Sneaky Parents "Steal" Halloween Candy?!

To all you parents out there...this is just plain evil. Evil and hysterical!!!

Is the Fountain of Youth a pile of candy?!

For ages people have been searching for the Fountain of Youth and it may have been in their local modern art museum all along!!

Famed installation artist Felix Gonzalez-Torres is known for his highly conceptual "candy spills" which first showed in 1991 in response to his partner dying of AIDS.  The installation features a 175 pound pile of candy seemingly spilling out of a wall. Each person that encounters the installation is encouraged to take a piece of the candy to parallel the diminishing effects of AIDS on the human body. Gonzalez-Torres required that the pile be continuously replenished symbolically granting perpetual life. 

Images via Contemporary Art Daily

Atkinson Candy Company has had the great pleasure of supplying candy for a Felix Gonzalez-Torres exhibit in Fort Worth a few years ago and we hope to do it again soon!!

Candy is good food...eat some everyday!

A recent study shows that candy, as an occasional treat within a healthy lifestyle, can actually help you weigh less, have lower BMI, and decreased levels of risk for cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome. 

Photo Credit: www.candyprofessor.com

Jessica Eye, Professional MMA Fighter, has been a long time advocate of adding candy as an after work out snack to bring glycogen levels back up and renew energy. As she explains on her "Eye On Health" page a healthy lifestyle is all about balance and getting regular exercise. 

Photo Credit: Steve Forster (ProPress, Inc.)

Marshmallow Test and The Secret to Self Control

Who can resist a sweet treat? Do you have the willpower to turn down your favorite candy or dessert when someone offers it to you? I know I can't and for all you sweet tooth's out there this video is for you! 

How completely adorable are these kids? Here is more information on the experiment and the secret to self-control. When it comes to goodies like candies, chocolate, and marshmallowy goodness can you hold out or do you just jump right in and hope no one is watching? 

Totally Sweet Playlist

Here are a few tunes to keep you rocking through the rest of the week. Of course they are candy related, but don't worry I didn't include the obvious "I Want Candy" song. Enjoy!!

1. Dum Dum Girls "Jail La La" - Great punky/indie rock song to jump around and get crazy plus I love the band name...you know like a Dum Dum lollipop!!
2. Raveonettes "Forget That Your Young" - Moody and dramatic with a catchy little beat. What's the candy connection you ask? Well doesn't Raveonettes sound a lot like Raisinets?! 
3. Cameo "Candy" - Awesome old school track that will get the party started....word up!
4. Snow Patrol "Chocolate" - Not really sure how the lyrics and the title of this song go together, but I'm just gonna go with it. It's a nice song that's easy to listen to. 
5. Christina Aguilera "Candyman" - This is not your typical Willy Wonka version of the Candyman. Xtina will get you shaking and shimmying in no time with her sassy lyrics and very danceable beat!!

Arm Candy...Yum!!

I really can't pass up the opportunity to talk about the Furla Candy Bag coming out this Thursday. The colors are wildly brilliant for spring/summer yet the bag itself is a classic shape that will stand the test of time. Then there is the obvious name...hello! Candy Bag?! I just love it. Every IT girl in Candyland will want one of these beauties for sure. 

Travels in Candyland: Mexico Edition

It's officially Spring and that means Spring Break!! Last week we took a little trip down to Cozumel Mexico where we enjoyed warm weather, the ocean breeze, and lots of guacamole! While walking through town I kept noticing these candy carts: 

Each cart was filled with different types of gums, coconut candies, tamarind candies, marshmallows, and fresh fruit. They push these carts all over the center of town selling their goodies to kids and the cruise ship crowd. 

I couldn't help but notice that Candyland is everywhere!! Honestly, who doesn't love candy? Everywhere I've ever travelled there has been a sweet shop, a local favorite, where people load up on goodies. Later, I'll share a cool candy shop find from Barcelona...stay tuned. 

On a side note, I asked one of the local candy peddlers if he knew a Chick-O-Stick (in Spanish speaking countries it's known as Pata-de-Gallina) and his eyes lit up "oh yes! We just sold those for Carnival...it is a very special candy." Very special indeed!!

What to wear for Spring in Candyland

With Spring Break and the time change coming up I can't help but get excited for warmer days ahead. I'm thinking about putting away the boots and sweaters in exchange for bright and fabulous finds that are, of course, Candyland appropriate!

Life is like a bowl of candies for the Jil Sander Spring 2011 collection. Loving all the amazing colors...reminds me of these.

 Even the ever amazing Jenna Lyons at J. Crew knows that Spring is all about the eye candy. 

Pretty sure some of these outfits from Zara would look GREAT in Candyland!!

The Stylish Candy Life!

Dylan Lauren, daughter of famous fashion designer Ralph Lauren, has written a new book titled "Unwrap Your Sweet Life." I was lucky enough to get a complimentary signed copy at the recent NCA State of the Industry Conference in Miami and I absolutely love it!

It is a coffee table book with big bright pictures stylistically shot to show how beautiful candy can be as gifts, in your everyday home decor, craft ideas and more. Personally, I love what Dylan is doing for candy in her fabulous Dylan's Candy Bar stores, online presence, and now this great book. If you haven't visited her store or website yet I encourage you to....it's fun, stylish, and oh so yummy!!

 

Welcome to Candy Land!!

Remember the game Candy Land when you were a kid? I always loved the characters and bright colors not to mention the mouthwatering treats and fantasy land that the entire game portrays. The Candy Land game has always been a popular one in our family because we live every day in Candy Land!! No really we do...

My great grandfather, B.E. Atkinson, started Atkinson Candy Company in 1932 here in Lufkin Texas. Today, we still produce the same quality confections that started it all over 70 years ago. Every day we are cooking up fresh batches of Chick-O-Sticks, Peanut Butter Bars, Mint Twists, Long Boys, and many other fabulous treats. 

This blog is to serve as a daily journal for my life as a fourth generation confectioner and my fabulous life in Candyland! Check back for news, sneak peaks, pictures, conversations, and just good old fashion chit-chat on all things sweet in life.