A Little Chocolate Goes a Long Way

Did you know that chocolate makes you happy?

It's true. The creaminess of cocoa butter mixed with sugar, fat and other ingredients in chocolate releases endorphins in your brain and triggers a reaction that provides a euphoric rush. In addition, many of us associate chocolate with being "in love" or receiving gifts from someone we love.

This week, how about buying yourself a gift of chocolate? Your personal trainer or running partner might not be crazy about the idea...but everyone needs to splurge now and then. Head over to , 2755 W. Algonquin Road, for some mouth-watering chocolate treats.

Morkes' Chocolate High Heel Shoes are some of its most popular concoctions. These life-sized, size 6 shoes are 100 percent chocolate and 100 percent fun. They come in a variety of colors—including pink, green, yellow, and leopard—and they arrive in a shoebox.

Choose from milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate. A single shoe costs $29, while a pair of shoes will set you back $45—but it will be so worth it as you nibble away at your high heels.

Chocolate-Dipped Potato Chips are a little bit easier on the budget at $17.95 for a one-pound box. Sweet and salty come together surprisingly well in this ingenious combination. If you're really in the mood to splurge (or share with a friend), go for the two-pound box at $32.95.

To lighten things up a bit, try Morkes' White Chocolate Dipped Popcorn. It's only $9.95, but it's addictive and you'll want to go back for the one-pound version at $19.95.

If you absolutely must share this treat with your kids, you'll all get a kick out of Morkes' Chocolate Rocks, which are cute little chocolate pieces that actually look like real rocks. They're not hard, though, so you won't break a tooth on these delicious little treats. A half-pound bag is only $4.95.

Some of my personal favorites are the Deluxe Nut Caramel Apples, which are hand-dipped in creamy caramel and a roasted and salted nut mix. Choose from Granny Smith, Red Delicious or Jonathan apples, depending upon the season. Apples can be purchased individually starting at $4.95 or in a box of 20 starting at $80. Morkes will even wrap your apples in a seasonal bow.

Now, we don't recommend that you buy all of the things on this list—or that you make a habit of using food as a coping method! Still, a little treat now and then can do wonders for your psyche and your overall well-being. Who said that your kids get to have all the fun?