{Not So} Wordless Wednesday: @GetGorgEvents - Getting Gorgeous 2013 in New York City! #GettingGorgeous

I have been a super busy butterfly so keeping up with my event recaps has been a challenge lately, but I wanted to be sure to share highlights with you on one of my favorite annual events, Getting Gorgeous (@GetGorgEvents on Twitter) hosted by Audrey McClellan (@AudreyMcClellan on twitter) and Vera Sweeney (@VeraSweeney on twitter), the event offers attendees the opportunity to truly interact with a wide variety of brands in a way that is fun, stress free and interactive, because the event is held in sessions, it allows for a much easier flow of traffic than  conferences afford, which makes it easy and pleasant to be able to have an interaction of more than a split second with the brands in attendance.

This year Getting Gorgeous was held in conjunction with CVS Beauty Club (@CVSBeautyClub on Twitter) as the title sponsor and CVS really pulled out all the stops, like a BB and CC Cream skin match station, hair styling, manicures, and a 'spin the wheel' for fun prizes. I won my choice of hair appliance and I selected the infiniti Pro by Conair 1875 Watt Salon Performance AC Motor Styling Tool. Since I Blow Dry my hair pretty much daily, this is definitely going to come in handy.

Ascending Butterfly holds up Olay Total Effects 7 in one CC Cream Tone Correcting  with Broad Spectrum SPF 15

I also took a moment to visit the BB/CC Cream Matching station. Unfortunately, the artist wasn't able to find a good match for me with the Garnier BB Cream (actually I am glad that I tried it that way, it would have been a lot more expensive for me try them out for myself and find out that I couldn't find a true shade match), but I did find a Shade Match with the Olay CC Cream. I love the Olay CC Cream but because I have a ton of Acne Scarring, this gives me a light coverage so I still need some kind of concealer. But I did learn that CC Cream focuses a bit more on concealing pigmentation, redness, fine lines and wrinkles and is a bit more nourishing for the skin. I was glad to try the matching station because I wouldn't have thought that the light to medium would have been my shade and it was. (Since I know that may change when I get more sun, I can still use this and then put a touch of bronzing powder over it to match my skin once I get more sun).

I also had the chance to get my hair styled by Tovah Avigail (@TovahAvigail on Twitter), she blew out my hair which was great because I didn't have a chance to do it that morning before I left the house to catch my train into the city! Thanks Tovah!

The only thing I skipped from this station was the manicure because my mani from the Agadir International Argan Oil event was still going strong (as is my Henna Tattoo Butterfly from that event!).  I was tempted to wipe mine off and let them give me a darker color, but I didn't.

Ascending Butterfly enjoying a Light Mojito from the BACARDÍ Classic Cocktails Light collection

BACARDI Light Strawberry Daiquiri

After all that primping and pampering it was a good time for a cocktail break, and since Bacardi was the Beverage Sponsor this year, I was pretty excited about saying hello. As a Latina, specifically 'Puertoriqueña', I have had the chance to visit the Bacardi Rum Bottling Plant in Catano Puerto Rico (if you are visiting you MUST take that tour!), and I was surprised to get the opportunity to sample Bacardi Classic Cocktails Light which is part of their new Low Calorie, Ready-to-Serve Line. The new Light Strawberry Daiquiri joins the Light Mojito and Light Piña Colada, at less than 95 calories for a four ounce serving, and as it's ready to serve, you have no prep time, making this perfect for your upcoming summer gatherings! They were all delicious and refreshing!

While I didn't stop to take photos with the cute backsplash (there were a few folks with little ones around this station when I stopped off), I did enjoy learning about Dial Kids New Body + Hair Wash (@Dial on Twitter) and I of course had to grab a rubber ducky while I was there because let's face it, who can resist a Rubber Ducky right? I know my niece is going to nab the 'watery melon' scent but I'm tempted to keep 'Peachy Clean' for myself because it's such a perfect subtle summer scent!

I got a super cute purple scarf from Thyme Maternity, they offer stylish fashions for expecting and new moms! I'm not yet a mom but they have styles that I would rock and I'm not even a mom!

Check out this look:

Super cute right? BTW Butterflies, if you are not already following them on Facebook you may want to go do so now as they are having a Mother's Day Sweepstakes to win 1 of 2 Thyme Maternity Shopping Sprees Worth $500!

After visiting with Thyme I visited the Tide Station where I took a Tide #Selfie picture:

My #TideDownySelfie says: 'I Rock My Wardrobe by always having the perfect accessories' I was rocking my Kooba Handbag that day!

There was a Tide Pod sample in our gift bags! As well as Downy Scent Booster and a Downy Infusions Fabric Softener in a scent that I have not yet tried, I will definitely share more about it once I try it out.

General Motors (@GM @DistrictDrive on twitter) was also in attendance and they were hosting a contest to see how fast someone could pack items into a vehicle for a chance to win a loaner car for one week.

New Balance also showed some of their newest styles (sadly none were in the bags!) but they did have a photo backsplash with Heidi Klum for attendees to take pictures. Like the Dial Booth there was a bit of a wait so I opted to keep going so I wouldn't miss anyone!

Then I got the chance to visit one of my favorite stations of the day, Foster Grant and try on Sunglasses! And I found a pair that are making me consider switching back to contacts so I can rock these all summer long:

Ascending Butterfly striking a pose with her Foster Grant Sunglasses!

I call this my 'men in black' photo, think they will add me on as an Agent in the next sequel? (The Black Suit I am wearing is by Igigi and so is the red blouse underneath!)

I think next year the Getting Gorgeous team is going to have to partner with a vacation brand, because this year the sponsor brands were all making us think of summer vacations! 

I got to get sunAWARE with the folks at Coolibar who make clothing and hats that have UVA/UVB Sun Protection built into the fibers of the clothes! I was lucky that there was no one there when I up to them so I was able to ham it up and take some fun photos with Elvis!

Ascending Butterfly sporting a Lei and hamming it up with Elvis at the Coolibar Station at Getting Gorgeous 2013 (see the rep from the GM booth behind me? He was watching me ham it up!)

Here is the long shot:

Ascending Butterfly sporting a Lei and hamming it up with Elvis at the Coolibar Station at Getting Gorgeous 2013 (Black Suit I am wearing and red shirt under it is by IGIGI)

I found some super cute swimsuit cover ups and fun summer fashions at the Coolibar station. Like Coolibar I take sun protection seriously, I lost my Great-Aunt who is also my Godmother to Skin Cancer, so I take Sun Protection very seriously! I love that not only can you protect yourself with sunscreen creams for your skin, you can also wear clothes with the sun protection built in!

Sunglasses and Summer Fashions definitely have awakened in me a deep 'wanderlust' so I'm thinking it's time to take a long weekend and go exploring!

There was also a very unique station called Love Jac Cards, they make photo mounted greeting cards, limited edition handcrafted cards, custom designed occasion cards and even a card of the month club. I'm a huge stationery buff, I always have been, and have had penpals since childhood, so I was super excited to meet Jac Cards and even gave them a suggestion to add some butterfly designs to their line, I'll definitely keep you all posted when that does happen! We got to select our own card and I can tell you it was a difficult choice because I love them all! My penpals have often told me I should design cards, and this brand certainly made me think more about that idea!

There were quite a few amazing Fashion Brands in attendance, all with different and specific niches, and the third Fashion brand I met was Thread & Butter who specialize in Plus Size Fashions! As a curvy girl, even at my absolute ideal weight I have always had curves, which I'm sure my fellow curvies will understand when I say the hardest thing to shop for is jeans and pants when you are curvy, I have a small waist but wider hips and jeans tend to gap at the back because they are too big from the waistband. And I don't know about you, but this curvy girl is sick of florals and un-sexy and un-trendy fashion, Thread & Butter is here to help address just that and I got to check out their trendy plus fashions first hand during Getting Gorgeous, and this is one of the reasons that Getting Gorgeous is a *MUST* attend event for me. I love meeting brands that are entirely new to me, as well as getting time with Brands that are already trusted household names. I invited Thread & Butter to come back and work with us directly so stay tuned, I hope to feature them again here soon!

Another brand that was new to me was Haute Tags, who make Jewelry that was born out of a love for Social Media and the connections made on sites like Twitter, you can have tags made with your twitter handle or a favorite hashtag. I'm thinking @Ascending1 would make a fantastic Haute Tag, don't you? You can have them custom made and they come with or without Swarovski Crystals. As for me, YES Please with Crystals! or Maybe I should have the hashtag '#TwitterPartyDJ' done, hmmm I wonder if you have can have the tag made double-sided? I'm going to have to look into that!

Stokke was at Getting Gorgeous 2013 and they showed their super cute Strollers (I love The Ultimate Connection Stroller) and the ones they brought for display were all in an aweseom stylish Plum color!) and it's so funny that for the past week while attending various events, I've spotted the Stokke Stroller's in the City. I love that since it raises up the child closer to you (and you can adjust the height) you are able to interact with your baby much easier.

And with Allergy Season upon us, I was happy to see Puffs in attendance, in fact my box is already on my night side table!

Left to Right: Tracy of Ascending Butterfly, (I'm wearing an animal  print trenchcoat by Wilsons Leather and a black suit by IGIGI), Patty of Enjoying this Life, Diane of philZENdia and Lisa of New York Chica hold up Harlequin Bella Andre Gift Bags

And last but not least to continue along with the 'travel' vibe that was given off by this year's Getting Gorgeous, Harlequin gave us gift bags with their Romance Title: "Bella Andre The Look of Love", myself and some of my favorite fellow New York Bloggers posed for a photo with our gift bags! You can follow the author on Twitter @bellaandre.

As always, Getting Gorgeous delivered and then some, I got to re-connect with Brands I already love, and meet great brands that were new to me, but I'm sure will become new favorites! The only thing they need next year is a vacation company, because after loading up on great fashion gear, getting new sunglasses and great summer beach or poolside reading material (not to mention having a light summer cocktail by BACARDI) all I need now is the beach resort to haul all my new goodies to!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterfly! Bloggers post your link as a comment here so we can visit your Wordless Wednesday Posts too!

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FTC Disclosure: Getting Gorgeous is an invite only event, Gift Bags and Samples are provided at the event for editorial consideration, no monetary compensation has been received to share my event recap and all opinions are 100% my own.

Finally the perfect Argan Oil Product for Fine Hair! My Day in Morocco with @AgadirInt #moroccanspaday

Last week the Rooftop bar of the Library Hotel in New York City was transformed into a Moroccan Paradise for the Agadir International's 'Journey to Morocco with Agadir Argan Oil' event.  Guests were able to indulge in Manicures, Massages, Henna Tattoos, as well as hair styling to help match each guest to the appropriate Agadir Argan Oil Product for their hair.

I was able to get a walk through of each of the products in the line, and I followed that with hair styling and a very helpful hair consultation with Carlos who asked all the right questions about my hair and my morning routine to help match me to the right products. Since I blow dry my hair daily and flat iron often, he recommended (as well as used on my hair on the spot) the Heat Shield 450 which will protect hair from high heat styling appliances like Blow Dryers and Flat irons, and because I have fine hair he also recommended the Volumizing Shampoo and Conditioner.

Stylist Carlos gave me great ideas on what to do with my hair this summer at the Agadir Argan Oil Moroccan Spa Day Event at the Library Hotel in New York City!

I will tell you that after having it used on my hair I found it to be one of the most light weight Argan Oils I've tried so far, it didn't make the scalp and the hair toward the front look greasy at all, and it also offered me true versatility, whether I choose to wear it curly or straight, my hair looked shinier and healthier, it did hold the curl well and the front of my hair which was styled straight stayed straight.

Stylist Carlos is adding the finishing touches to my hair! I am holding the Heat Shield 450 Plus Treatment.

About Agadir ™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment:

Agadir™ Argan Oil is extracted from the rare and exotic nut (cross between a walnut and almond) of the Argan tree. This wonder oil has the characteristics of being very lightweight and non-greasy. Its conditioning powers are beyond compare when combined with our fine, professional formulation. Argan oil has a low molecular weight, which instantly penetrates into the hair shaft, without weighing the hair down. Agadir™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment is left in the hair for continuous conditioning, leaving it soft, silky, manageable with a long lasting, luxurious shine.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Agadir™ Argan Oil Hair Treatment Properties:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Contains 100% Pure and Certified Argan Oil

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Repairs, softens & strengthens dry, brittle, frizzy hair 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not oily or greasy + no buildup to make hair heavy and flat

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Reduces drying time (40-50%)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Quick absorbent, alcohol free formula

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Natural Antioxidant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Moisturizing formula nourishes and eliminates dry, itchy, scalp

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Encourages healthier hair growth

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Great hair control and manageability

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paraben AND Sulfate Free!

Who I am wearing: Green Jacket: Wilson's Leather, Blouse: Karen Kane Jeans: Signature by Levi Strauss & Co. Women's Curvy Skinny Jeans, Handbag: Ecco "Natal" Handbag in color 'cognac'

While I haven't had a chance to try out all the products that Carlos recommended that I got to take home, I did like the results he achieved with just the Heat Shield 450 plus Spray Treatment (that protects, repairs and shines!) and the Agadir™ Volumizing Hair Spray - Firm Hold. It helped me keep the soft, frizz free curl he added to my hair all day.

Had to capture a shot of this cute vignette I set up with the Daily Volumizing Conditioner and the Agadir Argan Oil Styling Mousse

Because I do have fine hair, he recommended the Volumizing products to help give my hair body, and still having the added benefits that Argan Oil offers the hair. They also have a blow dry round brush that actually has Argan Oil infused into bristles of the brush already, which helps to cut down styling time since the product is already infused into the brush! I have to tell you this brush totally ROCKS!

Got a blush of pink nail polish at the Mani Station plus a super cute Henna Butterfly Tattoo!

I also stopped over at the Manicure Station (they did my nails in the softest hint of pink!) and then followed that with my very first Henna Tattoo, I asked for a Henna Butterfly and couldn't be more thrilled with my Butterfly!

Later in the day the puffy top layer drops off and you are left with the Henna  Tattoo on your skin that lasts about 2 weeks!

We even had the option of adding Glitter to the Henna Tattoo which I definitely said yes to! It was also nice to have the chance to eat, enjoy the view on the outside of the rooftop and catch up with my favorite New York Bloggers!

My Take:

Butterflies Agadir Argan Oil is definitely one to watch and put on your Haircare Radar! Right now they are being sold exclusively in salons, but they plan to roll out their website so that consumers may purchase the products online at their site.  They did let me know that if you see it right now both online and even at Mass Market Drug Stores, the products you are seeing are more than likely fakes or even expired product which would make it less effective, so only buy these at the Salon for now until they are available for purchase directly from the Agadir International website.

I noticed that it seemed to really work well for ALL types of hair. While I was at each station I got the chance to see different people getting styled, and the products really worked well for such a diverse and wide variety of hair types.

Once I have had the opportunity to try out the entire line from A to Z on a regular basis, I will definitely report back to you with additional feedback!

Butterflies, Have you already tried Agadir Argan Oil? If so, please let us know how it is working for you!

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FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no compensation has been received to share our feedback of the preview press launch, we were fed, pampered and given gift bags, all opinions are 100% my own!

Motivation Monday: Live Your Dreams!

Butterflies, sometimes the only one standing in your way of a major dream or accomplishment is YOURSELF. Let the doubters doubt you, Let the 'haters' hate you, but don't ever give up on your dreams! Does your dream seem un-attainable? GOOD! You are on the right track! This week challenge yourself to do ONE thing you normally would never do! (And come back and share what you accomplished this week here, so we can all encourage you and in the process motivate each other!) 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! + Active #Giveaway + Winner Announcement!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A Week of Pampering Fun! -  I got transported to Morocco (for #MoroccanSpaDay check out the tweets!) and I spent a day Getting Gorgeous (at #GettingGorgeous 2013), it's been a fun week of events that will get their own recaps for sure, but they allowed me to take some time for me and reminded me that I don't do that nearly enough! I even got my first Henna Tattoo!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Simple Things! - Time spent with family and spiritual reflection is the exact fuel I needed this weekend, it will help me approach a new week and a growing list of 'to-do's' with a much more positive perspective. It's hard to have it all butterflies, and work/life balance will always be a 'rat race' but downtime and time to recharge is the only way you can really get through it all with a better balance.

I have been keeping my own daily list of things I am grateful for and taking time to acknowledge my blessings daily. A bit of concentrated focus on what you do have, instead of on what you lack or need, can make a huge shift in your life!

What are YOU most grateful for today Butterfly?

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaway!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As you know every April is 'It's MY Birthday, But YOU Get the Gifts' time and our current giveaway is for a $100 Gift Card to Wilson's Leather which sells Leather (and non-leather for those of you that don't wear Leather) accessories, apparel, jackets, gloves and more for both men or women, if you haven't already entered, make sure you ENTER, you have to be in it to win it!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In case you missed it, Please join me in congratulating Dawn S. who is Ascending Butterfly's We Take the Cake Giveaway Winner! 

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!):

Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Soap Opera Lovers REJOICE All My Children & One Life to Live are back via The Online Network (@TOLN) on Monday, April 29th!

Butterflies, I don't know if it started for you the same way it did for me, but my first sick day when I was in Junior High School turned out to be a bonding moment and TV habit that would last for decades! I was home sick and well past my cartoon days, so Mom let me in on her favorite daytime 'me time', Soap Operas! Mama Butterfly introduced me to all the characters and patiently caught me up on story lines so I could figure out what was happening. Like many moms, she created a monster, I HAD to know what was going on! And subsequent sick days always meant me in my PJ's watching 'soaps' with mom!

When All My Children and One Life to Live were cancelled it was the shot heard around the world. Many loyal watchers considered each character 'family' and many soaps were passed down throughout the generations in families. Even those who couldn't watch their 'stories' during the day would be sure to record them so they could watch them at night. Soap Operas were favorite water cooler fodder, and the networks were definitely barraged by outraged fans.

And while it had been rumored for what seems like a very long time coming, I can indeed confirm that All My Children and One Life to Live are BACK! The shows are being brought back on The Online Network and can also be viewed on Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes! You can check out All My Children (AMC) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/all-my-children and One Life to Live (OLTL) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/one-life-to-live

Fans no longer have to settle for the crossover of their favorite characters on General Hospital. (And while I know I'm in the minority on this one, I didn't like the character crossovers from OLTL characters on General Hospital. I personally felt that they just didn't 'fit'.) They belong back in their home, and now they will be!

I am SUPER excited to know not only that All My Children and One Life to Live are back, but it's like they are re-invented and being re-born on the web. It's like Soap Opera's 2.0, bigger, better and hopefully built to last!

Show synopsis: All My Children revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley. For nearly forty years, this town has seen the trials and tribulations of its dynamic families. Now your favorite stories are back, and more dramatic than ever!

Plot outline: Since 1970, the residents of All My Children's Pine Valley, PA -- including its most famous citizen, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) have seen their fair share of scandalous hookups, feuds, and devastating murders. Pine Valley luminaries include resident hero Ryan Lavery (Cameron Mathison), Fusion Cosmetics maven Greenlee du Pres (Rebecca Budig), perpetual troublemaker David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry), funnyman Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight), and the unforgettable romantic duo of Angie and Jesse Hubbard (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams).

All My Children actors include returning actors include Debbie Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard, Julie Barr as Brooke English, Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster, Eric Nelson as AJ Chandler, Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery, Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald, Ryan Bittle as JR Chandler, Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery, Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney, Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin, David Canary as Adam Chandler, Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre, and Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson will be returning once the soap moves online.

What Luke and Laura are to General Hospital, Jesse and Angie are to All My Children! I remember where Dr. Angie Hubbard's storyline last left off, and I literally can't wait to find out what direction they are going to take her character and her storyline!

Show synopsis: One Life to Live follows the complicated lives of three main families: the wealthy Lords, the powerful Buchanans and the strong-willed Cramers. The quiet simplicity of small town living is often interrupted by the drama between them yet despite the struggles, strong family bonds keep them united.

Plot outline: The good people of Llanview, Pennsylvania, lead complicated lives. In a town of questionable marriage ethics, teenagers grow up fast and fall in love quickly. The quiet simplicity of small-town living on the Llantano River is frequently upset by an over-abundance of multiple personalities who disturb the peace. Despite the jealousy, betrayal, and occasional baby-swapping, Llanview is where the Buchanan, Lord, and Cramer families struggle to retain the strong family ties that have always united them.

One Life to Live actors include Corbin Bleu as Jeffery King as well as returning actors Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning. Recurring actors include: Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel, and Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel.

The Buchanans are the power family of OLTL, and true fans know that Erika Slezak who portrays Victoria Lord Buchanan is a very versatile actress, she certainly plays many roles!

I got to see the premiere episodes and am sworn to secrecy, but I do have previews I can share with you!

All My Children | New Season Preview:

After a gunshot was fired five years ago, how has life in Pine Valley changed? Who will find love? Who will seek revenge? The characters you have come to love, the characters you will meet for the first time..Find out when all new daily episodes begin, Monday, April 29th!

One Life to Live | New Season Preview:

                                                                     

Character driven drama One Life to Live is back with all new must-see episodes. Filled with action, romance, comedy and it pushes the boundaries of entertainment by exploring cutting-edge social issues.

I just couldn't resist including this Photo of Snoop Lion helping to countdown the days until OLTL's return!

30 minute episodes will be available each weekday with a recap on Friday, and with Guest Appearances by Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg, notorious OLTL fan who has appeared on the show before), as well as Riff Raff and Nervo, and without the restrictions that sometimes come with daytime TV, folks this is NOT your mama's Soap Opera!

Get Social:

A fun way to get ready for Monday would be to interact with each show's Social Media Pages:

All My Children:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you aren't already, you can 'Like' AMC on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Stalk, ahem I mean Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHAMC)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wanna see their pictures? Then Follow via Instagram too!

One Life to Live:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' OLTL on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHOLTL)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow via Instagram too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And for my Tumblr Peeps: Follow OLTL on Tumblr too

The Online Network:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on @TOLN on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on YouTube/tolnsoaps

My Take:

Again, I have seen the first episodes but I am sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal any spoilers, but I am so happy to have both shows back on the air! This is not your Mama's Soap Opera butterflies, this is the digital age at it's finest, taking the old and adding a whole new twist to how you watch your beloved shows and now with the added availability of watching on the go, what's NOT to love?

Butterflies, on Monday after you've seen both episodes, come back here and sound off, let us know what YOU think!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post from One2One Network and The Online Network, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. I am a long time Soap Opera fan, and a 'General Hospital Moms' Blogger.

The Official #TwitterPartyDJ Reviews the Voxx International 808 Studio Quality Headphones!

I grew up around DJ's both family and friends, not just weekend enthusiasts, but pros that started off in clubs and many now own their own Audio Production Companies, for my family Music wasn't just entertainment it was always very much business. So when it comes to Audio Products and Accessories I'm pretty picky and I learned early on that labels, names, flash and floss didn't always mean great sound.

I love Music and feel blessed to have grown up in a family that takes it so seriously and also exposed me to such a wide variety of artists and musical genres. Their love of music and sound and what goes behind creating memorable musical moments definitely rubbed off on me, but there is always one place where I differed from the Pro's in my family. I prefer earbuds. That's definitely not a secret to long time readers, but it's still where me and my family members in the industry differ. And they spent years trying to convert me to headphones but they were never successful. I always hated how they 'crushed' my hair (remember how high 80's hair used to be right?), I have always worn eyeglasses and the headphones would press my glasses into my temples which after awhile would hurt and as I live in the Public Transportation Capital of the Planet, New York City, I always hated how headphones drew too  much attention to you. To my fellow individualists, trust me when I tell you that the one place you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself is on a New York City Subway Train.

808 Studio Quality Headphones in Matte Black

So when a pair of 808 headphones arrived for editorial consideration to say I was a bit skeptical would probably be an understatement. I recently reviewed my new HP Envy Desktop computer which I absolutely love (which is awesome because I had purchased a few lemons over the last few years and was slowly losing faith in them), one of the things that stand out about my new desktop is the amazing Audio. As a long time HP owner (both at work and at home both desktop and laptop), I was never all that impressed with their Audio, until my new Envy, the Beats Audio on my new system is fantastic. Like many writers I have a tendency to write better late at night and once I get into the flow I could write until the wee hours of the morning. That means I'm up clicking away while my world is asleep and for me not to disturb anyone I always listen to music at night while on my computer or desktop with earbuds on.

Studio Quality 808 Headphones Un-boxed showing Headphones, Instruction Manual and Protective Travel Case

I've spent the past few weeks listening to music on my HP Envy Desktop Computer wearing my new 808 headphones and I've also been bringing them with me on roadtrips on weekends and I have to tell you in all the years of my family members in the Audio Industry trying to get me to switch to headphones, this time spent road testing the 808's has made me a convert!

About the 808 Studio Quality Headphones:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Advanced and Powerful 40mm Dynamic Range Audio Drivers with outstanding response and accuracy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soft, Comfortable earcups

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Detachable Cables - round without mic and flat with mic

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - High Quality Durable Protective Travel Case

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3 colors: Black Matte, Black High Gloss, and White High Gloss

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compatible with iPod, iPhone and iPad

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Works with Android

Watch them in Action:

My Take:

With a street smart style, cutting-edge audio technology, and an affordable price tag, these headphones prove that style, substance and smarts can be achieved at a price point that is reachable for everyone. It brings out nuances in some songs that I don't hear when wearing other headphones/earbuds, there were songs from U2 and Sheryl Crow that I've heard over and over that sounded so much different to me with these. They blocked outside noise (like when I'm in the bus with them on, I don't hear ambulance sirens blaring in my ears and interrupting my tunes) and in the trains I can  use these to block out the Garbled MTA messages (Perhaps the MTA should retain Voxx International to re-do the audio in the subway system, maybe then you'd actually be able hear to the announcements!), they also smartly help me tune out wailing infants, obnoxiously loud cell phone conversations and just immerse myself in the escape that my music collection provides me during a hectic rush hour traffic commute into the city.

Warning to the wise, turn DOWN your current audio level setting on your device before you plug these in, you won't need to have the volume anywhere as close to the setting you are using now. These deliver a rich, even consistent sound, rich bass, and definitely have style for days. I love my 808 headphones, and am excited about their upcoming On-Ear (the Drift) and In-Ear Earbuds that are set to release in 2013 in the months ahead!

I am going to have to see if our friends at Voxx International will consider joining us in our upcoming June 'Dads N Grads' annual gift buying guide with a reader giveaway, because I know you are going to LOVE these as much as I do.

808 'Gloss White' Headphones

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Like 808 Headphones on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @RCA_Scoop on Twitter as well as on @Audiovox_Corp on Twitter

They post tons of fun contests, promotions and giveaways and hint, hint, there is one going on right NOW! (and don't forget to tell them on facebook or on twitter that you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly)

Can't wait for us to offer a giveaway? (I can't say I blame you!), Amazon has them at a STEAL, and I mean that literally, you can order them NOW on Amazon by pressing the banner below:

Butterfly what is your favorite Audio Product or Audio Accessory?

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FTC Disclosure: Voxx International has provided me with a product sample for editorial consideration, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Are Your Excuses More Important Than Your Dreams?

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies - Bloggers feel free to post the link to your photos as a comment (we are too casual for a formal linky widget around here) and we will visit your site and show you some Wordless Wednesday comment love! 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Set Your Inner Child Free with Peter and the Starcatcher at the New World Stages Theater!

Can you still tap into your inner child? If you need a little help with that then you might want to check out Peter and the Starcatcher (A Grown Up's Prequel to Peter Pan!) now playing at the New World Stages Theater in New York City!

Peter and the Starcatcher won five Tony Awards and was named one of New York Times, New York Magazine and New Yorker's Top 10 Shows of the Year! It recently moved to the New World Stages Theater at 240 West 50th Street.

SYNOPSIS:

This imaginative prequel to the story of PeterPan, (based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), tells the story of an Orphan who heads to a faraway land, where he finds love, friendship, and ultimately, himself. The show is comprised of twelve actors playing more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become the boy who never grew up? The epic story of one of popular culture's most enduring and beloved characters proves that an audience's imagination can be the most captivating place in the world.

MY TAKE:

What I love about anything that is even remotely Disney related is that somehow, somewhere in the show there will be something with wings, Peter Pan of course has Tinkerbell (or in this version we learn how Tinkerbell comes to be), but my favorite quote from the play was: 'To Have Faith, is To Have Wings'.

Isn't that a perfect Ascending Butterfly quote? Faith really is the wings that allow us to soar in life, to take chances, to follow our dreams and to become the person we are meant to be!

But the best life lesson that comes from Peter and the Star Catcher, is that Peter keeps reminding the adults around him, that 'he just wants to be a boy' for awhile. Sometimes we cram so much into a child's schedule that they don't get time to just 'be', to just 'breathe' and enjoy what is supposed to be a care free time in their lives.

The performance is recommended for children ages 10 and up, and that sounds about right to me, there are some double entendres and an appearance of men dressed as mermaids, so I'll let you decide how young you feel comfortable in going.

This is a definite 'Ticket', and for my fellow cocktail lovers, I tried a cocktail called 'The Bad Idea' which was fantastic! (It's a bit like a Long Island) And they will bring it to at your seat if you don't feel like getting back up to hit the bar!

I greatly enjoyed Peter and The Star Catcher! Trust me, your inner child will thank you!

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @StarcatcherBway on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Peter and the Starcatcher on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with Peter and the Starcatcher on Pinterest as well (I like the 'Imagination' Board!)

If you've seen it, or plan to see it, let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly, we were provided only with our seats for editorial consideration. All Opinions are always 100% my own. Special thanks to Culture Mom Media!