REBUILD GLOBALLY PRESENTS IMPACT GARDEN @ MSG

Last Tuesday night, Madison Square Garden transformed into Impact Garden, a fashion sustainability and wellness event spearheaded by supermodel Heide Lindgren. The event featured the first ever yoga session on MSG’s court where supermodel and yogi Angela Lindvall lead over 100 participants, including supermodels Alina Baikova, Justine Parchment, Isabel Bianchi, Julia Nydal, Teresa Moore and more through various poses and breathing exercises. 

After yoga, Impact Garden opened its marketplace which featured 15 artisanal brands from around the world including Haiti, Kenya, Afghanistan and more and gave guests like Kelly Bensimon, Jennifer Ohlsson and Danielle Redmond the opportunity shop purchase some incredibly unique artisanal goods like Deux Main Designs sandals made from recycled tires in Haiti, fair trade alpaca sweaters, jewelry sourced from recycled bombs dropped in Laos during the Vietnam war and more. 

DJ Elle Dee kept the crowd energized while guests also had a chance to shoot on the Knicks courts with legends John Starks and Larry Johnson. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R.

Editor and Curator of 

Dusk & Rubies 

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INSIDE: THE NYBG ORCHID DINNER 2016

As one of the most anticipated evenings of the New York winter social calendar, the rain outside didn't hinder us, or anyone else with the floral ticket, from flocking from all parts of Manhattan to the oasis created inside by The New York Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Dinner. 

When we say oasis we mean if the Garden of Eden and Mt. Olympus had a baby, then this is what their venue would like like. 

And, when we tell you it was dismal outside on Tuesday night, we mean...our umbrella broke somewhere between 42nd and 47th and we had to throw it out before making our grand entrance at the Plaza, where our shoe fell off, and we couldn't even feel it, because our toes were so cold. 

It was a miracle that hair remained straight and full-bodied. 

Anyway, we were so excited because the Orchid Dinner promises breath-taking and ornate tablescapes, dinner, dancing, and an atmosphere filled with excitement. Believe it or not the fact that we were shoulder to shoulder with Martha Stewart on the elevator ride down to the ballroom was not the reason why we arrived early, but rather most guests did to mingle, sip wine and designer cocktails, while also getting a close up view of all the orchid magic.  

Each tablescape, designed specifically for the event to showcase the beautiful varieties of orchids, was like its own private island. Coming across each table was like being transported to another world. Guests were absolutely giddy when they finally got to see which table they were sitting at. 

We even caught Martha taking a selfie with one of the arrangements, because she is clearly all about that plant life. 

Underwriters for the event included, Hearst Corporation, VERANDA, and BNY Mellon which fund-raised for the Garden’s esteemed orchid research collection. 

After dinner and dessert is when the real party began, guests of all ages danced the night away under the gilded and vaulted ceilings of the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel. We were surrounded and shrouded by the now candlelit tables and draped colorful florals. 

The entire impression? Ethereal, a secret garden in the middle of February. 

In addition, The New York Botanical Garden presents The Orchid Show: Orchidelirium from February 27 through April 17, 2016, the nation’s largest exhibition of its kind. Visitors to this year’s Orchid Show, inspired by the 19th-century craze sparked by a single orchid bloom, will be transported on an epic journey that engages all of the senses and underscores the allure and intrigue of these exquisite beauties. Filling the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory—a New York landmark—will be thousands of orchids in a stunning array of colors, sizes, shapes, and textures, highlighting the far-flung adventures of daring explorers who risked life and limb to secure these captivating and exotic flowers from danger-laden jungles around the world for determined collectors.   

For further information and to purchase tickets, please call 718.817.8774 or 

e-mail cbalkonis@nybg.org

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator 

Dusk & Rubies Blog 

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Interview With: Lo Bosworth At The Cycle 4 Survival Event

photo @lobosworth

It was at the amazing Cycle 4 Survival event hosted at Equinox Fitness this past Sunday, that we had the pleasure to sit down and talk with the lovely creature that is Lo Bosworth. As Lo tucked into her quiche dressed in her workout gear post cycling she enlightened us as to what inspired her to join the battle against rare cancer, her favorite way to stay fit, and what she does for fun.

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Hotel In Review: NY Hilton Midtown

Ah, New York City. A vacation destination for many, NYC boasts some of the best cultural opportunities, breathtaking views, inspiring entertainment, grade A dining, hotels, and a celeb spotting or two that you can't find anywhere else!

Remember the post we wrote titled, NYC Hotel Reviews For Every Budget? Well, the New York Hilton was one of our top picks for mid price hotels. I had complained that I didn't have nearly enough photos for the amount of times I had frequented the hotel. So, without further ado, here is our review of one of our favorite hotels due to its impeccable service, cleanliness, space (which is much needed but never promised in NYC), and hospitality. 

There is nothing better than a view of Central Park and Radio City. The Hilton upgraded us to an executive corner suite which means beautiful views, more space, access to the executive lounge, free continental breakfast, coffee and tea all day, hor d'oeuvres in the evening, and free wi-fi access on computers also located in the executive lounge. 

We love the personal touches that the Hilton doesn't forget. It makes us feel all warm (and dare I say) sort of like a celebrity when everyone knows your name. 

The Hilton is family friendly, as well as a business worthy destination with conference spaces, large desks, comfy work chairs, and double queen occupancy rooms.

 

If you rather do your work out of your room, then the executive lounge is the perfect place to grab a latte, a cookie, and bring your laptop!

Oh, and if you want to hit happy hour early there is the executive lounge honor bar which charges right to your room. They offer: Brooklyn Lager, Amstel Light, Stella Artois, and Budweiser. 

Thanks Hilton for allowing our readers to stay up to date with everything on the Dusk & Rubies blog! Computer access is given to anyone who stays in an executive room. 

Where is your favorite place to stay when you're in NYC? Have you stayed at the Hilton before? Tweet the Hilton at @NYHiltonMidtown with your pictures and comments. 

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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A Few Of D&R's Favorite Things: A New York City Holiday Guide

While you can find both cream colored ponies and crisp apple strudels in NYC, here are a few of my favorite things, where to buy them, and their price, for the next time you're visiting Manhattan.

1. Freshly Manicured Digits

In the city and notice your nails look less than posh? We can't have that! Head over to Clover Nails located at 435 Park Avenue (Between 29th & 30th St) Yes, I said Park Ave, but don't be scared off by the address. This salon is one of the most reasonable nail salons around. A manicure cost me $10, and a gel manicure is $35. Ask for Valeria; and tell her I sent you! She does an amazing job. Not only was I completely entertained with the uber chic people watching out of their second story floor to ceiling windows, Valeria cleaned up my nail beds, and truly pampered me. All of the women who work at Clover Nails are Goddesses! I went on a Thursday, without an appointment and they saw me right away. This place is a treasure.

Open Hours:
Mon-Fri 10am-8pm
Sat 10am- 7:30pm


2. Vegan and Vegetarian Options

During the holidays you can choose to pack on the weight, or eat healthy at certain times so you can indulge a bit later without gaining an ounce. I think I'll take the second, and a delectable organic tofu and shaved cabbage salad from le pain quotidian (think: arugula, carrots, toasted seeds, and miso-ponzu dressing...yum). The best part is there are locations all over Manhattan, so wherever you are you can find one close by and enjoy a tasty and healthy organic dish!

3. Christmas Trees (Besides Rockefeller)

What I love most about the holidays are the many Christmas trees of all shapes, sizes, décor in every lobby, storefront, office space, window display, and park all over the city. Want to snap a memorable family photo, couple photo, or besty photograph without all those people you don't know getting in your picture? Opt for these slightly less famous, but still gorgeous all the same Christmas tree locations:

The Metlife Building Lobby

Park Avenue South (walking towards the train station

the street is lined with outdoor office building Christmas Trees, and all of their employees are hustling and bustling inside- not outside of their buildings.)

The Plaza Christmas Tree

(Can't miss it! Right when you walk in from the main entrance on 5th Avenue in front of The Palm Court!)

4. The Gingerbread House @ The Palm Court

 Of course The Plaza would be on this list twice. See their amazing gingerbread creation (This thing is so huge it needs its own velvet rope!) Located inside The Palm Court.

5. Holiday Work Party & Drinks


Anejo Tequileria is the perfect place for a holiday work party, or get together with the girlfriends before heading home for the holidays. This Tequileria not only has grade A tequila flights but also a delicious tapas style menu. I recommend the Mezuna and Spiced Cashew Salad ($9), and the Tamale De Lamb Barbacoa ($12). For tequila flights I suggest trying the Extra Anejo ($30). To save some cash order a Pacifico, which is similar to a Corona and the only lite beer on the menu ($7).

Location:
668 10th Ave. at 47th St.
212-920-4770info@anejonyc.com
Open for dinner Mondays through Sundays at 5:30PM
Brunch Saturdays and Sundays 11:30AM-3:30PM

Have any tips for those traveling into the city? E-mail us, and tweet us #d&rtraveltips to let us know! And, of course leave comments below!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

CONTINUE READING

NYC Hotel Reviews For Every Budget

The New York Palace

If you know me, then you know I have a love affair with New York City. What do I love about NYC? Well, for instance you can go into the city every day and see something different, do something different, or live differently. Living on Long Island has made one of the greatest cities in the world extremely accessible with just an hour long ride on the LIRR. The one con about the city is it can be expensive. especially if you are deciding to stay for the weekend.

But, it doesn't have to be. To prove it I have three wonderful hotels that I have personally stayed at available for every person's budget.

1. The Roosevelt Hotel: If you love big sweeping historical lobbies which make an impression then this hotel is for you. The hotel lobby has been the scene for many movies and TV shows. It has even been the location for the Rascall Flatts music video "I'll Be Home For Christmas".

The Pros: Need a haircut, or a quick umbrella before starting your day? This lobby has shops where you can get anything and everything you need. The Price? For a three star hotel that is centrally located you can score a room for as low as $138. That is epic by New York City standards.

The Cons: The rooms can be tiny. The room I stayed in was clean, but tinier than rooms I was used to. The name "cozy queen" means it is definitely cozy. 

The Roosevelt Hotel

The Lobby

Concierge Desk

Light Fixtures Are Nostalgic Reminders of the 1950s/60s World of Mad Men.

Boutique Shopping, and Salon Is Available on the Lower Level.

2. The New York Hilton (Midtown): I don't nearly have enough pictures for the amount of times I have stayed in this hotel. I love the Hilton in midtown! I stay at this hotel once a year, and I continue to come back because of the excellent service.

The Pros: The location is perfect: right across from Radio City, and the rooms are a comfortable size. I have stayed in a king size room with three people, and the double room with four comfortably. This lobby also has a few shops, a Starbucks, and an accessible café.  This is a great feature if you want to grab a yogurt, or cereal and not pay too much for breakfast. (The café is being renovated right now, but will be opened again soon.) Plus, every room I have stayed in has a spectacular view of 6th Ave.

The Cons: The price can sometimes run you upwards of $300 per night. There are some rooms which you can purchase at a lower price ($219) if you book in advance. 



Double Queen Bedroom



If you're a Hilton card member, then you'll be able to use their fitness facilities for free. Otherwise it cost $20 for a day pass. 

3. The Helmsley A Park Lane Hotel: The most expensive option, but one of the finest hotels I have ever stayed in. This hotel is extremely romantic with its marble bathrooms, and Victorian styled rooms. The entire hotel gives off an air of elegance, and so does its address. This hotel is situated right next to The Plaza facing Central Park.

The Pros: Rooms are spacious, some may say grand. There is elegant dining available overlooking Central Park, and if you like a hotel lobby that is just for the guests with very little off the street traffic then this hotel is for you. The hotel also holds your bags free of charge if you want to get to the city before check in, or stay later after check out.

The Cons: During the summer the Helmsley has summer specials and rooms can be discounted to  $255, but they usually go fast. Otherwise an executive room, with a king bed, and a city view could cost you $535. (that is sans tax)

Small Mini Fridge/ Mini Bar.

Comfortable Rooms with French Victorian Furniture.

Comfortable Lounge Space for Guests.

Outdoor Café for Light Fare, and Coffee.

Elegant Dining Available for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

 If you are looking for more on other hotels, check out this cool website I found with reviews, and pictures by real travelers like myself. It is called Overnight New York. Once on their main page click on the tab "all reviews", and the hotels are listed in alphabetical order.

 Happy Traveling!

Stay Lovely,

D.R

Editor and Curator of

Dusk & Rubies

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