Tuesday, May 13, 2014

{#Photo} Highlights from the @GNOSSEM #Fashion Preview held @MaseratiNYC!

Gnossem Logo


I would have to say second to Broadway, the great thing about New York is the myriad of unique Fashion Shows and Designers to showcase their collections here.

I got to check out a Fashion Preview held in a pretty unique venue, The Maserati Showroom in New York City! Gnossem is an online fashion website who carries Asia's largest collection of luxury independent designers who previewed for the first time ever in New York City in February. (Yes I did say February, my travel schedule has been nuts lately!)

In addition to a host of new and exclusive Asian labels, some of the independent Fashion Designers included: Zenchi (a Singapore Top Designer who Naomi Campbell walked for last year), Zardoze (whose Creative Director previously designed for Alexander Wang, Michael Kors, Narciso Rodriguez as well as Marc by Marc Jacobs!), and TOTON (an Indonesian label that Andrej Pegic walked for in 2012).

Lisa Crosswite, Gnossem's Founder was named by Louis Vuitton Singapore as one of the Top 10 Stylish Women 2013. Gnossem offers uniquely artisanal products, quality independent designers that are specially curated for the most discerning tastes! Certainly luxury at it's finest!

I am kind of glad that this post got so delayed as many of the Fashions I previewed had a breezy, easy feel that remind me of Spring easing into summer!

Here are some photo highlights:

Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013 Poster Closeup
I saw this poster on display at the venue and I just had to get a close up!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, Dress
This Dress is EVERYTHING!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, Dress
So nice I had to capture it from both angles!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, Tops, Blouse, Skirt
You know I love that leather top with the stamped detailing right?


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, white dress
I have always had love for high collars!

Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, resort wear
This just yells Resort Wear to me, in a good way!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013,  Formal Wear, Formal Dress
A little prom meets Met Gala Realness!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013,  Formal Wear,
This is probably more daring than I'd feel comfortable with, but it's pretty!


Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, Cocktail Dress
I'd probably end up wearing it as a blouse or on top of White Jeans, but I like the bold print!

Gnossem Fashion Preview Maserati NYC Showroom February 2013, all the dresses
All the looks - Love how I captured someone else across from me taking the same shot!


Ascending Butterfly Editorial Team taking in the scene! (I'm the one on the right, holding the champagne glass of course!)

MY TAKE:

I loved the unique venue! Fast Cars, Luxe Fashion, it was a great night in the city. With Besfren featuring their Dessert Collection Box (this is the chocolate gift you give to someone who you think has it all),  Zico keeping us all hydrated with their premium coconut water (really good by the way!), and illy USA providing their celebrated Italian Coffee Drinks it was as close to Fashion Event Nirvana as you can possibly get!

Butterflies Check out Gnossem for yourself and let us know which style is your favorite!


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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided with If/Then Tickets 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, May 12, 2014

We all have our If/Then Stories. What's yours? #IfThenStories - My thoughts on @IfThenMusical



One of the biggest perks of being a local 'New Yorker' is having access to Broadway and being able to enjoy the Theatre as often as possible. I don't take it for granted. Don't get me wrong I enjoy a blockbuster movie, but nothing brings words to life in the same way the stage does.

I got to check out If/Then the Musical. A Musical that addresses where 'choice and chance' collide. They are running a Social Media Campaign in conjunction with the show called If/Then Stories where they ask people to share their own If/Then Story - A pivotal moment in your life guided by a seemingly insignificant decision or random act of fate that changes you.

I have to admit I'm a bit obsessed with the site and the stories, and following it's hashtag, #IfThenStories. The Musical and the campaign dovetail perfectly, let's face it we all have moments where one simple decision changed EVERYTHING.

The lead character in the Musical, Elizabeth, is portrayed by Idina Menzel (of Wicked Fame) is a woman who is rebuilding her life in New York City (she had moved from NYC to Phoenix when she married, it opens with her returning to NYC after a divorce), and in one moment she will lead parallel lives, this musical is the story of both.

Butterflies there was so much pushing and shoving in that lobby I thought they were giving something away. Remember theater goers your ticket has a seat number, shoving won't get you a better seat! ah, but I digress, back to the performance:

Idina gives a strong performance, but I found Elizabeth was written in a way that the character just overthinks everything. There is a difference between wondering 'what if' at times and second guessing almost every decision you make. I think that was the part I couldn't relate to. But then again I'm a particularly decisive person and I rarely look back on my decisions good or bad. But you know it was well acted because sometimes I found myself holding back from yelling something at Elizabeth!

I was happy to see LaChanze who portrays Kate as I LOVED her in The Color Purple! Kate was the friend and voice of reason, the daring one that urged her friend Elizabeth to put herself out there. (So obviously I found her much more relatable! LOL)

This is NOT Frozen Folks, please don't bring your children, in one of the paths Elizabeth walks she has a fling with her married boss (played by Jerry Dixon) and her nominally bi-sexual pal (played by Anthony Rapp). I saw some folks with younger teens and many looked downright confused!



MY IF/THEN MOMENT:

Instead of a normal 'My Take' where I share my thoughts, I thought in the spirit of If/Then I'd share my If/Then moments, which actually all roll into each other.

For personal reasons, in College I was forced to switch majors. I was a on a Pre-Med track and ended up switching gears to Mass Media Communications. A shy, science loving book nerd, I immediately felt like a fish out of water. Required courses included a class in Television Production where were forced to get in front of the video cameras and not just behind it. While it wasn't a random or impulsive decision by any means, changing majors changed my path in so many ways. I landed a internship at a well known Newspaper while still in school, went on to Television News-writing and freelancing for several Magazines.

Years later I left the recruiting industry and went into the '.com industry' where I fell in love with the internet and learned the industry from the inside out. Eventually I gave up full time gigs all together to consult, write and start a Lifestyle Blog and Empowerment Community. Had I remained a recruiter, I may have never found my way to Life Coaching or to blogging.

Had I not switched majors in college, my goal was originally Medicine I would have been a Cardio-Thoracic Surgeon right now as that was my original goal. While I have no doubt I would have been a great surgeon, I wouldn't give up writing for a single second. One decision changed my path and changed my entire life in the process!

What is YOUR IF/THEN Moment Butterfly?


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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided with If/Then Tickets 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Saturday, May 10, 2014

Have you seen the 'Bali Collection' from @InBloomLingerie? Want to WIN it for yourself? #lingerie #giveaway

This giveaway is sponsored by:

In Bloom By Jonquil Logo


While most people think everyday in New York City is an endless cocktail party, especially if you are single, some days are less 'Sex and the City' and more full day in my PJ's writing and taking endless conference calls.

Not so sexy.

But that doesn't quite mean it has to be 'grungy' either. I do have to greet the Delivery Carriers and Take Out. 

It's been love at first wear ever since I discovered In Bloom by Jonquil, they have been by far the most comfortable PJ's I've ever worn, and they wash amazingly well. And while my taste tends to lean more toward 'loungewear' sets, they have the most beautiful Bridal lingerie and peignor sets ever!






I don't have copies I can offer you yet Butterflies, but In Bloom is more than great PJ's, it's a BOOK too!  (Press on the banner above to purchase it directly at Amazon at a great price!) I can't wait to read this one on my next flight, you guys know how much I love books, so don't be surprised to see this one as an upcoming Ascending Butterfly Book Club Selection. (Yes I know the feature has been missing in action for awhile, but it is coming back soon!)



In Bloom Gift Card Giveaway Polyvore Set via Ascending Butterfly


















WIN IT:

One Lucky Butterfly has a shot at a $75 Gift Card to In Bloom. Use the Rafflecopter Widget/Link below to enter. As always our 'main entry' is easy peasy, and once you do the main entry you unlock a ton of fun extra credit entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


My Take:


This particular set does run a bit small, so order this one in a size up just to be safe. Normally In Bloom styles run true to size for me, this set is the first exception to that rule. As an Aries I love red, so the color and style on this set was a hit for me, and I love the detail on the back of the tank top. 

Hey Butterfly What is YOUR favorite style from In Bloom? (Commenting with your answer to this question gets you an extra credit in the giveaway!)

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FTC Disclosure: In Bloom by Jonquil provided Ascending Butterfly with product 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. There is an affiliate link in this post.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

Mother's Day Gift Buying Reco: FAB FIT FUN @FabFitFun SPRING 2014 BOX! #FFFVIP

#ad: A FabFitFun Box was provided for Editorial Consideration. I am a member of the #FFFVIP program.

FabFitFun Logo


I am a FabFitFun VIP Member and recently received their Spring 2014 Box. Here is a review on the last box I received.  I had the chance to attend a live tweet up last year with Giuliana Rancic and co-host a twitter party in conjunction with the P&G #GIVEHope 'Do it for the Girls' campaign. If you missed that post, you can check it out HERE.

Meeting Giuliana in person and hearing her story inspired me because there is a history of Cancer in my family, to get my first ever Mammogram early. Cancer does NOT discriminate and youth is not a shield against it!

Giuliana developed a subscription box service called FabFitFun where she curates a collection of great products spanning beauty, wellness, health, fitness and fashion to help you feel good from the inside out (which of course is very much our motto here at Ascending Butterfly!).

Out of ideas on what to get mom this year? How about a FabFitFun Box Subscription? It's a gift that will let her know you are thinking of her YEAR ROUND, not just one day of the year. And the box spans such a wide product range it will help her find new favorites!

"It's the perfect way to kickstart your happy and get more from life every day!"

Here is a picture of the Spring 2014 Box which I recieved below:

Spring 2014 FabFitFun Box
Spring 2014 FabFitFun Box - I propped it up on my bed in front of my pillows so I could feel like it was a welcome basket from a Spa!


What is in the box? Glad You Asked:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Kai Perfume Oil - ARV $48 - I reviewed the Body Butter from Kai back in 2010, which you can check out HERE - just remember the giveaway component to that post is closed off to any new entries or comments!) I love Kai products so I am super stoked to have the perfume oil (perfect size for travel!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cover | FX SPF 30 Protection Primer - ARV $38 - I love priming my skin especially before using a powder/mineral foundation.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mini Stability Ball and Breathing & Muscular Release DVD System - ARV $28.94 - This is going to really help me kickstart my Spring Fitness Routines, I was super excited to find this one in my FabFitFun Box!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dermasuri Deep Exfoliating Mitt - ARV $19.99 - This is actually a body scrub AND body treatment. The unique fabric sloughs off dead skin cells, making the skin surface ready for even tanning as well as self-tanning products, improves circulation, stimulates collagen production which fights aging skin appearance and it also evens skin tone to prevent dullness. (Also gentle enough to use post sunburn to slough off the peeling skin!) I am BIG on body exfoliation followed by a body oil when my skin is still warm and then a body butter later in the evening. I have to admit I am a bit obsessed with this mitt!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cult Gaia Turband - ARV $48 - I have honestly never worn a Turban, so we'll see how this works out but mine has a 'cherries' pattern on it, I'm more of an animal print person myself (I think the 'Ally' would have been more me or butterflies of course, but I don't see anything with Butterflies on them) - These are lined with wire so they are bendable and totally adjustable! And I love that they are HANDMADE in Los Angeles.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo Invisible Spray - ARV $25 - Nothing extends the life of a quality blow-out better than a good Dry Shampoo. I was a bit of a late comer to this trend, but I am finally getting what all the buzz is about. Particularly as my hair is super long right now, so when I get a blow out done I love having a way to extend the life of it. This one sprays clear, removes excess oil and product build-up, boosts volume and has gentle starches and Vitamin E and Wheat Proteins which strengthen and protect the hair. It uses Lemon Verbena to provide a fresh, clean fragrance.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Level Naturals Shower Bombs - ARV $7.99, Four Pack - Think of these as a Bath Bomb's kid sister. You drop one of these at the bottom of the shower near your feet under direct water away from the drain and allow the Organic Menthol and Eucalyptus to clear your mind, while the Tea Tree essential oils help your tired feet at the same time! It's a quick Aromatherapy Home Spa Session!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Better Chip Spinach and Kale with Sea Salt - ARV $1.99 - These are great to have in the pantry to help conquer those 'savory' cravings with something that offers the same bold flavor with a lot less fat!

My Take:

The best things about a subscription box is discovering a great new product, or a brand that is new to you. And what is better than finding a product new to you from a brand you already love?

What mom wouldn't love to know you are thinking about them year round?

I would definitely suggest this box subscription as a gift for Mom or for anyone really! (And why not pick up one for yourself while you are at it?)

It's actually difficult to pick a favorite this time around, but I have always wanted a stability ball and I keep saying I'm going to pick one up and forget, so I'm really excited to finally have one and try to incorporate it into my fitness plan to gear up for summer! I have already got the perfect new swimsuit (more details on that soon I promise), so I need to get it in gear before I hit the beaches this summer!

I provided URL's to all the brands above in the list of contents so you could get social with them as well, but don't forget to get social with FabFitFun too!

Get Social with FabFitFun:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' FabFitFun on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @FabFitFun on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pin with FabFitFun on Pinterest
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe on YouTube
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hang out with FabFitFun on Tumblr

I'm definitely looking forward to trying out my next box (I hear the summer box is going to be pretty awesome too! and if you follow them on facebook you'll get some spoilers!), and this would definitely be a thoughtful gift for someone you know who is in the hospital or home getting treatments, I know this would have put a smile on my face while I was in the hospital during most of 2012 that's for sure. (And remember some floors do not allow patients to have flowers and some patients also have food restrictions, but usually beauty products are not banned, just call ahead to be sure).





Coupon Code: Save $5 until July 15th by using the code SUMMER5

Which of these products would you most like to try? Which is your favorite subscription Beauty Box Service and why?


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FTC Disclosure: I received a FabFitFun Spring 2014 Subscription Box 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. This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} Guess What? #TrapperKeeperIsBack & I found their 80's Prom Booth at #Mom2Summit {#Photo}

There is so much to say and share about the recent Mom 2.0 Summit Digital Conference, that I thought I would start with a fun photo booth opp I participated in. 

Trapper Keeper is Back!

Talk about blast from the past! Here is a picture of me in the 80's prom themed booth:

Trapper Keeper #TrapperKeeperIsBack 80's prom booth at #Mom2Summit


I thought this:

oh snap! Trapper Keeper is Back!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Feel free to link us to your WW post, by posting the link as a comment here, no giveaways please!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. No monetary compensation has been received to share our event recap experiences of Mom 2.0 Summit.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

Celebrating the #GreatestMom is Easy w/ Mother's Day Buying Guide Selections from @BestBuy + #TwitterParty!

#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 Latest and Greatest for Mom at Best Buy























Are you an On-The-Go-Mom? A juggler? Did you sign a new client, close several deals and still make it to soccer practice, the recital, or the school play without missing a beat?

Kids today are tremendously 'over-scheduled', and you know what that means? MOM IS TOO!

I am and always will be a Gadget/Tech Geek, don't let the Fashion and Beauty on these pages confuse you, When it comes to Electronics I always want the newest toy. What clothing stores were to my sisters, Electronics stores are to me.

I have vowed to turn my Mama Butterfly into a Gadget Loving Mom, and I've got a few ideas on Mother's Day Gifts to help over-scheduled Moms use technology to keep up with their 'extreme juggling acts' - The Best Buy Gift Center gave me some great ideas:


iconSamsung Galaxy S 5
You can press on the image above to get a Samsung Galaxy S 5 for your Mom!
Lenovo Yoga 2 Two-in-one 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop
Lenovo Yoga 2 - Two-in-one 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i5 - 4GB Memory - 500GB Hard Drive (So I might want to keep this one for ME - Don't judge me! LOL)
Plantronics Voyager
Plantronics Voyager Edge Bluetooth Headset - Includes Charging Case with rechargeable battery, vehicle charger, micro USB cable, S, M and Large silicone ear tips and a clip on ear loop!

Bose QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones
Bose - QuietComfort 20 Acoustic Noise Cancelling Headphones (Thought you'd like to know that 74 Best Buy Customers rated these a 4.7 out of 5 stars! Check them out!)

Studio C Hide N Chic Expandable Laptop Tote Bag
Studio C - Hide N Chic Expandable Laptop Tote Bag - Black - This is so New York Mom! I'm sure my Mama Butterfly would love to tote her tech in this HAUTE number! Yes Please!

Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo 38765BBR battery
Quickly and easily recharge your cell phone, tablet or gaming device with the Mophie Juice Pack Powerstation Duo 38765BBR battery which features up to 6000 mAh capacity to keep your devices powered and ready for use.
HP Envy 120 Wireless e-All-In-One Printer
HP - Envy 120 Wireless e-All-In-One Printer - Not only does it print, copy and scan it also offers fast data transfer from a wireless connection. (Perfect in the kitchen to print out recipes when cooking 'large' family dinners' so mom doesn't haven't to worry about staining her tablet. Laminate the recipe page in plastic and you can use it multiple times!)




Samsung Gear 2 Smart Watch with Heart Rate Monitor
Samsung Gear 2 Smart Watch with Heart Rate Monitor Gold/Brown Metallic - The Bluetooth interface lets you compatibility sync data with your Samsung Phone or Tablet and helps you monitor your fitness progress too!
icon
But Wait There's MORE! A TWITTER PARTY!!!!


#GreatestMom Twitter Party

Best Buy is sending Ascending Butterfly to the Mom 2.0 Summit in Atlanta this week, and I will be sharing everything I learn with my butterflies of course, but I will also be co-hosting this twitter party! So please be sure to tweet me a hello and let me know you are on! Want to know what you can WIN?

Don't forget to RSVP! One of Four $25 Best Buy eGift Cards and Two Grand Prize Winners will win an Insignia Flex Tablet:

Insignia Flex Tablet icon
MY TAKE:

I am always on the go, and having the right tools for the job is crucial for me. It's always driven me nuts that the only time people feature tech buying gift guide recommendations is for Dads or Graduates, Moms need and use technology too! Thankfully Best Buy has a little something for everyone!

Don't tell them you heard it here, but a little birdie told me this upcoming twitter party is NOT the only one, so stay tuned butterflies!


Best Buy Latest and Greatest for Mom Graphic


DEALS + STEALS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - There is FREE SHIPPING with qualified purchases!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - COUPON ALERT: 20% off Misfit Shine Products, enter code MOMSHINE20 at Checkout!




Misfit Shine
20% off Misfit Shine Products, enter code MOMSHINE20 at Checkout!
icon

What Best Buy Gift are you getting your mom for Mother's Day?

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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 NOT a compensated post, I have not been compensated to share this event recap. 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. This post contains affiliate links.

Sunday, April 27, 2014

My Spring #Fashion FAVES + Enter for a chance to win a $100 #GiftCard to shop at @IGIGI

This giveaway is sponsored by:



Old Man Winter hasn't totally let go of his grip here in the North East, and today is a cool, rainy one here in 'the big apple'. I'm not letting the rain dampen my Spring thinking, and our friends at IGIGI put some Spring Like Pep back in my step after I viewed their new 'The Fresh Sophisticate' Collection.

The collection includes an array of mood brightening florals, decidedly fun Polka Dots, colorful spring alternatives to the 'Little Black Dress' that are all figure flattering and drop dead gorgeous! And I can assure you that is how you will feel while you are wearing them.

I was so inspired I created a Polyvore set with my top two favorites from the collection! First up is the Vintage Floral Plus Size Dress by IGIGI:


IGIGI Vintage Floral Polyvore Set


This is what I call the adult version of a 'sundress', and it is my favorite because it fits the name of the look book to a perfect tee, this is "The Fresh Sophisticate". This is fun, floral, fresh and sophisticated, florals don't have to look 'dated', 'boring' or 'old-fashioned' in plus, they can be flirty, fun, sophisticated and stylish. I am LIVING for this dress this season butterflies and it goes from Spring straight into Summer with a change of accessories.

My second pick from The Fresh Sophisticate Collection from IGIGI is a different color scheme, but it's also a super hot floral, it's the Janus Hot Floral Dress that is as equally style forward and fun as the Vintage Floral and as decidedly feminine, see below:


Ascending Butterfly Spring IGIGI Giveaway


I am normally not a 'pink' type of gal, but this dress is my exception. It's a grown up pink with touches of spring/summer blues and greens against the Black with the cinched in waistline, this dress is just as bold of a feminine style as the Vintage Floral.

You will see me sporting both of these Dresses very soon butterflies I promise, I am saving them up for an upcoming conference, but I didn't want to make you guys wait for a chance to get your own dresses, so I decided to post the giveaway to keep you guys busy while I am gone, and I will close it a bit after I return from the Mom 2.0 Summit in Atlanta. (If you will be there I'd love to meet you in person tweet me and let me know!)

WIN IT:

TWO Lucky Butterflies have a shot at a $100 Gift Card to IGIGI to add a new Spring Dress to your own wardrobe. Use the Rafflecopter Widget/Link below to enter. As always our 'main entry' is easy peasy, and once  you do the main entry you unlock a ton of fun extra credit entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

My Take:


IGIGI has brought me back into wearing dresses way more often and these two are going to be in heavy rotation in my wardrobe this Spring right into Summer, personal photos of me wearing these to come.

What is YOUR favorite Dress from the IGIGI "The Fresh Sophisticate Collection" Butterflies? (Commenting with your answer to this question gets you an extra credit in the giveaway!)

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FTC Disclosure: IGIGI provided Ascending Butterfly with product 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, April 25, 2014

@HBOLatino Santana Corazon: Live from Mexico - Live it to Believe it Special - behind the scenes Sneak Peek!

The Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It concert and documentary will air exclusively in the U.S. on HBO Latino on May 3rd, at 8:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. CT. It will also be simulcast in Latin America and the Caribbean, and guess who got a sneak peek and behind the scenes 'Birds Eye View' during the premiere?

If you guessed ME, Ascending Butterfly and #TwitterPartyDJ extraordinaire then you definitely get a Gold Star! Check me out, 'hobnobbing'

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.



You are not going to want to miss the special, beyond being a historic concert event, Carlos Santana is releasing his FIRST-EVER Latin Music Album! Entitled 'Corazón', the album includes collaborations that spans genres including pop, rock, salsa, hip-hop, R&B, reggae and more!

The special includes a collection of interviews by his musical peers, fellow Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It concert performers, mixed with touching insights from members of his most intimate circles.

When it comes to the music industry Santana is without a doubt a tour de force, he has sold more than 100 million records, won 10 GRAMMY Awards, 3 Latin GRAMMY Awards, the Billboard Century Award (1996), Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (1998) and received the Billboard Latin Music Awards' Lifetime Achievement Honor in 2009. He has also been cited by Rolling Stone as #15 on their list of the '100 Greatest Guitarists of ALL Time." and as the only musical act in chart history to score at least one Top 10 Album in every decade beginning with the 60's. In 2013, Carlos Santana was the recipient of the 2013 Kennedy Center Honors Award.

Carlos Santana is certainly a legend, but what shines through the most is that he still approaches his craft with a level of what I call 'GGH' - Gratitude, GANAS and Humility that is admirable. This all still fills him with awe and still means something, he simply put lives to make great music. Lives to tell a story through song and instrument. He is a storyteller. And while all music tries to 'transport' you, some try to 'transform' you, and that is NOT easy to achieve.

I got a sneak peek  during the premiere and I wanted to be sure to share it all with you, here are some photos:

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Lucinda Martinez, Carlos Santana, wife Cindy Blackman Santana and Clive Davis attend the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon" (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Lucinda Martinez, Jackie Gagne, Carlos Santana, wife Cindy Blackman Santana, Clive Davis, Gabriela Isler and Shelly Brown attend the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon" (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Actor Carlos Ponce and Miss Universe Gabriela Isler attends HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon" at Hudson Theatre. (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Actor Carlos Ponce hosts the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon" (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Students of the Little Kids Rock program perform during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon" (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Musician Carlos Santana accepts a guitar signed by 300 students of the Little Kids Rock program funded by his Milagros Foundation during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Musician Carlos Santana accepts a guitar signed by 300 students of the Little Kids Rock program funded by his Milagros Foundation during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Musician Carlos Santana accepts a guitar signed by 300 students of the Little Kids Rock program funded by his Milagros Foundation during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)


HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Carlos Santana and muralist John "Crash" Matos sign artwork created by Crash to be sold at auction benefitting Milagro Foundation during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Carlos Santana and muralist John "Crash" Matos pose next to artwork created by Crash to be sold at auction benefitting Milagro Foundation during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Frankie Negron attends HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)

HBO Latino Santana-Corazón: Live from Mexico: Live It to Believe It Premiere Event.
Casa Noble Tequila serves up signature cocktails during the HBO Latino NYC Premiere of "Santana: De Corazon". (Photo by Jerritt Clark/Getty Images for HBO Latino)


And of course you are going to want to check out a video preview to get excited for the concert airing:




Get the Album:

Press on the Album Cover Below to purchase Corazon (Deluxe Edition CD/DVD) (Amazon Exclusive):



 My Take:


Good Music takes you somewhere. It makes you feel something. I feel honored to have shared in the premiere, it was a moving tribute and celebration of an amazing artist. I hope the show resonates with you in the same way it did with me!

What is YOUR favorite Carlos Santana Track Butterflies?


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