{#Photos} Inside peek of the @cosmoforlatinas #CFLFunFearless 2014 Awards + @COVERGIRL #instaGLAM Collection!

Ascending Butterfly is a community all about empowerment and when you get the chance to attend an event that celebrates those who to go battle for causes they believe in, you just have to jump on it! Cosmopolitan For Latinas recently hosted their Fun Fearless Latina 2014 Awards where 12 Latinas from pop music to politics were honored.

There were headline makers and industry shakers who all came together for an incredibly inspiring evening. One of the title sponsors was COVERGIRL Cosmetics who featured their latest Katy Perry's instaGLAM Collection.

I had a chance to join the Press Line as everyone entered and here is a mix of some of my own shots, interspersed with some shots from the Pro Photog as I couldn't capture everyone on the 'receiving line':

Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Isn't that a great lip color? 

Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City being interviewed by Nuevo Dia!

Becky G definitely has a big personality! She performed live during the awards,here is some video of her performance:

Singer Becky G walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Here is a Pro Photog shot (mine are pretty comparable right?)

Singer Becky G blows kisses on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Below: I was lucky enough to nab a shot with Becky!

I was lucky enough to nab a shot with Becky G! Cool Right?

Blogger Perez Hilton gets interviewed on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Since I was at a weird angle, I thought I should include a 'Pro Shot':

I know with Perez people either love him or hate him, but either way I think we can all agree he definitely brought the business of blogging into the limelight, and he is now an anti-bullying advocate who can next be seen on the new reality series Gay Dads of New York.

DJ Amanda Blaze - Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

With my online nickname being the #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ I make it a point to snap shots of DJ's at every event I attend!

DJ Amanda Blaze spins at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

I'm glad I got to take a shot 'in action' but she was also nice enough to look up and strike a pose too!

COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

These nail colors for summer are just EVERYTHING!

Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

I was lucky enough to nab a photo with Thalia! (One of my favorite Thalia songs is called 'Piel Morena')

Ascending Butterfly meets Actress/Songstress Thalia Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

One of the featured Honorees was Demi Lovato, who celebrated her birthday last August in Kenya for the Free the Children Charity and has overcome bulimia, drug abuse and self-mutilation.

Singer Demi Lovato walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

I have to say I am super proud to see how far she's come, it was very inspiring to hear her acceptance speech!

Singer Demi Lovato accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City

As a foodie I of course was super excited to see Chef Lorena Garcia, I nabbed a shot of her accepting her award below:

Chef Lorena Garcia accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City

There were honorees at each of the tables, and I had the pleasure of sharing my table with Honoree Melina Garcia, Founder of Union City Music Project, I got to snap a shot of her accepting her award below:

Melina Garcia, Founder of Union City Music Project accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City

MY TAKE:

I am so happy that a magazine like Cosmopolitan for Latinas is out there, and that they are honoring the Latinas (and Latinos!) that are working zealously to create waves of change for generations to come! There are more photos we didn't have room for, so please visit Ascending Butterfly via our Pinterest Page for more photos! (Any bloggers in attendance who asked me to grab shots of them, you will find those pictures there.) - The Board is named solely by the hashtag #CFLFunFearless and my link takes you straight there.

Butterflies who do you think Cosmopolitan for Latinas should nominate in 2015? (How about The Official Twitter Party DJ for making waves on Twitter? LOL)

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions are expressly my own experiences. I was provided Digital Access to the Red Carpet and did receive a Swag Bag which in no way influenced my opinion. 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.

The Greatest Gifts for Grads brought to you by @BestBuy + #GreatestGrad #TwitterParty Alert!

#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!

With Graduation season in full swing and everyone searching for just the perfect gift for the Graduates in their lives, I thought I'd share some tech/gadget recommendations for your upcoming Grad!

I have quite a few of my nephews graduating this year from different grades, but just like their favorite Aunt, they are tech and gadget lovers so I have curated a gift buying recommendation set for 'Future Networkers', and I have a feeling any of these would resonate with upcoming Grads:

Future Networkers definitely NEED these:

Press Above to Purchase the Apple - iPhone 5s 16GB Cell Phone - Silver (Verizon Wireless) - the one pictured is for Verizon, but you can select whichever carrier you prefer!

Press Above to Purchase the Lenovo - Yoga 2 2-in-1 13.3" Touch-Screen Laptop!

Press Above to Purchase the SONOS - PLAY:1 Wireless Speaker for Streaming Music!

Press Above to Purchase the SanDisk - Connect 32GB USB 2.0 Wireless Flash Drive!

Press Above to Purchase the Google - Chromecast HDMI Streaming Media Player! (You will be happy to have this on Long Road Trips this summer too!)

Press Above to Purchase an Apple® - $50 iTunes Gift Card - Pick up two these are always great to have on hand for last minute gifts for pretty much anyone! (sorry the image size is so small on that one!)

Press Above to Purchase a Jawbone - MINI JAMBOX Wireless Speaker! (You can change the color if you don't want it in Black!)

Press Above to Purchase a mophie - space pack 32GB External Battery Case for Apple® iPhone® 5 and 5s - Black (so if your grad already has the phone, they will LOVE this case, and if you are buying them phone you definitely want one of these to go with it!)

Press Above to Purchase the Microsoft - Surface 2 - 64GB (AT&T 4G LTE) - Magnesium (I have the Surface Pro 2 and I LOVE mine, can't wait to try the Surface 3!)

Press Above to Purchase the Microsoft - Type Cover 2 - Black (You can get this in other colors beside black as well)

Press Above to Purchase the Seagate - Backup Plus Slim 1TB External USB 3.0/2.0 Portable Hard Drive 

Press Above to Purchase the Linksys - Smart Wi-Fi Dual-Band Wireless-AC Router

But WAIT, there's MORE! TWITTER PARTY ALERT!!!

When: June 19th at 7pm CST/ 8pm EST

Where: Twitter, make sure to use the hashtag #GreatestGrad in all of your Tweets to be eligible to win

RSVP:  Make sure to RSVP in the linky widget via domestic executive online website

Follow: @thedomesticexec @BestBuy, @BestBuyWolf, @BeingAlison and @KittyBradshaw

Prizes: One of (4) $25 Best Buy Gift Cards, One winner will receive the Dyson AM06 Fan (I have this fan and I LOVE it!), One Winner will receive the Dyson DC 65 Vacuum (I have this and posted a full review on it HERE in case you missed it and want to check out my thoughts), and lastly Two Winners will win an Insignia Flex Tablet!

MY TAKE:

There are tons of amazing gift ideas for Grads at Best Buy, you can't go wrong with any of these! And by the way a little birdie told me there is yet another Best Buy Twitter Party coming up! (But sssh! don't tell them I told you!)

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador. This allows me the opportunity to share information, sales, product reviews and deals on a regular basis!  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.

Recap of @RobinRoberts Everybody's Got Something Book Signing! #robertsmamarazzi #OWNERS

Ironically the same hospital that saved Robin Roberts nearly killed me, and since then I have been closely following Robin's story - a story of not just recovery, but of victory, strength, grace and amazing personal triumph.

The Moms (Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein) put together tons of interesting events, but for obvious reasons the #RobertsMamarazzi event (that is the twitter hashtag for the event if you want to follow the thread and see everyone's photos and perspective on the day), was particularly near and dear to my heart. I had wanted to pick up Robin's book "Everybody's Got Something" since it was released. 

I know this is probably the longest I have ever taken to recap an NYC based event, but I knew somehow that re-visiting this event would inevitably bring me back to my own recent health struggles, and I found myself procrastinating because the memories that those days bring back are tough for me to face.

I thought tonight would be the perfect time to share this book with you as Robin Roberts will appear on The Emmy-nominated series "Oprah's Master Class" on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network tonight, June 15th at 10:00pm ET/PT. Here is a sneak peek Video! (and no butterflies, this is NOT a network plug nor is this a sponsored post, I just happen to be a fan of the show and I am a huge admirer of Robin and thought you'd like to know!)

The Book signing was held at NYY Steak in Manhattan and the restaurant was quite welcoming and offered a wonderful luncheon menu served directly to us so we could focus on our guest of honor! As you can see from the photo above, it was a wonderful menu!

 "As my mother would say: 'Make your mess your message," ~ Robin Roberts

Robin was as warm in person as she has always struck me from watching her on television, and she took the time to answer all questions and personalize a copy of everyone's book, she was exceptionally gracious with her time, and offered tremendous insight into her recent bone marrow transplant, her battle with MDS, and how she juggled her professional and personal journey - and the marriage of the two as her personal journey was shared along the way before the book was ever released.

“Regardless of how much money you have, your race, where you live, what religion you follow, you are going through something. Or you already have or you will. As momma always said, “Everybody’s got something.”

I am definitely in agreement with the message that Robin shared from her mom, it's so true, we all have our own struggles, and sometimes we forget to look outside our own pain and personal journey to remember that everyone we meet and everyone we touch also has their own struggles!

And you know how much I love being able to help Ascending Butterfly Readers feel like they were there with me when I attend events, so I thought you'd love to see the video, and hear it directly from Robin:

My Take:

Robin's new memoir is raw, powerful and incredibly candid, she has shared her entire journey with everyone, every step of the way and I know firsthand just how difficult that is. Her strength, grace and sense of humor along with an amazing group of supporters and her sister's amazing gift got her through, and this book is inspiration and empowerment personified, I highly recommend it!

And of course me being a foodie and a snack person I just had to share a shot of my Creme Brulee Dessert:

Butterflies, watch Robin tonight on OWN (or DVR it if you are spending the day with your dad) and just remember, EVERYBODY'S GOT SOMETHING!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. We were provided with a copy of the Book and a Gift Bag courtesy of The Moms. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

What does #SoccerFever in Times Square New York City with the @NewYorkRedBulls look like? Check it out! #VZWBuzz

Above: The New York Red Bulls Players, Times Square in New York City

The Verizon Team hit Times Square in New York City to surprise everyone with Face Painting and a visit from The New York Red Bulls! Verizon invited a group of New York City Bloggers to cover the scene at Times Square and then watch the Brazil vs Croatia game at a local Dave & Busters!

The photo highlights from this one are just too much for one post, so I gave this event its own dedicated pinterest board, I'm posting a few photos here and you can check out the rest via Ascending Butterfly's Pinterest Page.

As you know New Yorker's are far from shy, so it didn't take long to draw a crowd, but the very first person to approach us, was someone from Brazil who came up to the group and spoke to us in a very animated Portuguese, I think the collective look of confusion made her switch to English and then we all were able to easily switch to Spanish, here is a picture of that moment:

She was thrilled we were rooting for Brazil, and the team colors and spirit that were on display gave her a taste of home, while reminding me exactly why I love this city, you never know who you will meet! Chance encounters in New York City are part of what make it so fun to live here.

The New York Red Bulls showed off their skills and even invited the crowd to join in, here is someone who was brave enough to show their skills:

Even kids got in on the action:

Above: First her mom learned the trick, and then she wanted to learn it to! (remember you can check out more shots via Pinterest - where they will also load in full size!)

Above: Let's just say New York Bloggers know this little cutie quite well, even the team couldn't resist her!

I couldn't resist getting a shot with The New York Red Bulls:

That's me standing in the middle of The New York Red Bulls sporting my Brazil shirt and cool Shades!

And eventually we all headed out to a local Dave & Busters (who seemed pretty daunted by the size of our party!) here are some photos:

Above: This bad boy is called a 'Coronarita' - yep, it's a Corona inside a Margarita!

Thankfully with Verizon you can keep track of the games while on the go and never miss a beat! If you want to see more photos of the team, check out our Pinterest Page!

How many Soccer fans do we have in our Ascending Butterfly community? Let us know by posting a comment here telling us your favorite team! (Is there a team butterfly? LOL)

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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided was granted VIP/Press access so this event, and there was a gift bag, 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.

Foot Reflexology {#WordlessWednesday}

For those of you who like me have been doing a lot of 'running around' lately, I could really use a Foot Massage today!

Bloggers Feel Free to Post your Wordless Wednesday Link as a comment here so we can visit you too! (No Giveaways Please!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. However any Photography company or brands interested in partnering with us to host a Photo-Centric Wordless Wednesday, please contact our editor! DSLR's welcome!

@BestBuy #GreatestDad #TwitterParty this time co-hosted by yours truly @Tracy_Iglesias #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ

#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!

Remember when I told you there would be two Twitter Parties for Dads sponsored by Best Buy? Well number two is coming at ya, and it's going to be co-hosted by yours truly!

Best Buy is hosting another Twitter Party, don't forget to RSVP! Prizes include: Four (4) $25 Best Buy eGift Cards, Two (2) Dyson DC 65 Vacuum Cleaners (which I reviewed HERE), and TWO (2) GRAND PRIZE WINNERS will win an Insignia Flex Tablet!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - What: Best Buy #GreatestDad Father’s Day Twitter Party.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Who: Make sure to follow everyone, so you don’t miss any of the fun: @SunandSipCups and @BestBuy, plus @bestbuywolf, @mommymaestra, and ME! @Tracy_Iglesias

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When: June 11th (6/11) at 11 AM CST/12 PM EST Twitter Party – #GreatestDad

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Where: On Twitter, use the #GreatestDad hashtag on all of your tweets, and make sure to follow everyone above.

What Best Buy Gift are you getting your Dad for Father'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!  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 may contain affiliate links.