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DIY Dining Tips Inspired by Buzzfeed + American Express

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As some of you know, I’ve partnered with American Express to be an ambassador for their no annual fee, Blue Cash Everyday Card. It’s pretty much my dream job since the card is all about making everyday a little more epic, which you probably have noticed from my social media handles is what I’m all about. I mean, this month alone I’ve been so blessed to have had the opportunity to take a gymnastics class with Dominique Dawes, play in the mini-Instagram board room with Eva Chen and Facebook, hang out with WWE Superstars Dolph Ziggler and Charlotte, enjoy a private exhibition at Christie’s with Tom Ford Beauty, and take a pretty awesome road trip…and it’s not over yet! I’m living for the end of August when I’m back in NYC for the US Open!!!American-express-blue-cashe-everyday_7

This credit card not only fits my lifestyle but also my everyday favorite moments from entertaining and dining to Vespa rides around town. I’m also loving Amex’s latest collaboration with Buzzfeed for their “Epic Everyday” video series; sharing everything from easy DIY dining and entertaining tips to fun recipes and birthday party ideas..

I took inspiration from their 3 Living Room Upgrades in 60 Seconds video for a family dinner and double date I hosted with my sister. We had a lot to celebrate between her exciting job news with the United Nations, plus James and I wanted to celebrate with a night in since we were headed out of town for so long.

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I used a mix of fresh flowers and herbs I picked from a local garden with some dried lavender inspired by the Buzzfeed video for the place settings. To break it down here are 3 fun and simple ways to update your dinner table:  the center and put one on each plate setting. I also used it for decoration around the cheese plate.American-express-blue-cashe-everyday_6

Idea #1: Fun ice cubes with a twist

Ice trays come in all shapes and sizes, I grabbed a two pack of these pineapple sets and put some fresh mint in each socket before adding water and freezing. It’s a fun way to make a party in a glass and the mint lasts long after the ice melts.American-express-blue-cashe-everyday_2

Idea #2: Dried lavender decorations:

Inspired by the Buzzfeed video, I took a bushel of dried lavender and sectioned it into small pairings. I then wrapped raffia yarn aroundAmerican-express-blue-cashe-everyday_5
Idea #3 Flower arrangements in jars

Flower arranging is a passion of mine. I love picking flowers and creating arrangements for the table. For this dinner I was going for more of an urban rustic feel so I used jars from around the house. I found everything from a Mason Jar to glass juice bottles I saved and an actual glass vase which all worked together. Just illustrating that things don’t have to be perfect to be perfect. The variety of sizes of glass containers added to the charm.

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These are all easy ways to make a dinner extra special. Whatever Epic Everyday means to you, I hope you’re all living your best life and staying inspired. The Blue Cash Everyday Card offers all kinds of perks like 3% cash back at supermarkets to help make every dining experience like this that much better, 2% cash back at gas stations (which has been coming in handy on my road trip), 1% cash back on almost everything else and more perks you can learn about HERE.

Thank you American Express for sponsoring this post and having me as an ambassador.

Eat Here: Oleanders at McCarren Hotel & Pool

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Last summer I was barely in New York and would see all over my newsfeed friends lounging by the pool at McCarren Hotel & Pool. When I lived on Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg I would have killed been overjoyed to have an outdoor space with a pool (and also a hotel for when my parents visited). If you click the link to the hotel’s pool page, you’ll understand why! Summer came and went and that space had been on my radar to hang out at this summer.

Dinner Delight: Davio’s Truffle Menu

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Running around the city this week it was so lovely to spend a night having dinner with some close friends and getting a sneak peek of the Davio’s Truffle Menu. Debuting for the month of December only, Davio’s NYC is offering a 4 course Truffle Tasting Menu that is culinary magic. Everything melts in your mouth and is so tender an cooked to perfection. 

Take me out the the ball game // Tommy Bahama

yankees_baseball_gameUsually, getting me out on a Monday night is next to impossible. However, to make my annual date for National Relaxation Day with Tommy Bahama to enjoy a Yankees game I’ll happily drop everything. And considering Tommy Bahama’s motto is make life one long weekend, I can’t think of a way to adopt the saying then taking in a game while indulging in their signature cocktails.

Summer Escape with Lavazza + 20% off Coffee Promotion!

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Over the weekend, James and I headed to Newport, RI where we toured the mansions and sailed the days away. Minus the overly packed, non-stop itinerary (and one you better believe will involve heavy amounts of Lavazza to stay caffeinated), it was paradise! I’ll be posting pictures soon and my to do guide.

Calling all coffee lovers!

Lavazza Coffee Instagram Contest

Okay my fellow coffee lovers, this post is for you! Lavazza coffee and I want to see how you indulge.

Share your coffee moment(s) on Instagram for your chance to win daily prizes of 12oz Lavazza Coffee bags and mugs. Plus five grand prize winners will receive this coffee lovers super basket (pictured above) which includes: Two 12 oz bags of Lavazza Coffee, Lavazza Mug, “Top 100 Coffee Recipes” book, Aerolatte Milke Frother, a Bodum Brazil 3 Cup French Press and a Jolie Scented Candle.

Waldorf Astoria Announces Next Iconic Dish

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Everything about the Waldorf Astoria is a pillar of elegance and last night the luxury hotel opened it’s doors to the first Taste of Waldorf Astoria to celebrate what would be the next Waldorf Astoria iconic dish.

2/23 Join my Oscars Lavazza Coffee Talk Chat on Twitter

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I’m so excited to announce I’ll be joining Lavazza for a second year as their ambassador! I’m such a crazy coffee lady, that having a my refrigerator stocked with Italy’s finest is the greatest thing to wake up to every morning.

Cozying up to Fall with Lavazza Coffee

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While it’s been a complete delight basking in warm weather this past month in Australia, there’s something super strange about hearing Christmas music while being in 80 degree weather. And I love the fall season, so this is my first real day back in NYC enjoying it.

Places to See in St. Louis: Our Guide to Awesome Destinations

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During my visit to St. Louis last week for St. Louis Fashion Week, Alive Magazine and Explore St. Louis set up a tour where we boarded the Fun Tyme Limo Tour Bus — which was beyond spacious for our 10+ person ride.