Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Did you watch @kencen #KCHonors? Congrats to the honorees: @GloriaEstefan ‏@LionelRichie ‏@llcoolj @CarmenDances @GloriaEstefan @TheNormanLear

THIS IS NOT SPONSORED/COMPENSATED!

I hope the holidays have been treating you well and that you were surrounded by good food, good friends and family and that very same spirit of good will carries you all into a prosperity filled New Year! I want the best for you all butterflies.

I have been wanting to get to back to Ascending Butterfly's early roots - you know that blissful year we spent together in 2008 that was PR free/Brand Free and Sponsored Post free.

I need a bit more of that in my life to fuel my writing. But when I stare at my computer and those calendar pop ups, sticky notes and notifications remind me just how many sponsored posts (those do keep the lights on), event recaps and overdue Social Media Consulting Deadlines are looming, I put my Op Ed Drafts away and plug away at what I am "supposed" to be doing and "supposed" to be writing about.

But last night I checked out the Kennedy Center Honors on CBS and it filled me with all kinds of feels, and I actually let myself watch it in its entirety without my phone or laptop and really take it in. Again I stress this is NOT a sponsored post, this is just me staying woke. It really was an amazing show to watch and it made history in so many different ways.

After the show I got on Twitter and read what people were posting about the show by following the hashtag, and this was the first tweet I saw:

The New York Times Op Ed regarding Kennedy Center Honors, #KCHonors
























This was one of the top tweets on the trending hashtag for the show and I pressed on the article and read it through, re-tweeted it and then went back to Twitter to read more tweets on the hashtag. There were some in support of this Op Ed and others against it.

And it brought to mind a very early memory of an elementary school substitute teacher who asked us if we were familiar with the phrase "America is a Melting Pot", and those that did raised their hands.

She waited until all hands went down and immediately exclaimed "WRONG!".

We were all puzzled and all looked at her quizzically. She said America is NOT a Melting Pot, it's a Salad Bowl.

She exclaimed that in a Melting Pot ingredients 'lose themselves' and become something else entirely as it blends. She said again America was a Salad Bowl because the ingredients do not become something else entirely, they retain their original shape, color and texture.

I honestly was never really sure why she felt the need to teach this lesson, it was not what our teacher was working on with us at that time.

Caroline Kennedy opened the show and there was a not dull moment from beginning to end, here are some of the tweets that stood out for me, if you look carefully at my screen grabs you will see the hearts are red, as these are tweets that I chose to "like" and some I also Re-Tweeted. (Press on each picture to make them bigger so they are easier to read).

@kencenter The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017 All Nominees
























Above: Such a nice photo of all the honorees: Top Left: LL Cool J, Top Right: Lionel Richie, Bottom Left Seated: Carmen De Lavallade, Center Seated: Norman Lear and Right Seated: Gloria Estefan

All such noteworthy nominees! 

@llcoolj @kencenter The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017 All Nominees


















Above: LL Cool J salutes his fellow Kennedy Center Honorees in this tweet

About the Honorees:

James Todd Smith, also known as LL Cool J is actually one of the youngest honorees and is an Actor, Author, Rapper, and Entrepreneur. 

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017 @llcoolj thanking performers and fellow nominees



















Above: This tweet included a great gif, but to screen grab it, it stops the GIF. Since the next honoree is up Lionel, it works.

Lionel Brockman Richie,  is a singer, songwriter and record producer, member of funk and soul band the Commodores, has sold over 90 million records world wide and is a five-time Grammy Award Winner. In 2016 he received the Songwriters Hall of Fame's highest honor, the Johnny Mercer Award. 

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017 @jozenc tweet








Carmen De Lavallade is an Actress, Dancer and Choreographer who was raised by her Aunt Adele who owned one of the first African-American history bookshops and her cousin Janet Collins was the first African-American prima ballerina at the Metropolitan Opera. 

Norman Lear is a Television writer and producer who produced notable 1970's sitcoms including: All in the Family, Sanford and Son, One Day at a Time, The Jeffersons, Good Times and Maude. He also founded the advocacy organization People for the American Way in 1981 and supports first amendment rights and progressive causes.

Gloria Estefan is a Singer, Songwriter, Actress and businesswoman who started off her career as the lead singer in the group "Miami Latin Boys" which was eventually called "Miami Sound Machine"

The tributes that were made during Kennedy Center Honors were all quite moving and many of the presenters and performers who were part of each tribute segment are also noteworthy in their own right.

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017, @kencen tweet

There were so many performers on stage but there was one performance that I think raised the most eyebrows and it was Luke Bryan who performed two of Lionel Richie's hit songs including Penny Lover. He was an un-expected choice for certain, but it was so fun watching everyone in the audience singing along to that song, and many waiting for Lionel's reaction, which was positive.

Dave Chappelle also introduced Norman Lear and thanked him for his shows being pretty much his baby sitter growing up as a latch key kid.

Norman Lear was never afraid to tackle the tough issues and quite frankly his progressive thinking is something we really need more of.

The cast of On Your Feet performed during Gloria Estefan's tribute as well as Becky G. I am linking you to my review of the Broadway Musical On Your Feet because I LOVED it so much, if you haven't seen it or Kinky Boots please get on that like ASAP, and I am also linking you to a post I wrote recapping the Cosmo For Latinas #CFLFunFearless 2014 Awards where I met and nabbed a photo with singer Becky G who performed at the Kennedy Center Honors last night in tribute to Gloria Estefan. (And props to her very Selena inspired top! I see you Becky!)

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017, @mikab98 tweet







Above: I am not sure how readable this one is, so just in case you don't feel like pressing it to make it bigger it reads:

"Watching #KCHONORS reminds me that intellectualism, the arts, empathy, honor, education, activism, and  just plain doing the right thing cannot be dumbed down, unless we let it, its being ignorant, prejudiced, and noninclusive, greedy that is harmful" ~ @mikab98/Doc Brown via Twitter

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017, @ChangeofHabits tweet








Above: My blog template is making some of these way too small, so I am typing this out too:

"Watching the #KCHonors & realizing how excruciating it would have been for this POTUS to celebrate the talents of a Cuban singer, a pioneering dancer, and a philanthropic rapper, & a mulitalented musician who are all people of color & a liberal producer who changed TV forever." ~ @ChangeofHabits/SKeveryday via Twitter

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017, @pauljschutz tweet








Above: This tweet reads:

"In the absence of @POTUS, @realDonaldTrump seeing the #KennedyCenterHonors recognize four tremendous #PoC performers and white ally @NormanLearFilm - whose shows placed black and brown actors front and center on TV screens - makes a powerful statement. This is #America. #KCHonors" ~ @pauljschutz/Paul Schutz

The Kennedy Center Honors #KCHonors 2017, @estateplanjax tweet


















Above: This Tweet Reads:

"Take a minute and realize this historic time in history. For the first time since the @KCHonors started, the current @POTUS isn't there. The honorees refused to attend if he was there (so I've read). So tonight, we have the same seat as @realDonaldTrump for the #KCHonors" ~ @estateplanjax/Mark F. Moss, Esq. via Twitter

My Take:

I am saddened and very disappointed that this is the first time in the show's history that our President wasn't there -  for so many reasons and on so many levels.

I will say that the last time something got me this heated was reading about The Poor Door, and I link you to my reaction post on that topic as well, as I can say about many topics, the comments are Gold.

I do understand that the honorees themselves really didn't want him there, and I can't say I blame them quite frankly, but a leader has got to lead, we may be a salad bowl and not a melting pot but this country simply cannot afford to regress. We cannot afford to lose hard fought rights, we cannot afford to be divided by gender and race again. Will history really always be doomed to repeat itself?

Butterflies What Do YOU Think?: Do you think our President should have continued the long standing tradition of attending the Kennedy Center Honors? Why or Why Not? (Please be respectful of each other in your comments, all comments will be moderated before going live!)


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored 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 check our Giveaway & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Monday, December 25, 2017

EPIC @BabbleBoxxTeam #BabbleBoxxHoliday Party including: @23andMe @AQUACarpaticaUS @algenist @BadgleyMischka @cinzanoofficial @EarthFootwear @Edible @EdibleSelfie @grandecosmetic_ @JustFabOnline @Match @MyMo_Mochi @Perfumania @SabonNYC @SplashMixers @teaforte @TheOwlsBrew

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Event Recap Coverage, NOT compensated ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

Wishing all butterflies a very magical day today, I hope you were nice and Santa brought you just what you wanted!

Remember that un-boxing video that I posted via Social Media promising a full recap of BabbleBoxx's Epic Holiday Party? Well here it is! BabbleBoxx as you probably guessed if you are not already a member yourself provides products to influencers and bloggers to share the product love on their channels or blog. I am relatively new and only recently joined, so I was stoked to be invited to the holiday party considering I haven't reviewed my first box yet!

Here are the brands I met at the Bash in mostly alphabetical order (at least my attempt at it with Christmas brain):

#BabbleboxxHoliday @23andme BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017


Above: This shot was provided by BabbleBoxx, I did so much talking with the rep from 23andMe that I forgot to nab a shot. I can't wait to try this out and as a science nerd I would love to try out the Health part of the services they offer as well. My understanding is you start with the ancestry kit and can upgrade to a health report for an additional fee. Will share more once I have tried it and have my results, hopefully they will come back and do something fun just for you butterflies.


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @AQUACarpaticaUS BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017


Above: Us busy New York City Editors have got to stay hydrated and I wasn't passing up on the chance to try "Nature's Most Perfect Water", pretty bold right? The Natural Sparkling Water is Nitrate Free, Sodium Free, Natural Electrolytes, Rich in Bicarbonates and stimulates metabolism, while the Natural Spring Water is Naturally Alkaline ph8,2 and also touts itself as being best for Prenatal and Newborn Care, that is a lot of benefits in a simple bottle of water my friends!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @algenist BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: As much beauty as I review, I must be living under a Beauty Rock, because folks were going nuts for Algenist! I haven't tried them before this event, but did like the feel of the products I played with during the holiday party and am looking forward to trying out my sample of the Genius Liquid Collagen - they use sea algae in their products so I am hoping that the results will be something akin to what I experience with La Mer, you know without the budget busting price tag! One La Mer product = ramen for month as a single gal in the city with no room-mate, Algenist I can swing!

@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @BadgleyMischka BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017


Above: You may remember that Badgley Mischka was in the un-boxing video I sent out, here is a closeup of some blinged out shoes. They were hosting a raffle and a ton of folks I know won, guess who was NOT so lucky. Can't win em all, but who doesn't want blinged out shoes? Can I get an Amen Ladies?


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @cinzanoofficial BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017



Above: The folks at Cinzano are magicians I tell you! They can take an $11 bottle of Prosecco and make it taste like a $60 bottle of Prosecco. I'm not sure how they do it, but their Prosecco is fab and I will be featuring here again for New Year's Eve so stay tuned! Can you believe it's almost 2018 already? Pick up some Cinzano Prosecco to ring in your New Year with something sparkling!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @EarthFootwear BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017


Above: I was SO STOKED to see one of my favorite footwear brands in attendance, Earth Footwear who are no stranger to my feet and to these pages (Prance Boots (the giveaway is CLOSED, Talera ShoesVeria Shoes) came strong with the Raleigh Boots pictured above which I instantly fell in love with and now they are sold out. THE TORTURE!!!! I must have these particular boots in my life! They are just so me and they are waterproof which I need for the winter!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @Edible BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: I finally got to try Edible Arrangements, YUM! I can't believe I hadn't tried them yet. I did attend a conference years ago with their marketing director, but they were attendees of the conference, not exhibitors. Glad I got the chance to finally try them out and also hope they will come back and do something fun!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @EdibleSelfie BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017


Above: Have you ever seen a prettier COOKIE? Yes that is me drinking my Cinzano Prosecco and the clever folks at Selffee have taken event photo booths to new heights by putting photos directly onto something edible. Sorry lovelies but I left it in the clear wrapper sealed to take this shot because I wanted to preserve it. Not to brag but it is a little too pretty to eat! Notice my trusty canon camera strap around my neck! My signature ponytail was totally making it presence known that night! I think I could have used a hair touch up booth.


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @grandecosmetic_ BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: Grande Cosmetics had a great assortment of ready to gift options, their lip kits are the business!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday Sponsors List BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017

The folks at Match.com provided one of the most unique booth experiences I have had at an event so far! Palm Reading? Nope. Tarot Card Reader? Nope. Tired of guessing? Attendees got a "Lips" reading. They provided a lovely universal red lipstick and then we pressed our lip impressions onto a paper and got a lip reading! My lip reader said that I am super inquisitive and have a strong ability to get to the bottom of things and that I am a natural writer who loves to express myself and my voice through writing. Who knows maybe that novel is in me somewhere waiting to get out! I have never tried a dating service before not on or offline. I have never even tried speed dating before.

I have always described myself as blissfully single. Who knows maybe someone will sweep this butterfly off her feet this year. Do you think the future Mr. Butterfly is waiting for me on Match?

@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @MyMo_Mochi BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017Holiday Party 2017



Above: My/Mo Mochi Ice Cream was a very tasty surprise! They surround premium ice cream in a soft gooey dough and they are different from anything I have ever tasted!

See that ball back there? They were taking Holiday Wishes you got to pick someone you would like to surprise with the gift of Mochi. I had to nab a close up:


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @MyMo_Mochi Holiday Wishes Ball BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: There were so many sweet and heartfelt wishes, it was fun reading through a few while I sampled some of the Mochi Ice Cream Flavors



@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @MyMo_Mochi deflour yourself hand wipe BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: Pictured Above: The Strawberry Flavor and the Cookies and Cream Flavor My/My Mochi Ice Cream Ball, I just had to get a cheeky shot with the hand wipe telling guests to 'deflour yourself"!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @Perfumania BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: I am using BabbleBoxx's overview shot from the Perfumania Booth, guests were invited to select a scent which they placed in the handy travel perfume atomizers that you see in the lucite display case. One of my longtime faves, Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue was on display, I live for this scent year round although most people only wear it spring or summer.


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @Perfumania Vince Camuto Terra for Men BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017



Above: I also love wearing men's cologne, I have that chemistry that makes many of them work well for me, I liked Vince Camuto's Terra For Men so I nabbed this close up of it!

@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @SabonNYC BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: I loved SabonNYC's set up, that little tub filled with ornaments though! I am living for this idea, except mine might have ice and alcohol mixed in with the ornaments! LOL


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @SabonNYC Blue Snowflake BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017

Above: Isn't that snowflake just too cute?


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @SplashMixers BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: When it is Cocktail Time, I want to prepare them quickly so I can enjoy time with my guests, with Splash Cocktail Mixers you can do just that, add your favorite spirit, or enjoy them as is if you prefer a non-alcohol version!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @teaforte Warming Box BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: I actually nabbed a similar shot but I didn't like the way mine came out, so I borrowed this one from BabbleBoxx.


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @teaforte Holiday Flavors BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: Now this is the highest compliment I can actually pay - I am NOT a Tea Drinker, if I am drinking tea it is normally because I have the Flu or a Cold or my throat is sore. I LOVE these. For someone who is not a tea drinker by nature to tell you they can get behind a tea, it's a very high compliment. I also love that they are invented to attach to your cup and not move all around, GENIUS! I am definitely inviting them to come back and do something fun for you butterflies, I can see why they call it "The Exceptional Tea Experience". I think the only other time I have ever enjoyed a cup of tea this much not being sick was when I visited the Japanese Tea Garden in San Francisco and enjoyed a full Tea Service. This was comfort in a cup!


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @TheOwlsBrew BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017
Above: Ever have that moment where one of you wants a Beer and the other Tea? If you have then The Owls Brew might just be the answer you have been looking for it is BEER & TEA


@teambabbleboxx #BabbleboxxHoliday @TheOwlsBrew That's My Jam BabbleBoxx Holiday Party 2017



Above: That's My Jam was my fave but I also really wanted that cute stuffed owl!

MY TAKE:

There were gift bag inclusions by some brands that were not in attendance like Just Fab - they offered to send us shoes and so did Earthies, which I am like a kid at Christmas waiting on. I keep stalking my UPS and Fedex Carriers!

I did get a box of love from Mochi Ice Cream and one from Cinzano, so you will see those under separate posts.

There was nothing not to like, the decor was set up by Christmas Central, all the brands were top notch and really engaged and it was plain fun!

Spill Butterflies: What is the best Holiday Party you have ever attended? Why? What is the best Holiday Party you ever hosted?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own! This is an event recap, no compensation has been received, there was a phenomenal gift bag but this in no way influenced my opinions. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Friday, December 22, 2017

#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ As part of the Best Buy Blogger program I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and have received Product for Editorial Consideration ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

I got to attend PDN PhotoPlus Expo this year in New York City, and one of the most unique non-photography items I saw at the show could easily pass for an Objet d' art!

The booth was fun, you went to each demo station and when they completed the product demo you collected a raffle ticket, the more product demos you experienced the more raffle tickets, this was the product that stood out most from their booth and I garnered as many raffle tickets as I could trying to enter to win it.

While I was not a lucky winner, not shortly after this came up as a blog campaign and I jumped at the chance! The PDN PhotoPlus Expo is tough to recap in one post as there was so much to see and do, so I will try to bring you pieces of what I saw there a bit more organically and try not to overwhelm you guys with a post that would take an hour to read/digest.

What is multi operating system friendly, poses as BOTH a Router and Security Program for not only your home devices but while on the go too?

THIS GUY:

@NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router @BestBuy


Above: It blends so well into my modern zen home decor that I took a shot of it with my favorite scent warmer, without the box there telling you what it is, it literally would just blend into the background with my current decor. Oddly enough my living room walls are painted grey right now, so the Graphite Grey Color on this unit really does blend into my living room perfectly! Tech can be both functional AND fashionable.

If someone special in your life is getting a new computer, there are certain things you know you need for it, a security/protection software package and a router, so why not get them BOTH in one box?


@NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router @BestBuy



Above: Another shot sans my scent warmer! I actually have mine situated right next to my smart TV as my TV goes online to update itself and it's apps often!

BENEFITS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EASE OF SET-UP - Bluetooth-enabled iOS/Android device with a mobile data plan is needed. Download the Norton Core app to complete set up. Modem required.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURE + HIGH PEFORMANCE - Wi-Fi router helps protect your connected devices on your home network by stopping cyber-attacks at the network level you can stream your favorite movies in 4K, play online games or download content with Core’s powerful dual-core processor. With comprehensive network security to protect your connected home from malware, viruses, phishing tactics and even botnets. Norton Core supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps* — ensuring fast 4K streaming and lag-free gaming (perfect since I switched from a Desktop to a Laptop Gaming Rig, review of my Gaming Rig coming soon, it was purchased by me at Best Buy, not gifted, although I wish it were!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PROTECTS ALL CONNECTED DEVICE -  One year subscription to Norton Core Security Plus* is included to protect your Macs, PCs, tablets, smartphones & smart devices. (after the one year is over you pay $9.99 per month)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bandwidth Optimization - Does one device need a bit more juice than the other? You can give priority to any device in the house with a touch of a button! Downloading music or movies? Give that device the extra bandwidth so the downloads go faster. When you turn in at night, give it to the devices you are leaving running updates or to your smart TV. This by far has to be one of my favorite features!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS - Manage screen time by setting content filters or daily limits on usage. And when needed, pause the Internet. Not a feature I need as there are no baby butterflies here, but it is great to know it's there! The ability to pause the network entirely will leave you drunk with power!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURITY SCORE- Butterflies your credit isn't the only thing with a score, your network and home security gets one too with Norton Core, but it doesn't just score your security, it offers insight and tools to help improve your score. Your devices and smart home can now breathe a sigh of relief!

@NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router @BestBuy


MY TAKE:

Norton has always been a reliable security product for me, and now with the added functionality of a 'two-in-one' where I get both a router and security in a package that is sleek, modern and actually quite pretty to look at, what's not to love?

I have always loved that Norton protects my devices at home and on the go and it is the brand of security software I regularly use, even paying for it over the free security software that comes with my Cable! I had a different security program for the past few months because I recently changed from a desktop to a gaming rig laptop and that came with it's own protection built in, but while I have no complaints about the security software that came with my gaming rig (which I did purchase at Best Buy, again with MY money, not gift cards or sponsored), I will say I am very happy to be back with Norton Again! I find Norton easy to use, it's great about updating itself and playing nice with my operating system too! It pretty much takes care of itself and my network so I can worry about other things! (Like Photo Editing, Traveling, Writing, Blogging, Life Coaching, Social Media Consulting, and attending fantastic events and tradeshows in NYC).

I have been making it a point to keep you guys updated over time how products perform like the earbuds I reviewed that literally kept dying at the one year mark (Remember I'm already 8 years into blogging here at Ascending Butterfly), I like to check out my monthly reports with a security software, so I would like to tell you guys how my score changes over time with this one which I hope will provide you with an idea of how well the product performs over time. This butterfly is always thorough!

Spill Butterflies: How old is your current router? What Security Program/Software do you use? What is your current brand of router? Are you happy with it? Have you experienced dead zones for devices in your own home?

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FTC Disclosure: I am part of Best Buy's Blogging Program and I received product at NO cost to me for Editorial Consideration and I also received a gift card, 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017

{#WordlessWednesday} Photo Highlights from the @Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty #TisTheSeason

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Event Recap Coverage, NOT compensated ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

Happy Holidays Butterflies!

It has been a frenzy of holiday parties and I thought I would take this week to share some notable ones with you!

In honor of Wordless Wednesday I plan to keep this one photo heavy and word light.

I attended a Holiday Sniffapalooza at Annick Goutal's Madison Avenue Store in New York City, where they hosted a very unique event that involved something I am very familiar and quite good at if I do say so myself, custom blending scents/fragrance.

That is my kind of alchemy and here are some photo highlights of the event:

@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Madison Avenue Store


Above: Nabbed an exterior shot of the store, nothing prettier than the stores in Manhattan, New York during the holidays! The windows are always so pretty and inviting.

@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Madison Avenue Store Manager, Francoise Alessi
Above: Store Manager Francoise Alessi leads special guests through the scents and provides idea for custom blending the Night Birds Collection: both Nuit En Confidences and Tenue De Soiree with classic scents in the Annick Goutal range of fine fragrances. This part was so much fun!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, butterfly on box



Above: Here is where the SQUEE!!! begins, the store is beautifully decorated with touches of butterflies EVERYWHERE - see them on the wallpaper? Notice the decorative touch on the box? 

BUT WAIT THERE'S MORE!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, large butterfly perfume bottles


Above: I love the way they lined the stairs with a large bottle then a candle and then repeat and touches of greenery, super pretty and festive!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Madison Avenue Store Perfume Display



Above: Isn't this display pretty? I was playing with filters and thought I would present the same photo in black and white for contrast, what do you think? (below, same image in black and white)


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Madison Avenue Store Display Black and White, Black and White Photography
Above: There is just something softer and more romantic about this photo in black and white in my opinion.

@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Eau d' Hadrien
Above: Annick Goutal Eau d' Hadrien Fragrance - I am living for my own photography excellence, what can I say, Butterflies have and will always inspire me!

and a la Britney Spears, oops I did again, see this same photo below in black and white - again in black and white it changes the mood.


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Eau d' Hadrien Black and White, Black and White Photography
Above: Soft, Feminine and Super Romantic Right?


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Petite Cherie Retail Display
Above: In the middle is Annick Goutal's Petite Cherie center surrounded by Eau d' Hadrien products


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Eau d' Hadrien Large Sized Bottle
Above: I truly captured a glowy radiance to this large sized hand painted bottle of Eau d' Hadrien, which I really, really, really want for my vanity but they were custom made for the store for display purposes only. Le Sigh!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Nuit Etoilee
Above: Annick Goutal's Nuit Etoilee - this royal blue bottle with the butterfly top and all those stars though! *NEED*

And yet again, I couldn't resist fooling around in Ribbet which is my favorite photo editing software and added a cool filter to this shot! (NO this is NOT an insertion, not getting paid for this post or to tell you about the photography filters and editing program I used to create this post, although I definitely should!)


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Nuit Etoilee
Above: I love the effect that the 'inverter' filter has on this shot!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Petite Cherie Large Hand Painted Perfume  Bottle
Above: I flipped when I saw this bottle of Petite Cherie as Mama Butterfly sometimes called me her Petite Cherie when I was a little girl, and still does. Another Product Crush for my Vanity. Although a bottle this big would probably take up most of the real estate, I would not be mad at it!

More filter fun below:


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Petite Cherie Large Sized Hand Painted Bottle using Ribbet Inverter Filter
Above: Somebody stop me, here is the inverter filter again, at first I played with Duo Tone but ended up going with Inverter instead. Aren't both shots literally night and day, they give off two entirely different feels and I love them both the same!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Large Ruby Butterfly Perfume Bottle
Above: I loved the color on this ruby bottle, so much so that I made this photo black and white, then used the fade to bring the ruby back out in the bottle. This feels more like a pro photo shoot than typical event recap coverage and I am loving this all so much. I tend to get artsy with my photos anyway, but today I had extra fun with it!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Pencil Sketch Filter on Ribbet
Above: I went nuts and used the "Pencil Sketch" Filter on the Ruby Bottle and got this!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Signature Cocktail using DEKUYPER CREME DE CASSIS inspired by Tenue De Soiree Perfume
Above: Did an event really happen in New York without a signature cocktail? How about one inspired by the fragrance? This cocktail using DEKUYPER Creme De Cassis was inspired by Annick Goutal's Tenue De Soiree. The body butter to this is literally HEAVENLY. I want it!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Signature Cocktail using ABSOLUT VANILIA, inspired by Nuit En Confidences Perfume
Above: This signature cocktail used ABSOLUT Vanilia and is inspired by Annick Goutal's Nuit Et Confidences


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Signature Cocktail using ABSOLUTE Vanilia, Absolute Vanilla Artsy

Above: OK, so I have to admit I staged this one myself, I literally stole the bottle from the bar, the perfume from the counter and added my drink, I couldn't resist the juxtaposition of it all and the varied textures. Some folks were looking at me like I was a space creature or thought I was the event photographer which tends to happen anyway!


@Sniffapalooza @AnnickGoutalUS Night Birds Holiday Celebration! #Scent #Perfume #Luxury #Fragrance #HolidayParty, Signature cocktails, Creme De Cassis, ABSOLUTE VANILLA VODKA, serving tray of drinks
Above: Credit for nabbing this shot before thirsty folks grabbed all these off the serving tray! :-)


Above: Light Bites that carried through the theme of the scents with their flavor profiles were such an elegant touch! Provided by Pistache NYC French Pastries and Savories Catering - You can get social with them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @PistacheNYC

MY TAKE:

There were some photos I excluded as they were sort of redundant shots, but these are definitely going on Pinterest, once I am done I will make the word Pinterest clickable on this post. It will be a scent board that reflects not just this event, but scents I dig overall.

There are two things I "CUSTOM" pretty much every single day, my signature red lip, and my scent. It is an alchemy I have enjoyed since my teen years. When I attend Beauty Events, no brand has ever given me a lip over or wanted to touch my lips which is quite the compliment and I always get asked what scent I am wearing, it's actually 9 out of ten times me blending stuff. So an event that invited me to play and make a scent that was unique? Um, YES PLEASE!

My only negative was no gift bags, you do not let a butterfly obsessed blogger leave without goodies to take home, (especially after this photo shoot!) I loved both of the Night Bird Scents but fell head over heels for the body butter for Tenue De Soiree.

Oddly something similar happened to me with Opium, I didn't wear the perfume much but I wore the body powder to it all the time. Don't get me wrong I liked Opium, but I liked the powder to it way better.

The same thing happened here, I like Tenue De Soiree, but love the body cream, like totally obsessed. The scent is amazing and my skin drank it in and it left my skin so soft and wonderfully scented.

This was a fun holiday party overall, just no parting gifts. You know never forget Tis the Season.

Spill Butterflies: What is the best Holiday Party you have ever attended? Why? What is the best Holiday Party you ever hosted?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own! This is an event recap, no compensation has been received, no gift bag either. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.