With Valentine's Day right around the corner here are some gifting ideas courtesy of the New York #Luxury #Technology Show! @LuxuryTechShow #theLTS

The Luxury Review and The Luxury Technology Show (these links take you to past coverage on Ascending Butterfly of both shows) are two of my favorite VIP NYC events to attend. Some years they work with my schedule, some years they don't but the last Luxury Tech Show did in fact work with my schedule, I normally recap it just before Christmas to get those gifting ideas on your holiday shopping radar, but let's just say holidays 2017 was an incredibly busy time, so I thought I would save my photo heavy coverage for #TechThursday on the interwebs and present these amazing options for Valentine's Day Gifting ideas.

I attend the Luxury Review Show and Luxury Tech Show as often as my insane schedule allows.

Who doesn't want new Tech and a touch of Luxe year round?

You can send your significant other straight to this page and let them know that your Valentine's Day wish list can be found here!

If money is no object here are some pretty cool ways to say I love you this year:

This event always greets Press and VIP's with something bubbly on the way in, more on the brand below:

I am used to the wine brand being Stag's Leap Wine Cellars so imagine my surprise when I spotted LOVE - and come on let's face it, no wine could be more perfect for Valentine's Day than a wine called LOVE right?

Above: Vino De La Tierra De Castilla Wines are produced by Bodegas Fernando Castro founded in 1850 and now managed by the 6th generation of the family, the winemaker is José Luis Galán Fernández-Sacristán. and the wines are produced from grapes cultivated from 60 year old vines. LOVE is sold in Michelin Star Restaurants from Manhattan, to Chicago to Houston! I love when events can introduce me to a 'new to me' brand and I am always game to try out some wine.

There were other 'spirits' to be had including:

Above: Bastille 1789 a Hand-Crafted Rare Whiskey Handmade and Finished in French Oak Casks. I am still learning when it comes to Bourbons/Whiskeys I can only tell you what I like, and I am not even going to feign expertise in this category. I did enjoy Bastille and will be adding it to my home bar! This one is to be sipped and savored. (On the Bourbon side one of my favorites is called Larceny)

and another fun new to me:

Above: Cusqueña is a super-premium lager from Cuzco, Peru, the seat of the Inca empire. Brewed since 1911, it uses only the finest natural ingredients, including pure mountain water from a source at 18,000 feet in the Peruvian Andes. I am so happy the Luxury Technology show put them on my radar, I am thinking I need a trip to Peru to try this directly from the source!

and there was even a coming soon: (which has since launched)

Above:  True Vodka uses the highest quality grain alcohol called “Lux” for the production of TRUE Vodka. It is made from mixed rye and wheat grains in Italy and produced by a 7 times distillation process in Caffo’s Distelleria Friulia. They also use specially purified water from the springs of Tuscany, making TRUE a very smooth vodka.

And just to let you know the press get to preview the event in the late afternoon so we get some time to get our product and booth shots and as many interviews as we can before they open to VIP and guests in the evening and the event ends late so these samples were throughout the course of a long day, and quite well spaced out! Drink responsibly butterflies!

Now that the beverage portion of the show is covered, let's get back to the star of the show, all things Tech and all things Luxe!

A lot of great AUDIO:

Above: Como Audio makes listening to music from an iPhone, Spotify, Bluetooth, the Internet, or FM Radio easier with the multi-room, hi-fi audio systems that let you access all of your music content with the press of a button. The Como Audio “Solo” and “Duetto,” are designed to make all of the music content available today accessible, simply by touching a button and from one device. “Amico,” the newest high-fidelity design offers all of the same features as the Solo in a portable, battery-powered, and lightweight system featuring great sound with eight hours of playback. Also newly introduced is “Musica” with the press of a button, all music content is accessible from a variety of sources including Internet radio, Spotify Connect, Tidal, Deezer, Napster, and Amazon Music (available October 2017), FM RDS, Bluetooth with aptX and features AAC (Advanced Audio Coding) for better sound quality, and NFC for pairing devices. Musica also streams CDs to other Como Audio products throughout the home.

Above: IQbuds™ are intelligent, truly wireless earbuds that give you control to hear what you want to hear in the world around you and connect to your digital devices. Nuheara’s Super Intelligent Noise Control (SINC™) technology allows you to dynamically control how you hear the world around you for a better hearing experience. Choose the best audio blend of audio from your digital device with the sounds of the world around you. Enhance your ability to hear speech in crowded restaurants, work events or parties - never miss another word again.

Above: 3DEXCITE showcased the HTC Vive luxury DS Virtual Vision Immersive Configurator.With realistic light, shadow and interactions make every second in Virtual Reality (VR) more real and more appealing. 3D Virtual Reality

Above: Designed by world-renowned acoustic engineer Peter Larsen, the Domigo A9 wireless home system features “beyond HiFi” sound paired with an Android-based smart TV solution, together representing the perfect solution for the modern living room.

Above: MarkAudio-SOTA is a joint cooperation between SOTA Acoustics and Mark audio Loudspeakers, LTD. It harmoniously brings together a dream team of specialists in each aspect of speaker design — including speaker drivers, voice coils, crossovers, and cabinets — to build best-in-class sounding speakers that have build quality and visual appeal to match.

Above: Helm Audio opens up an exceptional, professional-level audio experience to all users — offering premium audio tech at an unbeatable value. Designed by and for producers, DJs, and DIY audiophiles, their planar magnetic headphones and audio accessories are engineered for revolutionary performance and an immersive, dynamic experience. These were quite impressive and I was so hoping a review unit would have arrived by now that I could put through its paces and report back to you on.

Above: Thiel Audio is a Nashville-based technology and entertainment (woman led) company with a 40-year heritage of award-winning sound and design. In recent years, the company has worked to revise its product line to combine its tradition of high-quality and fine design with the needs of today’s audio consumer. In 2017, Thiel introduced their first wireless streaming products, the AURORA Home and the battery-powered AURORA Tour, both of which feature a connectivity suite leveraging DTS Play-Fi, Apple Airplay, and Bluetooth technologies, enabling users to connect seamlessly from their devices to as many as 16 speakers at one time.

Above: I saw it at The Luxuy Technology Show first, then again at PDN Photo Plus Expo and I finally got a chance to review it thanks to my friends at Best Buy, in case you missed it, my review of the Norton Core can be found HERE. The Norton Core is a secure, high-performance Wi-Fi router that helps protect home networks - and an unlimited number of connected devices, including computers and mobile devices – against malware, viruses, hackers, and cybercriminals. With its network packet inspection combined with intelligence from a global threat database, Norton Core can help fend off threats before they infiltrate a home network. Repeat after me, 'security is sexy' - trust me this makes a good gift!

Above: Kano creates computer and coding kits for all ages, all over the world. Kano's mission is to empower a new creative generation to make and play with technology, not just consume it. The company was born from the mind of a 6-year-old who wanted to make his own computer, as simple and easy as LEGO! Can't think of a better Valentine's Day gift for the littles in your life!

Above: Vi is the world’s first artificial intelligence fitness companion meant to help people get off the couch and on their feet. Vi lives in bluetooth headphones with amazing sound and space-grade biosensors. Vi has a truly human voice, powered by countless recordings with more added daily - Vi sounds like a friend, not a robot. Put them on, download the Vi fitness app, and Vi comes to life. Vi will talk and interact with you while you run – getting you into a groove, tracking your records, and even boosting your ego when you need it. When you’re not training, you have amazing headphones with 8 hours of battery life and high fidelity sound by Harman Kardon, so you can listen to music or easily take calls.

Above: ShadeCraft is a robotics and technology startup based in Los Angeles, California, with a mission to improve people’s lives outdoors. Their flagship product, SUNFLOWER, is the world’s first robotic shading system that tracks the sun and boasts a full set of features that include GPS, Bluetooth and WIFI connectivity, a high definition camera, voice activation and controls, speakers to stream audio, controlled lighting and the ability to charge external devices – all powered through solar energy. I'm thinking this makes the perfect gift to yourself and your home especially if you have a nice pool area!

Above: Another cool gift for the pool area is SoundFloat, SoundFloat (Soundfloats.com) blends cutting-edge technology with luxury design to create the ultimate oasis in and out of the water. SoundFloat is the tech-enabled luxury air lounge that is a comfortable, durable air lounge- just as useful and playful in and out of the water. Outfitted with powerful Bluetooth technology and speakers, you can access your favorite playlists, podcasts, and television shows no matter where you’re relaxing. Charge your devices, make hands-free calls, and more

Above: Almost Heaven Saunas have been manufactured in the Greenbrier Valley of West Virginia for 40 years. Known for exceptional quality and design, the company produces both indoor and outdoor traditional, water-over-hot-rocks dry/wet saunas. They featured a custom-designed barrel sauna for 6 persons at The Luxury Technology Show and it certainly drew attention! The unit is manufactured from red cedar, has an exterior porch, Finnish digital heater, and more. Almost Heaven Saunas is the world leader in traditional home saunas.

Above: Close up of the inside. Sadly this would not fit in my tiny NYC apartment, but I sure could use the warmth right about now!

Above: TOTO is the world’s largest manufacturer of bathroom fixtures and fittings with $4.9 billion dollars in annual sales. For the past 100 years, TOTO has been the recognized leader in innovation, technology, performance, and design with products like the NEOREST AC Intelligent Toilet and Connect+ Carlyle II 1G / WASHLET S350e, which enhance the luxury bathroom experience by making people’s lives cleaner, healthier, less complicated and more beautiful. I promise this was taken on the exhibitor floor and not the restroom! :-)

A new hi tech toilet is just the kind of valentine your bathroom has been waiting for!

Above: HiMirror, the world’s first smart beauty mirror, provides a revolutionary approach to daily beauty. By taking a makeup-free photo, HiMirror detects dark spots, red spots, dark eye circles, wrinkles, pores, fine lines and other complexion elements; offering in-depth, personalized skincare analysis based on the evolving condition of a user’s skin. Additionally, you may get news and weather feed, stream Spotify, and watch YouTube tutorials on HiMirror. With five LED light settings, HiMirror is also a great makeup mirror with suburb lighting. I got to play with it a bit at the show but was so looking forward to the promised review unit on this one.

Cars:

Above: Electra Meccanica’s SOLO is an all-electric, single-passenger, commuter vehicle; not intended to replace your family car, but to supplement your driving experience. Approx. 80% of travel is done single passenger so the SOLO is designed as a commuter vehicle to get you to and from work and around town as needed at minimal expense.With a range of approx. 100 miles between charges SOLO is sure to fit the average commuters’ needs. Priced at approximately $15,500 USD

Above: I love the red color on their website and check out the Super SOLO (Halo Car) as well - so futuristic looking! I'm pretty sure just about anyone on your Valentine's Day Buying list would love one of these!

But wait there's MORE, if you are looking to gift a more extravagant vehicle to someone special on your Valentine's Day Gift consider this:

Above - There was a Press & a VIP unveiling of the Lexus LS 500! Lexus has developed its lineup to meet the needs of global luxury customers in more than 90 countries. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 237 dealers offering a full line-up of luxury vehicles. With five models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. Lexus is committed to being a visionary brand that anticipates the future for luxury customers.

Above: Thought I would nab an interior shot! Sadly Santa did not put one of these under my tree, there's always next Christmas!

And while this may not be 'romantic' it falls under the safety/protection category just in a different way than the Norton Core:

Above: Mobilize Rescue Systems is empowering bystanders to respond to medical emergencies while the medical professionals are en route. Mobilize Rescue System includes medical knowledge and equipment necessary to manage a variety of injuries and illnesses such as severe bleeding, allergic reactions, cardiac arrest and more. The system was designed according to medical and military best practices, and qualifies as an ANSI Class A kit.

Above: I loved seeing how this kit gives full on CPR instructions and I personally think every home needs these products and every car should have one of the mobile kits at all times. You can never be too safe. Much like insurance, it will be one of those things you hope you never need, but are super happy you have it in a crisis!

Above: This new Swiss watch brand is taking its inspiration from the functionalities and the aesthetic appeal of measurement instruments of bygone days. Contemporary designs to appeal to Millennials, related to the automotive, aeronautics, or nautical lifestyles. Beyond its incredible look, RESERVOIR introduces an innovative way to tell time, with 3 complications: retrograde minutes, jumping hours, and a power reserve indicator similar to a fuel gauge. An amazing collection, starting at $3,700 retail. I personally prefer watches with a 'large face' and often end up wearing the men's style of watch because they are larger. I like statement jewelry and statement watches too.

Above: Scarpetta definitely scored brownie points keeping us hungry Editors fed, especially with this, the Raw Yellowtail, Olio di Zenzero & Pickled Red Onion which was so DELICIOUS!!!

Above: And last but certainly not least, you can never go wrong with Godiva Chocolate, for Valentine's Day or just any day really!

My Take:

The Luxury Technology show always offers up a great mix of high end products across the board.

I am a bit bummed that no promised review units arrived which is one of the reasons I delayed my recap coverage but I did enjoy the brands I met and as I am an Audio Enthusiast, I always enjoy the Audio Brands in attendance.

Whether you are single, married, or somewhere in between, take some time to celebrate YOU on Valentine's Day and do something that requires extra self-care, nurture your relationship with yourself so you can better enjoy your relationships with others.

Which of the items featured above is on your wish list for Valentine's Day?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I attended The Luxury Technology Show as Digital Press. 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.

{#FillInTheBlankFriday} This weekend I plan to: _____ Attend the @NYTTravelShow ‏#NYTTravelShow #TravelBlogger #LifestyleBlogger

THIS IS NOT COMPENSATED!

This week's theme:

This Weekend I Plan To: Attend The New York Times Travel Show in New York City!

I am so glad I am in town this weekend and will be able to catch The New York Times Travel Show this weekend at the Jacob Javits Convention Center in NYC.

Travel tends to combine ALL my loves: Music (during my journey), Photography (have DSLR will travel) and Foodie Adventures and I love checking out this show and finding out about new trends and exploring fun destinations all under one roof!

Are you attending The New York Times Travel Show this year? If so, hit me up on twitter at @Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1 so we can meet up! What is the top destination on your travel wish list this year?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I will be attending the show as Media/Press. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

{#TechThursday} Found out why the @ASUS_ROG is the first product reco in my #AmazonStore #ROG #Technology

NOT SPONSORED OR COMPENSATED

For the past few years me and gadgets, me and appliances and tech haven't had a very good run. You already know I tend to test stuff for MORE than 30 days to make sure it survives until warranty and I am NOT afraid to update a review if a product dies on me before it should.

A little over a year ago my desktop died out on me. I brought it to the well known Geeks and they could NOT fix it, (they of course offered me the option to escalate it to a higher level of support for an additional fee - I declined on that, um nah!)

I lost a ton of photos, I had all my music backed up but ran out of room on my back up drive and ended up losing more photos than I would have liked.

I have stepped up my photography and I thought only a desktop would be able to handle everything I put a system through in a typical day - I am a Life Coach, Social Media Consultant, Freelance Writer, Blogger and I edit A LOT of photos - RAW, hi-resolution photography, usually have a ton of client databases open and very few systems seem to be able to handle what I dish out.

While at the Geeks I decided to start looking over systems - my gut told me they wouldn't be able to fix it, and I was right. I let them know what I put a system through and asked almost off-handedly if a laptop was even an option for me. What did they recommend that could handle such a heavy workload. They recommended three different systems, unfortunately I ruled the HP out because after 2 decades of using them almost exclusively I was replacing them too quickly and my last one just did not last long enough to justify trusting them with my hard earned cash again.

So that left us down to two.

I took a shot of both spec sheets on my phone, and while I was in the store I toyed around with both machines. When I got home I immediately got on social and polled my tribe: friends, family and colleagues and read pretty much every consumer review from a ton of online sources and narrowed my decision down.

When I got the final call saying my HP Desktop could not be fixed, I went to the store to pick it up and left with one of the recommended laptops the Asus ROG G752VL-DH71.

I will admit I put a three year extended warranty on this little puppy. And vowed that if it survived me for a year and I was just as happy with it as the day I bought it I would share about it.

I am already an Amazon Affiliate, but I also recently got approved for their influencer program, where you can build a store with your custom recos to share with your online tribe via social media. I LOVED this idea.

And because this laptop really has been able to dish out anything I have thrown at it, I thought I would make it the first item in my 'online influencer amazon store'.

You will obviously want the NEWER model which is the G752VS which I am linking you directly to it.

I can whole-heartedly recommend the ASUS ROG (ROG = Republic of Gamers) - this is a 'gaming rig' and so far it has been able to dish out everything I have thrown at it.

PROS:

I operate two different browsers with an average of 30 tabs on EACH of the browsers, several client databases, and I also do a ton of RAW photo editing SIMULTANEOUSLY. This system does NOT hiccup or cough.

I know this is probably the most off handed and weird thing a reviewer might mention in a tech review, but out of all three laptops I played with, I LOVE the keyboard, it just helps me types faster, and I already type pretty fast, I test out at 90 WPM with 0 errors. and it of course has backlight so when my nightly insomnia hits and I decide to write, the keyboard being lit means I do not have to put on the light or break my flow and train of thought.

Cons:

This bad boy is HEAVY. I want something lighter for Press Trips.

And for some reason this is an issue across brands for me, but it does not wake up well from 'sleep mode' but in all fairness it is probably because I had a million things open and I should just shut down more and let it update.

What computer are you currently using? Desktop or Laptop? If you love yours, feel free to drop the model name in your comment, I prefer 'real reviews' and your reco might help someone who is narrowing down choices before they get ready to buy.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Fill in the Blank Friday on Ascending Butterfly, this weeks theme: "My focus word/phrase for 2018 is_______" Join us at @Ascending1 and share yours! #FillintheBlankFriday

I decided to bring back Fill in the Blank Friday! I was channeling my graphic designer roots and decided to create this feature a brand new branded graphic, what do you think?

This week's theme:

My focus word/phrase for  2018 is: SELF CARE

This is actually both my personal and blog theme this year. I am a Life Coach and Empowerment Writer, I expend a lot of my energy uplifting, motivating, empowering and encouraging others. I sometimes forget the airline theory of air bags: "Put the Bag on Yourself FIRST, then help others" - how else can you be of use to anyone if you can't breathe?

The airlines definitely have it right there.

I need to remember to be just as kind to myself as I am to others.

To recharge my own batteries, to apply a better level of self care to my own life.

And I plan to hold myself accountable and share with you once per month the ways I fulfilled my focus on self care/recharging my batteries in that month. I figure if I also make my focus phrase a blog challenge/writing prompt, I can't use any excuses for not doing it.

What is your focus word this year? or resolution? Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

They wore Black to the @goldenglobes and this New Yorker loved every minute of it! For the first time ever we are discussing #GoldenGlobes and #Fashion #TIMESUP #WhyWeWearBlack #MeToo

THIS IS NOT SPONSORED/COMPENSATED!

Award Show season is in full swing my butterflies.

For the history of my blogging career before and after most award shows I get a ton of news releases asking me to share what designers were worn, what makeup was used on who even what shampoo and haircare products were used.

I rarely blog about award shows and when I do it is usually not because of the Fashion, or the makeup, or the haircare products or the jewels they wore.

I rarely write about celebs on these pages either, when I do it is because of a charitable initiative or way they are giving back.

In December I blogged a bit about The Kennedy Center Honors for many reasons, including our President's notable absence from the ceremonies, which has been attended by The President of the United States since the inception of the ceremony, in case you missed it, my blog about it can be found HERE.

For the first time I am blogging about Fashion Choices at an Award Show, because They Wore Black and WHY they wore black:

Above: Left: Nicole Kidman, Allison Janney, Kerry Washington and Far Right: Penelope Cruz - this was borrowed directly from Golden Globes Website, and someone really should let them know they have this captioned wrong they have Penelope Cruz captioned as Salma Hayek - for shame Golden Globes, you need a new Editor!

#whywewearblack is a hashtag that was actually trending BEFORE the Golden Globes. The entertainment industry's most prominent female voices in the industry made a statement of solidarity with their Fashion choices and the #metoo movement strongly influenced the Golden Globes. The CNN has a great article on how the #metoo movement was coloring the Globes ahead of time HERE - it compiles some of the posts made by celebs who used their social media platforms to raise additional awareness.

While the Golden Globes is an award show that many celebs have used their acceptance speeches in the past to share about causes they were passionate about, this year you knew those causes not only with a pin, not only in their speech, but the moment they stepped out on that carpet, it was a POWERFUL display of solidarity.

I remember watching a recent Dave Chappele's Comedy Stand up Special, where he said something I had a recent conversation on, after all these allegations have come to light, if women don't keep up the momentum things will get that much worse and that much harder. On that I very much agree. And this Red Carpet was just that show of solidarity and strength I would love to see continue and grow bigger.

I am a born and raised New Yorker, the color black is almost a daily uniform here, but to see that ocean of black on the red carpet of The Golden Globes filled my heart with pride. I live in a city where many woman have experienced sexual harassment, not just in the workplace but on the commute in the subway, just walking down the street and it is NOT acceptable. It has got to stop!

"We wear black in solidarity with men and women asking for equality, respect and meaningful change within all industries." ~Amy Schumer

Rosario Dawson did a great job with her instagram video (follow her while you are there) in support of the efforts of Times Up Now and the Times Up Legal Defense Fund who utilizes the monies raised to subsidize legal support for men, women, disabled persons, LGBTQIA who have experienced sexual harassment, assault or abuse in the workplace. I also love her makeup free delivery on this one as well, way to go Rosario! She also thanks others who have come forward with their stories.

"It's time to celebrate each other - not just the nominees on our film and television screens but our storytellers who have bravely come forward and courageously shared their stories and liberated so many of us too." ~Rosario Dawson

Reese Witherspoon, Kerry Washington, Brie Larson, Tracee Ellis Ross, Tessa Thompson and Rashida Jones posted a video and you can find that one on Instagram as well on Kerry Washington's Page HERE (follow while you are there!) The group's efforts has driven donations to the legal fund which has raised over $15.7 million to date!

"Wondering #WhyWeWearBlack ?!?!?! Because we stand with YOU! We stand in solidarity. Together we can end harassment, discrimination & abuse. And create safety, inclusion, equity & parity! FOR ALL PEOPLE. ACROSS ALL INDUSTRIES" ~Kerry Washington

Above: Gal Gadot at the 2018 Golden Globe Awards

It annoys me to no end that the only thing people are focusing on about Gal Gadot is her $6 lipstick, I would rather focus on her solidarity to the cause instead. (And secretly admit that I hope the rumors are true about Lynda Carter joining her for Wonder Woman 2)

Women Empowering Women is how 2018 has begun, and this momentum needs to continue.

And while it is sometimes a sore spot in personal conversations with parent friends, I am going to use my platform to remind women who are mothers with sons, that YOU need to teach your son how to be a gentleman, the way he treats women later has much to do with how you raise him NOW. Teach your son to wash his own dishes and laundry, sew his own buttons, iron his own clothes, seek a partner in life because he loves her, not because he needs a replacement mother. Be careful with music videos and listen to how his circle of friends refer to girls and young women, you can set good foundations.

Women can't keep complaining about sexist pigs when they are raising them! We have to do better!

As Fashion has always been the yardstick by which women have been measured and let's face it how we often measure ourselves and each other, for women to turn the tables and turn their fashion on the most watched moment of the year on it's ear and use their very fashion - the thing men notice about us - and use it to make such a powerful political statement is one of the most amazing ways this year could have started in my opinion.

While my Facebook feed has been filled with people 'who just wanted to see pretty dresses' and didn't want 'politics mixed in with their entertainment' - sorry, not sorry to all of you but wake up. Get Woke. If women don't stand up and fight for their place, fight for the respect they deserve and the equality they deserve in the workplace and beyond, we are going to be in trouble, these are going to be the longest four years in history with the person who wants to take us back to the 50's.

That was the point of the show of solidarity people, we are not just stick figure Barbie's who need to dress pretty and put on a show, we are hard working human beings deserving of respect.

And there is also the talk of Oprah Winfrey running for President. I have no idea whether or not she will or she won't, but I can tell you we need to use this impetus to channel and funnel it into a woman taking the White House in 2020. That is not going to be easy.

But think about this, for any Presidential Election, it takes someone with smarts and resources (or the ability to drum up quite a bit of funding) - Oprah is smart, resourceful, always put her money where her mouth is, doesn't back down and has her own school for pete's sake, trying to think of a male candidate in the history of the Presidential Race who came into the game already having built schools.....can you think of one?

In my opinion Presidential Elections have never been more than deciding who the lesser of two evils is.

Don't you want your vote to stand for MORE than that?

Don't you want to vote for a candidate that is smart, savvy, generous, informed and actually gives an eff about people and this planet? I know I do.

Above: Far Left: Tarana Burke, Social Activist and founder of the #MeToo (2006), Right: Michelle Williams, Actress at the 75th Annual Golden Globes.

Aside from wearing black, many actresses also chose to walk the carpet with activists. This year entertainment reporters were tasked with more than just the "what are you wearing question", it was the "who you are with". And it often made them uncomfortable. But when the pre-carpet arrivals included Debra Messings talking about the wage gap at E! while being interviewed by E!, twitter was LIT and it was amazing to see!

It is the #MeToo movement that colored this whole thing. Tarana Burke founded the movement in 2006, and at a very early age she was the victim of sexual assault, the movement picked up momentum again when Actress Alyssa Milano tweeted about it in response to the Harvey Weinstein Allegations unaware of the earlier movement.

The movement was born when Ms. Burke met a young woman named Heaven who had shared with her a story of assault and Ms. Burke regretted not telling Heaven, 'Me Too' and sharing her story with that young woman, and that is how the movement was born.

And now the movement has become a force to be reckoned with.

I hate still seeing commentary that focuses on who started the movement, Tarana did. I hate the commentary talking about Alyssa taking anything away from women of color, she didn't do her research, that she didn't know the movement already existed.

She posted as soon as she learned about it, and quite frankly if her tweets revived the IMPORTANCE of this movement, I'll take it.

Women need to be outspoken and bring these stories to the light.

When it took off again on social, women on my Facebook Feed shared their stories. It was incredibly moving and made my heart hurt to know so many women I actually know have been victims of assault or sexual abuse.

Above: This was me the year my #MeToo happened.

While I only wrote #MeToo as a status update, I never really shared my story. I know many found it odd, I have been in journalism for over 20 years now.  I'm a Bronxite. A New Yorker, and I am incredibly outspoken, especially about causes I am passionate about. (I started backwards so to speak, first as a Television News Writer, then Editor for a popular Newspaper, then went to Magazines, then when I went Digital in 2008 I was blogging for a high end handbag line before starting my own blog shortly after in 2009). I know many people were waiting for the whole story. Some sent Direct Messages, others just taggged me on their stories after seeing my status update with the hashtag.

It seems only fitting to share my story now.

As a College Sophomore I was attacked on Campus. I lived at home, that school has no dorms, and while I fought off my attacker and he did not succeed, it shook me to my core. At the time I was studying Taekwondo and while I am sure my Martial Arts Background worked to my advantage in taking back the control despite the element of surprise, it remains with me to this day. I have had a gun held to my head on a subway train although that was an attempted mugging, also not successful for my attacker, and incidents like this rob you of feeling secure in the places you visit everyday. The places you can't avoid, the places where you should always be safe.

My Take:

I did not miss the annual pre-carpet Fashion Show one bit, I did LOVE the pre-carpet showing women standing up for women. Showing women highlighting the work of amazing activists, of women sharing their passions and not just the name of a Fashion House. MORE OF THIS, YES PLEASE.

And because I want you to be very careful on your responses, I was NOT wearing what I was wearing in this photo on either occassion, NOT that it should matter, I selected this photo because I am wearing a black dress and that is the year the incident occurred.

I hope PR firms do not even bother with their press releases about who was wearing what dress, what makeup, what shoes, what jewelry, again I focus on empowerment, all those other things are nice and have their time and their place, but please understand this award show and it's 'red carpet' was WAY more than that.

WAY MORE THAN THAT.

Butterflies - Do you have a #MeToo story? Do you know someone who has a #MeToo story? If you posted yours be it your blog or your social channel, please share and by all means post the link to your story as well.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

{21+ Only} Happy New Year Butterflies! Here's a peek into my New Years Eve celebration with @cinzanoofficial #Cinzano #Prosecco and #Asti and @BottegaGold Prosecco and Sparkling #Moscato

All things bubbly/sparkling provided by Palm Bay Imports!

HAPPY NEW YEAR BUTTERFLIES!

I hope 2018 is treating you well, I will be back soon with an inspirational post and to share my "word/phrase" for this new year, the theme is actually a personal one that will cross over into the blog as I will post monthly to hold myself accountable for truly living my word this year, don't tell me yours yet, we will share them together on an upcoming post (more than likely on Monday for "Motivation Monday" on the interwebs).

Remember that EPIC BabbleBoxx Holiday Party where I got a chance to meet the nice folks at Cinzano Prosecco? ICYMI - In Case You Missed It - here is a link to that post: BabbleBoxx Holiday Party New York City

They were nice enough to hook me up on New Year's Eve, I usually share a shot on social media with a picture of what I am sipping leading up to midnight, but this year things were pretty festive so I thought I would share my sparkling sips with you in a full blog post.

Above: Bottega Il Vino Poeti Gold Prosecco

Bottega Gold - Prosecco Doc Brut Sparkling Wine, Glera Grapes grown close to the Venetian Prealps. Stainless Steel containers at low temps to preserve freshness and the golden bottle also protects the wine from any source of light helping to also preserve aroma and freshness. Alcohol Content: 11% - and it just plain looks cool on your bar!

Above: SWEET DECISIONS! From Left to Right: Bottega Platinum, Sparkling Moscato, Cinzano Cuvee Storica Prosecco, Dry Sparkling Wine, Cinzano Asti D.O.C.G. Sparkling Sweet Wine and Far Right: is the Bottega Gold Prosecco. Also featured in the close up photo above with the two glasses.

My Take:

I already raved about Cinzano Prosecco when I got to try it at the BabbleBox Holiday Party in NYC, it tastes amazing and won't break the bank, and is really well balanced, not sweet yet not overly dry.

Bottega Prosecco is just slightly sweeter than Cinzano but also very well balanced and the bottles are such a beautiful presentation in addition to blocking light to preserve freshness.

Quite frankly any of these would make lovely hostess gifts!

And I have no idea where I have been, but this was my first time trying a sparkling moscato! YES to that! Yes to all things sparkling and bubbly!

I had a lovely start to my new year and hope you all did too!

Butterflies What Did you do for New Year's Eve? Did you got out or stay in? What were you drinking?

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

FTC Disclosure: Wine 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.