Thursday, January 30, 2014

#ThrowbackThursday - My Great-Grandmother! {#Photo} #TBT


































This is my maternal Great-Grandmother. She is part of the reason I started Ascending Butterfly. When she moved here she greatly missed home and she planted a small flower box garden on her windowsill. She had the most amazing green thumb and her flowers would attract butterflies. My love of butterflies started with her. And to this day a butterfly crossing my path is usually one of three things, someone I love saying hello from beyond, a stroke of good luck or a major change (which makes sense as butterflies are the symbols of transformation).

I love Throwback Thursday almost as much as I love Wordless Wednesday! I love checking out everyone's photos, so if you are playing along today for Throwback Thursday I'd love to see your pictures too, leave a comment below with your link and I'll hop over and say Hi! (Please remember we do moderate comments, no giveaway links for Wordless Wednesday or Throwback Thursday Please!)

Happy Throwback Thursday Butterflies, hope you enjoyed my visit down memoryville lane!


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FTC: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! But should a camera company ever wish to upgrade me so I can take even better photos who am I to say no? ;-)

Wednesday, January 29, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} @Ascending1 meets @TheLEGOMovie #Photos




Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post as a Comment! (No Giveaway Links please!)

Happy Wordless Wednesday!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Monday, January 27, 2014

{Todays #Inspiration} Each Person! #MotivationMonday



































I can relate to the last sentence of this quote! My best creative writing has always felt like I was just a temporary vessel for the words and that the writing 'came through' me. Those writing moments are effortless, almost easy. I am engrossed and engaged and the words flow through me as hours fly by on the clock. Those days feel amazing!

But the key is to remember that every single day can be like that if we are open to the many blessings that the Universe sends us each day. Today practice letting something come through you, stay in the moment, and say an affirmation to both start and end your day. Don't let 2014 be 2013, you can shape it into anything you want it to be!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Saturday, January 25, 2014

@yurbuds and @BestBuy want to help you 'Cut the Cords' and #GetMotivated let this @BestBuyWOLF show you how to save!

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!



Have your fitness resolutions already gone by the wayside? Are you having trouble staying motivated?

New York City has been hit by back to back snowstorms and the Polar Vortex was starting to put a cramp in my fitness style, but then I remembered my Wii and my Wii Fitness Board and got back to work! With me because I've done the games so often already I don't really need to 'listen' to the virtual instructor to know what the moves are I just tend to throw on my headphones and iPod and listen to my own playlists to keep me motivated.

Last year we brought you a giveaway from yurbuds. Which by the way has become the #1 selling sport earphone company! And for good reason, they really do stay put in your ears and don't pop out! I posted a full review in addition to the giveaway HERE (just remember the giveaway component is no longer accepting comments and is closed but you can still read the review to see how they held up to our 'road testing').

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Yurbuds - Limited Edition Bluetooth Wireless Earbud Headphones sold at BestBuy! (Press on the image to purchase directly!)

I am happy to report that yurbuds found a way to make a good thing even better by cutting the cords! Now there is no tell tale cord connecting to your device, making your jog or power walk just as fun, but keeping the fact you are using a device or a phone a little less obvious. And in the City I live in, it's best to keep your phone or device concealed at all times! 

Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity as well as the duration of a workout by at least 15%, and you don't have to sell #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on the importance of music. It's always been a passion for me! yurbuds was founded in 2008 by an Ironman Triathlete who is a 24-time marathoner who was sick of earbuds falling out his ears during workouts. They are made for fitness enthusiasts, and they don't slip out so the workout doesn't have to stop!

While I haven't personally tested out the new ones yet, (they are definitely welcome to come back again and let us put these through their paces!), I do know they are sweat and water resistant, offer 15mm drivers and feature full track and call control with a windblocking microphone to help enhance call clarity. (and the Dedicated Pairing Button for a simple 1-touch pairing helps too!)

Did you know that BestBuy has the largest selection of yurbuds? Check them out HERE and they even offer a big list of Health & Fitness HERE so you know that means there is literally no excuse to break your fitness resolutions this year!

DEAL/COUPON/NAB IT CHEAPER:

Our friends at BestBuy and yurbuds want to help you get AND remain motivated! To help you #neverstop they are offering two pretty sweet deals!:

(1) Enjoy 20% off ALL yurbuds valid BOTH in stores AND online HERE

(2) Enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store HERE


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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! This is a Sponsored Post brought to you by Best Buy and yurbuds. An Affiliate Link is used in this 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Wednesday, January 22, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday #Photo} Wasting away in @jimmybuffett 's Margaritaville at the @ResortsCasino

I think this one speaks for itself!



If you are snowed in today like I am, take some time to enjoy Wordless Wednesday across the Blogosphere!

Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday link as a comment below, we are not formal enough for an official linky widget around here!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Monday, January 20, 2014

Do you have what it takes to raise a future Olympian? @Bounty thinks you do! #TeamUSA #HockeyMoms #BringIt

Bounty, #BringIt, P&G Team USA Youth Sports Fund
Bounty is calling all moms to share their athlete's messy in-home training moments, for every story shared with @Bounty via twitter using the hashtag #BringIt, Bounty will donate one dollar to the P&G Team USA Youth Sports Fund to help aspiring athletes pursue their Olympic Dreams!


There is a reason that across the board, be it an athlete, a celebrity, or anyone winning an award of any kind really thank God and their Mom first. We start life with a cheerleader who is always on our team. Who is there no matter how messy life gets. Who catches us when we fall, encourages us when we fail and teaches us when to laugh at ourselves and how to be good sports. Lessons we take with us no matter where the road leads.

P&G has been thanking and celebrating moms and one of the ways you may already know about is with the P&G Thank You, Mom | Pick Them Back Up | Sochi 2014 Olympic Winter Games commercial, here it is from YouTube in case you missed it:




The touching and heartfelt moments shared are those moments that many moms can relate to. Those laughs, tears, successes, triumphs, and bumps in the road that all make up motherhood.

Bounty invited a select group of Bloggers to enjoy a dinner with Team USA Hockey Moms as well as Olympian Julie Chu and her "#BringIt" Mom Miriam. Linda Lamoureux, mom of Jocelyne and Monique Lamoureux, Marilyn Decker, mom of Brianna Decker, Mary Duggan, Mom of Meghan Duggan, Ahlise Coyne, mom of Kendall Coyne, and Maura Bellamy, mom of Kacey Bellamy.

Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog
Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog was the panel moderator


There was a moderated panel first which was moderated by Vera Sweeney of Lady and the Blog who asked the Team USA Hockey Moms to share about their messiest moments raising their amazing Olympian daughters as well as the things that most people don't get to hear, like Financing the career of an aspiring Olympian. Many moms shared about their messiest moments being picked up with Bounty, but they also shared about being honest with their children about the Family's Finances at all times, the cost of the equipment, gas to travel to matches, and everything in between. Raising an Olympian can really add up folks! Which is why I think it's great that P&G is offering to help P&G Team USA Youth Sports Fund to help aspiring athletes pursue their Olympic Dreams!


Center holding Microphone Olympian Julie Chu, Right: (seated) her mom Miriam



Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms Panel
Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms Panel



Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms Panel
Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms Panel



Vera Sweeney Moderates Panel with Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms
Vera Sweeney Moderates Panel with Team USA Olympic Hockey Moms - Love that I caught Miriam's hands in motion!


After the panel we got to enjoy dinner with the Team USA Hockey Moms, and there was a different mom at each table, I had the pleasure of enjoying Ahlise Coyne's company during dinner, and loved the extra touch of a recipe booklet that included a recipe from each mom (I will try to scan these and post them to a pinterest board as soon as possible), recipes included: Pepperoni Bake, Chicken Enchiladas, Miriam's Famous Pork Rib, White Chili, Stuffed Green Peppers for 6, and Angel Hair Pasta!


Tracy from Ascending Butterfly and Right: Ahlise Coyne, mom of Olympian Kendall Coyne
Left: ME! Tracy from Ascending Butterfly and Right: Ahlise Coyne, mom of Olympian Kendall Coyne - I thought it was super cool of her to put her pin on me to take the photo!


Ahlise was definitely a great sport and she has a great sense of humor, I think our table was probably the loudest as we were laughing a lot and having a great time! We even tried to convince her to start a blog. Especially starting with her Olympic experience at Sochi this year!


Left: Geanine from Macaroni Kid (East Bronx/NYC Downtown), to her right ME! Tracy from Ascending Butterfly, Center: Ahlise Coyne mom of Olympian Kendall Coyne, to her right Kimmie Smith who pens Kitten Lounge and is an accessories expert and to her right is her lovely sister! Photo Credit: Geanine P.


My Take:

Raising an Olympian has its share of messy moments but with love, laughter and patience it's definitely possible! And when life gets messy it certainly can't hurt to have extra Bounty on hand to pick it up!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however I was provided with a Gift Bag and a great dinner! However, All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, January 17, 2014

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ This Weekend I Plan To: ________________ #Fillintheblankfriday Fun via @Ascending1

I love Fill in the Blank Friday



TGIF Butterflies! 

It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

This Weekend I Plan To: 
_______________________________

I plan to enjoy this weekend by taking some time away!

Post a comment with your answer!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Tuesday, January 14, 2014

@PeterPilotto #peterpilottofortarget @TargetStyle @ABullseyeView #Fashion

PETER PILOTTO for Target Bikini Top in Green Floral Print, Pant in Green Floral Stripe Print, Tote in Green Floral Print, Slip-On Shoe in Green Floral Print
Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Bikini Top in Green Floral Print ($22.99), Pant in Green Floral Stripe Print ($39.99), Tote in Green Floral Print ($39.99), Slip-On Shoe in Green Floral Print ($29.99) *Target.com Exclusive | Available Globally on Net-A-Porter.com - Photos Above Provided by Target, but the Collage is by yours truly!

We are just weeks away from a new 'Must-Have' Fashion Collaboration, and Ascending Butterfly got the chance to check out the new PETER PILOTTO Collection for Target on Monday night up close and personal.

Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos the London-based design duo behind PETER PILOTTO are collaborating with Target for a bold, bright, Spring womenswear collection which will make its debut on February 9, 2014.

PETER PILOTTO for Target will feature approximately 70 items, including dresses, skirts, clutches, swimwear, Totes, and even Slip on Shoes with most items retailing for less than $60 - making the collection not just fun but affordable! Taking home a little luxe at a price that won't break the bank is sure to put a 'spring' in your step, and with the bright cheery colors and bold prints I am pretty sure it's like nothing you already own.

With a nod to the brand's UK roots, Target is making the collection available to international fans as well via online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter which will carry a curated assortment of this limited-edition collection. You will find bold color combinations - like blues and greens or warm reds with mixed oranges (some of my personal favorites), some sculpted silhouettes and very smart use of color blocking as well.

I'll give you a mix of my shots at the Press Event and their pro shots of the line so you can get a good feel:

PETER PILOTTO for Target Blazer in Blue Black White Colorblock Shirt in Red Floral Print Pant in Black Check Print
Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Blazer in Blue/Black/White Colorblock Jacket ($49.99), Shirt in Red Floral Print ($19.99), Pant in Black/Check Print ($34.99)

Above: I am absolutely LOVING this jacket! I personally would not wear it with something with a print under it as shown, I'd go solid, but this jacket is probably the most 'me' piece in this collection! But as a typical all things black clothes loving New Yorker, I guess it's no surprise that this jacket would be my standout favorite.

PETER PILOTTO for Target Belted Dress in Red Floral Print
Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Belted Dress in Red Floral Print ($44.99)


Above: This is probably more print all at once than I'd personally do, but I adore the color combo, red/black/white and grey are a personal fave of mine, I will admit the stripe makes a very slimming optical illusion for the eye, so this may be one I need to try on myself before I decide!

PETER PILOTTO for Target Dress in Purple Floral Print, Shirt in Green Floral Print, COLLAGE
Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Dress in Purple Floral Print ($69.99) COLLAGE - Dress is being worn on top of Shirt in Green Floral Print pictured at the top left of the collage ($19.99)
I think it's clever how the dress is being worn right on top of the Shirt in the Green Floral Print in Purple Floral Print (if your summer arms are not quite in shape yet, having a little sleeves in a nice lightweight material is perfect!

Above, Top Left: PETER PILOTTO for Target Sweatshirt in Light Blue Floral/Check Print ($29.99). Pant in Black/Check Pring ($34.99), Above Right Solo Shot Model is wearing Bikini Crop Top in Black/White Pring ($24.99), Skirt Light Blue Floral/Check Print, ($34.99), Middle (left) Event Hashtag for the collection: #PeterPilottoForTarget, Lower Left: Moto Jacket in Blue Netting Print, ($59.99), Cropped Sweater in White/Blue Print, ($29.99), Short in Blue Netting Print, ($29.99).


Above, Top Left: PETER PILOTTO for Target Sweatshirt in Light Blue Floral/Check Print ($29.99). Pant in Black/Check Pring ($34.99), Above Right Solo Shot Model is wearing Bikini Crop Top in Black/White Pring ($24.99), Skirt Light Blue Floral/Check Print, ($34.99), Middle (left) Event Hashtag for the collection: #PeterPilottoForTarget, Lower Left: Moto Jacket in Blue Netting Print, ($59.99), Cropped Sweater in White/Blue Print, ($29.99), Short in Blue Netting Print, ($29.99).

I am fond of Turquoise/White/Brown or Black in summer, so these color combinations were definitely a hit with me!

PETER PILOTTO for Target Collage, #peterpilottofortarget
PETER PILOTTO for Target Collage, #peterpilottofortarget - Designer is in the CENTER square!


My Take:

Check out the pictures in our Pinterest Board, where you can see everything in full size! This collection is a bit like a Kaleidoscope come to life, with super vibrant patterns, splashes of bold color and an easy spring into summer mix and match appeal. You are going to have to fun with the sunglasses, and the Totes with their matching Slip-On Shoes keeping a unified look among the various wardrobe mix and match color and  endless pattern combinations that are available.

The collection will be available begining February 09, but won't be available for long, so be prepared to pick your favorites using their look book. This way when the ordering lines open you already know what you want and have a plan of attack and game plan to get your favorite pieces! Check out the Official Look Book HERE!

If you do buy something from this collection, we'd love to see your pictures! Tag them on Twitter using the hashtag #peterpilottofortarget be sure to include: @PeterPilotto @TargetStyle and @Ascending1 so we can see your cool new outfits, sunnies and slip-ons!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however I was provided with a Tote Gift Bag from the collection. However, All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, January 13, 2014

I plan to _______ to move myself closer to this ______ Goal! #MotivationMonday



For me: I plan to develop better financial habits to move myself closer to the Goal of moving to a new residence! What is your fill in the blank for Motivation Monday?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post.

Friday, January 10, 2014

#Fillintheblankfriday The biggest change I plan to make in 2014 is ________________

I love Fill in the Blank Friday
Photo Credit: I"m a Mom Too Blog


TGIF Butterflies! It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

The Biggest Change I Plan to Make in 2014 is: _______________________________

Post a comment with your answer!

For me, it's change of address, a move is definitely on the agenda for me this year!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Thursday, January 9, 2014

#ThrowbackThursday - Ascending Butterfly at #Prom @marinadelreyny {Warning: Extreme 80's #Hair}

Throwback Thursday Ascending Butterfly Lehman High School Prom at Marina Del Rey Bronx New York
Ascending Butterfly goes to prom at Marina Del Rey - Bronx New York (Can't get enough of my 80's style layers!)

I love Throwback Thursday almost as much as I love Wordless Wednesday! I love checking out everyone's photos, so if you are playing along today for Throwback Thursday I'd love to see your pictures too, leave a comment below with your link and I'll hop over and say Hi!

I also love Fill in the Blank Friday's so expect one this week too!

I was going to save this one for closer to June, but I just couldn't resist, I should have saved this dress!

Happy Throwback Thursday Butterflies, hope you enjoyed my visit down memoryville lane!


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FTC: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! But dang I was fly right?

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

See why @Karen_Kane has got resort wear on my brain! + I want to blog @WWDMAGIC in #LasVegas! #IWanttoBlogatWWDMAGIC




OK, so I'll admit to being a little jelly of my friends having a grand old time at CES, what Disney is for kids, Las Vegas is for me! Shiny Lights, Never-Ending Nights, Sparkle Everywhere, Fun Shows, Great Dinners, I'm convinced I probably already lived there in another life!

While my schedule didn't permit me to do CES this year, I am saving the date for WWD Magic in Las Vegas February 18-20th! Did you know that FOCUS on Fashion Retail magazine has listed WWDMAGIC as one of the Top 5 Trade Shows in 2013? With Womens Wear Daily being the authority on Fashion and Vegas being where the Fashionable go to play no wonder this show gets rave reviews everytime!

Needless to say this butterfly wants to be a part of it and while they have a staggering array of Brands at their upcoming show, I am going to focus on one. You all know when I attend Fashion Week shows here in New York City I will invariably end up focusing on the designs that feel more 'off the runway real'. The styles that we will really be seeing on the streets, because while haute couture and high fashion have their place, not all of it transcends to what real women wear daily.

I'd love to particularly see what Designer Karen Kane brings to the table at WWD Magic, I discovered her line a few years ago at a favorite department store and still have those first purchases! Her clothes definitely wear well! Her Fashions are super approachable, easy to wear and best reflects all different sides of me including day wear for office, easy casuals for weekends and stuff that goes somewhere in between too!

Because my winter break was more of a staycation and I didn't do my annual escape to the Caribbean last year, my mind is focused on Resort Wear and Summer 2014. Here in the Northeast we started the year with a snowstorm and of course there is nothing but more snow in the forecast, so my mind is desperately seeking warm weather! I'm thinking warm weather fashion is just the distraction I need to get me there and aid in my planning for a perfect summer escape!

Curated Fashion Selection from Karen Kane St Tropez Resort Collection 2014, WWDMAGIC Blog Entry



























What do you think of my Curated Picks from the Collection?

My Take:

I love the sheer versatility of Karen Kane's St. Tropez Collection. You can mix, match and can pull an outfit together quickly for any occasion day or night with ease! Centered around key basics like the black jacket, white jacket, pencil skirt and white pants that can then be matched up with a stylish top so you can travel with less pieces and still have a very complete wardrobe with you!

I would love to be one of the bloggers selected to blog about WWD Magic this year, and hope you'll show your support. 15 finalist entries will compete in a Facebook Vote Off and that's where I am really going to need your help butterflies, I'll keep you posted if I make it to the final round and where you should vote if I do get selected, so stay tuned!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No compensation has been received however this post does serve as a contest entry to be a Sponsored Blogger at the upcoming WWDMagic TradeShow. All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, January 6, 2014

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: First #MotivationMonday of 2014 Edition! + Winner Announcement!

Butterfly Monday Animated Gif


Butterflies it is the first Monday of the New Year!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2014! - It's a new year and this is the first Monday of 2014! Let's set the tone for how we greet the rest of the year by greeting today with enthusiasm and gratitude. Each new year I get to ring in I now realize is such a huge blessing. It's kind of cool that we are actually 6 days into this new year already and this is the first Monday we have to confront. Even with it starting with a snowstorm, I see this year as a blank canvas just waiting for me to fill it. I'm actually late starting on my Vision Board this year, so if anyone has theirs up I'd love to see it! (Especially if it includes butterflies!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RAOK! - I took some much-needed, long-overdue and well-deserved time off during the holidays and was on the receiving end of two random acts of kindness during my travels that really touched me. They were just simple kind gestures, but since sadly kindness is sometimes hard to find, gestures like these take me by surprise. I am way more comfortable being on the giving end of an act of kindness. Something I want to work on for 2014. I may not be able to repay them directly, but I can always pay it forward and that's exactly what I intend to do. Start this new week with the goal of doing one surprise thing for a perfect stranger. You don't have to report them here if you don't want to, but keep track of it in your 2014 journal. When you end this year and go back to read all of your posts, it will give you a super warm feeling inside! And keep track of all the RAOK's you are on the receiving end of too! (You don't have to search so hard to find them, it can be simple things like someone holding a door for you when your arms where full, you adding to the take a penny/give a penny jar in the supermarket etc)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - With 2013 being such a busy year I didn't enter many contests. It's one of my favorite hobbies that sadly went neglected last year, but I did get some win notifications and prizes from seeds of entering that I had sown last year and few small instant wins to start my 2014, nothing life changing, just small simple stuff but it gave me a happy and lucky feeling which is always a fun way to start a New Year!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Changes! - Plotting my year of 'change' one step at a time, first up hair! Time for a chop! chop! and I may go bold and do a color change too! What about you butterfly? What is your first change going to be this year?



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WINNER ALERT:



 New Year, New Jacket!

Congrats to Elsie Rivera, Entrant #1937 in our Holidays Wilson's Leather $100 Gift Card Giveaway! Didn't win? No worries, we will have Wilson's back soon so stay tuned! Join me in congratulating Elsie by posting a comment on this thread!

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


What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Friday, January 3, 2014

Love at first sniff, this is a MUST for dry winter skin! #IColoniali #BBloggers #Beauty



At one of last year's BeautyPress Spotlight Days I got to meet the folks at I Coloniali and I fell head over heels with the brand, particularly with the Myrrh line of products and as promised after thorough testing I am giving I Coloniali their own day in the sun!

This is actually the best time of year to try them out. The cold winter winds are brutal to the skin and I am sure if you are anything like me when you get home with your dry winter skin and feeling cold to the bone, nothing is more soothing to the spirits than a nice warm bath. I have been adding the I Coloniali Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract to my bath and it's been a sensory delight in every sense of the word!

I Coloniali Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract
I Coloniali Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract


About the Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract:

It comes in a glass bottle (250 ml - 8.5 fl. oz) and it's cleansing and emollient, you can pour the oil under the hot water of your bath to obtain a rich foam, the foamy rich mousse that develops will envelop your skin and gently cleanse making it velvety smooth to the touch. But I actually double up. I use it in the bath, and then when I finish my bath I put a very small amount on my hands and rub it across my still damp skin and let it air dry and it makes my skin feel SO soft and SMELL so good it is literally a sensory delight overload. If you are going to double up on the oil like I do, you need only a very small of the oil to use on your damp skin, don't overdo it. It will go a long way on your already damp skin. When I don't take a bath but only a shower, I really love using this on my still damp skin, but it's when I get to use it double that I really love it most. I hate when it's time to wash my towels now because they retain the scent of this oil! :)

I Coloniali Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh
I Coloniali Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh


About the Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh:

OK so add to the super indulgent fun, before bed I apply the Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh which comes in a large White Glass jar (200 ml - 6.8 fl.oz or the 400 ml - 13.5 fl. oz). You apply directly to the skin and massage until the micro-granules are fully absorbed. It is while you are massaging it into your skin that the micro-granules get the chance to fully develop leaving your skin delicately scented and super soft to the touch.

I Coloniali products are enriched with original ingredients from around the world in order to re-establish harmony within the body and the spirit. It is where the luxury of spa meets the privacy of your own home!

My Take:

I am a huge fan of this line since discovering them at BeautyPress. I have always put some kind of oil on my skin while it's damp, and I am absolutely loving this one! I tend to lean toward 'warmer' and 'heavier' scents I'm just not a floral girl, I can only take very floral scents in super small doses. Myrrh is a longtime favorite of mine and this deep massage body cream leaves my skin delicately scented, well hydrated (never greasy or sticky), and helps me beat the winter dry skin blues! They consider their products to be a 'ritual of well being' and I couldn't agree more. Our bodies are a vessel that house something very precious, our spirit, and to me the body and mind are at one when you are caring for them BOTH equally. Scented products do tend to trigger a reaction. They trigger a memory that leaves you with a feeling, and using aromatic products that also nourish the skin are a great way to bring you to a place of outer and inner harmony.

As a butterfly on a budget I will say these fall under the 'splurge' category, but then again I don't mind doing so if the quality is there. Instead of using cheap lotions that you have to apply often just to keep your skin feeling hydrated, I'd rather purchase something that offers a more 'quality' hydration experience that I don't have to constantly reapply just to keep my skin feeling soft.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" I Coloniali on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pin with them on Pinterest

And of course, don't forget to let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly! (You may want to ask them to host a giveaway with Ascending Butterfly too, I can guarantee that if you try this once you'll be a fan for life!)

I can't think of a better way to celebrate YOU in 2014 than by pampering your skin and yourself!

What is your favorite scent? Do you use Massage Oils or Creams?


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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however I was provided with the products referenced for editorial consideration free of charge. All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, January 1, 2014

{#Photo} Wordless Wednesday: A peek at my New Year's Eve Celebration! @Banrockwines #PinkMoscato #Wine

Banrock Station Pink Moscato, Wine
Banrock Station Pink Moscato, Wine


This is a delicate and really well balanced Moscato, it's not super sweet and it's very enjoyable! Bloggers feel free to post the link to your Wordless Wednesday Photo as a comment below and we will be sure to visit you too! (NO Giveaway Links please!)

Happy FIRST Wordless Wednesday of the New Year! Happy 2014 Butterflies!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however I was provided with a bottle of Pink Moscato for editorial consideration free of charge. 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.