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.

{#TheatreThursday} Check out this @SoRmusical interactive 360° #Video for School of Rock - The Musical! #Broadway #ad

This post is sponsored by The 7th Chamber

Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe

School of Rock - The Musical will begin preview performances at Broadway's Winter Garden Theatre in New York City on Monday, November 9, 2015 - with an opening set slated for Sunday, December 6, 2015

And guess what? You're In The Band! Based on the 2003 film of the same title, School of Rock, the Broadway Musical will feature music from the movie in addition to an original score by Andrew Lloyd Webber and lyricist Glenn Slater.

The film was hailed by The New York Times as an 'irresistible comic postscript to the rock revolution." and went on to gross more than $130 million WORLDWIDE. Those are some impressive numbers!

ABOUT:

School of Rock - The Musical follows Dewey Finn, a failed wannabe rock star who decides to earn a few extra bucks by posing as a substitute teacher at a prestigious prep school. Completely disinterested in academic work, Dewey decides to create his own curriculum, turning his class into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band.

FIRST OF IT'S KIND 360° MUSIC VIDEO OF "YOU'RE IN THE BAND" FROM "SCHOOL OF ROCK - THE MUSICAL"

This video was shot in an actual New York City classroom and was designed by Andrew Lloyd Webber and School of Rock book writer Julian Fellowes utilizing 360° technology that lets you navigate all angles of the classroom - so you can bring a bit of Broadway directly to you in an immersive, engaging and interactive way!

Other Ways to Watch:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On Your Mobile or Tablet (YouTube): goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on Facebook via Mobile or Tablet:  fb.me/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Watch on YouTube via your Desktop - the video embedded in this post or you can go directly to YouTube here: goo.gl/vr/sor360

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To watch via Facebook on your Desktop: fb.me/sor360

Alex Brightman and the cast of School of Rock - Photo Credit: Timmy Blupe

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram your Experience and connect with the show on Instagram HERE
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tag @SoRmusical and use the hashtag #YoureintheBand
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Say hi on Facebook

MY TAKE:

I was super surprised when I first heard this was in development, for some reason I just couldn't imagine it adapted for Broadway so I am looking forward to seeing this show and seeing how they adapted the movie for the Broadway Stage! The 360° video is certainly a unique way to promote it and I am glad I got the chance to see it and share it with you today!

Readers Sound Off: Did you see School of Rock - the movie? Will you see the Broadway Version? What do YOU think of the interactive 360° technology that was used to create this video?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this is a Sponsored/Compensated Post. 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.

#ad: {#Giveaway} The gift of breathing easy this holiday season with #FebrezeAirPurifiers #HolidayFebreze

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in conjunction with Febreze, all opinions are my own.

Being an apartment dweller in the city that never sleeps means not just noisy neighbors but incredibly smelly ones too. Let's just say their 'assorted vices' are very intrusive and the current construction on the building is sending a ton of dust particles into my apartment. Which equals a NOT so happy butterfly.

While a trip to the tropics until the construction on the roof blows over (and my stoner neighbors move out - a girl can dream can't she?) isn't quite possible at the moment, I got sent the next best thing, A Febreze Mini Tower HEPA-Type Air Purifier! With the holidays approaching and guests bound to be paying visits, I am glad I have this in my arsenal to keep the air in my apartment smelling fresh and clean!

Febreze™ Air Purifier - FHT180W Mini Tower HEPA-Type Air Purifier

About Febreze Mini Tower HEPA-Type Air Purifiers:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ideal for up to 85 sq. ft. (small rooms - so close the window and door to get faster results)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dimensions: 8.66 x 10.16 x 17.32 in

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Weight: 8.22lbs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Warranty: 3 Year Limited

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Energy Star Certified

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available in three sizes (1) Tabletop, (2) Mini Tower (3) Tower (I am discussing my experiences with the Tower Unit in this review)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Removes Particles that are typically invisible to the naked eye, yet can contribute to household odors and dust that build up on surfaces.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Triple Duty: (1) Cleans the air through HEPA-Type filtration, (2) Removes up to 99% of airborne particles, and (3) traps household odors while adding a fresh Febreze scent to the filtered air.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There are currently two scents available for the scent cartridges: Linen & Sky and Spring & Renewal (those are my top two scents when I buy Febreze Sprays for my home, so I was happy to see those are the ones that are currently available for the Air Purifier.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Automatic scent and filter indicator replacement lights (each scent cartridge lasts for up to 30 days and the filter up to four months)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - YOU control the cleaning level AND their is also a freshness control dial so you can customize the scent too

See it in Action:

My Take:

I put it straight in my bedroom which doubles as my home office as the building construction is taking place right above me at the moment, and I put the control on MAX for scent and the highest for air cleaning and I noticed a HUGE difference even faster than I expected as the dimensions to the room are surprisingly large for an NYC apartment. This is my first Air Purifier ever and the psychological benfits I am reaping on not feeling guilty about dusting enough are PRICELESS!!! Not to mention not having MY spaces smell like other people's vices and habits. I HATE the smell of cigarette smoke, I have never done it, and hate when that smell wafts into my apartment.

Another thing I noticed that I wanted to share with you all, is that as someone who sits in front of a computer for hours is that I tend to breathe more shallow than I should. Office air environments can also be quite stuffy, and one of the real benefits I also immediately noticed is that I have been taking much deeper breaths now and I breathe in less shallow and more profound. As a lifelong asthmatic that has to be by far my favorite plus for the unit.

I like taking Gaming vacations (for regular readers I'm sure that comes as no surprise) and I often have to have the hotels I stay at provide me with an air purifier, especially if I get stuck with a smoking room when I specifically ask for NON-smoking and they can't change me. I usually have to leave those units running during the day while I'm out and about and tend to turn them off at night because they were super noisy! Not with this one. It's quieter than I expected it to be at the max setting for air cleaning. I am NOT saying it is noiseless, but it is significantly quieter than the units I have been exposed to.

This one does get a thumbs up from me, and I am considering the Tabletop unit for the kitchen as I am a seafood and spicy food lover and would prefer my whole apartment doesn't smell like what I am cooking! So a dedicated unit in that room might be a very good idea.

Check out www.febrezeairpurifiers.com for more info!

WIN IT:

You have the chance to win an Air Purifier with extra refill cartridges and extra filters thanks to our friends at Febreze! Who loves YOU Butterfly?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

While the Air Purifier only offers two scent cartridge types at this time, what is your all time favorite Febreze scent? (There are some seasonal ones for the holidays out NOW!)

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided with a Febreze™ Air Purifier - FHT180W Mini Tower HEPA-Type Air Purifier for Editorial Consideration. This product review and giveaway is part of a compensated campaign, 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.

Review and #Giveaway of @monicamcgurk #DarkHopeBook via @Ascending1 #CleverGirls #Spon

By now most of my butterflies know I'm obsessed with 'all things with wings', butterflies obviously, but things with wings include dragonflies, ladybugs and as a girl raised in the Catholic Church, the ultimate thing with wings? Angels. I grew up with this Guardian Angel Wall Plaque above my bed as a little girl:

I never once doubted that we all had a Guardian Angel to protect us. One who watched over us, kept us out of harms way and helped us stay on our path. Over time I came to see departed loved ones as additional 'Angels on our Shoulders' and for my confirmation I studied the stories of all the Saints to help me determine which Saint name I would take for my confirmation. I read them all, and returned to class resolute that I wanted 'Saint/Archangel Michael'. I was none to happy to be laughed at by my teacher and class at my audacity and silliness to think I could take a male name. But I loved his story, he stood before the enemy, not just any enemy, THE ENEMY and won! Surely I possessed the same courage? My little inner feminist was not happy when I was told I had to select another Saint, A Female Saint. Not that their stories weren't equally powerful, but they didn't resonate as powerfully with me as Michael's story of defeating the ultimate enemy had.

I came home and explained my dilemma to my Mother who helped guide me to other Saints to study so I could make my final selection. But my fascination with Archangel Michael is still very much a part of me. So much so that I have a prayer card and Sword that I hold very dear to me:

When the opportunity presented itself to read a book whose central theme was 'the love between a human and an archangel' and not just any archangel, but MY Archangel, MY Michael I just had to read it! Dark Hope: Book One in the Archangel Prophesies by Monica McGurk is categorized as a Young Adult Fantasy Novel, but it certainly touches on some very 'grown up' and important themes.

ABOUT:

A new young adult saga in the Twilight tradition about the love between a human and an archangel.

For years, Hope Carmichael, survivor of a shocking child abduction, has lived a sheltered existence under the protection of her fanatically religious father. Now, liberated by her mother, Hope prepares to start life over as a normal kid in an Atlanta, Georgia, high school.

Normal, that is, until Hope meets Michael, a gorgeous emancipated teen with a mysterious past and a strong interest in Hope. And soon, Hope’s life is filled with questions. What’s behind the angry looks Hope gets from Lucas, leader of a gang of students? Who’s responsible for sending Hope a strange valentine inscribed with Bible quotations? How does this relate to the sinister business of human trafficking that operates on the periphery of Hope’s suburban world? And is Michael really a protector, or something more sinister—and just why does he seem so familiar?

In an epic narrative that takes readers from the back streets of Atlanta to the height of Vegas penthouses and beyond, Dark Hope introduces readers to The Archangel Prophecies, a new young adult saga that blends the feeling of Twilight with a vast mythological scope and moral urgency, as well as to Hope Carmichael—a young woman instantly memorable for her endurance, heart, and determination—and Michael, Hope’s dangerous companion who’s fated either to save Hope—or to kill her.

Note: A portion of proceeds from this book will be donated to organizations that fight human trafficking. Now you know there is nothing that makes Ascending Butterfly happier than a 'Give Back' opportunity, A total win/win in my book. A great read for YOU and you are doing something to help victims of human trafficking as well.

Directly from the Author:

MY TAKE:

I am not going to give out any spoilers, I will say this is a must read. Even if YA is not your usual type of read I would highly urge you to give this book a try, it is a total page turner, and in my opinion is very much respectful to the Church, to how it handles biblical references and surprisingly to how it handles the story line between Michael and Hope. I really wanted to be mad at it, how dare they make MY Michael a romantic protagonist? and seriously with a teen no less? But Butterflies, the writing is TIGHT and the author does make so many unlikely and disparate elements come together cohesively. And in my opinion if it helps to shed light on just how rampant and dangerous the Sexual Trafficking Industry really is then all the better. I know it's not always easy to talk difficult topics, but if you are letting your teen read this, (my personal opinion is that YOU read it first just to make sure you feel comfortable), then use the book as a talking point to teach your teen to be careful in social situations and of their surroundings.

There is even a Pinterest board with a Hope Casting Wish List! (Is there someone you would add to that list that's not there?)

WIN IT:

Our awesome friends at Clever Girls Collective and the Greenleaf Book Group, want one lucky butterfly to win their own copy of this month's Book Club title, so use the rafflecopter form below to enter; and as always, the main entry is easy peasy!

One of the 'Extra Credit' entries is for you all to share your favorite (past or present) Young Adult Book - Remember to answer that here on the giveaway post so we can see your selection, but tick it off in rafflecopter so you get the extra credit entries! (I figured with back-to-school coming I'd get you in the mindset of thinking 'extra credit', sneaky right?)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and this is a sponsored post, the content and opinions expressed here are all my own. Sponsor will be fulfilling prizing directly. Neither Ascending Butterfly, Sponsor or Clever Girls Collective is responsible for lost or mis-directed mail. 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.

Want to Win a 55" 4K ULTRA HD TV? Find out how with @BestBuy #UHDatBestBuy #Spon

I was lucky enough to get to preview a 4K Ultra HD TV last year at a Luxury Event for Press and have remained obsessed with them ever since (Too bad they couldn't get one of those in our gift bags right?).

Advantages to Upgrading to a 4K Ultra HDTV with Best Buy:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Stunning Resolution! - FOUR times the picture resolution of Full HD 1080p. Increased pixels allows you to sit closer for a fully immersive experience, with lifelike and breath-taking quality and detail.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Improved Quality! - All around improved quality for movies and television shows! Sony has also introduced a 4K Ultra HD Media Player that comes loaded with free 4K content AND you can download more than 200 4K films! Learn more at Bestbuy.com/SonyExperience

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Future Proof! - BestBuy sells 4K Ultra HDTV's with Advanced Technology, so when your unit needs to be updated, much like a computer a software update will be made available! By the way, Netflix has announced that House of Cards and Breaking Bad will be streamed in 4K, are YOU ready?

Learn more about 4K and find out how to WIN a 4K Ultra HDTV of your own from Best Buy:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Every Saturday from 11am-3pm (August 9th thru November 1st) participating stores are offering personal demonstrations, in store giveaways (including tickets and cord keepers) as well as a chance to enter to win a sweepstakes for a 55" 4K Ultra HD TV including installation and Geek Squad Protection for your new TV! (sweet prize right?) Check out www.bestbuy/4kuhdevents for more information and to see if a store near you is participating.

My Take:

I love the Magnolia Home Theater Experience within Best Buy and since August is Audio Fest month, if you haven't already had a chance to check out a Magnolia Experience, this would be the ideal time to do so! Make an afternoon of it, get a 4K Ultra HD TV personal demonstration and check out Home Theater Sound Systems to go with your new TV. You get the chance to 'try' all the top competing brands before you buy, ask the experts any questions you may have so you get the best system for your home and experience no 'buyers remorse', what could be better than that?

Here are a few from Best Buy that are on my wishlist:

Press on the image above to purchase the Sony 79" 4K Ultra HD TV Smart 3D HDTV

Press on the image above to purchase the Samsung LED Curved 4K Ultra HD TV Smart 3D HDTV

Press on the image above to purchase the LG 79" 4K Ultra HD TV Smart 3D HDTV

Butterflies, do you already own a 4K Ultra HD TV? If so, What is your favorite model?


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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. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Ascending Butterfly does not claim medical expertise, before trying this or any other product featured on our pages please visit your physician. 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.

#ad: If you can't get enough #MarchMadness like this @BestBuyWOLF let @BestBuy help you #CatchItAll

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a 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!

Who is your team, and how are they doing? Even if you don't have a bracket and don't follow College Basketball, there are few television shows now that don't flash 'hashtag's during their programming so you can share your thoughts on twitter in real time and connect with the show and other fans. I constantly find myself doing it and may have even snuck my smartphone or tablet in the bathroom with me a time or two (or three) so I don't miss a moment! Don't judge me!

With 68 teams all trying to win College Basketball's biggest prize, our friends at Best Buy want to make sure that you don't miss a moment of the action! Staying current on the tournament and brackets, checking scores and maybe even some playback all at once certainly requires multiple screens, and even with a Smart TV you sometimes need an additional device on hand. (Le Sigh. Even watching Television requires multi-tasking now a days!)

Best Buy can you help you stay connected to the excitement and #CatchItAll with the devices and connectivity that make it all possible all at super competitive prices! What's NOT to love?

I am so ready to upgrade my home theater system, and a new Smart HDTV is top on my list! My current TV is not quite as smart as I like and I've been researching replacements, this Sharp is top on my list (you can press on it's picture to go straight to Best Buy where you can purchase it directly):

Sharp AQUOS LC-90LE657U LED HDTV - Available at Magnolia at Best Buy!

SPECS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Screen Size 90" (swoons and drools!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LED Flat-Panel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical Resolution 1080p

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Screen Refresh Rate: 120Hz

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instant Content: Netflix, Pandora, Skye, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - HDMI Inputs: 4 (insert choir of Television Angels here!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - USB Port & Input + Ethernet Port

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Component Video Input

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Composite Inputs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And because you know how important Audio is for me: there are THREE speakers and a 35W Speaker Power Output!

My Take:

I love that Best Buy offers such a wide variety of Electronics at some of the most competitve prices out there! I recently had a Magnolia Home Theater experience at a Best Buy retail location and it made me realize just how much I need to update my Home Theater. I'd love to bring the 3D Experience into my home, and would love a Smart TV so I can run my favorite apps and watch movies on the big screen instead of my portable devices all the time. I don't have a coupon to share this time around, but wanted to remind you that Audio Fest is coming to a close soon and the prices on Audio Products at Best Buy during this promotional period are definitely worth jumping on. And all my bargain hunters should always hit the "Shops & Deals" Tab where you can peruse the Deal of the Day, Clearance, Hottest Deals and more. And if you prefer making the investment in store, using the website first to get an idea of pricing will help you keep to your budget.

What device keeps you at your multi-tasking best butterfly?

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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! This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy and Dyson who provided the DC44 Animal Vacuum for editorial consideration. 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.

@yurbuds and @BestBuy want to help you 'Cut the Cords' and #GetMotivated let this @BestBuyWOLF show you how to save!

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a 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!

Have your fitness resolutions already gone by the wayside? Are you having trouble staying motivated?

New York City has been hit by back to back snowstorms and the Polar Vortex was starting to put a cramp in my fitness style, but then I remembered my Wii and my Wii Fitness Board and got back to work! With me because I've done the games so often already I don't really need to 'listen' to the virtual instructor to know what the moves are I just tend to throw on my headphones and iPod and listen to my own playlists to keep me motivated.

Last year we brought you a giveaway from yurbuds. Which by the way has become the #1 selling sport earphone company! And for good reason, they really do stay put in your ears and don't pop out! I posted a full review in addition to the giveaway HERE (just remember the giveaway component is no longer accepting comments and is closed but you can still read the review to see how they held up to our 'road testing').

Yurbuds - Limited Edition Bluetooth Wireless Earbud Headphones sold at BestBuy! (Press on the image to purchase directly!)

I am happy to report that yurbuds found a way to make a good thing even better by cutting the cords! Now there is no tell tale cord connecting to your device, making your jog or power walk just as fun, but keeping the fact you are using a device or a phone a little less obvious. And in the City I live in, it's best to keep your phone or device concealed at all times! 

Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity as well as the duration of a workout by at least 15%, and you don't have to sell #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on the importance of music. It's always been a passion for me! yurbuds was founded in 2008 by an Ironman Triathlete who is a 24-time marathoner who was sick of earbuds falling out his ears during workouts. They are made for fitness enthusiasts, and they don't slip out so the workout doesn't have to stop!

While I haven't personally tested out the new ones yet, (they are definitely welcome to come back again and let us put these through their paces!), I do know they are sweat and water resistant, offer 15mm drivers and feature full track and call control with a windblocking microphone to help enhance call clarity. (and the Dedicated Pairing Button for a simple 1-touch pairing helps too!)

Did you know that BestBuy has the largest selection of yurbuds? Check them out HERE and they even offer a big list of Health & Fitness HERE so you know that means there is literally no excuse to break your fitness resolutions this year!

DEAL/COUPON/NAB IT CHEAPER:

Our friends at BestBuy and yurbuds want to help you get AND remain motivated! To help you #neverstop they are offering two pretty sweet deals!:

(1) Enjoy 20% off ALL yurbuds valid BOTH in stores AND online HERE

(2) Enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store HERE

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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! This is a Sponsored Post brought to you by Best Buy and yurbuds. An Affiliate Link is used in this post. 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.

#ad: @Univision and @jnjcares Want You to Vote for "The Family of Today" #LaFamiliadeHoy

#ad: This is a compensated post in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect, All Opinions Expressed are 100% my own. I have been selected among a group of Latina Bloggers to help spread awareness about Johnson & Johnson and Univision's "La Familia De Hoy" campaign. See below for additional disclosure information.

Today's Modern Family is a bit more complex in structure, but at it's core are people who love one another un-conditionally, and parents who want to see their children do that much better than they ever could. For me, my family is filled with people who are in every sense of the word 'my family' although not all are related by blood or marriage. It's a different kind of family, the friends that have really been there are the sisters and brothers that I didn't get from God, my mother's childhood friends were the Aunts I wasn't given by blood, who all have very special places in my heart.

I think for the most part the notion of a 'traditional' family has been very much turned on it's head in this day and age. And that's a good thing.

Here is one of my favorite 'family photos:

That's me laughing hard about to cut my birthday cake!

In this picture on the very right and very left are my 'Tia's'/Aunts, they are not my Aunts by blood, but by something more meaningful, time and love. They were there every step of the way in my life and still are! Their children are my 'cousins' even though we are not related and many modern day families of 'today' are comprised of people who are not always related by blood or marriage ties.

Johnson & Johnson has partnered with Univision to find La Familia de Hoy, and they want your help! You get to check out the family's profiles and determine who you think should become a 'spokesfamily' for Johnson & Johnson in 2014

While I can easily see any of the families that are in the running do a great job, the Olivera family resonated most with me, the dad who is a semi pro football player also owns his own business and takes time to coach as well. I can relate to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the difficult thing called work/life balance.

Though he passed when I was very young, my dad also enjoyed his sports, he played baseball, loved his daughters very much and my mom she was the Entrepreneur, she taught me that you don't have to be chained to a cubicle to make a living or a life.

So Visit the La Familia de Hoy Voting Site to select which family you think should win! If you want to find out who won you can watch the show Sábado Gigante on Univsion on Saturday, December 21, 2013 (check your local listings for the exact time in your area).

My Take:

The face of today's family is changing, but the glue that keeps families strong will never change, it's love, respect, communication and support! I love that Johnson & Johnson is looking for 'Today's Family' and letting voters help determine what that looks like for us. As a Latina, I love that there will be a family in campaigns that look a lot closer to mine than 'Traditional Media' has offered in the past. Without the cheesy stereotypes, without the generalizations, just a real family being celebrated for what they do best, celebrating life's everyday moments!

Butterflies tell us which family ultimately got your vote? Was it my pick, The Olivera Family? or was it The López or Jiménez Family?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign/Sponsored Post brought to you by Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect. 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.

#ad: Is furthering your Education part of your 2014 Long Term Goals? Find out how to score a 10K Scholarship to do just that! #spon

#ad: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Scholarships 4 Moms

I for one have been in 2014 planning mode for awhile now. Both long and short term goals are swirling around my head. From personal to professional there are a myriad of goals I have set for myself and a new year is the ideal time to begin working on them.

I worked three part time jobs and had landed a few merit scholarships to cover my College Tuition. It wasn't easy, but I know the sacrifices I made to pursue to my degree were very much worth it. Post College was a whirlwind of work and I shelved my Master's Degree dream because I was on a career path that kept me very busy.

I want to go back. I want to pursue a Master's, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm probably busier now then I was right after College, but despite having way more on my plate, I am not going to let anything, including this lousy economy stand in my way. I have never let any obstacle stand in the way of something I really want for myself.

5 Tips for any Adult Considering Returning to College:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Choose a Degree that is PROFITABLE - Adults have less time to experiment and knowing which Degree is 'profitable' in the long run is going to be half the battle won!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - STEM initiatives (acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are not just for younger students! Educations focusing on the Technical and Scientific Fields are actually a bit easier to find Scholarships for. I am NOT saying it will be easy to land them, but there is a bigger need especially for women in these fields and there are scholarships out there geared to students who wish to pursue a scientific or technical career!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exhaust all options as 2013 acceptance rates showed heightened School Selectivity. It's even harder for Adult returning students to compete for those Golden Acceptance Letters, you need to be creative and exhaust as many options as possible.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Consider Distance Learning. Who said the only way to get a Degree is to attend an actual campus? Your dining room table can be your study hall, with a Distance Learning Degree, College comes to YOU on your schedule whenever, wherever.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Start with what you already know - Sit with a counselor or academic advisor to find out how your real world experience may translate into credits toward your degree. Your experience and maturity is actually an ADVANTAGE not a dis-advantage!

$10,000 Scholarship 4 Moms Sweepstakes:

Exhausting every possible option for funding is just plain smart! How about the chance to win $10K to return to school?

Benefits of entering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Essay to complete!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No GPA Score Required to Participate!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Short Registration Form!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $10,000 to put toward the start of your DREAMS!

Instead of asking Why? Ask Why Not?

Are you still here?

WIN IT:

Visit HERE and enter for your chance to win $10,000 to put toward your Degree! If you are a mom all I can say is this, aside from your children, your degree is the second biggest job with sacrifices you'll ever love and NEVER regret! Go for it! (I always say before any entering any competition, check out the Official Rules first!)

MY TAKE:

As a Career and Life Coach I can tell you that a Degree is a must! Hiring Managers in this economy can be way more selective, and if you don't have a degree (as a former recruiter) I can tell you a hiring manager is going to lean toward the candidate who has that Degree!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Scholarships 4 Moms and Mom Bloggers Club. 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.