(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.

Did you miss the @BoyzIIMen Concert & @NickCannon at the #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15 @McDonalds Closing Party?

Boyz II Men  in concert for McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015

Don't get me wrong, we haven't quite come to 'the end of the road' - there is a lot more to cover from BlogHer15 and I'm just taking the event in bite size chunks. I can't imagine re-capping everything there was to see and do in one post. Despite juggling my time between 2 over-lapping conferences in New York City, I still have folders worth of photos from BlogHer, organized, but I haven't had time to optimize the raw files yet!

The McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015 included a live concert with BoyzIIMen singing their hits!

I got there literally just in the 'nick-of-time' as they had already started the first song in the set! (I was running to the buses from another event that had nothing to do with either of the two over-lapping conferences - told you I was a very busy girl this summer!)

I took some video of the concert on my phone:

I had no idea just how long it takes YouTube to convert footage that was actually under 10 minutes! But I thought having some footage would give you a better sense of what it was like to actually be there!

I did not get to eat a thing, I tried to get in what I thought was a line, but the line ended up wrapping around and around me with no begnining or end anymore and it felt like the line was going to swallow me whole. I wanted to shout "They are giving out MCNUGGETS NOT GOLD NUGGETS STOP SHOVING!" The line began to feel like an undulating snake that was just literally moving you whether you wanted to move or not. That was my breaking point.

I opted to find small openings and wriggle my way out of it all. I know what McDonalds taste like. (I personally think this part of their annual party is better indoors at the conference hotel, I never remember having trouble getting to the food there.)

I did really enjoy the concert! And ending what was a conference that has kept bringing bloggers back for a decade now outdoors was actually great! This party is usually the sort of late night closing 'after party' held super late in a room that is quite dark most years so to see this party 'by day' was a new and interesting experience. It didn't lose it's cool that's for sure.

Above: When Boyz II Men started throwing Roses into the crowd you could probably hear the screaming on the other side of the pier! (Not sure what was going on over there on the opposite side of the Pier but there were tons of cute Sailors all in white!) I wanted to find out what was going on over there, but wasn't about to lose my spot at the concert!

If we were born around the same time, this music was probably the soundtrack a school age breakup of some sort. I found it funny when they would hold out the mic and let the audience take over, we all knew the songs word by word, there was nobody fake humming! Gotta LOVE that! Sadly I was not pelted with any roses, but I'm sure I was probably too far (God Bless the Zoom Feature on Cameras! LOL - It allows us anti-social folks to keep a very nice distance and still capture the action like we were right up front and in the mix even though we weren't!)

Nick Cannon takes the turntables at the McDonalds Closing Party at Blogher 2015

Above: Nick Cannon took over the evening to DJ and get folks dancing. (This would be the part where I hid behind one of the tents staring across the pier at the view (OK maybe the cute sailors too) while folks did the wobble, the nae nae, danced with minions, enjoyed cocktails and more!). You guys know I met Nick Cannon in person when he presented me with his Monster NCredible N-Tune On-Ear Headphones at an event for Staples, if you missed that one press HERE.

I found this great hidden spot behind the tents where everyone was dancing with Minions. They were dancing, I was watching the sunset with a 'grown folks lemonade', despite my best attempts to hide from people because I was on 'talking at me overload' at that point. (Introverts really have to work very hard to put themself in that mode where conversations happen for so many concurrent hours in a day NON-stop.) But despite my best attempts at hiding, people found me anyway. Stranger after stranger spoke to me and I met some amazing bloggers who traveled so far to be at BlogHer and even bloggers who knew me well and knew I needed some space would come over and pull me out of there, and for all of them I am VERY grateful. Once almost everyone was on the dance floor I took it as my cue to slip out and catch one of the first buses back to the conference hotel.

I am wearing a blouse by MiracleSuit and Jeans by Silver Jeans

Above: As you can see even Ronald was taking Selfies and I couldn't resist, for me, Mascot photos are EVERYTHING!

Top: MiracleSuit, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Handbag: Guess, Sunglasses: (worn on my head) Foster Grant

Above: Something always tells me to have a different person take an extra shot, 'just in case' and I was glad I did this time as the first one was super blurry! (As some people have asked, that is NOT a roller coaster behind me!)

MY TAKE:

The McDonalds Closing Party is always one of the parties I look forward to during BlogHer, I will say that most of the parties were fun this year and I also greatly enjoyed the Karoake Party. I hit more parties this year than usual and had to cut back on a few off site evening events hosted by brands to do so. I tried to strike as best a balance as I could between 2 overlapping conferences, 2 major events I cover annually that are at least 2 hours on their own, and brand invites and expo hall exhibitor booths and panels. I have attended BlogHer so often that has become much easier to strike a balance and be sure I hit the things that really matter to me. For conference newbies, as soon as the conference posts it's itinerary/agenda, print it, print every brand event invite, then open a google calendar and beginning inputting what you want to attend. Put it ALL in. Then look for overlaps, factor in times that it takes to get from one thing to another, yes even if it's in the same building, you will be competing for hallway walkway space with HUNDREDS if not THOUSANDS of other people trying to get their rooms too. Don't Overpack your schedule. And if you didn't leave posts scheduled you will regret it, the only time you may have to get posts up are at night (and it will be difficult to get on the conference wifi!), and most days start super early. Keep all that in mind! If you are a member of BlogHer here is the direct link to the Closing Party Photos on FLCKR.

What is your favorite Boyz II Men Song? Would you have joined Nick Cannon's Dance Prompts? Were you THERE? If so, please leave the link to your Closing Party recap, I would love to see it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (food and beverages 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.

Don't miss the @NYWineFestivals Winter #Wine Festival in #NYC, here are highlights from the Autumn Show!

Today I am braving the Polar Vortex and heading out to the New York City Winter Wine Festival. While the afternoon session is already sold out, there are still tickets available for the evening session so act fast and visit HERE to nab a ticket before that session sells out too!

I thought I'd share some photos from the Autumn Wine Fest so you can see why I am so excited to see what today's tasting will bring! From The Most Romantic Wine and Kelly and Jones Fragrances Wine Perfume Collection, the Autumn Wine Fest was filled with delightful surprises!

Here are some of my personal faves:

Even the Universe was smiling that day as I found this on my way out of the subway heading toward the venue!

Chateau Musar This Red Wine was a definite stand out!

For more info check out http://www.adelaida.com/

Totus Tuus Cava Brut Reserva is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 18% Xarello, 18% Macabeo, 18% Parellada and 6% Pinot Noir. Made in Madrid Spain this one is a great price ($15.95) for the finish!

This 2012 Bodegas Tampesta Albarin 'Maneki' was definitely a standout!

Elo Monastrell 2010 smooth tannins, dark cherry, blueberry and spicy cedar aromas made this one round and balanced. Another hit from Table 10!

This 2007 Domaine de Pisan from Cave de Rasteau Winery was also very nicely balanced and averages about $36 a bottle

Kelly & Jones Fragrances - 'The Notes of Wine Eau de Parfum Collection' is a line that is inspired by the 'bouquet in the glass' and I can tell you that I enjoyed each scent equally and can't say I favor one over the others, which for me is pretty rare!

TMRW - "The World's Most Romantic Wine" offered not only the most atmospheric display, but really do live up to their title. I enjoyed everything I sampled and much like the perfumes found it hard to select an absolute favorite!

Cornerstone Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine has an intense aroma of Strawberry jam and offered an elegant finish, while I did enjoy them all I had to get a close up of this one! Where has this wine been all my life? Wine in a blinged out shoe! Roses! The presentation on this table was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! With Valentine's Day coming up TMRW is definitely one you want to put on your sweetie's radar!

A very happy Ascending Butterfly! (Jeans: Silver Jeans NATSUKI Bootcut Jeans High Rise in INDIGO)

Just had to take a shot of lower Manhattan all lit up at night!

Lower Manhattan, New York City

My Take:

Don't get stuck in a wine rut! Wine tastings are always a great way to discover brands that are new to you, and add a few new wines to your collection. NY Wine Festivals really puts together a great tasting, and the passion of the exhibitors always shines through. It's also great connecting with fellow wine lovers. The Conrad Hotel in New York City was a great venue and I enjoyed the Autumn Wine Festival and can't wait to report back to you with my finds from today's Winter Wine Festival! Stay Tuned!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, I attended the Festival as a member of the Digital Press and I have NOT been compensated to share my feedback on the tasting experience. 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.