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Painting with Lemurs at the Duke Lemur Center

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If you’re visiting North Carolina and in the Raleigh Durham area or visiting Duke University, add visiting the Duke Lemur Center to your agenda. It’s open to the public and Duke houses the largest and most diverse collection of lemurs outside of Madagascar. They are a research center first and foremost so there is no holding/touching the lemurs but watching them — especially when they jump or rather glide through the air. Meeting so many different breeds (there are over 80 types in existance) is an unbelievable experience.

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The grounds are beautiful and set in the woods, so it’s a great outdoor activity. The lemurs are by the entrance and there are a number of guided tours available starting at $12. All of the lemurs are gated in so you can watch them from outside and learn about the different species. They also have some nocturnal ones which you go inside a dark room to observe them through the looking glass. black-lemur-blue-eyes-duke-lemur-center

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Oprah’s Favorite Things 2016 Announced

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Christmas just got real! Earlier this week I had the pleasure of getting a sneak peek of the Oprah’s Favorite Things list and O, The Oprah Magazine December issue.

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Hosted by Oprah’s right and left arm, Gayle King and Adam Glassman, there’s literally something for everyone on your holiday list and at all different price points. This is the publications biggest list ever and the experience of having Gayle and Adam present them was so fun! That and every time they gave something out to the audience! While we did not get a car (you get a car, you get a car…), we did walk away with so many cool travel, pet, home, kitchen items that I’m so excited we can finally share with you!

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Alice Through The Looking Glass with Costume Designer Colleen Atwood

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This week I did nothing but pack and try to get ready for the 4 trips I have coming up, starting with Lisbon on Monday! I did such a good job packing and getting all the forms — and multiple vet, office, airport visits — to bring Charlie with me (it just costs as much as a human ticket in certifications and fees and two days of your time but no biggie) that I decided to reward myself with taking the morning off from adulting to join Disney and ahem, costume designer, Colleen Atwood for a tea party in celebration of Alice Through the Looking Glass, which comes out on DVD and Blu-Ray this Tuesday, October 18th. I brought my sister and Charlie since we’re all huge Alice fans, and had a blast in the photobooth — Charlie steals the show as the Cheshire Cat.

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Surfs up with Clif Bar

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Photo Credit: Gerald Slevin photography

Last week was a long week. I went from Fashion Week to hosting a charity event on Friday to jumping in my car and driving to Montauk for an awesome, action packed weekend with Clif Bar. Before I get into my awesome weekend (and believe me, it was awesome), my friend Liz asked me a question on Friday I’ve been thinking about all week, “How do I get your energy”.

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In my mind she takes on more than me so I found the question funny. Although I’m asked it often enough that I should have a reasonable answer.  In truth I’ve always thought of myself as leading a double life. I’m very active in the fashion/beauty blogging community and often at events but on my spare time all I want to do is travel and be outside, whether it be hiking, snowboarding or something as simple as going for a walk. My boyfriends even slowly turning me into a camper, which we do often enough that I can probably claim that title. I’m a really active person and it’s not easy with my schedule. I accidentally skip meals all the time but I’m very keen on keeping my energy up since I do need to stay focused.

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The American Express US Open Experience

US-Open-Lara-Eurdolian Last week we kicked off the US Open with American Express. This is probably one of my favorite sporting events of the year to watch. I grew up playing tennis and was on the varsity team in High School and College and a junior national champion so walking into that stadium where so many of my heroes and have played their hearts out always gives me chills. Having been an American Express member since 2008, and now an ambassador for their Blue Cash Everyday Card, being invited to the event as their guest is an absolute dream come true and totally epic experience.

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All card members get exclusive perks like access to the American Express outdoor suite, which features complimentary hand massages by Exhale Spa, L’Occitane samples, and a relaxing, air-conditioned space to purchase food and drink in. American Express also opened the ground floor of the tent to the public for fans to experience the #AmexTennis Pro Walk. The walk enables guests to virtually experience the journey a pro would have as they walk from the player locker room to center court. Highlights of the walk include replicas of the player locker room, and tunnel, and holograms of tennis legends like Pete Sampras and Monica Seles. They also constructed a tennis court inside the tent with activities for kids and playing opportunities.

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Outside the stadium and the Amex Tent area are all of the outdoor vendors –selling everything from sporting equipment and clothes, logoed US Open merchandise, food, drink – and my much needed Lavazza coffee. I took a little less guilt in shopping considering the Blue Cash Everyday card offers 1% cash back on purchases, such as my food and event swag. Although I didn’t go too crazy!

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This was James’ first time to the US Open so I wanted him to have the full experience. From watching the practice sessions at the outdoor courts, visiting all of the outdoor spaces and lounges we toured around the space in between watching the major matches inside the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

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We ended the day with another epic experience from American Express by being invited into their new 70-person luxury suite, the Center Court Club in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Our tickets were amazing but the suite experience one floor above was at a whole other level. Featuring outdoor seats to watch the game coupled with an indoor space that’s air-conditioned with food, drink and screens of all the games happening at the same time, the suite was pretty amazing. Even the bathroom had a TV in it, so you don’t miss a beat.

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Having cash back rewards on a zero annual fee card is amazing in and of itself, along with all of the other perks that come with having an American Express Blue Cash Everyday Card. But the access that all American Express Card Members get to amazing events, experiences and offers in music, theater, sports, and more is what sets American Express apart. This includes everything from early pre-sale offers to more exclusive invitation-only events and premium experiences. (You can check out the Membership Experiences website for more info and upcoming events.)

Learn more at americanexpress.com

Big thanks to my American Express family for making my US Open experience that much more awesome and sponsoring this post!

Celebrate National Dog Day with the Westin Mission Hills

 

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I have to say National Dog Day holds a special sentiment now that I have Charlie in my life. And it’s all thanks to the Westin Mission Hills!! It hard to believe we’ve only been together for 4th months — I literally can’t remember my world without him.

As some of you know Charlie was part of the Westin’s pet adoption program through Animal Samaritans, a no-kill animal shelter that lets one dog live in the lobby of the hotel until they get adopted.

Charlie was dog #42 until we took him home. Now the hotel is celebrating their goal of getting 50 dogs adopted with a “Yappy Hour” they are hosting in honor of National Dog Day. Being hosted today, August 26th from 4-6pm, there will be a pooch portrait booth and a free dog toy for every canine in attendance.

The program is a year old and already to have found so many dogs loving homes, this is quite a milestone! I hope more hotels take note since we weren’t even on the market for a dog when Charlie came into our lives. Now we’re virtually inseparable. We even gave Charlie a middle name of Westin (and his dad’s last name), making him Charlie Westin King since the hotel is such a major part of his story.

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Unfortunately, we could not be there for the reunion with the Westin Mission Hills since Charlie is on his first camping trip in Maine — we did however stop off at the Westin in Portland for a few days on our way to Acadia National Park to toast them.

You can follow Charlie’s adventure on his instagram page: @pompomcharlie

Thank you to the Westin Mission Hills and Animal Samaritans for all that they do for rescues! And for bringing Charlie into our lives!

Renaissance Times Square Staycation (plus win a stay!)

renaissance-timeout-staycationI’m so excited! As some of you may remember, Charlie and I partnered with the Renaissance Hotel in Times Square a few weeks ago for an epic staycation and our campaign video is now done. The video really says it all, but to be in gorgeous, spacious room, at a pet friendly hotel where you have the pulse of the city at your finger tips and then as soon as you close the door it is so quiet and tranquil was magic. And the unexpected lambs and details in the hotel and on the balcony was such a cute touch! (Also scroll to the bottom for your chance to win a 2 night stay and exclusive discounts!).

 

As you can see from the video we had an absolute blast during our stay. The theme was #UnexpectedNYC and they delivered! Owned by the Marriott, we had a beautiful, newly renovated terrace room on the 4th floor with a balcony that overlooked Times Sq. I mean, look at this view from my balcony! All of Times Sq is behind me!

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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.

OXiGEN water, beach bags and cliff walks

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Splendid Crocheted High-Neck Swim Top and bottom (on sale!)

Ray-ban Gatsby Tortoise Green Mirror

Sudio Sweden Earphones Vasa Rose Gold White

Abaco Beach Company Beach Hair Don’t Care Beach Hat and Beach Blanket

Ban.do Love Potion Flask

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Neutrogena CoolDry Sport SPF 50, Moroccanoil Sun Lotion SPF 30, La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection SPF 50

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My goodness does it feel great to be back in Newport!! Not much has changed since last year, it’s still perfect. Today we hit up the beach and it’s not an exaggeration when I say at any given time I have three sunblocks on me. One for my face, another for the body and then Neutrogena CoolDry Sport SPF 50 because it’s great for quick application and isn’t messy. Lately my body SPF of choice has been Moroccanoil Sun Lotion SPF 30 it feels so luxe (it’s more of a wet liquid consistency) and smells amazing. And La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection SPF 50 for my face, since when in Newport, be fancy. It smells like their signature moisturizer and doubles as a primer that works to repair past sun damage while preventing any future damage. Beach Hat, sunnies, a book, water and headphones make up the rest of my beach bag staples (all listed above).

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Miami Swim Diaries

setai-miami-beach-lolli-swim-yandy.com-Blank-NYCAs someone who’s used to a healthy dose of ridiculousness and amazing experiences, last weekend schooled me in fun and was one for the books thanks to Kyboe! watches.  My friend Melissa and I flew down to Miami with the brand for Miami Swim, where they debuted the new collection of their watches down the runway.  (You can read all about the show and watches HERE).kyboe

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Townhouse Hotel

We flew in Friday afternoon, checking into the Townhouse Hotel, which is a humble boutique hotel perfectly located on 20th and Collins next to the Miami Swim venue. With beach and rooftop access the rooms were small but comfortable and the location could not have been more prime.

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Adrienne Bailon wearing the 6 Shore Road by Pooja limited edition Jose Cuervo collaborative swimsuit

While we were checking in Adrienne Bailon was helping launch the Jose Cuervo’s partnership with the 6 Shore Road by Pooja for this limited edition collaborative swimsuit she’s wearing above. Inspired by by the vibrant colors of the Authentic Jose Cuervo Margarita range and the iconic blue agave plant the vibrant one piece is so hot!!! It’s available for purchase at www.6ShoreRoad.com.

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