Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Did you miss #NYNow 2014? @nynowmarket completely re-branded this year! Part 1 of my show highlights!


NY NOW The Market for Home + Lifestyle Logo

When a well known trade-show completely re-brands and re-formats itself you know things are going to be different! This year, the tradeshow formerly known as 'the New York International Gift Fair' completely re-organized the show, and named it 'NY Now' - the Market for Home & Lifestyle. In fact it took place in not just one but two different venues, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center as well as the Passenger Ship Terminal Pier 94 in New York City. (During Super Bowl Weekend by the way, to add the fun of commuting there  with what almost required sleds and snow dogs!)

NY NOW Featuring 4 exclusive collections: Home, Handmade, Lifestyle and New


The previous 10 divisions have been streamlined into four broad market collections for NY Now: Home, Lifestyle, Handmade and New. They felt the re-branding was more reflective of the Show's 400-plus gift, home and lifestyle product categories. They also extended NY Now's hours of operation during the show to allow buyers extra time to shop.

And for my fellow members of Digital Press and my fellow Lifestyle Bloggers, you are going to LOVE another new feature of the newly designed show, nynow365.com, an image-based online product directory which boasts more than 27,000 products from more than 700 exhibitors at the recent show. Nearly 1.500 retailers are currently registered to use the site.

Warning to the wise, my fellow blogging lovelies, this is a trade-show and many brands couldn't care one lick that you are press, and some will chase you and your DSLR camera out of their booth as if you have leprosy. Getting angry won't change things. This is how I handle any conference, trade-show or exhibitor who yells 'HEY GET OUT OF HERE! NO PICTURES! NO PRESS!' - I learned to follow instructions in school, and I give them exactly what they asked for, ZERO COVERAGE. Any brand that is rude to me wasn't there as far as I'm concerned. The folks that walked me through their booth, and took a moment to ask about me after the walk through and what I do are the ones I am going to focus on. I think most trade-shows should get better at listing which brands are B2B only and are NOT interested in Press so we don't waste our valuable time on them. As a writer I'm seeking the B2C Brands, the ones that are already consumer facing if only the Show's apps or printed guides could devise a system (color coded maybe?) that lets press know who is press-friendly and who isn't. How about a green color to highlight the press friendly brands and red for the not so press friendly ones?

There was so much to see and do I literally have to break this up into multiple posts.

Here are the first batch of photos I took at NY NOW:

Overview of the NY Now Trade-show from my vantage point upstairs in the Press Area, photography, pictures
Overview of the show from my vantage point upstairs in the Press Area! (It was still early and the heavy snow did keep some people away)
Bottega del Vino Crystal Display Exhibitor Booth at February 2014 NY Now Trade-show
Bottega del Vino Crystal

I have to admit I absolutely agree with and love Bottega del Vino Crystal's Tagline: "Why Simply Drink Your Wine, When You Can Experience it..." Wine enthusiasts will definitely agree that a quality glass does affect the tasting greatly! With Bottega del Vino Crystal, each piece is painstakingly mouth blown and hand finished to exceed standards in balance, weight, shape and the tactile experience of holding the stem while drinking your wine.

54 Wine Aroma - Master Kit on display at NY Now Trade-show, Wine, Wine Kits
54 Wine Aroma - Master Kit

This kit has become the reference in the industry! Our sense of smell is very delicate and sensitive, practice allows us recognize and identify the 54 aromas most commonly present in wine. This helps to improve our appreciation and enjoyment of wine.  These help you to identify the typical aromas found in red and white wine (and yes including champagne), providing us with an indication of the wine's origin, the grape variety, as well as the vineyard, the wine making techniques that were used and the aging conditions. Memorizing these very aromas will give you an accurate and coherent vocabulary to help further stimulate your appreciation of fine wines. Do this before you next wine tasting and it will make everyone think you are the Master at the table! or impress your friends and family and host a home tasting after studying the 54. This Master Kit would make a great gift FOR ME!!!! :-)

Wine Country Wine Stoppers on display at February 2014 NY Now Trade-show
OK I am sensing a Wine Theme Here!

Wine Country Wine Stoppers and bottles on display at February 2014 NY Now Trade-show
I loved all the pretty Wine Stoppers and cheerful colors!

Goldfish Table Centerpiece, Decor, Lifestyle
Couldn't resist this table setting with a live Goldfish Centerpiece! That little guy is sure to keep the conversation going at the table that's for sure!
BAOLGI, rattan Housewares
BAOLGI



Rattan Specialists for the home BAOLGI had a beautiful display of rattan items for home both indoor/outdoor!

Bellevie Company, Inc., Display Exhibitor Booth at February 2014 NY NOW
Bellevie Company, Inc.

I spent quite a bit of time talking to Ingrid Martin from Bellevie Company who walked me through their Souleo Provence Pottery, Heidi Callaird Guinea Hens from France, Zeller Keramik from Germany, and La Maison De L'Etain Pewter from France. Her team was super passionate about the tender love and care that goes into each piece and I will admit the cheerful display was a site for sore eyes that day considering the gloomy, cold, grey day outside. This exhibitor brought a touch of spring and whimsy which was very much appreciated. I could see a variety of their pieces in my new Dream Kitchen!



Miya Company Booth #3063
Mr. Miya (pronounced MEE-ya) incorporated his flower shop on 28th street in New York City in 1947. The mom and pop company evolved into Miya Company, Inc. a premier importer and wholesaler of Japanese Tableware and gifts on the East Coast. They are very much inspired by the Japanese aesthetic. as am I, so I did some spend some time enjoying all the unique offerings at this booth!

Picnic Plus Exhibitor Booth Display at February 2014 Winter NY NOW Trade-show
Picnic Plus Booth at NY NOW

With this New Yorker counting down the seconds, hours, minutes, and days until Spring, I loved that Picnic Plus was a great reminder of the happy days to come! Whether it's a casual picnic in the park, or a romantic picnic on the Beach, Picnic Plus definitely has you covered!

Huang Acrylic, display at February 2014 Winter NY Now
Huang Acrylic

Huang Acrylic's definitely caught my eye, as I need to some MAJOR re-organizational work in my space and these items help to keep everything super organized with a fun and very modern design!

Robert M. Weiss Presents
Robert M. Weiss Presents


While his website caters specifically to retailers, you will notice a Store Locator on the top of  robert m. weiss P R E S E N T S, so you can plug in your zip code and find the nearest retailer near you that carries his work! Very interesting designs for home!

Forked Up Art
Forked Up Art

Had to nab a shot of one of the founders of Forked Up Art in front of his super creative and colorful display! This is the most amazing way to see forks and spoons recycled and re-purposed, so they can still have home in your kitchen or dining room! Cooking from a Recipe Book or Tablet, no worries, there are fork buddies that will hold them up for you! (keeping them safe and clean!) This one definitely stood for me as being one of the most unique brands I met at NY NOW! By the way, they also use it to make jewelry, making these ideal gifts for any chefs in your life. If you have any chefs graduating from culinary school this year, add Forked Up Art to your radar as an option for unique and meaningful gifts for your budding chef!

Turkish-T, Original Hand Loomed Towels
Turkish-T 

These original hand loomed towels are an environmentally friendly way to add some affordable luxury to your shower/bath! Their line runs from Basic, Beach Candy, Luxe Spa, Natural, Resort Cashmere, Sorbet, Super Soft and Woven. In a great range of styles and colors, there is something for everything at Turkish-T.

These Super Soft, Cozy robes by Turkish-T with the pretty stripes totally make me long for summer!

Wait, What, stop! Did someone say Christmas? Christmas trees will always stop me in my track!

Couldn't resist sockerbit's super cute exhibitor booth, first the tree then these cute little guys!

Check out sockerbit - sweet and swedish ideas to help make an upcoming party that much more fun for everyone!

My Take:

NY Now is a lot to take in, and spending some time in the press area with the show app and programs, help you map out your day so you can hit the booths/vendors that you really don't want to miss. However don't overpack yourself or day's itin. Leave some room that the booth you are visiting may be a bit back-logged, even if you do have an appointment. Always factor more time than you need to get from one of your appointments to the next.

I had to break up all these pictures and brands met in stages, this is actually going to be a multi-part post. I think it's easier for me to work on and for you as a reader to consume in steps! I may even skip days in between not to overwhelm with just how much took in at this one event!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended the Trade-Show as Digital Press, however this did not influence my opinion in any way all opinions are 100% my own. No compensation has been exchanged for this recap post.

Saturday, February 22, 2014

Looking for a #vacuum that cleans across both carpet & hard floors? @Dyson DC65 available @BestBuy! #DysonatBestBuy

#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!

Dyson Digital Slim DC59, Dyson DC65, Dyson Digital V6 Motor
The writing is on the wall! Had to snap a picture of this infographic on the event space wall - With the DC59 cordless being able to pick up as much dust a corded vac and the DC65 cleaning better than any other vacuum across carpets and hardwood floors both with the Dyson Digital V6 Motor, what's NOT to love?


I am an Apartment Dweller based in New York City, which means hardwood floors (YAY for old pre-war apartments), but cramped for space. Keeping up with hardwood floors isn't very easy, and I have found that many vacuums weren't an option for me as they were great with carpets, but not so great on the hardwood.

Back in December I got to test out the Dyson DC44 Animal Stick Vac and I have to admit I was pretty impressed with the versatility, if you missed my review on that unit, press HERE.

Dyson Rep giving product demonstration of the Dyson Digital Slim DC59
Dyson Rep giving us a product demonstration of the Dyson Digital Slim DC59


Recently I got to attend a Dyson Event in New York City where they walked us through their available units, and gave us a live demo to show us how Dyson Products directly compare to other leading brands on the market. We were amazed just how much 'stuff' other products left behind! I loved that the demo area offered us the opportunity to see the products perform on variety of surfaces.

Dyson Reps giving us a product demonstration and showing us how Dyson compares to the competition!


My friends at Best Buy pimped my floors by sending me the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum in the Gray/Purple Color Combo, unlike the DC44 which I tried and the DC59 that are cordless, this one is corded, and right away I appreciated not having to worry about the 20 minute time frame that you are restricted to with the DC44. This unit being corded meant I didn't have to worry about whether or not it was on a full charge, and there was no time limit, so I could do the entire house in one shot instead of just a couple of rooms at a time until the unit re-charged. SCORE!

I thought you would appreciate seeing how Dyson compares to the competition in Video!




 About the DC65:



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brush Bar Power increased by 25% for superior carpet cleaning

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New Configuration of bristles dig deeper into carpets to remove more dirt

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remodeled air flow helps to remove more dirt, dust and allergens from the home

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 180AW of suction (vs. 160AW in the DC41)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Adjusting Baseplate

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Long-reach telescopic wand

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Closer edge pick up

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hygeniec Bin Emptying

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available at Best Buy!

How to Assemble the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum Video Below:



 

My Take:

Bye! Bye! Traditional Broom and dust pail, hello Dyson DC65, finally an upright that can tackle hardwood as well as carpet! I was impressed to see the side by side product comparison at the recent NYC Dyson Event, the proof was definitely in the pudding seeing what the other vacuums actually left behind, but getting to try it out at home on my own hardwood floors is what truly cinched the deal for me.



I am actually glad to have both the DC44 and the DC65 as they both have different strong points for me. To organize and get closets ready for spring I will be using the DC44 to stuff a ton of clothes into my Space Bags and save space! But it's the DC65 that will get the most day to day use on my hardwood floors! And like most people I look for ways to save, so while I like the DC44, having to leave it plugged into the wall, and having it always pull energy is not ideal for me, not to mention as an apartment dweller it's hard to find a dedicated plug for one item for me that stays there at all times, making the DC65 the one I would lean to a bit more often.

I don't have a coupon to share this time around, but I will definitely keep an eye out for them and update this post as soon as I find one.

While cleaning isn't quite 'sexy', the right tool for the right job is certainly helpful!

Do you already own the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum, if so, what do YOU think of it Butterfly?

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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 compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy and Dyson who provided the DC44 Animal Vacuum for editorial consideration. 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.

Monday, February 17, 2014

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! = #MondayMotivation

Butterfly Monday Animated Gif


Happy Presidents Day!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ The Skinny Scoop! (I need your ONE CLICK daily vote!) - The Skinny Scoop has nominated Ascending Butterfly as one of the Top 25 Product Review Blogs! You can vote for Ascending Butterfly daily until 02/28 here: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/social-list/create?list=top-25-product-review-blogs

Ascending Butterfly is already a Top 50 Product Review Blog on Cision, I was totally floored when I found out we made their list! (Article here: http://blog.us.cision.com/2012/06/top-50-product-review-blogs/) so I was honored to see us nominated again independently in the Product Review category. I try to bring you unique products from a very wide variety of brands both established and emerging, and it's gratifying to see my efforts recognized! For those of you who saw my social media blasts about the nomination and have already voted for us, THANK YOU. Your support means more to me than you know! It is a simple one click vote, that doesn't require you to like anything, sign up anywhere or even provide your email, just click vote and you are done!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Losing Followers! - I put up one cheeky title last week and it appears a few 'butterf'lies' disappeared. Had they read the entire article they would have realized the play on words was entirely innocuous. I don't do it very often, but when I do, it's just being cheeky, I've kept this blog drama free, politics free, sex free and pretty much snark free since 2009. I'm sure they will come running back during the next great giveaway, but frankly I wish they would stay away. This space is a place where I am going to be myself. I am going to be true to myself. I am going to be authentic to myself. and I am going to express myself. Will it work for everyone? Probably Not. We can only please 50% of the people 50% of the time. I'm OK with that. So yes, I am actually quite grateful for those that bailed because of my cheeky laundry detergent title, they reminded me that it is OK to be true myself. And I'm sure double will come in for all those who left. (some people actually like cheeky!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - I've been carving out some time for sweeping every now and again, and had a few wins come in during February that I almost forgot all about.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Volunteer Time This Week! - As many of you already know I spent some time last year in Chicago at the Headquarters of Ronald McDonald House and got to visit several houses out there, and spend some time volunteering, one day it was making welcome bags for the families, on another simply baking cookies to share with the families with some of the children who were up for it. Part of my pro-bono ambassadorship is to meet with my local house here in New York City and find ways to help them. I have my first meeting with the local house this week, and I'm just truly grateful for the chance to help. After spending a year in the hospital myself, I have a great deal of empathy for families who find themselves in the hospital helping their child to battle a serious illness. Once I get a more defined sense of what the local house in New York City needs, I will share more about it here, but I just wanted to give a deep thanks to the brands I work with who have already expressed interest in finding ways to get involved. In my opinion this is what I wanted to see my little space online and my social used for, for Good, for Giving Initiatives, for ways to motivate, challenge and inspire myself as well as others. A recap of my Chicago experience can be found here: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2013/09/i-am-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities.html


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Please VOTE daily via Facebook for our Butterfly-in-Chief, Tracy of Ascending Butterfly to win a spot on 'Run to Napa' a 10K run, powered by @ZOOMArun  http://woobox.com/h3xho2/vote/for/1921984

To Vote:

(1) Follow the link above
(2) It will be defaulted to 'enter' so press the 'vote' button instead
(3) Scroll down until you see the picture above, you may have to scroll all the way and press 'view more' or show more entries twice before my picture comes up
(4) Once you find my picture which will be the same as the one above, hit VOTE

That's it! (You won't get any spam for voting!)

THANK YOU!!!!

oh did I mention I have the chance to bring one blog reader with me on this amazing trip? It's a daily vote, so if you are voting, please leave a comment below and let me know!

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What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Friday, February 14, 2014

Is sharing about my newest 'Fling' Oversharing? #MusictoYourNose #MúsicaParaTuNariz

Gain Flings!, @Gain, #MusictoYourNose, #MusicaParaTuNariz
Photo Courtesy of Gain


My love of music, a popular New York City Hotel, a lingering fresh scent in the room.... All elements of my latest 'fling' and of course, I just had to share it all with YOU! 

Gain Flings!, @Gain, #MusictoYourNose, #MusicaParaTuNariz, Table Display Empire Hotel New York City
Photo Courtesy of Gain
OK so it's not quite as titillating as it sounds, but all of the elements are accurate! 

The Braxton Sisters, Braxton Family Values, Gain Flings!
Photo Credit: J.D. Anderson

The Braxton Sisters took over the rooftop of the Empire Hotel in New York City to help launch Gain Flings, and it was like an episode of Braxton Family Values come to life (ironically the event was being held on the same night their reality show 'Braxton Family Values' was debuting on WE TV)! Their personalities and playful sibling rivalry definitely took center stage.

The Braxton Sisters, Braxton Family Values, Gain Flings! at Empire Hotel New York City
Photo Credit: J.D. Anderson

But the 'man of the hour' was the new Gain Flings, the new single use detergent product by Procter and Gamble. If better cleaning power than Gain Liquid Detergent, an added Oxi Boost and the odor killing power of Febreze sound good to you, than you need to join me in having a 'laundry room Fling' with Gain Flings!

Photo Courtesy of Gain (With my online persona being #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ you know I love capturing shots of DJ's!)


Where Scent and Music Collide

Gain partnered with Dr. Alan Hirsch and Innerscope Research along with Gain Loyalists who they call 'Gainiacs', to see how their feelings for Gain Flings! scent measured up to their favorite pastime of listening to music. The study compared a person's emotional response to music with specific scent profiles like Gain Original and my personal favorite Moonlight Breeze - the reactions to the Gain Flings! scents proved that the scent of Gain is 'Music to your nose'.

YouTube Sensation, Andrew Garcia, Empire Hotel New York City, Gain Flings Event
YouTube Sensation, Andrew Garcia - Photo Courtesy of Gain

With scent and music being the major themes of the evening, there was also a live performance from YouTube Sensation, Andrew Garcia who sang covers of several popular songs!

Toni Braxton ended the evening by performing some of her hits including 'Another Sad Love Song', 'Breathe Again' and 'Unbreak My Heart' as well as a bit from her latest track 'Hurt You' her latest single with Babyface from their duet album 'Love, Marriage & Divorce' which hit the stores on February 4th (just in time for Valentine's Day!).

My Take:

In our gift bags was a Gain Fling pod to try and a copy of Tamar Braxton's release 'Love & War', music for my ears and my laundry! I am not totally sure my love of scent will ever outshine my love of music, but if anything can call itself 'Music to my nose' Gain Flings is it! I recently received a full size container and I'm having a Fling with my laundry! (I'm not going to say I love doing it, but this is giving me a very rewarding scent explosion!). Suggested retail is $4.49 for the 14 count and up to $21.99 for a 90 count tub.

Photo Courtesy of Gain

One of the biggest surprises was Toni Braxton jumping offstage and singing directly to members of the audience, I thought that was totally cool of her, and it actually took the crowd off guard!

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies - Hope your day is more romantic than mine!


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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to share my opinions on the film. I was however provided with Product Samples in the form of a gift bag for Editorial Consideration and passes to the advanced screening. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Thursday, February 13, 2014

@ALNmovie #Movie Review + @IMANcosmetics Lipstick #Beauty Bar @hellobeautiful @shopaddicts #AboutLastNight

About Last Night, Sony Pictures, #AboutLastNight









Pardon me on what has to be the most confusing title ever, but with back to back tradeshows in town and NY Fashion Week madness, I needed to make my title make sense for twitter, so thanks for bearing with me! (I know some of you hate article titles with hashtags, and others that love twitter like me so get this!)

I thought my former film critic days for a popular print publication had spoiled me totally on screenings, but recently I got an invited to a pretty unique advanced screening of Sony Pictures About Last Night, a comedic modern day remake (of the 1986 film) which stars Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant. Upon arrival I knew this was a screening like no other when I walked in on a full Beauty Bar doing touch ups and lips by none other than IMAN Cosmetics! IMAN Cosmetics is the official U.S. Cosmetics Sponsor of the movie and offered a Beauty Bar so attendees (which included a who's who of New York City Based Beauty/Lifestyle Bloggers) a chance to try out the new shades of Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick by IMAN Cosmetics that are worn in the movie by Regina and Joy's characters. This super fun girls night out was also hosted in conjunction with the team from Hello Beautiful!

I have to say I was pretty flattered that everyone thought I had already had mine done, but I had in fact just walked in, and was sporting my signature custom lip blend. I tend to blend my own reds or in the winter/fall I will sometimes go plum but either way I tend to mix my color myself. I do have to say these are pretty wearable out the tube which for me is quite rare, there are five fabulous shades to choose from including (1) Taboo (Plum), (2) Kinky Pink (dark petal), (3) Flirtatious Pink (hot pink), (4) Scandalous (Deep Red), and (5) Hot (Orange).

Here is a little behind the scenes action of the Beauty Bar during the About Last Night Sony Pictures Screening (See Video Below):




I am in the video at 0:20-21 seconds! You will see Dee from Shop Addicts and in the teal sweater is ME! Tracy Iglesias from Ascending Butterfly! (By the way we were posing for the picture I included below when someone filmed us!) The above video is being moderated by one of my fave blogging peeps, Ty from Gorgeous in Grey who I met at BlogHer!

There is another video that focuses directly on the colors in the collection below:



My Take:

I greatly enjoyed the Beauty Bar as it gave us a chance to try out the colors and see which worked for us best. We got to take the Iman Make-Up Kit, Lip Affair lip colors home so I am definitely going to take time to play with the colors and blend them to see how close I come to the color that is my custom signature lip.

The movie is hilarious! Well cast and super funny. I greatly enjoyed it! It's not 'too chick' that guys will get bored, and not too 'man humor', they really did strike a perfect balance, and your face will probably hurt from laughing and smiling so much! It accurately reflects modern day dating with a sense of humor and just the right sentimentality. 

No spoilers here, but CHICKEN SCENE, it's TOTALLY worth the price of admission alone!

About Last Night, Sony Pictures, #AboutLastNight, Shop Addicts Advanced Screening
Left: Dee Rivera of Shop Addicts and Right: ME! Tracy from Ascending Butterfly!


What are your plans for Valentine's Day Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to share my opinions on the film. I was however provided with Product Samples in the form of a gift bag for Editorial Consideration and passes to the advanced screening. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Monday, February 10, 2014

Stay stylish despite the Polar Vortex with @EMUAustralia #Fashion #Polyvore

Ascending Butterfly EMU AUSTRALIA Winter Polyvore Board, Roseberry Jacket, Agnes Boot, Brown, Color Chocolate, Fashion


While I am looking forward to Spring (I am an April Baby so Spring is definitely my season), I am staying warm and stylish during the Polar Vortex with Emu Australia whose Premium Sheepskin and Merino Wool Footwear and Fashions are definitely where form and function meet with style!

Here are some close ups of the styles pictured in the polyvore set above:

Emu Australia Roseberry Jacket Chocolate
The Emu Australia Roseberry Jacket in color 'Chocolate' offers the ease, comfort and softness of a cardigan with the style of a favorite leather jacket, with knit inserts to assure a perfect fit, and add contrast, this has quickly become a personal fave this winter! (This style is now sold out, but there are a ton of great alternatives!)


Emu Australia Agnes Boot, Chocolate
The Emu Australia Agnes Boot (also pictured in the color 'Chocolate) offers a plush raw edged sheepskin finish, leather belt details with logo buckle and a cleated rubber outsole for traction.  

Emu Australia Agnes Boot, Chocolate
The Emu Australia Agnes Boot is a versatile stunner that can be worn up or down to reveal it's fur interior, these biker boots offer both style and comfort and the 'breathable' Sheepskin keeps your feet warm in winter and cool in summer to give you multi-season wear!

My Take:

I know that these will become winter wardrobe staples for you like they are for me! With super versatility, comfort, warmth, great details and a stylish edge, what's NOT to love?

Tell us Butterflies, what is your favorite EMU AUSTRALIA Style? Link us to it!

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to create this Polyvore set. I was however provided with Product Samples for Editorial Consideration. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Saturday, February 8, 2014

Don't miss the @NYWineFestivals Winter #Wine Festival in #NYC, here are highlights from the Autumn Show!



Today I am braving the Polar Vortex and heading out to the New York City Winter Wine Festival. While the afternoon session is already sold out, there are still tickets available for the evening session so act fast and visit HERE to nab a ticket before that session sells out too!

I thought I'd share some photos from the Autumn Wine Fest so you can see why I am so excited to see what today's tasting will bring! From The Most Romantic Wine and Kelly and Jones Fragrances Wine Perfume Collection, the Autumn Wine Fest was filled with delightful surprises!

Here are some of my personal faves:


Even the Universe was smiling that day as I found this on my way out of the subway heading toward the venue!

Chateau Musar, Red Wine
Chateau Musar This Red Wine was a definite stand out!


Cybele 2010 from Adelaida Wineries
For more info check out http://www.adelaida.com/

Totus Tuus Cava Brut Reserva
Totus Tuus Cava Brut Reserva is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 18% Xarello, 18% Macabeo, 18% Parellada and 6% Pinot Noir. Made in Madrid Spain this one is a great price ($15.95) for the finish!



This 2012 Bodegas Tampesta Albarin 'Maneki' was definitely a standout!

Elo Monastrell 2010
Elo Monastrell 2010 smooth tannins, dark cherry, blueberry and spicy cedar aromas made this one round and balanced. Another hit from Table 10!

Domaine de Pisan from Cave de Rasteau Winery, red wines
This 2007 Domaine de Pisan from Cave de Rasteau Winery was also very nicely balanced and averages about $36 a bottle

Kelly & Jones Fragrances, The Notes of Wine Eau de Parfum Collection
Kelly & Jones Fragrances - 'The Notes of Wine Eau de Parfum Collection' is a line that is inspired by the 'bouquet in the glass' and I can tell you that I enjoyed each scent equally and can't say I favor one over the others, which for me is pretty rare!

TMRW, The World's Most Romantic Wine
TMRW - "The World's Most Romantic Wine" offered not only the most atmospheric display, but really do live up to their title. I enjoyed everything I sampled and much like the perfumes found it hard to select an absolute favorite!


Cornerstone Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine
Cornerstone Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine has an intense aroma of Strawberry jam and offered an elegant finish, while I did enjoy them all I had to get a close up of this one! Where has this wine been all my life? Wine in a blinged out shoe! Roses! The presentation on this table was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! With Valentine's Day coming up TMRW is definitely one you want to put on your sweetie's radar!




NATSUKI Bootcut Jeans High Rise in INDIGO
A very happy Ascending Butterfly! (Jeans: Silver Jeans NATSUKI Bootcut Jeans High Rise in INDIGO)


Just had to take a shot of lower Manhattan all lit up at night!


Lower Manhattan, New York City



My Take:

Don't get stuck in a wine rut! Wine tastings are always a great way to discover brands that are new to you, and add a few new wines to your collection. NY Wine Festivals really puts together a great tasting, and the passion of the exhibitors always shines through. It's also great connecting with fellow wine lovers. The Conrad Hotel in New York City was a great venue and I enjoyed the Autumn Wine Festival and can't wait to report back to you with my finds from today's Winter Wine Festival! Stay Tuned!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, I attended the Festival as a member of the Digital Press and I have NOT been compensated to share my feedback on the tasting experience. 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.