Food: The Nugateau Éclair

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When I was in Toronto on the weekend, my friend and I picked up a pair of éclairs from Nugateau – a sweet éclair-focused patisserie. In fact, Nugateau is Canada’s first all-éclair patisserie. As soon as I entered the shop, I was reminded of the classic French patisserie with colourful pastel creations. Every piece of dessert was so beautiful.

I had experienced Nugateau at the Terroir Symposium last spring, but this was my first time I was able to see all the creations in person. It was delightful!

We picked up the Pistachio Royal and Rosabelle. It was hard to take the first bite because I didn’t want to mess up the design. But the éclair was delicious, so you know I couldn’t wait all that long! Because the Nugateau éclairs are made with high quality ingredients, and no artificial flavours are used, their taste is rich and distinct.

Snowbelle

I love the idea of bringing the French patisserie to Canada, don’t you? And for those of you who love éclairs, definitely make a stop into Nugateau on your next trip to Toronto.

The Friday Five: 5 Things on My Mind

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My mind has been busy this week. Here’s what has been on it…

1. TD Canada Trust Wait Time

As soon as I noticed my credit card was compromised last weekend, I called TD Visa. There was no real rush, however, since I was on hold (hold!) for 45 minutes. Is this normal? I was expecting to be on hold for maximum 10 minutes. Not fun. It took about 5 minutes to resolve my issue.

2. Credit Card Theft

I’m 99% certain that my credit card info was stolen via an Uber transaction. Not cool. I can’t prove it though, but maybe TD can. What a pain. Saving credit card info online is super convenient at the time of purchase, but incredibly inconvenient when a theft happens. Time to start with a fresh card. And time to stop saving info in my account.

3. Doors

To be honest, I have found door purchasing intimidating. Tiles, fabric, furniture, I can do. But doors? I found it hard. Luckily, Metrie and Northfield Trim and Door (here in Waterloo) have been guiding me through this door makeover project. I’ll let you know how installation goes.

4. Heidi Klum on Ellen

I watched this clip so many times. It made me laugh so much!

5. Essie Nail Polish

Did you know that Essie has launched a new series of nail polish? I learned about this via Carly, and since the “True Love Color” polish was on sale, I picked up “Pinked to Perfection”. It’s an all-in-one nail strengthener and polish, so it’s just what I need. I’m weekend ready!

Trivia Thursday: Arco Floor Lamp

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Today I’m bringing you information about one of the most famous designs in the world of lighting. The Arco Floor Lamp was designed by Achille Castiglioni in 1962. You’ve probably seen it – or countless imitations of it – in design magazines ever since then. Even when the 60s and 70s styles passed, this lamp remained. It’s certainly a long-standing fixture in many homes.

The base is made of Carrara marble, and the hole in the side makes for easy lifting and moving. The curved stainless steel stem means that you can position the light as you wish.

Arco

 via Cheer Huzz

via Decoholic

 via Vintage Industrial Style

via Modern Karibou

via The Decorist

Uptown: Interior Door Hardware

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As I have previously mentioned, I’m saying #byebyebifold at my house. I’m replacing my (very annoying) bifolds with new doors from Metrie. For one closet, I’m having double doors installed, and for the other closet, I’m having a regular door installed. I’m so happy to say goodbye to those bifold doors of mine (let me just say that again and again and again).

Not only am I saying goodbye to the bifolds, but I’m also saying goodbye to 80s gold hardware. I haven’t actually minded the gold, if I’m being honest, but I think a more modern, stainless-steel look is more in keeping with the overall aesthetic of my home.

I’m thrilled to be partnering with Direct Door Hardware on this project. I worked with this company when I first moved into my home and replaced my exterior door knobs. The ordering process and delivery was so smooth. In addition, Direct Door Hardware offers a great selection of traditional and modern knobs and hardware for exterior and interior doors. I knew I would find what I had in mind for my interior door hardware at this online store.

Here are a few stainless (brushed nickel, satin chrome) options I contemplated:

Sure-Loc Bergen

Emtek Bristol

Emtek Octagon (so gorgeous, but can get pricey if you need a lot)

Sure-Loc Juneau

Kwikset Milan

Schlage Latitude

Baldwin Reserve

Any guesses as to my final decision?

I opted for the Kwikset Milan lever in satin chrome. I really love the sleek, seamless style. I know it’s one of the plainest options of the group here, but I like plain. I did consider having a square backing plate, but in the end, I decided that I prefer the contrast of the round plate and the squareness of the Lincoln Park door.

Side note: In my research, I learned that Kwikset is part of Spectrum Brands which also owns Weiser, Baldwin, Pfister, and Stanley. Just a tidbit of doorknob trivia for you!

Ordering the hardware was easy once again. I decided which doors needed dummy levers (e.g., closet doors) and which doors needed to have a lock on them (e.g., bathroom doors). I did also note left- and right-handle openings, but the same Kwikset Milan lever is good for both directions.

The box of hardware arrived safely via UPS (note that if you’re ordering from Canada, you’ll likely incur brokerage/duties charges), and everything looks really solid and well-made in person. I feel happy with my decision and I’m eager to see how everything comes together.

Thanks to Direct Door Hardware for sponsoring this post. Thanks to Jake for arranging my order. All opinions are my own.

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