{Not So} Wordless Wednesday - Getting Fit with Cheryl Burke + Ideology + a Kardashian too! {Photos}

Earlier this month fashion editors, Manhattan’s social elite, and taste-makers alike celebrated the announcement of Ideology’s new face of the brand, Cheryl Burke, who was on hand for the festivities at the chic Dream Downtown Hotel.

Cheryl Burke, a renowned professional dancer and two-time winner of Dancing With The Stars, will appear in the campaign for the line launching in February 2012.

Guests sipped on cocktails and previewed the collection to the tunes of Reality TV’s newest DJ, Rob Kardashian, who spent time in the DJ booth and mingling with guests. Fashion celebutants Phillip Bloch, Richie Rich, and Supermodel Irina Shayk, were also in attendance. Professional dancers surprised guests with hot and original dance routines wearing the new line.

The new line reflects a modern design comprised of functional easy to mix-and-match pieces that add a beat of unexpected fashion to any errand, tango, or work-out. And as we transition from our Holidays promos to our annual 'New Year, New You!' features, I couldn't think of a better Wordless Wednesday, since I'm sure most people will have Fitness somewhere on their New Years Resolutions list.

I'm mixing my photos (which are watermarked, please do not 'borrow' them, with the photos supplied by the PR firm (non-watermarked, but I suggest contacting Factory PR for permission, they are being used on my site with permission).

I had a fun time, and needless to say 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' was tempted to take over the turntables. Although with DJ Rob Kardashian spinning the tunes, I was able to just mingle and relax! :)

Tip: Press on any photo to see them bigger!

I love how the tops work WITH a woman's curves!

The pants come in different lengths so there is something for everyone!

The Sport Bra comes in a wide variety of colors

A Belief in the Power of Movement - I just love that! I'm 26 pounds down and counting!

Who Says Workout Bras have to be utlitarian? A little something for my girly girls!

(Left) Rob Kardashian, (Right) Cheryl Burke

Second from Right: Rob Kardashian

Cheryl Burke, Face of Ideology, (exclusive to Macys) Workout Apparel

(Left) DJ, (Center) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ), (Right) Cheryl Burke

(Left) Cheryl Burke of DWTS, (Right) Rob Kardashian

(Left) Ascending Butterfly, (Right) Mama Butterfly

Dancers all wearing Ideology Fitness Wear! Love that they made this one B&W!

(Left) DJ, (Center) Cheryl Burke, (Right) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ)

Cheryl Burke (Center) surrounded by Dancers

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly in the background holiday decor at Dream Hotel NYC - How about that scary Polar Bear?

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly and hiding behind the small tree, a Reindeer!

Ideology, which will feature neutral and brightly hued jackets, sweatshirts, tops, bras, pants, shorts and accessories ranging from $7.98 to $58 will launch at Macy's Spring 2012 (hopefully we can get them to come back, and host a reader giveaway once the line actually launches in the new year!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received, no gift bags were received. I attended this event as a member of the digital press and was under no additional obligation to post. All Opinions Expressed are 100% my own. Non-watermarked photos used with permission by Factory PR.

Not So Wordless Wednesday {Photos} - Disney Store Share the Magic Top 10 Toys Celeb Studded Holiday Event!

I had the pleasure of attending a Holiday themed Top 10 Toys event at my local Disney Store, where there were quite a few celebs and their little ones in attendance. We got to enjoy shopping, holiday story time in the Disney Store Theatre and one-on-one photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their holiday attire!

Disney Store’s holiday theme this year is “Share the Magic” and for every Mickey and Minnie holiday plush sold from October 31-Dec. 11, Disney Store will make a $1 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Here are some photos from the event (the watermarked ones are mine, the photos not watermarked were provided by Disney and all rights are reserved, photos used with permission):

Actress Kelly Rutherford and her lovely daughter Helena @Disney Store all rights reserved

Animators Collection - Aren't these little princesses totally adorable?

 

Disney Animator Mark Henn at The Disney Store in New York City

$1 from every sale of the Mickey and Minnie Plush will go to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation

The Muppets will definitely be hot holiday toys this year with the movie out in theatres!

Kidada for Disney Store Wish-a-Little Jasmine Figure with Charm Necklace

Vinylmation Villains 2 and Jingle Smells Vinylmation

LaLa Anthony with her son Kiyan (We were right near each other during storytelling, I wonder if I'll appear on her show?)

Alex McCord with son

Daya Vaidya with family, Mickey and Minnie

This beautiful Fairy was suspended in mid air, you know I love all things with wings and zoomed in to get this great shot!

Actress Kelly Rutherford, daughter Helena with Minnie and Mickey Mouse in Holiday Attire

Baby Pocahantas from the Animators Collection

Check out this Disney Princesses Collection - I SO WANT THIS!

Rapunzel Doll

Ascending Butterfly (left), Mama Butterfly (right) - center with Minnie and Mickey Mouse

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FTC Disclosure Info: I was invited to the Disney Store Share the Magic Event as a member of the digital press. This is NOT a sponsored post. Attendees were given gift bags.

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday with Heart 2011 at Build a Bear! {Photos}

It's been a long time ongoing tradition since I was a girl to do something for others during the holidays (and year round actually), my mom always taught us that we were blessed in so many ways, and that there were other children and families that needed help especially during the holidays. So each year we do something different, we'll work with local not for profit organizations, or our church, but each year we've focused on doing something for others, and this holiday season is no different.

I received an invitation from the smart + sassy team at moms & the city to attend a very special workshop at Build A Bear in New York City where participants were offered the chance to create a bear to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation!

So me and mama butterfly set out on a cool, rainy, Fall night in New York City to build bears and fill them with special wishes to send to a special boy or girl. The bears also have different allocations to them, so they were actually a DOUBLE give back opportunity! For example the bear I chose to build was called 'Champ', proceeds from Champ the Bear also benefit children's wellness charities.

Here are some photos of me and mama butterfly at the Build a Bear Workshop (what's a Wordless Wednesday without pictures?):

Ascending Butterfly (left) and Mama Butterfly (right)

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - my jeans? Denizen,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardigan? Elle (Yes THAT Elle), 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Necklace? Energy Muse

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and boots? 'Prance' by Kalso Earth

Ascending Butterfly and 'Champ' a bear whose proceeds benefit Children's Wellness Charities

 



In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - handbag? Timi and Leslie

Mama Butterfly made a Happy Feet Bear and was super happy to donate it to Toys for Tots!

Ascending Butterfly hamming it up with a big snow globe at the Manhattan Build a Bear Workshop

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - coat? Wilsons Leather
and I've always loved snow globes (wish I could find one with a butterfly inside!)

Loved the first sign which reads 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot'

I snapped this shot on the way out as I went up the stairs, I love the first sign, 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot', fitting sign after just watching a group of not just moms, but dads and some marines building a bear to give to children in need this holiday season. It truly put me in the holiday spirits!

Do you want to help too? From December 2nd- December 4th, go to your local Build-A-Bear Workshop to build a bear for Toys For Tots. You can also bring in an unopened toy to donate or you can choose to make a donation during the entire month December.

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Build a Bear gift cards were provided to attendees.

Chocolate Thursday!

Got Back Late from an M&M's Event, Holiday Buying Guide will resume tomorrow! And a real event recap with photos will be posted for next week's (Not So) Wordless Wednesday! Happy Thursday Butterflies!

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post!

THE ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE SERIES! Coming to NYC today and a city near you SOON!

PRETTYCITY.COM AND SHAPE MAGAZINE HOST THE ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE SERIES IN NEW YORK!

How would you like to Sample Free Spa/Salon Services, Beauty Products, Cocktails, Appetizers And More While Discovering Beauty Trends, Expert Advice And Swag?

I thought so, because it sounds great to me too, and I will definitely be there! And so should you!

PrettyCity.com, is bringing the most anticipated beauty sampling event of the year to New York. Co-hosted by SHAPE magazine, the annual Beauty Sample Sale series makes its way through five major cities this year, starting in Boston in September and ending in LA in January 2012, offering an extensive array of beauty product samplings, on-site makeovers, and complimentary spa and salon treatments.

With a unique take on the traditional “sample sale,” The Beauty Sample Sale offers beauty devotees a one-of-a-kind shopping and sampling experience. “I’ve always loved sample sales, what woman doesn’t? There are plenty of such sales for the clothes horse but there were no events for beauty aficionados like myself. Women may know what brands of jeans look best on them, but when it comes to finding the perfect shade of red lipstick or picking skin care that suits her skin, sampling is essential,” said Carolyn Brundage, chief executive officer and founder of PrettyCity.com.

Beauty enthusiasts from across the country gather to partake in exclusive samplings of the latest beauty products, opportunities to experience distinctive spa and salon treatments, as well as deeply discounted sale prices on cosmetic, skin and hair care products. Attendees each enjoy a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine and appetizers plus goodie bags filled to the brim with full sized products – not samples – from the likes of Haken Professional, Girlfriends Blotting Papers, Milani Cosmetics, Lavanilla, Ouidad, Mirabella, Mirenesse and more. (You can log on to PrettyCity.com for updated goodie bag “sneak peeks” leading up to each event.)

With over 25,000 women having attended The Beauty Sample Sale in years past, the event is proving to be recession-proof as it has steadily grown since its inception six years ago. “These events have been so popular largely because women consider taking care of themselves outside and inside a top priority. They’re willing to spend money to look great, but they need help wading through the millions of products and thousands of services available to find the ones that truly work for them." The Beauty Sample Sale is a smart way for women to sample products and services that they’ve heard about without wasting their hard-earned dollars,” said Brundage.

The Beauty Sample Sale will take place in New York on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Marquee, two eighty-nine, 10th Avenue. You can purchase tickets online for $29 each at www.BeautySampleSale.com; guests must be 21 and up and present valid photo ID to attend.

Media RSVP: Private media preview begins at 5:30 p.m. on October 12 at Marquee. Limited media passes are available. Please contact pr@prettycity.com with requests.

The Beauty Sample Sale hits Atlanta on 11/09/11, You can RSVP HERE, it hits Chicago on 12/06/11 and you can RSVP HERE for Chi-town, it hits Los Angeles last on 01/11/12, LA folks can RSVP HERE.

It wasn't a sharable widget so I couldn't embed it here, but if you are interested in seeing pictures from Last Year's event in NYC, click HERE.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Ascending Butterfly received admission tickets to the event as well as Media Preview Hour and will receive a gift bag. All opinions are my own. Ascending Butterfly covers local NYC events for our readers to keep them informed of product launches, events and happenings.

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.

Feather Your Nest Giveaways! and Little birdie Twitter Party!

Yesterday I attended a Twitter Party that discussed Savings in all forms and one of the questions that came up during the party was ways to find local deals! Many ideas were mentioned including following local bloggers who share local deals, deal sites, and then the question came up regarding local deals for families with children. and momentarily things slowed down in the stream while we scratched our heads and checked with google to find the best answers! :)

It appears yet again, that the question was asked and the Universe heard us and answered! I hope this thing is still on since there is a Powerball Drawing tonight and I have a ticket ready! I would really love to win the Grand Prize in tonight's powerball. Ah, but I digress!

Introducing little birdie, your “go to” resource for insider tips for local, kid-friendly deals in your zip! Little birdie will be landing in NYC and Atlanta in early March. Parents (expecting or with children 12 years or younger) in those cities will be the first to experience little birdie deals with savings up to 90% off on kid-friendly activities, dining and so much more! (I have to admit there are many advantages to living in the City that never sleeps!)

To celebrate, little birdie is holding the Feather Your Nest Giveaways. Two lucky winners (one (1) NYC area and one (1) Atlanta area parent) will each receive a $4,500 dream nursery/kids’ room makeover from celebrity decorator, Sherri Blum. A third winner chosen from anywhere in the U.S. will receive a $1,000 shopping spree.*

To learn more and enter, please visit http://bit.ly/gXTmWV

Little birdie is also excited to announce that they are hosting a Twitter Party complete with door prizes for participants!**

Little Birdie Twitter Party

When: Thursday, February 17th from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: #littlebirdie tag on Twitter

How: To participate, follow hostess @ResourcefulMom, sponsor @littlebirdieUSA, @littlebirdieATL and @littlebirdieNYC and special guest @SherriBlum.

PRIZES: (3) Three winners will each receive a personalized wall art canvas from celebrity decorator and guest, Sherri Blum (3) Three winners will each receive a $25 little birdie credit to be used upon the launch of the site landing soon in NYC and Atlanta!

*No purchase necessary. Open to legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 18 or older who are expecting a child (pregnant or in the process of adopting or surrogacy) and/or have a child or children 12 or younger. Sweepstakes starts 3:01pm ET 2/15/11 and ends 11:59 p.m. ET 3/31/11. Void where prohibited. For complete details, see Official Rules at USE YOUR UNIQUE URL HERE, which govern.

**No purchase necessary. Must be a legal resident of the 50 U.S. or DC, 18 or older. Ends 9:00 p.m. ET 2/17/11. Void where prohibited. Winners will be selected on a random basis during the party by ResourcefulMom.com and will be notified via @ResourcefulMom. Failure to claim via an online form within 48 hrs of notification will result in prize forfeiture. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible participants. Credit is subject to terms and conditions specified by little birdie. Sponsor of Door Prize Giveaway: ResourcefulMommy.com.

 

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Note: While I am considered the 'Twitter Party DJ' and all around Life of the Twitter Party, Ascending Butterfly is Not the Hostess for this twitter party, please direct all questions to the official hostess @ResourcefulMom. This is a Sponsored Post.