Monday, June 29, 2015

The Television Gods Took Another One! #RIP #NurseJackie

Showtime Nurse Jackie starring Edie Falco

I know all things must come to an end, but somehow with some shows I find I am just not ready. The 'Television Gods'  - the 'powers that be' decided it was time to snatch Nurse Jackie out from under me.

For those of you who haven't watched the show, feel free to binge watch this summer and then come back here and sound off.

About the Series:

Edie Falco stars in her Emmy® winning role as NURSE JACKIE, a skilled nurse with a nasty drug habit. She lies, she cheats, she steals, she hurts, she bamboozles friends, fools family, pops pills and breaks hearts. But you still root for her because on the worst day of your life, hers is the only face you want to see. With an addict's survival skills and an attitude that just won't quit, she'll do whatever it takes to hold onto the things that truly matter to her -- her friends, her family and her job.


Showtime Nurse Jackie Cast Photo


For those of you who have been watching, do you agree that Edie Falco needs to get 'a better ending' clause in her future contracts?

The 'ending/non-ending' of The Sopranos left many with a bad taste in their mouth, and oddly enough the same happened for me with the 'ending/non-ending' of Nurse Jackie. Perhaps it was because I was a die hard fan of the show. I wanted 'more'. I'm not even sure what 'more' means as I sit here and type this still in shock. I get she was on a hamster wheel with her addiction and I am not naive enough to think that she would ride off into the sunset habit free, but I felt so invested in all the characters maybe part of me did secretly want one of those saccharine sweet 'hollywood' endings.

All I can say for Edie Falco is that she really does fully embody her characters - Carmela Soprano and Nurse Jackie were very different women and she was very believable as both of them. I can't wait to see where she lands next.



There are small things I wonder like why Jackie wore that particular Saint pendant around her neck, (in fact on an interview Edie Falco did on the show "The View" she said she kept that necklace! I find it interesting that the pendant resonated with both her and the character so much.) and why oh why did cooper (played by Peter Facinelli of the Twilight series of films) go to Boston just before the end of the series?

I write this feeling a bit like a jilted girlfriend - where is my CLOSURE?

I just re-watched this 'Good Bye' from the cast:



My Take:

The show is incredibly well cast and you grow to care about them all, I wasn't quite ready to see the show ending, and I am not sure the series finale provides any closure, but would I watch it again? Definitely!

My favorite moment, has to be when Nurse Zoe and Dr. Roman do drugs and see a large sasquatch approaching them who happens to be Nurse Thor and NOT a sasquatch! It was the bouts of silly despite the 'serious' subject matter that I will miss most!

What did you think of the ending? If you haven't seen the show, add it to your binge watch list and come back and tell us what you thought of the ending once you have seen it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received, and 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, June 22, 2015

{#MakeupMonday} Special Effects Makeup, Body Painting and more at @TheMakeupShow 2015 NYC! #bbloggers #Beauty

One of my all time favorite things to see at The Makeup Show is the 'Special Effects Makeup' - whether it's special effects for television and movies or intricate body painting, The Makeup Show always delivers and this year was no different.

Again with it being the 10 year anniversary of the show it was SUPER crowded and I couldn't always nab the shots I wanted, but I did get these two, which I think came out pretty good!

Model being body painted at The Makeup Show 2015 in  NYC


The 3D effect of his makeup was hard to capture but it was neat to see up close!
Are you team #BodyPaint or team #SpecialEffects? Let us know here or on twitter!

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received, Press Passes to the annual tradeshow were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

{#TelevisionTuesday} Did your fave character die? Let's Discuss the #GameofThronesFinale for Season Five #GoT


I held back on posting this for as long as I could, if you haven't caught up by now, then come back once you have seen it, this is ALL spoilers!

I couldn't even live tweet while watching the Game of Thrones Season Finale lest my eyeballs miss something important!

It's TV crack, crack I tell you!

Let's Dive Right In:

Stannis Baratheon

(1) Let's just call this paragraph "God Don't Like Ugly",  or "Karma is a Bitch" - Stannis is dead! Stannis sacrificed his daughter Princess Shireen by torching her to death last week. Stannis and Melisandre literally lit this sweet child on fire. This shouldn't have come as such a shock to me, as Bran fell out a window in season 1. Stannis finds his wife hanging from a tree and half his army is gone, serves him right! I have not read the books and I won't until the show is over so I hope he is truly gone! I hope Brienne of Tarth did the job!

Brienne of Tarth

(2) Speaking of Brienne - Sansa finally decided to put that corkscrew to good use and broke out and finally lit that candle, but since Brienne was a bit busy with the killing of Stannis and all she didn't see it. Sansa was forlorn but when she saw that things were about to get real she blew out that candle and was trying to make her way back to the room hoping she wouldn't be caught, that's when Myranda confronts her with a bow and arrow. GULP! Reek/Theon to the rescue he pushes her over and then SPLAT. One problem solved, or so we think. Later in the episode as Ramsay returns we see Theon and Sansa jump, are they dead or alive? What do YOU think? All I know is that Bran did survive his fall, perhaps they did too. You think haughty little Sansa is going to get off that easy? Somehow I don't.

The jump in all it's glory below:





(3) Chicks shouldn't let other chicks kiss them on the mouth - No this isn't an anti-les statement, read on my friends! Sneaky Ellaria kissed Myrcella on the mouth, and once her and her uncle/daddy Jaime set sail - they are having deep talk and Myrcella tells Jaime she knows he is her uncle daddy and suddenly her nose starts bleeding. Jaime freaks out as Myrcella is dying in his arms. Meanwhile back on land, Ellaria gulps down the rest of the vial. She knew that would be the only way to kill Myrcella, and she knew she would die in the process, no wonder she so readily kissed that ring, she knew she was still getting hers in the end though. POISON! (And was anybody else a bit creeped out by uncle/daddy Jaime during the boat scene? I thought he was going to try and mack on his daughter too for a minute, they all really make the Borgias look like the Partridge Family don't they?)

Many-Faced God and Arya Stark



(4) Stick to the God of 'One-Face' because that 'Many-Faced God' is a trickster! - Arya finally gets her revenge on that creepazoid Meryn I am sure there were folks collectively applauding when Arya slit Meryn's throat. But she doesn't even get to savor the flavor of that revenge. She puts the mask back and gets busted by Mr. Many-Faced himself! He tells her she is still not ready, then seems to kill himself but as Arya starts pulling off faces, she ultimately reveals her own and then loses her sight, turns out the faces themselves are Poison for a 'Non-Nobody'.  NO!!!!!!!! I can't take it, not Arya. I like her so much I just was not ready for this!

Daenerys Targaryen and Drogon the Dragon



(5) What Kind of Mother of Dragons is Dany?  - Even if your baby is a reptile, where is your motherly instincts? She could have ripped that little dress of hers and just tried to  make a tourniquet or something right? Try to stop the bleeding! Poor Dragon is bleeding, probably dying and tired from carrying her butt to safety and the best she can do is order that poor baby to kill her some food? I like you Dany but DAMN! You needed to stop thinking like a Queen for a minute and think like a mom! While foraging for food for herself:


(6) Fave Twitter Meme - The look you get when you see your ex's family - Daenerys dropped her wedding ring like it was the only hot potato though when she saw the Dothraki's coming. And can someone please explain why they were playing ring around the Daenerys on horseback?


I have a feeling that 'Drogon' the Dragon brought her there on purpose. I was praying that the real Drogo was alive and was somewhere in there.......a girl can dream can't she?


(7) The Walk of SHAME - Cersei couldn't take prison and opted to finally confess, so High Sparrow allows her to see Tommen, because after all the Mother is merciful. Cersei is told she must attone before she can go back to the castle. 'Attonement' is the cutting off of all her hair and stripping her naked for a walk of shame from High Sparrow Headquarters to the castle while her escorts chant "Shame! Shame! Shame!' and ringing a bell, the angry mob is throwing not just stones, but shit, yes shit, and others spit at her. I do not like Cersei at all, but damn that was tough to watch! I know she is going to emerge from that experience more evil and angry than ever!

This prompted folks on twitter to re-tweet this image:


Then the scene that had me screaming at my Television:


(8) Jon Snow dies in the SNOW! - That sneak Olly lured Jon Snow outside telling him one of the wildlings may know where Jon's uncle is. When Jon gets outside he sees a sign that says 'traitor', he turns to see Alliser Thorne who stabs him and says 'for the Watch', man after man does the same and then Olly joins in. Jon Snow ends up dying in the snow. That is just so wrong.


There are over 456 dead from seasons 1-4, and the washington post has an awesome infographic on it (NO this is NOT a sponsored post or a paid insertion! I am just another fangirl of the show with a blog....)

My Game of Thrones Pinterest Board gets a lot of love, so check it out and be sure to follow me on pinterest while you are at it, all I can say is my pinterest much like me is diverse and eclectic and reflects a wide range of my interests!

So this is fitting right?

My Take:

This show always succeeds in surprising me and that is why I love it so much! I couldn't even live tweet during the episode and that says it all. I live tweet during pretty much everything.

I won't miss Stannis, still shocked he burned his daughter to death, but I will miss Arya and Jon, I wasn't ready, I just wasn't ready. I was thinking that Many-Faced God was trying to get Arya do to his dirty deeds or some other dirty tricks, but I didn't see this one coming. And Olly stabbing Jon got me to shouting at my TV. 

Who will you miss? Do you think 'magic' will bring any of them back?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Did you miss #FleetWeek in New York City? I can still hook you up with some fun sailors! #onthetown #spon

This post is sponsored by:

On The Town Playbill, Broadway Musical, Playbill
On The Town Playbill

Maybe it's the iconic V-J Day Sailor and Nurse 'Smooch' Photo that has been seen around the world, or the thrill of Fleet Week that still associates New York City with Sailors and a touch of Romance. While this year's 27th annual Fleet Week has already passed, apparently the ship sailed without a few of it's sailors! (If you are not familiar with the V-J Day Sailor and Nurse photo, read more about it HERE, it's a good read actually!)

On The Town Lyric Theatre Broadway New York City
On The Town Lyric Theatre Broadway New York City

This week I got to see "On The Town" on Broadway and before we delve any further into my actual review, you know how the title of this post offers to 'hook you up with some fun sailors!'? I am hosting a giveaway for a pair of tickets to see On The Town, in case you missed it, click HERE enter the giveaway, and then come back and finish this review! This one ends soon as the tickets are specifically for the June 23rd performance, so enter right NOW! You don't have to live in NYC to enter, but you do have to be in NYC on that specific date as the giveaway does not include air or hotel!

Part of the charm of any show is the actual theatre, it's all about looking around and noticing the details!

Lobby Floor of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Lobby Floor of the Lyric Theatre!

Lobby Ceiling of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Lobby Ceiling!

Walls of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Inside the theatre!

American Flag on the stage before showtime for On the Town Broadway Musical

Above: The Stage, before showtime!


Above: Literally looking up from my seat inside the theatre!

Below: Tony Yazbeck lets New York, New York know he's "Feeling Lucky To Be Me"



My Take:

On the Town is high energy, funny, and the entire cast literally 'brings it'! Much like Sex and the City, New York is just as much a part of the cast as the performers are. As a born and raised New Yorker it can be easy to overlook just how 'magical' this City can be, seeing it through the sailor's eyes is a wonderful reminder not to overlook the beauty that NYC has to offer.

To have a show that first hit the theater in 1944 remaining this relevant to a modern day theatre-goer is a tribute to John Rando (Director) and Joshua Bergasse (Choreographer) and it's amazing cast! Keep an eye on Megan Fairchild who plays Ivy a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet making her Broadway Debut, Tony Yazbeck who brings a very dimensional performance to the role of Gabey, Jackie Hoffman who will literally keep you laughing out loud as 'Madame Dilly', and Alysha Umphress as 'Hildy', a New York City woman that knows EXACTLY what she wants!

Another thing I really need to mention as an avid theatre lover, the seats at The Lyric Theatre are generously spaced out, and that is super RARE. Most of the time a Broadway Show ends in numb legs for me as most of my height is actually in my legs, so being cramped up for any length of time is hard for me, my legs were not numb by intermission or the end of the show which was another pleasant surprise for me. and while I didn't get to avail myself of it, the theatre also has an Ambassador's Lounge where you can sit before the show, hang up your coat/jacket and enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco and you can also enjoy the lounge again during intermission. (I could definitely see myself wanting to do that during winter that's for sure!). You can also pick up a 'Variety Box' from Lyric Theatre's super cute 'Darlings Sweet Shop' filled with snacks and either wine or of course a non-alcholic version, it is included in the Ambassador Experience, but you can also get it directly with your regular ticket too. You can read up on the different levels of the Ambassador Experience at the theatre HERE.

And by the way my post-theatre ritual of hitting Junior's Cheesecake is just between us OK!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for a pair of tickets! Can't wait to find out if you won? Use code SOCIAL to get orchestra seats starting at $79 on select performances through June 28, 2015: http://ottbway.co/OTTOffer

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received and Press Passes to On The Town were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. However 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

{Hot #GIVEAWAY Alert!} I am going to see @OnTheTownNYC and I want to treat YOU to a night #OnTheTown too!

This Post is Sponsored By:



If you follow our 'Butterfly-in-Chief" via Twitter (@Tracy_Iglesias), you probably caught her live Tweets during the Tony Awards.

Live tweeting during award shows, particularly those that involve Music is definitely my jam! Being based in New York City affords me the privilege of having access to Broadway and the most amazing live theater on the planet! The love of the theater was instilled in me by my mom, and if I weren't so shy I may have pursued stage acting as a career myself.

Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) presents flowers to Anna Wintour of American Vogue
Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) presents flowers to Anna Wintour of American Vogue. Photo Credit: CBS
One of the moments from the Tony Awards that stood out was seeing Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) from the Musical "On The Town" present flowers to Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue. I'm sure she is probably more of a 'long stemmed roses' type, but nonetheless this moment is exactly what I love about Award Shows, those spontaneous, silly, funny moments that can't be recreated or repeated.

In case you missed it, here is the YouTube Video of the performance from CBS Television (You're Welcome!):



ABOUT:

Join three sailors with only 24 hour shore leave in New York as they are swept off their feet by three beautiful New York women for one amazing night ON THE TOWN.

On the Town was also a TONY Award Nominee in the Best Revival of a Musical, their Director, John Rando was nominated for Best Director of a Musical, and Joshua Bergasse, Choreographer, almost nabbed a nomination for Best Choreography.

This show received four Tony Award Nominations for 2015 so to say that I am 'excited' to it, is definitely an understatement!

WIN IT:

What's a night out on the town if I can't take my butterflies too? Thankfully my friends at On The Town feel the same way! One lucky butterfly and the guest of his/her choice are going to enjoy a night On The Town with a pair of tickets to the JUNE 23rd 7pm peformance of the Tony Award Nominated show that Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls "THE BEST MUSICAL OF THE YEAR"!

Use the Rafflecopter Widget Below to enter (no worries if the widget fell asleep while you were reading this, just refresh your browser and it will come right back to life for you!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: The pair of tickets are for the JUNE 23rd 7pm peformance only, this prize does NOT include airfare, hotel or any other expenses, it is the tickets only for winner and one guest for the 6/23 performance only, as there are no substitutions, please do not enter if you can't attend this performance.

MY TAKE:

I am heading off to see the show tonight so I will have a full review post later on for you, but I didn't want to delay this post, in case someone wants to take their Dad as a belated Father's Day Present!

Who will you take with you if you win? (To my NYC based ladies, have any of you met a sailor during Fleet Week in NYC? If so, please DISH/SHARE!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received and Press Passes to On The Town were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. However 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, June 8, 2015

{#MakeupMonday} Did you miss the @TheMakeupShow NYC? @Ascending1 has got you covered #Beauty! #10yearsofTMS #bbloggers

The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City was phenomenal, it had been awhile since my schedule and the show matched up and it couldn't have been more perfect that it lined up for me this year as this is the show's 10 year anniversary. 

There was literally so much to see and do that I will split my recap up into a few pieces, I know some of you prefer trade-show recaps in smaller bursts as opposed to one big post that is very long to read!

The Makeup Show put together a fun highlight Video which I thought it would be fun to share:


 

One of the sessions I made it a point to attend was "Signature Style - Ellis Faas" - as you may remember I originally shared about Ellis here on Ascending Butterfly when I got to see them on display at Elements Show NYC (if you missed that post click HERE). Vogue Paris named her "One of the most influential make-up artists of her generation" and I can certainly see why!

She participated in an intimate Questions and Answers Session with James Vincent during the 2015 Makeup Show in New York City where she shared techniques to bring your makeup skills to an Editorial level in every application and how to find your own footing and make your own stand in this ever changing and evolving industry.

Here are the Photo Highlights of that session:

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 1 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Left: Ellis Faas Right: James Vincent

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 2 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 3 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 4 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas describes how she created the look

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 5 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Left: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas and Right: Makeup Artist James Vincent

MY TAKE:

Ellis was definitely an open book and if anyone can make someone open up and share their passion and enthusiasm for the Beauty Industry it's James. The Makeup Show was super crowded this year, and while I wasn't always able to capture every moment I wanted to share with you, this was an amazing year for the show and they certainly pulled out all the stops!

It's funny because as soon as I saw her line in 2014 I had always wondered about this, but during her Q&A she mentioned getting stopped at the airport, which I figured initially from seeing the line as the packaging is shaped much like a bullet!

Did you miss the NYC show? No fears, it may coming to a City near you soon!

Catch The MakeupShow again on November 7-8th 2015 in Chicago, March 19-20 2016 in L.A. and it returns to NYC May 1-2, 2016. I hear the Dallas Show got moved from June 13th to September this year , and there will be a pop-up shop August 29th-30th 2015 in San Fran!

Who is your Favorite Makeup Artist? What is your Favorite Makeup Trend?

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, Press Passes to the annual tradeshow were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Nominate a Special Dad for an @NYBG Father's Day Concert + Frida Al Fresco Experience in New York City! #FridaNYBG

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Neon Sign at Cantina in The New York Botanical Garden

I think we all know by now and can all agree that Dad does not want a tie for Father's Day right?

Tired of the same old Father's Day Gift Ideas?  How about an experience instead?

Since May I have been sharing my coverage of Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life at The New York Botanical Garden. I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the experience to date. (I already made one for the Mastercard Priceless Experience with Chef Aaron Sanchez that occured at The New York Botanical Garden, if you missed that one click HERE). 

Remember when I told you all this coverage was leading up to something special for YOU? As promised, I come with a Special Giveaway!

Do you think Dad would like an experience that combines nature, art, music, and dance in a very special setting with a fun concert too?

I shared my coverage of the Media Day for the exhibition, but what I haven't yet shared and will do so now is the opening weekend of the 'evening version' of the exhibition called 'Frida Al Fresco' where the Garden comes alive after hours!

There is MUSIC:

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert
AboveContemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers are Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden in conjunction with the Frida Kahlo - Art. Garden. Life Special Exhibition

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Above: Look who joined in on the fun, a dancing Frida!

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert, Alberto Villalobos
Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.
 Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

Above: Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

There is ART:



Paper Mache Mask Sculpture designed by Alberto Villalobos of The Villalobos Brothers on display at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Did you notice these masks were onstage during The Villalobos outdoor concert in the photos above? There is a very significant reason for that, this mask was designed and created by Alberto Villalobos himself. (By the way he also handcrafted one of the violins being used in the concert also!) I can see why they are 'Artists in Residence' - for both their artistic and musical talent it seems! Color me blown away!

7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”)
Above: In addition to the Paper Mache Masks, there was also a 7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”) on display, but I wasn't able to nab a shot of it.

There is DANCE:

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They finished their performance to great applause! I took video, as soon as I upload it to YouTube I will be sure to add it!

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition
























Above: This dancing Frida performed alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache. Do I get props for capturing this motion without blur or what?

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition


Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




























Above: The person behind me who saw the preview of this shot on my camera was blown away as I was literally holding my camera up above the crowds head to get this shot! I may have been on my tiptoes the whole time so the fact the camera didn't pick up my movement and I didn't get much shake in the shot is something I have to admit that I'm kinda pleased with myself about. Maybe my calling is really to photograph dancers?

There is FOOD and DRINK:

Above: Warning, the lines for this truck are usually a bit long, but the food is prepared fresh, and is so worth the wait! Don't pass up a chance to grab some eats from La Casa Azul Food Truck! If you can't stand the wait try the Hudson Garden Grill which has a special menu in conjunction with the exhibition.

Above: This pic was actually taken with my phone because I posted it to instagram. I got quite a few likes for this one, you guys really love your food! I highly suggest the fish tacos from La Casa Azul Taco Truck!

On Father's Day there will be a special 'Canciones de mi Padre' (Songs of My Father) concert - the top selling non-English album in American History and this special performance of her landmark album of traditional Mexican folk songs will be performed under the stars by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores at The New York Botanical Garden and I want YOU to take your Dad!

MY TAKE:

I have been enjoying the exhibition and love that no two experiences have been the same. Frida Al Fresco during the evenings was such a fun and laid back way to meet new people and if you check out the event schedule they are truly mixing things up so that each visit will really offer up something unique for the visitors. 

I wanted to give you a few tips to maximize your experience:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Paper Dresses are in Ross Hall, Ross Hall doesn't stay open late so if you are going for Frida Al Fresco during the evening, but want to see the Paper Dresses, plan to arrive a little earlier so you can hit Ross Hall first!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photography is NOT permitted in the Art Gallery

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Large Backpacks will not be permitted on the grounds and there is no coat check, so please plan accordingly

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Casa Azul Taco Truck is AWESOME, the food is prepared while you wait that is why the average wait time can be very long, so if it is not to crowded when you arrive, HIT THAT before a line forms.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your advanced admission includes a complimentary cocktail which you pick up at the Cantina. The Cantina is to your left when you walk past the ticketing. Same tip applies here as above, if it's not to crowded when you get there, get your drink then so you don't end up losing time in lines.

WIN IT:

Nominate a Special Dad (can be your Dad, Grandpa, your Husband, Your Brother, Uncle - the choice is yours) by telling us what makes him special. Is your Dad gone? If you would like to take along a special Adult Grad instead, tell us something about your special Grad.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. The Frida Al Fresco evenings tickets come with a complimentary Modelo Especial Draft Cerveza (beer) OR a Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margarita. (Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to Frida Al Fresco (one winner and one guest) which will allow you to enjoy the Father's Day Concert as well 2 copies of The Villalobos Brothers "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability" CD - one for you and one for your dad (this will be sent to you directly). It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Who will you nominate to win this special experience? Your Dad or an Adult Grad? Why should your Dad or (adult) Grad win?

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.