HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. @Ascending1 #Giveaway #Winners Announcement – 20 Winners!

Happy Halloween Butterflies, as always it's all treats and NO tricks for my butterflies! All the above winners for the HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway have been notified, should any winners not respond within 72 hours, we will re-draw, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted if new winners need to be drawn. (Just a reminder entries that did not comply with rules and instructions were deleted, so please be sure to follow all giveaway instructions very carefully, particularly the main entry, if that is one is wrong, all the other entries will have to be deleted.)

Congrats to our winners! Some Sweet Candy Surprises are headed your way!

So Butterfly, what are YOU going as this year for Halloween?

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This giveaway was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway

Long time readers know that Halloween is my favorite holiday, and horror movies have always been my favorite movie genre! The first movie I got to see sans parents was a horror movie. I love to look back on pictures of me in Halloween Costumes starting from when I was little, they are usually such a great indicator of what was popular at the time.

After a certain age my family decided to stop letting us 'trick or treat' and our family and extended family would get together and throw a Halloween Party mostly at home, or sometimes at a rented space depending on how many people were joining in on the fun that year. I still think House Parties are more fun and certainly a whole lot safer.

We still hold the same traditions now, instead of allowing the kids to go door-to-door our families still get together and hold a big family party mostly geared toward the little kids, and then we'll take the older kids to the movies the next day. We can't resist a costume party, and even the adults still like to dress up!

And we definitely like to exchange Halloween cards, Check out this card display below, I used it to get ideas:

I love creative cards any season, but they are especially fun during Halloween. Isn't that FrankenVampire on the top left totally sweet? I love how even the most innocent things can become creepy during Halloween, take the cat for example:

OK in all fairness Black cats have always been associated with Witches and Halloween! (Little known Ascending Butterfly trivia, I once owned a Black Cat, which I named Ebony - I know Creative right? LOL Someday when I tackle Mount Closet I'll dig out pictures of me with that cat and post them as a Wordless Wednesday. Perhaps I should post a picture of my closet, it's certainly the scariest thing I've ever seen!)

And of course what is Halloween without a Jack-O-Lantern?

Whose idea was it to creepify pumpkins anway? 

Getting everything organized for the bash is half the battle won, it's such a shame it all only comes out once a year!

Something about these Ghosts say 'cute' not scary!

I've always loved Hello Kitty and don't ever remember seeing a 'Halloween Kitty' version of HK especially on a mug!

These would be perfect to fill up with treats as a fun surprise for any visits with teachers or your doctors office reception staff!

Above: Check out these fun treat cups already pre-assembled with a mock licorice stick straw!

Above: When I saw this, I had to have it! An Owl Pumpkin! Brilliant! (And a bit of Italian thrown in for fun, I would like to visit Italy! so I should start practicing! Hmm, I wonder how you say BOO in Italian?)

Above: Did anyone else want to wait it out with Linus for a 'Great Pumpkin' sighting? I did!

Above: Did the peanuts gang open my scary closet? Something about Lucy is different? ;)

Above: That one is addressed to YOU! Happy Halloween Butterflies! Feeling Festive yet?

All month long HERSHEY’S is hosting HERSHEY'S BOO BLVD where you can check for new blogs (this post by yours truly will be featured there!) , crafts, recipes and videos through October 31st! In fact each of the blogs by the bloggers featured are hosting giveaways too, so be sure to visit them all and double your luck!

I'm not even sure how they knew because no one asked us, but they sent me my favorite treat of all, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups. It's a bit eerie that they somehow knew that one is my favorite, I'm almost sure I've never posted that anywhere! (See you got 2 unknown facts about me in one post, I feel so exposed!)

These were probably devoured by 'team butterfly' in seconds!

Snack Size does mean it's OK to have 2 or maybe 4 right?

As you know, here at Ascending Butterfly Halloween is always all treats and absolutely NO tricks! I had to make sure some extra goodies were involved in this deal for my butterflies, and HERSHEY'S not only stepped up to the plate with hosting a giveaway, they are offering treats to 20, yes that's right TWENTY Ascending Butterfly Followers! SUH WEET!

I like keeping it simple, so the first entry in rafflecopter is super simple, and how much extra credit you want to do beyond that is always up to you!

And don't forget our monthly 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' is back with a Nicole Miller Designer Handbag Giveaway ($295), it ends on 10/31 so be sure to get in your entry if you haven't done so already!

WIN IT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This post was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

I toured the Madame Alexander Doll Factory and you can too!

Wizard of Oz Magic Bubble Glinda The Good Witch 10-inch Collectible Doll, Notice the Sweet Butterfly?

As you know it's Dads N Grads month at Ascending Butterfly, our annual feature that explores all the ways to put a smile on the face of your Dad or special Grad! How are you rewarding your special girl graduate this year? Do you want to host the perfect graduation or birthday party with the least amount of muss and fuss?

I was lucky enough to have a Grandmother who was a Madame Alexander Doll lover, I loved visiting with her and sharing in her love of the 'ahead of their times' Dolls that always reflect popular fashion and culture, in fact the dolls have always been a bit 'fashion forward'.

My Grandmother used to also make Wedding Dolls as a side business (my Grandmother was a Nurse by profession, an Avon Lady and an all around entrepreneur!) and she only used Madame Alexander Dolls for her Wedding Dolls! I wonder if any of her handiwork is still out there?

Last month I had the chance to live my Grandma's dream and tour the Madame Alexander Doll Factory located in Harlem in  New York City! I truly wish she was still alive and was able to join me, but I know she was there in spirit because while walking toward the doll factory I spotted a butterfly! I always feel they are her way of saying hi and that she is with me in spirit.

Toy Soldier 1933 by Vincente Minnelli from The Radio City Rockettes® Collection - Wendy 8 inch doll, If you look in the mirror, you'll see Ascending Butterfly snapping this pic!

Beatrice Alexander aka 'Madame Alexander' was born in Brooklyn, New York on March 9, 1895, and was raised over her father's doll hospital - the first in America - and often played with the dolls waiting to be mended. Her belief in the American dream, combined with her love of dolls and their costumes, led her to start her own doll company when she was 28 years old. Within a few years she had moved her business from the kitchen table to a downtown New York City studio, later relocating to its present day headquarters in the Manhattanville section of Harlem. Her award-winning dolls dolls with the 'sleep eyes' continue to delight generations of children and collectors all over the world, myself included! Madame Alexander reminds me of my Grandmother, passionate, entrepreneurial, independent and WAY ahead of her time!

The Factory Tour

One of the highlights of Visiting the Factory was meeting their repair guru who actually had the opportunity to work with Madame Alexander (employees stay with the company for a very long time!) and we were given the opportunity to pick her brain about her experiences with the 'Doll Hospital'. I asked her if there was ever any Doll that came to her that was literally beyond repair, and she said in all her years there was only ONE! That's amazing, and speaks to the incredible craftsmanship and love that goes into making each and every doll!

It was also amazing to see all the fabrics at their disposal in house! It would be my dream to design a special butterfly doll! Although I had a ton of fun butterfly doll sightings! I spotted Glinda first who has a butterfly on her dress, I spotted the Rockettes (which being a New Yorker I totally Geeked out about!) and then I spotted Fancy Nancy's friend Bree, who also has a cute butterfly on her dress!

Fancy Nancy™'s Best Friend "Bree"

The Making Of A New Best Friend AKA My 'Mini Me'

Check out my new Best Friend, aka 'Mini Me'

We had the chance to custom design a new best friend, a 'Mini Me' of sorts, we got to pick skin tone, clothes, hair and accesories for our dolls, which was super FUN! I have to admit my 'Mini Me' looks a lot like me, long dark hair, boots, down to her sunglasses, I wear sunglasses all the time while I'm out! Isn't my mini me styling? Im going to find a cute butterfly to put on her jacket or maybe I'll embellish her jeans!

Heritage Gallery and Behind the Scenes Tours

We were also taken on a tour of the Heritage Gallery but were asked specifically not to take pictures there as the dolls in the factory are donated by collectors. It's a treasure trove of American History and I honestly would have loved more time there and would like to go back!

You can take the tour too! Behind the Scenes Tours are available by appointment only. These tours are $8/person for adults, $4/person for children and $5/person for senior citizens.A Behind the Scenes Tour includes (1) the Regular Tour, (2) visits to Design, Sewing and Production, (3) a trip to The Doll Hospital.

Group Tours

Group tours (10 or more guests) must be booked in advance. For groups larger than 20, two guides may be needed. As such, larger groups may be split up to make touring easier. Please inquire for tour fee.

Workshops

On-site workshops are special hands-on experiences, and participants will have a memento that will be treasured for years. Madame Alexander currently offers the following:

Hat and Shoe Workshop: Create your very own stylish doll-size hat and shoes using trims and glue. $10/person.

Create-a-Doll Workshop: Personalize your own Madame Alexander Play Doll by choosing body and eye color, hairstyle and color, and a fashionable outfit.

• 8-inch Doll - $38/person
• 18-inch Play Doll - $45/person.
• Extra Outfits - $10/each.

For more information or to arrange a behind-the-scene tour, please contact the Madame Alexander Heritage Gallery® at 212-283-5900 ext. 7299

Parties!

Bloggers Luncheon at Madame Alexander Doll Factory, I found another doll with butterflies in her dress!

I had the chance to attend a luncheon with fellow bloggers and their super cute little ones, it gave us the chance to experience Madame Alexander's special party room where special events and birthday parties can be customized to create a very special experience for your birthday girl or graduate. Most of us were in agreement that a grown up tea party, birthday party or 'Diva Day' would be just as fun! The possibilities are literally limitless! If you are getting married it would be a fun place to have a girls day with your bridal party! (You can have a manicurist come in and do manicures and arrange for a customized cake too!)

Blogger in A Box!

I couldn't resist this fun photo opp on the way out, you are meant to get inside the box and take a 'living doll' picture, but me being the unique butterfly that I am, I decided to 'step out the box' get it? Don't I make a super cute living doll?

While I didn't have time to get up there and take my pic on the big chair, this reminded me of the Saturday Night Character "Roseanne Roseannadanna" one of several recurring characters created by Gilda Radner!

I had a great experience during my Madame Alexander Factory Tour, Heritage Museum Tour, Doll Making Opp, and special luncheon, and I would highly recommend them for any special event, graduation party, or birthday party for any kid, kid at heart or doll lover!

 

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FTC Disclosure Info: I received a complimentary tour, lunch, and products for consideration. I was not compensated for this post. All opinions and recommendations expressed are my own, this is a NON-sponsored post.

Special Announcement - New York Readers Take Note!

Clarins, the plant based skin care expert, will unveil a new beauty counter at Bloomingdale's 59th Street in New York City from October 15th-25th. Explore the new world of Clarins and experience a series of special beauty events including complimentary Skin Time Facial Treatments, exclusive classes, and beauty parties!

Each visitor at the new Clarins counter will be given a package of sunflower seeds to take home to plant and make NYC more beautiful.

Clarins beauty events will feature:

• Guest speakers including Clarins worldwide skin care expert Rose Marie Castano, who was personally trained by Clarins founder, Jacques Courtin-Clarins. Aline Hebert, VP of Clarins Education, will also provide skin care tips, techniques and quick fixes using Clarins “must-have” products
• Master classes lead by Aline and Rose Marie, among other guests, that will help women learn how to master the art of caring for their skin with tips, techniques and quick fixes using Clarins “Must-Have” products, including the buzzed-about Multi-Active Day
• In-store Beauty Parties where you can play with make-up while learning how to look and feel fabulous. Visitors can indulge in a skin care "Beauty Break" while sipping refreshments and sampling sweet treats
• Personal skin care consultations with complimentary Skin Time Facial Treatments
• Opportunities for visitors to browse the more modern and open counter space, experiment with skin care and play with color, and receive an exclusive gift* with any Clarins purchase.

Anyone interested in taking part in the events listed below is asked to RSVP via the official Clarins Facebook page,  which will allow you to stay up-to-date on any developments as they happen. You can also follow Clarins on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Clarins Event Calendar:

10/15 – Kick Off Beauty Party

10/16 – Beauty Party

10/17 – Beauty Party

10/18 – Superior Skin Care Secrets Master Class: hosted by Joseph Favilla

10/19 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano

10/20 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano

10/21 – Studio Master Class: hosted by Rose Marie Castano

10/22 – Meet the Expert: Aline Hebert

10/24 – Halloween Beauty Party: Get into the trick-or-treat mood!

10/25 – Halloween Beauty Party

**Schedule your appointment today, the direct event page for the kickoff day is HERE!

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Editors Product Pick:

Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15. I received this product to review and thought I'd select is as an Editor's Product Pick today. (I am hoping we can arrange for a giveaway with Clarins soon!) If you are planning to attend the multi day events at Bloomingdales, you should pick one of these up! You all know how important I feel day mouisturizers with SPF are. My aunt battled with Skin Cancer, and she reminded me of the importance of taking good care of my skin and protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun, even in winter!! And I want to be sure that I remind you to do the same every opportunity I get! An investment in your health and protection is completely invaluable!

What it is:

A treatment that guards against UV damage and visibly corrects early signs of aging.

What it is formulated to do:

Fight those first lines and wrinkles with Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15, a powerful, protective innovation that targets emerging evidence of age to restore a youthful, healthy-looking complexion. Keep imperfections at bay with this formula's dermal-epidermal junction repair and radiance-boosting action. Reinforcing the skin with directly delivered, continuous antioxidant defense, this high-performance essential delivers corrective and enhancing effects that show.

What else you need to know:

This cutting-edge must-have is dermatologist tested and noncomedogenic.
 
I hope to see YOU there!
 
---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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