Did you miss the @TheLuxuryReview event in New York City? Check out my Photo Highlights!

I could have easily titled this post My 2013 Christmas Wish List, as this exclusive press showcase and ultimate shopping event of well curated brands and items for those of discerning taste who really appreciate the finer things in life was certainly a luxury lovers dream.

Industries on hand included automotive, aviation, fashion, jewelry & timepieces, luggage, wine & spirits, electronics and more! There were some major debuts including the 2014 McLaren 12C Spider courtesy of McLaren Long Island and LG Electronics USA also showcased the debut of it's razor thin 55 inch CURVED OLED TV. They also featured the LG G2 Smartphone (which if you remember I attended the Global Launch for this phone in New York City, you can see that coverage HERE). They also displayed their newly expanded line of Ultra Hi-Def TV's led by the 84-inch UHD model with four times the resolution of today's HDTV's in their ultra high-tech lounge.

Check out my Photo Highlights:

Tache Artisan Chocolate treated attendees to chocolates using the finest ingredients, with no artificial colorings, flavorings or additives!

ClearJet the first flat fee direct access marketplace for Jet Charters!

Elite Mobile Cigars - They designed a very special cigar called 'The Stanyon Cigar' whose proceeds benefit Heart to Heart Foundation - www.heart-heart.net - Created for the parents of two sisters, each one killed in a car accident exactly 19 months apart, those tragedies resulted in organ donations and the parents are now passionate advocates of organ donation. You know just how much Ascending Butterfly loves featuring Brands that GIVE Back, and their passion for their products and for their amazing cause made this particular brand a stand out for me!

Oddly enough I met with Chivas Regal, twice in that same night, first during The Luxury Review and then again later that night at the Hispanicize NYC Meetup at the CopaCabana Night Club! Apparently much like me, they are very social butterflies!

DRESSAGE Collection showcased a stunning collection of luxury handbags!

Santa Baby, put some DRESSAGE under the tree, for me......

Yes, Ascending Butterfly is Handbag obsessed!

Cooks, Chefs and serious foodies already know the Wusthof Brand and their quality knives!

Louis IX uses the finest textiles and fabrics and also offer an exclusive concierge service!

Anatomie from Europe offer modern, feminine and sophisticated styles for women!

Armand Diradourian Cashmere showcased a mix of home, clothing and travel goodies! I only wish there was 'touch-o-vision' so you could feel how soft and cozy their cashmere is!

I would also love Santa to slip something Cashmere and Fab under my tree!

House of Horology presented their timepieces in a most unique way! Those fish are styling in that tank!

Eleven James offers an annual membership program that is helping to redefine how luxury watches are being discovered, this takes 'of the month' club's to a whole new level that's for sure!

Hartmann presented their luggage, business cases, and totes! You know just how much I love Travel, and they are making me think it's time for a new suitcase in my life!

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars presented a selection of their finest wines! I enjoyed the Chardonay as well as the Cabernet!

Technogel Sleeping presented their pillows and mattresses, I definitely want Santa to slip both of them under my tree!

Iride Italian Bicycles presented their hand crafted bicycles (since 1919) that are now available in North America!

Stunning Jewelry on display by Trunfio Jewels

LG Electronics John Taylor shows off the 55-inch 55EA9800 ($9,999) curved-screen Full HD 1080p OLED TV at the Rand Luxury Review in New York

LG 65" CLASS ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION 4K TV WITH SMART TV (64.5" DIAGONALLY)

84" CLASS ULTRA HIGH DEFINITION 3D TV WITH SMART TV (83.9" DIAGONALLY)

I think I need to pimp my Family Room's TV, looks like LG has something for everyone!

Disaronno created a signature punch for the occasion!

Mina D Jewelry presented their jewelry - and because you know I love brands that give back, I have to point out their Jeni Bracelet a jade and agate bracelet with a sterling silver ribbon charm 15% of the proceeds from this bracelet will be donated to the American Diabetes Association! (A very thoughtful holiday gift for someone you love who has Diabetes)

The Puku Charger is a powerful, portable and rechargeable battery for smart phones, tables mobile or hand-held devices with USB Chargers! Perfect for us busy blogger on the go that's for sure. I'm thinking perfect stocking stuffer!

Akribos which means exact and precise in Greece offer watches with a bold and industrial look that has received rave reviews - Ladies stuff this in his stocking this year, and you will score MAJOR brownie points!

Signature Car Collection offer an un-paralleled car rental experience!

You know how much I love red, wouldn't I look fab behind the wheel of this car? BTW, I'm totally rocking my new Margherita Wrap Dress in Turquoise from IGIGI! My shoes are Earthies (The Veria Too Style) and my bracelet is Jade & Jasper!

Here are some Video Highlights I found on YouTube:

My Take:

I loved that such a wide variety of brands were brought together to create such a fun and exciting event! There were a few more brands in attendance than shown above, I really need to remember that the hi-res setting uses so much memory!

Which Brand Featured Above is YOUR Favorite? Which of these would you want to see under the tree this year?

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FTC Disclosure: LG Electronics provided Ascending Butterfly with Press Access to The Luxury Review for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. I have NOT been compensated to share my event recap coverage, nor were there gift bags just so you know! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

#MotivationMonday - Get #inspired by @Angela_Bofill + check out #Photo & #Video highlights from her @SmoothJazzNY Tribute!

You may remember that I hosted a reader giveaway for a VIP Experience for the Smooth Jazz New York Encore Sail for the Angela Bofill Experience. While this giveaway is already closed, please remember we are a Media Partner for Smooth Jazz and will be working them again VERY SOON for a fun giveaway, so check back SOON! (If you LOVE Wine, and especially love exploring and trying new Wines, and you are New York City Based, then this is going to be for YOU!)

I left this sail incredibly inspired by the strength of Angela Bofill, the entertainer and the The WOMAN! A two-time Stroke Survivor, Angela not only refused to give up on herself she refused to give up on her passion, her MUSIC. She was incredibly open, honest, raw and shared such an incredibly positive outlook and a perspective filled with humor and a love for life and each moment. When you get the chance to be in the presence of someone who keeps their energy so high and doesn't let any obstacles weigh them down, you can't help but feel inspired. You feel motivated and uplifted. You feel like anything is truly possible. And that's the gift Angela gave me that night. While my VIP experience on the sail was amazing, my nights with Smooth Jazz always tend to be, this one however held a more special place in my heart. A year to the date I was to be on the very same sail, but life veered me of course, and I never made that sail, I never made that ship and I spent a year and a half in and out of the hospital. Overcoming a ton of challenges of my own. I don't really know if I did it with the same humor Angela did, but my quiet Grace got me through. And being on that sail, on that night was already incredibly nostalgic for me. It already reminded me of how far I'd come since last year. And then seeing Angela, and hearing HER tell HER story filled me with renewed hope that there is nothing that can stand in MY way, unless I let it.

Lenny Green of The Quiet Storm Kicked things off during the Smooth Jazz Encore Angela Bofill Experience Cruise in New York City, October 2013!

The concert had an incredible line up! Maysa on Vocals, Alex Bugnon on the Piano/Keyboard and Kim Waters on Saxophone all joined together to pay tribute to the one and only Ms. Angela Bofill. Other artists sent in Video Tribute Messages to her, and she sang and played the cowbell along to some of the songs. She mercilessly teased Kim Waters and kept the crowd, not just engaged, but happy, we were all smiling and cheering her on!

Center: Maysa performing during Smooth Jazz Smooth Cruise Encore Angela Bofill Tribute Experience

Far Left Standing Angela (vocalist), followed by Maysia (vocalist in the blue dress), and far right: Saxophone Player Kim Waters

Center: Saxophone Player Kim Waters,  performing during Angela Bofill Tribute Experience

Left: Angela, back up singer, Center: Maysa who is helping Right: Ms. Angela Bofill to her seat on stage!

Angela Bofill on cowbell and Kim Waters on Saxophone on the Smooth Jazz Encore Cruise October 2013

Alex Bugnon performs at the Smooth Jazz Encore Sail Angela Bofill Experience, New York City, October 2013

Left: Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly taking in New York City at Night on the Smooth Jazz Encore Sail, October 2013

Left: Mama Butterfly, Center: Alex Bugnon, Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly - it was so cool meeting Alex Bugnon in person!

Left Mama Butterfly meets Right: Saxophone Player and Jazz Musician Kim Waters!

Left: Saxophone Player and Jazz Musician Kim Waters and Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly

Angela Bofill signs CD's for Fans after the Smooth Jazz Encore Cruise October 2013, New York City

Feel like you were there with highlights from the concert filmed on the LG G2 Smart Phone:




 

My Take:

The concert was amazing and I left totally inspired by Angela Bofill, she is a fighter in every sense of the word, and her sense of humor and spirit made everyone smile! It was super touching to see how emotional it was for her when they showed clips of her performing throughout the years.

Butterflies if she can keep pursuing her passion after such major setbacks, why can't YOU?

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FTC Disclosure: Smooth Jazz New York provided Ascending Butterfly with tickets to the Angela Bofill Experience Encore Sail for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

The @NetZero_4G Hotspot - Learn why this little device is a traveler's dream! #MobileBroadband

For long time readers of this blog it is no surprise that I have been plagued with one huge challenge when it comes to my tech devices, they never seem to play nice with the WiFi anywhere. No matter what the venue, which device I bring, I rarely ever am able to get on the WiFi. This is obviously not going to work when as a Blogger and member of the Digital Media I am expected to either live blog or live tweet from events.

I have finally found a way to overcome this problem and keep every and any device I carry connected to the internet, whether in my office, at home or on the go, The NetZero 4G Hotspot! Your favorite former 'Free ISP' has grown up!

It arrived conveniently just before my Chicago Immersion Experience for Ronald McDonald House Children's Charities, as their newest Ambassador, I spent time live tweeting during my immersion experience and it was thanks to my Hotspot. I ended up having to use it right away as my hotel's WiFi did let me in, but it was super slow. I even tried using the computers in the business center but they were super slow as well. And then while I was out I used it to send tweets and I experienced no lag anywhere in the city of Chicago I found myself.

This summer I have been experiencing intermittent service issues with my Cable Internet ISP service, the problem has still NOT been resolved to my satisfaction, in fact my service went down during a twitter party I was hosting, so I'm currently shopping for a new provider, but while my ISP was down, my Hotspot was UP, and it defintely came to the rescue when I've needed it most.

The first month I had it I used it during my trips and for various events and when I wasn't using it, another Editor was. This month as my intermittent service was at it's worse I had to rely on the Hotspot for my primary use and not just travel or event use so I actually did finally manage to go through all the data this month before the month was even over. But I'm definitely a 'power user' and go through a lot of data so I'm actually surprised that it didn't happen to me during the first month I tested it.

I live in New York City and I have tested it pretty much all over the City and outer boroughs, my home which is nowhere near any hotspots, and of course during my visit to Chicago and was quite impressed by the speed and reliability!

Where to start? Choose A Plan:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Free - $0 gives you 200MB of data

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Basic - $9.95 gives you 500MB of data

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Plus - $19.95 gives you 1,000GB of data (they are offering 50% off device and 2x data so you can actually get 2,000 GB of data right now for that price!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pro - $34.95 gives you 2,000GB of data (they are offering 50% off device and 2x data so you can actually get 4,000 GB of data right now for that price!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Platinum - $49.95 gives you 4,000GB of data (they are offering 50% off device and 2x data so you can actually get 8,000 GB of data right now for that price!)

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @NetZero_4G on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like NetZero on Facebook

MY TAKE:

Mobile Broadband has helped me make anywhere my 'Portable Office'! I love that I can use this with any device and it has proven fast, safe and reliable for me inside and outside my City. Mobile Broadband is an absolute necessity for me and NetZero 4G Broadband has actually proven more reliable for me than my Cable Internet has. I will tell you when I had to rely on it solely I did eat through the data limit for Platinum before half the month, but as a Power user that was pretty much to be expected. My intention was to make this what I use mostly for daily events and for travel and conferences. I had no idea when I first began using it that at some point it would be the only form of access for my home office, so I do have to say I'm super impressed at how reliable it's proven to be for me, at a price that is actually LESS than what I currently pay for the un-reliable cable internet I'm currently using!

At 4.4 ounces it's a little too big for your pocket but will easily slip into your handbag, and what I love is that once I put it on, I can leave it in my purse and I don't have to physically have it right on top of the device that I am using to get a good signal. You don't need any drivers for it, and you can connect up to 8 devices at once. It should work within a 150 foot range (I have used it on devices in other rooms and didn't experience any lag) and you can also connect WHILE this device is still charging which is excellent!

I am NetZero's newest Blogger Brand Ambassador, so I will definitely invite them to do something fun for readers soon! (Remember when you visit their social sites to let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly!)

Are you using Mobile Broadband? Butterflies how do YOU stay connected while on the go?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post, however a device and Platinum Service were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! I am a NetZero Blogger Brand Ambassador, as such, this entitles me to additional incentives and any sponsored posts will be disclosed as such.

#TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ meets @COVERGIRL Ambassador & #ElectricLady @JanelleMonae @ApolloTheater #covermoment {#Photos)

You all know how much I love Music, so when Covergirl invited me to attend Janelle Monae's (aka The Electric Lady #1) 'Electric Tour' with a VIP backstage meet and greet you know I couldn't turn that down! As you know my online alter ego is #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, and Music and Travel are my top two passions in life. And in all my years living in New York City this was my very first visit to the historic Apollo Theatre! (And it certainly won't be my last!) The very last pictures include our meet and greet photo! So stay with this post until the end butterflies!

Janelle is the new face of Covergirl and she is on tour to promote her new album, The Electric Lady, which you definitely need to pick up if you haven't already! Pick it up on Amazon:



The excitement was definitely building outside the entrance of the theatre while we were waiting to get in, The billboard changes very rapidly but I was able to nab a shot of the sign announcing Janelle before it switched again to other shows:

Outside the legendary Apollo Theatre in New York City for the Janelle Monae 'Electric Tour'

of course Mama Butterfly and I wanted to take a picture before we even sat down:

Left: ME! Ascending Butterfly Right: Mama Butterfly inside the legendary Apollo Theatre in Harlem, NYC

We got there super early as you can tell and they hadn't even started setting up yet so we got some time to ham it up and check out the theatre!

The excitement was definitely starting to build as the band started setting up!

Check out 'Mini Janelle'!

Everyone just had to stop and snap pictures with a super cute little girl that was dressed up like Janelle!

Janelle Monae 'Electric Tour' Concert at Apollo Theatre in New York City

You could literally feel the floor beneath you vibrating as concert goers jumped up when Janelle took the stage, everyone was jumping and dancing and it's like the floor had come alive beneath your feet!

Janelle was definitely bringing her 'A' Game!

My inner Fashionista was totally digging this outfit! The Jacket! Those Boots! YES!!!

The confetti was flying and it felt like New Years Eve!

The Electric Lady was definitely bringing it!

You know we were all singing along with her!

No one was ready for Janelle and the band to take a bow, we wanted MORE!

I had to let Janelle know how much I enjoyed the show!

How do artists keep straight which camera to focus on?

Now that's better, you can now see the whole Apollo sign in the background!

Even Mama Butterfly got in on the Meet and Greet Fun!

My Take:

The last time I did a concert in New York City with a VIP Meet and Greet was for John Legend, so I was super excited to get to do another one! Janelle truly delivered, it was an amazing concert and her new album has 20 songs and she is joined on some tracks by some amazing artists including Prince (yes THE Prince), Miguel, Erykah Badu, Solange, as well as Esperanza Spalding (who I love, love, love by the way) on an expansive double disc set.

Serving Face? Indeed Butterflies, that's why she is the face of Covergirl! She tore it up at the Apollo! Thanks Covergirl, I will never forget this concert!

"Even if it makes others uncomfortable, I will love who I am" ~Janelle Monae, on the track Q.U.E.E.N. featuring Erykah Badu, check out the official video below:

Have you grabbed this album yet? If so, what is your favorite track?

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a compensated or sponsored post, Concert Tickets were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own! The Amazon Banner to purchase The Electric Lady MP3 download of the album  is an affiliate link.

@chevrolet Introduced the All-New 2015 Tahoe and Suburban, so which one do you think looks better on ME?

I got to attend the debut of the Chevrolet 2015 Tahoe and Suburban in New York City and I am having a hard time picking out which one looks better on me! The best-selling duo of full-size SUVs now offer more functionality, new safety features and advanced technology and the new styling on both models contribute to a much quieter ride!

The direct-injected EcoTec3 powertrain and improved aerodynamics help to offer greater estimated highway fuel economy while preserving it's overall performance and power. GM introduced the Suburban in 1935 and is the industry's oldest continuously available nameplate while the Tahoe is the segment's sales leader.

2015 Chevrolet Suburban

2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

New Functionality and Tech Features found on both 2015 Vehicles:

2015 Chevrolet Suburban Interior Power Fold Flat Seats

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fold-flat second and third row seats to enhance cargo convenience, power folding feature available

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 inches greater legroom for second row passengers plus easier exit and entrance

2015 Chevrolet Suburban Nativation Panel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8 inch color touch screen radio with next generation MyLink connectivity

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Up to six USB ports and six power outlets (including a 110-volt three-prong outlet) to support electronic devices (up to 12 charging stations) - Sounds PERFECT for a family of power bloggers (wink,wink - AHEM!!!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rear-seat entertainment with dual screens (SUBURBAN ONLY) and Blu-ray DVD Player

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mirror in the overhead console that offers a panoramic view of the rear seats

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keyless entry and push-button start

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Front-seat center air bag

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New four-wheel-disc brake system with Duralife brake rotors that offer up to double the service life coupled with brake pedal revisions that improve pedal feel for stronger-feeling, more confident braking performance

So which one looks better on me?

Tracy from Ascending Butterfly poses with 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

Tracy from Ascending Butterfly poses with 2015 Chevrolet Tahoe

Tracy from Ascending Butterfly poses with 2015 Chevrolet Suburban

Tracy from Ascending Butterfly poses with a Classic Car - too bad this one isn't for sale! Yes I'm holding up my cocktail in this photo, so Cheers!

My Take:

I think it's fantastic that the new Tahoe and Suburban will be built at GM's Arlington, Texas assembly plant here in the United States. Both vehicles are slated to hit dealerships in the first quarter of 2014, and I'm thinking I'd look great behind the wheel of either one (although I am still digging that Audi A8 that picked up team butterfly for a special Wolverine Screening in New York City, see it HERE if you missed it). You can get social with Chevrolet on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with the latest news!

Which one do you think looks best on me? and most importantly which one do you like best for YOU?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a compensated or sponsored post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. All opinions are 100% my own!