Monday, June 3, 2013

Motivation Monday: Find out why I'm urging you to get BLUE! @bluemangroup is headed YOUR way! #BlueManGroup #theatre #review

Blue Man Group Logo


Yes, I know it sounds super odd that I'm urging you to get Blue on Motivation Monday! You ask, 'but butterfly isn't today the day you share some fun graphic or motivational quote to put some pep in our step for the new week?'.

Have no fear butterflies, I'm still going to put the fun in your Monday! Last week I had the chance to check out Blue Man Group's show in New York City. And at first when I got the invitation I thought, I remember them! I applied for a job as their Social Media Manager many moons ago, and never heard back, so NO WAY! But thankfully my love of the theatre out-weighed my sour grapes for never hearing back from them...

But I digress...don't I always? I'd like to think that's why you all love me so, but it's probably more for my amazing ability to empower everyone I meet in some way! :-)

OK, truth be told another reason I never immediatlely jumped on the bandwagon to see the show is because they don't talk. I'd seen television 'talk show' interviews where they didn't talk, which kinda weirded me out! And while that works so well for one half of Penn and Teller, I wasn't sure sitting around watching people that don't talk at all would be any fun.

And because I'm a big girl, I will be the first to admit I was so wrong in that pre-conceived notion! Not only was there NOT a dull moment, I left the show smiling and feeling super up-lifted. It was exactly what I needed at the right time. Lately I hadn't been feeling like my normally happy self and couldn't put my finger exactly on why. The show helped me realize I needed a little more time living, some time away from electronic devices/work and just a moment to cut loose and immerse myself in fun and absolute frivolity!

The show is active, inter-active and in all ways AMAZE-BALLS (and you know I try not to use that word often!). I didn't think another show this year could come close to being as uplifting as Kinky Boots (if you missed my coverage of it, you can check it out HERE).

Blue Man Group Playbill for Astor Theatre Performance in New York City
Blue Man Group Playbill + Ticket for Astor Theatre Performance in New York City!

You can catch Blue Man Group in Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, New York, Orlando, and you can catch their upcoming US Tour Dates Below:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Houston, TX - June 4-9

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Honolulu, HI - June 18 - July 23

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Atlantic City, NJ - August 22-30 (You all know Atlantic City is MY Happy Place, I may just have to catch the show again this summer!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Durham, NC - September 6-8

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tulsa, OK - September 10 - 15

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lawrence, KS - September 16-17

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bloomington, IN - September 21 - 22

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lincoln, NE - September 27 - 29

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Clinton Township, MI - October 15 - 16

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hershey, PA - November 22 - 24

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Baltimore, MD - January 10 - 12, 2014 (all the above dates are 2013 by the way)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Corpus Christi, TX - February 15 -16, 2014

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Des Moines, IA - February 18 - 23, 2014

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sacramento, CA - March 11 -16, 2014

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Charlotte, NC - April 15 - 20, 2014

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Miami, FL - May 13 - 18, 2014

Blue Man Group Photo by Darbe Rotach
Blue Men Photo by Darbe Rotach


Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Blue Man Group on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get Tumblr with it

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Become Pinterest besties with Blue Man Group

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can also check out their latest updates on instagram

Blue Man Group Paint Drumming Photo by Ken Howard
Paint Drumming Photo by Ken Howard


My Take:

I loved the show! I do have some warnings to the wise though, it's a messy show, so all those in the lower level will find a plastic bag on your seats, please put them on! Don't say I didn't warn you! I was upstairs in the Mezzanine, and don't think that being up there will save you, while you won't need the plastic bags up there, the show will definitely still be very interactive from up there, no spoilers, just a friendly warning to the wise! The seats are a bit narrow/small in the Astor Theatre in New York City so be prepared to not only get really close to your neighbor, but if someone with super long legs is behind you will feel them if they are squirmy and move around a lot. I can tell you the show is fun and since it's part of every show, if you are bringing your children be prepared for the 'Shake Your Euphimism' portion of the show where every word/words for the 'behind' is literally put on display!

This show is a definite don't miss, and a total 'TICKET' in my rating system. (I tell it like it is, it's either ticket or skip it with me.).


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. Press/Media Access to the show was granted to us for Editorial Consideration, this did not influence our review and all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Sunday, June 2, 2013

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude + Winner Announcement, begining of June Edition!








What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - June! - I'm so ready to welcome in the new month! For me this new month is filled with new opportunities! As I spent so much time last year in the hospital, this is 'my summer of freedom' and I just can't wait for long summer days, sunshine, and days at the BEACH!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Theatre! - I have a theatre recap coming of a performance I greatly enjoyed and highly recommend!

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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Giveaway Winner!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join me in congratulating Selinda M. who is our Gorton's Seafood Prize Pack Giveaway Winner, she was entry #1046! We are working on processing the entries for the Got Milk? Basket winners and will announce them shortly.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Reminder: You must be a public follower for your giveaway entries to be processed, we ended with 1,850 entries and after I deleted all dis-qualified entries we ended with 1,593. I delete all the dis-qualified entries BEFORE I draw a winner. Please double check that you see your avatar and that you are following, and as per instructions do the MAIN entry first before the extra credits. If  you are not a public follower, all entries will be deleted.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And I just want to bust about the upcoming Accessories Giveaway, but I'm going to keep it a surprise until it launches, so stay tuned, you won't want to miss this one!


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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

Saturday, June 1, 2013

June Has Begun!

Is this day making you sing THIS?:


So Butterflies, How is the first day of June treating you so far?  For Me, It's New Month, New Possibilities!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post

{#Movie #Review} @AfterEarth In theaters now - Ticket or Skip It? #AfterEarth

After Earth Theatrical Poster


On Thursday I had the opportunity to attend the MAMARAZZI With Jaden and Will Smith event that in addition to a Questions and Answers Session also included a Screening of the Movie After Earth. We entered to a lovely reception where food and frozen treats were offered to attendees by LYFE Kitchen. I didn't try out the food items because after getting off super hot trains with no air (gee thanks MTA) and the weather being hazy, hot, and humid, I went straight for the Frozen Greek Yogurt Bar in Strawberry! And I'm so glad I did, it was delicious! (Yes, I know butterflies, you can say it New York Problems, some of you will tell me your cities offer limited Public Transportation and I should be happy.....)

Since the event started with the screening, I'll start with that too!

MOVIE SYNOPSIS:

A crash landing leaves teenager Kitai Raige (played by Jaden Smith) and his legendary father Cypher (played by Will Smith) stranded on Earth, one thousand years after cataclysmic events forced humanity's escape.

With Cypher critically injured, Kitai must embark on a perilous journey to signal for help, facing uncharted terrain, evolved animal species that now rule the planet, and an unstoppable alien creature that escaped during the crash. Father and son must learn to work together and trust one another if they want any chance of returning home.

MOVIE TRAILER:



Questions and Answers:


Video Credit: Fredy Mfuko , Mission 101 media


Denise Albert, Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms, After Earth
Left: Denise Albert, from The Moms, Jaden Smith, Will Smith Far Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms

Jaden Smith, Will Smith, Melissa Musen Gerstein, The Moms, After Earth
Left: Jaden Smith, Center: Will Smith Far Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein


Jaden Smith, Will Smith,The Moms, After Earth
Left: Jaden Smith, Right: Will Smith


Left: Jaden Smith, Right: Will Smith


MY TAKE:

When I found out that the movie was based on a story presented by Will Smith (based on a television show called I Shouldn't Be Alive), and was directed by M. Night Shyamalan, I was definitely curious, it's described as a 'scary sci-fi' flick and you all know that horror is my favorite movie genre! And you have to figure if it's a summer movie blockbuster where the world needs saving then you need Will Smith for sure, but unfortunately butterflies I'd be doing you a dis-service if I didn't warn you to SKIP IT.

M. Night peaked with The Sixth Sense as far as I'm concerned. With all of his movies since The Sixth Sense, I set out to the theater with hope it will be, well good.....and the movies have just all fallen short for me, and this one is another one, you leave wondering where the 'meat' was.

I did like that you see a Father and Son who come together and learn about themselves and each other in the process, but it's just predictable and that's the nicest thing I can say about it.

I appreciate the Q&A because it gives you the juxtaposition of the characters they portray and their real life Father/Son dynamic. Will is learning to allow Jaden to become his own man, even when their Fashion Tastes differ, which was the highlight of the Q&A when someone asked Jaden about his 'Skirt/Kilt' and Will ribbed him lovingly along with the audience. They were also asked if we can expect a movie featuring the entire family and Will mentioned that this is something that they have been considering for awhile now, but teased that they would have to work it around daughter's Willow's schedule.

Will Smith is always personable and down to earth so the Questions and Answers was fun. But the movie just falls short for me.

If you do go to see After Earth, please come back and share with us you thought!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. This is NOT a compensated post. I attended a screening and questions and answers session hosted by The Moms, I was under no obligation to share my movie review and all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Have you tried the Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch with Vitamin E or the Soft Touch with Aloe yet?

#Ad: I was provided with product samples from Influenster

Got it From Influenster, Influenster Badge


While City living has it's perks, one of the major drawbacks about Apartments in my city is that they are super small, most appliances are outdated or worse still there just isn't enough space to have every appliance in a kitchen that is already severely cramped for space as it is.

One of the things I have had to do without is a dishwasher. It's an appliance I'd love to have don't get me wrong, there just really isn't anywhere to put it, basically it's a washing machine or a dishwasher and I opted for the washing machine leaving me to wash dishes by hand. Day after Day. Month after Month. Week after Week. Year after Year. Monotonous Much?

So you now know exactly why I never get jazzed about Manicures or painting my nails, all that work or money spent and they aren't going to last long with my hands in water all the time.

Another negative about dish washing is just how dry it leaves your hands feeling when you are done!

Palmolive Soft Touch Badge


And that's where Influenster comes to the rescue, I received another box of love from my friends at Influenster. This one was actually too big for my mailbox, and when I got the slip to pick it up at the post office, I wasn't expecting just how heavy the package would be! And if the box didn't have a big ole clue I would have been wondering all the way to the train station what it was as I picked it up on the run on my way to an event in the City.

Let's face it butterflies, into everyone's day Chores must fall. Just because we don't want to do something doesn't mean we can get away with avoiding it. I for one can't leave dishes in the sink overnight, actually I can't leave them between meals either, I'm a dirty a dish, clean it as soon as you are done kind of girl. And while I don't find doing the dishes fun in the least, I make the best of it with my music on, and now I have a new solution for the dreaded 'dishpan hands' syndrome.

While Influenster intended me to share by sending me two, I will admit to a very much not like me bout of temporary dishes selfishness! I kept both of them to myself!


Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E, Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch with Aloe
Left: Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E, Right: Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch with Aloe

Normally I don't even have to be told to share, but these were just so awesome I had to try them both out! The pink bottle is Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E formulated for Soft Hands, and the blue bottle is Palmolive Soft Touch with Aloe formulated for Dry Skin. (For those interested there is a third formulation, with Cocoa Butter!)

And much like real 'twins' I am actually hard pressed to pick a favorite from the bunch! They both get my dishes clean and don't dry out my hands which makes me super happy! I'm not going to tell you they make dishes less of a chore, but they sure don't leave you with 'dishpan' hands! I still have a favorite moisturizer on my sink because I love putting on a skin oil or moisturizer when my skin is still damp, but on days when I'm in a rush or forget to put on the additional moisturizer my hands are still soft!

You know I love to do my research and keep track of ways to keep things Green, so for those of you thinking 'butterfly, I like the idea of Palmolive but I have an all Eco Kitchen, can I still use Palmolive?', the answer dear butterflies is a resounding YES! If you are all Eco, all the time, then Palmolive Eco + Lemon Splash may be better for you!

For fellow Influenster Members who say they never get picked, don't give up, keep being your fab and social self, because sometimes I go months and months between Influenster boxes, and then some months you get surprised with TWO boxes in the same month! BAM! SCORE!

If it's true that good things come in two's, then May has been a good mail month indeed! :-)

Sound off Butterfly: Still washing your dishes by hand like me, or do you have a dishwasher? (or is your dishwasher your hubby? LOL, I know I made myself laugh with that one!)


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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided with product samples for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. I am an Influenster Member, however this is a non-compensated product review.

Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Not So {Wordless Wednesday} Check out #photos from the @MadisonPlus MP Select Press Preview @alisoneighteen in New York City! #Fashion

Madison Plus Select Logo, Your Style Discovered


One of the best parts of living in New York City is being right smack dab in the hub of Fashion Central! There certainly isn't a shortage of choices here, there is literally something for everyone. Although there is a fashion segment where for a long time options felt super limited, Plus Size Fashion. 

Curvy Girls often feel like there are few options to look stylish and still be on trend in their size.

I'm happy to share that I recently attended a Fashion Event at New York City's Alison Eighteen that was a ray of hope in the sea of floral prints and mom jeans that most people complain is their only choice after a certain size.

Curvy Girls rejoice, Madison Plus, a website for plus size Fashions founded by Erica Young and Aimee Cheshire has set out to fill the void and show that curvy girls can still rock the trends! Their mission statement is simple: "Attainable luxe designed for full-figured, fashion-forward plus size women."

As a curvy Latina I can tell you that finding Fashion that is trendy and stylish isn't always easy, for me Jean shopping has always been an expedition even at what I consider my best 'fighting weight'. I greatly enjoyed meeting Aimee Cheshire, CEO of Madison Plus who shared her vision behind the curated content sold at Madison Plus.

Here are my best shots from the Press Preview from the Madison Plus Select Event:

Aimee Cheshire CEO of Madison Plus holds up a White Jacket from MYNT 1792 at Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at Alison Eighteen in New York City
Aimee Cheshire CEO of Madison Plus holds up a White Jacket from MYNT 1792 at the Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at Alison Eighteen in New York City

Aimee Cheshire CEO of Madison Plus holds up a Blue Jacket from MYNT 1792 at Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at Alison Eighteen in New York City
Aimee Cheshire CEO of Madison Plus holds up a Blue Jacket from MYNT 1792 at the Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at Alison Eighteen in New York City

ambiance at the venue, Alison Eighteen
Just a shot to soak up the ambiance at the venue, Alison Eighteen


Statement Jewelry on Display at Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at  Alison Eighteen in New York City
Statement Jewelry on Display at Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at  Alison Eighteen in New York City


Eden Miller, Designer, holds up Fashions from Cabiria Style at the Madison Plus Select Press Preview Event at Alison Eighteen in New York City


My Take:

I greatly enjoyed the Madison Plus Select Press Preview! It was fun to see so many Fashion-Foward styles for us curvy gals on display! Aimee's enthusiasm was definitely infectious, and you can tell she is passionate about curating the best collection of styles possible for style conscious plus size women! I was also impressed with designer Eden Miller who shared her whimsical style and collection of clothing for women in sizes 12-24. And as you can probably tell from my photo choices, the true style standout for me was MYNT 1792! I couldn't get enough of their pieces which matched my personal style to the tee!

If they weren't already on your radar, I hope you now make Madison Plus your one to watch! Because they are definitely on my radar, and I hope to have them back on our pages again soon!

Get Social:

Get social with Madison Plus, and don't forget to tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Madison Plus via Twitter

Butterfly who is YOUR favorite Plus-Sized Fashion Retailer or Designer? Bloggers can also feel free to post your Wordless Wednesday links as a comment so we can check out your photos today too!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. Nor is this a compensated post. I was under no obligation to share my event recap and all opinions expressed are 100% my own. There were no gift bags offered during this event either!

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

So what's inside the @InfluensterVox Spring Fever 2013 VoxBox? Glad You Asked! #SpringVoxBox #BeautyBlogger

Got it from Influenster Badge, Influenster, Badge, Blog Badge


DisclosureI received these products from Influenster for testing purposes. All opinions are my own.

Influenster Spring Fever 2013 VoxBox, beauty, Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant, NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy, Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure, OSIS Rough Rubber, Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes
Influenster Spring Fever 2013 VoxBox

Don't you just love getting boxes overflowing with goodies? I know I do. There is something about this whole 'box a month' phenomenon that is slowly but surely winning me over! Whether it's filled with old favorites or soon to be new favorites, it's like a celebration in a box! We spend so much time taking care of responsibilities and being sensible, that's it's fun to find something that gives you a moment to feel sort of like a kid again!

Influenster Spring Fever 2013 VoxBox, beauty, Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant, NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy, Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure, OSIS Rough Rubber, Tastykake Kandy Bar Kakes
Influenster Spring Fever 2013 VoxBox


What's in the Box?

Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant
















Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Secret Outlast Clear Gel Antiperspirant - I'm already a Secret user but hadn't yet tried the Gel, the great thing about the Gel Formula is that it leaves no white residue on clothes, this one falls under the 'Strong Protection' category on Secret's Website, and says it offers up to 48 hours of odor protection, I will never find that out, and hopefully no one will test that claim out because that means not washing under your arms for 48 hours! EWWW! :-)

NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm













Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ NYC New York Color Applelicious Glossy Lip Balm - With NYC being called 'The Big Apple' it's only fitting that this apple scented gloss with an apple in the center be included in my VoxBox as I'm NYC based. That definitely brought a smile to my face, and my lips, no pun intended! With ingredients like Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Vitamin E and Avocado Oil, I know I'm doing something good for my lips when I put this on!

Kiss Products Holla False Nail, 24 Count

























Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Broadway Nails imPRESS Press-on Manicure - I'm usually more of a solids girl when it comes to my nails, but since I have a dress that matches this pattern, I was pretty excited to see these. I have super short nails so these are perfect for me, but if you have long nails, you may have to trim yours a bit before applying. They last about a week, which is what most regular nail polish would last on me also, so definitely no complaints there. My nails are usually pretty stubby and super short, so these are perfect when I want some length or when I'm dressed up and want to look especially girly.

Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Rough Rubber Texture Paste 50ml


















Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Rough Rubber Texture Paste 50ml


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Schwarzkopf Professional OSiS+ Rough Rubber Texture Paste 50ml - The Rough Rubber Texture Paste gives you a moldable, matte look with strong hold. As I have very fine hair, this is perfect for when I cut bangs, it gives strong hold but it's moldable and not stiff like some strong hold hairsprays would be.

TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes, Peanut Butter: Made with Real Reese's™ Peanut Butter






















Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - TastyKake Kandy Bar Kakes - These offer the best of both worlds, the taste of a candy bar with the freshness of a TastyKake! Chocolate enrobed cakes with a creme filling in a unique Kandy bar shape. They are available in S'mores, Peppermint and Peanut Butter, thankfully I got Peanut Butter because I hate S'mores! I ate mine the same night, it was the perfect late night snack!

Get Social With It:
Want to get social with all things Influenster? 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Like Influenster on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Follow @InfluensterVox on Twitter

My Take:

I enjoyed getting the chance to try these products out, for the ones that were entirely new to me, I may not have thought about getting them so having a chance to try them this way was a great way to discover a new product! And since I'm pretty bad about keeping up with my nails and I'm always typing so they get pretty beat up, it's been fun getting a chance to play with the Broadway Nails! My favorite is probably the Secret, because I regularly use it anyway, but I also liked the new Gloss as well. And like many writers who gets my best work done late at night when the rest of the world is quiet, I definitely enjoyed my TastyKake Kandy Bar!

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FTC Disclosure: I am an Influenster Member and periodically receive a VoxBox with products to Sample. Members are required to fill out surveys about the products but are under no obligation to post about the boxes. This is NOT a sponsored/compensated Post and all opinions are 100% my own! Please visit our Disclosure Page for more information about our policies.

Saturday, May 25, 2013

{#Movie Review} @EpicTheMovie in theaters now + Armando Pérez aka @Pitbull discusses his role as 'Bufo' #EpicMamarazzi



Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

It's a rainy Memorial Day Weekend in New York City so far, and I don't know about you, but I'm not letting Mother Nature get in the way of my 3 day weekend! A favorite rainy day activity of mine is definitely the movies, and if a family friendly movie is on your agenda this holiday weekend, then I  have one that just might fit the bill!

Yesterday, the movie Epic hit theaters and last week I had the opportunity to attend the #EpicMamarazzi with the dynamic duo behind TheMoms who hosted a Mamarazzi® With Pitbull.









ABOUT:

EPIC is a 3D CG adventure comedy that reveals a fantastical world unlike any other. From the creators of ICE AGE and RIO, EPIC tells the story of an ongoing battle between the forces of good, who keep the natural world alive, and the forces of evil, who wish to destroy it. When a teenage girl finds herself magically transported into this secret universe, she teams up with an elite band of warriors and a crew of comical, larger-than-life figures to save their world ... and ours.


Left: Denise Albert, Center: Pitbull, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein


CAST:

Beyoncé Knowles (Voice of 'Queen Tara')


Colin Farrell (Voice of 'General Ronin')


Josh Hutcherson (Voice of 'Nod')



Christoph Waltz (Voice of 'Mandrake')


Amanda Seyfried (Voice of Mary Katherine 'MK')


Armando Pérez aka Pitbull (Voice of the frog 'Bufo')



Steven Tyler (Voice of 'Nim Galuu')


Aziz Ansari (Voice of 'Mub')



Chris O'Dowd (Voice of 'Grub')
+ Jason Sudeikis (Voice of the dad, 'Bomba')

VIDEO:

Pitbull participated in a very brief Q&A before the movie:


Credit: Fredy Mfuko , Mission 101 media

MY TAKE:

Epic is definitely family friendly fun that offers laughs for both the little ones and the adults! Often times a movie will have what I call a 'scene stealer' and in this movie Aziz Ansari, the voice of 'Mub' steals every scene he is in! Mub and Grub were lovable, cute and provide quite a few of the laugh out loud moments in the movie. Beyoncé is a warm Queen Tara and Pitbull is a believable Frog, and Jason Sudeikis delivers as the clueless Dad that was so tapped into his 'work' that he was missing what was right under his nose.

It's a great reminder for parents to spend more time living than just 'making a living'.

Left: Denise Albert, Center: Pitbull, Right: Melissa Musen Gerstein - Pitbull reminded the young ones in the audience the importance of heeding the advice of their mothers!

I have to apologize for the grainy photos, but for some reason unknown to anyone else who arrived almost 1 hour and a half before start time like I did, we were forced to move super far back, and vacate great seats only to have late comers take our seats. Because the theater wanted the seating filled from back to front upon arrival, so as far as the theater goes AMC 25, in midtown they were an epic fail, but the movie was a definite 'Ticket'. Seeing as how my online persona is 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' I was hoping to get a picture with Pitbull, but from my nosebleeds that didn't happen......hopefully I will get the chance to meet him person someday and get my photo opp!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No compensation has been received to share my event recap or film review. There were no gift bags either, in case you were curious!