{#WordlessWednesday} Photo Highlights from the @Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty #TisTheSeason

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Event Recap Coverage, NOT compensated ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

It has been a frenzy of holiday parties and I thought I would take this week to share some notable ones with you!

In honor of Wordless Wednesday I plan to keep this one photo heavy and word light.

I attended a Holiday Sniffapalooza at Annick Goutal's Madison Avenue Store in New York City, where they hosted a very unique event that involved something I am very familiar and quite good at if I do say so myself, custom blending scents/fragrance.

That is my kind of alchemy and here are some photo highlights of the event:

Above: Nabbed an exterior shot of the store, nothing prettier than the stores in Manhattan, New York during the holidays! The windows are always so pretty and inviting.

Above: Store Manager Francoise Alessi leads special guests through the scents and provides idea for custom blending the Night Birds Collection: both Nuit En Confidences and Tenue De Soiree with classic scents in the Annick Goutal range of fine fragrances. This part was so much fun!

Above: Here is where the SQUEE!!! begins, the store is beautifully decorated with touches of butterflies EVERYWHERE - see them on the wallpaper? Notice the decorative touch on the box? 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!

Above: I love the way they lined the stairs with a large bottle then a candle and then repeat and touches of greenery, super pretty and festive!

Above: Isn't this display pretty? I was playing with filters and thought I would present the same photo in black and white for contrast, what do you think? (below, same image in black and white)

Above: There is just something softer and more romantic about this photo in black and white in my opinion.

Above: Annick Goutal Eau d' Hadrien Fragrance - I am living for my own photography excellence, what can I say, Butterflies have and will always inspire me!

and a la Britney Spears, oops I did again, see this same photo below in black and white - again in black and white it changes the mood.

Above: Soft, Feminine and Super Romantic Right?

Above: In the middle is Annick Goutal's Petite Cherie center surrounded by Eau d' Hadrien products

Above: I truly captured a glowy radiance to this large sized hand painted bottle of Eau d' Hadrien, which I really, really, really want for my vanity but they were custom made for the store for display purposes only. Le Sigh!

Above: Annick Goutal's Nuit Etoilee - this royal blue bottle with the butterfly top and all those stars though! *NEED*

And yet again, I couldn't resist fooling around in Ribbet which is my favorite photo editing software and added a cool filter to this shot! (NO this is NOT an insertion, not getting paid for this post or to tell you about the photography filters and editing program I used to create this post, although I definitely should!)

Above: I love the effect that the 'inverter' filter has on this shot!

Above: I flipped when I saw this bottle of Petite Cherie as Mama Butterfly sometimes called me her Petite Cherie when I was a little girl, and still does. Another Product Crush for my Vanity. Although a bottle this big would probably take up most of the real estate, I would not be mad at it!

More filter fun below:

Above: Somebody stop me, here is the inverter filter again, at first I played with Duo Tone but ended up going with Inverter instead. Aren't both shots literally night and day, they give off two entirely different feels and I love them both the same!

Above: I loved the color on this ruby bottle, so much so that I made this photo black and white, then used the fade to bring the ruby back out in the bottle. This feels more like a pro photo shoot than typical event recap coverage and I am loving this all so much. I tend to get artsy with my photos anyway, but today I had extra fun with it!

Above: I went nuts and used the "Pencil Sketch" Filter on the Ruby Bottle and got this!

Above: Did an event really happen in New York without a signature cocktail? How about one inspired by the fragrance? This cocktail using DEKUYPER Creme De Cassis was inspired by Annick Goutal's Tenue De Soiree. The body butter to this is literally HEAVENLY. I want it!

Above: This signature cocktail used ABSOLUT Vanilia and is inspired by Annick Goutal's Nuit Et Confidences

Above: OK, so I have to admit I staged this one myself, I literally stole the bottle from the bar, the perfume from the counter and added my drink, I couldn't resist the juxtaposition of it all and the varied textures. Some folks were looking at me like I was a space creature or thought I was the event photographer which tends to happen anyway!

Above: Credit for nabbing this shot before thirsty folks grabbed all these off the serving tray! :-)

Above: Light Bites that carried through the theme of the scents with their flavor profiles were such an elegant touch! Provided by Pistache NYC French Pastries and Savories Catering - You can get social with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PistacheNYC

MY TAKE:

There were some photos I excluded as they were sort of redundant shots, but these are definitely going on Pinterest, once I am done I will make the word Pinterest clickable on this post. It will be a scent board that reflects not just this event, but scents I dig overall.

There are two things I "CUSTOM" pretty much every single day, my signature red lip, and my scent. It is an alchemy I have enjoyed since my teen years. When I attend Beauty Events, no brand has ever given me a lip over or wanted to touch my lips which is quite the compliment and I always get asked what scent I am wearing, it's actually 9 out of ten times me blending stuff. So an event that invited me to play and make a scent that was unique? Um, YES PLEASE!

My only negative was no gift bags, you do not let a butterfly obsessed blogger leave without goodies to take home, (especially after this photo shoot!) I loved both of the Night Bird Scents but fell head over heels for the body butter for Tenue De Soiree.

Oddly something similar happened to me with Opium, I didn't wear the perfume much but I wore the body powder to it all the time. Don't get me wrong I liked Opium, but I liked the powder to it way better.

The same thing happened here, I like Tenue De Soiree, but love the body cream, like totally obsessed. The scent is amazing and my skin drank it in and it left my skin so soft and wonderfully scented.

This was a fun holiday party overall, just no parting gifts. You know never forget Tis the Season.

Spill Butterflies: What is the best Holiday Party you have ever attended? Why? What is the best Holiday Party you ever hosted?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own! This is an event recap, no compensation has been received, no gift bag either. 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*.

{FLASH #GIVEAWAY ALERT} Find out more on how to win a Family Four Pack of Tickets to @NYBG New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show via @Ascending1 #AscendingButterfly #HTSnybg #spon

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of New York Botanical Garden. All opinions are 100% my own.

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

I attended the Media Preview Day for the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show and was blown away with how much they improved the show this year! It literally felt like a whole new show, here is my coverage from last year's show: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2016/01/last-chance-for-nybg-holiday-train-show.html

I took so many pictures that there is literally no way I can optimize and watermark them all before the holidays!

I did actually start the process, here are a few photos I've done so far:

Above: You know I like to walk you through an event in order, check out the entrance, tres festive right? You can press on the image to see it bigger and then hit back to come back to the post!

Above: Had to do a close up on that wreath, I am actually using the RAW file of this image as my computer wallpaper right now, for the blog I use jpg format, but I always keep the RAW version of every photo I take as well.

Above: Had to nab a shot of the event signage!

Above: My Die Hard, true blue, long time butterflies, will know exactly why I took this shot! Look at the number on the train! Enlarge it and find the number actually appears twice. 

22, 222, 2222 - these numbers always appear to me daily!

Above: The iconic Macy's Herald Square Flagship Store is the first thing you see when you come up the stairs, dig how I captured that train even though it was in motion with very little blur?

Above: Captured another train in motion and I am loving the reflection of the buildings on the water in this shot!

There are so many more so I will get them done as time permits and post them via Pinterest, when they are ready, the word pinterest in this sentence will be clickable!

WIN IT:

For the first time ever I am hosting a social channel only giveaway! I am hosting a Family Four Pack of Tickets to the New York Botanical Garden Train Show, but you do not enter here, you enter directly with Ascending Butterfly via Instagram!

MY TAKE:

Kids of all ages will be amazed by this show! All the buildings are made with organic material, plant life, coconut shells, and comes to life with special surprises both by day and by night.

As a single girl in the city I normally host a giveaway for the Night Only more adult oriented Version of most exhibits, but this year I really wanted to share this with all my butterflies and make this one a family friendly giveaway! So instead of The Holiday Train Show by night, this giveaway is for a family four pack instead, date will be based on availability to be determined by Sponsor.

Spill Butterflies: Have you ever been to the New York Botanical Garden Holiday Train Show? If so, which was your favorite iconic landmark? If not, what is part of your family's favorite holiday tradition?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, 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*.

#ad: #OnTheBlog - Looking for a #supermoon2017 #SuperMoonSunday Read? Then Check out this Review and Giveaway of @tylerperry #HigherIsWaiting a @penguinrandom title #rwm

{CLOSED} CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER TOMI C. THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄ƷThis is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Review Wire Media for Penguin Random House. I received information to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All opinions are 100% my own.

This Sunday, December 3rd is the both the FIRST AND LAST supermoon of 2017. The moon is going to appear up to 14 times larger and 30 times brighter than usual, and I can't think of any better way to enjoy it than cozying up to my favorite reading nook by the window with a good book and a nice glass of wine (or eggnog or hot chocolate, whatever floats your beverage boat!) And I will also have my Crystals on the windowsill 're-charging' as it is thought that the full moon shines down with so much pure energy, anything it touches is imbued with powerful radiance and love. And who couldn't use more of that in their life?

The illumination of the supermoon provides not only physical mind-blowing results when it comes to energy healing but on a soul level as well it helps to sort of shine a light on the dark corners of your subconscious and shine a light that gives you insight into your emotions, your soul, and your soul path. And that all ties so superbly with the review and giveaway I bring you today. (And don't forget in case you missed it, we teamed up with Santa.com to host a fun Giveaway that includes a limited edition Christopher Radko ornament, only 300 of them were made, please be sure to enter it HERE) 

I know it's been ages since we have had an Ascending Butterfly Book Club on a regular basis monthly, not so much because I haven't been reading, I definitely have, but I have had less time to write and a regular feature was becoming too much of a commitment. Lately my blog life has been matching my single life, not much along the way of time to properly devote to either one. Le Sigh. Being a single butterfly in the city ain't easy!

I do have a title I wanted to share with you called Higher is Waiting by Tyler Perry (note this is an affiliate link to the book, when you purchase from our affiliate link it helps support this site and is always appreciated).

There are so many reasons this book resonates with me.

In addition to writing and social media consulting I am life/career coach and I am always scouring self help aisles to keep myself motivated. I know I have to keep my batteries re-charged if I am going to help others.

A Life Coach in a Funk?

Not cute.

Not a Good Look.

Bad for Business.

I love to scour the self-help aisle at the Library and my favorite bookstores for inspiration. And I squeeze in my reading anywhere I can, during my commute to the City each day, when I am traveling or on a plane, somehow despite the popularity of e-readers and even with my love of tech and tech blogging, I am still old school when it comes to reading, I like a hardcover book in my hand.

Whether you know Tyler Perry from his feature films, twenty stage plays or nine television shows, Higher is Waiting is a very intimate look at the Writer, Author, Filmmaker, playwright, songwriter, entrepreneur and philanthropist. Check out Tyler's "The Perry Foundation" which aims to transform tragedy into triumph by seeding individual potential, supporting communities and harvesting real change.

This is Tyler's second title, his first book, which is also a #1 New York Times Best Seller is called "Don't Make a Black Woman Take Off Her Earrings: Madea's Uninhibited Commentaries on Love and Life"

I want to make it very clear that this is NOT a Madea book, nor is this a sequel to that book, this is Tyler Perry opening himself up in a very raw, personal and open way sharing directly from a ten year period of his personal journals with a combination of humor and spiritual hope.

The book is divided into four sections: Planting, Nourishing, Branching Out and Harvesting.

The format is a little bit similar to a book that was a standout pick for me in our Ascending Butterfly Book Club in 2010, called Unforgettable You by Daisy Fuentes, see my review for that book HERE.

Like Unforgettable You, Higher Is Waiting has a call to action at the end of every chapter, and also has recommended bible verses and passages that relate to that chapter and help you expand deeper on the theme in that particular chapter.

WIN IT:

I am partnering with Review Wire Media and Penguin Random House to give one lucky butterfly the chance to win your own copy of "Higher Is Waiting". Use the Rafflecopter Widget Below to enter, if the widget is 'stuck' just refresh the page and it should come back on it's own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

I had seen interviews with Tyler Perry and had some idea of the abuse he endured in childhood, but not quite the extent of what he endured, while I appreciate Tyler Perry's humor it is in Higher Is Waiting that he gives us the biggest glimpse yet into his soul. Memoirs are terribly difficult to pen - just how much of yourself do you give? How does what you give of yourself impact how an already established audience perceives you?

I have read many other reviews on this book describing it as an easy read. (I always tend to read reviews before I write one.) And I am not quite sure that I agree. A Memoir is something akin to an open sore that you keep peeling the skin off of, it's a raw and a painful process, and to read of someone else's trials and tribulations I would never consider 'easy', but I will agree you can get through each individual chapter quickly because they are shorter chapters.

But the meat is in the end of chapter questions that ask you to probe yourself.

And the soul is in the extra bible verses that he asks you to refer to that expand upon that chapter's theme.

If you are doing it right, and really taking those extra steps at the end of the chapter, this is actually not a fast or easy read, but something that moves you to dig into your own soul in a very empowering way.

And before you say it, yes I am very careful with the three taboo conversation topics even here on my pages: Sex, Politics and Religion. However, I am enlightened enough to say I am open to wisdom and inspiration in any form or shape, and while this book uses bible verses at the end of the chapter for additional sources of inspiration, if you are not inclined, you can skip the bible verses, but please do NOT skip the questions that ask you to probe your own soul or you would be doing yourself a great dis-service. Those questions are for self examination and evaluation, and while you think you may know the answers, keep that pen and paper handy and WRITE out the answers to each question at the end of each chapter, your answers just may surprise you and seeing them written is super powerful.

I recommend this book to my friends in Faith and those who are not Faith inclined, it is an example of endurance, humor, and the wisdom that comes from a life in progress.

A most excellent Holiday Gift in my opinion.

Spill Butterflies: What is your favorite Memoir? or even if it wasn't exactly your favorite, what was the last Memoir you read?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, 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*.

I am joining @garlandtheelf and Santa.com to bring you a very special #SantaGiveaway

This is a Sponsored/Compensated Post in conjunction with Santa.com and The Mom Bloggers Club, Ascending Butterfly Shares Products and Services that we feel are beneficial to our readers and all opinions are 100% my own.

I hope all my butterflies had an amazing Thanksgiving! I hope this year gave you many moments of joy and amazing blessings to be grateful for.

It's been a wildly mixed year for this butterfly, I think life always brings an equal mix of highs and lows. The trick is learning to ride those lows with grace while waiting for that roller coaster to ascend again.

We are plunging right into that 'Tis The Season' Season. And with all the shopping, cooking and decorating it's super easy to get stressed out.

Tons of stuff has gone digital, and with more kids in possession of cell phones and devices these days it's no wonder that even Santa has embraced technology - just because kids have gone hi-tech doesn't mean the magic of Christmas has to get lost.

Kids from 0 - 120 can now amp up their holiday spirit by enjoying fun messages from Santa in the following ways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Emails from Santa (FREE!!!) - The newly re-designed Santa.com is the only site in the world that will send a detailed, thoughtful reply using the email: santa@santa.com

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Text Messages from Santa - From December 1st until Christmas Day ($9.99) - Recipient will receive daily, PERSONALIZED text messages filled with Christmas Spirit, Amusing Facts, and Positive Values. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Handwritten Notes from Santa - Santa.com is offering a new service for sending handwritten notes from Santa! (I must admit I am stoked about this, I have had penpals since Elementary School and am happy to see the art of putting pen to paper and getting actual mail that isn't a bill isn't dying!)

Santa.com is the oldest Santa website in existence, originally registered in 1994, it was recently acquired by start up Santa Holdings II, LLC a small, family-oriented company, comprised of four members: two parent entrepreneurs, a child educator and a software engineer. They made sure that this site is completely kid safe and focused on bringing Santa and some Holiday Magic to you and your loved ones. They also take privacy seriously, they are currently being certified by an FTC Safe Harbor Program to ensure FTC privacy and security requirements for sites that provide content for children under 13.

I am partnering with Santa.com and Mom Bloggers Club to bring you some fun ways to bring some holiday magic to you and your littles this holiday season!

Want some Printables? Here you go!

Above: Just right click on the teddy bear and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the Candy Cane and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the Sugar Cookie and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the Stocking and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the Reindeer and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the teddy bear and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the snowman and hit Print!

Above: Just right click on the image and hit Print! (This one is perfect for the littles to use to write their list to Santa!)

Above: Just right click on the image and hit Print! (Cute for those Thank You notes!)

How about a neat Giveaway? (This Contest is Sponsored by Santa.com, and they will be drawing the winners, not Ascending Butterfly.)

Santa.com Christmas Giveaway

Prize Includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Christopher Radko Ornament for Anderson's of Nantucket, MA (Limited Edition of 300)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com Fidget Spinner wrapped in Gift Paper and Santa.com Ribbon

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com eco-friendly folding tote bag

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com story book and coloring pages

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com oval bumper sticker

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Santa.com pen

Want a discount so you can nab your texts from Santa at a discount? Of course you do! And it's as easy as 1,2,3. (Cause that's how we like it around here at Ascending Butterfly)

To get a Hidden Coupon Code to use on Santa.com you need to:

(1) Download the Blippar App from iTunes Store or Google Play

(2) With the app open visit Santa.com and hover over the images on the site.

(3) One of the images will reveal a code you can use to get personalized texts from Santa for $2.49 instead of $9.99

Get Social with Santa!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Twitter: @garlandtheelf
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Facebook: @santa.com
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Instagram: @santa.com

MY TAKE:

I was watching a movie a few weeks ago where a little boy receives a text from Santa, and shortly after this campaign hit my inbox, coincidence?

I think this is one of the greatest ways I have seen where tech doesn't take away from the magic of being a kid but actually enhances it, and that's quite rare these days.

I have quite a few Radko Collectible Ornaments on my tree and each one has it's own memory behind it, so I thought it was actually pretty neat that a Christopher Radko Ornament is being included in this prize package.

I have more surprises up my sleeve this holiday season, so stay tuned for a few more neat giveaways that are headed your way butterflies. (And some overdue event recaps too!)

Spill Butterflies: What was your all time favorite gift from Santa?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post, 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*.

While I hit the #MediaPreview for The @NYBG Holiday Train Show today I leave you with Photo Highlights of the last awesome event! #NYBG

This is NOT a Compensated or Sponsored Post. It is an Event Recap.

Today I am heading to one my favorite New York City landmarks, The New York Botanical Garden for the annual Holiday Train Show, (my coverage of last year's Holiday Train Show, can be found HERE) so I thought I would leave you guys with Photo Highlights from the last great event I attended.

I already knew I loved NY Botanical Garden for Wine Tastings and Garden-to-Table Dinners, but this Fall I got the chance to attend Blues, Brews and Botany a fun Cider and Beer tasting and loved how it combined the science behind brewing with great music and a super fun tasting experience.

Here are my photo highlights of Blues, Brews and Botany at New York Botanical Garden:

Above: Map/Event Signage for Blues, Brews & Botany at New York Botanical Garden

Above: Demonstration by Urban Glass at New York Botanical Garden

Above: After the Glass Blowing Demo I hit the tasting area and first stop was Angry Orchard, one of their offerings was their new Easy Apple, a refreshing and easy-to-drink hard cider. Alcohol By Volume: 4.2% (This includes Culinary Apples: Braeburn, Fuji, Granny Smith and Gala Apples, French Bittersweet Apples: Dabinett, Harry Master Jersey, Frequin Rouge, Bisquet) and yes folks this offering is Gluten Free! :)

Above: The Magners Team offered up Woodchuck Amber Hard Cider and Irish Cider Original.

Above: They didn't have it with them for this tasting but they also have a Pear Cider I would love to try! And this young lady wins it for most contagious smile!

Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company
https://www.captainlawrencebrewing.com/beer-list/

Above: Captain Lawrence Brewery Company for my pumpkin spice lovers they have a seasonal Autumn Blaze Pumpkin Ale

Above: Coney Island Brewing Company brought along two fun offerings: Mermaid Pilsner - a light-bodied, crisp-drinking, nicely hopped lager. A heavy-handed addition of rye malt adds a mild spiciness, which is then balanced by a light, fruity, floral hop aroma. Alcohol By Volume: 5.2%

Above: Coney Island Brewing Company also brought along Freaktoberfest Big Ol' Pumpkin Ale. Brewed with Espresso beans, it is a copper hued, pumpkin and espresso ale with hints of allspice and cinnamon. And it packed a little more punch with an Alcohol By Volume of 6.2%

Above: Left: Dos Equis (I don't know why Dos Equis went and retired The Most Interesting Man in the World, I am still not digging the replacement guy!) and Right: Newcastle Brown Ale

Above: Left: Ithaca Beer Apricot Wheat offered a combination of wheat and barley with a hint of Apricot to give this beer a pleasant note, fruity finish a lighter taste. (Suggested Food Pairings Summer Salads, Pork Dishes, Fruity Desserts, Cheese Pairings: Soft Goat Milk's Cheese like Chevre) with an Alcohol by Volume of 5.0%. Right: CascaZilla Red India Pale Ale- the name is a play on both the name of a gorge in Ithaca called Cascadilla and the monster amounts of Cascade Hops while dry-hopping during the brewing process. The Distinctive Red Color comes from a subtle addition of Black Malt. (Food Pairings: Spicy Stews or barbecued meat, Cheese Pairings: Danish Blue or Gruyere) Alcohol By Volume: 6.5%

Above: Keegan Ales brought along Mother's Milk - Dark and Creamy Milk Stout with aromas of chocolate, roasted barley and oatmeal. The use of Lactose (Milk Sugar) in the brew gives it a sweet taste and silky mouth feel. Just so you know the NY Times declared 'Mother's Milk' one of the "Top Ten Stouts in North America" ABV: 5% Food Pairing: Hearty/Szechaun Dishes, Steaks, Smoked Meats, Barbecue, Oaxacan Mole. Cheese Pairing: Buttery, Well-Aged Cheddar. Dessert: Chocolate Expresso Cake, Cream Puffs, Profiteroles

Above: Keegan Ale also brought along Old Capital - Golden ale with a light straw color and bright white head that lingers meets notes of citrus and pine from the use of cascade hops with a light sweetness from a simple yet strong malt bill. Named for Kingston's rich historical heritage it has an Alcohol by Volume of 4%. Dinner Pairing: Chicken, Salads, Salmon, Bratwurst. Cheese: Monterey Jack. Dessert: Apricot or Mandarin Cake, Lemon Custard Tart

Above: Paul Joseph's Blues Project provided the music and I have a quite a few shots where you can see folks dancing that are near the tent, but I wanted to use the clearest shot of just the band for my post.

Above: Isn't the Tap Pull on the Blue Moon Pumpkin Ale EVERYTHING? I can't take the cuteness! Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Wheat Ale is a deep amber colored ale with a twist of cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, allspice and an ABV of 5.7%. Pairs well with Beef Dishes and Seasonal Soups!

Above: Leinenkugel's Oktoberfest kept to the seasonsal theme! This one was malty and sweet with a vibrant copper pour and ABV: 5.10% Pairs with brats, spaetzels, pork chops, soft pretzels, spiced apple cake for dessert.

Above: New Belgium Brewing Fat Tire Ale is clear, amber and bright with white lacing, sweet biscuit and caramel malts and subtle notes of fresh fennel and green apple, there is a carbonation and light sweetness on the palate. ABV: 5.2%. Food Pairings: Chicken, Flank Steak, Beer Cheese Soup

Above: Newburgh Brewing Company

Above: Paulaner's Hefe-Weizen Natural Wheat is unfiltered, at first mouthful you might detect a hint of banana aroma and fine palates will perceive trace mango and pineapple and a balance between sweet and bitter. This one was refreshing and also served up with a great smile! This was the beer on the right, the pull on the left might be a bit harder to see it is for Oktoberfest Marzen (The Marzen names comes from "March Beer" because it was historically brewed in March to be at peak flavor for Oktoberfest celebration).

Above: Saranac's 1888 Octoberfest has a 5.4% ABV and won Gold at the Brussels Beer Challenge for the German Style Marzen Category in 2014.

Above: Southampton Publick House Double White is a "Double Strength" or "Double Gravity" version of a classic Belgian-style white ale. White Ales (or Witbiers) have a light color and cloudy appearance, they are unfiltered wheat based brews with a unique citrus character from the use of orange peel and ground coriander seed in the brewing process. ABV: 6.6%

Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Workers Comp Farmhouse Ale - with a an array of tropical fruit, spice flavors and aromatics brewed with a variety of harvest grains including barley, wheat, oats and rye. It is intensely fruity (passion fruit, pineapple, mango, lychee) and slightly spicy (clove and white pepper). ABV: 4.8%

Above: Two Roads Brewing Company Honeyspot Road IPA is unfiltered and uses wheat as the dominant malt backbone resulting in a slightly cloudy, pale IPA with a softer mouth feel that accentuates the citrusy Pacific Northwest Hop character and comes in with 6% ABV.

Above: My cute little mini beer mug climbed up a tree to take a rest!

Above: Ticket and Mini Beer Mug!

My Take:

This was my first time attending a beer tasting at NYBG. From conversations with other attendees I hear the tasting mug was bigger at the last one, the mini size of the mug was not totally popular, especially with the bigger, beefier man hands, but in all fairness there was a bit of ground to cover tasting wise and no limits on samples that I could tell so I guess it would make sense to make the mugs smaller, a cute memento addition to your bar!

I liked the live music, wide array of samples to choose from and that there were snack vendors close by too and the botany behind the brewing was fun to experience as well. Perk on the uniqueness of the venue and thankfully it was a beautiful day as well which allowed for guests to be able to spread out and really enjoy the surroundings in addition to the tastings. Good amount of room, my only warning is that women not wear heels because you are on grass which isn't very high heel friendly.

This lined up with the Dale Chihuly Exhibition that was still there so tasters could also enjoy some great photo opps with the sculptural installations as dramatic backdrops while they were there!

Spill Butterflies: What is your favorite craft brew or cider? Which of these would you most like to try?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however tickets were provided for Editorial Consieration.  This is an event recap. This was NOT an Editor only event, it was open to the public. The event was sponsored, this review is NOT. 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*.