Looking for a #vacuum that cleans across both carpet & hard floors? @Dyson DC65 available @BestBuy! #DysonatBestBuy

#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!

The writing is on the wall! Had to snap a picture of this infographic on the event space wall - With the DC59 cordless being able to pick up as much dust a corded vac and the DC65 cleaning better than any other vacuum across carpets and hardwood floors both with the Dyson Digital V6 Motor, what's NOT to love?

I am an Apartment Dweller based in New York City, which means hardwood floors (YAY for old pre-war apartments), but cramped for space. Keeping up with hardwood floors isn't very easy, and I have found that many vacuums weren't an option for me as they were great with carpets, but not so great on the hardwood.

Back in December I got to test out the Dyson DC44 Animal Stick Vac and I have to admit I was pretty impressed with the versatility, if you missed my review on that unit, press HERE.

Dyson Rep giving us a product demonstration of the Dyson Digital Slim DC59

Recently I got to attend a Dyson Event in New York City where they walked us through their available units, and gave us a live demo to show us how Dyson Products directly compare to other leading brands on the market. We were amazed just how much 'stuff' other products left behind! I loved that the demo area offered us the opportunity to see the products perform on variety of surfaces.

Dyson Reps giving us a product demonstration and showing us how Dyson compares to the competition!

My friends at Best Buy pimped my floors by sending me the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum in the Gray/Purple Color Combo, unlike the DC44 which I tried and the DC59 that are cordless, this one is corded, and right away I appreciated not having to worry about the 20 minute time frame that you are restricted to with the DC44. This unit being corded meant I didn't have to worry about whether or not it was on a full charge, and there was no time limit, so I could do the entire house in one shot instead of just a couple of rooms at a time until the unit re-charged. SCORE!

I thought you would appreciate seeing how Dyson compares to the competition in Video!

 About the DC65:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brush Bar Power increased by 25% for superior carpet cleaning

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New Configuration of bristles dig deeper into carpets to remove more dirt

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remodeled air flow helps to remove more dirt, dust and allergens from the home

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 180AW of suction (vs. 160AW in the DC41)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Adjusting Baseplate

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Long-reach telescopic wand

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Closer edge pick up

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hygeniec Bin Emptying

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available at Best Buy!

How to Assemble the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum Video Below:



 

My Take:

Bye! Bye! Traditional Broom and dust pail, hello Dyson DC65, finally an upright that can tackle hardwood as well as carpet! I was impressed to see the side by side product comparison at the recent NYC Dyson Event, the proof was definitely in the pudding seeing what the other vacuums actually left behind, but getting to try it out at home on my own hardwood floors is what truly cinched the deal for me.

I am actually glad to have both the DC44 and the DC65 as they both have different strong points for me. To organize and get closets ready for spring I will be using the DC44 to stuff a ton of clothes into my Space Bags and save space! But it's the DC65 that will get the most day to day use on my hardwood floors! And like most people I look for ways to save, so while I like the DC44, having to leave it plugged into the wall, and having it always pull energy is not ideal for me, not to mention as an apartment dweller it's hard to find a dedicated plug for one item for me that stays there at all times, making the DC65 the one I would lean to a bit more often.

I don't have a coupon to share this time around, but I will definitely keep an eye out for them and update this post as soon as I find one.

While cleaning isn't quite 'sexy', the right tool for the right job is certainly helpful!

Do you already own the Dyson - DC65 Animal Bagless Upright Vacuum, if so, what do YOU think of it Butterfly?

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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 and Dyson who provided the DC44 Animal Vacuum 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.

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! = #MondayMotivation

Happy Presidents Day!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Skinny Scoop! (I need your ONE CLICK daily vote!) - The Skinny Scoop has nominated Ascending Butterfly as one of the Top 25 Product Review Blogs! You can vote for Ascending Butterfly daily until 02/28 here: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/social-list/create?list=top-25-product-review-blogs

Ascending Butterfly is already a Top 50 Product Review Blog on Cision, I was totally floored when I found out we made their list! (Article here: http://blog.us.cision.com/2012/06/top-50-product-review-blogs/) so I was honored to see us nominated again independently in the Product Review category. I try to bring you unique products from a very wide variety of brands both established and emerging, and it's gratifying to see my efforts recognized! For those of you who saw my social media blasts about the nomination and have already voted for us, THANK YOU. Your support means more to me than you know! It is a simple one click vote, that doesn't require you to like anything, sign up anywhere or even provide your email, just click vote and you are done!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Losing Followers! - I put up one cheeky title last week and it appears a few 'butterf'lies' disappeared. Had they read the entire article they would have realized the play on words was entirely innocuous. I don't do it very often, but when I do, it's just being cheeky, I've kept this blog drama free, politics free, sex free and pretty much snark free since 2009. I'm sure they will come running back during the next great giveaway, but frankly I wish they would stay away. This space is a place where I am going to be myself. I am going to be true to myself. I am going to be authentic to myself. and I am going to express myself. Will it work for everyone? Probably Not. We can only please 50% of the people 50% of the time. I'm OK with that. So yes, I am actually quite grateful for those that bailed because of my cheeky laundry detergent title, they reminded me that it is OK to be true myself. And I'm sure double will come in for all those who left. (some people actually like cheeky!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - I've been carving out some time for sweeping every now and again, and had a few wins come in during February that I almost forgot all about.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Volunteer Time This Week! - As many of you already know I spent some time last year in Chicago at the Headquarters of Ronald McDonald House and got to visit several houses out there, and spend some time volunteering, one day it was making welcome bags for the families, on another simply baking cookies to share with the families with some of the children who were up for it. Part of my pro-bono ambassadorship is to meet with my local house here in New York City and find ways to help them. I have my first meeting with the local house this week, and I'm just truly grateful for the chance to help. After spending a year in the hospital myself, I have a great deal of empathy for families who find themselves in the hospital helping their child to battle a serious illness. Once I get a more defined sense of what the local house in New York City needs, I will share more about it here, but I just wanted to give a deep thanks to the brands I work with who have already expressed interest in finding ways to get involved. In my opinion this is what I wanted to see my little space online and my social used for, for Good, for Giving Initiatives, for ways to motivate, challenge and inspire myself as well as others. A recap of my Chicago experience can be found here: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2013/09/i-am-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities.html

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Please VOTE daily via Facebook for our Butterfly-in-Chief, Tracy of Ascending Butterfly to win a spot on 'Run to Napa' a 10K run, powered by @ZOOMArun  - http://woobox.com/h3xho2/vote/for/1921984

To Vote:

(1) Follow the link above

(2) It will be defaulted to 'enter' so press the 'vote' button instead

(3) Scroll down until you see the picture above, you may have to scroll all the way and press 'view more' or show more entries twice before my picture comes up

(4) Once you find my picture which will be the same as the one above, hit VOTE

That's it! (You won't get any spam for voting!)

THANK YOU!!!!

oh did I mention I have the chance to bring one blog reader with me on this amazing trip? It's a daily vote, so if you are voting, please leave a comment below and let me know!

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What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Is sharing about my newest 'Fling' Oversharing? #MusictoYourNose #MúsicaParaTuNariz

Photo Courtesy of Gain

My love of music, a popular New York City Hotel, a lingering fresh scent in the room.... All elements of my latest 'fling' and of course, I just had to share it all with YOU! 

Photo Courtesy of Gain

OK so it's not quite as titillating as it sounds, but all of the elements are accurate! 

Photo Credit: J.D. Anderson

The Braxton Sisters took over the rooftop of the Empire Hotel in New York City to help launch Gain Flings, and it was like an episode of Braxton Family Values come to life (ironically the event was being held on the same night their reality show 'Braxton Family Values' was debuting on WE TV)! Their personalities and playful sibling rivalry definitely took center stage.

Photo Credit: J.D. Anderson

But the 'man of the hour' was the new Gain Flings, the new single use detergent product by Procter and Gamble. If better cleaning power than Gain Liquid Detergent, an added Oxi Boost and the odor killing power of Febreze sound good to you, than you need to join me in having a 'laundry room Fling' with Gain Flings!

Photo Courtesy of Gain (With my online persona being #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ you know I love capturing shots of DJ's!)

Where Scent and Music Collide

Gain partnered with Dr. Alan Hirsch and Innerscope Research along with Gain Loyalists who they call 'Gainiacs', to see how their feelings for Gain Flings! scent measured up to their favorite pastime of listening to music. The study compared a person's emotional response to music with specific scent profiles like Gain Original and my personal favorite Moonlight Breeze - the reactions to the Gain Flings! scents proved that the scent of Gain is 'Music to your nose'.

YouTube Sensation, Andrew Garcia - Photo Courtesy of Gain

With scent and music being the major themes of the evening, there was also a live performance from YouTube Sensation, Andrew Garcia who sang covers of several popular songs!

Toni Braxton ended the evening by performing some of her hits including 'Another Sad Love Song', 'Breathe Again' and 'Unbreak My Heart' as well as a bit from her latest track 'Hurt You' her latest single with Babyface from their duet album 'Love, Marriage & Divorce' which hit the stores on February 4th (just in time for Valentine's Day!).

My Take:

In our gift bags was a Gain Fling pod to try and a copy of Tamar Braxton's release 'Love & War', music for my ears and my laundry! I am not totally sure my love of scent will ever outshine my love of music, but if anything can call itself 'Music to my nose' Gain Flings is it! I recently received a full size container and I'm having a Fling with my laundry! (I'm not going to say I love doing it, but this is giving me a very rewarding scent explosion!). Suggested retail is $4.49 for the 14 count and up to $21.99 for a 90 count tub.

Photo Courtesy of Gain

One of the biggest surprises was Toni Braxton jumping offstage and singing directly to members of the audience, I thought that was totally cool of her, and it actually took the crowd off guard!

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies - Hope your day is more romantic than mine!

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to share my opinions on the film. I was however provided with Product Samples in the form of a gift bag for Editorial Consideration and passes to the advanced screening. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

@ALNmovie #Movie Review + @IMANcosmetics Lipstick #Beauty Bar @hellobeautiful @shopaddicts #AboutLastNight

Pardon me on what has to be the most confusing title ever, but with back to back tradeshows in town and NY Fashion Week madness, I needed to make my title make sense for twitter, so thanks for bearing with me! (I know some of you hate article titles with hashtags, and others that love twitter like me so get this!)

I thought my former film critic days for a popular print publication had spoiled me totally on screenings, but recently I got an invited to a pretty unique advanced screening of Sony Pictures About Last Night, a comedic modern day remake (of the 1986 film) which stars Kevin Hart, Regina Hall, Michael Ealy and Joy Bryant. Upon arrival I knew this was a screening like no other when I walked in on a full Beauty Bar doing touch ups and lips by none other than IMAN Cosmetics! IMAN Cosmetics is the official U.S. Cosmetics Sponsor of the movie and offered a Beauty Bar so attendees (which included a who's who of New York City Based Beauty/Lifestyle Bloggers) a chance to try out the new shades of Luxury Moisturizing Lipstick by IMAN Cosmetics that are worn in the movie by Regina and Joy's characters. This super fun girls night out was also hosted in conjunction with the team from Hello Beautiful!

I have to say I was pretty flattered that everyone thought I had already had mine done, but I had in fact just walked in, and was sporting my signature custom lip blend. I tend to blend my own reds or in the winter/fall I will sometimes go plum but either way I tend to mix my color myself. I do have to say these are pretty wearable out the tube which for me is quite rare, there are five fabulous shades to choose from including (1) Taboo (Plum), (2) Kinky Pink (dark petal), (3) Flirtatious Pink (hot pink), (4) Scandalous (Deep Red), and (5) Hot (Orange).

Here is a little behind the scenes action of the Beauty Bar during the About Last Night Sony Pictures Screening (See Video Below):

I am in the video at 0:20-21 seconds! You will see Dee from Shop Addicts and in the teal sweater is ME! Tracy Iglesias from Ascending Butterfly! (By the way we were posing for the picture I included below when someone filmed us!) The above video is being moderated by one of my fave blogging peeps, Ty from Gorgeous in Grey who I met at BlogHer!

There is another video that focuses directly on the colors in the collection below:



My Take:

I greatly enjoyed the Beauty Bar as it gave us a chance to try out the colors and see which worked for us best. We got to take the Iman Make-Up Kit, Lip Affair lip colors home so I am definitely going to take time to play with the colors and blend them to see how close I come to the color that is my custom signature lip.

The movie is hilarious! Well cast and super funny. I greatly enjoyed it! It's not 'too chick' that guys will get bored, and not too 'man humor', they really did strike a perfect balance, and your face will probably hurt from laughing and smiling so much! It accurately reflects modern day dating with a sense of humor and just the right sentimentality. 

No spoilers here, but CHICKEN SCENE, it's TOTALLY worth the price of admission alone!

Left: Dee Rivera of Shop Addicts and Right: ME! Tracy from Ascending Butterfly!

What are your plans for Valentine's Day Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to share my opinions on the film. I was however provided with Product Samples in the form of a gift bag for Editorial Consideration and passes to the advanced screening. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Stay stylish despite the Polar Vortex with @EMUAustralia #Fashion #Polyvore

EMU AUSTRALIA WINTER POLYVORE BOARD

While I am looking forward to Spring (I am an April Baby so Spring is definitely my season), I am staying warm and stylish during the Polar Vortex with Emu Australia whose Premium Sheepskin and Merino Wool Footwear and Fashions are definitely where form and function meet with style!

Here are some close ups of the styles pictured in the polyvore set above:

The Emu Australia Roseberry Jacket in color 'Chocolate' offers the ease, comfort and softness of a cardigan with the style of a favorite leather jacket, with knit inserts to assure a perfect fit, and add contrast, this has quickly become a personal fave this winter! (This style is now sold out, but there are a ton of great alternatives!)

The Emu Australia Agnes Boot (also pictured in the color 'Chocolate) offers a plush raw edged sheepskin finish, leather belt details with logo buckle and a cleated rubber outsole for traction.  

The Emu Australia Agnes Boot is a versatile stunner that can be worn up or down to reveal it's fur interior, these biker boots offer both style and comfort and the 'breathable' Sheepskin keeps your feet warm in winter and cool in summer to give you multi-season wear!

My Take:

I know that these will become winter wardrobe staples for you like they are for me! With super versatility, comfort, warmth, great details and a stylish edge, what's NOT to love?

Tell us Butterflies, what is your favorite EMU AUSTRALIA Style? Link us to it!

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated to create this Polyvore set. I was however provided with Product Samples for Editorial Consideration. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Don't miss the @NYWineFestivals Winter #Wine Festival in #NYC, here are highlights from the Autumn Show!

Today I am braving the Polar Vortex and heading out to the New York City Winter Wine Festival. While the afternoon session is already sold out, there are still tickets available for the evening session so act fast and visit HERE to nab a ticket before that session sells out too!

I thought I'd share some photos from the Autumn Wine Fest so you can see why I am so excited to see what today's tasting will bring! From The Most Romantic Wine and Kelly and Jones Fragrances Wine Perfume Collection, the Autumn Wine Fest was filled with delightful surprises!

Here are some of my personal faves:

Even the Universe was smiling that day as I found this on my way out of the subway heading toward the venue!

Chateau Musar This Red Wine was a definite stand out!

For more info check out http://www.adelaida.com/

Totus Tuus Cava Brut Reserva is a blend of 40% Chardonnay, 18% Xarello, 18% Macabeo, 18% Parellada and 6% Pinot Noir. Made in Madrid Spain this one is a great price ($15.95) for the finish!

This 2012 Bodegas Tampesta Albarin 'Maneki' was definitely a standout!

Elo Monastrell 2010 smooth tannins, dark cherry, blueberry and spicy cedar aromas made this one round and balanced. Another hit from Table 10!

This 2007 Domaine de Pisan from Cave de Rasteau Winery was also very nicely balanced and averages about $36 a bottle

Kelly & Jones Fragrances - 'The Notes of Wine Eau de Parfum Collection' is a line that is inspired by the 'bouquet in the glass' and I can tell you that I enjoyed each scent equally and can't say I favor one over the others, which for me is pretty rare!

TMRW - "The World's Most Romantic Wine" offered not only the most atmospheric display, but really do live up to their title. I enjoyed everything I sampled and much like the perfumes found it hard to select an absolute favorite!

Cornerstone Estate Winery 2008 Cabernet Franc Icewine has an intense aroma of Strawberry jam and offered an elegant finish, while I did enjoy them all I had to get a close up of this one! Where has this wine been all my life? Wine in a blinged out shoe! Roses! The presentation on this table was a feast for the eyes as well as the palate! With Valentine's Day coming up TMRW is definitely one you want to put on your sweetie's radar!

A very happy Ascending Butterfly! (Jeans: Silver Jeans NATSUKI Bootcut Jeans High Rise in INDIGO)

Just had to take a shot of lower Manhattan all lit up at night!

Lower Manhattan, New York City

My Take:

Don't get stuck in a wine rut! Wine tastings are always a great way to discover brands that are new to you, and add a few new wines to your collection. NY Wine Festivals really puts together a great tasting, and the passion of the exhibitors always shines through. It's also great connecting with fellow wine lovers. The Conrad Hotel in New York City was a great venue and I enjoyed the Autumn Wine Festival and can't wait to report back to you with my finds from today's Winter Wine Festival! Stay Tuned!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, I attended the Festival as a member of the Digital Press and I have NOT been compensated to share my feedback on the tasting experience. 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.

Want to join me in Napa? Find out How! #WineCountry

Please VOTE daily via Facebook for yours truly, our Butterfly-in-Chief, Tracy Iglesias of Ascending Butterfly to win a spot on 'Run to Napa' a 10K run powered by @ZOOMArun and fueled by wine - http://woobox.com/h3xho2/vote/for/1921984

To Vote:

(1) Follow the link above

(2) It will be defaulted to 'enter' so press the 'vote' button instead

(3) Scroll down until you see the picture above, you may have to scroll all the way and press 'view more' or show more entries twice before my picture comes up

(4) Once you find my picture which will be the same as the one above, hit VOTE

That's it! (You won't get any spam for voting!)

THANK YOU!!!!

oh did I mention I have the chance to bring one blog reader with me on this amazing trip? It's a daily vote, so if you are voting, please leave a comment below and let me know!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post and no compensation has been received to share, however I am shamelessly asking for readers to help vote so I can win a trip to run a 10K in Napa!

#WordlessWednesday - Devoe Park #Bronx New York - Polar Vortex anyone? {#Photo}

Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Photos as a comment, no giveaways please!

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post

The funniest review of @ParamountPics Labor Day #Movie you will read, PROMISE!

I swear the Polar Vortex didn't swallow me whole, it's a been a busy New Year Butterflies, that doesn't mean great things haven't been happening, I just haven't had much time to write.

I will start this review with a true confession. I don't have a romantic bone in my body. Really, I don't. I'd much rather sit on an isolated beach by myself. Yes I like long walks on the beach, I'd just rather take them by myself. No man. No Dog. I'd actually love no people at all, I dream...And I digress, I guess.

Upon entering a recent Advanced Screening for Paramount Pictures newest release Labor Day we were handed a pack of tissues. (YES this is important. So remember this detail). The American Drama was co-produced by Paramount Pictures and Indian Paintbrush and was directed by Jason Reitman. Based on a Novel penned by Joyce Maynard.

The movie is well cast, and Kate Winslet and Josh Brolin really do give great performances, but it really asks you to believe a set of circumstances that are just very hard to believe. The entire movie is a set of circumstances that even in a small town in a more 'innocent' time period no kid would be that dumb and no woman would have just allowed her family to get put in that position without trying to at least prevent it if she wasn't capable of putting up a fight. 

I for one would have given James' character Frank a swift kick to the nads, snatched my child and reported him to the cops, I would never have fallen in love with him, because I would have never had the chance to find out about his heart of Gold. (You know the heart of gold that beats beneath the chest of a man who accidentally killed his first wife. OK. Bygones, she killed their baby, he didnt actually 'mean' to kill her. Nonetheless, Just a wee bit too much to overlook for me.....call me crazy that way. You murdered one wife, you might try to murder me too.....)

Without giving away too many details, even the ending is hard to believe if we are supposed to get swept up into the love story that developed, their 'love' (love that develops in about 48 hours by the way) should have opened her up again to love, after a plot that is already hard to believe, when he is released from prison, they are both re-united again. SAY WHAT? If that experienced open her up to the idea of love we are now supposed to believe she kept it in preserve for his release from prison for just under 2 long decades?

And can someone please explain why he never opens her letters all those years? UM, SAY WHAT? And the pie scene was trying to hard to be the pottery scene in Ghost. (I'm all team Patrick Swayze and Demi on that one, sorry Josh and Kate!)

Here is a clip:

Now for a test to see if you were paying attention, remember when I told you upon entering the screening they gave us a packet of tissues? (Good, glad you were paying attention.)

Well I didn't cry during the movie at all, but the movie theater was out of toilet paper in the ladies room, so now you know how I used the packet of tissues.....

I promised you this would be funny.

Hopefully at some point I develop a sense of romance. My genre is horror. (Told you I'm not very romantic!)

Much like many men, I tend to avoid 'chick flicks', and this movie reminded me of why.

For butterflies who like un-likely romances, this is definitely the movie for you.

However, if you are into weekend getaways, then you should also check out the Labor Day Movie Weekend Getaway Contest, Pin a Photo on Pinterest of what love looks like to you using the hashtag #LaborDayMovie before February 7th for a chance to win! Good Luck Butterflies!

Now I have to figure out how to create a collage of isolated beaches and horror movie marathons for my pinterest entry, I could use a weekend getaway! :-)

Once you've checked out this movie yourself, please report back here and tell us what YOU think of Labor Day!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, I attended an Advance Screening of the movie Labor Day and I have NOT been compensated to share my feedback on the film. 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.

#ThrowbackThursday - My Great-Grandmother! {#Photo} #TBT

This is my maternal Great-Grandmother. She is part of the reason I started Ascending Butterfly. When she moved here she greatly missed home and she planted a small flower box garden on her windowsill. She had the most amazing green thumb and her flowers would attract butterflies. My love of butterflies started with her. And to this day a butterfly crossing my path is usually one of three things, someone I love saying hello from beyond, a stroke of good luck or a major change (which makes sense as butterflies are the symbols of transformation).

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! (Please remember we do moderate comments, no giveaway links for Wordless Wednesday or Throwback Thursday Please!)

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

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FTC: This is NOT a Sponsored Post! But should a camera company ever wish to upgrade me so I can take even better photos who am I to say no? ;-)

{#WordlessWednesday} @Ascending1 meets @TheLEGOMovie #Photos

Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Post as a Comment! (No Giveaway Links please!)

Happy Wordless Wednesday!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

{Todays #Inspiration} Each Person! #MotivationMonday

I can relate to the last sentence of this quote! My best creative writing has always felt like I was just a temporary vessel for the words and that the writing 'came through' me. Those writing moments are effortless, almost easy. I am engrossed and engaged and the words flow through me as hours fly by on the clock. Those days feel amazing!

But the key is to remember that every single day can be like that if we are open to the many blessings that the Universe sends us each day. Today practice letting something come through you, stay in the moment, and say an affirmation to both start and end your day. Don't let 2014 be 2013, you can shape it into anything you want it to be!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

@yurbuds and @BestBuy want to help you 'Cut the Cords' and #GetMotivated let this @BestBuyWOLF show you how to save!

#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!

Have your fitness resolutions already gone by the wayside? Are you having trouble staying motivated?

New York City has been hit by back to back snowstorms and the Polar Vortex was starting to put a cramp in my fitness style, but then I remembered my Wii and my Wii Fitness Board and got back to work! With me because I've done the games so often already I don't really need to 'listen' to the virtual instructor to know what the moves are I just tend to throw on my headphones and iPod and listen to my own playlists to keep me motivated.

Last year we brought you a giveaway from yurbuds. Which by the way has become the #1 selling sport earphone company! And for good reason, they really do stay put in your ears and don't pop out! I posted a full review in addition to the giveaway HERE (just remember the giveaway component is no longer accepting comments and is closed but you can still read the review to see how they held up to our 'road testing').

Yurbuds - Limited Edition Bluetooth Wireless Earbud Headphones sold at BestBuy! (Press on the image to purchase directly!)

I am happy to report that yurbuds found a way to make a good thing even better by cutting the cords! Now there is no tell tale cord connecting to your device, making your jog or power walk just as fun, but keeping the fact you are using a device or a phone a little less obvious. And in the City I live in, it's best to keep your phone or device concealed at all times! 

Studies have shown that music can increase the intensity as well as the duration of a workout by at least 15%, and you don't have to sell #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on the importance of music. It's always been a passion for me! yurbuds was founded in 2008 by an Ironman Triathlete who is a 24-time marathoner who was sick of earbuds falling out his ears during workouts. They are made for fitness enthusiasts, and they don't slip out so the workout doesn't have to stop!

While I haven't personally tested out the new ones yet, (they are definitely welcome to come back again and let us put these through their paces!), I do know they are sweat and water resistant, offer 15mm drivers and feature full track and call control with a windblocking microphone to help enhance call clarity. (and the Dedicated Pairing Button for a simple 1-touch pairing helps too!)

Did you know that BestBuy has the largest selection of yurbuds? Check them out HERE and they even offer a big list of Health & Fitness HERE so you know that means there is literally no excuse to break your fitness resolutions this year!

DEAL/COUPON/NAB IT CHEAPER:

Our friends at BestBuy and yurbuds want to help you get AND remain motivated! To help you #neverstop they are offering two pretty sweet deals!:

(1) Enjoy 20% off ALL yurbuds valid BOTH in stores AND online HERE

(2) Enjoy a $5 Best Buy Gift Card when you purchase a qualifying Health and Fitness product at a Best Buy Mobile Specialty Store HERE

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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 Sponsored Post brought to you by Best Buy and yurbuds. An Affiliate Link is used in this post. 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.