Tuesday, September 12, 2017

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

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

This Is Us (Music From The Series)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ron Cephas Jones as William Hill in NBC Television's This Is Us
Music From The Series:

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

TRACKLISTING:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post sponsored by One2One Network and UMe, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

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

THIS IS NOT A COMPENSATED POST


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

September has a quite a few, notable ones including:

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

The Video:


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

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"I was honored to have the opportunity to moderate this inspiring panel; each story reignited passion to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Latinas" ~ Emeraude Toubia
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Above: Actress Emeraude Toubia unveils a docu-style video launched by P&G's Orgullosa to celebrate the diversity of Latina Beauty at the #WeAreOrgullosa Event in New York City

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

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

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


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

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

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


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

MY TAKE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: This was a private event for Media, Editors and Influencers, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. There were gift bags. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.