Because I own my own business, I work all the time – Saturday afternoons, Sunday nights, even Tuesdays at 2am if I want to. And – it is summer and summer is about taking a break. And no one is a machine - we all need some balance. So – I’ve taken a few lovely breaks recently - in the Hamptons and Sonoma, California and I want to share a few lovely finds from both coasts.
Any savvy New York shopper knows that Southampton is one of the premiere shopping destinations in the east. There are countless stores in the Hamptons, but Anya’s Women’s Boutique truly made an impact on me. They have a lot of this summer’s usual suspects – cotton tank dresses, ballet flats, Havaianas flip flops, as well as some unexpected items. My favorite unique thing in the store is these little tank tops for babies with inspirational quotes like, “I Will Make a Difference” and “I Love My Life.” I actually collect t-shirts with inspiring quotes and now we have an option for children. What a great gift for someone who just had a baby – and for our future. Go to www.missblink.com to see the complete line for kids. Anya’s also has a beautiful layout, attentive staff and some fantastic belts and jewelry. It is located at 28 Jobs Lane in Southampton, 631-283-1018 (no website).
Now – on the other side of the country it was time to escape the city (San Francisco this time) and I am very much a luxury hotel kind of gal – Hilton, Hyatt, or better and I am happy. I don’t camp or do anything at all rustic. However – I love sun and beautiful settings of all kinds – and I love the wine country. It was a last minute getaway and challenging to find accommodations but an eleventh hour tip from a friend turned out to be fantastic. Relais du Soleil is a guest ranch (yes a ranch!) in what feels like the middle of nowhere but is actually 5 minutes away from downtown in the breathtaking Sonoma Valley. It is truly the best of both worlds. Our host, Tim Korn, rolled out the red carpet, greeting us with a glass of his homemade wine, gave us our itinerary for the day (I highly suggest the Benziger winery tour and tasting: www.benziger.com), and then spoiled us with appetizers in the afternoon (with more wine of course) and a three course gourmet breakfast the next morning. We also had a three room cottage with everything we could have wanted, including a complete kitchen. The Relais is peaceful, sunny and very private – definitely off the beaten path. Prices at the Relais are also quite competitive in the mostly outrageously pricey wine country. Go to www.relaisdusoleil.com for more information and to make a reservation.
Okay – I have to go do some more work and get ready for my next fabulous break. Enjoy the summer – wherever you are.
