Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts
Showing posts with label inspiration. Show all posts

Monday, November 17, 2014

{#MotivationMonday} Recap of Day One of @Cosmopolitan @funfearlesslife #FunFearlessLife Weekend!

@Cosmopolitan @funfearlesslife #FunFearlessLife


This past month has been filled with 20 hour days clear through the weekend. They have been exhausting, over-whelming and incredibly transformative all at once.

But on my only day off in a very long time I couldn't help but question despite doing so much, expelling so much energy and going to so many events, what have I accomplished? How much closer am I to my goals (both personal and professional)? Some weeks I feel much like a hamster on a wheel, burning energy but not moving forward. (OK, technically I am moving forward, but I am not sure it's as fast as I would like it to be.)

In early November in New York City, the leaves began to change color and The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center is where 1,700 'change seekers' spent an intense weekend that offered 'crash courses on life' and how to live it bigger and better via a series of inspirational and practical panels by speakers across a wide range of industries (and quite a few 'celebs' too!). Cosmopolitan Magazine hosted Fun Fearless Life Weekend, a two-day empowerment event sponsored by Express and Maybelline and I had the chance to be a part of it, which certainly falls under my weekly gratitude category as well as Motivation Monday for sure!

I thought I'd share photos, most re-tweeted quotes from each panelist and some of my takeaways from Day One and next week for Motivational Monday I will share what went down on Day Two:

Center: Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief  of US Cosmopolitan Magazine onstage with Male Models at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center
Center: Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief  of US Cosmopolitan Magazine onstage with Male Models at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center
Spanx’s Sara Blakely
Spanx’s Sara Blakely onstage at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center (Photo Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images)
“Real change doesn’t happen when you just do things the way other people told you to do them.” –Sara Blakely, CEO of  @SPANX
































“I didn’t have the most experience, I didn’t have the most money, but I cared the most.” –Sara Blakely

"Put Your Ass on the Line" was an incredibly informative panel led by Spanx Founder Sara Blakely, on everything from her inspiration for starting the line (which was literally her own butt!) to how she selected the name, Sara held nothing back! She was raw, straight-forward and honest. This is actually the second time this year I got to hear her speak (the first was at the Activate2K Conference). Her quest to find something that would help her body look better under her new white jeans literally led her to build an empire! They always say something that solves a problem and fills a need is always worth pursuing, obviously she wasn't the only person who wanted to look better and feel better in her clothing, BINGO! And butterflies before you say , 'It isn't always that easy', I will say you are right, it isn't, but the persistence to follow your passion and dreams will always steer you in the right direction. There are enough successful people out there that are willing to share how they got there and dollars to donuts persistence and drive for their passion was a HUGE part of their success!

From Left to Right : Leslie Yazel (Moderator), Sallie Krawcheck, Julie Greenwald, Megyn Kelly
From Left to Right : Leslie Yazel (Moderator), Sallie Krawcheck, Julie Greenwald, Megyn Kelly
“If you work in a male-dominated industry, don’t waste time worrying about the fact that you work in a male-dominated industry.” –Fox News anchor @MegynKelly
“Your next business connection is much more likely to come from a loose connection than a friend.” – @SallieKrawcheck
The "Find Your Power" panel moderated by Leslie Yazel, Executive Editor, Cosmo Magazine included powerhouses Sallie Krawcheck, Financial Services Industry Expert (with Ellevate Network and Ellevate Asset Management), Julie Greenwald, Atlantic Records and Megyn Kelly of FOX News Channel's The Kelly Files. This YouTube Video of News Anchor Megyn Kelly telling off Erick Erickson was shown during the panel and it definitely got the room fired up!

Dr. Meg Jay onstage at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend
Dr. Meg Jay onstage at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center (Photo Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images)


Dr. Meg Jay led the panel "Weak Ties Matter". Her 2013 TED talk "Why 30 is Not the New 20" has been viewed over 6 million times to date, she is also the author of "The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them Now" (which you can purchase directly at Amazon using the link below);



“Your best friends can’t open new doors for you, because you’re all in the same room.” –@DrMegJay, author of The Defining Decade

She discussed utilizing your 'weak ties' which are NOT your friends but for the most part are people you may never have met who can open those doors for you, doors you can't seem to open yourself. She ended with us making stickers with our spirit animals on multi-colored post its, and during the break out session for us to find someone with the same color post it, interesting way for 1,700 people to find a 'weak tie' that could potentially change your life!




"Don't fake it until you make it; fake it until you become it." ~ @AmyJCCuddy


Amy Cuddy, Body Language Expert


Amy Cuddy, Body Language Expert, led the "Power Poses" session and taught us all the importance of Power Posing. Power Poses are known to increase testosterone and decrease cortisol. These poses help us optimize our brain before situations that make us feel powerless or stressed out like job interviews! (BTW, 85% of yoga is high power poses!) Stand with your legs slightly wider than shoulder width apart with hands on hips (kind of like 'wonder woman'), with both arms in the air and hold it for two minutes, this actually changes our brain chemistry and causes us to feel confident and relaxed! I plan to 'power pose' before every conference call from now on!

Left: Bella Weems, Founder of Origami Owl Right: Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief, Cosmopolitan Magazine, US
Left: Bella Weems, Founder of Origami Owl Right: Joanna Coles, Editor-in-Chief, Cosmopolitan Magazine, US
Bella Weems, co-Founder of Origami Owl, shared a story much like Sara's from Spanx. While Sara wanted to look confident in her new white jeans and founded the empire we all know now as Spanx, Bella wanted a car and her parents told her 'no', her desire for her own wheels is what eventually led her to create Origami Owl, a company she co-founded at age 14! Proof that desire, drive and determination can help us to overcome any obstacle!

Dick Costolo, CEO of Twitter
Dick Costolo - CEO of Twitter at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center (Photo Credit: Craig Barritt/Getty Images)

The "Building Your Brand" panel included Amy Odell (moderator) - Editor of Cosmopolitan.com, Grace Helbig, Comedian, Actress and Vlogger, and Dick Costolo - CEO of Twitter. (You all know Twitter is my all time favorite Social Media Channel, I was a pretty early adopter and can't wait to see what the future brings! Hosting Twitter Parties and Tweet chats are two of my favorite things.)

“You do a disservice to yourself when you start apologizing for things. Utilize your imperfections to build your brand.” –@GraceHelbig, vlogger and author of Grace’s Guide: The Art of Pretending To Be A Grown Up




Sophia Amoruso - Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal
Sophia Amoruso - Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal


The "Create Your Future" panel was moderated by Elizabeth Holmes - Senior Style Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, and included Sophia Amoruso - Founder and CEO of Nasty Gal and author of the book #GIRLBOSS, Christina Tosi - Chef, Owner and Founder of Milk Bar, and Windsor Hanger, Co-Founder, President and Publisher of Her Campus Media.

"Bad Bitches are Taking Over the World" ~ Sophia Amoruso



"There are a lot of opportunities out there, but they're not going to fall into your lap. Be relentless." ~ Windsor Hanger

Model Chrissy Teigen
Model Chrissy Teigen at Cosmo's Fun Fearless Life Weeekend powered by WME Live at The David Koch Theatre at Lincoln Center


From Left to Right: Chrissy Teigen, Logan Hill, Matthew Hussey and Jordan Carlos


The "Manthropology" panel was moderated by Chrissy Teigen (needless to say her super short shorts in Fall in NYC definitely caused a stir! LOL) and included Matthew Hussey Author and founder of how to get the guy who teaches women how to find the guy, attract the guy and keep the guy, Logan Hill - he launched Vulture and is now the Senior Editor at GQ, (he also writes the monthly "Ask Him Anything" print and weekly online "Ask Logan" columns for Cosmopolitan and Jordan Carlos, Comedian who is currently appearing on MTV's Girl Code and Guy Code series. A no holds barred discussion on the inner workings of men's minds including 'Dick pics' (While Chrissy finds them fascinating, I for one wish men would NEVER send those!), 'defining the relationship' and how it differs for men and women, 'validation' (how to use it and to remember to make men still feel like the protector), and 'women making the first move'. Let's just say in a room full of 1,700 twenty somethings, mostly female, many still looking for love and single and ready to mingle, this panel could have gone on for way longer because it definitely got things perked up!





Cosmo and Maybelline presented Kisses for the Troops for each kiss collected, Cosmo and Maybelline New York will donate $1 to the USO! #kissesforthetroops

From Left to Right: Aliza Licht - SVP Global Communications of Donna Karan, Alicia Quarles - E! News Correspondent, Shay Mitchell - Actress/Blogger, Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle - VP Marketing, Maybelline New York
From Left to Right: Aliza Licht - SVP Global Communications of Donna Karan, Alicia Quarles - E! News Correspondent, Shay Mitchell - Actress/Blogger, Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle - VP Marketing, Maybelline New York

"Make Your Mark" was another heavily tweeted panel moderated by Aliza Licht - SVP Global Communications, Donna Karan, and included Anne Marie Nelson-Bogle - Vice President of Marketing for Maybelline New York, Shay Mitchell - portrays Emily Fields on ABC Family's Hit Show 'Pretty Little Liars', and Alicia Quarles - New York Based Correspondent for E! News.









You can find more inspirational quotes from Fun Fearless Life on Cosmopolitan's Career Channel.

We ended Day one with Tara Mohr's session "Lesson: Visualize Your Mentor" which was a guided visualization excercise to help introduce yourself to the person you want to be in 20 years, we were asked to envision ourselves approaching a home and having ourself in 20 years open that door and to take notice of the details, and then coming out of it, to then figure out the steps you need to take to get yourself there. I personally haven't been very successful with visualization so I use Vision Boards instead. There is a great piece on Cosmo's website with Tara Mohr's 10 Tips for Success and Confidence that you should definitely check out! And you can purchase her book Playing Big directly by pressing the banner below:



MY TAKE:

We were greeted by Maybelline reps handing out free lipsticks, I am not sure life gets much better! There were also makeover stations, an Express Pop up Shop, Photo Station (you know I avoid those!) although I will admit I thought it was a cute idea to put yourself on the cover of Cosmo at this station and there were great gifts too like a charging clutch from Express that I am in LOVE with! (Pictures of my clutch to come!) Between the amazing speakers, the super charged energy in the room, and great sponsors this spa weekend for the spirit offered a wealth of information, inspiration and empowerment tools and resources, it was definitely motivating and I came away with some concrete ideas that I have already begun to implement. Stay tuned for the highlights from Day Two on next week's Motivation Monday post.

Which speaker would you most like to have heard for yourself butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided Press Access to Fun Fearless Life Weekend as Digital Press. I received 'swag'. 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.

Sunday, November 2, 2014

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Edition! Fall 2014! #NaBloPoMo


In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy
In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy

This feature has been M.I.A for awhile, not because I haven't had things to be grateful for, because I have, but because life has been a roller coaster of busy.

Not So Good:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have been so busy lately that it has made writing pithy content feel more like a chore.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bad Public Relations. - I have long since passed the point of having to 'prove myself' to anyone - both personally and professionally. On days where my pages were blank it wasn't for lack of content. My content cup overfloweth actually, but time however is at a premium. I read a blogger who wrote something that still makes me smile: 'I'd rather go dark, than go free.' and that's exactly how I have been feeling. Those so eager for attention are giving away things that established bloggers just simply won't.

Good and Grateful For Stuff:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events that did provide unique experiences as lately those have been few and far between.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brands that actually wanted real partnerships and not just a free mouthpiece.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chopping off my hair for a good cause started me on wanting to make other changes in my life, from Fashion and Style to Professional changes as well.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have learned to just simply ask 'bad pitchers' if they are being paid in their product regardless of what it is and send my Media Kit outlining rates. It makes time wasters go away and those who may really not have known better re-think their approach. It's funny how I have to provide metrics and tangibles to someone I wish to work with and brands think a 'review item' is enough to cover my work, your review product is NOT your tangible when you pitch me for a 'partnership' dear brand.

What am I grateful for Today?, Writing in the Sand
Ask yourself at the end of each day: What am I grateful for Today?

My Take:

I always miss this feature when I have to skip it to play catch up. And when I have to skip this feature to attend to something else it makes me feel so very far from my goals so I am participating in NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) and NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) to help me get back to my creative writing roots. I feel it will help so much with both the blog and my aspirational writing goals. I am also going to take out time to read more. I feel my writing is way better when I'm reading more and staying inspired.

What are you most grateful for this week Butterfly? Are any of my fellow writers participating in National Blog Posting or National Novel Writing Month in November?

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, October 17, 2014

How has this Mercury Retrograde Wreaked Havoc on YOUR life so far?

Mercury Retrograde Crossroads Graphic
Great Advice from Spiritual Spew - Practicing Patience and the art of 'non-reaction' is still something I am working on!

















For those of you who are not clear what a Mercury Retrograde means, it is when the Planet Mercury slows down and appears to 'stop' (or station) and move 'backwards' (retrograde), this happens three to four times per year.

I found the graphic I used above via websearch on a blog called Spiritual Spew, you should check out the original article this photo is attributed to HERE. And no, I don't know her and this is NOT a sponsored post or plug in any way for anyone, just real talk.

Mercury Retrograde Proceed With Caution Graphic

















They say during a Mercury Retrograde that you should NOT engage in any binding contracts (you are to postpone signing any contracts until after the Retrograde period is over), expect delays while travelling, don't buy electronic equipment or a new car, and do not go in surgery that is avoidable. You should also take caution while speaking (or in a writers case while writing) as your words may come out in a way you didn't intend them to. During this time period many people experience computer problems or phone lines going down. (This has definitely been happening to me!)

Interesting also to note, a lost idea or person can come back into your life, sometimes someone with a mysterious 'pull' on your psyche. We are to draw hope that this retro back in air signs (those born under the zodiac signs of Libra, Aquarius and Gemini) is allowing us to take a mental review of our mind and it's patterns and what conclusion we draw from our experiences. The positive of this particular retrograde is that it is supposed to be allowing us to see our past from a different angle or perspective.

Advice to survive the Mercury Retrograde
Great Advice from the folks at Illuminating Souls!

























I personally don't remember any retrograde period that I have seen referenced so much as I have this one. Apparently this one is hitting many hard.

For me so far, people from my past have in fact re-surfaced, people who were absolute back-stabbers and sneaky snakes who took way more from my time and energy than they ever added to it and I have refused to re-connect with any of them on any level.

At the end of the day a Mercury Retrograde is also considered a time of 'fated' events. I for one, feel very much like I am at a crossroads in my life. Personally, Professionally, and Spiritually. I feel this retrograde while almost nearing its completion, will reveal a lot more.

This is the last retro for 2014, a fact for which I for one am very much grateful! Take note of any major themes that occur for you during this retrograde period. If you are prone to keeping a journal, this time period will probably offer you some very interesting reads when you look back at this time in your life!

Butterflies how has this Mercury Retrograde Period affected your life? 

(and it is so sad I need to add this, but bible thumpers do NOT try to comment about the evils of astrology, I am just plain not the one, I moderate all comments and will not only delete them but I will block you also, no trolls allowed! Engagement and Conversation always welcome, negativity however is NOT!)

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a Sponsored 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.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Hug those women in your life who have made your world a better place today! #‎WomensFriendshipDay‬

























Today is Women's Friendship Day and I want you take a moment to thank those women who have been your 'tribe', your 'network' and your safety net.

To those women who have empowered you.

Who have your back.

Who uplift you in prayer.

Who support your dreams, even when you are not strong enough yourself to see that you can do it.

Who share - their time, their support and friendship with you.




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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Sunday, August 24, 2014

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude: The Good, Bad and the Ugly Edition! Summer 2014!


In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy

This feature has been M.I.A for awhile - don't get me wrong it's not because I haven't had things to be grateful for, because I have.

This summer flew by in a blur, some good, and some not so good stuff.

Not So Good:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I attended an event, recapped it, and then had someone threaten to sue me because they wanted me to remove their photo and my synopsis. And maybe it's because I started in Newspapers but I felt the need to dig my heels in and stand my ground. I will not be bossed around by anyone when it comes to my digital home and how it's maintained. Especially since this has always been a place about empowerment and I have worked hard to keep snark and negativity from invading my digital home.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have been so busy it has made writing pithy content feel more like a chore. Something I absolutely hate feeling.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The level of bad Public Relations and Pitches this summer made me want to shut my digital doors and just escape the stupidity of my inbox completely.

Good and Grateful For Stuff:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events that did provide unique experiences as lately those have been few and far between.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brands that actually wanted real partnerships and not just a free mouthpiece.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taking a Digital Camera Course at Best Buy that allowed me to improve my DSLR skills making the investment in a good camera totally worth it. (Check out the DSLR Learning Center at BestBuy)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being featured by SheSpeaks which I wrote about on Thursday was definitely a great reminder that all my plugging away is not in vain! Sometimes it's just nice to know that your work is appreciated.

Ask yourself at the end of each day: What am I grateful for Today?


My Take:

I have been a bit too close to things lately and I have tried to detach myself spiritually from a lot of it, but I realized just how much I missed this feature and how much I missed taking time to actually stop and remember how good things are in the here and now.

Having someone threaten to sue me for just doing my job brought on an incredible range of emotions, not all of them good ones. But I instantly went straight into 'pitbull' mode, and at least that let me know that writing and this space I have carved out for myself still meant more to me than I realized. And while I'm not grateful for the undue stress at a point where I least needed it in my life, I am grateful that the experience helped me see just how much this space and my integrity means to me. I was unwilling to compromise and I remembered that sometimes you need to assess what is and isn't worth fighting for.

Experimenting with Photography this summer has been engrossing and fun. I also realized I didn't have to share it all. While getting better at it was something I wanted to do initially to improve my blog photos, playing with it more frequently has opened up a more creative eye and while I love writing, I needed a jolt of creativity in my life lately, something that wasn't necessarily all about Ascending Butterfly.

Happy to bring my favorite feature back and speaking of which, on Monday another favorite feature returns from a long hiatus with a giveaway too, so stay tuned!

What are you most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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FTC DisclosureThis is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. Nor are there any affiliate links in this post. As always, all opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

No Matter What People Tell You, Words and Ideas Can Change the World.


No Matter What People Tell You, Words and Ideas Can Change the World, Robin Williams, Motivational Quote, Butterfly, Dead Poets Society




















I have to thank Getty Images and Huffington Post for this photo. Robin was definitely an Ascending Butterfly and he will be greatly missed.

Butterflies, depression does carry a very high risk of suicide, if you feel you are in immediate danger or risk please call 800-SUICIDE (800-784-2433) and there is also a hotline for the deaf at 800-799-4889. Reach out for help and do not suffer in silence.

Words and Ideas can change the world. So does our Self-Talk. The most powerful two words you can combine is 'I AM', be very careful how you use them. Do you find yourself constantly saying 'I am sick, I am tired, I am Fed Up, I am Angry'?

Watch your internal dialogue butterflies, and please note, men take their lives nearly four times the rate of women while women have the higher rate of being ignored by physicians or dismissed as just a passing panic attack or 'stress'.

If you have approached your primary or sought treatment for depression and don't feel you were listened to or were dismissed, please do not stop trying to find a physician who will listen, and while you are trying to find the right clinician, reach out to your tribe - your friends, family, clergy, keep expressing how you feel and don't bottle anything in or internalize it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. You are NOT alone, please share this message with anyone you feel may be at risk!

Monday, August 11, 2014

Great Haircut by @angelodavidhair – I cut off 13 inches to donate to @pantene #beautifullengths for women battling #Cancer

I recently met an amazing Stylist from Angelo David Salon in New York City at a recent Getting Gorgeous Event. They were offering Hair Touch Ups and my stylist Ivy listened to me about me wanting to make a real change to my hair and my style. She made a few recommendations, the first being cutting a bit of length to bring back the bounce to my hair. (You can check out a recap of Getting Gorgeous HERE in case you missed it).

I finally made the summer chop! It was LONG overdue and quite frankly it felt symbolically like I shed a ton of dead weight as she cut!

I tend to cut my hair shorter in summer, and this summer I decided to make a super huge cut, way shorter than I would normally cut my hair (my motto is 'always leave enough for a ponytail'), and I did it for a good cause!

The Big 'C' has definitely hit my family hard so Cancer Charities have always held a very special place in my heart and with my own recent Hospital Nightmare even more so. So I asked my stylist to measure my ponytail to see if I had enough to donate and I was pleasantly surprised that I had more than I even needed!

So my hair was cut in a ponytail which is the way it needs to be cut if you are going to donate it.

Hair Donation to Pantene Beautiful Lengths







Above: Check with where you plan to donate, but I am donating mine to Pantene's Great Lengths and they ask for 8 inches, as you can see mine is about 13 inches!

About Angelo David Salon:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Over 20 years and located in the heart of midtown Manhattan

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They offer Manhattan's Couture Hair Extensions and Hair Color customized to enhance your skin tone and eye color, hair texture and hair type. (I am thinking of opting for Hair Color next, I told you I'm ready for a change!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They also offer full custom human-hair wigs




Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They also sell Angelo David Brushes, Combs, Hair Care and Hair Detox (doctor-formulated herbal supplements for both men and women that promotes hair growth and healthy skin) as well.


About Pantene Beautiful Lengths Donation Requirements:



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They require at minimum 8 inches


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hair needs to be free of dyes, bleaches or chemicals


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The hair needs to be no more than 5% grey

My Before and After:


Hair Stylist Ivy of the Angelo David Salon in New York City styles Ascending Butterfly Editor Tracy Iglesias, hair, haircut



Above: BEFORE: Ivy from the Angelo David Salon giving me a hair styling touch up during Getting Gorgeous


Hair Stylist Ivy of the Angelo David Salon in New York City styles Ascending Butterfly Editor Tracy Iglesias, hair, haircut


Above: This is still the before, this is after the style touch up during Getting Gorgeous, but this is the length my hair was before she cut it. (and remember, in this photo she curled it, so it's actually longer than it appears!)


@angelodavidhair salon, Hair Stylist Ivy of the Angelo David Salon in New York City styles Ascending Butterfly Editor Tracy Iglesias, hair, haircut

Above: Here is the AFTER! This is shortest than I've ever gone but I can't begin to tell you just how liberating going shorter has made me feel, and being able to put the hair to such a good cause was very much the icing on the cake for me.

My Take:

Finding a stylist I am comfortable with is hard enough for me, nevertheless actually uttering the words "Do whatever you want", but Ivy really made me feel at ease during my hairstyling session and impromptu consultation during Getting Gorgeous. I feel super blessed to have met her there and have had the opportunity to have her transform me at the Angelo David Salon. I highly recommend both Ivy and the Angelo David Salon.

Even though they are in the heart of midtown, once you arrive at the Salon you instantly feel at ease, they offer you a warm greeting and a moment to just settle before your appointment which is great. They are right off Grand Central which can be a hectic area so I definitely appreciated just sitting for a moment and having something to drink.

It's super fun attending local blogger events and having some people not recognize me since my signature long ponytail is now gone! I'm thinking it may just stay gone for awhile as I am totally digging the new me!
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Butterflies, do you have a favorite stylist or salon, If so, which one? 

Do something for yourself today butterfly that will keep you in high spirits for the rest of the week. 


Happy Motivation Monday!


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FTC Disclosure: While this is NOT a Sponsored or Compensated Post, Angelo David Salon did provide my cut to facilitate my review for editorial purposes. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

#Sponsored: #PGeveryday is committed to making every day just a little easier + Coupons & Samples from trusted brands!



After 2 weeks of back-to-back Press Trips and a ton of time away from my own bed, my sleep pattern is having trouble re-adjusting to reality. Even if I feel 'bone tired' getting my mind to 'turn off' for the night has been virtually impossible, putting me on the hunt for sleep tips and ideas to get me back on track.

I found a few solid ideas while checking out the P&G everyday™ website! Much like Ascending Butterfly, they are committed to making every day just a little easier and more rewarding, they aim to inspire, support and empower you to unlock the extraordinary potential in your EVERYDAY life.

It's not about that 'one big moment' butterflies, it's making the most of those sweet little day-to-day pleasures! That's what it's all about.

With content and resources from beauty, family, food, health, home and more + product ratings and reviews, this online platform developed by Procter & Gamble is sure to be one you will want to bookmark! I found a great article called "8 Great Ways to Beat Fatigue" that is helping me to get my sleep routine back on track!



My Take:

P&G is definitely a household name for my family and with a plethora of recipes, product reviews, and coupons this site is definitely on my list of bookmarks!

What is your favorite article from the P&G everyday™ website Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored 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. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Wednesday, June 4, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} #Flowers in Bloom! {#Photo}





Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Feel free to link us to your WW post, by posting the link as a comment here, WW only, no giveaways please!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. However any Photography company or brands interested in partnering with us to host a Photo-Centric Wordless Wednesday, please contact our editor! DSLR's welcome!