- March 14, 2025
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It’s February – the sweetest month.
When I was growing up, sweets were not daily edibles. But every Sunday morning my parents took us to The Cake Box in Whitehouse, N.J., where we each picked out a doughnut (my dad got to round off the half-dozen).
With all the negative sugar reports in the news, I recently began to consider eliminating it from my diet. But there is a compelling force that I see more and more of at events that always causes my head to turn: the candy bar.
Not a lone candy bar off the shelf or out of a box, but a table filled with candy treats irresistible to even the most recovered sugarholic. Candy bars are skillfully styled with carefully curated colorful confections that appeal to childhood memories and the primal desire for instant satisfaction, complete with adorable mini shovels designed to act as complicit helpers. Bags and ties beckon to be filled and taken home for a late-night fix.
As an artist I find the candy bar attractive, appealing, fun to photograph, and the sweets are an easy snack between camera clicks.
The Gulf Coast Heat Homeschool Athletic Cooperative held its homecoming prom with about 160 uber cool teenagers in attendance. During a lull in their “under the sea” step-and-repeat, I checked out the candy bar and filled a tiny cup with the brand that doesn't melt in your hand. Turned out to be accompanied by our favorite sticky "taste the rainbow" Skittles, and this delicious mixture is a culinary delight of sweet and sour that pretty much cements the painful truth that my love affair with sugar is here to stay.
It was a true sneak peek in the Tom and Sherry Koski Gallery at the Sarasota Art Museum's VIP party. With a guest list that included local creatives, shoe aficionados and art lovers donned in their own fancy, colorful and unique kicks, the opening of this innovative exhibition was celebrated.
Future Now: Virtual Sneakers to Cutting-Edge Kicks is being held through May 4. It features futuristic designs from Toronto's Bata Shoe Museum and loans from other collections. Everything from funky French 1840s flats to a pair of circa 2023 Big Red Boots inspired by Astro Boy (that went viral across social media platforms) are on exhibit. With shoe styles made from mushroom leather and reclaimed ocean plastics there is something for everyone. But leave your shoehorn at home: these boots are not made for walking because nothing is for sale in this exhibit.
On the move: If you have seen Tina Napoli out and about you know she is a mover and shaker whose zest for life is infectious. She and husband, Dan, wanted to commemorate their final days at their Ritz-Carlton residence overlooking the Gulf of Mexico before a new buyer begins “moving on up.” Together with their daughter, Catherine, son-in-law Jon and baby granddaughter, Charlotte, they enjoyed some family-style documentary photography to memorialize their beachfront life over the years.
Congratulations to Terri and Michael Klauber on their wedding anniversary. If you sent a porcelain gift their way then you know how many years they have been legally wed.
My first foray into an event at the St. Regis Resort Longboat Key found me stuck in a mandatory valet situation with no cash in my pocket. The friendly attendant politely brushed off my lack-of-tip apology and handed me a receipt saying, "No pressure, but here is our QR code — you can send a valet tip electronically!" Note to self: carry cash.
I happily listen to stories in between clicks. This week's include a husband running off with the family company's PR gal, a random romantic match made in Washington, D.C. at the recent presidential inauguration ball, a fundraiser favorite maxing out her credit card at the SAM gift shop, and a college president who was photographed with — oh my gosh of all things — a Bud Light bottle in his hand! Pish posh!
Happy Galentine's Day (yes, Webster's Dictionary recognized this word in 2022) on the 13th and Happy Valentine's Day on the 14th. If you are stuck for a sweet nothing to whisper in that special someone’s ear, donut give up or jump the gum because an old dog can learn new Twix.
Our Sarasota social season is in full force, so check your calendar, put on your favorite kicks (all types welcome!) and join us in supporting your favorite cause.
And who knows, you just might come face to face with an enticing candy bar!
If you have a tips, tidbits, secrets you want revealed or locked into the vault, or to find out if I actually sent the St. Regis a valet tip via a QR code please email me at JCombs@YourObserver.com
