Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Halloween. Show all posts

Friday, October 29, 2021

Don't forget it is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at New York Botanical Garden this weekend! Here is a Video Journey with major #Fall and #Pumpkin Vibes! #HalloweenWeekend @NYBG

This month, I have been sharing my experiences at the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden, here is the link to my last post: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2021/10/catch-kusama-cosmic-nature-at-new-york.html

and a fun one from 2017 that gives you more Halloween and Pumpkin Vibes: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/check-out-giant-pumpkin-weekend-this.html

The artist, Yayoi Kusama utilizes polka dots to cover and conceal people, animals, the environment and pretty much everything around. She uses the polka dots as a metaphor of giving up identity, abolishing uniqueness, and becoming one with the universe-or "self-obliteration".

One of the most striking pieces on exhibit is called "Starry Pumpkin". A 2-meter tall sculpture whose surface is composed of a shimmering mosaic of blue and white squares that are neatly aligned in parallel rows, the iridescent blue tiles sparkle and gleam and give off colors fluctuating between shades of violet, emerald, and indigo according to the available light.

As I mentioned last week I have been using the On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software program to breathe new life into my photos. Travel and Photography are my passion and while I am happy to spend hours editing one photo, I know most people don't have the patience for it and want an editing software that will allow them to achieve a desired look with ease and in much less time.

Last week I posted a picture of the sculpture "I want to fly to the Universe" this is the very first piece you see when entering the garden through the main entrance (this is assuming you don't veer off to go straight to the Enid Haupt Conservatory instead). I posted my original un-edited photo and then another using On1's AI which auto formats the photo for you.

I wanted to do the same this week focusing on the piece entitled Starry Pumpkin. I compiled the shots into a video so you could view them with more ease and a bit less scrolling. I take you through the sculpture as you first see it, hidden a bit behind the plants and flowers, then as you approach it and another from a third angle. I don't want you to think you are going nuts, you will see my original photo, then one where I use the AI and Noise Removal AI on each photo and a third photo of each angle using a preset called "Golden Autumn" - I stuck with preset 'G6' for all of these - and with the exception of one where I made minor edits to the final outcome of the preset - I wanted to give you an overview of this particular piece and one very happy 'accident'! On the final slide of the video slideshow of photos I use one of my photos to make a Halloween Card. I got nit picky and wanted to edit some of the blemishes on the pumpkins where I planned to place text, apparently a slip of my clumsy hands  and not paying attention to which tool was selected, turned some of the pumpkins a bit of a teal hue - it wasn't on purpose but I really liked the result and left it in!

Also 1 of 13 children have allergies, if you see a teal pumpkin when you are taking the kids trick-or-treating it means that home is offering allergy free options that are safe for children with allergies. I'm kind of glad I ended up with some teal pumpkins in the final edit.

NOTE: PRESS THE SQUARE ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND OF THE VIDEO TO MAKE IT FULL SCREEN HD. (JUST HIT ESC KEY WHEN YOU ARE DONE AND YOU WILL COME BACK TO THE POST AUTOMATICALLY)




My Take:

Unfortunately with Covid very much still being a buzz 'kill' this exhibit didn't get the foot traffic or word of mouth it truly deserved, it was a feast for the eyes and it was fun seeing the art on exhibit in the library as well. I even met a 'camera twin' - in this age of every photo being taken on a cellphone I am always excited to see a photographer shooting with a DSLR. I met one shooting with my same exact camera (Nikon) and someone shooting with my former camera (Canon) although I hesitate a bit to say former because I still like shooting with it, it is just a bit heavy for me these days.

I wish my surgeries this summer and one this fall didn't keep me from seeing the exhibit sooner.

This is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden - so if your Instagram feed needs a pop of fall color and pumpkin goodness (no not just a photo of your pumpkin spice latte) then you need to hit up the Garden this weekend. And even though I didn't snap any pictures of  them (because not cool), I love seeing families taking photos of their babies with the pumpkins!

I am not the greatest with step-by-step tutorials, but I am trying to get better at it. However, I will tell you something very contrary to popular photographer opinion: "The AUTO Setting on your DSLR camera is NOT the devil". Not everyone has the luxury of setting up every shot they take, not all public spaces are easy to navigate with a tripod or don't allow them, not to mention carry full on lighting. While I am trying to get better at memorizing exposure speeds and shuffling quickly to get the light right, I want you to know getting a photo that means something to you is getting what I call 'life' from it - yes even from plants or flowers. Your technical skills can be on point but if you don't have an eye for it, they won't take you very far. And Photo Editing software is your friend. It's obviously more complex than your social filters, but I found On1's AI gives you the feeling of using a filter but with richer results with more detail and depth.

By all means continue to improve your skills, but there is nothing wrong with the Auto setting and post processing either! ;)

And stay tuned Butterflies, your chance to win your own copy of On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software is coming up very soon! This year my Holiday Buying Guide will be focused on thoughtful gifts for (aspiring or pro) Photographers!  Get your photo on!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no monetary compensation has been received.

Wednesday, October 20, 2021

Catch Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden + Giant Pumpkin Weekend at @NYBG THIS WEEKEND!

On a super cloudy and overcast day I finally got the opportunity to check out the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden. I had been wanting to catch this exhibit all summer, but with a surgery early in the summer and some smaller procedures following, I needed time to heal.

Description: Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.

Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

My apologies to my local readers, as this post is normally accompanied by a ticket giveaway, I will work on something hopefully for the holidays. I am ramping up slowly and working on some fun surprises for our annual holiday gift guide which will have some gift suggestions that are sure to please!

The interconnectedness of things is a theme explored in this exhibit, and I was first greeted by this installation: I want to fly to the Universe (I took tons of photos as usual, but I plan to space them out!)



ABOVE: Original, un-edited Photo, I want to fly to the Universe by Yayoi Kusama, October 2021 taken at New York Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I am partnering with a very unique Photo Editing Software this year (hint, hint - stay tuned for something fun for YOU very soon!) I am testing out the software and after photo editing this shot, I was able to add some brightness and make the photo appear less overcast.













ABOVE: Same Photo edited using On1 HDR 2021 software

The enhancements are slight but make a world of difference, especially on the tree on the right hand side. My blog template is a little weird, so feel free to press on each photo individually to make them larger, you can hit escape to get back the article after you have viewed the photos. My template accepts JPEG photos so I have to convert the RAW files. I find the RAW files show more detail, but you can see the difference that the Photo Editing Software On1 made with this photo. (I will feature more photos from this exhibit counting down to Halloween). 

If you hit the New York Botanical Garden THIS weekend, you would get a chance to enjoy final days of the Kusama: Cosmic Nature Exhibit and also Giant Pumpkin Weekend. It would literally provide all the fun photo opp goodness you need in your social feed life right now! Here is me dorking out the last time I visited during Giant Pumpkin Weekend, check out this post HERE. (I was so focused on catching the different elements of this exhibit and the Farmers Market that I forgot to visit the Pumpkin Patch while I was there!)

NOTE: You must provide proof of vaccination along with your tickets upon entry. For a completely contactless experience have your app with proof of vaccination (yes you can show the actual card too but the app saves you time checking in and provides a more 'contactless' experience) and have your tickets handy on your phone also ready to be scanned. You will be given a time to visit the Kusama exhibit which means you won't have to worry about too many people around you, which I have to secretly admit I greatly appreciated! I also was asked to show my tickets to the exhibit to enter the gift shop so please note that just in case so you are not caught off guard.

Readers Sound Off: If you are visiting this weekend, please tag me on Twitter or on Instagram so I can see your cool photos! (@Ascending1 on both Twitter and Instagram and also use the Garden Hashtags and tag them as well @NYBG) Which photo above did you like best, the raw un-retouched version or the one I edited using On1? Also, what Photo Editing software are you using? (Did you know you can utilize On1 on both your computer and your phone, both Apple and Android? and the latest version also plays nicely with software you may already be using like Lightroom or Corel - for full disclosure I use multiple software!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no compensation has been received.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Friday Funny: The Hello October Meme that breaks the internet every year! #FridayVibes #FridayMood #FridayHumor #Meme

As a horror movie fanatic, this meme never fails to make me laugh:


I am so happy Fall is here! Leaves are changing color, it's not too hot or cold during the day, cozy sweaters are coming out of storage and soon I will have all the excuses to put on cute booties and boots! While I was born in April and technically am a "Spring Baby" - Fall is definitely my favorite season!

Hopefully you will be greeting October with a giggle after having viewed this silly meme!

Readers Sound Off: What are your Fall Plans? What is your Favorite Horror Movie? (I still have all my original - now probably considered 'vintage' Freddy Kreuger Posters!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT 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, Tequila, Craft Brews), and Foodie Fun - really, I'm such a *simple girl*.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Check out Giant Pumpkin Weekend THIS WEEKEND at @NYBG #NYBG #NewYorkBotanicalGarden

Wishing all my butterflies the richness and comforts of Fall and a bountiful harvest at your table!

To all my New York City Butterflies and those of you who might be in town this weekend, I have a fun way to enjoy the colors of Fall and enjoy some awesome photo opps that are definitely Instagram worthy, it's Giant Pumpkin Weekend at NYC landmark New York Botanical Gardens THIS WEEKEND ONLY! It's also your last chance to catch the Dale Chihully Exhibit that I have been featuring on these pages all summer! (We gave away a pair of tickets to Chihully Nights at the Garden HERE - remember that giveaway is now CLOSED, and I featured the exhibit again when I realized after perusing my photo collection from the Media Day that my outfit actually matched one of the installations in the exhibit HERE) Here are some great shots from the last wine tasting I attended at NYBG, HERE.

I normally try to arrange a giveaway, but there was no time this time around so I will try to work on something for the Train Show.

What you will see:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Record-Breaking Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds - arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, the recognized standard of weights, measurement, and fairness of competitive growing. This year’s North American record breaker, weighing 2,363 pounds, was grown by Joel Holland from Washington state. Also on display will be the world’s largest squash at 2,118 pounds from Rhode Island; the largest European pumpkin, from England, at 2,269 pounds; and the longest gourd in the United States, from Wisconsin, at 143.75 inches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Meet the Growers - You can ask questions and get tips directly from these talented growers!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Giant Pumpkin Seed Harvest - Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will be opening these monstrous gourds and actually climbing inside to harvest their impressive seeds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail - Wear your favorite costume, decorate a bag to collect wholesome goodies while you enjoy this weekend of hands-on activities and special events.

Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens
 Above: Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens


Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd

The sign reads:

"Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd" (Lagenaria Siceria)

Look at the silhouette of this uniquely shaped gourd to see features reminiscent of a swan's neck
Ghost Bush
Above: Isn't this the CUTEST Ghost Bush Ever?
pineapple-o-lantern
Above: He's a unique sort of 'pineapple-o-lantern' isn't he?
LARGE pumpkin
Above: That is quite a LARGE pumpkin!

Above: I have no idea why my blog template makes this shot so small, please press on it to see it a big bigger and capture more detail on the rock.
Enjoy butterflies you all know just how camera shy I am!
Above: More jack-o-lantern spooky cuteness!


Pumpkin Patch
Above: I love how that ray of sunlight on the left just breaks through the greenery and looks like it's pointing at the pumpkin patch!
Not just one, but TWO shots of me in one post, SHOCKING!

WINNER ALERT: Our lucky winner for the 24 count of assorted truffles from Elements Truffles is Julie Waldron, entry #621! Congrats Julie! Don't forget to reply to your winner's email with your address for prize fulfillment! She won from an extra credit entry, I always encourage entrants to do more than just the main entry, see it really pays off! (Just a warning we validate entries, so if the randomizer picks someone for example for following on twitter or Instagram, we are going to make the sure the person actually did it before we validate them as a prize winner - you can't cheat the system). Enjoy your truffles Julie!

What are YOUR Halloween Plans? If you do visit New York Botanical Garden for Giant Pumpkin Weekend this Weekend, please tag us so we can see your photos! @Ascending1 for both twitter and Instagram!

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

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

{#WordlessWednesday} #TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty #ContestEntry

#TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty


Featuring:


It's been a seriously long time since I have had a moment to get on Polyvore, get inspired, and make some boards, their recent #PumpkinSpice Challenge caught my eye and I thought I would give it my New York City Gal Leather Loving edge with a leather jacket, statement boots with orange patent leather accents and what is a butterfly post without a statement handbag right? Check out this hot number by Givenchy. (And yes butterflies, I know our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight Feature is MIA, I am working on returning that much beloved Feature as soon as possible).

Those all Vamp Halloween Nails are literally EVERYTHING!

This all treats no tricks butterfly style.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: To add to our 'treat' theme, don't forget that today is the LAST DAY to enter our hot flash giveaway for a 24 count box of Assorted Chocolate Truffles from Elements Truffles. These are Ayurveda inspired, junk free and even dairy free and I can assure you they are flavorful, delicious and do taste 'decadent'! If you haven't already entered, enter HERE! If you have already entered, don't forget to share via your social media channels for extra credit entries. (Our last contest winner, selected by randomizer won from her twitter entry! I keep telling you all it pays to tweet!)

I have an event packed day so our Women's Entrepreneur Series will return next Wednesday, and come back tomorrow for some #TechTalk you are not going to want to miss.

What are YOUR Halloween Plans?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. Polyvore Boards let you link to the brands pictured, the links are NOT affiliate either. The giveaway we are currently hosting that is referenced in this article is sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! Personally I think every brand mentioned should be paying me big bucks. 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.

Thursday, October 31, 2013

#ThrowbackThursday - The #HappyHalloween & How to Stump Serial Killer Jason Edition!

#ThrowbackThursday, Throwback Thursday, Halloween, Halloween Costume, Josie and the Pussycats,
Throwback Thursday Photo of Ascending Butterfly dressed as Josie from Josie & The Pussycats


Happy Throwback Thursday Butterflies! In honor of Halloween I just couldn't resist sharing one of my favorite Halloween Photos from childhood. Check me out dressed as Josie from Josie and the Pussycats! Do you remember that cartoon?

You all know how much I love Horror Movies, it's always been my favorite movie genre (I was the kid who slipped a Fangoria Magazine into her textbook to get in some extra horror knowledge during the day!), so I couldn't resist this find from Facebook where someone finally stumps serial killer Jason from the Friday the 13th movies:

How to stump Jason from Friday the 13th, Halloween, Serial Killer, Halloween Humor
This photo takes trick or treat smell my feet a little too literally! LOL


HAPPY HALLOWEEN BUTTERFLIES! ARE YOU DRESSING UP TODAY?

P.S. A little butterfly told me that our Holiday Buying Guide will be starting earlier this year to ensure ample delivery time for the holidays and our first giveaway starts tomorrow! But shhhhh, don't tell anyone! ;-)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored/compensated post, just some Halloween fun!

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Even 'Frankenstorm Sandy' Couldn't Stop Us From Having An @UNREAL and UNJUNKED #Halloween #getunreal



They don't call New York City 'the city that never sleeps' for nothing! We don't sleep, and we don't let much deter us or get in our way. Nothing says Halloween like not having power anyway right? Light's Flickering just add to the creepy Halloween Party Vibe, you know like a Strobe Light!

Horror is my favorite Genre, making Halloween one of my favorite nights of the year! This year most of the party came to me, thanks to the awesome folks at Get Unreal, www.getunreal.com, which meant less time planning and fussing, and more time just enjoying the vibe!

Assortment of UNREAL Candy!


We got UNJUNKED for Halloween! What does that mean exactly? We had the same fun, with NO:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Corn Syrup
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Partially Hydrogenated Oil
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Preservatives
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GMO's (Genetically Modified Organisms)

or 'Artificial Stuff'. (You know like colors that come from chemicals and dyes!) And if you are not sold yet, how about 40% less sugar per serving on average, more peanuts, more protein and more fiber.

UNREAL Candy Assortment with product info!


Their flavors are Numbers and are similar to candy you already know:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #54 are Chocolate Candy Shell Peanuts - Similar to a certain 'Peanut M&M'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #41 are Chocolate Candy Shell - Similar to a certain 'original' version of the 'M&M'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #5 are Chocolate Caramel Nougat - Similar to a certain 'Milky Way Bar'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #8 are Chocolate Caramel Peanuts Nougat - Similar to a 'Snickers'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #77 are Chocolate Peanut Butter - Similar to a 'Reese's Peanut Butter Cup'

Getting the Gift Bags Ready!


Their Mission is not to just 'Unjunk' Candy, it's to 'Unjunk' America! That's a pretty big mission, but I think Halloween was the perfect way to start! What I love is that the little ones didn't notice and the adults who did notice, liked Get UNREAL Candy WAY, way better!

Get UNREAL Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar, before it's sad demise!


OOPS! This candy bar fell out the box and literally attacked me, I just HAD to eat it! :)

Happy Halloween Butterflies!


Who was that masked butterfly?

My Take:

Last year I dropped 3 dress sizes little by little and healthy substitutions was part of that strategy, this year after spending quite a bit of time in the hospital, my work out routine got halted for awhile so while I slowly ramp up again, substitutions and cutting out the 'junk' are more important to me than ever. Can I cut chocolate from my diet completely? NO! And I'm not going to even pretend I would want to! Life needs to have some indulgences to keep it fun and interesting right? But I can tell you I don't miss what's missing and I'm going to happily 'UNJUNK' my snacks!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @getunreal on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like UNREAL on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Want your Halloween Pictures Featured? Tag your Instagram Halloween Photos with the hashtag #UNREALHALLOWEEN for a chance at being featured by Get Unreal!

Wishing all my Butterflies a Very SAFE, Happy and HEALTHY Halloween! Get 'UnJunked' You Won't Regret It!

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in the UNREAL Candy 'Unjunk Your Halloween #getunreal' campaign via Global Influence Network. This party was sponsored by UNREAL. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Sunday, October 28, 2012

HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. @Ascending1 #Giveaway #Winners Announcement – 20 Winners!




Happy Halloween Butterflies, as always it's all treats and NO tricks for my butterflies! All the above winners for the HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway have been notified, should any winners not respond within 72 hours, we will re-draw, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted if new winners need to be drawn. (Just a reminder entries that did not comply with rules and instructions were deleted, so please be sure to follow all giveaway instructions very carefully, particularly the main entry, if that is one is wrong, all the other entries will have to be deleted.)

Congrats to our winners! Some Sweet Candy Surprises are headed your way!

So Butterfly, what are YOU going as this year for Halloween?


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FTC DisclosureI am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This giveaway was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Saturday, October 27, 2012

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER 3D Now on DVD {@AbeTheHunter #Movie #Review}



PRESIDENT BY DAY… HUNTER BY NIGHT




Needless to say that Ascending Butterfly is counting down to Halloween already as Horror is my favorite movie genre of all time! (Any fellow Horror and Vampire Movie Genre Lovers out there that would get into trouble for slipping their copy of Fangoria Magazine in their school books?) Yesterday's Movie Review was for an all ages Family Friendly title, (Disney Secret of the Wings Movie Review, if you missed it, you could check out HERE) but today's title is most definitely NOT for the kiddos!

I didn't get the chance to see this one in the theatres because of my insane travel schedule and now that I got to see it on video I truly regret not catching this one on the 'big screen'.

While I'm a huge fan of the genre, I'm the first to admit that most horror movies are a bit plot 'light' and usually disappointing in the end, but I can honestly tell you this one is NONE of those! I greatly enjoyed this movie! For the life of me I could not conceive how Vampires and Abraham Lincoln would come together, but they really did do it somehow!


Abraham Lincoln Vampire Hunter 3D Box Cover Art



Plot Summary



English: The election season is about to get a whole lot bloodier as historical legend throws his hat into the ring in ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, arriving on Blu-ray™3D, Blu-ray™ and DVD October 23 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. A citizen by day and a hunter by night, this action-packed film with cutting-edge visual effects shows the Lincoln you know – with one additional quality of which you were unaware... until now.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER explores the secret life of Abraham Lincoln before he became President, and the untold story that shaped our nation. Visionary filmmakers Tim Burton (Dark Shadows) and Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) bring a fresh and visceral voice to the bloodthirsty lore of the vampire, imagining Lincoln as history's greatest hunter of the undead.

Based on the New York Times Best Seller novel by Seth Grahame-Smith, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER stars Benjamin Walker (Flags of Our Fathers), Dominic Cooper (Captain American: The Frist Avenger), Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs. The World) and Rufus Sewell (The Tourist). The Blu-ray™ 3D and Blu-ray™ are loaded with killer content and hard action, including an exclusive never-before-scene animated graphic novel prequel about the origins of vampires in the U.S.A.

Spanish/Espanol: La temporada de elecciones está a punto de obtener un montón radicalizarse como leyenda histórica lanza su sombrero en el anillo de ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER, llegando el Blu-ray ™ 3D, Blu-ray ™ y DVD el 23 de octubre de Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Un ciudadano por día y un cazador de noche, esta película llena de acción muestra efectos visuales de vanguardia el Lincoln sabes – con una calidad adicional que desconocían... hasta ahora.

ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER explora la vida secreta de Abraham Lincoln antes de convertirse en Presidente y la historia no contada que formaron nuestra nación. Traen cineastas visionarios (Dark Shadows) de Tim Burton y Timur Bekmambetov (Wanted) trae una voz fresca y visceral a la tradición sanguinaria del vampiro, imaginando a Lincoln como el cazador mayor de history de los muertos vivientes.

Basada en la novela superventas del New York Times por Seth Grahame-Smith, ABRAHAM LINCOLN: VAMPIRE HUNTER estrellas Benjamin Walker (Flags of Our Fathers), Dominic Cooper (Capitán América: El Vengador de Frist), Anthony Mackie (The Adjustment Bureau), Mary Elizabeth Winstead (Scott Pilgrim vs el mundo) y Rufus Sewell (el turista). El Blu-ray ™ 3D y Blu-ray ™ se cargan con la acción de contenido y dura asesina, incluyendo un exclusivo nunca-antes-escena animada gráfico novela precuela sobre los orígenes de los vampiros en los EE. 


My Take:

I had the same reaction most people had when they heard about this title, 'yeah right'. But I can tell you that as Far Fetched as it may seem, it really does come together, you get invested in the characters, it's well-paced, isn't just solely relying on special effects, and does not let you down! This one is definitely a winner for your Halloween Weekend viewing and for your Horror/Vamp Movie Collection!

If you already saw this one, what did YOU think YAY or NAY? Did you catch them at Comic Con This Year?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received for this review. The video was provided for our editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Questions about our Disclosure? Visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Friday, October 19, 2012

Things to do with the little ones this weekend: Boo at the Zoo! and Ascarium! Score some fun freebies too!



Boo at the Zoo!

As part of the month long Boo at the Zoo  festivities at New York's famous Bronx Zoo, they are celebrating the 20th anniversary of Goosebumps - Scholastic’s bestselling series by fright-master R.L. Stine. This weekend, October 20th and 21st, the first 1,000 kids aged 14 and under to arrive at the zoo will get a FREE copy of a Goosebumps book from Scholastic. 




Don't forget if you Buy 4 or more tickets you will receive an exclusive, limited-edition Boo at the Zoo Snake Hat Free when you visit during Boo at the Zoo, weekends now through October 28th. Children 12 and under wearing a Halloween costume will receive free general admission with one paid adult general admission! SCORE!



 

Thrills, Chills and Cute Animals too!


New York Aquarium 'Ascarium'



And don't forget to check out the New York Aquarium, also known as the 'Ascarium' for Halloween, Get ready for spooktacular fun at the Aquarium’s annual Halloween Celebration! This season’s Ascarium is a swashbuckling pirate adventure with nautical and pirate-themed activities for aquarium-goers of all ages. You and your little ones can journey through the Haunted Seafari Adventure, experience spooky pirate tales, enjoy sea shanty musical performances and gypsy dancers, and play pirate games of skill. 

Don’t miss the special Halloween 4-D feature, The Curse of Skull Rockafter collecting treats and venturing into the Haunted Seafari!

And don't forget, kids in costume get in for free. Each child (ages 3-12; children under 3 are free) in costume will receive a free child's general admission with the purchase of one full-priced adult general admission ticket. Limit two per family, may not be combined with any other offer.

Both the Zoo and Aquarium will be offering 'Treat Stations' making your visit to each that much sweeter!


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Disclaimer: Ascending Butterfly is participating in a sponsored ambassador program from the Bronx Zoo/NY Aquarium. As a part of this program we have received paid advertising compensation, a premium family membership and merchandise for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to programming. However all opinions are 100% my own. And I have been visiting this particular zoo since my childhood!

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway



Long time readers know that Halloween is my favorite holiday, and horror movies have always been my favorite movie genre! The first movie I got to see sans parents was a horror movie. I love to look back on pictures of me in Halloween Costumes starting from when I was little, they are usually such a great indicator of what was popular at the time.



After a certain age my family decided to stop letting us 'trick or treat' and our family and extended family would get together and throw a Halloween Party mostly at home, or sometimes at a rented space depending on how many people were joining in on the fun that year. I still think House Parties are more fun and certainly a whole lot safer.

We still hold the same traditions now, instead of allowing the kids to go door-to-door our families still get together and hold a big family party mostly geared toward the little kids, and then we'll take the older kids to the movies the next day. We can't resist a costume party, and even the adults still like to dress up!

And we definitely like to exchange Halloween cards, Check out this card display below, I used it to get ideas:



I love creative cards any season, but they are especially fun during Halloween. Isn't that FrankenVampire on the top left totally sweet? I love how even the most innocent things can become creepy during Halloween, take the cat for example:



OK in all fairness Black cats have always been associated with Witches and Halloween! (Little known Ascending Butterfly trivia, I once owned a Black Cat, which I named Ebony - I know Creative right? LOL Someday when I tackle Mount Closet I'll dig out pictures of me with that cat and post them as a Wordless Wednesday. Perhaps I should post a picture of my closet, it's certainly the scariest thing I've ever seen!)

And of course what is Halloween without a Jack-O-Lantern?



Whose idea was it to creepify pumpkins anway? 



Getting everything organized for the bash is half the battle won, it's such a shame it all only comes out once a year!



Something about these Ghosts say 'cute' not scary!



I've always loved Hello Kitty and don't ever remember seeing a 'Halloween Kitty' version of HK especially on a mug!



These would be perfect to fill up with treats as a fun surprise for any visits with teachers or your doctors office reception staff!



Above: Check out these fun treat cups already pre-assembled with a mock licorice stick straw!



Above: When I saw this, I had to have it! An Owl Pumpkin! Brilliant! (And a bit of Italian thrown in for fun, I would like to visit Italy! so I should start practicing! Hmm, I wonder how you say BOO in Italian?)



Above: Did anyone else want to wait it out with Linus for a 'Great Pumpkin' sighting? I did!


Above: Did the peanuts gang open my scary closet? Something about Lucy is different? ;)


Above: That one is addressed to YOU! Happy Halloween Butterflies! Feeling Festive yet?


All month long HERSHEY’S is hosting HERSHEY'S BOO BLVD where you can check for new blogs (this post by yours truly will be featured there!) , crafts, recipes and videos through October 31st! In fact each of the blogs by the bloggers featured are hosting giveaways too, so be sure to visit them all and double your luck!

I'm not even sure how they knew because no one asked us, but they sent me my favorite treat of all, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups. It's a bit eerie that they somehow knew that one is my favorite, I'm almost sure I've never posted that anywhere! (See you got 2 unknown facts about me in one post, I feel so exposed!)





These were probably devoured by 'team butterfly' in seconds!



Snack Size does mean it's OK to have 2 or maybe 4 right?

As you know, here at Ascending Butterfly Halloween is always all treats and absolutely NO tricks! I had to make sure some extra goodies were involved in this deal for my butterflies, and HERSHEY'S not only stepped up to the plate with hosting a giveaway, they are offering treats to 20, yes that's right TWENTY Ascending Butterfly Followers! SUH WEET!

I like keeping it simple, so the first entry in rafflecopter is super simple, and how much extra credit you want to do beyond that is always up to you!

And don't forget our monthly 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' is back with a Nicole Miller Designer Handbag Giveaway ($295), it ends on 10/31 so be sure to get in your entry if you haven't done so already!

WIN IT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway







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FTC DisclosureI am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This post was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.