Did You Know Tuesday - Smarties Retro Candy

Smarties were a popular penny candy when I was growing up. You could get a roll for a penny at dimestores like Woolworths or Ben Franklin. They are little sweet wafers wrapped in a clear cellophane package. I always preferred them to SweetTarts, which have a taste that is more tart.  

Smarties were invented in 1949 by Edward "Eddie" Dee for his company, Ce De Candy, in New Jersey.  The candies are called Rockets in Canada.  These candies are currently produced in Union, New Jersey, and Newmarket, Ontario.  

They come in six colors (and flavors):  white (orange-cream), yellow (pineapple), pink (cherry), green (strawberry), purple (grape), and orange (orange).

This childhood favorite is completely vegan (see link from the Smarties website).   Plus, they are fun for Halloween -- or other times of year as well!

Do you remember this retro candy from your childhood?  Was it a favorite?

Music Monday - Do Ya by Electric Light Orchestra (1976)

I always say that I am more into vintage pop and retro soul rather than classic rock ... but there are some exceptions!   "Do Ya" by Electric Light Orchestra (ELO) is one of those.   Actually just about anything by ELO is an exception -- I loved this band during my teen years.  (For a previous blog post about "Mr. Blue Sky," click here.)

"Do Ya" was written by Jeff Lynne for the British rock band The Move in 1971, and was originally titled "Look Out Baby, There's a Planet Comin'."   ELO recorded this in 1976 on their album A New World Record.  It went to 24 on the Billboard record chart.

Do you remember this song?  Have a listen below.  I'd love to hear from you in the comments, below.

Book Spotlight and Giveaway - In the Shade of the Almond Trees by Dominique Marny

In the Shade of the Almond Trees

(historical fiction) Release date: September 29, 2015 at Open Road Media 280 pages ISBN: 978-1480461178 Website | Goodreads

SYNOPSIS

In the aftermath of World War I, a family estate hangs in the balance. For generations, the Barthélemy family tended to the olive trees of Restanques, a sprawling property in Cotignac whose olive oil and almonds were as incredible as the countryside that produced them. But all that changed when war came to France. Robert Barthélemy never returned from the trenches, and without him, the farm is beginning to die. His widow has lost the will to live, and only the fierce efforts of their daughter, Jeanne, have kept the creditors at bay. Jeanne is spending an afternoon at home with the family’s grim financial statements when a handsome stranger appears on the front steps. His name is Jérôme Guillaumin and he is a brilliant botanist about to embark on a journey around the globe. From the moment they meet, Jeanne is struck by feelings she never thought possible: feelings that could save her life or destroy everything she has ever known.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dominique Marny was raised in a family that loved art, literature, adventure, and travel. In addition to being a novelist, she is a playwright and screenwriter, and writes for various magazines. Follow Open Road Integrated Media on Facebook | Twitter Subscribe to Open Road’s Newsletter

Visit the author's website (in French) Follow her on Facebook

Buy the book

Giveaway

Global giveaway open internationally: 2 participants will each win a copy of this book. Print/digital format for US residents Digital for all other residents Be sure to follow each participant on Twitter/Facebook, for more chances to win

Enter here

Visit each blogger on the tour: tweeting about the giveaway everyday of the Tour will give you 5 extra entries each time! [just follow the directions on the entry-form]

CLICK ON THE BANNER TO READ OTHER REVIEWS AND EXCERPTS

Weekend Window Shopping at Birdhouse Books

Happy Weekend!

I'm working on revamping my stores for the holiday season, so just have a few new listings to share with you this week.   The Halloween cards and poetry books pictured below are all at my eBay shop:  Birdhouse Books on eBay.

Please note that I'm running a weekend sale at Birdhouse Books on Etsy.   You can save 15% this weekend (through 10/5) at my Etsy shop with coupon code WELCOMEOCTOBER.

Here are the new items you'll find in my eBay store this weekend.

Poetry for Young People - Emily Dickinson is a wonderful poetry book for children.

Poetry for Young People:  Robert Frost introduces young readers to Frost's poems.

This fun Halloween greeting card features a witch, cat, and jack o' lantern. 

Love this Halloween greeting card with a witch silhouette!

 Great Halloween greeting card with a green-eyed cat.

 Stylized Halloween greeting card with a candy corn illustration.

I hope you find some goodies here.  I'll have a lot more for you next week!

Dear Abby: A Special Dog Train

Dear Friends,

I just wanted to send a short and sweet note out today to say "hi" and wish you a good weekend.

My friend Bobby sent me this video and I liked it so much that I wanted to share with you.   It is a short visit with an 86 year old man in Ft. Worth, Texas who rescues dogs and who made a special train for them.  It warmed my heart, and I hope you enjoy it too.  I think I might enjoy riding on a train like this!


Wishing you a wonderful weekend! 

Love and xxx's, 
Abby