{Spring Cleaning}: Get your house @BISSELLclean by TOSSING your mop and broom! @BestBuy #BissellatBestBuy

I absolutely hate taking care of floors, first the sweeping, followed by lugging a heavy pail and mop around, are so NOT my idea of fun. My flooring is inconsistent (which of course doesn't help matters), some is hardwood (un-treated hardwood to boot so sometimes it eats the broom straw and the mop fibers), some laminate and some tile, making it a monotonous and time-consuming undertaking.

I'm all for saving both time and money, and finding a product that helps me to do both is the closest to 'cleaning nirvana' there is! and some additional research on where to buy the product can also yield some extra and unexpected benefits!

About BISSELL Symphony All in One Vacuum and Steam Mop:

What's in the Box? When you purchase it at Best Buy here is what you can expect:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 Symphony All in One Vacuum and Steam Mop

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 4 Microfiber Mop Pads (2 soft, 2 Scrubby) - the pads utilize Microban antimicrobial Protection to help you fight odor-causing bacteria

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 Water Filter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 Water Cup

Product Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easily clean your floors (including hardwood!) with the only product to vacuum AND steam at the same time in one easy motion

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Allows you to skip using harsh chemicals (perfect for those with severe allergies, sensitivities and Ashthma) because you use just water to eliminate 99.9% of germs and bacteria - clean and sanitize naturally!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to use: With Easy Touch Digital Controls, 5-way adjustable handle and a Quick-Release Mop Pad Tray, you'll literally power through your Spring Cleaning in no time!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dry Tank Technology keeps your tank dry while you steam

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 year limited warranty

{Discount Alert} Purchase the BISSELL - Symphony Bagless 2-in-1 Upright Vacuum/Steam Mop by pressing on the image above! And if you use the online code BISSELLSYMPHONY you will receive a FREE pack of mop pads! (This code is only valid online as the microfiber mop pads are NOT sold in Best Buy Retail Stores!)

MY TAKE:

I LOVE not having to use extra chemicals to get my floor clean, and in this case, not just clean - but clean AND Sanitized! The microfiber pads can be removed and tossed into the washing machine, so you not just save time with it allowing you to vacuum and mop at the same time, but you also save money on not having to run out and buy replacement pads so often (not to mention not having to buy additional chemical cleaners!) - you save both time, AND Money! What's not to love about that?

Are you ready to ditch your mop and broom butterfly? How is your Spring Cleaning Coming Along?


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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post. This post also contains affiliate links. 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. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of the Best Buy Ambassador Blogging Program, all opinions expressed here are all my own.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Today is: ________________ #Fillintheblankfriday Fun via @Ascending1

TGIF Butterflies! 

It's Fill in the Blank Friday on Social Media and I thought it would be fun for our community to play along!

Today Is: 
_______________________________

GIRLS NIGHT OUT FOR THIS BUTTERFLY!

Post a comment with your answer!

Have a wonderful weekend Butterflies and I can't wait to read your answers!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

#ad: @officedepot & @Adopt_classroom are helping teachers and so can YOU! (+ win a #giftcard!) #TeachersChangeLives #CGC

My favorite teacher was my High School English Teacher, Mr. McKinnon, every semester I signed up for one of his classes, my favorite was his creative writing class. He strongly believed to become a better writer you need to read a lot of everything. And throughout High School he literally brought literature to life for me. His lessons went well beyond the classroom.

Below is a picture of me with my all time favorite teacher:

Sorry it's so blurry, this was pre-digital days and not a DSLR camera. By my last semester I had completed most of my required classes and took a service class with Mr. McKinnon so I spent a period each day helping my favorite teacher, but mostly picking his brain, he spent his summers and sabbatical in Hawaii and I was fascinated with all the great stories he told me about living out there. The day this picture was taken was Senior Year and the last day of school, and while I was all smiles I knew I'd miss Mr. K!

But he did give me lessons I took with me. That same year I went on to teach in my Church, I was pretty young and was assigned the Special Education class. I did have moments of doubt, wondering if I was up to the task. I had different ages, grade levels and had no idea how I'd get each student on the same page, but I remembered my favorite teacher and knew the only way I had a shot was by making learning fun.

Here is a photo of me and my class:

One of my students was actually taller than me, and he is seated in this picture! I think they probably saw me more as a big sister than a teacher. While teaching was one of my most rewarding jobs, after College I switched gears and with my Degree in Mass Media Communications in hand, I went from writing for Newspapers, to Local News on Television, and then oddly back to print again, working for several well known Magazines for a time.

The one thing I do remember is just how much teachers have to spend to operate their classrooms, and sadly these are expenses that are not reimbursed. Teachers just don't make enough money to have to constantly dip into their own pockets to supply their classroom's basic needs.

DID YOU KNOW?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Teachers Spend Money Every Year out of their own pocket, especially in under-funded areas

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Adopt-A-Classroom is a nonprofit organization that helps connects donors with teachers

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom have partnered to raise awareness about teachers and all that they do in the lives of students.

Office Depot and Adopt-A-Classroom traveled the country to uncover stories of teachers going above and beyond. As I live in Bronx, New York I was stoked to find a teacher in my local community that is being highligted, Chris Emdin. He is a science educator who incorporates hip hop into classroom material to help students see science in a different way.  Here is a video of Mr. Emdin in action:




You can donate to Chris Emdin or any teacher in your community, and if you are a teacher you can also register your classroom, with these simple steps:

How to Register Your Classroom as a Teacher:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit the Teachers Change Lives Website
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Click on the red box that says "Register Your Classroom", this will take you to the Adopt-A-Classroom website and Follow the rest of the steps.

How to Donate to A Teacher:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit the Teachers Change Lives Website
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Click on the Teal Colored box that says "Donate to a Teacher" and Follow the rest of the steps.

Win a $500 Gift Card For You AND Your Favorite Teacher!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Visit the Teachers Change Lives Website
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Scroll down the page to the blue box that reads "Enter to win a $500 Gift Card For You And Your Favorite Teacher" - Fill in the First Name then Last Name and press "Get Started" - it's that easy! Enter to be one of five lucky winners! HURRY! The deadline to enter is May 4th! (also check out the 'give 5% back to your school (on select supply purchases)' initiative!

MY TAKE:

I've experienced the joy of learning from a great teacher, and in the short time I was a teacher I hope I was able to inspire my students, because they certainly inspired me. Teaching Special Education was difficult but rewarding, I learned how to sign so I could communicate with my deaf students.

I personally think Teachers are our biggest heroes and they don't get thanked nearly enough. I am going to enter, and if I am lucky enough to win, one of my local schools will definitely be getting the Office Depot Card inside a Thank You Card for all they do for our students every single day!

What teacher or classroom will you donate to if you are selected as a winner?


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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post. 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. I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

Find out why Ascending Butterfly recommends following the Butterfly for 'Happy Feet' @AlegriaNation!

Nothing puts the motivation in my Monday faster than a good pep in my step. And while I had no idea that my love of butterflies would become a blog or a brand for me, I do know that following the butterfly has never led me wrong yet.

I'm an April baby and while everyone thinks the 'season of renewal', after many years of soggy birthdays, I have learned the hard way about 'April Showers bringing May Flowers'. Meaning I want to keep my feet dry, but don't necessarily need boots with fur anymore and that's exactly where Alegria Shoes come in. Not just any shoes, but the shoes with the butterfly on them.

If like me you thought Alegria was all 'Nursing Shoes' I urge you to take another look at their website, they are not just for Nurses.

I got to try out the Alegria Cami Mahogany Boot:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine Mahogany Leather
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buckle Straps at the Calf and Ankle to allow for a custom fit
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leather Covered insole let's your feet naturally breathe
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cork, Memory Foam & Latex footbed, form to the natural contours of your foot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Removable Footbed
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hand sewn, Dri Lex Lining
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Arch Support
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Roomy Toe Box
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heel Height: 1 1/4 in.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Platform Height: 1/2 in.

MY TAKE:

These are super comfortable, I actually broke them in during a weekend away in Atlantic City and I usually never break in new shoes when traveling there because I know I will be doing more walking than usual. My feet didn't hurt at the end of the day, and I had tons of people asking me about them. Whenever I go to an event I tend to wear something that has a butterfly on it, (usually jewelry) and now I get to add my footwear to the mix which is fun. I love the arch support on these because that's one of the things I actually need the most. I love that these are comfort footwear but don't really look like it. The Buckles give it a hard edge and then the butterfly lends it a more feminine vibe. I'm not going to be happy when the weather warms up so much that I will have to put these away.

These definitely get a 10 butterfly rating out of 10 for hitting it right out the park: comfort (check), stylish (check), BUTTERFLY (check plus, plus!).

And as my fellow Latinas already know, 'Alegria' means happiness, and who doesn't want happy feet?

Are you already a member of the Alegria Nation? If so, which is your favorite pair? Don't forget to tweet @AlegriaNation and tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly! (Apologies for no giveaway this time around, hopefully they can come back for something fun for Spring/Summer!)


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however the Alegria Cami Mahogany Boot was provided to us for editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

A peek at the must have #Beauty Brands that @beautypress #Spotlight Day put on my radar

Beauty Press Spotlight Day has quickly become one of my favorite Press Events to attend in New York City. They have helped me discover Beauty Brands that are completely new to me or new products from old favorites as well as one-to-one time directly with the brands, oftentimes with the Founders of the Brand which is certainly a rare treat.

On such a cold day, these signs of Spring were certainly a site for sore eyes!

So Backsplash shots aka 'Step and Repeats' are becoming the norm at most events, and despite the fact I have been blogging for a long time now, I have always been camera shy, but they got me coming in! LOL

Right: Ascending Butterfly - Rocking one of my favorite jackets from Wilson's Leather, that green color always cheers me up!

After the backsplash my first stop was something warm and Filicori Zecchini Coffee was just what the Doctor ordered! They warmed me up and perked me up!

They have a location on 46th and Madison so if you are in the area you should definitely stop by!

Ceci Cela Patisserie

We were super lucky that Ceci Cela Patisserie brought the French cafe experience directly from NYC's Nolita neighborhood right to us, as their sweet delights paired perfectly with our coffee.

Ceci Cela Patisserie Pastries Display at BeautyPress Spotlight Day February 2014 - All I can say is that everything tasted as good as it looks!

I normally get so wrapped up at events that I end up invariably having to skip the Beauty Treatments because the lines are long, so for once I opted to think about ME first for a change. And I signed up for a Blow Out with the lovely team at Blo Blow Dry Bar! I felt like a superstar afterwards:

A great blow out always makes my day so much brighter!

Blo is North America's Original Blow Dry Bar. They started in 2007 with one vital question 'Why isn't there a place for quick, affordable catwalk-quality blow outs?', they now have 39 locations across North America. My neighborhood doesn't have one and certainly needs one, hmm....Maybe I went for Beauty and will come out thinking about inquiring on my own Franchise!

Even Mama Butterfly got in on the fun and as you can tell she loved her Blow Out too!

I figured I'd keep the hair theme after my blow out and hit the Dear Clark booth:

Let's face it, how could I pass up a 'Hair Revival'?

Stylists Holly Dear and Kaycee Clark (Dear Clark, get it?) created this range of effective, natural based and locally sourced products to help bring stressed hair back to life. With ingredients from the deep heart of the Lone Star State and a signature scent crafted from pure and powerful essential oils and one that as a Latina I am quite familiar with:

One of the ingredients Dear Clark uses in their haircare products is Rose of Jericho, known as 'the Resurrection Flower'

One of their ingredients is Rose of Jericho, known as 'the Resurrection Flower', it survives years in West Texas desert yet regenerating instantly when water is present, as a haircare ingredient it delivers amazing hydration and anti-aging properties too!

Following right along with the Haircare theme I had to visit the team behind Design Essentials, because even though I blow it out, I have naturally wavy hair and I like to keep up with thelatest products for my hair type!

On their website you can purchase Hair Care Packages specifically based on your hair concerns which saves time and eliminates the guessing behind which products will work best for your hair needs.

I am a big fan of monthly box subscriptions that allow you to try out a variety of new products and figure out which work best for you before you commit to a full size, one of the fun takeaways from BeautyPress Spotlight Day this time around was the CurlKit box that contained a ton of goodies for curly and natural hair (mine included: III Sisters of Nature Spiral Pudding, U R Curly Still Control for edges (free of alcohol, parabens, sulfates, silicones, and Dyes and enriched with Abyssinian Oil), Hante Textures Tea Tree Conditioner with Peppermint Oil (Detangles, Hydrates and Stimulates Scalp), Honey Hair Mask Detangling Deep Conditioner, Hante Textures Hair & Skin Butter, An assortment of products from NothingButHairCare.com, Pooka Sandalwood Rose Body Oil, and Mixed Chicks Trial and Travel Pack)

Before switching out of Hair themed products I thought a cocktail just might be in order and decided I'd try "The Gojipolitan":

The Gojipolitan includes Fresh Goji Berries, FAIR Quinoa Vodka, FAIR Goji Liquer, Triple Sec and Fresh Lemon Juice, it is DELICIOUS!!!

I wish there was 'tastovision' so I could share one of these with you. I had no idea that a Quinoa Vodka would taste so good!

Tasting Notes:

"Clear very neutral aromas and flavors suggest cream, cake and minerals with a very soft, dryish light-to-medium body and exquisitely smooth custard, dried fruit, and limestone accented finish. A superbly silky, elegant, and delicious Vodka that is fantastic on it's own and will be perfect in cocktails"

Fair Spirits. Fair Trade. FAIR Quinoa Vodka is bottled in France.

Have you ever wanted Beauty Mark? How about one you can move and remove? The team at Beauty Mark showed off their temporary Beauty Marks, I'm thinking a Butterfly Beauty Mark should be created just for Ascending Butterfly!

Absolute New York/NickaK New York is a contemporary beauty brand founded in the heart of New York, and they were showing off their temporary Beauty Marks.

Clique by Roble was back again at BeautyPress Spotlight Day:

This time they brought along some wonderful Body Butters to go with their fragrance (which we covered before HERE). I am LOVING this Body Butter, it is super thick and a little goes a long way. The scent is sweet but not clawing and really lasts, you could wear it alone quite frankly or layer it by wearing the fragrance in conjunction. I love this Body Butter right after a hot shower when my skin is still slightly damp and warm, it helps the body butter spread easier and just sinks into the skin.

I'm an Argan Oil Fanatic, so I was super happy to meet the team at DermOrganic, who sent us home with a full size collection of their products including: Soapless Facial Cleanser with Moroccan Argan Extract (purifies, clarifies and moisturizes), Hand and Body Moisture Lotion, 100% Pure Argan Oil Organic Moisturizer for hair and skin, and a Facial Moisturizer also with Moroccan Argan Extract in a sheer formula that absorbs quickly.

I share their motto: Minimal Ingredients. Maximum Benefits. They are Vegan, and NO Animal Testing!

I would definitely love to try their haircare next!

For Wordless Wednesday I gave you guys a sneak peek at the brand I met next, Dolluxe:

Dolluxe includes several brands including Gothic Lolita Wigs, RockStar Wigs, and Cosplay Wigs.

We got to go home with the fun eyelashes that will help turn this butterfly into a living doll:

I'm thinking some of their RockStar Wigs would be adorable for Coachella this weekend!

And although I am pretty well blessed in the Melanin Department I got to meet the team behind Fake Bake and their products are definitely brilliant to help you keep that sun kissed glow year round!

And my pals tell me Fake Bake is the new pantyhose! Instead of wearing hosiery in the summer many of my pals use this instead.

The LASHEM Brand also showed off a wide variety of products, and sent us home with a cute kit that included their False Eyelashes, Instant Lash Extensions with RegenaLash (For Longer Lashes and Fuller Brows in just 4-6 weeks), Lipo Lotion Tummy Toning and Cellulite Smoothing System (Designed to Diminish Dimples and Tone Skin), and Liquid Eyeliner with Lash Enhancing Serum.

I would love to try their new Ultrasonic Beauty Massager that is to be used in conjunction with the Lipo Lotion to help speed up the results!

Don't you love when you are wearing a fragrance that makes total strangers approach you just to ask you what you are wearing? Prepare for the onslaught with one of my favorite discoveries at this BeautyPress Spotlight Day, Spadaro Luxury Fragrances.

I love all the scents, but our editors favorite was definitely Doux Amour! A rare blend of floral essences - Ylang Ylang, Casablanca Lily, Moroccan Jasmine, Patchouli, Rare Amber, Sandalwood and a sheer veil of Vanilla - it's just an absolutely beautiful fragrance! The founder, Kim Spadaro, whose mom encouraged her creativity while her travels inspired her fragrances, donates a portion of the proceeds of Spadaro Products to The Spadaro Foundation which was created as a tribute to Kim's Mom who passed away on 1/1/11.

My Take:

Beauty Press delivered a great mix of brands I know and trust and brands that were new to me in an environment that is always conducive to not only networking but getting in those questions and one-on-one time that I find truly invaluable. While I still very much have to attend tradeshows, I find that Spotlight Days feel less like 'work' and more like a discovery zone which I appreciate. There were some brands that showed support with gift bag inclusions that weren't in attendance including Adovia, Foreo, Niki Saint Pierre Botanical Cosmeceuticals, Seaflora and South Beach Skin Solutions, as I use these products I will give them their own day in the sun in an upcoming post so stay tuned!

Butterflies which brand resonates most with you? Which one would you most like to try? Let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly so we can hopefully come back with something fun for YOU too!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Beauty Press Network. This is NOT a compensated post, it is an event recap. This is NOT a sponsored post 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

@beautypress @RockStarWigs @CosplayWigs @lolitawigs @DolluxeUSA Bring out the purdy lil Easter Bunny in me! #WordlessWednesday

Find out what event I saw this at (and so much MORE) by coming back tomorrow for a full and very fun recap coverage post that is sure to put some new beauty goodies on your radar!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Bloggers feel free to link up by leaving your link as a comment below so we can hop on over to your photo this week too! (Please No Giveaway Links, Thank You! Photos only!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

{#Broadway Alert} Go see #MothersAndSons! @MothersSonsBway #Theatre

One of the best parts of being a born and raised New York City Girl is the Theatre. My mom loves Broadway and it's one of the first things she introduced me to. It's been a lifelong love ever since. While I have mixed feelings about Musicals (always have) - don't get me wrong I love Music and I love theatre, but have always had mixed feelings about folks breaking into song every few minutes. Thankfully over the years many have blown me away, but for me drama, (the non singing every two seconds kind), is very much what the theater is about for me.




I recently had the opportunity to enjoy Mothers and Sons while it was still in preview.

ABOUT:

The play centers on Katharine Gerard (portrayed by Tyne Daly), who pays an unexpected visit to the New York apartment of her late son's partner, who is now married to another man and has a young son. Katharine finds herself challenged to face how society has changed while generations collide as she revisits the past and begins to fully see the life her son led in spite of her disapproval.

CAST:

Katharine Gerard - Portrayed by Tyne Daly - She created this role in the world premiere of Mothers and Sons at Bucks County Playhouse and in 2011 was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame. Her TV credits include Six nominations and FOUR Emmy Awards for Cagney & Lacey.

Cal Porter - Portrayed by Frederick Weller  - His Broadway credits include Glengarry Glen Ross, Take Me Out, Seascape, The Rehearsal, The Little Foxes and Six Degrees of Separation.

Will Ogden - Portrayed by Bobby Steggert - Like Tyne, he originated this role at Bucks County Playhouse, his Broadway credits also include: Big Fish, Ragtime, and 110 in the Shade.

Bud Ogden-Porter -  Portrayed by Grayson Taylor - is making his Broadway Debut in Mothers and Sons after originating the role of Bud at Bucks County Playhouse.

My Take:

The Golden Theater was actually just the perfect size, it lent enough intimacy to truly focus the audience right in on all the action. Katharine certainly shakes things up when she arrives suddenly at the home of her son's former partner, but in the process the layers slowly peel away leaving her exposed, revealing her vulnerability and at the core of it all is a Mother. A Mother who has lost her son. (it is revealed she has also lost her husband and is truly alone.) A Mother who lost the larger part of her son's adulthood because she couldn't accept his choices. It is a powerful story, one that to some degree is that much more powerful because the storyteller lived it. To help paint a clearer picture on the backstory, please read A Playwright's Status Report - McNally's 'Mothers and Sons' Gauges a Changed America By Patrick Healy of the New York Times.

The complex relationship between Mothers and Sons, what comprises a 'modern family', and the difficulties same-sex couples experience in society all make for a well written emotional rollercoaster where one moment the audience is laughing and then crying the next. It is moving and compelling and I urge you to see it!

Charitable Auction:

Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids is currently taking bids for a chance to have drinks with Tyne Daly, Terrence McNally, Bobby Steggert and Frederick Weller after a performance of Mothers and Sons on Broadway via CharityBuzz.com.

For all my Butterflies out there who are Mothers how do you deal with decisions your adult children make that you do not agree with? Have you personally dealt with a parent who refused to accept your life choices? If so, how did you handle it?

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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided Press Tickets to Mothers and Sons for editorial consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! No monetary compensation has been exchanged!