Showing posts with label She Speaks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label She Speaks. Show all posts

Friday, October 10, 2014

Wash away that "Frizz Halo" with @Aveda 's #AvedaNaturallyStraight #Haircare System! @SheSpeaksUp



Instead of washing that man right out of your hair, do you ever wish you could wash that curl/wave/frizz right out of your hair instead?

Fall isn't all pumpkin and cozy sweaters folks, there is rain, and GASP there is still humidity!

I recently cut off over 13 inches of hair to donate to Pantene's Beautiful Lengths Program for Women With Cancer (if you missed that post, check it out HERE), and while it doing felt great, it also left me with hair way shorter than I have ever cut mine before. The shorter my hair is, the wavier it gets, which to some would be a blessing in disguise as it's naturally thin so the curls do give it body, except my hair in addition to being very thin is also super frizz prone, so while I actually do love my natural wave pattern, I do not love the frizz that comes with it.

To keep the frizz monster at bay I tend to blow dry AND flat iron my hair regularly. This pattern is very much a 'catch 22'. I blow dry then flat iron to knock out the frizz and wear my hair straighter, but doing so does weaken the hair over time making it more split prone. Once you have split ends you tend to have to cut them off to get the hair back to a healthier place.

I may have just found an end to the cycle!
























About Aveda Naturally Straight:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Progressively loosens curls every time you style

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While Chemical Laden Straighteners also change hair's natural texture, Aveda's mixture of Pure Flower and Plant Essences do not change your hair's texture, it works from the outside, adding a surface layer to the hair that loosens curls with each use

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A barrier of tapioca starch and maize forms a humidity barrier to help you fend off frizz in even extreme humidity

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Uplifting Aroma - features a citrus-floral blend containing bergamot, palmarosa, Turkish Rose and wild-harvested Australian Sandalwood (not to get all political on you, but in other countries the trees are un-ethically poached, Aveda gets it's Sandalwood Oil from Western Australia where the tree is actually a protected species by the Government and they use indigenous harvesters which has been an aid to the aboriginal people of Western Australia - it's another small way YOU can make a big difference and have a say about the sustainability of this planet and the living wage we all deserve to have! Put your money where your politics is butterfly!)






































How to use:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Step 1: Wash hair with Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo, follow with Aveda Smooth Infusion Conditioner. Towel Dry Hair and Comb Through (aka de-tangle)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Step 2: Apply Aveda Smooth Infusion Style-Prep Smoother to damp hair, work it through from the mid-shaft through to your ends.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Step 3:  Apply Aveda Smooth Infusion Naturally Straight based on your hair's length and thickness, start by using a small coin size drop (think about a dime size) on towel-dried hair one section at a time.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Step 4: Blow Dry hair straight (the larger the brush, think a large round or paddle the straigher your results will be) Flat iron if a sleeker result is desired.

Insider Tip:

Watch this video which shows Aveda working directly on four hair types to show how the Smooth Infusion line works with hair that is naturally straight but frizzy, hair that is wavy, hair that is coily and they give you a tip on just how to measure your hair to determine the amount of product needed.





Yes count me totally jelly that I wasn't invited to get my hair done at Aveda!

My Take:

The Aveda Smooth Infusion System is working well for me, I have actually not put a flat iron to my hair since I started with this system so I'm noticing a remarkable difference with way less split ends in my hair, Blow drying it has actually been enough which for me has never happened before, since it's shorter I want motion, body and bounce, and I get just that using these products without my flat iron. I love the system as a whole, but the smooth infusion Naturally Straight was the super star of the entire line for me as it made detangling my hair a breeze and I find that the system has also cut down my time spent blow-drying my hair significantly. Anything that gets me out the door faster and keeps the frizz monster at bay is definitely aces in my book.

There are literally NO cons here for me. I would actually advise you to use a bit LESS than you may think you need which is a pro in my book as the product will last longer!

Now please remember you should still blow dry for a straighter finish especially the first few times you use it, but once it builds up depending on just how straight a final look you are looking to achieve you may even be able to skip blowing your hair every now and again.

I found myself tugging at my hair way less to get it straight, it de-tangled my hair quickly and easily and cut my drying time, TOTAL SCORE!

Have you tried Aveda before Butterflies? Which product in their line works best for YOU?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a sponsored post for Aveda in conjunction with SheSpeaks. 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.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

I was featured today via @SheSpeaksUp

I have been a member of She Speaks for a very long time now, they are a collective that brings brands and bloggers together for unique campaigns. Sometimes it's product reviews, other times in person local events, they have been featuring bloggers in their collective and today I am featured!

Via She Speaks I have:

Tide Coldwater Laundry Detergent


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - tried Tide Coldwater Laundry Detergent 

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - enjoyed delicious Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares

Group Shot with She Speaks VIP Bloggers and Celebrity Host, Vanessa Lachey
Above: Group Shot with She Speaks VIP Bloggers and Celebrity Host, Vanessa Lachey. For those playing 'Spot the Butterfly', I'm standing on the very right in a wine colored jacket!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Met Nick Lachey's wife Vanessa Lachey driven there in a NYC Green car no less!

RedLaser App in Action
RedLaser App in Action


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Learned how I could save money with the RedLaser App

Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails
Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I savored the moment with Arbor Mist

Second from Left ME! @Ascending1, then it's @barrettboys, @MomMostTraveled, @SweetiesSweeps,  Center: @GiulianaRancic, Far Right: Allison Maxwell (in pink dress) she is a P&G Employee and Breast Cancer Survivor!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Met E! News Correspondent and Fashion Police's own Giuliana Rancic



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tried L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream (which I still LOVE)


Left: Terrence Jenkins of E!Online News and Right: Ascending Butterfly at #PGmostloved Tweet Up Event in New York City
Left: Terrence Jenkins of E!Online News and Right: Ascending Butterfly at #PGmostloved Tweet Up Event in New York City


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Met E! News Correspondent and co-host Terrence Jenkins


The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Had a chance to read and then giveaway a copy of The Fast Metabolism Diet in the Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club!




Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Participate in the P&G Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign with a great giveaway of products and to be able to raise awareness to the cause!


L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation
L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And most recently to try out the L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation

My Take:

I have always enjoyed participating in She Speaks campaigns, whether it is discovering a new favorite from a brand I already know and love, or meeting great celebrity hosts, each campaign has been unique and fun. I am so honored that they chose to feature me!



Do you have a favorite blogging collective? If so butterfly share which one!

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share that Ascending Butterfly has been featured by She Speaks. 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.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Ascending Butterfly May Monthly #Book Club Title: Review and #Giveaway of The Fast Metabolism Diet #FastMetabolismDiet



This is a sponsored post/Giveaway for SheSpeaks/Fast Metabolism Diet (All opinions are my own):

I spent 2010 and 2011 on a series of Lifestyle Changes that resulted in very healthy weight loss overtime. Getting more excercise and recipe substitions had resulted in the loss of 3 dress sizes and way more energy. I was thrilled!

Then 2012 happened. I spent the bulk of the year at three different hospitals for long term stays. Which meant being sick to my stomach and not wanting to eat due to the medications and surgeries, and a ton of time in a hospital bed which meant no excercise. To say last year threw me off my game is an understatement. Considering I was told I may not make it, I have much to be grateful for. Every few months it's back to the hospital for testing and I still can't go back to a full workout routine yet.

With summer coming I want to have tons of energy because after a year in the hospital, I plan to go out everyday and take full advantage of the sun this summer! I knew I needed to find a way to get my metabolism going knowing full well that I can't yet go back to the workout routine I was enjoying in 2010 and 2011 (which included Zumba and Yoga).

I had actually seen the book on TV before I was invited to participate in this campaign and it had caught my eye. The one thing I've learned through the years is that Lifestyle Changes, (no matter what they are for, to break bad habits, learn new ones, incorporate meditation into your day), have to be logical and not too difficult to incorporate to be successful. From what I had seen this looked easy to do, and seemed to make sense for me with my many restrictions.

I am going to be totally honest, I tried this out and didn't follow it to the letter, but it's OK because I knew I probably wouldn't. My schedule is erratic and because of my varied obligations, it's ever changing. Events in NYC come with cocktails, food, appetizers and all kind of things that are not always what I was meant to be eating that day. And worse still meetings all day and events most evenings including weekends leave very little time for much of a workout routine anyway.

The Science behind The Fast Metabolism Diet is explained graphically on their website and it's worth taking a look at so you can get an idea of 'the HOW' behind the diet. As a single girl in the city I didn't have the problem of worrying about other people in the home not liking the meals, it was just me I had to worry about. Is that how I eat everyday? NO. So it was hard to get adjusted to. For me the biggest problem was the cutting back of refined sugars, I love my chocolate and my Ice Cream and I am NOT going to cut them completely out of my life.

I was excited to discover that some of the foods I already love like Lobster, Shrimp, Avocados, Cashews, Seaweed (Sushi anyone?), stimulate the release of fat-burning T4 and T3 hormones which create a thermogenic effect in the body, melting those hard fat stores and allowing them to be liquified by the Thyroid Hormones, burned for energy and released from the body. This burn boosts your metabolism!




I know what you are thinking by now, 'So Butterfly, Did it WORK?'. Yes it did. I did not lose 20 pounds, but I have a firm policy of not gauging my weight loss with the scale, I lost one dress size so far, and I have maintained that size, my underwear/lingerie are all so loose I have to get new stuff in a size down, and I am happy with that progress. I am not following it to the letter, but with the principles it outlines, and with me slowly but surely being able to become progressively more active I am sure I will be back to where I was in 2011 in no time.

We are happy to make this our first title for the return of the Book Club, and with the advent of swimsuit season upon us, I am happy to recommend this program as the kick start to a series of full Lifestyle changes that will help you get ready to put your best face forward this summer!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Author Haylie Pomroy on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Follow  on Twitter

WIN IT

Our friends at She Speaks and The Fast Metabolism Diet want one lucky Ascending Butterfly reader to have the chance to kickstart and rev up their metabolism too!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for She Speaks/Fast Metabolism Diet. I received compensation and a complimentary copy of the book, the sponsor is also fulfilling to the giveaway winner. All opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday, February 23, 2013

My experience with @LOrealParisUSA #MagicBBCream #Beauty



While I have partnered with quite a few beauty brands since the inception of Ascending Butterfly, I had yet to try a BB Cream, and when I put out the call that I was interested in trying one, I received not one, but two different brands of BB Cream, L'Oreal Paris was first to answer the call and I received their L'Oréal Paris Magic BB Cream in the shade 'Medium' to try!

It was absolutely nothing like I expected it to be, in a good way. I was under the impression they were going to be like a tinted moisturizer, and because I'm a bit hard to match when it comes to foundation, I feared the shade would end up being all wrong. Even going to 'professional beauty counters' have resulted in horrible foundation matches for me. So while most people are excited about new foundations, I tend to be to be very cautious and reserve judgement until I take a picture of myself in the sunlight and check it out. I do try holding a mirror to the window when I try out a new foundation, but I find the picture thing a better test for me.

I put a very small amount in the palm of my hand and what surprised me most of all was the texture and color, it was somehow 'grainier' than I expected it to feel and almost a grayish white hue. I will admit I was a bit hesitant at first, but while it remained white in my hand, when I applied it to my face it did blend right into my skin and what felt 'grainy' in my hand was actually the 'Beautifying Beads'. They are encapsulated pigments infused in an ultra-light lotion.

Much like it stays a grayish white in your hands, it does stay that way on your face for a small time while it blends in then sets, so don't wipe it off, it won't stay that way. While they call it a "Magic" Skin Beautifier, you have to let the magic happen first! Then you will be happy with the results!

About Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PRIMES: to smooth skin's texture.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PERFECTS: to hide imperfections.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - HYDRATES: for all day moisture.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CORRECTS: skin for a healthy looking even complexion.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ANTIOXIDANTS: Vitamins C and E
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - TRANSFORMS: To your Perfect Shade for a flawless, bare skin finish.

My Take:

As a normal-to-oily girl I love that it looks semi-matte on (not shiny at all) and is non-comedogenic and doesn't clog pores. It really does blend well and turns into the perfect match, what surprised me more is that one of our editors who is way fairer in complexion than I am, found this same exact shade to be her perfect match as well. Our skin tones and textures are by no means even similar and it worked equally well for us both. With this being my absolute first BB Cream I had no idea what to expect. I will say that I prefer to apply it with a sponge because of the gritty feeling of the texture, instead of using my fingers, but I love that I can reduce the number of steps in the morning, and just apply this and go. My only negative is that it doesn't have a sunscreen, so I still do need to add that extra step because I wear sunscreen everyday even in winter, if they add an SPF to it, it would be absolutely perfect! I do highly recommend it, and if you don't have major acne scarring on your face this really can replace a foundation especially in summer!

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @LOrealParisUSA on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like L'Oreal Paris on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Check out the newest videos by subscribing to their channel on YouTube

And a little birdie told me . . . .

Twitter Party!

When: Thursday, March 7th at 9pm ET

TweetGrid: http://bit.ly/TwZyJS


RSVP: Coming Soon! - I am NOT a host or co-host, so please contact the host with any questions, not Ascending Butterfly!


Hashtag: #MagicBBCream


Host: @SheSpeaksUp

Sponsor@LOrealParisUSA

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this review post. I am a member of She Speaks and a sample of L'Oreal's Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream was provided to us for editorial consideration at no cost. All opinions are 100% my own.