{#WordlessWednesday} Holiday Lights at the @BronxZoo are a must see this Christmas season #holidaylights #bronxzoo #MerryChristmas

Merry Christmas Everyone!

I bring you a Special Christmas Edition  #WordlessWednesday

After a 12 year hiatus, Holiday Lights returns to Bronx Zoo in New York City! Running from November 29 - December 31st as well as January 3-5 (they are not open today though! But you should head over there tomorrow if you haven't seen it already!) I can't even describe how happy I am that the Holiday of Lights is back, I have visited the Festival every year since it's inception and was so sad when it went away in 2007. I would visit every year with my mom. Our tradition is back, I hope these photos put the "Ho, Ho, Ho!" in your holidays and the holly in your jolly!

Stay tuned for a special video at the end!

Above: One of my favorite stops is the Ice Carving Station. It always amazes me how much painstaking detail goes into making these unique ice sculptures.

Above: I enjoy watching ice carvers, they take this huge block of ice and turn it into something beautiful knowing full well it won't last long. I have always wanted to try my hand at it. I would probably carve wine glasses and grapes! And of course, BUTTERFLIES

Above: Nothing gets you in the holiday spirits more than Christmas Carols - thankfully the Zoo thought of EVERYTHING!

Above: This underwater fantasy was one of my favorite displays. Long time readers know I live for being at the Beach/Ocean. It's where I feel the most peace. And getting a chance to interact with dolphins is one of my favorite things to do when I travel, second only to horseback riding. Press this one to make it bigger, it's worth it. The RAW file to this is my current screen saver!

Above: I had to get a better angle for the Dolphin. I wanted the coral so I got a bit of the rope divider in the shot. I wish people could be cool so the dividers weren't necessary, this would have looked so much more real without the ropes.

Above: Little known fact about me, I LOVE all things Giraffe. I have always been fascinated by them. The real Giraffes at the Zoo are always one of my must see stops!

Above: Don't forget you press the photos to make them larger. I took the shot of a group of these, but for some reason I opted to post the solo Antelope. There was just something more expressive about this photo to me.

Above: I hope he isn't planning to eat those Parrots as a late night snack! LOL

Above: It was so much fun seeing how all the kids faces lit up at each display, aren't these Gorillas cool?

Above: Herd of Elephants! See the cute baby in the center?

Above: Pride of Lions (I call this 'new school' holiday of lights Lions, look at the photo below to see why)

Above: This is the 'Old School' pride of 'light lions' - these are the ones I remember when I used to go before, I had fun finding some of my old favorites still on display!

Above: Are those Lemurs I spot in the Bamboo?

Above: These Parrots are trying to get away from that Tiger on the lower left!

Above: These penguins are ready for the festivities!

Above: I spot Rhinocerus!

Above: Hey Rhinos! You might want to run in the opposite direction of this hungry looking Tiger!

Above: These make me want to start singing Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer!

Above: This horse makes me super happy!

Above: And of course I had to end the photos with the illuminated Butterflies. (These were there when I used to visit in the past and I was so happy to see they kept them) I mean my blog is called Ascending Butterfly, there was no way I would have missed this shot.

Below: Press Play (you might want to watch "Full Screen" for maximum effect and enjoy the Christmas Tree Light Show with a nice mug of hot chocolate or coffee. Volume on, the light show syncs up to holiday music, ENJOY!

MY TAKE:

I couldn't quite edit out all the exuberant children around me, but I think hearing real families taking it in is part of the charm. (Note: None of the kids you hear are mine. I do not. Repeat. I do not have children). I am just a big kid at heart, I still love going to the Zoo.

I couldn't be happier to have one of my favorite holiday traditions return to The Bronx Zoo. The holiday lights will fill your heart with cheer and joy and you should definitely make it a point to see it.

I also normally attend the Train Show at New York Botanical Garden (The Bronx Zoo and New York Botanical Garden are very close by, but in my opinion I would do two separate days to make a day of each one and be sure you don't miss anything.) Since I wasn't able to attend this year's show, I will link you to coverage of a previous Train Show.

The New York Botanical Garden Train Show: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2016/01/last-chance-for-nybg-holiday-train-show.html (this is 2015's Train Show as it has the most pictures and my most recent coverage included a giveaway which is of course closed, I figured using an older one that did not have a giveaway attached would cause the least confusion.)

Readers: Do you take in a Light Show during the Holidays? It doesn't always have to be a special trip, even a walk around the neighborhood to see the Christmas lights count! Did Santa treat you nice today?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, tickets to the show were provided to Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team for Editorial Consideration. 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. My love for my favorite Bronx Based NYC landmarks is true and strong and genuine! #ProudBronxite

What is YOUR Favorite Holiday Tradition? {w/#Photos}

Remember when I mentioned in my December 12th Wordless Wednesday: The Rockefeller Center Holidays 2012 Edition {#Photos} #NewYorkCity that I purposely left one photo from that day out? There was a reason I was holding back on posting that photo which will be revealed today!

One of my favorite holiday traditions was visiting the Christmas Tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City with my Mom! We would usually go to Radio City and then go see the tree! This year I got to visit the Tree twice, once with my mom and also since I was nearby the night of the lighting itself when I left the Hispanicize New York City Meetup.

Aside from our tradition of opening up one present at midnight, seeing the tree is my favorite holiday in New York City traditions!

Here is a picture of me and Mama Butterfly when I was little visiting the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree:

Left: Mama Butterfly Right: A very young Ascending Butterfly at Rockefeller Center in New York City

And here is us THIS year:

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly in a nearly identical spot in 2012!

And here is one of me when I was little opening up one gift at midnight:

A very young Ascending Butterfly opening up a gift on Christmas Eve! (See even when I was little I liked red, check out my house-slippers!)

  What is YOUR favorite holiday tradition butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Sponsored Post: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador and Latina Advisory Board Member for Britax and I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. You can connect with BRITAX on Twitter and Facebook. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday Motivation: Spreading Holiday Cheer Edition! @redcross Holiday Mail for Heroes Program!

I shared last night on Facebook about the Red Cross Holiday Mail for Heroes program, and wanted to provide additional details for those who asked for more information about the program. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes are joining together as part of the sixth annual Heroes Card Program. The Holiday Mail for Heroes Mailbox will be open until December 7th.

CARD SIGNING IDEAS:

Many members of the Armed Forces will be far away from home and loved ones during the holidays. Why not let them know their sacrifice is appreciated and gather folks together to sign cards and be part of the Holiday Mail program? Scouts could sign at their weekly meeting. Civic organizations could organize events in their communities. Businesses could provide cards for employees to sign. Sporting leagues could ask members to sign before the next game.

HOW IT WORKS:

Pitney Bowes will screen the cards for hazardous materials, sort and package them, contributing thousands of volunteer hours at sites around the country. Red Cross volunteers across the United States and on military installations overseas then sort and deliver the cards throughout the holiday season. The Red Cross and Pitney Bowes have received and distributed more than 4.7 million cards for members of the U.S. Armed Forces, veterans and their families since the program began in 2006.

Mail Cards to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 5456

Capitol Heights, MD 20791-5456

RULES/Guidelines: 

To ensure that cards are delivered in time for the holidays, they must be postmarked no later than December 7. Individuals are asked to refrain from sending “care packages,” monetary donations, or using glitter or any other kinds of inserts with the cards. More information and card requirements are available at redcross.org/holidaymail.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Ensure that all cards are signed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use generic salutations such as 'Dear Service Member' - Cards addressed to specific individuals will NOT be delivered.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Only cards are being accepted, do not send letters.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include inserts, no photos or items.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not include your email or your home address on the actual card, the program is not meant to foster pen pal relationships.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Do not send cards with Glitter. Many of the cards are being delivered to military and veterans medical facilities and the glitter could interfere with a patient's recovery.

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  -  You can connect with fellow card senders through Facebook at facebook.com/redcross and on Twitter @redcross using the hashtag #holidaymail.

The Red Cross relies on the support of the American people to carry out its mission of service to the 2 million members of the U.S. Armed Forces, 24 million veterans and their families. During this holiday season, people also can support all Red Cross services by making a financial donation at redcross.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS. Individuals can also give the gift of life by making an appointment to give blood at redcrossblood.org or by calling 1-800-REDCROSS.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I have not received any monetary compensation for sharing about this initiative!

Please Note: Christmas is Cancelled and Apparently it's all YOUR fault!

OK, so I couldn't resist being a bit cheeky! But seriously, have you been naughty or nice this year? Ascending Butterfly is taking a pause for the holiday cause, I'm wishing all my butterflies a very happy, healthy, SAFE and prosperous Holiday Weekend!

Merry Christmas Butterflies!

Don't forget about our active giveaway: Pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes of YOUR Choice Giveaway - Mens or Womens - 2 Winners! Ends 12/27

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{Movie Review} Prep & Landing - Watch it Tonight on ABC!

© Disney. All Rights Reserved

One of my favorite parts of the holiday season (after trimming the tree and decking the halls of course) is watching my favorite holiday cartoons. They are absolutely timeless, and I look forward to watching them just as much now as I did when I was a kid.

But it wasn't until I checked out Disney's Prep & Landing that I realized today's kids needed a new tradition, they are way more high tech than we were at their age, and the same old story year after year doesn't have the same nostalgia for them as they do for me.

Today's kids definitely have a new holiday cartoon seemingly created with them in mind. It's North Pole gone high tech with adventure and holiday hijinx!

About Prep & Landing

Prep & Landing is an adorable holiday story about a high-tech team of elves who ensure homes around the world are properly prepared for their visit from Santa. After working for a tireless 227 years, an elf named Wayne (voiced by Dave Foley) is upset when he doesn’t receive an expected promotion. Instead he is partnered with an idealistic rookie elf named Lanny (voiced by Derek Richardson) to execute a special Christmas Eve mission. While on their journey, Wayne and Lanny encounter unexpected challenges that push them to their limits and ultimately threaten Christmas for children around the world. But in the end, these two elves work together to guide Santa through a raging snowstorm in order to save Christmas.

Do the elves save Christmas?

Curl up with your little one and check it out on ABC tonight! Then come back here and tell me your favorite part!

My niece and nephews loved it! While I am not hosting a giveaway this time around, I wanted to recommend it as a stocking stuffer for Christmas lovers of all ages!

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FTC Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. All opinions are my own. This is NOT a sponsored post. Refer to our Disclosure Policy.

Night Before Christmas Activity Kit Giveaway sponsored by RedEnvelope

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor RedEnvelope! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'GiantSis'. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly Holidays Buying Guide 2010, Sixth Giveaway sponsored by:

What are your christmas family traditions? One of mine is putting up my tree during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. This year of course, all my traditions were moved up, WAY up. I put up my tree earlier than usual this year because I needed time to field test it and write my review! New tree, new ornaments and now a new way to count down to Christmas with the little ones!

One of the most common traditions to prepare for Santa's arrival is with Milk and Cookies! Christmas Eve is usually a flurry of activity, and getting little ones to wind down and go to bed can sometimes be a challenge. Engaging the little ones with fun activities to prepare for Santa's arrival creates a tradition and memories that they will carry over with them when they get older and have families of their own.

One of my favorite signature gifts when there is a newborn in the family is the mobile for above the crib. I just found a new signature gift that I will be giving for baby's first christmas, it's Red Envelope's NEW Night Before Christmas Activity Kit. Red Envelope has been a go to for me for years for corporate gifts, I have both given and received many memorable gifts from Red Envelope! I have come to look to Red Envelope first for innovative, unique and well packaged gifts. This Kit is everything I've already come to expect from Red Envelope, it's uniquely presented, well packaged and just plain fun for kids of all ages as well as kids at heart.

I tried my best to wait until 12/24 but on my next shopping trip I am already going to have to replace the cookies and the cocoa so Santa won't notice! But Ssshh, don't tell anyone!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Red Envelope would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with a Night Before Christmas Activity Kit!

Night Before Christmas Activity Kit @RedEnvelope

The kit includes:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ceramic plate for cookies for Santa – 8 ½” diameter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ceramic mug for cocoa - 11.5 ounces; approximately 4 ½” high x 5 1/4” wide with handle

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 6 Mrs. Field’s chocolate chip nibbler cookies

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 packets Mrs. Field’s cocoa mix (makes 2 mugs)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - poem of “The Night Before Christmas” by Clement Clarke Moore

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - “Reindeer Games” activity book that includes games and challenges with a holiday theme such as “Snowflake Match Game”, “Santa’s Secret”, and “Festive Football”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - packaging: red gift box with ivory grosgrain ribbon

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -“Instructions from Santa” attached to outside of box instructs the gift to be opened by Christmas Eve and to leave out cookies and cocoa for Santa

Don't you just ♥ Red Envelope? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and Mandatory Entry: 2) Visit Red Envelope and link us to another fab item you like, remember it can't be the review item! (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Friday, November 26, 2010 until Thursday, December 02, 2010 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the spirit of Christmas fun, how about an extra credit for sharing your night before christmas ritual (if you don't celebrate Christmas, share your favorite New Years Eve ritual)?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @redenvelope Night Before Christmas Activity Kit #Giveaway! - http://tinyurl.com/25zzxcc

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @redenvelope on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow RedEnvelope on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me') HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I could use your vote (please leave me your voting number in the comment field for an extra credit) - http://www.itsthoughtful.com/gift-idea/2758/

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product and the sponsor are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review and giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.