Dog gone not so good?

We've all heard it, "Don't give your dog chocolate it will kill him". We'll how true is it you're probably wondering.

The toxic dose will vary from dog to dog, depending on a number of factors such as the weight of the dog and his or her metabolism level. The problem with chocolate is that it contains a substance known as theobromine, and this substance is toxic to dogs. This substance is part of the xanthnine compound, the same family that contains caffeine and theophylline. Xanthines affect the nervous system, cardiovascular system and peripheral nerves. It also has a diuretic effect.

The good news is that it takes, on average, a fairly large amount of theobromine 100-150 mg to cause a toxic reaction. On average, Milk chocolate contains 44 mg of theobromine per oz., Semisweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz. and Baker's chocolate contains 390mg/oz. Although there are variables to consider like the individual sensitivity, animal size and chocolate concentration.

So, for example, 2 oz. of Baker's chocolate can cause great risk to an 15 lb. dog. Yet, 2 oz. of Milk chocolate usually will only cause digestive problems.

All those chocolate candy bar wrappers aren't so good for your family pet either.

Wedding Colors

That time of year is here again and if you are like most Brides-To Be you are busy, busy, busy planning your wedding. From the colors of your event to the party favors the list never seems to end. Without your chosen color, you can't call the florist, choose the bridesmaid dresses and even the baker can't begin to plan for your special day. The season usually has a lot to do with the color of your memorable event.

Spring:
Cool colours in hues of baby pink, rich cream, pale sky blue, mint green, soft lilac, and soft silver tones.

Summer:
Balmy mid-purples, rich peaches, ice whites, baby yellows and pale blues.

Autumn:
Warming burgundies, claret red, copper, olive green, chocolate and dark pink.

Winter:
Any frosty tone of cream or white; from ivory to pale coffee cream. Other wintry themed colors include silvery greys, and icicle blues.

Chocolate brown was very popular throughout 2007 although platinum seems to be replacing it this year.

As for wedding guest favors, we offer personalized chocolate candy bar wrappers for your special day. Let us match your wedding event no matter what color you choose.

Darth Vader and Dark Chocolate

Most of us know that Anakin, father of Luke Skywalker, turned to the "dark side of the force" and became evil Sith Lord Darth Vader in a dark galaxy far, far away.

During the Easter holiday I went to a local department store in search of goodies to put in the children's baskets. There were a few teenagers playing and laughing down the isle at a Darth Vader doll with some small pieces of chocolate candy in his hand instead of a lightsaber. The teenagers were chanting "Luke, come to the dark side" I just had to buy this little basket treat for one of the kids since for the past few years they dress up as Darth Vader for Halloween.

Did you know that dark chocolate is better for you then milk chocolate? Dark chocolate has far more antioxidants than milk or white chocolate. These other two chocolates cannot make any health claims. Dark chocolate has 65 percent or higher cocoa content. According to WebMD in this featured article a dark chocolate a day will keep the doctor away.

Maybe we all should go to the dark side.

Hershey's now makes Special Dark bars. We can create a personalized chocolate bar wrapper to compliment their new bars and your special occasion.

The New 7 Wonders of the World

The votes are in and people around the world have cast more then 100 million votes to pick the New Seven wonders of the World. Unfortunately Hershey, Pennsylvania was not on the list which would of easily gotten my vote. We can surely say that the Hershey Chocolate Factory is definitely the sweetest spot on earth. With a world class theme park which includes 60 thrilling rides and attractions, 36 holes of distinctive golf for all ages, The Chocolate Spa, a botanical garden for children, 11 acres of wildlife adventure, and a museum that tells the many stories behind the name Hershey.

I must say that the seven wonders of the world are very impressive with my favorite being The Roman Colosseum in Rome, Italy. That being said let's take a look at The New Seven Wonders of the World.

The Top Seven reasons why you need a personalized candy bar wrapper for your family and friends on that special day:

1. Your child is having a communion/confirmation.
2. You are hosting your best friend's baby shower.
3. You are throwing your parent's a 50th anniversary party.
4. Your daughter is turning Sweet Sixteen.
5. Your son is graduating high school.
6. You are having a surprise 30th party for your brother.
7. Your little one is turning one.

What's in a name?

Milton Snavely Hershey made it his mission to ensure that every single chocolate that went out with his name on it was up to his standards of approval. In 1894 he made a name for himself and a name for the world to share. Of course I would of been perfectly happy to be named after a chocolate bar but I have never had any thoughts to change my given name.

According to a recent study many people are not happy with their given name. In fact Miley Ray Cyrus, Evel Knievel, David Copperfield, Ralph Lauren, Harry Houdini, Lucille Ball and even Johnny Appleseed went by different name in their early years.

The most popular girls name the past few years has been Emily followed by Emma and the boys name being Jacob followed by Michael. Milton though did however have a popular name for his day back in 1857 when he was born. In 1900 it ranked in at number 84 where today it ranks in at number 845 on the most popular boys names list. When naming children at birth most parents tend to focus on the first letter in a child's name. For girls it's A, K, M and J. For boys it's J, D, A and C.

In fact M & M candy stands for (Forrest) Mars & (Bruce) Murrie along side numerous other candy makers who have incorporated their names into candy and chocolate bars. We all think that the famous candy bar "Babe Ruth" was named after the famous baseball player when in fact it was actually named after President Grover Cleveland's daughter, Ruth Cleveland. Talk about a personalized candy bar!

Willy Wonka put a personalized golden ticket in five of his chocolate bars with the prize being a tour of his famous chocolate factory. We don't include golden tickets with our personalized chocolate candy bar wrappers but we do include the silver foil. Behind every name is a great story of the persons past, present and future only to be shared with others. The great Hershey company has shared many delicious chocolate bars with us only to be personalized with creative chocolate bar wrappers.

From Hershey Kisses, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat bars to even the loved Hershey's Cookies and Cream Bar we can't help but love all the names that have given us so much enjoyment for all these years.

The Hershey name goes a long way in the candy industry, how far does your name go?

Could Chocolate Cure ADHD?

PEA Levels in Chocolate May Alleviate Symptoms of ADHD
In children with ADHD, there is an ongoing struggle to obtain the ability to focus on tasks for extended periods of time. In behavioral therapy, ADHD children are taught to complete goals through the establishment of mini-goals and then focusing on the smaller tasks in an effort to achieve the final desired outcome. With this in mind, research has recently shown the sensory neurotransmitter, phenylethylamine, increases mental activity and promotes focus. In children with ADHD, this naturally based neurotransmitter is usually deficient and is desperately needed in the treatment of the ADHD symptoms such as improving focus and concentration. (click for the full story...)

Being a parent of a child with ADHD, I treated my child many years ago with Adderall and it did improve his focus. I may have to try a small daily regimen of chocolate and test this theory. Just last week during critical school wide testing, the children's teacher started each their day with a Tootsie Roll. Maybe there is something to this study...

Can we really grow money and candy bar trees?

Well maybe not money trees but if you ask any parent they will tell you that their children actually believe that money does grow on trees, if only it was that easy to give them their allowance! Money & Candy bars may not grow on trees but nuts and chocolate do.

Have you ever wondered where chocolate came from? Did you know that the chocolate in the candy bars that you buy at the grocery store actually come from a tree in the middle of the rainforest?




Chocolate comes from a tree called the Cocoa tree, or in Spanish, Cacao. The cocoa tree or chocolate tree, is found in the Upper Amazon Basin where it can reach over fifty feet high. The fruit is thick and oval shaped, usually red or yellow, and can sometimes grow as big as a football. The inside of the fruit is packed full of between twenty and sixty seeds. The seeds are surrounded by a sweet pulp that you can eat for a tasty treat.

The Cacao Tree is a shade tolerant, moisture loving, understory rainforest tree. It naturally favors riparian zones so often in the wild is found along rivers. The trees live for up to 100 years, but cultivated trees are considered economically productive for only about 60 years.

Cacao has been used for hundreds of years in Peruvian Indian groups such as the Aztec, Maya and Zapotecs. To use the seeds, they remove them from the pod, roast them, shell them, and grind them to produce chocolate powder. That powder is then used in all sorts of sweet desserts and drinks. The leaves of the cacao tree are used by indigenous tribes as a heart tonic and diuretic. Brews from the bark and toasted seeds are used to treat asthma. Additionally, cocoa butter, the oil from the seed, is used in lotion, oils, and as laxatives. The latin name, theobroma cacao, translates to "food of the gods."

So we can't grow money or candy bars on trees but I would much rather have these rich trees in my backyard then the wonderful gifts mother nature has given us that make not only me but 14 million Americans every year suffer through allergy season.