@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 @BestBuy & @Dyson w/ Holiday Shopping so big I need a new stocking + 2 new coupons for #CyberMonday #BBYHoliday13

#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!

Trust when I tell you I am NOT making a political statement of any kind here, but I have never shopped 'Black Friday'. I hate crowds. I refuse to get trampled for a discount, no matter how great it may be. And I'm not going out shopping on Thanksgiving Day. That day is about being Thankful for my blessings and enjoying them with those I love. I also like sleeping in WAY too much to get up before the sun does on Friday Morning to stand in long lines in the freezing cold. NOT Happening.

That said, I do like my discounts and Cyber Monday is MY day. I get the deals, keep my PJ's on, and knock everyone off my list without leaving the house. (You know so I don't miss the UPS or Fedex Guy!)

Our friends at Best Buy are serving up a little something for everyone, and I do mean everyone, you may just need a bigger or extra stocking to hang by the chimney with care this year! (At least I know I do!)

Got a 'clean freak' on your list? (Are YOU the clean freak perhaps?), Best Buy and Dyson sent over a great reco for those who like their clean with a side of tech/electronics! I have to admit, cleaning, particularly sweeping the super old hardwood floors in my apartment are NOT my favorite thing to do, so this gift idea definitely got me excited, and it really does take a lot to get me excited about chores. I love my tech and tech appliances though!

CLEAN FREAK GIFT RECO - THE DYSON DC44 ANIMAL VACUUM:

You can press directly on this image to purchase the Dyson DC44 at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The DC44 is a lightweight cordless vacuum cleaner that is engineered for nimble, high-performance cleaning and is perfect for quick pick-ups. - It assembled in a breeze and is really very lightweight which made me very happy. Just note this is NOT meant for you to pick up water or liquids, stick to the dry stuff!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It gives you a fade-free 20 minute run time on a full charge with NO loss of suction and a full 8 minutes of 'boost' suction!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It combines anti-static carbon fiber filaments and stiff nylon brushes to tackle dust and dirt on any surface. Making this a thoughtful and fantastic gift for anyone with allergies or anyone who is an asthmatic!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Want to nab it for an extra $100 off? (like DUH!!!!) it's regularly $399 at Best Buy, but they are knocking $100 for Cyber Monday! So you totally have permission to abandon this post, nab yours and then come back! (Seriously, my link will take you straight to it!)

Traveler on your list?

You can press directly on this image to purchase the Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As a blogger who is always on the go and who travels often, the right tablet is crucial for me, I just can't lug a heavy laptop everywhere, and while they are finally getting a bit lighter, tablets are often the less weighty option, and usually fit way better in a handbag. As you know many don't do flash. For me a tablet needs to have the functionality of a laptop, and work just like my office desktop, and I do mean seamlessly. I got to play with the new Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 at the Engadget NYC Tech Conference, and I've got to admit I'm totally obsessed! Hopefully Santa is reading this as I have been EXTREMELY GOOD this year! I have a funny feeling your traveler will LOVE finding this under the tree! I honestly think that the Microsoft - Surface Pro 2 with 512GB is a Tablet I can grow into, I'm obsessing over the Dark Titanium at Best Buy!

Cellular that works for everyone and saves you $?

You can press directly on this image to purchase the Zact Mobile - Samsung Galaxy S III 4G No-Contract Mobile Phone at Best Buy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I did a full post on how much I love Best Buy's Zact Mobile - Samsung Galaxy S III 4G No-Contract Mobile Phone with the most flexible service plan currently on the market, if you missed that post, check it out HERE

Coupons for Additional Categories on your list!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Me being "The Official #TwitterPartyDJ" on twitter I am always on the lookout for deals in Music and Music Accesories so if you are shopping for a music lover on your list nab 10% off Headphones and Portable Speakers (just note this excludes Beats, Bose and Sony) by entering the code bloggers10off at check out at Best Buy! I reviewed these (you can check out my full review HERE), and I highly recommend these:

You can press directly on this image to purchase the Frends Taylor Headphones at Best Buy!

And you can definitely use that sweet coupon on these, so GO FOR IT!

Toys, Toys and more Toys!

Best Buy has also got Toys on lock, YES TOYS! and you can score 15% off Health and Fitness products AND Fisher Price and Mattel Toys! Visit Best Buy and enter the code: bloggers15off at check out! This coupon is valid December 1st through January 18th 2014! Cool Beans!

My Take:

When it comes to Holiday Shopping, Best Buy has got you covered in pretty much every category! I am going to need a much bigger stocking to fit all this in.

Did you nab a great Cyber Monday Deal Today at Best Buy Butterfly, Let Us Know!

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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.

#MotivationMonday - Get #inspired by @Angela_Bofill + check out #Photo & #Video highlights from her @SmoothJazzNY Tribute!

You may remember that I hosted a reader giveaway for a VIP Experience for the Smooth Jazz New York Encore Sail for the Angela Bofill Experience. While this giveaway is already closed, please remember we are a Media Partner for Smooth Jazz and will be working them again VERY SOON for a fun giveaway, so check back SOON! (If you LOVE Wine, and especially love exploring and trying new Wines, and you are New York City Based, then this is going to be for YOU!)

I left this sail incredibly inspired by the strength of Angela Bofill, the entertainer and the The WOMAN! A two-time Stroke Survivor, Angela not only refused to give up on herself she refused to give up on her passion, her MUSIC. She was incredibly open, honest, raw and shared such an incredibly positive outlook and a perspective filled with humor and a love for life and each moment. When you get the chance to be in the presence of someone who keeps their energy so high and doesn't let any obstacles weigh them down, you can't help but feel inspired. You feel motivated and uplifted. You feel like anything is truly possible. And that's the gift Angela gave me that night. While my VIP experience on the sail was amazing, my nights with Smooth Jazz always tend to be, this one however held a more special place in my heart. A year to the date I was to be on the very same sail, but life veered me of course, and I never made that sail, I never made that ship and I spent a year and a half in and out of the hospital. Overcoming a ton of challenges of my own. I don't really know if I did it with the same humor Angela did, but my quiet Grace got me through. And being on that sail, on that night was already incredibly nostalgic for me. It already reminded me of how far I'd come since last year. And then seeing Angela, and hearing HER tell HER story filled me with renewed hope that there is nothing that can stand in MY way, unless I let it.

Lenny Green of The Quiet Storm Kicked things off during the Smooth Jazz Encore Angela Bofill Experience Cruise in New York City, October 2013!

The concert had an incredible line up! Maysa on Vocals, Alex Bugnon on the Piano/Keyboard and Kim Waters on Saxophone all joined together to pay tribute to the one and only Ms. Angela Bofill. Other artists sent in Video Tribute Messages to her, and she sang and played the cowbell along to some of the songs. She mercilessly teased Kim Waters and kept the crowd, not just engaged, but happy, we were all smiling and cheering her on!

Center: Maysa performing during Smooth Jazz Smooth Cruise Encore Angela Bofill Tribute Experience

Far Left Standing Angela (vocalist), followed by Maysia (vocalist in the blue dress), and far right: Saxophone Player Kim Waters

Center: Saxophone Player Kim Waters,  performing during Angela Bofill Tribute Experience

Left: Angela, back up singer, Center: Maysa who is helping Right: Ms. Angela Bofill to her seat on stage!

Angela Bofill on cowbell and Kim Waters on Saxophone on the Smooth Jazz Encore Cruise October 2013

Alex Bugnon performs at the Smooth Jazz Encore Sail Angela Bofill Experience, New York City, October 2013

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly taking in New York City at Night on the Smooth Jazz Encore Sail, October 2013

Left: Mama Butterfly, Center: Alex Bugnon, Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly - it was so cool meeting Alex Bugnon in person!

Left Mama Butterfly meets Right: Saxophone Player and Jazz Musician Kim Waters!

Left: Saxophone Player and Jazz Musician Kim Waters and Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly

Angela Bofill signs CD's for Fans after the Smooth Jazz Encore Cruise October 2013, New York City

Feel like you were there with highlights from the concert filmed on the LG G2 Smart Phone:




 

My Take:

The concert was amazing and I left totally inspired by Angela Bofill, she is a fighter in every sense of the word, and her sense of humor and spirit made everyone smile! It was super touching to see how emotional it was for her when they showed clips of her performing throughout the years.

Butterflies if she can keep pursuing her passion after such major setbacks, why can't YOU?

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FTC Disclosure: Smooth Jazz New York provided Ascending Butterfly with tickets to the Angela Bofill Experience Encore Sail 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.

#TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ meets @COVERGIRL Ambassador & #ElectricLady @JanelleMonae @ApolloTheater #covermoment {#Photos)

You all know how much I love Music, so when Covergirl invited me to attend Janelle Monae's (aka The Electric Lady #1) 'Electric Tour' with a VIP backstage meet and greet you know I couldn't turn that down! As you know my online alter ego is #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, and Music and Travel are my top two passions in life. And in all my years living in New York City this was my very first visit to the historic Apollo Theatre! (And it certainly won't be my last!) The very last pictures include our meet and greet photo! So stay with this post until the end butterflies!

Janelle is the new face of Covergirl and she is on tour to promote her new album, The Electric Lady, which you definitely need to pick up if you haven't already! Pick it up on Amazon:



The excitement was definitely building outside the entrance of the theatre while we were waiting to get in, The billboard changes very rapidly but I was able to nab a shot of the sign announcing Janelle before it switched again to other shows:

Outside the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City for the Janelle Monae 'Electric Tour'

of course Mama Butterfly and I wanted to take a picture before we even sat down:

Left: ME! Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly inside the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NYC

We got there super early as you can tell and they hadn't even started setting up yet so we got some time to ham it up and check out the theatre!

The excitement was definitely starting to build as the band started setting up!

Check out 'Mini Janelle'!

Everyone just had to stop and snap pictures with a super cute little girl that was dressed up like Janelle!

Janelle Monae 'Electric Tour' Concert at Apollo Theatre in New York City

You could literally feel the floor beneath you vibrating as concert goers jumped up when Janelle took the stage, everyone was jumping and dancing and it's like the floor had come alive beneath your feet!

Janelle was definitely bringing her 'A' Game!

My inner Fashionista was totally digging this outfit! The Jacket! Those Boots! YES!!!

The confetti was flying and it felt like New Years Eve!

The Electric Lady was definitely bringing it!

You know we were all singing along with her!

No one was ready for Janelle and the band to take a bow, we wanted MORE!

I had to let Janelle know how much I enjoyed the show!

How do artists keep straight which camera to focus on?

Now that's better, you can now see the whole Apollo sign in the background!

Even Mama Butterfly got in on the Meet and Greet Fun!

My Take:

The last time I did a concert in New York City with a VIP Meet and Greet was for John Legend, so I was super excited to get to do another one! Janelle truly delivered, it was an amazing concert and her new album has 20 songs and she is joined on some tracks by some amazing artists including Prince (yes THE Prince), Miguel, Erykah Badu, Solange, as well as Esperanza Spalding (who I love, love, love by the way) on an expansive double disc set.

Serving Face? Indeed Butterflies, that's why she is the face of Covergirl! She tore it up at the Apollo! Thanks Covergirl, I will never forget this concert!

"Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am" ~Janelle Monae, on the track Q.U.E.E.N. featuring Erykah Badu, check out the official video below:

Have you grabbed this album yet? If so, what is your favorite track?

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a compensated or sponsored post, Concert Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. 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. All opinions are 100% my own! The Amazon Banner to purchase The Electric Lady MP3 download of the album  is an affiliate link.