Snow White & The Huntsman DVD Release Party hosted by Yellowtail Wine!

With me being a life long New Yorker, normally today we'd focus on 09/11, but I frankly needed to wrap my mind around something else. Something not related to that horrible day that I can still remember in vivid detail, I also needed a mental break from Fashion Week madness, and for me when I need a mental break my favorite way to go is a movie! And preferably a good thriller or horror movie!

Today is the release of NBCUniversal's Snow White & The Huntsman on DVD, and of the two recent Snow White remakes, this one is most definitely my favorite of the two. It's a lot darker, this New Vision Turns a Legendary Tale Into a Visually Stunning, Epic action-Adventure Featuring All Star Cast Charlize Theron, Kristen Stewart and Chris Hemsworth.

Pulse Pounding Trailer Anyone?

SYNOPSIS: SNOW WHITE AND THE HUNTSMAN

In this spectacular action-adventure, Kristen Stewart (Twilight) is Snow White, the only woman in the land fairer than the evil queen Ravenna (Oscar^® winner Charlize Theron). Ravenna wants nothing more than to destroy her young rival, but she doesn’t know that Show White has been training in the art of war with a huntsman (Chris Hemsworth) the same huntsman that the queen dispatched to kill her. Together with a handsome prince (Sam Claflin) enchanted by Snow White’s beauty and power, they assemble an armed force to recapture the kingdom. Venture into a land of action fantasy, heroic battle scenes and visual wonder in Snow White and the Huntsman Extended Edition, coming to Blu-ray ™ Combo Pack, DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on September 11, 2012, from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. Packed with pulse-pounding battles, unmatched visual imagination and compelling characters, Snow White and the Huntsman is a wholly original adventure story told on an epic scale. From the splendor of the wicked Queen's enchanted palace to the menace of the Dark Forest, a breathtaking combination of harrowing beauty, epic battle scenes, visual wonder and jaw-dropping special effects make this film singularly suited for 
the incomparable high-definition picture and perfect hi-def 5.1 surround sound of Blu-ray ™.

THE RELEASE PARTY:

Yellow Tail Wine and NBCUniversal hosted a DVD Release Party last night at Gary's Loft that was FANTASTIC! The Penthouse of Gary's Loft was transformed into a 'Masquerade Meets Dark and Enchanted Forest' cocktail party complete with a Fortune Teller, Massages (courtesy of the fab team at Spa Chicks On The Go), a Candy Station, a make your own candy apple station (in honor of the poison apple in the fairy tale of course), a photo station with fun props where you given a commerative and framed 5X7 photo where your image is superimposed onto a castle backdrop taken by Verita Vision Photography, signature cocktails that blended in various Yellow Tail wines (with fun names like Snow White Crusader, The Huntsman's Kiss, Poison Tini and the Queens tini) and even a Yellow Tail Bubbles station (and by 'bubbles' I mean Champagne). It was a super fun evening, with prizes, a lovely swag bag and there were even folks dancing along to the great tunes being spun by the DJ!

Here are some pictures I captured during the Release Party:

When the elevator doors opened to the Penthouse, this is what you see! I always knew my Knight in Shining Armor would come bearing WINE! :)

Right Behind the Knight in Shining Armor was a 'Masks Tree' you were given the option of a white mask to represent for team Snow White or a Dark Mask to represent for the Queen! Can you guess which side I selected?

This large mask is actually a CHAIR! I took this picture without flash and it gave the appearance of blue eyes!

When I took the same shot over WITH Flash this time, the 'eyes' of the chair look almost black!

Check out Ascending Butterfly on the throne! (Cheeky I  know, couldn't resist!)  I chose 'the dark side mask' :-)

Mama Butterfly chose the 'dark side' as well, grabbed a pic of her sans mask!

Check out The Huntsman and Snow White Costumes!

We were able to step up to the mirror and ask the Fortune Teller a Question, I asked about Career, and Mama Butterfly asked about whether or not she'd ever be a Grandma, and he said yes! Hmmmmm <-I'm NOT so sure about that one! ;)

Check out the oversized mushroom next to one of the candy stations!

Pretty display of assorted Yellow Tail Wines!

Life in New York City couldn't get any sweeter than a handsome stranger pouring you something bubbly!

Left: Mama Butterfly Center: Almost shoulder high Huge Rose and Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly!

My Take:

I enjoyed BOTH the actual movie and the super fun release party! I say make it a movie night this weekend and don't forget a bottle of Yellow Tail Bubbles!

WANNA WIN?

Check out snowwhitekingdom.com for a chance to win some great prizes including a grand prize of a trip to Ireland! (I'm a bit addicted to this site, as it reminds me a bit of my favorite slot machine, Lord of the Rings!)

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Snow White and the Huntsman on Facebook connect on twitter using the hashtag #SWATH

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Yellow Tail on Facebook or follow them @yellowtail_usa on twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Spa Chicks On-The-Go on Facebook and follow @thespachick on twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can also connect with the Venue, Gary's Loft on Twitter @GarysLoft

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Verita Vision Photography on Facebook and connect with them on Twitter @verita_photo 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. I did receive the DVD for editorial consideration, however all opinions and experiences expressed are 100% my own. I was also  massaged, fed and enjoyed some wonderful libations, a great evening indeed! :)

Wordless Wednesday: #GettingGorgeous During #BlogHer12 Edition

As promised Butterflies here are some more photos from my BlogHer 2012 experience, this week I thought I'd focus solely on the Getting Gorgeous event that was held offsite at The Warwick Hotel. As I was working BlogHer this time around, I couldn't stay as long as I would have normally and didn't get to meet every brand there, but I did have fun with the brands I did meet! Some years I wonder what I look forward to more, is it BlogHer itself or is it Getting Gorgeous? Probably an even mix of both, but I will say the Getting Gorgeous event is one I will gladly miss out on conference time for, with pleasure!

Getting Gorgeous founders Audrey McClelland and Vera Sweeney

Ascending Butterfly at Getting Gorgeous Event During BlogHer12

Coldwater Creek showed off a variety of fall fashions and attendees got to try on jeans and were also gifted with a pair sent straight to our homes. I cannot wait for these to arrive, I selected the 'trouser style' jeans! Isn't that brown 'blanket inspired' jacket FAB?

Easy Closets gave away jewelry organizers and showed off their amazing closet designs, I so need a closet makeover! I wish my closet was as organized as the demo closet!

Downy Infusions offered a super fun photo booth, you  know I had to ham it up!

Ascending Butterfly at #PopCapMoms Booth

I also met CVS, Mabels Labels and UnderBrella as well, but I didn't get a photo! Did you attend Getting Gorgeous During BlogHer12 too? I'd love to see your photos too, please feel free to post your link here!

Butterflies, I'm off to the inaugural year of Niche Mommy 2012 thanks to my fantastic sponsor Britax! I am filled with tons of pre-trip excitement, I can't wait to hit the big easy, New Orleans here I come!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterfly!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I was under no obligation to share my event recap. I was not a sponsored blogger during BlogHer either, this recap is my own personal experiences at an offsite event during the BlogHer12 Conference.

My Trip in Pictures: #HowIDoAC Fourth of July Edition - See what you missed!

This should have been a Wordless Wednesday, but between a nightmare commute home that included 4 trains and just over 2 hours of travel time on the MTA (no air conditioning and an hour long wait on the platform for what should have been my second train) AND a server glitch, this post will end up going live on Thursday I'm sure!

Last week I did something I haven't done in AGES, take time OFF. I went on a Press Junket to Atlantic City and had so much FUN that I extended my trip a few extra days! I know they say what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas, but what happens in Atlantic City *MUST* be shared!

I shared a few teasers about the new 3D Laser Light and Sound Show, Duality (if you missed those posts, you can check them out HERE, HERE and HERE), and now after having actually experienced the show, I can tell you, you really have to check it out!

The trip started off with a VIP check in at Golden Nugget Atlantic City, (if you haven't been to Atlantic City in awhile, don't go looking for Trump Marina, it's now the Golden Nugget!), after check in there was some time spent pool side with bloggers, family and friends!

Here are some photos of the hotel:

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of Golden Nugget when you are heading towards the property!

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of the pool at Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: Golden Nugget Atlantic City Spa

Photo Provided by @ Golden Nugget Casino All Rights Reserved Used with Permission

Above: View of the Wine and Wifi Lounge (Complimentary Water and Soda, and great prices on wine by the glass) - Whether you are visiting the Golden Nugget for business or pleasure, the Wine and Wifi Lounge is a great place to check your emails and get some work done! Service was amazingly attentive and never obtrusive!

Here are some shots of me at the Golden Nugget:

Above: Ascending Butterfly enjoying dinner at Michael Patrick's Brasserie at The Golden Nugget Atlantic City

Above: This is my view of the Golden Nugget sign from the vantage point of my pool chair!

After a quick change it was time to preview the behind the scenes of Duality, Moment Factory's Amazing 3D Laser Light and Sound show that is Atlantic City's newest attraction! The behind the scenes demo was followed by a VIP reception, here are some photos:

Above: Elizabeth Cartmell, Chief Executive Officer of the newly formed Atlantic City Alliance

Above: Elizabeth Cartmell and Motion Factory discussing Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Can you believe that this is the 'brains' behind such an amazing show?

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Left: Mama Butterfly Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Sherry of @ SuperExhausted Blog - a major thank you to Sherry for this and many other photos she shared that are used in this post. You can find Sherry at Super Exhausted Blog which I linked to above and you should also check out her business site http://www.babypop.com/

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Left: Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly hamming it up during the VIP Press Reception for Duality

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: YUMMO, who can resist cupcakes?

After the reception, it was time for Fourth of July Fireworks on the Boardwalk. As a New Yorker Fourth of July Fireworks have always been magical for me, but I have to admit, watching the fireworks on the boardwalk, right near the Ocean was both exciting and totally peaceful, it was just what the doctor ordered!

Here are some shots:

Above: I got a few dud shots before I captured this one!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Sharing a shot that Sherry captured as well!

Above: Left: Miss Atlantic City, Center: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly. I sat next to Miss Atlantic City during the fireworks and her boyfriend was sweet enough to take a picture, here is a picture of me sitting with Miss Atlantic City! How cool is that?

The fireworks were followed by an amazing concert by Kevin Rudolf which included his song "Let it Rock" and songs from his new album.

Above: Kevin Rudolf concert during Fourth of July Fireworks Show on the Boardwalk in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

Above: Kevin Rudolf concert, needless to say as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I enjoyed sitting front row center!

After the concert, we got to see Duality! It's hard even with pictures to describe the experience. It's kind of like a parade where you really feel the performance, the excitement and enthusiasm of the crowd, the lights, the sound, it's an amazing show. It's part of what is helping to make Atlantic City a more family friendly place to be!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Duality, a 3D Laser Light and Sound Show at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: I was actually so busy filming it, I forgot to take still shots, but Sherry to the rescue, her still shots actually capture me filming it! Bottom left with hands up filming is ME!

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Photo Provided by @ Sherry Aiken All Rights Reserved. Used with Permission.

Above: Another shot of me filming the Duality 3D Laser Light and Sound Show in Atlantic City, New Jersey

Below: Check out the You Tube Video of the Atlantic City 4th of July celebration featuring the AC fireworks show, musical performance by Kevin Rudolf, and the debut of Moment Factory's 3-D Light Show "Duality" which airs hourly nightly on Boardwalk Hall.

To say I had an amazing time would be the understatement of the century! And I'd like to thank Ed Salvato (@edsalvato), The Atlantic City Alliance (@VisitAC), The Golden Nugget Atlantic City (@goldennuggetac) and all the fellow bloggers in attendance on this trip for helping to make my Fourth of July close to home 'staycation' vacation one of the most memorable ever!

And I know this is probably the most obscure factoid of my trip, but for those of you who truly appreciate a great Bloody Mary, in my humble opinion, Golden Nugget Atlantic City makes THE BEST Bloody Mary Cocktail I've ever tasted, served in a real glass, not a dixie cup, very nice touch! (I prefer mine with a two celery pieces in it and skewer of Olives! and they were made to order and delish!) And they also have great Gelato!

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FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. I attended a Press Junket and had Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show, Kevin Rudolf Concert and Fireworks Show.

1-minute sneak peek video of "Duality," the new Atlantic City 3D Sound and Light show Experience!

The big day is near! Have you firmed up your Fourth of July plans yet? If the thought of yet another backyard Barbecue already has you bored to tears, consider adding some LIGHT to your holiday festivities this year!

On Sunday I wrote about Duality a new 3D Laser Light show that is set to debut in Atlantic City after the Fireworks, if you missed that post, check it out HERE.

The folks behind the show, Moment Factory and The Atlantic City Alliance, has shared a 1-minute sneak peak of the show, and I just had to share it with you!

DUALITY Teaser 2 - Atlantic City Sound and Light Show from Moment Factory on Vimeo.

You can learn more about the Duality Teaser by visiting: http://bit.ly/MRuoai

And please do remember to take a moment to say a prayer for our troops, my great-grandfather was a purple heart recipient (of course I'd much rather have HIM here than the medal!), and I will be lighting a candle just past midnight tonight so it will be July 4th. If you have a soldier in the family, please tell your soldier that I say Thank You!

Wishing all my butterflies, a very SAFE, healthy and happy Fourth of July, Happy Independence Day America!

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FTC Disclosure: This post is brought to you with the support of the Atlantic City Alliance. Visit them on Facebook and Twitter for more information. This post is not sponsored, but I am attending a Press Junket and will have Press Access to the Duality 3D Sound and Light Show.

Ghost The Musical on Broadway! One Ghost you don't want to miss!

Autographed Playbill and Ticket from Ghost The Musical

Sometimes New York City can test the patience of a Saint, and just when I think I should start plotting my escape to the West Coast, or maybe the Caribbean, I do something so very New York City and have so much fun and am so in the moment that I scrap my escape plans, and appreciate being a part of the fabric of the City that NEVER sleeps!

Last week was one of those moments! I got invited to see Ghost The Musical on Broadway with The Moms and I had absolutely no idea what to expect. Like many, I was a HUGE Patrick Swayze fan and honestly couldn't imagine seeing someone else play Sam. I also couldn't really imagine the story as a musical, or seeing it re-cast.

Ad for Ghost directly across the Theatre

About

The show that's thrilling London is now on Broadway. GHOST is a new musical adapted from the hit film by its Academy Award^®-winning screenwriter Bruce Joel Rubin and directed by Tony Award^® winner Matthew Warchus (God of Carnage, The Norman Conquests). The original score is by multiple Grammy^® Award winners Dave Stewart (Eurythmics) and Glen Ballard, and includes the iconic "Unchained Melody" by The Righteous Brothers.

Sam and Molly, Ghost the Musical on Broadway

Synopsis

English: GHOST is a timeless fantasy about the power of love. The story follows Sam and Molly, a young couple whose connection takes a shocking turn after Sam's untimely death. Trapped between two worlds as a ghost, Sam refuses to leave Molly when he learns she is in grave danger. Desperate to communicate with her, he turns to a storefront psychic, Oda Mae, who helps him protect Molly and avenge his death.

Spanish/Espanol: GHOST es una fantasía atemporal sobre el poder del amor. La historia sigue a Sam y Molly, una joven pareja cuya relación da un giro impactante después de la muerte prematura de Sam. Atrapado entre dos mundos como un fantasma, Sam se niega a dejar de Molly cuando descubre que ella está en grave peligro. Desesperada para comunicarse con ella, él se convierte en un escaparate psíquico, Oda Mae, que le ayuda a proteger a Molly y vengar su muerte.

Cast

Sam Wheat (played by Patrick Swayze in the movie) is played by Richard Fleeshman who originated the role of Sam in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical.

Molly Jensen (played by Demi Moore in the movie) is played by Caissie Levy who originated the role of Molly in both the West End and world premier Manchester productions of Ghost The Musical. Most recently, she starred as Sheila in the 2009 Tony^® Award winning Broadway revival of Hair. Other Broadway credits include: Elphaba in Wicked (Los Angeles, Broadway u/s); Penny Pingleton in Hairspray (Broadway, first national tour); and Maureen in Rent (national tour).

Oda Mae Brown (played by Whoopi Goldberg in the movie) is played artfully by Da'Vine Joy Randolph a Philadelphia native makes her Broadway debut in Ghost.

Carl Bruner (played by Tony Goldwyn in the movie) is played by Bryce Pinkham whose credits include: Broadway: Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson. Lincoln Center: Knickerbocker Holiday (with Kelli O'Hara, Victor Garber and the American Symphony Orchestra. Off-Broadway: Orphans' Home Cycle (Signature Theater/Hartford Stage); Bloody Bloody Andrew Jackson (Public Lab). Regional: A Funny Thing Happened..., Our Town, Beyond Therapy (Williamstown); A View From The Bridge (Guthrie Theater); All's Well That Ends Well, Woman Of No Importance (Yale Rep); The Just, Much Ado About Nothing (Chautauqua Theatre Co.); Dublin Carol (Nora Theatre). TV: "God In America," "The Good Wife." Bryce is a proud collaborator with Theater of War, a program that performs Greek tragedy for American military audiences; his latest trips were to Guantanamo Bay and Japan. Awards

Butterflies I will tell you that the show blew me away! They certainly managed to breathe new life into an old Ghost! The show is brilliantly cast and while respect is payed to the original storyline, not once do they try to imitate it. Each actor makes the role their own and the special effects are woven so well into the story and it is visually stunning.

And I have to point out that Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown certainly makes a powerful Broadway debut. When her voice is first heard, much like a parade, you literally FEEL her voice. It's just that stunningly powerful!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast

We were also treated to a Questions and Answers session after the show, and the cast shared favorite moments, how they felt about the original film and how it felt to step into their respective roles. One of the questions I asked was which special effect was the hardest to pull off on stage and I was told the very final scene was the most challenging despite the fact that illusionist Paul Kieve served as a consultant. I won't reveal how it's pulled it off, but I will tell you that this show is a MUST SEE!

Questions and Answers Session with Ghost the Musical on Broadway Cast

It was so cool to see the cast directly after their performance, as you can see from the photo above and the laughter, they definitely enjoy working together, and what stood out from the Q&A was how they mentioned that because of the illusions this play has afforded them the opportunity to get to know the crew in a way they probably would not have otherwise. This play is truly a collaborative effort between cast and crew and it very much shows!

As you can see I did some outside the theatre door stalking and got a few shots with the cast outside the theatre!

Bryce Pinkham signs my playbill outside the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

This happened so fast I didn't event get to take off my glasses! Bryce plays the 'bad guy' in Ghost the Musical, but as you can tell he is super friendly and super sweet! He posed for this picture twice because the first one didn't come out right, he previewed it himself and said, we'll just have to take this again! There is something very Jude Law remniscent with Bryce, he certainly played a very a convincing bad boy!

Da'Vine Joy Randolph who plays Oda Mae Brown in Ghost the Musical on Broadway

Da'Vine Joy Randolph almost got away, but I was on my way to get cheesecake and saw her! I was so moved by her performance, I had to have a picture! On the far left is Mama Butterfly, Center is Da'Vine Joy Randolph and that's me, Ascending Butterfly on the right! This time I remembered to take off my glasses! Her performance was fantastic, and I can't wait to see what role she takes on next!

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly outside Lunt-Fontanne Theatre

I couldn't get the zoom to shoot a bit farther back, so there we are in front of the Ghost sign of Molly and Sam! I couldn't get you guys free seats, but I did nab you a discount to Broadway's most fun Ghost of the Summer!

++++++++++++ DISCOUNT COUPON ++++++++++++++++

The supernatural power of love has arrived on Broadway as Ghost The Musical, adapted from the Academy Award winning film, opened on April 23, 2012 at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 West 46th Street)

Special Discount Code for Independence Day June 29th – July 8th only – Tickets $79 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Ghost the Musical’s Unchained Summer – June 18th – July 28th $89 for Prime Orchestra and Front Mezzanine Seats

Mention Code MOMS at TicketMaster.com or call 877-250-2929 or bring this offer to the Lunt-Fontanne Theater Box Office at 205 W 46th St., NYC

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Get social with Ghost the Musical on Broadway on Facebook and Twitter!


Butterflies, if you do see the show, please be sure to come back here and let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. I attended a performance of Ghost the Musical courtesy of The Moms - Feel free to visit our disclosure page for additional information regarding our disclosure policy.