An Irresistibly Sweet Ode to Conversation Hearts

Conversation HeartsMmMmM. Yummy. De-li-cious. Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!! And, yes, get ready!! Why?? Because this ENTIRE post is dedicated to the almighty allure — and now impossible-to-find — classic Conversation Hearts!!!

By now, I’m sure you’ve heard the sad news, which I’m sure is, ironically, breaking actual hearts across the country. For the first time since their debut in 1866, the the New England Confectionery Company (Necco) will not be delivering on their trademark Sweethearts Conversation Hearts. This year, the store shelves were bare. They were no longer lined with that pastel-colored candy confection known as Conversation Hearts (and, yes, I’m capitalizing those two words because that’s just how important this is to me; proper noun, people!). For this year’s Day of Love, we were forced to settle for heart-shaped Reese’s peanut butter cups (thanks for the treat, Janelle!) and the random stuffed teddy bear because Necco has ended our conversation.

Maybe you’re just as sad about this as I am? When I saw the headline, I actually let out an audible gasp of despair.

“Oh my gosh! No, not those sweet Conversation Hearts! Is nothing sacred anymore?”

I know, it doesn’t really matter in the grand scheme of things, but those little nuggets of sweetness were certainly something to behold. For an introvert like me, they were perfect. Buy a big bag of them and it’s like you’ve got your own private date whispering all kinds of sweet nothings in your ear.

“Be mine!”

“Love!”

“Call me!”

“Email me!”

See, these candies were timeless AND modern at the same time! I’m sure if they were continued, then we’d also get phrases like “Swiped right!” and “Shook!” That’s how hip these things are!

But, sadly, we’ll never know, will we?? We will never know what our future could have been, so I’m left feeling like things are very unsettled. It’s like that guy you have a great connection with on a first date and then he ghosts you for the rest of eternity — or, you know, that’s what I hear!

So, please, let’s take a moment of silence on this most loving, heart-filled, candy-filled day to honor good old Conversation Hearts for all the sugary richness they added to our lives. They will definitely be missed. We will mourn them. Just like the great ’80s pop icon Tiffany once sang, “Could’ve been so beautiful…Could’ve been so right…”

Conversation HeartsHow very true! Indeed, it could’ve been so beautiful. But, there IS a silver lining! When I got home from a rather stressful day, what should be waiting for me on our kitchen island?? Another brand of Conversation Hearts from Ms. Bear!! They may not be the classic kind, but I’ll enjoy them just the same!

Happy Valentine’s Day, friends!!! I hope you spent it with the ones you love most!!! I love you… xoxo

P.S. How cool are these Krispy Kreme Valentine’s Day treats?

P.P.S. Ms. Bear is off tomorrow (Friday) and Monday, so I’m taking the time off with her!! I’ll see you back here next Tuesday!! Feel free to connect with me on Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Bloglovin! See you there, friends! And enjoy the happy weekend!

[Photo via Unsplash]

💘10 Valentine’s Day Gifts to Spread the L-O-V-E💗

Valentine's DayCan you believe we’re only two days away from Valentine’s Day? You know, I think Valentine’s Day should be a year-round holiday — full of love and hugs and lots and lots of chocolate!!

And although I’ve always had more of a frenemy relationship with the Day of Love, I love (taking bets on how many times I use the word “love” in this post!) the idea of V-Day being more than just a recognition of romantic love. For me, it’s about all the people in my life that mean the most to me — my friends and, especially, my mom and sister! So, with that in mind, let’s take a gander at some gifts for everyone on your list this year!! Here are 10 Valentine’s Day gift ideas that will really and truly spread the love, starting with this dainty personalized ring ($37) for your BFF…

Valentine's DayA new hot sauce every month for that person who wants to spice up their life, starting at $13.99

Valentine's DayThis Himalayan crystal salt lamp for your mom, who just needs to relax and sit down, $17.39

Valentine's DayA unique tee for your equally unique little sister because your relationship is the ultimate OG sisterhood, $23.95

Valentine's DayMother of Cats mug for your feline-friendly co-worker, $18

Valentine's DayThis reminder for your writing buddy, $14.99

Valentine's DayA 1,000-piece puzzle for your favorite feminist, $19.50

Valentine's DayThese map keychains for that long-distance love, $26

Valentine's DayA Galentine’s card for all the strong, vibrant women in your life, $5

Valentine's DayAnd finally, this cute fill-in-the-blank book for that special person you’re crushing on, $10.79

What are your plans for the big day, friends? Who’s your Valentine this year? It’s totally cool if YOU are your own greatest love this year!! Oh, and for those keeping score, this post contains the word love NINE times!!! What can I say?? I just love love — ooops, now it’s ELEVEN times!! xoxo

P.S. More V-Day gift guides…

Will You Be My Valentine?

Be My ValentineHappy Valentine’s Day, friends!! So, I have a very important question for you today: Will you be my Valentine??

I know, I know. This all may be a bit forward of me. I mean, I know I tend to put it all out there on this blog and in my writing, especially where my emotions and feelings are concerned, but I can be a pretty shy, introverted person, to be honest. After all, I’d never dream of just going up to someone and asking them on a date or breaking out in song and declaring my love for someone, but make no mistake! I am a hardcore romantic through and through.

And, really, I’m not just talking about romantic love here. Love is love is love is love. It’s all powerful and all-encompassing, if you ask me. The love of family, the love of friends, the love of our furry friends — it all lifts us up and keeps us going, on Valentine’s Day and the other 364 days of the year. As cliche as it sounds, I just love, well, LOVE!!

Anyway, I suppose that brings me back to that important question I asked at the beginning of this post. We’ve got a pretty powerful and amazing community here on the blog and I’m so glad that we can be here for each other! The world is a dark enough place. I’m so proud of us for spreading lots of love, happiness and light.

Remember those cool Valentines you used to pass out in elementary school? Well, I wish I had one to give to each of you today!! But we have each other — today and every day — and that’s even better, don’t you think??

Be My ValentineWhat are you doing to celebrate Valentine’s Day, friends?? Here’s hoping you’re surrounded by love in all its wonderful and glorious forms!! xoxo

Etsy Love: Heart Nails For Galentine’s Day

Heart NailsI’ve got a Valentine’s Day gift guide coming up, but apparently TODAY is Galentine’s Day! You all know I’m all about celebrating the wonderful friends we have in our lives, so can we take a moment to appreciate these heart nails from NorthofSalem on Etsy?

They’re cute and festive, and they would make a fun gift, don’t you think?? Janelle painted my nails bright red over the holidays, and now I’m itching to paint them again! There’s just something about reds and pinks! Or, is that just me, friends??

What do you think? Would you sport these nails? Thoughts? xoxo