Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Blessings in Disguise! #Motivation #Quotes



































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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bellinis with Princess Amanda Borghese and Prince Scipione "Skip" Borghese! @PerlierUSA Press Preview in New York City! #Beauty #PerlierOnHSN

This is an event recap, NOT a sponsored post!

Perlier Logo


Bellinis with a Princess and Prince? Yep, just a typical Wednesday afternoon in New York City! In early June I had the opportunity to attend the Perlier Press Preview in New York City and got the opportunity to play with not only summer 2013 products, but we also got the chance to find out about some fun gift sets for holidays as well an idea of what to expect in 2014, there are some collections I am really, really looking forward to.

Scipione 'Skip' Borghese, Amanda Borghese
Left: Scipione 'Skip' Borghese and Right: Amanda Borghese


While all the products we got to play with were fantastic the one thing that really stands out is the amazing conversation I had with Amanda Borghese! We spoke about so many different topics (incredibly varied not just beauty), but it was a conversation that was just so motivational and upbeat, I left feeling very inspired! And as fun as a week filled with back-to-back events may seem to some, those who do it day in and day out understand just how draining they really can be. It's been such a long time that I left an event with MORE energy when I left it, than when I entered.

Some of the stuff I previewed I can't quite talk about yet, but be sure they will be covered in more detail once they are closer to launch!

You may remember I posted a review of the Perlier Travel and Body Cream Travel Kit sold on HSN (you can click HERE to see that review post) that I received as a member of ifabbo's 'shop' program, and it's the awesome folks at team ifabbo who referred me to this event so I definitely have to give them a shout out and thanks!

The mother and son dynamic duo are just as warm and welcoming in person as they come across on HSN. I was immediately welcomed by Skip who offered me the signature cocktail for this event, a Bellini, and shortly after I found out why this was the signature cocktail, I was led to a table that had Perlier's Bellini products including the Bellini Sorbet Soothing Gel for Legs & Feet, the Perlier Bellini Sorbet Body Cream, and the Perlier Bellini Sorbet Hand Cream!

Of course I had to add my Bellini to the Vignette and snap a picture of them together:

Perlier Bellini Sorbet Soothing Gel for Legs & Feet, Perlier Bellini Sorbet Body Cream, Perlier Bellini Sorbet Hand Cream, Bellini Cocktail
Perlier's Bellini Bodycare Products and my Bellini Cocktail! :-)

Nothing says refreshing and summer like Italian Ice Sorbets right? and Perlier has created a fun and refreshing bath and skincare line for summer with this theme. In addition to the Bellini products they also offer the Perlier Coconut Sorbet system, the Perlier Wild Berries Sorbet products (these were in my gift bag), and the Perlier Lemon Sorbet Bath and Body Collection. 

Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita

Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita


And then it was on to an 'interactive' bodycare experience!

Prince Scipione 'Skip' Borghese applies the Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita to Ascending Butterfly's hand
Prince Scipione 'Skip' Borghese applies the Perlier Lemon Sorbet Refreshing Ice Granita to Ascending Butterfly's hand

I didn't expect this to actually 'crackle' on my skin and I think you can tell by the shock on my face as Skip put this on my hand for me to experience that this actually 'crackles', but it's not hot, it's actually really refreshing on the skin. Use it during the day for a burst of energy and in the evenings to remove the tiredness and heat of these hot summer days!

Baggu 'Duck Bag' in color 'Sailor Stripe'
Baggu 'Duck Bag' in color 'Sailor Stripe'


My Take:

I have to say that with quality ingredients and fun packaging I haven't met a Perlier Product I didn't like, and if the event and detail that went into it wasn't enough, our gift bags were incredibly thoughtful as well, they were housed in a Baggu 'Duck Bag' 'Sailor Stripe' Tote, which means the bag is eco-friendly and re-useable, and with the fun navy stripes just so perfect for summer! There were products from the Sorbet Line included (I got Wild Berries which smells great!) and there were some products I can't talk about yet, but they are also super fab and I can't wait to provide full product reviews on those too!

I didn't get any photos with Amanda (we were so busy talking I forgot to take any!) but I did get one with Skip:



The Borghese Family couldn't be more welcoming, and team Perlier put together a very nice Press Preview Day. I love the idea behind the Sorbet line and since they contain Milk Proteins, I can tell you I found them very soothing after getting a really bad sunburn! (My first ever sunburn in my entire life in fact!). I'll be enjoying Italian Sorbets this summer, from Perlier that is!

What is your favorite Perlier Product Butterfly?

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


FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage. Gift Bags were given to attendees, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Monday, June 17, 2013

Mamarazzi® with @WendyWilliams & @themoms "Ask Wendy" book signing & launch @Tavern29 in New York City!

Ask Wendy Book Cover Art
Ask Wendy Book Cover Art


You know just how much I love sharing the great events I attend both in and outside of New York City, this has been the summer of book launches that's for sure and I got to attend another fun one for none other than the 'friend in everyone's head' Wendy Williams, host of the popular Wendy Williams Show, where audiences join her in a fun 'HOW YOU DOIN'?' and also get the chance to ask her a question of advice.  And audience members have asked her all kinds of questions throughout the course of the show. Questions submitted to her by audience members and fans are now in her latest book!

Denise Albert, Wendy Williams, Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City

Her new Book, "Ask Wendy" Straight-Up Advice for All the Drama in Your Life, launched at a fun book signing and Q&A at Tavern 29 in New York City hosted by The Moms. What I love about Wendy is that what you see is what you get, she is exactly the same person you see on her show, she tells it like it is and she pulls no punches!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

What I enjoyed best was that she shared so much of her own life with everyone there, and she shared about a wide variety of topics including her own marriage, her friendships and how she is keeping her life drama free!

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein at Ask Wendy Book Signing Mamarazzi Launch Event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Left: Denise Albert, Center: Wendy Williams, Right: Melissa Gerstein

If finding out the answers to questions like these sounds intriguing:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My husband is always commenting on how hot the babysitter is. Should I be Worried?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My teenage daughter is a Klepto. I found a bunch of stuff with tags in her closet, and I know she didn't buy them. What should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My guy stays in touch with his exes on Facebook. He says it's not cheating, but it makes me really angry. What Should I do?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I feel like all I do is run around and take my three kids to school, soccer, swim team, and gymnastics. I have no life. Help!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Then you definitely want to check out this book!

Wendy Williams fields audience questions at Ask Wendy Book Signing Launch Event

My Take:

Ask Wendy is definitely a great summer read that you can knock out poolside or beach side this summer and you will definitely get some good laughs because you know Wendy is going to tell it like it is and give the advice you are thinking as soon as you finish reading the questions! So slip this one in your beach bag and take it with you!

Wendy Williams Signs her new Book "Ask Wendy" for Ascending Butterfly at the Mamarazzi launch event at Tavern 29 in New York City
Wendy Williams Signs her new Book "Ask Wendy" for Ascending Butterfly at the Mamarazzi launch event at Tavern 29 in New York City

There are a few more pictures on our Ask Wendy Pinterest Board that didn't make this post so be sure to check them out!

What is your reading standout favorite so far this summer butterfly?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage, all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Weekly Moment of Gratitude, Winners Announcement and an AwesomeSauce #Giveaway!







What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Events! - I have attended some great events (and some not so great ones too!) that I will recap soon! As a former Events Planner these are all wonderful learning experiences that's for sure!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My Disconnect Time! - Trying to actively give myself more time to de-compress, which I definitely need.

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?

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

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

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

Winners Announcement:



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Congrats to Jackie P. and Dana R., our two winners in the Got Milk? Prize Basket Giveaway! Your awesome Gift Basket and American Express & Starbucks Giftcards are on the way!


BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet
BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet


Current Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As promised our amazing accessories giveaway has launched, and it's a beauty, one lucky butterfly will have their fashion socks knocked off when they get this beautiful statement bracelet, to win it, you've got to be in it! So enter to win the BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet today! (Did I mention the ARV on this one is $395?)


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

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!

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

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

Friday, June 14, 2013

Calling all 'fashionistas' and 'intentionistas', if you like your jewelry with Style AND Meaning, this #Giveaway is for YOU!

#SPONSORED: This Giveaway is Sponsored by: (see full disclosure statement below)

BuDhaGirl Logo
BuDhaGirl Logo

Ascending Butterfly began in 2009 with daily breathing affirmational meditations, for the first year we focused daily and exclusively on mind, body and soul wellness as a path to overall wellbeing. If our spirits are out of balance, invariably our bodies will be too.

I have had the pleasure of partnering with a wide variety of intention jewelry designers and sharing their amazing designs with you. I'm a fan of bold, statement jewelry, and when that jewelry is also intention based for me it's a super powerful combination that helps me feel more attuned to myself and the energy I'm putting forward.

I have had penpals my whole life, we all share a love of stationery and the fine art of putting our thoughts to paper. It is one of my penpals who introduced me to prayer boxes, a tradition she shared with her mother, that I was introduced to when she gifted me one for a birthday many years ago. Years later I discovered the power of using pyramids to make new moon wishes or new years goals and putting the paper inside of them. (I have a red pyramid I like to use to make New Years Goals for myself, on my birthday, NOT on New Years Eve and I also use it to add New Moon wishes throughout the year) it resides in my Meditation area.

After years of using my prayer box and my Pyramid, I hit on a stroke of brilliance, it's just so smart, I only wish I had invented this myself, a core cuff bracelet that allows you to carry intentions with you everyday in the form of super stylishly designed jewelry with a hidden secret inside!

Reminders on Display for the BuDhaGirl Core Cuff
Reminders on Display for the BuDhaGirl Core Cuff


About BuDhaGirl

BuDhaGirl is deeply rooted in the present while being elevated, informed and inspired by the past. Their products straddle the line between ornament and spiritual touchstones; they are enhancements for both body and soul. BuDhaGirl’s core foundation begins with fascinating objects and glamorous jewelry created to inspire awareness, knowledge and create brain health through purposeful interaction. They aim to re-introduce that wisdom into our lives in a simple yet powerful fashion. Their attitude and aesthetic is a unique combination of iconic and witty, traditional and edgy…and definitely, always chic.

BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet
“Clear your mind, breathe, and visualize intention(s) for the day. Think of it as a personal ritual.”

BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The BuDhaGirl Core Cuff is a jewelry piece with pedigree. Based on an extraordinary 1930's French creation, this modern version will hold your intention 'Reminders' in style!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Stainless Steel micron plated in 18kt gold that is finished and polished by hand

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Resin Bars add a modernist Art Deco Style

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ- Opening coffer lid reveals compartment to add your BuDhaGirl Reminder Daily (you can interchange with a large assortment of beautiful reminder inserts)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Weight: 3 oz

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Includes: Golden Guanyin First Level Reminder

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Packaged in a gorgeous acrylic Temple Display Box

How it works:



I included the YouTube Video on the Cuff because I thought it would be helpful for you to see it in action, it's a super fast, super simple way to align yourself to your intentions and be more vibrationally aligned to your purpose!


How I styled it: Jewelry: I am wearing the BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet in the color 'Jade', Handbag: Elliott Lucca Blue Cordoba Flap Front Shoulder Bag (in 'Teal' Exotic),  Jeans: Coldwater Creek Denim Bootcut Trouser Jeans

My Take:

I am living in this bracelet, I've used it daily to add pizazz to more casual outfits as well as with dressier outfits, and it has turned heads each and every single time I've worn it, I am absolutely obsessed with my BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet and with BuDhaGirl and I want to get ALL the extra intention reminders for my bracelet now! I have my eye on the 'Healing Buddha' reminder next!


The artwork on the reminders that go inside the cuff are simply beautiful, and also if you use a very thin paper you can also write your own intention and add it to it, I love that the reminders also have Mantras that you can say as you slip them inside the cuff out loud and then do it again silently during the day anytime you want.


I couldn't imagine a more perfect collaboration, Ascending Butterfly and BuDhaGirl are definitely a match made in intentional living and spirituality heaven!



BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet
BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet


Win It:


You know I'm always looking out for my butterflies, and I am super happy that our friends at BuDhaGirl have offered to sponsor a BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet Giveaway for one super lucky butterfly!


Just use the rafflecopter widget below to get in your entries, as always, the first entry is easy peasy, so just be sure to do the main/mandatory entry FIRST and then do as many of the others as you'd like for 'extra credit' :-)


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Get Social With it

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BuDhaGirl via twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' BuDhaGirl on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can also become 'pin' friends with BuDhaGirl on Pinterest too!

(And don't forget to tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly! And doing so gives you extra entries in the giveaway too!)


So Butterfly what intentions would you use this bracelet to help you align to?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Giveaway. Visit our Disclosure Policy Page for full Disclosure Information.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

I got the hook up for a great event tonight, wanna join me? Like #Food? Like #Tequila? Read On!

Arte Agave New York El Cuento Del Artista
Arte Agave New York El Cuento Del Artista


You know when it comes to all things New York, fun, foodie, lifestyle and fab, Ascending Butterfly is on it! I am attending a special event tonight, and I've got the hook up to get you in at half price! So to all my New York/Manhattan Central, Food & Tequila Loving Butterflies this one is right up your alley!

 ARTE AGAVE - LA GRAN CELEBRACIÓN

A UNIQUE CELEBRACIÓN OF FINE AGAVE SPIRITS + CUISINE + ARTS INSPIRED BY THE RICHNESS OF LATINO CULTURE. 

  • Over 100 varieties of Agave spirits to sample at over 20 Estaciónes de Sabor, including Herradura, Tanteo, Ilegal Mezcal, El Buho Mezcal, y mucho mas
  • Savory Latino cuisine and treats from local culinary favorites including Hecho en Dumbo, Anejo, and La Newyorkina
  • Live music and acoustic guitar performance
  • Special gifts from Rolling Stone
  • Performances by Flor de Toloache – the all lady Mariachi band 
  • Hacer + Probar ("Make + Taste") – learn the art of making agave inspired cocktails
  • Guitar giveaway valued at up to $4,500 from Martin Guitar
  • Audiofly Listening Station and prize giveaways
  • Y mucho, mucho mas (English: and much more!)
SCORE: Sounds good right? Hit HERE to get in at a steal, call this one a 'butterfly groupon'! :-)

Seriously with each ticket going for $85, getting in for $42.50 is pretty sweet indeed, see it pays to have familia' in high places! Remember, I'm an attendee not a host, so if you have questions, please hit up Arte Agave directly, you can get social with them @ArteAgave on Twitter and on FACEBOOK too!

Mariposas/Butterflies, will I see you there?

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


FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received by us to notify you about this event, this one is puro amor amigos!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Getting Silly with @PlayDoh during @HasbroNews Toy Fair 2013 After Party in New York City!

The Hasbro Toy Fair Event in New York City was chock full of all things toys of course, and it would take hours to watermark and post all the photos so I'll post them little by little and then make a Pinterest Board as the place where all the photos from the event will eventually be collected.

Ascending Butterfly poses with Play-Doh Mascot during Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City
Ascending Butterfly poses with Play-Doh Mascot during Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City (I think that googly-eyed mascot is a bit sweet on me!)

Butterfly Topped Cupcake made out of Play-Doh during Hasbro Toy Fair Event in New York City
Butterfly Topped Cupcake made out of Play-Doh during Hasbro Toy Fair Event in New York City


Butterfly Topped Cupcake made out of Play-Doh during Hasbro Toy Fair Event in New York City
Butterfly Topped Cupcake made out of Play-Doh during Hasbro Toy Fair Event in New York City

Play-Doh Table Centerpiece at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City
Play-Doh Table Centerpiece at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City


Demo of Play-Doh mini cupcake preparation
Demo of Play-Doh mini cupcake preparation


Demo of Play-Doh mini cupcake preparation
Demo of Play-Doh mini cupcake preparation during Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City


Play-Doh Plus used to create mini Play-Doh Cupcakes table display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City
Play-Doh Plus used to create mini Play-Doh Cupcakes table display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City

Blogger Bakery Table Display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City
Blogger Bakery Table Display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City, check out all the cool mini-cupcake creations made by various bloggers in attendance, including mine!


Strawberry Shortcake Play-Doh Cupcakes Table Display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City
Strawberry Shortcake Play-Doh Cupcakes Table Display at Hasbro Toy Fair 2013 Event in New York City

Take some time to let your inner child have fun today Butterflies, you'll be happy you did! Happy Wordless Wednesday, Bloggers please feel free to post the link to your WW post here (NO giveaways please!)


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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to share my event recap coverage, gift bags were provided to attendees. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Tuesday, June 11, 2013

Highlights from May 2013 @beautypress #SpotlightDay in New York City! Hot #Beauty Products all in one place!

Beauty Press International PR Network Logo


I don't think it's ever taken me this long to post a Beauty Press Spotlight Day recap, but I cannot begin to explain how insane my schedule really is lately. As usual, Beauty Press delivered a ton of great brands directly to us, which is great. Editors/Bloggers get a ton of event invites, and it's just not possible to attend them all, so going to an event where multiple brands come to you is just a no-brainer to begin with. It saves me a ton of time to meet 10 brands at once, and so far I've discovered a ton of new favorites this way as well.

Midtown Loft in New York City
Just some atmosphere at the venue Midtown Loft in New York City


I will present them all to you in Alphabetical Order:

Balanced Guru's Sign at Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft in New York City


Balanced Guru - Unfortunately this is the one brand I got the least amount of time with and despite being in the morning session they were out of samples when I got to them so I can't really say too much about them, but I was impressed that they offer Certified Organic Choices! We will definitely invite them to come back and work with us so I can give you an actual product *review* :-)

Being True Cosmetics Display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft in New York City
BeingTrue Cosmetics Display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft in New York City

Being True - I love this tagline, it sums them up (and me up) in a nutshell 'Explore the difference between simply being and BeingTRUE.' Isn't that the balance we all try to strike each and every single day? I love cosmetics and skincare that do something good for your skin while helping you to put your best face forward. I really liked the folks at Being True and they have sent me a Cosmetics Bundle of Love to play with, so stay tuned for full product features, and who knows, maybe we can finagle something great for YOU too butterflies! What we tested while we were there and they also provided samples in the gift bags was the 'finishing touch perfecting pen'. With this beauty 'pen' you can write fine lines off, immediately erase signs of fatigue, and brighten the skin, I definitely loved this product! It combines Instalift Goji derived from the Goji Berry (provides skin lifting and firming benefits), with Pomegranate and Malakite to help protect the skin against premature aging. If you don't get nearly enough sleep at night (like me), this pen is something you are going to want to keep in your purse, in your desk at work and in your vanity at home!

Sam Brocato at Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft and Terrace May 2013
Sam Brocato at Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft and Terrace May 2013

Brocato - Sam Brocato's core philosophy is that beautiful hair design starts with the right cut and ends with the use of the right liquid styling tools and quite frankly I share that philosophy, without the right cut, even the most expensive styling products are of no use! You guys know I don't always win the battle of the frizz, in fact the event was held on a rainy, humid day and I wasn't quite having the best hair day that day, so I'm looking forward to trying out the great products that were in our gift bags including: supersilk Pure Indulgence Leave-In Treatment, swell volume Full Body Styling Clay (my hair type is fine so I like trying out products that add body and reduce that 'limp' appearance), supersilk Pure Indulgence Shampoo, actives Restorative Hair Infusion (I love that this one is equally effective for curly girls as it is for naturally straight hair, and can be used on wet hair before blow drying as a conditioning booster, and on dry hair before flat ironing to boost and seal in shine), and last but not least Back to the Beach Texturizing Mist. I have been testing another system so I haven't started on these yet, but I am definitely looking forward to it!

Columbia Antiseptic Powder and Columbia Healing Cream on display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City
Columbia Antiseptic Powder and Columbia Healing Cream on display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft and Terrace in New York City

Columbia - One of America's oldest family owned skincare product companies that has been developing medicinal treatments used by dermatologists, surgeons, estheticians, podiatrists and veterinaarians since 1871 presented their Antiseptic Powder and Healing Cream. Over the weekend I got my first ever sunburn and I can tell you that these products have come in handy! These definitely get my butterfly stamp of approval!

Eve Pearl at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft in New York City
Left: Eve Pearl at work! Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly


Eve Pearl - is a 5-time Emmy Award winning celebrity Makeup Professional with over 18 years of experience in television, film, theatre and print. She also has the patience of a Saint. As I mentioned the event was held on a rainy and super humid day. Most everyone was mentioning how they were feeling sort of blah and while no one seemed to want to take pictures of themselves getting worked on, they were taking pictures of others instead which did NOT make me happy, it's a huge blogger pet peeve of mine in fact. In my opinion while at an event you shouldn't just take pictures of other bloggers and use them on your site. Granted sometimes you can't help it, you are trying to get a shot of a speaker and get people's heads, but that's not what I'm talking about, I'm talking about purposely snapping a direct on photo of someone who isn't purposely posing for it for you. We have no choice about the venue and event sponsor using our image, but the least we can do is respect one another!

You would think I was the celebrity because when I sat with Eve the amount of flashbulbs going off in my face was totally taking the fun out of the experience for me. And she picked up on that and asked people to stop taking pictures which I can't tell you how much I appreciate that she cared about me feeling comfortable. You can't quite feel 'beautiful' when you are feeling gawked at and super un-comfortable. And while I'm aware I'm probably the weirdest blogger on the planet in that I don't actually enjoy taking tons of pictures of myself or having my picture taken at all really, it really was taking away from the experience having everyone yelling which way to stare while trying to take in the invaluable tips and tricks she was giving me! The makeover she gave me was truly phenomenal, I actually hadn't experienced one that 'transformative' since my last one by Jane Iredale. Eve Pearl gave me a very subtle look that I really liked, it was transformative but in a way that didn't look put on, it was very natural and she was so nice that she really turned my day around! One of the products she used on me that day was the Dual Salmon Concealer Treatment (I am a 'Light/Medium'). I definitely LOVE this concealer. I rarely find one that is as effective as I'd like it to be with acne scarring and this one was fantastic! In fact here is my after picture with Eve:

Eve Pearl at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft in New York City
Left: Eve Pearl, Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly - As you can see by the after, my acne scarring is very well concealed and she left my lip color (as you guys know I custom blend my own lip color and I find it quite flattering that most makeup artists tend to leave my lips alone) and she did a light, natural look on my eyes as well.
Eve was just all around awesome and I would definitely love to have her back on Ascending Butterfly!



I Coloniali - I Coloniali products are designed to offer an experience of beauty that embraces the body, the senses, and the emotions. They feature natural ingredients for the perfect balance for body and mind. They are where Spa Treatments meet the privacy of your own home. and while it was hard to pick a favorite from what I sampled on the spot, I fell in total  with the Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh, it was a standout favorite and I will give it it's own day in the sun on these pages soon! While I requested the full size of this product because I'm totally obsessed with the scent, in our gift bags were also trial sizes of this product as well ast the Relaxing Bath Cream with Bamboo Extract, and the Velveting Hand Cream with Rice Bran Oil.

Juliet Stewart stands by her display at The Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft in New York City
Juliet Stewart stands by her display at The Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft in New York City

Juliet Stewart - is the CEO of Juliet Stewart, a beauty and wellness company dedicated to teaching women about the power of their inner beauty. 

Juliet Stewart does eyebrow shaping at The Beauty Press Spotlight Day at Midtown Loft in New York City
Left: Our very own 'Mama Butterfly' and Right: Juliet Stewart giving  an eyebrow shaping  to our editor

Juliet gave mama butterfly an eyebrow shaping and we also got to sample her parfum Juliet! Much like Eve Pearl, Juliet was warm, engaging, and super down to the earth, you can tell that she loves helping people bring their inner beauty to the light!

Andi from Mistura applies the 6-in1 Beauty Solution Pressed Powder during Beauty Press Spotlight Day at the Midtown Loft in New York City
Left: Mama Butterfly Right: Andi from Mistura applies the 6-in1 Beauty Solution Pressed Powder

Mistura - Launched in 2008 and featured on National Television soon after, Mistura's 6-in-1 Beauty Solution multi-functioning pressed powder became an instant best-seller and I can see why! Mama Butterfly and I are very different in skin tone and this product worked equally well for both of us! Here is the after:

Andi from Mistura applies the 6-in1 Beauty Solution Pressed Powder during Beauty Press Spotlight Day at the Midtown Loft in New York City
Andi from Mistura (left) applied the 6-in1 Beauty Solution Pressed Powder  on Mama Butterfly (right) during Beauty Press Spotlight Day at the Midtown Loft in New York City

Here is a shot of Andi proudly holding up her award winning product:

Andi from Mistura applies the 6-in1 Beauty Solution Pressed Powder during Beauty Press Spotlight Day at the Midtown Loft in New York City


I was amazed how well this worked for a wide variety of skin tones, and I am not going to be happy when I run out of this that's for sure!

Osense Fragrant Sticks Incense on display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft in New York City
Osense Fragrant Sticks Incense on display at Beauty Press Spotlight Day May 2013 at Midtown Loft in New York City

Osense - You all know by now how much I love meditation (in fact this site started with daily breathing affirmational meditations in 2009), and one of the things that can help enhance meditation is incense, which is why I gravitated to this table as soon as I saw their display! Their 'Fragrant Sticks' are delightful and by far my favorite is the one they call 'Ipanema'. I will definitely be adding these to my meditation, in fact for those in the incense know, I hadn't found one I liked this much since I hit on Nag Champa!



PretendTan - DK Luxury Beauty's newest retail product is derived from their professional spa system for at home use. We all know that the only safe tan 'is tan in a can', and if you are going to do it you want one that is streak-free, oil free, odor free, paraben free, easy to apply and lasts for days!

Want to see what other brands I have been introduced to during past Beauty Press Spotlight Days? Check out previous coverage of past Beauty Press Spotlight Days HERE and HERE.

Butterflies, tell us which brand you are most excited about seeing a giveaway for (and don't forget to visit them on their social media pages and tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly)!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post, I am under no obligation to share my event recap coverage and all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.