Vacation Recap.

I apologize CANY readers for my lack of posting, but it is alas summer and I've been visiting beaches to get last bit of summer sun in (Hey, a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do). I just got back from the Bahamas and The Hamptons. Two very different places with very pretty beaches. Below is a list of top ten things I learned while in Paradise:

10. I highly reccomend the Bahamas as a vacation destination to all New Yorkers. It is only a 2.5 hour plane ride (direct on Jet Blue!). I stayed at the Atlantis Resorts which I highly reccomend. I only left the resort once during my entire trip!

9. Every beach vacation needs a beach cocktail. Pina Coladas and Mango Mojitos were some of my favorites.

8. If going to the Hamptons, check out SAG Harbor. They have some fantastic restaurants and nightlife.

7. ALWAYS wear sunscreen! I lathered up with this great stuff from Neutrogena.

6. A pedicure is a must before hitting the sand. I love this DIY kit from Crabtree & Evelyn.

5. While I don't believe it make up at the beach, a little waterproof mascara never hurt anyone. I put two coats on in the morning and some chapstick and I was set.

4. My favorite pool in the Bahamas was the Cain at the Cove Atlantis. It's an adult only pool with great music, cocktails, and beautiful people.

3. My favorite beach in South Hampton was Cooper Beach. Go early to get a prime spot near the water and beach shack that serves great snacks.

2. The Chlorine and salt water killed my hair. Thankfully, I brought along Moroccon Oil. It transformed my hair from crunchy and sticky to smooth and shiny instantly.

1. And my number 1? Turn off the cellphone, blackberries, and laptops!!!! These things are not necessary or a good idea while on any sort of vacation. It's important that you enjoy your last days of summer.

Happy Beaching!

We hold these truths to be self evident

...that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of great beer.

I rang in the anniversary of our Nation's Independence by meeting #3 (the one who doesn't pay) at 21st Amendment, a microbrewery/restaurant/bar. Yes, I know I went off on him a few posts ago, but I thought I'd give the poor boy another shot. Two things I learned:

1. Stop blaming bad dates on first-date nerves. Chances are, it's just his personality.
2. Watermelon-fermented beer is perhaps one of the greatest gifts our nation has bestowed upon us.

If there's one thing I enjoy about the West Coast, it's the vast array of microbreweries. I love that they're all (fairly) unique and completely unpretentious. 21st Amendment is no different. I didn't try the food, but I immediately took to the cheeky brews ("Brew Free! or die") & laid back vibe.

The Southern girl in me was immediately drawn to "Hell or High Watermelon" - a wheat beer that is infused with watermelon juice during it's second fermentation. And I didn't look back. It wasn't sweet at all, but very refreshing and just enough watermelon to remind me of summers in Texas.

The other brilliant thing about 21st Amendment is that it is only blocks away from AT&T Park, which is quickly becoming my favorite summer hangout. Hellooooo Ryan Sadowski!

Our forefathers may not have set forth upon this great land to provide us with hot baseball players and ice cold beer every July 4, but it certainly is a grand way to celebrate.

The Maxi Dress: Do or Don't?

I'm going to a baby shower this weekend and have no idea what to wear. I want to wear a dress but I don't want anything that's too conservative and dull, and I don't want to to scream party girl sexy either. I want something fun with a touch of flirty and a whole lotta comfort. While browsing my favorite shopping sites, I couldn't help but notice how maxi dresses seem to be all the rage for the summer. While I must admit, the long flowly frocks look comfortable and very pretty on the models and celebs online, I wonder if they are as pretty in real life? Something tells me I'd look too dumpy or like I was wearing a nightgown if I wore one. And most importantly, what shoes would I wear? I feel like I'd trip all over the place if I wore heels with the long dress, and that's just downright tacky at a baby shower. Then again, it just seems like the perfect thing to thrown on in the summer without too much thought. I'm torn. Do I maxi?

It's Better in the Hamptons

You know it's summer in the city when everyone from Billy Joel to Upper Eastsiders to your snotty next door neighbor talk about Mecca aka The Hamptons. While doing my Hamptons summer research (black or green bikini? How do you make a mojito? Where are the best places to spot celebs?) I came across a truly unique find. Allow me to introduce you to Day & Night Beach Club, a brunch of all brunches if you will. It's your usual brunch routine with plenty of champagne, delicious eggs benedict but with a little water and tanned skin thrown in. Think of it as an all day pool party for grown ups. Here's how to envision it: a peaceful, sandy expanse, a pool filled with floating beach balls, waiters in white polos pushing around carts of rosé, a smattering of cabanas, trays full of spicy bloody marys, oversized sunglasses, plenty of Ralph Lauren (the chinos and, perhaps, the man), champagne bottles (complete with obligatory sparklers), the buzz of inebriation begins to spread, and then finally eruption of dancing in the cabanas.

I know where I will be spending my summer. Now I know why they call it Mecca.

Day & Night Beach Club 281 County Road 39A Southampton, NY 11968

631-731-3309