Enjoying Summer with Frozen Treats

One of my favorite parts about summer is ending each day with a sweet, frozen treat without feeling guilty.  We're so busy during the days (and burning a ton of calories), so we really enjoy sitting down with something cold and refreshing.

Recently, MAGNUM, Klondike, Breyers, Popsicle, and Breyers introduced some new flavors for summertime.

MAGNUM, the world’s most luxurious ice cream bar, has introduced the Mini line of petite treats in Classic and Almond. MAGNUM has also added two new varieties to its traditional-sized bars, which include Mint and Mochaccino. 

Breyers Blasts!, the line known for featuring fun mix-ins from the most loved candy and cookie brands has also added four new flavors including Chocolate REESE’S, Golden OREO, Cookies & Cream, OREO Birthday Blast! and Klondike Krunch. Banana Split and S’mores flavors are also available nationwide.

Klondike is taking their famous Original Choco Taco to the next level as they have introduces the Chocolate and Peanut Butter varieties, as well as the new Chocolate Ice Cream Sandwich.
Good Humor has added to their classic candy treats after last year’s successful introduction of REESE’S Peanut Butter Ice Cream Cup. They now offer Mounds and York Ice Cream Bars.


Popsicle recently introduced an unexpected new line: Yosicle, which combines ice pops with combining ice pops and the smoothness of yogurt. Popsicle also partnered with SOUR PATCH KIDS to introduce fruity, candy-inspired pops that replicate the sour then sweet taste of the classic candy.

We had the chance to try out several of the new treats, and Little Man gave all of them a resounding thumbs-up.  His favorites included the Breyers Blasts Golden OREO and the Klondike Caramel Pretzel Bars.  I love the sweet and tart contrast of the Sour Patch Kids Popsicles (and the fact that they're dairy-free).


Samples were provided for review.  All opinions are our own.

Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest

We love to watch shows like Chopped and Cupcake Wars where contestants are given ingredients and have to create an original recipe.  It's always exciting to see how different each recipe is and how the final creation turns out.

I was excited to hear about the Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest through 5 Minutes for Mom.  To participate, we received a sample of the Mocafe Green Tea Matcha Frappe made with real Kyoto grown green tea and came up with our very own recipe for Blueberry-Grape Green Tea Matcha Smoothies.

Blueberry-Grape Green Tea Matcha Smoothies

(Makes 1-2 servings)

Ingredients:
1 cup frozen blueberries
3/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup grape juice
3 tablespoons  Mocafe Green Tea Matcha Frappe mix
1 teaspoon honey

Directions:
Place all ingredients in blender and mix until smooth.  Top with whipped cream and enjoy!

Little Man was my taste tester, since I can't have dairy at the moment.  He gave our drink two big thumbs up, and by how quickly he finished, I assume he was telling the truth.


I love how such a simple recipe could turn into a such a yummy drink, and by using frozen fruit, we were able to skip using any ice in our drink.  We love visiting Common Ground, our local coffee shop, for hot drinks and smoothies, but it's fun to get Little Man thinking about what flavors he can mix at home too.

To see all the other delicious entries in the Mocafe Matcha Green Tea Recipe Contest, check out the linky at 5 Minutes for Mom.   

Samples were provided. All opinions are my own. This post is entry into a contest sponsored by Mocafe and Blendtec.

The Playdate Book Review

As a mom, I know far too well how hard it is to let your kids with anyone else.  Even friends.  The Playdate, British author, Louise Millar's debut novel, explores the fears almost every mother endures. 



Callie, mother to Rae, a sweet, but frail little girl is the new mom on the street.  She is thrilled to be welcomed by Suzy, a mother of three, who seems to have it all together.  Suzy has a beautiful home, no money worries, and a handsome husband.

After Callie decides to go back to work and another newcomer, Debs, moves to the street, things change between Callie and Suzy.  Debs, with her sordid past and mental fragility adds to the tension between the once best friends.

It seems that when Rae is in the care of others, bad things are sure to follow.  While Callie is heartbroken to see her daughter hurt and constantly tries to protect her, she also wants her daughter to be able to live her life.

The Playdate starts as the story of neighbors and friendship, but it soon changes to a thought-provoking thriller.  Because it is told from each of the three women's perspectives, I constantly changed my own view about each of the characters.

The Playdate was a quick read,full of likeable, yet surprising characters.  Millar developed the storyline in a way that draws in readers and leaves them wanting to know exactly how each character will fare. 

Buy It:
Purchase The Playdate for $11

A copy of the book was provided for review.  All opinions are my own.