slides: 10 RI Things I Love: Amy Diaz

One: Sweet heat

Infrared Sauna at Raffa Yoga, Cranston

Can I really sit, relax, have my “me” time with smoothing music playing in the background and burn up to 700 calories while relieving aches and pains, lowering my blood pressure, detoxifying my body, and purify my skin? YES, I can! The benefits of a 30-minute session in the Infrared Suana at Raffa Yoga are that and so much more. This has to be the new “it” health & wellness therapy and I am totally buying into it.  I LOVE IT!

www.raffayoga.com

Two: Nautical style

Style Newport, Newport

I am a self-proclaimed fashionista! Nope, just kidding! My personal style is just that personal, and when it comes to jewelry, I love one-of-a-kind pieces or personalized jewelry. Style Newport’s “Jewelry with a Nautical Twist” is very Rhode Island and its bracelets, rings, necklaces, earrings, even cufflinks are personalized with “secret” words or messages using nautical signal flags (that are hand crafted in Rhode Island). Personal style can’t get any cooler!

www.stylenewport.com

Three: Cooking it up

JWU Chef's Choice Recreational Cooking Classes

Rhode Island is known for its incredible cuisine, and though I like to pretend I am as skilled as chefs on Federal Hill, I know I need to take some lessons from the pros! JWU’s cooking classes are fantastic for anyone with a passion for cooking and eating delicious food regardless of age or cooking skill level.

www.jwu.edu

Four: Sisterhood

The PVD Lady Project, Providence

This fantastic organization is celebrating its first anniversary! I am thrilled to have an organization in Rhode Island that supports and empowers women. As a young woman myself, it’s refreshing to see women come together, share with each other, and learn from one another. The PVD Lady Project has bi-monthly events which showcase women in the community and benefit local charities or organizations that are either ran by women or benefit women in our community. (Photo: PVD Lady Project)

www.pvdladyproject.com

Five: Peak flavors

Venda Ravioli, Providence

I can talk about food and eat good food all day, every day! With Venda Ravioli being the heart of “The Hill”, I love stopping in for the most delicious pasta sauces and gourmet pastas—my favorite is their famous ravioli! Going there is an experience— walk in, place an order, sit by the espresso bar, have a bite to eat or drink, chat it up with friends in the welcoming family environment. I have to admit, I also enjoy taking credit for the delicious pasta when I make it at home… but that will be our little secret (wink, wink)!

www.vendaravioli.com

Six: Perfect eyebrows

Salon Panache, Cranston

The one thing every woman should have is “Picture Perfect Eyebrows” because whether we have makeup on or not, or our hair is put up or down, eyebrows shape the entire face and well-groomed brows make every face look fresh and beautiful! At Salon Panache, owners Vinay and Sangeeta and their team are magnificent! As one walks in, Vinay greets every (yes, EVERY) returning customer by first name. How he does it? I don’t know! It would be impossible for me to remember hundreds of names; this is Rhode Island hospitality at its finest. I can almost guarantee that every time I meet someone while I am out in Rhode Island with perfect eyebrows, they say they are Salon Panache customers!

www.salonpanache.com

Seven: Tea time

Tree House Tavern & Bistro, Warwick

I LOVE TEA! The Tree House Tavern & Bistro has the largest loose leaf tea selection I’ve ever seen. This charming 1860's New England Farm House features fireplaces, a romantic piano room, a library, a whimsical tree house room, and a beautiful garden. With “High Tea” and comfort foods, this makes for the perfect Sunday brunch experience.

thetreehousetavern.com

Eight: Perfect handbag

Kent Stetson Handbags

Since I was a little girl, the one item I’ve never left my house without is a purse! This Brown University graduate has taken handbags to another level for me. Kent Stetson’s pieces are incredibly creative, hand sewn/painted and absolutely one-of-a-kind (which we all know I love!). My favorite “Rhode Island” handbag is his “Coffee and Donut” clutch, although my personality is best represented in his abstract and colorful pieces.

kentstetson.com

Nine: Best sandwich ever

Olga's Cup & Saucer, Providence

One word, well dish: MAYAN CHICKEN SALAD SANDWICH! Olga’s Cup & Saucer has an eclectic breakfast and lunch menu with spectacular seasonal hot and cold drinks. No matter the mood I am in, I can go to Olga’s for lunch and know that I will leave a very happy (stuffed) customer. Did I forget to mention, fresh baked bread AND pastries? Yummm.

olgascupandsaucer.blogspot.com

Ten: Neighborhood hangout

Wickenden Street, Providence

Wickenden Street is my “fun, free spirit” to-go place in Providence because of its quaint art galleries, charming restaurants, and eclectic shops and antiques. I can go there for just about anything with anyone; to me, it feels like a soulful place in Providence.