Not so #WordlessWednesday - What are the signs of Spring in New York City? The Ice Cream Truck and the @NYBG Orchid Show! Sponsored by @Citi and supported by @stb_sg #plantlove

I was beginning to think the Groundhog lied and that Spring would never visit New York City, I mean we recently had SNOW!

This year is my 10 year blogaversary and my birthday is coming up in April - I am so revved up for Spring and warmer weather!

Signs of Spring are finally beginning to show here in New York City. Two solid signs of Spring in my neck of the woods are the sounds of the ice cream truck and the annual Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden.

It's a show I try hard not to miss and this year the theme is "Singapore". This is the 17th year of The New York Botanical Garden's popular orchid exhibition. It was developed in partnership with Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens. Supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.

Since I am so lucky to have The New York Botanical Gardens so close to where I live, it was much like taking a trip to Singapore without the expensive airplane tickets!

Let me take you through the highlights of the Media/Press Preview Day:

Above: Members of the Press were greeted with the most delicious Breakfast Empanadas from Empanology. I love Breakfast and I love Empanadas, this combo is definitely working for me! This nod to Puerto Rican Culture right here in the Boogie Down Bronx couldn't have made me more proud.

Above: Couldn't resist nabbing this earthy logo shot - All meat and poultry used is sourced through local farmers raising hormone and antibiotic-free animals, serving locally-sourced product and pasture-raised dairy. The New York Botanical Garden has been inviting so many interesting food vendors to their events and I am so glad that they put Empanology on my radar, I definitely have to visit them at their 2407 Third Avenue Bronx, NY location soon! 

Above: Yes, I took TWO! (In all fairness, it was one of each variety, I had to try them both out of course, it's my job as press!) They both taste as good as they look too! YUMMY! It definitely reminded me of the empanadas we would buy before hitting the beaches in Puerto Rico. This media day literally took me to two places - Puerto Rico with these empanadas and Singapore with the amazing exhibit. This is totally activating my wanderlust!

Above: The Uptown Vegan was also on deck with sweets and treats and I am a bit pleased with how this shot captures the signage against the snowy ground with the Enid Haupt Conservatory in the background! I am also experimenting with my watermark (can you see it?)

Above: The iconic Supertrees of Gardens by the Bay recreated at The New York Botanical Gardens, you know Ascending Butterfly is always looking up, instead of a boring shot from faraway just so you can see how tall it is, I wanted to shoot it from a lower perspective looking up.

Above: The Famed Arches of Singapore Botanic Gardens' National Orchid Garden are replicated to perfection in the Enid Haupt Conservatory of The New York Botanical Gardens

Above: At the Media preview we got to meet 'Awkwafina' -Vanda Awkwafina that is! A Vanda hybrid of Susan Best x Crownfox Black Forest.

"We think Awkwafina is the perfect choice because of her accomplishments in music and film as well as her prominence as a native New Yorker." ~ Marc Hachadourian, NYBG's Director of Glasshouse Horticulture and Senior Curator of Orchids

I want a flower named after me too! Come on, wouldn't an Ascending Butterfly Flower be perfect for The New York Botanical Garden?

Above: I wish my template allowed this one to be bigger, please press this photo to see it full size, the details here and drops of dew falling off the flowers and frozen in time makes this one of my favorite flower photos captured by me! And this is a compressed version of it because my blog template doesn't allow me to post RAW photo files, in RAW format this is even more stunning.

Above: Look a rare butterfly sighting! LOL You guys know I am much more comfortable behind the camera and way less comfortable in front of it, but with a backdrop like this I literally couldn't resist. (Just sad the photographer didn't nab a full length and get my cute new boots!) Spot my logo watermark?

MY TAKE:

The show runs from February 23rd through April 28, 2019 and is part of NYBG's year-long theme #plantlove featuring exhibitions, programs, and projects exploring the essential connections between plants, people and the environment.

It had actually recently snowed so my plans to wear a cute spring dress were dashed by the need to keep warm - hopefully I can hit one of the Orchid Evenings when the weather gets better and get a more dressy shot of myself with the orchids as a backdrop to all my fabulosity! :)

And no, I haven't forgotten about you butterflies. I am working on a very epic project still in stealth mode which is why this post isn't accompanied by my usual Orchid Evenings tickets giveaway, stay tuned I hope to be able to offer a giveaway before the end of this amazing exhibition, I just need some time to come up for air on what I am working on right now. Which is why I wanted to get this post up so you would add the show to your list of fun spring things to do in the city!

I take inspired photos from this show every year, and it gives me the chance to practice my photography which got re-ignited after the devastating fire I suffered last year where I lost the majority of my photos! I have to start my Photo Memories all over again, now with a much greater perspective on exactly how valuable my visual memories really are.

I took 162 photos in total, editing all that and optimizing them for my template will take awhile, so you will definitely see more floral wordless wednesdays and I will try to get as many as possible on our Instagram Feed too! If you look on my Instagram, there is a very zen video of the Three Graces Fountain inside of the Enid Haupt Conservatory at The New York Botanical Garden HERE!

Now I need to follow this with a trip to both Puerto Rico and Singapore - Tourism Boards are you reading this? :)

READERS: What are the signs of spring where you are?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, is an event recap, and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine! 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.

A #FoodieFriday from @brasserie812 with @fmg_nyc + @WinesofCroatia #Wine! Because it is #NationalWineDay

NOT SPONSORED!

Today is National Wine Day!

Happy National Wine Day Butterflies! Hope you have some fun plans for Memorial Day Weekend!

Does your Memorial Day Weekend include Wine and Good Times?

Grab an Ice Bucket and start chilling your wine!

I meant to serve this up for #WineWednesday on the interwebs (and will admit this recap is LONG overdue) but I am glad it worked out for both #FoodieFriday and #NationalWine Day as it includes a nice mix of BOTH.

When my friends at FMGNYC PR invite me to an event I make every effort to attend, and considering I haven't been attending nearly a quarter of the amount of events I have been invited to this year that is saying A LOT.

My wine posts have tended to be heavier on international wines - what can I say, I am well heeled and so is my choice in wines. I like events that expose me to something different and this dinner held by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce at Midtown’s Brasserie 8 ½ gave me a taste of what the Croatian wine region has to offer.

Above: Menu + Place Card - look my name is spelled correctly! It never fails that I attend an event and the place card botches my FIRST name by sticking an 'E' where it does NOT belong. So I am always happy for a place card with my name spelled right. We are off to a great start. CHEERS to this!

Above: I was seated at Table 5 and nabbed a shot before the rest of the guests hit the table.

The Menu:

Appetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce

Entree: Filet Mignon Au Poivre - Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, Black Truffle Sauce

or

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Potato Dauphine, Haricorts Verts, Au Jus

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream

Above: Appetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce - the touch of Citrus gave these Jumbo Shrimp the perfect hint of summer loving and would be perfect for your memorial day entertaining this weekend.

Above: I chose the Filet Mignon Au Poivre with Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, and Black Truffle Sauce! It was so GOOD!!! There was no one close enough for me to nab a shot of the rack of lamb but it looked great also.

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream - This was such a well balanced dessert!

This white wine fom the Slavonia region, the Vezak Graševina was a great example of Croatia’s principal grape variety, the Graševina. The color of this dry white is similar to the colors of the golden fields characteristic of  Croatian valleys. It offers a flowery aroma mixed with a fruity bouquet and a slight mineral aftertaste. This wine will compliment seafood or a white meats.

Above: This dry robust  red wine, Ivan Dolac Barrique, was named for the aforementioned French barrel it matures in and hails from Hvar. It offers a berry and slightly  floral aroma. It is quite smooth, easy on the palette and  compliments any roast game or grilled fish.

Above: The award-winning Plavac, the Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru is made from grapes that are organically grown in the picturesque slopes of the island of Hvar.  From 35 to 50-year-old vines! The wine is then aged in French barrique barrels for two years and 6-12 months in the bottle. It is a dry red with hints of leather, pepper, chocolate, and prunes. This earthy wine is best paired with steaks and lobsters and as you can see there is a bottle size to suit pretty much any size party!

Above: The final Croatian wine was the Kabola Muškat Momjanski. It perfectly complimented the warm pear and maple ice cream dessert. A refreshing and medium-bodied white with notes of peaches, rose, and honey with a slight mineral quality. This white had a slight lingering taste that I normally associate with red wines. Definitely a great summer white to enjoy during memorial day weekend.

Above: Sorry to bounce you around so much from whites to reds, but I actually saved the one I loved most for last on purpose. The Erdutski Rosé is made from the Pinot Black grapes of the Slavonia region and has a warm blush pink color. This is literally THE MOST  BALANCED Rosé I have tasted in a LONG time. There were some folks at my table who do not like Rosé and tried this one at my urging and asked for another glass. It is perfect - not sweet or overly dry - the balance on this Rosé makes it one I will be reaching for year round, but it is definitely perfect for these upcoming summer nights and this long memorial day weekend. This one is my stand out from the tasting for sure.

Above: Monika Elling, FMGNYC Public Relations

Above: And guess who I spotted at Table 4? (Former) Governor George Pataki, NYC! (Seated Center)

MY TAKE

The selection of wines was quite impressive and the pairings were excellent, this is a wine tasting I definitely want to recreate for friends and family and hope it inspires you too. I say a visit to Croatia is next on my list as well.

Readers: What are your plans for Memorial Day? What wines are you drinking this weekend and where are you travelling to?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, this was a media tasting, 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.

@worldmarket is opening a store in New York City and I've got the Scoop AND some #discounts! #WorldMarketNYC #ad

Ad: This Post Is Sponsored By:

A little something for everyone? I would say so:

✔ Furniture
✔ Textiles
✔ Ceramics
✔ Glassware
✔ Home Decor
✔ Jewelry
✔ Accesories
✔ Global Food
✔ Wines

With over 270 retail locations (in 33 states) and a strong online presence, Cost Plus World Market is already known for their broad and unique assortment of home goods (and MORE including over 500 international wines!), as a New York City girl I am super stoked to share with you that Cost Plus is coming to NYC! They have a location in Livingston, New Jersey, but that one is a bit too far for me so the fact that one is coming to New York City couldn't make me happier!

The 5,000 square feet wonderland of shopping nirvana will be housed in the eclectic Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan and will showcase lifestyle vignettes that serve to provide inspiration on how to design your space, and even better still: NEW YORK area customers will have the opportunity to see in person select 'online-only' offerings (don't you just love an exclusive?).

The Manhattan Store is located in Chelsea at 620 Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets and the official store Grand Opening begins on Thursday, August 20th 2015 at 8:00 am. The first 100 customers through the doors from Thursday, August 20th through Sunday, August 23rd, 2015 will receive a re-usable canvas tote bag, NOTE: Each day 10 totes will contain a $50 World Market Gift Card (which can be used in store AND online at www.worldmarket.com), but wait there's MORE!

DISCOUNT: During Grand Opening Weekend Only shoppers will receive a 20% discount on all purchases made in the Chelsea Store! You can nab the coupon HERE!

Check out the cool video for the NYC store:



Remember how the title of this post talks about 'scoop'? If you are not already following Cost Plus World Market on their social channels, you want to be sure to stop and take a moment to do that right NOW because on Thursday, August 20th there will be special surprises around the city in conjunction with the opening weekend, and the only way to find out WHERE these surprises are going down and when is by following Cost Plus World Market carefully on their social media channels, be sure you are following me too, I will be keeping you abreast of all the happenings on my channels as well, and I will be hitting the Press/Media Preview so I'll get to see the store before it opens and will be posting on my social channels as well!

GET SOCIAL: 

Be sure to follow and use the #WorldMarketNYC hashtag to keep track of all the fab happenings and the special surprises around the city on 8/20 (and get glimpses from the Press Preview by following me as I will be posting on Tuesday evening 8/18).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on FACEBOOK
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on  TWITTER
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Cost Plus World Market on INSTAGRAM

MY TAKE:

Anytime I can shop globally but do so LOCALLY I am all for it. I like to march to the beat of my own drummer and I want my space to be unique and eclectic, finding items that aren't 'cookie-cutter' and be bought anywhere just appeals to me greatly, always has, always will. I am looking forward to having Cost Plus World Market accessible to me locally, as much as I love shopping online, there are just certain purchases where I need to see, touch/feel and now I have the opportunity to do just that.

Have you ever shopped at Cost Plus World Market? What room in your home most needs a makeover?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated/sponsored post in conjunction with Cost Plus World Market, and all my 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.

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***

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:

Above: Contemporary 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

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

Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.

 

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

There is ART:

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!

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:

Above: 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

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!

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

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.