@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn @QualityMeatsNYC #Photography Gear and Pro Tips!

NOT a compensated post, however it does earn me an entry into a special competition!

This Butterfly about town is currently attending the Photo Plus Expo (which you can best believe I have already been tweeting about and will bring you highlights from the show as soon as possible) in New York City, so since this is going to keep me wrapped up for a few days I thought I would warm you all up on the idea of me talking some heavy tech and photography by sharing about a great "Lunch and Learn" event I attended recently hosted by Techlicious, The Consumer Technology Association, CES and Lifestyle Blogger Danielle Wilson

The Venue: Quality Meats in New York City

Above: You know I am all in when it comes to a nicely set table that is welcoming, inviting and filled with ambience and warm glow!

The Menu:

Above: Appetizers included: Green Goddess Chopped Salad, The QM Crabcake, Hamachi Sashimi; Entrees Included: Filet Mignon, Tuna Au Poivre and East Coast Halibut; Desserts Included: Chocolate Cream Pie, Passion Fruit Tart and Bellini Sorbet

Above: They brought out all three apps to the table and we were able to try a bit of each one!

Above: All about that Halibut!

Above: YES to that Chocolate Cream Pie which I wish I had right now!

The Speakers:

Above: Suzanne Kantra of Techlicious

Above: Tyler Suiters, Consumer Technology Association

Above: Alex Podstawski, Nikon USA

This was one of my favorite tips: VR is useful, but a tripod is better for very long exposures (I totally agree!). Use low ISOs for best quality and use high ISOs to stop movement at night. (Don't you love that effect?)

The Products Featured (and showcase sponsors):

Above: Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box

Above: Shutterfly Ribbon Candle

Above: Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster

Above: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Silver

Above: Nikon D3400

Above: Panasonic Lumix ZS70

Above: Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank Printer

Above: Tiffen Steadicam Volt

Tips For Taking Better Photos:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Burst Mode to ensure you get the shot - In Burst Mode you are able to take multiple shots with one press of the shutter button.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Sports Mode To Stop Action - While this mode is not always as good at capturing true-to-life skin tones, it helps you capture a moving object with more vibrant color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use HDR Mode- In this mode your camera takes two or more shots at different exposures and then combines them so both the light and dark areas of your photos are shot properly yielding in a much better end result than if you didn't use High Dynamic Range Mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tripod - Holding a camera or phone still long enough to get a clear, crisp shot is difficult no matter how steady of hand you may think you are, start using a tripod and you will notice a difference in your images. I do have one, I need to find the right carrier, and I saw one at Photo Plus Expo that I really like!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Fast Lens"- A fast lens will let more light through, enabling you to take pictures faster, and reducing the potential for blur. How can you tell how 'fast' a lens is? Look at the maximum aperture (the shutter behind the lens) called the "f-stop". The lower the number, the wider the aperture and the more light the lens will let in. A good camera choice will come in at f/2.8 or lower.

Cool Halloween Trick Shots:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Ghosts in your photos with multiple exposure mode- Take a shot of a scene, and then another shot with a person in it - the multiple exposure setting will combine the two shots, making the shot with the person somewhat transparent - Ghostly! The key here is to use a tripod so the background remains EXACTLY the same in each of the two shots.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Add Ghostly Writing to a Scene - You can add Ghost Writing by using a Long Exposure, ideally 30 seconds, again you want to use a tripod here to keep your camera steady, a light source (flashlight or glow stick) and black gloves to hold the light source. Once you've started the exposure, draw shapes or words with the light source. With your hands in the black gloves they won't be visible in the final shot. If you're writing words, they'll show up backwards in the image, but that's easy to fix by flipping the image afterwards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Spooky Silhouettes - Find a spot with a clear line of sight to the western sky and have your subject stand in front of you with the bright sky behind them, turn off your camera's flash about 20 minutes before sunset for a perfect Halloween Backdrop.

 My Take:

I consider this more of a 'who I met' and 'what I got to see', these are NOT product reviews! You all know my motto on events is this: SEEING product is NOT the same as me putting it through its paces. And I have gone back and amended reviews if a product failed me while still in warranty. This butterfly is always going to be transparent, honest and just plain 100%.

I have followed up with everyone and offered them a shot at an actual product review and also the offer of doing something neat for my butterflies too!

We were provided with the Tiffen Steadicam Volt, which I have not yet had the opportunity to test as I tend to carry my DSLR to document most events. I will try to test it as soon as possible and come back to you guys with a full review.

Lunch at Quality Meats was fantastic, and I enjoyed getting the tips as well as I am constantly striving to improve my photography skills as a Lifestyle Blogger and Social Media Influencer it is a critical skill set. So while I am at the Photo Plus Tradeshow, I leave you with some homework of your own:

Visit the websites and read the product specs, then come back here and let me know which of the products featured above would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post, this was a press event one not open to the public, this is an event recap. 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.

Check out Giant Pumpkin Weekend THIS WEEKEND at @NYBG #NYBG #NewYorkBotanicalGarden

Wishing all my butterflies the richness and comforts of Fall and a bountiful harvest at your table!

To all my New York City Butterflies and those of you who might be in town this weekend, I have a fun way to enjoy the colors of Fall and enjoy some awesome photo opps that are definitely Instagram worthy, it's Giant Pumpkin Weekend at NYC landmark New York Botanical Gardens THIS WEEKEND ONLY! It's also your last chance to catch the Dale Chihully Exhibit that I have been featuring on these pages all summer! (We gave away a pair of tickets to Chihully Nights at the Garden HERE - remember that giveaway is now CLOSED, and I featured the exhibit again when I realized after perusing my photo collection from the Media Day that my outfit actually matched one of the installations in the exhibit HERE) Here are some great shots from the last wine tasting I attended at NYBG, HERE.

I normally try to arrange a giveaway, but there was no time this time around so I will try to work on something for the Train Show.

What you will see:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Record-Breaking Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds - arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, the recognized standard of weights, measurement, and fairness of competitive growing. This year’s North American record breaker, weighing 2,363 pounds, was grown by Joel Holland from Washington state. Also on display will be the world’s largest squash at 2,118 pounds from Rhode Island; the largest European pumpkin, from England, at 2,269 pounds; and the longest gourd in the United States, from Wisconsin, at 143.75 inches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Meet the Growers - You can ask questions and get tips directly from these talented growers!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Giant Pumpkin Seed Harvest - Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will be opening these monstrous gourds and actually climbing inside to harvest their impressive seeds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail - Wear your favorite costume, decorate a bag to collect wholesome goodies while you enjoy this weekend of hands-on activities and special events.

 Above: Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens

The sign reads:

"Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd" (Lagenaria Siceria)

Look at the silhouette of this uniquely shaped gourd to see features reminiscent of a swan's neck

Above: Isn't this the CUTEST Ghost Bush Ever?

Above: He's a unique sort of 'pineapple-o-lantern' isn't he?

Above: That is quite a LARGE pumpkin!

Above: I have no idea why my blog template makes this shot so small, please press on it to see it a big bigger and capture more detail on the rock.

Enjoy butterflies you all know just how camera shy I am!

Above: More jack-o-lantern spooky cuteness!

Above: I love how that ray of sunlight on the left just breaks through the greenery and looks like it's pointing at the pumpkin patch!

Not just one, but TWO shots of me in one post, SHOCKING!

WINNER ALERT: Our lucky winner for the 24 count of assorted truffles from Elements Truffles is Julie Waldron, entry #621! Congrats Julie! Don't forget to reply to your winner's email with your address for prize fulfillment! She won from an extra credit entry, I always encourage entrants to do more than just the main entry, see it really pays off! (Just a warning we validate entries, so if the randomizer picks someone for example for following on twitter or Instagram, we are going to make the sure the person actually did it before we validate them as a prize winner - you can't cheat the system). Enjoy your truffles Julie!

What are YOUR Halloween Plans? If you do visit New York Botanical Garden for Giant Pumpkin Weekend this Weekend, please tag us so we can see your photos! @Ascending1 for both twitter and Instagram!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} #TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty #ContestEntry

#TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty by tiglesia

Featuring:

Bottega Veneta leather jacket

Walter Steiger short boots

Givenchy clutch

Maker's Halloween Velour Terry Hand Towel 16"x28"-Trick Or Treat

It's been a seriously long time since I have had a moment to get on Polyvore, get inspired, and make some boards, their recent #PumpkinSpice Challenge caught my eye and I thought I would give it my New York City Gal Leather Loving edge with a leather jacket, statement boots with orange patent leather accents and what is a butterfly post without a statement handbag right? Check out this hot number by Givenchy. (And yes butterflies, I know our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight Feature is MIA, I am working on returning that much beloved Feature as soon as possible).

Those all Vamp Halloween Nails are literally EVERYTHING!

This all treats no tricks butterfly style.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: To add to our 'treat' theme, don't forget that today is the LAST DAY to enter our hot flash giveaway for a 24 count box of Assorted Chocolate Truffles from Elements Truffles. These are Ayurveda inspired, junk free and even dairy free and I can assure you they are flavorful, delicious and do taste 'decadent'! If you haven't already entered, enter HERE! If you have already entered, don't forget to share via your social media channels for extra credit entries. (Our last contest winner, selected by randomizer won from her twitter entry! I keep telling you all it pays to tweet!)

I have an event packed day so our Women's Entrepreneur Series will return next Wednesday, and come back tomorrow for some #TechTalk you are not going to want to miss.

What are YOUR Halloween Plans?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. Polyvore Boards let you link to the brands pictured, the links are NOT affiliate either. The giveaway we are currently hosting that is referenced in this article is sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! Personally I think every brand mentioned should be paying me big bucks. 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.

Our #WomenEntrepreneurWednesday #NYNow Spotlight is back with a Flash #Giveaway from @elementstruffle #Spon

 Giveaway Sponsored by Elements Truffles

This summer I met so many inspiring women at the NYNOW Tradeshow (The Market for Home, Lifestyle and Gifts), that instead of lumping my recap of the show into one big post where you might only get a one or two sentence recap, I wanted to give each woman entrepreneur and their amazing brands their own individual day in the sun.

While the first Woman Entrepreneur/Woman Crush Wednesday was not from NYNOW but from a different event entirely (if you missed it I featured Emaurade Toubia from the show Shadowhunters who moderated a great panel on Latina Beauty HERE), I wanted to devote some dedicated time to featuring women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams.

One of the brands that stood out was Elements Truffles and it's Founder, Alak Vasa who I got a chance to meet in person during NYNOW.

About the Founder:

One of the things that stood out most about Alak Vasa, founder of Elements Truffles is that she was a Wall Street Trader. I worked in Finance for quite awhile during College and I remember working on the Trading Floor for quite a number of Financial Firms and remember first hand just how incredibly stressful the environment is.

Good chocolate is one of the things that kept Alak going and also planted a seed of inspiration. Combining her culinary experiments with her spirituality and the ancient life science of Ayurveda, Alak turned her passion for chocolate and how the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether - into an artisanal dessert.

Oddly enough when I worked in Finance we had a great truffle store located inside our building, except those truffles were popular for their 'spirits' not just their spirit! If you know what I mean! Wink! Wink!


About Elements Truffles They contain NO:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GMO
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soy or other Emulsifiers
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Preservatives
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Synthetic Flavors
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gluten
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cane Sugars
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Refined Sugars
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dairy

You read it right, Dairy Free and Gluten Free Chocolate and trust me you wouldn't be able to tell by the flavor that these are Dairy Free!

Ingredient Sourcing:

Their ingredients including Cacao made from fine quality Criollo beans from Peru and honey extracted ethically from local honey bees in New Jersey are all from Fair Trade Manufacturers that align with Element Truffles philosophies (high quality with low environmental impact).

Social Stewardship:

Not only do 25% of the profits go towards supporting the education of under-privileged children in tribal areas of India, (their charity partner is www.careforchildren.org) each member of The Elements Truffles team invests at least five hours of their time each week giving back to the community.

I loved them all, but these were my top two flavors in no particular order:

Above: Peppermint infused with Lavender - Elements Truffles Ayurveda Inspired Artisanal Chocolate Bar

Above: Raspberry infused with beetroot - Elements Truffles Ayurveda Inspired Artisanal Chocolate Bar

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WIN IT + MY TAKE:

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24 Count Assorted Elements Truffles - Photo Used With Permission

What I can't stress highly enough is just how delicious Elements Truffles are! It's rare that people rave that something good for you, tastes good too. That's what amazes me most, they hide all this healthy stuff inside their chocolate, yet it tastes better than most I have tried to date. At this point in my blogging career the highest praise I can give something that helps you understand my sincerity is to tell you I plan to buy these on regular rotation so I can have them at hand, and that is saying A LOT!

Our friends at Elements Truffles want you to experience their artisanal chocolate first hand so we have teamed up to give away a 24 count box of their assorted truffles!

Can't wait to see if you've won, or have a chocolate craving and must get some NOW, now NOW!? I can't say I blame you, shop them here:  Shop Elements Truffles

Follow the instructions in the Gleam widget below so you can be in it to win it (we are switching from Rafflecopter to Gleam this time around, please let us know if you experience any glitches so we know going forward if we should stick with Gleam and consider going Pro or go back to rafflecopter - we are letting you decide!)

Elements Truffles 24 Count Box of Assorted Truffles

I have tried a larger number of 'healthy chocolate' brands than you know dear butterflies. The reason you don't know is because they don't all make these pages. The last time I was this jazzed about a chocolate that could honestly call itself "healthy" was unreal which I featured HERE if you missed it.

READERS SOUND OFF: Visit Elements Truffles and tell us which of their flavors you are most excited to try (by the way that is the mandatory entry for this contest, so don't forget to tell us in the Gleam Widget what name you commented under so you can get your entry!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! They are sponsoring the prize, however this post is NOT compensated! 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.

#ad: Going through @NBCThisIsUs Withdrawal? Would Winning #ThisIsUsMusic from the Series help? #Giveaway

AD: This is a Compensated Post Sponsored by One2One Network and UMe

Fall is upon us and along with cozy sweaters, boots, and for those who indulge, Pumpkin Spice Latte's, also comes the joys of Fall TV.

With most people hitting the road in the summer, summer TV tends to feel like the filler it is, and we await the return of Fall shows with baited breathe, wondering how those cliff hangers will be resolved.

I have a select few shows I am waiting for (what can I tell you 'spare time' is as elusive as a Unicorn for me as of late) - there are very shows I watch during live airing (I usually watch 'on demand' so for me to watch a show during it's live airing is saying it all about how much that show means to me) - one of the shows I can't wait to see return is NBC Television's This Is Us.

This Is Us Season 2 Premieres Tuesday, September 26 at 9pm on NBC. If you haven't watched Season 1, you need to get on that. Like NOW.

Be sure to have your snacks and beverages handy - you are NOT going to want to move, and be sure to have Kleenex on hand butterflies, this show will literally give you ALL the feels. Not some feels, but literally: ALL. THE. FEELS.

Above: Cast of NBC Television's Hit Series This Is Us

About the Show:

Chosen by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten television programs of 2016 and nominated for 10 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series, "This Is Us" chronicles the Pearson family across the decades: from Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) as young parents in the 1980s and 1990s to their now adult kids Kevin (Justin Hartley), Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) searching for love, fulfillment and healing in the present day. This grounded, life-affirming dramedy reveals how the events in our lives – both big and small – impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance and even death. Chris Sullivan, Susan Kelechi Watson and Ron Cephas Jones (who is AMAZING!) also star.

Ron Cephas Jones as William Hill in NBC Television's This Is Us

Music From The Series:

This Is Us (Music from the Series), a companion to the show America loves, is available September 15 via UMe. This Is Us: The Complete First Season will be available on DVD three days earlier so fans can relive all the moments along with the music from the hit show. With instantly recognizable hits and classics, an original song and a compelling score, the soundtrack features 20 songs curated by “This Is Us” Creator/Executive Producer Dan Fogelman and his team, music supervisor Jennifer Pyken and composer/musician Siddhartha Khosla. Each musical element is carefully woven throughout the series, with the songs clearly defining a moment or serving as a gentle guide through the complex emotional journey.

TRACKLISTING:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1.  Death With Dignity - Sufjan Stevens
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2.  You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3.  Willin’ – Mandy Moore - Song on YouTube here
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 4.  Can’t Find My Way Home - Blind Faith
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 5. Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 6.  The Calvary Cross – Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 7.  Watch Me – Labi Siffre
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8.  The Wind – Cat Stevens
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 9.  Come Talk To Me – Goldspot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 10. Blues Run The Game – Jackson C. Frank
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 11. If Only – Maria Taylor (featuring Conor Oberst)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 12. Northern Sky - Nick Drake
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 13. If I Ever Was A Child - Wilco
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 14. Because Of You - Gene Clark
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 15. Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix) – Goldspot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 16. Without You – Badfinger
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 17. The World’s Smiling Now - Jim James
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 18. Photograph – Ringo Starr
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 19. We Can Always Come Back To This - Brian Tyree Henry
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 20. This Is Us Score Suite - Siddhartha Khosla

Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson in NBC Television's Hit Series, This Is Us

I am going to keep this post spoiler free because if you haven't seen the show I don't want to spoil it. One of the plotlines includes Rebecca Pearson, played by Mandy Moore, a mother with dreams of a career as a professional singer who eventually does attempt to live out this dream and we see her sing Little Feat's "Willin'" in one episode, the track is also included on This Is Us (Music From The Series).

Mandy does a great job with the song "Willin'", other notable tracks include:

"Death With Dignity" by Sufjan Stevens which fans will recognize from the series' debut episode.

A rare cover of Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk To Me" by Goldspot, praised by Gabriel himself! (not sure there is any other stronger endorsement than that!)

Above: We Can Always Come Back To This from Memphis Episode, NBC This Is Us

"We Can Always Come Back To This" a song that was part of Season 1's pivotal "Memphis" Episode - this soulful, Stax-Inspired song must have really resonated with the show's audience as it topped Billboard's Blues Singles chart at No.1 for FOUR consecutive weeks and reached No. 12 on iTune's Top 100 chart.

And in keeping with the show's theme of family and family relationships, not to be missed is Goldspot's "Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix), drawing on Siddhartha Khosla's personal experience of living in India with his Grandparents while his parents were working in the United States and attending Graduate School. His sole method of being able to communicate with his parents at the time was with a evergreen-colored cassette tapes by his mother, who would speak to him, sing songs and tell him stories.

and the tracklisting concludes with the "This Is Us Score Suite"

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WIN IT

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If you are anything like me and can mark pivotal moments in your own life with music, then you need to win a copy of This Is Us (Music From The Series)!

Winners choice of physical CD or Digital Download, you're welcome!

Can't wait to see if you've won,  Preorder This Is Us (Music from the Series):  https://UMe.lnk.to/ThisIsUs

Follow the instructions in the rafflecopter widget below so you can be in it to win it

a Rafflecopter giveaway
MY TAKE:

I would not survive my commute into the city each day without music. Literally.

And right now in the midst of  New York Fashion Week, Fashion Shows are putting tons of songs in my head.

My ride home consists of good tunes and trying my best to tune out the many sounds of New York City (I am a public transportation commuter so trust when I tell you there are A LOT of sounds to tune out!).

Relationships are the crux of the show, but what NBC This Is Us does is make 'real life' not just relatable but instead of the theme being something you want to escape (we all have familial relationships right), they make it something you literally can't wait to come back to each week.

The entire cast is amazing but Ron Cephas Jones as William is the show standout from Season 1 and for those who watch regularly Toby and Kate played by Chris Sullivan and Chrissy Metz were giving everyone relationship goals, and I can't wait to see how they develop in Season 2. (Season 2 and Season 3 of the show have been given the green light).

There are literally only four shows that get my FULL attention, I mean no laptop/phone and I go entirely device free - This Is Us, Game of Thrones, Ray Donovan and Shameless. They are wildly different, yet technically they aren't - doesn't EVERYTHING revolve around relationships in some form or another?

Happy to be partnering with One2One Network and UMe to put these tunes in your library and share my love for This Is Us. (My favorite music collaboration posts on Ascending Butterfly have been in conjunction with One2One Network, this is one influencer network I have been with the longest, and we definitely share music vibes!)

READERS SOUND OFF: What show are you most looking forward to seeing return? If you watch This Is Us who is your favorite and why? And for true show die-hards, lets challenge you a bit more: Do you remember which scenes go with each song?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post sponsored by One2One Network and UMe, 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.

#WomanCrushWednesday Challenging the misconceptions of #Latina #Beauty moderated by @EmeraudeToubia #WeAreOrgullosa

THIS IS NOT A COMPENSATED POST

You know how every month has an official 'something' day?

September has a quite a few, notable ones including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self-Care Awareness + International Self-Awareness Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Improvement Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Healthy Aging Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - National Preparedness Month (ironic in the wake of Hurricane Harvey + Hurricane Irma)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shameless Promotion Month (I thought this was a joke!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Photos Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Koala Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - International Strategic Thinking Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Relationships Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Women's Friendship Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 - October 15th

Earlier this summer (well actually just a little before summer) I attended a launch event in New York City hosted by P&G's (Procter & Gamble) #WeAreOrgullosa Initiative where a frank panel discussion was hosted to challenge the misconceptions of Latina Beauty.

If the name sounds familiar it is because I have written about the program before in a post that was a writing challenge where bloggers/blogueras were asked to share their 'orgullosa' moments - moments we were most proud of. I look back on that post fondly as I still LOVE my list, if you missed that post, check it out HERE, but be sure to come back to this post!

The Orgullosa program is one of the largest platforms for Latinas by Latinas that provides tips and resources in the beauty, home and lifestyle categories.

In partnership with Crest, Herbal Essences, Olay, Pantene, Secret and Venus a panel conversation which was moderated by Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia (she portrays Isabelle Lightwood on the freeform fantasy series Shadowhunters) revealed a three step approach to breaking Latina Stereotypes that included:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Lookbook - featuring P&G brands and offering readers product savings, style tips and inspiration for feeling confident, beautiful and orgullosa.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photo Gallery - that offers free downloadable photos - anyone looking to represent Latinas will now have more diverse and inclusive options

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Docu-style Video - includes live interviews with Latinas capturing cultural stories aimed to inspire other women to embrace the beauty of their own identity

The Video:

Latinas are often stereotyped as sex symbols and boxed in as having one hair color, skin tone and body type, and are sorely under-represented and inaccurately portrayed by media. Challenging these misconceptions and showing that Latinas are multi-dimensional and certainly not 'one-size fits all' is what fueled Orgullosa to put the power of social media to work and partner with Latina Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Influencers to share tips from their daily beauty routines as well as more personal cultural testimonials.

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"I was honored to have the opportunity to moderate this inspiring panel; each story reignited passion to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Latinas" ~ Emeraude Toubia

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Above: Actress Emeraude Toubia unveils a docu-style video launched by P&G's Orgullosa to celebrate the diversity of Latina Beauty at the #WeAreOrgullosa Event in New York City

Above: Left to Right: Georgina Morillo, Hiliana Devila and Ada Rojas, Far Right Moderator Actress Emeraude Toubia

These ladies are the participants of the Docu-Style Video. I love seeing brands partner with people to tell real stories. 

Above: Had to nab this Product Shot as many of these items were in our gift boxes.

Above: Treat Table with make your own treat mason jars to take home, NICE!

Above: This was during the day so there were no cocktails, but oddly enough this event gets my beverage of the summer award for introducing me to these, there were assorted varieties available for attendees, but these were my favorites with the prickly pear and orange variety (left) being my absolute favorite. I seriously need to find out if they need an Ambassador because I have not been able to stop talking about these!

Above: I  never pass up a flowers shot. Nothing brings more beauty to a space than flowers in my opinion.

Above: You all know I much prefer being behind the camera, so enjoy this rare butterfly sighting of me on the pink carpet 'step and repeat'!

MY TAKE:

More of these frank conversations need to happen to shatter and bust the definition of 'Beauty' wide open, for Latinas and all women.

There are a myriad of ways we can all be part of the solution, whether it's on Social Media or offline, let's celebrate one another, not bash or bully, not criticize photos or videos of other women. It's super easy to use the anonymity of the internet to join the 'mean girls' society, but it is just as easy to say something kind and WAY more empowering.

Ascending Butterfly has always taken a mind, body and soul approach to overall wellbeing AND beauty. and since I'm always listening to music while I write I am going to quote Lauryn Hill:

"How you gon' win when you ain't right within' ~Lauryn Hill (Doo Wop (That Thing)

I have decided to put my usual #WineWednesday to the side for this month and focus on a #WomanCrushWednesday instead, this week I am making all the ladies including the moderator, Emeraude Toubia, my Women Crush Wednesday.

I am also going to focus on various Women Entrepreneurs in this series.

Many will be the amazing women I met at the NYNOW tradeshow this summer. So be on the lookout for upcoming Women Entrepreneurs in my #WomenCrushWednesday series.

Remember Orgullosa is a COMMUNITY, so please head over and join to keep track of future campaigns and to nab great discounts on those Procter & Gamble household and beauty favorites!

READERS SOUND OFF: How do YOU define Beauty? What makes YOU feel most beautiful? Who is your #WomenCrushWednesday this week? Leave a comment here or tag us on social using the hashtag. And for my Latina Beauties also include #WeAreOrgullosa in your social posts so we all can participate in the ongoing conversation.

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: This was a private event for Media, Editors and Influencers, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. There were gift bags. 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.