American Kitsch: Conversation Hearts

I WILL, REAL LOVE, ALL MINE, KISS ME

True love endures, and so does the lovable American sweet we call conversation hearts. This flirty, heart-shaped candy only makes an appearance once each year for Valentine's Day, full of hope and stamped with cute expressions of love.

Officially known as Sweethearts, about 8 million of these kitschy pastel hearts are sold each year and I love them. Besides their lasting popularity (Sweethearts were first created in 1866) they have a nostalgic simplicity which makes them so appealing . . . and slightly kitschy. Kitsch is defined as art, objects, or design considered to be in bad taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but it's appreciated in an ironic way.

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, it's the perfect opportunity to express your true feelings with a sweet conversation. DEAR, BE MINE, IT'S LOVE