Who is ready for Summer?? We are so ready. The weather has been teasing us in Connecticut! On Memorial Day it got to 90 degrees. Then it cooled off this past week and rained a couple days. Looking forward to many days at our local beach. We also head to Utah for a couple weeks, when the kids get out of school. School get’s out mid-June for us. I did a little summer clothes shopping and also popped into a favorite grocery store and made me think of all my favorite summer things! From cherries, watermelon, time at the beach, late nights outside to casual clothes! Today I am sharing some of my summer essentials, 9 of them actually!

Thank you Walmart for sponsoring this post

#1- Summer Essential- Small Wicker Purse

So thrilled with THIS darling little round wicker purse. Just screams beach to me! Kevin and I went on a little date the other night and this purse came in that same day. I tossed in my chapstick, phone and wallet and I was set. Light and care-free….just the summer essentials! It also comes in three colors!

#2-Summer Essential- Water Dispenser

Everyday I plan on filling this up so it is ready to go all-day for the kids and myself. Like having a drinking fountain in your house. Plus adding some fruit to your water naturally flavors it. Every home needs a glass water dispenser for summer! (Find similar one HERE)

#3-Summer Essential- Classic Bermuda shorts and Graphic Tee’s

A nice pair of Classic Denim Bermuda Shorts will be a summer essential, it is for me every year! And I always get a couple new basic, but fun graphic tees! I have THIS Camo Print Tee and THIS graphic Desert Palms Tee.

#4-Summer Essential- Leopard Sandals and Light Weight Dresses

I LOVE leopard. So excited when I spotted THESE Leopard Sandals on Walmart.com, so affordable and they go with everything!!! Walmart has premium brands and also a variety of price points. Bonus it is SUPER easy to send things back that don’t work. The leopard sandals fit true to size and are comfy. Also found THIS Tee Shirt Dress (for $12!!) and they are so good! I got the dress in black and green, both have pockets. The green seemed slightly see-through, so I would do a slip or tie something around your waste!

#5- Summer Essential- Kayaks

Really why did we not own a kayak sooner??? We have been missing out. Yes, we live by a beach. But I bet most of us can find a lake close too! HIGHLY recommend THESE youth kayaks. It was able to hold my body-weight too (but can’t gain any weight this summer…this kayak will hold be accountable!). We actually bought them somewhere else, but then found them on Walmart.com HERE for way less than we bought them for!

#6- Summer Essential- Flattering Swimsuit

I really think we need to spend the time to find the swimsuit that makes us want to be around the pool party!! It is worth the time. I have never liked a one-piece swimsuit on me because I am flat chested. But once I tried on several I realized how flattering a ruffle top one-piece was on me. Adds a little extra up top! Find the coral riffle swimsuit HERE.

#7- Summer Essential- Mini Herb Garden

I stopped into Trader Joe’s and grabbed some of their organic herbs. Planted them in a basic white bowl and called it a center-piece! Easy to not forget to take care of them and or use them!! We plan on making some fresh salsa, pizza and more!

#8- Summer Essential- Outdoor Games

Kevin was gifted Cornhole last year for Fathers Day. We played it all summer! While the design on the top was cute, it din’t hold up over winter. I suggest getting a set like THIS and painting it with outdoor paint if you want a color! Also my parents set-up THIS pool when we come for the summer and the kids LOVE it!!!!

#9- Summer Essentials- Summer Books

We just got a couple new books and thought they were so cute! I had not read them before. Every season change I think it is essential to put out a new set of books to inspire reading. Finn (3) and I loved reading THIS book together (count all the cats!). Ella just finished Hunger Games (excited to watch it with her this weekend!!) and Lola really liked reading Miss Ruphius, that a reader sent to us after seeing we planted Lupines. For a recent book club, we read a play. I had never done that before. The bookclub host is an actress and came up with the idea. You can actually find plays online. We read “Cry it Out Loud” super short and brought up a lot of great things to discuss in the group about motherhood. I read it in less than an hour, perfect for a quick read by the pool or in your hammock! Also summer is a great time to get some plant education, I like THIS book- How to Raise a Plant.