How You Can Feel Like A Kid In A Candy Store Any Time With Candy Jar

I received a promotional code to help facilitate this feature, regardless, all thoughts and images below are genuine and copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2016.

Momma Told Me: Like a kid in a candy store.


Every time I'd visit my paternal grandmother, growing up, (which wasn't nearly often enough since she lived clear across the country) I'd race through her door and make a beeline for the 'hidden' candy jar. It wasn't really a jar. In fact, I suspect it was actually an antique genuine Crystal bowl- I still recall the way the light would come through the dinette window and sparkle on the beveled edges. Could a container full of candy be magical? It was practically a sugar siren for small hands.

I've met very few people in my life who claim to not enjoy sweets. Sure, you can prefer cake to pie, or chocolate to vanilla, but to be entirely immune to all of sugar's magical forms, is quite impressive indeed. It really only takes one sweet- one perfect for you candy, to lure you in and make you a candy fan. For the 99.9% of the population I've met, who enjoy sweets, I've also learned that sugar for sugar's sake is not merely the solution. Some like their sweets fruity or chewy, while others like wafers and root beer barrels, or fizzing Pop Rocks. Everyone has a favorite, but hardly anyone can choose just one.

That's the magic of candy-

And that's why a jar full of jellybeans on your office desk will always make the work day more pleasant. Sweets are the universal language- that connector that brings each and every one of us back to childhood for just a moment in time. I am a candy girl and I love to share candy with others. Candy, in all it's colorful shapes and sizes, and playful textures, simply puts a smile on my face. But, as we mentioned, everyone's favorites vary so wildly.

What if there was a modern 'penny store' online- virtual barrels lined with your favorite sweets, just waiting to be scooped and put into your own personal Candy Jar?

Well, my friends, there is- And it's appropriately called CandyJar.com.

When I first heard about this concept back on some sort of Kiskstarter-esque site a few years back I was all in. Heck yea I'd back a company willing to set me loose with in a seemingly never-ending variety virtual candy store. Sure, the joy of literally scooping the candy into your jar isn't quite there- but the spirit is, as you pick your jar size and select each of the 'scoops' that will fill it. Browse the virtual barrels of candy, with hundreds of options from specialty gourmet chocolates and brittle to everyday penny candy favorites, character gummis, seasonal offerings and more. This is one candy store that's always getting in new inventory.

So, why do I love Candy Jar?

Outside the obviously reason that it makes me quite literally feel like a 'kid in a candy store' every time I log on to build a custom jar of sweets- Many of you may recall that I've had several family members diagnosed pre-diabetic in the past year. Back in the Spring my grandfather actually spent a few months in the hospital resulting in prescription induced diabetes- and for the greater part of this year he's been off sugar entirely. Since sweets are something I've always associated with my father's parents, and a long hospital and rehabilitation stay can be quite miserable, I have very fond thoughts of Candy Jar.

It might surprise you, but among the specialty options Candy Jar offers they offer an impressive range of Sugar Free sweets. Shopping for a treat for a diabetic or pre-diabetic can feel very dull, and often leads to the same items over and over. Candy Jar quite literally had an entire jar of sugar free options, and more. I built my grandfather his own Candy Jar- and even the nurses considered him quite spoiled for the variety inside. Sugar free chocolates for my grandmother, butterscotch and hard candies for him.

And, as someone who watches her own blood sugar, thanks to hereditary markers, I am ever so grateful to maintain my loving relationship with candy thanks to no-sugar-added and sugar free options available at Candy Jar. Of course, there are a few traditional favorites full of real genuine sugar I can never resist- Rock Candy sticks and sour kids always go into the jar as a treat. My favorite low sugar or sugar free options? No Sugar Added Jordan Almonds, Sugar Free Swedish Style Fish, and Imported Sugar Free Licorice Bears.

When you order a Candy Jar all of your 'scoops' will arrive in pre-portioned bags, tucked inside your jar. This helps keep items fresh, and allows you to separate things such as sour candies from chocolates, if desired. I always layer everything into my jar, regardless, I rather like the surprise of digging for a favorite treat. The jars are also wonderful for gifting- and there truly is a jar for everyone at Candy Jar- if you're not sure what to scoop, you can gift a gift certificate and let your recipient enjoy the fun themselves!

Candy Jar isn't a subscription service- though it could be, if you wanted. It's a place where you can go online to play in the virtual aisles of a giant, always changing, candy store. Shopping to fill your own personal candy jar, or a gift for a loved one or friend, truly gives that 'kid in a candy store' feeling. You'll find nostalgic favorites, and all new cravings in a constantly changing supply of flavors and formats, with a broad range of specialty and premium selections to make your dream jar come true. Candy makes pretty much anyone happy- it's just hard not to smile when you think of your favorite sweet. Check out Candy Jar today (but I warned you!) and follow them on Facebook and Twitter for new selection sneak peeks, promotions, and more.

What Daughter Says: Candy Store offers something for every kid at heart, even my pre-diabetic family members, so we can continue to share memories of sweet smiles.

#SayMore With Hershey's Kisses Deluxe + D.I.Y. Checkers Board Tray

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe. I received product samples to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.

Momma Told Me: That's nice to hear.

Growing up my father was always there, even when he was not, which was quite often in the scheme of my childhood years. Pop worked Monday- Friday, as a traveling technician servicing his company's equipment everywhere from our home town to 100's of miles away. He was almost always 'on the road' before I'd even risen for school, and he'd often return home just in time to tuck me into bed. Because all we really had were the weekends, we made our moments count during the week.

My father was notorious for finding reason to 'extend' my bedtime just a little longer. He'd make ridiculous bets, call me downstairs for a 'forgotten' dessert, and offer just one round of our favorite game, Checkers. For my 6th birthday my grandparents sent fun twist on the classic game, Chockers, and a bag of Hershey's Kisses. The game was identical to the classic one, with the exception that the pieces were actually plastic Hershey's KISSES and the 'Kings' were delicious chocolates the winner actually got to eat. Momma was never too keen on that version- especially since my father so often let me win so he could share his favorite chocolates.

Delicious Hershey's KISSES have been a symbol of love in our family ever since those childhood memories first blossomed. Every holiday we'd send a bag of KISSES out to my grandmother, and every holiday she'd send some right back. And, let's not forget, they're KISSES- sharing a Hershey's KISSES is just like sharing a melty chocolate hug. And, I don't know about your family, but ours holds chocolate in high regard when it comes to expressions of love through gifting! So, when I discovered new Hershey's KISSES Deluxe chocolates, the delicious new Hershey's KISSES with twice the chocolate and a premium Hazelnut center, I immediately wanted to share them with my father.

In fact, Hershey's KISSES has an exciting campaign currently going on right now to encourage their fans to #SayMore this holiday season with more meaningful conversations and deliberate interactions. The Say More campaign is precisely the type of message we here, on Momma Told Me, like to preach with our retrospective stories. Every year I gift my father something handmade, and this year's gift is inspired by those Hershey KISSES memories, and bed times stretched by chocolate Kings and crinkled wrappers. This year I'll be gifting my father a home made Checkers board and a box of Hershey's KISSES Deluxe.

Making this project was a time for me to not only reflect on warm, fuzzy, memories, but to inspire a dialogue with my father about how much those memories truly meant to me, within the scope of my childhood and even still to this day. I began by finding a square serving tray I could easily re=purpose for a board game. Since I already had 1.5" round wood discs from the craft store, I knew I needed a board at least 12" x 12," so I picked up a 14" square bamboo serving tray that was affordable, and lightweight enough to be carried from room to room, or stashed under the coffee table when not in play.

Your color scheme will vary, depending on your tastes and the finish of your chosen tray- I decided to go with a classic red and black grid. Using odor-free rub on wood stain I applied 2 coats of red to one side of 32 discs (the board base), and both sides of 18 discs (my playing pieces,) then repeated the process with the remaining discs for the black. Once dry I measured an even distance from the walls of my tray and cut cardboard spacers to lay inside as a guide for a centered grid. Using wood glue I daubed a spot of glue for each marker until all 64 spots were placed. I then placed a heady box atop the grid for several hours while the glue set.

To allow for the 'Kinging' of pieces I used a gold paint marker to draw crowns on one side of 4 pieces, for each color- though, players can also double collected pieces to signify a 'King' as is traditional. My preference? Gift your Checkers board with a 35 count box of Hershey's KISSES Deluxe for use as the 'Kings.' In any case, I sealed all of my pieces, and the board, with 2 coats of clear acrylic paint spray- in a well ventilated outdoor area wearing proper face protection.

This was a very affordable and simple product with a wonderfully clean finish and final look. The tray has handles so it can be taken from room to room, or even outdoors, without the game being disturbed, and all pieces can be contained inside so pieces are never lost. In an age where family members poke one another and send emojis from the next room over, couldn't we all use a little more time to reconnect over a classic board game like this? When was the last time you spent some time getting to know your house guests over a little good matured competition and delicious chocolates?

New Hershey's KISSES Deluxe are all about taking a moment to savor life with the friends and family that mean so very much. Share the rich chocolate flavor, and delicious hazelnut center, with someone this season and see what conversation you can strike. We're all so busy running to and fro this time of the year, why not relax and reconnect? Need a little more inspiration? Check out this heartwarming video of how one family was encouraged to Say More to their mother. Follow Hershey's on Facebook for more #SayMore inspiration. Do you know someone in your life you'd like to take some time to reconnect with? Who might enjoy a chance to say more over delicious Hershey's KISSES Deluxe?


What Daughter Says: No matter how much those around you know how you feel about them, take the time to share and #SayMore this holiday season.

I-C is hosting a contest for the new Hershey KISSES Deluxe where our readers can enter to win one of 50 Hershey’s KISSES Deluxe 75 – piece gift box valued at $35! *I-C will randomly select fifty winners from all program entries and will handle fulfillment of the winning prizes.

Blog POP!: Bears For Humanity: 100% Organic Certified, U.S.A. Made, Buy One Give One Teddy Bears

We received a Bears For Humanity sample, and donation on our behalf, in exchange for our honest thoughts here. All photos contained below are copyright Momma Told Me Blog 2015.

Momma Told Me: Imagine. If every time you did something for yourself, someone else was helped too.


What's in a teddy bear?

I like to think something magical.

A teddy bear is so much more than a toy- it's your child's first friend, a symbol of love, the most important guest at a tea party, something passed down from generation to generation, and for thousands of children passing through tough times, a symbol of comfort and hope. A teddy bear is a familiar face, a gentle hug, and a reminder that someone is loved, no matter who or where they are.

I recently had a talk with a girlfriend of mine about childhood toys and long lost memories. I could almost see the vivid picture she painted of her mother's attic, and long lost friends. A rocking horse her grandfather made for her, a slinky she'd watched crawl down her front porch steps hundreds of times, and a faded old teddy bear missing his left eye. She'd had an ordinary childhood, as ordinary goes; 2 parents, gifts on Christmas morning, and a dog in the backyard. "I out grew most of my toys by 10, I'd rather spend my time outside or with my friends than playing with trinkets and things," she explained, "But that silly little bear," she'd paused as though she were drinking warm memories, "I kept that bear on my bed until the day I went off to college. I don't think I ever outgrew it."

What followed was a long talk about the value of 'things,' and the way in which we, as humans, find comfort in such material objects. The conversation ended with a declarative statement, "Every child should have a teddy bear," to which I whole-heartedly agree. And that, my friends, is just one of the core beliefs behind the beautiful handcrafted teddies at Bears For Humanity. In fact, the founder believe so strongly in the purity of a teddy bear as a comforting and iconic childhood symbol that they're committed the brand to product teddy bears only made from 100% organic materials. A Bear as wholesome and naturally cuddle-worthy as your child.

But that's far from all, Bears For Humanity will also donate an equal bear, for every bear purchased, to one of 5 amazing charities, Semper Fi, Toys For Tots, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital, One Simple Wish, or Save The Children. When you buy one of these adorable classically designed teddy bears you get to choose the charity which receives your bear donation! One bear for you or your loved one, and one to a child desperately in need of a huggable best friend. And each an every bear is currently made by loving hands of employees located here in my home state, California- providing jobs to, in most cases mothers, who so desperately need them!

Bears For Humanity are unlike any teddy bear you'd pull off the shelf in the toy store. Not only are their 100% certified organic materials safe for your child to cuddle and grow with, their feature beautiful detailing from tufted fur and jointed arms and legs, to that classic pinched teddy bear face. Choose from 16" Premium Bears in 5 beautiful colors or 7" Baby Bears, as well as adorable accessories such as shirts and bow ties! Doesn't Sammie just look dapper in his red tie? We simply cannot sing enough praise for this socially conscious toy brand; we've even donated our Blue Sweetie Baby Bear to our local Toys For Tots to help emphasize the message  and spirit of giving with our little ones! If you're still shopping for a gift that goes beyond smiles today, to a lasting gift tomorrow, check out and support Bears For Humanity this holiday season.

What Daughter Says: The only thing better than hugging a teddy bear is knowing someone else is hugging one too.

 

Give The Gift Of Smiles: Homemade Lip Balm + Lip Sugar Scrub Tutorials

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GiftOfPhilips #CollectiveBias

Momma Told Me: Give smiles.

I still remember my mother's 45th birthday. She had asked for an electric toothbrush, a Philips Sonicare to be exact. And, no matter how my father and I urged her to pick something less 'practical,' she insisted that a shiny new toothbrush, with a few replacement heads, was all she really wanted more than anything. Fast forward a decade later and the mentality has very much changed. Smiles are vogue. They're Pin-worthy, on -trend, and very 'in.' And those Philips Sonicare toothbrushes? They're on the bathroom counters of all my friends and family. I can't spend a night in their homes without noticing the proudly displayed toothbrush, and hearing a lecture about how it's time to make the switch.

And, honestly, who can blame them? The 'smile' sits atop most noticed lists for job interviews, first impressions, and romantic matches alike. An estimated 1 million selfies are taken a day, worldwide. I'll let you soak that in a little bit. And, unless you're making fish lips, you're showing off those pearly, hopefully, whites. It's easy to see why the stylish Philips Sonicare 2 Series electric toothbrush is one of this year's hot items. Electric toothbrushes like Sonicare's can remove up to 6 times the plaque and buildup of manual ones, and with considerable less effort. The Sonicare 2 Series even comes in stylish limited edition colors such as Coral (seen here,) Steel (Blue), and Green when you shop at Target. These trendy colors are especially perfect for gifting teenagers- and I've got just the one in mind to give this one to!

My niece has been all about the selfies since she became a teenager- She's convinced her mother to shave, her father to allow her to wear (modest) dresses to school, and is constantly preening and primping in every reflective surface in sight. Like a typical teen, the world revolves around her (at least in her head it does.) But she's also beginning to wise up about hoe much effort it takes to maintain that 'flawless' look, and that beautiful teeth are not just a matter of fashion and self esteem, but a matter of health too. The Coral Philips Sonicare Series 2 electric toothbrush will be perfect for her. And, because I want to foster confidence and a year full of smiles in 2016, I'm even going to gift her a few smile enhancing (maybe even educing) extras. Right now the Sonicare 2 Series is on sale for an amazing price of $39.99 at Target, so I have a little extra left over in my budget.

The first thing I new I wanted to add to my 'Gift Of Smiles' was a set of homemade flavored lip balms. The process really couldn't be any simpler, and is something even tweens or teens would enjoy doing for a slumber party or birthday event. All it requires is a petroleum substitute such as a beesewax, cocoa butter, or unrefined coconut oil. While Momma's mom would tout the benefits of petroleum jelly all day, my generation is a bit more green and organic minded- so I suggest a pure cocoa butter or cocoa butter and coconut oil blend. Next, you'll want a few fruit beverage drink packets- the powder kind you typically add sugar too.

Place your base in a mixing container and sprinkle a little of the powdered drink mix in. Using a Popsicle stick or other fine agitator, fully combine the two before adding more. A little bit of most drink mixes will give a pleasant aroma, light flavor, and nice tint. Adding too much powdered drink mix will make the balm gritty and unpleasant. If you would like to make a tinted balm add a little extra red to one mix! If the mixture is too thick to blend place it (in a microwave safe container) in the microwave for 10 seconds on high, until the base of the mixture has just started to melt. Portion the mixture into plastic balm pots (I used 5 gram pots typically intended for mineral eye shadow, you may buy them at most beauty supply stores.)

Next I wanted to make something entirely natural that my niece could use to help treat her lips with on a weekly basis, something that would add a touch of 'spa' treatment to my gift. I first fell in love with the ritual of lip scrubs last year when I purchased one on a whim from a handmade vendor. I immediately fell in love with the dramatic improvement of my lips texture and health. Just one treatment a week left my lips in amazing shape, softer, more even, and free of dry or peeling skin.

You'll need, 1 C pure cane sugar (granulated,) 1 TBS organic vanilla extract, one vanilla bean, and 1 TBS coconut oil (melted/liquid). Prepare your vanilla bean by running a straight edge down the middle (starting at the curved top) and scraping the center 'caviar' out. This center extract is what you will use in your sugar scrab. As a tip, store scraped beans in your pantry vanilla jar for wonderfully fragranced vanilla!

Next, combine all ingredients with a fork, or wide spoon, gently scraping the mixture together (rather than smashing.) Do not overwork the mixture, it should be light, fluffy, and slightly damp. The vanilla bean should be seen throughout.

Home made sugar lip scrub will keep in an air tight jar for months- If you open your scrub and notice it as begun to dry out simply portion a little into a dish or tray, as a drop of water and create a gritty paste to apply to your lips. Use the scrub once, to no more than twice, a week, directly applied to the lips and 'scrubbed' into the lips with one's fingers. Rinse and enjoy exfoliated lips!

To complete my gift of smiles gift I picked up a few affordable extras, no more than a few dollars each. I included a pack of sugar free gum, and some fruity breath mints, as well as some bright colored wash cloths, mouth wash, and floss picks. I even threw in a selfie lens kit so my recipient can show off their beautiful smile in a whole new way! I packaged all these items up in a clear travel cosmetics case with a bow, ready to gift.

I'll be honest, since the Philips Sonicare 2 Series is nearly half off at Target right now, Sabrina is not the only one on my list receiving one for the holiday this year. I can't divulge the other recipient, as they read the blog, but I can tell you I got a beautiful Coral Series 2 for myself. I even scored a great price on some replacement heads, so I am ready to go for 2016!

More than not lately I look at things from a questioning perspective of 'Am I getting old?' This is not one of them. Sure, I might appreciate the value of a great smile a lot more than I did in high school, but my nieces and nephews also seem to have caught on a lot earlier than me. I'm not longer the exception when it comes to the 'electric toothbrush club,' and I know a few people on my holiday shopping list who will be smiling extra bright come Christmas morning! What are some of your best tips and secrets for a confident smile? Do you know anyone on your list who would love a Philips Sonicare 2 Series this holiday season?

What Daughter Says: I may have interpreted Momma's advice different than she originally intended, but the outcome is still the same. Sharing the confidence of a great smile is just as important!