Sunday, April 21, 2013

Chocolate Works


“Chocolate Works”

“I control what I can, so I do not stress about what my girls eat when I am not around.”  That is a complete lie.  Although I do not, and never will, make my girls bring a healthy snack in place of the host’s dessert (unless, of course, they were diagnosed with something that required me to do so), I would be lying if I said that my toes don’t curl when it is time for dessert at a friend’s (or family member’s) house. 

However, a story that my friend told me helps to keep me balanced when I am deciding whether to let me girls have a treat.  She knew of a little boy who was raised in a house where absolutely no sugar was consumed, and at parties his mother brought a separate treat for him.  One Christmas they were all celebrating the holiday and Santa came to bring all the kids presents.  When it came time for the boy to sit on Santa’s lap to receive his gift, he was nowhere to be found.  Santa left and the little guy was found in a room shoving his face with the desserts his mom had never let him have (and he discovered at the Christmas party).  This story always serves to remind me that a treat every now and then is not the end of the world.  I try to maintain a balance for my girls, although I get a little nervous when I ask Shealyn about the favorite part of her day, and if she had candy or a treat that day, sometimes she says, “Having my treat.”  Out of her entire fun-packed day, she holds onto her five minutes of indulgence.  Managing the negative impact of sugar on the development and wellness of two three-year-olds can be draining, but I do my best.

Two week ago, however, I let my guard down completely (well, almost).   We went to a “Chocolate Works” party.  This party had special meaning in so many ways!  “Chocolate Works” and its sister company, “Fifth Avenue Chocolatiere,” are owned and operated by our dear friends, the Whaley family.   The Whaley family and the perks that come with knowing the owners of a chocolate factory have significantly sweetened our lives.  And now the girls’ lives have been sweetened too!

The occasion was Jack Whaley’s fifth birthday!  Colleen Whaley (wife, mother of three and chocolate party planner) has a Masters degree in education and uses her creativity to enhance the family business by hosting chocolate-themed birthday parties and educational field trips at “Chocolate Works.”  The events cover all things chocolate through literature and hands-on experiences (from cocoa beans to the chocolate that we eat).  The parties are organized for the kids to explore the machinery and ingredients that create the delicious treats sold to “Chocolate Works” customers every day.  From dipping graham crackers, Oreo cookies, and pretzels in chocolate and decorating with sprinkles and other goodies, to retrieving their masterpieces from the “Chocolate Works” conveyor belt (think “I Love Lucy”), the kids get the full “Chocolate Works” experience!

                                        She is getting ready to           Bryce filling her mold with
                                        dip her graham cracker!        Uncle Joe!

The girls were in heaven!  And I was too.   Watching Joe and Colleen in action, and the proud smile on Grandpa’s face (John Whaley, founder of the company) as he celebrated one of his twelve grandkids’ (three more on the way!) birthdays, swept away my rigid inhibitions and allowed me to sit back and enjoy the day! 

                                        Shea getting hugs from         The girls with the birthday boy!
                                        Mr. Whaley!

“Fifth Avenue Chocolatiere,” originally known for their unforgettable truffles, continues to expand their quality offerings and experiences through “Chocolate Works.”  They truly offer something for everyone . . . here are some of my picks: 

                                        Their chocolate covered nut selection along with their 
                                        nuts and trail mix, makes the perfect treat!  

Thanks for sweetening our lives Aunt Colleen and Uncle Joe!

Love deeply and eat mindfully,
Kim Gilroy - kimgilroyinsideout