Hope everyone is having a fabulous Summer, hard to believe how quickly it's flying by. I've had myself on a tight budget this Summer trying to stick to essentials, I even went one week without buying a single thing on Amazon (crazy right!) Big feat for me although my husband wasn't as impressed :-) Here's a list of some of the favorite items I've purchased this Summer. 

I love discovering (or in this case rediscovering) great local stores and supporting these small businesses. I remember shopping Mexicali Blues Portland store back in middle school for boho style dresses. While I've walked by their Freeport store countless times in more recent years I wasn't sure they'd have anything that would match my current mom style. Turns out, they actually have something for every shape and style.

I found some beautiful tops that have a funky flare but also work well with my style. I like pairing their fun pieces with a simple wardrobe staple, like a fun top paired with white jeans or their colorful gaucho pants worn with a simple tee and one of their long necklaces. Check a few of the cute pieces I picked out. 

Bianca Blue Button-up Tank / Mia Yoke Tank Top / Brass Medallion Necklace

I picked out these great tops and necklace; they're all good price points and easy to style with items already in my closet. These can also be easily dressed up and down, and with our Maine weather all over the map, these are great for layering. Here's a look at how I've style them so far:

While I love shopping local when I can, like all busy moms, saving time and money is necessary, and Amazon Prime is my friend. I've been finding some great and more affordable options on Amazon lately, not to mention it's one-stop shopping, no dragging kids around town to multiple stores.  I've created an Amazon storefront where I try to link all my favorites. If you're an Amazon fan too, or are interested in what I've been buying, check it out. 

Here are my favorite Amazon finds from this month:

Thank you to Aroma Joe's for sponsoring this post.

Springtime, especially here in Maine, is an exciting time. After a long and cold winter, spring
means we get to start shedding layers and enjoying more sunshine and it means warmer
weather is on its way. Our weather in Maine can still be unpredictable, so taking advantage of
warm days is a must. One of the best parts about where we live is truly experiencing four
seasons. While it's not quite time for our favorite swimming and boating season, there is still so much fun to be had. We love making a spring bucket/to-do list - here are ten activities to add to
your family's bucket list this spring!

Temperatures have been in the 50's here (which pretty much feels tropical)! Over the weekend we stopped at Aroma Joe's for refreshing frozen drinks. The boys each got a frozen lemonade, and I had a strawberry smoothie and they were so yummy! I'm a big fan of Aroma Joe's because their drive-through makes it easy for busy moms, and while my boys feel like they're having a special treat, I feel better knowing that their new line of lemonade is made with real lemons, no artificial colors or flavors and is non-GMO. Stop by (or drive-through) your local Aroma Joe’s to sample the new tasty lemonade products, available in still, sparkling and frozen or customize with flavors such as lavender (ONLY AFTER MAY 1), blueberry or raspberry.

My boys are so excited to get out and fly a kite. Such a fun, simple and fairly inexpensive activity
for the family. Find an open field and get a colorful kite (preferably with streamers) and you are
set!

I've been a baseball fan since I was a kid, and there's something special about taking in a ball
game; the hot dogs even taste better at the ball fields. We are lucky enough to have a minor
league team just down the road.

We tend to make simple milk jug feeders, but if you look on Pinterest you will find tons of DIY
bird feeder ideas for any age. Pinecones, milk cartons, soda bottles, apples, and paper towel
holders are all great options for a feeder base.

We are fortunate to live on the coast of Maine. We are spoiled by our opportunities and access
to the ocean. While summer may be the most popular time to hit the beach, a warm spring day
can be ideal for exploring new areas. My boys always spend hours running the beach and
studying sea-life.

Throw some snacks in a backpack and hit the trails. Mud season here in Maine requires boots
but it's a great time for a hike. Whether you hit a local mountain (for us Bradbury Mountain is a
go-to spot) or you explore nature preserves, enjoying a spring hike is therapeutic. You also won't
overheat (at least in Maine) and you won't have to deal with bugs; win-win.

Jumping in mud puddles is a rite of passage of childhood. With three boys, thinking about the
laundry pile makes me cringe, but seeing the smiles on their faces makes it all worth it. With all
the melting snow we have no shortage of puddles here in Maine and my boys have been taking
full advantage.

We aren't particularly artistic in this house, but the great thing about sidewalk chalk is that
anyone can do it, and anything goes. We've had an icy driveway for months, and the idea of
having one that is colorful, filled with names and doodles and tic-tac-toe games is exciting.

Pulling the bikes out is a true sign of spring. Whether you’re headed to school, the store, the
library, or to grab a snack, swapping out a bike ride for a car ride is a great way to get some
exercise, fresh air and adventure. For my oldest, biking to school is also a perfect way to ensure
he's got his wiggles out before he sits in his chair.

We've been doing garden boxes with veggies and flowerbeds for the last few years and the boys
love the whole process. While we don't start everything from seeds, it's definitely their favorite part. I also love the ownership and responsibility they take with watering the seeds and checking on the progress.

​What are your favorite springtime activities? Leave a comment with all your fun ideas and don’t
forget to swing by Aroma Joe’s to satisfy ALL your drink desires!

​This post was sponsored by Aroma Joe's but all thoughts are my own - thank you for reading along!