On the Origin of Easter and Chocolate

For the secular individual, Easter has long been synonymous with chocolate, dying Easter eggs, and jelly beans rather than the resurrection of Christ. But how did this most sacred Christian holiday become the second highest top selling candy holiday of the year?

It goes back to the pagan belief that eggs produced fertility and re-birth. By the 1800's, Christians had adopted the symbol of the egg as part of the Easter festivities, representing the resurrection of Christ following His crucifixion. The use of eggs as symbolism evolved into gifts of chocolate dates back to the 19^th century in Europe, according to eHow. A tradition of giving chocolate eggs as gifts developed; a tradition which quickly spread through the rest of the world. According to Sharon Cacho in the “History of Chocolate and Easter”, the Easter egg was well recognized and quite customary by the 1960s, and from there other versions of Easter candy and other Easter novelty items were created, such as the Peeps that are so well-loved and are a staple in most Easter baskets.

And that is a short history lesson on the origin of Easter and chocolate. Looking for away to spruce up your Easter candy? Visit Treasured Sweets and purchase some great personalized candy bar wrappers that will be a hit at any Easter gathering.

This was researched and written by my lovely daughter, Jennifer Bowman. Thank you Jenn!

Sample Crazy!

Since I started Treasured Sweets over 2 years ago, I have always been finding ways to get some of my samples out there to new people. After all, there is nothing better than receiving a free little sample of chocolate for people to remember you! So when I recently came across several Sampler Boxes it was an automatic love for me. I send in my samples in to these companies and they in return have customers who purchase these great boxes filled with goodies from all sorts of businesses like mine.

Last month was my first month participating and I was very curious to see how my sample was being received, so as a sponsor I was eligible for a box and requested one from Tantalizing Sampler. I am big in the coupon world and have received many samples by mail but nothing like this has ever come in my mailbox. It was like a gift, beautiful presentation and each sample was a wonderful little treat! I'm hooked. I'm sample crazy now!

It was nice to try out so many samples from other businesses that I have come across on facebook but really didn't have any idea of the quality behind them. As a sponsor I was pleased to see how my product was being presented and as a consumer I was thrilled to try so many new items from tea to cookies to candles.

Now for March I can be found in Tantalizing Sampler with some Easter samples, Out of the Box Sampler whose theme is Death by Chocolate both boxes are now on sale. This Friday, March 4th My Dream Sample Box goes on sale and I am really excited to receive my own sample box.

If you love to shop, this is a nice little treat for yourself and if you are WAHM this is a great way to get great exposure to your products. Enjoy! Let me know if you try one!

Great tip on decorating for a graduation party!

When my daughter graduated from High School I wanted to celebrate her and all her accomplishments. I first went through a notebook where I kept all her special papers, awards and certificates and pulled out in chronological order the ones that I felt where milestones in her life. Then I went to her photographs and pulled out some of my favorite pictures starting with her newborn picture from the hospital all they way through to High School, keeping in mind the awards and certificates I had already pulled. Trying to keep these in chronological order as well.

With all her awards and photographs in hand I went to my local Kinko's and made color copies of all. I scrapbook, so I did some basic cropping and added a little color border to each photograph and glued them on cardstock along with any award or certificate pertaining to that picture if one was available.

The final step was to use a little tape on the back and stick to the wall in chronological order all around the room of where we held her graduation party. This took a little extra time, but boy was a huge hit and a wonderful tribute to my daughter! All of our guests enjoyed strolling around and seeing my daughter and her accomplishements throughout the years which brought her to that very special day!!!

Another great coupon lead

Treasured Sweets has now partnered up with SoCalCoupons to bring you extra savings every month on the personalized gifts you need. This month we are honoring all graduates and of course, good ole Mom! Don't forget Mother's Day is May 9th...the same day as my stepmother's birthday. I guess that is 2 gifts, hmmmmm or one extra special gift! I actually am working on a new product that was inspired by her. Hopefully, that one is coming soon!

In the meantime, here is that link for extra savings on your favorite Sweets!

http://socalcoupons.com/treasuredsweets.html

I love, love, love great customer service!

If you have been hanging around me long enough, then you just have to know how huge I am on customer service. I still believe great customer service (along with a fabulous product) is the key to success.

Last year I came across Online Labels, and placed the smallest order they probably have ever seen. New to my business, I actually ordered incorrectly. Feeling like a total idiot, I called them and discovered they aren't located far from me. I explained my error, and asked if I could come in person to make the exchange.

Off I went. When I walked in to the huge warehouse, I felt so embarrassed with my thin little envelope in hand. How quickly that changed, I was greeted immediately and treated as if I was their only customer!

My company is still fairly new and my orders are few and far between, but I know that my order is just as appreciated as any other. I will always return to Online Labels! Online Labels can be found at: http://OnlineLabels.com

New Sweets!

I have been very busy creating new products to bring you, like this one called Easter Treasures! Everything pictured is included and 4 items can be personalized for your little bunny! Perfect Easter Basket, which can be used for years to come. For more details on this product and to see the newest additions, please go to my website at: http://www.treasuredsweets.com/

PS....this is currently a giveaway with my friends over at http://guessingalltheway.com/

Letters from Santa!

I couldn't be more excited to announce the arrival of Santa Letters at Treasured Sweets! They are so cute and the kids will love, love, love getting a special little something from Santa Claus. Santa Letters are $5 each and also include a personalized candy bar. Quantities are limited, so get yours today! See website for more details: http://www.treasuredsweets.com