Chocolate, Heels and Handbags...a girls passions

2010-05-31T17:50:00.000-07:00

ABC's of Handbags

There is a little more to handbags than meets the eye. There are hundreds of designers and styles to choose from, and there are purses out there to fit your every need. So how do you know what style to buy?

The Backpack:

In the late 1980s handbag designers “embraced a practical object made out of everyday material and turned it into the period’s most coveted status symbol.. Designer backpacks are still popular for their practicality.

Quite often you see kids with these bags, or those who travel a lot or need to have everything close at hand because they hold a LOT of stuff!

The Baguette:
A popular French loaf-shaped bag made famous by Fendi. It usually has a short shoulder strap and is of small to medium size.In 2007 the Fendi Baguette celebrated it's 10th anniversary.

These are cute little bags and perfect for a young girl or if you only need to carry a few things.

The Box Bag:

Often doubling up as a vanity case, this style was popularized in the 1950s and bags were often made from Lucite. Box bags were named due to their cigar box shape and today this hard cased style can also be found in wood, straw, cane and plastic, but Lucite has re-emerged as a popular material in 2008.

The Bucket:

This roomy bag emerged in 1933, providing a popular, fun style which broke with tradition. Based on the shape of a bucket there are variations which can still be found in stores today and are produced mostly in leather.

The Clutch Purse :

The go anywhere rectangular evening bag designed to be held or tucked underneath the arm. Many variations in all sizes and fabrics have emerged over the years. This bag has become just as versatile for daytime as evening wear.

This style of purse is a must for a special occasion and only if you just need to carry a few items.

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The Hobo:

A soft, large, slouchy (usually crescent shaped) shoulder bag favored by Gucci.

Slouchy and comfortable, these don't have a lot of form inside and things can get kind of jumbled up. Buy an organizer for inside your purse if you get one of these.

The Kate Spade Bag:

Categorized by many women as the bag that would go with everything, American designer Kate Spade set about creating handbags which were affordable and fashionable, without being boring. Famous for her box-shaped bags, Kate Spade's bags are made out of soft materials.

Kate's bags are absolutely and essential for any accessory wardrobe and come in tons of cute, coordinating styles.

The Kelly Bag:

Hermès so named this bag after Hollywood movie star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who was hardly ever seen separated from her Hermes bag. It’s smart, leather, tailored shape is reminiscent of a briefcase or document case and is a sophisticated, classic style.

The Messenger:

The Prada Messenger bag has become a popular fashion item of late. This large, usually soft shoulder bag is based on the traditional messenger bags that couriers or postmen carry. These are also known as cross-body bags.

The Murse or Manbag:

A man’s purse which is fast becoming a hot fashion item for men owing both to their practicality and street cred.

Yeah, you remember the commercial where the man has a 'European shoulder bag'? This is it.

The Pouch:

A soft, small bag, often with a drawstring, which was designed to be worn underneath clothing in the early 1900s.Today numerous variations are available and are mainly used as an evening wear accessory.

Slouchy and comfortable, these don't have a lot of form inside and things can get kind of jumbled up. Buy an organizer for inside your purse if you get one of these.

Satchel:

A bag with a wide, flat bottom, zippered or clasped top, two handles or straps. The satchel style was inspired by a piece of luggage and can be various sizes such as the doctors bag.

Reticule:

The reticule is the mother of modern handbags. It was birthed from necessity and convenience as an alternative way to carry personal items that used to be carried in dress pockets.

The Saddle Bag:

Based on the shape of a horse's saddle, this shoulder bag with a long front flap is practical for everyday use.

Another perfect cross-body.

The Tote

This bag is inspired by a shopping bag, which is sturdy and rectangular with an open top and two strap handles. The inside may have zip compartments.

Usually recognized by their square, large shape, and usually associated with a beach bag, they have evolved into much more that something to carry suntan lotion in!

2009-11-12T17:31:00.000-08:00

BagChick.com...classic styles at affordable prices?

Yeah. Absolutely and for sure. You can shop for a handbag for yourself, your little girl, your teen and all the friends you have. You can shop for a purse by color, fabric, personality, style, occasion or designer.

Your Handbag Source

2009-07-07T10:23:00.000-07:00

The Right Bag for Your Body Type

2009-06-28T20:09:00.000-07:00

When it comes to designer handbags, finding the right one is as important as a trendy pair of jeans, a sexy silk blouse or a killer pair of pumps. It matters which purse you carry, which is why most women have just as many purses as they do outfits.

So, here's a little advice to help you pick the right purse. Your investment should be a wise one, especially since handbags are so costly now.

Things to remember:

A handbag can either take pounds of your figure or add to it, depending on its size, shape and where it falls.
Never rush! Impulse buying, especially when it comes to purchasing a handbag. is a mistake. Make sure the 'fit' is perfect for you.

Nothing is more unflattering than the wrong bag for your body. Just as you would consider the style and cut of your clothes, so should you think about the size and shape of your handbag.

Handbags can be used to draw the eyes away from the parts of your body you want to hide, and focus attention on your assets.

A purse can also give new life to an outfit, update it, change its look and give it a new sense of style. A handbag is as important an accessory as your shoes, jewelry or the colors you put together.

There are hundreds of handbags out there, from oversized, small, short, chunky, skinny, rectangular, square, fussy, elaborately decorated or simple. You can choose from leather to vinyl. The colors are endless and you can hide behind your purse or stand out on the map like a beacon!

With so many shapes and sizes to choose from, which style should you choose?

Bag vs Body?

You should never be in competition with your handbag or anything else you're wearing. The shape of a handbag should oppose your body type for maximum flattery and the size of the bag should be in proportion to your figure.

Think 'scale'

If you're a woman who is 6 feet tall and a size 14, you'll overpower a tiny hand-held bag. And a tiny petite size 0 would look overwhelmed by an enormous slouchy hobo bag.

Just remember this: A shoulder bag's length (where the bottom of the bag hits your body) will accentuate whatever part of the body it comes near.

For example, a shoulder bag that ends around the hips will play up your hip width (the eye is drawn to the bag).

Most women look great with a bag that hits mid-torso because it flatters the waist.

Busty with Big Shoulders?

Women with large breasts and shoulders should avoid carrying short-handled bags that finish around the bust area, as this only serves to accentuate your breasts and shoulders more. Go for a longer length finishing around your middle, or a clutch purse which is carried in your hand.

Wide Waist, Big Hips or Large Stomachs

Choose a bag which finishes at the upper torso, just under the arm, rather than around your middle. You want to draw eyes away from your larger areas and deflecting attention elsewhere!

Large Frame

Try to avoid carrying a tiny bag, as this only serve to make you look bigger. Choose a more tailored bag, which will give definition and go for a medium to large size. Clutch purses are fine provided they are oversized.

Bony or Tall Frame

Avoid long skinny-style bags. Counterbalance your figure with something broad, slouchy or unstructured such as a Hobo bag.

Short Frame

Go for something long and lanky to provide height such as a small saddle bag type. Avoid wide, oversized tote bags which will only make you look shorter.

Voluptuous and curvy

Choose a rectangular, longer shaped handbag.

Tall, willowy, slim

This figure would be better off going for a slouchy, rounded handbag.

If you want to flatter your waist then choose a bag that finishes around this part of your torso. If you want to draw attention to your bust, shoulders or neck then go for a short-handled type or an underarm clutch.

Tips

Take time in a store to 'try on' handbags in front of a mirror just like you would apparel.

Don't be tempted by trendy shapes that don't suit your figure: there are plenty of great alternatives that will work.

Think lifestyle when shopping for handbags: if you're toting diapers, bottles and animal crackers, an fussy vintage bag won't hold up.

Don't just try the purse on your body. Carry it under your arm, check out the inside to make sure it's roomy enough and has lots of room for your purse contents. Make sure the lining is strong and preferably that there are zippered pockets inside that you can zip shut and secure the contents inside.

2009-06-03T19:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a little FYI for those handbag fanatics out there!

The Backpack: In the late 1980s handbag designers embraced a practical object made out of everyday material and turned it into the periods most coveted status symbol.." Designer backpacks are still popular for their practicality and are endorsed by, amongstothers, Muicca Prada, who has produced small, lightweight versions designed to replace a womans purse.

The Baguette: A popular French loaf-shaped bag made famous byFendi. It usually has a short shoulder strap and is of small to medium size. In 2007 theFendi Baguette celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Birkin Bag: The Birkin was created in 1984 by Hermès under guidelines from British-born Jane Birkin, who wanted a bigger, easier-to-handle bag in which to carry her many things. Today to be seen carrying an oversized Hermès Birkin bag is the height of celeb cred.

The Box Bag: Often doubling up as a vanity case, this style was popularized in the 1950s and bags were often made from Lucite, a shiny, hard material otherwise known as Perspex. Box bags were so named due to their cigar box shape and today this hard cased style can also be found in wood, straw, cane and plastic, but Lucite has re-emerged as a popular material in 2008.

The Bucket: This bag emerged in 1933, providing a popular, fun style which broke with tradition. Based on the shape of a bucket there are variations which can still be found in stores today and are produced mostly in leather.

The Clutch Purse: The go anywhere rectangular evening bag designed to be held or tucked underneath the arm. Many variations in all sizes and fabrics have emerged over the years. The clutch bag has become just as versatile for daytime as evening wear.

The Hobo: A soft, slouchy (usually crescent shaped) shoulder bag favored by Gucci.

The Kate Spade Bag: Categorized by many women as the bag that
would go with everything, American designer Kate Spade set about
creating handbags which were affordable and fashionable, without being
boring. Famous for her box-shaped bags, Kate Spade's bags are made out
of soft materials.

The Kelly Bag: Hermès so named this bag after Hollywood movie
star and Princess of Monaco, Grace Kelly, who was hardly ever seen
separated from her Hermes bag. Its smart, leather, tailored shape is
reminiscent of a briefcase or document case and is a sophisticated,
classic style.

The Messenger: The Prada Messenger bag has become a popular
fashion item of late. This large, usually soft shoulder bag is based on
the traditional messenger bags that couriers or postmen carry.

The Murse or Manbag: A mans purse which is fast becoming
a hot fashion item for men owing both to their practicality and street cred.

The Pouch: A soft, small bag, often with a drawstring,
which was designed to be worn underneath clothing in
the early 1900s. Today numerous variations are
available and are mainly used as an evening wear accessory.

The Saddle Bag: Based on the shape of a horse's saddle,
this shoulder bag with a long front flap, is practical for everyday use.

The Satchel: A hard framed, hand held handbag reminiscentof a school satchel, some have a shoulder strap.

The Tote: One of the staples of any womans wardrobe. The tote bag has a large open top with two straps or handles, very popular for the beach and casual wear. Tote bags can be colorful, in all manner of fabrics or classic leather for business or more versatile everday wear.

What is the "It Bag?"

It Bag is a term from the fashion industry used in the 1990s
and 2000s to describe a brand or type of high-priced designer handbag
by makers such as Hermès or Fendi that becomes a popular best-seller.

Some examples:

Hermès Kelly

Hermès Birkin

Balenciaga Motorcycle

Botkier Bianca Satchel

Bottega Veneta Knot

Botkier Trigger

Bulga Butterfly

Caprice Bianca

Chanel 2.55

Chloé Edith

Chloé Paddington

Fendi B

Fendi Spy

Givenchy Nightingale

Dolce and Gabbana Lily

Dior Samurai

Kooba Sienna

Louis Vuitton Speedy

Marc Jacobs Stam

Marcela Calvet Fay Dorys

Prada Fairy Bag

Rebecca Minkoff Morning After

YSL Muse

YSL Downtown

Treesje Asher Grande

Handbag Secrets - What Celebrities Carry in Their Handbags

2009-03-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what celebs carry in those fantastic bags? Here is a few little secrets!

Chelsea, who can also be seen as Autumn in the new Just Jordan series, noted, “I’m always on the go and I never know what I’ll need, so I bring everything. And my friends count on that. Whenever they need something, they always come to me, for a bottle of water, a tissue, pens, or tape, nail polish, eyeliner, mints. Any thing you can think of, I’ll have it. I’ll just pull it out of my bag like a magician.”

interior designer and stylist Hannah Sandling, 31, carries the following...(I can't even imagine)
...Marc Jacobs sunglasses and case; Osiris glasses and case; wallet; Marks & Spencer diary; keychain with house keys; Samsung P300 mobile phone; Radley umbrella; Black iPod Nano 8GB; banana and banana guard; M&S nut assortment; chewing gum; Highland Spring water 500ml; Christian Lacroix Rouge perfume; toothbrush; mini Colgate; Travel tissues; safety pins; paracetamol; tape measure; dental tape; Post-it notes; Elizabeth Arden Eight-Hour Cream; Nivea Lipcare; Bobbi Brown Bronzer Brush; 2 Suqqu eyeshadows; MAC Select Moisture Blend SPF 15; eyelash curlers; OPI nail polish; face cream; MAC Select cover up; Liparazzi lip gloss with light and mirror; Suqqu mascara; Avon Uplifting Mascara; Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream; Dermalogica Multivitamin Hand and Nail Treatment; La Prairie foam cleanser; MAC blusher; Avon Blush; Avon eyeshadow; M&S Raspberry Lip Butter; 4head for headache relief; House Beautiful magazine. (A whopping 9 lbs!)

Tired of a messy handbag? Here's a great little gem to add to your purse!
KWIKI PURSE INSERT/ORGANIZER

Quickly change from purse to purse in an Instant! Now you can take your purse IN your briefcase/diaper bag! Have a place for everything and everything in its place! Your phone will ALWAYS be in the same place, your sunglasses will be ready, ALWAYS have a Pen available! For Purses, Diaper bags, Totes and Briefcases or Backpacks Only weighs 5 oz ! Material: Polyester w/PVC Coating This insert stands up by itself ! Cleaning: Just wipe with a damp cloth, Line Dry Send me an email after your purchase which color choice!! Small: 7"L x 3.5"W x 5.5"H Medium: 8"L x 4.5"W x 6.5"H Large: 10"L x 5.5"W x 7.5"H FEATURES: 2 Large Pockets in the front and back 2 Pockets on the ends and 7 pockets on inside!

High Heel Secrets - What Heels Do for You

2009-03-13T21:53:00.000-07:00

Secret Fetish

Sexy High Heels - 5 Reasons Why So Many Men are Mad About Them

Have you ever been in this situation? When you were wearing sexy high heels to a mall or public place for example, all eyes especially men's were directed to you, or when you were with your boyfriend, he was always distracted by those women wearing sexy high heels, and that made you upset. Whatever it is, THE FACT IS MOST MEN LOVE TO SEE WOMEN WEAR SEXY HIGH HEELS !

It’s just a pair of shoe, in this case it is sexy high heels, but it can change entire look, image even the personality of a woman. Next is some reasons why those things can happen :

Sexy high heels MAKE YOU LOOK TALLER. They change the angle of the foot with respect to the lower leg, which accentuates the appearance of calves, so cause your legs to look longer.
Sexy high heels MAKE YOU LOOK SLIMMER. In straight proportion to the first reason. Tall is identical with slim, so sexy high heels won't make you look fat.
Sexy high heels ADD A FEMINISM TOUCH TO SUIT AS WELL. They are the sexiest and hottest way to give the finishing touch to a woman’s dressing. Even though you just wear jeans and t-shirt but will be entirely different look with added of sexy high heels.
Sexy high heels ALTER THE GAIT. They emphasize the walking gait which basically means your walk becomes far sexier because the height of the heel actually forces your hips to swing a little further to each side as you move. It’s also means that sexy high heels add a sexy wiggle to your walk.
Sexy high heels off course MAKE YOU FEEL AND LOOK SEXIER. They change your body stance, make your calf muscles more pronounced, and force your butts and chests out -- it's nearly as if high heels force you into better posture ... and good posture is always sexy.

No matter how sexy your dress is, it WILL NOT WORK without sexy high heels.

..and if you want to get those gams even sexier, click on the sexy legs

to find out how!

Truly Divine Chocolate - for the TRUE Choco-holic

2009-03-11T18:24:00.000-07:00

There are few foods that elicit a true passion like chocolate.

Like great wine, upscale chocolate can cost a small fortune -- as much as $70 a pound -- though there are certainly ways to enter the gates of chocolate heaven for less than $10. Isn't great chocolate well worth the investment? Clay Gordon, a chocolate critic and founder/editor of the Web site Chocophile.com thinks so. He points out that Americans already spend a vast amount -- roughly $13 billion -- on the sweet stuff per year. Despite our national sweet tooth, however, we still have "a way to go" when it comes to learning about chocolate, Gordon says.

"Most of the upper-end of the chocolate market has been dominated by a few fairly well-known brands, many of which have more to do with marketing than with substance," said Gordon.

For truly divine chocolate, smell, taste and try samples before you buy. Or, try some of these.

La Maison du Chocolat

What Tiffany did for jewelry, La Maison has done for chocolate. There may be no other store that makes as luxurious sweets as La Maison du Chocolate.

Start with presentation. La Maison chocolates are exquisitely arrayed in caramel-colored leather boxes fine enough to hold your grandmother's estate jewelry. Its dark- and milk-chocolate truffles, marrons glaces, caramels, and mendiants (slices of chocolate sprinkled with dried fruits, assorted nuts or orange peel) contain no more than 65 percent cocoa, so they're more sweet than bitter. Ganache fillings are made with cocoa butter, not milk fat.

Each year, La Maison introduces a limited-edition gift to mark Easter. This year, the company is selling leather-bound, egg-shaped boxes crammed with 39 dark- and milk chocolates and a big chocolate egg. This one-pound treat costs $78; the two-pounder runs $110. (www.lamaisonduchocolat.com 800-988-5632)

Dagoba Organic Chocolate

For years, the prospect of organic chocolate usually boiled down to carob, that largely tasteless impostor that left real chocolate lovers hugely disappointed. Then along came Frederick Schilling, a former chef with a mind for experimentation.

After learning that most cocoa growers relied on pesticides to get beans growing, Schilling founded Dagoba, whose name means "temple of the gods" in Sanskrit. The company buys handpicked, organic beans and cocoa from co-ops in the Dominican Republic and Central America, paying full price for the ingredients to comply with certified "Fair Trade" practices.

Chocolate bar choices include such offerings as hazelnut, milk chocolate, roseberry (a blend of raspberry and rose hips), mint/rosemary, lime and macadamia nut, chai (a mixture of milk chocolate infused with cardamom, anise, black pepper, cinnamon and clover), and a lavender/blueberry bar. A gift box of one dozen assorted bars runs $36. (www.dagobachocolate.com; 541-664-9030)

Ganache Chocolates

After 30 years in the pastry business, Norman Love decided to walk away from it all.

The former corporate pastry chef for Ritz Carlton, Love spent 42 weeks a year traipsing around the world to oversee the hotel chain's operations. Though he gave up a stellar career – his honors include a bronze medal from the biennial Coup du Monde de la Patisserie (World Cup of Pastry) competition in Lyon – it wasn't difficult for Love to switch gears.

"Chocolate is my passion," said Love, who dreamed of making a chocolate that was as visually stunning and delicious. So Love and partner Judy Limekiller founded Ganache.

The duo has perfected a technique in which the colored designs for each candy are hand-painted or airbrushed into chocolate molds, then filled the finest chocolate important from Belgium, France and Switzerland. They contain fresh ingredients like pureed raspberries, bananas, ginger and hazelnuts.

Call the shop directly to inquire about Easter treats such as the hollow, multi-colored chocolate eggs that hold eight truffles ($25) or any one of the pastel, galvanized tin buckets that have been filled with a solid bunny, truffles and other sweets. ($45) (www.ganachechocolates.com; 239-561-7215)

Garrison Confections

Andrew Shotts was the pastry chef at La Cote Basque in New York when he started making a line of colorful, intricately designed chocolates to serve to the restaurant's patrons after their meals. He then continued to experiment and create chocolates for subsequent employers, including the Russian Tea Room in New York and Guittard Chocolate in San Francisco.

During his stint at Guittard, Shotts created the company's signature couveture, a chocolate used to make truffles and pastries like molten chocolate cake and that is sold to pastry chefs across the country. Today, Shotts uses E. Guittard couveture at his own chocolate company, Garrison Confections, which he opened in 2001 with his wife, Tina Wright.

His current Vernal collection includes chocolates flavored with fresh herbs and honey, a mint-flavored mojito and a "spring trio" bonbon that's layered with almond, hazelnut and macadamia nut praline. (A box of 24 vernal chocolates runs $30.)

Easter offerings include edible white, milk or dark-chocolate postcards adored in colorful designs and holiday messages inspired by classic French greeting cards. Each, separately wrapped card costs $8 and is shipped in temperature-controlled packaging to prevent melting. (www.garrisonconfections.com; 212-929-2545)

Richard Donnelly Fine Chocolates

In 1998, just 10 years after he opened his chocolate shop in Santa Cruz, Calif., Richard Donnelly won the Best Artisan award at the prestigious EuroChocolate Festival in Perugia, Italy.

Donnelly learned his craft in Paris and Brussels before opening his own shop, where he produces no more than 50 pounds of chocolate a day.

His selections can be roughly divided into two groups: "American" chocolates filled with familiar tastes such as caramel and marzipan, and what Donnelly calls "more interesting" exotic chocolates suffused with herbs like cardamom, Chinese five-spice and lavender.

One pound of Donnelly's assorted sweets runs $65. For that price, Donnelly is happy to custom-fill orders for finicky clients who want a box filled with nothing but their favorites. (www.donnellychocolates.com; 888-685-1871)

YachanaGourmet
Yachana Gourmet brings you Yachana Jungle Chocolate direct from the Amazon rainforest. Jungle Chocolate is the world's purest, most flavorful chocolate, made from all-natural ingredients, such as "cacao nacional", the most aromatic and rich variety of chocolate bean on the planet.

Did you know...

2009-03-11T03:56:00.000-07:00

Hold your own with any chocolate professional by learning a few terms of the chocolate world. This is just a tiny hint of many of the terms used by great chocolatiers though, you'll find more here.

Chocolate Liquor
The ground up center (nib) of the cocoa bean.

Cocoa Butter
An oily product which is an essential fatty part of the cocoa bean. Cocoa Butter is a natural fat extracted from chocolate liquor under high pressure.

Bittersweet Chocolate
Dark Chocolate that contains a minimum of 35% chocolate liquor Bittersweet and semi-sweet both fall under this definition, however, bittersweet is traditionally the term reserved from chocolate with a minimum of 50% chocolate liquor.

Semi Sweet Cackled
Also known as bittersweet chocolate. Contains a minimum of 35% chocolate liquor.

Cocoa Bean
Seeds from a pod of the Theobroma tree. Native to the tropical Amazon forests. Commercially grown worldwide in tropical rain forests within 20 degrees latitude of the equator.

Milk Chocolate
Chocolate with at least 10% chocolate liquor and 12% mild solids, combined with sugar, cocoa, butter, lecithin and vanilla.

Cocoa Powder
The cocoa solids resulting from pressing the cocoa butter out of chocolate liquor. May be natural or "dutched".

Dutched Process
A treatment used during the making of cocoa powder. Cocoa solids are treated with an alkaline solution to neutralize the natural acidity. This process darkens the cocoa and develops a milder flavor.

Tempering
In order to stabilize chocolate, a heating and cooling process is needed. This stabilized the cocoa butter, avoiding crystallization and giving a good surface gloss.

Conche Process
A machine which is constantly agitating the chocolate, thereby achieving desirable flavors and liquefying the refined chocolate mass.

Compound or Confectionery Coating
A blend of cocoa powder, sugar and vegetable oil. By substituting the vegetable oil for the cocoa butter, melting is easier but the results are not as high in quality.

Did you know...

Chocolate and cocoa may help prevent heart attacks, researchers said on Wednesday, but don't run to the office vending machine yet. So far, available chocolate products are known to contain high levels of flavanol, the substance linked to heart health, they said. Flavanols are naturally occurring compounds in many plants or plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, red wine and cocoa. They are thought to have an effect on vascular dilation, or a relaxing of the muscles around blood vessels, which helps keep blood flowing through the vessels.

Research also suggests flavanols enhance nitric oxide, which causes arteries to dilate and increases blood flow, keeping potentially dangerous deposits from adhering to artery walls.And flavanols may have an aspirin-like effect on platelets, reducing blood clotting linked to heart attacks.

Marguerite Engler, professor and vice chair of the Department of Physiological Nursing, University of California at San Francisco, was an investigator in a study that compared the Dove dark chocolate to another dark chocolate bar and to aspirin. The study, presented at the American Heart Association meeting this week in Chicago, was independently funded. In the study, 21 people ate 46 grams -- an average-sized candy bar -- of either chocolate each day for two weeks.The researchers found the subjects who ate the flavanol-rich Dove dark chocolate showed blood vessel dilation two hours after eating the candy, as measured by an ultrasound of a main artery.

"It's a great alternative, but people still need to be aware there are calories in chocolate," Engler said in an interview. "People should realize that you still should be eating healthy and exercising too.

Engler also said that "the response was more robust" when people took a low dose of aspirin instead of chocolate.

Did you know there's a Chocolate Academy?

Yes! Imagine that!

Barry Callebaut, the world's leading manufacturer of high-quality cocoa and chocolate, has opened its first U.S. Chocolate Academy alongside its new North American headquarters in Chicago. The courses, given by Barry Callebaut focus on in-depth theoretical knowledge and putting it into practice. Barry Callebaut has developed a wide selection of courses, ranging from introductory courses for novice craftsmen to advanced courses for experienced confectioners, pastry chefs and chefs de cuisine, with specialized courses for each business segment.

There are 3 levels of expertise to consider when signing up for their courses.

You may or may not be working as a professional in the food industry and you have little or no experience in the field of chocolate or pastry.

You are working as a professional in the food industry with a good knowledge about the processes of working chocolate and/or pastry. We won't spend time on theory about tempering and cooling or the basics of pastry.

You have been working as a professional in the food industry for some time now and have a thorough knowledge of chocolate and/or pastry and want to improve in either field.

There are also Academies worldwide hosting approximately
500 chocolatiers, confectioners and chefs each week. In total there
are 12 Academies located around the world. Locations include: Wieze,
Belgium; Meulan, France; Lodz, Poland; St. Hyacinthe, Quebec;
Singapore; Zurich, Switzerland; Banbury, United Kingdom; Suzhou,
China; Mumbai, India; Zundert, Netherlands; Chekhov, Russia.

Don't forget the handbag

2009-03-09T17:09:00.000-07:00

I have to keep reminding myself that this blog isn't just about handbags and heels. The chocolate, afterall, started the whole thing! I love chocolate. Simply stated it kicks the ass of any problem I'm having at the moment. I love expensive chocolate, not just any chocolate will do. I love Reese Cups, those are my favorite and I love Lindt Chocolate, it's a work of art just to look at it and to succumb to it's taste is devine. And to help add to their intrigue, for every gold bunny purchased this Easter season, Lindt is donating 10 cents to the Autism Speaks Foundation. That's just about a near perfect idea.

But while we're talking about perfection, let's not forget the handbag, (OK, I'm sorry!) another passion of mine. Highly unlikely that any woman who loves chocolate would put handbags out of her mind for long. The handbag craze is just that...crazy! Everyone wants one...and now they're much easier to get a designer purse that looks like the real thing. And frankly, illegal or not, I'm buying the knockoff.

There are as many different handbags out there as there are women who want them. You can find a bag in any color, style and size, made of anything from the finest leather to rubber. So why can't we ever find the right handbag? If you can't find it, maybe it just isn't out there!

Real deals on real designer handbags, authentic handbags sold through Amazon.com, an authorized department store for all the designer brands featured on BagChick.com.

Betsey Johnson "Pom-Pom"
Flap Hobo Bag

Isabella Fiore Fairy Lily Leather Bag

Ed Hardy Love Kills Slowly Koi Fish Bowling Bag

Oversized Bohemian Patchwork Hobo

Look for great deals at bagchick.com

Awesome Chocolate Heels

2009-03-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, I'll still be adding more chocolate stuff, but what is the OTHER fetish women have??? Heels, yeah, for sure! And I did say Chocolate, Heels and Handbags...and the best is yet to come! But on with the show. I have found the most awesome shoes. High heeled shoes, to be exact. I LOVE heels. Pumps. Stiletto's. Whatever!

It just wouldn't be right if I didn't add this stuff...it's actually pretty interesting but won't make a bit of difference to you or me, right?

High heels are dangerous to your health

You like high heels. When you are wearing high heels your legs are beautiful. You probably think high heels are the height of elegance. You should know that high heels can affect your health. Wearing high heels is your choice, but you should at least be aware of the problems related to high heals. Women have four times as many foot problems as men. Wearing high heels is a major reason for this. Physical problems associated with high heels include foot pain, foot deformities, a change in back posture, knee osteoarthritis and balance impairment. Orthopedists think that high heels can contribute to the development of a variety of conditions like arthritis, chronic knee pain, sprained ankles and back problems. High heels can also result in a variety of foot problems. High heels could be the cause of knee osteoarthritis, a painful, degenerative joint disease. The knee osteoarthritis is characterized by the breakdown of the cartilage surrounding the knee.
You could have ankle sprains and breaks from rolling over on high-heeled shoes. If you wear high heels you probably had this kind of problem.

High heels and falls

High heels impaired balance in both the younger and older women when the brain received dissimilar information from the eyes and the senses in the legs. When older women wear high heels might be at greater risk for falls. Being overweight means extra stress for your feet, not to mention the joints of your legs and spine. If you overweight and you are wearing high heels that are extra stress for your feet, joints and ankles. Toppling over on very high heels can cause a broken ankle, wrist fractures and worse condition.

High heel and headaches

Wearing high heels on a regular basis can cause toe pain, mid foot pain, heel pain, ankle pain, knee pain, hip pain, lower back pain, mid back pain, upper back pain, and headaches. When you wearing high heels that cause unnecessary stress on your ankles, knees, pelvis, and potentially throughout your entire spine. The compensatory changes that result from wearing heels can cause the muscles behind your neck to be stiff, putting pressure on nerves that can result in chronic headaches.

High heels and deep vein thrombosis

Standing for long periods of time in high heels can cause deep vein thrombosis. You should know that standing even in low heels carries this risk. Deep vein thrombosis is condition in which blood clots form in deep veins, mainly in the legs.

Some good tips for you

You should never wear high heels all day long. When you are shopping shoes do it in the afternoon or evening. Feet because of accumulation are little bigger in the afternoon. Your shoes need to be comfortably for you. You should try shoes on both of your feet, because sometimes one foot may be larger than the other. Measure shoes while you are standing. Making sure the shoe fits properly is essential. Flat shoes are not the ideal for foot and leg health. Low heels are best for you. The healthiest shoes for women are those with fairly wide heels that are no more than a half or three-quarters of an inch in height. You should know that pain and other foot problems are less likely to occur if high heels are worn as infrequently as possible and are replaced by sneakers or flats as much as possible. Wearing extremely high heels can damage the feet, especially if the toes are pointed, or the shoes are too tight. Damage can sometimes be so extreme that the sufferer can never wear any high heel ever again. Starting with lower heels and practicing for short lengths of time, gradually building up the height and time will help to prevent shin splints. You should warm up the muscles before each wearing of high heels. The calf muscles should be stretched and exercised on a regular basis. Before putting heels you should run on the spot for a few minutes to warm up your muscles. After wearing your high heels for an extended period you should stand with your legs apart barefoot on the floor. Keeping your legs straight, bend at the hips and try to touch your toes. You should have warm-up and cool-down exercises every time you wear high heels. If you feel any pain in your ankles or feet while wearing your high heels, take them off immediately. Sometimes is best to not wear high heels at all.

OK, I said no recipes, but I couldn't help it!

2009-03-09T08:57:00.000-07:00

White Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe

Make your chocolate lip balm super gourmet with white chocolate instead of regular brown chocolate.

3 tbsp Cocoa butter
3-4 regular size white chocolate chips
1 vitamin E capsule (available at pharmacies)
1/4 tsp almond extract

In a microwave-safe glass dish, melt cocoa butter in microwave, watching it melt carefully. Remove dish from microwave (warning, it will be hot!) and add the white chocolate chips, stirring until chips are fully melted and combined with butter. Next, add vitamin E and extract, stirring well again until all lumps are gone. While still hot, pour into a clean lip balm tube or pot. Allow to cool to set, then enjoy!

Chocolate Bubble Bath Recipe

Immerse yourself in the scent of chocolate with this lush chocolate bubble bath recipe!

1 cup bubble bath, unscented
1/3 cup unsweetened soy milk
3 oz dark chocolate (either in chunks broken up or in chips). Heat soy milk in microwave

until hot. Remove from microwave, then add chocolate, stirring well, until chocolate is completely melted. Add to 1 cup bubble bath, stirring well. Allow to cool, then pour into hot running bath water and enjoy!

Decadent Chocolate Facial Mask Recipe

A great way to treat your face to chocolate, without adding calories to your waistline!

1/3 cup cocoa powder
1/4 cup honey
2 tbsp cream
3 tbsp oatmeal powder.

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, combining well. Apply decadent chocolate facial mask to the face, massaging it into the skin gently (the oatmeal will act as an exfoliant). Allow to dry on skin for 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water... you can do this in the shower to keep mess to a minimum! Apply moisturizer as needed.

Chocolate Lip Balm Recipe

Do you love chocolate but don't love the calories? This quick and easy lip balm recipe will help satisfy that chocolate craving without it going straight to your hips!

3 tbsp Cocoa butter
3-4 regular size chocolate chips
1 vitamin E capsule (available at pharmacies)
1/4 tsp almond extract

In a microwave safe dish, melt cocoa butter in microwave. Remove from microwave (be careful, it will be hot!) and add the chocolate chips, stirring until chips are melted and combined with butter. Then add vitamin E and extract, stirring well again until all lumps are removed. While still very warm, pour into a clean lip balm tube or pot. Enjoy!

Or try this!!

Rapunzel Rapadura Brownies
1/2 cup organic butter
4 oz. Rapunzel semisweet chocolate
4 eggs at room temperature
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup organic white unbleached flour
1/2 cup Rapunzel Kokoa™ cocoa powder
1 1/2 cups Rapadura whole organic sugar
1 cup organic walnuts (optional)
1/2 cup chopped Rapunzel SEMISWEET chocolate bar (about 1/4-1/2 inch pieces)
1 tablespoon of Rapadura Powdered Sugar

Preheat oven to 350. Grease 3 x 9 baking pan. In a saucepan over low heat, melt 4 oz. of chocolate and butter, mix and cool completely. In a separate bowl, beat eggs and salt until foamy, then mix in sugar.

Once the chocolate and butter mixture cools, stir in sugar and egg mixture until just blended. Blend flour and cocoa and stir into batter until barely mixed. Add 1/2 cup chopped chocolate and walnuts (optional).

Pour into pan and bake for approximately 25 minutes. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and allow brownies to cool completely before cutting into squares.

THIS IS ACTUALLY EDIBLE! It's not chocolate, but I couldn't resist sharing it.

Perfect Fruit Dip

8 oz Cream Cheese
8 oz Marshmallow Creme
Food Coloring,, if desired.

You can double or triple the recipe depending on how much you need, as long as it's equal parts of each ingredient.

Let the cream cheese soften to room temperature. Place in a mixing bowl and beat until creamy. Add marshmallow creme and mix again until creamy and smooth.

Add food coloring if desired to add a little pizazz!

If you don't know about this wonderful summer dessert, you are missing out on a wonderful treat. It is fabulous for most any kind of fruit but best on cantelope, honeydew and strawberries. Slice up whatever fruit you want in bite size pieces. Arrange on a platter or other serving tray. Place the fruit dip in a separate container in the center of the tray and dip away.

No double dipping!

Wrapables.com

Tracy Porter Collectible Trays

More Chocolate, Heels and Handbags

2009-03-08T19:22:00.000-07:00

Yes, I would like to keep every bit of chocolate that I get just for myself, but consider sharing the wealth a little, because there are some very nice things you can do with chocolate. I for one would LOVE a huge gift basket jammed full of chocolate...forget the fruit and all the other amenities, just give me the chocolate. But there are times in everyone's life where gifts are a must and anytime you have an occasion and you don't know what to give, give chocolate. Who would ever turn it down?! And it doesn't have to be just a plain old box of chocolates (Forest), it can be special and meaningful, personalized for the receiver. Here are some gift ideas.

There are hundreds of companies that I have come across that have superb ideas for promotional gift giving, for special occasions and for every day gifts. There are simple gifts and extravagant gifts and some are over the top, so enjoy!

zChocolat.com

zChocolat.com has been rated Forbes’s favorite online chocolatier by Forbes Inc since March 2005. They deliver the World's premier chocolates worldwide by DHL. Their chocolates are hand-made by 4 award-winning French chocolatiers including Pascal Caffet, world champion. (Yes, this is a French Cholate company. Shipping is about $19.00 regardless of the amount you purchase.)
$895.99 USD

The gift:
Minis assure each guest has a lasting memory of your event or promotion (e.g. dinners, weddings, corporate promotions, kick-off events, trade shows, etc.). These adorable, elegant mahogany boxes house a perfect assortment of 5 scrumptious chocolates hand-made by four French master chocolatiers including Pascal Caffet, world champion.

The Box:
The wooden box is entirely made by hand and has become a treasured keepsake in its own right - prized almost as much as the morsels initially housed. Each signature wooden box is made of Sapelli (a member of the mahogany family) and is assembled with finger joint construction, a robust yet elegant assembly.

The Chocolates:
Each of the 250 delectable gourmet chocolates within this collection is a hand-made creation from our four award-winning chocolatiers. Savor an amazing variety of pralinés and Caramel truffles; discover sublimely flavored chocolates hinting of orange essence, ripe raspberries, wild blackberry, Bourbon vanilla, star anise, ginger-bread and even lavender-honey; all cloaked in rich dark chocolate or thickly dusted with pure pungent cocoa or encased in creamy milk chocolate.

Dan's Chocolates

Dan's Chocolates makes fresh chocolates using a combination of European and American ingredients. Their hand-made gourmet truffles feature fresh cream, fruits, and nuts for the most discerning chocolate connoisseur. Each petite truffle has a thin, delicate shell surrounding an interior of creamy chocolate or ganache. They offer premium quality chocolates in over 200 different gift boxes for every occasion, lifestyle or event from Happy Birthday to Gardening. This adds a personal touch to the gift giving experience. Another fresh idea is we donate a portion of every sale to one of our charitable partners, and have done so since our founding day.

They also have a service that sends flowers AND chocolates!

RICHART Chocolates

RICHART is dedicated to producing fine chocolates for chocolate lovers around the world. This devotion to creating fine chocolate and the art of the chocolatier is unmatched by other chocolate companies. RICHART gourmet French chocolate collections combine the finest chocolate and best ingredients the world has to offer in beautifully presented specialty gift chocolate boxes (ballotins). An unforgettable chocolate experience, RICHART’s luxurious French chocolates are as beautiful as they are delicious and please any palette. You get French chocolates right here in the USA!

MyWeddingFavors.com

One out of every 64 Americans will tie the knot this year, spending an average of $22,000.

As the #1 ranked wedding favor site on the Internet My Wedding Favors negotiates the lowest pricing with all of the manufacturers and vendors we carry. Our story has been profiled in national publications, including the Wall Street Journal and Entrepreneur magazine. Affiliates in our network benefit by association from the great media coverage we receive.

Wedding Chocolate Puzzle Box

These Wedding Chocolate Puzzle Boxes are a favor that's always appreciated by any guest. Featuring exotically delectable Spanish chocolate molded into clever little puzzle shapes that depict four different bride and groom scenes, these favors are sure to please. Arriving in a sophisticated, 4" x 4" custom box tied with a sheer organza ribbon with each individual chocolate measuring 1 1/4" square.
(and they're only $3.00 each!)

I will be having more on chocolate weddings in another post.

Hotel Chocolat

Now this web site itself is VERY sexy, just check out the home page!

Hotel Chocolat began 14 years ago in the UK, when co-founders Angus Thirlwell and Peter Harris embarked on a journey to reset the stakes of the chocolate market in terms of quality, variety and
inspiration. A mail-order catalog preceded their award-winning Web site and retail stores across the UK. The unbeatable combination of authentic premium ingredients with imagination and flair has translated into success in the UK and beyond.

Liquid Chocolat Gift Box from Hotel Chocolat

Made with 72% dark chocolate and brimming
with deeply authentic flavors of cocoa. For those
who like their drinking chocolate not too sweet
and packed with a full-on chocolaty taste.
$16.00

Chocolate Quotes

2009-03-08T19:06:00.000-07:00


Chocolate Quotes

Man cannot live by chocolate alone — but woman can!

Life is uncertain — eat dessert first!

I'd give up chocolate, but I'm no quitter....

There is nothing better than a good friend — except a good friend with chocolate.

A balanced diet consists of items from the five major food groups: dairy, grains, meats, fruits/vegetables, and chocolate.

Coffee.... Chocolate.... Men....Some things are just better when they're rich!

Nothing chocolate... nothing gained.

Anything tastes better dipped in chocolate.

Nobody knows the truffles I've seen!

I'll eat anything, as long as it's chocolate.

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process....

It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

Just give me the chocolate and no one gets hurt!

...and more quotes!

Strength is the capacity to break a chocolate bar into four pieces with your bare hands - and then eat just one of the pieces Judith Viorst

Giving chocolate to others is an intimate form of communication, a sharing of deep, dark secrets Milton Zelman, publisher of "Chocolate News"

A chocolate in the mouth is worth two on the plate.

If it ain't chocolate, it ain't breakfast!

There's nothing better than a good friend, except a good friend with CHOCOLATE
Linda Grayson, "The Pickwick Papers"

"Liquidum non frangit jejunum." ([chocolate] liquids, amongst them, do not constitute a break in fasting.)
Cardinal Francis Maria Brancaccio of the Vatican, 1662

Chocolate: Here today .... Gone today!

Chocolate causes certain endocrine glands to secrete
hormones that affect your feelings and behavior by
making you happy. Therefore, it counteracts depression,
in turn reducing the stress of depression. Your stress-free
life helps you maintain a youthful disposition, both
physically and mentally. So, eat lots of chocolate!
Elaine Sherman, Book of Divine Indulgences

Forget love-- I'd rather fall in chocolate!!!

I never met a chocolate I didn't like. Deanna Troi in Star Trek: The Next Generation

Nobody knows the truffles I've seen!

Caramels are only a fad. Chocolate is a permanent thing Milton Snavely Hershey

A true chocolate lover finds ways to accommodate his passion and make it work with his lifestyle. One key, not just to keeping weight down and staying guilt-free, but also to keeping taste buds sharp (essential for the professionals who evaluate new products as well as judge recipes), Is being discriminating. Julie Davis of the Los Angeles Times, 10/30/85

Seen recently on a tee shirt ~ EMERGENCY ALERT: If wearer of this shirt is found vacant, listless, or depressed, ADMINISTER CHOCOLATE IMMEDIATELY.

This guy found a bottle on the ocean, and he opened it and out popped a genie, and he gave him three wishes. The guy wished for a million dollars, and poof! there was a million dollars. Then he wished for a convertible, and poof! there was a convertible. And then, he wished he could be irresistible to all women... poof! he turned into a box of chocolates.

It's not that chocolates are a substitute for love. Love is a substitute for chocolate. Chocolate is, let's face it, far more reliable than a man. Miranda Ingram

All I really need is love, but a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! Lucy Van Pelt (in Peanuts, by Charles M. Schulz)

Exercise is a dirty word... Every time I hear it, I wash my mouth out with chocolate.

Chocolate is good for three things. Two of 'em cannot be mentioned on public television.

"Las cosas claras y el chocolate espeso." (Ideas should be clear and chocolate thick.) Spanish proverb

Nuts just take up space where chocolate ought to be.

I don't understand why so many "so called" chocolate lovers complain about the calories in chocolate, when all true chocoholics know that it is a vegetable. It comes from the cocoa bean, beans are veggies, 'nuff said.

Chemically speaking, chocolate really is the world's perfect food. Michael Levine, nutrition researcher, as quoted in The Emperors of Chocolate: Inside the Secret World of Hershey and Mars

I could give up chocolate but I'm not a quitter.

Put the chocolate in the bag and nobody gets hurt.

A day without chocolate is a day without sunshine.

Life without chocolate is like a beach without water.

I have this theory that chocolate slows down the aging process.... It may not be true, but do I dare take the chance?

I am a serious chocoholic. For the serious chocoholic, chocolate is better than sex. If you believe that, you REALLY need to meet that special someone who can change your mind. If you HAVE met that special someone and still believe that, I REALLY NEED to know where you get your chocolate!!!

Chocolate is the best when it melts so creamy and soft in your mouth and it slides down your throat.

Don't wreck a sublime chocolate experience by feeling guilty. Chocolate isn't like premarital sex. It will not make you pregnant. And it always feels good. Lora Brody, author of Growing Up on the Chocolate Diet

Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you're going to get. Forrest Gump in "Forrest Gump" (1994)

If life is like a box of chocolates, then its time for me to buy another box, I seemed to have already devoured all the good ones!

Life is like a box of chocolates, the best ones are half eaten!!

In the beginning, the Lord created chocolate, and he saw that it was good. Then he separated the light from the dark, and it was better.

Chocolate - The breakfast of champions!

Carob is a brown powder made from the pulverized fruit of a Mediterranean evergreen. Some consider carob an adequate substitute for chocolate because it has some similar nutrients (calcium, phosphorus), and because it can, when combined with vegetable fat and sugar, be made to approximate the color and consistency of chocolate. Of course, the same arguments can as persuasively be made in favor of dirt. Sandra Boynton, author of Chocolate: the Consuming Passion

Chocolate in the morning is what makes moms get through their day!

If not for chocolate, there would be no need for control top pantyhose. An entire garment industry would be devasated.

Put "eat chocolate" at the top of your list of things to do today. That way, at least you'll get one thing done.

Chocolate flows in deep dark, sweet waves, a river to ignite my mind and alert my senses

Chocolate doesn't make the world go around ... but it certainly makes the ride worthwhile!

Man cannot live on chocolate alone; but woman sure can.

Everything I eat should contain either garlic or chocolate, but rarely both

Researchers have discovered that chocolate produced some of the same reactions in the brain as marijuana. The researchers also discovered other similarities between the two, but can't remember what they are. Matt Lauer on NBC's Today Show, August 22

Twill make Old Women Young and Fresh; Create New Motions of the Flesh. And cause them long for you know what, If they but taste of chocolate.
from "A History of the Nature and Quality of Chocolate", James Wadworth (1768-1844)

Chocolate: luscious, lumpy. load of love......

All of the evil that people have thrust upon chocolate is really more deserved by milk chocolate, which is essentially contaminated. The closer you get to a pure chocolate liquor (the chocolate essence ground from roasted cacao beans) the purer it is, the more satisfying it is, the safer it is, and the healthier it is. Arnold Ismach, "The Darker Side of Chocolate"

... the taste of chocolate is a sensual pleasure in itself, existing in the same world as sex... For myself, I can enjoy the wicked pleasure of chocolate... entirely by myself. Furtiveness makes it better. Dr. Ruth Westheimer

Simply put... everyone has a price, mine is chocolate!

Chocolate, Heels and Handbags

2009-03-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to write this blog and tell you all about different kinds of chocolate, the health benefits of chocolate or give you recipes containing chocolate. This blog is for all those women, (sorry guys, you'll have to do your own blog), who adore chocolate in any shape, size, color or form. Who love chocolate so much that any mishap in your day can easily be forgotten and any catastrophe can at least be smoothed a little. Now, add a great pair of heels, (or 2 or 4 or 6) and you're getting closer to the edge. Now if you have a great shopping day and can also add a handbag that you've been watching for a few weeks that finally went on sale, well...we're getting pretty damned close to the best substitute for ANY man ANY day.

Chocolate Myths

Myth: Chocolate and other sweets are a major cause of tooth decay.
Truth: Tooth decay is primarily the result of poor oral hygiene. Cavities are caused by any foods containing fermentable carbohydrates that are left on the teeth for too long. In fact, there are ingredients found in chocolate products that may retard the tooth decaying process.

Myth: Chocolate is high in caffeine.
Truth: The amount of caffeine in a piece of chocolate candy is significantly lower than that in coffee, tea or cola drinks. For instance, a 5 oz cup of instant coffee has between 40 and 108 mg of caffeine, while a 1 oz milk chocolate bar contains only 6 mg and many confectionery items have no caffeine at all.


Myth: Chocolate has a high fat content and will lead to weight gain.
Truth: Candy, in moderation, can be part of low-fat eating. In fact, an occasional sweet treat helps you stick to a healthy eating plan. (ANYthing in moderation, right?)

Myth: Chocolate causes acne.

Over the past two decades, clinical studies have exonerated chocolate as a cause or exacerbating factor in the development or persistence of acne. In fact, many dermatologists doubt that diet plays any significant role in acne. (But let me drink a can of soda and BAM! -zit.)

Myth: I'm allergic to chocolate.

It is possible for a person to be allergic to any food, including chocolate. But recent evidence suggests that allergy to chocolate may be relatively rare. The actual incidence of allergic sensitivity to chocolate is far less common than positive reactions to skin scratch tests would seem to indicate. In at least one double-blind study to determine the correlation positive skin tests for chocolate allergy and the manifestation of clinically observable symptoms, researchers could find only one patient out of a possible 500 who showed both a positive response to the skin test and an objective clinical reaction after eating chocolate.

And that's all the facts you'll see here. Just a little info to get started, just in case you've been afraid to eat it, have stayed away from it because of your diet or won't let your kids eat it (but I wouldn't do that, because there won't be enough for you!), or didn't want a zit for that special date...Just Do It!

Here are a few more facts and FYI's.

Did you know that you would have to eat more then a dozen chocolate bars to get the same amount of caffeine from a cup of coffee? There are about 5 - 10 mg's of caffeine in one ounce of bitter chocolate, 5 mgs in milk chocolate, and 10mgs in a six-ounce cup of cocoa.

Chocolate is actually a valuable energy source. A single chocolate chip can provide enough energy for an adult human to walk 150 ft.

Chocolate has great health benefits. It helps with depression, high blood pressure, Tumors and PMS.

One ounce of baking chocolate or cocoa contains 10% of the daily recommended intake of iron.

Chocolate can be deadly for dogs. Chocolate contains an ingredient called "Theobromine" which can be toxic to a dogs central nervous system and cardiac muscles. (I truly think this is a myth, because I have 3 dogs, 12, 5 and 2 and they eat chocolate, always have and they are fine)

People spend more than $7 billion dollars a year on chocolate.

The per capita consumption of chocolate indicates that each person consumes 12 pounds of chocolate each year. (I think it's more!)

Milk Chocolate is the most preferred type of chocolate, however dark chocolate is especially popular among men.
In Alfred Hitchcock's movie "Psycho" chocolate syrup was used to indicate blood in the famous shower scene.

Click Here to Send a Gourmet Birthday Cake to Your Soldier Overseas.

Chocolate, Heels and Handbags...a girls passions

ABC's of Handbags

Reticule:

The reticule is the mother of modern handbags. It was birthed from necessity and convenience as an alternative way to carry personal items that used to be carried in dress pockets.

Your Handbag Source

The Right Bag for Your Body Type

When it comes to designer handbags, finding the right one is as important as a trendy pair of jeans, a sexy silk blouse or a killer pair of pumps. It matters which purse you carry, which is why most women have just as many purses as they do outfits.

Busty with Big Shoulders?

Wide Waist, Big Hips or Large Stomachs

Large Frame

Bony or Tall Frame

Short Frame

Handbag Secrets - What Celebrities Carry in Their Handbags

High Heel Secrets - What Heels Do for You

Secret Fetish

Sexy High Heels - 5 Reasons Why So Many Men are Mad About Them

Truly Divine Chocolate - for the TRUE Choco-holic

Did you know...

Don't forget the handbag

Isabella Fiore Fairy Lily Leather Bag

Dooney Bourke Giraffe Chiara Bag Tote Brown Tmoro

Awesome Chocolate Heels

High heels are dangerous to your health

High heels and falls

High heel and headaches

High heels and deep vein thrombosis

OK, I said no recipes, but I couldn't help it!

More Chocolate, Heels and Handbags

Chocolate Quotes

Chocolate, Heels and Handbags