Monday, April 20, 2015

{#MovementMonday} @BalletHispanico BHdos performance at #OrchidShow2015 @nybg NY Botanical Garden {#Photos}

I hope you got a chance to check out The Orchid Show: Chandeliers at the New York Botanical Garden, I absolutely loved it, and in case you missed it, you can check out my coverage of it HERE (just note that the giveaway is already closed).

In addition to being able to enjoy the Orchid Show this year, I also got the chance to enjoy a class in growing mini and macro Orchids (which I will share with you guys in a separate post) and a performance by BHdos, The Second Company of Ballet Hispanico.

BHdos are pre-professional dancers of Ballet Hispanico's second company, they serve as a 'bridge' of sorts between the School of Dance and the Professional Company, as well as the community and their own training careers. They work to bring Latino Culture to schools, communities and corporations through a 50 minute exploration of dance influenced by Spain and Latin America. The fully-costumed performances feature choreography from the current Ballet Hispanico repertory.

If you missed their performances in conjunction with the Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden, you can still catch them at The Joyce Theater from April 14th-26th, so act FAST! And for my readers who are parents, Ballet Hispanico's registration for their 'Los Explorers' Summer Dance (preschool) Camps for Ages 3-5 is open!

Here are my photo highlights from one of the April Performances Ballroom's Best: Tango, Waltz, and Cha-Cha - A Celebration of Ballroom Dances at New York Botanical Garden:


New York Botanical Garden introduces Ballet Hispanico BHdos

Above: There is an amazing line up of upcoming activities at New York Botanical Garden, I will definitely be back again very soon!

BHdos Rehearsal Director Nicholas Villeneuve shares about the history of BHdos

Above: BHdos Rehearsal Director Nicholas Villeneuve shares about the history of BHdos and highlights the dance Program (midway he also leads the audience in an interactive dancing lesson, that gets everyone dancing!)

First Section of the Program: Tito on Timbales - Cha-Cha-Cha Duet: Music by Tito Puente

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha From Left to Right: Amanda Esposito and Christopher Wilson

Above: Ballet Hispanico's, BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha From Left to Right: Amanda Esposito and Christopher Wilson.

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing a Cha-Cha-Cha

Second Section of the Program: El Vals - Waltz Duet: Music by Greg Nestor

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet

Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet From Left to Right: Nicole Garcia, Nicolay Espitia.
















Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos dancers in motion performing El Vals - Waltz Duet From Left to Right: Nicole Garcia, Nicolay Espitia.

Third Section of the Program: Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet: Music by Vincente Creco and Roberto Firpo
Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, takes the stage for the Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, takes the stage for the Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, and his dance partner literally in mid air dancing the  Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson, and his dance partner literally in mid air dancing the  Tango Vitrola - Tango Duet (I was super stoked on capturing the motion in this shot!)

Fourth and Final Section of the Program: Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba: Music by Israel Lopez, Ruben Gonzales, A.K. Salim, Perez Prado and Francisco Repilado.

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner are a powerful presence onstage during the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner set the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner are a powerful presence onstage during the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner are a powerful presence onstage during the scene in a number entitled: Club Havana

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba too life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba too life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba too life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!


Above: Now that's a FACE OFF! Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner were bringing Mambo and Rhumba to life! Making us all feel like we were sitting in a Club in Havana!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner join in the final program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner join in the final program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner look on at Nicolay Espitia and his dancer partner perform from the program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Christopher Wilson and his dance partner look on at Nicolay Espitia and his dancer partner perform from the program Club Havana - Mambo and Rhumba (Isn't the effect of their movement cool?)

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner in mid air!

Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Nicolay Espitia, and his dance partner in mid air!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Left: Christopher Wilson and Right: Nicolay Espitia, in mid air!


Above: Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancer, Left: Christopher Wilson and Right: Nicolay Espitia, in mid air!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. I loved how the camera was able to catch the movement of their skirts and how they blend in with the flower on the wall, they sort of look like dancing flowers!


AboveBallet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. I loved how the camera was able to catch the movement of their skirts and how they blend in with the flower on the wall, they sort of look like dancing flowers!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. This time both teams are dancing simultaneously, not an easy feat as this is actually a pretty small stage!

AboveBallet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers. This time both teams are dancing simultaneously, not an easy feat as this is actually a pretty small stage!

Ballet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers take their final bow!


AboveBallet Hispanico BHdos, Dancers take their final bow!

MY TAKE:

Ballet Hispanico's BHdos put on such a lively performance, and the tribute to the musicians like Tito Puente in Program One entitled 'Tito on Timbales' was a touching tribute to those who know the musical legend 'El Rey Del Timbal' Sadly I think most people feel they have been exposed to 'ballroom' mostly because of the Television Series, 'Dancing With The Stars' but these dances have a very rich history, and so too does Ballet Hispanico, read about BH's founder Tina Ramirez.

Did you wake up this morning with a 'case of the Mondays'? I thought instead of a typical 'Motivation Monday' to start your day, we begin with a 'Movement Monday'. Just MOVE right now. Get up off your seat, put down your coffee/cafecito and pull up a you tube video on one of the dance styles featured above and follow along with it. Or use your favorite zumba video, or just pop your favorite Salsa song on and get to dancing! Move your way into a much happier Monday Butterflies!

How are you going to MOVE today on #MovementMonday, it's not just a Monday around here today butterflies, it's a movement, so start flapping those beautiful wings of yours!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to post our recap of the show, 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.

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

{#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:

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

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

Sip Japan Sip Shochu Immersion Tasting

Above: Watching my sample being poured!

Sip Japan Sip Shochu Immersion Tasting Shochu makers display their spirits

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.

Friday, April 10, 2015

{#FoodieFriday} Who says Frozen can't be FRESH? Find out why I am LOVING the #NYC #UES Gem @babethsfeast


When you think Frozen Food, what is the first thought that comes to mind?

I'm sure some of the first include:

-Quick
-Convenient
-Tasteless
-Calorie Laden

Life will always be filled with 'a case of the Mondays' and not so 'happy humpdays', days where the idea of going anywhere near your kitchen after a long hard day is about as appealing as dental surgery, am I right?

But you can still enjoy ready-to-eat-dishes with Babeth's Feast, a 'Premium Frozen Food' Store that aims to turn what you think you know about Frozen Food on it's head. The Founder of Babeth's Feast, Elisabeth de Kergolay spent some time living in France where Premium Frozen Food Stores are actually a familiar sight. When she moved to New York, she couldn't find a store with frozen food that compared and Babeth's Feast which began as an online distributor of gourmet frozen food from local AND international producers was born!

The array is actually quite vast, and whether you want a spread worthy of entertaining with or just a simple meal for one, you can delight your tastebuds and not have to break a sweat in the kitchen!

Skeptical? Are you thinking 'but Butterfly how good can frozen really be?' - If you live central to New York City find out for yourself, Babeth's Feast is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan at 1422 Third Avenue between 80th and 81st Street in New York City an the in-store full service kitchen prepares free samples of store offerings so you can try before you buy! Not based in NYC, no worries you can still order the premium frozen food online!

I had a chance to visit a tasting and here is what I sampled:

Preparing Babeth's Feast Crispy Asiago Asparagus appetizer
Above: Babeth's Feast in store sampling/tasting opportunity!

Plated Babeth's Feast Crispy Asiago Asparagus appetizer
Above: The Crispy Asiago Asparagus was the perfect appetizer!

Babeth's Feast in store kitchen sampling Chicken Curry
Above: Preparing Chicken Curry!

Babeth's Feast in store kitchen sampling Giving Chicken Curry a Quick Toss
Above: Giving the Chicken Curry a quick toss!

Chicken Curry Chicken in a coconut curry sauce with cilantro and lime
Above: Babeth's Feast Chicken Curry (28 oz) Chicken in a coconut curry sauce with cilantro and lime - this box comfortably feeds 3-4 people if you are serving it with a side dish for only $19.99 - Total SCORE and it tasted delicious!

Babeth's Feast Osso Buco Premium Frozen Meal in Microwave
Above: I purchased the Osso Buco to take home (it is one of those dishes I love ordering out but for whatever reason I never prepare it for myself) and this one comfortably fed two people with hearty appetites, me being one of them, LOL!

Babeth's Feast Osso Buco Braised veal shank in a sauce of tomato, carrot, white wine, and veal stock
Above: Thought you might like a peek at mine plated! Braised veal shank in a sauce of tomato, carrot, white wine, and veal stock! (I was too lazy to make a side dish but this was definitely a generous portion! Delish!

MY TAKE:

My apologies, but the desserts went so quickly during the tasting I didn't get a chance to photograph any of them, but I got to try out the assorted mini parfaits which included 3 combinations: pistachio cream and strawberry compote, dark chocolate mousse and coconut cream, milk chocolate mousse, lemon curd, meringue and cookie crumbles so small and so tasty, better buy a bunch of these!

Everything I tried definitely gets my butterfly seal of approval. I definitely want to sample from their seafood selections next as that is the one thing I am super picky about!

Hopefully we can work with Babeth's Feast to come back with something fun for you guys, in the meantime check out their website and tell me what you would most like to try!

Which Premium Frozen Meal would you try first?

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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.

Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Find out how @Vitabath is helping me keep it #FruityFresh for Spring, plus a #Giveaway and #TwitterParty too! #client

Vitabath #FruityFresh Spring Scents Pineapple Sunset Raspberry Vanilla Velvet Body Wash and Fragrance Mist


While the weather here still has a bit more to warm up before it truly begins to feel like Spring, small signs are starting to pop up everywhere, birds chirping out the window in the mornings, tulips in the local flower shops and direct to me from Vitabath two new products to put a little 'Fruity Fresh Spring in my Tub Time'!

The folks who have been putting Vitamins, Nutrients and Anti-Oxidants in their bath products for 50 years and counting while always keeping it all free of harmful chemicals are hitting us with two new scents for Spring called 'Pineapple Sunset' and 'Raspberry Vanilla Velvet'.

And if you are thinking 'butterfly that name sure sounds familiar' - (A) I commend you for your sharp memory and thank you for being such a loyal reader and (B) affirm that you are right, I met the Vitabath team in person at one of my favorite New York City Lifestyle Events, Getting Gorgeous! There were featured in my recap of Getting Gorgeous 2014 HERE.

Let's get all 'up close and personal' with the two scents and their notes:

Vitabath #FruityFresh Spring Scents Pineapple Sunset Fragrance Mist


About Pineapple Sunset:

-Sweet Pineapple
-Sun-Kissed Melon
-Passion Fruit
-Coconut
-Cashmere Musk
-Blend of Vitamins A, B3, C, E, and pro-vitamin B5
-Anti-Oxidant Blend of Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Coffee, Noni and Pomegranate

Vitabath #FruityFresh Spring Scents Raspberry Vanilla Velvet Body Wash Fragrance Mist


About Raspberry Vanilla Velvet:

-Black Raspberry
-Mirabelle Plum
-Rich Vanilla
-Caramel
-Amber
-Blend of Vitamins A, B3, C, E, and pro-vitamin B5
-Anti-Oxidant Blend of Acai Berry, Goji Berry, Coffee, Noni and Pomegranate

My Take:

I am super picky when it comes to scents and my bath products. And while I normally keep all things 'fruity' contained in the tropical umbrella drinks I enjoy beach-side while on vacation, I am stoked to report that the 'fruity' in these new scents is actually subtle and not cloying sweet despite their sweet names. They both contain one of my favorite base notes in the perfumes I like to wear, the cashmere musk in the Pineapple Sunset and Amber which they use in the Raspberry Vanilla Velvet. I can also tell you it's a good Vanilla smell in that one also, I know most Vanilla scent lovers are very particular, this one doesn't dis-appoint.

And I do love to layer so I was happy to have the duo of the Body Wash and Fragrance Mist.

But wait there's MORE, A Twitter Party:

Not only are you going to be rewarded for reading this far by the giveaway we are hosting, but our friends at Vitabath are hosting a Twitter Party! Giving you another chance to win! Here are the deets:

What: #Vitabath #FruityFresh Twitter Party
When: Thursday, April 16th at 8pm EST
Where: Twitter! Once you are logged in, type the party hashtag into the search box on twitter to follow along
Who to Follow: @Vitabath (Please direct any questions about the party to the host, @Vitabath)
Hashtag to Follow: #Vitabath
RSVP: You must RSVP for the party, which you can do HERE

So dear butterflies, you can get with THIS:

Vitabath #FruityFresh Spring Scents Pineapple Sunset Body Wash and Fragrance Mist


or you can get with THAT:

Vitabath #FruityFresh Spring Scents Raspberry Vanilla Velvet Body Wash and Fragrance Mist


or have a chance to win them both for yourself, because that is where it's at! (for my music lovers did you like my 'The Choice is Yours' by Black Sheep reference? LOL)

WIN IT:

Use the rafflecopter entry widget below to have a chance of winning the Scent Duo (Body Wash and Fragrance Mist) of YOUR Choice from Vitabath!

As always the first entry is easy peasy!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Which of the new #Fruity Fresh Scents would you choose and WHY? + Tell us if you are going to RSVP for the Twitter Party! (You are NOT obligated to RSVP for the Twitter Party to enter our contest!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, 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.

Monday, April 6, 2015

Mix up your Spring #Haircare Routine and join in the #TwitterParty FUN too! #NewNexxus #Spon



As a Lifestyle Blogger I get the opportunity to test out a lot of different products, let's face it, it's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it! While I don't mind it being me, I do know that in between products I take a few days and go back to old favorites whether it's skincare or hair-care.

My first 'salon' hair product was Nexxus, that is what my hairdresser at my favorite hair salon used on me during each visit so that is what I would buy to use at home as well. When I'm not testing new products this is still the brand I tend to return to so when I find ways to nab it a discount I definitely take advantage.



So when I a little birdie dropped some interesting news in my inbox I knew I just couldn't keep it all to myself! From April 5th through April 11th hit the Beauty Counter at your local Duane Reade or Walgreens (or both, tee-hee!) during the 'Beauty Must-Haves' Event and meet with a Beauty Advisor to score a $2 off coupon on all your Nexxus New York Salon Care Faves! Coupons are only available while supplies last, so RUN not walk! The coupons may be used from 4/1 - 6/24/15 on any one product. (Like I said hit more than one counter, you will want a coupon for each product right?)

Turns out my old favorite has actually been re-formulated, and now offers a new Encapsulate Serum that has been enriched with 100% Elastin Protein and Caviar Complex to help re-balance, restore and replenish hair, I don't know about you, but Spring always puts a new bounce in my step, why not put some bounce in my hair too? Feeding my hair Caviar? So FANCY!



A little birdie also told me that Walgreen's is hosting a Twitter Party! Here are the deets:

Walgreens #NewNexxus Twitter Party

What: Walgreens #NewNexxus Twitter Party
When: Wednesday, April 8th from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET
Follow: Host @ResourcefulMom and tweet with party hashtag #NewNexxus

NOTE: I am NOT the moderator, nor am I co-host, please direct all questions to the party hostess @Resourcefulmom

MY TAKE:

I stayed with my favorite hairdresser until he retired from the industry and the smell of Nexxus will always remind me of him, I am looking forward to trying out the newly re-formulated Therappe Shampoo, Humectress Conditioner and the Encapsulate Serum, I say just like we re-vamp our makeup routines come Spring, we should mix things up with our hair too!

What is YOUR Favorite Haircare Brand?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, 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.


Monday, March 30, 2015

{#MotivationMonday} Are butterflies worth a thousand words? {#Video}

If Monday isn't exactly your favorite day of the week, let this You Tube Video Montage on Inspirational Butterfly Quotes help you start your week on a positive note, if a picture is worth a thousand words, how much are butterflies worth?


Credit: Video Courtesy of User: Beautiful Life T2

Stay Motivated My Friends!

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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.

Monday, March 23, 2015

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.