After a long week of a normal yet busy routine, it was time for a mom break. My request was a few hours alone to grab a coffee and wind down at the mall. Shopping wasn’t really at the top of my agenda, but it’s always nice to take in the latest fashions and trends on the horizon for the next season.

Rather than go to the local mall, I decided a trip to an outdoor destination was in order. After seeing a promo on the morning news for an ice carving event that would be held later that evening at Legacy Village in Beachwood, I soon found myself standing in front of the stage on the green area with my coffee in hand.

As the “ice men” built an 8-foot bonfire surrounded by walls of ice, it was obvious these weren’t recreational carvers or amateurs. These carvers travel to Alaska, Canada, Japan, China, Italy, Bahamas, Jamaica and Italy, according to Aaron Costic of Elegant Ice Creations of Broadview Heights. Who would have thought a trip to unwind would turn into watching international ice sculpting competitors? As the experts prepared for the event, I decided to take a walk around the boutiques and check in to see what they were offering for spring. It’s often here, rather than the department retailers that feature the most advanced and unique trends.

Many parents had their children in tow, dressed in ski pants and snow suits. I could have easily second-guessed my decision for time alone, but I decided I would enjoy watching the families without guilt and return home refreshed and re-focused. I also didn’t have to worry about the scenario of children possibly getting too close to the display. 

A giant bonfire soon ensued with flames reaching as high as the trees. Employees from surrounding restaurants left their posts and comforts of a heated building to photograph the event. Photographers had set up tripods to document the spectacle, and I casually yet enthusiastically watched it unfold.

The ice-and-fire themed music accompanied the burn, while people of all generations danced and sang. I actually saw some grandparents singing "Ice, Ice, Baby" and at the same time mused at some teens who were breaking out their finest '80s dance moves. I was surprised they would even be remotely familiar with the lyrics.

Less than an hour later, as the crowd stood around the bonfire, a carver transformed a 300 pound block of ice into an elegant flamingo. Most of us have seen an ice carving, but this was something that was great for kids’ imagination. There are plenty of reality dance and song television shows, but this reality demonstration was truly unique.

As far as the fashion piece, I noticed a few styles holding a common theme – ‘70s bohemian and sophisticated glamour with crochet and macramé draping the mannequins. As far as colors, there were hues of deep blues, pinks, corals and neutrals.

Not to mention, there were significant discounts on items in the lineup for retirement. Many items could be implemented into next year’s wardrobe or stored in the closet as an early jump on next year’s holiday shopping.

In the end, I didn’t spend much money, and I left happy. It was great to have taken a few hours to unwind, and this was a wonderful opportunity to gain a fresh perspective on a new idea for something to which parents could expose their children.