Wednesday, May 24, 2017

When your outfit inadvertently matches the art exhibit! #ChihulyNYBG + winner of our @NYBG #CHIHULYNIGHTS Giveaway Announced!

Remember when I told you I took WAY too many pictures at the Media Day of the Preview of the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at Botanical Garden?

Did I also mention I sort of inadvertently matched one of the installations in the exhibit?

OK so THIS happened:

Above: I didn't get the memo, but I did sort of match the Dale Chihuly Niijima Floats Installation

Above: Sunglasses: Foster & Grant, Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Calvin Jeans, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Earrings: Let's just say they are 'Vintage' :-)

AboveNiijima Floats, spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: Niijima Floats, six-foot spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: I love that this boat just literally free floats, so the spheres catch different light and cast different shadows depending upon where the boat is when you photograph it. The day I was there it was super overcast, thankfully it didn't rain!

Above: These Butterfly picks were in the Gift Shop, and again they are kind of matching my outfit!

Above: OK so I may have been a bit 'Orange' obsessed that day!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: I know you all entered my giveaway for a set of passes to Chihuly Nights at Botanical Gardens right? (see giveaway post HERE) - well drumroll please because we have a winner, Congratulations to Laura F.

There are definitely way more photos, I'll break them up!

My Take:

If you haven't checked out the exhibit, what are you waiting for?

Be sure to put the New York Botanical and this exhibit on your summer to do list!

If you are a blogger feel free to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post this week so we can show you some love. NO GIVEAWAY LINKS PLEASE! (I do moderate comments but an angel and butterfly will lose its wings if you break this rule! And I know you wouldn't want that to happen.)

Mention Worthy (Please SHARE with a Military Vet!):

The New York Botanical Garden announces free admission for U.S. veterans to CHIHULY Nights on four select dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

U.S. veterans of any military service branch will receive free admission to CHIHULY Nights on Saturdays, May 27 and June 24, and Thursdays, July 6 and August 31.

CHIHULY, the major new exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden, presented by Bank of America, features more than 20 installations by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

What are YOUR Memorial Day Weekend Plans Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway was sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, May 12, 2017

@goldiehawn & @amyschumer  in @Snatched_Movie - Press Screening + Q&A sponsored by @OrvillePopcorn #SnatchedMoms

In Theaters Starting May 12, 2017 - SNATCHED
 
With Mother's Day swiftly approaching, I have the perfect movie to put on your radar. The MOMS hosted Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn for a Mamaraazzi event for their new film Snatched. Select Press were invited to a screening of the movie complete with Orville Redenbacher's popcorn, followed by a Q&A. The actresses sat down with The MOMS to dish on the film and during the interview Amy admitted “her uterus remains empty for now, but she would like to have kids someday.” (That makes one of us Amy, that makes one of us, LOL)

Above: Bloggers were treated to Orville Redenbacher's Popcorn for a Special Screening of Snatched



Above: Bloggers and their moms pose for a group shot during Special Press Screening of Snatched in New York City



Above: Mama Butterfly and ME doing our 'step and repeat' thang! LOL

Far Left (to right): Producer Paul Feig, Denise Albert, Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer, Melissa Musen, Director Jonathan Levine

Far Left (to right): Goldie Hawn, Amy Schumer, Melissa Musen, Director Jonathan Levine
























Above: Left: Goldie Hawn and Right: Amy Schumer


Above: Everyone 'Getting Down and Dropping it like it's hot" in honor of the #DanceForBreastCancerChallenge

Movie Synopsis:

After her boyfriend dumps her on the eve of their exotic vacation, impetuous dreamer Emily Middleton (Amy Schumer) persuades her ultra-cautious mother, Linda (Goldie Hawn) to travel with her to paradise. Polar opposites, Emily and Linda realize that working through their differences as mother and daughter - in unpredictable, hilarious fashion - is the only way to escape the wildly outrageous jungle adventure they have fallen into.

Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn star in the new comedy adventure SNATCHED, which also features Ike Barinholtz ("Neighbors"), Wanda Sykes ("Bad Moms") and Joan Cusack ("Working Girl").

Here is a Video of the Talk Back with Amy Schumer and Goldie Hawn:


Snatched | A Special Mother’s Day Message from Amy & Goldie | 20th Century FOX  



MY TAKE:

It was fun attending this BYOM (Bring Your Own Mom) event with Mama Butterfly. Wanda Sykes and Joan Cusak are a great addition and are definite scene stealers. It was great to see Goldie on the big screen again after such a long hiatus and Amy confessed that the movie is both an apology AND a thank you to her own mom.

This is NOT a compensated post in any way, Orville Redenbacher sponsored the screening. (Full Disclosure Butterflies). Let's face it, a movie is just not complete without popcorn. Orville and Snatched went together like a hand to a glove!

For all those times she took you to see cartoons when she would have rather watched something else, take her out for some Mother's Day laughs and take her to see Snatched.

No spoilers here, but props for real 'island hair', real bathing suit bodies and some good laughs.

Happy Mother's Day Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: What is the biggest adventure you shared with your mom, or if you are a mom, what is the biggest adventure you've had with your child? Do you like to gift your mom handmade/sentimental gifts (or receive them if you are a mome) or take her out somewhere special?

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FTC Disclosure: Access to special screening with talk balk was granted to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is NOT a compensated post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017

{#WineWednesday} @euwinetreasures Bulgarian #Wine Tasting and luncheon @huntandfishnyc with Sommelier @Marika_Vida

The National Wine & Vine Chamber Degustation for European Wines and Luncheon at Hunt and Fish Club with Sommelier Marika Vida Arnold in New York City


As a New Yorker and journalist who has served as a Media Partner to quite a few New York City based Wine Festivals, I definitely have had the chance to attend some stellar Wine Tastings, but I have to say this one was pretty fantastic and I knew it would make for a perfect Wine Wednesday.

One thing I have greatly enjoyed about the tastings I have experienced is the chance to try international wines and expand my palate beyond 'Napa'.

Let me take you through this experience:


THE SPACE:




Above: Chandelier, Hunt and Fish Club, NYC






































I must admit I am no stranger to The Hunt and Fish Club in New York City, they host very upscale events!

THE FOCUS:




Bulgarian Wine has such a rich and deep history, one I wasn't very familiar with, and much like a sponge I was fascinated and wanted to 'soak it all in', ok, so no pun intended!

THE HISTORY:




Above: Bulgaria is actually one of the oldest wine producing countries whose prominence rose and fell with each ruling class and whose Golden Age was during the 12th Century. In the 80's Bulgaria was the second largest wine producing country!

Above: Principal Regional Highlights: Bulgaria's Five Major Regions for Wine Production include: Danube River Plains, Black Sea Costal, Sofia, The Valley of the Roses/Thracian Valley and Struma Valley
THE WINES:





































Above: Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve Vintage: 2010

Vinal AD, Lovech is a modern winery located in one of the oldest Bulgarian cities

Classic 10-month aging in French and American oak barrels and subsequent aging in a bottle.

Notes on taste: Cabernet Sauvignon Special Reserve has a rich granite color, an intense flavor with a well-formed bouquet and preserved fruitiness, hints of blackberry and minerals. The taste is soft, harmonious, well-structured and balanced.

Food pairings: Fat meats, dishes with a lot of spices, heavy cheeses.

Awards: Silver medal from Vinaria 2011, 2013, Plovdiv, Bulgaria; Gold medal from Vinalies Internationales 2014 – Paris FR
 


Above: ELENOVO Mavrud, Vintage: 2013

Grapes: 100% Mavrud.

Colour: Intense red colour with brownish hues.

Aroma: Attractive nose, rich in ripe cherries, with hints of mushrooms, dry leaves, walnuts and smoke.

Taste: The body is full and supple, rich in soft tannins. Excellent structure and complexity, long and memorable finish.

Ageing: 18 months in 225 l French oak barriques

Serving suggestion: Pizza, pasta, red meat casseroles, steaks (underdone). In order to fully enjoy this product, it is recommended to open the bottle in advance or to decant it.

Best serving temperature:
18° - 20° C.





































Above: EM Brut "Edoardo Miroglio" Series

GRAPES: Pinot Noir and Chardonnay

COLOUR: Light and clear, with greenish and golden nuances

AROMA: Delicate nose of fresh white mulberries and incense.

TASTE: Fresh, dry, mouth-filling, with a tickling sensation, soft and inviting. Honey, bread crust, and raisin flavors, complemented by incense and mastic nuances.

AGEING: 
Minimum 18 months on the lees.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS: 
To be served as an aperitif, with fish dishes, white and yellow cheeses

You know this butterfly loves her Champagne, Sparkling Wines, Bruts and all thing 'bubbly'.





































Above: Merlot Special Reserve Produced from high quality grapes grown in vineyards in the Lovech Region

Grape variety: 100% Merlot

Vintage: 2010

Production: The wine was produced by a classic technology and matured for 8 months in French oak barrels with subsequent aging in a bottle.   6) Notes on taste: Merlot Special Reserve2010 captivates with its rich, well preserved, deep purple color. The flavor is a powerful multilayer bouquet of pleasantly interwoven nuances of ripe plum, forest fruit and discrete vanilla, unique for this region. The taste is thick, voluminous and warm.

Food pairings: Grilled or broiled dark meats, game, lasagna with meat or   type of pasta roasted with cheese and mushrooms.

Awards:Gold medal at Vinaria 2013, Plovdiv, Bulgaria;Diploma from Wine Challenge 2011






































Above: Pixels Sauvignon Blanc, Dry white wine, 100 % Sauvignon Blanc

VINTAGE: 2016 REGION: Thracian Valley, Bulgaria

Vineyards:  Vineyards, where grapes are grown, are located in the heart of the Thracian region – Naiden Gerovo village. This region is characterized with fertile black cotton soil. The climate is transitional-continental with long spells of sunshine and more than 102 sunny days throughout the year and with a mild warm Autumn, which results in uniform ripening of the grapes with excellent ratio of sugars and acids. The average annual air temperature is 12 С° and the average annual rainfall is 539 mm

Tasting notes: Bright color with green hints. Delicate nose with hints of green apple and ripe citrus fruit. The acidity is medium high and has roundness and fruit. It will pair perfectly with shrimps or white cheese.






































Above: VERSION, PLAISIR DIVIN MAVRUD

Vintage: 2016

Alcohol: 14.5%

I can see why this one has won so many awards!

Tasting Notes: Wine with sparkling, deep, ruby-red color. Complex brand aroma, which reminds of a ripe wild blackberry, sweet dark cherry, and fresh forest fruits. In taste it is a juicy, fruity, mature with pleasant unostentatious freshness, soft tannins and long elegant aftertaste.





































Above: Villa Yambol Reserve

Vintage: 2013

Alcohol: 13.5%

Taste: This wine carries the spicy nature of Cabernet in a rustic, but delicate body texture. Our advice: aerate before consumption.

Aroma: A fascinating blend of red berries, cherries and oak overtones with hints of vanilla, clove, smoke taint and spices.

Origin: Thracian Plain


The Eats and Tasting:










Above: The Hunt and Fish Club put together quite a menu!


Above: You guys know I love my 'pour shots'







Above: We had a choice of Appetizers and I chose the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, that slaw and the sauce were delish by the way! (I wasn't fast enough to nab a shot of the salad that was the alternate appetizer/starter)


Above: We had choice of Entrée and I chose seafood (Artic Char) yet again! I am always team seafood.


Above: The other option was Filet Mignon! Talk about difficult decisions! (both were DELICIOUS) I didn't get a photo of the Roasted Cauliflower Steak



Above: Another Pour Shot! Would a wine blogger consider this 'the money shot' or is that just a tad 'too cheeky'? :-)

Above: Deep Chocolate Cake with Espresso Buttercream and Chocolate Ganache. Needless to say this was my choice and it tasted every bit as decadent and delightful as it looks!

Above: Carrot Cake with Candied Walnuts, Caramel Rum and Bayou Rum Ice Cream (I was lucky enough to have a blogging buddy sitting next to me who let me photograph her Filet Mignon and taste it! and I photographed her Carrot Cake although I didn't taste it, I'm taking her word for how delish it was because at this point I was STUFFED!)





































Above: Ivaylo Shotev, BWC Imports.

Totally Funny Sidebar: I was not fast enough to nab shots of "The Sides" which were: Truffle Tater Tos, Grilled Asparagus and Roasted Root Vegetables - ALL were insanely delicious by the way.

Above: I spot cute Swag Bags/Wine Totes!






MY TAKE:

Some standouts I thought I should share:

- Marika Vida Arnold, wine director of The Ritz-Carlton New York was our Sommelier and emcee, sadly my direct photos of her did not come out clearly, but she is seated in one of the photos above and I have linked you to her web page. She did a phenomenal job of sharing her knowledge of the wines and best pairings, I hope to attend more events with her, I feel like I learned way more in this tasting than many conferences/tradeshows I have attended. And kudos to the PR team FMG NYC for keeping this event so intimate and inviting such a diverse and fun guest list!

- Alcohol Content on these are a bit higher than I am used to in wine, so they definitely pack a punch, in a GOOD way

- I LOVED the reds! That's notable because I usually go for sparkling first, then white wines, with the REDS in most tastings coming in dead last. This time it's the opposite, the MAVRUDS were simply outstanding, memorable and notable and you will definitely impress your guests without breaking your budget.

- The price points are super budget friendly without tasting like they are budget friendly!

- Hunt and Fish Club is always consistent, I haven't had a meal there I didn't like and the service is always impeccable. It's warm, never aloof, fancy but without being stuffy.

This was an amazing introduction to Bulgarian Wine and I am looking forward to learning more about Bulgarian Wines and hopefully visiting some of these amazing wineries for myself someday.

Readers Sound Off: How/Where do you learn about International Wines? Do you have a favorite Wine Region?

NOTE: Don't forget to enter to win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS - The Dale Chihuly Exhibition at New York Botanical Garden Here

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a compensated post, press access was granted for Editorial Consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.