Wednesday, December 17, 2014

Buy your #Smartphone, #Tablet or #ebook reader a @FlyGrip - Trust me, You NEED this!



Remember when I told you that the Get Geeked Tech Conference in New York City introduced me to a ton of cool new stuff? If you forgot what or didn't get to read about the conference when I first posted about it, check it out HERE!

One of the coolest products I got to lay my hands on at the conference wasn't even the most expensive, and while I thought it was a neat idea during the demo, it wasn't until I lived with it and played with it daily that I got to understand just how invaluable the FlyGrip really is! It really is one of those things that make you wish you thought of it first! It helps you use your favorite smart device easier AND better.

LG G2 Phone Cover, LG G2 Smartphone for Verizon, FlyGrip, One-handed Smartphone Solution,
Left: LG G2 Phone Cover, Center: LG G2 Smartphone for Verizon, Right: FlyGrip

Benefits of utilizing a FlyGrip:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ergonomically designed to allow you to grip your device safely with ONE hand (i.e, this will help prevent you from dropping your phone!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Allows you to multi-task easier

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Engineered to double as a kickstand in both portrait and landscape

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For those of you that love taking Selfies or using instagram and vine, this will make it so much easier to do so

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For those who for a variety of reasons experience weakness in their dominant hand and have had trouble using phones because of it (MS, severe carpal tunnel syndrome) , a FlyGrip will allow you the use of your smart device with so much more ease

FlyGrip in Action:

LG G2 for Verizon Cell Phone shown in cell phone cover with FlyGrip device installed directly on the smartphone cover

I am holding my smartphone upside down with fingers inserted in the FlyGrip which allows me a free hand!

























FlyGrip featured on TastyTrade Financial Network:



My Take:

I got the chance to try out quite a few devices this year from cellphones to tablets, once I decided that I was sticking with my LG G2 for awhile, I wanted to invest in accessories that would help me protect it, but the fact that the FlyGrip not only protects my device, but makes using it easier and much more fun and comes in a range of colors and styles to match my mood and express my personality is a great bonus! And by the way they do offer butterflies, but I couldn't resist the animal print against the chic black cellphone cover! I can tell you that after you use it, you will want one for ALL of your smart devices!

This is the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list! Let's face it, who on your list doesn't have a smart device of some kind? And as a former Special Ed Teacher, I can tell you I would rather have this than an Apple! This is a gift idea that won't break the bank, and that the recipient will always think of you daily with love! If you are giving someone a smart device for the holidays, pick up a case and FlyGrip to go with it as the stocking stuffer!

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided with a FlyGrip and Cellphone case for Editorial Consideration. 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.


Wednesday, December 10, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} @jengroover inspires the crowd at the @ActivateMovmt #Activate2K14 #Conference

I thought this picture of Jen Groover (tagged by Success Magazine as a 'one woman brand') inspiring attendees at the Activate 2K14 Conference would be a perfect empowerment photo for Wordless Wednesday!

"We have control of one thing only in this world ... Our Perspective. Choose a positive one." ~ Jen Groover

























Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies, feel free to comment with a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos as well so we can check them out and leave you some comment love! (No Giveaway Links please!)

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FTC Disclosure: I was invited to attend the Activate 2K14 Conference as a member of the Digital Media, this is NOT a sponsored post, it is an event recap of my experience. 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 may contain affiliate links.

Saturday, December 6, 2014

Highlights from the @InStyle Holiday Preview! Hot Gifts! #CelebrateInStyle

Celebrate the Season InStyle Logo #CelebrateInStyle

With holidays right around the corner there is a ton to think about and a ton to do, What to wear, and of course the gifts we want to give and those we may be hoping to receive.

Celebrate the Season InStyle Decorations Essentials Crafts #CelebrateInStyle
The box of butterflies on the middle tier is what caught my eye!






































InStyle Magazine hosted a holiday preview event that curated the latest and greatest (and most fashionable of course) trends of the holiday season all in one room! They certainly crammed a lot of style into a little space!

I thought I'd share some of the highlights (in alphabetical order):

Celebrate the Season InStyle Bulova Watches #CelebrateInStyle
Bulova Watches on display during the Celebrate InStyle Holiday Press Preview
Above: While smart/notifier wearable tech that tells the time, measures your heart rate and every single step you take may be all the rage, Bulova presented a collection that is where Watch meets Fashion Jewelry. Timeless, Classic, Elegant watches that can take you from boardroom to date night with ease and that's just the way I like it. I still take notes in a notebook, keep a 'real' calendar, and definitely prefer 'real' watches - you know, the ones that still just tell time! LOL (Too bad one of these beauties wasn't in our gift bag! I will have to oogle them from afar for now, AHEM I hope Santa is reading this!)

Celebrate the Season InStyle Kelly Cook Vice President of Customer Strategy and Engagement DSW #CelebrateInStyle
Kelly Cook, Vice President of Customer Strategy and Engagement for DSW
Above: Needless to say DSW's exhibitor booth was always crowded, so nabbing a good shot of it was virtually impossible. They had their own 'step and repeat' but you guys know those are not my thing. I like being behind the camera and sharing WHAT I see with all of you. As cute as I am, how many pictures of me in front of a backsplash does anyone need to see right? I was able to nab a shot of Kelly Cook, VP of Customer Strategy and Engagement for DSW - the Designer Show Warehouse. As you can tell from the shot, her passion for Shoes and DSW are evident. She was awesome! I was surprised to learn about the Shoe Struck random event held at any one of their retail stores at random where they give EVERYONE a free pair of shoes. They need to bring that to their DSW's 'in da hoood' where I live! #JustSayin

Shoe Struck

I can tell you that the gift card in the Gift Bags got to put to immediate use and I spent another $250 on top of it! So it's totally true that those who give also receive! (kind of a holidays motto no?)

Celebrate the Season Elizabeth Arden Red Door Perfume #CelebrateInStyle, Fragrances
Elizabeth Arden classic Red Door Perfume

Above: Elizabeth Arden presented several of their fragrances, and they were creatively displayed with what comprises the notes included in the scent, Genius! The classic Red Door is one I was definitely already familiar with.

Celebrate the Season Elizabeth Arden Red Door 25 Perfume #CelebrateInStyle, Fragrances, Scents
Elizabeth Arden Red Door 25 Perfume

Above: Not quite new, but new to me was Elizabeth Arden's Red Door 25, I found it a more 'sensual' version of the traditional Red Door.

Celebrate the Season Elizabeth Arden Untold Perfume #CelebrateInStyle, Fragrances, Scents
Elizabeth Arden Untold Perfume
Above: Elizabeth Arden also had their newer fragrance Untold on Display, a creamy white floral with fruitier top notes of pear and black currants.

Celebrate the Season Elizabeth Arden Untold Absolu Perfume #CelebrateInStyle, Fragrances, Scents
Elizabeth Arden Untold Absolu Perfume
Above: Elizabeth Arden also displayed Untold Absolu a more intense version of Untold, ideally you could layer them, if you wore Untold during the day, you might want to use Absolu in the evening on the way out to dinner. Tres Chic bottle! They also gave us lipstick makeovers, I let them take off my signature red (that I custom blend myself) and they took me down, which means lighter. I'm not going to say it wasn't a nice shade because it was, but as soon as it started to transfer from snacks and drinks I did put my 'me' lips back on in the ladies room, sorry guys! I'm a red lip girl for life. At best I'll do some plums in the fall, but it's rare that I'm not wearing my signature red. Untold Absolu is definitely the perfect scent for a red lip and banging outfit for New Years Eve! Go Butterfly, Go Butterfly! Get it girl!

Celebrate the Season Etienne Aigner #CelebrateInStyle, Handbags, Shoes, Accessories, Jewelry
Etienne Aigner offers stylish Shoes, Handbags and Accesories

Above: These Animal Print Handbags from Etienne Aigner caught my eye! I got a lovely snakeskin bangle in my gift bag that I need to get a good shot of so I can share it with you guys, I have read other recaps of this event and we got different styles, so the universe was really watching out for me when the person handed me the gift bag with my bracelet in it because I LOVE animal prints and am super glad I didn't get a solid bangle. Pictures of my sweet score to come, promise! I went through a phase with their shoes, it was insane I tell you, LOVE! (And if Santa is reading this, I am all about the TTT Charm Necklace at Etienne Aigner, I mean ALL about this!)

Celebrate the Season InStyle Gardein's fishless filet used to make Pub Style Fish N Chips #CelebrateInStyle, food, meatless meals
Gardein's fishless filet used to make Pub Style Fish N Chips






































Above: Gardein presented us with some very creative and tasty snack option eats including the Pub style Fish N Chips above that were made using their fishless filets! Their mission is to create healthier versions of the food people love to eat, their versatile protein options were definitely a big hit and I hope to find them stocked near me soon as I would love to try some more of their products! Their website has some great recipes too! For those of you entertaining during the holidays that have a non-meater or vegan visiting, you definitely want to look into Gardein, you will truly be the hostess with the mostest with these on hand! (or non meat eaters might want to also consider throwing these in the hostess basket if they are visiting somewhere and bringing a hostess gift!)

Celebrate the Season InStyle Jergens BB Body Cream #BBgoesBody #CelebrateInStyle, BB Cream, Lotion
Jergen's BB Body






































Above: I posted about Jergen's BB Body on it's own HERE. I did tell you I had WAY more to tell you about how and where I discovered them! Yes butterflies #BBgoesBody!

Celebrate the Season InStyle Jergens BB Body Cream with Make-Up Artist Pati DuBrof  #CelebrateInStyle
Make-Up Artist Pati DuBrof
Above: Make-Up Artist (you know just to Hollywood's Elite, no biggie, lol) Pati DuBrof spoke about Makeup Trends, and the tricks she uses to get the stars 'camera-ready' and you bet Jergen's BB for Body is in her arsenal!

Celebrate the Season InStyle TV Reporter & Stylist Rachel Zalis Metaphor Relaunch by SearsStyle #CelebrateInStyle, clothing, Sears, Fashion, Style
TV Reporter and Stylist Rachel Zalis discusses SearsStyle The Metaphor Collection

Above: TV Reporter and Stylist Rachel Zalis spoke about the relaunch of SearsStyle Metaphor Collection, needless to say they had me at 'Leather', LOL!

Celebrate the Season InStyle TV Reporter & Stylist Rachel Zalis Metaphor Relaunch by SearsStyle #CelebrateInStyle

Above: The Metaphor Collection by SearsStyle includes pieces for work and play! Fashion doesn't get simpler, easier or more affordable butterflies!



Above: Silk'n presented a wide assortment of their products/devices to help you look and feel beautiful and confident including their Hair Removal device, Flash & Go, their Anti-Aging Device, FaceFX, their Acne Facial Device, Blue and their MicroDermabrasion device Revit. I was a lucky raffle winner! I wanted the Flash&Go but they didn't have one so I got the Revit system instead, as soon as I try it out I will definitely share how it is working for me! They also gifted attendees with their Silk'in Pedi device which recently arrived in the mail, once I get started with that one I will also post a full review on it. Trust me when I tell you even the girl or guy who 'has everything' will still want, love and need any of these. All of their products are definitely perfect to get you primed and prepped for your upcoming holiday parties and events!



Above: Instyle Magazine's 2014 Holiday Gift Guide winner SugarWish was a popular stop, it's literally the sweetest and easiest gift ever! You select a Sugarwish Git and your recipient gets an eCard, THEY pick the candy of THEIR choice and sweets are delivered directly to their door. No wondering if you are picking something they love, they are picking it themself! LE YUM!!!! I could use this right about now, writing always gives me a case of the 'late night snack attack'.

Gummy Mini Butterflies

Don't think I didn't notice those mini butterfly gummies on their website! Tres Cute AND Sweet!


Above: Want to get into the internet commerce game? Want to sell online without ever stocking inventory yourself? When your friends, family (and in the case of bloggers, followers) ask 'where did you get that?' you can send them straight there, tell them why you like it, rate it, link to it, and when they buy it, you earn cash rewards! (I know right!) Tagspire is the place where you share how fly you are and get paid for it! I am still trying to figure this site out, but once I do I will share my page on Tagspire with you all!



MY TAKE:

I wasn't able to get photos of Skinnygirl who offered their nutrition bars as well as sparklers, sparkling water. And the gift bag sponsors which included: Alassis Candles, RAPProtein, Balsam Hill, and Lovin My Textures. And sadly Vigoss was giving out free jeans, but they did not have any in my size. So huge Le Sigh, no jeans for this butterfly! :-(

This was a well-curated event with a little something for everyone. In the picture right above My Take, I have to highlight that leather totebag with a built in charger, can't ever say you forgot your portable charger with this smart tote. I also fell in love with the Tory Burch for Fit Bit Necklace, I think the InStyle Sign may be covering it. I am trying to get them to send us a review unit, but so far crickets. Double Le Sigh, another thing to add to my growing list to Santa thanks to this event!

There were enough great holiday ideas to keep this butterfly inspired, and a few that I added to my list for Santa Claus that's for sure!

What item featured above would you want to Santa to bring you this year butterfly? Have you been a good butterfly this year?

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FTC Disclosure: I was invited to Celebrate InStyle as a member of the Digital Media, this is NOT a sponsored post, it is an event recap of my experience. 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 may contain affiliate links.

Thursday, December 4, 2014

{#TechThursday} It's #HintingSeason and @BestBuy is hosting the #OLEDatBestBuy #TwitterParty TONIGHT! #spon













You are cordially invited to join @Best Buy@StacieinAtlanta@thedomesticexec, @debthompson, @medictom and yours truly, Ascending Butterfly's official 'Butterfly-in-Chief' @Tracy_Iglesias for the #OLEDatBestBuy Twitter Party where we will be discussing OLED Televisions and giving away $100 Best Buy Gift Cards! RSVP here: http://divinelifestyle.com/join-us-bestbuy-lg-oled-twitter-party-124-8-9pm-est-hintingseason-oledatbestbuy/

Where: on Twitter!

When: TONIGHT! Thursday, December 4th, 2014

Time: 8 pm EST

Prizes: Four $100 Best Buy Gift Cards

Make sure to RSVP before the party and use the hashtag #OLEDatBestBuy on ALL of your tweets! Be sure to follow the sponsor and all hosts, you must be present to win and must respond to the host directly via direct message who tweets your name announcing you have won.

Hope to see all my butterflies there! Do you want Santa to bring you an OLED TV this Christmas?

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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!  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 may contain affiliate links.

Tuesday, December 2, 2014

{#TechTuesday} Highlights from @EngadgetEvents #ExpandNY #Technology #Blogger

As a lifelong Gadget Geek and Tech lover, I am always excited about events that showcase emerging tech, great new products and gear and offer great speakers! With my schedule I don't get to see every conference and tradeshow that hits NYC but I certainly try my best to do so. Thankfully Engadget's #ExpandNY worked with my schedule, well somewhat, I was only able to catch part of day 1, but I did manage to take in quite a bit, here are my highlights:

Welcoming Remarks by Michael Gorman, Editor-in-Chief, Engadget


Rachel Haot, Chief Digital Officer and Deputy Secretary of Technology for the State of New York
Don't tell her, but I am evenly tied between wanting Rachel's job or Taylor Swift's New York City’s Global Welcome Ambassador spot! (and this butterfly does have a City Hall background!)

Charles Best, Founder of Donors Choose






































As a former Special Ed Teacher I was very taken by Charles Best who is the Founder and CEO of Donors Choose. Charles Best, a social studies teacher at Wings Academy in Bronx, New York (this butterfly's borough!), found himself and his colleagues funding school supplies from their own money, and they envisioned a platform for individuals to connect directly with classrooms in need. Charles Best created it and funded the first 10 projects HIMSELF to show the effectiveness of such a platform. In 2003, the Oprah Winfrey Show featured Charles Best in a segment on innovative teachers and traffic generated from that show crashed the site! Viewers donated $250,000 to fund classroom projects and now over $200 million has gone to fund over 400,000 classroom projects posted on the site, want to help? Visit DonorsChoose.org

What's Next For Wearables? was led by Kate Harman






































Kate Harman spoke on the future of Wearable Technology, and helped Engadget Attendees create it, with an actual hands on class to experience creating your own wearable tech, here is a pic of the demo below:



Marc-Andre Bazergui, LEGO Mindstorms Expert






































LEGO was definitely popular! Above Marc-Andre Bazergui LEGO Mindstorms Expert spoke to engadget attendees and I also got a chance to visit their exhibitor booth, here are some photos below:












































































FOVE Eye Tracking Mount Display


Above: FOVE presented an Eye Tracking Head Mount Display, by tracking gaze position in real time it is possible to interact with and control objects on the screen in new ways, amping up the virtual reality experience!








































Above: As an aspiring jeweler, I loved Clover - Credit Processing - Point of Sale - Clover Station where you can bill someone in real time on the go AND print them a receipt! Clever no? I am currently a Life Coach and I can see the possibilities with this for what I am already doing.



The Dodocase Smartphone VR Viewer definitely grabbed attention as a portable and convenient way to bring Virtual Reality to the masses! For my fellow butterflies that remember, this brought back memories of The View-Master!



Above: The Ultimaker 3D Printer caught my eye also as an aspiring jewelry designer, think of all the sweet butterflies I could use this to create!








































Above: As a Best Buy Brand Ambassador you know I had to make a stop and say hi to the folks at Best Buy - Geek Squad Academy! They were teaching attendees how to learn circuits and programming, check out this cool vine by twitter user @Zafar H Sayed - Press on his name to see the Vine Video on Twitter



Above: Panelists: Benjamin Heckendorn, host of The Ben Hack Show, Terrence O'Brien, Managing Editor, Engadget, Cyril Ebersweiler, Founder of HAXLR8R, Rahul Sood, Creator of VoodooPC and Microsoft Ventures and now CEO of unikm and Chris Quintero, Program Manager, Bolt




Above: Toyota offered attendees a Wifi lounge, and thank God for that because the venue Wifi was super slow and draggy, I stopped in at the lounge and Toyota's Wifi was on point!

Below: I also had to check out the Prius Plug-in Hybrid, butterfly would look cute behind the wheel of this whip right?









































Above: While I missed the Android Dance Party on Day Two, I did get a chance to visit the folks at Aldebaran Robotics who brought along a trio of their fifth-generation Nao bi-peds, developers can get their hands on them for about 6K and a consumer unit currently retails at $8,000. So no robot for this butterfly quite yet. But I'm thinking having one of these greet me at the door with a glass of wine and my slippers would be some kind of heaven! Visit their page at asknao.aldebaran.com

MY TAKE:

Even with a press preview component, I regret I couldn't get to every exhibitor, so my apologies to the brands I didn't get a chance to interface with or that aren't featured! Wearable Tech which was huge at Engadget Expand (as well as Get Geeked, which I recapped HERE), and is actually going to be my focus on these pages as some of the brands I have met at various tech shows have sent us review units so I will be sharing the best of Wearable Tech during my holiday gift guide this year and well into the New Year!

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided Press Access to #ExpandNY. 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.

Monday, December 1, 2014

All you need is a Monday! #MotivationMonday























Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with much to be grateful for and are entering the month of December with a hope and gratitude filled heart!

Bless and Be Blessed today Butterflies!

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Opening up my can of FTC be gone: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! :)