Greer's OC

Ever since the bacon chocolate bar was introduced, the once seemingly unconventional marriage of savory meat and sweet has spawned countless dessert trends across the country. There was bacon crumbled atop maple honey-frosted cupcakes, caramel bacon ice cream, and peanut butter bacon cookies.

Now there’s The Sticky Pig, an Orange County-based company that hawks handmade candied bacon confections. Owner Tara Simon, 29, of Costa Mesa, a pilates instructor who also happens to call herself the Bacon Vixen, just launched the company. An avid foodie, Simon said she spent months experimenting in the kitchen to come up with eight lip-smacking flavors. Simon starts with premium smoked, thick-cut bacon and then adds brown sugar and chilis for the original bacon candy, or crushed graham crackers, chocolate, Nutella and a mini-marshmallow to create a S’mores treat. There’s also Caramel Apple, Raspberry Jelly Doughnut and Coconut Lime Curry.
The confections are sold in boxed sets of 4 pieces for $13 to 12-pieces for $40 and 24-pieces for $80, perfect for unique gifts for the true bacon lover. For the hardcore bacon candy addict, they can also be purchased by the month. And as a special to Greer’s OC readers, enter the code GREERSOC at the checkout and receive 20% off your first purchase! To order, go to the website or call 1-877-722-1267.

Easy Way to Help Girl's Inc.

Here’s the easiest way to donate and support Girl’s Inc. of Orange County, a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring all girls to be strong, smart and bold. Simply participate in Dove’s “Thank You for Making a Difference” Campaign now through Dec. 15, and cast your vote for Girls Incorporated online by visiting and clicking on the Dove campaign link. For every vote, Dove will donate $1 to fund the organization’s newest program, the Mind + Body Initiative.

The Mind + Body Initiative is designed to give girls the knowledge, skills, and attitude required to form and maintain a healthy and positive sense of self. A maximum donation of $500,000 will be made and there is no purchase necessary to contribute.