Wednesday, December 19, 2018

At the corner of #Tech and #Fashion is the OS by Google: @MichaelKors Access Runway #Smartwatch pick yours up @bestbuy today! #MichaelKors #AccessItAll #ad

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Best Buy provided a Michael Kors Access Runway  Smartwatch for Editorial Consideration. There are affiliate links in this post.

Watches are a staple Fashion statement that are not going anywhere anytime soon. However like most tech, they are getting smarter. A watch is becoming more of a personal assistant than plain wrist jewelry.

You can check off that tech loving Fashionista on your list with the Michael Kors Access Runway  Smartwatch available at Best Buy





Features:

Compatible with Android phones and iPhone®

Wear OS by Google works with phones running Android 4.4 or later (excluding Go edition) or iOS 9.3 or later operating systems.*

Calendar, SMS, email and social apps notifications

Keep you updated on day-to-day happenings.

Touch, tap and swipe for easy menu navigation 

1.19" AMOLED touch-screen display.

Stainless steel case 

Along with a 18mm stainless steel watch band ensures durability and an elegant look.

Water-resistant design 

Defends your smartwatch against submersion in up to 98' of water.

Wireless connection to your device 

Bluetooth 4.1 LE connectivity and NFC technology enables simple one-touch pairing.

Comprehensive monitoring 

Tracks distance, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate and steps taken.

Vibrate mode 

Quietly alerts you to a range of notifications, such as incoming e-mails, calls and text messages, as well as upcoming calendar events.

Built-in battery

Offers up to 24 hours of use on a full charge for extended operation.

Customizable

Custom Watch Faces and Interchangeable Straps

Pay With A Wave

Wave your wrist and go with Google Pay's NFC Technology

Smarter Health Coaching

Activity Tracking and Coaching based on the guidelines from the American Heart Association & World Health Organization.

If you have been following the "Days of my Computer" Soap Opera Drama, I finally found a laptop, which just like the watch can be purchased at Best Buy! During the Black Friday Sales this year I nabbed the HP - Spectre x360 2-in-1 15.6" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - HP Finish In Dark Ash Silver for a steal! (All me, not sponsored, I purchased this one, will give a more detailed review of the computer in a seperate post, still under 30 days and we are focusing on the watch in this post.)




I love how the gold tone accents on my laptop play with the gold tone on the smartwatch!

A few lifestyle shots of my synced up tech in action.

Michael Kors Access Smartwatch synced to LG phone via Wear OS Google App, imPRESS Gel Manicure
Sync Watch to your Smartphone by downloading the Wear OS App. Smartphone not included, but if you need a new smartphone you can get one at Bestbuy while you are at it.
I did a quick Kiss imPRESS Gel Manicure with a mix of rose gold, gold tone glitter accents and matte burgundy velvet so I could give you some Vanna White cuteness while showing off the watch.


I am happy to report it is also compatible with Spotify! You know I have to have my Music with me everywhere I go.

MY TAKE:

Best Buy can pretty much be your one stop shop this year for holiday shopping. Any entrepreneur, travel lover or time strapped student on your list would love the Michael Kors Access Smartwatch.

My favorite feature? With all the stress on my plate this year it would have to be having the breathing exercise guiding me to be more aware of my breathing and taking a deep breath more often, having my calendar on my wrist to easily see an address without having to pull out my phone is great also.

This watch is definitely a holidays buying guide pick for 2018!

Readers: Are you upgrading to a Smartwatch? Who on your holiday shopping list would most love a Smartwatch?


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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, a watch was provided for Editorial Consideration and all opinions are 100% my own!  Affiliate links are used in this post. 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.

Friday, November 30, 2018

These 10 #Travel and #Tech Products are a must have for your Holidays 2018 Wish List! #CTATravel

Disclosure: This is an event recap. This post is NOT compensated.

I am woefully behind on Event Recaps thanks to a summer that brought a devastating fire on the Fourth of July due to someone sneaking up to the roof of my apartment building and throwing illegal fireworks, followed by a death in the family a week later, and culminating in me twisting BOTH my ankles and spraining my wrist a week after that!

To say it has been a "challenging' summer would be a complete understatement.

All the events I did get to attend before my world came crashing down were pretty amazing, and while it may take me awhile I promise I will get to each and every one of them.

I had the chance to attend the Techlicious/Consumer Technology Association/CES Lunch and Learn event at Quality Italian Restaurant in Midtown New York City.

I will start with the hot tech first and then lead into the great food!

These are the great products I was exposed to (these are NOT reviews, I got to see the products at the event, not road test them personally, so these are first impressions)

Since the nice reps from Roku were seated at my table, I will start with Roku first:

Roku Streaming Stick
Roku Streaming Stick
I am totally getting sick of dealing with my Cable Company, and with features like Hotel and Dorm Connect the Roku Streaming Stick is perfect for both Travelers as well as College Kids hitting the dorm. Why pay the hotel a million bucks to rent a movie when you can just bring along your own streaming stick? Retail Price = $49.99 - these were in our gift bags but I didn't get a chance to test mine as it was lost in the fire, if Roku sends out a replacement I will definitely provide you guys with a full review.

The next brand has been at several events I regularly cover including The Luxury Review/The Luxury Tech Show and I haven't had a chance to take the demo or speak to the reps (in this instance it was my arrival time, at LTS my time at certain booths ran overtime during the Press Preview time period and once that event opened up to non-press it was just too crowded to get in there.) But I have wanted to take the demo and will have to make sure to do it next time I see HTC Vive.

HTC Vive
HTC Vive
I love that Virtual Reality is being used by the travel/hospitality industry to help you tour a destination or a hotel room without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Retail Price = $1,399 (definitely a splurge but Vive Pro definitely has one of the richest content libraries available on SteamVR and VIVEPORT.

Ashley Chloe Helix Cuff
Ashley Chloe Helix Cuff
You guys know I am called #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ via Twitter because I am a Twitter Party Hostess with the Mostest who LOVES Music and hasn't met the twitter party yet I couldn't find the right song for. I am always on the market for new audio and when I can combine my love of audio and tech with my love of fashion and accessories all the better! My Audio 'Form Meets Function' pick from the event is definitely The Ashley Chloe Helix Cuff. The world's first wearable wireless Bluetooth headphones with cVC noise reduction, AptX Technology, Smart Multipoint Connectivity and Bluetooth 4.1. Retail Price = $99.00 - $249.99 (The pricier one is the Helix 24K Gold Edition, love the exclusive color! I would have to listen to Bruno Mars 24K first on these!) Earbuds not getting twisted or destroyed in my cavernous handbag, PRICELESS!

myCharge Pride Limited Edition Power Bank
myCharge Pride Limited Edition Power Bank
myCharge Pride Limited Edition Power Bank was donating 5% of Pride Month Power Bank Sales to The Trevor Project, and since later on this year I got to cross attending Ru Paul's Drag Con off my bucket list (full post to come) - this got me a thumbs up every time I pulled it out to keep my phone charged during the conference. This is a little bulkier than some of the Power Bank's I have used in the past, but love the on and off button, how fast it charges my devices and how long it holds its own charge. The plug for the wall flips out, and this charges itself AND the device simultaneously. This one definitely gets a thumbs up from me, and something like this can cross off nearly everyone on your list! Retails for $34.99

Hum by Verizon
Hum by Verizon 
With holiday travel at it's peak and everyone driving to visit family and friends, the Hum by Verizon certainly helps prove that 'those who wander are not lost'.  With pinpoint roadside assistance, you can get the help you need by using the Hum App to request 24/7 roadside assistance, there is also a mechanics hotline, stolen vehicle assistance, maintenance reminders, you can check your safety score (this helps keeps insurance costs low), vehicle diagnostics and you can also turn your car into a Wi-Fi Hotspot allowing passengers to stream, surf and game on the road (eliminating the dreaded "Are We There Yet?" Questions, PRICELESS).

Sony WH-1000X M3 Wireless Headphones
Sony WH-1000X M3 Wireless Headphones
The Sony WH-1000X M3 are pricey at $349.99, but these wireless, noise cancelling beauties offer five hours playback from a mere 10 minute charge, perfect for us frequent fliers who struggle to find an outlet or left our trusty powerbank behind. We were shown the M2's but the M3's are already out now. I need these in my life and am sad they were not in the gift bag!

Sony SP700N true wireless earphones
Sony SP700N true wireless earphones
With extra bass and the Google Assistant built into these Sony SP700N true wireless earphones, you can make easy hands free at the click of a button, enjoy digital noise cancellation or ambient sound which lets you hear essential sounds. The compact carrying case not only keeps them secure, but holds an additional two full three hour charges, so you can power them on the go! These sound perfect for my morning commute, and I am bummed that these weren't in the gift bag either. These Retail for $149.99.

Sony RX100 Advanced Camera
Sony RX100 Advanced Camera
Sony was showing their RX100 Advanced Camera with 1.0 Sensor, while it may be portable, the specs are definitely not 'lightweight'. It is a 20.2 MP, with a SteadyShot that reduces blur even in low light, HD video capabiity for beautiful video and full manual control for creative photography. It retails for $369.99. Not in the gift bag either, le sigh. I have had my eye on the Sony a7rIII which I played with last year during Fashion Week at Sony Square Space in NYC and then again at this year's Photo Plus Expo. I took a picture with it that served as a Best Buy contest entry during the Expo which is featured on my Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BpbS1-TAXLt/ - I have to say I am bit more inclined to the A7RIII, but this has a $2,799 retail price tag making the RX100 a bit more holiday budget friendly. But as Photography is a huge part of my career, not just a hobby/passion, I am telling Santa I want the A7RIII (42.4 MP with 14-bit RAW output!) for Christmas! I really have been a very, very, very, good butterfly this year.

Speck Presidio for iPhone X
Speck Presidio for iPhone X
Speck Presidio for iPhone X offers 8 foot drop protection! While I am an Android girl and have never owned an iPhone, I have witnessed a ton of friends, family and colleagues drop their uber expensive phone and ended up walking around with a cracked screen - not cute. Why not make a small investment in protecting it instead? At $39.95 ($27.96 if you act fast to nab the extended Cyber Week deal) it gives you something absolutely PRICELESS - peace of mind!

Modobag - Motorized Luggage
Modobag - Motorized Luggage
See that image above? That is a grown man riding on Modobag - Motorized Luggage, it convinced me to give it a go:


Actually I watched TWO men ride this thing before I opted to get on it myself.

Zip through the airport terminals and never miss a flight, on a single charge the Modobag has the ability to travel up to 6+ miles based on a rider weight of 180 pounds, it has an indoor speed of 4 MPH, and outdoor speed of 7 MPH, three times a regular walking pace, and it goes to full charge in two hours. It also has two USB ports for individual or simultaneous charging. I totally want this for Christmas, as a Blogger this would be my portable office for press trips! I really want this! The Retail on Modobag is $1,495 - which considering designer luggage costs three times as much, and does not haul you around in addition to your stuff, this is actually a steal!

I also wanted to share some photos of our meal:

CTA Travel Tech Lunch Menu
CTA Travel Tech Lunch Menu
Above: CTA Travel Tech Lunch Menu

Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer
Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer
Above: Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer (shared by our table, I swear I didn't all that!)

Baby Kale Tricolore Salad
Baby Kale Tricolore Salad
Above: Baby Kale Tricolore Salad

Sausage and Pepper Garlic Toast
Sausage and Pepper Garlic Toast
Above: Sausage and Pepper Garlic Toast

Mediterranean Branzino, Pesto Rosso with Qi Tuscan Fries
Mediterranean Branzino, Pesto Rosso with Qi Tuscan Fries
Above: Mediterranean Branzino, Pesto Rosso with Qi Tuscan Fries (you know I usually go for the seafood/fish dish!


Above: Sometimes I am not fast enough to nab a shot before hungry Editors tear into something, but I oddly like this shot all the more for having some pieces missing!

Chocolate Coffee Malt Cannoli with Pistachio Gelato
Chocolate Coffee Malt Cannoli with Pistachio Gelato
Above: Chocolate Coffee Malt Cannoli with Pistachio Gelato

QI Signature Lemon Meringue Tart
QI Signature Lemon Meringue Tart

Above: QI Signature Lemon Meringue Tart

MY TAKE:

These items are perfect for anyone on your list, and are going to score major brownie points with travel lovers and tech enthusiasts of any age. Again these are impressions as I got to play with these products at the event. Should I get review units I will give those items their own day in the sun with full reviews.

My photos are watermarked, un-watermarked photos were used by media with permission.

This is the second year I have attended this event, (the food is always amazing) just in case you missed last year's which focused heavily on Photography and Photography tips for getting better shots, check it out here: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/techlicious-ctatech-ctaphotonyc-lunch.html

This by far has been the second worse year of my life, second only to almost dying in 2011. It zapped every ounce of writing energy out of me. Not to mention left me without a computer until Black Friday Sales enabled me to get a laptop. I am just not one of those bloggers who can blog solely via phone. I do not have millenial thumbs and have no idea how they can get so much typing done on a mobile touch keypad.

I am slowly but surely trying to get myself ramped up again.

And am considering either a re-design or a complete re-branding.

I do have some overdue giveaways so check back often.

For those of you who have sent me personal emails checking in on me, Thank You!

I know our Inspirational Messages of the Day and Gratitude Sundays have been missed, and I will find a way to bring them back soon. Let's just say getting myself motivated has been difficult enough lately.

This event put some great products on my radar, I definitely wouldn't mind seeing any or all of these under my Christmas Tree or stuffed inside my stocking this year.

Readers: Which of these do you want most? Do you already have any of them?


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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and 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, August 22, 2018

Yes Way Frosé! This Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries gets it's own #WordlessWednesday for being my drink pick of the summer! From @curvexpo Cocktail Hour honoring @Wacoal [#Lingerie Designer of the Year] @Pier66Maritime

Curvexpo 2018 was fabulous this year!

The increased focus on Body Positivity and even a panel on Social Media made it my favorite tradeshow of the summer!

More to come, and hopefully some brand highlights in individual posts as there were a TON of butterfly sightings this year which meant I talked to way more brands than I usually get a chance to.

Today's "Wordless Wednesday" is focusing on a delicious Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries that was the signature drink of the event (the drink was brought to us by Vodafone) at the Cocktail Hour hosted outside the tradeshow at a venue called Big Red Boat in Park/aka 'Frying Pan'/Pier 66 Maritime they were honoring Wacoal as Lingerie Designer of the Year and Curvexpo exhibitors and attendees and media were invited to mix and mingle over drinks and apps! It got super packed and busy but the location right on the water somehow made it so relaxing.

Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries
Above: Yes Way Frosé! This Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries gave me all the summer feels, it was refreshing, cool and delicious - a treat in a cup!

Watermelon Frosé
Above: Just another day in the city that never sleeps when a Cocktail gets its own blog post! I call this "FROYAY"

Pier 66 Maritime The Frying Pan Big Red Boat, Photography, NYC
Above: Not a bad view from my table, Curvexpo NYC did it again, see you guys next year!

These photos were taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

Readers Sound Off: What was your Cocktail of Summer 2018? Did you hit on something new or stick to an old favorite? Have you attended Curvexpo in NYC or other cities?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and 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, July 18, 2018

#WordlessWednesday This one is for you #Squirrel Friends! #Photography #NikonD3300

I thought things couldn't get worse after the Fourth of July fire, last night I found out that my Aunt passed away, so for the first time ever, I am very much truly wordless!

This photo was taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and 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, July 11, 2018

Fourth of July FIREworks now have a whole new and not so good meaning for me, this #WordlessWednesday photo is definitely worth a thousand words!



I have never truly come close to a true wordless 'Wordless Wednesday', but today will be the closest I have ever come. A bit after midnight on the Fourth of July we were awakened to the sound of someone pounding on our door yelling "FIRE!" "FIRE!".

Someone threw illegal fireworks off the roof and set the building ablaze.

I have more photos of the destruction that the FDNY left in their wake, but I think my battered bible says it all:

Bible, Battered Bible, Post Fire Bible

Unfortunately, this is the second time there was a fire in my apartment complex. This time around I am saddened by not only the things that were lost that can't be replaced, photos, the family bible pictured above, trinkets from my travels but also these things that leave me angry:

- FDNY - The firefighters were so RUDE. They let us know that we were SUPPOSED to go up to the roof and stop people from throwing illegal fireworks, um, it was late at night and I was asleep and two, I am NOT a cop. There has been quite a bit of gang activity in this area and he thinks I am supposed to risk my life confronting criminals?

- My Neighbors - People we have lent a hand to when they were locked out their apartments, held their packages when they missed Fedex/UPS - and when the worst was over everyone closed their doors, not one person asked if we would like to stay with them or needed water or anything.

- My Fair Weather Friends - Remember when it was popular to ask 'Who is your 4 am?' - meaning if anything were to happen to you and you could not call your parents, siblings etc who would that person be that would be there for you in the middle of the night. I should have already known this from my health scare in 2011 - but this, really helped hit home that I do not have a 4 am.

- My Landlord - There should be better security measures in this building and if this isn't proof of that, then I do not know what is.

Readers: Have you ever experienced a fire? 

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and 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, July 4, 2018

{#WineWednesday} Looking for a Sparkling #Wine to start your #FourthofJuly2018 with a pop of apple crisp goodness that will carry you into fall? Check out @drinksauvage

Happy Fourth of July Butterflies!

Compensated Post Sponsored By: Sauvage Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp Sparkling Wine

June was a BIG month at Ascending Butterfly, it marked the 10 year anniversary of this blog. I normally do a 'it's our birthday, you get the gifts' month of giveaways, but things got super busy so I will sprinkle some giveaway goodness into your life throughout the summer.

Something about Independence day and the expression "As American as Apple Pie" made me want to work on this post today. And while I am not presenting actual Apple Pie, I am talking about 'Apple Crisp', of a LIQUID variety.


Sauvage Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp Sparkling Wine Flat Overlay with Animal Print Wine Glasses, Sauvage, Comsi Comsa, Apple Crisp, Sparkling Wine, Kosher Wines, Gluten Free Wine



Above: Sauvage Comsi Comsa 'Apple Crisp' Sparkling Wine

You guys have no idea just how long it took to get this flat overlay shot to work, then I used Ribbet (my fave online Photo Editing Software) to get this matte effect!

For some odd reason my wine tasting experiences have leaned heavily on the international side, and when I got to cover the Tropicana Winter Wine Fest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it was the first time I had a chance to try wines produced closer to home.

Today I am proud to share a wine that is produced in Oneonta, New York and has only TWO ingredients - apples and champagne yeast. This wine is natural, gluten-free and kosher and made with dozens of apple varieties sourced from local farms surrounding the distillery.

Sauvage's distillery and tasting room is in Oneonta, New York in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Susquehanna River and has direct access to 24 varieties of apple's growing in the nearby region's orchards.

It is 12% alcohol by volume with an Amber-Caramel color and a 'full-bodied nose' and is that intersection where bubbly meets cider (cider is only 6% alcohol by volume, Comsi Comsa 'Apple Crisp' is 12%).

It has the refreshing taste of a crisp green apple, not a sweet, crumbly dessert, I tend to lean toward brut and dry palate wines and love that this is crisp, surprisingly full-bodied and well-balanced.

Sauvage Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp Sparkling Wine Flat Overlay with Animal Print Wine Glasses, Sauvage, Comsi Comsa, Apple Crisp, Sparkling Wine, Kosher Wines, Gluten Free Wine

Above: I was so inspired I even started exploring fun filters - this filter is called "True Vintage" and I love everything about it, I want to enlarge this one and put it in my kitchen!

MY TAKE:

Sauvage Comsi Comsa Sparkling Wine is affordable luxury at $14.99 per bottle and pairs so perfectly with cheeses that you will want to make it the star of your summer and fall. I'm a Brie Cheese lover and the pairing of this wine with Brie is literally a match made in heaven.

If an 'Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away' surely stocking my bar with Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp will help me live forever right?

So be sure to pick up a bottle to go along with your backyard barbecues and fireworks today!

Please drink responsibly butterflies, do NOT drink and drive!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite way to enjoy Apples?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is both a compensated and a sponsored Post, but the love is real. Ascending Butterfly is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. 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, June 25, 2018

{#MusicMonday} #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ Celebrating @PaquitoDRivera 70th Birthday @BlueNoteNYC + through June 30 Blue Note Jazz Festival Presented by @Sony and #Inglot

I have eclectic taste in music, fellow eclectics will tell you they have a lot of everything, something from pretty much every genre but rarely listen to the same artist for prolonged periods of time, rotating from various gems in their extensive music collection.

There are some artists I have in every format that music has been produced in: 8 Track, Vinyl, Cassette, CD and now digital.

Paquito D'Rivera is one of those artists.

Last week I got to celebrate his 70th birthday at the iconic and legendary Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City and it was EPIC!

Now through June 30th the Blue Note Jazz Festival which is being sponsored by Sony and Inglot, is bringing a ton of great artists to the Blue Note Jazz Club.

Photo Highlights:


Above: I just had to nab a shot of the stage before the crowd rolled in!

Above: Reserved Table Baby! Look who's high rolling and on the list! :)

Above: Each table has its own Gold Star, sort of like the Hollywood Walk of Fame for Jazz, my table was Illinois Jacquet. Jean-Baptiste "Illinois" Jacquet was an American jazz tenor saxophonist, best remembered for his solo on "Flying Home", critically recognized as the first R&B sax solo. (He was a skilled improviser and he also doubled on the bassoon!)


Above: After soaking up the vibes it was time to order a nice libation and I was so stoked to see the "Plum Razz Martini" on the menu as I love Plum Sake!

Plum Razz Martini Cocktail:

Stoli Razberi
Umeshu Plum Sake
Fresh Lemon Juice


Above: 'The Paqman' performing at Blue Note Jazz Club in New York City. From 6/12-17 he performed 12 sets, all different repertoire, there was little something something for everyone!

Above: While this was not my first time seeing Paquito D'Rivera perform live it was my first time seeing him perform at The Blue Note Jazz Club!

Above: I love when musicians banter with the crowd and one of my favorite moments was when the band was about to perform some brazilian music when Paquito asked if anyone was from Brazil in the crowd, an audience member said she was, and that she saw him perform there as well.

Above: We were surprised with a Meet & Greet! This is Cheryl Goodman, Head of North American Global Communications for Sony who I captured at the precise moment when she was pointing to me and telling Paquito "I was so cool!" I think I love this picture even more than my photos with him, because I will NEVER forget this moment!

Above: As you can tell by the laughs Paquito is very down to earth. I seriously have no idea how artists have any energy left for meet and greets after a performance.


Above: A forward facing one, you know for insta!

MY TAKE:

Last year I told you guys about the launch of Sony Square Space, (linking you to my Square Space coverage in case you missed it) and this year it's Sony Hall. While the concert I attended was in the West 3rd venue, Sony Hall, equipped with Sony's technologies is integrated throughout a 12,000 square-foot venue owned/operated by Blue Note Entertainment in the heart of New York's Theatre District (at the Paramount Hotel). Offering a full-service restaurant and bar with a capacity of 1,000 standing and 500 seated.

There is a reason why live plays trump movies and concerts trump CD's, nothing beats theatre or music being experienced live.

I do not know how Paquito D'Rivera has so much energy. At 70 I am probably going to want a nap for my birthday! LOL

Note that the West 3rd venue is quite intimate and it's shared tables so for this venue you really want to round up a bigger crew so you will be seated with folks you know. If you are a smaller group be prepared to share your table. I only mention this as that night I observed a couple on a first date, and they seemed a bit over-whelmed at having folks so close up and personal.

But as a music lover you are also getting a great chance to connect fellow music lovers which can be fun.

We enjoyed quite a few shared apps and a variety of the drinks and everything was great including wonderfully attentive service. But finding a drink with Plum Sake was such a pleasant surprise. And I am going to have to get a bottle of this brand because I really liked it. I personally would use regular stoli and let the plum sake do the talking but I wasn't mad at the stoli razberi!

And I have to admit my Nikon did its thing considering the low lighting. I played around with a few of the photos using my photo editor and did some sepia and black and whites that I didn't include here, I will use those for a Wordless Wednesday because they impart such a totally different mood/vibe that they would be perfect for the day that the interwebs focuses on photos.

One of Paquito D'Rivera's best collaborations was on "Another Kind of Blue: The Latin Side of Miles Davis, featuring Conrad Herwig and Paquito D'Rivera" you definitely want a CD of music that was recorded live at the blue note as a memento of your experience. There is a gift shop on the second floor, so be sure to hit it on the way out.

I am literally posting about last week out of order, so stay tuned for an upcoming Travel meets Tech post next (it's actually where I was during the day that day, this performance was in the evening)!

Readers Sound Off: Who is your favorite Jazz Musician? Have you been to the legendary Blue Note?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, but it certainly should be. This is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. This is an event recap and passes were 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, June 20, 2018

GLAM + Ambition = Glambition™ Check out the highlights from Beauty Night Out 2018 #GBNO18 #KnockingDownWallsInHeels hosted by @Google

Above: I rarely a start a post with a 'see what I did there?' but I cropped out the person I took this picture for just because I loved the idea of her silhouette juxtaposed against the event signage. I have been really into getting more creative with my Photography. This was shot with a Canon Rebel, I have since switched to Nikon.

In 2016 during Women's History Month I got to attend a very special event called "GLAMBITION Women Think Big". An event intended to help empower and inspire and explore the many roles we play both in life and in business. (Linking you to it just in case you missed it.)

This year Glambition returned to NYC in a different venue, Google's NYC offices in Chelsea. On the day of this event many marches were being held for the #MeToo movement. I actually did not know that but discovered it that day when tons of women participating in the rally in NYC boarded the MTA Subway Train I was on with their signs in tow. 

I love that Glambition events have aligned with significant dates of importance for women.

If you have a bit of GLAM in you and a ton of Ambition then Glambition™ events are definitely for YOU!

There were panel sessions that helped to empower entrepreneurs - women in business who are doing big things and are willing to share the journey so you can learn from their mistakes and be inspired by their triumps! 

Photo Highlights:




Above: Google Neon Sign, NYC HQ Lobby



Above: Google was all about empowering entrepreneurs, and this butterfly was there to soak it all in!



Above: Salud Para Todos greeted guests with their Moringa Detox and Wellness Tea which was perfect because it was freezing outside and it tasted great! I also happened to be the lucky winner of their raffle and won a cool gift basket full of products that fit in perfectly with my personal and blog focus phrase for 2018 'self-care'. So you will see more on this soon, and I hope to partner with them to bring something fun for my butterflies that focuses on self-care. Which is something I have always been saying most of us do NOT get nearly enough of! Take care of your body, it is the engine that drives you daily.





Above: Photo 1: Left: Esmeralda Cruz, CEO of EC-OPS and in the second photo I couldn't help but get a close up of 'Big Lashes Lead To A Big Life'.




Above: Honor Thy Sweets treated guests to cupcakes! NOM NOM NOM



Above: Model Citizen's booth had fun t-shirt swag! They had pretty neat raffles too, I guess I can't win them all, but will post a pic in my tee for a wordless wednesday or on insta, so be sure you are following me there as well.



Above: And with my love of animal prints I spotted this super cute clutch from Faces Beautiful by Gail Sagel across the room! This is so ME! I am an avid travel lover, and I pride myself on being able to anywhere with just ONE carry on and my purse, and that's it. One thing I always like to pack is a clutch so on evenings out or a day just at the hotel I just carry essentials, this clutch is so packable and while it is meant to carry your Faces Beautiful Makeup, you can leave the makeup in the room and use the clutch for an evening out or have this as your makeup travel case. More to come, and they have also been invited to come back and doing something fun. I am also working on an animal print accessories round up and this is definitely going in there as well.



Above: You guys know I am obsessed with Plum Sake (just search my archives - my favorite is Gekkeikan Plum Sake), so when I discovered Plush Vodka - a plum flavored Vodka I was definitely trying it out and the signature cocktails too! They were also invited to do something fun - so stay tuned.



Above: As if Plum Vodka and signature cocktails weren't enough, the fine folks at Bartenura were offering a very nice selection of wines including a very nice Rose and Pinot Grigio!


Above: Dee Rivera, Founder of Dee and CO Group.


Above: Angelina Darrisaw, C-Suite Coach, providing affordable and accessible coaching and career content to millenial professionals with diverse backgrounds.



Above: Aisha Taylor Strategic Partnerships and Program Lead at Google. Aisha launched and oversees Google’s new Digital Coaches Program to equip and empower women and minority-owned small businesses with digital marketing training across 9 U.S. pilot cities (Atlanta, Austin, Bay Area, Chicago, Detroit, LA, Miami, NYC and Washington DC).



Above: Building Beauty is an Asset Panel. Don't let Social fool you, getting rich via Instagram and Blogging is not happening for everyone, and certainly not as easily or quickly as social makes it look. Whether you made or are still trying to make your first 'insta-millions' taking control of your finances is the best way to be sure you have a comfortable future. How to build assets with a Life Insurance was helmed by the team at New York Life Insurance.



Above: Building a Viable Brand Panel



Above: Panel discussion moderated by Hello Beautiful Style & Beauty Editor and Founder of Model CitizenDanielle James. Left to Right: Sarah Perez (CEO of SALUD), Vera Moore (Founder, Vera Moore Cosmetics), Jane Carter (Founder, Jane Carter Solution), Kim Baker (Founder, Glamazon Cosmetics)

Check out the video coverage of these panels here: https://hellobeautiful.com/2976193/glambition-beauty-night-out-speakers/

MY TAKE:

I love supporting women in business and women owned businesses! I love meeting women who are willing to share their journey. No one has an easy rise/ride to the top, it takes hard work and a ton of guts to make it to the top of your industry.

I like how this event came at Entrepreneurship from all sides, the triumphs, hardships and obstacles that other successful female entrepreneurs have faced, and a reminder that getting a grip on all facets of wealth building and equity including being insured, are important foundations to your success.

Follow your gut instincts, and never second guess yourself was one of the greatest takeaways for me.

Readers Sound Off: What is YOUR GLAMbition?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a monetarily compensated Post, but it certainly should be. This is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. This is an event recap and passes were 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 and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.