Showing posts with label Lifestyle Blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lifestyle Blogger. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 16, 2019

Not so #WordlessWednesday with @SenteursdOrient and @ElilaFullFigure + Focus Phrase Time! #WednesdayMotivation

Getting my "NEW" on for New Year's Eve + FOCUS PHRASE TIME!


2018 was probably the second worst year of my life, so I decided I was breaking all New Year's Eve patterns completely.

Well maybe not *ALL* of them.

I kept the champagne.

I kept the eating something sweet during the 12 second count down. This alternates each year depending on what I have on hand, sometimes grapes or sometimes chocolate. During that time I read from a list of New Years Wishes - things I want to manifest during the New Year. So I start my countdown at 12 seconds before the new year so I can read off 12 wishes - one for each month of the year.

I normally wear red underwear because I am an Aries and Red is my "Power Color" And it has always been my tradition to do so.

This year I did not do red. I did a most divine plum instead from Elila Full Figure.

And I even changed my soap, using a brand new to me Senteurs d'Orient!

Elila Full Figure Bra and Panty Set displayed with Senteurs d'Orient Soap

The above photo I edited with Ribbet and the insta art below I did with Corel Paintshop:


Custom Art featuring Elila Full Figure Bra and Panty Set displayed with Senteurs d'Orient Soap

FOCUS PHRASE FOR 2018 - You know I have mixed feelings about 'resolutions', I am more partial to the idea of 'goal setting' for your birthday. That is when your personal year actually resets, not December 31st. But my phrase last year was "Self Care" and quite frankly butterflies, I failed MISERABLY at it.

So it is my phrase for this year as well.

Self-Care is and can be so many things.


MY TAKE:

If you remember I first met Elila Full Figure when I was covering Curve Expo, you can get a great description of the brand and see a model wearing Elila in my Curve Expo recap coverage post: HERE

I plan on covering Curve Expo again this year and will definitely be making a beeline directly to Elila's booth to see their new styles. I am obsessed with them now. They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador!

The soap, Senteurs D'Orient I actually won from a Blog Contest being hosted by a blogger via instagram, it is definitely one of my favorite discoveries, I love the rich lather and the amazing scents offered by Senteurs. I haven't tried them all, but definitely love the Amber, and the Almond Exfoliant so far the best.

Both of these would be lovely for VALENTINES DAY or GALENTINES DAY! And this DSLR Photography Enthusiast is always up for creating custom Art Photos/Prints or Posters like the one displayed above, so DM me via Insta (@Ascending1 - this is also the blog Twitter) or email me directly here if you want a custom art piece for your walls.

Hopefully I can get Elila and Senteurs to come back and do something fun for my butterflies.

Readers/Butterflies Sound Off: What is your focus phrase/word for 2019? Do you have an underwear color preference for New Year's Eve?


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FTC Disclosure: 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.

Friday, January 26, 2018

{#FillInTheBlankFriday} This weekend I plan to: _____ Attend the @NYTTravelShow ‏#NYTTravelShow #TravelBlogger #LifestyleBlogger

THIS IS NOT COMPENSATED!

Fill in the Blank Friday on Ascending Butterfly Blog, self care, writing prompt, blog challenge

This week's theme:

This Weekend I Plan To: Attend The New York Times Travel Show in New York City!

I am so glad I am in town this weekend and will be able to catch The New York Times Travel Show this weekend at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC.

Travel tends to combine ALL my loves: Music (during my journey), Photography (have DSLR will travel) and Foodie Adventures and I love checking out this show and finding out about new trends and exploring fun destinations all under one roof!

Are you attending The New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, hit me up on twitter at @Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1 so we can meet up! What is the top destination on your travel wish list this year?


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I will be attending the show as Media/Press. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017

#ad #GiftThemJoy + have fun & win at the Cost Plus @worldmarket Golden​ ​Llama​ ​Treasure​ ​Hunt​! #worldmarkettribe

This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. I am a Cost Plus World Market Blogger Brand Ambassador and member of #WorldMarketTribe all opinions are my own.

Earlier this year I got to have some major fun hosting workshops at the Cost Plus World Market Retail location in Brooklyn, New York, I hosted an Easter Treat Jars Workshop and a Children's Story Time Event in honor of National Library Month. (If you missed those click HERE to read up on it), one of the books I read was Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney and that set me off on a Llama obsession that is definitely carrying over to the holidays thanks to Cost Plus World Market!

If you didn't get to attend one of the totally fun workshops at your nearest Cost Plus World Market, I have got a great reason for you to RUN not walk to your nearest location starting TODAY! To find your nearest store check out the store locator page HERE.

While the New York City/Manhattan location (620 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011) is closer to me, the workshops I conducted were held in the Brooklyn location (850 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232), but our friends at Cost Plus World Market have a super unique program that launches today that gives you the chance to win great prizes just for visiting the store, it's called the Golden Llama Treasure Hunt Program, www.worldmarket.com/hunt, check out the video below for more info:



Golden​ ​Llama​ ​Treasure​ ​Hunt


Find​ ​a​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​and​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​coupon​ ​valued​ ​at​ ​$20,​ ​$50​ ​or​ ​$100!

Over​ ​$1​ ​Million​ ​in​ ​Total​ ​Rewards!

How​ ​to​ ​play:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Every​ ​day​ ​beginning​ ​Wednesday,​ ​November​ ​1st​ ​through​ ​Wednesday,​ ​November 22nd,​ ​your​ ​local​ ​Cost​ ​Plus​ ​World​ ​Market​ ​store​ ​will​ ​hide​ ​5​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​pieces throughout​ ​the​ ​store.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Each​ ​day,​ ​we’ll​ ​share​ ​the​ ​daily​ ​clue​ ​in-store,​ ​via​ ​email​ ​and​ ​on​ ​our​ ​social​ ​media channels.​ ​Use​ ​the​ ​clue​ ​to​ ​help​ ​you​ ​find​ ​a​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​and​ ​you​ ​could​ ​receive​ ​a reward.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Locate​ ​(1)​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​piece​ ​and​ ​bring​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​nearest​ ​store​ ​associate​ ​to exchange​ ​for​ ​a​ ​reward​ ​coupon​ ​valued​ ​at​ ​$20,​ ​$50​ ​or​ ​$100.​ ​Reward​ ​is​ ​valid​ ​only​ ​on the​ ​day​ ​it​ ​is​ ​awarded.

*Limit​ ​one​ ​(1)​ ​reward​ ​per​ ​person​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​Promotion​ ​Period,​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​store location(s)​ ​visited.​ ​EMPLOYEES​ ​NOT​ ​ELIGIBLE.​ ​

See​ ​Terms​ ​of​ ​Participation​ ​for​ ​complete details. Full Rules www.worldmarket.com/hunt

As you know I am a World Market Tribe Member/Blogger Brand Ambassador, which means I get the chance to post clues as to where to find the Golden Llama on my social channels DAILY through November 22nd. So be sure you are already following Ascending Butterfly on Twitter and Facebook where I will be sharing the clues, today's clue will also be posted in this blog post!

I am all about the Holiday Llama-Rama at Cost Plus World Market right now and between the Llama Ornaments, Llama Lamp, Llama Art/Llama Pictures, and even a cute Stuffed Llama there is a little Llama love for pretty much everyone on your list, and check out my slideshow below to see some of the Llama items on my holiday wish list! Leave it to me to find the perfect gift for the Llama lover who also loves Wine. Ahem, like ME!!!! And don't forget the Llama Llama Holiday Drama Picture Book.

Click to play this Smilebox slideshow
Create your own slideshow - Powered by Smilebox
Check out Cost Plus World Market Holiday World Market's Christmas Shop


I am torn between all these picks and think I need them all in my life. Those Llama Wine Charms are EVERYTHING and I need those for my holiday wine tastings and Wine Wednesday posts. I also really get into Gingerbread scented products at this time of the year so those soaps are totally up my alley. (I have a candle that I am super obsessed with that I really need to share about! But I will save that for another post.)

I need to fill that "Save the Drama For Your Llama" mug with hot chocolate (ok so it might be spiked with something, don't judge me!) and fill out those Holiday Llama Cards, hang that cute stocking, then put on that super cute Gray Cable Knit Llama Scarf and hit my nearest Cost Plus World Market to find the Golden Llama, and then come home to a glass of wine with my Wine Charm on it, and take a long bath using that Gingerbread Soap while perusing the picture book!

Ready for Clue #1?


Above: Golden Llama Treasure Hunt Clue #1: "Golden Llama Where Are You? Hiding Next To Something Blue."

 My Take:

Don't you just love my Wish List slideshow?

I think I am going to make one of these every year, and on my birthday, and on valentine's day too!

I am going to go Llama crazy this holiday season, how can you resist any animal that looks like it is smiling/happy? I think it's why I also like Sloths, looking at them always makes me smile. And aren't the holidays all about surrounding yourself with things that make you smile?

And because I know many of you will ask, NO, I do NOT know where the Llama is hiding, I have the clues my butterflies, but you need to hunt for it to get the reward.

Visit Cost Plus World Market, (warning: this is an affiliate link so if you shop using this link you will be supporting my Llama habit!) then come back here and let me know which of the Llama products (or other Christmas Items!)would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why? And if you visit your local store and find the Llama, please tag me on twitter and let me know! (@Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own! This post also contains affiliate links) 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, 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, March 22, 2017

#ad Want a chance to win a $100 @worldmarket GiftCard + do something creative? RSVP for the DIY Easter Treat Jars Workshop!

ad: This is a compensated campaign brought to you in conjunction with Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus World Market DIY Easter Treat Jars Easter Workshops!

Press on me and make me bigger!
This Cost Plus World Market Brand Ambassador is co-hosting an Easter Workshop with a fun and quick Do-It-Yourself Easter Craft (and trust me when I tell you that you don't have be 'super crafty' to master this one) at my local Cost Plus World Market and there are a few US locations hosting this workshop, and guess what?

YOU are invited! RSVP HERE!

Sometimes the cool stuff I do is "Press Only", but this time around you can come to!

Here are the deets:

Everybunny's Invited! Join me Saturday, March 25th from 1pm – 3pm (your local time) for a fun Easter Workshop Event.

"eggs-pert bloggers" will be on hand to teach you how to bring Cost Plus World Market Easter jars to life, and help you create memorable Easter Baskets.

Purchase any Spice Jar from Cost Plus World Market to create your very own Easter Jar. Participating stores will provide supplies including the candy fillers and construction paper for your DIY masterpiece! DIY Easter Treat Jars originally created/designed by Cori of www.HeyLetsMakeStuff.com

Local bloggers will serve as special guests leading the Easter Workshop Event at the following Cost Plus World Market stores:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tempe, AZ (1800 East Rio Salado Parkway, Suite 150, Tempe, ...AZ)
- Liz Call of www.lizoncall.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brea, CA (109 West Imperial Highway, Brea, CA)

- Nicole Standley of www.jetsetfam.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Jolla, CA (8657 Villa La Jolla Drive, Suite 117, La Jolla, CA)
- Alli Ward of www.madewithhappy.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Glendale, CO (770 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale, CO)
- Angela Rathbun of www.blueistyleblog.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fort Myers, FL (13741 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 3, Fort Myers, FL)
- Krystal Butherus of www.sunnysweetdays.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dunwoody, GA (4733 Ashford Dunwoody Road, Dunwoody, GA)
- Jessica Hughes of www.happilyhughes.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Evanston, IL (1725 Maple Avenue, Evanston, IL)
- Maggie Roush of www.thelovenerds.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Covington, LA (69318 Highway 21, Covington, LA)
- McKenna Trahan of www.stylewaltz.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Framingham, MA (1 Worcester Road, Unit 501, Framingham, MA)
- Sarah Melito of www.thebelmontranch.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ann Arbor, MI (2900 South State Street, Suite 15, Ann Arbor, MI)
- Crystal Fox of www.theweatheredfox.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chesterfield, MO (238 Thf Blvd, Chesterfield, MO)
- Lisa Bass of www.farmhouseonboone.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Winston-Salem, NC (1075 Hanes Mall Blvd, Winston-Salem, NC)
- Amy Buchanan of www.attagirlsays.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - West Las Vegas, NV (2151 North Rainbow Blvd, Las Vegas, NV)
- Sara Syrett of www.twelveonmain.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paramus, NJ (17 East Ridgewood Avenue, Paramus, NJ)
- Charlotte Smith of www.atcharlotteshouse.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brooklyn, NY (850 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY)
- Tracy Iglesias of www.ascendingbutterfly.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Columbus, OH (1655 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH)
- Loriann Cargill Bustos of www.thymeforcocktails.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Montgomeryville, PA (751 Horsham Road, Unit B2, Lansdale, PA)
- Denise Sabia of www.thepaintedhome.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Woodlands, TX (1620 Lake Woodlands Drive, The Woodlands, TX)
- Susan Moss of www.doughmesstic.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Webster, TX (1001 West Bay Area Blvd, Suite C, Webster, TX)
- Michelle Lynch-Heath of www.elletalk.com


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brookfield, WI (625 Main Street, Brookfield, WI)
- April Preisler of www.foodnfocus.com


You are certainly welcome to come as you are, but be sure to RSVP first so the stores will have a headcount and know just how much supplies to have in stock so they don't run out!

A little birdie told me there may be cool new in-store events like this each month this year (check to see which stores are participating) and I happen to know for a fact that next month's event (different theme, but also family friendly) at the Brooklyn Store will be starring a certain Ascending Butterfly again so I hope you will all join me!

Readers Sound Off: Is there a location near you participating? Which demo did YOU RSVP for? If you got Easter Basket's as a child, which one stood out for you the most and why?

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FTC Disclosure: Compensated post/campaign however all thoughts and opinions are 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 see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel.

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Last time my @angelodavidhair haircut was for @pantene #beautifullengths but this time it was just for ME! #TressesTuesday #Hair


When an invite to 'Get Gorgeous During NYFW (New York Fashion Week)' hits my inbox and it's from my favorite New York City Salon, I am definitely ALL over it. My love for Angelo David Salon and my Fave Stylist Ivy runs deep, I met them at Getting Gorgeous 2014, and a few months later I went to the salon for a very special haircut - I donated over 13 inches of hair to Pantene Beautiful Lengths (PBL) for women with Cancer. Check out the current PBL #8or8 campaign - where you can either donate 8 inches of hair or donate $8 dollars to help the cause!

You know just how seriously this butterfly takes all cancer related charities! Stay tuned on a Special Luncheon I will be attending later this week.

I hit the Angelo David Salon in between Fashion Week Shows this year and while oddly my hair was super long (almost near my waist), I didn't have enough to donate because I was leaving it a bit longer than last time. The top two photos of the Photo Collage above are the current cut (with bangs), the two on the bottom are from 2014.

This naturally wavy with super thin hair knows better than to cut bangs in summer, so when I want bangs I do them for Fall and this year I decided it was time to re-visit bangs. I did Bangs and long graduated layers to give my hair a bit more volume.

Here is a compilation video of my hair cuts at Angelo David Salon:




MY TAKE:

I definitely trust Ivy completely and it's super nice to be able to just sit back and relax at a Salon and not have to worry in any way. I love the bangs and graduated layers, I definitely needed the refresh, and wanted to break away from always copping out with ponytails, this will force me to do something with it everyday, and I am definitely all about that right now.

I am ready to toy with color and that will be focus of my next visit!

Readers Sound Off: How do you like wearing YOUR hair? Short? Long? Somewhere in Between? Have you tried the Angelo David Salon before? Are you 'hair adventurous' or do you stick to the same style each visit?

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FTC Disclosure: While this is NOT a Compensated Post, Angelo David Salon did provide my cut to facilitate my review for editorial purposes. All thoughts and opinions are 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. I can easily be lured out of my bat cave for 'pretty' time and bubbly! :)

Friday, March 11, 2016

Epic Menu Tasting at FIN Seafood Restaurant @TropicanaAC in #AtlanticCity #DOAC #FoodieFriday

Lobster Bisque Shooter, FIN, Seafood Restaurant, Tropicana Casino, Atlantic City
Atlantic City Restaurant Week is in full swing, earlier this week I shared photo highlights from the Exclusive Preview Kick Off Event that was hosted at the Borgata, if you missed that post, check it out HERE. The photo above is actually from the Restaurant Week event, but it was just too good to pass up using it here since I will be taking you through my epic menu tasting at FIN.

One of the Restaurants we featured who was at the Kick off event was FIN Seafood Restaurant. FIN is located within Tropicana Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. I had the opportunity to try a tasting menu that was prepared personally for me by Chef Danny, and it was EPIC! I just had to share about it!

Our Maitre D' was a very familiar face and it took me awhile to realize he used to work at a fine dining establishment in Hilton Atlantic City (which sadly the Hilton AC Casino is closed now), it was great to see a familiar face! 

A great start to an epic meal.


Above: An assortment of breads with butter and cheese with horseradish
Our table was in expert hands with Maurice and Jesus, and Chef Danny led strong with Bluepoint Oysters which is one of my faves!
Blue Point Oysters, FIN Restaurant, Tropicana Casino
I am a shellfish lover and there is a particular spot in Atlantic City where I go specifically for Blue Point Oysters, so I was excited that the chef opted to open with these, they were super fresh and just bursting with flavor. I have this habit of trying the first one sans condiments, then I 'fix' the next ones to my liking with horseradish, hot sauce, and cocktail sauce.

Here is the view out the window from table/eye level:



See the reflection of the chandelier on the glass?

For me it doesn't get better than eating seafood, seaside.


I was stoked that I got a chance to take a photo with Chef Danny, it was great to meet him in person and thank him for the incredible opportunity to taste our way through so much of the Menu!

At the Restaurant Week Event the night before I nabbed a shot of FIN's Head Chef, Demetrios Haronis. There are some 'off menu' specialty items that Chef Demetrios has added to the menu, so don't forget to ask about those as well if you are looking for something unique and fun, some are dishes - like the Dancing Shrimp or Grilled Block Island Swordfish as well as a specialty cocktail called 'mermaid's mary' that is a Tropicana Twist on a Bloody Mary!


Above: Crispy Point Judith Calamari cooked to perfection and served with a delicious Sweet Chili Indian Tamarind Dipping Sauce and Cajun Remoulade!

I love Calamari but won't eat it everywhere, these were just right not over or under cooked and the dipping sauces were perfect!




Above: Spicy Tuna Rolls (front) and the rolls behind them are the Crunchy King Crab (King Crab, Tempura Flakes, Cucumber, Masago, Scallions, and Japanese Mayo)

I am a sushi fanatic and much like Calamari and Oysters I am picky about where I will eat them, these were FANTASTIC! FIN also has a sushi bar with it's own specials on certain nights (like 'Wasabi Wednesdays' - 1/2 price sushi and 1/2 price Sake and Saketinis, Prohibition Thursdays, Fin Fridays and R & R Sundays with 1/2 price Raw Bar and 1/2 price Rose Wine), so if you don't have time for a full sit down at the Restaurant you can enjoy some time off the gaming floor at the bar - honestly you can't go wrong either way!


These three starters - oysters, calamari and sushi were a grand slam tri-fecta of perfection for me as these are my faves. At this point my tummy was about to burst, but then the entrees came out:



Above: Seafood Au Gratin - Sauteed Shrimp, Lobster, Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Hand Cut Fettucine, Parmesan Cream

This is literally Seafood 'Comfort Food' at it's absolute finest! Creamy, Cheesy, Delicious, Goodness!



Above: Fin's Stuffed Shrimp - Wild Pacific Shrimp Stuffed with Jumbo Lump Crabmeat, Lobster, Roasted Peppers, Artichokes, Grilled Zucchini, and Roasted Pepper Pesto

This one is actually deceptively dense and more filling than you might expect! (although in all fairness, by this point in the tasting menu I was slightly afraid I might bust a pants button! Someone certainly would have lost an eye! LOL)



























Above: Front: Meyer Lemon Cheesecake (Lemon Curd and Fresh Berry Compote), Fin's Chocolate Jubilation Cake (Chocolate Buttermilk Cake Infused with Caramel)

Complete and Utter DECADENCE! 

MY TAKE:


You guys know how much I love 'GamingCations'. I am on the East Coast so I hit Atlantic City way more often than I do Las Vegas. The industry here has taken quite a few hits with the instability in the economy. Many Casinos on the infamous boardwalk have shut their doors for good. But the past few years visiting both as Media on Press Trips/Familiarization Visits and as someone who has frequented the City for two decades now on my own, what I can tell you is that the Casinos that survive the hit with so many dips in the economy are the ones that are not afraid to re-invent themselves. What I love about the Tropicana is exactly that, they are not afraid of change, they are always doing something new and you rarely will have the same experience there twice. During my recent visit I got the chance to stay in the newly renovated North Tower. It definitely needed an overhaul and I am glad to see the changes being made.

For some weird reason every time I hit Tropicana set out to go to FIN it was closed and I can now say without reservation that it was SO worth the wait and I will DEFINITELY be going back when I am back in Atlantic City. The meal and service were absolutely phenomenal. The next time you are in Atlantic City make a reservation for FIN, and tell them 'Ascending Butterfly' sent you!

Which of the dishes on this EPIC tasting menu appeal to you most? What is your favorite seafood?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, tasting menu offered 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.