Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Tweetie Pies and Butterflies! A Sweet Reminder to Count Your Blessings!


The wine is already chilling (and NO, this is NOT sponsored) from my table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving Butterflies!

I selected this Cabernet Franc from Salem Oak Vineyards for a special reason that I thought fitting to share with you on Thanksgiving.

I met Salem Oak Vineyards during my Atlantic City 2016 Restaurant Week Press Trip during Tropicana Casino & Resorts' Winter Wine Festival.

The first thing I noticed was that the wines were all named after people and I couldn't resist asking about the people behind the names, Salem Oak names their wines after their employees who are all their partners in bringing their creations to life. The wine I selected is named after an employee named Brandon Jae. Brandon sadly passed away, very young. Too young. You may remember I featured their White Table Wine called 'Julia-Maria' HERE.

You guys know I love Dragons, and that is what initially drew me to the bottle. Brandon Jae is a dry red that starts off 'effervescent' but mellows as it breathes. My palate in most wines leans to dry and the bottle art really resonated with me.

It makes me sad to think the person this wine is named after, isn't here.

But it does remind me that life is fleeting, precious and something to be always grateful for.

MY TAKE:

Hug your family a little harder today, take photos even if you don't feel like it, count your blessings with those you love.

Love harder, Laugh often.

I'm grateful for many things, but I can tell you when I sit to eat and sip this wine I will remember to savor every delicious moment today. I hope you do too.

Readers Sound Off: What are YOU grateful for today?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) and all thoughts and opinions are 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.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Remember when Kissing meant something? #ThursdayTalk

This post is inspired by, but NOT SPONSORED by Glamour's Women of the Year Awards.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remember when Kissing actually meant something?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was the last time a kiss took your breath away?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was the last time talking to your crush gave you butterflies in your stomach?

While watching an Entertainment News Story that was covering Glamour's Women of the Year Awards, a simple quote made me actually look away from my computer and up at my TV screen, Gwen Stefani was honored as 2016's Woman of the Year during the Glamour's Women of the Year Awards in Hollywood, California and during her speech she said something that has stuck with me since I heard it: (this is a snippet of her acceptance speech):

"I just want to say thank you to my parents for that gift of faith," she told the audience. "I want to say thank you to everyone who ever listened to my music. I am so honored and grateful." She continued, getting choked up, "To my children, to my family, to Blake Shelton for kissing me back to life, thank you so much. I am blown away, I'm blown away by this room of unbelievable courage. It's unbelievable to be here tonight. I am really, really grateful." ~Gwen Stefani

I rarely get 'event envy' - I attend amazing ones here in New York City all the time, but I truly wish I could have been there to see/hear her say it.

Oh to be a fly on that wall.

I would have loved to have witnessed the reactions for myself.

In fact, I would love to know what your *REAL* first reaction to that sentence is, before you think about it, before you cautiously consider - write and then re-write your answer. (Did you mentally go all "Bitter Betty" and think 'UGH', "Jaded Jane" and think 'yeah right' or are you a "Swooning Sally" whose heart beats romantic all the time?)

My Take:

I am writing this and listening to Evanesence "Bring Me to Life" and contemplating how that simple yet boldly powerful statement made by Gwen Stefani reminds of a time when kissing and romance was a bit less complex, was *almost* (and I do say almost)... easier.

I want to jokingly say that Blake Shelton must be a damn good kisser, but I get what she means by it.

But as a single gal in New York City who is not into kissing every random frog that comes hopping along my path (hoping one of them might be that elusive Prince), I wonder if I will ever truly experience a "Kiss that Brings Me Back to Life" - I vaguely remember butterflies in my stomach, but don't think I have yet had a kiss that brought me back to life or helped me 'get my life' either.

I hope that this expression "Kiss me back to life" actually becomes bigger and finally drowns out the term 'conscious un-coupling', coined by Gwyneth Paltrow after her messy divorce. Maybe this quote will have more impact than that one. Imagine a world where we have more people open to love and romance and less plotting how to civilly break away from one another....(and I'll refrain from mentioning that affairs caused so much heart ache and heart break for both Gwen and Gwyneth -perhaps a post exploring why men on cheat on amazing women is a topic to be explored?)

I could also write a book on weird dating experiences in the city that never sleeps! But that my dear butterflies is a story for another day.

(And by the way that is a photo prop in my hand in the photo above, NOT my lips!!!)

Readers Sound Off: Have you ever experienced a 'Kiss that brought you back to life'? Do you think a kiss can really do all that?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) and all thoughts and opinions are 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.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Just Keep Calm and Chew Gum - Did you kiss a Democrat or a Republican? {#ElectionDay2016 #Humor}

Consider this an early Wordless Wednesday but it was just too good to pass up!



And there is a Gum for the two major parties:


So, did you kiss a Democrat or a Republican today?

Make sure you rock the vote + if you can add kissing to the mix all the better right?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) I took a picture of these at the NYNOW Market Tradeshow, I did NOT get a sample of them, haven't tasted them. All thoughts and opinions are 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.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cave: Electronics/Technology, Fashion, Jewelry, Appliances, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys.

If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Monday, November 7, 2016

{#MotivationMonday} Put a little 'zen' in your election week with the Buddhas of @nynowmarket #NYNOW #Decor #Lifestyle

With election week coming up I thought I would put a little touch of zen in your election week with the Buddhas I found at New York Now Market which a Lifestyle and Décor Tradeshow held in NYC.

You know I keep politics off this page so let's not get into the WHO and just say that 'no vote' this time around is NOT an option, so please rock the vote, and in the meantime, let these pretty photos put some zen in your election week!

My décor style has always been modern zen and you will find a touch of Buddha in almost every room in my home. They bring me a sense of peace and that's just what you want when you come back home after a long stressful day. (Notice the touch of butterflies to the right on the photo above? More on these to come)

I like Meditating Buddha Statues as well and have one in my bedroom (although mine is not blue). I like this calming shade - it's where ocean blue and turquoise meet. and the glass lotus in front of them is a cute touch too.

What do you think about the mottled/weathered look of these? I know I can't pass a Buddha Statue with a big belly without rubbing it for good luck! How about you?

While I still might give the jewelry category from the tradeshow it's own day in the sun, this Buddha was on display at one of my favorite jewelry designers, BUDHAGIRL, who as you may remember we featured before when we partnered with them for a giveaway of this breath-taking bangle bracelet. (Please note that giveaway is CLOSED now). I was so happy to see them again and learn what's new, hopefully we can partner them again soon! (Check out the Budhagirl website and let me know what pieces catch your eye.......no promises, just sayin)

MY TAKE:

The stress of this Election Week has already taken it's toll leading up to it. Remember that the very right to vote is one we fought so hard for, be sure to exercise the option. Just because you HAVE it. Remember there are those that still don't.

Please refrain from commenting with your candidate choice, this post is not for a debate, it's just a fun way to ease election stress with a touch of zen, so here is my suggested talking point for this post:

What is your Décor Style? Do you like Modern Zen as much as I do?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated Post, (while perhaps it should be) Media Access to the NYNOW Market Tradeshow was granted for Editorial Consideration and NOTHING more, all thoughts and opinions are 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.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cave: Electronics, Jewelry, Appliances, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys.

If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.