Spare Bedroom Make-over: Step 1 (Paint)

One of the projects that I have been putting off for what seems like forever is to give our spare bedroom a make-over.  As you can see, the previous owners chose an absolutely horrid color for a small basement room (or for ANY room if you ask my opinion).  It's a rusty-red color with hints of orange and brown and is all round just AWFUL!  They shouldn't sell paint in this color!! (I should really try to form an opinion, shouldn't I?)

Cocktail week 3: Strawberry Mint Prosecco Pops

Week 3 of my Cocktail-Extravaganza rolled around on Sunday and after lots of internet research, I knew I wanted an 'adult popsicle'.  That my sound like something taboo, but don't worry, it is just code for an alcoholic popsicle.  I have had a few failures in mixing alcohol with things that need to solidify (exhibit A- jello shooters made with WAY too much tequila), so I decided not to go too off recipe with this one.  I decided on a modification of this recipe, substituting the blackberries for strawberries, and adding some mint.

Iris

My iris' are flowering...they are so beautiful and exotic looking!

I love the pattern on the petal...an amazing blue geometric print.  Love!

Upside down garden

What to do with a narrow south facing space?  We decided to maximize the narrow space between our garage and the neighbor's fence by building a cold frame/tomato haven and by hanging upside-down planters.

Cool Caipirinhas

I'm not sure exactly what it was this week-end, maybe the fact that the sun actually emerged and the temperature actually climbed to a decent number, but I was in the mood for a caipirinha!  I was introduced to this drink a few years ago during a trip to Brazil, and drank my fair share on Copacabana and Ipanema beaches.

Spring blooms

It is so nice to see some color in the garden!  I have been kept very busy with weeding, but stopped to snap a few pictures of what is blooming in my garden this week.

 Iris

Blackberry-Thyme Margaritas

This summer I want to try out a new cocktail recipe every week-end.  I love a good Happy Hour cocktail!  I wish I could have enjoyed today's on the deck, unfortunately the weather wouldn't cooperate.  I stumbled across this recipe the other day and thought it would be the perfect cocktail to kick off Happy Hour today.

 

I spy with my little eye something that is cute and fuzzy

Can you see it too?

Be Still, My Beating Heart

My Bleeding Hearts are flowering!

Apple Walnut Coffee Cake

 Today it was rainy for most of the day and what is better on a rainy day than filling the house with delicious smells?  I decided to get rid of some of my old Granny Smith apples and had to make do with whatever I had lying around the house so that narrowed down the recipe I could use substantially.  I settled on this recipe and got to work...

The dough seemed very thick when I went to put it in the pan but other reviewers of the recipe said not to worry.

It came out looking beautiful and I decided against the glace.  It tastes great!  Nice and moist, but not overly sweet.  I prefer a desert that is not too sweet.  Overall, I highly recommend this recipe!

More signs of spring

I spotted these cuties hanging out on my raised strawberry bed (which I will hopefully get to in another post).  I think they are baby sparrows.  My heart melted a little bit...

Spring

Does anything in the world smell as good as lilacs?  Here in Calgary, my lilacs are just starting to flower.  The smell triggers something in my brain that gives me that happy feeling that summer is here and it has only just started.  I love the optimistic feeling that I have at the start of summer...so many plans and the whole summer ahead of me!

Welcome!

Welcome to Sweet Peas and Saffron!  This blog will post on my favorite things: trying new recipes, gardening with a bit of home and fashion thrown in.  I hope you enjoy!