What to Wear: Summer Braids

On a hot summer day, nothing says cool like summer braids!  They are versatile, pretty and always chic.  We've offered up a few styles to get you through even the steamiest August day.

Maggie

Julia

Allie

For our social butterfly, Maggie, we have a darling crown of thin braids to keep her hair neat and pretty for a summer wedding or a picnic in the park.

For the beach, surfer girl Julia sports two french braids.  This classic style can withstand the biggest waves Ogunquit Beach has to offer.

And sweet Allie likes to spend her days riding horseback or turning cartwheels and with one sleek french braid she is ready for anything.

Summer Reading

Ah, the simple pleasure of summer reading.  A great time to catch up on all those books you meant to read and never found the time to.

So as the kids are splashing in the pool, building sandcastles or hunting for crabs, we will be sitting back and enjoying the carefree days of summer with a great read.

The popular Stieg Larsson "Millennium trilogy" is on our radar right now. 

L.L. Bean Summer in the Park

Freeport is going to be rocking this summer with L.L. Bean's Summer in the Park series.

Every week this summer their flagship store will offer exciting events. Concerts, food festivals, fireworks, and a community market, to name a few.

Click HERE to see the schedule of events.

Boon Island Ales

Over the weekend, we had an outstanding dining experience at a new brew pub in Wells,  Boon Island Ales.

Following a renovation, clearly with an eye to detail, the restaurant opened it's doors in May.

Upon entering, you will see these words etched in black on the wall,  "To the locals, for the locals and for those who want to be local". It stands as a proclamation and a promise to those who enter that a good time awaits.

And they kept their word.  From the engaging owners out front carefully watching the action, to the charming hostess, friendly waitstaff and hard-working bartender, they were getting it done and having fun doing it.  And it was contagious.

Boon Island Ales offers their own handcrafted beers, along with other microbrews, a selection of wine and a full bar.  The menu includes fresh seafood, chowder, Maine crab cakes, lightly fried calamari and pan-seared sea scallops with a chipotle maple drizzle.  An array of mouth-watering burgers, fresh innovative salads and gourmet pizzas. And this is just a sampling of their extensive menu.

The atmosphere is friendly, comfortable and fun.  We have found a new "favorite place".

Click HERE for more information about Boon Island Ales in Wells, Maine.

What to Wear: Summer Hats

Let's talk hats, summer hats.  They serve many purposes sun protection, fashion statement, cure for a bad hair day.  However, finding one that works for you can be tricky.  You really need to "try on many hats".  We say let's make an afternoon of it.  Here are some of our favorites:

Floppy Terry Hat
Vivid Pink
(Juicy Couture, $38)

Perfect Summer Hat for Women
(Dorfman Pacific, $22)

Glenna Hat
Straw with Black Tie
(Chico's, $39)

Seersucker Bucket Hat
(Brooks Brothers, $58)