Toronto Tip

I have to admit that I am not a huge fan of the ever popular macaroon, they are very pretty to look at, but they are way too sweet. I know, so shocking...aren't all bloggers suppose to adore macaroons? Are they not the new cupcake? Don't worry, I do have other vices. I love, love a good croissant and have never been known to pass up a pain au chocolat either.
On the weekend we visited Nadege Patisserie on Queen Street West where they make the most adorable macaroons and the best croissants ever. We had the plain croissant, the mini almond croissant and the pain au chocolat. Yum. All were excellent, but we decided the mini almond croissant were the best!

The shop was so full of people that I had to go outside to take a photo. The funny thing was that I wasn't the only one trying to get a shot through the window, a few others were drooling and whipping out their phones too.

 

Ahh, cake with tiny macaroons on top. (more adorable in person)

Designer Rosa Beltran

Rosa Beltran is an interior designer living in Los Angeles. She has created the most amazing home office in her garage. I am really impressed by her ingenuity and her impeccable style. I would give anything for my own office (I might as well admit it right now that I would so copy Rosa's pink inspirations boards for the walls!), unfortunately my garage here in the north east, is full of snow shovels, skis and frozen garbage!

What I love about Rosa, is her ability to produce spaces that look like they have been carefully collected over time. She is a master at incorporating vintage and high/low finds in the perfect combinations so that the rooms are warm and inviting, but are in no way contrived or over done.

Please take a look at her at her lovely office, as well as a few photos of her design work.

Before

After

Rosa's design work...

I think one of the reasons I love Rosa's designs so much is that we have very similar styles. Take a look at my master bedroom below, it's very similar to Rosa's above. (I still like this so much that I am going to repeat the whole thing again in the new house.)

 This dresser is amazing.

 Rosa created this Agate wall herself by sticking up marbled paper she bought at a local art shop. So cool!

Love of the Week

This week I came across this lovely vintage inspired kitchen.

There are so many good ideas here!

 I think it's about time I erase the Christmas message on my kitchen black board and replace it with Julia's words;)

All photos from here

Green cabinet paint: Bamboo Shoot SW7733 Sherwin Williams

What are your plans for the weekend?

We are going to do some serious packing (have to get a move on in that area!), cleaning over at the new house and shopping for all the final materials I need for the basement reno.

And if you are in one of the provinces that celebrate...Happy Family Day and Yeah for a long weekend!

Wishing everyone a 

Happy Valentine's Day

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Valentine's Day

Are you ready for Valentine's Day? In our house we don't go crazy with gifts and expensive dinners. I usually give everyone a little present and then I bake something special for dessert, but tomorrow I am going to buy a heart shaped chocolate cake that I saw at a local bakery earlier in the week. It was so delicious looking that I thought I would give it a try.

I have two links for you today...

Visit Jen over on her amazing blog Made by Girl. She has put together a sweet little digital magazine called Cartas de Amor which is Love Letters in Spanish.

 Also, if you need a quick, last minute card here is free printable card from the Nisee Blog.

Really "Sick" Fashion.

The plague has hit our house in a major way. All I've managed to do over the last 3 days is sleep and drug myself with various cold medications.  I am just starting to feel slightly better and have added disinfecting to my to do list. In between naps I whip out these...nothing is off limits...door knobs, remotes, keyboards...the list is long.

I know you all didn't stop by to see this...it's not pretty.

Soooo, check out these amazing photos I stole from Andrew's site. (A shop in Toronto)

This is how I want to look all winter long! ;)

I love every one of these looks.

The 3 C'S... Cute, casual and cozy.

 Love the colour and cut. Nice to see a coat in a colour other than black.

 Yes, Yes, Yes!

 This would require a serious spray on tan. I don't think those shoes are legal in a Canada during the winter!

 

Are you kidding me, this is the most perfect, perfect outfit ever.

 

Last, but not least the Mackage coat. 

If you are in need of a new winter coat you should check out Mackage, they have gorgeous coats and most are now on sale.

I'll be back soon. Keep well everyone. 

PS: Did you get my joke in the title of this post? (Ya, I know it's lame.)

Hello

Just popping in to say a quick hello to everyone, especially those of you in the north east. We have had a major dumping of snow here in the Toronto area and have spent most of the day digging out. It is 8pm and the snow plough has finally done our street which means it's time to get everyone outside to dig out that pesky pile at the end of the driveway. (Don't you hate that?)

One good thing about being stuck inside is the opportunity to get a few things done. I spent the day packing boxes for the impending move, doing laundry and I even managed to bake some chocolate chip cookies.

If you are stuck inside because of the snow and need something to do you could try baking these cupcakes. I originally saw this idea on Pinterest; it's super easy and you don't need any special decorating tools, only a heart shaped cookie cutter.

I used my favourtie chocolate cake recipe by Ina Garten that you can find here.

Trim off the top of each cupcake and cut out heart. I of course ate the hearts!

Spread with icing and then pop the top back on. Sift icing sugar on top just before serving.

(I am not big on food colouring, so I used a couple of teaspoons of strawberry jam to colour and flavour the icing.)

Keep warm everyone, I'll 'see' you on Monday.

Small Space

I feel like I keep saying it, but I love small spaces. This apartment may be small, but it makes up for the lack of space with charm. Take a visit over to the Canadian House and Home site for a video tour. Katelyn Jarrett of Peaks and Rafters did an amazing job. I really appreciate how she incorporated family heirlooms and antiques into a youthful space full of bright colour.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

The New House

Here's what's up at the new house...

The basement finishing is moving along steadily; the walls are studded, the heating is installed and the what looks like miles of wiring has been finished. I need to get cracking on picking bathroom finishes and hardwood flooring.

The painter has started on the main floor, painting over the greenish hall, living room and dining room.

 (That's Ben Moore Balboa Mist)

I am still hating the back splash and can't wait to change it, but I am having a hard time deciding on tile.

If you have forgotten, here are the areas of the kitchen I hope to change...minus the granite. (I am not smitten with it, but if I suggested changing it this may turn from a design blog to a divorce blog!)

 Read about it here.

 I have purchased a new stove, faucet and hardware, still need new lighting.

I am off to see if I can find any tile for the bathroom...and I still need to think seriously about window treatments. YIKES! There are quite a few windows and I was still hoping to have enough money left over to eat, so if any of you in the Toronto area have any suggestions for sources, I am all ears.
Thanks for the help.

Valentine's Day Cards

I thought these little cards were adorable! 

You can download them for free from Amy's site called 

Eat Drink Chic.

Toronto Tip

How was your weekend?

If you ever find yourself in Toronto on a Saturday or Sunday morning I suggest you have brunch at 

 The Drake Hotel.

It is the best place for a big o' breakfast of all the good stuff like eggs, waffles and sausage. They are also famous for their "eye-opening" Caesar which I have been told cures a wicked hangover. It seems to me like putting more "fuel on the fire" so to speak, but I have a very reliable source who swears it works!

My all time favourite at the Drake is the Warm Scone Share Plate. The fresh made blueberry scones come with cream and jam and are crispy on the outside with a fluffy center.

I like to call them a "brunch appetizer"!!

 

 After you've had your apps and coffee it's time for the "fry up". (I stole that term from Coronation Street)

Maybe a Mimosa or a glass of Prosecco? Oh, and the coffee is good too.

 

 The Drake has a revolving series of props, decor and art.

It's only Monday, but I am already dreaming of next Sunday and those scones!!