@PeterPilotto #peterpilottofortarget @TargetStyle @ABullseyeView #Fashion

Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Bikini Top in Green Floral Print ($22.99), Pant in Green Floral Stripe Print ($39.99), Tote in Green Floral Print ($39.99), Slip-On Shoe in Green Floral Print ($29.99) *Target.com Exclusive | Available Globally on Net-A-Porter.com - Photos Above Provided by Target, but the Collage is by yours truly!

We are just weeks away from a new 'Must-Have' Fashion Collaboration, and Ascending Butterfly got the chance to check out the new PETER PILOTTO Collection for Target on Monday night up close and personal.

Peter Pilotto and Christopher De Vos the London-based design duo behind PETER PILOTTO are collaborating with Target for a bold, bright, Spring womenswear collection which will make its debut on February 9, 2014.

PETER PILOTTO for Target will feature approximately 70 items, including dresses, skirts, clutches, swimwear, Totes, and even Slip on Shoes with most items retailing for less than $60 - making the collection not just fun but affordable! Taking home a little luxe at a price that won't break the bank is sure to put a 'spring' in your step, and with the bright cheery colors and bold prints I am pretty sure it's like nothing you already own.

With a nod to the brand's UK roots, Target is making the collection available to international fans as well via online luxury retailer Net-a-Porter which will carry a curated assortment of this limited-edition collection. You will find bold color combinations - like blues and greens or warm reds with mixed oranges (some of my personal favorites), some sculpted silhouettes and very smart use of color blocking as well.

I'll give you a mix of my shots at the Press Event and their pro shots of the line so you can get a good feel:

Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Blazer in Blue/Black/White Colorblock Jacket ($49.99), Shirt in Red Floral Print ($19.99), Pant in Black/Check Print ($34.99)

Above: I am absolutely LOVING this jacket! I personally would not wear it with something with a print under it as shown, I'd go solid, but this jacket is probably the most 'me' piece in this collection! But as a typical all things black clothes loving New Yorker, I guess it's no surprise that this jacket would be my standout favorite.

Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Belted Dress in Red Floral Print ($44.99)

Above: This is probably more print all at once than I'd personally do, but I adore the color combo, red/black/white and grey are a personal fave of mine, I will admit the stripe makes a very slimming optical illusion for the eye, so this may be one I need to try on myself before I decide!

Pictured Above: PETER PILOTTO for Target Dress in Purple Floral Print ($69.99) COLLAGE - Dress is being worn on top of Shirt in Green Floral Print pictured at the top left of the collage ($19.99)

I think it's clever how the dress is being worn right on top of the Shirt in the Green Floral Print in Purple Floral Print (if your summer arms are not quite in shape yet, having a little sleeves in a nice lightweight material is perfect!

Above, Top Left: PETER PILOTTO for Target Sweatshirt in Light Blue Floral/Check Print ($29.99). Pant in Black/Check Pring ($34.99), Above Right Solo Shot Model is wearing Bikini Crop Top in Black/White Pring ($24.99), Skirt Light Blue Floral/Check Print, ($34.99), Middle (left) Event Hashtag for the collection: #PeterPilottoForTarget, Lower Left: Moto Jacket in Blue Netting Print, ($59.99), Cropped Sweater in White/Blue Print, ($29.99), Short in Blue Netting Print, ($29.99).

I am fond of Turquoise/White/Brown or Black in summer, so these color combinations were definitely a hit with me!

PETER PILOTTO for Target Collage, #peterpilottofortarget - Designer is in the CENTER square!

My Take:

Check out the pictures in our Pinterest Board, where you can see everything in full size! This collection is a bit like a Kaleidoscope come to life, with super vibrant patterns, splashes of bold color and an easy spring into summer mix and match appeal. You are going to have to fun with the sunglasses, and the Totes with their matching Slip-On Shoes keeping a unified look among the various wardrobe mix and match color and  endless pattern combinations that are available.

The collection will be available begining February 09, but won't be available for long, so be prepared to pick your favorites using their look book. This way when the ordering lines open you already know what you want and have a plan of attack and game plan to get your favorite pieces! Check out the Official Look Book HERE!

If you do buy something from this collection, we'd love to see your pictures! Tag them on Twitter using the hashtag #peterpilottofortarget be sure to include: @PeterPilotto @TargetStyle and @Ascending1 so we can see your cool new outfits, sunnies and slip-ons!

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

I plan to _______ to move myself closer to this ______ Goal! #MotivationMonday

For me: I plan to develop better financial habits to move myself closer to the Goal of moving to a new residence! What is your fill in the blank for Motivation Monday?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post.

#Fillintheblankfriday The biggest change I plan to make in 2014 is ________________

Photo Credit: I"m a Mom Too Blog

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

The Biggest Change I Plan to Make in 2014 is: _______________________________

Post a comment with your answer!

For me, it's change of address, a move is definitely on the agenda for me this year!

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

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

#ThrowbackThursday - Ascending Butterfly at #Prom @marinadelreyny {Warning: Extreme 80's #Hair}

Ascending Butterfly goes to prom at Marina Del Rey - Bronx New York (Can't get enough of my 80's style layers!)

I love Throwback Thursday almost as much as I love Wordless Wednesday! I love checking out everyone's photos, so if you are playing along today for Throwback Thursday I'd love to see your pictures too, leave a comment below with your link and I'll hop over and say Hi!

I also love Fill in the Blank Friday's so expect one this week too!

I was going to save this one for closer to June, but I just couldn't resist, I should have saved this dress!

Happy Throwback Thursday Butterflies, hope you enjoyed my visit down memoryville lane!

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FTC: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! But dang I was fly right?

See why @Karen_Kane has got resort wear on my brain! + I want to blog @WWDMAGIC in #LasVegas! #IWanttoBlogatWWDMAGIC

OK, so I'll admit to being a little jelly of my friends having a grand old time at CES, what Disney is for kids, Las Vegas is for me! Shiny Lights, Never-Ending Nights, Sparkle Everywhere, Fun Shows, Great Dinners, I'm convinced I probably already lived there in another life!

While my schedule didn't permit me to do CES this year, I am saving the date for WWD Magic in Las Vegas February 18-20th! Did you know that FOCUS on Fashion Retail magazine has listed WWDMAGIC as one of the Top 5 Trade Shows in 2013? With Womens Wear Daily being the authority on Fashion and Vegas being where the Fashionable go to play no wonder this show gets rave reviews everytime!

Needless to say this butterfly wants to be a part of it and while they have a staggering array of Brands at their upcoming show, I am going to focus on one. You all know when I attend Fashion Week shows here in New York City I will invariably end up focusing on the designs that feel more 'off the runway real'. The styles that we will really be seeing on the streets, because while haute couture and high fashion have their place, not all of it transcends to what real women wear daily.

I'd love to particularly see what Designer Karen Kane brings to the table at WWD Magic, I discovered her line a few years ago at a favorite department store and still have those first purchases! Her clothes definitely wear well! Her Fashions are super approachable, easy to wear and best reflects all different sides of me including day wear for office, easy casuals for weekends and stuff that goes somewhere in between too!

Because my winter break was more of a staycation and I didn't do my annual escape to the Caribbean last year, my mind is focused on Resort Wear and Summer 2014. Here in the Northeast we started the year with a snowstorm and of course there is nothing but more snow in the forecast, so my mind is desperately seeking warm weather! I'm thinking warm weather fashion is just the distraction I need to get me there and aid in my planning for a perfect summer escape!

What do you think of my Curated Picks from the Collection?

My Take:

I love the sheer versatility of Karen Kane's St. Tropez Collection. You can mix, match and can pull an outfit together quickly for any occasion day or night with ease! Centered around key basics like the black jacket, white jacket, pencil skirt and white pants that can then be matched up with a stylish top so you can travel with less pieces and still have a very complete wardrobe with you!

I would love to be one of the bloggers selected to blog about WWD Magic this year, and hope you'll show your support. 15 finalist entries will compete in a Facebook Vote Off and that's where I am really going to need your help butterflies, I'll keep you posted if I make it to the final round and where you should vote if I do get selected, so stay tuned!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No compensation has been received however this post does serve as a contest entry to be a Sponsored Blogger at the upcoming WWDMagic TradeShow. All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: First #MotivationMonday of 2014 Edition! + Winner Announcement!

Butterflies it is the first Monday of the New Year!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2014! - It's a new year and this is the first Monday of 2014! Let's set the tone for how we greet the rest of the year by greeting today with enthusiasm and gratitude. Each new year I get to ring in I now realize is such a huge blessing. It's kind of cool that we are actually 6 days into this new year already and this is the first Monday we have to confront. Even with it starting with a snowstorm, I see this year as a blank canvas just waiting for me to fill it. I'm actually late starting on my Vision Board this year, so if anyone has theirs up I'd love to see it! (Especially if it includes butterflies!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RAOK! - I took some much-needed, long-overdue and well-deserved time off during the holidays and was on the receiving end of two random acts of kindness during my travels that really touched me. They were just simple kind gestures, but since sadly kindness is sometimes hard to find, gestures like these take me by surprise. I am way more comfortable being on the giving end of an act of kindness. Something I want to work on for 2014. I may not be able to repay them directly, but I can always pay it forward and that's exactly what I intend to do. Start this new week with the goal of doing one surprise thing for a perfect stranger. You don't have to report them here if you don't want to, but keep track of it in your 2014 journal. When you end this year and go back to read all of your posts, it will give you a super warm feeling inside! And keep track of all the RAOK's you are on the receiving end of too! (You don't have to search so hard to find them, it can be simple things like someone holding a door for you when your arms where full, you adding to the take a penny/give a penny jar in the supermarket etc)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - With 2013 being such a busy year I didn't enter many contests. It's one of my favorite hobbies that sadly went neglected last year, but I did get some win notifications and prizes from seeds of entering that I had sown last year and few small instant wins to start my 2014, nothing life changing, just small simple stuff but it gave me a happy and lucky feeling which is always a fun way to start a New Year!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Changes! - Plotting my year of 'change' one step at a time, first up hair! Time for a chop! chop! and I may go bold and do a color change too! What about you butterfly? What is your first change going to be this year?

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WINNER ALERT:

 New Year, New Jacket!

Congrats to Elsie Rivera, Entrant #1937 in our Holidays Wilson's Leather $100 Gift Card Giveaway! Didn't win? No worries, we will have Wilson's back soon so stay tuned! Join me in congratulating Elsie by posting a comment on this thread!

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What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Love at first sniff, this is a MUST for dry winter skin! #IColoniali #BBloggers #Beauty

At one of last year's BeautyPress Spotlight Days I got to meet the folks at I Coloniali and I fell head over heels with the brand, particularly with the Myrrh line of products and as promised after thorough testing I am giving I Coloniali their own day in the sun!

This is actually the best time of year to try them out. The cold winter winds are brutal to the skin and I am sure if you are anything like me when you get home with your dry winter skin and feeling cold to the bone, nothing is more soothing to the spirits than a nice warm bath. I have been adding the I Coloniali Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract to my bath and it's been a sensory delight in every sense of the word!

I Coloniali Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract

About the Softening Bath Oil with Karitè Extract:

It comes in a glass bottle (250 ml - 8.5 fl. oz) and it's cleansing and emollient, you can pour the oil under the hot water of your bath to obtain a rich foam, the foamy rich mousse that develops will envelop your skin and gently cleanse making it velvety smooth to the touch. But I actually double up. I use it in the bath, and then when I finish my bath I put a very small amount on my hands and rub it across my still damp skin and let it air dry and it makes my skin feel SO soft and SMELL so good it is literally a sensory delight overload. If you are going to double up on the oil like I do, you need only a very small of the oil to use on your damp skin, don't overdo it. It will go a long way on your already damp skin. When I don't take a bath but only a shower, I really love using this on my still damp skin, but it's when I get to use it double that I really love it most. I hate when it's time to wash my towels now because they retain the scent of this oil! :)

I Coloniali Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh

About the Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh:

OK so add to the super indulgent fun, before bed I apply the Deep Massage Body Cream with Myrrh which comes in a large White Glass jar (200 ml - 6.8 fl.oz or the 400 ml - 13.5 fl. oz). You apply directly to the skin and massage until the micro-granules are fully absorbed. It is while you are massaging it into your skin that the micro-granules get the chance to fully develop leaving your skin delicately scented and super soft to the touch.

I Coloniali products are enriched with original ingredients from around the world in order to re-establish harmony within the body and the spirit. It is where the luxury of spa meets the privacy of your own home!

My Take:

I am a huge fan of this line since discovering them at BeautyPress. I have always put some kind of oil on my skin while it's damp, and I am absolutely loving this one! I tend to lean toward 'warmer' and 'heavier' scents I'm just not a floral girl, I can only take very floral scents in super small doses. Myrrh is a longtime favorite of mine and this deep massage body cream leaves my skin delicately scented, well hydrated (never greasy or sticky), and helps me beat the winter dry skin blues! They consider their products to be a 'ritual of well being' and I couldn't agree more. Our bodies are a vessel that house something very precious, our spirit, and to me the body and mind are at one when you are caring for them BOTH equally. Scented products do tend to trigger a reaction. They trigger a memory that leaves you with a feeling, and using aromatic products that also nourish the skin are a great way to bring you to a place of outer and inner harmony.

As a butterfly on a budget I will say these fall under the 'splurge' category, but then again I don't mind doing so if the quality is there. Instead of using cheap lotions that you have to apply often just to keep your skin feeling hydrated, I'd rather purchase something that offers a more 'quality' hydration experience that I don't have to constantly reapply just to keep my skin feeling soft.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" I Coloniali on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pin with them on Pinterest

And of course, don't forget to let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly! (You may want to ask them to host a giveaway with Ascending Butterfly too, I can guarantee that if you try this once you'll be a fan for life!)

I can't think of a better way to celebrate YOU in 2014 than by pampering your skin and yourself!

What is your favorite scent? Do you use Massage Oils or Creams?

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

{#Photo} Wordless Wednesday: A peek at my New Year's Eve Celebration! @Banrockwines #PinkMoscato #Wine

Banrock Station Pink Moscato, Wine

This is a delicate and really well balanced Moscato, it's not super sweet and it's very enjoyable! Bloggers feel free to post the link to your Wordless Wednesday Photo as a comment below and we will be sure to visit you too! (NO Giveaway Links please!)

Happy FIRST Wordless Wednesday of the New Year! Happy 2014 Butterflies!

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

Last Day of 2013! Bye Bye 2013 and WELCOME 2014! #NYE

Life is to short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people

who treat you right,

Forget about the ones who don't.

And believe that everything happens for a reason.

if you get a chance,

TAKE IT.

If it changes your life,

LET IT

Nobody said that it would be easy.

They just promised it would be worth it.

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And if something like the image below is on your agenda for tonight, please be careful and safe butterflies. Don't get behind the wheel under the influence, and don't get in any car if you feel the driver is inebriated!

Gogo Shop on Etsy

HAPPY NEW YEAR BUTTERFLY!!!

If you are creating an online vision board, I'd love to see it! If you are game to share yours, please post the link as a comment below!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. This is NOT a compensated post. Happy New Year Everyone! 

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: Last SUNDAY of the year edition!

Have a Beautiful Sunday, Butterfly Fairy Wings

Butterflies it is the last Sunday before the New Year! So much gratitude and so little time left before a new year begins!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - YOU! - There has been a weekly moment of gratitude since 2009 in this space, and it's meant so much to me each time you all join in and share with me something you are grateful for. It's been an amazing glimpse into one another's life and I am very grateful for each and every one of you!

From Every Wound There Is A Scar And Every Scar Tells A Story. A Story That Says, I Survived.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SCARS + LIFE! - New Year's Eve before 2012 began I was battling for my life and that was the absolute worst New Year I had ever known. I am grateful for my life of course, grateful to be ringing in another new year when doctor's didn't seem so sure I would. But most importantly that year was a defining moment that taught me how strong I really am. We all think we know what we will think, feel and do in certain situations, but until life puts you to the test, you really don't know. Trials are life lessons that help to uncover hidden strengths.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ASCENDING BUTTERFLY! - In many ways it is hard to say if I've grown into this site or if this site has grown with me. It's probably a mix of both but I'm grateful for every moment of it. It will change in 2014. I am changing in many ways and I'm sure those changes will reflect here. But being a butterfly has always been about transformation. I am excited to welcome in a new phase of my journey and share it all with you!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - VISION BOARD! - I am planning on creating a Vision Board and making my New Year's Wishlist something Visual I can tap into when the day-to-day needs of the present moment try to side-track me from my long term goals.

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GIVEAWAY ALERT:

 New Year, New Jacket!

For all you give to me, I love to offer fun giveaways as a way to thank you all for sharing this journey of gratitude and transformation with me! Our wonderful friends at Wilsons Leather are closing out the year with us and want one of our lucky followers to enjoy a $100 gift card to start the new year with a new jacket, or a new handbag or a new accessory of choice! But much like the lottery you've got to be in it to win it, so be sure to put in your entry HERE ASAP! And if you aren't already doing so, sign up for their newsletter as they host regular giveaways of their own, AND they offer exclusive discounts to newsletter subscribers, so trust me when I tell you that a $100 with them can really go a long way, and with styles for both men and women as well as fashionable and functional accessories, there is literally something for everyone!

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I wish each and every one of you a year filled with peace, happiness, love, joy, health, abundance and prosperity. May each new day that unfolds in 2014 bring you something new to be grateful for!

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What are you GRATEFUL for this week Butterfly?  Is it a lesson learned, or a random act of kindness that you gave or received? What do you want 2014 to bring?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

@Sniffapalooza @MoltonBrownUSA in #NewYorkCity! #Sniffapalooza #Skincare #Beauty #bbloggers

Molton Brown London, Midtown East Location in New York City

I got to attend my very first Sniffapalooza event in New York City and I definitely picked a great first one to attend! A special holidays edition of Sniffapalooza was hosted at the New Molton Brown store in New York City, there were tons of gift sets on display that were perfect for holidays and beyond, and it was truly a delight for my senses!

I hadn't had the opportunity to experience Molton Brown Products personally so I greatly enjoyed trying out all the great body washes and lotions and thought I'd share my standouts and Photo Highlights:

Kusmi Tea Station at Molton Brown London Midtown East Location in New York City for holiday Sniffapalooza

The event was held right after the second of two snowstorms that battered New York City, it was in fact snowing when we all arrived, so the Kusmi Tea Station was a very welcome site as most of us were still freezing from our morning commute into the city in the snow! Thanks Kusmi!

The Bath and Body Treasures Collection from Molton Brown

Honestly this collection is fantastic year round, not just for holidays! Valentines Day is coming up, not to mention it's perfect for birthdays too! Thoughtful for Mother's Day or a teacher's gift for June! (As a former Special Ed teacher I can tell you that teacher's do NOT want apples! That's definitely a myth!) This collection features six Body Wash & Nourishing Body Lotions and picking a favorite scent isn't easy, this collection includes: Pink Pepperpod, Gingerlily, Ylang-Ylang, Templetree, Suma Ginseng and Japanese Orange. I think this thoughtful gift would be well-received by any recipient.

Molton Brown London Fine Fragrance Display at the Molton Brown US Midtown East location -New York City December 2013 Sniffapalooza Event

Now don't get me wrong, all the fine fragrance smells wonderful, but I do have an absolute stand out favorite from among the six and that's IUNU. The fine fragrance collection is called 'Navigations Through Scent' and Iunu which is 'Egypt' inspired offers a ginger oil and elemi oil top note, with Egyptian Jasmine Absolute, Ylang Ylang and Black Pepper Middle Notes and a base of Patchouli and Oakmoss. They describe it as 'Warm. Slightly Dark. Sublime' and I describe it as 'Yes, Please!'

Molton Brown Gift Bag Sniffapalooza Event December 2013 New York City Midtown East Retail Store

My Take:

My personal favorites (in no particular order) are:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Coco & Sandalwood (they offer a Body Wash, Nourishing Body Lotion and Replenishing Hand Cream. This scent is also included in The Exclusive Home Gift Collection.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Patchouli & Saffron (Body Wash, Nourishing Body Lotion and Replenishing Hand Cream or you can purchase it in a trio, they also offer a Single Wick Candle that you can purchase separately.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Frankincense & Allspice (Available in a Hand Wash, Hand Lotion and Candle)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Navigations Through Scent - Iunu

The team at the Midtown East Location at 515 Madison Avene in New York City are super helpful, and you can give them an idea about your particular favorite scents and they can easily match you up to the right Molton product, so don't hesitate to ask for help if you go in and feel a bit over-whelmed by the selection.

I'm glad Sniffapalooza introduced me to the brand and to the New York store, I will definitely be back and will of course visit them online too!

Get Social:

Why you don't tell Sniffapalooza and Molton Brown you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly?

I'm sure they'd love to know! Give them some Social Media Love here:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MoltonBrownUSA on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Sniffapalooza on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Sniffapalaooza on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Molton Brown USA on Facebook

Butterfly have you tried Molton Brown? If so, what is your personal fave? If not, which product would you most like to try?

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

Wordless Wednesday: The see what #Christmas in #AtlanticCity looks like edition!

Tropicana Holiday Laser Light Show 2013, Twinkle Tree using Google Plus #AutoAwesome

Above: The Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Laser Light Show every half hour in the Quarter!

Below: The Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza Show. I caught the last night of this show and thought I'd include some of my photo highlights!

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza

Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza

An Appearance by the 'Big Buy' himself, SANTA!! Tropicana Casino Atlantic City Holiday Extravaganza

Left: Mama Butterfly, Center: Snowman, Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly

I'll make a pinterest board for this trip and that board will have more photos. Since my blog template won't let me make all the photos extra large, you can at least see them at full size on pinterest!

Happy Wordless Wednesday! Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos so we can go take a look. (NO GIVEAWAY LINKS PLEASE)

MERRY CHRISTMAS BUTTERFLIES! I hope you are all having as much fun as I am!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No compensation has been received to share my photos from my Atlantic City Experience, this was a personal trip, NOT a Press Junket, and all opinions are 100% my own.

#ad: Celebrate 'Lunar New Year' with a NEW @BestBuy #bbylunarnewyear E-Gift Card Design! @BestBuyWOLF

#ad: Ascending Butterfly is a member of Best Buy's WOLF Blogger Program and this is a Sponsored Post. Compensation in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or product/services at no or reduced cost has been exchanged, as always, all opinions are my own!

Best Buy Lunar New Year E-Gift Card

I'm pretty sure it's no surprise to regular readers that I have a fascination with Asian Art and Culture. It traces back to a beautiful Asian Jewelry Box that belonged to my Grandma, I admired it so as a little girl and it started a lifelong fascination with a culture that seemed like a world away at the time. In fact one of my handbag review and giveaways that is still the most popular is one that boasts an Asian design (check out that review HERE if you missed, just bear in mind the giveaway component to that post is long since closed!)

I also like to collect cards with Asian themes, many Casinos put them out in advance of Lunar New Year and I always make it a point to get one, so when I found out that Best Buy was putting out a Lunar New Year E-Gift card I was pretty excited! (And when I'm pretty excited about something, I tend to want to want to share the news with my butterflies!)

I love that Best Buy supports events they believe are of importance to their employees, customers and communities, and the upcoming Lunar New Year is one of those important celebrations.

A former Vietnamese co-worker would share about her traditions and she would always bring in 'bánh phục linh' - a popular cookie during the Vietnamese New Year. And I learned of the Chinese Red Envelopes, (known as Hong Bao) from a favorite shop and absolutely fell in love with the idea and the tradition. The red color of the envelope symbolizes good luck and is said to ward off evil spirits, the amount of money in these envelopes will end in an even digit, according to Chinese belief odd-numbered money gifts are traditionally associated with funerals. There is also a tradition that money should not be given in fours nor should the number four appear in the amount as the pronunciation of the word 'four' resembles that of the word for 'death' which would be thought to bring bad luck. One year when I worked in the Banking Industry one of the Banking Analysts who had come back from a trip to China brought the team back these envelopes and I still have mine!

I find it interesting that in Japan the envelope is actually customarily white and NOT red.


WHERE TO GET IT:

1. Go to E-Gift Cards
1. Scroll to the right until you see the Gift Card with the Two Koi Fish

GIVE IT TO WIN IT:

There is also a great chance to win Daily Gift Card Prizes up to $10,000 in the Give it to Win It promotion, but hurry it ends SOON!

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

My Take:

As my zodiac sign is 'Aries' in Western Astrology, red is the color associated with my sign so I tend to gravitate to all things red automatically anyway.

A very dear penpal started me on the tradition of sending New Year's Cards and wishes, as she is Jewish and doesn't celebrate Christmas she asked many years ago if we could exchange New Year's wishes instead of Christmas Cards, and I loved the idea and expanded it to additional friends and family and many clients who have always appreciated the gesture. This year the upcoming Lunar New Year occurs during January 31st 2014 of our Gregorian Calendar and I can't think of any better way to honor friends who observe the 'lucky money' custom than with this E-Gift Card! I may even make this image my screensaver during the month of January for a bit of extra luck!

What is YOUR New Year Tradition Butterfly? Do any of our readers celebrate Lunar New Year? If so, tag us on a picture of your 'lucky money' envelope this year, we would LOVE to see it!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis! This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Best Buy 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.

{#MotivationMonday with #Butterflies} - Cultivate the habit of being grateful!

Happy Motivation Monday! The holidays countdown has begun!

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FTC Dislclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!