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

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

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

“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 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, 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

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 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

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 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

"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.

BB for Body is here! Use #JergensBBBody from @JergensUS to get your skin FLAWLESS for Holidays! #BBgoesbody

#Ad: This is a Sponsored Post, Sponsored By:

BB for Body is here butterflies, and it's all about radiant, flawless skin that improves with each and every use! JERGENS® BB Body Cream isn't self-tanning lotion, it's full on BB for your ENTIRE body, not just your face!

We finally get the benefits of BB cream for the body in a formulation that goes on SHEER and then adjusts to your skin tone/shade. I got to try this out at a Press Event (and came home with it so I got more time to test it's efficacy) and I will share more about that event specifically in a different post, but I mention that I tried it there because all the women who approached the Jergen's team were all very different shades and it worked well for everyone, it really does adjust to your skin tone well. Not to mention, as a Latina, I have very Golden undertones which makes matching any kind of tinted moisturizer or foundation a challenge. So finding something that really adjusts to my shade is a total score

And yes it's been given 'the white t-shirt test' and there is NO staining! Because let's face it, who wants flawless skin with a stained dress/shirt or sweater?

ABOUT:

It comes in two shades Fair to Medium and Medium to Deep, and offers five key benefits including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hydrates - with a blend of cacao and mango seed butters, coconut water, hydrolyzed Collagen and Elastin, and shea butter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Illuminates - offers a subtle sheen to illuminate your skin

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Evens - It evens redness in fair to light skin tones and discoloration in olive to deep skin tones.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Firms - with a Firm Perfecting Complex - Now ladies it won't give you 'guns' but your arms will certainly appear more firm and tone in photos, the rest is up to you and the gym or photoshop (God Bless Photoshop! LOL)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Corrects - High Blur Effect helps to hide skin imperfections and a high level of light-reflecting particles hide your skin imperfections.

Note: For best results, use daily as a body lotion by massaging sheer formula all over body and then allow time for it dry prior to getting dressed.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If seeing is believing, then get subscribed to Jergens YouTube Channel and check out their products in action for yourself!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If promotions is more your deal, keep track of Jergens via Facebook and check in for promotions, coupons, deals, events and more!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Want to be 'pin' friends with the Jergens team? Follow them via Pinterest too!

My Take:

I know most of you might think of this as perfect only for summer, but if you think about it, you take just as many (if not more) photos in Fall/Winter, with Thanksgiving and Holiday Gatherings, not to mention New Year's Eve Photos, you want your skin flawless and perfect year round, not just summer! Vow to do something nice for your skin and substitute your current lotion for JERGENS BB Body Cream so you can get flawless skin for holidays and start your new year with 'illuminated' skin! I have been using this in place of my regular body lotion and I may not switch back! That says it all my friends!

Have you tried BB Body yet Butterfly? What is your current daily skin lotion?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for Jergens USA. 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.

@DSWShoeLovers #GetItGiftIt #Polyvore Contest Entry

DSW - Shoe Love & More! by tiglesia

Hoping all my butterflies who are polyvore members will consider giving this board a Like and leaving a comment HERE!

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FTC Disclosure: This post is a Polyvore Contest Entry. 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.

#VeteransDay Thank You to our Troops!

Hey YOU!, Yeah YOU, Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The Only Cure for @ItalianInsanity #Theatre #Comedy

For my New York City Based Butterflies (or those who plan to visit here for the holidays this year), who want to inject some laughter and levity into your Sunday and start off your week right, check out 'SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT'!

Four of New York City's most sought-after stand-up comedians bring the hit comedy Off-Broadway after their sold-out performances at The Borgata Hotel & Casino in Atlantic City and are now at The Anne L. Bernstein Theater at The Snapple Theatre Center in Manhattan, and after seeing it for myself I can certainly see why this 'PLOMEDY' was nominated by the Off-Broadway Alliance for "Best Unique Theatrical Experience of 2014"!

And because I know you are thinking it, as defined in 'The Urban Dictionary', a 'PLOMEDY' is a new theatrical event that blends the wit of stand-up comedy and the intensity of a one-man (or one woman) show presented in an innovative play format by professional comedians.

The Plomedy, SHUT UP SIT DOWN & EAT is written by and stars, Tina Giorgi, Joe Moffa, Chris Monty and Eric Tartaglione and was co-written by Tom Ingegno and Directed by Eve Brandstein. A comical take on emotional dysfunction when four Italian Americans show up for a group therapy session where the therapist never shows and they grow impatient and take their issues into their own hands delving into their true feelings about work, love, relationships and their Italian Families.

Preview/Peek:

My Take:

I truly enjoyed Shut Up Sit Down & Eat! The stories shared are easy for anyone to relate to, some moments are nostalgic and others are simply laugh out loud funny, and you walk out feeling like you spent time with good friends, it just doesn't get better than that. Personally I think this one should be right on Broadway, it is well written, well cast and the performances are delivered to perfection, I can easily think of some snoozers that could be replaced by this show!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like the show on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter too

Discount:

Nab $35 Tickets using code LAUGHED through December 28, 2014 at Ticketmaster!

What is the funniest thing that has ever happened at one of your family dinners butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Perfomance Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration, this did NOT influence my opinion, and all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Like hot #technology, Great Deals and getting gift cards back for your purchase? Then read on! @BestBuy #BBYShoppingEvent

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and 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!

It has been technology madness in New York City! I owe you guys a recap of Get Geeked, and this weekend is Engadget's ExpandNY Technology Conference, (which is where I spent my day today!) looks like wearable tech is gaining popularity, and as New York prepares for the annual Rockfeller Center Tree Lighting, stores are prepping for holiday sales with great deals that you don't have to wait until Black Friday or Cyber Monday to enjoy!

In fact our friends at Best Buy are hosting a Holiday Shopping Event and YOU are invited! Here's the skinny:

Date: Saturday, November 8th

Time: 1:00 - 4:00 pm

What: Preview and shop the Holiday Collection from the hottest brands including Apple, Microsoft, Samsung, Sony and MORE! With Experts on hand to answer all of your questions and help you find the perfect gift for everyone on your list (except the naughty folks of course! LOL)

NOTE: This one-day event is offering IN-STORE only exclusives that will NOT be valid online, including:

Press on the image above to purchase an Apple MacBook Air directly at Best Buy!

Apple - Get a $100 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy any Apple MacBook Air 1,2

Apple - Get a $50 Best Buy Gift Card when you buy the new Apple iPad Air 2 or iPad Air 1,2

Geek Squad - Get FREE Geek Squad Smart Device Online Setup with the purchase of Geek Squad Protection.

Geek Squad - Get 20% off Geek Squad Protection with the purchase of any Geek Squad TV Installation Service!

Press on the image above to purchase the Surface Pro 3 128GB

Microsoft - Save when you bundle the Surface Pro 3 128GB, with a Type Cover and Microsoft Office 365 (I LOVE my Surface Pro 2 and the Surface Pro 3 is high on my holiday wish list!)

Click on the image above to purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV at Best Buy

Samsung - Purchase a 55-inch Samsung HD TV for only $799.99

Samsung - Receive 3X My Best Buy Points on ALL Samsung Curved UHD TVs (if you are not already a member a Best Buy Associate can sign you up at the event!)

Note: My Best Buy Members will NOT get 3X points if they select promotional financing (6, 12, 18, or 24 months)

Press on the image above to purchase a Sony UHD TV at Best Buy!

Sony - Save $200 when you purchase a Sony UHD TV with a Sony Playstation 4

Playstation 4 - Select Playstation 4 games on sale for $24 (regularly $39.99)

My Take:

My visit this year to the Magnolia at Best Buy Home Theater experience was in fact super helpful. Being able to ask the experts those technical questions BEFORE you invest just plain makes sense. And for those of you who prefer shopping brick and mortar over online I think it's pretty neat to have discounts and offers just for YOU, and just in-store. There are some things I am willing to buy online, and others I just have to see and touch and try for myself before I buy! You can ask compatibility questions, how to keep your new tech up-to-date and any other questions you have in mind!

Which Deal Cited Above Do You Plan to Take Advantage of In-Store Butterflies?

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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!  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. This post may contain affiliate links.

{HOT #Giveaway Alert!} Win passes to the 2nd Annual #NYC Autumn #Wine Festival via @Ascending1 & @NYWineFestivals

One of my favorite things about my travels is sampling food and wine from different restaurants, I'm a #Foodie and a #Wine Lover and when Wine Tastings come to town it is one of my favorite things to do! But as we all know there are tastings and there are tastings right?

In February I had the opportunity to attend the NYC Winter Wine Festival at the Best Buy Theater in the heart of Times Square in Manhattan, New York City, and for Fall, the Festival returns to NYC this time at the beautiful Broad Street Ballroom in lower Manhattan, and Ascending Butterfly is stoked to partner with the NYC Autumn Wine Festival to be able to offer a lucky reader the chance to attend this amazing celebration of Wine Downtown!

The one in February was definitely a full house so getting good pictures was not as easy as I had hoped, but there are some amazing brands that really stood out (you know butterfly loves her 'bubbles', so pardon in me in advance for this being Cava heavy!) including:

Naveran Cava Brut 2011 - Olé Imports brought this Cava from Spain and this estate-bottled Vintage was a definite stand out! Three indigenous grapes are used to make this bright and youthful Sparkling Wine/Cava. Retail $15

Alfred Gratien Brut Classique Champagne - This Cuvee Brut Classique from France while pricier than the Naveran Cava Brut mentioned above, had a great balance of aromatic strength and fresh exotic fruit. It's a blend of Chardonnay melding with fruity Pinot Meunier and Pinor Noir with a long-lasting 'mousse' (or what we call 'bubbles').

Some always fun and budget friendly options were presented from:

Barefoot Wine & Bubbly (Event Sponsor) including:

Barefoot Malbec - A plush red with flavors of blackberry and currant with a gust of vanilla, caramel and toasted oak.

Barefoot Chardonnay - With honeyed peach and flavors of Fuji apple this medium weight with a hint of sweet vanilla aroma was a budget friendly winner!

Barefoot Bubbly Brut Cuvee - With Green Apple, Jasmine, hints of kiwi and peach with aromas of Chardonnay this one was fun and fruity!

Barefoot Bubbly Tropical Fusion - Fresh pineapple, island mango and papaya gave this one a burst of summer sweetness that you will definitely want to enjoy year round!

Barefoot Refresh Crisp White - A perfect pair of Chenin Blanc and Riesling results in a vibrant yet light-bodied wine with notes of melon and pear and a fresh lemon-lime finish that can be enjoyed over ice!

The Naked Grape Wine (also an event sponsor) offered us some great and budget friendly options also, including:

The Naked Grape Summer White Blend - They got it right when they describe this as sunshine in a bottle!

The Naked Grape Moscato - A touch of fizz and aromas of peach and orange with a very clean finish! I am a big Moscato fan, and I do enjoy this one.

The Naked Grape Pinot Grigio - A smooth red with black cherry and blueberry aromas that pairs with anything.

TMRW - The Most Romantic Wine (event sponsor) - I have already featured them from previous tastings, but I can't stress enough just how much I love TMRW. There is no bad one in the bunch, I love ALL of them! If they ever opt for a non-celeb Ambassador I call dibs on being the first one!

Jams by Kim (event sponsor) - These Artisanal Jams are all amazeballs and my standout favorite is the Savory Jam called 'Roasted Garlic and Sweet Onion Jam'. I incorporated this into so many recipes and honestly also enjoyed it straight on flatbread crackers as well! And the sweet Pepper Jam was a close second with sweet red peppers and Jalapenos. Buy more than one butterflies because I assure you it will be love at first bite!

Cabot Cheese (event sponsor) - I got to hang with Cabot quite a few times this year at different events. Nothing pairs better with Wine than great Cheese!

Cheeky Monkey Foods - Dipping Oil Nirvana is what I call these - they come in three flavors: Tomato Garlic Dipping Oil Regular: Sweet Garlicky Goodness, Politely Spicy and then Solidly Spicy which is Authentically Hot! I loved them all, but I am a total lightweight and have to admit, the regular was just right for me. I loved the rep I met and used this as more than a dip, I used mine to Marinate Meats as well and just like I advised you with Jams by Kim, buy more than one as you will run out way faster than you think you will!

The Well Dressed Nut tempted us with their Pecans and Almonds as well!

Sweet Silk Confections - Think handcrafted sweets with exotic ingredients! For me the hands down winner was pairing their Dark Cherry Cocoa Truffles with Red Wine!

Take Things Personally - With a variety of unique Jewelry and Wine Charms the options are endless and they do take customized orders, making this an amazing hostess gift for those holiday parties you will be attending this season!

There were a TON of amazing brands and wines, so we tried to feature some of the standouts above, but with over 200 wines it was hard to give everyone their own day in the sun here! With such a wide variety of brands and offerings I would call this is a Lifestyle Show! It's a wine tasting and so much more that's for sure!

Here is a video from the Winter Wine Fest (I can be spotted 40 seconds in wearing my red Wallis Coat! Visit VIMEO to view it HERE!

About the NYC Winter Wine Fest

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - FOOD: Cleanse your palate between tastings with hors d'oeuvres, cheese, bread, and crudités. (Full meal not provided. Light hors d’oeuvres only.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SPECIAL GIFT: As a special gift to you, every attendee will receive a FREE Riedel crystal stem from which to taste and to take home. A $10 VALUE.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WINE CLASSES: Upgrade your tickets for access into the VIP Wine Classes area where you can indulge in an exclusive side-by-side tasting of special wines. (Please Note: There is an additional charge for VIP Classes.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - MUSIC: Special performance by Matt Marshak, Listen to his music.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Marquee Concerts want you to win a pair of tickets to The NYC Winter Wine Festival!  One winner will win two standard tickets to the November 22nd afternoon session (3-6 pm) (ARV $198, $99 per ticket)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  If you can't wait to find out if you won and want to buy your ticket NOW: Standard tickets are $99 each ($109 if purchased in the final week), VIP tickets including admission to the VIP tasting area are $199 ($219 if purchased in the final week), and an additional fee of $25 applies for those adding a wine class to their festival experience!)

NOTE: You will not receive paper tickets, you and your guest will be placed on a guest list for full admission. Admission does not include the VIP Wine Class. This giveaway is for event admission only, no transportation will be provided, no airfare or hotel stay will be included. Please do not enter if you are not central enough to New York City to easily commute to this event, due to the fast turnaround it would be difficult to re-assign these tickets so we appreciate your cooperation!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: I was provided tickets to facilitate the review and giveaway. Sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment, rests with the sponsor. 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.

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Perfect time to #FallBack into @FabFitFun - Keep your #Health Routines up for Fall! #FabFitFun

I am so happy to Fall Back an hour and enjoy an extra hour of sleep! Fall is going to quickly lead into winter and here in the Northeast, the snow, slush and ice sometimes make me want to skip the Gym altogether so to say keeping up Fitness routines is a bit difficult in Winter is an understatement! Thankfully I am a FabFitFun VIP Blogger, and they curate a box of goodness to keep me inspired, all I have to do is OPEN and ENJOY. (Pretty sweet right?)

Fab Fit Fun Fall 2014 Subscription Box Includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Jessie Steele Pink & Gold Retro Polka Dot Josephine Apron - Enhanced with metallic gold to bring out that extra holiday sparkle! Features a waist pocket and removable grosgrain bow detail with adjustable ties at the waist and at the neck! Buy it for yourself to serve up some sexy hostess realness at your holiday dinner this year or buy it to give as a hostess gift to that special hostess with the mostest in your life! Retail Value of $32

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster - This intensely moisturizing concentrate helps relieves dryness and fine lines with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, glycolipids and algae extract to help restore moisture balance. I have always loved Dermalogica products and was totally thrilled to see them included in the FabFitFun Fall 2014 Box, Total SCORE! Retail Value of $56

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gramr Gratitutde Co. Thank You Card Set, Sealing Wax, and Wax Press - Gratitude Changes Everything! As someone who has had penpals since childhood I was super stoked to find this in my Fall FabFitFun Box. I love getting 'real mail', and who doesn't love a Thank You card? We all love feeling appreciated! These are absolutely awesome and perfect for the season of giving which is swiftly approaching and will soon be upon us! You know I am all about an 'Attitude of Gratitude' and you can purchase these kits WITH postage to make it easy peasy to send out Thank You Notes. SCORE! Retail Value of $43

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Great Soles Pink Ribbon Ballet Barre Ped - #GreatSolesGives is a national campaign joining a network of fitness studios from coast to coast in creating inspirational wellness experiences, they are helping to organize and support Breast Cancer events that feature these limited-edition Rose Pink Ballet Socks only for the month of October. $3/pair of the proceeds of each pair will be donated to the SASS Foundation. Comfort for your tootsies from a brand giving back, that's what I call a great deal! Retail Value of $12

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Beauty for Real True Color Lip Cream in "Always There" - I am a total lippie lover and tend to customize my color myself so I love experimenting with different brands and colors to find a look that is just right for me. If high-impact, long-lasting color that smooths and softens to make your pout healthier with ingredients like capuaca butter, organic neroli and mandarin oils are what you are looking for then this is just right for you! And by the way the LED light and mirror on the 'tube' make applying easy, anytime/anywhere! Truly a lust-worthy lip cream, SCORE CENTRAL! Retail Value of $22

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CHI 44 Iron Guard - I blow out my hair frequently and follow that with a flat iron so a good thermal protector is a must have in my hair care arsenal. I was stoked to find the CHI 44 Iron Guard in my FabFitFun Fall Subscription Box! While your look should always sizzle butterflies, your hair shouldn't! (Most places are out of stock on this so I couldn't link you to it directly!) Retail Value $14.50

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Honest Company Hydrating Shea Butter Cleansing Bar - This hydrating bar soap is 84% organic and is made with coconut, olive and argan oils to soothe and nourish skin. I received mine in Juniper Sage and was happy to find out they also make it in Lavendar. Retail Value $4.95

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LaNatura Travel Size BodyButter - This pure Vegan Body Butter is paraben free, sulfates free, petrolatum free and uses NO synthetic fragrance, colors, mineral oil, PABA or animal ingredients. I received the Matcha Green Tea Pure Vegan Body Butter which contains essential oils of White Tea, Ylang Ylang, Coriander, Clarysage, Ho Leaf and Sweet Orange. While the color threw me at first, this applied easily, absorbed perfectly and left my skin smooth. I look forward to trying out more products from LaNatura that's for sure! Retail Value $18

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - FitFusion - A 3 month Digital Subscription was included in the Fall FabFitFun Box - you can stream the workouts from iPhone, iPad, laptop, TV, Chromecast or Apple TV! With a variety of videos from a wide variety of trainers, including Jillian Michaels, Zuzka Light, Gaiam Fitness, Tara Stiles, Billy Blanks and more, there is literally something for everyone! Retail Value of $29.97

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mary's Gone Crackers - My FabFitFun Boxes have been helping me swap out my bad late night snack while I am writing choices with options that are way more healthy! These are completely vegan, organic, non-GMO, whole grain and kosher! They feature super foods like brown rice, flax, quinoa, and sesame. Retail Value of $5.00 for a box or $60 for a case of 12 boxes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Numi Organic Tea - Jasmine Green Tea using real Jasmine Blossoms and 100% real ingredients sourced directly from Fair Trade Certified Gardens, to inspire well-being of mind, body and spirit. Retail Value $6.99 for an 18 ct. box

My Take:

I absolutely adore being a Fab Fit Fun VIP Blogger, I love Subscription Boxes and one thing I think FabFitFun really excels at is the variety of items across categories, in my opinion it's a true lifestyle box that offers a bit of something for everyone. But the fact that it allows you to keep up a healthy lifestyle year round is the best perk of all!

Which item in this Fab Fit Fun Box is your personal fave or which one would you most like to try Butterfly? Can't wait to try the box and can't wait to find out if you won? I have three codes for $15 off a box, Tweet me @Ascending1 and tell me you want to 'try it and  buy it' - 3 butterflies will be selected at random to get a code for $15 off their next FabFitFun Box Purchase!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Fab Fit Fun VIP Blogger and subscription boxes are sent to us free of charge for editorial consideration. 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.

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

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.

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 Disclosure: This 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.