Churches have long used magnificent art like stained glass and carvings to honour and signify their sacred purpose. But the relationship between churches and art runs deeper. In the 6th century, when books and literacy were restricted to the clergy and ruling elite, everyday churchgoers couldn’t read scripture. Instead, they “read” the holy stories through glasswork, statues and paintings.
Dried flowers emerged as a standout trend during my Montréal style scouting excursion earlier this summer. Preserved blooms, seed heads and leaves were showcased in nearly every high-end home décor shop we visited. Most were left in their natural state allowing their understated colours, organic shapes, and subtle textures to take centre stage.
Farmers and gardeners have been busy gathering the autumn harvest. From picking apples to gathering pumpkins to baling hay, they are working tirelessly to stock up for the long winter ahead. It is a season of peak ripeness, marked by a countryside shifting from green to gold.
The unseen bond between horse and handler truly comes alive when you see a team of draft horses in motion. I was lucky enough to witness it firsthand at Nova Scotia’s recent exhibitions.
Online shopping has become an undeniable way of life. In 2024, nearly 30 million Canadians—roughly 72% of the population—made purchases online. Yet, despite the unmatched convenience of buying from the comfort of home, there is still a compelling case for shopping in person ― particularly for one-of-a-kind pieces. Galleries and boutique shops showcasing original artwork, handmade artisan goods, upscale décor, antiques and vintage treasures offer much more than a soulless point-and-click.
In addition to the standard historical and religious events, it seems there’s a designated day for just about every global cause, scientific wonder, special interest, food item and quirky pop culture trend. Special designated days cover the spectrum from serious observations such as the upcoming International Day of Peace to fun and silly events such as International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Falling somewhere in the middle of the serious-to-silly range are hobbies and special interests such as National Collect Rocks Day.
