Author Archives: Darlene Lacey

Darlene Lacey

About Darlene Lacey

Darlene is the author of "Classic Candy: America's Favorite Sweets, 1950-80" and curator of the Candy Wrapper Museum, which is comprised of her personal collection which she began as a teenager in the 70s. The CWM has been featured in numerous TV shows, magazines, newspapers and blogs, and made its art gallery debut in 2010 at the Scion Space's "Palate" show.

SWEET TALK – BAD CANDY SANTAS AND OTHER CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS

Christmas and candy just go together… there are sugar plums, lollipops, peppermints, sticky ribbon candy, and giant light-up candy canes adorning our front lawns. And where there is Christmas candy, that ambassador of good cheer, Santa Claus, cannot be far … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – THE STORY OF THANKSGIVING… AS TOLD BY CANDY

Thanksgiving is a national holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November in the fine country ofThis day of thanks and reflection harkens back to the early days of the   who, with the help of the Native Americans, survived … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – FALL SPOOKTACULAR!

Summer is my favorite time of year, so I always reluctantly adjust to fall. I complain about this every year, despite the fact that complaining changes nothing. I’m not saying that summer is perfect; the days can be too hot … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – ALL THE COOL KIDS ARE HERE

Today we blast back to the 90s with Beverly Hills, 90210 Folder Bubble Gum. The series ran all throughout the decade, and I must admit I never watched it. Looking at the original season one intro, I remember why.

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SWEET TALK – GROOVIN’ WITH GUMBALL MACHINES

Decade after decade, these little machines have stood by doorways, calling for our attention at the supermarket, the drugstore, the liquor store, the mini-mart, the dollar discount store, and the family restaurant. Depending on what year it is, they offer … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – HUNGRY FOR CANDY, GUYS? GET SOME NUTS!

As I was pondering my next topic for this column, I ran across various mementos from Snickers’ “Get some nuts!” ad campaign launched in Britain in 2006. It featured an ass-kickin’ Mr. T setting the British men straight about issues … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – Vintage Valentines

Valentine’s Day is possibly the most despised holiday of the year. All the hoopla serves as an annual annoyance for those who are single, and its proximity to Christmas puts renewed pressure on couples to top their Christmas presents with … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – “Breaking” News about Chick-O-Sticks

In the world of candy, there are the “straight” candy bars that basically offer something tasty to eat (like a Hershey bar), and then there are the “fun” candy bars that remind you of childhood and summer vacation. Chick-O-Sticks are … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – Time to Join the Easter Parade of Candy

Hey, gang, it’s almost Easter, and that means it’s time to slip on your sexiest bunny suit and join the happy, peppy parade of Easter candy lovers. Easter candy has something for almost everybody to love, so grab a bunny … Continue reading

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SWEET TALK – Express Yourself This Valentine’s Day

January has the ugly nickname of “Break-Up” month due to the sudden crush of calls to divorce lawyers, U-Haul Truck rentals, and drunken texting. And this phenomenon continues on into February. Why? Because unhappy people know they’re going break up, … Continue reading

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