Healthify Your Summer with Fage!

Last week yours truly had the opportunity to attend a hands on afternoon of cooking at the International Culinary Council in New York City thanks to Fage Greek Yogurt! Ascending Butterfly alongside many fantastic New York City Bloggers had the chance to learn how to make simple recipe substitutions to favorite recipes, making them a whole lot leaner and much healthier! As you guys know I am down 26 pounds this year and when presented with the opportunity to make my favorite recipes even healthier you know I jumped at the chance.

I want to share with you each recipe that I prepared that day, since there were quite a few, I'm going to present you guys with one per week until I've shared them all!

I'm going to start with a summertime favorite that I'm sure many of you enjoyed over the Independence Day Holiday Weekend, Fried Chicken. Yes I know what you are thinking because I thought the same thing, Fried Chicken + 'Healthy' = I don't think so, right? But you can make substitutions to make this recipe a lot more heart AND hips friendly!

FAGE (pronounced “fah-yeh”) is known for Total, the authentic Greek strained yogurt. This summer, Ascending Butterfly and FAGE Total takes you on a mouthwatering journey from plainly plain to plain extraordinary!

FAGE FRIED CHICKEN

Serves: 4 – 6

Directions:

Marinade Ingredients:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cups FAGE Total

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Dried Oregano
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 teaspoon Salt
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/4 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Two 3 ½ - 4 pound Chickens

In large mixing bowl, combine all marinade ingredients.

Remove wing tips and backs from chickens. Cut each chicken into 8 pieces for 2 legs, 2 thighs, and each breast half-cut into 2 (breast/wing and breast). Combine chicken with marinade and marinate 6-12 hours.

Ingredients:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Marinated Chicken pieces – wipe until as dry as possible
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cups All-Purpose
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 teaspoon Dried Basil

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 teaspoons Ground Cumin

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Cayenne

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 teaspoons Salt

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2 teaspoon Ground Allspice

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cups Canola Oil

Directions:

Mix all dry ingredients, then combine with the chicken pieces in a large bag and shake to coat thoroughly. Remove from bag and shake off excess flour.

Preheat oven to 350*.

Heat the oil in a large skillet. Oil should be about an inch deep. When oil is shimmering, carefully lower the legs and thighs into the hot oil. Cook slowly until golden brown, turning to give the chicken an even golden color. When well browned and cooked, 8 – 10 minutes, remove and drain on paper towels.

Then place on a baking sheet and transfer to the oven for 15 minutes to complete cooking.

When finished with the dark meat, repeat procedure with the breast pieces.

Check pieces for doneness and serve hot from the oven.

Oven Fried Option:

Replace All-Purpose flour with Panko bread crumbs. Season and “bread” the chicken pieces as described.

After coating chicken pieces with bread crumbs, place on a foil lined baking sheet. Spray chicken pieces with a “Pam-like” spray or an oil mister. Bake at 350* for 15 minutes, turn pieces over, re-mist and return to oven for 10 – 15 minutes. Check for doneness and serve hot from the oven.

Recipe created by Edward Magel on behalf of Fage Total Greek Yogurt

Want to connect with Fage?

Follow them on Twittter @fageUSA
Like them on Facebook

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FTC Disclosure Information: I attended a hands on cooking session at the International Culinary Council as a guest of Fage Total Yogurt, I was taught how to make the recipes I am sharing on my blog, I am under no obligation to do so. This is a non-compensated post. This is a non-sponsored post.

Not So Wordless Wednesday! - Ascending Butterfly Tries Zumba for the First Time {pictures}

DEGREE® GIVES WOMEN A MOTIVE TO MOVE

I was recently invited to try out Zumba Fitness for the first time at Exhale Spa in New York City by Degree Women. Yes that's right the folks behind Degree Deodorant are challenging us all to move! And as many of you already know I have already dropped 26 pounds so far this year making small Lifestyle Changes that have really added up. Last year I got to try Yoga for the first time, and this year I tried Zumba for the first time!

Exhale Spa

I thought the spa was beautiful, it's a large but warm and inviting space in Manhattan, New York City. I couldn't resist snapping this picture, I loved the quote on this t-shirt:

Just in case you can't read it very well from this photo, it reads: 'Disarm From Within' - Isn't that a great inspirational quote?

Degree and the Spa provided us with Breakfast as the class was held very held very early in the morning, check out the pretty and very zen spread:

A very zen and healthy spread was laid out for us!

Zumba!

After Breakfast, we had the chance to try out a Zumba session, and boy was it intense, super fun and got everyone sweating in no time! Below is a picture of instructor Samuel Salazar showing us all some moves! (You can practice with sam too, email him directly at zumbawithsam@aol.com)

And below is another picture of the class in progress, I'm in this picture!

I may be a little hard to spot, you can press on the pictures to open them though, I'm in the very back left of the picture posted above this caption, I am in a Turquoise Top and Black Pants.

Degree Deodorant with motionSENSE Technology

For the past week since the event I've been testing out the new Degree® Women Deodorant with motionSENSE™ technology, the only anti-perspirant formula activated directly by movement, not moisture. And I have to tell you, it's what I'd call a 'Drugstore Gem'. There are some staples that you get at the Drugstore that you say to yourself 'oh well, I can just get the brand on sale' but there are other things, that regardless of the sale price you will not change your regular brand for. I've been a Secret Deodorant user for pretty much a lifetime and switched to their clinical strength when they first launched it. I honestly have never switched from Secret (except from their regular formulation to the clinical) and now that I've tested out Degree with motionSENSE, I'm hooked. I've made the switch. It's beyond effective! And I know it's totally geeky but I like that my new deodorant has a 'technology' behind it! I will tell you this Deodorant will take what you dish out, so hit it with your best shot, be as active as possible, I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was at how well this keeps you fresh and dry effectively all day!

MotionSENSE™ Technology – The More You Move, The More it Works

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - While the average anti-perspirant/deodorant releases fragrance upon contact with sweat, Degree Women with motionSENSE™ is the only antiperspirant that starts working when women start to move, keeping women fresher for longer.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Expert Protection with motionSENSE™ keeps women protected longer than the leading anti-perspirant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Clinical Protection® with motionSENSE™ provides prescription strength wetness protection without a prescription. Seven out of ten women say they would switch to Degree® Women Fresh Energy Clinical Protection from their current anti-perspirant (count me among those seven!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Additionally, Degree Women Fine Fragrance® and Natureffects® anti-perspirants/deodorants feature motionSENSE™ technology

For more information, “Like” the Degree Women Facebook page and follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen.

Amazing GIVEAWAY Alert - Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook

Now you know I'm always on the lookout for the win/win, I like to be sure Ascending Butterfly Readers get something too, that's why I don't mind working so hard, this time even putting up a sweat to bring you back something great!

If you have seen the extra credits for our amazing Dads N Grads Month Buying Guide Giveaways, you may have noticed the Degree App extra credit entries I've offered. But you don't need to be entering our giveaways to benefit from this info and promotion!

Do you like gift cards, electronics, trips?

I kind of had a feeling you'd say that!

By registering for the Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook (facebook.com/degreewomen) or on mobile devices (m.degreewomen.com), fans can start earning motionMILES, 'virtual currency' redeemable towards chances to win thousands of prizes. These motionMILES are earned for various ways women move, including checking in with Facebook places and logging activities. Earning motionMILES is easy - eligible activities include going to the gym, taking Zumba® or yoga classes and various other activities women already do, like grocery shopping or catching the bus. Fans can also earn motionMILES by answering daily trivia questions on the Facebook application, inviting friends to “Get into the Move,” and even logging in daily. I have FIVE EXTRA MOTION MILES for YOU! Enter the Code GetMoving031 (that is the number zero, not the letter 'o') after you register where it says 'Enter Code', this code will get you Five Extra motionMILES that you can trade in for instant win prizes, weekly prizes or even the amazing Grand Prize Trip Prizes! (If you enter the code, I have a shot at a prize too!)

Once earned, fans can use motionMILES for a shot at winning instant prizes by spinning the prize wheel or by entering weekly and grand prize sweepstakes. Prizes include a surfing trip in Hawaii, designer shoes, gift certificates for Zumba classes and much more. Fans can also choose to donate motionMILES in a dollar amount to one of two charities: The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Girls in The Game.

“Women partake in infinite daily actions. In fact, the average woman moves 5,000 times a day,” explains Mike Dwyer, Director of Marketing for deodorants at Unilever. “With Degree’s new motionSENSE™ technology, the more you move, the more it works. We took that same idea and created a rewards program for our fans to get into the move and reward them with motionMILES - the more they earn, the more chances they have to win. What a way to put our product to the test!”

Dance for motionMILES with Zumba Fitness

To help women earn motionMILES, Degree Women has partnered with the largest dance-fitness company in the world, Zumba fitness. Coined the “fitness party,” the Zumba program blends contagious and easy-to-follow choreographies with upbeat international music, from the hottest award-winning producers, to provide an effective total-body workout. Fans can win Zumba fitness prizes through the “Get into the Move” application and earn motionMILES by taking Zumba classes at participating fitness clubs.

“To help women get in the move, we are breaking down signature Zumba moves that will be featured on the Degree Women Facebook page,” explains Beto, creator of the Zumba program. “You don’t have to be a dancer to master the moves, just be ready to get lost in the music and have your own exhilarating Zumba fitness party; it’s all about the fun!”

My first Zumba Class ever was super fun, and I can't wait to try it again, thanks Degree Women for giving me a great way to get moving and keep up the momentum, now I want the Zumba Fitness Game for Wii (so if the lovely folks at Majesco Entertainment want to send me this game to try out, I'd be totally open to it!)

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FTC Disclosure Info: NO monetary compensation was received, This is a NON-compensated post. I was invited to a Zumba Fitness Class, fed and given a gift bag with samples for my review consideration, I was under NO obligation to post. If my motionMILES code is used, I will gain additional entries into a giveaway for a chance to win a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Transparency is everything! :)

I toured the Madame Alexander Doll Factory and you can too!

Wizard of Oz Magic Bubble Glinda The Good Witch 10-inch Collectible Doll, Notice the Sweet Butterfly?

As you know it's Dads N Grads month at Ascending Butterfly, our annual feature that explores all the ways to put a smile on the face of your Dad or special Grad! How are you rewarding your special girl graduate this year? Do you want to host the perfect graduation or birthday party with the least amount of muss and fuss?

I was lucky enough to have a Grandmother who was a Madame Alexander Doll lover, I loved visiting with her and sharing in her love of the 'ahead of their times' Dolls that always reflect popular fashion and culture, in fact the dolls have always been a bit 'fashion forward'.

My Grandmother used to also make Wedding Dolls as a side business (my Grandmother was a Nurse by profession, an Avon Lady and an all around entrepreneur!) and she only used Madame Alexander Dolls for her Wedding Dolls! I wonder if any of her handiwork is still out there?

Last month I had the chance to live my Grandma's dream and tour the Madame Alexander Doll Factory located in Harlem in  New York City! I truly wish she was still alive and was able to join me, but I know she was there in spirit because while walking toward the doll factory I spotted a butterfly! I always feel they are her way of saying hi and that she is with me in spirit.

Toy Soldier 1933 by Vincente Minnelli from The Radio City Rockettes® Collection - Wendy 8 inch doll, If you look in the mirror, you'll see Ascending Butterfly snapping this pic!

Beatrice Alexander aka 'Madame Alexander' was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 9, 1895, and was raised over her father's doll hospital - the first in America - and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her belief in the American dream, combined with her love of dolls and their costumes, led her to start her own doll company when she was 28 years old. Within a few years she had moved her business from the kitchen table to a downtown New York City studio, later relocating to its present day headquarters in the Manhattanville section of Harlem. Her award-winning dolls dolls with the 'sleep eyes' continue to delight generations of children and collectors all over the world, myself included! Madame Alexander reminds me of my Grandmother, passionate, entrepreneurial, independent and WAY ahead of her time!

The Factory Tour

One of the highlights of Visiting the Factory was meeting their repair guru who actually had the opportunity to work with Madame Alexander (employees stay with the company for a very long time!) and we were given the opportunity to pick her brain about her experiences with the 'Doll Hospital'. I asked her if there was ever any Doll that came to her that was literally beyond repair, and she said in all her years there was only ONE! That's amazing, and speaks to the incredible craftsmanship and love that goes into making each and every doll!

It was also amazing to see all the fabrics at their disposal in house! It would be my dream to design a special butterfly doll! Although I had a ton of fun butterfly doll sightings! I spotted Glinda first who has a butterfly on her dress, I spotted the Rockettes (which being a New Yorker I totally Geeked out about!) and then I spotted Fancy Nancy's friend Bree, who also has a cute butterfly on her dress!

Fancy Nancy™'s Best Friend "Bree"

The Making Of A New Best Friend AKA My 'Mini Me'

Check out my new Best Friend, aka 'Mini Me'

We had the chance to custom design a new best friend, a 'Mini Me' of sorts, we got to pick skin tone, clothes, hair and accesories for our dolls, which was super FUN! I have to admit my 'Mini Me' looks a lot like me, long dark hair, boots, down to her sunglasses, I wear sunglasses all the time while I'm out! Isn't my mini me styling? Im going to find a cute butterfly to put on her jacket or maybe I'll embellish her jeans!

Heritage Gallery and Behind the Scenes Tours

We were also taken on a tour of the Heritage Gallery but were asked specifically not to take pictures there as the dolls in the factory are donated by collectors. It's a treasure trove of American History and I honestly would have loved more time there and would like to go back!

You can take the tour too! Behind the Scenes Tours are available by appointment only. These tours are $8/person for adults, $4/person for children and $5/person for senior citizens.A Behind the Scenes Tour includes (1) the Regular Tour, (2) visits to Design, Sewing and Production, (3) a trip to The Doll Hospital.

Group Tours

Group tours (10 or more guests) must be booked in advance. For groups larger than 20, two guides may be needed. As such, larger groups may be split up to make touring easier. Please inquire for tour fee.

Workshops

On-site workshops are special hands-on experiences, and participants will have a memento that will be treasured for years. Madame Alexander currently offers the following:

Hat and Shoe Workshop: Create your very own stylish doll-size hat and shoes using trims and glue. $10/person.

Create-a-Doll Workshop: Personalize your own Madame Alexander Play Doll by choosing body and eye color, hairstyle and color, and a fashionable outfit.

• 8-inch Doll - $38/person
• 18-inch Play Doll - $45/person.
• Extra Outfits - $10/each.

For more information or to arrange a behind-the-scene tour, please contact the Madame Alexander Heritage Gallery® at 212-283-5900 ext. 7299

Parties!

Bloggers Luncheon at Madame Alexander Doll Factory, I found another doll with butterflies in her dress!

I had the chance to attend a luncheon with fellow bloggers and their super cute little ones, it gave us the chance to experience Madame Alexander's special party room where special events and birthday parties can be customized to create a very special experience for your birthday girl or graduate. Most of us were in agreement that a grown up tea party, birthday party or 'Diva Day' would be just as fun! The possibilities are literally limitless! If you are getting married it would be a fun place to have a girls day with your bridal party! (You can have a manicurist come in and do manicures and arrange for a customized cake too!)

Blogger in A Box!

I couldn't resist this fun photo opp on the way out, you are meant to get inside the box and take a 'living doll' picture, but me being the unique butterfly that I am, I decided to 'step out the box' get it? Don't I make a super cute living doll?

While I didn't have time to get up there and take my pic on the big chair, this reminded me of the Saturday Night Character "Roseanne Roseannadanna" one of several recurring characters created by Gilda Radner!

I had a great experience during my Madame Alexander Factory Tour, Heritage Museum Tour, Doll Making Opp, and special luncheon, and I would highly recommend them for any special event, graduation party, or birthday party for any kid, kid at heart or doll lover!

 

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FTC Disclosure Info: I received a complimentary tour, lunch, and products for consideration. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions and recommendations expressed are my own, this is a NON-sponsored post.

Wordless Wednesday - Butterfly Sightings at FFANY!

The Fashion Footwear Association of New York's Footwear Trade Show (follow the twitter hashtag #FFANY) is at the midway point and it's been a whirlwind of Fun and Shoes! (If you want more details, feel free to refer to yesterday's post for more info HERE)

As this is Wordless Wednesday and it's supposed to be all about the pictures, here are the shoe pictures I promised, there were butterfly sightings everywhere I turned during FFANY day 1, I'll post more details about the show and the brands soon and an interview with amazing designer Sasha Igdari!

Bacolté Shoes

I had the chance to receive a private demo with Bacolté, and was amazed at the versatility and very impressed by the line, I hope to be able to partner with them here on Ascending Butterfly!

Bacolté Shoes and Matching Handbags! Butterfly Lovers Paradise!

Matching handbags for the lovely shoes! More Butterflies! I was in heaven! Aren't the pink shoes with butterfly heel and matching bag just simply to die for?

Check out these brown stiletto booties with Butterfly detailing! I'm glad they added a platform in the front to make them more comfortable to wear! (The neutral peep toe booties to the left of them are pretty cute too!

Check out these adorable girls Butterfly Rain Boots! I love the pink and purple combo.

Sasha Igdari - The Designer and her Collection

I had the pleasure of meeting Sasha Igdari the tour-de-force designer behind the bold brand of highly stylish footwear (for those of you attending FFANY she is on the 15th floor!) and was very excited by the technology behind her footwear, who knew super high heels could have an anatomically correct footbed allowing them to be comfortable?

I'd like to profile her more in depth very soon so I'll leave you with this photo I took of her for now!

As usual, my Wordless Wednesday is not entirely wordless, but without captions how else could I make you feel like you were actually there?

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, I attended the Fashion Footwear Trade Show as a member of the online press and I am under no obligation to write about it. As I love all things butterfly related, I couldn't help but share my butterfly finds at the TradeShow with my readers.

HPNG Entrepreneurs Event

Let this post serve as an open letter to my fellow bloggers, to small business owners and everyone and anyone with an Entrepreneurial Spirit in and around the New York City area on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, that there is an event you absolutely MUST attend!  The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG) Entrepreneurs Event!

Because I have a very old school journalism background and my first Editor drilled it into my head to 'just give 'em the W's! The Who, What, When, Where and Why' I figure that is where I better start!

Who: The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG)

What: Entrepreneurs Event

When: Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Where: Elmo @ The Lounge, 156 Seventh Avenue, (btwn. 19th & 20th), New York, NY

Why: To get answers to the business issues faced by entrepreneurs!

How: Building on the success of HPNG networking events, the event will deliver a live, one-on-one interview with the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Mr. Robert W. Walsh. Who will discuss certification programs, including the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program, the Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) Program and the Locally-based Business Enterprise (LBE) Program.

On tap will be in depth discussions of business strategies, sales and marketing as well as the sharing of best practices to learn how to overcome business challenges.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and service providers will showcase their products or services by way of exhibits and a 'learning theatre'. This learning theatre allows exhibitors to deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch to the audience about their product or service.

Cost: $25.00 pre-pay online or $35.00 at the door

With an impressive line up of Supporting Partners you won't want to miss this one!

*Special Thanks to Louis Pagan for the heads up on this!*

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is not a paid insertion. No monetary compensation has been received. I will be attending this event and like keeping my readers informed about New York based events and happenings!

Sunday Moment of Gratitude and a Great Giveaway too!

Photo Reads: 'Beleive in Gratitude Big' Credit: @Bing

On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - An 'EventFUL' weekend! I told you I was on the field yesterday with an upcoming story for Ascending Butterfly, and I will do a full post during the week, but I just wanted to say my Saturday Night ended with dinner and fireworks under the stars in Central Park, it reminded me of all the reasons I do LOVE this city! And I prefer to think of what I am grateful for than worry about things I cannot change. (A big Thanks to our new friends Nissan Leaf, I promise to share more SOON) - Sending love to all the runners in Sunday's ING sponsored New York City Marathon!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Casa de Butterfly is truly starting to resemble Santa's Workshop, I am road testing a ton of incredible products and have an amazing Holidays Buying Guide in store for you! This month has made me feel like a kid at Christmas EVERY single day! Can't share more...not just yet! So keep checking, the guide launches soon and you won't want to miss a day once it does! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For a major 'First' - My first YOGA class! I must admit since I stopped doing Martial Arts, I hadn't been working out as intensely as I used to, but this weekend I put my body through it's paces, and while I'm still a bit tired and sore, it did put me in a better frame of mind! Thanks Strala Yoga, you truly ROCK! Special thanks to our instructor Mike Taylor (who many of you know as husband to Nissan Master, Tara Stiles!), he is very patient with us Yoga NEWBS! :-)

What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

I wasn't here yesterday and I have been working on closing out the Energizer contest and processing entries for the 1800baskets giveaway which closes tomorrow, so I got this email a bit late, but I wanted to make you aware of a sale that our friends at Satya Jewelry are having in honor of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, 15% off the Sun and Moon Collection, (I have this thing for Sun and Moons, long story, but I'm sending a wink to my friends in the know about why ;) - At Checkout, enter the code 'Daylight' - without the quotes of course! - Please post here if you buy anything, I'm sure Satya would love to know Ascending Butterfly sent you! 

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 11/-08 - 3 Baskets for 3 Winners! Review and Giveaway with 1800Baskets.com! Enter HERE

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For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and a direct link to purchase it:

Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a compensated post nor is this a paid insertion. Nissan hosted a series of events in conjunction with the NYC Marathon in promotion of it's newest vehicle, the Nissan Leaf in conjunction with the Zocalo Group. We were not asked to post about these events nor were we compensated. We attended a series of events including the Health & Fitness Expo, A Yoga Session, a Dinner, and passes to the bleachers at the NYC Marathon as well as a Tshirt. Satya is a long time friend of our blog and we regularly post sales information of our former giveaway sponsors, we were not compensated to do so.

In or Near enough to NYC and Wanna Tantalize your senses this weekend?

Head over to Sniffapalooza's LUSH & Gorilla Perfume Gallery Event, 9/23-25 in NYC @ 54 Crosby Street! (Between Spring and Broome) press the link above to see the full invite information!

Our friends at Lush Cosmetics (you remember them from the ultra cool Lush Butterfly Kiss giveaway they hosted with us right? They were in our holiday buying guide last year, you can refresh your memory HERE - I hope we can have them in our holiday buying guide again this year, ah but I digress!) tantalized my senses last night, and now they want to do the same thing to YOU!

I love scoring you guys great giveaways, but when I can get you entry access to a super cool event, I love it even more.

You all know I'm a 'Lushie' and PROUD of it, LOL and I spent time last night at the most amazing gallery fragrance event, I don't want to give out any spoilers, I'd rather you just find out for yourself why I can't stop raving about this event!

I will tease you all by telling you that it involves ALL your senses, and I do mean that LITERALLY! Intrigued? I thought so!

Here's a copy of the invite:

Here's the text from the invite so you can read it more clearly:

Come and experience the art of perfume in a multi-sensory exhibit showcasing Gorilla Perfumes by LUSH. Take your senses on a trip through this winding olfactory maze of wonderment, encounter one-off creations and emerge with your favorite new fragrance from the onsite pop-up shop.

Having made its debut in London, this international touring gallery is making its only North American stop in New York City. Open to the public for 3 days, the gallery also features an artistic collaboration between Gorilla Perfumers, Mark and Simon Constantine and world famous manipulative mixologist, Paul Tvaroh.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, PLEASE STOP BY! (If asked how you heard about the event, feel free to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you!)

The Gallery Exhibit is open the following dates and times:

Sept. 23rd, 12pm - 9pm
Sept. 24th, 12pm - 9pm
Sept. 25th, 11am - 5pm

When you get back, come back here and tell me how cool it is!!! And tell me which fragrance is your favorite!

Highlights for me: I am in LUST with 'Lust', felt super energized by Orange Blossom, loved the clean die down of Imogen Rose, and was amazed by how 'The Smell of Freedom' came together! and the edible and drinkable portion are going to blow you away! And while you are there, don't forget to 'Tuca Tuca' - You'll see! (And Smell!) (And Taste!)

ENJOY!

 

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I attended a press preview event, sponsored by LUSH, I received a swag bag on my way out of the event. I was not compensated, this is a non-compensated post. I am however very much a 'Lush' fan! Whose products I was using well BEFORE my blogging began! Also note, no one was asked to write about their experiences at the event, it was just so good, I couldn't help but share it with my readers!