#ad Objet d'art or cool new #tech toy? I first spotted the @NortonOnline Norton Core™ Secure High Performance Wi-Fi Router at #PPE2017 then @BestBuy Claus delivered one right to me!

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ As part of the Best Buy Blogger program I have been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and have received Product for Editorial Consideration ♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ 

I got to attend PDN PhotoPlus Expo this year in New York City, and one of the most unique non-photography items I saw at the show could easily pass for an Objet d' art!

The booth was fun, you went to each demo station and when they completed the product demo you collected a raffle ticket, the more product demos you experienced the more raffle tickets, this was the product that stood out most from their booth and I garnered as many raffle tickets as I could trying to enter to win it.

While I was not a lucky winner, not shortly after this came up as a blog campaign and I jumped at the chance! The PDN PhotoPlus Expo is tough to recap in one post as there was so much to see and do, so I will try to bring you pieces of what I saw there a bit more organically and try not to overwhelm you guys with a post that would take an hour to read/digest.

What is multi operating system friendly, poses as BOTH a Router and Security Program for not only your home devices but while on the go too?

THIS GUY:

Above: It blends so well into my modern zen home decor that I took a shot of it with my favorite scent warmer, without the box there telling you what it is, it literally would just blend into the background with my current decor. Oddly enough my living room walls are painted grey right now, so the Graphite Grey Color on this unit really does blend into my living room perfectly! Tech can be both functional AND fashionable.

If someone special in your life is getting a new computer, there are certain things you know you need for it, a security/protection software package and a router, so why not get them BOTH in one box?

Above: Another shot sans my scent warmer! I actually have mine situated right next to my smart TV as my TV goes online to update itself and it's apps often!

BENEFITS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EASE OF SET-UP - Bluetooth-enabled iOS/Android device with a mobile data plan is needed. Download the Norton Core app to complete set up. Modem required.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURE + HIGH PEFORMANCE - Wi-Fi router helps protect your connected devices on your home network by stopping cyber-attacks at the network level you can stream your favorite movies in 4K, play online games or download content with Core’s powerful dual-core processor. With comprehensive network security to protect your connected home from malware, viruses, phishing tactics and even botnets. Norton Core supports speeds up to 2.5 Gbps* — ensuring fast 4K streaming and lag-free gaming (perfect since I switched from a Desktop to a Laptop Gaming Rig, review of my Gaming Rig coming soon, it was purchased by me at Best Buy, not gifted, although I wish it were!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PROTECTS ALL CONNECTED DEVICE -  One year subscription to Norton Core Security Plus* is included to protect your Macs, PCs, tablets, smartphones & smart devices. (after the one year is over you pay $9.99 per month)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bandwidth Optimization - Does one device need a bit more juice than the other? You can give priority to any device in the house with a touch of a button! Downloading music or movies? Give that device the extra bandwidth so the downloads go faster. When you turn in at night, give it to the devices you are leaving running updates or to your smart TV. This by far has to be one of my favorite features!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SMART PARENTAL CONTROLS - Manage screen time by setting content filters or daily limits on usage. And when needed, pause the Internet. Not a feature I need as there are no baby butterflies here, but it is great to know it's there! The ability to pause the network entirely will leave you drunk with power!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SECURITY SCORE- Butterflies your credit isn't the only thing with a score, your network and home security gets one too with Norton Core, but it doesn't just score your security, it offers insight and tools to help improve your score. Your devices and smart home can now breathe a sigh of relief!

MY TAKE:

Norton has always been a reliable security product for me, and now with the added functionality of a 'two-in-one' where I get both a router and security in a package that is sleek, modern and actually quite pretty to look at, what's not to love?

I have always loved that Norton protects my devices at home and on the go and it is the brand of security software I regularly use, even paying for it over the free security software that comes with my Cable! I had a different security program for the past few months because I recently changed from a desktop to a gaming rig laptop and that came with it's own protection built in, but while I have no complaints about the security software that came with my gaming rig (which I did purchase at Best Buy, again with MY money, not gift cards or sponsored), I will say I am very happy to be back with Norton Again! I find Norton easy to use, it's great about updating itself and playing nice with my operating system too! It pretty much takes care of itself and my network so I can worry about other things! (Like Photo Editing, Traveling, Writing, Blogging, Life Coaching, Social Media Consulting, and attending fantastic events and tradeshows in NYC).

I have been making it a point to keep you guys updated over time how products perform like the earbuds I reviewed that literally kept dying at the one year mark (Remember I'm already 8 years into blogging here at Ascending Butterfly), I like to check out my monthly reports with a security software, so I would like to tell you guys how my score changes over time with this one which I hope will provide you with an idea of how well the product performs over time. This butterfly is always thorough!

Spill Butterflies: How old is your current router? What Security Program/Software do you use? What is your current brand of router? Are you happy with it? Have you experienced dead zones for devices in your own home?

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FTC Disclosure: I am part of Best Buy's Blogging Program and I received product at NO cost to me for Editorial Consideration and I also received a gift card, 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Thanks to @BestBuy I attended the @LGUS Designed to Inspire Event, presented by LG Studio #NateBerkusLG #ad

#Ad: This post is sponsored by Best Buy

From Left to Right: David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing, Alex Sobolewski, Petya Toncheva and Nate Berkus far right.

On November 19th in New York City Designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor, Nate Berkus as well as ASID finalists attended a Hearst Magazines, LG Studio event to celebrate the new line of LG Studio premium kitchen appliances.

I got the chance to attend with fellow Best Buy Bloggers and in addition to a meet and greet with Nate Berkus, I got to swoon over the sweet new appliances too! I need ALL of these in my life right now, especially on the heels on the biggest cooking day of the year!

Above: You know I am all about the small touches and love live flowers so I just had to nab a  table centerpiece shot of these beautiful flowers.

Above: You can tell that's a candid shot of me, because I always take off my glasses! LOL

Above: David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing - Considering how far back I actually was standing I can't be mad at this shot, glad I lugged my DSLR along! David gave us an overview of the design contest and the appliances and then kicked it over to Nate Berkus who is the LG Studio Artistic Advisor and who judged and selected the winner of the contest for the ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers) contest.

Above: Nate Berkus, LG Studio Artistic Advisor discusses the judging contest.

Above: Nate Berkus and ASID Contest Winner Petya Toncheva

Above: Let's just say it was Cats and Dogs raining outside (like really all Noah's Arc 40 days/40 nights like!) so this photo booth shot is all #curlyhairdon'tcare - I also posted this photo on Instagram along with a photo of the signature drink made with Tequila and Jalapeno! So be sure to be following us Instagram to catch moments that may not always make the recap post!

MY TAKE:

I think it's great that LG US is looking to the next wave of designers to help create new appliances, and with contests like this one, it gives upstarts a chance to showcase their skills!

It was great meeting Nate Berkus, and he was kind enough to sign copies of his new book for the bloggers in attendance which I thought was such a neat touch!

I know I for one will be looking for new appliances and other electronic items during this weekends sales (I tend to shop Cyber Monday more than Black Friday), and Best Buy is going to be offering some super competitive pricing on the LG Studio Collection at Best Buy so get it while it's HOT!

Will you be shopping at Best Buy for Black Friday Deals this year? Are LG Appliances on your Appliance Wish List?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Best Buy. This is an event recap, 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.

@BestBuy and @CanonUSAimaging want to help you capture those special holiday moments + A #TwitterParty too!!

For a limited time Get $150 OFF the Canon EOS Rebel T5i at Best Buy!

With the holidays in full swing, there are tons of holiday moments to capture and share and Best Buy and Canon want you to capture them in style! One of the hottest and best-selling Digital Cameras at Best Buy is The Canon EOS Rebel T5i which offers exceptional image quality and a host of great features including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Full HD Video

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Continuous Auto-Focus while Taking HD Video

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 18 megapixel CMOS sensor

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - DIGIC 5 image processor

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3" vari-angle touch screen to simplify navigation

Nab it at a Steal - Save $150 on the Canon Rebel T5i at Best Buy! (Normally $899, it is pricing at $699 right now, so GRAB it NOW!)

But Wait There's MORE:

What: Twitter Party

When: TONIGHT! Thursday, December 18, 2014

Time: 7pm CST/8pm EST

Prizes: 4 - $100 Best Buy Gift Cards

Hashtag: #CanonatBestBuy and #HintingSeason

RSVP: http://www.gaynycdad.com/2014/12/bestbuy-twitter-party-t.html

Follow all hosts and co-hosts including: @BestBuy, @Gaynycdad, @KittyBradshaw, @BeingAlison, @LatinMami and @StacieinAtlanta

Please Note: I am not hosting or co-hosting this one so please make sure to direct any questions to tonight's hosts directly.

My Take:

I have the Canon EOS Rebel T3i and I love my camera! In fact this summer I took photography classes at a Best Buy retail location and learned so much about how to get more from the camera. They let attendees know that the in-store experts are always happy to help customers learn how to use their camera better or answer any questions you may have about accessories for your camera as well.

Look forward to seeing your holiday photos during upcoming Wordless Wednesdays on the interwebs! Happy Tech Thursday and Happy Holidays, see you at the Twitter Party Tonight!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador, gift cards and sometimes products are received to facilitate an editorial, 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. There are affiliate links in this post.

{#TechThursday} It's #HintingSeason and @BestBuy is hosting the #OLEDatBestBuy #TwitterParty TONIGHT! #spon

You are cordially invited to join @Best Buy, @StacieinAtlanta, @thedomesticexec, @debthompson, @medictom and yours truly, Ascending Butterfly's official 'Butterfly-in-Chief' @Tracy_Iglesias for the #OLEDatBestBuy Twitter Party where we will be discussing OLED Televisions and giving away $100 Best Buy Gift Cards! RSVP here: http://divinelifestyle.com/join-us-bestbuy-lg-oled-twitter-party-124-8-9pm-est-hintingseason-oledatbestbuy/

Where: on Twitter!

When: TONIGHT! Thursday, December 4th, 2014

Time: 8 pm EST

Prizes: Four $100 Best Buy Gift Cards

Make sure to RSVP before the party and use the hashtag #OLEDatBestBuy on ALL of your tweets! Be sure to follow the sponsor and all hosts, you must be present to win and must respond to the host directly via direct message who tweets your name announcing you have won.

Hope to see all my butterflies there! Do you want Santa to bring you an OLED TV this Christmas?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis!  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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. This post may contain affiliate links.

@BestBuy Claus wants to rock your holiday socks off with an LG OLED TV that has a webOS! #HintingSeason #OLEDatBestBuy

#ad : This is a Sponsored Post, Brought to you by:

It is Tech Thursday on the interwebs and I have got my mind on a new Christmas Toy! This single gal in the city with no kids gets to indulge herself during the holidays and I am thinking of 'pimping my TV' and upping my television watching game with a better TV to keep me entertained during these cold winter months ahead in the North East, where temperatures this year are already averaging 12 degrees LOWER than they were last year at this time! Le Sigh to the max.

I figure if I am going to be trapped indoors I want to bring a cinema-like feel to my home theatre, and that can only happen with an infinite contrast ratio (for a natural lifelike viewing experience), 4 Color Pixel Techonology (to enhance color range and accuracy) and a webOS (to find content faster), am I right?

Thankfully all that and more can be found in the LG 55" OLED Curved 1080p Smart 3D HDTV! (Now when I got to attend the big reveal of the curved screens ages ago, everyone laughed at me when I wrote about them then, but I'll bet no one is laughing at me now!)

Press on the image above to purchase the LG OLED 55" Curved TV at Best Buy

ABOUT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Screen Size: 55" (I am actually debating about going a bit bigger)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical Resolution: 1080p

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instant Content: Netflix, Pandora, Skype, YouTube, Hulu Plus

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - HDMI Inputs: 4

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - USB Port: YES

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - USB Input: YES

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Energy Star Certified: YES (This is very important for me, I want every appliance or TV in my home to be Energy Star Certified)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3D Ready" Yes

But Wait There's MORE:

Best Buy is hosting an LG OLED Twitter Party on Thursday December 4th at 7pm CST, and of course there will be great prizes including Best Buy Gift Cards! Be sure to use the party hashtag #HintingSeason in all of your tweets! And guess who will be co-hosting? That's right, yours truly #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ bringing the music, fun and cheer! I will be tweeting from @Tracy_Iglesias and if I get thrown in twitter jail for exceeding my status update limit, I will switch to the @Ascending1 twitter handle! No worries I will post a reminder right before the party, hope to see all my butterflies there!

MY TAKE:

I may end up opting a for a larger screen size, I really have my heart set on 70", but I got to see the curved OLED's up close when they launched at a Luxury Lifestyle Event, and then again at a recent in-store visit and I really love the sharp clarity of the LG Curved OLED TV's. If you are considering a big family gift instead of a ton of smaller ones, this is definitely one to consider, it will certainly make games come to life and make movies that much more fun! Visit LGOLEDatBestbuy.com for more information on LG OLED's at Best Buy! (and be sure you are already following them AND me, before the twitter party!)

Are you getting individual gifts or a big family gift for those on your list this holiday season?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis!  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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. This post may contain affiliate links.

Like hot #technology, Great Deals and getting gift cards back for your purchase? Then read on! @BestBuy #BBYShoppingEvent

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!

It has been technology madness in New York City! I owe you guys a recap of Get Geeked, and this weekend is Engadget's ExpandNY Technology Conference, (which is where I spent my day today!) looks like wearable tech is gaining popularity, and as New York prepares for the annual Rockfeller Center Tree Lighting, stores are prepping for holiday sales with great deals that you don't have to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to enjoy!

In fact our friends at Best Buy are hosting a Holiday Shopping Event and YOU are invited! Here's the skinny:

Date: Saturday, November 8th

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

What: Preview and shop the Holiday Collection from the hottest brands including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony and MORE! With Experts on hand to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list (except the naughty folks of course! LOL)

NOTE: This one-day event is offering IN-STORE only exclusives that will NOT be valid online, including:

Press on the image above to purchase an Apple MacBook Air directly at Best Buy!

Apple - Get a $100 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy any Apple MacBook Air 1,2

Apple - Get a $50 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy the new Apple iPad Air 2 or iPad Air 1,2

Geek Squad - Get FREE Geek Squad Smart Device Online Setup with the purchase of Geek Squad Protection.

Geek Squad - Get 20% off Geek Squad Protection with the purchase of any Geek Squad TV Installation Service!

Press on the image above to purchase the Surface Pro 3 128GB

Microsoft - Save when you bundle the Surface Pro 3 128GB, with a Type Cover and Microsoft Office 365 (I LOVE my Surface Pro 2 and the Surface Pro 3 is high on my holiday wish list!)

Click on the image above to purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV at Best Buy

Samsung - Purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV for only $799.99

Samsung - Receive 3X My Best Buy Points on ALL Samsung Curved UHD TVs (if you are not already a member a Best Buy Associate can sign you up at the event!)

Note: My Best Buy Members will NOT get 3X points if they select promotional financing (6, 12, 18, or 24 months)

Press on the image above to purchase a Sony UHD TV at Best Buy!

Sony - Save $200 when you purchase a Sony UHD TV with a Sony Playstation 4

Playstation 4 - Select Playstation 4 games on sale for $24 (regularly $39.99)

My Take:

My visit this year to the Magnolia at Best Buy Home Theater experience was in fact super helpful. Being able to ask the experts those technical questions BEFORE you invest just plain makes sense. And for those of you who prefer shopping brick and mortar over online I think it's pretty neat to have discounts and offers just for YOU, and just in-store. There are some things I am willing to buy online, and others I just have to see and touch and try for myself before I buy! You can ask compatibility questions, how to keep your new tech up-to-date and any other questions you have in mind!

Which Deal Cited Above Do You Plan to Take Advantage of In-Store Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis!  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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. This post may contain affiliate links.

Celebrating Asian Lunar New Year? Check out the @BestBuy #GiftCards with the Koi Fish! #bbylunarnewyear

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and is also a Brand Ambassador and Blogger Advisory Board Member and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!

Best Buy is back this year with a themed Gift Card in honor of the Lunar New Year, and I love that Best Buy supports events they believe are of importance to their employees, customers and communities, and the upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations.

While I know most of you still haven't taken down your Halloween decorations yet and are probably not ready to welcome November, the year 2014 is swiftly coming to a close butterflies. We turn the clocks back an hour this weekend for the end of Daylight Savings (Sunday, November 2nd) and as old man winter gets ready to settle in I for one can't help thinking of the new year ahead.

I learned of the Chinese Red Envelopes tradition, (known as Hong Bao) from an Asian shop while on vacation and absolutely fell in love with the idea and the tradition. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is said to ward off evil spirits, the amount of money in these envelopes will end in an even digit, according to Chinese belief odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. There is also a tradition that money should not be given in fours nor should the number four appear in the amount as the pronunciation of the word 'four' resembles that of the word for 'death' which would be thought to bring bad luck. I find it interesting that in Japan the envelope is actually customarily white and NOT red.

WHERE TO GET IT:

1. Go to E-Gift Cards
2. Scroll to the right until you see the Gift Card with the Two Koi Fish.
3. Prefer a physical Gift Card? Press on the image below:

Press on the image above to purchase a $50 Best Buy Lunar New Year Gift Card

 
My Take:

My zodiac sign is 'Aries', and in Western Astrology, red is the color associated with my sign so I tend to gravitate to all things red.

A very dear penpal started me on the tradition of sending New Year's Cards and wishes, as she is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas she asked many years ago if we could exchange New Year's wishes instead of Christmas Cards, and I loved the idea and expanded it to additional friends and family and many clients who have always appreciated the gesture. This year the upcoming Lunar New Year falls on February 19, 2015 of our Gregorian Calendar and I can't think of any better way to honor friends who observe the 'lucky money' custom than with this E-Gift Card! I may even make this image my screensaver during the month of February for a bit of extra luck!

2015 is the year of the sheep and as an Aries in Western Astrology I am totally digging this Year of the Sheep Graphic (I hope this means I am in for a 'lucky' year in 2015!):

What is YOUR New Year Tradition Butterfly? Do you celebrate Lunar New Year? If so, tag us on a picture of your 'lucky money' envelope this year, we would LOVE to see it!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! As a Best Buy Ambassador I receive products for editorial consideration, use affiliate links in my posts and am sometimes with compensated with Best Buy Gift Cards as well. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

This @BestBuyWOLF shares the 'skinny' on the @Philips Viva Collection Air fryer! #PhilipsatBestBuy

The one motto I have always held about Beauty is that it comes from within. What you put in your body is as important as what you put on your body! Every single small step you can take to lead a healthier lifestyle will pay great dividends.

However, me giving up fried foods completely is probably near impossible, but I may just be one step closer to make my favorite fried foods just a little bit 'better' for me.

Press on the image above to purchase the Philips - Viva Collection Airfryer Low-Fat Multicooker at Best Buy

ABOUT:

The Philips Air Fryer utilizes Rapid Air Technology to allow you to fry, bake, roast and grill with a tablespoon or less of oil, allowing you to eat healthier without giving up the taste and texture of your favorite foods!

PROS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Automatic Shut-off

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cord Storage - Cord Hides Away!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-Slip Feet

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ready Signal

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Patented Rapid Air Technology

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Touch Screen Interface

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Restaurant quality fries and onion rings without an oily mess or smelly kitchen! SCORE!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to use, load the basket and turn it on!

CONS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - At 15.4 pounds, this is a bulky/heavy appliance that makes sense if you have dedicated counter space for it. I am an apartment dweller and won't be leaving it out everyday so storing it is an issue when space is at already a premium in my super small kitchen. (If you have a larger kitchen, this con certainly wouldn't apply to you)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This is not an accelerated cooking device, it cuts the time to cook most favorites, but if you have a larger family or are cooking for a party you'll need to cook in batches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Temperature Dial is a bit tricky as it is divided by odd numbers, it has hash marks for 360 degrees, 390 degrees (etc) as opposed to the 325, 350, 400 marks that most ovens have. A Digital Temperature Setting probably would have made more sense.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No timer built it, while it does 'ding' when the food is done, some items need to be 'shook' at the halfway mark in the cooking process.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chicken skin can stick to it making it hard to clean, a bit of pam should help and I have read other reviews saying to line it in aluminum foil on the bottom like a regular pan, but I haven't tried that yet. I also find Chicken took a bit more time to cook than the manual advised, but that could be because of the amount of pieces I used. Like anything there is an adjustment period to get the timing just right.

INSIDER TIPS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you start to notice a build up of grease around the fan, you can put 3 cups of water in the bottom and then heat the unit to approximately 390 degrees for about 20 minutes. That will heat the fresh grease around the fan and then it will just drip into the heated water for easy clean up!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While it does have 'non-slip' feet, it should be used on heat resistant surfaces. Do not set it directly on high gloss granite.

MY TAKE:

As a single gal with no kiddos this unit is definitely handy for me, as I rarely cook in large batches anyway! I like having cheese fries on demand! (Take that certain favorite fast food joint that sells cheese fries, I don't need you anymore!!!) You guys also know I am obsessed with SeaPak Spring Rolls and those Spring Rolls and this Air Fryer are certainly a match made in heaven!

I will say that finding dedicated counter space is a challenge so I'll have to store it and lug it out when I need it.

I'd say this unit gets four out of five butterflies from me with only minor 'wish list' items to have given it a total perfect score like a bigger basket, digital temp settings, a non-stick base would have been great, and a built in timer.

For those of you shopping for gifts for a College Student this holiday season or a special guy in your life, the Philips Air Fryer at Best Buy is definitely a winner as a gift idea! (And if this encourages your guy to cook indoors in the Winter after the Grill season is over, then it's a win/win all around in my opinion!)

What recipe would you make first with the Philips Air Fryer Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Affiliate links are used (so please shop away!). I was provided with a Philips Air Fryer by Best Buy to facilitate my review. All opinions are expressly 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Take it from #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ your music is only as good as your audio player! Try the @DenonAmerica #DenonHEOS

Press on the Image Above to Purchase the Denon HEOS 5 directly via Best Buy

Has your phone or Smart Device replaced your home theater system? C'mon Butterfly be honest, when is the last time you actually listened to an actual CD? I personally can't even remember, but I do know your music is only as good as the device that you use to play it on!

Our friends at Best Buy want you to love the way you listen and even though Audio Fest is coming to an end you can count on Best Buy to offer you quality Audio at great prices year round!  Single girl apartment living means small spaces, but that doesn't mean that I don't want the best quality in Audio available to me.

Let's just say my 'home office' moves with me from room to room and my music is spread out on multiple devices, I don't have room for a big old receiver and a million components, so for me portability and strong sound are not just key, they are both a *must*.

I will spare you my DUH moment with setting it up that actually resulted in me needing a glass of wine (perhaps setting it up while you are cooking is not the best idea), and instead I'll give you device deets:

ABOUT

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - APP: Your Smart Device becomes your remote with the FREE HEOS App

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Multi-Room Capable: Hook this speaker to your home network and stream music in one room while your actual playlist can reside anywhere!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your Tunes, Your Way: Stream from your favorite music service including Spotify (my personal fave), Deezer, Tunein, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody - stream music stored on your IOS or Android Smartphone or Tablet. A USB Jack and Auxiliary Input Jack on the back of the unit allow for easy setup. You can also stream tunes from your NAS Drive or Computer! (There is an ethernet Jack as well if you want to go 'old school' and be all wired and stuff.) Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG4, FLAC and WAV files.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buy based on room size: HEOS 5 is ideal for medium to large rooms, The HEOS 3 for smaller rooms and The HEOS 7 is ideal for large spaces.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bass and Treble Control - Now if you need to give it a little more cowbell, I leave that up to you, LOL

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Class D Digital Amplification: With 4 channels of Class D Digital amplification the HEOS 5 offers high efficiency, low distortion and wide dynamic range. It offers a 5 Driver Speaker System, 2 precision tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, plus 1 passive radiator which provides additional base augmentation.

See and hear it in action:

MY TAKE:

The HEOS 5 truly offers amazing sound, and that my butterflies is priceless. I do have a few nit picky cons that keep it from a full 5 star rating from me, I'm a bit spoiled with my portable speakers, to date, all of them have had a remote control, since I'm jacking in the device where I keep my music/spotify not having a remote is a bit annoying as my phone is jacked into the HEOS speaker, and it also does not charge the phone while playing which is something I've grow accustomed to with my previous dock style portable speakers. I guess since you download the app, the device is technically the remote, but the jack is not very long so if you have it setup far from your desk and want to skip a track that can get a bit annoying.

I wish it were truly wireless, it has a pretty big charger cable that you plug into the wall, a bluetooth truly wireless option would have made this one absolute perfection for me.

Denon partnered with the experts at Waves Audio to embed very sophisticated DSP sound enhancement software and audiophile level synchronization into this little beauty and the labor of love does pay off, it's sound is very rich and with the app pushing new updates and upgrades to the device it's a breeze to maintain and it won't become obsolete anytime soon. It's definitely a 'sound' investment (no pun intended) whether you are looking to replace outdated Audio equipment or just want to stream your existing music to another room, you can't go wrong with the Denon HEOS.

What is your favorite portable speaker Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post in conjunction with Best Buy, I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and WOLF Blogger. A Denon HEOS 5 review unit was sent to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and Affiliate Links are used in this post All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.