Friday, August 29, 2014

Check out @CantinflasMovie - in theaters NOW! #Cantinflas

CANTINFLAS Movie Poster


If the name Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes doesn't ring a bell perhaps Cantinflas does? The Mexican comic film actor, producer and screenwriter was best known for his portrayal of Cantinflas part campesino (peasant), with a quick tongue that poked fun at the pretentious and powerful and a wicked sense of comedic timing. Dubbed as the "Charlie Chaplin of Mexico", his claim to fame in the US Market came when he co-starred with David Niven in the 1956 film Around the World in 80 Days which garnered him a Golden Globe.

While the role of Cantinflas became intrinsically enmeshed with his own identity, Mario Moreno was also a business leader who became involved in Mexico's labor politics, and was known for his work in the early struggle against the one-party government's practice of controlling unions. He was also a philantropist who was said to have donated half of his earnings to charity.

First and foremost I have to share that Óscar Jaenada does an amazing and incredibly respectful job in his portrayal of both Cantinflas the character and Mario the man. Despite how inseparable they may have been to others, there are so many nuances to playing someone so dynamic and Óscar really does do an amazing job.

Real Cantiflas vs Oscar Jaenada Collage


As you can see from the collage above, he truly nails the look! And when you see the movie it's a pleasant surprise just how well he nails the man and the character that is Cantinflas.

ABOUT:

Cantinflas is the untold story of Mexico's greatest and most beloved comedy film star of all time. From his humble origins on the small stage to the bright light of Hollywood. Mexican icon, Mario Moreno, "Cantinflas" as seen through producer Michael Todd's (played by Michael Imperioli) eyes, getting a glimpse of their collaboration on the 1957 film, "Around the World in 80 Days", winning 5 Oscars and 2 Golden Globes, and turning into the top grossing film of their time. Cantinflas tells the story of a man who got his start in Mexico's equivalent of the Vaudeville theater, his talent and humor traveling the world over.

En Español: La vida de Mario Moreno "Cantinflas" se presenta bajo la mirada del productor Michael Todd con quién colabora en el filme "La vuelta al mundo en 80 días" en 1957 ganando el Globo de Oro y el Oscar respectivamente, además de covertirla en la pelicula mas taquillera de su época. CANTINFLAS cuenta la historia de un mexicano que comenzando su carrrera en una pequeña carpa arrabal, logra llevar su talento cultura y sentido del humor al mundo entero.

MY TAKE:

The movie represents the timeless struggle for authenticity and success which makes it relatable to today's audience who may not necessarily understand the character of Cantinflas or his body of work. As a Latina I personally want to see this film succeed. I want our Latino Youth to see more than Hollywood's typical Drug Dealer offering, I want our Youth to know that you can be authentic and pursue your dreams. I want young Latinos to be able to see a face they relate to on the big screen. One that is taking those ganas, and doing something positive to better both himself and society at large.

I just wish that the real Mario had fallen in love with a Latina, I am tired of our men's idea of success being a white woman on their arm. You can't tell me that that one sassy, confident and beautiful Latina didn't cross his path? But I digress. In life Mario Moreno fell in love with a Russian Woman, and their love story is also played out in the film. And I just have to say it but I hated the casting albeit for the brief moment he appeared of Yul Brynner for the Golden Globes scene, again, that is just my personal choice and opinion (and a total aside)! On another aside I wish they had left out the scene that alluded to an affair/transgression, it didn't add anything in my opinion and as someone who is familiar with the character of Cantinflas I thought it totally un-necessary. (Perhaps I will have to tap into my inner screenwriter and bring a Latino Character to the screen who isn't selling drugs, having affairs and actually falls in love with a Latina!)

Get social with Cantinflas on both Facebook and Twitter, and be sure to use the hashtag #Cantinflas so we can all follow in the conversation. If you are looking for a way to beat the heat this last weekend of summer and take in a movie, you know which one I am recommending!

Butterflies once you have seen the movie, come back here and let us know what you think of it. Happy Labor Day Weekend to all!

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Screening Passes were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, August 27, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} The #Sailing takes me away edition! #NYC
















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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Tuesday, August 26, 2014

Don't fall into a #health rut - find new snacks & vitamins every month for 50% off @BuluBox use code: BULUGAN707

Bulu Box, BULUGAN707, healthy snacks, vitamins and supplements












Ascending Butterfly has always been an empowerment community that advocates health and beauty from the INSIDE out, a big part of looking good and feeling confident is by feeling good on the inside, both mentally and physically.

Making wiser snack choices and adding supplements where your diet is currently failing you is a great way to boost your system, I recently became a Bulu Box Brand Ambassador to help me widen my health product brand choices and then share it all with my butterflies of course!

I know there is an insanely wide variety of Monthly Box Subscriptions Services out there, and trying to figure out which ones are the best for you isn't always an easy decision, but with Bulu they are curating a wide variety of vitamins, snacks and supplements so you don't have to, they do the leg work, and you just sit back, try it all and figure out what works best for you.

Do you have someone special in your life who is trying hard to make lifestyle changes? This box is a great way to give that person a month or a year of healthy and happy at a price that certainly beats what you currently pay to indulge a daily coffee habit! And the choices in this box are way better than a daily coffee habit that's for sure!

This Box Included:



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Good Bean - A Roasted Chickpeas snack!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Quest Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Protein Bar - Gluten and Sugar Free Protein Bar, high in fiber and low in calories. Muscle Building Protein and great chocolate chip cookie dough taste, UM YES PLEASE!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RUNA Tea - The key ingredient in this tea is Guayusa (pronounced GHY-YOU-SA) is an amazonian super-leaf that balances caffeine with polyphenol antioxidants which provides you with clean and steady energy to make you feel "Runa" - fully alive.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shapeology Burn Blend - This is a dietary supplement that mimics the effect of a high metabolism, helping you to burn more calories and loose weight faster, in a liquid delivery system for even faster results.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Garden of Life RAW Organic Protein - Can be used as a meal replacement or post workout drink, it is vegan, gluten, dairy and soy free!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BONUS SAMPLE: AdvanceMint Happy Hour - This mint replenishes the body with a formula of Vitamins, Minerals, Electrolytes and Anti-Oxidants to help your body offset the negative effects of alcohol. (and for my non-drinking butterflies, you may also want to have one of these on hand during a long flight, the dry air and jet lag is a very similar feeling to over-indulging in spirits, so this would be helpful for my frequent fliers as well!)

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Bulu Box on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BuluBox via Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get with the pin program via Pinterest too

DISCOUNT:

Want to join the Bulugan Nation? Nab it at a 50% discount by entering code:  BULUGAN707

MY TAKE:

I actively try to make the healthiest choices for myself on a daily basis, but like everyone else I have my bad habits too and I appreciate that Bulu Box is a great reminder to take better care of myself, try out supplements that are new to me and find products that help me to become a healthier and happier butterfly!

Have you tried Bulu Box? If you have, do you have a favorite product that you learned about via Bulu?

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. A Bulu Box has been provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, August 25, 2014

Review and #Giveaway of @monicamcgurk #DarkHopeBook via @Ascending1 #CleverGirls #Spon


Dark Hope: Book One of the Archangel Prophecies, Book Cover

































By now most of my butterflies know I'm obsessed with 'all things with wings', butterflies obviously, but things with wings include dragonflies, ladybugs and as a girl raised in the Catholic Church, the ultimate thing with wings? Angels. I grew up with this Guardian Angel Wall Plaque above my bed as a little girl:

Guardian Angel Wall Plaque


I never once doubted that we all had a Guardian Angel to protect us. One who watched over us, kept us out of harms way and helped us stay on our path. Over time I came to see departed loved ones as additional 'Angels on our Shoulders' and for my confirmation I studied the stories of all the Saints to help me determine which Saint name I would take for my confirmation. I read them all, and returned to class resolute that I wanted 'Saint/Archangel Michael'. I was none to happy to be laughed at by my teacher and class at my audacity and silliness to think I could take a male name. But I loved his story, he stood before the enemy, not just any enemy, THE ENEMY and won! Surely I possessed the same courage? My little inner feminist was not happy when I was told I had to select another Saint, A Female Saint. Not that their stories weren't equally powerful, but they didn't resonate as powerfully with me as Michael's story of defeating the ultimate enemy had.

I came home and explained my dilemma to my Mother who helped guide me to other Saints to study so I could make my final selection. But my fascination with Archangel Michael is still very much a part of me. So much so that I have a prayer card and Sword that I hold very dear to me:

St Michael Prayer Card and Sword, Espada de San Miguel


When the opportunity presented itself to read a book whose central theme was 'the love between a human and an archangel' and not just any archangel, but MY Archangel, MY Michael I just had to read it! Dark Hope: Book One in the Archangel Prophesies by Monica McGurk is categorized as a Young Adult Fantasy Novel, but it certainly touches on some very 'grown up' and important themes.

ABOUT:

A new young adult saga in the Twilight tradition about the love between a human and an archangel.
For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.
Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?
In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.

Note: A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated to organizations that fight human trafficking. Now you know there is nothing that makes Ascending Butterfly happier than a 'Give Back' opportunity, A total win/win in my book. A great read for YOU and you are doing something to help victims of human trafficking as well.

Directly from the Author:




MY TAKE:

I am not going to give out any spoilers, I will say this is a must read. Even if YA is not your usual type of read I would highly urge you to give this book a try, it is a total page turner, and in my opinion is very much respectful to the Church, to how it handles biblical references and surprisingly to how it handles the story line between Michael and Hope. I really wanted to be mad at it, how dare they make MY Michael a romantic protagonist? and seriously with a teen no less? But Butterflies, the writing is TIGHT and the author does make so many unlikely and disparate elements come together cohesively. And in my opinion if it helps to shed light on just how rampant and dangerous the Sexual Trafficking Industry really is then all the better. I know it's not always easy to talk difficult topics, but if you are letting your teen read this, (my personal opinion is that YOU read it first just to make sure you feel comfortable), then use the book as a talking point to teach your teen to be careful in social situations and of their surroundings.

There is even a Pinterest board with a Hope Casting Wish List! (Is there someone you would add to that list that's not there?)

WIN IT:

Our awesome friends at Clever Girls Collective and the Greenleaf Book Group, want one lucky butterfly to win their own copy of this month's Book Club title, so use the rafflecopter form below to enter; and as always, the main entry is easy peasy!

One of the 'Extra Credit' entries is for you all to share your favorite (past or present) Young Adult Book - Remember to answer that here on the giveaway post so we can see your selection, but tick it off in rafflecopter so you get the extra credit entries! (I figured with back-to-school coming I'd get you in the mindset of thinking 'extra credit', sneaky right?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and this is a sponsored post, the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Sponsor will be fulfilling prizing directly. Neither Ascending Butterfly, Sponsor or Clever Girls Collective is 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.

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Edition! Summer 2014!


In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy

This feature has been M.I.A for awhile - don't get me wrong it's not because I haven't had things to be grateful for, because I have.

This summer flew by in a blur, some good, and some not so good stuff.

Not So Good:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I attended an event, recapped it, and then had someone threaten to sue me because they wanted me to remove their photo and my synopsis. And maybe it's because I started in Newspapers but I felt the need to dig my heels in and stand my ground. I will not be bossed around by anyone when it comes to my digital home and how it's maintained. Especially since this has always been a place about empowerment and I have worked hard to keep snark and negativity from invading my digital home.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have been so busy it has made writing pithy content feel more like a chore. Something I absolutely hate feeling.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The level of bad Public Relations and Pitches this summer made me want to shut my digital doors and just escape the stupidity of my inbox completely.

Good and Grateful For Stuff:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events that did provide unique experiences as lately those have been few and far between.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brands that actually wanted real partnerships and not just a free mouthpiece.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taking a Digital Camera Course at Best Buy that allowed me to improve my DSLR skills making the investment in a good camera totally worth it. (Check out the DSLR Learning Center at BestBuy)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being featured by SheSpeaks which I wrote about on Thursday was definitely a great reminder that all my plugging away is not in vain! Sometimes it's just nice to know that your work is appreciated.

Ask yourself at the end of each day: What am I grateful for Today?


My Take:

I have been a bit too close to things lately and I have tried to detach myself spiritually from a lot of it, but I realized just how much I missed this feature and how much I missed taking time to actually stop and remember how good things are in the here and now.

Having someone threaten to sue me for just doing my job brought on an incredible range of emotions, not all of them good ones. But I instantly went straight into 'pitbull' mode, and at least that let me know that writing and this space I have carved out for myself still meant more to me than I realized. And while I'm not grateful for the undue stress at a point where I least needed it in my life, I am grateful that the experience helped me see just how much this space and my integrity means to me. I was unwilling to compromise and I remembered that sometimes you need to assess what is and isn't worth fighting for.

Experimenting with Photography this summer has been engrossing and fun. I also realized I didn't have to share it all. While getting better at it was something I wanted to do initially to improve my blog photos, playing with it more frequently has opened up a more creative eye and while I love writing, I needed a jolt of creativity in my life lately, something that wasn't necessarily all about Ascending Butterfly.

Happy to bring my favorite feature back and speaking of which, on Monday another favorite feature returns from a long hiatus with a giveaway too, so stay tuned!

What are you most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Thursday, August 21, 2014

I was featured today via @SheSpeaksUp

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

Via She Speaks I have:

Tide Coldwater Laundry Detergent


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - tried Tide Coldwater Laundry Detergent 

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - enjoyed delicious Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares

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


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

RedLaser App in Action
RedLaser App in Action


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

Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails
Arbor Mist Frozen Wine Cocktails


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I savored the moment with Arbor Mist

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

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



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


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


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


The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy


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




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


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


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

My Take:

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



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

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share that Ascending Butterfly has been featured by She Speaks. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, August 20, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} @outshinesnacks distributing Fruit & Veggie Bars Samples!

Remember the BeautyPress Event I attended on the Yacht that I posted pictures of on Monday? Well on the way there, I saw a truck from Outshine Snacks distributing Fruit & Veggie Bar Frozen Treats! 

Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport
Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport















Outshine Snacks Truck parked near Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport
Outshine Snacks Truck parked near Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport















Outshine Snacks distributing frozen Fruit & Veggie Snack Bar Samples near Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport
Outshine Snacks distributing frozen Fruit & Veggie Snack Bar Samples near Pearl Street New York City South Street Seaport















I got to try a sample and they were delish! Nice cool treat on a hot summer day in New York City!

Happy Wordless Wednesday, Bloggers feel free to post a link to your photos so we can visit you too (please remember no giveaway links here, thanks!)

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FTC DisclosureThis is an event recap NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share our opinions of this Sample Opportunity. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

@LOrealParisUSA Visible Lift Blur Foundation #VLBlurfection #BBloggers via @SheSpeaksUp

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation Logo


About: 

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation contains SPF 18 and is available in 12 shades, the first makeup with exclusive blur technology formulated to instantly blur lines and wrinkles!

Apply:

Apply with a Foundation brush or Fingertips blending in an outward motion. You can go a bit thicker on your problems areas for extra coverage.

Actress Andie MacDowell wears L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation
Actress Andie MacDowell wears L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As a Latina I tend to have trouble finding a good Foundation Match for my skin. They may look fine under indoor lighting but the moment I step out into the sun they give me a garish Yellow Hue that I usually HATE. When I visit 'pro' counters they tend to just go darker which I also dislike. So when I'm asked to test a foundation I'm usually most nervous about whether or not I'll even find a good color match. Visible Lift Blur comes in 18 shades and I asked for 205 Natural Buff and it's an EXCELLENT color match for my evenly mixed Golden Hued Skin that does have slight touches of pink to it. So for that alone it's Aces in my book!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This wins as a summer time foundation as it's very lightweight and in the summer who wants pancake makeup?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helps to hide dark spots, large pores and smooth uneven texture for a flawless finish

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have acne prone skin and a ton of old Acne Scars and this did not give me much coverage for my old scars. In all fairness when I test a foundation I do NOT use concealer to see how much coverage I am actually getting from the Foundation as a standalone product.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I do have large pores on my nose and didn't feel this gave me the amount of coverage I thought it would.

L'Oréal Paris Visible Lift Blur Foundation Full Size


My Take:

If this had been marketed as a Tinted Moisturizer I would have said total 'rave', it's a perfect color match that blends in to my skin and doesn't stand out in anyway which is GREAT, but the coverage is minimal to non-existent for me. I am aware that my acne scarring requires good concealer and with concealer this works very well for me, but on it's own it's not a very good coverage for me as a foundation. 

I actually love my L'Oréal Paris tinted Mouisturizer and wish they had marketed this the same way. It's a great bargain price point for a Foundation and is great for summer, not hard to find a color match, and it feels so nice and light weight upon application and it also really let's the skin breath so it's a plus for summer.

If you have a bit less to cover than I do this would be perfect for you and at a $14.99 retail price point for 1.4 fl oz at mass food and drug retailers it's a total steal!

Butterfly what is your favorite Foundation?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a sponsored post by L'Oréal Paris in conjunction with SheSpeaks. As always, all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, August 18, 2014

What happens when @beautypress takes their #spotlightday to the water? It's #Beauty on a #Boat! #zephyr #bbloggers

beautypress spotlight day in New York City aboard Zephyr Yacht August 2014


This Summer our friends at Beauty Press decided to mix things up a bit and took their Beauty Press Spotlight Day to the high seas, well OK maybe not exactly the high seas, but we definitely set sail aboard The Zephyr Yacht on a beautiful Summer Day on the Hudson River in New York City to interface with Beauty Brands, enjoy eats and cocktails, take in magnificent views of Manhattan and enjoy the sounds of DJ Ralphael Valentino! What a wonderful way to celebrate the Fifth Anniversary of beautypress in the United States.

Beauty Bloggers if you are not already registered with Beauty Press you definitely should be! They are an amazing platform that helps brands and Bloggers/Beauty Editors connect. It's all about forming valuable partnerships right?

Brands Featured:

Elke Von Freudenberg NYC Celebrity Eyebrow Specialist, beautypress spotlight day, beauty, eyebrows


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Elke Von Freudenberg - NYC Celebrity Eyebrow Specialist showed us how to take the natural route to brow growth with her trio of products including the Brow Scrub, Serum and Brow Smooth!

Happy Hands The Original UV Nail Glove, beauty products, nails, manicure


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Happy Hands - The Original UV Nail Glove! The glove is 100% cotton and offers a 40+ UPF, it has a protective coating that blocks 98% of UV rays and the ruffled fingerless tips allow for easy removal! They allow you to shield your skin from artificial UV rays while getting gel, shellac and acrylic manicures, and by the way you can also use these to block natural UV rays when you are behind the wheel while driving, brilliant right? And yes my fellow nail junkies these are dermatologist recommended!

Measurable Differences on display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day aboard Zephyr Yacht


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Measurable Differences - They are a variety of brands that offer pretty much head to toe beauty solutions -

Primp and Polish Specializing in Nail Art, Manicures, Nail, Beauty


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Primp and Polish - They Specialize in Nail Art - Don't you just love this 'zenicure'? Namaste Butterflies!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scenterprises - They offer Custom Fragrances for men and women, fun for Bridal Showers, Bachelorette Parties, Corporate Team-Building, Graduations or even to celebrate a special birthday!

The Fragrance Group Lalique Parfums


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Fragrance Group -  they are an exclusive distributor of prestige fragrances whose brand portfolio includes: Bentley Fragrances, Christian Siriano, Lalique Parfums (my personal favorite of their brands), Parfums de Marly, Tiziana Terenzi and Tadashi Shoji.

Lalique De Lalique Butterfly Collectible Crystal Flacon


I have been absolutely obsessed with this Lalique De Lalique Butterfly Collectible Crystal Flacon - a 2003 Limited Edition since the day I first laid eyes on it! But at $1,200 for 2.0 Fl Oz, here's hoping to me winning to the Lotto so I can add this epitomy of butterfly perfume perfection to my collection of all things butterfly!

Lakur Enhanced Nail Colour by LONDONTOWN, Nails, Manicures, Nail Polish


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LONDONTOWN - a 5-step nail treatment system that strengthens, hydrates and restores weak, brittle nails.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 180PRO - A hair system by Zotos Professional that is formulated to mend and target hair's worst breaking points, and repair up to 2 years of hair abuse! One of their products was in the gift bag and as soon as I try it out I will be sure to update you guys with the results and a full review! (Although I think my recent haircut has helped get rid of major damage to my tresses as they are looking way better now!)

The Brighton Beach Sea Breeze created by Sorel


Signature Cocktail:

The Brighton Beach Sea Breeze created by Sorel:

Ingredients:

1 oz Hibiscus Liquor
1 oz Vodka
1 oz Copra Coconut Water
1 oz Pomegranate Juice
1 oz Water

Ascending Butterfly Editorial Team taking in the view!


My Take:

The Ascending Butterfly Editorial Team simply adores Beauty Press Spotlight Day, it's a wonderful opportunity to interface with Beauty Brands in a way that is truly conducive to networking and really getting a chance to understand the products a bit better. I have to say that hosting the event on the Zephyr Yacht was a truly unique touch! It was relaxing, fun and I got a chance to enjoy the South Street Seaport area both before and after the sail. (Which of course gives me some great photos for upcoming Wordless Wednesdays! So definitely a Win/Win!)

Which of the beauty brands featured above in our recap coverage of Beauty Press Spotlight Day are you most interested in trying? Sound off here, and hopefully we can make that happen!


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FTC DisclosureThis is an event recap NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received to share our opinions of this event. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.