{#WordlessWednesday} Farm to Table - Fall Harvest Bounty {#Photography} #Foodie #LifestyleBlogger

If you are thinking this Fall Harvest Bounty Goodness looks familiar it was on the table when I met Chef Matt Abdoo (of New York City's well known eatery Del Posto Restaurant) for the New York Botanical Garden Family Dinner Series, if you missed that post click here! I just thought this one is so perfect for fall it deserved a day in the Wordless Wednesday Spotlight all to itself!

May YOUR Harvest be equally fresh and bountiful this Fall, in EVERY area of your life! Happy Wordless Wednesday, Bloggers feel free to link up by posting your WW link with your comment (remember NO Giveaway links here, Wordless Wednesday ONLY)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Seating to the Family Dinner 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} Giant Monarch Butterflies at New York Botanical Garden! @NYBG #FridaNYC #AscendingButterfly

Imagine having a Monarch Butterfly this big in your garden!

That's Me, Ascending Butterfly in the middle!

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Bloggers feel free to comment with a link to your post so we can check out your photos too! (NO Giveaways please, this is just a wordless wednesday linky only!)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} Sometimes you just need a pretty place to sit! {#Photos} #NYBG

Find yourself a pretty place to sit today!

Couldn't resist snapping a shot of the artwork on the walls, but when I re-visited my pictures I couldn't help but notice just how 'zen' sitting there was (what I saw when I 'looked up' is a photo series for a different Wordless Wednesday Post!)

Above: For some reason there was never a time when the bench under this painting didn't have someone sitting on it, so I couldn't get a full shot with this one! (Just like I don't like people snapping shots of me just because it's a public place I don't do it to others!)

Which is YOUR Favorite?

Brownie points for anyone who can guess where specifically these photos were taken!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

Bloggers feel free to link up by leaving us a comment with the URL to your Wordless Wednesday Photos as we'd love to see your pictures for this week, just remember, no giveaway links, WW only.

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Win a pair of tickets to @NYBG 's The Orchid Show: Chandeliers! + #Orchid Slideshow #Photography

Apparently Old Man Winter wants to  keep New York in his Vice Grip with snow here on the first day of Spring. This butterfly and Spring Baby (my birthday is coming up in April) yearns for signs of Spring and I found them at the NY Botanical Gardens!

They host an Orchid Show annually (in fact this is the 13th year!) and this year the show is called "The Orchid Show: Chandeliers". This year, it's all about looking UP, not just down or around, but it's this year's "Orchid Evenings" that combines Music, Cocktails and the sublime beauty of delicate orchids that are allowing visitors to make unique connections on themed 'adult only' evenings that allow for a romantic date night, or even a way for singles to connect and meet. Orchid Evenings are being held Saturdays, March 7, 14, 21, 28, and April 4 (My birthday!), 11 and 18th.

For $25 for Members and $35 per ticket for non-members, the ticket includes one complimentary beer, wine or cocktail of your choice and you will need to select an entrance time for The Orchid Show at time of purchase. Head to the show before your time and hit the gift shop or dine at The Pine Tree Cafe where you can enjoy a special event menu or just lounge to the sounds of The Nick Russo Latin Trio, and ladies don't miss your chance to stop for a quick lipstick touch-up by one of Guerlain's famed make-up artists and indulge in a specialty cocktail inspired by Guerlain's Orchidée impériale line. And for those of you who are Mastercard holders, please be sure to purchase your ticket with your Mastercard to enjoy a special champagne pre-party at Shop in the Garden on Select Nights. Note this VIP ticket is $40 and you can learn more about that ticket HERE.

The three tier living chandelier of orchids is absolutely breath-taking! And while it's still a bit chilly out here in the Big Apple, it's super warm and toasty in the Enid Haupt Conservatory at the Gardens!

And for those of you who visited us last week for Wordless Wednesday, that photo was a teaser, and yes that 'strange' hanging thing was an Orchid Plant!


ABOVE: My Photo slideshow of the show, I took ALL of these photos! (I am working on getting a Pinterest Board posted of all these photos as well, in the meantime each photo can be viewed individually on Flickr using the link on the bottom right of the slideshow.)

WIN IT: 

Ascending Butterfly and The New York Botanical Garden want to help melt away those winter blues and put some 'Spring' back in your step! Enter to win a pair of passes to Orchid Evenings at The Orchid Show: Chandeliers at New York Botanical Garden! Please note this is a Flash Giveaway and ends SOON! Use the rafflecopter widget below to place your entries! (If reading this put the widget to sleep you may need to refresh the page again to get the widget to show up for you so you can place your entries.) Remember Orchid Evenings are on Saturday Night's Only, and you must be 21 years of age or older to claim your passes as there are cocktails being served, this is an ADULT ONLY giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

The New York Botanical Garden is one of my favorite 'Urban Oasis' places in Bronx, New York. Being there just adds instant zen to my day and as you can tell by my photo slideshow I really enjoyed the Orchid Show. The living Chandeliers of Orchid Flowers just blew me away!

There was a DJ, great flowers, fun Photo Opps, lippie makeovers from Guerlain and fantastic cocktails too! What more can you ask for?

Whether you are single and ready to mingle or lost in love, The Orchid Show has a little something for everyone!

What is your favorite flower?

(Remember you get extra credit in the giveaway for answering this question as a comment below!)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to post our recap of the show or host this giveaway, and all opinions are 100% my own!  We were provided access to show 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.

{@WordlessWednesday} Guess me from underneath! {#Photo}

Can you guess what I am?

Happy Wordless Wednesday! This picture ties into something very special that is coming very SOON, so stay tuned for a Flash Giveaway that will open and close quickly and include some very special surprises!

Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post so we can check out your pictures too, just remember, NO giveaway links or linkies here, Wordless Wednesday links only!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} No My Brain Doesn't Want to be PICKED, it Wants to be PAID! #Humor #Photo

If you like me, don't forget to Pin me!

When you get those 'Can I pick your brain?' emails that drive you nuts, send them the link to this page with a smile!

Noticed how I used overlay to carefully and sneakily put in butterflies all over the skull neck and shoulders?

I don't know about you but a cup of coffee just won't cut it, if you want to pick my brain pay my hourly consulting rate! If you want an advertorial I will gladly send you the rate sheet, no need to pick my brain!

Happy Wordless Wednesday on the interwebs! Bloggers feel free to comment with the direct link to your Wordless Wednesday Post today and we will be sure to stop by and show you some love too! (No Giveaways and no links to just your homepage - Wordless Wednesday Posts ONLY please!)

Butterflies what do you reply when someone asks to pick YOUR brain?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been exchanged 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} @jengroover inspires the crowd at the @ActivateMovmt #Activate2K14 #Conference

I thought this picture of Jen Groover (tagged by Success Magazine as a 'one woman brand') inspiring attendees at the Activate 2K14 Conference would be a perfect empowerment photo for Wordless Wednesday!

"We have control of one thing only in this world ... Our Perspective. Choose a positive one." ~ Jen Groover

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies, feel free to comment with a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos as well so we can check them out and leave you some comment love! (No Giveaway Links please!)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Activate 2K14 Conference as a member of the Digital Media, this is NOT a sponsored post, it is an event recap of my experience. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. This post may contain affiliate links.

Want to up your #Travel #Photography Game or make #WordlessWednesday pics pop? Then #GoProatBestBuy @BestBuy

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and is also a Brand Ambassador and Blogger Advisory Board Member and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!

Where are my adventure lovers? Where are my thrill seekers? Where are my photography enthusiasts with a lust for life? If you took grainy, less than stellar action shots this summer that were totally un-usable, how about hinting to Santa that you need a new camera for the holidays this year?

Our friends at Best Buy have some product ideas that will help you 'up your action shot game', they are the home of the latest cameras and camcorders and they offer a full line of new GoPro Cameras that will help you capture that perfect winter shot from the ski slopes this holiday season.

GoPro HERO4 Black

Press on the image above to purchase the GoPro HERO4 Black directly at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Most advanced of the GoPro line with improved image quality and a 2x more powerful processor

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2x faster video frame rates (see full description of other features below + BONUS item with purchase!)

Press on the image above to purchase the GoPro HERO4 Silver directly at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first-ever GoPro to feature a built-in touch display that controls the camera, playing back footage and to adjust settings - just view, tap and swipe the screen!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Offers 1080p and 720p as well as 12MP photos at 20 frames per second!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pro-quality capture WITH a Touch Display!

GoPro HERO

Press on the image above to purchase the GoPro HERO directly at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This unit also offers 1080p and 720p video, but picture is 5MP up to 5fps

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 12x more powerful processor with 2x faster video frame rates

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Features integrated WATERPROOF housing for use in up to 131' of water!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Auto low-light setting will automatically compensate for dim lighting.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A COOL FREEBIE: Note that right now if you order the GoPro at Best Buy you can nab a cool free bonus item: A Shutterfly 8 X 8 Photo Book to help you preserve those memories you just captured. The Digital Age is great, but I personally still love photo books, and seeing my photos all in one place instead of across a plethora of devices!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ultra-wide-angle glass lens - for an expansive field of view

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - QuikCapture - Turn your camera on and begin recording with the push of a button

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Built-in battery - up to 2.5 hours of recording time

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Built-in microphone - the skeleton backdoor of this unit enhances audio capture during low-speed activities.

My Take:

One of the hardest places to capture a still shot or video is on something moving, this is type of camera you want if you are at an amusement park and want to capture that look of horror on your friends faces as a roller coaster descends, or that moment when you are swooshing down a ski slope to capture the scenery gliding by as you whiz past it!

Check out GoPro at Best Buy to figure out which GoPro model is right for you and check out user reviews too! I love that you get awesome functionality with any of the GoPro models but you don't have to buy more camera than you need as the basic model is super feature rich in its own right!

Which GoPro Model will you choose Butterfly?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! As a Best Buy Ambassador I receive products for editorial consideration, use affiliate links in my posts and am sometimes with compensated with Best Buy Gift Cards as well. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Want to improve the quality of your #WordlessWednesday #photos or take a more stellar #Selfie? Try the @Sony #QX10 on for size!

Remember my Mom 2.0 Summit Conference recap post where I referenced a cool device that 'wowed' not only my fellow Best Buy Blogging Ambassadors, but also everyone who hit the Best Buy Booth? (If you missed my conference recap you can check that out HERE), but as promised I wanted to give you the full 'T' on the Sony QX10!

I have been trying to get better at keeping my Wordless Wednesday's truly 'Wordless' but since the point of the day is to showcase stellar photography from across the blog-a-sphere I thought a device that can help you take your phone and turn it into a DSLR might just Pique your interest.

You can press on the photo above to purchase the Sony QX10 at Best Buy!

About:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Image Resolution 4896 x 3672 (this number speaks to image 'clarity')

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 10x Optical Zoom (the Optical zoom is the lens 'true' zoom capability, basically the greater your optical zoom the closer you can get to what you are taking pictures of)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Optical Image Stabilization (not all phones offer Image Stabilization - this is one of the places that the QX10 will 'shine')

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Timer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Micro USB and USB 2.0 for file transfer + Memory Stick + wifi enabled

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CMOS Imaging Sensor + Tripod Mount

See it in Action:

I tested out the QX10 on a Samsung GALAXY S III and I wanted to share a photo comparison of the same shots taken directly with the camera phone and then the same shot taken with the QX10 under the same lighting conditions and angle, ALL of the shots are entirely un-retouched:

Here's another collage comparison, also with a still subject with slightly better lighting conditions on both shots, again entirely un-retouched:

My Take:

As you can see the QX10 captured more detail and were brighter on their own. Remember the QX10 is an attachment device to your cell phone, so it has no flash and no LCD viewer.

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It excels for macro shots and outdoor shots

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not lugging an actual DSLR - PRICELESS - it is an ultra-compact point and shoot. And it's definitely ideal for those looking for an entry level intro to the DSLR world. It makes your phone photos better, particularly for those using their tablets to take photos. (This will totally make sense to my fellow bloggers!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Versatility - Does make it easy to capture 'awkward' shots or angles you may not be able to capture as easily with a bulkier camera. When I am at event or crowded venue I have become the queen of the 'overhead' shot, this device is certainly easier to hold over a ton of heads in a crowded space and shoot pointing down. And yes it does help to make Selfies a bit easier to capture!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The software is a bit slow and still a bit buggy, this lag may cause you to miss 'action' shots, there is no burst mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The bigger your device, the harder your 'snap fit' experience may be. With my Galaxy S III it isn't a totally secure fit and would sometimes depress the button that puts my phone in standby. So be careful not only with your placement, but also be sure you remember it is a detachable lens so don't make any 'jerky' movements while it's attached to your phone as you could inadvertently knock it off and drop it.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A microSD needs to be inserted to store photos and the attachment also has it's own battery - you need to be sure you are keeping both your phone and the attachment fully charged.

If you have already been researching this unit, the QX10 is specifically geared toward entry-level shooters, it offers mid-range optics (way better than your cell but not the same manual control over the creativity of your shots as a full on DSLR offers) and the other model from Sony the QX100 offers a stronger 20.2 megapixel sensor and a 'stronger' lens so obvs a bit higher price point, but I have a feeling that once you are considering the QX100 you may end up opting for a full DSLR to get more control and creativity in the outcome of your photographs.

Extra Reviews for your Reference:

Here are some reviews from fellow Best Buy Brand Ambassadors for your perusal! It's always great to read what bloggers who are always mobile and in this case are also savvy and discerning tech wise think of the same product:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Kitty Bradshaw

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sassy Mama in LA

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mommy Maestra

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sunshine and Sippy Cups

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Alison

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just Short of Crazy

Happy (Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Bloggers as always, leave us a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos so we can check them out too, just remember, no giveaway posts please!


˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I'm a Best Buy brand ambassador and received the Sony QX10 for review purposes. No other compensation was received. 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.

First I got Wet, then Tickled! Not dirty or anything, just some @ConeyIslandFun #ConeyFamilyFun #AmusementPark

While the title might imply something naughty, I promise it was all good, clean, fun! Luna Park Amusement Park at Coney Island hosted a day for bloggers to hit the Park with their families and indulge in a little adrenaline boosting fun on the rides and then enjoy great eats courtesy of Applebees! (I miss their old commercial tagline - 'Eating Good in the Neighborhood'.)

So instead of being that annoying friend that whips out a photo album of a billion pictures, I thought I'd share the fun with you all via slideshow, same great pics, faster way to view them!

.

My Take:

Coney Island is one of my fondest memories of childhood and I have to admit I am thrilled that they host a day for bloggers at Luna Park in Coney Island annually to experience the park and get an inside scoop on all the fun things going on. I am also a beach person, so the fact that the park is located centrally to the water is just another all around plus for me! I'm not a mom, but riding Amusement Park rides for the day certainly brings out the little kid in me! And works up an appetite so enjoying some time at Applebees and trying out the new Take Two Menu was a great end to a perfect summer day!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This recap post is NOT sponsored, however I attended the park as a guest of the Alliance for Coney Island. 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.

DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup Atlantic City 2014 #DOACsand

Follow all the Sand Scupting action using the hashtag #DOACsand via twitter

I hope all my butterflies are having a fantastic Fourth of July holiday weekend! I trust all things 'B' are being enjoyed this weekend, Beach and BBQ - what did you think I meant? LOL (and maybe another good 'B', Beer!)

This post is a continuation of my Atlantic City Sampling Experience via Crowdtap! (Check out the first post HERE) I told you Atlantic City has a ton of things to see and do, it's just as family friendly as it is a place for singles like me, one of the activities on my itinerary was the DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup in Atlantic City.

I took so many hi-res photos I was afraid to break my server so I created a slideshow of the amazing sand sculptures, I even got to meet a few of the sculptors which was pretty neat!

I used Flickr to create this slideshow, but if the slideshow moves too fast for your taste you can check out each photo individually in two places: Flickr - DO AC Sand Sculpting World Cup 2014 as well as on our Pinterest Travel Board (I may create a unique board for these on Pinterest in addition to throwing them into travel, once I do I will come back and update this post with the direct URL).

Which is your Favorite Sand Sculpture in the Slideshow Butterfly?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure:  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 was selected for this opportunity as a member of Crowdtap and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. This post is a continuation of the Atlantic City Sampling Experience offered to select Crowdtap members.

{#WordlessWednesday} Bloody Mary Mussels + Bloody Mary Cocktail using @murphsfamous #foodie #photography

I used Murph's Famous Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix to make BOTH the Mussels and the cocktail.

Bloggers feel free to post your Wordless Wednesday URL as a comment to this post so we can check out your photos as well, no giveaway links please!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions are expressly my own experiences. I was provided with Murph's Famous 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

What does #SoccerFever in Times Square New York City with the @NewYorkRedBulls look like? Check it out! #VZWBuzz

Above: The New York Red Bulls Players, Times Square in New York City

The Verizon Team hit Times Square in New York City to surprise everyone with Face Painting and a visit from The New York Red Bulls! Verizon invited a group of New York City Bloggers to cover the scene at Times Square and then watch the Brazil vs Croatia game at a local Dave & Busters!

The photo highlights from this one are just too much for one post, so I gave this event its own dedicated pinterest board, I'm posting a few photos here and you can check out the rest via Ascending Butterfly's Pinterest Page.

As you know New Yorker's are far from shy, so it didn't take long to draw a crowd, but the very first person to approach us, was someone from Brazil who came up to the group and spoke to us in a very animated Portuguese, I think the collective look of confusion made her switch to English and then we all were able to easily switch to Spanish, here is a picture of that moment:

She was thrilled we were rooting for Brazil, and the team colors and spirit that were on display gave her a taste of home, while reminding me exactly why I love this city, you never know who you will meet! Chance encounters in New York City are part of what make it so fun to live here.

The New York Red Bulls showed off their skills and even invited the crowd to join in, here is someone who was brave enough to show their skills:

Even kids got in on the action:

Above: First her mom learned the trick, and then she wanted to learn it to! (remember you can check out more shots via Pinterest - where they will also load in full size!)

Above: Let's just say New York Bloggers know this little cutie quite well, even the team couldn't resist her!

I couldn't resist getting a shot with The New York Red Bulls:

That's me standing in the middle of The New York Red Bulls sporting my Brazil shirt and cool Shades!

And eventually we all headed out to a local Dave & Busters (who seemed pretty daunted by the size of our party!) here are some photos:

Above: This bad boy is called a 'Coronarita' - yep, it's a Corona inside a Margarita!

Thankfully with Verizon you can keep track of the games while on the go and never miss a beat! If you want to see more photos of the team, check out our Pinterest Page!

How many Soccer fans do we have in our Ascending Butterfly community? Let us know by posting a comment here telling us your favorite team! (Is there a team butterfly? LOL)

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided was granted VIP/Press access so this event, and there was a gift bag, however 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.