How was your #Thanksgivukkah? Shake off the Post Turkey Day Coma + SAVE THE DATE + Winners Announcement!

Ascending Butterfly has been dark most of the week, it's not because I forgot you all butterflies, I've actually been pretty busy plotting something super fun, so I need you all to save-the-date! Sunday, December 8th, something SUPER BIG and SUPER FUN is going down! It's the mother of all Social Media Parties, so be ready be at your computers starting at 11 am PST/ 2 pm EST. I will be posting an RSVP page this weekend, while you know I like 'Come as you are parties' this one will be a hybrid, so the Door Prize and Grand Prize will be RSVP and the rest will be come as you are. Butterflies this will start on twitter, switch to facebook, then google plus and then BACK to twitter for the end of it, a whopping 4 hours of non-stop prizes and fun, so mark your calendars now! (There's even an instagram component for those who like that channel best), and oh did I mention a trip to London for my pure sweepstakes lovers? You don't want to miss this one, Just Saying!

Are you still in Turkey Day Coma? Did yesterday consist of a lot of eating, napping and television? So did mine, but I did stop to take in this year and all that I am grateful for. And each and every single one of you are definitely on my list! Considering where I was last year at this time, I realize that I didn't give myself nearly enough time to heal and rest. I took on almost every event and opportunity that came my way, to make up for lost time, to be outside as much as possible, but as this year winds down, and winter sets in, I realized yesterday that I might have over done it and pushed myself a bit too hard. I think all the Go! Go! Go! took a toll on my energy levels and spirits, but yesterday's downtime was just what the doctor ordered. And I realized my life could use a bit more downtime.

As a lifelong New Yorker I am super happy that the snowstorm we were expecting for Thanksgiving Day veered off, and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade was able to take place with minimal inconveniences to the live audiences except for some high winds which made it a bit difficult to maneuver the balloons. (NO, this is NOT a Sponsored Post!) I love when the cameras pan in to zoom in on the kiddos in the crowd. The kids that still have a twinkle of magic in their eyes and in their heart, that still have a sense of wonder, it always makes me smile. It's been awhile since I've gone down there in person myself and maybe I should consider it for next year, I actually almost did this year, but it was just to prove I could get out of bed, and that didn't feel like enough reason. I spent the entire day in my PJ's, not because I was in a hospital bed and had to, but because I was in the comfort of my own home and wanted to. That was a big deal, and a lot to be grateful for.

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Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We have FOUR winners to announce from our last two holiday contests!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join me in congratulating: Entry # 125 shani f. who has received a $75 IGIGI Gift Card for her Holiday Shopping! Happy Shopping Shani!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join me in congratulating Winning Entry #108 - Deana M. + Second Winning Entry #305 Sherri J.  + Third Winning Entry #427 WinitMama they all win the Professional SkinCare Brush System in their choice of color! Enjoy your radiant skin!

Emails have been sent to ALL the contest winners!

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How was your #Thanksgivukkah Butterflies? What are YOU most grateful for?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! Please don't forget to save-the-date!

#ad @ZactMobile + @BestBuyMobile Specialty Stores are making 4G Contract Free & Affordable! #SmartPhone #WOLFBlogger

ad#: This is a Sponsored Post brought to you by Best Buy and Zact Mobile

As a Life/Career Coach and Social Media Consultant I spend a great deal of time on the phone. I spend the bulk of the day on an old school 'land line'. I'm one of the few people I know who has actually always been contract free on my mobile phone. Much like my workouts, I need variety with everything, and I know that I will change devices whether it's because I'm evaluating a device or I just want something with stronger functionality than the device I am currently using. Throughout the years contract free has become increasingly more difficult to get my hands on or did not offer the data coverage I required.

I recently had the opportunity to attend a Blogger Breakfast in New York City hosted by Techlicious and Zact Mobile (at the invitation of our friends at Best Buy!) where I had the chance to learn about their services and why Zact Mobile is by far the best solution for those considering purchasing a Smartphone for their young one this holiday season! While there are many mixed opinions and feelings on how young a child should be allowed to have a cell phone, the one thing that is certain is that there is a strong sense of safety knowing that your child has access to 911 and emergency services wherever they may find themselves!

And as someone who hates contracts (of any kind especialy cellular, and cable!), after testing my Zact Mobile plan and Samsung Galaxy SIII close to a full month now I can tell you if you want the ease of a no hassle contract, and the reliability of 4G, then look no further! Visit a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store where you can actually test devices and get any questions you may have about Zact answered by their exclusive retail partner! (You can also nab it online directly HERE)

ABOUT ZACT MOBILE/BENEFITS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zact Mobile works off the Sprint Cellular and Data Network

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Provides Customers with Nationwide Coverage

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - à la carte service that lets users pick their voice, text and data plans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You only pay for what you use, can re-adjust your plan at anytime during the month, that means butterflies that there are NO OVERAGES!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You Get MONEY BACK and are given money back toward your next month's bill if you don't use all of your service

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The average bill with Zact is $22 per month

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Plans start at $3.49 per month with a $4.99 monthly line fee

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zact plans are 'shareable', multiple users can share the same pool of talk, text and data

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Parents can set allowances on the amount of talk, text and data used on the device, set curfews for usage and set allowed or blocked contacts and control just which apps your child has access to


Check out the Video:

ABOUT THE DEVICE/Samsung Galaxy SIII:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smart Stay - the screen maintains a bright display as long you are a looking at it

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Social Tag - keeps track of your loved ones, a glance at your friends' photos will show you their current Social Networking Status

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Direct Call - If you are sending a text message but decide to call instead simply lift the phone to your ear and it will dial your friend's number automatically

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - S Voice - Responds to YOU - tell the phone to wake up, answer an incoming call or take a photo

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smart Alert - If you have been away from the phone or it was on the charger for awhile, it will give you a vibrating nudge to let you know you have a message or missed call

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - S Beam - Place two Samsung Galaxy SIII's back-to-back and you can transfer pictures, music, videos and more! (So with the Zact being an amazing family share mobile plan, couple the plan with this device that you can pick up your nearest Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store and it's the perfect device and plan for a big family, especially one that is always on the go!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buddy Photo Share - the phone recognizes your friend's faces and it can share photos with them instantly.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Allshare Cast - You can beam photos or videos or even the game you are playing on the big screen TV while your phone doubles as the controller

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AllShare Play - share documents and multimedia even when you are away from your computer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 4.8 HD Super AMOLED high definition display

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pop up play - do two things at once watch HD Videos as you email or text

How to get them both:

With 414 stores nationwide a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store is literally as close as your local mall or neighborhood shopping center! They focus on mobile devices, so if the latest tablet or smartphone is on your radar for this holiday season, checking them out in store allows you to get a true feel for the device. The staff is highly trained and they are NON-COMISSIONED so their focus is helping you determine which device and plan is right for YOU and your needs!

BEST PART: At a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store they offer a complimentary 'Walk Out Working' program. They will set up and activate your new phone, as well as transfer your contacts and data. It doesn't get easier than this my friends!

MY TAKE:

As you guys probably know I've had a lot of devices that don't play nice with wi-fi or the device was smart, but my plan was not, this is the first time in a long time where both my plan and device have been able to keep up with me! I don't like being locked into any plan, I have never done it and now with Zact Mobile I will never have to, I will literally only pay for what I actually use. I avoid texting like the plague and love that I can opt out of it completely or pick the lowest amount of texts, it's data that I need most on a mobile device as they come along with me to events where I need to sometimes live tweet or blog. While as you guys now I am NOT a mom, I am an Aunt and a former Special Education Teacher, I have dealt with tons of young adults and teens and I do think that Zact Mobile is an amazing family plan! In fact, while my sister butterfly is a super hard sell, I'm thinking this plan might turn her around on getting niece and nephew butterflies their own smartphone. I love the safety factor of them always being able to reach family when they need us.

I had of course tried to activate my new device online, but there was a bit of a complication with my number transfer (I had just got a new batch of cards so I needed to transfer my number, so what? Don't Judge Me! LOL) so I did actually experience Zact's Customer Service, and they were phenomenal! In fact I had emailed them, but being the impatient one that I am, I decided to call shortly after sending the email, the rep that answered was actually the person answering my email so he immediately referred to me by name before I even gave it actually, Color me impressed! Now that's service!

I haven't completed the first full month yet (almost there though!), so I don't know yet how my actual usage will compare to what I think I use per month, and I am interested to find out how my bill will actually average out and will keep you guys posted of course!

Don't forget to let Best Buy Mobile, Zact Mobile and Samsung know that you saw them featured here on Ascending Butterfly! Who knows, maybe we can get them to come back and do something fun for my lovely butterflies!

Butterfly are you purchasing a smartphone for anyone on your list this year?

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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! Ascending Butterfly was provided with a Samsung Galaxy S3 Smartphone and 4-month Zact Mobile Service Plan for editorial consideration. This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy and Zact Mobile. 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: You don't have to spend a million to look like a million + Get Rewarded with @CVS_Extra #DivinaLatina #DivinaLBC

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Unilever and Latina Bloggers Connect.

Butterflies 'Holidays Madness' has begun and you know what that means right? Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve! Family, friends and if you have them 'In-Law's' visiting (this butterfly is blissfully single and thankfully does NOT have to worry about In-Laws!). There is a lot of preparation that goes into the holiday season, getting your home ready, preparing elaborate meals, and of course power shopping - where are you trying to get the most for your money without breaking the bank!

What can easily get neglected in this scenario of trimming trees, getting the house 'visitor ready' and shopping for gifts for everyone else is your skincare routine. But this is also the season of Holiday Parties both personal and the office party, decking the halls and it all culminates with the end of year bash of all bashes, New Years Eve. You definitely want to feel Red Carpet Ready on New Years Eve. 

There is actually sense in the superstition of getting dressed up each year on New Year's Eve, the way you greet the New Year tends to set the tone for the year itself. How do you want 2014 to find YOU this year? I can tell you this year is not finding me in 'Shlumpadinka' mode, and I have a strong feeling you feel the exact same way!

You can wear a million dollar ballgown and if your hair looks like a rats nest and your face looks puffy and tired you are NOT going to feel your best. You do not have to spend a million to look and feel like a million!

There are Drugstore Brands that are staples in most homes for a reason, and as a Beauty Blogger I try a ton of products and use them as a gauge for what type of stuff works best for me, but best believe when it comes time to buy I'm looking for the same results for less just like everyone else!

CVS sent over some new faves to add my beauty arsenal:

Ponds and TRESemme are certainly not new to me, but the particular products I was sent are! The women in my family have amazing skin and the first thing they taught me was that an ounce of prevention when it comes to skincare is worth a pound of cure. They taught me to keep my skin hydrated, and even in my teen years when acne was definitely a factor they still made sure I didn't let my skin get stripped or dried out by acne care products and I am super thankful for that now.

I have always washed off all makeup every night, but recently I have been trying to incorporate night creams into my routine, I am trying out the Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream with AHAs and Collagen, while they recommend using it twice per day, I prefer to use this one as a night cream. With demands on my time being increasingly crazy and my days getting longer and longer I do find using a night cream consistently is showing great results with my skin. And I have had people asking me what I'm doing lately so I'm counting on you to keep it top secret! Because of the AHAs I do suggest you follow the packaging instructions and use Rejuveness approximately 15 minutes after cleansing your face to avoid a 'tingling' sensation.

I am new to the Keratin craze so I haven't tested enough products to give you guys a definitive on which one for me is 'the one' but I am enjoying TRESemme Keratin Infusing Smoothing Serum. TRESemme is one of my oldest preferred Drugstore Favorites and I'm glad I was able to try this out as I flat iron often and my hair does need the extra protection as my ends get fried pretty quickly from the double combo of blow drying and flat iron.

So what do "Divina Latina" products have to do with YOU?

GET REWARDED:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Red Carpet Ready Every Day with Divina Latina Products that are available at CVS/pharmacy and are eligible for ExtraBucks Rewards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Every $50 spent on Beauty Products at CVS/Pharmacy gets you $5 ExtraBucks rewards! (and I can easily spend more than $50 on my average visit to the pharmacy, like most retail locations, you go in for one thing and end up with tons of other stuff, so at least get rewarded for it!)

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" the Divina Latina Facebook Page to keep track of current promotions!

MY TAKE:

You know I always say Beauty starts from within, and at this time of year the chaos can easily make you lose track of both. So butterflies get in your daily meditation time and don't lose track of your skincare routine in all the holiday insanity. You want to prepare to start this upcoming year with good routines already in place to be the best you that you possibly can be! And with a little help from CVS and the Divina Latina Collection of Unilever Products you can take good care of the outside and be your most beautiful and radiant holiday self!

Which Unilever Brand is YOUR personal favorite Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Unilever, Divina Latina, CVS and Latina Bloggers Connect. 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: Is furthering your Education part of your 2014 Long Term Goals? Find out how to score a 10K Scholarship to do just that! #spon

#ad: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Scholarships 4 Moms

I for one have been in 2014 planning mode for awhile now. Both long and short term goals are swirling around my head. From personal to professional there are a myriad of goals I have set for myself and a new year is the ideal time to begin working on them.

I worked three part time jobs and had landed a few merit scholarships to cover my College Tuition. It wasn't easy, but I know the sacrifices I made to pursue to my degree were very much worth it. Post College was a whirlwind of work and I shelved my Master's Degree dream because I was on a career path that kept me very busy.

I want to go back. I want to pursue a Master's, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm probably busier now then I was right after College, but despite having way more on my plate, I am not going to let anything, including this lousy economy stand in my way. I have never let any obstacle stand in the way of something I really want for myself.

5 Tips for any Adult Considering Returning to College:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Choose a Degree that is PROFITABLE - Adults have less time to experiment and knowing which Degree is 'profitable' in the long run is going to be half the battle won!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - STEM initiatives (acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are not just for younger students! Educations focusing on the Technical and Scientific Fields are actually a bit easier to find Scholarships for. I am NOT saying it will be easy to land them, but there is a bigger need especially for women in these fields and there are scholarships out there geared to students who wish to pursue a scientific or technical career!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exhaust all options as 2013 acceptance rates showed heightened School Selectivity. It's even harder for Adult returning students to compete for those Golden Acceptance Letters, you need to be creative and exhaust as many options as possible.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Consider Distance Learning. Who said the only way to get a Degree is to attend an actual campus? Your dining room table can be your study hall, with a Distance Learning Degree, College comes to YOU on your schedule whenever, wherever.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Start with what you already know - Sit with a counselor or academic advisor to find out how your real world experience may translate into credits toward your degree. Your experience and maturity is actually an ADVANTAGE not a dis-advantage!

$10,000 Scholarship 4 Moms Sweepstakes:

Exhausting every possible option for funding is just plain smart! How about the chance to win $10K to return to school?

Benefits of entering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Essay to complete!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No GPA Score Required to Participate!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Short Registration Form!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $10,000 to put toward the start of your DREAMS!

Instead of asking Why? Ask Why Not?

Are you still here?

WIN IT:

Visit HERE and enter for your chance to win $10,000 to put toward your Degree! If you are a mom all I can say is this, aside from your children, your degree is the second biggest job with sacrifices you'll ever love and NEVER regret! Go for it! (I always say before any entering any competition, check out the Official Rules first!)

MY TAKE:

As a Career and Life Coach I can tell you that a Degree is a must! Hiring Managers in this economy can be way more selective, and if you don't have a degree (as a former recruiter) I can tell you a hiring manager is going to lean toward the candidate who has that Degree!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Scholarships 4 Moms and Mom Bloggers Club. 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: I get rewarded just for making someone smile, do YOU? #HallmarkCardRewards

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect.

I get rewarded just for making those I know and love smile! Just for letting them know I was thinking of them! Something I do even when it's not a particularly special occasion. I love to celebrate everyday moments and victories with friends and families, not just the major milestones! I learned the hard way last year that everyday moments are 'the special moments'! And I love the look on a friend or family member's face when I surprise them with a 'real card'. The smile on my niece or my nephew butterfly faces when I send them a card in the mail just because they got an A on a 'hard test' or won an award for team sports is priceless!

I actually get rewarded TWICE (but please don't tell them that!). The first is for the happiness that my card gives them, and the second is via Hallmark Rewards! Yes that's right, you get rewarded for buying cards! NICE, verdad? (verdad? = right?) :-) So if I go in and buy cards for co-workers, friends and family and I purchase at or about 50 individual cards (this is for individual cards, not boxed sets) I get one reward for every 5 cards I buy; so if I nab 50 cards, I'll end up with 10 rewards that I can use for either Lands End, Applebee's, Omaha Steaks and Cherry Moon Farms! Pretty sweet deal!

Get the lowdown on Hallmark Card Rewards:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get rewarded everywhere you buy Hallmark Cards at more than 30,000 grocery stores, drug stores, and supermarkets across the U.S. for selecting individual cards and NOT for boxed greetings!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earn 1 reward for every 5 Hallmark Cards Purchased. Rewards include gift cards, discounts, dollars off, and more from rewards partners including: Starbucks, Nike, Applebee's, Land's End, Omaha Steaks and many others!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Download the Hallmark Card Rewards mobile app (for Android and iPhone) to easily scan the bar-code on the back of your purchased Hallmark Cards and register your rewards for your account.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Register today for Hallmark Card Rewards at http://bit.ly/1hK3ijP

Hallmark has been a Holiday Tradition for my family as my mom would buy a new holiday ornament at various Hallmark locations during her travels in and out of the city, it's a ritual we still do to this day! We like to get collectible ornaments especially and each year we run over to get the next ornament in several series we are collecting for our tree! Our tree decorations are NOT complete until we add this year's newest store ornament!

One of our favorite types of ornaments to collect are the carousel horses, Hallmark always gets great ones and a new one each year, I have this one, it's one of my favorites:

Photo Credit: Coppertonlane.com

Another of our favorites are the Hallmark Holiday Barbie Collector's Series Ornaments, here is one I'd like to add to my growing collection:

Photo Credit: Highwire.com

Hallmark is a special part of my holidays year after year! 

BUTTERFLIES: what is your favorite gift to buy at Hallmark or do you just focus on cards? (Either Way, be sure to get rewarded for your purchases!) 

If anyone saves up enough rewards, I LOVE Applebees riblets by the way! So if you save up enough you treat to dinner OK? Wink! WInk! :-)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect. 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.

Highlights and #Photos from the @hayariparis Parfum Launch @HenriBendel #NewYorkCity

Who is that woman in your life? You know the decidedly feminine one with a vanity not filled with a ton of 'cheap' scents but one classic one? One Vanity worthy beautiful bottle of her signature scent?

The women in my family all have very different senses of style, but are all very feminine and in many ways romantics at heart. As a girl I used to love watching my Mom get ready to go out, I was amazed by her ritual which always ended with her 'walking into' her scent.

As for me, it's hard to find a women's fragrance that doesn't go over the top with the florals to prove it's feminine and that has always been my biggest issue with women's fragrance. What use is beautiful packaging if the fragrance inside doesn't meet the mark?

Creating a fragrance is an art, finding your signature scent is certainly a journey, and the memories you create wearing it is the icing on the cake as far as I'm concerned!

I recently had the opportunity to attend the launch of Hayari Parfums Paris debut at fine shopping retailer Henri Bendel in New York City. I knew if the House of 'Hayari Couture' was behind this trio of luxury fragrances that the packaging would certainly be beautiful and it did not disappoint, but what stands out is how ultra-feminine the trio really is. They are feminine in a way that harkens to old world romance, back to true sensuality, not just the sexuality that is used to sell everything under the sun now a days!

Table Display at Henri Bendel Hayari Parfums Launch Event in New York City

About the Parfums:

Hayari Parfums Paris: Left: Goldy,  Center: Only for Her,  Right: Broderie

The Scents Individually:

Hayari Parfums Paris, Only For Her

About Only For Her:

Created by 'the nose' behind 3 of Killian's perfumes, this unique scent pays homage to French Classic Elegance!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Notes: Freesia, Grapefruit

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Middle Notes: Magnolia, White Peony

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli, Vanilla

Hayari Parfums Paris, Broderie

About Broderie:

The inspiration for this fragrance (my personal favorite of the trio by the way) is embroidery and lace, which designer Nabil Hayari of the House of Hayari uses within his collections as they are the most elegant and glamorous of textiles. (I have a strong feeling my Grand-Mother would have loved this one as much as I do as her embroidery was very much top notch and she would have loved the back story on this scent!). I am also very partial to the Sandalwood and Amber combo!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Notes: Mandarin, Peach

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Middle Notes: Lys, Gardenia, Incense

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Notes: Sandalwood, Patchouli Oil, Amber

Hayari Parfums Paris, Goldy

About Goldy:

This is a woody-powdery fragrance created by the nose behind Amouage Memoir Women inspired by glamorous vintage couture (which of course speaks to Nabil Hayari's background as a Couture Fashion Designer!). This is the scent that I received and as I love White Jasmine, Sandalwood and Cedarwood I do like Goldy (but I am a bit more partial to the way Broderie 'dies down' on my body chemistry), Goldy really does marry a combination of singular elements well, it is actually even parts Woody, Powdery and a subtle warm Oriental all at once which means your chemistry may play up one element more than the others, for some reason this one on me remains powdery making it very playful and soft so don't be put off by the 'woody-powder' description it really isn't too much of one or the other but a very smart marriage of the two!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Notes: Mugwort, Rosemary

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Middle Notes: White Jasmine, Narcissus, Orange Blossom

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Notes: Sandalwood, Musk, Cedarwood

Nabil Hayari debuts Hayari Parfums Paris at Henri Bendel in New York City

About The Designer, Nabil Hayari:

Drawn to the world of Fashion at a very early age, Mr. Hayari decided to create his own label in 2009, with a mission of bringing to life the type of gowns women dream of wearing. He has dressed Top Models and Princesses, and now with his line of fragrances in their 'blossom' designed packaging combining the faceting of jewels with the softness of a flower opening, he brings his sense of luxe fashion design to the world of fine fragrance.

At the launch at Henri Bendel's in New York City (The Fifth Avenue Boutique being the home of trendy fashionista's in New York) one of his beautiful gowns was also featured, here are photos from the launch:

Nabil Hayari debuts Hayari Parfums Paris at Henri Bendel in New York City, Isn't this Couture Gown lovely?

Nabil Hayari debuts Hayari Parfums Paris at Henri Bendel in New York City pictured with Team Butterfly! Left: ME! Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly!

My Take:

These are all ultra-feminine, sensual and romantic fragrances that are Vanity Worthy to say the least! These luxe scents are a must for holiday gift giving. (Although any occassion like a birthday and certainly for Valentine's Day would work too!).

There was no time to get this in our Holiday Buying Guide for a giveaway, but hopefully we can bring you something fun for our annual Valentine's 'Love' Guide in February! In the meantime don't forget to get social using the links below and let them know you saw Hayari Parfums Paris featured on Ascending Butterfly and that you'd love to see a reader giveaway soon!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @hayariparis on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @HenriBendel on Twitter too!

Butterflies, Which scent resonates with you most? Why?

Bloggers, as usual, I'm not so Wordless, but please feel free to link up your Wordless Wednesday Photo's as a comment to this post so we can all visit your site today too!

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own. A sample of Goldy Parfum by Hayari was 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

{#Giveaway} @Ascending1 & @ToiletTreeProd want to stuff your stocking with the Professional #Skincare System! 3 Winners!

How about a gift you can't quite put a price on? Confidence. Self-Esteem. Both are boosted when you put your best face forward. And putting it forward everyday with or without cosmetics is what it's all about! Good skincare is at the core of your self-esteem, and while good cosmetics help you hide things, good skincare helps you enhance everything!

Exfoliation is wonderful for the skin but some exfoliation products can be too harsh or even cause tiny abrasions in the skin. All makeup does is go into those abrasions, it doesn't take them away! You have to be super careful about the frequency you exfoliate and what you use.

I love skin scrubbing brushes but had very bad luck with a well known brush on the market constantly konking out on me before the 60 day mark. And when customer service and social media was less than helpful in getting an exchange, I became a bit dis-heartened about using them. But I did miss the benefits!

And as you guys know I'm all in when it comes to trying out new exfoliators, I love what exfoliation does for my skin! And one of my favorite 'pros' when it comes to exfoliation brushes is that they have a brush for face and one for the body as well, and they even have a pumice stone attachment to do your feet!

When I found out ToiletTree Products had a skincare brush I HAD to try it! I have the fogless shower mirror and it's one of my all-time favorite things (in case you missed that review you can check it out HERE), I can tell you their products are definitely built to last and always perform as promised!

I opted to wait a full 90 days before posting a review on this one as I had such bad luck with the pricier systems dying out on me, and I can tell you this one is still going strong. I love that this one is battery operated so it's always ready to go and a great option for travel as you don't have to worry about converters!

About The ToiletTree Products Professional Skincare System (+ benefits):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Includes: 2 face exfoliators (1 soft for sensitive skin & 1 medium for normal skin), 1 body exfoliator and 1 pumice sphere.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rotating Facial and Body Brushes Provide Deep Cleansing and Exfoliating

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Reduces the appearance of problem areas such as: oily skin, dry patches, fine lines, blemishes, visible pores, blackheads and wrinkles

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ideal for both the preparation and removal of cosmetics

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - gentle massaging action helps stimulate new skin cell production, creating firmer & healthy glowing skin

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - cleanses deep to remove stubborn makeup

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - improves skin clarity and appearance

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - removes dead skin cells to expose healthy looking skin

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - enhances absorption of moisturizers

My Take:

This system is perfect for literally everyone on your list! Who doesn't want healthy, glowing and radiant skin? Hard to shop for? CHECK. Teens? CHECK. Men or Women? Check, Check! I can't imagine anyone on your list these wouldn't suit, and the regular price on these won't break the bank! They are actually super budget friendly and do the job as effectively as their pricier (and not so often reliable) counterparts! I LOVE mine, and when I told my friends at ToiletTree Products just how much I love mine and how much I thought YOU would love it too, they decided to join in the fun and offer 3 lucky Butterflies the chance to win The Professional Skin Care System in the color of YOUR choice! WOOT!

Win It:

As always our main entry is easy, peasy nice and breezy! So throw in an entry using rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This giveaway is being sponsored by Toilet Tree Products, prize fulfillment will be handled directly by sponsor. Ascending Butterfly and giveaway sponsors are not responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. One entry per Household. No Purchase Necessary. Entrants must be 18 years of age or older at the time of entry and reside in the United States. All opinions are 100% my own. A Professional Skincare System was 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.