Did '#Luxe - E - Claus" miss you this year? Check out #photo highlights from the @TheLuxuryReview & form your 2015 wishlist!

Was your holiday a little less than shiny? A little 'luxe-luster'? Maybe Santa just plain missed the mark completely?

Then let the products and brands presented at The Luxury Review give you a little inspiration (or ahem, 'aspiration') to make your wishlist for 2015!

Here are some photo highlights of all the "Luxe-tastic' things I got to experience at the New York City 'The Luxury Review': (I am going for something resembling alphabetical order, but my post holiday brain may not quite get there)

Baron Tequila at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

Mexico is one of my favorite places to visit, and visiting there helped me to develop a love of all things Tequila, I got to try out Tequila Baron for the first time at The Luxury Review event in NYC and I greatly enjoyed it! Will have to add this one to my bar!

Abstract Artist Cecile Brunswick

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

Cirrus Aircraft VISION SF50 at The Luxury Review New York City

I travel by plane often and I can't say I ever thought of flying a plane myself, at least until NOW that is! Do you think fly lessons and THIS would fit under my tree for next year?

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

Cigar Afficionados certainly know the name Cohiba well, and The Luxury Review never fails to disappoint, they always seem to offer the finest spirits and the finest Cigars too!

Cohiba Cigars at The Luxury Review

The team at Cohiba sent us home with one of their Cigars! SCORE!

Double Cross Vodka at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to admit that the bottle drew me in. Much like Tory Burch's logo, the 'double cross' looks much like two 'T's' to  me, and since my name is Tracy I like to think they created this just for ME! I wonder if they need a blogger brand ambassador?

Energica Superbike at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

I have to confess I have never been on a motorcycle before (perhaps 2015 will bring a 'bad boy' into my life, LOL), this bike definitely makes me want to hit the road!

Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City

Needless to say Media are always hungry in New York City as there are always stories to cover and events to hit, RANA is a restaurant located in Chelsea Market in New York City, they tempted us with delicious pasta dishes and gave us a lovely gift bag to take home that included their Tortelloni, Ravioli, Basil Pesto and Alfredo Sauces and they were all absolutely delicious! I truly hope they will be back for the 2015 Luxury Review!

Chef Antonella Rana of Giovanni Rana RANA Pastificio & Cucina at The Luxury Review in New York City 2014

This Foodie loves her Pasta, and Chef Antonella served it up with love!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I don't know about you, but I certainly wouldn't mind having some of these shiny baubles under my tree!

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Goshwara Jewelry The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Julia Poteat Handbags The Luxury Review Fall New York City 2014

I am absolutely handbag obsessed. (No surprise to loyal readers.) We have hosted a monthly Featured Handbag in the Spotlight since 2009 so meeting Julia Poteat was a pleasure and we actually spoke for a bit about our mutual passion for quality Handbags! She has an open invitation to work with us anytime! 

I just had to get a closeup on this beautiful Pony Hair Satchel:

If that handbag isn't 'ladies who lunch' I don't know what is! Tres Trendy! And with the Pony Hair I would totally go winter white with this, hashtag #seasonless for real!

Libratone Wireless Speakers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Me being #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, my life definitely has a soundtrack, and I am always interested in Audio Products, these wireless speakers offer scandinavian design and may just make your music 'cooler'.

Luxtural Skincare The Luxury Review Fall 2014

With a name like 'Luxtural' it's easy to see how they made the cut at The Luxury Review, their products are where skincare and hydration meet with advanced anti-aging benefits!

Maserati, The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Who wouldn't want this muscle car under their tree?

Maserati The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

McPherson Guitars Custom Shop The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

I have always wanted to learn to play the guitar, and these guitars from McPherson definitely provided extra inspiration!

Author Steve Light for Montegrappa Pens The Luxury Review Fall 2014

It was fun watching Author Steve Light use Montegrappa Pens, the pens are absolutely beautiful, and a must for that Exec on your holiday shopping list! (They are also a very thoughtful gift for a recent College Grad!)

Have You Seen My Dragon a book by Author Steve Light

I love the cover!

Orange County Choppers The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orange County Choppers was at The Luxury Review and here are some examples of their work:

Statement Bike Perhaps?

Blue is one of my favorite colors!

I was born to be wild I tell you!

Orrefors Kosta Boda The Luxury Review Fall 2014

Orrefors Kossta Boda displayed their handblown glass products which are produced in Sweden, this bowl and ornaments caught my eye! (Super artsy photo right?)

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Artemis Cabernet Sauvignon

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars offered both a Cabernet Sauvignon, pictured above, and a Chardonnay, pictured below:

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars Karia Chardonnay 

There was definitely a long line to get at these, but well worth the wait!

The John Allen Company The Luxury Review Fall 2014

John Allan's Premiere Men's Grooming Club offered their services and also displayed their grooming products, perfect gift idea for the 'well groomed' man in your life, or the one you wish was groomed a little bit better!

Ultra 5 Beverage The Luxury Review Fall 2014 

Ultra 5 Energy Drink helped us all to keep up our energy, there was a lot to see and do! Focused Energy and No crash, makes this energy drink perfect for the active lifestyle!

Velvet Eyewear Sunglasses

Aren't these sunglasses by Velvet Eyewear just making you yearn for a tropical getaway? I would love these under my tree with plane tickets in my stocking of course!

Wusthof Knives The Luxury Review Fall 2014

I know my fellow foodies already know the name Wusthof, their knives are definitely the 'cadillac' of kitchen cutlery! (Is it OK to slip a knife into someone's stocking?)

Here is a really cool video of the event:

My Take:

Here is my coverage of last year's Luxury Review in case you missed it!

The Luxury Review is definitely one of my favorite NYC events to attend, they showcase such a wide variety of products that are part of a luxe lifestyle, I could definitely imagine quite a few of these under my tree next year!

Which product featured above would YOU most like to find under your tree next year butterfly?


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. Ascending Butterfly attended The Luxury Review as Digital Press. As always, all 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.

Celebrating Asian Lunar New Year? Check out the @BestBuy #GiftCards with the Koi Fish! #bbylunarnewyear

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and is also a Brand Ambassador and Blogger Advisory Board Member 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!

Best Buy is back this year with a themed Gift Card in honor of the Lunar New Year, and I love that Best Buy supports events they believe are of importance to their employees, customers and communities, and the upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations.

While I know most of you still haven't taken down your Halloween decorations yet and are probably not ready to welcome November, the year 2014 is swiftly coming to a close butterflies. We turn the clocks back an hour this weekend for the end of Daylight Savings (Sunday, November 2nd) and as old man winter gets ready to settle in I for one can't help thinking of the new year ahead.

I learned of the Chinese Red Envelopes tradition, (known as Hong Bao) from an Asian shop while on vacation and absolutely fell in love with the idea and the tradition. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is said to ward off evil spirits, the amount of money in these envelopes will end in an even digit, according to Chinese belief odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. There is also a tradition that money should not be given in fours nor should the number four appear in the amount as the pronunciation of the word 'four' resembles that of the word for 'death' which would be thought to bring bad luck. I find it interesting that in Japan the envelope is actually customarily white and NOT red.

WHERE TO GET IT:

1. Go to E-Gift Cards
2. Scroll to the right until you see the Gift Card with the Two Koi Fish.
3. Prefer a physical Gift Card? Press on the image below:

Press on the image above to purchase a $50 Best Buy Lunar New Year Gift Card

 
My Take:

My zodiac sign is 'Aries', and in Western Astrology, red is the color associated with my sign so I tend to gravitate to all things red.

A very dear penpal started me on the tradition of sending New Year's Cards and wishes, as she is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas she asked many years ago if we could exchange New Year's wishes instead of Christmas Cards, and I loved the idea and expanded it to additional friends and family and many clients who have always appreciated the gesture. This year the upcoming Lunar New Year falls on February 19, 2015 of our Gregorian Calendar and I can't think of any better way to honor friends who observe the 'lucky money' custom than with this E-Gift Card! I may even make this image my screensaver during the month of February for a bit of extra luck!

2015 is the year of the sheep and as an Aries in Western Astrology I am totally digging this Year of the Sheep Graphic (I hope this means I am in for a 'lucky' year in 2015!):

What is YOUR New Year Tradition Butterfly? Do you celebrate Lunar New Year? If so, tag us on a picture of your 'lucky money' envelope this year, we would LOVE to see it!

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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! As a Best Buy Ambassador I receive products for editorial consideration, use affiliate links in my posts and am sometimes with compensated with Best Buy Gift Cards as well. 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.

Celebrating the #GreatestDad is Easy w/ Father's Day Buying Guide Selections from @BestBuy + TWO #TwitterParties

#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!

Is your Dad the life of the party? or is he more a Tailgate from the Couch type? I have made it my personal mission each year to bring you 'tie-alternatives' and offer a comprehensive selection of gifts for Dads at various price points that have absolutely nothing to do with a tie.  The Best Buy Gift Center gave me some great ideas:

Press on the image above to buy an Apple TV for your Dad!

Press on the Image Above to go directly to the Bose SoundTouch 20 Wi-Fi Music System

UM, YES PLEASE! Behold the Samsung 48" Class LED 1080p 120Hz Smart HDTV

I think my Dad would have been in heaven to brew his own beer! Let Dad turn his 'Dad Cave' into his own personal Cheers Bar with the Krups Beertender!

HP ENVY TouchSmart Sleekbook Touch-screen Laptop

You might want to order TWO because you are going to end up wanting one for yourself - Microsoft - Xbox One Console with Kinect (don't forget to order the Xbox One Wireless Controllers while you are at it!)

LG Microwave + Pizza Oven - The 1400W Baking Drawer Plus 'Auto Pizza' Feature for precisely prepared Fresh or Frozen Pizza makes this Microwave a standout!

But Wait There's MORE! - TWO TWITTER PARTIES!

Best Buy is hosting not just one but TWO upcoming Twitter Parties, The first is on June 5th at 7:00pm CST so don't forget to RSVP! Prizes include: Four (4) $25 Best Buy eGift Cards, Two (2) Dyson DC 65 Vacuum Cleaners (which I reviewed HERE), and TWO (2) GRAND PRIZE WINNERS will win an Insignia Flex Tablet!

MY TAKE:

As I'm a tech and gadget lover I'd probably get anything on the list above for myself too! I mentioned that there would be TWO upcoming twitter parties, and I am co-hosting the Twitter Party on June 11th where we will be discussing great gifts for Grads, so stay tuned for the RSVP page to that party!

What Best Buy Gift are you getting your Dad for Father's Day?

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

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. This post contains affiliate links.