4 Guilt-Free Summer Treats

This summer, I'm whipping up lots of cool desserts to beat the heat. In fact, I created four healthy, fruity, sweet treats for Momtastic. Each one uses Arctic Zero, instead of ice cream, so you can indulge without the snacker's remorse.  Check out these strawberry watermelon floats, coconut mango pineapple popsicles, coconut pineapple shakes, and strawberries and cream "ice cream" sandwiches.

Swing by Momtastic to check out my 4 Arctic Zero Dessert Hacks post.

DIY Color Block Ice Cream Cones

I've been all over Instagram lately sharing up a storm, so if you're not already following me there, swing on by and say "heeey!" Scroll through my IG feed, and you'll see some fun sneak peeks of things to come here on the ole blawg. Seriously, how can you resist this mini dessert table, this giant gummy bear, and these teeny tiny gummy bears?

Before you bounce off to my IG, check out the ice cream project I whipped up a couple of weeks ago. These DIY Color Block Ice Cream Cones were super easy to make. Here are a few of my favorite pics of this neon project. I'm sharing the tutorial on Momastic, so visit me there to get the how-to.

You know I love hanging with you here, but I want to see your faces (even if it's just your avatar) around the interwebs. So, chat me up on IG, share some pins on Pinterest, or like a post on FB.

Also, don't forget to check out these other sweet DIYs:
DIY Color Blocked Cocktail Popsicles
DIY Gold Rock Candy Favor
Last-Minute DIY Sprinkle Heart Cake Topper

Oh, and be sure to check out my reaction to the totally absurd bday gift Maddy, my Confetti Pop partner, bought me last month.

Sweet Idea: Salted Caramel Ice Cream Cake Shots

I was just in the store scoping out some salted caramel goodies, so the timing of this little online find couldn't be better. As you guys know, the salty/sweet combo is my BFF. These ice cream cake shots by Sugar and Cloth are fab, especially since it's still hot and humid here in the Twin Cities.

 Just look at that layer of golden caramel goodness at the bottom of the cup. Oooh, yeah! Little striped paper straws add a bit of color and pattern to the ivory and gold shots.

Want to whip up these cool (pun totally intended) treats? Check out the tutorial on Sugar and Cloth.

Sweet Idea: Popsicle and Ice Cream Printables

I never get tired of dessert imagery. Ever. I practically squealed with cuteness overload when I saw a pair of popsicle pajama pants at Target for kiddo. Why, oh why, didn't them make some in my size?!?

I'm ok. I'm ok. Deep breath.

Well, I guest I'll just have to get my fix from other adorable dessert graphics, like these, these, and these gift tags that Amy Moss designed for Oh Happy Day.

Just swing by Oh Happy Day to print out these little sweeties.

DIY Gilded Ice Cream Cones

Memorial Day is a hot second (pun totally intended) away, and nothing beats the heat like ice cream. If you want to add a little luxe to your lakeside lounging, whip up these DIY gold ice cream cones I made for Confetti Pop.

Trust me when I say these cones are even more shimmery in person. Get the step-by-step tutorial on Confetti Pop.

images by Todd Hafermann

Sweet Idea: Gingham Cones

Mmm, Summer!

images by Horace & Gertrude via Southern Weddings Magazine

Sweet Idea: Ice Cream Cone Macarons

Love the idea of an ice cream social, but dread the idea of a runny, melted mess? These ice cream cone shaped macs by Steph of Raspberri Cupcakes are the perfect, pretty little solution.

Want to ooh and aah over more cute shaped macarons? Check out these clouds and these bunnies.

pics from Raspberri Cupcakes

Sweet Idea: Raspberry Ice Cream Pie

Got graham crackers, Jell-o, and ice cream? If so, then you're just a refrigerator away from an easy, but really beautiful ice cream pie. Rockstar Diaries featured the no-brainer basic steps for this treat. I'll be whipping one of these lovelies up for Father's Day.

Since the ice cream is flavored by Jell-o, you can easily switch it up with any other fruit and top it with beautifully-arranged slices. Lime or strawberry, perhaps?

Super Simple Sundaes

Forget digging out the parfait glass. A bowl, some vanilla, and a little imagination are all that's needed for these sundaes. Leave it to Real Simple to dream up creative sundaes that are, well, simple.

Caramel, popcorn, and peanuts jazz up vanilla.

Pineapple and coconut combine to make pina colada.

Marshmallows, hot fudge, and graham crackers are S'more-licious.

sundaes via Real Simple's Pinterest

DIY Ice Cream Cone Mobile

Isn't this one of the coolest things? I don't know if mobile is right, or is this more a garland sort of thing? Maybe we should just say, "It's raining ice cream!" Either way, this tutorial from Icing Designs is perfect for a summer ice cream social.

Swing by Icing Designs for the surprisingly simple tutorial.

Dessert Table: The (Ice Cream) Social Network

I'm 100% in love with this party idea from Jeni of Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream. An ice cream social is perfect for summer and for all ages. In favt, our neighborhood has one every year so we can meet new neighbors. Check out some of these festive ideas from

Be sure to visit Better Homes and Gardens for recipes and how-tos for this party.

images from Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at Home via BHG

Ice Cream Meets Macarons

Let me just start by saying, I LOVE this idea. I've seen ice cream macarons before, but I didn't know there was a company out there that was selling them pre-made. Jeni's Splendid Ice Cream creates these little treats. I'm curious to try the Orchid Vanilla flavor. Honestly, nothing sounds better to me than the crunch of a macaron shell combined with the cold, sweetness of ice cream.

image via Jeni's Ice Cream

Happy Ice Cream Month!

July is national Ice Cream Month, and what better way to celebrate with an easy, cool ice cream dessert table? This one from 100 Layer Cake is very do-able for a small party. So, line up a few of your favorite flavors, get the cones handy, and invite over the neighbors.

images by Scott Clark via 100 Layer Cake

Neapolitan Notions

Warm weather always stirs up a longing for ice cream and other cool treats. These Neapolitan goodies turn the classic ice cream flavor into unexpected desserts. I've also been a big fan of a pink and chocolate brown color palette. It's feminine, but not too girly.

I really like the popsicles. I remember making my own popsicles as a kid and mixing and matching flavors and colors. What an easy lazy-day project to do with the kids. Plus, if you use natural fruit juices, you won't feel nearly so guilty about eating two (or five) every day. 

On an unrelated note, I'll be making the Graphic + Glitz chalkboard cookies today. Depending on exactly when I finish them up, I'll either post them later today or first thing tomorrow. 

cake via Pinterest, cheesecakes via Bakers Royale, popsicles via Pinterest, cookies and milk via Sweetapolita, chocolate bar via Chocolate Editions