Pop-Tarts Summertime Activity for Kids

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

As school was winding down for the year, my two boys began to plan their activity wish list for the summer. Swimming, camping, hiking, and fishing were all at the top of the list, and my husband and I were excited to be invited along for the ride. However, we were also faced with the reality that we would not be able to fill each and every day with a novel activity. We suggested to the boys that they think of a project that they could do over the summer, preferably something that would help an individual or the community.

Over the past several months, the boys watched several news stories and videos about global warming, how the melting polar caps are effecting the polar bears, and what we can do to help. From this, they decided that they would like to do an environmentally-minded project. One of the concerns that we have with our city's recycling program is that they do not accept glass products. Instead, we have to collect the glass containers and drive them to a recycling bin that is about 25 minutes from our home. Not only does this negate the purpose of helping the environment (think: gas consumption), but most people will not bother to make the drive and, instead, throw the glass into the garbage.

Clipboard and fliers in hand, the boys approached a number of families in our neighborhood to sign them up for their own brand of recycling. Within 45 minutes, a dozen names were added to the list. These willing neighbors pledged to save their glass and put it on their front porch for pick-up each Monday morning. This Monday, the boys walked to each house, pulling their Radio Flyer wagon behind them and loaded up the glass to take down to the recycling bin.


After collecting 50 glass containers, the boys were bursting with pride and could not stop smiling at their accomplishment.


After a morning of hard work, they had earned some time to burn off energy at the park and a chance to sit down for a tasty treat. My younger son excitedly opened his box of Chocolate Banana Split Pop-Tarts...


while my older son couldn't wait to sink his teeth into his Cinnamon Roll Pop-Tarts.


And, of course, there was some sharing.



They would be happy to make a Pop-Tarts snack a weekly event following their recycling efforts.

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What was your favorite summertime activity when you were a kid?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Head to the BlogHer.com special offers page for 9 other chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Read more!

Pop-Tarts Fourth of July Ice Cream Pie Recipe & a Visa Gift Card Giveaway

This is a compensated review by BlogHer and Pop-Tarts.

This contest is now closed. Thanks to all who participated.

After weeks of indecisive spring weather, summer is finally upon us. For my kids, that means a few key things: sprinklers should be in working order, the slip 'n slide is fixed in its permanent summertime location in our backyard, and the freezer is continuously stocked with ice cream and popsicles. On days when they are feeling water-logged and they have wiped out on the slip 'n slide one too many times while "surfing" their way down the glistening surface, we pull out the big guns. For the past several summers, one of their favorite activities involved placing small plastic or rubber toys, such as knights and sea creatures, into a plastic container, filling it with water, and freezing until solid. When boredom is about to set in, we unmold the ice block form the container, place it on a baking sheet and send them into the backyard with toy hammers to chisel their toys from their icy resting places. Works like a charm!

After working so diligently at their toy rescue efforts, my boys are usually ready for some sort of frozen treat. While otter pops and popsicles usually do the trick, I wanted to try something a little different. When I received several boxes of Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake pop-tarts, I knew just what to do with them. With July 4th just around the corner, I wanted to put together a special dessert fit for the occasion. Pop-Tarts featured a special treat for Easter, so why not something to celebrate the day of red, white, and blue?

Ground Pop-Tarts were used as the crust and sprinkled on top of a vanilla ice cream center. Just before serving, I decorated the top of the ice cream pie with fresh strawberries and blueberries. What did my kids think? Well, let's just say that they would like Pop-Tarts ice cream pies to become a new tradition after a long day of frolicking. I am more than happy to oblige.

The recipe:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.

Cut 6 Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake Pop-Tarts into 1-inch pieces and place in the bowl of a food processor.


Pulse until the Pop-Tarts are coarse crumbs.


Place 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter in a microwave-proof bowl and melt in the microwave. Pour the butter into the processor and briefly pulse until the crumbs are moistened.


Lightly spray a 9-inch glass pie dish with cooking spray and press the moistened crumbs evenly on the bottom and up the sides.

Bake in the oven until the crust is light golden brown, about 10 minutes. Place on a wire rack and cool completely.


Spread 2 pints (1/4 gallon) softened ice cream into the crust.


Coarsely chop 2 Pop-Tarts® Ice Cream Shoppe™ Frosted Vanilla Milkshake Pop-Tarts and sprinkle over top of the ice cream. Cover and freeze until ready to eat.


About 10 minutes before serving, remove the ice cream pie from the freezer to soften slightly. Using 1/2 cup strawberry wedges and 1/2 cup blueberries, decorate the top of the pie. Cut into wedges and serve.



Printable recipe

For a chance to win a $100 Visa gift card from BlogHer, please answer the following question in the comment section:

"What are your kids' or grandkids' favorite summertime activities?"

Please, no duplicate comments.
You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
This giveaway is open to US Residents aged 18 and older
Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail, so please be sure that you leave an email address.
You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.

Head to the BlogHer.com special offers page for 9 other chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.

Please see the official rules for this giveaway.

Read more!