@worldmarket is opening a store in New York City and I've got the Scoop AND some #discounts! #WorldMarketNYC #ad

Ad: This Post Is Sponsored By:

A little something for everyone? I would say so:

✔ Furniture
✔ Textiles
✔ Ceramics
✔ Glassware
✔ Home Decor
✔ Jewelry
✔ Accesories
✔ Global Food
✔ Wines

With over 270 retail locations (in 33 states) and a strong online presence, Cost Plus World Market is already known for their broad and unique assortment of home goods (and MORE including over 500 international wines!), as a New York City girl I am super stoked to share with you that Cost Plus is coming to NYC! They have a location in Livingston, New Jersey, but that one is a bit too far for me so the fact that one is coming to New York City couldn't make me happier!

The 5,000 square feet wonderland of shopping nirvana will be housed in the eclectic Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan and will showcase lifestyle vignettes that serve to provide inspiration on how to design your space, and even better still: NEW YORK area customers will have the opportunity to see in person select 'online-only' offerings (don't you just love an exclusive?).

The Manhattan Store is located in Chelsea at 620 Sixth Avenue between 18th and 19th Streets and the official store Grand Opening begins 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 wait there's MORE!

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!

Check out the cool video for the NYC store:



Remember how the title of this post talks about 'scoop'? If you are not already following Cost Plus World Market on their social channels, you want to be sure to stop and take a moment to do that right NOW because on Thursday, August 20th there will be special surprises around the city in conjunction with the opening weekend, and the only way to find out WHERE these surprises are going down and when is by following Cost Plus World Market carefully on their social media channels, be sure you are following me too, I will be keeping you abreast of all the happenings on my channels as well, and I will be hitting the Press/Media Preview so I'll get to see the store before it opens and will be posting on my social channels as well!

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 (and get glimpses from the Press Preview by following me as I will be posting on Tuesday evening 8/18).

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:

Anytime I can shop globally but do so LOCALLY I am all for it. I like to march to the beat of my own drummer and I want my space to be unique and eclectic, finding items that aren't 'cookie-cutter' and be bought anywhere just appeals to me greatly, always has, always will. I am looking forward to having Cost Plus World Market accessible to me locally, as much as I love shopping online, there are just certain purchases where I need to see, touch/feel and now I have the opportunity to do just that.

Have you ever shopped at Cost Plus World Market? What room in your home most needs a makeover?

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

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.

{#WordlessWednesday} Highlights from Sip Japan's Sip SHOCHU spirit tasting event in #NewYorkCity!

Butterflies you know how hard it is for me to go completely Wordless, but I promise to keep this post as word light and picture pretty as possible since it's Wordless Wednesday and all, but I attended a unique tasting event here in New York City that I just had to share!

You all know I have a fascination with Asian Art and culture, this definitely extends to the food and spirits too, and while I have covered many a Sake (Japanese Rice Wine) Tasting on these pages (Check out my coverage of Sake and the City as an example HERE), this tasting definitely took the cake on uniqueness and versatility!

I had the opportunity to attend Sip Japan's Sip Shochu tasting event in New York City and learned all about what has to be one of the most diverse spirits I have ever tasted! It can be made from a number of base ingredients including rice, sweet potatoes, barley, buckwheat and sugar and depending on what it is distilled from, shochu can take on the characteristics and flavor of other spirits such as Vodka, Rum, Brandy and even Whisky!

I found the shochu varieties I tasted to pack quite a powerful punch so be careful with your pour on these for sure! But because they took on quite a wide variety of taste profiles, they can be paired with a wider variety of foods and enjoyed for the most part throughout all of your meal.

Here are some photos from the tasting event:

Above: SATSUMA SHUZO exhibitor booth at Sip Japan Sip Shochu Immersion Tasting Event in New York City

Above: Watching my sample being poured!

Above: When you get a chance to speak to the maker of a spirit you are about to try you learn that so much more goes into it than the ingredient list, SHOCHU makers shared their love and passion for the spirit and what goes into it!

Above: Just some silliness and fun at the Satsuma Shochu booth, I think a bottle this big would knock you out for a few days! LOL

My Take:

Shochu is amazingly versatile and diverse, because of it's diverse characteristics it is equally wonderful enjoyed straight as it is blended into a cocktail, I would be interested to see if more venues and bars stock it!

Fun Trivia: The Chinese Characters for SHOCHU literally mean 'burnt liquor' (Just fun to note, however, the Shochu's featured above are Japanese).

Happy (Not So) Wordless Wednesday - Bloggers feel free to leave your links here so we can visit your photos too! (NO Giveaway links here, WW only please, thanks!)

Have you tried Sake or Shochu, what do you think of them?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, this is an event recap. 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.

Did '#Luxe - E - Claus" miss you this year? Check out #photo highlights from the @TheLuxuryReview & form your 2015 wishlist!

Was your holiday a little less than shiny? A little 'luxe-luster'? Maybe Santa just plain missed the mark completely?

Then let the products and brands presented at The Luxury Review give you a little inspiration (or ahem, 'aspiration') to make your wishlist for 2015!

Here are some photo highlights of all the "Luxe-tastic' things I got to experience at the New York City 'The Luxury Review': (I am going for something resembling alphabetical order, but my post holiday brain may not quite get there)

Baron Tequila at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

Mexico is one of my favorite places to visit, and visiting there helped me to develop a love of all things Tequila, I got to try out Tequila Baron for the first time at The Luxury Review event in NYC and I greatly enjoyed it! Will have to add this one to my bar!

Abstract Artist Cecile Brunswick

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

I travel by plane often and I can't say I ever thought of flying a plane myself, at least until NOW that is! Do you think fly lessons and THIS would fit under my tree for next year?

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

Cigar Afficionados certainly know the name Cohiba well, and The Luxury Review never fails to disappoint, they always seem to offer the finest spirits and the finest Cigars too!

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

The team at Cohiba sent us home with one of their Cigars! SCORE!

Double Cross Vodka at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to admit that the bottle drew me in. Much like Tory Burch's logo, the 'double cross' looks much like two 'T's' to  me, and since my name is Tracy I like to think they created this just for ME! I wonder if they need a blogger brand ambassador?

Energica Superbike at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to confess I have never been on a motorcycle before (perhaps 2015 will bring a 'bad boy' into my life, LOL), this bike definitely makes me want to hit the road!

Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City

Needless to say Media are always hungry in New York City as there are always stories to cover and events to hit, RANA is a restaurant located in Chelsea Market in New York City, they tempted us with delicious pasta dishes and gave us a lovely gift bag to take home that included their Tortelloni, Ravioli, Basil Pesto and Alfredo Sauces and they were all absolutely delicious! I truly hope they will be back for the 2015 Luxury Review!

Chef Antonella Rana of Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

This Foodie loves her Pasta, and Chef Antonella served it up with love!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't mind having some of these shiny baubles under my tree!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Julia Poteat Handbags The Luxury Review Fall New York City 2014

I am absolutely handbag obsessed. (No surprise to loyal readers.) We have hosted a monthly Featured Handbag in the Spotlight since 2009 so meeting Julia Poteat was a pleasure and we actually spoke for a bit about our mutual passion for quality Handbags! She has an open invitation to work with us anytime! 

I just had to get a closeup on this beautiful Pony Hair Satchel:

If that handbag isn't 'ladies who lunch' I don't know what is! Tres Trendy! And with the Pony Hair I would totally go winter white with this, hashtag #seasonless for real!

Libratone Wireless Speakers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Me being #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, my life definitely has a soundtrack, and I am always interested in Audio Products, these wireless speakers offer scandinavian design and may just make your music 'cooler'.

Luxtural Skincare The Luxury Review Fall 2014

With a name like 'Luxtural' it's easy to see how they made the cut at The Luxury Review, their products are where skincare and hydration meet with advanced anti-aging benefits!

Maserati, The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Who wouldn't want this muscle car under their tree?

Maserati The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

McPherson Guitars Custom Shop The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and these guitars from McPherson definitely provided extra inspiration!

Author Steve Light for Montegrappa Pens The Luxury Review Fall 2014

It was fun watching Author Steve Light use Montegrappa Pens, the pens are absolutely beautiful, and a must for that Exec on your holiday shopping list! (They are also a very thoughtful gift for a recent College Grad!)

Have You Seen My Dragon a book by Author Steve Light

I love the cover!

Orange County Choppers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orange County Choppers was at The Luxury Review and here are some examples of their work:

Statement Bike Perhaps?

Blue is one of my favorite colors!

I was born to be wild I tell you!

Orrefors Kosta Boda The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orrefors Kossta Boda displayed their handblown glass products which are produced in Sweden, this bowl and ornaments caught my eye! (Super artsy photo right?)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offered both a Cabernet Sauvignon, pictured above, and a Chardonnay, pictured below:

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 

There was definitely a long line to get at these, but well worth the wait!

The John Allen Company The Luxury Review Fall 2014

John Allan's Premiere Men's Grooming Club offered their services and also displayed their grooming products, perfect gift idea for the 'well groomed' man in your life, or the one you wish was groomed a little bit better!

Ultra 5 Beverage The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Ultra 5 Energy Drink helped us all to keep up our energy, there was a lot to see and do! Focused Energy and No crash, makes this energy drink perfect for the active lifestyle!

Velvet Eyewear Sunglasses

Aren't these sunglasses by Velvet Eyewear just making you yearn for a tropical getaway? I would love these under my tree with plane tickets in my stocking of course!

Wusthof Knives The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I know my fellow foodies already know the name Wusthof, their knives are definitely the 'cadillac' of kitchen cutlery! (Is it OK to slip a knife into someone's stocking?)

Here is a really cool video of the event:

My Take:

Here is my coverage of last year's Luxury Review in case you missed it!

The Luxury Review is definitely one of my favorite NYC events to attend, they showcase such a wide variety of products that are part of a luxe lifestyle, I could definitely imagine quite a few of these under my tree next year!

Which product featured above would YOU most like to find under your tree next year butterfly?


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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. Ascending Butterfly attended The Luxury Review as Digital Press. As always, all 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.

Have you checked out the new #restaurant menu options @olivegarden? Fall into #OGTastes

Press in different cities have had the option to try out the New Menu Options at Olive Garden and the tasting was recently offered in New York City at the Olive Garden Restaurant in Times Square, I had been reading other reviews of the menu posted by blogging pals in other cities, and was pretty stoked to get the chance to try it all out too. 

There were old favorites that were re-configured and a few new noteworthy menu options for us to explore.

Menu Tasting Checklist! One hour, 9 courses + Dessert.

This is what went down:

Risotto Bites

Above: A blend of Italian Cheeses and rice that are lightly fried and served on top of Marinara Sauce.

Polenta Shrimp alla Greca

Above: Sautéed Shrimp on creamy Polenta that is topped with a fresh blend of olives, capers and tomato sauce.

Calabrian Wings

Above: Chicken Wings tossed with Garlic and chili peppers from the Italian region of Calabria served with a Gorgonzola dipping sauce. These will only be on the menu for a limited time, so catch it while you can! (These definitely have a spicy kick!)

Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad

Above: Mixed Greens, Kale, Basil. Olives, Roasted Tomato, Croutons and Fresh Mozzarella with an extra virgin olive oil drizzle, make this Salad a Stand Alone Standout!

Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich

Above: Chicken Meatballs, roasted bell peppers served on a Focaccia Bun. (I have to say this one is really good! Perfect for a quick lunch!)

Bucatini with Spicy Three Meat Sauce and Meatballs

Above: This dish is included as part of the current "Never Ending Pasta Bowl". From September 22nd through November 9th you can enjoy more than 150 pasta combinations, plus home-made soup or garden-fresh salad and fresh baked garlic breadsticks - unlimited. Starting at $9.99!

Chicken Abruzzi

Above: This Olive Garden Specialty Dish of Grilled Chicken Breast in a savory broth simmered with cannellini beans, kale and garden vegetables, is part of the "Lighter Italian Fare" menu and comes in at under 575 calories. (Fall comfort food at it's best!)

Grilled Chicken Butternut Squash Alfredo Fettuccine

Above: Chicken Breasts served on a bed of Fettuccine tossed with creamy roasted butternut squash alfredo and fresh spinach. This is a Fall Menu Item that will be available for a limited time only.

Pappardelle Pescatore

Above: Sautéed Shrimp, Bay Scallops, and Clams tossed with Pappardelle Pasta, fresh asparagus and tomato in a creamy red pepper seafood sauce. I am a seafood lover, and this was by far my favorite of the entire tasting menu. I will be going back for this one!

Pumpkin Cheesecake

Above: Pumpkin Cheesecake topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce and ginger cookie crumbles which is available for a Limited Time Only.

Frozen Margarita

MY TAKE:

My top three menu favorites were the Pappardelle Pescatore, Smashed Chicken Meatball Sandwich, and the Roasted Tomato Caprese Salad. Sadly I'm not a 'gourd' lover so the Chicken Butternut Squash and the Pumpkin Cheesecake were my least favorite (and that breaks my heart to say as I'm a cheesecake fanatic, but just don't like pumpkin.)

I love that Olive Garden always encourages guests to try out their wines and allow you to taste any wine that catches your eye on their beverage menu, with no obligation if it doesn't appeal to you. I'm a fan of their Moscato! (The ones on the menu are actually quite different in taste, and the server will help you figure out which pairs best with what which I truly appreciate!) I wanted to hold on to the last fleeting days of warm weather. and ordered a Frozen Margarita.

Bye! Bye! Summer, Hello FALL! Cozy Sweaters, great boots and comfort food are all signs of the season!

Butterflies what is your favorite Olive Garden Dish?

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

FTC Disclosure:  I was invited to experience the new menu to facilitate my review, this is NOT a compensated post/placement. All opinions are expressly 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.