{#WordlessWednesday} #SundayBrunch @Theos_NY Restaurant and Oyster Bar in #NYC with @955PLJ @toddandjayde

Free Time isn't exactly flowing, but every now and then when I have a spare moment online I like to enter a contest or two. I am born under the zodiac sign of Aries and we tend to be 'risk takers' at heart.

Well my gamble paid off with a local radio station contest win for Sunday Brunch at Theos Restaurant and Oyster Bar in the Trump Plaza in Manhattan!

Above: I couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the custom menu and place holders at the table!

Above: 'La Dolce Vita' Specialty Cocktail: Prosecco, Pom Juice and House Infused Dolce Mix and Pom Seed (Let's face it, what's Brunch without Bubbles?) A #Pomsecco (yes I am going to make a 'thing')

Above: There were sweet parting gifts too! Decisions, Decisions on the menu!

Above: Lobster Bisque one of the choices for Course One of this Three Course Prix-Fixe Tasting Menu

Above: Lobster Citrus Salad was my choice for Course One with bits of Avocado and lemongrass

Above: Maine Lobster Benedict was one of the choices for Course 2!

Above: My Choice for Course 2 was the Steak and Eggs!

Above: Sadly they were out of my dessert choice by the time they got to me, and didn't have any alternates so this is pretty much fruit and whip cream but I can't get mad at it.

Above: The chef came out to take a photo with the Radio Station Personalities Todd and Jayde and the WPLJ Blown Off Brunch Contest Winners! Can you spot the butterfly? :)

I am never totally Wordless on 'Wordless Wednesday' but it is photo heavy, that counts right?

Readers Sound Off: What Dish catches your eye and tempts your taste buds? Where do you 'Sunday Brunch'?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post I WON a Radio Station Contest and was under NO obligation to post 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Let the @40Find App Put a Little More Fun in Your Cinco De Mayo (and BEYOND)! #40Find

#AD: This is a Sponsored Post, Brought to you by:

Would you like to save 40% off your Food, Drinks and Happy Hour WITHOUT using a coupon or coupon code?

If you are based in New York City or New Jersey (or just find yourself in one of those cities for business or pleasure), pick up your phone (IOS or Android) and download this super user friendly and FREE app right NOW! The 40Find App is on my phone and it has made finding deals wherever I find myself much easier. (40 Find = Find 40 percent off, get it?)

Photo Credit: Hyatt Fisherman's Wharf San Francisco (I love San Fran!)

I know with Cinco de Mayo there is always a little 'happy hour' fun to be had and if you want to find out where the best deals are, this App is all you'll need!

I get contacted by App Makers all the time. I don't immediately write them back, in some cases I try out the app without ever telling them so, if I love it, then I will want to share all about it! (based on how few Apps I have actually covered since 2009 you can tell I don't just rave about an App if I don't really like it!)

Photo Credit: 15pictures.com

Any app that helps me find Sushi at a great discount is all aces in my book! I'm a bit of a Sushi Fanatic, but super picky about where I'll eat it, when the app showed me deals at places that I actually already frequent I knew it was a keeper. I'm also a rawbar girl and there are enough Oyster deals on this app to keep me busy for a very long time!

Photo Credit: Saucy Thyme Blog

Get Social:

Try out this app, once you do you are going to want to connect with them and tell them just how much you are loving these amazing deals!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit 40Find on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with their Tweets via Twitter too, @40Find is the main twitter handle for the app, then you can add your city to connect with them too to share your local deal. For example, fellow New Yorkers yours would be @40FindNYC (by the way, the same holds true with the hashtags when you tweet out a picture of the great deal you just scored, use #40Find or #40Find and then your city, so for NYC it would be #40FindNYC)

MY Take:

I keep my phone incredibly app 'lite', every app on my phone is an app I am actually using and find useful. Every few months I look at my Apps again and if I am not really using one I will delete it. This App is one of my 'keeper apps', and as a foodie and Lifestyle blogger based in New York City, there is a tremendous amount of options at my disposal, but as a Fab Frugalista who tries hard to stick to her budget (I have big goals and future plans, I need to stick to my budget!), this app is going to make going to my favorite places that much sweeter with the discount, but also when I am in another city - like New Jersey where I like to visit as I love Atlantic City, or San Francisco (where I dream of re-locating someday!) this App will help me find the best deals in other cities too. I have to admit the App is also making me want to try out a few spots that are new to me in my own city. SCORE!

What kind of deal would you most use the 40Find App to nab? Would it be food, cocktails or Happy Hour? (and if it's all of the above we can definitely hang out together when you find yourself in New York City! LOL) Butterflies please try out the 40Find App and then come back and tell us what you think!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, and all opinions are 100% my own! I present brands, products, events and services to my readers that I actually use, test and personally enjoy! 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?

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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.

{#WordlessWednesday} How a #Foodie survives #Snowmageddon2015

While it didn't come down in New York City nearly as bad as was predicted, the MTA Public Transportation System as well as local airports did shut down. Supermarkets and Super Stores in general sold out of food and essentials very quickly and I spent my time making comfort food like this hearty seafood bisque pictured above (I normally don't but I added fresh organic mushrooms to this one because I love mushrooms and didn't want them to go to waste!)

Did you get snow where you are butterfly?

Happy Wordless Wednesday, bloggers feel free to link us to your photos today, leave a comment here, just no giveaway links please!

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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.

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?

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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.

This @BestBuyWOLF shares the 'skinny' on the @Philips Viva Collection Air fryer! #PhilipsatBestBuy

The one motto I have always held about Beauty is that it comes from within. What you put in your body is as important as what you put on your body! Every single small step you can take to lead a healthier lifestyle will pay great dividends.

However, me giving up fried foods completely is probably near impossible, but I may just be one step closer to make my favorite fried foods just a little bit 'better' for me.

Press on the image above to purchase the Philips - Viva Collection Airfryer Low-Fat Multicooker at Best Buy

ABOUT:

The Philips Air Fryer utilizes Rapid Air Technology to allow you to fry, bake, roast and grill with a tablespoon or less of oil, allowing you to eat healthier without giving up the taste and texture of your favorite foods!

PROS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Automatic Shut-off

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cord Storage - Cord Hides Away!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-Slip Feet

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ready Signal

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Patented Rapid Air Technology

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Touch Screen Interface

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Restaurant quality fries and onion rings without an oily mess or smelly kitchen! SCORE!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to use, load the basket and turn it on!

CONS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - At 15.4 pounds, this is a bulky/heavy appliance that makes sense if you have dedicated counter space for it. I am an apartment dweller and won't be leaving it out everyday so storing it is an issue when space is at already a premium in my super small kitchen. (If you have a larger kitchen, this con certainly wouldn't apply to you)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This is not an accelerated cooking device, it cuts the time to cook most favorites, but if you have a larger family or are cooking for a party you'll need to cook in batches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Temperature Dial is a bit tricky as it is divided by odd numbers, it has hash marks for 360 degrees, 390 degrees (etc) as opposed to the 325, 350, 400 marks that most ovens have. A Digital Temperature Setting probably would have made more sense.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No timer built it, while it does 'ding' when the food is done, some items need to be 'shook' at the halfway mark in the cooking process.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chicken skin can stick to it making it hard to clean, a bit of pam should help and I have read other reviews saying to line it in aluminum foil on the bottom like a regular pan, but I haven't tried that yet. I also find Chicken took a bit more time to cook than the manual advised, but that could be because of the amount of pieces I used. Like anything there is an adjustment period to get the timing just right.

INSIDER TIPS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you start to notice a build up of grease around the fan, you can put 3 cups of water in the bottom and then heat the unit to approximately 390 degrees for about 20 minutes. That will heat the fresh grease around the fan and then it will just drip into the heated water for easy clean up!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While it does have 'non-slip' feet, it should be used on heat resistant surfaces. Do not set it directly on high gloss granite.

MY TAKE:

As a single gal with no kiddos this unit is definitely handy for me, as I rarely cook in large batches anyway! I like having cheese fries on demand! (Take that certain favorite fast food joint that sells cheese fries, I don't need you anymore!!!) You guys also know I am obsessed with SeaPak Spring Rolls and those Spring Rolls and this Air Fryer are certainly a match made in heaven!

I will say that finding dedicated counter space is a challenge so I'll have to store it and lug it out when I need it.

I'd say this unit gets four out of five butterflies from me with only minor 'wish list' items to have given it a total perfect score like a bigger basket, digital temp settings, a non-stick base would have been great, and a built in timer.

For those of you shopping for gifts for a College Student this holiday season or a special guy in your life, the Philips Air Fryer at Best Buy is definitely a winner as a gift idea! (And if this encourages your guy to cook indoors in the Winter after the Grill season is over, then it's a win/win all around in my opinion!)

What recipe would you make first with the Philips Air Fryer Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are used (so please shop away!). I was provided with a Philips Air Fryer by Best Buy to facilitate my review. 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.

{#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!

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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.