For every rule, there is an exception. At this time of year, candy corn grabs me as it fulfills so much of childhood memories even with the new harvest colorations. I indulge. When I travel I find it difficult, if not impossible, to walk past a candy shop, especially an old-fashioned shoppe. Did I mention that dark fudge and truffles pull me inside, too? Yet nothing is more disappointing than waiting for that special treat and discovering there’s nothing special about it. I just made that mistake with chocolate fudge recently. Major disappointment. Go for the good stuff.

It’s Halloween and candy choices are everywhere, and I’m happy to report that research acknowledges a candy eater as a happier and healthier person. Whoohoo!

Let’s examine the facts so that this weekend’s activities can be put to good use. Let’s start with a super one:

–People who regularly eat candy live longer than those who don’t. Need I say more? OK, the facts from a multi-decade study from the Harvard School of Public Health indicate that individuals who consumed candy 1-3 times a month did well in longevity, and daily candy eaters had better survival rates than those who abstained!

–Sugar actually gives you energy and helps you through difficult tasks. Sure there are health risks from too much sugar (obesity and diabetes as starters), but if you can handle sweets, then sugar has its benefits. That’s why the afternoon candy bar is such a wonderful option. Nap? Candy?

–Gum. Chewing gum can improve your mood and help you focus and lessen your stress levels. What a perfect time to become a gum chewer as flavor options seem to increase with each visit to the counter!

–Chocolate. Bet you thought we’d never get there, but the data continues to confirm the health benefits, as in lessening cardiovascular risk, from enjoying chocolate. The best results actually came from individuals who consumed chocolate 5 or more times a week!

What are you waiting for? Dig in. Halloween provides a mere excuse, but data cements the deal.

Before the enumeration, here are a few special days to note–they come with goodies:

–June 4, National Doughnut Day, a holiday established initially by the Salvation Army to help those in need. Check out Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts for their free offers. (Note that the offers are not identical). Get in line for a sweet Friday.

–June 5, Friendly’s is giving away free ice cream cones.

More of these special freebies as the month progresses.

Combine these single events with month-long celebrations:

–National Candy Month. The 16th is Fudge Day! This is from an association that has figured out how to celebrate different candies for each month of the year! They know about our collective sweet tooth!

–National Dairy Month. Easy to celebrate milk and all the other dairy foods as prices have remained fairly constant making dairy a consistently important, good purchase. FYI, vanilla is still the most requested ice cream flavor!

–National Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Month. Seriously, this needs little introduction. We know what we are supposed to eat and how many helpings. Slice up that organic celery now!

–National Iced Tea Month. It’s hot and as many people get into the iced cube part of life, tea does not want to be ignored. A vendor at The World’s Fair in St. Louis (1904) took credit for starting this beverage sensation. Why not have it on ice!

–National Turkey Lovers’ Month. This concept appeals to those looking for protein substitutes and the Association has been trying to get consumers to consider the product a year-round food, not just one celebrated in November. Lots of recipes and nutritional information on the site including a meal update calculator that helps us be more creative in our menu-planning.

Put them all together and what do you get: Many foods that we enjoy every month of the year!

Check this out: The New Sweetheart messages have evolved and changed with the times with fruity new flavors, bright colors and modern messages. Sure you can still get a “sweetie,” a “love me,” but how about the new ones:

–Text Me or Tweet Me

We can’t seem to escape our universe of smartphone mantras. The company even came up with an IPhone App that works with your Twitter account. Here you can personalize your messages to say what you want. Remember we said you could do that with chocolate bars and M&Ms, and now a real sweetheart deal.

So the next time you can’t tweet and find the web overloaded, you know the Sweetheart approach is taking over.

Tweet, tweet, you cute little birdie. Oh, that’s so yesterday.

Privacy alert.

The fun circles of assorted colors that literally tingle as they melt in your mouth have been elevated to a natural confection. Just in time for the upcoming Candy Holiday, they are ready with a natural treat; that’s right no artificial flavors. You won’t taste the beet juice or the purple cabbage or other natural flavors, and you can feel good about handing these out as they are gluten-free, too.

Just one caveat: If green was your favorite color, you’ll be sad as green did not make the cut. The lime flavor worked, but the color proved inconsistent so it was deep-sixed. Now there are only seven colors in the package.

Going all natural with an all-time, old-world flavored treat spells a smart decision. Now parents can capture their memories without worrying that kids will uncover their special addiction and try something that violates the house rules of all natural products.

No worries, you can all enjoy the same colored circles and melt away or chomp on the sweet, fun treats that comprise the package.

Stay tuned as the company may make a similar move for its Valentine’s Day (Sweethearts Conversation Hearts) selections.

I’ll just take the treats, thanks.

Maybe we better put down the blog and hit the stores while the supply is ample and there are still enticing sales and plenty of variety packages to help us make a great selection. Remember the old maxim: If no tricksters come, you want to be left with candy you like. No Milk Duds here. (Personal maxim).

Not just candy but all components of the end-of-the-month Holiday are doing well  Consumers are buying decorations and costumes; the only loser is the greeting card aisle. Think about it: What would you rather have, candy corn or a card with a picture of candy corn? Candy corn is for internal house consumption; tricksters get mini snack size bars!

As I sit at my desk mulling the various snack bag size of candies, the answer is quite simple: Candy.

I can make my own card!

Well, all that changed when Marshall Field’s disappeared from the retail map. Macy’s eliminated the legendary Chicago name but promised to keep the mints coming. Well, that was not how it all turned out. The original best seller chocolate mints have been unavailable for several years, although many of the other products in the line were continued.

Today the announcement that true aficionados have been awaiting came out: Production will start shortly from a local company: Cupid Candies. Great choice: An appropriate name for a company that will bring back a much-loved, missed treat. Now they just have to bring back the Marshall Field’s name and Chicagoans will be appeased!

Yes, those beautiful little green boxes of mints will once again be available, but only in the Chicago Macy stores.

If you think the city is only famous for its red hots, think again.