Tuesday, April 30, 2013

Finally the perfect Argan Oil Product for Fine Hair! My Day in Morocco with @AgadirInt #moroccanspaday



Last week the Rooftop bar of the Library Hotel in New York City was transformed into a Moroccan Paradise for the Agadir International's 'Journey to Morocco with Agadir Argan Oil' event.  Guests were able to indulge in Manicures, Massages, Henna Tattoos, as well as hair styling to help match each guest to the appropriate Agadir Argan Oil Product for their hair.

I was able to get a walk through of each of the products in the line, and I followed that with hair styling and a very helpful hair consultation with Carlos who asked all the right questions about my hair and my morning routine to help match me to the right products. Since I blow dry my hair daily and flat iron often, he recommended (as well as used on my hair on the spot) the Heat Shield 450 which will protect hair from high heat styling appliances like Blow Dryers and Flat irons, and because I have fine hair he also recommended the Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner.

Agadir, Argan Oil, Hair, Beauty, Haircare, Volumizing, Heat Protectant, Shampoo, Conditioner
Stylist Carlos gave me great ideas on what to do with my hair this summer at the Agadir Argan Oil Moroccan Spa Day Event at the Library Hotel in New York City!

I will tell you that after having it used on my hair I found it to be one of the most light weight Argan Oils I've tried so far, it didn't make the scalp and the hair toward the front look greasy at all, and it also offered me true versatility, whether I choose to wear it curly or straight, my hair looked shinier and healthier, it did hold the curl well and the front of my hair which was styled straight stayed straight.

Agadir, Argan Oil, Hair, Beauty, Haircare, Volumizing, Heat Protectant, Shampoo, Conditioner
Stylist Carlos is adding the finishing touches to my hair! I am holding the Heat Shield 450 Plus Treatment.

About Agadir ™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment:

Agadir™ Argan Oil is extracted from the rare and exotic nut (cross between a walnut and almond) of the Argan tree. This wonder oil has the characteristics of being very lightweight and non-greasy. Its conditioning powers are beyond compare when combined with our fine, professional formulation. Argan oil has a low molecular weight, which instantly penetrates into the hair shaft, without weighing the hair down. Agadir™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment is left in the hair for continuous conditioning, leaving it soft, silky, manageable with a long lasting, luxurious shine.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Agadir™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment Properties:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Contains 100% Pure and Certified Argan Oil
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Repairs, softens & strengthens dry, brittle, frizzy hair 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not oily or greasy + no buildup to make hair heavy and flat
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Reduces drying time (40-50%)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Quick absorbent, alcohol free formula
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Natural Antioxidant
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Moisturizing formula nourishes and eliminates dry, itchy, scalp
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Encourages healthier hair growth
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Great hair control and manageability
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paraben AND Sulfate Free!

Argan Oil, Hair, Haircare, Agadir, Heat Shield 450, Heat Protectant, Blow Dry, Flat Iron
Who I am wearing: Green Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Karen Kane JeansSignature by Levi Strauss & Co. Women's Curvy Skinny Jeans, Handbag: Ecco "Natal" Handbag in color 'cognac'

While I haven't had a chance to try out all the products that Carlos recommended that I got to take home, I did like the results he achieved with just the Heat Shield 450 plus Spray Treatment (that protects, repairs and shines!) and the Agadir™ Volumizing Hair Spray - Firm Hold. It helped me keep the soft, frizz free curl he added to my hair all day.

Daily Volumizing Conditioner, Styling Mousse, Argan Oil, Agadir, Hair, Haircare
Had to capture a shot of this cute vignette I set up with the Daily Volumizing Conditioner and the Agadir Argan Oil Styling Mousse

Because I do have fine hair, he recommended the Volumizing products to help give my hair body, and still having the added benefits that Argan Oil offers the hair. They also have a blow dry round brush that actually has Argan Oil infused into bristles of the brush already, which helps to cut down styling time since the product is already infused into the brush! I have to tell you this brush totally ROCKS!

Butterfly Henna Tattoo, Manicure
Got a blush of pink nail polish at the Mani Station plus a super cute Henna Butterfly Tattoo!

I also stopped over at the Manicure Station (they did my nails in the softest hint of pink!) and then followed that with my very first Henna Tattoo, I asked for a Henna Butterfly and couldn't be more thrilled with my Butterfly!

Butterfly, Henna Tattoo, Manicure,
Later in the day the puffy top layer drops off and you are left with the Henna  Tattoo on your skin that lasts about 2 weeks!

We even had the option of adding Glitter to the Henna Tattoo which I definitely said yes to! It was also nice to have the chance to eat, enjoy the view on the outside of the rooftop and catch up with my favorite New York Bloggers!

My Take:

Butterflies Agadir Argan Oil is definitely one to watch and put on your Haircare Radar! Right now they are being sold exclusively in salons, but they plan to roll out their website so that consumers may purchase the products online at their site.  They did let me know that if you see it right now both online and even at Mass Market Drug Stores, the products you are seeing are more than likely fakes or even expired product which would make it less effective, so only buy these at the Salon for now until they are available for purchase directly from the Agadir International website.

I noticed that it seemed to really work well for ALL types of hair. While I was at each station I got the chance to see different people getting styled, and the products really worked well for such a diverse and wide variety of hair types.

Once I have had the opportunity to try out the entire line from A to Z on a regular basis, I will definitely report back to you with additional feedback!

Butterflies, Have you already tried Agadir Argan Oil? If so, please let us know how it is working for you!


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FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no compensation has been received to share our feedback of the preview press launch, we were fed, pampered and given gift bags, all opinions are 100% my own!

Monday, April 29, 2013

Motivation Monday: Live Your Dreams!


Butterflies, sometimes the only one standing in your way of a major dream or accomplishment is YOURSELF. Let the doubters doubt you, Let the 'haters' hate you, but don't ever give up on your dreams! Does your dream seem un-attainable? GOOD! You are on the right track! This week challenge yourself to do ONE thing you normally would never do! (And come back and share what you accomplished this week here, so we can all encourage you and in the process motivate each other!) 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! + Active #Giveaway + Winner Announcement!





What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A Week of Pampering Fun! -  I got transported to Morocco (for #MoroccanSpaDay check out the tweets!) and I spent a day Getting Gorgeous (at #GettingGorgeous 2013), it's been a fun week of events that will get their own recaps for sure, but they allowed me to take some time for me and reminded me that I don't do that nearly enough! I even got my first Henna Tattoo!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Simple Things! - Time spent with family and spiritual reflection is the exact fuel I needed this weekend, it will help me approach a new week and a growing list of 'to-do's' with a much more positive perspective. It's hard to have it all butterflies, and work/life balance will always be a 'rat race' but downtime and time to recharge is the only way you can really get through it all with a better balance.

I have been keeping my own daily list of things I am grateful for and taking time to acknowledge my blessings daily. A bit of concentrated focus on what you do have, instead of on what you lack or need, can make a huge shift in your life!


What are YOU most grateful for today Butterfly?

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaway!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As you know every April is 'It's MY Birthday, But YOU Get the Gifts' time and our current giveaway is for a $100 Gift Card to Wilson's Leather which sells Leather (and non-leather for those of you that don't wear Leather) accessories, apparel, jackets, gloves and more for both men or women, if you haven't already entered, make sure you ENTER, you have to be in it to win it!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In case you missed it, Please join me in congratulating Dawn S. who is Ascending Butterfly's We Take the Cake Giveaway Winner! 

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!):

















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Soap Opera Lovers REJOICE All My Children & One Life to Live are back via The Online Network (@TOLN) on Monday, April 29th!



Butterflies, I don't know if it started for you the same way it did for me, but my first sick day when I was in Junior High School turned out to be a bonding moment and TV habit that would last for decades! I was home sick and well past my cartoon days, so Mom let me in on her favorite daytime 'me time', Soap Operas! Mama Butterfly introduced me to all the characters and patiently caught me up on story lines so I could figure out what was happening. Like many moms, she created a monster, I HAD to know what was going on! And subsequent sick days always meant me in my PJ's watching 'soaps' with mom!

When All My Children and One Life to Live were cancelled it was the shot heard around the world. Many loyal watchers considered each character 'family' and many soaps were passed down throughout the generations in families. Even those who couldn't watch their 'stories' during the day would be sure to record them so they could watch them at night. Soap Operas were favorite water cooler fodder, and the networks were definitely barraged by outraged fans.

And while it had been rumored for what seems like a very long time coming, I can indeed confirm that All My Children and One Life to Live are BACK! The shows are being brought back on The Online Network and can also be viewed on Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes! You can check out All My Children (AMC) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/all-my-children and One Life to Live (OLTL) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/one-life-to-live

Fans no longer have to settle for the crossover of their favorite characters on General Hospital. (And while I know I'm in the minority on this one, I didn't like the character crossovers from OLTL characters on General Hospital. I personally felt that they just didn't 'fit'.) They belong back in their home, and now they will be!

I am SUPER excited to know not only that All My Children and One Life to Live are back, but it's like they are re-invented and being re-born on the web. It's like Soap Opera's 2.0, bigger, better and hopefully built to last!



Show synopsis: All My Children revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley. For nearly forty years, this town has seen the trials and tribulations of its dynamic families. Now your favorite stories are back, and more dramatic than ever!

Plot outline: Since 1970, the residents of All My Children's Pine Valley, PA -- including its most famous citizen, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) have seen their fair share of scandalous hookups, feuds, and devastating murders. Pine Valley luminaries include resident hero Ryan Lavery (Cameron Mathison), Fusion Cosmetics maven Greenlee du Pres (Rebecca Budig), perpetual troublemaker David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry), funnyman Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight), and the unforgettable romantic duo of Angie and Jesse Hubbard (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams).






All My Children actors include returning actors include Debbie Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard, Julie Barr as Brooke English, Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster, Eric Nelson as AJ Chandler, Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery, Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald, Ryan Bittle as JR Chandler, Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery, Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney, Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin, David Canary as Adam Chandler, Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre, and Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson will be returning once the soap moves online.


What Luke and Laura are to General Hospital, Jesse and Angie are to All My Children! I remember where Dr. Angie Hubbard's storyline last left off, and I literally can't wait to find out what direction they are going to take her character and her storyline!



Show synopsis: One Life to Live follows the complicated lives of three main families: the wealthy Lords, the powerful Buchanans and the strong-willed Cramers. The quiet simplicity of small town living is often interrupted by the drama between them yet despite the struggles, strong family bonds keep them united.


Plot outlineThe good people of Llanview, Pennsylvania, lead complicated lives. In a town of questionable marriage ethics, teenagers grow up fast and fall in love quickly. The quiet simplicity of small-town living on the Llantano River is frequently upset by an over-abundance of multiple personalities who disturb the peace. Despite the jealousy, betrayal, and occasional baby-swapping, Llanview is where the Buchanan, Lord, and Cramer families struggle to retain the strong family ties that have always united them.






One Life to Live actors include Corbin Bleu as Jeffery King as well as returning actors Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning. Recurring actors include: Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel, and Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel.



The Buchanans are the power family of OLTL, and true fans know that Erika Slezak who portrays Victoria Lord Buchanan is a very versatile actress, she certainly plays many roles!

I got to see the premiere episodes and am sworn to secrecy, but I do have previews I can share with you!

All My Children | New Season Preview:





After a gunshot was fired five years ago, how has life in Pine Valley changed? Who will find love? Who will seek revenge? The characters you have come to love, the characters you will meet for the first time..Find out when all new daily episodes begin, Monday, April 29th!

One Life to Live | New Season Preview:




                                                                     

Character driven drama One Life to Live is back with all new must-see episodes. Filled with action, romance, comedy and it pushes the boundaries of entertainment by exploring cutting-edge social issues.

I just couldn't resist including this Photo of Snoop Lion helping to countdown the days until OLTL's return!

30 minute episodes will be available each weekday with a recap on Friday, and with Guest Appearances by Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg, notorious OLTL fan who has appeared on the show before), as well as Riff Raff and Nervo, and without the restrictions that sometimes come with daytime TV, folks this is NOT your mama's Soap Opera!

Get Social:

A fun way to get ready for Monday would be to interact with each show's Social Media Pages:

All My Children:




Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you aren't already, you can 'Like' AMC on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Stalk, ahem I mean Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHAMC)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wanna see their pictures? Then Follow via Instagram too!



One Life to Live:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' OLTL on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHOLTL)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow via Instagram too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And for my Tumblr Peeps: Follow OLTL on Tumblr too

The Online Network:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on @TOLN on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on YouTube/tolnsoaps

My Take:

Again, I have seen the first episodes but I am sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal any spoilers, but I am so happy to have both shows back on the air! This is not your Mama's Soap Opera butterflies, this is the digital age at it's finest, taking the old and adding a whole new twist to how you watch your beloved shows and now with the added availability of watching on the go, what's NOT to love?

Butterflies, on Monday after you've seen both episodes, come back here and sound off, let us know what YOU think!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post from One2One Network and The Online Network, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. I am a long time Soap Opera fan, and a 'General Hospital Moms' Blogger.

Thursday, April 25, 2013

The Official #TwitterPartyDJ Reviews the Voxx International 808 Studio Quality Headphones!



I grew up around DJ's both family and friends, not just weekend enthusiasts, but pros that started off in clubs and many now own their own Audio Production Companies, for my family Music wasn't just entertainment it was always very much business. So when it comes to Audio Products and Accessories I'm pretty picky and I learned early on that labels, names, flash and floss didn't always mean great sound.

I love Music and feel blessed to have grown up in a family that takes it so seriously and also exposed me to such a wide variety of artists and musical genres. Their love of music and sound and what goes behind creating memorable musical moments definitely rubbed off on me, but there is always one place where I differed from the Pro's in my family. I prefer earbuds. That's definitely not a secret to long time readers, but it's still where me and my family members in the industry differ. And they spent years trying to convert me to headphones but they were never successful. I always hated how they 'crushed' my hair (remember how high 80's hair used to be right?), I have always worn eyeglasses and the headphones would press my glasses into my temples which after awhile would hurt and as I live in the Public Transportation Capital of the Planet, New York City, I always hated how headphones drew too  much attention to you. To my fellow individualists, trust me when I tell you that the one place you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself is on a New York City Subway Train.

808 headphones Audiovox Voxx International matte black Audio Products Audio Accessories
808 Studio Quality Headphones in Matte Black


So when a pair of 808 headphones arrived for editorial consideration to say I was a bit skeptical would probably be an understatement. I recently reviewed my new HP Envy Desktop computer which I absolutely love (which is awesome because I had purchased a few lemons over the last few years and was slowly losing faith in them), one of the things that stand out about my new desktop is the amazing Audio. As a long time HP owner (both at work and at home both desktop and laptop), I was never all that impressed with their Audio, until my new Envy, the Beats Audio on my new system is fantastic. Like many writers I have a tendency to write better late at night and once I get into the flow I could write until the wee hours of the morning. That means I'm up clicking away while my world is asleep and for me not to disturb anyone I always listen to music at night while on my computer or desktop with earbuds on.

Studio Quality 808 Headphones Un-boxed showing Headphones, Instruction Manual and Protective Travel Case


I've spent the past few weeks listening to music on my HP Envy Desktop Computer wearing my new 808 headphones and I've also been bringing them with me on roadtrips on weekends and I have to tell you in all the years of my family members in the Audio Industry trying to get me to switch to headphones, this time spent road testing the 808's has made me a convert!



About the 808 Studio Quality Headphones:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Advanced and Powerful 40mm Dynamic Range Audio Drivers with outstanding response and accuracy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soft, Comfortable earcups

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Detachable Cables - round without mic and flat with mic

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - High Quality Durable Protective Travel Case

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3 colors: Black Matte, Black High Gloss, and White High Gloss

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compatible with iPod, iPhone and iPad

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Works with Android

Watch them in Action:



My Take:

With a street smart style, cutting-edge audio technology, and an affordable price tag, these headphones prove that style, substance and smarts can be achieved at a price point that is reachable for everyone. It brings out nuances in some songs that I don't hear when wearing other headphones/earbuds, there were songs from U2 and Sheryl Crow that I've heard over and over that sounded so much different to me with these. They blocked outside noise (like when I'm in the bus with them on, I don't hear ambulance sirens blaring in my ears and interrupting my tunes) and in the trains I can  use these to block out the Garbled MTA messages (Perhaps the MTA should retain Voxx International to re-do the audio in the subway system, maybe then you'd actually be able hear to the announcements!), they also smartly help me tune out wailing infants, obnoxiously loud cell phone conversations and just immerse myself in the escape that my music collection provides me during a hectic rush hour traffic commute into the city.

Warning to the wise, turn DOWN your current audio level setting on your device before you plug these in, you won't need to have the volume anywhere as close to the setting you are using now. These deliver a rich, even consistent sound, rich bass, and definitely have style for days. I love my 808 headphones, and am excited about their upcoming On-Ear (the Drift) and In-Ear Earbuds that are set to release in 2013 in the months ahead!

I am going to have to see if our friends at Voxx International will consider joining us in our upcoming June 'Dads N Grads' annual gift buying guide with a reader giveaway, because I know you are going to LOVE these as much as I do.

808 'Gloss White' Headphones


Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Like 808 Headphones on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @RCA_Scoop on Twitter as well as on @Audiovox_Corp on Twitter

They post tons of fun contests, promotions and giveaways and hint, hint, there is one going on right NOW! (and don't forget to tell them on facebook or on twitter that you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly)

Can't wait for us to offer a giveaway? (I can't say I blame you!), Amazon has them at a STEAL, and I mean that literally, you can order them NOW on Amazon by pressing the banner below:


Butterfly what is your favorite Audio Product or Audio Accessory?


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FTC Disclosure: Voxx International has provided me with a product sample for editorial consideration, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Are Your Excuses More Important Than Your Dreams?



Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies - Bloggers feel free to post the link to your photos as a comment (we are too casual for a formal linky widget around here) and we will visit your site and show you some Wordless Wednesday comment love! 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

Set Your Inner Child Free with Peter and the Starcatcher at the New World Stages Theater!

Peter and the Starcatcher New World Stages Theater


Can you still tap into your inner child? If you need a little help with that then you might want to check out Peter and the Starcatcher (A Grown Up's Prequel to Peter Pan!) now playing at the New World Stages Theater in New York City!

Peter and the Starcatcher won five Tony Awards and was named one of New York Times, New York Magazine and New Yorker's Top 10 Shows of the Year! It recently moved to the New World Stages Theater at 240 West 50th Street.



SYNOPSIS:

This imaginative prequel to the story of PeterPan, (based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), tells the story of an Orphan who heads to a faraway land, where he finds love, friendship, and ultimately, himself. The show is comprised of twelve actors playing more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become the boy who never grew up? The epic story of one of popular culture's most enduring and beloved characters proves that an audience's imagination can be the most captivating place in the world.



MY TAKE:

What I love about anything that is even remotely Disney related is that somehow, somewhere in the show there will be something with wings, Peter Pan of course has Tinkerbell (or in this version we learn how Tinkerbell comes to be), but my favorite quote from the play was: 'To Have Faith, is To Have Wings'.

Isn't that a perfect Ascending Butterfly quote? Faith really is the wings that allow us to soar in life, to take chances, to follow our dreams and to become the person we are meant to be!

But the best life lesson that comes from Peter and the Star Catcher, is that Peter keeps reminding the adults around him, that 'he just wants to be a boy' for awhile. Sometimes we cram so much into a child's schedule that they don't get time to just 'be', to just 'breathe' and enjoy what is supposed to be a care free time in their lives.

The performance is recommended for children ages 10 and up, and that sounds about right to me, there are some double entendres and an appearance of men dressed as mermaids, so I'll let you decide how young you feel comfortable in going.

This is a definite 'Ticket', and for my fellow cocktail lovers, I tried a cocktail called 'The Bad Idea' which was fantastic! (It's a bit like a Long Island) And they will bring it to at your seat if you don't feel like getting back up to hit the bar!

I greatly enjoyed Peter and The Star Catcher! Trust me, your inner child will thank you!



GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @StarcatcherBway on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Peter and the Starcatcher on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with Peter and the Starcatcher on Pinterest as well (I like the 'Imagination' Board!)

If you've seen it, or plan to see it, let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly, we were provided only with our seats for editorial consideration. All Opinions are always 100% my own. Special thanks to Culture Mom Media!

Monday, April 22, 2013

Make it Earth Week - Check out the Earth Day and Family Friendly title @Disneynature 'Wings of Life' on Video!


Whether you spend Earth Day outdoors or indoors, if you are looking for a fun way to engage the entire family, I would recommend Disneynature's Wings Of Life available now on Blu-ray Combo Pack and HD Digital.



The Movie opens with an amazing quote: 

"Life Depends on the Little Things We Take For Granted."

The theme unfolds in a series of stunning displays of Nature at it's absolute finest while exploring the  intersection of animal and plant worlds and how they are all inter-dependent on one another. Disneynature is the same studio behind the popular titles "Earth", "Oceans", "African Cats" and "Chimpanzee".

The latest release, "Wings of Life" is narrated by Meryl Streep, and her narration has an incredibly soothing quality to it that makes the narration from one scene to the other feel effortless and easy.

It is an intimate look into the world of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers, a third of the world's food supply depends on these amazing creatures. Creatures that are increasingly threatened.

Check out the Clip Monarch Wings of Life:


Monarch - Wings of Life on Disney Video

There are so many ways to help enhance the movie and activities you can do with your child to help integrate what they see and learn in the movie and help to bring the message home!

Teach Your Children to Plant and Care for us.

and if you don't have a Garden, or are an apartment dweller, you can join in the fun too:

Plant Us In a Window Box!


Some Go Green Reminders:

Go Local, Support Your Organic Farmers and Beekeepers!



Join a Neighborhood Cooperative Garden!

and I have to admit this one, is one of my favorite tips:

Plant us alongside roadways. The land there is open to everyone!


Wouldn't you rather see flowers than trash along the roadways?

Plant us in a backyard or a rooftop Garden!

and you know Ascending Butterfly is all for this tip:

Bring Back the Monarchs, Plant Milkweed!


There are tons of great butterfly sightings in the movie:



Seeing the Monarch Butterflies in the trees and watching them fly off is one of the most visually impactful moments in the movie, it looks at first as if the butterflies are just leaves that begin to change color for Fall, but the butterflies are actually so plenty in number that they can literally bend the tree!



Watching the Caterpillar change into a Butterfly is another one of my favorite scenes in this movie, it's captured in such amazing detail, and is one of the most amazing transformations in nature!



Even those pesky picnic pests, Bees, have an important role in Nature as they are the pollinators that keep the flowers blooming by helping them to achieve what they cannot do on their own.



The movie ends with a song that says "Where there is life there is love and hidden beauty"

My Take:

The cinematography is breath-taking, and this family friendly movie has a lesson in it for all ages, this has to be the perfect way to bring a bit of Earth Day home!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Disneynature on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Disneynature on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For more beautiful Nature Photos, Follow Disneynature on Pinterest too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And you can catch all things Disney Trailers on YouTube too!

Enhance the Learning with The Educational Kit:


Click Communications: BLOGGER BUTTONS &emdash;

What 'Green' Thing Did You Do For Earth Day?

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FTC Disclosure: Disneynature provided Ascending Butterfly with a DVD for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. 

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Featured #Handbag in the Spotlight + pick your prize with a $100 Gift Card to @wilsonsleather via @Ascending1



As a lifelong New Yorker, my wardrobe is filled with Black, and after the year I had last year I determined that this year as soon as I was back on my feet and something closer to a normal weight I would start ridding myself of a wardrobe that sadly resembles someone in mourning, and change over to brighter colors! I started that earlier this year when I embraced the Pantone color of the year, Green, and got a great jacket from Wilsons Leather and paired it with my Linea Pelle Dylan handbag in Kelly Green. (You can check out how I styled Green this year HERE)

With Spring finally here in New York City, I wanted to continue with my 'brighter' new me, and I fell in love, love, love, with the Black Rivet Blazer in the color 'Papaya' and the Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange' from Wilsons Leather!

First I'll show you the pro-shot of each one:

Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya':

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Front



Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Back

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange':

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange'


Here are some shots of me wearing them:

More on where I'm hamming it up at for my Birthday in this picture later during the week (Wordless Wednesday maybe)!


Jacket: Black Rivet Blazer, HandBag: Black Rivet Satchel from Wilsons Leather, Shirt by Calvin Klein, JeansSignature Curvy Skinny by Levi Strauss & Co

My Take:

I have received tons of compliments on both the Blazer and the Handbag, and I have a feeling I will be living in these for Spring! The color is just so vibrant and fun, I can take my black wardrobe and give it a pop of color with bright accessories! And when a spill on my jacket occured, a quick dab with club soda took it right off with no staining or fading. The bag has a stripes lining on the inside, that makes it a super fun choice going straight into summer, and makes it easy to see on the inside when you are in lowlight and need to find something fast. It has great organizational compartments, my sunglasses are super-oversized and my phone is a pretty thick one, and both fit with ease in their side compartments, which is rare for me to find in most handbags. I find myself wanting to reach for these everyday now!

Win It:

When I told my friends at Wilsons Leather it was my birthday but YOU get the gifts, they were happy to join in the fun! And while I LOVE my picks, you may want something totally different, a different color, or silhouette of bag and you can actually pick your own bag instead of my choice! So not only is it my birthday month and YOU get the gifts, you also get to pick your gift, isn't that cool?

Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter Widget below to get your entries in for a $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card! One lucky butterfly will win $100 to Wilsons Leather to pick their own prize, and gentlemen remember, Wilsons Leather is NOT just for Ladies, they sell great stuff for Men too! Who Loves You Butterfly?

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Wilsons Leather provided Ascending Butterfly with the Jacket and Handbag for editorial consideration, and they are also fulfilling to one prize winner, all opinions are 100% my own. Sponsor is responsible for Prize Fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly or it's giveaway sponsors will be held responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. Our full disclosure policy can be found at: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html