#ad: Photos from the @worldmarket Press/Media Preview of #WorldMarketNYC + a #sweepstakes and MORE ways to win!

Ad: This Post Is Sponsored By:

Remember on Monday when I told you about the upcoming opening of Cost Plus World Market's Newest Location in New York City? (Refresh your memory HERE!) By the way your feedback on that post was amazing and for those of you in cities where Cost Plus World Market doesn't have a 'brick and mortar' presence I am going to be sure to share your feedback with the 'powers that be' there - you never know when a location may pop up in a city near YOU!

On Tuesday, August 18th I got the chance to attend The Cost Plus World Market NYC Store Press/Media Preview event and it was a blast!

On Monday I shared a few of the publicity photos, which actually gave me a basis as to what I wanted to see up close and personal as well as taking some photos of the goings on at the Media Preview, so here is the opening in pictures, the first one shared is from my instagram feed:

This was taken from my phone to post to instagram!

It is definitely a 'power address' - 620 Sixth Avenue (Chelsea area between 18th and 19th Streets) is a bit like a mini-mall and there are a few other stores in that building, so you can call the building a one stop shop! I would have taken an exterior shot for you guys but there was a big construction awning outside the building that day.

DJ at Cost Plus World Market New York City Media/Press Preview Event

The official store Grand Opening begins TODAY (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 they will also be doing a scavenger hunt of sorts around the city for chances to win ADDITIONAL Cost Plus World Market Gift Cards!

And guess who already knows where they are going to be giving them out? If you guessed THIS butterfly you are CORRECT! So be sure to follow me (@Tracy_Iglesias) and World Market @worldmarket) on twitter as we will be tweeting out the clues as to where you can find the Cost Plus World Market Street Team around the city! All tweets will include the #WorldMarketNYC hashtag so be sure to follow all for hints so you can win a gift card! (This post ends with another way to win that will be fun for those of you who don't live in NYC to get a chance to win something too!)

There was a photo wall that contained the history of Cost Plus World Market in images which I thought was pretty awesome:

I fell in LOVE with this sideboard:

Cost Plus World Market Double Shutter Doors Holbrook Sideboard

Long time readers know I have thing for Buddha Art, so this little guy who looked ever so lonesome like he wanted me to take him home caught my eye:

What is a party in NYC without an 'adult' beverage or two? This wine was great and I am going to have add this one to my wine collection:

SkyFall Vineyard Pinot Gris Columbia Valley 2013 (More Please!)

I fell in love with these for my bathroom, I need to find a cute tray and candle to go with it:

Cost Plus World Market Mediterranean Sea Potpourri

I love how their logo is etched into the wood, I saw this on the wall and had to nab a shot:

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!

WIN IT:

Can't be in New York City for Grand Opening Weekend but would like a shot at a Gift Card too? No worries butterflies, I've got you covered! Check out the Cost Plus World Market 'Spruce Up Your Space' Sweepstakes! Grand Prize Package: a $5,000 World Market Shopping Spree PLUS a FREE room design with Decorist Celebrity Designer Kelli Ellis. Plus, THREE First Place Prizes who will receive a $1,000 World Market Gift Card PLUS a FREE room design with a Decorist Designer. But Hurry, this Sweepstakes ends 8/30 so get in your entry HERE.

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

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:

My only cons are because of New York State Liquor license laws, the NY Chelsea store will NOT offer any wine, and since I can't order it online either, I am bummed I can't get their great selection to my door. They also won't be selling food at the Chelsea store, but their foods will be available at the Bed, Bath and Beyond store right next to them, so at least I can try those. I really loved getting a chance to see the online items up close. There were certain items I was going to discount based on the online descriptions, but seeing them in person changed my mind completely, there are a few storage and living space items that look so much 'richer' in person than they do online, and as for me and sofas, I need to give them a 'butt test' as in 'sit my butt on them and see if they are comfy' - and one of the daybeds which I would have never thought of, was so comfortable when I tested it that I am adding it to my wishlist and will purchase very soon.

The Press Preview was a blast and you may even spot me there for Grand Opening Weekend as well.

Have you ever shopped at Cost Plus World Market? What room in your home most needs a makeover? What items would you purchase if you won the "Spruce Up Your Space Sweepstakes"?

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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.

Did you miss #NYNow 2014? @nynowmarket completely re-branded this year! Part 1 of my show highlights!

When a well known trade-show completely re-brands and re-formats itself you know things are going to be different! This year, the tradeshow formerly known as 'the New York International Gift Fair' completely re-organized the show, and named it 'NY Now' - the Market for Home & Lifestyle. In fact it took place in not just one but two different venues, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as well as the Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94 in New York City. (During Super Bowl Weekend by the way, to add the fun of commuting there  with what almost required sleds and snow dogs!)

The previous 10 divisions have been streamlined into four broad market collections for NY Now: Home, Lifestyle, Handmade and New. They felt the re-branding was more reflective of the Show's 400-plus gift, home and lifestyle product categories. They also extended NY Now's hours of operation during the show to allow buyers extra time to shop.

And for my fellow members of Digital Press and my fellow Lifestyle Bloggers, you are going to LOVE another new feature of the newly designed show, nynow365.com, an image-based online product directory which boasts more than 27,000 products from more than 700 exhibitors at the recent show. Nearly 1.500 retailers are currently registered to use the site.

Warning to the wise, my fellow blogging lovelies, this is a trade-show and many brands couldn't care one lick that you are press, and some will chase you and your DSLR camera out of their booth as if you have leprosy. Getting angry won't change things. This is how I handle any conference, trade-show or exhibitor who yells 'HEY GET OUT OF HERE! NO PICTURES! NO PRESS!' - I learned to follow instructions in school, and I give them exactly what they asked for, ZERO COVERAGE. Any brand that is rude to me wasn't there as far as I'm concerned. The folks that walked me through their booth, and took a moment to ask about me after the walk through and what I do are the ones I am going to focus on. I think most trade-shows should get better at listing which brands are B2B only and are NOT interested in Press so we don't waste our valuable time on them. As a writer I'm seeking the B2C Brands, the ones that are already consumer facing if only the Show's apps or printed guides could devise a system (color coded maybe?) that lets press know who is press-friendly and who isn't. How about a green color to highlight the press friendly brands and red for the not so press friendly ones?

There was so much to see and do I literally have to break this up into multiple posts.

Here are the first batch of photos I took at NY NOW:

Overview of the show from my vantage point upstairs in the Press Area! (It was still early and the heavy snow did keep some people away)

Bottega del Vino Crystal

I have to admit I absolutely agree with and love Bottega del Vino Crystal's Tagline: "Why Simply Drink Your Wine, When You Can Experience it..." Wine enthusiasts will definitely agree that a quality glass does affect the tasting greatly! With Bottega del Vino Crystal, each piece is painstakingly mouth blown and hand finished to exceed standards in balance, weight, shape and the tactile experience of holding the stem while drinking your wine.

54 Wine Aroma - Master Kit

This kit has become the reference in the industry! Our sense of smell is very delicate and sensitive, practice allows us recognize and identify the 54 aromas most commonly present in wine. This helps to improve our appreciation and enjoyment of wine.  These help you to identify the typical aromas found in red and white wine (and yes including champagne), providing us with an indication of the wine's origin, the grape variety, as well as the vineyard, the wine making techniques that were used and the aging conditions. Memorizing these very aromas will give you an accurate and coherent vocabulary to help further stimulate your appreciation of fine wines. Do this before you next wine tasting and it will make everyone think you are the Master at the table! or impress your friends and family and host a home tasting after studying the 54. This Master Kit would make a great gift FOR ME!!!! :-)

OK I am sensing a Wine Theme Here!

I loved all the pretty Wine Stoppers and cheerful colors!

Couldn't resist this table setting with a live Goldfish Centerpiece! That little guy is sure to keep the conversation going at the table that's for sure!

BAOLGI

Rattan Specialists for the home BAOLGI had a beautiful display of rattan items for home both indoor/outdoor!

Bellevie Company, Inc.

I spent quite a bit of time talking to Ingrid Martin from Bellevie Company who walked me through their Souleo Provence Pottery, Heidi Callaird Guinea Hens from France, Zeller Keramik from Germany, and La Maison De L'Etain Pewter from France. Her team was super passionate about the tender love and care that goes into each piece and I will admit the cheerful display was a site for sore eyes that day considering the gloomy, cold, grey day outside. This exhibitor brought a touch of spring and whimsy which was very much appreciated. I could see a variety of their pieces in my new Dream Kitchen!

Miya Company Booth #3063

Mr. Miya (pronounced MEE-ya) incorporated his flower shop on 28th street in New York City in 1947. The mom and pop company evolved into Miya Company, Inc. a premier importer and wholesaler of Japanese Tableware and gifts on the East Coast. They are very much inspired by the Japanese aesthetic. as am I, so I did some spend some time enjoying all the unique offerings at this booth!

Picnic Plus Booth at NY NOW

With this New Yorker counting down the seconds, hours, minutes, and days until Spring, I loved that Picnic Plus was a great reminder of the happy days to come! Whether it's a casual picnic in the park, or a romantic picnic on the Beach, Picnic Plus definitely has you covered!

Huang Acrylic

Huang Acrylic's definitely caught my eye, as I need to some MAJOR re-organizational work in my space and these items help to keep everything super organized with a fun and very modern design!

Robert M. Weiss Presents

While his website caters specifically to retailers, you will notice a Store Locator on the top of  robert m. weiss P R E S E N T S, so you can plug in your zip code and find the nearest retailer near you that carries his work! Very interesting designs for home!

Forked Up Art

Had to nab a shot of one of the founders of Forked Up Art in front of his super creative and colorful display! This is the most amazing way to see forks and spoons recycled and re-purposed, so they can still have home in your kitchen or dining room! Cooking from a Recipe Book or Tablet, no worries, there are fork buddies that will hold them up for you! (keeping them safe and clean!) This one definitely stood for me as being one of the most unique brands I met at NY NOW! By the way, they also use it to make jewelry, making these ideal gifts for any chefs in your life. If you have any chefs graduating from culinary school this year, add Forked Up Art to your radar as an option for unique and meaningful gifts for your budding chef!

Turkish-T 

These original hand loomed towels are an environmentally friendly way to add some affordable luxury to your shower/bath! Their line runs from Basic, Beach Candy, Luxe Spa, Natural, Resort Cashmere, Sorbet, Super Soft and Woven. In a great range of styles and colors, there is something for everything at Turkish-T.

These Super Soft, Cozy robes by Turkish-T with the pretty stripes totally make me long for summer!

Wait, What, stop! Did someone say Christmas? Christmas trees will always stop me in my track!

Couldn't resist sockerbit's super cute exhibitor booth, first the tree then these cute little guys!

Check out sockerbit - sweet and swedish ideas to help make an upcoming party that much more fun for everyone!

My Take:

NY Now is a lot to take in, and spending some time in the press area with the show app and programs, help you map out your day so you can hit the booths/vendors that you really don't want to miss. However don't overpack yourself or day's itin. Leave some room that the booth you are visiting may be a bit back-logged, even if you do have an appointment. Always factor more time than you need to get from one of your appointments to the next.

I had to break up all these pictures and brands met in stages, this is actually going to be a multi-part post. I think it's easier for me to work on and for you as a reader to consume in steps! I may even skip days in between not to overwhelm with just how much took in at this one event!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended the Trade-Show as Digital Press, however this did not influence my opinion in any way all opinions are 100% my own. No compensation has been exchanged for this recap post.

Wordless Wednesday: #Wine is Bottled #Poetry Edition

The Sign Reads: Wine is Bottled Poetry

I was in between events and making a mad dash to Bowery Street in New York City, when I spotted this sign outside a local shop and I just had to stop and take a picture of it!

Butterflies I hope you all found a Wordless Moment to savor today! Bloggers post a link to your Wordless Wednesday as a comment below so we can check out your photos too! (We are too informal for a linky widget around here!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post.

Soup's On! + The Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace! cc @DuaneReade @CollectiveBias #cbias #cbiasNY #DRAsianMeals

Perhaps it's because I was born in April, but I am a total Spring baby. There is something about the mere thought of Spring that makes me perk up! Me being ever the optimist, I was ever so hopeful when Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early Spring. And I have tried to find signs of Spring being on the way, I really have, but when your streets still look like this:

Snow very much still on the ground around here!

It's a bit hard to think Spring!

Even with this little cutie on the windowsill:

Check out that sweet little birdie on the windowsill!

It is still FREEZING out! The wind was actually so strong today it was pushing me along and I kind of felt like I was skiing along as I ran my errands today!

On my way home I decided to stop off at Duane Reade to pick up some stuff:

Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

Not sure why that happened, but these shots were actually taken at the same time back to back but one looks like it's darker than the other, I guess it's the shooting angle:

Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

This isn't my regular Duane Reade shopping location so I had to check the Aisle names to find what I was looking for, in my usual location I have all the Aisles pretty much memorized. (I could probably shop my usual location blind-folded!)

Aisle 1, Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

I am trying to change my eating habits so I bypassed those tempting bags of chips and since my fingertips still felt like ice cubes I thought I'd check out the soup aisle! And I spotted something new!

Asian Meals Malaysian Noodle Soups are sold Duane Reade!

Asian Meals currently offers 3 varieties of Noodle Soup being sold at Duane Reade, Sesame Ginger, Shitake Mushroom and Lemongrass Noodle. The Sesame Ginger was not available at this location or another one I tried, so I was only able to purchase two out of the three varieties.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle and Lemongrass Noodle Soups

While most soups are way better than any bag of chips, some can be very high in sodium, and while I don't have any dietary restrictions when it comes to sodium, it's still something I try to be very careful not to over consume, so I am definitely a label reader.

Asian Meals Malaysian Lemongrass Noodle Soup

What I loved about the label:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 0 grams trans fat

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No MSG

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No preservatives

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No artificial color

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No 3-MCPD

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-GMO

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A portion of every AsianMeals purchase helps children with cancer.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle Noodle Soup

You know just how much I love 'give backs', when I can do something good for me and my family and also give back to others at the same time, it's a total win/win in my book!

Feeling artsy and created a cute vignette with my soups!

A soup that will warm up my heart and my tummy? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! As you can see I decided to bring them both home! They are super easy to prepare, they can be put in the microwave, or you can just add boiling water.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle and Lemongrass Noodle Soups

I chose to heat mine up in the microwave, don't you just love getting home cooked, simmered all day taste in just minutes?

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle Soup

It's B.Y.O.C, yep, bring your own chopsticks, it's that easy! I'm definitely going back to Duane Reade to try and find the the Sesame Ginger, I might add some of my own extra chicken or shrimp to that one, I added a few extra mushrooms to my Mushroom Noodle! Soups are my favorite place for leftover proteins!

My Take:

These are warm and perfect anytime for dinner, you might want throw in some extra proteins or vegetables if you have something in the fridge leftover, or add a nice crusty bread to it. They are also perfect if you brown bag your lunch to work, since you can make them even if your office doesn't have a microwave with just boiling water! I do like to keep readers fully informed, and I think it's important that you are aware that they are manufactured in a facility that uses wheat, peanut, tree nut, soy, fish and shrimp, while they do follow good manufacturing practices to segregate ingredients to help avoid cross contact with allergens, I just thought I'd be sure to point that out. They contain soy and oyster so if you or your children are allergic to either you may want to avoid these. But if you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, go for it!

EVENT:

Just wanted to be sure my New York and tri-state area readers got the heads up about The Malaysian Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace! On February 20 - 21, 2013 Malaysia Kitchen for the World will host The Malaysian Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace, featuring a variety  of signature Malaysian dishes and traditional Malaysian food products by restaurants and vendors in New York City and the Tri-State area. The event will be held in the heart of Bryant Park, under large, stunning heated tents near the iconic Bryant Park fountain and skating rink, surrounded by colorful umbrellas and lanterns reminiscent of the street markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The Malaysian Winter Market will be open all day, but be sure to stop by for lunch and dinner on both February 20 & 21 for great Malaysian dishes for up to $8 each:

Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm (or until sold out)
Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:00pm (or until sold out)

The event is open to the general public. Chef demonstrations and special performances by an authentic Malaysian dance troupe will take place on an elevated stage throughout the day. 

Participating restaurants include:

• Bentara Restaurant 

• Fatty Crab

• Laut 

• New Malaysia Restaurant

• Nyonya 

• Penang (Upper West Side, NYC)  

• wichcraft

   

Participating vendors include:

• Duane Reade

• Author and Chef Susheela Raghavan

• Auria's Malaysian Kitchen

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Malaysia Kitchen USA on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MalaysiaKitchen on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit the Malaysia Kitchen Website

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Duane Reade on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like @DuaneReade on Twitter

Check out a few more photos that didn't make this post on the Google + album of my shopping trip!

So butterflies, SOUP it's what for dinner! What are you making today?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®. Duane Reade and Malaysia Kitchen #CBias #SocialFabric #DRAsianMeals

Wordless Wednesday: Pictures from Vapiano's 10th Birthday Bash in New York City! {Photos}

On Monday, October 22, 2012 Vapiano's Restaurant celebrated it's 10th Birthday with a Blow Out Bash in New York City where bloggers, patrons, editors and New York's Social Elite enjoyed great food, great drinks and great service in style! Here are my photos from the birthday bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash, Wideshot of Bar as guests arrive!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - The Aperol Spritz and Summer Sangria were the Signature Drinks for the Bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Close Up of Aperol Spritz Signature Drink! Prosecco and Bitters and an Orange Garnish are all a part of the magic in this cocktail!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - And then there were two! Aperol Spritz Signature Event Drink with an Orange Garnish!

Above: Signature Drinks and Appetizers for two at Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Anniversary Birthday Bash! Read more here: 

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash DJ Mixes Music during the Bash!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash - This Little Cutie tried to make off with the Balloons!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Menu!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Pizza Americana - Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella, Spicy Italian Sausage, Sliced Sicilian Pepperoni

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Granchi De Fiume - Crayfish, Lobster Sauce, Fresh Vegetables and your choice of pasta, I selected the Penne Pasta - YUMMO!

Vapiano Restaurant New York City 10th Birthday Bash Staff and (Center) Managing Partner, Christophe Scherman and patrons mingle during the Birthday Bash!

For my fellow New Yorkers you should definitely check this place out and for those visiting New York City, the proximity of the Restaurant to NYC Landmark Union Square makes this a must visit! I greatly enjoyed the Birthday Bash and thank the team at Vapiano Restaurant for their amazing hospitality and attentive service!

Butterfly Bloggers be sure to link up your Wordless Wednesday Posts as a comment to this thread, and if you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter our Nicole Miller Designer Handbag Giveaway of the 'Addison' Style Crossbody Leather Handbag, you have until October 31st to put in an entry to win, the bag has an ARV of $295 and there will be ONE winner!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to share my event recap of the Vapiano Restaurant 10th Birthday Bash.