Shop ’Til You Drop: Shopping Like a Health Nut on the East End
I’ve been pretty dedicated to eating as healthfully as possible for as long as I can remember. Still, between unsweetened organic almond milk in my coffee at breakfast and kale from the garden at dinner, chips, dips, pretzels and other overly processed items sneak their way in under the guise of “snacks.” You can imagine my delight when a Healthy Surprise box turned up at my desk, filled with totally organic, natural vegan snacks! From Happy Hemp seeds to Gopal’s Raw Alchemy Enzyme Rich Brownie, everything is corn-free, soy-free, gluten-free, wheat-free and some of it even raw and “paleo” too. The idea behind Healthy Surprise is to introduce high-quality, macro-ingredient snacks, rich in fatty acids, amino acids, vitamins and minerals. Another bonus is that they threw in a bunch of yummy things I probably wouldn’t have ever selected on my own. Go to healthysurprise.com to select between a small, medium, or large box for monthly delivery. A great gift for yourself or for anyone you know. My boyfriend, I might add, a lover of all things meat, wheat, sugar and dairy, threw back the entire bag of Dang coconut chips in mere minutes.
While we’re keeping free of toxins, might I suggest Dr. Hauschka’s new bath essences? Available in soothing Almond, calming Moor Lavender, revitalizing Lemon Lemongrass and nurturing Rose, each bath essence uses only pure essential oils for an entirely uplifting aromatherapy bathing experience. The Moor Lavender is currently my favorite for unwinding after a long day. The luxurious milky bath, formulated with moor, horse chestnut and field horsetail extracts, is instantly soothing. For a really relaxing night of pampering, try the Rose. Made with avocado and almond oils, it’s extra moisturizing and non-foaming. Available at drhauschka.com and on the East End at Second Nature Market, 70 Main Street in Southampton and on Newtown Lane in East Hampton. Call 631-283-8117 or visit secondnaturemarkets.com.
There are a few times during the year when I get the urge to re-do something. This year, it’s the back patio. It being a small space, the patio arrangement requires very specific planning. Too-big furniture can quickly make it feel cramped, yet the iron French bistro table and chairs that I love to look at are not quite suitable for lounging. Lucky for me, and you too, there’s a summer sale at Patio.com. Everything is marked down—from umbrellas to chaises from major manufacturers like Gloster, Lane, Lloyd Flanders, Tropitone, Woodard and Outdoor Classics. It couldn’t be more conveniently located too, at 1 Montauk Highway in Southampton. Call 631-488-0699 or visit patio.com or southamptonpatio.com.
Did you know that August 17 is National Honeybee Day? I’ll be celebrating with honey on my oatmeal, honey in my tea and some sweet-as-honey LUSH products. At LUSH, they’re using honey for its moisturizing and antiseptic properties. The Honey Bee Bath Bomb, with Moroccan Rhassoul mud, is gentle and so fun you’ll want to buy them for all your pals. From Fair Trade Honey Shampoo to Honey Trap Lip Balm, you can find lots of honey goodies—perfect for little gift surprises. Take action to save the bees by visiting honeylove.org and then find the LUSH store closest to you or just shop online by going to LUSHusa.com.
Friday, August 16 is National Rum Day! Atlantico Rum alerted our editorial team to this blessed event with a bottle of their finest. A touch spicy and totally smooth, every day might be a “rum day,” well, at least every weekend in the Hamptons!
New Kids ON THE BLOCK:
Good news! Radio Shack in Southampton is back and better than ever. For all of your gadget needs, check out the new fresh-faced retailer at 68 Main Street, Southampton. Call 631-287-5179 or visit radioshack.com.
Need a new bag for fall? Take a peek at GiGi, the newest addition to shops on Jobs Lane in Southampton. From totes to wallets, you’re sure to find what you need. 28 Jobs Lane, Southampton. 631-287-0707 giginewyork.com.
Blue Duck Bakery is now in Greenport! Now North-Forkers can enjoy the scrumptious baked goods, salads, sandwiches, lattes and teas. Stop in at 130 Front Street, Greenport or peek at blueduckbakerycafe.com.