Dix Hills July 2021
Commack July 2021
Top 5 Ways to Play it Safe for a Happy, Healthy Summer
Some compare summers on Long Island to being on an eight-week vacation. From beautiful beach days to backyard barbecues, the nice weather allows for us to enjoy some of Long Island’s best attributes! While being relaxed and having fun is currently a complete necessity, getting carried away with over-eating, over-drinking, and over-playing can cause unnecessary physical and emotional distress.
Here are my top 5 ways to play it safe and have a happy, healthy summer.
1 – Shade, sunglasses, and SPF are a must. Your skin loves the sun, we get it, but remember, too much of a good thing is a bad thing! Not only can you cause severe aesthetic damage to your skin, but you can also put yourself at risk for skin cancer. Your eyes are also at risk from those UV Rays, so stay in the shade during peak sun hours (12-4PM). Wear stylish sunglasses especially when driving, and don’t leave home without your SPF. Skin expert, Nicoletta Rasizzi, BSN, RN, Clinical Nurse and Director of Replenish Health and Wellness Center in Huntington, recommends at least 50 SPF for your face.
2 – Drink your way to better health. The summer is the time of year that people get dehydrated the most. It’s hot, humid, and more often, people are enjoying an iced coffee or hard seltzer over H2O. If you want to help reduce the risk of getting dehydrated, which can cause an array of health issues, make sure you are getting at least 64 ounces of water in daily.
3 – Stock up on seasonal fruit. Watermelon, berries, kiwi, and pineapples are some summertime favorites that are packed with vitamins and antioxidants! Helpful for keeping you hydrated as they are mostly water based, these fruits are a refreshing, healthy snack for a hot summer day.
4 – Make sure you move. You are probably so fed up with hearing about how exercise is good for you…but remember, we hear things as many times as we need to. Walking, swimming, cycling, or tennis are all incredible cardiovascular exercises. Yoga and weight training are also great choices for optimal physical and mental health. Shoot for 30-45 minutes of movement a day.
5 – Mental breaks make you better. Unplugging, meditation, focus breathing, and even cat-napping, are all examples of ways to truly unwind. When the mind can rest, the body can reset and replenish as well, creating calm and peace within. Studies show that practices such as meditation might ease certain stresses like anxiety, depression, and even pain.
Key Lime Pie
American Museum of Natural History…a True GEM of a Trip!
“I adore wearing gems, but not because they are mine. You can’t possess radiance, you can only admire it.” Elizabeth Taylor
Go GREEN…ZUCCHINI Your Meatball
Al Fresco Dining
Summer is officially upon us, and it’s time to enjoy your next meal outside. Whether it’s drinks and apps, or a sit-down dinner, Long Island offers an assortment of al fresco dining options.
When I’m choosing an outdoor spot for my next meal, it’s important to me that quality remains at the top of mind – while also incorporating a killer view and remaining comfortable for my meal. As a Northport Village resident, there are plenty of local places to keep me satisfied such as: Tim’s Shipwreck Diner, The Purple Elephant, Robke’s Country Inn, Skipper’s Pub (newly renovated), Salted on the Harbor, Rockin’ Fish, Nina’s Pizzeria and Copenhagen Bakery. If I’m feeling like a short drive, I opt for: Mill Pond House (a short drive to Centerport), The Whales Tale, and Vauxhall (a short drive to Huntington).
My local Northport spots are conveniently located, offer comfy outdoor seating, and an assortment of dining options depending on what I’m craving. Tim’s Shipwreck Diner has the best breakfast burrito around, and I also love their coffee! The Purple Elephant is a great local, cozy haven for a healthier bite – yummy vegetarian options and a great Kombucha selection. Robke’s Country Inn is a short walk from our house, and I’m addicted to their old school Italian offerings – think steaks, seafood, pasta and fish. Skipper’s Pub has a new chic vibe, and updated menu, but still the best staff in town – a great spot to meet friends after work or on a weekend. Rockin’ Fish is my go-to for a cold beer and oysters, plus I can bring my dog. Salted on the Harbor is a weekly ritual with spritzes, the best wings around, and tons of seasonal specials. Nina’s Pizzeria is a neighborhood ‘sleeper’ – meaning I wouldn’t expect such high-quality entrees from a pizzeria. Their pizza is amazing, but make sure to also try their appetizers and entrees – unexpectedly authentic and reasonably priced. Copenhagen Bakery is close to my heart – the yummiest breakfast omelets and pastries in Northport, and my #1 pick for local breads and cookies. (Seriously, order everything.)
Mill Pond House is a dreamy date night spot. My fiancé and I enjoyed our first date there (so, perhaps I’m a tad biased), but I love the combination of diversified menus, incredible waterside view and plush ambiance. I typically order sushi here, and wildly enjoy the artisanal cheese board and in-house chopped salad. Looking for something more casual? The Whales Tale (and neighboring Harbor Head Brewery) are solid options to enjoy an afterwork sunset and order some apps & drinks. I enjoy the beachy atmosphere and the fact that I can keep it casual with sandals. If you’re around Huntington Village: Vauxhall is the spot to go! Probably the most near-and-dear restaurant in Long Island for me, (bold statement, I know), I am never underwhelmed by their perfectly crafted cocktails or burgers. (Especially if PJ is bartending!) When the weather is nice, opt to sit outside and enjoy the picnic tables and people watching. You can’t go wrong here: this place is old faithful.
Summer is here. Enjoy your next drink and/or meal… al fresco!
Summer on the North Fork
Wander Through a Lavender Field…
Whether you head to Calverton or East Marion, there’s nothing like the smell and color of fresh lavender. Open Saturdays and Sundays, be sure to visit before the end of July to catch the lavender field in full bloom. Note: follow @lavenderbythebay on Instagram to watch their colorful feed. Purchase tickets for either field at, lavenderbythebay.com
Sip on Local Fine Wine…
Head to Pindar Vineyards Friday, July 16th (11AM-8PM) for Cigars, Jazz & Wine. Lefty’s Specialty Cigars Truck will have hand rolled cigars; crafted with the finest Dominican, Honduran, and Nicaraguan tobacco, filler, and leaf. Founders Oysters will also be on site, plus you can enjoy live music by the Jazz Loft Trio from 5-8PM. Become winemaker for the day at Sannino Vineyard Sunday, July 18th (11:00AM–1:30PM). Learn how to blend a custom bottle of wine as you discover life as a vintner from winemaker, Anthony Sannino. Reservations required, visit sanninovineyard.com. Note: one ticket is good for two people.
Sweet Corn Harvest…
Enjoy live music and Harbes famous roasted sweet corn, the weekend of July 17th-18th (10AM-7PM). There will be tons of food including a mouthwatering selection of homemade ice cream – sweet corn flavor being one of them. Saturday, singer-songwriter, Glenn Jochum, is scheduled to play his traditional mix of folk, soul, rock, blues and country while Sunday, singer-guitarist, Matt Taylor, will take the stage.
For the Country Lover’s…
Celebrate the Bees…
Whatever Floats Your Boat…
Summer Fashion Trends
With the warmer months upon us and COVID-19 restrictions easing, this summer is the perfect time to flaunt a new outfit! Major runway designers like John Galliano and Miuccia Prada are leading the pack this season with androgynous and hyper-feminine retro. Some of the major staples this season are puffy sleeves, wide-legged trousers, and sheer fabrics. The 70s, and to a lesser extent the 80s and early 2000s, have proven to be a significant influence and inspiration. Puff sleeves have been popular on both dresses and tops for several seasons now. This voluminous detail draws on the old 80s craze but is revamped to fit modern aesthetics.
Puff sleeve midi dresses are a wardrobe must-have this summer! The dress is comfortable and versatile, functioning as both casual and dressy (depending on how you choose to style it), making this the ideal day-to-evening piece.
Another 80s revival is the wide-legged pant, or “office trousers.” Drawing on power suits and office chic, these trousers can be styled as either feminine- with a cropped top or sheer blouse; or masculine- with a blazer or thrifted t-shirt. Teens are incorporating this trend into their wardrobe by shopping for oversized cargo pants and cinching them around the waist with belts, shoe laces, and safety pins.
Sheer fabrics have been dominating both the runway and the racks. Popular especially on Fendi runways, the sheer craze is one of many reworked 70s staples. A sheer maxi dress thrown over your bikini is perfect for a sun-soaked day at the beach. Semi-sheer or layered sheer is more functional for an everyday look.
Various 70s trends have popped up throughout this entire year. Clogs are on the rise, popularizing themselves among all age groups. Miu Miu sent them down the runway this year and last. With the pandemic providing extra time to develop skills, many learned the art of crocheting. Rather than baby hats and scarves, many young women have begun producing their own crocheted bra-tops and dresses. In response, iconic designers and off-the-rack stores have put out various crocheted pieces, (including these coveted dresses), and thin, holey sweaters so light they can still be worn in the summer.
The halter neckline is back in full force as a result of both 70s and y2k being flaunted by designers and influencers alike. Similar to many of the aforementioned trends, the halter top works for casual errand runs and dramatic evenings out. A simple halter top will keep you cool and stylish during the day, while a plunging halter neckline with a shimmer detail can be fun and flirty for nighttime excursion. Another 70s meets the y2k, the hippie-favored patchwork which is circulating again. Commonly seen on dresses and hippie bags, the patchwork is a down-to-earth pattern, easily paired with a bandana and Birkenstocks.
This summer is the first time most people will begin returning to their regular lives. Take advantage of the various trends available and piece together a stunning outfit for glamour dates, sunny beach days, and even trips to the grocery store!
Flavors of Summer
Apple, Strawberry, Blueberry Salad
Watermelon Berry Frozen Pops
Servings: 8
Yeros – Authentically Greek
Yeros – Authentically Greek
429 Route 25 A
Saint James, NY 11780
yērōs – authentically Greek (yerosny.com)
A modern representation of traditional Greek ingredients, recipes & authentic flavors. Food created for the Gods, enjoyed by mortals.
Bubble Waffle Ice Cream
BUBBLE WAFFLE ICE CREAM
52 N Country Road
Smithtown, NY 11787
New Page | Bubble Waffle (bubblewaffleli.com)
A three-in-one food concept all in one space. Offering Bubble Waffle Ice Cream, Blue Bean Cafe and Matcha Tea in Heaven located in a industrial farmhouse building in the heart of Smithtown.