(Not So) {#WordlessWednesday} Shh! Don't tell anyone but @SheaMoisture was my favorite booth at #BlogHer15

One of the best things about Blogging Conferences is connecting with brands, and BlogHer will always win for sheer volume and variety that's a given, they do it bigger! But for me when I can finally connect with a brand that I already love and really use on the regular it's a win/win.

Well first, it's a sort of smack my forehead and think 'DOH! Why haven't I ever reached out to them before?'

BlogHer15 gave me that moment and it was with a brand that I first became aware of because they were gift/swag bag inclusions multiple times at Beauty Events I have attended here in New York City throughout the years. But they weren't at the actual events. I fell in love with each of the Shea Moisture products I had the pleasure of trying out. So when I happened upon them in the expo hall of the Hilton I may have actually squealed with girlish delight (Hey! Don't judge me! It's the little things in life that excite me!)

Their range is super diverse and it was during BlogHer15 that I discovered in addition to the hair and body care products that I have grown to love, they make makeup/cosmetics as well.

I got my makeup done, and I discovered that I still need more practice in the fine art of contouring but I loved the products that were used on me and I also waited to get my hair done. The hairstylist took one look at my hair and said my ends 'were a hot mess' (they were) and told me to return the next day so he could trim them.

And I did.

And I got my first ever haircut (not just a blow out, flat iron or hair touch up) on a tradeshow floor, that was a first for me! And I have to say I absolutely LOVED the results! I have fine hair so if I over product it can look greasy at the root but the ends will still look dry because it's also frizz prone. I have to be careful not to let my hair 'bulk up' too much and when I get a quality cut I can feel the difference, I have fine hair but a lot of of it, so after it's well cut, my whole head sort of feels 'lighter' and of course feels smoother and silkier (no matter how hard I try I have never been able to replicate a hair stylist blow out at home!).

Their booth was buzzing, of course because the products are really THAT good, but they also had a live Graffiti Artist doing wall art for them at the booth, the mural was created by Seb Gorey and you can read more about the mural that was created HERE.

I left that booth feeling like a million bucks, or at least like a shinier penny that's for sure! Makeup CHECK. Hair cut and styled, CHECK. Samples of my favorite products, CHECK PLUS PLUS.

They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador, #JustSayin

Here is a photo of me in front of the mural wall:

MY TAKE:

Shh! Don't tell anyone but theirs was my favorite booth at BlogHer15. They were super welcoming, took the time to LISTEN not just try and sell, and their hair and makeup artist were totally on fleek. You know I only pause for mascot photos and avoid direct on photos of myself where possible (you all know I don't fall for 'step and repeats'), so for me to pose by myself with no mascot in site is total brand love! And while it's a small thank you in comparison for how good they made me feel, I hope they know just how much this particular blogger feels appreciative of the efforts they took into keeping up that energy and working hard to make sure everyone left their booth feeling beautiful. The hooded cardigan and top I am wearing are by MiracleSuit and the jeans are by Silver Jeans!

I want to add that Shea Moisture body scrubs are the BOMB, and I can't stress enough that their hair care products are good for ALL hair types!

Have you tried Shea Moisture Products yet? If so, which is your fave? What is your go to haircare brand?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (samples were provided). All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I was a Vitabath Brand Ambassador for the BlogHer 2015 Conference. 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.

During #Blogher15 @Staples took us all #BacktoSchool #StaplesBTS - Are YOU ready?

Blogging Conferences come with their share of private events (and in some cases have VIP badges that offer a very difference experience than the standard conference badge) and this year during BlogHer15, Staples organized an invite only Breakfast to help Bloggers get ready for Back-to-School with special appearances by TV Personality Leeza Gibbons and Jamie Primak Sullivan of #cawfeetawk and Bravo TV's Jersey Belle.

Check out this video!

Some of the 'Trends' & Initiatives by Staples for 2015 include:

Designed by Students - Who knows what students need better than students right? (Well maybe Teachers!), but this line of products and tools designed by students to help address common classroom needs include The Big Pen (a pencil case and writing instrument all-in-one), the Big Props Pencil Case (doubles as a tablet stand) and the Super Folder which includes storage areas, a zipper pouch, clear pockets for class schedules, a pencil sharpener, sticky notes and a writing pad!

Positive Impact/Me to We - Staples and Me to We (a social enterprise that provides people with better choices for a better world) have joined forces to make socially conscious shopping easy with a line of eco-friendly school supplies. Each product provides a life-changing impact in a developing community where Me to We's partner, Free the Children works and the Me to We Collection includes notebooks, composition books, binders, portfolios, backpacks, pencil pouches and more with a price range from $1.99 - $29.99

Want to know HOW your purchase makes a SPECIFIC Impact?

✔Me to We Core Notebook provides MEDICINE
✔Me to We 10.5" Notebook provides FARM SEEDS
✔Me to We Journal provides MEDICINE
✔Me to We Composition Book provides MEDICINE
✔Me to We Casemade Binder provides ONE TREE
✔Me to We Portfolio provides CLEAN WATER
✔Me to We Water Bottle provides CLEAN WATER FOR ONE WEEK
✔Me to We Rafiki provides ONE YEAR OF SCHOOL SUPPLIES TO ONE CHILD

Camouflage - an 'army' of backpacks and accessories (no pun intended)! The OGIO Evader and Stellar Backpacks feature a large main compartment, padded laptop sleeve and ergonomic shoulder straps for comfort and there are coordinating Camouflage Composition Books and a Maze Calculator to match.

Tech Pop Design - Exclusive Teen Vogue products which are only available at Staples (we have featured the collection before HERE), look for Teen Vogue BETTER Binders, Staplers, Patterned Folders and Staples Tech Pop Folders in stores.

Graphic Design - Look for Continental Into the Wild and Continental Vibrance Notebooks and Composition Books and Tie-dye, inspirational sayings and fun graphics (including glasses and mustaches) from Gartner Studios.

Fun for School - with favorite characters including The Avengers, Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Disney Frozen and more!

Metallic - If your DD loves glitter, diamonds and sassy sayings in combos of pink, silver, purple and bold/sparkly hues this is the collection for her! (or him, just saying, no judgement!)

Technology - From Scientific Calculators to Tablets including my particular fave the Microsoft Surface Pro, you can find the tech that your student needs at Staples as well!

Tech Accessories - Staples Flat Charge & Sync USB Cables, for a 'cool factor' the Light Pulse Electroluminescent Charge and Sync Cable or even iPhone Cases, there are tech accessories to suit a wide variety of tastes.

Organizational Supplies - Mom, Teacher and Students can benefit from desktop organization from Staples Desk Accessories Collection, Sky Planners, Calendars and more! (As a former Special Ed Teacher I can tell you a gift card to Staples is WAY more useful than an Apple! Teachers often fund their classrooms from their own salary, particularly in public schools so a gift card to Staples as a gift to Teacher can really go a LONG way!)

Above: Left: Jaime Primak Sullivan of #cawfeetawk and Bravo TV's Jersey Belle, Center: ME!, Right: TV Personality Leeza Gibbons!

MY TAKE:

With Staples 110% Price Match Guarantee (through 9/15) and Super Wide Selection you can definitely consider them 'your one-stop shop' for Back-to-School this year! I have always admired Leeza Gibbons and it was neat to finally meet her in person! She is super down to earth. The photo above is the pro-shot that was taken, someone accidentally cut off their heads in the personal photo I had someone take with my camera and they were nice enough to take another photo. I didn't notice until I got home and saw the second photo on screen that my eyes were completely closed so I opted to use the pro shot instead for this post!

and what is a Blogging Conference Event without an awesome gift bag right?

Can't get mad at this big bag of 'swaggu'!

Have you done all your Back-To-School Shopping yet? Even if you don't have to shop for BTS (I get ya, I don't have children either!), many of the items above are just as perfect for a Home Office, which item referenced appeals to you MOST?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post in conjunction with Staples, this is an event recap (a gift bag was received) and all my 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.

{Todays #Inspiration} Add me to the ranks of the 'consciously un-coupled' #MotivationMonday

Ah, Butterflies, my very highly imitated (down to my color scheme and font, really folks?), is back by popular demand. You asked for "Todays Inspiration" back - you GOT it. I think I mostly got tired of the second rate imitations of this column and thought I should get back to doing what I do best, INSPIRE.

Point taken butterflies, you wanted something 'from the heart' back, and you wanted a break from 'blog commercials' - duly noted dear ones, just remember a butterfly gotta eat, but I promise I will strike a better balance from now on. (Although in all fairness, most event recaps are NOT sponsored posts by the way! I just happen to attend a lot of events particularly in summer!)

Not sure if it will be totally daily again with inspirational posts or if it will be a strictly Motivation Monday deal until I get my 'groove back', but I know you wanted this feature and our monthly handbag in the spotlight back and I thought I'd get started on resuscitating this feature FIRST, and yes I am working on bringing the Monthly Featured Handbag in the Spotlight back for Fall so please stay tuned.

For Today's Inspiration I am joining the ranks of the 'consciously un-coupled', perhaps Gwenyth Paltrow's speech at the BlogHer15 Conference (are we still calling this a conference, or should we call it a phenomenon unto itself which it always is) is still playing in my head, but this conscious un-coupling thing is making the rounds. It's even taken Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale, Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner (perhaps there was a reason for her never switching to Jennifer Affleck, smart!) and now even Kermit and Miss Piggy are 'un-coupling'.

However in my case it's a MINDSET I want to 'consciously un-couple' with.

Just like we can outgrow a lover or any type of relationship to be frank, we can outgrow a mindset that sneakily permeates itself into our core and slowly and subtly makes us think of ourselves in ways that no longer serve a higher purpose in our life.

Remember when I told you that at Getting Gorgeous there was both a Psychic Reading a 'Face Reader'? (refresh your memory HERE) I had mentioned I wanted to re-visit the Face Reading a bit in another post, here it is. Something entirely dis-concerting happened which I left out of the Getting Gorgeous recap as it was certainly more fodder for this column than it was for an event recap!

For some reason she kept emphasizing that she saw that I was 'quite well off'. She literally peppered this into the conversation at least a dozen times. Mentally I found myself screaming 'what the hell are you talking about? I am FAR from well off Lady!' - this must surely be FAKE. Then I thought maybe I was being punked. At no point did she ask me my name, not my first or my last so this couldn't be some typical association with my last name being Iglesias and the singer Julio that I have had to dodge my whole life right? For the record, as far as I know I am NOT directly related to singer Julio Iglesias.

I wanted to find every reason to interrupt her, to interrupt the session or at least ask her how the heck did she figure me to be 'well-off''?

But somehow I didn't. Something kept stopping me. I thought if I listened on and didn't interrupt her train of though, somehow she would get to the HOW I get to this 'well-off' life that she perceived me to have.

So I listened.

My face got 'read' and I wouldn't be surprised if it got 'red' too. She revealed quite a bit about me that she had no way of guessing. I was surprised that face reading can tell you so much. But if people can read our 'palms' can it be that far off for them to read our faces as well?

If you are thinking 'Butterfly what on earth does this have to do with you consciously un-coupling? I realized during my Face Reading that somehow it felt like an affront to my person to be accused of being wealthy.

I am NOT even sure why that is.

MY TAKE:

I made the decision that night as the days events played in my head that I MUST for my own good, consciously un-couple with thoughts of 'lack' in all its forms. Those thoughts obviously clawed into my brain and dug root there somehow. Maybe it's living in the city that never sleeps where everyone's 'hustle' has to have a 'side-hustle' to survive. But a 'make ends meet' and not look much beyond that mentality somehow took root in my soul and I have consciously decided to un-couple with it.

I think I look awesome on the $100 Bill

WILL YOU JOIN ME? Will you release lack and affirm prosperity into YOUR life? What mindset do YOU wish  to 'consciously un-couple' with?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, NO monetary compensation has been received, and ALL opinions are 100% my own! I 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.

So how awesome was getting a sneak peek of @Grandfathered and meeting @PortableShua during #BlogHer15, this awesome!

I don't think I can give you guys one big post that would fully recap BlogHer 2015 in New York City, so I am going to give it all to you in bite size chunks! One of the cool things I got a chance to do was attend a preview screening of the upcoming FOX Television Series Grandfathered starring John Stamos and Josh Peck. (Oddly enough I am watching Josh on an episode of Big Bang Theory as I write this, coincidence? I think NOT!).

You may remember Josh Peck from his role as Josh Nichols in the Nickelodeon live-action sitcom Drake & Josh, but Josh is all grown up now and is coming to FOX TV on Tuesday, 9/29 at 8/7 central.

ABOUT GRANDFATHERED:

Successful restaurateur and confirmed bachelor, JIMMY MARTINO (John Stamos) is used to being the most suave, most handsome, and most single guy in the room. All that changes when Jimmy discovers he not only has a son, GERALD (Josh Peck), but also a granddaughter, EDIE. Jimmy's blissful selfishness will make it difficult to juggle success with his new-found, unlikely family.

Josh was brave enough to face a room full of bloggers who had a ton of questions and he was down-to-earth and had a great sense of humor!

Here are some of my photos:

Above: (Left) Actor Josh Peck fields questions during GRANDFATHERED Sneak Peek during #BlogHer 2015 in New York City

Above: OK, so there may have been a TON of questions on what it was like working with John Stamos and baby Edie at this point, LOL - Josh was such a good sport!

As you can tell I had AMAZE BALL seats (front row center all the way baby!) and my DSLR to capture all the action!

Check out the Official Trailer:

Get Social:

You can start cyber-stalking the show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and be sure to use the hashtag #grandfathered!

My Take:

If you loved John Stamos in Full House as Uncle Jesse you are going to getting a huge kick out of seeing him play a grandpa! He does have a knack for working with babies that's for sure! He is definitely not your 'retirement home' grandpa, his character is still trying to get his 'single and ready to mingle, playing the field swag on' and then gets hit with being not only a dad to a fully grown son, but a grandfather as well. For me, being a single girl in the city with no kids myself, I would probably just go ahead and pass out with that kind of news (you can insert a Kevin Hart "I'm NOT ready!" voice here!), but his character takes to the news quite well all things considered, and Josh Peck who plays his son Gerald has great chemistry with him. The cast who plays John's restaurant staff are stand-outs as well, and look for Paget Brewster as Stamos's character's ex and Christina Milian who plays Vanessa, Baby Edie's mom (aka Gerald's 'baby mama').

I wish John Stamos was my sexy grandpa! But since he's not, I will have to be content with watching GRANDFATHERED this fall (9/29 to be exact) on FOX!

Watch the trailer and let me know what you think -- will you be watching this Fall?

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FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FOX and SheKnows, 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.

Did you miss the #ColgateDailyRepair Suite at #BlogHer15? Here's the skinny! #Sweepstakes

Colgate Total New Daily Repair Toothpaste product Vignette in the Colgate Total Suite at #BlogHer15

Remember in my last BlogHer15 recap post where I mentioned there may have been a "Blogger Brush Your Teeth" theme going on? (Refresh your memory on that HERE). Captain Aquafresh wasn't the only one at the BlogHer Conference promoting better oral hygiene!

Select bloggers received an invite to hit the Colgate Total Suite during BlogHer15, the main takeaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To meet with the Colgate Brand Team and members of Colgate's Research and Development team to get a sneak peek of the newest product launch - the introduction of the New Daily Repair Toothpaste!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Indulge in a professional foot massage to repair your feet from walking the showroom floor!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Test your luck at a chance to win a getaway for two to the world-class health resort & spa, Canyon Ranch

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leave with a swag bag with the new toothpaste!

Colgate really meant business, their Research & Development team walked us through the science behind their newest offering which was pretty cool (but then again I'm a science nerd!). This new toothpaste contains a multi-active formula that helps repair early teeth and gum damage - get THIS - BEFORE you know it even exists! (Now that's serious business in my book!)

It helps re-mineralize weakened tooth enamel to help prevent cavities and strengthen teeth and help improve gum health by killing bacteria that cause gingivitis. (in 4 weeks; results improve with continued twice daily use, as shown in six month clinical studies; compared to regular flouride toothpaste.).

MY TAKE:

I have to admit that the foot massage gave me life, my feet needed the TLC, and the odd thing is the masseuse I got when it was my turn is the very same one that massaged my back a few days earlier at Getting Gorgeous (see my coverage of Getting Gorgeous HERE). As big a city as New York is, what is the odds of something like that happening?

Major Shout Out to Colgate-Palmolive Company for the foot massage!

Colgate is one of my preferred Toothpaste Brands and the fact that I do not have a single cavity speaks volume for them and my stellar brushing habits of course! You can get more info on the New Colgate Total Daily Repair Toothpaste at www.colgatetotal.com/dailyrepair

What is your favorite toothpaste brand? Any Cavities?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a non-compensated post, however the Colgate-Palmolive Company did supply bloggers with a swag bag of product during the BlogHer15 conference where I attended as a sponsored brand ambassador for Vitabath. Toothpaste was provided for Editorial Consideration, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post and my opinions are 100% MY OWN.  This post does give me a contest entry to win a trip to Canyon Ranch! 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.

{#Wordless Wednesday} I met @AquafreshUS #CaptAquafresh at #BlogHer15 and learned #whatsSAP #SK

The BlogHer 2015 conference was a whirlwind, I bit off more than I could possibly chew, won a few contests on the expo hall floor, pet doggies from Rover and ASPCA (see more about one of the cuties I featured from the ASPCA HERE), had more than enough to eat (snacked my butt off with treats in the expo hall between dunkin donuts and baskin robbins) and got to meet the team behind Shea Mouisture, where their amaze balls hair stylist CUT my hair on the tradeshow floor and their makeup artist gave me life. It was a heck of ride, like always and I wouldn't have it any other way!

I figure the best way to recap a conference as large as BlogHer is in 'small chunks' so I thought I'd ease you guys in with a fun (Not Entirely) Wordless Wednesday Photo! - C'mon me go totally Wordless? NAH!

Above: The Team at AquaFresh was offering bloggers a year's supply of their newest toothpaste formulation that offers Sugar Acid Protection (SAP) from flouride to protect teeth from the sugar acids found in everyday foods while of course still delivering that fresh taste feeling from brushing. (There may have been a 'blogger brush those teeth!' theme going on, but that's fodder for an entirely different post! Let's just say I have some more toothpaste info to share with you from BlogHer15) 

MY TAKE:

I am an anti-social introvert, yes I know that is a very odd thing for a social media consultant and lifestyle blogger to say, but I am. I love taking pictures OF things, but I hate being in photos myself. I have always been a bit camera shy, but the one thing that never fails to get me out of my shell is a mascot. I just can't resist taking photos with a Mascot, it's my obsession and it's one of the things I look most forward to at Conferences and TradeShows! (I have a thing for animal prints right now, and in case you are wondering the dress I am wearing is by Calvin Klein, the amber bracelet was a find on my last trip to Mexico, and the necklace I am wearing is by Satya Jewelry!

Team AquaFresh was so confident in their newest toothpaste's ability to protect your teeth that they were actually also giving away fresh baked sugar cookies from Amanda of @iambakertweets at their booth in addition to the photo opp with Captain AquaFresh.

Notice my clever use of borders, did you notice the red, white and blue I used to rep the colors on the stripes of the toothpaste? (Virtual High Five right!)

I attended BlogHer 2015 as a Brand Ambassador for Vitabath, and to celebrate the partnership I hosted a giveaway earlier this year, and I'm sure it won't be my last, so stay tuned for more fun giveaways coming soon. They actually recently shared one of their newest scents, Orchid Intrigue at a Blogger Brunch and I hope to be able to partner with them to do something fun for you guys as well. So shout outs both to AquaFresh for the fun mascot opp and year of free toothpaste and to Vitabath for sending me to BlogHer this year!

Bloggers, as always share the link to your Wordless Wednesday photos as a comment on this post and we will go visit your photos this week as well! (NO GIVEAWAY LINKIES PLEASE!)

Do the sugar acids in your favorite sweet treat cause tooth sensitivity? If so, which foods are you most sensitive to?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a non-compensated post, however AquaFresh did supply bloggers with a swag bag of product during the BlogHer15 conference where I attended as a sponsored brand ambassador for Vitabath. Toothpaste was provided for Editorial Consideration, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post and my 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.

{#MotivationMonday} July 21st is national No Pet Store Puppies Day! Look at the cutie from @ASPCA I met at #BlogHer15

Did you know that tomorrow, (July 21st) is No Pet Store Puppies Day? This is a holiday whose goal is to raise awareness about the fact that most pet store puppies come from puppy mills. Tens of thousands of 'breeding dogs' spend their lives in these mills. Often times they are subjected to tiny, overcrowded cages in very unsanitary conditions, most do not receive proper vet care or even adequate food and water, with so many sadly living their entire lives without any kind of human affection. The Female dogs are bred at every opportunity giving their bodies very little time to recover between litters of puppies.

To help raise awareness the ASCPCA wants to spread the word with this super cute video where a little girl named Molly and her shelter dog Joey explain why you shouldn't shop at pet stores that sell puppies that come from puppy mills:

They are not leaving out kittens either, here is an informative infographic featuring interesting facts you may not know about adoptable baby kittens:

While at the BlogHer conference I got to meet this cute girl who literally everyone wanted! It was hard to pin her down to get a shot without motion/blur, but meet Dollie:

EVERYONE wanted her! Myself included!

MY TAKE:

I highly encourage families seeking a pet to visit a shelter and not buy from a puppy mill. Shelter employees are also knowledgeable in taking your lifestyle into account and matching them with a Dog or Cat that will best match the entire families' lifestyle, not to make a 'sale', but to help get the pet and the family the best possible match. If matched correctly there is less likelihood that the dog or cat will be brought back to the shelter and that's the goal!

I am traveling too much right now for a pet, but when I am ready, I am definitely visiting the ASPCA and adopting a Shelter Dog and I hope you will too! (By the way the folks at Rover where also there with Dogs and you guys definitely responded positively to my doggie instagrams while at the BlogHer15 Conference so thank you!)

Do You have a Shelter Dog or Cat? If not, will you consider adopting from a shelter next time?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post 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.