Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Friday, January 6, 2023

Our @kingofchristmas artificial Blue Spruce is still up in honor of Three Kings Day + Clearance Sale & Discount Code! #KingofChristmas #ThreeKingsDay #DiaDeLosReyesMagos


 
 
On the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day! 
 
Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, ‘El Dia de los Reyes’, as it’s called in Spanish, marks the glorification of baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century. 
 
A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the Three Wise Men. Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert is a symbolic pastry. Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2.
 
I actually put up my tree on Christmas Day (things were completely insane for me, I like to normally have it up by Thanksgiving Day) and it always stays up until Three Kings Day as it's always been our family tradition.
 
This year our artificial Blue Spruce is from King of Christmas
 
My Take:
 
There are three major standouts for me, how easy it was to assemble, how evenly spaced and well lit the lights are, and they include these long gloves to use so you can shape your tree and not get scratched up! (and the remote not just for on and off but different light functions at the touch of your fingertips is also wonderful!)
 
Discount: 
 
There is currently an 'after christmas' 40% clearance sale on select items and free shipping with the code: CHRISTMAS20
 
Readers Sound Off: 
 
Do you keep your tree up until Three Kings Day or does it come down before?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. King of Christmas has provided a tree 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. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Sunday, March 9, 2014

{#Giveaway} Need to update your brand? Start by winning 100 Business Cards from our friends @tinyprints!

This Giveaway is CLOSED, winner is Rachel T.
tinyprints logo


It is exactly one year now that I have been putting my 'best face' forward on my business cards and using a card that is not only creative, but the most reflective of me and my personal brand.

For me, being an 'Ascending Butterfly' is a soul that is always in transition, always growing, changing and evolving. Even in the most simple ways I like to see signs of change, my desktop wallpaper rotates every 15 minutes with a new picture or motivational quote, the same with my screensaver. I even change the desktop background to my phone daily! So for me to say I haven't re-designed my business cards in over a year is truly saying a lot. Usually every time I needed a new box, I would re-design the entire card. But not anymore!



About Tiny Prints:

tinyprints is a company that was founded by three friends with big dreams and a passion for beautiful paper that has grown into a booming online destination for stylish stationery (and more!) for every occasion.

Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Front
My business card is a folded card so it can be stored as a standard size card. But as you can see below, it is anything but 'standard'.


Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Inside
It opens up and this is the 'inside' of the actual card (I blanked out my phone number, sorry guys!)


Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Back
The back of the card has room for notes, and even though the surface of the card is 'pearlized' you can write on it easily!

My Take:

Since I started blogging I have designed a new card each year, which makes perfect sense, the cards evolved as much as me and my blog have. But now I'm in more of a 'groove' and my tinyprints Business Cards have been the most accurate reflection of me to date!

The tinyprints Custom Design Service allows you to work directly with a Designer, so your card truly reflects your vision instead of just a standard template. They also offer a free physical AND digital proof. There is a low One-Time Fee of $25 for the service. My designer took a very scattered vision and helped me organize it all in a way that made sense from a design standpoint, and still retain the creativity I wanted the card to have. The quality of the cardstock and the brilliant design make these my favorite cards to date! I couldn't recommend tinyprints more (as you can see from past reviews, here and here), but I will warn you, order at least 100 more than you think you'll need, you'd be surprised just how many you will go through PER conference or networking event with these! For me the past few months have been filled with non-stop tradeshows, conferences, expos and events, and I have almost run through a print run of 500 cards already!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Google+: https://plus.google.com/+tinyprints/
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram: http://instagram.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog: http://blog.tinyprints.com/

Discount:

You can find current Tiny Prints Coupons Codes and Promotions HERE - Get free shipping on orders $49 or more! Use Code: FREESHIP49 | Limited time only see website for details

Win It:

One lucky butterfly will win 100 business cards! Use the rafflecopter widget below for your entries, remember as always, the first entry is easy-peasy! (and of course keep a look out for fun and fast extra credit entries too!) Hurry this giveaway ends on St. Patrick's Day!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Tiny Prints provided us with Custom-Designed Business Cards for editorial consideration, and will be providing 100 cards for one winner. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly nor contest sponsor will be held responsible for lost or mis-directed mail. 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! RRRUK88F2KC4

Monday, February 3, 2014

The funniest review of @ParamountPics Labor Day #Movie you will read, PROMISE!



I swear the Polar Vortex didn't swallow me whole, it's a been a busy New Year Butterflies, that doesn't mean great things haven't been happening, I just haven't had much time to write.

I will start this review with a true confession. I don't have a romantic bone in my body. Really, I don't. I'd much rather sit on an isolated beach by myself. Yes I like long walks on the beach, I'd just rather take them by myself. No man. No Dog. I'd actually love no people at all, I dream...And I digress, I guess.

Upon entering a recent Advanced Screening for Paramount Pictures newest release Labor Day we were handed a pack of tissues. (YES this is important. So remember this detail). The American Drama was co-produced by Paramount Pictures and Indian Paintbrush and was directed by Jason Reitman. Based on a Novel penned by Joyce Maynard.

The movie is well cast, and Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin really do give great performances, but it really asks you to believe a set of circumstances that are just very hard to believe. The entire movie is a set of circumstances that even in a small town in a more 'innocent' time period no kid would be that dumb and no woman would have just allowed her family to get put in that position without trying to at least prevent it if she wasn't capable of putting up a fight. 

I for one would have given James' character Frank a swift kick to the nads, snatched my child and reported him to the cops, I would never have fallen in love with him, because I would have never had the chance to find out about his heart of Gold. (You know the heart of gold that beats beneath the chest of a man who accidentally killed his first wife. OK. Bygones, she killed their baby, he didnt actually 'mean' to kill her. Nonetheless, Just a wee bit too much to overlook for me.....call me crazy that way. You murdered one wife, you might try to murder me too.....)

Without giving away too many details, even the ending is hard to believe if we are supposed to get swept up into the love story that developed, their 'love' (love that develops in about 48 hours by the way) should have opened her up again to love, after a plot that is already hard to believe, when he is released from prison, they are both re-united again. SAY WHAT? If that experienced open her up to the idea of love we are now supposed to believe she kept it in preserve for his release from prison for just under 2 long decades?

And can someone please explain why he never opens her letters all those years? UM, SAY WHAT? And the pie scene was trying to hard to be the pottery scene in Ghost. (I'm all team Patrick Swayze and Demi on that one, sorry Josh and Kate!)

Here is a clip:




Now for a test to see if you were paying attention, remember when I told you upon entering the screening they gave us a packet of tissues? (Good, glad you were paying attention.)

Well I didn't cry during the movie at all, but the movie theater was out of toilet paper in the ladies room, so now you know how I used the packet of tissues.....

I promised you this would be funny.

Hopefully at some point I develop a sense of romance. My genre is horror. (Told you I'm not very romantic!)

Much like many men, I tend to avoid 'chick flicks', and this movie reminded me of why.

For butterflies who like un-likely romances, this is definitely the movie for you.

However, if you are into weekend getaways, then you should also check out the Labor Day Movie Weekend Getaway Contest, Pin a Photo on Pinterest of what love looks like to you using the hashtag #LaborDayMovie before February 7th for a chance to win! Good Luck Butterflies!

Now I have to figure out how to create a collage of isolated beaches and horror movie marathons for my pinterest entry, I could use a weekend getaway! :-)

Once you've checked out this movie yourself, please report back here and tell us what YOU think of Labor Day!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, I attended an Advance Screening of the movie Labor Day and I have NOT been compensated to share my feedback on the film. 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.

Saturday, November 16, 2013

#spon @Ascending1 wants YOU to Fall in Love with @IGIGI with a $75 Holiday Shopping Spree! {#Giveaway} #Fashion

#Sponsored - Prizes are being sponsored by:

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel Logo


By now it's no surprise just how much I love IGIGI by Yuliya as I have been wearing their Fashion quite a bit and sharing my pictures with you from events that I have been proudly wearing clothing by IGIGI Style. From dresses to separates to career and outwear and pretty much everything in between, there is literally something for everyone at IGIGI.

IGIGI clothes are cut with Curvy Women in mind, and are not only figure flattering, but always on trend! No more 'Moo-Moo's' or tunics ladies!  IGIGI clothes are not about HIDING your figure, they are all about ENHANCING it and showing it off!

I am in love with their Fall Collection and have worn quite a few pieces from this collection to various events and have felt confident and received tons of compliments. Here are some photos of me wearing pieces from IGIGI's Fall Collection (others are not in the fall collection but I am providing direct links to all pieces featured):

Ascending Butterfly wearing IGIGI Miwa Top and Penelope Skirt
Ascending Butterfly is wearing the IGIGI Miwa Top in Black, (the top with comes with the Obi-Belt Sash pictured) and the matching IGIGI Penelope Pencil Skirt in Malachite Green.

Ascending Butterfly wears IGIGI Miwa Top in Black and Penelope Skirt in Malachite Green
Same outfit as above!


Ascending Butterfly is wearing the IGIGI Margherita Wrap Dress in Turquoise
Ascending Butterfly is wearing the IGIGI Margherita Wrap Dress in Turquoise



Ascending Butterfly is wearing the IGIGI Luella top in Red
Left: Ascending Butterfly (with hair in bun) is wearing the IGIGI Luella top in Red, this color is no longer available but the top is available in 'Garden Green' HERE

Which item from the Fall Collection is your personal fave? (Commenting here with a link to your favorite piece in the Fall Collection will get you extra credit entries in the giveaway! Woot! Woot!)

My Take:

I only have one problem with IGIGI, I like EVERYTHING! Definitely a good problem to have right? Usually us 'curvies' have trouble finding clothes that not just fit but actually flatter, with IGIGI I can tell you I haven't found an outfit I don't like. I'm a huge fan of separates because of their versatility, but with IGIGI I have actually been wearing more dresses and skirts which I used to shy away from until now! I feel more confident in IGIGI and find myself reaching for them each and every time I go into my closet. They are definitely helping me win the battle of the age old closet dilemma of 'not having anything to wear'!

DISCOUNTS:

PRE-BLACK FRIDAY SALE - EXTRA 25% OFF SELECT CATEGORIES!

Code: THANKSNSAVE

Sale ends 11/22 at 12 pm PST

FREE GROUND SHIPPING on all Continental U.S. orders of $150 or more and 50% off on ALL International Orders! Offer Ends 12/31

WIN IT:

I want you to fall in love with IGIGI too, and when I told my friends at IGIGI that November is our annual holiday buying guide month, they wanted to join in the fun and give one lucky Ascending Butterfly Reader a gift certificate to have a shopping spree of their own just in time for the holidays! (Ladies they have some beaded gowns that will knock your socks off for New Years Eve!)

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: This giveaway is being sponsored by IGIGI, prize fulfillment will be handled directly by sponsor. Ascending Butterfly and giveaway sponsors are not responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. One entry per Household. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and reside in the United States. All opinions are 100% my own. Fashions were provided to Ascending Butterfly 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Monday, October 21, 2013

Win 100 Business Cards from @TinyPrints via @Ascending1 - See why these are my FAVORITE Cards!

{CLOSED} Congratulations Carolyn Gonzalez, Entry #298!




2014 will be here before you know it butterflies, are you ready? Do your current business cards truly reflect your brand?

I have a graphic design background and I can tell you that you should never design your own cards, let someone else do it! You need someone to put the same energy into YOU as you do for your clients. If you are very anal about things this 'giving up control' will probably be extremely difficult for you at first, but I can promise you it will be so worth it at the end.

I have never received more compliments on any former Business Card than I have with this one, and I have not looked back since. When I check into events, I wait for my card back but the person always keeps my card! It's quite a compliment!



About Tiny Prints:

tinyprints is a company that was founded by three friends with big dreams and a passion for beautiful paper that has grown from a tiny, self-funded company specializing in unique baby stationery into a booming online destination for stylish stationery (and more!) for every occasion.

Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Front
My business card is a folded card, this is how I present it when I hand it to someone


Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Inside
When the person takes it they can tell it opens, this is the 'inside' of the actual card (I blanked out my phone number, sorry guys! LOL)


Tiny Prints Ascending Butterfly Business Card Back
The back of the card has room for notes, and even though the surface of the card is 'pearlized' you can write on it easily!


My Take:

I had a very demanding vision in my mind for my business cards, I wanted to promote two different offerings on one card, and wanted my card to have pops of color and creativity in addition to my logo and signature butterfly of course, and was delighted to learn of tinyprints custom design service, my card ideas weren't actually something a ready made template would accurately cover, I wanted a card that was way more comprehensive than those I had used in the past. In fact since I started blogging, I've designed a new card each year, which makes perfect sense, the cards evolved as much as me and my site have. But now I'm in more of a 'groove' and wanted to grow into my card instead of it being the other way around all the time.

I was delighted to learn that tinyprints has a Custom Design Service! You can make a completely unique card, work 1-on-1 with a Designer, and they offer a free physical AND digital proof. There is a low One-Time Fee of $25 for the service. My designer was amazingly patient, and he was able to take a very BIG vision and tall order and help me organize it all in a way that made sense from a design standpoint, and still retain the creativity I wanted the card to have. The quality of the cardstock and the brilliant design make these my favorite cards to date! I couldn't recommend tinyprints more, but I will warn you, order at least 100 more than you think you'll need, you'd be surprised just how many you will go through PER conference or networking event with these!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Google+: https://plus.google.com/+tinyprints/
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram: http://instagram.com/tinyprints
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog: http://blog.tinyprints.com/

Discount:

You can find current Tiny Prints Coupons Codes and Promotions HERE - Get free shipping on all orders! Use Code: FS13 | Limited time only see website for details

Win It:

One lucky butterfly will win 100 business cards of their own. Get yourself and your business ready for the new year! Use the rafflecopter widget below for your entries, remember as always, the first entry is easy-peasy! (and of course keep a look out for fun and easy extra credit entries too!)


a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Tiny Prints provided us with Custom-Designed Business Cards for editorial consideration, and will be providing cards for one winner. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly nor contest sponsor will be held responsible for lost or mis-directed mail. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own!  

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Win a VIP @SmoothJazzNY Angela Bofill Experience Concert Cruise with #dinner & drinks via @Ascending1 #Giveaway

#Sponsored: This giveaway has been sponsored by (see below for full disclosure):


I have been partnering with Smooth Jazz New York for a number of years now and it has become an annual tradition that I greatly look forward to! While it's fantastic in summer, it's the final sail that happens right after the beginning of Fall that is my favorite. It's always bitter sweet because I know the Boat Cruises are over for the season until next summer, but it also means a host of other fun events are on the way. 

I didn't get to take the final sail last year and most of you know why by now, so I am looking that much more forward to this year's final sail.

Angela Bofill
Angela Bofill


The Smooth Cruise season is coming to an end, and the last sail is: Smooth Cruise Encore: The Angela Bofill Experience!

Like me Angela is a Bronx Native and you may know her by her six albums that made the Top 40, (five of which made the Top 100 on the pop charts as well), her albums 'Angel of the Night' and 'Too Tough' made the top 10! With performances by Maysa and Kim Waters, this is going to be some sail folks!

Here is a picture of me and mama butterfly all smiles during our last sail this summer during the Spyro Gyra sail, if you missed my recap of that sail, you can check it out HERE:



Left: Tracy of Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly enjoying the smooth sounds of Spyro Gyra on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City

My Take:

The Smooth Jazz Cruises are my favorite part of summer, and the final sail just gets me in the mood for Fall. Back in my recruiting days it was a favorite client gift. It is just a super relaxing evening with great music, food and people! I have met so many wonderful people throughout the years (I have actually been taking the sails well before my blogging days!)

Win It:

Our friends at Smooth Jazz New York want you to experience the same VIP experience I did! One lucky butterfly (and a guest) will win a pair of passes to the October 4th 2013, 9:30 Smooth Cruise Encore: The Angela Bofill Experience sail including dinner and drink tickets for two as well! This is a true New York Experience not to be missed! (Please do not enter if you cannot attend on 10/4 as this is a very fast turnaround and we won't have time to process a last minute cancellation)

Enter using the link to the Rafflecopter Widget below:




a Rafflecopter giveaway ˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: Smooth Jazz New York provided Ascending Butterfly with tickets to the upcoming Encore Sail for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Friday, August 23, 2013

A 'Boost' for the mind and 'Boosts' for the skin too with @SeventhGen & @LuckyMagazine #AllNaturalStyleSecrets

#ad: I received a free sample of this product from Lucky and Seventh Generation for editorial consideration.

Seventh Generation Boosts, Soothing with Oat Extract, Argan, Zi Cao, #AllNaturalStyleSecrets
Seventh Generation Boosts Natural Skin Serum



































For me Beauty always begins from the inside out. My mind, body and spirit have to be aligned and in the right place for the external to reflect the same. Taking time for meditation and getting myself centered helps me to discover my inner beauty.

And thanks to Lucky Magazine and Seventh Generation I found a Natural Skin Serum that helps me keep my outer glow beautiful with a simple 'boost'.

ABOUT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Highly Concentrated - NO Water Added
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Absorbs Quickly
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-comedogenic - Won't Clog Pores
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Free of Parabens, Phthalates and synthetic fragrances
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hypoallergenic
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - USDA-certified Biobased (100%)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soothing Blend of Oat, Argan, Apricot kernel oil, sweet almond oil, grape seed oil, sunflower seed oil, chamomile flower oil, rosemary leaf extract and Zi Cao

Instructions: Apply 1 to 2 pumps to fingertips and massage into damp skin.

My Take:

Seventh Generation Boosts actually does what it says, it's a perfect boost to your skin, and also boosts your sunscreen perfectly! I find most products that contain sunscreen to be very thick, and using Boosts with my sunscreen makes it easier to apply. It has a nice liquid consistency to it, goes on easy, and feels just a little tacky to the touch when you first put it on your face, but it absorbs quickly and easily and leaves my skin soft and smooth after. You can easily incorporate it into your existing routine, by adding it to your sunscreen by day and your night cream at night. This does NOT make my face break out, good argan oil shouldn't, and this one does not cause any breakouts on my skin. And trust me, my skin is acne prone and can get super sensitive, and I've had no reactions to this serum except softer, 'boosted', skin and a radiant me!

If you would like to re-tweet or share this post, be sure to use the hashtag #AllNaturalStyleSecrets




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FTC Disclosure: Lucky Magazine and Seventh Generation provided a sample of Boosts for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own, no monetary compensation has been received, but this entry does make me eligible for additional incentives and serves as a contest entry. I am a member of the Lucky Community and am participating in the Lucky Community Challenge. You may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Thursday, August 22, 2013

Win a VIP Experience @SmoothJazzNY Cruise to see Phil Perry w/dinner and drinks via @Ascending1 #Giveaway

#Sponsored: This giveaway has been sponsored by (see below for full disclosure):


One thing that's never been much of a secret is that I'm a born and raised New York City Girl, and like anyone living in a City that is a major tourist hub, there are sites you get sick of because of you have to take family and friends visiting town to these same sites/restaurants and experiences pretty much Ad Nausem, and yes, some of them tend to grow old.

Others however have become annual traditions whether or not someone is in town. That's how fun the experience is, that it never grows old or tired, and you never get that 'been there, done that' feeling afterwards. For me being an official Media Partner for Smooth Jazz Smooth Cruises has been an annual tradition that I greatly look forward to. 

Late 2011 on the night before my sail I fell into the hospital which started an over one year drama that forced me to miss the sail in 2011 I was slated for, and I also missed the sails in 2012 which truly made me sad. The smooth jazz cruises are the best part of my summer memories each year. It gives me dedicated time to connect with family and friends in a totally relaxed environment. No TV, No Distractions, just dinner, drinks, hot jazz on a cool night on the water with an expansive of view New York City all around you. And eventually great dinner, great drinks and great music with close proximity to other tables means you can always meet a new friend and have a great conversation with your table mates or those at tables in close proximity to you. 

You can stay in the lower level and have front seats to the concert, or one level up on the buffet level where you can look through directly to the stage from your seat, and eat your meal in comfort enjoying the smooth jazz sounds around you. And you can always head outside for a bit and take in the view, the night air, a cocktail on deck, and the smooth jazz music that is piped outside so you can hear the music both inside and outside the ship.

The Smooth Cruises are winding down for the season, but that doesn't mean the fun is over my butterflies, it's actually FAR from it, there is a full schedule ahead of other fun activities, as well as a rewind sail in October that we will be sharing with you all very soon! 

The Smooth Cruise season is coming to an end, and the last sail is: the smooth sounds of Phil Perry!

I got to enjoy a 6:30 sunset Sail on the Spyro Gyra Cruise and I had a blast! This was the first time I took a Smooth Jazz sail and stayed indoors the whole time. I normally spend some time on the buffet floor, then grab a drink and listen to the smooth jazz live downstairs for a few, then head upstairs to an upper deck overlooking the expanse of the water and the beautiful view, with the sound of the music dancing in my head and I put my feet up and lean back and feel the breeze that is coming off the water brush my hair back, and I take a sip of my drink and literally feel the stress of the week literally slide right off my back. It's like a meditation for me with music. My mind just goes into a relaxed, zen-like state, and I always leave smiling.

Here are some photos from my Sail, The Spyro Gyra Sail:


Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City
Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City



Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City
Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City



Lee Pearson takes a drum solo at The Smooth Jazz Spyro Gyra Sail in New York City
Lee Pearson takes a drum solo at The Smooth Jazz Spyro Gyra Sail in New York City



Ascending Butterfly filming the action at The Spyro Gyra Smooth Jazz NYC Sail
Ascending Butterfly filming the action at The Spyro Gyra Smooth Jazz NYC Sail



Left: Tracy of Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly enjoying the smooth sounds of Spyro Gyra on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City

Emcee of the evening was none other than @LennyGreen Host of the Syndicated Radio Show #TheQuietStorm
Emcee of the evening was none other than @LennyGreen Host of the Syndicated Radio Show #TheQuietStorm



Tracy of Ascending Butterfly at Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers, I'm wearing: Jacket: Wilsons Leather, Shirt: Covered Perfectly Shoes: Tika Sandals by Earthies

My Take:

The Smooth Jazz Cruises are my favorite part of summer, back in my recruiting days it was a favorite client gift. It is just a super relaxing evening with great music, food and people! Check out our Pinterest Page for additional photos that didn't make the post!

Win It:

Our friends at Smooth Jazz New York want you to experience the same VIP experience I did! One lucky butterfly will win a pair of passes to the 9:30 Phil Perry sail including dinner and drink tickets for two as well!

Enter using the link to the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Smooth Jazz New York provided Ascending Butterfly with tickets to the Spyro Gyra sail for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Monday, August 5, 2013

Monday Motivation: The put some pep in your summer step with @NaturalizerShoe Bzees Summer Fun Lightweight #Shoe

Naturalizer provided the shoes referenced for editorial consideration, see below for Full Disclosure

Naturalizer Logo


I know Fitness can get to be a bit routine at times, but with summer in full swing, you can get your heart rate up in ways that don't have to be routine at all, hop off the treadmill today and take a brisk walk OUTDOORS! Mix things up by taking a route that is new to you! Do you have a park or beach nearby? Those would be my top two choices, allowing you to get in a good walk and be closer to nature at the same time.

Naturalizer BZEES Summer Fun, Slip-on, Casual Shoe, Shoes, Footwear
Naturalizer BZEES Summer Fun Slip-on Casual Shoe


The folks at Naturalizer put some pep in my summer step with their 'BZEES Summer Fun' slip on shoe in the color 'Tomato Red Mesh'. A bright Orange/Red color that I have been living in all summer.

The Lo Down on the BZEES:

PROS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Stretch Mesh Upper, Casual, Slip-on style, round toe
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Elasticized collar for easy on/off construction
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Antimicrobial Lining
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dual Air Gel and EVA Cushioning Comfort System
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lightweight, each shoe weights less than 6oz
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Traction outsole with 1 1/14 inch heel

CONS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I was sent the wrong size, with Naturalizer I am usually true to size, but with these I would have preferred a half size up (they press into my ankle bone a bit), Naturalizer also runs a bit narrow which is why I always order the Wide option in any of their shoe styles, but sadly I wasn't sent the Wide, I was sent the Medium so these were a little bit uncomfortable on me. But if you have a narrow foot, my con would certainly be your PRO.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" Naturalizer on Facebook to keep up with promotions, discounts and giveaways!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @NaturalizerShoe on Twitter too
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can follow their Pinterest Boards too!

MY TAKE:

If these had been sent in the right width they would get a 100% reco from me, but my pair were a bit too narrow for my liking. I do love that they are so lightweight, and slip on and off so easily, and they offer more foot support than a casual slip on would normally offer which is a definite plus. The mesh upper is stretch which is great when your feet swell. Now these are not runners shoes, but are great for walking, and do offer support which is rare in a slip on style.

What Shoe have YOU been living in this summer butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Naturalizer sent the BZEES Summer Fun for editorial consideration. This is NOT a sponsored post and no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our evaluation/review, all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. We only post about products and services that we feel will be of value to our readers. See our Giveaway and Disclosure Policy Page for additional information.