Summers by the Sea with Model Carolyn Murphy

Carolyn Murphy is a dear friend of mine who shares my challenge of the duality of our nature. On one hand she is a strong, earth goddess who cultivated some beautiful land in the mountains of Ojai, and on the other hand she is a glamorous, delicate, woman of exquisite style and refinement who graces magazine covers. I have been inspired by Carolyn in so many ways from her love of books, clean design aesthetic, as a nurturing mother, and her sense of adventure.  She is most serene among the trees and sea at her summer home in Sag Harbor. I was able to spend a few days with her and her daughter Dylan in the sweet old house that was first built in the 1780’s. I loved the colors of the walls blues, pinks, and the out door porch perfect for watching fireflies.

1) What do you love about spending summers in Sag Harbor and the surrounding area?
Spending summers in the Hamptons is quite special for a number of reasons- the greenery of lush trees, the afternoon showers on a bike ride or snoozing on the porch, watching fireflies in the garden at dusk while kids run and play, long lunches and dinners over fresh, local seafood and produce- its magical and I think we appreciate it all the more because of the long winters out east. The house I have is one of a kind charm, the history strong and intoxicating.

2) What is your favorite health store or juice bar there?
My favorite juice bar is Juicy Nam because the produce is organic and raised locally, the intention of the store is pure. This makes a difference in the customer flow, you get less city folk and more of people who are authentically sharing in the health of food, and the wealth of health. I’ve revisited the store for the vegan “tuna” spread they make, wonderful on rice crackers. Provisions is a great local health food store for essential groceries and has a yummy food bar.

3) Favorite restaurant?
My favorite restaurant out east is Moby Dick’s of course! My boyfriend has sourced the menu very thoughtfully, with all of the organic produce coming from Balsam farms, and the meats and seafood literally in the “backyard”. His kale salad has people begging from all over the world, and I still have yet to learn the secret. I also like La Fondita, after a day of surfing, for carne asada tacos- also from locally raised grass fed beef and organic produce from Balsam farms. I’ve also gotten addicted to Jack’s “Mighty Muffin” (gluten free) over my “Mad Max” coffee.

4) Do you have a beauty secret to combat the summer sun and heat? A favorite product?
I think the best way to combat summer sun and heat is to stay out of the sun from 11am to 2pm, when its the strongest. I do believe 10am morning sun, a good 20 minutes without sunblock, is great for vitamin D. I’m constantly lathering up with pure Coconut Oil, for my skin and hair, to keep the moisture locked in and skin hydrated. Lots of alkaline water, in which I’m loving my dispenser by Santevia.

5) Do you have an easy summer recipe for nights at home?
I think you tasted the easiest that Dylan made you! Garbanzo beans, with lemon, sea salt and kale. I also love to throw a cedar plank on the grill and cook wild Alaskan salmon on it, with a side of beets, tomato and buratta cheese. Any salad fare is quick to prepare, and I’m experimenting with watermelon at the moment- adding cilantro, cucumber, avocado and tomato. It’s delicious and refreshing!

6) Are you a mermaid or forest fairy?
Oh goodness, here we go with the “duality” you and I speak of! I’m both. I need the ocean, its in my blood and with surfing so many years, I’ve embraced that there is a vital catharsis to that ritual. I can easily dance in the woods, climb the trees and explore the depths of fauna, make for and adventure. The Hamptons provides both, or the dreamland of Big Sur.

7) Best summer read?
Best summer read could be Annie Dillard novels or at the moment I’m enjoying Beautiful Ruins by Jess Walter. The house I have in Sag Harbor is full of Proust, Jung, Walt Whitman and Shakespeare, so I’ve had a few nights of getting lost over oil lamplight on the porch.

See more bohemian home decor here.