5 O'Clock at the Oasis - Balcony Makeover

Okay setting up my balcony for summer is almost as fun as setting up my Christmas tree.  Almost.

I love my balcony but the funny thing is that for years I didn't use it - two words - direct sunlight!  Your feet would burn on the wood after a few minutes of being out there.  There used to be some shade provide by a tree close by however this bit the dust in one big storm.

Meanwhile - I had a 10x10 gazebo tent that was lounging in my closet from a previous dwelling.  I was irked that no one had created a balcony sized version of these inexpensive outdoor tents when it hit me - the poles could simply be cut with a pole cutter and the tent could be sewn smaller.

I have to admit - this was one of those projects that I was surprised it actually worked.

I purchased an inexpensive bistro set and a very inexpensive lounger but I did spend money on the lounger cushion to cover the (let's say it) cheap lounger and you would never know what was underneath. It is really difficult to find outdoor cushions in one colour.  Most are covered in obnoxious tropical fabric.  As I don't live on an island and am surrounded by evergreen trees - I was pleased to find a nice neutral cushion. I would also recommend an outdoor rug - whether you have a wood deck or cement, a rug really warms up the space..

For the past few years I've been purchasing small trees to and potting them to enjoy year over year rather than only relying on annuals that need to be replaced at the end of the season.

It makes for a magical start to the day - fresh air surrounded by annuals in bloom and my potted trees.  The lilac tree finally bloomed along with the cherry tree.

I will be spending as much time as possible out here - especially on the weekends.  It is a perfect place to curl up with a book or enjoy a morning coffee.  Hopefully the rain will hold off for the next few days.

The final touch - a star embellished musquito netting and mini outdoor chandelier make for a dreamy space inspired by the fantastic tent in the movie The Holiday.

From the film The Holiday

From the film The Holiday

Cupcakes Anyone?

Last week I tried a new twist on an old favourite for a birthday party - I attempted to stencil designs on cupcakes with food colouring.  I was able to do so on fondant and was so excited when I was able to find tiffany blue fondant at Bulk Barn.

Needless to say - I was really happy with how they turned out.  Simple stencils from the dollar store, black food colouring, fondant and vanilla macaroons were all the supplies needed.    I will say that if anyone attempts this themselves to have very little food colouring on your brush - it has a tendency to leak under the stencil.  Happy baking!