So when my favorite caterer in the Hamptons decides to expand to NYC, I get excited! Hamptons Aristocrat has been synonymous with the best farm to table food and presentation out east for many years. They source from all local, organic, fresh farms and create seasonal menus with something for everyone. I always miss those fresh, local meals I have all summer, and now we don’t have to because not only will they cater and staff anywhere in NYC, but they’ve opened a beautiful new space in Brooklyn, called Heritage Aristocrat, to host both personal and corporate events in an environment that feels very industrial chic, surrounded by artist’s studios and factories. Female founders, Lexi and Louisa, can also cater children’s parties as well as drop-off catering to offices for a more casual experience. They come very highly recommended.... by ME!
Read moreFancy Peasant - Food for the Soul
I’m always looking for new recipes that are easy, clean, and have very limited prep, as I have very little time! Greek food, primarily plant based, is delicious, healthy and filled with colors that feed the soul. My dear friend, Anastasia Ganias-Gellin, recently started her own catering business and recipe book called the Fancy Peasant, surrounding the love of her roots, her family, and her culture. Her food is made with love, and is authentic, down to the olive oil she sources from a farm in Greece, her secret weapon! Her passion for cooking stemmed from the love of her father who passed away this year, and she is honoring him by keeping those traditions alive through her new book and venture. I’m so excited to have her food at intimate gatherings and parties with friends, I just upped my dinner game!
Read more2019 Holiday Gift Guide
If you’re looking for some help with your holiday shopping, I’m here to hook you up, and hopefully make this season slightly less stressful!
Read moreSloomoo Institute - I’ve Got Sunshine On a Cloudy Day
I’m constantly looking for different ways to keep my girls entertained and engaged in NYC, since the winters here make it difficult to enjoy all of the outdoor activities. Yes, even in NYC, it’s possible to run out of ideas! My kids, and most-likely yours too, have become completely obsessed with slime. I’m not even sure what to compare it to in my day, because I don’t think Playdough was ever trending the way slime is. Between watching Youtube slime videos, the ever-fascinating slimers of Instagram, and playing with the DIY kits at home, slime has become life! This explains why when I first heard about The Sloomoo Institute, I jumped at the opportunity to take my girls, and then opted for a second visit for myself to really get a grasp on what the craze is all about. This museum of slime is one of those places that exceeds your expectations. Meeting female-founders, Karen and Sara, you can tell they’ve put their heart and soul into this project. These inspiring women have been through profound loss and hardship, but thankfully found the magical healing power of slime and wanted to share it with the world.
Sloomoo Institute is so full of light and color, it can make anyone smile. The custom scents throughout the space, are all nostalgic of happy times, and the feeling of simply stretching and pushing through the slime in your hands is therapeutic on a subconscious level. It’s like the longer you spend touching slime, the more meditative and stress-free you feel. In the space you can find everything from slime showers to a slime slingshot, and DIY slime (mine was “snow slime,” neon coral, with Christmas tree scent, and had sparkly bear charms) The girls were impressed! Sloomoo is officially open for business, and don’t be surprised if it starts popping up in cities near you, everywhere...slime is here to stay!
Read moreDear Annabelle - Paper Is Here To Stay
We are living in a digital world, but I’ve always loved a good handwritten letter. There’s something far more meaningful and thoughtful about receiving a note in the mail, than your average email or text, that takes a quick click. My dear, chic friend Marcie Pantzer (my own personal Emily Post) has changed the game with her new set of stationary called Dear Annabelle that is so beautiful and clever, it will make you exclusively want to practice your penmanship! Whether it’s a set of classic Monogramed notecards, her fun, flirty illustrated cards, or notepads for the entire family, these Dear Annabelle box sets are a must. All wrapped up in the most exquisite packaging, complete with a pale pink ribbon. Marcie has every detail covered as she always does, with the sweetest sentiments in her branding, paying homage to her beautiful daughter, Annabelle. Now that’s a Mama Moment!
Read moreSocial Studies - Party in a Box
As you all know, I do a lot of entertaining, whether it be dinners with friends, lunch for my children and their buddies, or a casual family bbq. Generally speaking, I like to celebrate! Lately, being very busy with Mama & Tata features and working on Black Iris, my hands are tied, and entertaining has taken a back seat. Fortunately, friends of mine, Amy Griffin and Jessica Latham, have launched their new business Social Studies, saving time and money to plan in-home gatherings throughout the year. Their idea is brilliant, sustainable, and chic, making party planning easy and seamless with their reusable party boxes. I love the idea of not having to buy new sets of dishes and linens, and still being able to access a variety of tablescapes that are high-end and beautifully curated. Social Studies has several different boxes to choose from, equipped with playlists, party games, and floral arrangements, so you really don’t need to bring anything but the food! Both Amy and Jess have fantastic taste, so I would trust them designing any table in my home, and hopefully we will see a Black Iris party box coming your way in the near future!
Read moreHey, Mr. DJ
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 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 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 moreThe Wonder - Play All Day
There’s a new play space in town, and you’re going to want to sign up! The Wonder opened up its first location in TriBeCa, the Mecca of family life. This is a space for both kids and adults to congregate, truly bringing the outdoors in! There is a lot of open play space, filled with themed wooden toys, a cozy book corner, and room for arts and crafts. Unlike other play spaces, this one is also geared towards adults looking to sit and work or grab a bite in the cafe. There is a private room carved out as a workspace, as well as a soothing nursery to bring babies while the kids run around. I’ve never seen a more well-thought out environment for children and their parents in NYC. Founders and parents, Noria and Sarah, made this space a members only club you will want to be a part of, and it’s constantly evolving with the seasons to feel fresh and new.
Read moreHeartKnit - Bonding Time
Sophie Thimonnier has created something very special. She transfers her positive, soulful, peaceful energy on to everyone she meets, so it was of no surprise that her newest venture, HeartKnit, a class dedicated to taking a break from technology and bonding over handmade creations, has become a big success. Sophie teaches group classes on how to knit with beautiful, colorful yarn, decorated with soothing florals and herbal teas. The event she creates allows women to really connect with one another, while honing in on a new skill, in an environment with no distractions. Similar to meditation, the experience is therapeutic and has been scientifically proven to have health benefits, giving its participants clarity. In my opinion, this is something we all need weekly, as we sometimes forget that life exists beyond our phones.
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 moreSarah Pachelli - Eat Well, Be Well
I’m always looking for ways to eat healthier, and make nutrition convenient. It’s difficult as a working mom to constantly be cooking healthy meals during the week, and takeout is such an easy option in NYC. In an effort to have that fresh food in my house, I reached out to chef Sarah Pachelli, an all around wellness guru. Sarah is the perfect example of everything is moderation, and you can tell that she listens to her body, and takes care of herself. She comes to the house with already prepared meals that can get you through the week, always with the best, most nutritious ingredients, and also teaches you how to cook them for yourself. Sarah teaches destination yoga retreats as well, ensuring her clients are balanced from the inside, out!
Read moreDada Daily - Mama & Tata Love Dada!
Claire Olshan, best known for her Upper East Side luxury boutique, Fivestory, is looking to glamorize the snack game with her newest venture, Dada Daily. Claire is both artful and innovative in her personal style, and this translates well with her new brand of healthy, delicious snacks. You can find anything from matcha truffles to crispy brussel sprouts, all great for snacking on-the-go, fitting the demand of our recent rise of mompreneurs. Claire’s attention to detail is apparent in her exquisite packaging, that can double as coffee table trays, making Dada snacks the ultimate dinner party gifts. HEADS UP, I have a feeling we will be seeing many more of these snacks once everybody gets a taste.
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 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.
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