Find out why #MOMSLOVEAMWELL and I do too! #Sponsored by @Amwell - nab a discount to try it yourself!

Disclosure: Compensation was provided by Amwell via MomTrends Media.  The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not indicative of the opinions of Amwell or Momtrends.

With a bed this inviting, who wants to get out? Need Bedside Healthcare? Find out why American Well (Amwell) is becoming the 'Amazon of Healthcare'

Regular readers know that this butterfly originally aspired to become a Doctor and while life had other plans for me, I am still fascinated with Science and Medicine and even held the title of Science Editor for a Newspaper early on in my writing career.

The healthcare industry continues to change and evolve and intersects with technology in fascinating ways. Telemedicine is having it's day and with people wearing devices that monitor their fitness, blood pressure, rest/sleep and more it's clear that people are more interested in taking charge of their well-being/wellness in both traditional and non-traditional ways.

American Well (Amwell) is positioning itself to be ‘the Amazon of health care’ and was recently featured in the Medical section of the Wall Street Journal!

Amwell is:

• Created by doctors
• The most popular consumer Telehealth app worldwide in 2014 according to App Annie
• The first Telehealth service awarded accreditation by The American Telemedicine Association
• The first Telehealth platform to integrate with Apple’s Health App
• The only service that allows you to select the doctor you want to see for an on-demand visit

Check out this Video on how it works:

Two summers ago I got a bug bite that immediately made my arm swell. I of course panicked, because it happened after hours (and I can never leave a voicemail with my primary so I have to call during office hours to get a human on the phone) - I can tell you I wish I had access to this service that day! Thankfully my local pharmacist pinch hit for me that day and I avoided an emergency room visit. (Which as you know isn't as easy to get covered by most insurance providers anymore - many want you to call them in advance to get the ER visit approved. Literally the LAST thing anyone cares about in the midst of an actual emergency!)

You can connect with Amwell on your Desktop, Laptop, IPhone, Android Device, Tablet from literally anywhere!

Things never seem to happen during office hours do they? Amwell brings healthcare home and their Doctors are available 24/7 on a wide variety of platforms - your computer, tablet, smartphone - iPhone or Android!

I also see this service as an extra added re-assurance when I travel (I am 'sweet meat' for mosquitos! At home and abroad apparently.) and for those of you with children heading off to live in a dorm, make sure to have them install this app on their phones!

And if you are currently between jobs or for some reason you are currently un-insured, Amwell is a cost effective way to get access to needed healthcare services.

DISCOUNT:

Want to try out Amwell for yourself? Ascending Butterfly Readers can nab a $1 Visit (in conjunction with your healthcare  insurance, a little more without insurance but literally less than half the cost of  a co-pay with many carriers for a primary visit) using the code: TELEVISIT13

MY TAKE:

I wouldn't hesitate to use the service again as the need arises (like every time I get a bug bite! LOL) and I definitely recommend trying it out for yourself (that discount code would the perfect way to try it out!).

Readers Sound Off:

Tell me butterflies, have you already tried out a Telehealth service? Would you do it again? If you haven't tried it yet, what would you encourage you to do so?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a paid campaign and sponsored post. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own and do not reflect those of Amwell or MomTrends. Ascending Butterfly partners with brands that would be of interest and offer values to our readers. If you are unsure of any medical issue you are experiencing you should seek out a Medical Doctor - be it Telehealth or In Person. This post does not make Medical Claims or Assertions. See our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for full information.

This Lifelong #Insomniac is taking back the night thanks to @ZzzQuil and @Influenster #Zzzquil #SleepLovers #Zzzquilvoxbox

#ad: This is not a compensated campaign, however an Influenster #Zzzquilvoxbox was sent to us for editorial consideration. Full Disclosure Below.

I am a lifelong insomniac. I have tried everything, hot baths, turning off digital and the TV, meditation, you name it I have probably tried it.

While I was much younger it was great, I could read, get more studying done, cram for exams, write reports, etc.

As I got older and entered the workforce, my insomnia would let me work into the night, moving me ahead quicker. And working in International Corporations this proved useful as conference calls needed to happen in the time zone that was best for the client. Often times wee hours of the morning here in NYC.

As a blogger, most of my writing is done during 'graveyard' hours when most of the world is asleep. (Not that the noise level goes down very much in New York City, but it dies down enough to concentrate a bit better late at night).

I have to say all these sleepless nights are starting to catch up with me. They affect my mood during the day, and I tend to graze more to keep my body fueled as I am not quite giving it the rest it wants, needs and deserves.

Perhaps all my late night insomnia tweets got noticed because when I found out I qualified for an Influenster #ZzzquilVoxBox I definitely jumped at the chance. Was someone reading my tweets and reading my mind?

So tonight I am going to try these. I will report back to you all later, I have been secretly testing various 'natural, non-habit forming' supplements (on my own dime by the way with the exception of these) and have one other thing I want to test and then will come back to you guys with a full even-handed recap of my progress and results with getting a better night's sleep!

I have a very strong feeling that winning the Lotto, Mega Millions or Powerball would go a very long way in helping me sleep better at night! OK Universe, are you listening? Let's put THIS theory to the test ASAP! LOL

In the meantime folks #TheStruggleIsReal

And as always, another (NON) Wordless Wednesday was had by all.

Bloggers you can drop your Wordless Wednesday Link in the comments, but absolutely, positively NO Giveaway links allowed. I will check. And if you do not comply a black Escalade with tinted windows will pull up to your house. :) (joking, not joking).

Giveaway Alert: Don't forget to check out our latest giveaways! Want to win a $100 Gift Card for YOUR choice of TinyPrints or Shutterfly? Then enter to win HERE quick!

Butterflies/Readers: What helps YOU to get a good night's rest?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a paid campaign, no monetary compensation has been offered. Ascending Butterfly is a member of Influenster and Influenster boxes are randomly sent to members (bloggers as well as non-bloggers) for editorial consideration and our honest opinions of the products. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. See our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for full information.

One of my favorite moments from #TheMakeupShow NYC w/ @JVincentmakeup & @thebodyshopusa #MakeupMonday #MotivationMonday

Happy Summer Butterflies! Have you entered our first giveaway in our "Summer of Memories" promotion yet? No? Then get on that NOW!

My summer has been a mixed bag of *ish to be honest. Some Major Appliances decided to ALL die on me at once including my air conditioner in the middle of a heat wave (No Bueno), My Washer AND my Refrigerator. Not sure how I am going to magically replace all three of them. Let's see I'm already wearing three hats - Life/Career Coach, Social Media Consultant and Writing, I may have to take on a FOURTH job, LOL!

And life has had the nerve to get in the way of my normally daily blogging routine.

So there it is! Those are just part of the challenges I have been facing and it's been making it super hard to get focused, back into my writing and concentrate.

I have attended some amazing events whose recaps are long overdue. But I am sure if I hustle to put everything I experienced into one post in an effort to get them covered and keep it moving, that important things will slip through the cracks.

And with some major shows where so much ground gets covered that is all to easy to do.

That being said I decided to cut up my recaps into smaller bits and poignant moments.

First up, The Makeup Show NYC.

This the 11th year of the show and they always host a blogger preview night that is hosted by the amazing James Vincent - he goes through which trends we should be looking for during the show and concludes by going through each item in the Blogger Swag Bag (a Bag which I promise will get a post of it's own). There are some amazing beauty brands that come through each year, so when James dissects the bag and what's in it and WHY, there are always a ton of 'oohs and aaahs' - this year he presented a brand that made the room literally go quiet. It wasn't 'silent awe'. Attendees weren't awestruck. I think they were a bit 'under-whelmed' to be frank. It's an ugly side of blogging I don't like to be honest. A bit of the 'bougies' is what it was.

And that made James decide to give us all some history on how he began to work with the brand and what he admires about them like their "The Body Shop Foundation" which supports a wide variety of causes including Animal Protection, Human Rights and Environmental Protection.

MY TAKE:

I love that James supported The Body Shop. The Makeup Show is about real MUA sharing real tips and tricks. A good bag has a wide variety of products in a wide variety of price ranges.

That "Keep it Real folks moment" was my personal favorite from the preview night. One of many I plan to feature (slowly but surely as my schedule permits).

And by the way I am totally digging The Body Shop MORINGA Softening Body Butter that was included in The Makeup Show Blogger Swag Bag. It offers 24 hour Intense Moisture for Dry Skin with Seed Oil from Hand-Picked Moringa. I love the light floral scent and rich intense hydration, especially on my hands which seems to soak up everything I use on them in an instant.

Remember blogging buddies, it's not the amount of the swag or the amount the swag costs, it's the *usefulness* of it!

This Body Butter has a familiar scent I can't place, if any of you out there have already tried it and can place what this is reminding me of, please let me know with a comment here or tagging me via social. (I swear it's been driving me nuts that I can't figure out what this smells like to me). I am picking up a white floral scent but it reminds me of something and I can't figure out what.

More Show Highlights, Makeup and the Swag I was blessed to receive, either in swag bags or at vendor booths to come.

Happy #MakeupMonday to my Beauty Babes out there and Happy #MotivationMonday  too!

What is your favorite 'budget friendly' Beauty Find?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and as always ALL opinions are 100% my own! Press Passes to The Makeup Show New York were provided for Editorial Consideration. A Swag Bag was provided and this product was in that bag. 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.

Join the #SummerOfMemories #Giveaway Campaign! #AscendingButterfly wants to 'pimp your summer'

It is officially Summa Time, Summa Time, Sum Sum Summa Time!

We want you out there making memories this summer and thought the most fun way to support you would be with a summer of giveaway fun that encourages making memories.

Today we are launching our Summer of Memories Giveaway Campaign - it's a giveaway promotion that will grow all summer!

Our first brand up is Tiny Prints and Shutterfly. Read more about my love for them HERE. They are offering YOUR choice of a $100 Gift Card to Tiny Prints or Shutterfly!

The giveaway page will be automatically updated with new giveaways so check the home-page of the blog to find out who the next giveaway brand will be! If the widget gets stuck, refresh your page and then hit the words "a Rafflecopter Giveaway" and follow the prompts to enter. (Unless noted, all giveaways end 09/01/2016 - check each giveaways launch page to double check!)

What is YOUR Favorite Summer Memory? (Yes it can be a past summer if you are still working on summer memories for this summer)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: The Summer of Memories Giveaway Promotion is a Sponsored Promotion - products and compensation have been provided. Sponsors are responsible for prize fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly nor contest sponsor(s) 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!

#AscendingButterfly is opening our #SummerOfMemories #Giveaway Campaign with @Tinyprints & @Shutterfly

This post is Sponsored by:

It is officially Summa Time, Summa Time, Sum Sum Summa Time!

We want you out there making memories this summer and thought the most fun way to support you would be with a summer of giveaway fun that encourages making memories.

Today we are launching our Summer of Memories Giveaway Campaign - it's a giveaway promotion that will grow all summer!

Our first brand up is Tiny Prints and Shutterfly.

You guys already know how obsessed I am with Tiny Prints as I only use them for my business cards, you can check out past posts (remember if you look back on a giveaway post that giveaway is now closed so be sure to enter the new one under our Summer of Memories promotion!) the love is real folks as evidenced in past posts HERE, HERE, and HERE.

In fact, we have a 'twofer' for you! You can get 30% off at Tiny Prints using the coupon below:

and in our Summer of Memories Giveaway we are hosting a Giveaway of $100 to YOUR choice of Tiny Prints of Shutterfly! So whether it's creating beautiful invitations, photo gifts, photo collages or amaze balls Business Cards, we've got you covered!

My Cards:

My business card is a folded card, this is how I present it when I hand it to someone

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)

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:

Tiny Prints has certainly solved 'my one year itch' when it comes to re-designing my Business Cards. I am long standing customer of both Shutterfly and Tiny Prints, and nothing makes me happier than being able to have my personal likes reflected on my blog and partnering with brands that are already a part of my life!

What would you select if you were picked as the winner - A $100 Gift Card to Shutterfly or Tiny Prints?

(And no worries, they won't get offended if you pick one over the other as they are affiliated! LOL)

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FTC Disclosure: Tiny Prints/Shutterfly provided business cards for Editorial Consideration. The Summer of Memories Giveaway Promotion is a Sponsored Promotion - products and compensation have been provided. 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!

{#WordlessWednesday} Spirits, #Wine, and Daffodils in the Garden! {#WineWednesday}

Remember when I posted about Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend happening on Earth Day Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden? If you forgot, here is a link to the original post.

The event was as awesome as I knew it would be and I thought Wordless Wednesday would be a perfect opportunity to share the photo highlights.

I will never be totally 'Wordless' on Wordless Wednesday (unless I just don't post!), but since this is the day to showcase our Photography Skills I promise this post won't disappoint.

What I got experience, in no particular order:

Above: I had to start with the Daffodils. They were the star of the show!  The Daffodils were so pretty, and signs of Spring were much needed at that point. Winters can feel never-ending around here!

Above: This Artisan Cabernet Savignon was a pleasant surprise. You guys know I am still getting my feet wet when it comes to reds, but this one was very well balanced.

Above: Artisan's offerings were actually all pretty well balanced, but for me finding a red I like is rare, so when I hit tastings I always make it a point to take a 'stand out' shot so I can have it for reference. This way when I am shopping and preparing for parties - whether I am hosting or looking for a hostess gift for a party I am attending I can refer to my stand out shots to find the perfect wine for any occasion.

Above: OK, back to white, this 2015 'Cayuga White' Premium White Wine by Brimstone Hill was another standout. (Pretty sweet shot right?)

Above: Couldn't resist nabbing a shot of the tasting menu from Brotherhood Winery.

Above:  There wasn't a bad one in the bunch and I am thinking of the summer nights ahead that their Sangria would be perfect for! (Remember never wonder what to do with stray fruit, chop it up and put in a pitcher with your sangria! LOL) - and remember the best life hack ever - freeze your grapes and use those in your wine instead of ice cubes. YAS!!!!

Above: I love 'miniatures' and I was living for this mini wine barrel - I so wanted it as a souvenir!

Above: This Brotherhood Riesling was definitely their standout for me. I love how patiently all the winery reps posed for my 'standout wine' photos and for my famous 'pour shots'.

While poking around their site I just noticed they have an ice wine, I am going to have to try that one next time. I LOVE Ice Wines!

Above: Yep, had to get that pour shot! Are you starting to feel like you were there?

Above: Got to capture another pour in action by City Winery! (By the way I am linking you to their NYC site, you can press on the upper left where it reads 'Change Your City' if you are not based here)

Above: My City Winery tasting standouts were: The 2015 'Local R' California Rose and the 2014 'sohovignon blanc' (noticed what they do there, SOHOvignon instead of sauvignon!) I love their hashtag #DrinkLocal

Above: This year's tastings have really expanded my palate, and my two standouts from Palaia Winery were actually their Meads! 'Smead' and 'Magical Mead' were my two standouts. Go figure, the two things that don't really use Grapes, the Magical Mead is a honey wine, made from honey with no Grapes at all and the Smead is a Strawberry Mead made with the Mead and Strawberries.

Above: Had to get my pour shot! I enjoyed tasting through with Palaia but was very surprised to have my standouts be the ones that didn't use Grapes. That's a new one on me. And it's really fun to find something that's unique and different.

Above: If you remember my press trip to BrandyWine Valley I made several surprising discoveries - an apple wine I really enjoyed and I discovered a 'Bourbon Street Margarita' Signature Drink that amped up my Margarita game, I had no idea that what my Margaritas were missing was a splash of bourbon in addition to the Tequila. I know right? Well when Warwick Valley Winery and Distillery whipped out the Black Dirt Distillery Apple Jack it was quite a surprise! They were actually smart and brought an assortment of spirits, not just wine which was great and needless to say the men folk were gravitating here! (Too bad I didn't find any single ones! #LeSigh) This bourbon was really, really, really GOOD!

Above: My dry palate was obviously off that day as I was digging stuff way sweeter than my normal! The American Fruits Apple Liquer and Black Current Cordial were also standouts for me. And that my butterflies, surprised even ME!

Above: I would be remiss not to include Warwick Gin which was another pleasant surprise to find at a wine tasting!

Above: And another perfect pour shot with Whitecliff Vineyards!

Above: If the backdrop of a Botanical Garden isn't enough for a stellar wine tasting experience, there was live music by performed by Milton.  (Bluegrass and Folk Tunes)

MY TAKE:

The New York Botanical Garden turns 125 years old in 2016 and to celebrate that milestone they began an expansion of the Narcissus plants at Daffodil Hill in November 2015, the goal is one million daffodils and they are looking for donations to help make that happen, you can learn more about the initiative and ways to help HERE.

The Daffodil Celebration and Wine Weekend was a great way to spend Earth Day Weekend, outdoors with perfect weather with great company listening to music and sampling great wine, life just doesn't get much better than this.

Readers Sound Off: Which of my tasting finds appeal to you most? Which one would you want to try first?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and as always ALL opinions are 100% my own! Press Passes were provided 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.

Highlights: Glambition Women Think BIG #IMANxglambition #Imanalterego event in #NYC #MotivationMonday #MakeupMonday

I am still in catch up mode and plotting something special for summer for my butterflies for being so patient this year!

During 2016 Women's History Month in March I attended a very special event called "GLAMBITION Women Think Big". An event intended to help empower and inspire and explore the many roles we play both in life and in business.

One of the sponsors was Iman Cosmetics who presented their newest collection #IMANAlterEgo - a collection that helps women to celebrate all of our 'moods' - they were providing makeovers and a photo booth opp. I am obsessed with their lipsticks. But as usual, they didn't change my lips. It is very rare that any makeup person changes my lipstick. Probably because I custom blend my color myself! But it's always flattering! I am digging this collection and there will be more to come soon (If I dive into the collection here, it will certainly overshadow the event recap).

There is a reason, putting on makeup is called 'putting on your face', We feel like two different people at times when we are wearing makeup - more 'in control' and ready for whatever comes your way, and when you are not wearing any makeup, I'll bet you feel a bit different.

It's OK to explore your 'alter ego', it's OK to celebrate all the different roles that make you who you are - both in life and in business.

Above: Alter Ego - The Many Roles Women Play Panel at GLAMBITION Women Think Big event in New York City. Speakers Included: Desiree Reid, EVP of IMAN Cosmetics, Robert Willis of Universal Beauty, Sharon Nelson of National Woman Caucus, Sarah Perez Jarrett, CEO of SPT Wellness and Elizabeth Carrion of Ogilvy & Mather.

There were panel sessions that helped to empower entrepreneurs - both men and women in business who are doing big things and were willing to share the journey! 

Photo Credit: Dee & Co Group

Photo Highlights of the Sponsors and Exhibitors in Attendance:

Above: You may remember seeing Murphs Famous Bloody Mary Mix on these pages before, but check this post out for a refresher - Bloody Mary Mussels and cocktail (I used Murph's Famous Hot & Spicy Bloody Mary Mix to make both the cocktail and as a base for the red sauce for the mussels as well!)

Above: Swee Tess CreationZ had such a pretty display I photographed it in separate vignettes instead of just the whole table so the details wouldn't get lost! (The first photo all the way on top of this post is from their display as well.)

Above: The Chocolate Covered Oreos and Sugar Cookies were event branded! Smart!

Above: Cakepops are awesome, delicious goodness in an easier to eat, party friendly format. I still haven't mastered the art of eating a frosted cupcake 'neatly' with cakepops I get the same goodness in a smaller bite size package.

Above: Dr Jose Rigoberto Perez Diaz Salud Para Todos featured at Glambition WomenThinkBIG NYC event. I certainly appreciate the reference to Psalm 46 on the bag! (I linked you to it if you are interested in reading it!) We were provided with health supplements that I will share more about in another post.

Above: I love when events present me with brands that are 'new to me'. I greatly enjoyed Limation Organic Drinks and am happy I got the chance to try them out. Infused into a traditional limeaid you will find pure organics - lavender, exotic passion fruit, watermelon - and with summer swiftly approaching I can tell you that you *NEED* these in your life. Whether your summer beverage includes 'spirits' or not, this will be summer cocktail enhancer for sure!

Above: You guessed it, all natural and made with Pure Olive Oil! Spadet has a wide range of product offerings and area also great on even the most sensitve skin!

Above: Universal Beauty Products Inc presented products from their Jamaican Mango & Lime line - the products are coconut milk and honey. I can't wait to try these out!

Above: Paychex was on hand to let business owners know they don't have to go it alone when it comes to HR services including Payroll, Retirement and Insurance.

MY TAKE:

Taking your business - whatever your business may be, to the next level requires a balance of smarts/knowledge/'know-how' and inspiration/creativity. You need a bit of both, and there certainly is no reason you can't look beautiful doing it! 

Readers Sound Off: What is YOUR Alter Ego? How do Cosmetics and Beauty Products alter your mood?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, this is an event recap and passes were provided 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Springing into #Beauty with these picks from @beautypress #SpotlightDay! #BBloggers

I swear this 'Butterfly-in-Chief' hasn't gone into hiding, but it's been a stress-filled Quarter 1 of 2016 so far, and things have been so nuts I haven't even felt like blogging about it. Not like me I know. #LeSigh

While I try to work my way to back to the inspirational posts you know me for, I thought I'd get caught up on some Event Recaps that are very much long overdue.

I have been attending BeautyPress Spotlight Days since 2012 (in fact here is my recap of the first one I attended in October 2012), they never fail to impress, they curate fab beauty brands/products and introduce them to Press in an informal yet surprisingly well organized format.

Here is the event in Pictures:

Above: The team behind Caolion (natural Korean Cosmetics - Korea's first pure hypoallergenic products) were super welcoming and just like we focus often on 'farm-to-table' on these pages, Caolion believes in the power of 'edible skincare' - gentle on even the most sensitive skin.

Above: This part of their collection focuses on Pores and I am definitely looking forward to trying these! (Been feeling like I could play 'connect the dots' with mine lately!)

Above: I loved the display, and I definitely love a simple to understand ingredient list! When you can pronounce each ingredient, you know you are safe!

Above: CAOLION Cosmetics Stands for [Culture + Association + Originality + LION]

Above: CoTZ has impressed me greatly since meeting them for the first time awhile back at Beauty Press Spotlight Day, they are one of my favorite Tinted Moisturizers with SPF to wear daily because of the soft, sheer matte finish. (Remember butterflies, this is a tinted moisturizer, not a full on foundation so don't expect full coverage, it's a sheer coverage but with such a great feel to the finish and a Balanced Mineral Complex. We keep inviting them to collaborate with us for a Twitter Party so I can bring them to not only our readers but all consumers in a fun, viral way. You guys really respond well to Twitter Parties, so hopefully I will bring them on board for one soon. (Feel free to comment on this post if you are interested in having CoTZ come on board for a Twitter Party)

Above: A little 'How it Began?' - Tish & Snooky's Manic Panic was born on 7/7/77 when two N.Y.C.-born sisters, Tish and Snooky, added some extra ambition to their rock 'n' roll lifestyle. Specifically catering to the punk rock and alternative crowd with hipsters coming from all over the world to shop and to see and be seen. Read More About Their Story HERE.

Above: I did a double take when I noticed many of the lipsticks matched the hair dyes - YAS!!!!!!

Above: Mitchell Black Candles lit the venue and we were given candles to take home as well. I am a candle junkie (incense as well) and I lit one of these in my Foyer and it literally enveloped the room with such a pleasant scent and warm feel. If you have any candle snobs on your gift list, give them these!

Above: Grove, Hearth, Loren and Corsica Scented Fragrance Candles by Mitchell Black

Above: In addition to Candles, Mitchell Black offers Fine Stationery, appetizer plates (I would also use these as catchalls for jewelry, keys, rings, etc)

Above: Shaffali Skincare is where Ayurveda and Aromatherapy meet, utilizing Indian herbs and spices to bring out your glow and fruit and flower essences to uplift your mood and skin.

Above: Shaffali Miglani, Founder of Shaffali Organic Skincare

Editors in attendance were treated to a wonderful experience of having our pores steamed and then a facial using Shaffali Organic Skincare Products. There is a meditation and empowering mantra for each product so that the line addresses mind, body, skin and soul. I loved getting an 'on-the-spot' introduction to the range of products, the facial allowed Editors to take a moment away from 'talking business' and focus on the pampering aspect that facials provide. I loved the experience and enjoyed the products! I know I am not going to be happy when I run out of these.

Above: SmoothSkin Gold is an IPL Hair Removal Device. We did not come home with these, so I am mentioning that I did meet them at BeautyPress Spotlight Day, however I cannot provide a recommendation/endorsement as I have not personally tested the device. 

Above: Being the smart butterfly that I am, I wore my Bodipure Glove as I was getting the facial treatment from Shaffali Skincare, when I was done, I not only had a glowing face, I also had baby smooth hands too! I LOVE these!

Above: I was also happy to see a brand I know well Twisted Sista, because you know the saying is 'curly hair don't care', but girl it does care! Curls need moisture my friends! And for my fellow fine/thin hair types don't be intimidated by curly hair products, they actually are great for adding volume and NOT weighing hair down which is exactly what we all want to achieve.

Above: Freixenet is one of my favorite 'bubblies', I have a super dry palate and their Cordon Negro Brut is one of my all time faves!

Above: Mionetto Gran Rose Extra Dry is one I hadn't tried before and definitely enjoyed, most Rose's are sweet, I liked that this one had a good balance.

MY TAKE:

I can't even begin to pick a favorite with this Spotlight Day, they definitely curated a great collection of brands and I look forward to sharing individual product reviews as time permits.

Readers Sound Off: Which Product would you most like to try and why?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, it is an event recap and 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.