Thursday, December 14, 2017

{FLASH #GIVEAWAY ALERT} Find out more on how to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to @NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show via @Ascending1 #AscendingButterfly #HTSnybg #spon

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of New York Botanical Garden. All opinions are 100% my own.

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

I attended the Media Preview Day for the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and was blown away with how much they improved the show this year! It literally felt like a whole new show, here is my coverage from last year's show: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2016/01/last-chance-for-nybg-holiday-train-show.html

I took so many pictures that there is literally no way I can optimize and watermark them all before the holidays!

I did actually start the process, here are a few photos I've done so far:

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg
Above: You know I like to walk you through an event in order, check out the entrance, tres festive right? You can press on the image to see it bigger and then hit back to come back to the post!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Holiday Wreath

Above: Had to do a close up on that wreath, I am actually using the RAW file of this image as my computer wallpaper right now, for the blog I use jpg format, but I always keep the RAW version of every photo I take as well.

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, event signage
Above: Had to nab a shot of the event signage!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, train wall mural
Above: My Die Hard, true blue, long time butterflies, will know exactly why I took this shot! Look at the number on the train! Enlarge it and find the number actually appears twice. 

22, 222, 2222 - these numbers always appear to me daily!

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Macys Herald Square Flagship Store
Above: The iconic Macy's Herald Square Flagship Store is the first thing you see when you come up the stairs, dig how I captured that train even though it was in motion with very little blur?

@NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show 2017 #HTSnybg, Chrysler Building, Buildings reflected on water
Above: Captured another train in motion and I am loving the reflection of the buildings on the water in this shot!

There are so many more so I will get them done as time permits and post them via Pinterest, when they are ready, the word pinterest in this sentence will be clickable!

WIN IT:

For the first time ever I am hosting a social channel only giveaway! I am hosting a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the New York Botanical Garden Train Show, but you do not enter here, you enter directly with Ascending Butterfly via Instagram!

MY TAKE:

Kids of all ages will be amazed by this show! All the buildings are made with organic material, plant life, coconut shells, and comes to life with special surprises both by day and by night.

As a single girl in the city I normally host a giveaway for the Night Only more adult oriented Version of most exhibits, but this year I really wanted to share this with all my butterflies and make this one a family friendly giveaway! So instead of The Holiday Train Show by night, this giveaway is for a family four pack instead, date will be based on availability to be determined by Sponsor.

Spill Butterflies: Have you ever been to the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show? If so, which was your favorite iconic landmark? If not, what is part of your family's favorite holiday tradition?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% 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, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Sunday, December 3, 2017

#ad: #OnTheBlog - Looking for a #supermoon2017 #SuperMoonSunday Read? Then Check out this Review and Giveaway of @tylerperry #HigherIsWaiting a @penguinrandom title #rwm

{CLOSED} CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER TOMI C. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷThis is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Penguin Random House. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are 100% my own.


This Sunday, December 3rd is the both the FIRST AND LAST supermoon of 2017. The moon is going to appear up to 14 times larger and 30 times brighter than usual, and I can't think of any better way to enjoy it than cozying up to my favorite reading nook by the window with a good book and a nice glass of wine (or eggnog or hot chocolate, whatever floats your beverage boat!) And I will also have my Crystals on the windowsill 're-charging' as it is thought that the full moon shines down with so much pure energy, anything it touches is imbued with powerful radiance and love. And who couldn't use more of that in their life?

The illumination of the supermoon provides not only physical mind-blowing results when it comes to energy healing but on a soul level as well it helps to sort of shine a light on the dark corners of your subconscious and shine a light that gives you insight into your emotions, your soul, and your soul path. And that all ties so superbly with the review and giveaway I bring you today. (And don't forget in case you missed it, we teamed up with Santa.com to host a fun Giveaway that includes a limited edition Christopher Radko ornament, only 300 of them were made, please be sure to enter it HERE

I know it's been ages since we have had an Ascending Butterfly Book Club on a regular basis monthly, not so much because I haven't been reading, I definitely have, but I have had less time to write and a regular feature was becoming too much of a commitment. Lately my blog life has been matching my single life, not much along the way of time to properly devote to either one. Le Sigh. Being a single butterfly in the city ain't easy!

I do have a title I wanted to share with you called Higher is Waiting by Tyler Perry (note this is an affiliate link to the book, when you purchase from our affiliate link it helps support this site and is always appreciated).

There are so many reasons this book resonates with me.

In addition to writing and social media consulting I am life/career coach and I am always scouring self help aisles to keep myself motivated. I know I have to keep my batteries re-charged if I am going to help others.

A Life Coach in a Funk?

Not cute.

Not a Good Look.

Bad for Business.

I love to scour the self-help aisle at the Library and my favorite bookstores for inspiration. And I squeeze in my reading anywhere I can, during my commute to the City each day, when I am traveling or on a plane, somehow despite the popularity of e-readers and even with my love of tech and tech blogging, I am still old school when it comes to reading, I like a hardcover book in my hand.

Whether you know Tyler Perry from his feature films, twenty stage plays or nine television shows, Higher is Waiting is a very intimate look at the Writer, Author, Filmmaker, playwright, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Check out Tyler's "The Perry Foundation" which aims to transform tragedy into triumph by seeding individual potential, supporting communities and harvesting real change.

This is Tyler's second title, his first book, which is also a #1 New York Times Best Seller is called "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life"

I want to make it very clear that this is NOT a Madea book, nor is this a sequel to that book, this is Tyler Perry opening himself up in a very raw, personal and open way sharing directly from a ten year period of his personal journals with a combination of humor and spiritual hope.

The book is divided into four sections: Planting, Nourishing, Branching Out and Harvesting.

The format is a little bit similar to a book that was a standout pick for me in our Ascending Butterfly Book Club in 2010, called Unforgettable You by Daisy Fuentes, see my review for that book HERE.

Like Unforgettable You, Higher Is Waiting has a call to action at the end of every chapter, and also has recommended bible verses and passages that relate to that chapter and help you expand deeper on the theme in that particular chapter.

WIN IT:

I am partnering with Review Wire Media and Penguin Random House to give one lucky butterfly the chance to win your own copy of "Higher Is Waiting". Use the Rafflecopter Widget Below to enter, if the widget is 'stuck' just refresh the page and it should come back on it's own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

I had seen interviews with Tyler Perry and had some idea of the abuse he endured in childhood, but not quite the extent of what he endured, while I appreciate Tyler Perry's humor it is in Higher Is Waiting that he gives us the biggest glimpse yet into his soul. Memoirs are terribly difficult to pen - just how much of yourself do you give? How does what you give of yourself impact how an already established audience perceives you?

I have read many other reviews on this book describing it as an easy read. (I always tend to read reviews before I write one.) And I am not quite sure that I agree. A Memoir is something akin to an open sore that you keep peeling the skin off of, it's a raw and a painful process, and to read of someone else's trials and tribulations I would never consider 'easy', but I will agree you can get through each individual chapter quickly because they are shorter chapters.

But the meat is in the end of chapter questions that ask you to probe yourself.

And the soul is in the extra bible verses that he asks you to refer to that expand upon that chapter's theme.

If you are doing it right, and really taking those extra steps at the end of the chapter, this is actually not a fast or easy read, but something that moves you to dig into your own soul in a very empowering way.

And before you say it, yes I am very careful with the three taboo conversation topics even here on my pages: Sex, Politics and Religion. However, I am enlightened enough to say I am open to wisdom and inspiration in any form or shape, and while this book uses bible verses at the end of the chapter for additional sources of inspiration, if you are not inclined, you can skip the bible verses, but please do NOT skip the questions that ask you to probe your own soul or you would be doing yourself a great dis-service. Those questions are for self examination and evaluation, and while you think you may know the answers, keep that pen and paper handy and WRITE out the answers to each question at the end of each chapter, your answers just may surprise you and seeing them written is super powerful.

I recommend this book to my friends in Faith and those who are not Faith inclined, it is an example of endurance, humor, and the wisdom that comes from a life in progress.

A most excellent Holiday Gift in my opinion.

Spill Butterflies: What is your favorite Memoir? or even if it wasn't exactly your favorite, what was the last Memoir you read?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% 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, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017

I am joining @garlandtheelf and Santa.com to bring you a very special #SantaGiveaway

This is a Sponsored/Compensated Post in conjunction with Santa.com and The Mom Bloggers Club, Ascending Butterfly Shares Products and Services that we feel are beneficial to our readers and all opinions are 100% my own.

Santa.com Logo


I hope all my butterflies had an amazing Thanksgiving! I hope this year gave you many moments of joy and amazing blessings to be grateful for.

It's been a wildly mixed year for this butterfly, I think life always brings an equal mix of highs and lows. The trick is learning to ride those lows with grace while waiting for that roller coaster to ascend again.

We are plunging right into that 'Tis The Season' Season. And with all the shopping, cooking and decorating it's super easy to get stressed out.

Tons of stuff has gone digital, and with more kids in possession of cell phones and devices these days it's no wonder that even Santa has embraced technology - just because kids have gone hi-tech doesn't mean the magic of Christmas has to get lost.

Santa.com The Official Site of Santa "Oh Yes I'm Real"
Kids from 0 - 120 can now amp up their holiday spirit by enjoying fun messages from Santa in the following ways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Emails from Santa (FREE!!!) - The newly re-designed Santa.com is the only site in the world that will send a detailed, thoughtful reply using the email: santa@santa.com

Santa.com Personalized Texts from Santa


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Text Messages from Santa - From December 1st until Christmas Day ($9.99) - Recipient will receive daily, PERSONALIZED text messages filled with Christmas Spirit, Amusing Facts, and Positive Values. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Handwritten Notes from Santa - Santa.com is offering a new service for sending handwritten notes from Santa! (I must admit I am stoked about this, I have had penpals since Elementary School and am happy to see the art of putting pen to paper and getting actual mail that isn't a bill isn't dying!)

Santa.com Personalized Text from Santa to Enzo
Santa.com is the oldest Santa website in existence, originally registered in 1994, it was recently acquired by start up Santa Holdings II, LLC a small, family-oriented company, comprised of four members: two parent entrepreneurs, a child educator and a software engineer. They made sure that this site is completely kid safe and focused on bringing Santa and some Holiday Magic to you and your loved ones. They also take privacy seriously, they are currently being certified by an FTC Safe Harbor Program to ensure FTC privacy and security requirements for sites that provide content for children under 13.

I am partnering with Santa.com and Mom Bloggers Club to bring you some fun ways to bring some holiday magic to you and your littles this holiday season!

Want some Printables? Here you go!

Santa.com Teddy Bear Printable

Above: Just right click on the teddy bear and hit Print!

Santa.com Candy Cane Printable
Above: Just right click on the Candy Cane and hit Print!

Santa.com Sugar Cookie Printable
Above: Just right click on the Sugar Cookie and hit Print!

Santa.com Holiday Stocking Printable
Above: Just right click on the Stocking and hit Print!

Santa.com Reindeer Printable
Above: Just right click on the Reindeer and hit Print!

Santa.com Santa Claus Printable
Above: Just right click on the teddy bear and hit Print!

Santa.com Frosty The Snowman Printable
Above: Just right click on the snowman and hit Print!

Santa.com Holiday Stationery Printable Letter to Santa Template

Above: Just right click on the image and hit Print! (This one is perfect for the littles to use to write their list to Santa!)

Santa.com Holiday Stationery Printable Letter to Santa Template 2

Above: Just right click on the image and hit Print! (Cute for those Thank You notes!)

How about a neat Giveaway? (This Contest is Sponsored by Santa.com, and they will be drawing the winners, not Ascending Butterfly.)

Santa.com Christmas Giveaway

Prize Includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Christopher Radko Ornament for Anderson's of Nantucket, MA (Limited Edition of 300)


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com Fidget Spinner wrapped in Gift Paper and Santa.com Ribbon

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com eco-friendly folding tote bag

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com story book and coloring pages

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com oval bumper sticker

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com pen

Want a discount so you can nab your texts from Santa at a discount? Of course you do! And it's as easy as 1,2,3. (Cause that's how we like it around here at Ascending Butterfly)

To get a Hidden Coupon Code to use on Santa.com you need to:

(1) Download the Blippar App from iTunes Store or Google Play
(2) With the app open visit Santa.com and hover over the images on the site.
(3) One of the images will reveal a code you can use to get personalized texts from Santa for $2.49 instead of $9.99

Get Social with Santa!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Twitter: @garlandtheelf

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Facebook: @santa.com
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Instagram: @santa.com

MY TAKE:

I was watching a movie a few weeks ago where a little boy receives a text from Santa, and shortly after this campaign hit my inbox, coincidence?

I think this is one of the greatest ways I have seen where tech doesn't take away from the magic of being a kid but actually enhances it, and that's quite rare these days.

I have quite a few Radko Collectible Ornaments on my tree and each one has it's own memory behind it, so I thought it was actually pretty neat that a Christopher Radko Ornament is being included in this prize package.

I have more surprises up my sleeve this holiday season, so stay tuned for a few more neat giveaways that are headed your way butterflies. (And some overdue event recaps too!)

Spill Butterflies: What was your all time favorite gift from Santa?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post, all opinions are 100% 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, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Monday, November 20, 2017

While I hit the #MediaPreview for The @NYBG Holiday Train Show today I leave you with Photo Highlights of the last awesome event! #NYBG

This is NOT a Compensated or Sponsored Post. It is an Event Recap.


Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017 Photo Collage

Today I am heading to one my favorite New York City landmarks, The New York Botanical Garden for the annual Holiday Train Show, (my coverage of last year's Holiday Train Show, can be found HERE) so I thought I would leave you guys with Photo Highlights from the last great event I attended.

I already knew I loved NY Botanical Garden for Wine Tastings and Garden-to-Table Dinners, but this Fall I got the chance to attend Blues, Brews and Botany a fun Cider and Beer tasting and loved how it combined the science behind brewing with great music and a super fun tasting experience.

Here are my photo highlights of Blues, Brews and Botany at New York Botanical Garden:

Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017 Signage
Above: Map/Event Signage for Blues, Brews & Botany at New York Botanical Garden

Urban Glass Glass Blowing Demonstration at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Demonstration by Urban Glass at New York Botanical Garden

Angry Orchard Booth at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: After the Glass Blowing Demo I hit the tasting area and first stop was Angry Orchard, one of their offerings was their new Easy Apple, a refreshing and easy-to-drink hard cider. Alcohol By Volume: 4.2% (This includes Culinary Apples: Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala Apples, French Bittersweet Apples: Dabinett, Harry Master Jersey, Frequin Rouge, Bisquet) and yes folks this offering is Gluten Free! :)

Magners Booth at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: The Magners Team offered up Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider and Irish Cider Original.

Magners Woodchuck Amber Ale Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: They didn't have it with them for this tasting but they also have a Pear Cider I would love to try! And this young lady wins it for most contagious smile!

Captain Lawrence Brewery Company at  Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company
https://www.captainlawrencebrewing.com/beer-list/
Captain Lawrence Brewery Company at  Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company for my pumpkin spice lovers they have a seasonal Autumn Blaze Pumpkin Ale

Coney Island Brewing Company Mermaid Pilsner and Freaktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017























Above: Coney Island Brewing Company brought along two fun offerings: Mermaid Pilsner - a light-bodied, crisp-drinking, nicely hopped lager. A heavy-handed addition of rye malt adds a mild spiciness, which is then balanced by a light, fruity, floral hop aroma. Alcohol By Volume: 5.2%

Coney Island Brewing Company Mermaid Pilsner and Freaktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Coney Island Brewing Company also brought along Freaktoberfest Big Ol' Pumpkin Ale. Brewed with Espresso beans, it is a copper hued, pumpkin and espresso ale with hints of allspice and cinnamon. And it packed a little more punch with an Alcohol By Volume of 6.2%

Dos Equis and Newcastle Brown Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Left: Dos Equis (I don't know why Dos Equis went and retired The Most Interesting Man in the World, I am still not digging the replacement guy!) and Right: Newcastle Brown Ale

Ithaca Beer Apricot Wheat and CascaZilla Red India Pale Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Left: Ithaca Beer Apricot Wheat offered a combination of wheat and barley with a hint of Apricot to give this beer a pleasant note, fruity finish a lighter taste. (Suggested Food Pairings Summer Salads, Pork Dishes, Fruity Desserts, Cheese Pairings: Soft Goat Milk's Cheese like Chevre) with an Alcohol by Volume of 5.0%. Right: CascaZilla Red India Pale Ale- the name is a play on both the name of a gorge in Ithaca called Cascadilla and the monster amounts of Cascade Hops while dry-hopping during the brewing process. The Distinctive Red Color comes from a subtle addition of Black Malt. (Food Pairings: Spicy Stews or barbecued meat, Cheese Pairings: Danish Blue or Gruyere) Alcohol By Volume: 6.5%

Keegan Ales Mother's Milk and  Old Capital Golden Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Keegan Ales brought along Mother's Milk - Dark and Creamy Milk Stout with aromas of chocolate, roasted barley and oatmeal. The use of Lactose (Milk Sugar) in the brew gives it a sweet taste and silky mouth feel. Just so you know the NY Times declared 'Mother's Milk' one of the "Top Ten Stouts in North America" ABV: 5% Food Pairing: Hearty/Szechaun Dishes, Steaks, Smoked Meats, Barbecue, Oaxacan Mole. Cheese Pairing: Buttery, Well-Aged Cheddar. Dessert: Chocolate Expresso Cake, Cream Puffs, Profiteroles


Keegan Ales Mother's Milk and  Old Capital Golden Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Keegan Ale also brought along Old Capital - Golden ale with a light straw color and bright white head that lingers meets notes of citrus and pine from the use of cascade hops with a light sweetness from a simple yet strong malt bill. Named for Kingston's rich historical heritage it has an Alcohol by Volume of 4%. Dinner Pairing: Chicken, Salads, Salmon, Bratwurst. Cheese: Monterey Jack. Dessert: Apricot or Mandarin Cake, Lemon Custard Tart




Paul Joseph's Blues Project at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Paul Joseph's Blues Project provided the music and I have a quite a few shots where you can see folks dancing that are near the tent, but I wanted to use the clearest shot of just the band for my post.

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Isn't the Tap Pull on the Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale EVERYTHING? I can't take the cuteness! Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat Ale is a deep amber colored ale with a twist of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice and an ABV of 5.7%. Pairs well with Beef Dishes and Seasonal Soups!

Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest kept to the seasonsal theme! This one was malty and sweet with a vibrant copper pour and ABV: 5.10% Pairs with brats, spaetzels, pork chops, soft pretzels, spiced apple cake for dessert.







































Above: New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Ale is clear, amber and bright with white lacing, sweet biscuit and caramel malts and subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple, there is a carbonation and light sweetness on the palate. ABV: 5.2%. Food Pairings: Chicken, Flank Steak, Beer Cheese Soup

Newburgh Brewing Company at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Newburgh Brewing Company

Paulaner's Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat and Oktoberfest Marzen at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Paulaner's Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat is unfiltered, at first mouthful you might detect a hint of banana aroma and fine palates will perceive trace mango and pineapple and a balance between sweet and bitter. This one was refreshing and also served up with a great smile! This was the beer on the right, the pull on the left might be a bit harder to see it is for Oktoberfest Marzen (The Marzen names comes from "March Beer" because it was historically brewed in March to be at peak flavor for Oktoberfest celebration).


Saranac's 1888 Octoberfest at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Saranac's 1888 Octoberfest has a 5.4% ABV and won Gold at the Brussels Beer Challenge for the German Style Marzen Category in 2014.

Southampton Publick House Double White at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Southampton Publick House Double White is a "Double Strength" or "Double Gravity" version of a classic Belgian-style white ale. White Ales (or Witbiers) have a light color and cloudy appearance, they are unfiltered wheat based brews with a unique citrus character from the use of orange peel and ground coriander seed in the brewing process. ABV: 6.6%

Two Roads Brewing Company Workers Comp Farmhouse Ale at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017
Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Workers Comp Farmhouse Ale - with a an array of tropical fruit, spice flavors and aromatics brewed with a variety of harvest grains including barley, wheat, oats and rye. It is intensely fruity (passion fruit, pineapple, mango, lychee) and slightly spicy (clove and white pepper). ABV: 4.8%

Two Roads Brewing Company Honeyspot Road IPA at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer
Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Honeyspot Road IPA is unfiltered and uses wheat as the dominant malt backbone resulting in a slightly cloudy, pale IPA with a softer mouth feel that accentuates the citrusy Pacific Northwest Hop character and comes in with 6% ABV.

Mug hidden in the tree at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer, beer tasting, beer tasting events new york city
Above: My cute little mini beer mug climbed up a tree to take a rest!

Mini Mug and Ticket at Blues, Brews and Botany New York Botanical Garden NYBG Fall 2017, beer, craft beer, beer tasting, beer tasting events new york city
Above: Ticket and Mini Beer Mug!

My Take:

This was my first time attending a beer tasting at NYBG. From conversations with other attendees I hear the tasting mug was bigger at the last one, the mini size of the mug was not totally popular, especially with the bigger, beefier man hands, but in all fairness there was a bit of ground to cover tasting wise and no limits on samples that I could tell so I guess it would make sense to make the mugs smaller, a cute memento addition to your bar!

I liked the live music, wide array of samples to choose from and that there were snack vendors close by too and the botany behind the brewing was fun to experience as well. Perk on the uniqueness of the venue and thankfully it was a beautiful day as well which allowed for guests to be able to spread out and really enjoy the surroundings in addition to the tastings. Good amount of room, my only warning is that women not wear heels because you are on grass which isn't very high heel friendly.

This lined up with the Dale Chihuly Exhibition that was still there so tasters could also enjoy some great photo opps with the sculptural installations as dramatic backdrops while they were there!

Spill Butterflies: What is your favorite craft brew or cider? Which of these would you most like to try?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however tickets were provided for Editorial Consieration.  This is an event recap. This was NOT an Editor only event, it was open to the public. The event was sponsored, this review is NOT. All opinions are 100% 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, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Thursday, November 9, 2017

Find out why this @HelloBeautiful X @LatinistaFW TECH: THE NEW FASHIONISTA #NYFW #TechTalk Collab @SonySquareNYC #SonySquareNYC will have you wanting this Light Bulb for Christmas!

This is NOT a Compensated or Sponsored Post. It is an Event Recap and the product being featured I WON in a raffle!


Hello Fashionista X Latinista Tech Talk, Sony Square Space NYC
Hello Fashionista X Latinista Tech Talk, Sony Square Space NYC
I'll bet you were thinking I forgot Fashion Week completely as I hadn't posted my featured event yet. This year there were quite a few events that focused on the intersection between Technology and Fashion, which couldn't have made me happier, or kept me busier. This was one of the year's I was happy about being over-scheduled.

I do have a stand out event this year, and it is an event that focused on Tech and Fashion and I figured that #TechThursday on the interwebs was the perfect day to hit you with it. Hello Beautiful and Latinista hosted a tech talk called: TECH: THE NEW FASHIONISTA How Tech Is Changing The Way We Live. The event was held at Sony Square NYC. Nestled in the bustling Flatiron District, Sony Square NYC is a PUBLIC space committed to showcasing innovations in products, movies, music and gaming igniting creativity and curiosity through extraordinary experiences, you can catch product launches, creative workshops, live performances and more. It was a great venue for this event being held during New York Fashion Week and talking Tech.

Currently the space is hosting an a7R III Photo Exhibition (10/25 - 11/27) from 10 am to 7pm EST - view the extraordinary images created with Sony's newest camera - this is perfect for me after hitting the Photo Plus Expo, I am more inspired than ever to get more creative with my Photography! More on my takeaways from Photo Plus Expo to come. Separate Post, Promise. From 11/3 - 01/08/18 you can also Experience PlayStation and get hands on with a variety of games across multiple PlayStation Platforms. So if you are considering a PlayStation for anyone on your holiday shopping list this year, this one is for you.

Hello Beautiful X Latinista Tech Talk at Sony Square Space Playstation VR, Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality Demo at Sony Square Space NYC






































Hosted by Dee Rivera, CEO of Latinista, the panel included:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Danielle James, Style & Beauty Editor, Hello Beautiful
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Sachin Narode, CEO of XENIAPP
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Tamica Fields, Senior Product Marketing Specialist of Sony Life Space UX
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Esmeralda Cruz, CEO of EC-OPS
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Cesar Galindo, Celebrity Designer

The insights on technology, incorporating influencers into marketing campaigns, and changes with technology were great to explore. Not only did the panelists knock it out the park but the Q&A is definitely where the magic happens, and I was happy to hear fellow influencers and bloggers who knew their numbers, value and worth asking those juicy questions, and now you can be there too, check out the video below:



No event recap coverage from me is complete without sharing the cocktails and the DJ, the cocktail sponsor was Spring44 Honey Flavored Vodka:

Hello Beautiful X Latinista Tech Talk at Sony Square Space New York Spring 44 Honey Flavored Vodka Sponsor
Spring44 Honey Flavored Vodka
and as for the DJ, now that is where it gets interesting!

SONY LSPX-S1 GLASS SOUND SPEAKER

SONY LSPX-S1 GLASS SOUND SPEAKER

Music was coming from some creative places. Places where light and music combine. And the sound was warm and immersive and doing a bang up job filling a space where tons of editors were talking.

The Sony LSPX-S1 Glass Sound Speaker was hidden among a row of plants!

At the end of the panel during the networking session Sony hosted a raffle for a different product one that was overhead, the LED Bulb Speaker, and take a guess who won?

Shortly after this beauty arrived in the mail:

SONY LSPX-102E26 LED Bulb Speaker
And you guys know I test any tech product for at least thirty full days before even mentioning it to you. I have put the SONY LSPX-102E26 LED Bulb Speaker to the test and was surprised at the ease of set up, it was as easy as screwing in a light bulb, literally. It paired super fast and easy with ALL my music from owned to subscription, played nicely with ALL my devices from android, desktop, windows laptop and all my portables. It surprised me by pairing with no trouble to a really old iPod of mine, and most wireless speakers give me trouble with that one. I now literally want one of these bulbs in every room. I sort of wish I had put this bulb in the kitchen or bathroom, so I may have to pick up a few more. I never thought I would be recommending a Light Bulb for the holidays, but you should definitely add this one to your list for Santa. it takes up the least space, has immersive sound and pairs easily with a wide variety of devices.

My Take:

With print magazines struggling financially and many going out of business, Influencers are changing the Media Game. Blogs have changed the face of Lifestyle Stories. People are more interested in seeing a person whose lifestyle is similar to their own wearing fashion instead of celebrities, blog reviews are the new consumer reports. It's all about Real People putting products to the test and sharing the good, the bad and ugly.

Are lines getting blurry? That depends on the blogger.

You are always going to get real talk from me. The biggest 'concession' I am willing to make is with-holding a review when I get a stinker so the brand can work on it. And some stuff is so bad it just doesn't make my pages at all by MY choice, not theirs.

Designers are coming straight to Bloggers, dressing them, collaborating with them and putting us front row at their Fashion Shows which I have been doing for years. It started with "Print" Magazine Editors cursing me out and trying to get me to move to the back because the front row was 'for them', and I stood my ground brass balls style in the very beginning and love that it happened so much less this year.

I am the Rosa Parks of Bloggers when it comes to Fashion Week, if a designer tells me I'm in the front row, then I am holding my ground. I let no one move me back and I don't let Editors intimidate me.

Tech and Fashion have been intersecting, are intersecting and I love that I talk both languages. Tech is second nature to me (former Tech Recruiter) and as an Entrepreneur and Professional Woman my Fashion choices continue to evolve with the places I find myself walking in life. Tech and Fashion have been intersecting for me for quite awhile and I wouldn't have it any other way. This event was a breath of fresh air during New York Fashion Week as far as I'm concerned and hope to see more of these smart talks next season.

Spill Butterflies: Where are YOU going for Reviews? (Feel free to share who you love to read, I was reading blogs before I began contributing to them and I was actually contributing to Brand Blogs before I even started my own.) Are you reading more digital and less print?  Do you have a favorite Wireless Speaker? If so, please let me know which one it is as I am an audiophile!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post or compensated.  This is an event recap and a product review for a product I WON and was no under obligation to write about. The event was sponsored, this review is NOT. All opinions are 100% 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, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.