of week!

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  10. I am coming for a visit!! Everything looks so amazing!!!

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  11. Dear Diane - you make winter look wonderful. I bet the castle at the Mall will be gorgeous. We are in the midst of a Jan. thaw so our snow is melting. I know it will be back though. Have a great day.

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  12. I hope that the girl in the bathing suit is going into a hot tub! Hot tubs are best when its cold outside.

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