Wednesday, June 6, 2018

#WordlessWednesday recap coverage from @BellaNYCMag The #Beauty Issue with @MsAlexaJoel Cover Launch Party @LaPulperianyc

NOT COMPENSATED!


Happy Wordless Wednesday!

It is Wordless Wednesday across the interwebs - a day where you say it with pictures!

And I have just the set of pictures for your eyeballs today butterflies

A few days ago I attended the cover launch of the May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine with Alexa Ray Joel at the 57th street location of La Pulperia New York City Restaurant and it was LIT!

Me and my new Nikon are still getting acquainted so a mix of my best shots and some pro shots are included below:



Above: The Red Carpet Arrivals! Alexa Ray Joel being interviewed by ET - Entertainment Television - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography (BTW, Alexa's hair was done by Angelo David Salon - and you can search my archives to see just how much I love them!)



Above: Alexa Ray Joel holds up The May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Left: Avanti Gupta, Bella Magazine's TV host interviews - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Left: Alexa Ray Joel with her fiance Ryan Gleason (Right)  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Alexa Ray Joel and her mom Christie Brinkley remind me of me and mama butterfly! Just a regular day in NYC hitting the scene!  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography
Above: You know I am loving this shot for the mix of posed and candid - I love how Alexa's mom Christie is taking her own photo on her cellphone. - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

Above: Christie Brinkley outside of La Pulperia Restaurant in New York City  - Photo Credit: Staten Arts Photography

OK Butterflies, let's move away from The Red Carpet Arrivals and delve into the event details and venue a bit!


Above: Had to nab a shot of the pretty flowers - table settings included flowers, candles and copies of the May/June 2018 Beauty Issue of BELLA New York Magazine! And this shot was nabbed by me!

Above: We need to go over this Bar Menu because they were great! Prosecco DOC Prosecco, Beso Del Sol Sangria, White Sparkling, Rose Sparkling and Rose Still - these were sweet and normally my palette runs dry but I really liked these! I can see these complimenting so many picnics in the park this summer! Batiste Rhum (I rarely cheat on Bacardi - but this is definitely cheat worthy!), Reeds Ginger Beer and 1907 Water. The Drinks and service at La Pulperia were equally amazing.
Above: Gotta be quick to nab an appetizer in NYC!

Above: I didn't earn my nickame as #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ for nothing, I can't hit an event without taking a good DJ shot, here is a shot of DJ MUVEE in action! NY Editors can sometimes play cool at events, but I can tell you booties were moving, so props to the DJ!

Above: By the way I was not as close as the photo makes it look, so YAS to upgrading my camera and my lenses!

Above: I was totally living for Jonathan Calixto of BELLA New York Magazine's look, that jacket and those pants were FIRE! You can find Jonathan on Instagram at: @ThisisJCali




























MY TAKE

Events are mainly work for me, and half the time is spent trying to nab shots worthy of publication - this one brought me back to hanging out with friends just for fun and I had to remind myself I was technically at 'work'! and that is a very GOOD thing.

I met so many super nice folks and my only regret was not asking Alexa for a photo, I rarely do it, but she seemed super approachable and I was looking particularly cute that night and have no photo proof because I took none of me!

Readers: Pick up your copy of the May/June 2018 BELLA New York Magazine at your favorite news stand or check them out online at: bellanyc.com

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FTC Disclosure: 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.

Friday, May 25, 2018

A #FoodieFriday from @brasserie812 with @fmg_nyc + @WinesofCroatia #Wine! Because it is #NationalWineDay

NOT SPONSORED!



Today is National Wine Day!

Happy National Wine Day Butterflies! Hope you have some fun plans for Memorial Day Weekend!

Does your Memorial Day Weekend include Wine and Good Times?

Grab an Ice Bucket and start chilling your wine!

I meant to serve this up for #WineWednesday on the interwebs (and will admit this recap is LONG overdue) but I am glad it worked out for both #FoodieFriday and #NationalWine Day as it includes a nice mix of BOTH.

When my friends at FMGNYC PR invite me to an event I make every effort to attend, and considering I haven't been attending nearly a quarter of the amount of events I have been invited to this year that is saying A LOT.

My wine posts have tended to be heavier on international wines - what can I say, I am well heeled and so is my choice in wines. I like events that expose me to something different and this dinner held by the Croatian Chamber of Commerce at Midtown’s Brasserie 8 ½ gave me a taste of what the Croatian wine region has to offer.

Above: Menu + Place Card - look my name is spelled correctly! It never fails that I attend an event and the place card botches my FIRST name by sticking an 'E' where it does NOT belong. So I am always happy for a place card with my name spelled right. We are off to a great start. CHEERS to this!

Above: I was seated at Table 5 and nabbed a shot before the rest of the guests hit the table.

The Menu:

Appetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce

Entree: Filet Mignon Au Poivre - Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, Black Truffle Sauce

or

Roasted Rack of Lamb - Potato Dauphine, Haricorts Verts, Au Jus

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream

AboveAppetizer: Grilled Jumbo Shrimp Salad with Couscous Citrus Vinaigrette, Peppercress Lettuce - the touch of Citrus gave these Jumbo Shrimp the perfect hint of summer loving and would be perfect for your memorial day entertaining this weekend.

Above: I chose the Filet Mignon Au Poivre with Chive Whipped Bintjee Potatoes, Haricots Verts, and Black Truffle Sauce! It was so GOOD!!! There was no one close enough for me to nab a shot of the rack of lamb but it looked great also.

Dessert: Warm Pear Financier - Maple Ice Cream - This was such a well balanced dessert!

This white wine fom the Slavonia region, the Vezak Graševina was a great example of Croatia’s principal grape variety, the Graševina. The color of this dry white is similar to the colors of the golden fields characteristic of  Croatian valleys. It offers a flowery aroma mixed with a fruity bouquet and a slight mineral aftertaste. This wine will compliment seafood or a white meats.

AboveThis dry robust  red wine, Ivan Dolac Barrique, was named for the aforementioned French barrel it matures in and hails from Hvar. It offers a berry and slightly  floral aroma. It is quite smooth, easy on the palette and  compliments any roast game or grilled fish.

Above: The award-winning Plavac, the Zlatan Plavac Grand Cru is made from grapes that are organically grown in the picturesque slopes of the island of Hvar.  From 35 to 50-year-old vines! The wine is then aged in French barrique barrels for two years and 6-12 months in the bottle. It is a dry red with hints of leather, pepper, chocolate, and prunes. This earthy wine is best paired with steaks and lobsters and as you can see there is a bottle size to suit pretty much any size party!






































Above: The final Croatian wine was the Kabola Muškat Momjanski. It perfectly complimented the warm pear and maple ice cream dessert. A refreshing and medium-bodied white with notes of peaches, rose, and honey with a slight mineral quality. This white had a slight lingering taste that I normally associate with red wines. Definitely a great summer white to enjoy during memorial day weekend.

Above: Sorry to bounce you around so much from whites to reds, but I actually saved the one I loved most for last on purpose. The Erdutski Rosé is made from the Pinot Black grapes of the Slavonia region and has a warm blush pink color. This is literally THE MOST  BALANCED Rosé I have tasted in a LONG time. There were some folks at my table who do not like Rosé and tried this one at my urging and asked for another glass. It is perfect - not sweet or overly dry - the balance on this Rosé makes it one I will be reaching for year round, but it is definitely perfect for these upcoming summer nights and this long memorial day weekend. This one is my stand out from the tasting for sure.

























Above: Monika Elling, FMGNYC Public Relations














Above: And guess who I spotted at Table 4? (Former) Governor George Pataki, NYC! (Seated Center)

MY TAKE

The selection of wines was quite impressive and the pairings were excellent, this is a wine tasting I definitely want to recreate for friends and family and hope it inspires you too. I say a visit to Croatia is next on my list as well.

Readers: What are your plans for Memorial Day? What wines are you drinking this weekend and where are you travelling to?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, this was a media tasting, 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.

Sunday, April 29, 2018

Focus on Gratitude and Wishes, it's #WORLDWISHDAY - What is your favorite way to make a wish and what are you wishing for?

NOT SPONSORED!


Today is World Wish Day!


Happy World Wish Day Butterflies! 

What's your favorite way to make a wish?

 Blowing on a dandelion
 Wishing on a shooting star
 Blowing out birthday candles
 Making a wish at 11:11
 Breaking a wishbone
 Wishing on a ladybug
 Wishing on a fallen eyelash
 Tossing coins into a wishing well

Consider granting a child's wish via the Make A Wish Foundation today!

My current wish: Becoming a Full Time Travel Photographer! I will also take Powerball Grand Prize Winner! or maybe BOTH! Gotta let the Universe know right?

Readers: Share your favorite way to make a wish and what you are currently wishing for!

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FTC Disclosure: 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.

Saturday, March 3, 2018

Win a pair of tickets to @NYBG 's The Orchid Show: Orchid Evenings #OrchidNYBG and #SpringIntoPhotography with @Ascending1 #PhotographyChallenge

Orchid Show Signage at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
 New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
Old Man Winter and that groundhog seem to want to  keep New York City in their Vice Grip of cold weather and this butterfly who is a Spring Baby (my birthday is coming up in April) yearns for signs of Spring and sunshine.

I found some amazing signs of Spring at the Media Preview of The Orchid Show at NY Botanical Gardens this week and I can't wait to share!

Daniel Ost Floral Artist New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
Daniel Ost, Floral Artist
The annual Orchid Show, now in its 16th year, showcases thousands of dramatically displayed Orchids in the NY Botanical Garden Enid A. Haupt Conservatory featuring a series of installations designed by one of the world's leading floral artists, Daniel Ost.  Ost uses flowers as a means of expression and his large-scale artworks were tailored to compliment the landmark Victorian Styled Conservatory and it's an explosion of texture, form and colors!

If you read my last post you know I made the switch from shooting with Canon to shooting with Nikon and that March is "Spring Into Photography" month on Ascending Butterfly to celebrate all things Photography. At this point in my journalism career I am just as much a Photographer as I am a Writer and last year's PDN Photo Plus Expo really got me fired up about upping my photography skills. This event was the inaugural run with my new Nikon and I am definitely happy I made the switch.

Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018, Daniel Ost, Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Flowers, Flower Wall, Orchid, Orchids
Orchid Flower Wall Installation at New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018
So to celebrate you will see tons of activity on my Instagram so be sure you are following me there. I really want to grow my Instagram a bit more this year as it was one of the last social channels I adopted. All my photos on Instagram this month will be hashtagged: #SpringIntoPhotography and #AscendingButterfly - if you would like to join us add those hashtags to your photos.

There will be fun giveaways in honor of Spring into Photography month, and this one is the first one. Whether it's a Digital Camera or your Smartphone, a good photo is about that combo of hardware and a great subject, and I can't think of a better backdrop for a fun photo challenge.

"Orchid Evenings" from 6:30 - 9:30, combines Music by DJ X-RAY, Cocktails (check out the Dancing Lady Signature Cocktail by Edible Bronx's Head Mixologist), Live Performers and the sublime beauty of the 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 17, 24, 31, and April 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 & 21 - you are admitted based on the time on your ticket, Entry Times are at 6:30, 7:00 & 7:30 p.m.

$28 for Members and $38 per ticket for non-members, the ticket includes one complimentary beer, wine or cocktail of your choice. 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.

If you are into the hashtag trend of taking photos and selfies in front of interesting backdrops like flower walls you are going to LOVE this exhibit, so dress up a bit!

Here's My #FlowerWall #ThinkSpring moment:

Ascending Butterfly #FlowerWal New York Botanical Garden Orchid Show 2018 #OrchidNYBG
A quick video about the exhibit:



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 at New York Botanical Garden! This Giveaway and ends SOON so you will have a better shot at picking the dates you want to go! Prize does NOT include airfare, hotel or transportation and is based on availability.

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. I always love attending the Orchid Show annually, it truly gets me looking forward to all things Spring.

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

Tip for my "Guy Butterflies": If you are planning to get engaged, this is the perfect backdrop for popping the question!

I took almost 300 photos, so check out Ascending Butterfly's Insta and Pinterest during the month of March for Additional Photos, I knew I couldn't get them all into one post.

Have you ever cultivated an orchid? What is your favorite flower?

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

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FTC Disclosure: 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 media access to the 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.

Monday, February 26, 2018

Made the switch from @CanonUSA to @NikonUSA with a ton of inspiration from @PhotoPlusExpo I am making March #SpringIntoPhotography Month on #AscendingButterflyBlog

Last year's PDN Photo Plus Expo definitely inspired me, like most expos I am hoping to be able to work more closely with some of the exhibitors so I can bring you more in depth coverage on the hottest products instead of a broad overview that doesn't give enough 'meat'.

I am going to make March 'Spring Into Photography' month on Ascending Butterfly and I plan to open with a great giveaway that will help you improve your photos!

I also made the jump from Canon to Nikon - after 7 years of shooting with Canon pretty much exclusively this wasn't an easy thing to do. Before my Canon I had an Olympus Digital Camera and it was also hard making the switch. My Olympus had been with me for a ton of significant life moments and milestones. It was hard to wrap my mind around a new Camera - but my blog had picked up a lot of momentum by then so when my Olympus conked out I knew I needed an upgrade and that camera was a big upgrade.

But I really want to focus a bit more on my photography and my Canon wasn't giving me the same results it was giving me in the beginning. Instead of waiting for it to die out on me totally I thought I would put the decision in my own hands this time.

Just like when my HP desktop died and I switched to a gaming rig laptop from ASUS, I have been finding change to be a very good thing, and I hope it works this way with my new Nikon as well.

I am going to be honest I am tempted by SONY and I still plan to test them out - if you are wondering - *weight* is a factor that swayed me to NIKON - my CANON was *HEAVY* and I wanted something lighter as I do a lot of commuting throughout the city during the day, I wanted a lighter DSLR but I didn't want to give up picture quality.

I also wanted to be able to transfer photos from my Camera to my Phone wirelessly and Nikon has me covered there as well.

So here is my very first photo shot with my new camera:

Tarot Cards, The Lovers Tarot Card, Strength Tarot Card, The Wheel of Fortune Tarot Cards, Photography, Nikon D3300
I keep these Tarot Cards on my mirror, I was so eager to shoot something I grabbed the first thing I saw, but they are pretty good for a motivation Monday right? Who doesn't want love, strength and fortune?

MY TAKE:

So there is a bit more change on the way as I am contemplating either a site redesign or a complete re-branding. I'm an Aries, so I have a built in need to pioneer and re-invent myself. I have this strong need to revamp literally *everything* this year. On a personal level it's hair, I'm ready for a chop so if it is long enough I will donate the hair to a cancer charity like I did last time with Pantene Beautiful Lengths.

I have been keeping true to my personal and blog theme this year - "Self-Care" and just recently getting over the FLU (which was horrible this year by the way), taking some time for Self Care has been more important than ever.

I will be attending one of my favorite annual events at a New York City Landmark on Tuesday! Another reason I wanted to break in my new camera so I could be ready, this event is a photography lovers dream! If you aren't already make sure to follow @Ascending1 via Instagram, Twitter and Pinterest!

Spill Butterflies: Do you shoot with a Digital Camera/DSLR or do you mostly use your smartphone for capturing the moment? (Your answer may just sway an upcoming giveaway so answer with care and stay tuned!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT sponsored  post, nor is it compensated 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Thursday, February 8, 2018

#Ad: {21+} Drink Your Dessert During National Chocolate Lovers Month! {#Recipe Printable} #worldmarkettribe #DiscoverWorldMarket

To celebrate National Chocolate Lovers Month, I am partnering with Cost Plus World Market to bring you some cocktails so indulgent they could be considered Dessert! Thanks Cost Plus World Market for Sponsoring this Post. All views are my own.


It is National Chocolate Lovers Month! UM YES, PLEASE!

I love chocolate and I am no stranger to sweet cocktails so I thought I would combine my love of both and bring you two of my favorite Martini's - a Dark Chocolate and a White Chocolate Martini. Perfect for your Valentine or Galentine, or a fun Star Wars Viewing Party - Set out your Martinis and let your friends choose the dark side or the rebellion!

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market


A lot of my barware has been those cool commemorative glasses you get at restaurants or bars for ordering a specialty cocktail, cute, but all branded for different places. Not quite the sophisticated set up.

I wanted a more sophisticated bar area with the challenge of being in a super small space, so I converted one of my favorite Cost Plus World Market sideboards into a bar on the inside, I bought a wine rack to put inside the sideboard where I could store wine and spirits neatly and also include my barware. I purchased a mirrored serving tray and my very first set of matching NON-BRANDED Martini Glasses! 

Chocolate Martini's are indulgent, decadent and as sweet as you want them to be, remember to dim down the sweetness and add more 'pow' to the drink you just need to up the amount of Vodka used in the recipe.

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market


Above: Even though I refrigerated my Torani Dark Chocoloate Syrup prior to working with it, it definitely started to melt down fast when the vodka hit the glass and my cute design got kind of melded together, I also formed a heart with the dusting of cocoa powder! The White Chocolate syrup also sort of pooled to the bottom so it is a bit hard to see.

A lot of folks like to line the top of the glass and rim it with the chocolate sort of like a margarita, but I can tell you if you are wearing lipstick or lipgloss you do NOT want that! So start your chocolate swirl pattern what I call 'lip length down' so you don't get the sauce on your lips with each sip. Unless you are wearing a truly bulletproof lip stain that won't budge every time you lick your lips.

CHOCOLATE MARTINI INGREDIENTS, INSTRUCTIONS, RECIPE:

Chocolate Martini Recipe Printable
AbovePress on the photo above to make it bigger, and it becomes a printable, you will also find this on our pinterest page in the cocktails anyone? board HERE.

I post one recipe, because the substitution is simple, for a darker effect you use more chocolate liquer, and for a lighter chocolate martini, you can eliminate the chocolate liquer or use it in a lesser ratio and/or just use the baileys. If you notice I wasn't specific with the Vodka brand or the chocolate liquer brand because that really amounts to personal taste, most bartenders use Vanilla Flavored Vodka and I am not a fan of it so I use a regular vodka and let the liquer (Godiva is really good) and the Baileys give it the taste profile. Remember your syrup (I prefer Torani) which you are using for decoration, drops to the bottom so it flavors the drink in its own way as well. I do however get specific with the Baileys, it adds such a smooth, rich flavor, and the torani syrups say 'coffe house flavor' but it is NOT overwhelming and it adds such a richness to the drink. With the Dark Chocolate Torani Syrup being a stronger flavor profile and the white chocolate syrup much sweeter.

Sorry that the white chocolate blended into the glass so much you can't see the swirl design, it sort of pooled more to the bottom. Maybe I should have layered it like Sand Art? ;-)

National Chocolate Lovers Month Specialty Cocktails Dark and White Chocolate Martinis, #DiscoverWorldMarket, #worldmarkettribe, martini glasses, barware, cocktail shaker, mirrored serving tray, cost plus world market

I personally freeze my vodka so I know it's cold when I am ready for it, but you definitely want to add a lot of ice to your shaker, this drink is best served and consumed while it is still super cold.

SHOP THE POST:

All the elements used to create this recipe, from the sideboard that I converted into a bar, the mirrored serving tray, glasses, syrups and shaker are included below!

Holbrook Sideboard from Cost Plus World Market
Holbrook Sideboard
Above: I fell in LOVE with this sideboard when I attended the Grand Opening of my local Cost Plus World Market in New York City - 620 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011 in Manhattan's trendy Chelsea area. I had already been eyeing them on the website but seeing them in person definitely put it over the top for me! I fell so much in love, that I ordered two. But I recently decided to repurpose one of them and because I live in a super small space, this is now my foyer entryway table that blends perfectly into my modern zen décor, but the inside is all barware and bottles as I purchased several racks to go inside of it. It is incredibly spacious on the inside, and once I lived with them for awhile in other rooms I realized that several actual 'bars' I had been researching for that space were no where near as spacious and I love that when it is closed you can't tell I am using it for that purpose. So double perk. I also love using this piece to stage my product photos, and the chocolate martini's were put out on this sideboard.

Torani White Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Torani White Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Above: I love the flavor of Torani White Chocolate Sauce and it was fun using it for my White Chocolate Martini - both to rim the martini glass and to flavor the drink. This is sweet in a good way NOT a cloying way! And you will want to use this in tons of other ways, on ice cream as an icing for pastries, and definitely in your coffee/cappuccino

Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Torani Dark Chocolate Sauce from Cost Plus World Market
Above: The Dark Chocolate Sauce by Torani has a bolder less sweet flavor profile than the White Chocolate Sauce and is also delicious, you can definitely use this on other stuff and trust me when I tell you that you will. You will find excuses to drizzle it on almost everything! Once you try this one you won't go back to your regular brand.

Madison Martini Glasses - Set of 6 - Cost Plus World Market
Madison Martini Glasses - Set of 6 - Cost Plus World Market

Above: I always read reviews before I purchase ANYTHING, and the reviews on these were quite positive and I can see why. They are a great value for the money, they are sturdy, definitely not thin or cheaply made, and make a great presentation. I also like using martini glasses for small snacks during a party for an elegant presentation as well. And I have always considered them the glass to present shrimp cocktails in.

Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray from Cost Plus World Market
Gold Mirrored Tabletop Tray from Cost Plus World Market

Above: I Love this one so much I plan to order another one for my Vanity! It is perfect for all kinds of staging and presentation!

Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from Cost Plus World Market
Stainless Steel Cocktail Shaker from Cost Plus World Market
Above: To mix the perfect Martini every time you want a good cocktail shaker!

also know you guys like non-alcohol alternatives, so I just can't help but to share the amazing post by Laura Leigh on her blog Louella Reese where she creates a copy cat Frozen Hot Chocolate Recipe inspired by wildly popular ones at Serendipity restaurants in my hometown New York City!

My Take:

You can pick up all these items at your local Cost Plus World Market location (I am linking you directly to the store locator) or online and they are currently having a sale for 25% off Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites so you can nab yours for a great discount!

Save 25% on ALL Valentine's Day Shop Food Favorites at World Market! Save an additional 10% with code SAVEBIG10

I am always game to try something new and I like that the Chocolate Martini lets you mix things up a bit. And you can make them to suit your mood, sweet or powerful!

What is your favorite specialty cocktail?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored and compensated post, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am a member of Cost Plus World Market Ambassador Program. 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.