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.

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.

Sweet Idea: DIY Color Blocked Cocktail Popsicles

I love, and I mean L-O-V-E, coconut rum mixed with lemon-lime soda and pineapple juice. I figured, what better concoction to add to a popsicle than a little splash of the good stuff? I whipped up these beauties last week for Confetti Pop, and they turned out lovely. They're look like a mix between watercolor and color blocking trends. Be still my heart!

Check out the tutorial on Confetti Pop!

Sweet Idea: DIY Animal Popsicles

What kid can resist nibbling a frosty squirrel? I'm an grown up (chronologically, at least) and even I think these A Subtle Revelry yogurt popsicles are too cute to pass up.

I'm pretty sure both of my girls would squeal their heads off about these. Swing on by A Subtle Revelry for the how-to on this fun DIY.

Sweet Idea: Fancy Popsicles

What summer-y treat has basil, mint, and rosemary in the mix? Grown-up popsicles, of course! I'm loving these punchy popsicle pics (see what I did there with the "P" alliteration?) from Fun.kyti.me for Memorial Day. Why blend up fruit when adding them whole makes such a pretty, modern pop? And let's face it, sometimes I'm not in the mood to pull out and clean up the blender.

Check out Fun.kyti.me for recipes for these fancy frozen favorites (I'm in an alliteration mood today, I guess.). There's even one for a mojito pop. Mmmm!

Popsicle Paradise

It's that time of year. It's unseasonably warm, the days are getting longer, and I'm yearning for popsicles of every kind. We've talked about gourmet pops before, but this year, I think I'm going to embrace classic flavors.

It doesn't get more classic than this banana split-inspired pop.

Fruit juice and yogurt combine to make even more striped pops.

Red, white, and blue screams classic Americana. These popsicles would be perfect for the 4th.

Check out each link for the pop recipes.

DIY Popsicle Memory Game

This came along at the perfect time. I was at Target earlier today looking for games for my little one and came out of the store unsuccessful. Well, lo and behold, Eat Drink Chic saves the day with this printable, DIY popsicle memory game. Isn't this the most adorable thing?

Be sure to swing by Eat Drink Chic to download your free popsicle templates and surprise a little girl with this super cute twist on a classic game.

Recipe: White Peach, Lychee, & Red Berry Pops

It's supposed to be 100 degrees tomorrow, and I'm sweating just thinking about it. These white peach, lychee, and red berry pops by Aran of Cannelle et Vanille would be a great way to beat the heat.

If you've got some popsicles molds handy, go ahead and give this chilly recipe a try.

images via Cannelle et Vanille

Painted Popsicles

I found these watercolor cards by Fine Day Press on Oh So Beautiful Paper. They're perfect for Summer's lazy days. The cards are blank inside, so they're great for birthday well wishes and just because. They're so vividly painted that they look like they are melting right onto the card.

Swing by Fine Day Press's website to see even more watercolor and letterpress designs.

New Trend: Designer Popsicles

With the resurgence of whoopie pies and cupcakes, it was only a matter of time before another childhood classic got an upgrade. The emerging trend this summer? Gourmet popsicles. Be on the lookout for unusual flavor combinations like chocolate fig, white chocolate pear, and Thai iced coffee.

Locopops, a North Carolinian chain, features exotic and classic gourmet pops like cookies and cream, mango chile, candy corn, and pomegranate five spice.

New York City is home to popbar, which specializes in gelato, sorbet, and yogurt pops.  The Gianduia bar features dark chocolate-dipped, hazelnut-topped gelato. Perhaps a Pistachio Drizzle or Vanilla Splash is more to your liking. Still not satisfied? This shop lets you customize your pop, from the stick up.

Don't have an upscale popsicle shop in your area? Consider making some yourself. There are great recipes out there. Try these limoncello ones or these mango pineapple ones.

Image (Amanda Clarke via Flickr), Image 2 (popbar), Image 3 (NY Magazine)