Monday, March 31, 2014

@HOT97 #aprilfoolscomedyshow - Funny With a Very Important Message about your #HEALTH! @MetroPlusHealth @MarqueeConcerts {#MotivationMonday}

Hot97 April Fools Comedy Show presented by Carolines Comedy Club, Logo,









Our friends at Marquee Concerts offered me the highlight of my weekend with Tickets to the Hot 97 April Fool's Comedy Show. While it was a night of non-stop funny, that funny came with an important reminder and an important message about your HEALTH and healthcare! For most New Yorkers, March 31st is the deadline to enroll for healthcare coverage for 2014 or face the fines and penalties!

Comedians from Hot97 April Fools Comedy Show presented by Carolines, Marquee Concerts, MetroHealth
From Left to Right: Rob Stapleton, Cocoa Brown, Marlon Wayans, Cipha Sounds of Hot97, A.G. White and kneeling is Chaunté Wayans. Photo Credit: Hot97

I'm definitely not getting into a political debate about Obamacare, at this point regardless of your stance, the deadline is looming and if you are un-insured you have a very short window to enroll.

Start by visiting https://www.healthcare.gov/ to explore your options. The folks at MetroPlus Health are also out there in the community so their reps can help answer questions, to speak with a MetroPlus Certified Application Counselor (CAC) go to an enrollment center near you, check HERE, there are also Community Outreach Vehicles (COV) locations and you can contact MetroPlus Customer Services at 1.855.809.4073.

I love unique partnerships, and I thought this was a super creative way to get the word out about making sure everyone gets enrolled for healthcare coverage! It was a great lineup that included: The Wayans Brothers - Shawn and Marlon Wayans, Tracy Morgan (who I can imitate dead on by the way), Charlie Murphy (older brother of comedy icon Eddie Murphy), A.G. White (I dare anyone who was there to try to forget that Tuna joke!), Cipha Sounds (Hot 97 DJ), Cocoa Brown (Tyler Perry's show For Better or For Worse), Rob Stapleton (Bronx born and raised, so BIG UP!), Tony Roberts  (His 1-hour comedy special 'Wired' aired on Showtime) and a surprise appearance by comedian Capone!

I can tell you from first hand experience that you never know when a medical emergency can strike, and the only way you can save yourself from the financial ruin of surprise Medical Bills is to be sure that you are prepared and that you are insured.

As soon as I get the pro shot of me taken that night, I will update this post!

Protect your Health Butterflies and get enrolled today if you haven't already done so! Remember if you are not enrolled there are fines and penalties to face!

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FTC Disclosure: Marquee Concerts provided us with passes to the April Fool's Comedy Show for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! No monetary compensation has been exchanged!

Thursday, March 27, 2014

My Baptism Collage - Throwback Thursday #TBT























My mom told me when I saw the priest about to pour the holy water on my head, I screamed out 'Oh NO You Don't!' and he said 'Oh Yes I do!' and the entire church laughed!

Fellow frizz prone girls can relate to not wanting someone wetting their hair when they are all dressed up right?

Happy Throwback Thursday Butterflies! - If you posted a #TBT photo today, feel free to post the URL so we can hop over and check it out!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

{#Photos} Behind the scenes of @ledisi Autograph Signing of 'The Truth' @BestBuy #WCW #WordlessWednesday

As promised here are my photos from the recent Ledisi Autograph Signing of her newest release 'The Truth' at my local Best Buy! This album is BANGING folks, so if you haven't purchased it, you need to get on that!

Ledisi The Truth CD
Ledisi's newest release is called The Truth (I'm  sure you have heard the first track by now, Blame You)

Ledisi holding up her newest release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
Ledisi holding up her newest release "The Truth" - Autograph Signing at Best Buy! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ledisi signing her newest release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
Ledisi signs autographs at Best Buy - Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ledisi Autograph Signing for Album release The Truth, Autograph signing, Magnolia Theater Best Buy
I got to meet Ledisi! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ascending Butterfly shakes Ledisi hand at The Truth Album Signing at Best Buy
Got my CD signed by Ledisi! Photo Credit: Teri Bloom

Ascending Butterfly and Ledisi at The Truth Autograph Signing at Best Buy
It was super cool meeting Ledisi in person and getting my CD signed by her - I have David Medeiros of www.heyjoenyc.com to thank for nabbing this great shot!  He also posted a recap of here: http://concertblogger.com/2014/03/photos-ledisi-signing-best-buy-new-york-city/


Bloggers you are always welcome to comment below with the link to your Wordless Wednesday so we can hop over and say hi (just please NO Giveaway links here, thank you.).

Happy Wordless Wednesday + Women Crush Wednesday!

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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 NOT a compensated post, I have not been compensated to share this event recap. 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.

Tuesday, March 25, 2014

#ad: If you can't get enough #MarchMadness like this @BestBuyWOLF let @BestBuy help you #CatchItAll

#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!

Catch it All, #CatchItAll, Best Buy


Who is your team, and how are they doing? Even if you don't have a bracket and don't follow College Basketball, there are few television shows now that don't flash 'hashtag's during their programming so you can share your thoughts on twitter in real time and connect with the show and other fans. I constantly find myself doing it and may have even snuck my smartphone or tablet in the bathroom with me a time or two (or three) so I don't miss a moment! Don't judge me!

With 68 teams all trying to win College Basketball's biggest prize, our friends at Best Buy want to make sure that you don't miss a moment of the action! Staying current on the tournament and brackets, checking scores and maybe even some playback all at once certainly requires multiple screens, and even with a Smart TV you sometimes need an additional device on hand. (Le Sigh. Even watching Television requires multi-tasking now a days!)

Best Buy can you help you stay connected to the excitement and #CatchItAll with the devices and connectivity that make it all possible all at super competitive prices! What's NOT to love?

I am so ready to upgrade my home theater system, and a new Smart HDTV is top on my list! My current TV is not quite as smart as I like and I've been researching replacements, this Sharp is top on my list (you can press on it's picture to go straight to Best Buy where you can purchase it directly):

icon
Sharp AQUOS LC-90LE657U LED HDTV - Available at Magnolia at Best Buy!

SPECS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Screen Size 90" (swoons and drools!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LED Flat-Panel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical Resolution 1080p

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Screen Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instant Content: Netflix, Pandora, Skye, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - HDMI Inputs: 4 (insert choir of Television Angels here!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - USB Port & Input + Ethernet Port

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Component Video Input

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Composite Inputs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And because you know how important Audio is for me: there are THREE speakers and a 35W Speaker Power Output!

My Take:

I love that Best Buy offers such a wide variety of Electronics at some of the most competitve prices out there! I recently had a Magnolia Home Theater experience at a Best Buy retail location and it made me realize just how much I need to update my Home Theater. I'd love to bring the 3D Experience into my home, and would love a Smart TV so I can run my favorite apps and watch movies on the big screen instead of my portable devices all the time. I don't have a coupon to share this time around, but wanted to remind you that Audio Fest is coming to a close soon and the prices on Audio Products at Best Buy during this promotional period are definitely worth jumping on. And all my bargain hunters should always hit the "Shops & Deals" Tab where you can peruse the Deal of the Day, Clearance, Hottest Deals and more. And if you prefer making the investment in store, using the website first to get an idea of pricing will help you keep to your budget.

What device keeps you at your multi-tasking best 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, March 24, 2014

{#MotivationMonday} Dalai Lama or Dalai Homer, You Decide!



While I continue to battle this annoying Flu which doesn't seem to want to go away, I thought I'd inject a little humor into today's Motivation Monday to start the week with a little laugh!

It really is a good message:

Do Not Let The Behavior of Others Destroy Your Inner Peace.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. But if you would like to sponsor a Motivation Monday, feel free to contact me! :)

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Surf and Turf Stuffed Mushrooms Recipe using @JimmyDean Pork Sausage Crumbles! #jdcrumbles

#spon: I'm required to disclose a relationship between our site and Jimmy Dean. This could include Jimmy Dean providing us with content, product access, or other forms of payment.




I personally think Surf and Turf is one of the best things ever! I can't get enough of it and when the folks at Jimmy Dean challenged me to use their Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles in a recipe, I knew right from the start I didn't want to do the obvious and go breakfast so I thought about some of my favorite recipes, and one of the ones that everyone asks me to make repeatedly, my 'Surf and Turf Stuffed Mushrooms' immediately came to mind!

I always end up having to increase the number of them each and every time I make them as they go super quickly! While I mostly make them as appetizers, they would make for a pretty unique breakfast as many of the ingredients could just as easily be used for an Omelette actually! Or if eggs are not your thing, then these would definitely make a great breakfast meal (or brunch if you are a late riser!)

Surf and Turf Stuffed Mushrooms, Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles
Surf and Turf Stuffed Mushrooms using Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles


Surf and Turf Stuffed Mushrooms Printable Recipe Card Ingredients













You can adjust the serving size to your preferences, but I find that 24 mushrooms work best (that would give six people four of them which works as an appetizer). You can also use any kind of mushroom you prefer, I like the buttery flavor that the organic ones have, but I have also prepared this recipe with Portobello Mushrooms, and do enjoy them that way also! I tend to add more Garden Vegetables to my recipe, but garlic, onion and pepper are the basic ones I use. If I am using a spicy sausage I will also use finely minced celery in the recipe. If you cut each shrimp into 'thirds' you should be able to stuff 24 mushrooms with a good ratio balance of shrimp to meat, but if you want thicker pieces add more shrimp to it, or cut each piece in half and not thirds. And while I didn't add it here, I also sometimes like to shred some sharp cheddar and mozarella cheese shaved thinly on top of each mushroom as I don't like adding cream cheese to mine. So feel free to play with the recipe to match it to your taste! If you are a spice fan, then feel free to substitute the hearty Original Sausage Crumbles with the Hot & Spicy instead.














I find it easier to clean the mushrooms first before doing anything else, I hold the stems on the side and then prepare the baking sheet and add the mushrooms to it, then I go about dicing the stems. Then I prepare the Shrimp (of course if you can buy them already de-veined you save a step), I add the veggies and mushroom stems to the skillet and then I add the Sausage and Shrimp, you don't have to heat them too long because you will be heating everything together in the oven, it's easier to mix the skillet ingredients with the parmesan and breadcrumbs to stuff faster, but you can also just stuff them with the skillet items first, and then sprinkle the breadcrumbs/cheese mixture on top. I like the on top way if I'm using Panko, and the mixed way if I'm using regular breadcrumbs. But again that's to your taste!

My Take:

I have made a ton of variations on this recipe over the years, sometimes I will make it with crab and a spicier sausage (like a Chorizo or Andouille), sometimes shrimp, and I have even done these with Salmon as the Seafood component (a hearty white fish would work well too!). What I love about the Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles is that they save me a step as they are already in bite size pieces and they are fully cooked! The meat adds loads of flavor and juiciness to each mushroom!

I'm all for things that save me a step, the faster I get out of the kitchen, the more time I have to spend with my guests!

Have You Tried Jimmy Dean Hearty Original Sausage Crumbles? Try out our recipe and let us know how you liked it!

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FTC Disclosure: Jimmy Dean provided us with Product Samples for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own!

Thursday, March 20, 2014

Me as Zebra Swallowtail #Butterfly @TheBronxZoo #ThrowbackThursday #TBT



In the spirit of Throwback Thursday, here is a photo of me hamming it up at The Bronx Zoo in New York City circa 2005! Don't I look cute as a Zebra Swallowtail Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} House of Blues New Orleans @HOBNOLA #NOLA #Travel #Photography

House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana, Travel Tourism, Photography, Blues, Music
House of Blues New Orleans, Louisiana

This is the third House of Blues location I have visited, I visited the one in Boston first, then the one in Atlantic City second!

Bloggers Feel Free to post a URL to your WW posts! (Remember NO Giveaways please, Wordless Wednesday URL's only, thanks!)

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post

Monday, March 17, 2014

{#MotivationMonday} The importance of diet & heart health + highlights from the @GoRedForWomen Luncheon in NYC!

Go Red for Women American Heart Association Logo


My Great-Grandmother never got a cold, never battled the Flu and ate like a bird, but she suffered a Stroke. While heart disease does not necessarily run in my family, my Great-Grandmother's Stroke does make me more cautious about ways to reduce my own risk. I have also experienced peers who have suffered Strokes, and it is not just something that happens to those who are 'older'.

I recently attended the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women Luncheon in New York City, where I learned that more WOMEN die of heart disease than of any other cause. Yet only 1 in every 5 women actually believes Heart Disease is actually a threat.

Heart Disease is the Number One killer of women in the United States, claiming more lives than all forms of CANCER combined!

1 of 3 women suffer in silence, and almost one dies every minute making this preventable disease a silent killer! Heart Disease is the Number 1 killer of women, and Stroke is Number 3. The 2014 Go Red for Women Luncheon celebrates New York City women joining together to raise awareness and funds and is the premiere luncheon in the country. This year the luncheon with over 1,300 in attendance is expected to raise over $1,400,000 for research and education aimed at fighting heart disease and stroke in women.

Table 14 Grain Foods Foundation Silver Heart Sponsors of Go Red For Women Luncheon 2014 in New York City. charity, charitable initiatives, philanthropy
Table 14, Grain Foods Foundation Table at the Go Red for Women Luncheon in NYC - That's ME, Ascending Butterfly second from left side (wearing black jacket (Jones New York) and red shirt (Top is by IGIGI)) and second from the right is Christine Cochran, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation  (wearing a white shirt collar over the top of the red dress.)

I had the pleasure of attending the Health Expo and Go Red for Women Luncheon with 'Heart of Silver' Sponsors, Grain Foods Foundation. Their sponsorship of the event will reach 2,000 high-risk minority women through Have Faith in Heart Events. 

Grain Foods Foundation has heart-healthy recipes in the Grains in Your Kitchen section of GrainsForYourBrain.org, and also includes expert nutrition advice from Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum who is a Grain Foods Foundation Scientific Advisory Board Member and American Heart Association Go Red For Women Spokesperson.

Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum a Grain Foods Foundation Scientific Advisory Board Member and American Heart Association Go Red For Women Spokesperson
“It is essential for consumers to understand the importance of balance to achieving heart health, and that includes diet, For example, eating whole grains will help you become healthier and is a great way to reduce risk factors for heart disease, like high cholesterol. It’s estimated that 80 percent of all cardiovascular events are preventable and treatable, and whole grains’ contribution should not be overlooked.” ~ Dr. Suzanne Steinbaum
As a Latina I know our community has a high propensity for Diabetes, and as 65% of people with Diabetes die from heart disease and stroke it is important to me that the Ascending Butterfly Community be empowered in ALL ways - Mind, Body and Soul to keep our overall health and wellness at it's peak efficiency. I have always felt that if one area is deficient, they all will be. And it's super important to know the facts about your level of risk! Latinas the campaign is also in Spanish, it's called Go Red por tu corazon There are also Recetas Favoritas/Favorite Recipes in Spanish made in a more hearth healthy way, so we can make small changes that will add up to better heart health not just for us, but the generations coming up behind us as well.





Heart Attack Warning Signs:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Most heart attacks involve discomfort in the center of the chest that lasts more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back. It can feel like uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or Pain.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Discomfort in Other Areas of the Upper Body:  Symptoms can include pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shortness of Breath: With or Without Chest Discomfort

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Other Signs: may include: breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or light-headedness

Cardiac Arrest Warning Signs:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sudden loss of Responsiveness - No response to tapping on the shoulders

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Normal Breathing - The victim does not take a normal breath when you tilt the head up and check for at least five seconds.

Stroke Warning Signs:

Spot a Stroke F.A.S.T.:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Face Drooping - Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Arm Weakness - Is one weak or numb? As the person to raise both arms. Watch them, does one arm drift downward?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Speech Difficulty - Is speech slurred, are they unable to speak, or hard to understand? As the person to repeat a simple sentence, like 'the sky is blue.' - Did they repeat the sentence correctly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Time to call 9-1-1 if the person shows any of these symptoms, even if the symptoms go away, call 9-1-1 and get them to the hospital immediately


Christine Cochran, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation
Christine Cochran, Executive Director of the Grain Foods Foundation raises her glass and gives a toast to the survivors and all the strong women in the room  who are out to help make difference!



Sponsors for the luncheon included: Grain Foods Foundation, Macys, North Shore LIJ, Geoffrey Beene Gives Back, GIII, Seiko, TransPerfect, Valerie Wilson Travel, Amarin Pharma Inc, Clear Channel Media, Estee Lauder, Planet Gold Clothing Company, Mashable Inc., Nautica, Amerex Group, Baltimore Sun Media Group, The Boston Globe, Bulkley Dunton, Carat USA, CBA Industries, Duane Reade, Forest Laboratories, Google, Interstate General Media, Levi Strauss & Co., NBC Universal, New York Daily News, New York-Presbyterian/Weill Cornell Medical Center - Ronald O. Perelman Heart Institute, The New York Post, & The New York Times. Great to see brands I already know and trust banning together to offer their support to this amazing cause! (And a special shout out to Macys who also does amazing work with Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, they have donated furniture to the New York City House which I think is amazing as well. I am an Ambassador for Ronald McDonald Children's Charities and would love to see more brands get involved with them as well!). I wear Levi Strauss so I was glad to see them there as well!

Lynda Baquero ‏(left) of News 4 New York and  Chelsea Clinton (keynote speaker) at the 2014 Go Red for Women Luncheon in New York City!

Did you know?

Over 36,000 babies are born every year with a heart defect. There are currently more than 9 million kids overweight. Worse still 1 in every 4,000 infants has a stroke!

My Take:

Studies show that maintaining a healthy diet and physical activity can reduce the risk of heart disease by as much as 80 percent! That's huge! Doing something so simple can add so many QUALITY years of life and get you more quality time with those you love and those who love you. Do it for your heart, do it for their hearts, do it for those who were not so lucky, embrace a healthier diet, increase your physical activity and for those who still do it, STOP SMOKING! Keep your heart healthy! I hope you will join the cause and support the movement, in fact, this page outlines specific ways to GET INVOLVED, choose one or more! Seeing what my Great-Grandmother went through and now recently a former co-worker, peer and friend who is still in rehabilitation to re-gain both speech and mobility again, I know I don't want to live that myself. I plan to more careful with my diet, memorize those warning signs, and be sure to get a checkup regularly, I don't want to fall victim to the silent killer!

Big shout out to Grain Foods Foundation for Sponsoring a Table and sharing the word on easy ways we can improve our diets to help prevent heart disease, and for inviting Ascending Butterfly to break bread with them and help spread the word.

Have any of our butterflies experienced a Heart Attack or Stroke First Hand? Were you able to identify the warning signs and get treatment on time? Please tell us about your experience!


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FTC Disclosure: Grain Foods Foundation (a Not-For-Profit organization) provided us with passes to the Health Expo and Go Red for Women Luncheon experience for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! No monetary compensation has been exchanged!

Thursday, March 13, 2014

If the Polar Vortex still hasn't let up where you are or you are ski slope bound - check out these @muk_luks boots!

Apparently Mother Nature and Old Man Winter have teamed up to keep my City in a Vice Grip of Cold Weather! I was seriously tempted to make a quick recording of the howling winds outside my window right now to give you the soundtrack I listen to all day unless I put my headphones on!

While my mind is on warm Sandy Beaches and Tropical Trade Winds, the slap of cold air when I head out the door brings me right back to reality pretty quickly.

I have been living in these boots during the winter and I thought I'd share them with you!

Gwen Tribal Motif Boots, The Original Muk Luks Company, Winter Boots
Gwen Tribal Motif Boots by The Original Muk Luks Company

The 'Gwen Tribal Motif' Boots' by The Original Muk Luks Company:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Style: Cold Weather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Height: Knee High

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Toe Shape: Round

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Platform Height: 0.5-inch

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shaft Height: 12.5 inches

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Circumference: 7.75 inches

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Width: Medium (they are really generous for a Medium!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lining: Fully Lined

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sole: Water-proof Rubber Sole

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Footbed: Slightly Padded

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Upper/outsole: 100% Suede Leather with acrylic knit and polyester faux fur (so no guilt to all my animal loving butterflies out there!)

My Take:

These have been hit hard by me all winter with the back to back snowstorms and have held up really well for me in places where most boots fail me, these did not turn ugly on me with salt stains and that was a pleasant surprise for me. Usually my winter boots get salt stains no matter how fastidious I may be in trying to wipe them down as soon as I get home. These keep my feet super warm and dry and I also love that they are not too flat, boots that are too flat tend to make me 'duck walk' and these didn't do that. I also prefer a round toe to pointy, and while I normally go wide on something like boots that I know I will hit hard often here, these are actually a very generous Medium and I didn't feel I needed or missed the wide at all. You really can't go wrong with these! They are comfy, fashion forward and really will keep your feet protected in winter, so if the Polar Vortex won't let up or you are headed to the slopes, you definitely want to pick up a pair of these! (BTW, they also have these in a Brown/Red/White Multi called 'Gwen X FairIsle' that are super cute too!)

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FTC Disclosure: The Original Muk Luks Company provided us with the Gwen Tribal Motif Boots for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! 

Wednesday, March 12, 2014

{#Photo} What does @MaseratiNYC, @WallisFashion and @koobabags have to do with each other? #WordlessWednesday



So what does Maserati, Wallis Fashion and Kooba Handbags have to do with one another? ME of course! I attended a very smart Fashion Event (which I will share a full recap on very soon) that was held at the Maserati Showroom in New York City, don't you just love the red funnel neck coat by Wallis Fashion I am wearing? I'm carrying a Kooba Handbag. Fashion and Fast Cars? Just another day in New York City my friends, just another day in the city that never sleeps!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! (Bloggers you are always welcome to post the URL to your Wordless Wednesday Posts, however no giveaway links here, thanks!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I have not been compensated to share this photo.

Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Get your FREE @ledisi latest CD, The Truth today only at @BestBuy NYC & get your wristband for her autograph signing this Friday!

#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!



Just thought I'd add some more info to yesterday's post! I visited the Best Buy at 1880 Broadway for a Magnolia at Best Buy Home Theater Demo, at the end of the Demo I was given Ledisi's newest release The Truth, and a wristband that will grant me access to her autograph signing this Friday at the same store!

Her new album is the bomb, here is a video I took during my demo so you can hear not only her new album, but just how good it sounds off those MartinLogan Theos 8" Floor Speakers:




If you stop by today and watch the demo, you leave with a free CD and a wristband that will get you access to the autograph signing this Friday. The CD's are only free today, but you can purchase one at the store before the signing and still get a wristband, but hurry because there will only be 250 wristbands distributed!

I am digging both my new CD and those sweet MartinLogan Theos Speakers! My home theater is due for an upgrade and getting the chance to demo the sound on these speakers in an environment that truly mirrors a home system setup and have experts answer all my questions was super helpful!



Hopefully I get a picture with Ledisi during the Autograph signing later this week, if I do, I will definitely post it here! And you can check out yesterday's post for more detailed info on what is going on Best Buy for March Audio Fest 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! I took a home theater demo and received a CD and wristband, this post is non-compensated. 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. There are affiliate links in this post.

Monday, March 10, 2014

Save at #AudioFest @BestBuy + here is the scoop for two hot New York City Based Events THIS week! @BestBuyWOLF #ad

#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!

March Audio Fest Best Buy


As #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on Twitter, and a lifelong Music lover and all things audiophile, when hot Audio and even hotter music combine it's got MY name written all over it! From March 2nd through MY BIRTHDAY, 4/4, Best Buy will feature one month of audio specials and deals, events and more!

The month of March is when you will find the best offers on Audio Products at local Best Buy locations, and there will be in-store demonstrations that will teach you to upgrade your Home Audio with the latest and greatest for your space! Come on down and HEAR the difference for yourself! In fact I will be doing just that myself as there will be a demo in New York City at the Best Buy Store at 1880 Broadway starting at 10am (between 61st and 62nd Streets!) on Tuesday, March 11th. And if you attend the demo, you will get a wristband that will allow you to come back on Friday for a Ledisi Autograph Signing! She is an 8 time Grammy Nominated Singer/Songwriter (and actress, WERK honey!). You need that wristband to get her autograph this Friday, so don't forget to stop in for your Audio Demo on Tuesday! I will be there so if you see me, please don't be shy, come say hi! :-)

Offers by Week:

Week of 3/9 (THIS Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2x points on Sonos Home Theater
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All AVRs on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -All iPod touch on sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $80 on Samsung Blu-ray/Soundbar Bundle

Week of 3/16 (Next Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2x points on all speakers
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BDi Furniture (3/7 – 3/23) Save $200 on any Home Theater Cabinet
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All-on-sale Car Audio Speakers + 50% off speaker installation
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $50 Savings on Sony MDR10 Headphones

Week of 3/23:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $30 savings on BEATS SOLO™ HD ON EAR HEADPHONE - DRENCHED COLORS
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save 25% on all Sennheiser HD 500 Series Headphones
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Logitech Computer Headsets on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $50 - $150 on Select Energy audio products (3/9-4/5)

Week of 3/30 (FINAL Week):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -All Insignia Computer Speakers on Sale
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $100-$200 on select Definitive Technology Floor Speakers (3/23-4/5)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $50 - $150 on Select Energy audio products (3/9-4/5)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save $150 - $300 on Select Jamo Speakers

Guess who pimped my Music?



My friends at Best Buy sent me the JBL Flip Stereo Speaker and I'm totally digging on this Bluetooth wireless system for smartphones and tablets. It has two 1-5/8 inch (40-millimeter) drivers and a built-in bass port that delivers the exceptional bass sound that JBL is known for in a totally portable package! With this little wonder I can get up to 5 hours of playback time with it's built in Li-ion rechargeable battery which connects wirelessly to any Bluetooth-equipped device. It's a big sound, with great portability at a fantastic price! Right now it's $89.95 at Best Buy which is $30 lower than a leading competitor has it, just saying! (With Mother's Day coming up soon, and Dads and Grads month in June, buy it now at the sale price and tuck it away, I can't imagine who wouldn't be excited to get it!)

Great Giveaway Alert:

Fellow My Best Buy Members, enter your My Best Buy Member ID HERE to enter to win a trip to see Kings of Leon - Mechanical Bull Concert in one of my favorite cities, NEW ORLEANS! If one of my butterflies win, I totally hope you bring me with you! One of my fave bands playing in one of my favorite cities, it's music nirvana I tell you!

My Take:

I for one can't get enough when it comes to my Music! My home theatre surround is due for an upgrade and I definitely want a 'Smart TV' for my living room so I'm totally looking forward to checking out the demo at my local store and learning about the latest and greatest in Home Audio!  And I have to admit I'm already nerding out about getting to meeting Ledisi this Friday at my local Best Buy in New York City (1880 Broadway). If you were thinking about any Home Audio Updates, right now is the time to take advantage and do it at a great price!

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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 JBL who provided the Flip Wireless Bluetooth Speaker 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. There are affiliate links in this post.