barefoot

I look forward to three specific events each summer.  

The first is always the Group for the East End event.

It's a fantastic organization, that not only throws

a great party, but works diligently to preserve 

the East End of Long Island.

Last Saturday morning, we still had teenagers as guests

and they still wanted to shop.

So after a trip back to Southampton to pick up some things,

we set forth to East Hampton.

I drove through Bridgehampton and Sagaponack

just so they could see the towns.

And spur of the moment,  knowing Monet

loved the movie "Something's Gotta Give,"

I decided to stop by Loaves and Fishes.

She was surprised by how tiny it is

and we quickly left without making a purchase
of $100 a pound lobster salad.

As Monet and I began to get in the car and the girls were still taking pictures,
 a disheveled unshaven gentleman pulled up and got out of his car.

Monet quickly pointed to him and whispered to the girls,

"That's Alec Baldwin!"

The girls hurriedly followed him in

and requested a photo ~
something you do Not do in the Hamptons.

However, these were two beautiful teenagers and how could he resist?

Alec graciously posed with the girls.

Let's just say, he was the lucky one to pose with them.

Later that evening,

we departed for the event.

Have I mentioned that I love, love, love this event?

First, we arrived and introduced old and new friends.

Then we met Ina Garten.

Hey! There's Alec!

He had actually flown in for the event from a movie set.

Alec is a huge support to the community here.

Here's Nicole Miller and Andre Balaz.

I thought she looked stunning.

John, Andre, and me.

We were photographed.

Our group was on the Manhattan Society website,

NY Social Diary, and in the East Hampton Star.

(which is esp fun for me -

i'm just a girl from georgia)

There was an auction and cocktail tent

and a dining and dancing tent.

Alec was a great speaker and had everyone laughing.

He basically said that since we were honoring Ina,

we could be served anything and we'd all think it was wonderful ~

a power bar, oatmeal etc.

We had a great table 

and the dinner was delicious.

The gentleman on the left was the DJ for the evening.

He was the actual Studio 54 DJ

and he can still spin some tunes.

We danced the night away

and helped raise a huge amount of money

for preservation and educational programs on the East End.

I hope we have the opportunity

to attend this event again next year,

but if not,

we'll always have the memories...

monet: part deux

One thing I discovered about teenage girls this weekend

is that they are tireless shoppers ~  

especially, when it's overcast and they can't go to the beach.

So on Friday morning, we headed to Southampton.

The girls shopped and shopped.

They have an impeccable sense of style and

found fantastic deals because they are so tiny. 

"Oh look!  Here's a $150  sweater in a zero for $29!"

Yay them!

After meeting the guys at the Driver's Seat for lunch,

we stopped by Town Hall.

Robert's Great (great?) Uncle had won an architecture competition

and designed the building.

How cool is that?

I took the girls on a driving tour around Southampton

and down Gin Lane 

to see the mansions behind the hedges.

They braved the wind and cold to snap a few beach pictures.

Next, we stopped by Tate's Bake Shop

to grab a hot cup of coffee

and some treats.

We shopped even more in Sag Harbor

before heading to Sunset Friday

at the vineyard.

It was a light night because of all the rain,

but the girls loved dressing up and

found more great deals on the Styleliner.

We caught the ferry 

to Shelter Island

and had another amazing meal

at Vine Street Cafe.

Exhausted,

we arrived home around midnight

and

fell...into...bed.

monet: part 1

I was so excited last week because
my best best bestie, her husband, their daughter (and a friend)
 were coming to visit for a few days on their way to Woodstock.

I spent the week scurrying around
making preparations for their arrival.

We installed these pendant lights from

Ballard Design.

They were only $49 each

and just screw directly into the recessed light cans.

I stopped by Cavaniola's Gourmet Cheese shop

and stocked up on cheeses and a nice baguette.

I cut flowers from the yard for vases.

We felt perfectly prepared for days at the beach

and evenings on the patio.

And then, they arrived

to torrential downpours.

We didn't even leave the house on Thursday afternoon.

We just opened a bottle of French rose',

snacked on scrumptious cheeses,

and caught up.

Later, the rain stopped and we

headed to Wolffer.

It was gorgeous, but cold outside ~

so we ended up in the cellar.

John and I had planned to take our guests to the Beacon for dinner.

We wanted them to be able to enjoy delectable food

overlooking the marina, all while viewing a stunning sunset. 

However, we ended up just seeing storm clouds

over the harbor.

Luckily - it was still beautiful.

The kids were wonderful

and Lyons tolerated hanging out with all the girls

quite nicely.

to be continued...

drivin' & cryin'

No, I have not fallen off the face of the earth this week.  

Although, for a brief time on Sunday, I may have wanted to! 

John's wish for Father's Day was that we drive around the Hamptons exploring ~

  and let's just say, I don't think spending retirement cruising around in a RV is in our future.

After a painful tour of Springs, we headed down the road toward Montauk.

When we saw Cyril's Fish House,

I knew the tide had turned.

Time for lunch!

Cyril's is located right on the highway.

Driving past, we could tell it was a lively place.

Lunch was great

and it was wonderful to sit outside.

After lunch,

we ended up at  

Puff & Putt.

(where?)

Could there be a prettier setting for putt-putt?

Playing all that golf made us hungry,

so we stopped at Scoop du Jour in East Hampton
on the way home ~

where ice cream was devoured by all.

Happy Father's Day John!