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American Express Partners with Amazon for the Holidays

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Whether you’re planning your holiday wish list, shopping for others or for everyday household items, Amazon has it all – and at unbeatable prices. For the holidays, American Express’ Blue Cash Everyday card is partnering with Amazon.com between now and January 11, 2017 to offer new Card Members 10% back on Amazon purchases within the first six months of membership, up to $200 when using the Card. New Card Members will also earn $100 cash back in the form of statement credit after spending $1,000 on the card within the first three months of Card Membership. That’s cause for major celebration in my household since Amazon is by far the site I order from the most, and I take full advantage of being an Amazon Prime member.

best-lighting-for-blogger-vloggerI started a photo studio wish list on Amazon awhile ago as I’ve been wanting to start a YouTube channel for some time and update my photo studio to take both my photographs and video to the next level. Also, with winter coming I’ll be doing a lot more of my photo shoots indoors. So, I decided to finally turn wish list into a reality as a birthday present for myself. Here was my lighting wish list (as seen in the above photo):

Lighting – LimeStudio 700W Photography Softbox Light Lighting Kit Photo Equipment Soft Studio Light Softbox ($74.99)

Ring light – LimoStudio 12” Ring Light Dimmable Fluorescent Continuous Lighting Kit ($129.99)

Tripod – AmazonBasics 50-Inch Lightweight Tripod with Bag ($16.99)

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!

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.