January 29th, 2016

On a recent trip to Sicily I was transported back to what Italy was like 20 years ago when I studied in Florence. At that time there was little English spoken, restaurants were happy to have North American visitors and there was hardly any influence from the Western world. The impetus for our trip was the Italian Crime Show “Montalbano.” It is set in this region and we were hooked in by the opening credits that show a bird’s eye view of the region with the magnificent hill top churches, homes set into the rock cliffs and the magnificent beaches. We set out in search of Montalbano’s world.

Who wouldn't be seduced by images like this one and reminds me of the  opening credits of the detective show, Montalbano. — Who wouldn't be seduced by images like this one and reminds me of the opening credits of the detective show, Montalbano.

(Above) See some of the homes and churches set into the rock cliffs.

The first part of the strip we stayed in charming town of Modica - a Baroque masterpiece that was re-built after an earthquake in 1693. It is set in a valley and the small town is a feast of architectural gems and is 15 minutes away from beautiful sandy beaches. My husband and I loved walking up and down the steep, narrow streets and after reviewing my pictures I see a common thread of doors, architectural details and churches – elements that distinguish it as a unique place in the world.

December 11th, 2015

White Christmas Angel from Parterre Flowers, Toronto.

When I was a child my mother took me to see the windows at the Eaton store, which started my love affair with the magical world of Christmas windows. Over the years one of my favourite displays are the Bergdorf Goodman windows in New York - a pilgrimage for the romantic who wants to be transported into a fairytale world imagined by a mad artistic scientist.

My other favourite windows are the Hermès windows in Paris. One year I was there they had coloured branches and a different colour theme for each window. I don’t always have the pleasure of travelling at this time of year, but Toronto does not disappoint. My passions were rewarded this week as I strolled out of my office on Yonge Street to view my vote for two of Toronto’s best: Parterre Flowers and Putti.

Bergdorf Goodman version of the Christmas Angel.

Bergdorf Goodman Winter White Wonderland.

Both are located between Roxborough West and Macpherson streets, and as I passed by they made me stop and pause with delight. I anoint “Parterre Flowers “ the newest floral superstar with their Christmas season’s white angel figure. I have driven by many times and my eyes always linger on the gown covered in white flowers, and the mystical figure for all to see. I am not sure what to make of this mysterious figure, but I am drawn to the purity and simplicity. I see her as emblematic of what we strive for at this time when the days become shorter and our celebrations become longer- a beacon for us all.

Putti’s approach is different but no less rewarding. Embracing the maxim that you can never have too much of a good thing, they always brings out all the stops in their windows. This year they have also gone with a white theme in the form of white flocking, layers of green boughs covered in clear white bulbs, and an atmosphere of delicious excess.