February 16, 2010

Today I am thankful. My little girl turns 5. With a tough 9 month fight with Hyperemesis gravidarum, an extreme, persistent condition that causes nausea and vomiting during pregnancy and led to dehydration and drastic weight loss for mommy, we were afraid we wouldn't have her. She is truly my little miracle. The day she was born, a tulip bloomed in February. God's proof that she was a miracle and my prayers were heard.

I can remember throwing up EVERY day about 4-6 times a day when I was pregnant. I went out and bought the pinkest, frilliest dress I could find. I hung it on the inside door of the bathroom. During the times I was throwing up so hard I popped blood vessels in my face, chest, and body, I would look at that little pink dress and remind myself why fighting through the pain and discomfort was SO important.

My body still shows signs of stress from the condition. I still have red marks from the popped blood vessels that cover parts of my face, arms and chest, and the enamel on my teeth was worn away. I wouldn't change a thing. God wanted to make sure I appreciated Emma. I do - EVERY day.

Days like this remind me how lucky and blessed I truly am. I thank God that He listened to those prayers. Today, and every day with BOTH of my kids, I am too blessed to be stressed.

A Candy Store Grows In Brooklyn

In the middle of the concrete jungle lies a sweet oasis. I walked down the street toward Dewey's Candy behind a young couple. They were engaged in an intense conversation about the state of the economy and the foreclosure rates that friends were facing.

As I stepped into the store, I noticed that the negative discussion suddenly ended. The man turned to his girlfriend, picked up a Sugar Daddy, and immediately broke into a story about some friends in the fourth grade. Just the sight of nostalgic candy suddenly turned the moment on its heel. Laughter and stories of better days suddenly replaced bad feelings.

I was instantly overwhelmed with the absolute artistry of design. Bright colors, laughter, decadent smells, tastes, and textures filled the needs of all of my personal senses.

Upon meeting Alison, I was enamored by her infectious smile, and her charisma. Her past experience was working for Fashion Designer Donna Karan as well as Victoria's Secret.


She elegantly utilized in the layout of her new store. Alison partnered with store design expert Jeff Lee to bring the store vision to life.

"Our most recent birthday party involved personal T-shirt design and confectionary retail therapy. The kids were adorable and the staff had a blast catering to the individual requests of our customers. Every party whether it is on or off site, is tailored to surpass my customer's expectations, while matching the event or age group."

Dewey continued, "I arrived at the store one morning, wearing my work clothes and baseball cap. I was prepared for a day of painting and prep work. When I got here, people were lined up outside waiting to get in. I didn't stop to paint or take a break from catering to happy people until after 9 p.m. It was great."

If you visit New York, this store is a must see. The candy inventory will satisfy both young and seasoned souls. Kids will come for the colorful inventory, and adults will line up for the nostalgic salvation of serotonin and sugar.

Tina Cernero, a graphic artist and friend, developed the logo.
Alison also mentioned many friends including her brother Dean, who supported her venture with Dewey's Candy. After being laid off from VS due to budget concerns, Alison turned a difficult situation into a sweet reality. Hers is a story of inspiration and determination.

Dewey Facts:
Dewey was owner Alison Oblonsky's nickname, given to her by her dad Freddy O.

Opening this store was a labor of love. Ms. O. was looking for a career she enjoyed.

Alison worked for Fashion Designer Donna Karan as well as Victoria's Secret.

The store was designed to satisfy the sweet tooth and bring out your inner child.

Dewey's Candy opened January 1, 2010. The 900 sq. foot space morphed in less than 30 days.

You can follow Dewey's Candy on Twitter http://twitter.com/DeweysCandy
Deweys Candy, (718)-422-1333, is located at 141 Front St. between Pearl and Jay St. in Brooklyn NY.