Southampton - Tick tock - Summer 2009 is officially half over. Since I last wrote I have traveled over 8,000 miles. We ended July in the Hamptons. Bobby and I really took time off to enjoy it. The weather, however, barely cooperated. Was it me or did it rain almost every day? We did get a few hours on the beach, ate on Main Street, shopped in East Hampton and ate lots of Levain cookies (I am now a recovering CCC addict as I have not had one in two weeks).

My favorite day was visiting a friend's home in Amagansett. He has a wonderful set up with a mini chicken coop, rabbits, goats, snakes - you name it. A huge vegetable garden and fruit trees all over. I felt like I was on a real "working" farm. He also shared his private Budda hideaway in the Springs. Unfortunately, Ally missed it and I hope to take her there this weekend.

We decided to to head west to LA LA land for a few days with friends and visited Universal Studios. We took a back lot tour filled with sharks, floods and earthquakes. The best part was watching everyone (except me of course) try indoor skydiving. You needed to take a 10 minute class and when I decided it would be fun to try after watching everyone else, it was too late. It is called IFLY and I hope they come to NY. It was amazing!

We crammed alot in a few days including visiting the set of "Chelsea Lately" to see Heather McDonald. I think we saw every reality star out there including Lisa Gastineau, her beautiful daughter Brittany, Patti (the matchmaker) Stangler, Spencer and Heidi (Speidi) having dinner with his grandma at CUT. I love to share the gossip!

Next stop - Viva Las Vegas - my BFF Caroline moved there a few years ago, then our friends Carla and Frank Pelligrino (they own Rao's at Ceasars), so we try to go there at least once a year for a visit. Friends from Aspen stayed with us (also Charlie and Brooke Sheen's in-laws) and partied with Usher and Jason Binn for the first male cover party for Vegas Magazine. We had an amazing suite at the new Encore at the Wynn Resort. I never left. We ate in every restaurant, sat in the poolside cabanas, the SPA is world class and the nicest one I have ever been in. Nightime activities included La Reve (Cirque de Soliel water show - incredible), Wynn property clubs like XS (poolside) and of course the casino. I guess the rest is "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas."

What have you been doing this summer?

BJ from New York says:
Jill, I would love to visit the Hamptons, but from what I read and see on television it looks intimidating to me. Can you tell me about what it is like there and any suggestions for a first visit?

Hi BJ!

Don't be intimidated. I am sure if we came into your town and filmed I would feel the same way. Come and enjoy what so many people have fallen in love with and see for yourself why.

Have fun!

Jill

AJ from Upstate New York says:
Oh Jill - I can't believe in this day and age you "still" have to explain the PRESS to people. If I don't hear it from you on Facebook or Twitter or live than I just don't listen. Have a great summer and try and enjoy the weather. Maybe come visit upstate/Saratoga - breakfast at the track in the early morning is wonderful.

Dear AJ:

Great advice!

Jill

Linda from PA says:
Jill - I think you are the best on the show because you appear to be the most honest. Your lifestyle suits you and in this economy things certainly haven't appeared to slowed down for you. That's great, but unfortunately that's not the case for most of America. I think the people who criticize you do it because some of your behavior now at this time is quite frankly annoying and inappropriate; do you really have to remind people who may be jobless and can't afford a vacation this summer and that you've been through four boats? Also, you want an expensive hotel in Montauk? Wouldn't that be destroying the charm that draws you to it? My advice to you is stay close by your pool for the rest of the summer, enjoy your lucky self, and start reading the front page of newspapers to discover why people who may be less fortunate than you now find $16,000 bags and the rest of your charmed life a little too much to stomach. Please save it for after the recovery. Oh, and try not to fall in the mud in the Louboutins at Polo. (Do you really not know how ridiculous that statement might sound to most people?).

Dear Linda:

Thank you for reading my column. There is nothing wrong with wanting a luxury hotel. I didn't say I wanted to destroy the character or landscape of the area. Renovating an existing property would be perfectly fine with me!

Have a great summer!

Jill

Daria from East Hampton says:
Liked your article. Think you could add a little more to it. Talk more about the things you talk about on RH. After all, if not for that show, you probably wouldn't be as read. I'm surprised to find that Bethenny was offered a show of her own. The RH series is good enough. Do we really need another show about people in the city? Don't think so. Besides, what is she going to offer that RHONY doesn't. How to lose weight using laxatives and not portion control? Anyway, I think GLORIA should be the one with her own show!! Now there is a woman who has something interesting and helpful to say!

Dear Darla:

Thank you for writing in. I agree, Gloria should have her own show! I am under contract not to discuss the show's future. I wish I could. But thank you for watching!

All the Best,

Jill

Jennifer from New Hampshire says:
I have to say that you and Bethanny are the best housewives of NYC. How did you become such a success? Do you have any words of wisdom?

Dear Jennifer:

Thank you for kind words. Sadly I don't have enough room. We are writing a book "Secrets of a Jewish Mother" due in May 2010 but for now I will say this - don't take no for an answer!

XOXO

Jill

Rosemary from Ohio says:
Jill you are by far my favorite on HW. Your and Bethany's friendship, spirit and verve are just the best. You are both seemingly honest about difficult questions and situations. You also are great with a quick laugh and to see the humor in situations. Excellent work - I live vicariously through you!

Dear Rosemary:

Thank you so much for your sweetness!

Jill

Jan from TN says:
I understand you can't comment on the negotiations of the show. I would just like to know when is it supposed to be back on? Thanks, Jan

Dear Jan:

Sadly even I don't know, but when we do, we will let you know!

Jill

Veronica from San Diego says:
Jill, You look fabulous and I love the show - you are my favorite housewife so far. When I watch, it's like I feel that I have known you for years! I love your attitude and you inspire me to work hard to achieve success like you and Bobby have attained. And you're absolutely right, when mean-spirited people only have negative things to say they bring you down and are jealous!

Dear Veronica:

I am so glad you said it - not me!

Jill