Thursday, September 11, 2014

Enter to win the @FabFitFun Reader Appreciation #SubscriptionBox #Giveaway via Ascending Butterfly! #FabFitFun

FabFitFun Summer 2014 Summer Subscription Box
FabFitFun Summer 2014 Summer Subscription Box


As you know I am a Fab Fit Fun VIP Blogger, which means I get to try out the new boxes when they are released, this time around my Summer Fab Fit Fun Box never arrived so the lovely folks at Fab Fit Fun quickly sent out a replacement and within 2 days I somehow ended up getting two of them. I normally would have passed the extra one along to a family member or friend, but I am all about Paying it Forward and I thought I would instead use the second box as a Reader Appreciation Giveaway as a way to say Thank You to all my butterflies (other folks would say readers, but you are all butterflies to me).

This is the summer 2014 box but in my opinion all these items are fantastic year round. Let's take a peek inside the box shall we?

Fab Fit Fun Summer 2014 Subscription Box Includes:

Sonya Dakar Flash Facial



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sonya Dakar Flash Facial - Developed by Gwyneth Paltrow's famed facialist, in just 60 seconds this little wonder will help you reveal softer, plumper, younger looking skin and is packed with antioxidants, and hyaluronic and lactic acids to give you smooth and radiant skin. Retail Value of $95 - TOTAL SCORE!

pur ~ lisse pur ~ protect SPF 30


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - pur ~ lisse pur ~ protect SPF 30 - This was featured by Vogue as the Editor's Favorite Summer Product. Remember butterflies you need SPF protection YEAR ROUND, NOT just in summer! I lost one of my Aunt's to skin cancer and cannot stress this enough. Retail Value of $55

Thursday Friday Away Mini Clutch Lips Pattern


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Thursday Friday Away Mini Clutch - Tired of the same old same makeup bag? Pimp your cosmetics bag with these Tres-Trendy super cute designs, canvas exteriors, with a nylon interior, metal zip closure and adorable prints. (Note: I received mine in a watercolor pattern, the winner of this giveaway will receive the lips pattern as shown above). By the way the box also includes a $30 Gift Card so you can take $30 off your next purchase at www.thufri.com! How cool is that? You get to try it out yourself and then you nab another one for yourself in another design or a bigger bag (they have more than just cosmetics cases and clutches, they have larger profile totes too) or you could give the gift card to a friend so they can try Thursday Friday too! (Pay it forward my friends!) Retail Value of $35

Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Balanced Guru No Frizz Oil - With a blend of argan, jojoba and tamanu oils this helps fight flyaways, tame frizzies and nourish your hair. I have tried quite a few products from this line and I am never disappointed! Retail Value of $25

FabFitFun Water Infuser BPA-free Water Bottle


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - FabFitFun Water Infuser BPA-free Water Bottle - They want to encourage us to "Grab Life by the Excercise Balls" and stay inspired while we perspire. This BPA-free bottle has a built in infuser so you can add your favorite flavors to your water. (Watermelon Not Included) Retail Value of $15

Zoya Nail Polish in Elodie


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zoya Nail Polish - Vegan Friendly, safe to use even during pregnancy and long wearing, what's NOT to love? The color shown is called 'Elodie' Retail Value $9

KISSTIXX Lip Balm in Chocolate Strawberry Combo Pack Flavor


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - KISSTIXX Lip Balm - This 'Makeout' Make-over in a tube will help couples enhance their chemistry with these complimentary flavored lip balms! You keep one, give your partner the other and then kiss each other to mix the flavors up! I received Chocolate/Strawberry and the winner of the giveaway will get the Peaches and Cream Combo. Retail Value $5.99

POPchips Sour Cream & Onion


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - POPchips - POPchips are NEVER fried and are only 100-130 per single-serving bag! If you are like me and need something for the 'mid-day hump' these are definitely just the trick! Retail Value $1.29

Skintimate Shave Gel


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Skintimate Shave Gel - With Signature Scents and Skin Therapy Formulas you can keep your legs smooth and beautiful with each shave! Retail Value of $1.99



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Always Xtra Protection Long Daily Liners - Not just for summer, perfect for those super long days, followed by the Gym or just plain anytime you want to feel fresh and confident. Consider it an everyday essential. Retail Value of $1.50

Slimfast Have Your Cake Meal Bar


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Slimfast Have Your Cake Meal Bar - Protein Meal Bar with flavors of Vanilla Cake and Frosting with sprinkles has only 180 calories per bar so you can late night snack with a lot less guilt! (Note: You will receive one individually wrapped bar, not the box). Retail Value $1

My Take:

I absolutely adore being a Fab Fit Fun VIP Blogger, I love Subscription Boxes and I think they make great gifts. No one will have a 'been there done that' reaction to it. I have yet to open one box from Fab Fit Fun that felt like a let down. It's not just a matter of the retail value of the products being higher than what you pay, it's a matter of all those items being well curated and USEFUL - be it for yourself or the gift recipient. This has been one of my most fun Ambassadorships to date and the fact that I actually got to meet Giuliana Rancic in person is the icing on the cake.

Win It:

It's been awhile since awhile since I have hosted a pure Reader Appreciation Giveaway that is being fulfilled solely by me, and I am super happy to do something fun for all my butterflies, I hope you enjoy Fab Fit Fun as much as I do! Please note the prize is the box as shown above with any exception being noted in the box subscription, the prize is this specific box, not a full subscription.

Use the Rafflecopter Widget Below to enter this giveaway:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Which item in this Fab Fit Fun Box is your personal fave or which one would you most like to try Butterfly? Can't wait to try the box and can't wait to find out if you won? I have three codes for $15 off a box, Tweet me @Ascending1 and tell me you want to 'try it and  buy it' - 3 butterflies will be selected at random to get a code for $15 off their next FabFitFun Box Purchase!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, Ascending Butterfly is fulfilling this giveaway to one winner directly. I am a Fab Fit Fun VIP Blogger and subscription boxes are sent to us for editorial consideration. All thoughts and opinions are 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.

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

{#WordlessWednesday} @mallatbayplaza #RetailTherapy {#Photo}



The Mall at Bay Plaza in Bronx New York went from completely open air to partially enclosed with some stores still open air outside of it, thought I'd share a picture of the new look for Wordless Wednesday!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Could you use some retail therapy right now?

(Bloggers feel free to link us to your photos, but no giveaways here please!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. All thoughts and opinions are 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, September 8, 2014

@Staples Back-to-School 2014 + check out @TeenVogue Collection for Staples! #StaplesBTS






































Did you just realize you forgot a few things for Back-to-School? Never fear our friends at Staples are here to save the day! With their 20 deals under $20, last minute shopping doesn't have to cost you a fortune!

Staples always offers fun exclusive collections and when I got to check out a press preview in advance of Back-to-School, Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Magazine introduced us to the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples.

Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Magazine introduces us to the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples
Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Magazine introduces us to the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples



















Staplers from Teen Vogue Collection for Staples
Staplers from the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples

















Teen Vogue Collection for Staples
Teen Vogue Collection for Staples, Super Fashion Forward!
















Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Magazine introduced us to the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples
Amy Astley, Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue Magazine introduced us to the Teen Vogue Collection for Staples


Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Folders? Check, #Whatevs Notebook? Check Ladybug Binders? Check!
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Folders? Check, #Whatevs Notebook? Check Ladybug Binders? Check!

































My Take:

The Fashion-inspired binders, notebooks, pens and more are all affordably  priced between 65 cents and $8.99 - your kids can still be cool, and you can totally adhere to your budget!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, Ascending Butterfly was invited to a Back-to-School Preview Press Event. All thoughts and opinions are 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.

Saturday, September 6, 2014

Fall Fashion Wardrobe Staples 2014

Fall Fashion Wardrobe Staples 2014

Check out my Fall Fashion Wardrobe Staples 2014 Polyvore Board by tiglesia featuring ostrich handbags and a Jewelry Scarf! If you are a Polyvore Member, please give this board a like!

For my Fellow New York Based Editors/Bloggers - How is Fashion Week Treating you?

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post, but it is a contest entry for a Polyvore Contest!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Back-to-School Style with @jcpenney #BTS #Fashion #jcpstyle

@jcpenney #BTS #Fashion #jcpstyle Framed Signage


Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Just thought I'd share some pictures of Back-to-School Fashions for kids of all ages that I got to preview earlier in the year at a JCPenney Press Event:

@jcpenney #BTS #jcpstyle Dorm Room Style
JCPenney knows it's important to keep your student organized!


@jcpenney #BTS #jcpstyle Dorm Room Style, Bedding, Dorm, Dorms, College Student
Send them off to their Dorm Room in style!


@jcpenney #BTS #jcpstyle Dorm Room Style, Dorm Room Appliances
Appliances that will fit easily into a cramped Dorm Room!


Casual wear by City Streets via JCPenney
Casual wear by City Streets via JCPenney


Casual wear for girls by XERSION via JCPenney
Casual wear for girls by XERSION via JCPenney


Casual wear for boys by XERSION via JCPenney
Casual wear for boys by XERSION via JCPenney


Athletic Footwear on display at JCPenney 2014 Back to School Press Preview
Athletic Footwear on display at JCPenney 2014 Back to School Press Preview


Boys Back to School Fashion on display at JCPenney 2014 Press Preview
Boys Back to School Fashion on display at JCPenney 2014 Press Preview


Boys Back to School Fashion on display at JCPenney 2014 Press Preview, Camo for Boys
Boys Back to School Fashion on display at JCPenney 2014 Press Preview


Zoo York via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Zoo York via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Boys Footwear via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview, Footwear, Shoes, mens footwear
Boys Footwear via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Arizona Jeans for Boys via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview, boys clothing, Arizona Jeans for Men
Arizona Jeans for Boys via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Teen Girl Style via JCPenney Back to School 2014 Press Preview Event
Love the crop top skirt combo in the feminine print contrasted with the jacket!


Trendy Blah Blah Blah Tshirt
Check out the trendy Blah Blah Blah Tshirt!


JCPenney teen girl look back to school 2014 fashion press preview event, statement necklace
More sophisticated teen girl look


Frilly skirt/Sporty Jacket Combo, fashion for teen girls
What do you think of the Frilly skirt/Sporty Jacket Combo? 


Graphic tee, camo shorts, hoodie look for boys for back to school, Boys Fashion, Boys Clothes
Graphic tee, camo shorts, hoodie look for boys for back to school


Little Girls Back to School Fashions from JCPenney
Notice how the girls jacket has the matching heart from the dress?


Arizona Jeans for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Arizona Jeans for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Girls Footwear via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview, Shoes, Girls, Fashion Footwear
Girls Footwear via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Okie Dokie for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview, Girls Fashion Clothing
Okie Dokie for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Nerdy cute with this Dog wearing eyeglasses graphic tee cardi combo!
Nerdy cute with this Dog wearing eyeglasses graphic tee cardi combo!


Little Girls Back to School Clothing Fashion JCPenney Back to School 2014
Isn't this the sassiest mannequin ever? LOL


Stylish Backpacks/Book Bags and shoes/boots for Back to School via JCPenney
Stylish Backpacks/Book Bags and shoes/boots for Back to School via JCPenney


Backpacks/Book Bags and shoes/boots for Back to School via JCPenney
Had to get a close up of those heels, tres sophisticated!


Decree for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Decree for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


urban footwear looks and animal print backpack
Love the urban footwear looks and animal print backpack!


Olsenboye for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Olsenboye for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


L'Amour for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
L'Amour for Girls looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Levis for Boys looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Levis for Boys looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview


Arizona Jeans Boys looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview
Arizona Jeans Boys looks via JCPenney 2014 Back-to-School Press Preview

Which of the photos looks most like your kid's Back-to-School Style?

(Bloggers you are welcome to post a link to your WW post so we can visit and check out your photos too, but please do not post giveaway links here!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, Ascending Butterfly was invited to a Back-to-School Preview Press Event. All thoughts and opinions are 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, September 1, 2014

Take it from #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ your music is only as good as your audio player! Try the @DenonAmerica #DenonHEOS

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Press on the Image Above to Purchase the Denon HEOS 5 directly via Best Buy
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Has your phone or Smart Device replaced your home theater system? C'mon Butterfly be honest, when is the last time you actually listened to an actual CD? I personally can't even remember, but I do know your music is only as good as the device that you use to play it on!

Our friends at Best Buy want you to love the way you listen and even though Audio Fest is coming to an end you can count on Best Buy to offer you quality Audio at great prices year round!  Single girl apartment living means small spaces, but that doesn't mean that I don't want the best quality in Audio available to me.

Let's just say my 'home office' moves with me from room to room and my music is spread out on multiple devices, I don't have room for a big old receiver and a million components, so for me portability and strong sound are not just key, they are both a *must*.

I will spare you my DUH moment with setting it up that actually resulted in me needing a glass of wine (perhaps setting it up while you are cooking is not the best idea), and instead I'll give you device deets:

Denon HEOS 5 Multi-Room Wireless Sound System, Portable Speaker, Music System











ABOUT

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - APP: Your Smart Device becomes your remote with the FREE HEOS App

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Multi-Room Capable: Hook this speaker to your home network and stream music in one room while your actual playlist can reside anywhere!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your Tunes, Your Way: Stream from your favorite music service including Spotify (my personal fave), Deezer, Tunein, Napster, Pandora, Rhapsody - stream music stored on your IOS or Android Smartphone or Tablet. A USB Jack and Auxiliary Input Jack on the back of the unit allow for easy setup. You can also stream tunes from your NAS Drive or Computer! (There is an ethernet Jack as well if you want to go 'old school' and be all wired and stuff.) Supports MP3, WMA, AAC, MPEG4, FLAC and WAV files.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buy based on room size: HEOS 5 is ideal for medium to large rooms, The HEOS 3 for smaller rooms and The HEOS 7 is ideal for large spaces.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Bass and Treble Control - Now if you need to give it a little more cowbell, I leave that up to you, LOL

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Class D Digital Amplification: With 4 channels of Class D Digital amplification the HEOS 5 offers high efficiency, low distortion and wide dynamic range. It offers a 5 Driver Speaker System, 2 precision tweeters, 2 mid-woofers, plus 1 passive radiator which provides additional base augmentation.

See and hear it in action:

MY TAKE:

The HEOS 5 truly offers amazing sound, and that my butterflies is priceless. I do have a few nit picky cons that keep it from a full 5 star rating from me, I'm a bit spoiled with my portable speakers, to date, all of them have had a remote control, since I'm jacking in the device where I keep my music/spotify not having a remote is a bit annoying as my phone is jacked into the HEOS speaker, and it also does not charge the phone while playing which is something I've grow accustomed to with my previous dock style portable speakers. I guess since you download the app, the device is technically the remote, but the jack is not very long so if you have it setup far from your desk and want to skip a track that can get a bit annoying.

I wish it were truly wireless, it has a pretty big charger cable that you plug into the wall, a bluetooth truly wireless option would have made this one absolute perfection for me.

Denon partnered with the experts at Waves Audio to embed very sophisticated DSP sound enhancement software and audiophile level synchronization into this little beauty and the labor of love does pay off, it's sound is very rich and with the app pushing new updates and upgrades to the device it's a breeze to maintain and it won't become obsolete anytime soon. It's definitely a 'sound' investment (no pun intended) whether you are looking to replace outdated Audio equipment or just want to stream your existing music to another room, you can't go wrong with the Denon HEOS.

What is your favorite portable speaker Butterfly?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a Sponsored Post in conjunction with Best Buy, I am a Best Buy Brand Ambassador and WOLF Blogger. A Denon HEOS 5 review unit was sent to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and Affiliate Links are used in this post All thoughts and opinions are 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.