The weird backstory behind those Valentine’s Day candy hearts

Roses are red... No Images? Click here       Well, it’s Valentine’s Day again, and reporter Caroline Bologna decided to investigate the story behind those apparently controversial (are they chalky or just plain delicious?) conversation hearts that crowd the candy aisle and your local drugstore this month. She found out that the story of those candies involves a pharmacy and America’s first candy machine. “Conversation hearts, Necco hearts, candy hearts, Sweethearts ― people use many different names to describe those tiny chunks of candy sporting short messages that are ubiquitous around Valentine’s Day. The candy is iconic, and pretty much synonymous with the most romantic day of the year. This month, Kim Kardashian is celebrating the release of her three Valentine’s Day-themed Kimoji Hearts Fragrance perfumes by sending them to friends and influencers (and, apparently, “haters”) inside large conversation heart cases made of chocolate. But when it comes to actually eating real conversation hearts... well, let’s just say it’s a divisive topic. Frankly, the debate is up there with candy corn and marshmallow Peeps.”  Read on for more! THE MORE YOU KNOW   True love, parenting edition     The screen time struggle   Figuring out screen time with your children is usually a challenge. So Taylor Pittman asked tech experts what they do with their OWN children. Their grievances are common and their solutions are interesting.   Streaming tip of the week Cutting the cord -- aka ditching cable -- can be tricky. How do you know what’s worth it and what’s not? What are some of the unexpected pitfalls? Todd van Luling asked two of HuffPost’s Facebook communities, and got some surprising -- and useful -- answers. WHAT'S THE DEAL ANYWAY? Get more cultured: Team USA’s Only Mom Athlete Opens Up About Parenthood Because who doesn’t love an adorable Olympics story? What It’s Like Writing Other People’s Valentines For A Living We talked to two longtime greeting card writers to find out. 6 Baby Names That Have Tanked In Popularity Isis, anyone?    .     No moon dust. No B.S. Just a completely essential daily guide to achieving the good life. Subscribe here. Like what you see? Share it. Can't get enough? You'll also love: HuffPost Must Reads. ©2018 HuffPost | 770 Broadway, New York, NY 10003 You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe    . - - Preferences  |  Unsubscribe