{Todays #Inspiration} What Compliment Has Truly Resonated With You? A #MotivationMonday inspired by @BuzzFeed

This is NOT a Sponsored Post, just food for your spirit!

Happy Monday Morning Butterflies! How was your Christmas? Did Santa treat you nice?

I got to feed my soul with traditions that I enjoy (like opening a present before midnight, usually PJ's!) and surprisingly didn't put up a tree this year, I just plain didn't feel like it, some years I go through this - and I just go with it. 

I needed to take a 'pause from the cause' and go back to some retro Ascending Butterfly 'Today's Words of Inspiration' - you know, how this blog started with daily inspirational food for your soul - back to our empowerment roots. I need that. (and I have a strong feeling many of you do too!)

It's been so long since I have done a Today's Inspiration that I really wanted to delve deep and bring you 'one to grow on' for today!

I rarely do 're-posts' and 're-shares' on my blog pages, I post original content and that's the way I like it, but today two amazing women in my Facebook Feed shared this video from BuzzFeed on their timeline and it really got me thinking, so I re-shared it on my personal and blog facebook page.

Check out the video here:

I went hunting for the original post that accompanies the video too! The post itself can be found HERE, it mostly posts the video and then the comments on the post are a goldmine in their own way. And a powder keg to a degree - but social media comes with it's share of good and bad.

Compliments are a funny thing aren't they? We don't give them out nearly as often as we should, and we rarely take one gracefully. ~Ascending Butterfly

For women most Compliments center around our looks, on a physical attribute. But I'll bet the compliments that have stuck with you were the ones that had absolutely nothing to do with your looks.

Compliments that have NOTHING to do with 'looks' that have resonated most with me:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I always come to you when a need good sounding board because I know you will be honest.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You are an amazing friend.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You are a talented writer. (and before I began writing for a living, the compliment that resonated with me most was 'you should be a writer' - it took a LONG time for me to take this compliment to heart and actually MOVE on it.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your perserverance never ceases to astound/amaze me. (Secretly this may be my favorite - I have had many bosses give me that one!).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You are the most loyal person I know.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You inspire me.

So today Butterfly share with me: What is the BEST Compliment you ever received that had NOTHING to do with your looks? (Men I would love your feedback on this question as well as the ladies!)

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#FridayFlick} Reco @danishgirlmov Highlights from #TheDanishGirl NYC Advanced Screening event + Actor Talk Back! #movies #theater

With the holiday shopping season in full swing, the few times I have found myself last minute shopping or a last minute addition to my gift list to shop for, I have always made it a point to catch a movie as a way to unwind after shopping.

If you find yourself needing a break from the holiday shopping madness and find yourself by a theater playing The Danish Girl, I definitely recommend you go see it!

ABOUT:

The remarkable love story inspired by the lives of artists Lili Elbe and Gerda Wegener (portrayed by Academy Award Winner, Eddi Redmayne ["The Theory of Everything" - which I reviewed HERE] and Alicia Vikander ["Ex Machina"], directed by Academy Award Winner Tom Hooper ("The King's Speech," "Les Miserables"). Lili and Gerda's marriage and work evolve as they navigate Lili's groundbreaking journey as a transgender pioneer.

I had the opportunity to attend an Advanced Screening with Actor Talkback with co-star Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda in the movie. The Advanced Screening was hosted by the dynamic duo  - Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein - we call "The Moms" in the Dolby 88 Screening Room in New York City!

On my way to the theater, this was my view:

Holidays in New York City takes on a magical quality and so many buildings and business go all out and put up such beautiful holiday trees!

The building where the screening took place also had a beautiful holiday tree indoors (and a coat clothing drive bin!):

We arrived to Coffee and Danishes of course! And we got to leave with a copy of the book - which I can't wait to dive into!

If you want to pick up the book too, check out our friends over at Amazon for a copy!


The movie is both powerful and moving and holds nothing back, for me seeing Eddie Redmayne dive into another equally intense role was fascinating to watch. He has a way of immersing himself in his roles and portrays the nuances of each of his characters perfectly. As convincing as he was as Stephen Hawking, he is as powerful and emotionally giving as Lili Elbe. There is actually no weak performance in the bunch, and Alicia Vikander who plays Gerda, gives the role the strength that is needed while never losing track of the vulnerability.

What stays with me after seeing it is how Gerda an independent spirit and tough girl in her own right, so easily not just accepts what is happening so much as becomes his immediate advocate and champion. I don't think most women could handle the situation the way Gerda does. With a love and friendship for her partner that is so strong she puts her own pain aside to be the friend that he needs during a journey of discovery and unknown.

Matthias Schoenaerts who plays Lili's old friend Hans Axgil also gives a very strong performance. (And of course much like anything with children and animals - the pet dog is a little scene stealer in his own right!)

After the film there was a talk back with Actress Alicia Vikander who portrays Gerda.

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Alicia Vikander, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein

Much like Gerda, Alicia is very grounded and centered - just slightly more 'soft-spoken'. It was interesting getting her thoughts and insights into Gerda, and of course behind the scenes about the movie you don't see on film.

I am going to include the video of the Q&A, but there was a moment during the Questions and Answers where someone in the audience shared how much she related to the story and to Gerda, Alicia was very moved, and after the Talk-Back I was touched to see that Alicia made it a point to connect with the person who made the comment. I managed to capture that moment and couldn't resist sharing it here:

I hope neither of them mind, but this was such a poignant moment and one you don't always experience during press junkets and actor talk-back experiences. Just a real, raw moment and a genuine 'non-posed' connection.

One of the pro photogs in attendance managed to nab her for this shot and since I was close enough and thankfully my DSLR didn't take forever to warm up I managed to nab it too! I can see why the camera loves her, there is something just naturally 'soulful' and expressive about her.

Here is the Video of the Talk Back:

MY TAKE:

I think it's good for millenials to know that Bruce aka 'Caitlyn Jenner' is not a 'pioneer' in the world of Transgender, and seeing someone live through one of the first gender change surgeries and getting a such a raw and honest glimpse into that process was fascinating! This story is moving and powerful, but it's the way the subtle moments - like watching Lili learn to emulate the things women do naturally - a flirtatious gaze, smile or glance - and then the ramifications of doing so, her ease with managing the perfect cat eye, how lucky she was to have such a fierce partner and warrior in her Gerda.

This is definitely a bring your Kleenex type of movie but it's a good one!

Will you be catching any movies this Holiday Season in the Theater? Which ones?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. 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.

{#Theatre} Opening TODAY go see @MotherStruck a new play starring @staceyannchin #Review #Spon

Disclosure: I participated in the MotherStruck! blog program as a member of One2One Network. I received compensation but all opinions are my own.

New York City never fails to bring out my inner 'culture vulture', and this weekend I got to take in a new stage play in previews that opens TODAY called MotherStruck! - written and performed by StaceyAnn Chin (bestselling Author of "The Other Side of Paradise: A Memoir.") and Directed by Cynthia Nixon (Sex & The City). The show is produced by Rosie O'Donnell in conjuntion with NYC Culture Project.

Staceyann Chin co-wrote and performed on Broadway in Russell Simmons Def Poetry Jam (she performed "If Only Out of Vanity", check it out on YouTube HERE) and she performed in THREE one-woman shows before creating her current show MotherStruck! 

"I want to be that woman that your parents use as a bad example of a lady" ~Staceyann Chin, from "If Only Out of Vanity" - Def Poetry Jam

You can also catch her piece "Nails" from Def Jam Poetry HERE. or "Three Frenzied Days" on Def Poetry Jam on YouTube HERE. "A City in Tragedy" - a powerful spoken word poetry on the tragedy of 09/11 on YouTube HERE.

I can get lost when it comes to Poetry - on the page or spoken. So I will get myself back on track and share a bit about what MotherStruck! is actually about!

About MotherStruck!

MotherStruck! sets forth Staceyann's personal journey to motherhood as a single woman, lesbian, and activist who does not have health insurance or a "serious, stable, financial set up", but wants to have a child. Told through Chin's uniquely personal and poetic lens, this solo show explores how the process changed her life and how she makes peace with what she learns from this profound experience.

Opening Night is TONIGHT - Monday, December 14th.

Showtimes:

• Tuesday through Thursday at 7:30pm
• Friday at 8:00pm
• Saturday at 4:00pm and 8:00pm
• Sunday at 5:00pm

There is a piece in the show about her confronting an 'internet bully' which is truly powerful you can get a sort of preview of it via YouTube from The Nest Collective, I won't write the title here because Google might then deem this post as 'adult content', but you can watch it HERE.

I like to tell stories through photos and words, I nabbed some shots while I was in the lobby of The Lynn Redgrave Theater (45 Bleecker Street, New York City) while waiting for the show to start:

Above: Long time readers know I have a thing for two things butterflies and buddha art, needless to say this one caught my eye as soon as I walked in the door. It was my beautiful reminder to release pre-conceived thoughts and the craziness of my commute into the city.

Above: I loved the treatment on this door, it reads 'Subculture' and the screen with the instruments is just plain everything! 

When you enter the theater itself you can immediately tell that this performance is going to be 'in your face'. It's a small theatre and on stage is one large ottoman, Staceyann literally uses every part of the theatre to tell her story, she walks through the audience, and breaks the 'wall' - she makes eye contact and this is a show you can't just passively 'watch', you are forced to immerse yourself in it.

The show runs 1 hour and 40 minutes with one intermission and when the show arrived at the intermission point I thought it was funny how most people commented that the intermission seemed to arrive 'so fast'. That is how engrossed you will get in the story!

DISCOUNT: 

I don't have tickets to offer you this time around butterflies, but I can get you all 20% off tickets to the show - When selecting your seats, select 'Blissful Media Group' for the discounted rate, HERE!

Get Social:

@staceyannchin

@MotherStruck

Use Hashtag #MotherStruck

Visit Culture Project on Facebook

I worked up the nerve to get my program signed (sorry I should have been holding it the other way!) and nabbed a photo with Staceyann!

MY TAKE:

In addition to a middle name in common, like StaceyAnn I am also a poet. The very first moment I understood that writing could be a career is when I entered a writing contest in my freshman year of College, (well actually I didn't enter it, my Professor entered one of my short stories in progress without my consent) and my work won a cash prize! I was asked by my Professor to read my piece at Nuyorican Poets Cafe, but I didn't feel comfortable doing that (and sometimes I greatly regret that). Staceyann mentions in MotherStruck! that one of the first places she discovered when she got to NYC from Jamaica was the Nuyorican Poets Cafe.

While writing this I was listening to an interview Staceyann did for The Rock Newman Show and I loved this quote:

"I believe holy is what you do when there is nothing between your actions and your truth" ~StaceyAnn Chin

I have a great respect for the 'one-woman show' format, it requires a great deal of stamina and a whole lot of nerve/heart! The last time I saw a one woman show that powerful was 'Ann' starring Holland Taylor, see my review of that HERE, the difference is Staceyann is not playing someone else in MotherStruck!, she is relaying her experience, her life and her truth. And she does it boldly and un-apologetically. Hers is a life lived out loud and her journey to Motherhood is certainly not a 'straight' road (no pun intended!) - what I am not seeing enough of is this story ON BROADWAY. Every single time I have seen a powerful one-woman show it has been off-Broadway. I would like think that Broadway has room for human stories with different faces, with strong women leads. I want to see something new on Broadway. I want to see more of THIS!

I urge you to make it a point to go see MotherStruck! Lets move 'diversity' from a boardroom buzzword to a DEMAND. I want to see more theatre where women take the lead in every way, from creative conception, to director and producer like MotherStruck! does.

The end is very much the beginning, while the play chronicles her journey to Motherhood, she recognizes that this is exactly where the story actually begins.

This play is very much poetry come to life, so readers today I ask you:

What work of poetry has resonated with you and greatly impacted YOUR life? (Is it your own? Do you write Poetry?) Do you like 'Memoirs'?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is a compensated/sponsored Post, All opinions are 100% my own! Tickets were provided for Editorial Consideration. This post also contains affiliate links. 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.

{#FestiveFriday} #Photo Highlights from the @TropicanaAC Tropicana #AtlanticCity #Casino Holiday Tree Lighting

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting

If like me you share a penchant for 'pulse-pounding' gaming/Casino action, then a visit to Atlantic City is definitely for you. I have been visiting there for a VERY long time and I enjoy visiting Atlantic City for the holidays, each Casino has it's own unique way of decorating for the Holidays and this year I got the chance to attend the annual Tropicana Atlantic City Casino Holiday Tree Lighting as Press. (You may remember I featured Tropicana's Holiday Tree in 2013 and Google Plus did it's 'auto awesome' magic to my shot of the tree and I made it my first photo in the post, you can see that post and photo HERE).

I arrived a bit before the official kick off and got a chance to take a peek at the Casino Floor and hit some new Slot machines I hadn't tried before like Britney Spears, Batman, The Walking Dead and The Big Bang Theory and enjoy the 25-foot Poinsettia Tree located in the Palm Walk!

If you haven't visited in awhile, Tropicana underwent a $50 million renovation which includes a Multimedia Light and Sound Show, the addition of AltantiCare LifeCenter Fitness and  (NEEDED) renovations to its North Tower Hotel Rooms and Casino.

The 25-foot Poinsettia Tree is just one of the trees you will find at Tropicana, and here are the highlights of the Tree Lighting Ceremony:

Above: As you can see The Quarter at Tropicana was all abuzz in anticipation of the lighting!

Above: Tropicana General Manager, Steve Callender

Above: Mayor Don Guardian

Above: Tropicana General Manager Steve Callender, Mayor Don Guardian and the big guy - Santa Claus light the Holiday Tree!

Above: Tropicana's Holiday Tree all lit up and pretty!

Above: I just had to nab a shot of Santa laughing! He gave goodies to some of the children that were in the crowd!

Above: We were treated to a delightful medley of Christmas Carols, the performers are from the Tropicana Holiday Magic Show (which I have some photo highlights from as well!)

Above: All that Christmas Goodness really helped us Press work up an appetite, thankfully Tropicana had just the right idea, lunch for Press at Broadway Burger Bar in The Quarter! Salad, Sliders, and beverages of choice - my choice was prosecco of course! The Broadway Burger Bar has a great deal for a meal and imax movie, date night anyone?

Above: After lunch we hit 10 North Lounge on the Casino Floor for drinks before the show.

Above: Need a break from the action on the Casino Floor? Hit up 10 North Lounge for a 'Hazelnut Hot Chocolate' - what's in it? I am so glad you asked:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Nutella

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Frangelico

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brandy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Topped with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Straw and Shavings for garnish!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than this, they brought out:

Above: Option 2 'Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate' 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Caramel Baileys

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Topped with Whipped Cream, Caramel and Sea Salt

Served with an assortment of cookies and biscotti.

These were both delicious, but the standout for everyone was the second option. I was actually surprised I liked the second one so much as I am actually not a Caramel fan, but I am a Baileys Fan and this was warm and delish. In all fairness what didn't resonate with folks about the first spiked hot chocolate was the brandy. I am a Brandy Lover, but I only like Remy Martin, I want to try to make this one myself using Remy for the Brandy and see if I taste a difference. Hot Chocolate and Nutella Goodness, they just needed the right Brandy! 

Above: View of the Gaming Floor from 10 North Lounge.

I will definitely go back to 10 North Lounge when I visit again, it's a great place to unwind and get off the Casino floor for a moment. Or if like me and my friends and family if you all go in different directions this is a great place to meet up before dinner or before the Holiday Magic Show!

Above: Dancers twirling at Tropicana Holiday Magic Show

Above: Remember the singers that sang during the tree lighting ceremony - here they are!

Above: I need to add that I was off center and there is no flash photography during the show. So I was taking these with a DSLR with no Flash and trying capture performers in motion - I'm pretty pleased with myself! :)

Above: I did say this was a Magic Show!

Above: Ta-Daa!

Above: And then Presto-Chango!

Above: Check out the leg action - with NO Flash - can you tell I am still quite pleased with myself?

Above: Great singing and dancing!

Above: Beautiful Aerial Performance!

Above: I wish I could do this! (My watermark gets cut off with this photo on extra large, but it's worth it!)

I got WAY more shots, just didn't want to give it all away! :)

Above: Back to the Magic!

Above: How do they do that?

Above: Here is where I admit I haven't put up my tree yet! Maybe I will just hang these photos on my wall! LOL

Above: Notice the elf in the audience?

Above: Let it Snow!

Above: Dancing Snowmen!

Above: Dancing Reindeer!

Above: Singing, Dancing, Magic and Fantasy, what's not to love?

Above: Santa came out into the audience and brought this little audience member some holiday magic!

MY TAKE:

Atlantic City has always been one of my favorite weekend getaway destinations, I didn't get nearly as much time as I wanted to explore all the changes at Tropicana so I think another trip up there is in order! I enjoy their Holiday Tree Lighting and they really have become a one stop shop, with an imax theatre, comedy club, 2 pools, spa, great restaurants from casual to fine dining, bars, shops and so much more! You really don't have to leave the building, well only to watch the outdoor light show! This was a great way to kick off the holiday season and I couldn't recommend it enough! Don't miss the Holiday Musical Light Show in The Quarter at Tropicana Atlantic City Casino!

Readers Sound Off: Have you seen the changes at Tropicana Atlantic City? What is your favorite Casino and why?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and all opinions are 100% my own! The tree lighting was open to the public, lunch and tickets to the Holiday Magic Show were provided for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#Giveaway} It is @Neutrogena Rainbath's 45th Anniversary/Birthday but YOU get the presents! #Ad

NEUTROGENA® Rainbath Giveaway

Sponsored Giveaway, brought to you by Neutrogena!

Neutrogena's Rainbath is turning 45, although she doesn't look a day over 18 if you ask me!

I 'discovered' Neutrogena in my teens. I saw an ad that said that using Neutrogena's Shampoo is a good way to make your regular brand more effective by alternating between it & the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo.

That began a period of me trying out tons of products in the line, with their Oil-Free Acne Wash, Rainbath refreshing shower and bath gel and their original light sesame body oil becoming my top three favorites from their line!

Now that I am blogging and get to try out tons of skincare and beauty products in a wide variety of price points, it is still Neutrogena I go back to. When I finish a system I am testing out, I let my skin 'breathe' again before starting on a new system to review by using Neutrogena for a week before I go testing something new.

It slays me to re-visit old posts, especially previous work for the same brand, and this review post of mine for Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair (in conjunction with Allure Magazine and their Beauty Enthusiast's program) still cracks me up, check it out HERE (it outlines me and my eternal struggle with RBF, if you suffer from RBF too, can I get a 'what-what'!?) Another review I enjoyed re-reading that I did for Neutrogena can be found HERE. And a post for them that is near and dear to my heart as it's a rare glimpse into me and how I got into writing, HERE.

My mom taught me the importance of NEVER going to bed with makeup on, and on those nights when I come in and just straight up want to hit my bed hard, I always keep a pack of makeup remover in my nightstand, I love keeping these at the ready. I keep some in my purse too. This way between day and night events I can change makeup or after the gym (although in all fairness I try not to wear makeup when I am headed to the gym).

Rainbath is enjoying a 45th Anniversary/Birthday and what better way to celebrate a special occasion, than with presents?

I certainly love a good prezzie, particularly around holiday time! Our friends at Neutrogena whole-heartedly agree and they want to stuff your stocking with some Neutrogena 'goodies'. In fact a basket of Neutrogena Goodies, this may have to go under the tree as it might not fit in your stocking!

WIN IT:

One lucky butterfly will win a basket of Neutrogena Products including Rainbath - Refreshing Shower and bath gel!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (sometimes the widget gets stuck, if that's the case, just refresh your screen, that usually does the trick! If you don't see the widget but the words 'a Rafflecopter giveaway' just press that link which will take you to the entry widget)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

Neutrogena will always be the brand I associate with my kick off into my skincare and beauty routine, and when I get the chance to write about products you will definitey find in my cabinets anyway - I consider it a really good day at the office.

You know how much I love playing 'Butterfly Claus' and giving you guys the chance to experience the products I am currently playing with!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite Neutrogena Product? Why is it your fave?

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FTC Disclosure: All products featured were supplied to Ascending Butterfly at no cost for Editorial Consideration. This is a sponsored/compensated Post, however 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.