Earlier this summer, I took my daughters to Blocks, Trucks, + Art, a business started by Jeff Mayer and his wife Angela De Vincenzo, with the goal of teaching my daughters to ride a bike this summer. We had a few ups and downs, but eventually they both learned to ride, and only after a couple of lessons. In addition to their fantastic biking facilities, Blocks, Trucks, + Art also has the coolest DJ booth inside the truck that my girls love to play in and mix their own tracks. Jeff is also a fabulous DJ in the Hamptons, so recently, I returned to talk with him a bit about his DJing booth and his work this summer DJing around the Hamptons.
Read moreShou Sugi Ban House - Staycation Sanctuary
I’ve always felt the Hamptons was missing something. A place this naturally beautiful lends itself to a wellness center and retreat, but I’ve never known of one until now. The new, beautiful, serene Shou Sugi Ban House has opened its doors this summer, including chic, minimalist rooms to stay overnight or daily treatments for a relaxing, rejuvenating afternoon. They have a gourmet chef on board serving up healthy, seasonal farm-fresh cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner at their communal dining tables. The yoga room gets light from all angles, and has a beautiful fire pit outside where the sound baths take place. The spa has everything from Biologique Recherche facials and massages to plunge pools and salt water baths. The indoor/outdoor gym provides various workouts throughout the day, and the sound therapy and tea room are exceptional. I could go on and on, but the point is, make sure you remember self-care this Fall, and book a day for YOU!
Read moreQuincy MTK - Beach Babe
I was thrilled when I heard that my friend Quincy Davis, ultimate beach babe and pro surfer, opened up her own shop in Montauk. If you follow her, you know she’s always in the cutest gear and has the best selection of swimsuits and coverups in town. Her store, conveniently located next to her brother’s place, Happy Bowls, is beautifully curated with rare finds that you don’t typically see in stores on the east end. It’s the perfect little beach hut, filled with swimsuits, rash guards, sweatsuits, and beach coverups, so basically everything you need out here in the sunshine! Quincy is a true inspiration, dedicated to health, wellness, athleticism, fitness and adventure at such a young age, and now the owner of her own store. I’m excited to see what’s next for this beauty!
Read moreOpen Minded Organics Apothecary - The Magic of Natural Medicine
David Falkowski comes from a family who have farmed out east for generations. He grows his own mushrooms right here in Bridgehampton, and their healing properties are beyond belief. I had heard of him for many years, knowing other talented members of his family, but was always curious about his mushroom oils and hemp products. This year, David opened up his own OMO Apothecary in Sag Harbor selling all of his healing products and herbal supplements made from the mushrooms and hemp grown locally on his farm. I’d never truly believed in these natural remedies, but oddly a day after visiting the shop, my neck went out, and I was suffering in excruciating pain. I couldn’t move at all, and just the day before I’d been in perfect health. I had my OMO CBD oil and rubbed it on the areas where I felt stiffness and pain, as well as took droplets to dissolve under my tongue. Within 24 hours of using David’s products the pain had disappeared as of it were magic. Needless to say I’m now in love with these oils, and use them every night for aches and pains. There are so many incredible finds at OMO, I highly suggest going and stocking up.
Read moreBerry & Co Sag Harbor - Cozy Corner
So despite all of our addictions to technology, I think most of you would agree that a good old-fashioned book will never go out of style. One of my favorite book stores in Sag Harbor has reopened in a different location in town, and it’s better than ever. Taylor Berry, has created Berry and Co, a space that feels like home, where you can go, grab a read, an herbal tea, and sit outside in the fresh air on her porch to enjoy some quiet time. The walls are covered in book pages of famous authors, which is fun to walk around and read, and makes the experience very welcoming. Berry has the best kid’s corner, with all of my favorites, where your children can go and have their own magical, uninterrupted story-time. Quiet time for both parents and kids, I call that a win win! If you are looking for books on school’s summer reading list, they are stocked! Also a great wind-down activity post-camp.
Read moreJudith Desiree Skin Therapie - Glow From The Inside Out
For as long as I have been coming out east, I’ve been seeing Judith Desiree. She is a gem of a human being, and her talent when it comes to keeping skin heathy, tight, and hydrated, is unparalleled on the east-end. She recently opened up her new spa in Sag Harbor, creating a charming, serene environment for her treatments, where I typically dose off into deep sleep! Judy has become a dear friend. She has lived in the Hamptons for a lifetime, and is a great reliable source for me personally. Her techniques with Biologique Recherche are always innovative, and she always has the most updated equipment. In the summer time, when my skin is particularly dehydrated, she keeps me glowing, and I’m so grateful she is here. Book her ASAP as her schedule is already almost at capacity.
Read moreRosie’s - Farm to Fork
Of all the farm stands on the east end, my favorite to visit is Bhumi, owned by friend and all around cool guy, Farmer Frank! Frank always made the experience of farming your own produce family-friendly, and my kids adore him. Recently, he has opened up a beautiful new restaurant in the town of Amagansett, with partner, Christina Isaly, to plate his farm fresh food for all of us local foodies out for summer. The chefs are innovative and creative in presentation, and the menu is seasonal. Rosie’s is a great place to bring the kids for a quick meal, and perfect for a romantic date night. Don’t forget to ask for the rose infused merengue after dinner, it’s special!
Read moreBlocks, Trucks & Art - New & Improved
Years ago, I shared a more temporary business Jeff Mayer and wife Angela De Vincenzo had established for summers out east. This dynamic duo has since made the Hamptons a permanent residence, and in doing so they have re-created and revamped their truck and biking facility Blocks, Trucks, + Art to be equipped for year-long use. Embarrassingly, a little secret about me, I learned to ride a bike out here when I was 11 years old. For whatever reason, I never spent time learning, but always wished I’d honed in on this skill that lasts a lifetime. Luckily, I have Jeff to thank for teaching my girls how to ride way earlier, at 5 and 7! They have been taking a few lessons and after just one, could pedal on their own for a few feet. I highly recommend this if you want to teach your children how to ride properly, and then accelerate to their incredible dirt bike path, where they get to listen to some great tunes from the DJ booth set up in the truck. Their track is a great way to encourage and facilitate both socialization and physical education. You may even want to join your kids for the ride!
Read moreCabana New York - A Good Eye
Starting off my Hamptons features today, and I couldn’t help but share one of my favorite new shops, Cabana, in Southampton. Julie Heller started off selling her vintage finds, and we all know how I love a good oldie. She has great taste, and always curated the best pieces, all in great condition. She’s opened up a shop where you can buy your elevated basics alongside her racks of vintage for all summer occasions. I love that I can go to her for my favorite white t-shirt, jeans or casual shirt dress, and then also find something vintage to add to the mix, and make an outfit unique and personalized. She will be having a lot of fun events throughout summer, so swing by anytime.
Read moreOutrageously Beautiful Floral Arrangements by Arthur Golabek
I love to entertain, as you all well-know, and at the core of any party are the florals. I was lucky enough to have met Arthur Golabek in the Hamptons, and he helped create some unbelievably beautiful floral arrangements in my home. Recently, he opened up his own business here in NYC, lucky for all of us, and his first big project was for my ShopBAZAAR x Black Iris Launch Dinner. The table was outrageously beautiful, filled with bright, wild flowers, that lit up the room. He interpreted our vision for the launch to perfection, and was so lovely to work with. If you are looking for a new florist, he’s definitely your guy.
Read moreMarisa Hochberg - Wellness Guru
Meeting Marisa Hochberg, head of wellness for the Surf Lodge, was inspirational. She began her health and wellness journey with her own weight-loss battle. She lost 75 pounds through her exercise and nutrition plan and has kept it off ever since. Marisa has created a wellness retreat for the local and visiting community in Montauk. She has recently partnered with ABCV for the nutritional component of the retreat going on this Fall in the Hamptons. Additionally, she has partnered with Camp Soul Grow for family night’s every Wednesday which include kid-friendly healthy meals, live music, and crafts activities for the children in the community.
Read moreThe Clubhouse at EHIT - Games Galore
For a long time, I struggled with finding great rainy day activities in the Hamptons. In the past, I've always either come up with fun arts and crafts projects from the penny store, or visited some of the galleries and museums, but those aren’t full day activities. But now, just in time for the Fall/Winter season out east, The Rubenstein family has opened up the most incredible game center in East Hampton next to the airport, and it’s called the Clubhouse. They have a bowling alley, indoor/outdoor sports bar, incredible arcade, and mini golf. My girls and I had the best time playing all of the games! I’m excited to have this clubhouse around all winter long, as it’s great for family fun when you want to escape the cold.
Read moreMadoo Conservancy - The Hampton’s Secret Garden
For a long time, I thought the only public gardens out east were at the Longhouse Reserve. I did some research, and found a beautiful, zen spot even closer in Sagaponack, at the Madoo Conservancy. Madoo feels very private, intimate, and special. There are many sweet little nooks and crannies carved out, with colorful flowers on vines, and mini ponds where my girls liked to stand and make wishes. There are shaded areas to go and read a book for some down time, or possibly stroll through for a romantic evening at sunset. This hidden gem is a must-see as the seasons and leafs begin to change.
Read moreMecox Bay Dairy Farm - Say Cheese!
I love a good farm stand, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve shopped at the Ludlow’s family farm. They have owned the land for the longest time, and split it between the potato/corn farm and the dairy farm. My girls love going to visit the cows every morning, and feeding the chickens after camp. Recently they opened up a shop on the property of Mecox Bay where they sell all of their artisanal cheeses, milks, and fresh eggs. Going there all summer to stock our house is a real treat, that I will miss as the seasons change. If you get a chance, ask Pete Ludlow to visit the baby cows in the back of the farm where they offer kisses, and bring your camera to capture the special moment!
Read moreThe Dan Flavin Art Institute - DIA Art Foundation
There are many fun activities for rainy days in the Hamptons, however most of them are under the radar, and therefore underutilized. Many times we make art projects, or go to crafts classes, perhaps visit the children’s museum, Parrish Art Museum, or the library. However, there are some other interesting options like the Dan Flavin Institute located in the town of Bridgehampton.
Read moreMonica & Andy - When the Kids Invade Surf Lodge
Sunday funday was spent at the beach pit of the Surf Lodge in Montauk, where I hosted friends and family for a day of children’s activations and delicious mini bites. Monica & Andy put together a great roster of activities including DJ lessons, making customized hand painted jackets, building sand castles, and face painting. The kids snacked on mini lobster rolls, chicken fingers, crudités, mini grilled cheese, and fresh little spoon smoothies packed with healthy ingredients. Monica & Andy had a booth filled with the cutest printed onesies, dresses and pajama sets, my favorite being the banana leaf print! Everyone enjoyed mingling and the kids had a fun-filled day, which is really what Sundays are all about! A win win!
Read moreArmarium - Join the Armi
Buying an evening gown, or any dress, for that matter, for a very special occasion, pains me, because I end up spending a fortune on a look I’ll only wear once, that then, retires to my closet. I hate to be wasteful, so thankfully Armarium, founded by Trisha Gregory and Alexandra Lind Rose, is a company that allows me to wear beautiful, current collections for a night, for a fraction of the price, to be returned the following day. Trisha has had relationships with all of the top designers, as she has worked in the industry for years, and has curated the best selection of designer pieces for her showroom. This summer, she spread her wings to the east end and has opened her first pop-up shop in Southampton, located at 28C Jobs Lane to make it accessible for all of us attending the numerous events and parties in the Hamptons.
Read moreAndie Schneider - New York Speaks
WEBSITE: http://newyorkspeaksspeechtherapy.com PHONE: 646-844-6200 EMAIL: newyorkspeaksspeechtherapy@gmail.com INSTAGRAM: @newyorkspeaksslp
Having been in education the majority of my life, and teaching children with learning disabilities, I know the importance of various therapists to help young children find success. Many children I worked with struggled with speech in some form, and finding a great speech pathologist that goes above and beyond to connect with each child is a priority in fixing the issue. Luckily, Andie Schneider opened up her own speech pathology practice in New York called New York Speaks, and she has expanded her services to the Hamptons this summer. She works with both children and adults, and does home visits to make the session convenient for parents on the east end.
Read moreHamptons Aristocrat - Farm to Fork
WEBSITE: http://hamptonsaristocrat.com PHONE: 631.488.0581
The best catering in the Hamptons is hands down the lovely ladies at Hamptons Aristocrat. Lucky for us, this year, they have opened up their first restaurant located in Bridgehampton, and it’s my very favorite brunch on the east end. Everything they cook is all-natural and organic, from local farms, and they garnish with herbs and flowers from their own garden on the property. Their presentation is eco-friendly and absolutely beautiful, always with a pop of color and flavor. My favorite on the menu is their tuna tacos, garnished with avocado and herbs. Louisa and Lexi are two of the cutest best-friends I’ve ever met, and they are a damn good duo in the kitchen. They gave me the best lessons on which farms to shop for the best produce and dairy, and I could’ve stayed to hang with them all day because they are such a pleasure. If you want take-out for a picnic on the beach, or a day on the boat, they offer that as well behind the counter.
Read moreONDA Beauty - Natural Glow
Another amazing addition to Sag Harbor town is ONDA Beauty, founded by three very health-conscious women aiming to change the beauty game. Larissa, Naomi and Sarah have joined forces to create a space for women to visit that is both relaxing and zen. The goal being to eliminate all of the toxins we put on our bodies daily, and find the best, clean, all natural products to replace them with. They sell everything from natural makeup to lotions, bath products, cleansers, and herbal remedies. They have a wealth of knowledge when it comes to their products, and help find the perfect regimen for each individual customer. ONDA Beauty has the most incredible aestheticians working in their treatment rooms, doing custom facials everyday, and the backyard serves as a relaxation space designed by Urban Zen. My favorite of their products is the Lord Jones CBD lotion to soothe muscle aches and pains. Not only do I love the scent, but it actually has worked to heal my Achilles after a recent injury, so I am thankful they turned me on to this product.
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