When your outfit inadvertently matches the art exhibit! #ChihulyNYBG + winner of our @NYBG #CHIHULYNIGHTS Giveaway Announced!

Remember when I told you I took WAY too many pictures at the Media Day of the Preview of the Dale Chihuly Exhibit at Botanical Garden?

Did I also mention I sort of inadvertently matched one of the installations in the exhibit?

OK so THIS happened:

Above: I didn't get the memo, but I did sort of match the Dale Chihuly Niijima Floats Installation

Above: Sunglasses: Foster & Grant, Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Calvin Jeans, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Earrings: Let's just say they are 'Vintage' :-)

Above: Niijima Floats, spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: Niijima Floats, six-foot spheres of intricate color inspired by Japanese glass fishing floats from the island of Niijima

Above: I love that this boat just literally free floats, so the spheres catch different light and cast different shadows depending upon where the boat is when you photograph it. The day I was there it was super overcast, thankfully it didn't rain!

Above: These Butterfly picks were in the Gift Shop, and again they are kind of matching my outfit!

Above: OK so I may have been a bit 'Orange' obsessed that day!

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: I know you all entered my giveaway for a set of passes to Chihuly Nights at Botanical Gardens right? (see giveaway post HERE) - well drumroll please because we have a winner, Congratulations to Laura F.

There are definitely way more photos, I'll break them up!

My Take:

If you haven't checked out the exhibit, what are you waiting for?

Be sure to put the New York Botanical and this exhibit on your summer to do list!

If you are a blogger feel free to leave a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post this week so we can show you some love. NO GIVEAWAY LINKS PLEASE! (I do moderate comments but an angel and butterfly will lose its wings if you break this rule! And I know you wouldn't want that to happen.)

Mention Worthy (Please SHARE with a Military Vet!):

The New York Botanical Garden announces free admission for U.S. veterans to CHIHULY Nights on four select dates between Memorial Day and Labor Day.

U.S. veterans of any military service branch will receive free admission to CHIHULY Nights on Saturdays, May 27 and June 24, and Thursdays, July 6 and August 31.

CHIHULY, the major new exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden, presented by Bank of America, features more than 20 installations by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly.

What are YOUR Memorial Day Weekend Plans Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway was sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. 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.

{Mothers Day #Giveaway} Win a pair of passes to #CHIHULYNIGHTS from @Ascending1 & @NYBG #ChihulyNYBG

Coming up empty on Mother's Day Gift Ideas this year?

Tired of the same old same old?

How about an experience instead?

I recently attended the media preview day of  the latest Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden for Dale Chihuly which will run through late October (10/29 to be precise).

As usual, I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the exhibition. (When the board is completed the words "Pinterest Board" will become clickable).

Do you think Mom would like an experience that combines nature, art, and music in a very special setting?

I come with a Special Giveaway!

The 'evening version' of this exhibition called 'CHIHULY Nights' where the exhibition will be infused with an almost magical energy as the artworks created by Dale Chihuly will be illuminated which will heighten the drama and luminous quality of Dale Chihuly's colors and forms when lit under the evening sky is all yours, read through for your chance to win a pair of tickets to CHIHULY Nights at New York Botanical Garden.

In the Visitor Center plaza there will be a rotating lineup of performing artists and musicians, and Avion Tequila cocktails will also be available for purchase.

Media Day Intro:

Above: “The New York Botanical Garden is the perfect setting for Dale Chihuly’s art,” said Gregory Long, Chief Executive Officer and The William C. Steere Sr. President of NYBG. “Our historic landscape is an open-air museum, providing a thrilling opportunity for our visitors to see the spectacular installations, especially when they will be lit at night. The exhibition will be a more holistic look at the legacy of Chihuly the artist. We are extremely grateful to our sponsors and everyone whose support is making it possible for us to bring this experience to our existing and new audiences.”

Above: The artist had a show at the New York Botanical Garden in 2006, but the NYBG says the new exhibit is much larger and much more fully-realized. Gregory Long (pictured above), the NYBG’s president, referenced the 2006 show as “only a taste of the real thing… this one is bigger and better.” CHIHULY incorporates a broader and more diverse terrain across the garden, from inside the Enid Haupt Conservatory to the Metz Library and all around the wooded grounds.

There are more than 20 installations of Chihuly’s beautiful glass works all in all. His staff and the NYBG worked together for two years as they prepared for the opening and installation of the works took three weeks, with many large trucks from Seattle delivering the glass pieces.

Above: Citron Sun by Dale Chihuly welcomes visitors to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory at New York Botanical Garden.

Above: Citron Sun Close Up!

Above: I couldn't resist the temptation to get super close up and capture the vibrant color and detail in this installation.

Where Nature Meets Art:

Above: I loved the Dragon Tree 'Colorama' juxtaposed against Dale Chihuly White Tower with Fiori New York Botanical Garden, CHIHULY 2017 - Photo Credit Tracy Iglesias

Above: I zoomed in to get a close up on the vibrant color and detail on this installation as well

Above: I thought I'd get in close to the bottom of the installation as it makes it appear as if it is growing straight up out of the rocks!

Above: CHIHULY Exhibition Scarlet and Yellow Icicle Tower, New York Botanical Garden 2017 Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

Above: CHIHULY NEON (don't worry I got a close up, see photo below)

Above: NEON by Dale Chihuly - yes I zoom in again for a bit more detail, see below

Above: Neon 206, a busy outdoor work that features over 1,100 feet of neon and acrylic arranged into a glorious tangle!

Above: I spot Blue Herons by Dale Chihuly poking out from the Native Plants in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, New York Botanical Garden 2017 CHIHULY Exhibiion. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

Above: The juxtaposition of the plant life with the art installations is captivating and a photographers dream! Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

MY TAKE:

My recap coverage is so extensive I will have to split into a few pieces so you can get a sense for how much of the grounds the exhibition really covers! I can't wait to experience the installations by night as well so I can see the pieces lit up against the night sky. So keep checking back for our Wordless Wednesdays - they won't be wordless because obviously - I am never wordless - but they will be photo heavy!

I love this exhibit and can't wait to check it out at night!

WIN IT:

Tell us your favorite memory experience with your mom! Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest. Did you have a favorite place you would always visit with your mom?

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to CHIHULY NIGHTS (one winner and one guest) It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Leave a comment on this post on a cherished memory with your mom and don't forget to use the rafflecopter widget to enter the contest.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I covered the Media Day as press and the giveaway is sponsored by NYBG but NOT compensated. 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} Spirits, #Wine, and Daffodils in the Garden! {#WineWednesday}

Remember when I posted about Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend happening on Earth Day Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden? If you forgot, here is a link to the original post.

The event was as awesome as I knew it would be and I thought Wordless Wednesday would be a perfect opportunity to share the photo highlights.

I will never be totally 'Wordless' on Wordless Wednesday (unless I just don't post!), but since this is the day to showcase our Photography Skills I promise this post won't disappoint.

What I got experience, in no particular order:

Above: I had to start with the Daffodils. They were the star of the show!  The Daffodils were so pretty, and signs of Spring were much needed at that point. Winters can feel never-ending around here!

Above: This Artisan Cabernet Savignon was a pleasant surprise. You guys know I am still getting my feet wet when it comes to reds, but this one was very well balanced.

Above: Artisan's offerings were actually all pretty well balanced, but for me finding a red I like is rare, so when I hit tastings I always make it a point to take a 'stand out' shot so I can have it for reference. This way when I am shopping and preparing for parties - whether I am hosting or looking for a hostess gift for a party I am attending I can refer to my stand out shots to find the perfect wine for any occasion.

Above: OK, back to white, this 2015 'Cayuga White' Premium White Wine by Brimstone Hill was another standout. (Pretty sweet shot right?)

Above: Couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the tasting menu from Brotherhood Winery.

Above:  There wasn't a bad one in the bunch and I am thinking of the summer nights ahead that their Sangria would be perfect for! (Remember never wonder what to do with stray fruit, chop it up and put in a pitcher with your sangria! LOL) - and remember the best life hack ever - freeze your grapes and use those in your wine instead of ice cubes. YAS!!!!

Above: I love 'miniatures' and I was living for this mini wine barrel - I so wanted it as a souvenir!

Above: This Brotherhood Riesling was definitely their standout for me. I love how patiently all the winery reps posed for my 'standout wine' photos and for my famous 'pour shots'.

While poking around their site I just noticed they have an ice wine, I am going to have to try that one next time. I LOVE Ice Wines!

Above: Yep, had to get that pour shot! Are you starting to feel like you were there?

Above: Got to capture another pour in action by City Winery! (By the way I am linking you to their NYC site, you can press on the upper left where it reads 'Change Your City' if you are not based here)

Above: My City Winery tasting standouts were: The 2015 'Local R' California Rose and the 2014 'sohovignon blanc' (noticed what they do there, SOHOvignon instead of sauvignon!) I love their hashtag #DrinkLocal

Above: This year's tastings have really expanded my palate, and my two standouts from Palaia Winery were actually their Meads! 'Smead' and 'Magical Mead' were my two standouts. Go figure, the two things that don't really use Grapes, the Magical Mead is a honey wine, made from honey with no Grapes at all and the Smead is a Strawberry Mead made with the Mead and Strawberries.

Above: Had to get my pour shot! I enjoyed tasting through with Palaia but was very surprised to have my standouts be the ones that didn't use Grapes. That's a new one on me. And it's really fun to find something that's unique and different.

Above: If you remember my press trip to BrandyWine Valley I made several surprising discoveries - an apple wine I really enjoyed and I discovered a 'Bourbon Street Margarita' Signature Drink that amped up my Margarita game, I had no idea that what my Margaritas were missing was a splash of bourbon in addition to the Tequila. I know right? Well when Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery whipped out the Black Dirt Distillery Apple Jack it was quite a surprise! They were actually smart and brought an assortment of spirits, not just wine which was great and needless to say the men folk were gravitating here! (Too bad I didn't find any single ones! #LeSigh) This bourbon was really, really, really GOOD!

Above: My dry palate was obviously off that day as I was digging stuff way sweeter than my normal! The American Fruits Apple Liquer and Black Current Cordial were also standouts for me. And that my butterflies, surprised even ME!

Above: I would be remiss not to include Warwick Gin which was another pleasant surprise to find at a wine tasting!

Above: And another perfect pour shot with Whitecliff Vineyards!

Above: If the backdrop of a Botanical Garden isn't enough for a stellar wine tasting experience, there was live music by performed by Milton.  (Bluegrass and Folk Tunes)

MY TAKE:

The New York Botanical Garden turns 125 years old in 2016 and to celebrate that milestone they began an expansion of the Narcissus plants at Daffodil Hill in November 2015, the goal is one million daffodils and they are looking for donations to help make that happen, you can learn more about the initiative and ways to help HERE.

The Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend was a great way to spend Earth Day Weekend, outdoors with perfect weather with great company listening to music and sampling great wine, life just doesn't get much better than this.

Readers Sound Off: Which of my tasting finds appeal to you most? Which one would you want to try first?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and as always ALL opinions are 100% my own! Press Passes were provided for Editorial Consideration. 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.

This weekend I plan on finding my thrill on 'Daffodil Hill' care to join me? @NYBG #EarthDay

Photo Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden

Happy Earth Day Butterflies! I hope today finds you outdoors enjoying the sun and doing stuff to leave our Earth better than you found it.

Want to turn Earth Day into a weekend?

Join me at Daffodil Hill at New York Botanical Garden for Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend!

With 150,000 Daffodil Bulbs planted in November 2015, the display of flowering trees, the historic daffodil display at Daffodil Hill and New York State Vintners offering a wide variety of palate-pleasing local wines, and experts on winemaking and viticulture hosting demonstrations and discussions I can't imagine anywhere I'd rather be this weekend!

This weekend is going to be a great weekend to be out and about and enjoying all New York Botanical Garden has to offer!

Photo Courtesy of New York Botanical Garden

I plan to check out Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend and hope you will too, Visit New York Botanical Garden's website to learn more and purchase your tickets!

How do you plan to celebrate Earth Day this weekend?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and as always 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.

Last Chance for the @NYBG Holiday Train Show + they will be open for the long weekend! {#Photo Highlights}

This is NOT a compensated post!

Tshirt in New York Botanical Garden Gift Shop - Holiday Train Show 2015

Looking for a fun way to spend the long weekend? If you are based in New York City I would highly suggest the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show which will be open on Monday. The show is family friendly and the model trains zipping past a display of 150 famous landmarks - each painstakingly re-created with bark, leaves and other natural materials is sure to delight the entire family.

This weekend is also the last weekend you can catch 'Bar Car Nights' (which is the adults only evening version of the show that comes with a complimentary cocktail/beverage) - fun date night idea, and not a bad idea for those singles who are ready to mingle either - you never know who you will meet while waiting in line for your cocktail at the bar. (If you hold magic in your heart and allow 2016 to enchant you, it surely will).

There are new trains and tracks this year as well as a short film of the show's behind-the-scenes magic, a multi-sensory finale of light and sound. 

The grounds are like a winter wonderland spread across 250 acres with musical performances, fire dancers, ice-carving and Evergreen Express Activities for kids in the Adventure Garden.

Not based in New York City? No worries, I've got you covered with Photo Highlights!

Above: Fire Dancer - New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Fire Dancer, New York Botanical Garden

Above: Ice Carver at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Ice Carver at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Ice Carver at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Penn Station Replica (created using Natural Materials) at New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show

Above: Phillipsburg Manor Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Radio City Music Hall Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Highland Gardens Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Grand Central Terminal Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Stadium Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Trans World Airlines - TWA Terminal at John F Kennedy Airport Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York (See the airplane on the left of the terminal, isn't it cute?)

Above: Enid Haupt Conservatory Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York (Had to love that nod to themselves, we were in the Enid Haupt Conservatory enjoying the Holiday Train Show!)

Above: Macys Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York - There is an exclusive contest going on at NYBG to win a Macys Gift Card, so be sure to look for the sign and enter the contest!

Above: Union Station Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

Above: Wave Hill House Replica at New York Botanical Garden 2015 Holiday Train Show, Bronx, New York

I took TONS of photos so I will create a Pinterest Board for this one soon and come back and post the link to it here.

DISCOUNT:

Buy your tickets online and save $5 with code 9101 on tickets to the last Bar Car Nights on January 15th & 16th

MY TAKE:

As a New Yorker and Bronxite, the New York Botanical Garden is sort of like 'my home away from home' - I visit there often enough! Between taking in The Orchid Show, the Frida Kahlo Exhibition this past summer and now the Holiday Train Show, it amazes me how much they transform the space! I enjoyed the Train Show - it was definitely more crowded for the bar car night that I attended than I expected, so leave enough time to get there so you can enjoy your entire session. There is SO much to see!

Speaking of The Orchid Show, the 2016 Orchid Show is almost here, and we will be hosting another giveaway for Orchid Evenings at the Garden right here, so please stay tuned, that giveaway will launch VERY soon! I definitely recommend the show as a Valentine's Day Date idea or even girls night out if you are not sharing Valentine's with a special someone this year.

Are model trains a part of your holidays? Have you ever been to the Holiday Train Show?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Passes to the Holiday Train Show were provided for Editorial Consideration. 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.