Showing posts with label Macys. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Macys. Show all posts

Friday, June 30, 2017

#FoodieFriday with #Wine - @degustibusnyc Cooking School @Macys with #ChefErikRamirez of #llamaInnNYC paired with @ViasWine

Note: This is NOT a Compensated Post - I WON this experience!

I won the De Gustibus + What Should We Do?! Contest and learned a ton! (The post I am linking you to is a sponsored post, that is the contest I entered.)

While I have a ton of events I literally HAVE to recap, I am being naughty and sharing an experience I won access to today. I couldn't resist, this is #FoodieFriday on the interwebs, how could I NOT put up something foodie fabulous? Especially when that something is being paired with WINE!

























My mom has been taking me to Macy's Flagship Store in New York City since I was a child and I literally had no idea that there was a cooking school inside the store!

























The Peruvian Demo and Dinner with Chef Erik Ramirez of LLAMA INN in Brooklyn, New York included Exotic Food Destinations: Persia, Argentina and Peru with wine pairings provided by Vias Imports and water provided by Acqua Panna S. Pelligrino (a butterfly has gotta stay hydrated!).

















THE MENU:

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Gooseberry Leche,Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys
















Above: Menu Starter: Gooseberry Leche - this was such a delicious, refreshing starter paired with the Camps D'Estels Cava Brut Rosé - off to a GREAT start in my opinion!

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Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Muña, Gooseberry, Cancha, Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys
















Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Muña, Gooseberry, Cancha, Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys


















Above: Roasted Beets, Goat Cheese, Muña, Gooseberry, Cancha - just in case you are wondering, yes that is the same salad, in the bottom photo it was plated on custom plates for Chef Erik's Restaurant. I can't begin to describe how delicious this salad was. One of the ingredients used Muña, is good for folks with arthritis, aches and pains as it has anti-inflammatory properties. Cancha is a peruvian corn nut - I had never tried either one before and it had been ages since I last had beets. I live for salads in the summer and this one is definitely going into rotation on my summer menu planning. The flavors literally burst in my mouth! The creaminess of the cheese and the crunch of the corn nut were such a pleasant contrast!

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Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys



Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys

Fluke Ceviche, Dashi, Banana, Aji Dulce paired with a glass of Finca La Emperatriz Viura Cepas Viejas 2012 (RIOJA) White Wine, Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys





















Above: Fluke Ceviche, Dashi, Banana, Aji Dulce paired with a glass of Finca La Emperatriz Viura Cepas Viejas 2012 (RIOJA) White Wine

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Duck Sausage, Cilantro, Jasmine Rice, Beer, Spinach paired with a glass of Fince La Emperatriz Terruño 2010 (RIOJA) red wine, Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys






















Above: Duck Sausage, Cilantro, Jasmine Rice, Beer, Spinach paired with a glass of Fince La Emperatriz Terruño 2010 (RIOJA) red wine. I wish I had moved the Spinach a bit so you could actually see the rice and duck a bit better. I did like this one, and I am a cilantro lover, but I would personally dial the cilantro back just slightly on this one when I prepare it, just personal preference, and the Chef did mention that because he uses the stem instead of the leaf in his dishes the Cilantro flavor comes through a bit bolder. I would also remove any raisins in the duck rice. I love raisins but for some reason, just raw, not as ingredients in my cooking. For example I am Puerto Rican and many Puerto Ricans use raisins in their pasteles, and I do not like mine with raisins. So this recipe would get a few changes to make it my own but I would definitely re-make it as I love rice and sausage and the duck sausage was a nice surprise.

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Dessert: Black Carob, Banana, Peanut, Chocolate, Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys
















Above: Dessert: Black Carob, Banana, Peanut, Chocolate - I have to apologize here, at this point I was not cleaning the silverware with my napkin and the placemat was looking 'lived in' by this point, but that's a good sign right?

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THE WINES:

Camps D'Estels Cava Brut Rosé, Vias Wine, Vias Wines, Vias Imports, Finca La Emperatriz Viura Cepas Viejas 2012 (RIOJA), Finca La Emperatriz Terruño 2010 (RIOJA)


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Middle: Camps D'Estels Cava Brut Rosé (SPAIN) Suggested Retail $19 (ALL the folks at my table all wanted seconds on this one, including me! And for good reason! I love my sparkling stuff and I have a dry palate and this really knocked it out the park on both fronts for me!) - and see what I tell you all the time about wine, it doesn't have to cost a million to taste like a million! The grapes are 100% Pinot Noir, harvested by hand, with hints of ripe berries and strawberry jam. Alcohol: 11.9%

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Far Right: Finca La Emperatriz Viura Cepas Viejas 2012 (RIOJA) Suggested Retail: $45 This white wine is from a 70 year old vineyard produced in Spain that gives you a bit of white fruit, honeysuckle flowers, bananas and pastry notes and was paired with the Fluke Ceviche during our meal.  This is a young wine, No Aging with Alcohol coming in at 12.8%

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Far Left: Finca La Emperatriz Terruño 2010 (RIOJA) Suggested Retail: $39 This 100% Tempranillo from Spain was paired with our Duck Sausage dish during the meal. 100% Tempranillo Grapes aged for 16 months in 80% French and 20% American Oak Barrels coming in with the highest Alcohol content of the wines featured at 14.7%

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Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys


About Chef Erik Ramirez

His bio on starchefs is so good I am actually linking you there! You can find Chef Erik at Llama Inn which is located at 50 Withers Street in Brooklyn, New York - after this tasting I definitely want to try out the restaurant!

Above: Chef Erik was nice enough to take time to talk to attendees who wanted to thank him or had additional questions and I couldn't resist this candid shot!

Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys























Above: One thing I needed to point out is that this was NOT a press event, I was seated in the back and instructed expressly not to use Flash, now I don't have one of those huge paparazzi type of lenses and I didn't bring the tripod, which was for the best there would have been no way to set that up and really be able to enjoy the class and not have the equipment in someone's way, so I have to say I was quite proud of my DSLR camera. I think I'm getting better and it's definitely time to upgrade my Camera and my lenses! Chef Erik was nice enough to let me take this shot at a much closer range than I had the opportunity to take all night which was great!

About DeGustibus Cooking School:

De Gustibus Cooking School by Miele was founded in 1980 and is currently owned by Salvatore Rizzo and was founded by Arlene Sailhac.

Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys


Chef Erik Ramirez, Llama Inn NYC, De Gustibus Cooking School, Macys













Above: Owner and class emcee, Salvatore Rizzo is in the middle of both shots above. I couldn't resist nabbing a shot of him nabbing a shot of the team! I love shots better when folks aren't looking directly at my camera!

There is literally only three things to remember about De Gustibus:

You will:

- Meet and Learn From World-Class Chefs
- Eat Delicious Food
- Taste Exquisite Wines

MY TAKE:

Retail therapy as the school is located within Macy's Herald Square and a great dinner paired with great wines, SCORE!!!

YES and YAS to that!

As a single gal in the city I highly recommend this for a date night for so many reasons. It's not a dark movie theater, there is no pressure of 'am I ordering something too expensive from the menu', it is more of a demo where you watch the chef and not hands on, so no worries about getting some strange stain on your favorite outfit either. It's fun and pressure free - literally the making of a perfect first date. Works just as well for a girlfriends night out, a gift to a friend for their birthday (there was a birthday girl who attended the class in fact!) an anniversary gift, literally you name it, and it works!

Chef Erik's demo was well paced, his food was flavorful and bold, the wine pairings were great and I will definitely be re-creating these dishes at home, with my own spin of course! It was great to attend a Cooking School experience where I just got to enjoy as well. Most of the Cooking School Experiences I have had so far, many of which I have shared here, were totally hands on - which has it's merits as well don't get me wrong, but sometimes a tired butterfly just wants the meal to be prepared for her by someone else! It was nice having the courses and wine pairings selected for me so all I had to do was enjoy.

And I would definitely throw it out there that they might want to consider a Press Only Event/Class. Only other Editors and Food Influencers get each other when we stop to take a ton of photos, help each other with staging, shine our cellphone flashlights on a fellow Editor's plate to give them better light, having to clean the cutlery ourselves between each course, stuff that I can see how easily it would distract someone who doesn't get it. And you guys know I love my 'pour shots', but that is one thing I couldn't quite capture because that took place before the glasses were brought out.

School is out for summer but classes pick back up in the Fall - hopefully I can pair up with De Gustibus to do something special for my butterflies when classes resume in the Fall!

Let's use this as a fun focus group, butterflies what would your dream dinner be and who would the chef be?  What master class chef would be YOUR choice for an upcoming cooking class? Would you add a favorite wine or go with spirits/cocktails? I personally would love to see a class that paired a good bourbon with the meal as I have been obsessed with Bourbon's lately.

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FTC Disclosure: I won my seat at this event, this is neither sponsored nor is it compensated and 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

{#WordlessWednesday} The 'Wanna Sneak Peek of my boudoir"? Edition #Photos

I knew the subject would get ya! You dirty little butterfly! :-)

With the Groundhog predicting an early Spring, I have slowly but surely been re-decorating and doing some purging (I won't call it 'Spring Cleaning' as there aren't really signs of Spring yet in New York City!)

As promised a sneak peek of my boudoir!

Buddha Wall Art, Bedding Set, Curtains, Macys, Hayneedle, Cost Plus World Market
Almost too pretty to sleep in!

Buddha Wall Art, Bedding Set, Curtains, Macys, Hayneedle, Cost Plus World Market, Bedroom, Interior Decorating, Interior Design
I wanted my bedroom to feel more like a suite!





















































The Bedding Set is from Macy's - Oddly for some reason it photographs sort of 'brown' but the colors that actually run through this set are black, white, pink and purple (thankfully purchasers who reviewed it were kind enough to share this, which help solidify my decision as I ordered this set online not in store). The monogrammed pillowcases are from a Luxor Linens Valentino Sheet Set (press on the link to see my previous review of them) - and by the way the initials are 'T.A.I' not Taj (although I like to visit the Taj Mahal Casino when I go to Atlantic City!). The curtains are from Hayneedle and they are purple and grey (the purple in the curtains are picked up by the purple in the bedding set and dust ruffle) and the Buddha Wall Art is from Cost Plus World Market - I loved this piece so much I bought two of them and the other is in my Foyer so it's the first thing you see when you enter.

I love how cohesively it all comes together! Especially since all of the items were purchased very far apart from one another time wise and at different retailers.

The walls were freshly painted in Grey, A matte that has the lightest trace of blue in it and is making me all kinds of happy.

While there is way more to be done I have purged about 10 bags of stuff I no longer needed and I am loving my 'bedroom zen vibe'.

So there it is butterflies a peek at my boudoir!

Readers Sound Off: What Vibe are you trying to bring to your home for Spring?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post these items were purchased by me personally and NOT sent to me. 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} @CarvelIceCream Carvel Ice Cream Cake anyone? (Yes that's an @IGIGI Dress I'm wearing!) {#Photo}


What I'm wearing: Dress: Igigi, Pendant: Macy's, Handbag: Nicole Miller, Cake: Carvel Ice Cream Cake taken during Mom 2.0 Summit in Atlanta, Georgia!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Bloggers link us to your WW post as a comment below! (No Giveaway links!)

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a Sponsored Post. 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.

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Fall Wardrobe Upgrade with @Macys Challenge! @polyvore #Contest Entry #fbloggers

Fall Wardrobe Upgrade with @Macys Challenge! @polyvore #Contest Entry
Fall Upgrade with Macy's Challenge - Polyvore Contest Entry



















Sheath Dress, Smoking Hot Booties, Statement Necklace and Leather Jacket! I love getting high fashion at great prices with Macy's for Fall!

Butterflies you know I can't resist a good Polyvore Challenge, I love getting creative and making new Polyvore Boards, and with this contest the incentive was just too great to pass up! If you like my board, please click HERE and give it a quick heart!


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FTC Disclosure: This is a contest entry, not a compensated post. As always, 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

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!

Sunday, May 5, 2013

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude + Active #Giveaway: Happy Cinco de Mayo Edition!





What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Girl Time! -  I got to spend some time after an event hanging out with one of my favorite bloggy buddies, Milena from beyourbestmom.com, she tagged me on a great post she wrote called the '10 Things I learned this week'. We spent time hanging out at a pub that I had heard the name of, but had never visited, Pig 'N' Whistle (36th Street in New York City). I highly recommend the Calamari there, and I'm pretty picky about my Fried Calamari! It's definitely enough to share! It's actually not far from Macy's, so if you are shopping and want to wet your whistle, I'd definitely recommend them. I get to hang out with such amazing New York City Bloggers, but mostly at events, which means we don't always get a chance to just have girl talk and really connect, so I'm super grateful that Milena and I got to take a moment that wasn't event related to break bread and just talk! (Well it was somewhat event related, because we hung out after an event, that I will recap here soon!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Veg Time! - I spent some downtime catching up on movies I hadn't seen yet on cable, totally dis-connected and just watching some Movies, just what the doctor ordered!

I have been keeping my own daily list of things I am grateful for and taking time to acknowledge my blessings daily. A bit of concentrated focus on what you do have, instead of on what you lack or need, can make a huge shift in your life!


What are YOU most grateful for today Butterfly?

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaway!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just in time to get my butterflies ready for swimsuit season, this month's Ascending Butterfly Book Club title is The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy, don't forget to enter, you've got to be in it to win it!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Entries are currently being processed, and we hope to announce a winner soon for the $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway.

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!):

















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!




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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Thursday, April 5, 2012

One Down, One to Go! Winner's Announcement!




Thanks for your patience butterflies as I get myself more caught up, I didn't factor just how slow I really have to take things now.

Congratulations Kimberly Beauchamp, you are the Ascending Butterfly Macy's Ideology Giveaway winner! Don't forget to reply to your winning email notification. I hope you enjoy your new workout gear! Hope your new gear is just the inspiration you need to kick start your fitness routine!

In the next few days I will close out our last Book Club Giveaway and hopefully have the new title up soon!

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Monday, March 12, 2012

Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ends 03/19 - 1 winner!

Macys Ideology It's Your Move Dance Video Contest!


Back in December of 2011 I had the chance to attend the launch of Ideology, a premiere fitness line being sold at Macy's. I had a really great time learning all about Ideology and if you missed my original post with my impressions about the line and photos from the event, click HERE. What impressed me then before having the opportunity to actually try any of the pieces, is exactly what impresses me about them now after having had the opportunity to actually try them out, they are really cut with a woman's curves in mind. As many a trip to the gym will tell you, not all workout gear is flattering, not all workout gear actually flatters your figure. Macy's Ideology line of fitness gear actually works with a woman's natural curves and are figure flattering as well comfortable. The pattern on the racerback tanks actually makes your waist appear 'cinched in' a good way. Ladies, you can now work up a sweat, and still look totally hot doing so!

Cheryl Burke, professional dancer and two time Dancing With The Stars Champion is the spokeswoman and face of the brand. Cheryl gets what it takes to make fitness clothes functional, they need to move with you, be comfortable, 'breathable', yet still trendy and fashionable. Ideology has that all on lock!

Now I'm sure you are wondering why this is a DOUBLE giveaway post right? If you have moves, and are not afraid to bring it, then Macy's has got something special for you! I'm sure my Butterfly Fashionistas are already 'liking' Macy's on Facebook, but if you are aren't, this sure may be incentive enough for you to do so. You know those wonderful fitness goals you've been working on since New Years? They just might be about to pay off. Macy's is hosting an 'It's Your Move Dance Contest' on Facebook. Cheryl Burke will determine the grand prize winner, but 5 Fan Favorites will also have a chance to win great prizes.

How it works:

1) Visit HERE on Facebook, then select a music track - You will be provided with 5 choices. Listen to each track and then decide which one you will use, download that track (no worries, it's a FREE download).

2) Here is the fun part: Choreograph and record yourself dancing to the track you selected in step 1. (It can be an individual dance or with a partner, please be sure to tell your partner you are entering a video contest!)

3) Upload your video + Fill out form and hit UPLOAD and you are good to go! But HURRY Butterflies your videos have to be uploaded by March 15th.

Grand Prize:

A VIP trip to Los Angeles including round trip airfare and accomodations for 2, where you will be Cheryl Burke's special guests at a taping of a TV show and enjoy a $1,000 ideology shopping spree!

5 Fan Favorites:

From March 16-29th, you will have a chance to vote on the videos - the top 5 videos will be awarded a $250 Ideology Shopping Spree.

Macy's Ideology Racerback Sleeveless Tank

I had the chance to try out the Sleeveless Striped Racerback Tank and the Ideology Pants Bootcut Leg Pull On, and find them super figure flattering and they make my work outs more fun and fashionable!

Macys Ideology Fitness Pants in three different lengths


Not a dancer? Not big on being on video? No worries, you don't leave here empty handed! I always take care of my butterflies! Macy's has a little something something for YOU too!

One lucky butterfly will have the option of selecting ONE tank and ONE bottom from the Ideology collection and a Yoga Mat (size and color based on in stock availability)! Check out the rafflecopter widget below to get in your entries!

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday - Getting Fit with Cheryl Burke + Ideology + a Kardashian too! {Photos}

Earlier this month fashion editors, Manhattan’s social elite, and taste-makers alike celebrated the announcement of Ideology’s new face of the brand, Cheryl Burke, who was on hand for the festivities at the chic Dream Downtown Hotel.

Cheryl Burke, a renowned professional dancer and two-time winner of Dancing With The Stars, will appear in the campaign for the line launching in February 2012.

Guests sipped on cocktails and previewed the collection to the tunes of Reality TV’s newest DJ, Rob Kardashian, who spent time in the DJ booth and mingling with guests. Fashion celebutants Phillip Bloch, Richie Rich, and Supermodel Irina Shayk, were also in attendance. Professional dancers surprised guests with hot and original dance routines wearing the new line.

The new line reflects a modern design comprised of functional easy to mix-and-match pieces that add a beat of unexpected fashion to any errand, tango, or work-out. And as we transition from our Holidays promos to our annual 'New Year, New You!' features, I couldn't think of a better Wordless Wednesday, since I'm sure most people will have Fitness somewhere on their New Years Resolutions list.

I'm mixing my photos (which are watermarked, please do not 'borrow' them, with the photos supplied by the PR firm (non-watermarked, but I suggest contacting Factory PR for permission, they are being used on my site with permission).

I had a fun time, and needless to say 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' was tempted to take over the turntables. Although with DJ Rob Kardashian spinning the tunes, I was able to just mingle and relax! :)

Tip: Press on any photo to see them bigger!

I love how the tops work WITH a woman's curves!


The pants come in different lengths so there is something for everyone!


The Sport Bra comes in a wide variety of colors


A Belief in the Power of Movement - I just love that! I'm 26 pounds down and counting!

Who Says Workout Bras have to be utlitarian? A little something for my girly girls!

(Left) Rob Kardashian, (Right) Cheryl Burke

Second from Right: Rob Kardashian

Cheryl Burke, Face of Ideology, (exclusive to Macys) Workout Apparel

(Left) DJ, (Center) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ), (Right) Cheryl Burke

(Left) Cheryl Burke of DWTS, (Right) Rob Kardashian

(Left) Ascending Butterfly, (Right) Mama Butterfly

Dancers all wearing Ideology Fitness Wear! Love that they made this one B&W!

(Left) DJ, (Center) Cheryl Burke, (Right) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ)


Cheryl Burke (Center) surrounded by Dancers

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly in the background holiday decor at Dream Hotel NYC - How about that scary Polar Bear?

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly and hiding behind the small tree, a Reindeer!

Ideology, which will feature neutral and brightly hued jackets, sweatshirts, tops, bras, pants, shorts and accessories ranging from $7.98 to $58 will launch at Macy's Spring 2012 (hopefully we can get them to come back, and host a reader giveaway once the line actually launches in the new year!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received, no gift bags were received. I attended this event as a member of the digital press and was under no additional obligation to post. All Opinions Expressed are 100% my own. Non-watermarked photos used with permission by Factory PR.