Things Loved in October

1.  Kate's first Halloween!


Kate: 9 Months



We decided not to take Kate trick-o-treating for her first Halloween since she's so young--plus it's past her bedtime.  In lieu of a costume, I got her this "my first halloween" onesie.  So cute!

2.  Halloween Trail Mix.

While browsing the Halloween section at Target, I spotted a jar of "Monster Mix" which was a festive little concoction of candy corn, peanuts, yogurt covered pretzels, and M&Ms.  Mmmmm...it was delicious!  And such a great idea for a quick and easy DIY seasonal treat!  I plan on making this myself (and springing for the better peanuts) next year. 

3.  Bequet Celtic Sea Salt Caramels

Who's ready for a story?

I recently joined a natural foods co-op (Willy Street Co-op for all my locals) so I could get the best, freshest fruits and vegetables for Kate's homemade baby food.  Well a few weeks ago I was standing in the check-out line with my organic bananas and reusable tote bag when I noticed the only thing the person in front of me was buying was caramels. 

Caramels? 

It seemed strange to me that someone would come to the grocery store only to get a handful of individual-wrapped caramels.  They must be good, I deduced with my super-sleuthing skills.  I better try one. I picked out one "Celtic Sea Salt" caramel to add to my purchase, and tossed it in my mouth once I was back in my car. 

HOLYHELLITWASAMAZING!

Ridiculously delicious, super soft and perfectly chewy, with little bursts of saltiness breaking through that sugary sweetness.  It was one of the most incredible pieces of candy I've ever had in my life.  I quickly decided I needed more.  Lots more.  I managed to make it one whole day before I returned to the Co-op to get my fix. 

But how many to buy??  It's not like they came in packs of 10 or were sold in one-pound bags.  Oh no.  These were individually wrapped, individually sold caramels sitting in a large plastic bin. 

I wasn't exactly sure how to handle this situation. 

Do you just dive in with both hands, pulling out as many caramels as you can, like you're some kind of game show contestant?  Or count them out one-by-one, not caring what your final number is as long as it's in double-digits?  Perhaps the meticulous nature of the latter will make onlookers think you have an actual, specific number in mind for a very good reason.  Forty trick-o-treators anticipated at your home?  Wedding favors for 125, maybe? 

Common sense told me the meticulous "one-by-one" method was the better way to go, but my taste buds just didn't have the patience for it.  I decided to activate my go-go-gadget hand shovels and scoop out as many of those salty sweet delights as possible in a respectable amount of time. 

Oh, did I mention this tub of caramels is actually located in the check-out lane?

Yeah.

So it's not like you can go at an off hour and hope no one's around to see you.  You've got to do your thing in front of at least one other person--the cashier who doesn't even bother averting her eyes.  Trust me, you won't even care.  They're that good. 

I quickly discovered the problem with the "hand shovel method" comes when the cashier asks, "How many of these do you have?" and you have to reply, "You just saw me.  Did it honestly look like I was counting?" 

Feel free to learn from my mistakes.  It'd be nice if one of us did. 

Now I'm guessing you're interested in finding out where or how you can get your hand shovels on these caramels and here's the part where I have to tell you I honestly have no clue.  A quick google search can turn up some online sources, but it's hard to say where you'll be able to find them in your town.  Maybe try a local food co-op?  Or a natural foods store? 

If I were you, I'd just move to Madison.  My dealer is located at 1221 Williamson Street.