Happy Labor Day! + My #Fashion Picks from today's #LaborDaySales

Graphic Courtesy of funscrape!

Hard to resist that graphic since it had butterflies in it! I hope all my butterflies are having a fun Labor Day holiday weekend! I'm hoping for an Indian Summer this month as the weather this summer was super weird in New York City.

For all my butterflies thinking about today's Labor Day Sales I thought I'd share a few of my stand-out picks from today's sales:

Our friends at IGIGI are offering 30% on select styles, there is a link on their site which shows you which styles or you can just press HERE, use coupon code: LABORDAY13 at checkout!

Two of my dress picks included in the sale are:

IGIGI Milan Dress

I love this dress for the Fall days ahead, and she is wearing it like I would, great boots, fantastic Fall handbag, what's not to love? The regular price on this dress is $122.00 and you can nab it today for $112.99

IGIGI Ippolita Plus Size Dress in Papaya

As I'm trying to mix up my wardrobe and avoid all black again for another season, this Papaya color dress from IGIGI is scoring high points. It's a super versatile dress that can take you from work to evening by simply swapping out the accessories and touching up your makeup for evening. (Although you do need some black, so my black dress selection above still stands!)
IGIGI designs are made with the curvy/Plus-Sized Woman in mind, and so far I haven't tried a style from them that I didn't like!
Our friends at In Bloom by Jonquil are also having a great style, and it's the perfect time to pick up styles from the summer season that are going on sale as they transition to fall, some standouts that are on sale today include:

In Bloom by Jonquil Asian Butterfly Pleated Chemise

From $56, it's down to $37.52! And don't forget to add its matching robe:

In Bloom by Jonquil Asian Butterfly Wrap

I have this set as it combines two of my personal favorites, butterflies and Asian inspired Art! It's as feminine as it looks, but I can tell you from personal experience that In Bloom lingerie washes well and lasts a very long time! You just can't go wrong with any of their pieces! The robe is regularly priced at $58 and is on sale today for $38.86.  They are also offering $7 Flat Rate Shipping and Free Shipping on orders over $100, so if you hadn't tried them from our previous reviews (which means you've missed out on the exclusive discount codes just for Ascending Butterfly readers) you'd be remiss in not trying them today!
A third pick that is much more winter than summer, that you can nab for a steal today is:

In Bloom by Jonquil Emilia Velvet Robe

At a regular price of $198, picking this one up today for the Special Price of $118.00 should definitely be a no brainer! There is just something so 'Old Hollywood Glam' about this Black Velvet Robe! Our friends at Wilson's don't need a holiday to share a great sale, they have a Clearance link on their site, year round and each time we work with them I'm always pointing that out! I could probably list amazing deals on their site today all day, so I'll stick to 2 and let you check out the rest!
Here are my top two sales picks on Wilson's today (picked because I love the item, not because of the percentage that it's marked off):

Wilsons Leather Plus Size Smooth Lamb Trench w/Thinsulate Lining

As you can tell Leather is making a comeback big time this fall! One of the things I have always loved about Wilson's Leather is that they carry a plus size range, they carry a very wide variety of sizing for both men and women and have something for everyone. A good trench is literally a wardrobe staple, and a leather trench is not just trendy but it's also timeless! I have a few of Wilson's Leather styles with the Thinsulate Linings and they keep you very warm! This style is regularly $449 and is on sale today for $179.95. The style above is from the everyday clearance rack at 60% off!

Wilsons Leather Plus Size Black Rivet Moto Lamb Jacket

This jacket is included in today's 70% OFF Labor Day Sale! It regularly retails for $550 and can be nabbed for a literal STEAL today at $165.00.  And again they have a full range of sizing, I'm featuring the Plus Sized Styles because I'm a curvy Latina! (And proud of it!) And because I can't walk away from any Fashion post without talking handbags, I thought I'd check out some picks from our friends at Elliott Lucca:

Elliott Lucca Bali '89 FLap Satchel in Aztec White

If you absolutely refuse to do white after labor day, nab this one on sale and tuck it away for next summer! This bag retails for $168 regularly and is on sale today for $117.60 - SCORE! (They also have it in aztec black and aztec camel).

Elliott Lucca Cordoba Flap Tote in 'Teal Exotic'

This bag retails for $268, and it's on sale today for $201. For those of you with a very keen eye and good memory you will say this bag looks very familiar, and it does because we have featured it before, check out here for the original review. (You will see a picture of me carrying it as well!) I love this bag! It is roomy enough to get my tablet in there and camera and has great organizational compartments and a divider inside that is perfect if you bringing work home with you. They also have it in Black and White exotic and Sage Exotic, and you can't go wrong with any of the colors!
Happy Shopping Butterflies! Come back here and tell us what you nabbed on sale today! (Especially if it's one of the picks above!)
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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No compensation has been received for our sales roundup. However these are brands we work with regularly and I have received some of the items featured in advance of this post for editorial consideration. See our full Disclosure Page.

Wanna be @Covrdperfectly? Sure you do! Learn about how this #Butterfly loving designer solves your 'Nothing to Wear' Dilemma

#Ad: This is a Sponsored Post, Please see Full Disclosure at the bottom of the page:

We are welcoming a very Special Guest Contributer Today, so butterflies please give Pauline Durban, President/Founder of Covered Perfectly a very warm butterfly welcome. (You will want to read this post through for some special goodies for you and a fun Q&A too)

Special Guest Contributer: Pauline Durban, President/Founder of Covered Perfectly

"You know the feeling. You are looking for something to wear to a party, and nothing works. Standing in front of the mirror, with a pile of clothes on the bed, can be the most frustrating experience. But believe me…it’s not you, it’s your clothes!" ~Pauline Durban

I was frustrated because the sleeves were too short to cover that part of my arms that I’d rather not reveal, or the body wasn’t long enough to cover my tummy. It seemed that no one designed clothes for me.

Everyone assured me that I looked great, but ultimately it came down to how I felt about my own body. I wanted clothes that made me feel beautiful and empowered, but it was impossible to find women’s tops that would do the job.

When I discussed this with my friends, I discovered that I wasn’t the only one with this challenge. They were all facing the exact same issues. In fact, I can almost see you nodding your head! I know that you can relate. No doubt, you have had a hard time finding comfortable, stylish clothes as well.

Why should I settle on the dismal styles available? Taking matters into my own hands I began to design a collection of tops made of delicious fabrics, in flattering silhouettes and lovely colors, and of course, featuring pieces that provided perfect coverage.

Gathered Front soft luxurious Micromodal Top in Blue

After researching numerous fabrics and blends, my search led me to MicroModal, a natural fabric made from the fiber of the European Beechwood. Breathable, and luxuriously soft, MicroModal is a fabric that will keep you cool, and not just when the weather is warm! Once you feel it on your skin, you will know why this is the main fabric used.

It also was important to me that my designs be made in the USA, and I’m proud to say they are. My line is cut, sewn and beautifully put together for you in sunny Los Angeles!

Covered Perfectly launched in May 2013, offering a dozen designs for every occasion, for every time of day and for every month of the year. At 57, I have started a company that I can be proud of. I’m excited to get my fabulous tops onto all the real women over 40 who also want to be Covered Perfectly!

Left: Simple Comfort Micromodal Top in Gray Right: Gathered Front Micromodal Top in Animal Print

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: (5 Minutes with Pauline and a Peek Behind the Brand!)

(1) Ascending Butterfly is an empowerment community, throughout the years we have queried readers about what butterflies mean to them, I noticed immediately you use a butterfly on your site and in your logo (which of course I love) why a butterfly? What do they represent to you?

Answer: It was important that my logo reflected the idea that women truly become more beautiful with age. The butterfly is a symbol of metamorphosis that represents both maturity and magnificence. Age isn’t just about wisdom…it’s about beauty on every level! ~Pauline Durban

(2) Your tops definitely take away that 'I have nothing to wear' factor, so what about pants or dresses?

Answer: It’s wonderful that my designs are working for so many women! I absolutely see dresses in the very near future. We have a few designs in the works that could be introduced as early as Christmas. We are also designing a couple of really fun wraps for the colder weather. As far as pants go, I would love to design a really great legging that has the proper thickness and support. Most leggings fall short, and tend not to be an option for the more mature woman. I’m still thinking on that one!

(3) As a relatively new line, what has been your biggest challenges so far? How have you overcome them?

Answer: Starting an online business is like opening a store in the middle of a desert…no one knows it’s there! Finding the right places to promote my line has been the greatest challenge. I’ve worked very hard to find companies that truly care about the business, and see the big picture. In the process, I have met some amazing women who will continue to be a part of this journey. As a result, we have been able to provide a wonderful product, and make it available to the right demographic. It’s a great feeling to have repeat customers…and we have quite a few. It makes it very clear that we are giving women what they want!

(4) In that vein, Fashion and Accessories go hand in hand, any plan to offer Accessories that you design down the line?

Answer: I agree…accessories are very important. As my business continues to grow, anything is possible. For now, I am putting my effort into designing more clothing. It is important for me to be very “hands-on” in developing pieces that really work, and this takes time and care. So, accessories may have to wait for a bit!

(5) Will we see Covered Perfectly in retail stores anytime soon?

Answer: At this time, I have no plans of introducing my line into retail stores, primarily because keeping the prices down for my customers is extremely important to me. By designing, manufacturing and selling directly, I am able to do this. I have been approached by boutique retailers who would like to carry my line, however, for now I’m saying no, but…never say never!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Follow @Covrdperfectly via Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -"Like"  The Covered Perfectly Facebook Page
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pin with Covered Perfectly via Pinterest too!

Nab a Discount:

Ascending Butterfly subscribers can receive a 20% discount off of their first purchase. Plus, shipping is FREE, both ways. Just use AB20 at checkout at: www.coveredperfectly.com

Additional Ways to Score: Join the Covered Perfectly Rewards Program + there is a current special for those buying two tops on Facebook, so use the get social section to head over to Covered Perfectly's Facebook Page for more information. So including the exclusive code for Ascending Butterfly you currently have 3 different ways to update your wardrobe at a price that certainly won't break the bank!

What are you waiting for Butterflies, Go nab the softest, coziest Blouse you'll ever wear (Yes I'm wearing them now and will have a full review for you soon!), at a GREAT price, from a woman-owned small business owner, the fact that she loves butterflies like we do, is just a bonus!

HAPPY SHOPPING!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Guest Post by a Contributor, Ascending Butterfly enjoys profiling and supporting woman owned businesses. And anyone who loves butterflies as much as we do, is OK with us! See our Full Giveaway & Disclosure Page for full policy information.

I can finally fuel my designer #handbag obsession & get great prices, seriously folks there is #MoreatSears than meets the eye!

#Sponsored: This is a Sponsored Post written by Ascending Butterfly on behalf of Sears via the Niche Mommy Network & Conference

It's no surprise to long time followers that I have a handbag obsession. I will never own enough handbags. If there were a support group, I'd be it's President. Since 2009 we have featured a 'Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight' on Ascending Butterfly, it's included both established and emerging brands /designers and probably just about every color of handbag under the sun.

I recently found out a handbag I have been coveting by a major designer is being dis-continued (I know right GASP!) so I went on an online hunt to see who still had it (My top three favorite Manhattan Department Stores were already sold out, UM serious LE SIGH!), and after scrolling was super surprised to find out Sears actually has it, so I skipped off to my nearest store, and they didn't have it. NOT COOL (My city is in the midst of a major heatwave, zapping me of any desire to be outside, walking or moving in general.)

Remember how I was telling you yesterday that the blogging Gods & the Universe have been sending me all kinds of signals? When this info hit my email inbox I have to admit it made me laugh. Not in a bad way, just in a not surprised way because I actually inadvertently discovered this revelation on my own, and I'm more than happy to let you guys in on the secret.

As a curvy Latina one of my biggest pet peeves is finding a super sweet outfit in the store, (or go looking for a coveted handbag), and then find out someone else snatched up the last one. To resolve this very issue, Sears has expanded its website. In fact, the Sears website is now WAY larger than the stores. Sears.com carries more sizes and colors than you can find at your local Sears. And for last minute shoppers, have no fear you can buy it online, schedule an in store pickup and Sears guarantees that they will have your item ready in 5 minutes or less, if they don't, you'll get a $5 in store coupon. (Um, even those pizza folks make you wait 30 minutes before making it up to you for the slow service! Just Saying!)

Aside from having more colors and sizes on the website, Sears.com carries more brands and styles online than they do in store. They really have 'stepped up their retail game' with brands like Ray Ban, Michael Kors, DeWalt Tools, Steve Madden, Nike, Vince Camuto, and one I've been obsessed with for a long time, Tory Burch. (You can't tell me that Capital T Logo of theirs didn't have ME in mind!)

Check out the Newest Arrivals at Sears Market Place!

Screen Capture of Sears.com Front Loader Washers - New Arrivals!

I don't know about you, but this mercury retrograde has been wreaking havoc on my appliances and electronics so I am researching a few major purchases (for after the retrograde dust clears of course) including a new Washer/Dryer, Refrigerator, and hoping somewhere in there I can squeeze in that handbag I'm lusting after, before it totally sells out!

What will YOU buy at Sears.com today?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post written by Ascending Butterfly on behalf of Sears via the Niche Mommy Network & Conference, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. See our Full Disclosure Policy for additional information.

Soup's On! + The Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace! cc @DuaneReade @CollectiveBias #cbias #cbiasNY #DRAsianMeals

Perhaps it's because I was born in April, but I am a total Spring baby. There is something about the mere thought of Spring that makes me perk up! Me being ever the optimist, I was ever so hopeful when Punxsutawney Phil predicted an early Spring. And I have tried to find signs of Spring being on the way, I really have, but when your streets still look like this:

Snow very much still on the ground around here!

It's a bit hard to think Spring!

Even with this little cutie on the windowsill:

Check out that sweet little birdie on the windowsill!

It is still FREEZING out! The wind was actually so strong today it was pushing me along and I kind of felt like I was skiing along as I ran my errands today!

On my way home I decided to stop off at Duane Reade to pick up some stuff:

Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

Not sure why that happened, but these shots were actually taken at the same time back to back but one looks like it's darker than the other, I guess it's the shooting angle:

Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

This isn't my regular Duane Reade shopping location so I had to check the Aisle names to find what I was looking for, in my usual location I have all the Aisles pretty much memorized. (I could probably shop my usual location blind-folded!)

Aisle 1, Duane Reade, Bronx, New York

I am trying to change my eating habits so I bypassed those tempting bags of chips and since my fingertips still felt like ice cubes I thought I'd check out the soup aisle! And I spotted something new!

Asian Meals Malaysian Noodle Soups are sold Duane Reade!

Asian Meals currently offers 3 varieties of Noodle Soup being sold at Duane Reade, Sesame Ginger, Shitake Mushroom and Lemongrass Noodle. The Sesame Ginger was not available at this location or another one I tried, so I was only able to purchase two out of the three varieties.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle and Lemongrass Noodle Soups

While most soups are way better than any bag of chips, some can be very high in sodium, and while I don't have any dietary restrictions when it comes to sodium, it's still something I try to be very careful not to over consume, so I am definitely a label reader.

Asian Meals Malaysian Lemongrass Noodle Soup

What I loved about the label:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 0 grams trans fat

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No MSG

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No preservatives

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No artificial color

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No 3-MCPD

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-GMO

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A portion of every AsianMeals purchase helps children with cancer.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle Noodle Soup

You know just how much I love 'give backs', when I can do something good for me and my family and also give back to others at the same time, it's a total win/win in my book!

Feeling artsy and created a cute vignette with my soups!

A soup that will warm up my heart and my tummy? Sounds like a pretty good deal to me! As you can see I decided to bring them both home! They are super easy to prepare, they can be put in the microwave, or you can just add boiling water.

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle and Lemongrass Noodle Soups

I chose to heat mine up in the microwave, don't you just love getting home cooked, simmered all day taste in just minutes?

Asian Meals Malaysian Shitake Noodle Soup

It's B.Y.O.C, yep, bring your own chopsticks, it's that easy! I'm definitely going back to Duane Reade to try and find the the Sesame Ginger, I might add some of my own extra chicken or shrimp to that one, I added a few extra mushrooms to my Mushroom Noodle! Soups are my favorite place for leftover proteins!

My Take:

These are warm and perfect anytime for dinner, you might want throw in some extra proteins or vegetables if you have something in the fridge leftover, or add a nice crusty bread to it. They are also perfect if you brown bag your lunch to work, since you can make them even if your office doesn't have a microwave with just boiling water! I do like to keep readers fully informed, and I think it's important that you are aware that they are manufactured in a facility that uses wheat, peanut, tree nut, soy, fish and shrimp, while they do follow good manufacturing practices to segregate ingredients to help avoid cross contact with allergens, I just thought I'd be sure to point that out. They contain soy and oyster so if you or your children are allergic to either you may want to avoid these. But if you are not allergic to any of the ingredients, go for it!

EVENT:

Just wanted to be sure my New York and tri-state area readers got the heads up about The Malaysian Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace! On February 20 - 21, 2013 Malaysia Kitchen for the World will host The Malaysian Winter Market at Bryant Park’s Fountain Terrace, featuring a variety  of signature Malaysian dishes and traditional Malaysian food products by restaurants and vendors in New York City and the Tri-State area. The event will be held in the heart of Bryant Park, under large, stunning heated tents near the iconic Bryant Park fountain and skating rink, surrounded by colorful umbrellas and lanterns reminiscent of the street markets of Kuala Lumpur and Penang. The Malaysian Winter Market will be open all day, but be sure to stop by for lunch and dinner on both February 20 & 21 for great Malaysian dishes for up to $8 each:

Lunch: 11:30am – 2:30pm (or until sold out)
Dinner: 5:30pm – 9:00pm (or until sold out)

The event is open to the general public. Chef demonstrations and special performances by an authentic Malaysian dance troupe will take place on an elevated stage throughout the day. 

Participating restaurants include:

• Bentara Restaurant 

• Fatty Crab

• Laut 

• New Malaysia Restaurant

• Nyonya 

• Penang (Upper West Side, NYC)  

• wichcraft

   

Participating vendors include:

• Duane Reade

• Author and Chef Susheela Raghavan

• Auria's Malaysian Kitchen

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Malaysia Kitchen USA on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MalaysiaKitchen on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit the Malaysia Kitchen Website

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Duane Reade on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like @DuaneReade on Twitter

Check out a few more photos that didn't make this post on the Google + album of my shopping trip!

So butterflies, SOUP it's what for dinner! What are you making today?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias®. Duane Reade and Malaysia Kitchen #CBias #SocialFabric #DRAsianMeals

Put a little pretty in her Holiday with @BorgheseBeauty

As we swiftly approach the holidays, figuring out what to get everyone on your list becomes mission critical as we are literally in the final hours. You want something thoughtful and useful, but how about it also being something that can transform her skin too? Something that will make her see herself in a new light as she awakens to prettier skin each day, now that my friends is a 2013 to look forward to!

Borghese Beauty literally has Christmas in the bag with really awesome beauty kits that even the most discerning on your list will absolutely love!

Here are the two I tried:

About Tuscan Treasures:

Gift Set Includes:

• Collezione D’Oro Occhi Eye Treatment
• Collezione D’Oro Siero Reparative Serum
• Satin Shadow Milano Trio – Splend’Oro Green
• Superiore State-of-the-Art Mascara, Black
• Double-sided Travel Bag

The packaging is fantastic, and I can tell you that the entire kit is phenomenal, I have been using Borghese Serum's for a long time now and I just love what they do for my skin, and with the year I have had this year, Eye Treatment is a MUST! And I love the Satin Shadow Milano Trio, all the colors are perfect and the products coming in a double sided travel bag which just makes it even more useful, it's the gift that keeps on giving. Not to mention, Mascara should be changed every 3 months and if you have sensitive eyes like mine, even more often than that, I don't know about you, but I can always use a good mascara!

About ReaFIRMing Beauty:

Gift Set Includes:

• Fango Ferma Firming Mud Mask for Face and Body – rehydrates and immediately firms skin (7.5 oz)
• Insta-Firm Platinum Advanced Wrinkle Relaxer – helps reduce wrinkles and fine lines while improving skin resiliency from within (1 oz)
• Crema Intensiva Intensive Firming Creme – hydrates, smoothes and helps skin regain its youthful looking tone and vitality (1.7 oz)

This comes packed in a beautiful logo embossed silver cosmetics case, again super useful 'wrapping' that can be re-purposed, and I love the Fango Mud Mask, I had no idea they had a firming mask, and this is definitely a re-buy! Following the mask with both the Insta-Firm Platinum Advanced Wrinkle Relaxer and the Crema Instensiva Intensive Firming Creme, leaves you with smooth, firm and baby soft skin. I can't think of a better gift than Happy Skin, can you?

Some honorable mentions I didn't get to try include the Effortlessly Extraordinary set, the Borghese Gardens Candle Coffret candle set, and the Bella Bacio Lip Gloss set!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Borghese on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BorgheseBeauty on Twitter

My Take:

Borghese is a always a great beauty bet, it's like bringing a high end spa home with you. You get to pamper your skin in the comfort of your own home with the same high quality products you'd experience in a spa. While the kits I got to try are $79 and $75 respectively, they are worth every penny, they are beautifully packaged and the products are fantastic. My mom was the one who introduced me to Borghese many years ago, and it's a brand I constantly find myself coming back to because I love the efficacy of the products. I do see a difference in my skin when I use it, and I certainly see the difference when I stop using it!

We weren't able to squeeze in a giveaway with enough time to get fulfilled by the holidays so we invited Borghese to come back and do something fun with us in the New Year. But in the meantime, I wanted to get these kits on your radar, whether you are hitting the department stores for some last minute shopping, or just thinking about a treat for yourself after playing Santa for everyone else, these beauty kits are a great choice!

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FTC Disclosure: Borghese supplied the Tuscan Treasures and ReaFIRMing Beauty kits for editorial consideration and for the purpose of facilitating this review, all opinions expressed however are 100% my own.

Find out how I got to the 'Corner of Happy & Healthy'!

Earlier this week I had the chance to see Elf The Musical (yes more on this to come), and during the play Duane Reade is actually referenced which made me laugh as I've spent this year as one of Duane Reade's VIP Bloggers (Sign from the Universe? You decide!). So when I got my newsletter the next day and saw this:

you know I had to go shopping! I can spend over $30 there easily so spending $30 and instantly getting rewards that amount to getting $5 back is just a pure win/win! I picked up my weekly circular as well as the NEW Holiday Magazine and got to 'circling'!

New Happy & Healthy 'Storezine' Holiday Edition 2012: Available in Stores from November 4th until December 31st, 2012

Duane Reade Holiday Magazine and Weekly Circular Display

I have to start by saying this week has been pure insanity. Because of Hurricane Sandy being followed by a Nor-Easter in New York City, a week's worth of meetings and events were post-poned, all those meetings and events were shifted to this week. I have not had one single solitary moment to myself all week and have events on Saturday and Sunday as well, to say I'm stressed out and had very little time for personal errands is an under-statement!

I'm not sure what the point of 'e-tickets' are when you are expected to still print the tickets and show them at the door or print the confirmation email, I literally ran out of printer paper this week (I know this month has been insane but my printer feeder tray really does hold a lot of paper! I was pretty surprised to get the 'paper low' warning message pop up. I thought it was a mistake, but lo and behold I only had 5 sheets of paper in there and no new ream of paper in my supply cubby!), that would normally mean a trip to an office supply store for me, and an extra shopping trip I did NOT have time to add in. Thankfully Duane Reade saved the day by saving me an extra trip. I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised to find printer paper at my local Duane Reade!

Exclusive to Walgreens and Duane Reade, Ology brand products provide assurance that these items work as well as the larger brands but are also free of the harmful chemicals that today's pediatricians are so concerned about. And, best of all, they're available at an affordable price.

Made from readily renewable sugarcane husks that would otherwise be disposed, and quick-growing bamboo that regenerates in as little as six months.

• For copiers, printers and fax machines
• 100% tree free
• Low moisture paper means less paper jams
• Whitened with H2O2, a non-chlorine based bleach
• 94 brightness, 20 pound
• Biodegradable

I got to save myself an extra trip to the office supply store AND support a product that's eco-friendly? Um, yes please! I got two of these! (Note this item is an 'in-store' only right now, and prices may vary per store, these are NOT available for purchase online.)

And while on a paper theme, I picked up some bathroom tissue from the Ology brand as well.

Duane Reade ology Facial and Toilet Tissue Display

Soft and strong, this biodegradable bath tissue is made from readily renewable sugar cane husk that would otherwise be disposed, and quick-growing bamboo that regenerates in as little as six months.

• 300 two-ply sheets per roll
• Septic safe
• 4 in x 3.7 in sheets
• 370 sq. ft. total area

My Take:

I'm seriously thinking that Ology could easily become one of my favorite Duane Reade brands! I also bought Vitamins, Laundry Detergent (Notice in the picture it's the 'Butterfly Kiss' scent, yes I really am all butterfly all the time!), Fabric Softener, New Toothbrushes + Toothpaste, Air Freshener, frozen meals and quite a few of my favorite ice cream in a limited edition flavor that they only launch several times per year. By the time I was done and the cashier packed me all up I had two super heavy bags to lug home, and a Total Savings of $14.80 (9%), and 5,480 balance rewards points earned this visit! On my next visit I will have $10 in spending money in my balance rewards because I had some to start with plus an additional $5 when I completed this shop thanks to my ology purchases which earned me extra rewards. Getting all that shopping done AND getting money back for my next visit - Not sure it gets any better than that!

WIN! And if the great deals haven't tempted you yet, how about a chance to win great prizes? (Somehow I knew that would get your attention! With the current 'Text2Win' Sweepstakes if you text HAPPY to 35350, you are entering a contest for a chance to win a $6,000 + weekend getaway grand prize, or a weekly $100 Walgreens Gift Card by answering weekly questions only found in Happy & Healthy via text.

Major Shopping Haul this weekend at Duane Reade!

Get Social With It:

Follow Duane Reade  on Twitter and ‘Like’ them on Facebook and don’t forget to tell them you saw them Featured on Ascending Butterfly! For more information, visit duanereade.com or youtube.com/duanereade

Butterfly, Did you a score great deal this weekend?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™. #CBias #SocialFabric #DRHappy&Healthy #cbBigApple  I am a Duane Reade VIP Blogger and Ambassador which does entitle me to additional incentives. However, all opinions expressed  are 100% my own.