Summer, perfect time for a picnic. Plus a recipe!

I don't know about you, but for us, summer is for trying to take it easy.  Especially during the hot days!   Lucky for me, Broxton loves when he "gets to decide" that it is picnic day.  Even better?  The fact that he loves to have picnics inside just as much as an outdoor lunch! There is something about throwing down a blanket and eating picnic foods versus sitting at a table and eating a sandwich, at least that is the feeling here!!! We get to make quick and easy meals. Know what that means? More time for playing and making memories!   
Recently, we were sent a variety of treats to change up our typical picnic from just chips, fruit and sandwiches.  Read below to see what all we were able to try!  

More time with these cuties?  YES!!! I am all for it!

FTC Compliant Review Policy:  The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

Image Credit - Bauli

The first thing I had to try were the croissants. Hello, it was chocolate. I could not pass them up. They were delicious and we all loved them.  Bauli Mini Croissants are sure to turn your picnic Parisian with their delightful, light taste. These mini treats are made in a REAL oven with no preservatives and naturally leavened dough and are available in two delicious flavor fillings: chocolate and vanilla custard. At just 50 calories a pop, these snacks are guilt-free and made for sharing...although you might not want to!

I will admit that I tend to think of kids lunches when I think of fruit snacks (or gummies as I call them) but these jokers here were so good that I have noticed I grab a bag when I am ready for a snack and they keep finding their way into my purse as well! Go Organically® Fruit Snacks are USDA-certified organic, made with real fruit purées and real fruit juices. These tasty smart and delicious treats include 100% of the daily recommended value of Vitamin C and are an excellent source of Vitamins A and E. Go Organically® Fruit Snacks are GMO-free, gluten-free, preservative-free and made with natural flavors and colors from natural sources.  Not to mention, each individual pack is only 70 calories, making them an easy choice for your picnic basket!

I have been a fan of the sparking ice for some time. It is always a treat when I go to a friends birthday party for her son, as she always has them in stock for drinks!!!!  Sparkling Ice, an excellent soda alternative, is slightly carbonated with B-Vitamins, Vitamin D and antioxidants. This light and refreshing beverage contains Zero Calories, Zero Carbs, is Gluten Free, Caffeine Free, and Sodium Free. It also comes in over 20 different delicious flavors including a line of Teas and Lemonades. It also recently launched a line of 8 oz Slim Cans, perfect for on-the-go and an easy fit for your picnic basket!

I will tell you now, I do not like olives. Never have, never will.  I was able to surprise the husband by throwing this into his work lunch.  He loved the surprise and said they tasted great! Gaea Olive Snack Packs come from the finest olive groves in Greece, using time honored, traditional farming techniques while they are harvested by hand. Available in three flavor options: 100% Kalamata, Green marinated with Chili & Black Peppers, Green marinated with Lemon & Oregano. Gaea's olive snack packs are a healthy and delicious on the go addition to your picnic basket. 

I keep saying I am going to make more parfaits for breakfast to change things up, so this will be a tasty added treat on those mornings that I just don't feel like cooking!  Viki's Granola great tasting, GLUTEN-FREE, and made with 100% ALL NATURAL ingredients. Available in five flavors at retailers nationwide, available in snack-size packs too, Viki's is the perfect addition to add to your picnic basket! Available in Original, Blueberry Almond, Maple Cranberry, (NEW!) Banana Walnut & (NEW!) Apple Cinnamon.

These have not been tried yet, but again, I think they will be great to add to our breakfast items from time to time.  Carrington Farms Flax Hemp Paks.  Celebrate National Picnic Day with a simple serving of Organic Milled Flax Seeds and Organic Hulled Hemp. Carrington Farms Flax Hemp Paks are packed in portable and convenient single-serve packets, providing an abundant source of Omega-3s, protein and fiber and perfect for trips on the road or in the air. Pair with yogurts, parfaits, smoothies, oatmeal and more and Carrington Farms Flax Hemp Paks are the perfect on the go addition to your picnic basket. With no refrigeration necessary, ready-to-eat Flax Hemp Paks can be used at anytime, anywhere.

So, these might be targeted towards kids, but that doesn't mean that mama will not take one to the pool and take a sip or two out of it when I get a little parched.  I love that they have flavors that kids love... and the characters on them are a bonus!  AquaBall, the sugar-free, naturally flavored water is perfect for a parent looking for a healthier alternative to all of those sugary kids drinks. Available in four flavors, Fruit Punch, Orange, Berry Frost and Grape, AquaBall features fan favorite characters from Disney's Frozen, Disney Princesses, Marvel Avengers, and Disney Classic Characters. AquaBall is the easy solution to finding a beverage that both kids and parents will love. 

Here are a couple recipes from Viki's Granola if you want to try them out: 

Granola Truffles - Courtesy of Viki's Granola

Ingredients:
1 2/3 cups heavy cream
7 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound semisweet chocolate, cut or broken into shards
Viki's Granola for rolling truffle

Directions:
Place cream and butter into a saucepan. Allow butter to melt on medium heat, stirring the whole time. Raise the heat just until the cream mixture comes to a boil.
Remove saucepan from heat, add the chocolate and stir until it is completely melted. Continue stirring until the mixtures thickens and cools a bit. Cover mixture with cellophane and place in refrigerator. Allow at least 2 hours to cool and thicken for at least 2 hours but mix 3 to 4 times during that time.

To form truffles use a small melon baller or spoon to scoop chocolate mixture into the palm of your hand. Roll into a ball then roll in your favorite Viki's Granola. Place completed balls on a parchment-lined tray and refrigerate before serving.

Granola Munchkins - Courtesy of Viki's Granola

Ingredients: 
3 cups Viki's Granola  (any variety)
½ cup of smooth peanut butter
½ cup of mini chocolate chips

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl, chill for 30-40 minutes in the fridge, then roll into balls. Store in an airtight container in the fridge.

What do you normally pack for a picnic?  Do you ever have picnics inside?