Sunday, June 14, 2015

Did you miss #FleetWeek in New York City? I can still hook you up with some fun sailors! #onthetown #spon

This post is sponsored by:

On The Town Playbill, Broadway Musical, Playbill
On The Town Playbill

Maybe it's the iconic V-J Day Sailor and Nurse 'Smooch' Photo that has been seen around the world, or the thrill of Fleet Week that still associates New York City with Sailors and a touch of Romance. While this year's 27th annual Fleet Week has already passed, apparently the ship sailed without a few of it's sailors! (If you are not familiar with the V-J Day Sailor and Nurse photo, read more about it HERE, it's a good read actually!)

On The Town Lyric Theatre Broadway New York City
On The Town Lyric Theatre Broadway New York City

This week I got to see "On The Town" on Broadway and before we delve any further into my actual review, you know how the title of this post offers to 'hook you up with some fun sailors!'? I am hosting a giveaway for a pair of tickets to see On The Town, in case you missed it, click HERE enter the giveaway, and then come back and finish this review! This one ends soon as the tickets are specifically for the June 23rd performance, so enter right NOW! You don't have to live in NYC to enter, but you do have to be in NYC on that specific date as the giveaway does not include air or hotel!

Part of the charm of any show is the actual theatre, it's all about looking around and noticing the details!

Lobby Floor of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Lobby Floor of the Lyric Theatre!

Lobby Ceiling of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Lobby Ceiling!

Walls of the Lyric Theatre

Above: Inside the theatre!

American Flag on the stage before showtime for On the Town Broadway Musical

Above: The Stage, before showtime!


Above: Literally looking up from my seat inside the theatre!

Below: Tony Yazbeck lets New York, New York know he's "Feeling Lucky To Be Me"



My Take:

On the Town is high energy, funny, and the entire cast literally 'brings it'! Much like Sex and the City, New York is just as much a part of the cast as the performers are. As a born and raised New Yorker it can be easy to overlook just how 'magical' this City can be, seeing it through the sailor's eyes is a wonderful reminder not to overlook the beauty that NYC has to offer.

To have a show that first hit the theater in 1944 remaining this relevant to a modern day theatre-goer is a tribute to John Rando (Director) and Joshua Bergasse (Choreographer) and it's amazing cast! Keep an eye on Megan Fairchild who plays Ivy a Principal Dancer with the New York City Ballet making her Broadway Debut, Tony Yazbeck who brings a very dimensional performance to the role of Gabey, Jackie Hoffman who will literally keep you laughing out loud as 'Madame Dilly', and Alysha Umphress as 'Hildy', a New York City woman that knows EXACTLY what she wants!

Another thing I really need to mention as an avid theatre lover, the seats at The Lyric Theatre are generously spaced out, and that is super RARE. Most of the time a Broadway Show ends in numb legs for me as most of my height is actually in my legs, so being cramped up for any length of time is hard for me, my legs were not numb by intermission or the end of the show which was another pleasant surprise for me. and while I didn't get to avail myself of it, the theatre also has an Ambassador's Lounge where you can sit before the show, hang up your coat/jacket and enjoy a welcome glass of prosecco and you can also enjoy the lounge again during intermission. (I could definitely see myself wanting to do that during winter that's for sure!). You can also pick up a 'Variety Box' from Lyric Theatre's super cute 'Darlings Sweet Shop' filled with snacks and either wine or of course a non-alcholic version, it is included in the Ambassador Experience, but you can also get it directly with your regular ticket too. You can read up on the different levels of the Ambassador Experience at the theatre HERE.

And by the way my post-theatre ritual of hitting Junior's Cheesecake is just between us OK!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway for a pair of tickets! Can't wait to find out if you won? Use code SOCIAL to get orchestra seats starting at $79 on select performances through June 28, 2015: http://ottbway.co/OTTOffer

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received and Press Passes to On The Town were provided to Ascending Butterfly 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

{Hot #GIVEAWAY Alert!} I am going to see @OnTheTownNYC and I want to treat YOU to a night #OnTheTown too!

This Post is Sponsored By:



If you follow our 'Butterfly-in-Chief" via Twitter (@Tracy_Iglesias), you probably caught her live Tweets during the Tony Awards.

Live tweeting during award shows, particularly those that involve Music is definitely my jam! Being based in New York City affords me the privilege of having access to Broadway and the most amazing live theater on the planet! The love of the theater was instilled in me by my mom, and if I weren't so shy I may have pursued stage acting as a career myself.

Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) presents flowers to Anna Wintour of American Vogue
Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) presents flowers to Anna Wintour of American Vogue. Photo Credit: CBS
One of the moments from the Tony Awards that stood out was seeing Tony Yazbeck (TONY Award Nominee for Leading Actor in a Musical) from the Musical "On The Town" present flowers to Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief of American Vogue. I'm sure she is probably more of a 'long stemmed roses' type, but nonetheless this moment is exactly what I love about Award Shows, those spontaneous, silly, funny moments that can't be recreated or repeated.

In case you missed it, here is the YouTube Video of the performance from CBS Television (You're Welcome!):



ABOUT:

Join three sailors with only 24 hour shore leave in New York as they are swept off their feet by three beautiful New York women for one amazing night ON THE TOWN.

On the Town was also a TONY Award Nominee in the Best Revival of a Musical, their Director, John Rando was nominated for Best Director of a Musical, and Joshua Bergasse, Choreographer, almost nabbed a nomination for Best Choreography.

This show received four Tony Award Nominations for 2015 so to say that I am 'excited' to it, is definitely an understatement!

WIN IT:

What's a night out on the town if I can't take my butterflies too? Thankfully my friends at On The Town feel the same way! One lucky butterfly and the guest of his/her choice are going to enjoy a night On The Town with a pair of tickets to the JUNE 23rd 7pm peformance of the Tony Award Nominated show that Ben Brantley of The New York Times calls "THE BEST MUSICAL OF THE YEAR"!

Use the Rafflecopter Widget Below to enter (no worries if the widget fell asleep while you were reading this, just refresh your browser and it will come right back to life for you!).

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: The pair of tickets are for the JUNE 23rd 7pm peformance only, this prize does NOT include airfare, hotel or any other expenses, it is the tickets only for winner and one guest for the 6/23 performance only, as there are no substitutions, please do not enter if you can't attend this performance.

MY TAKE:

I am heading off to see the show tonight so I will have a full review post later on for you, but I didn't want to delay this post, in case someone wants to take their Dad as a belated Father's Day Present!

Who will you take with you if you win? (To my NYC based ladies, have any of you met a sailor during Fleet Week in NYC? If so, please DISH/SHARE!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received and Press Passes to On The Town were provided to Ascending Butterfly 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 check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Monday, June 8, 2015

{#MakeupMonday} Did you miss the @TheMakeupShow NYC? @Ascending1 has got you covered #Beauty! #10yearsofTMS #bbloggers

The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City was phenomenal, it had been awhile since my schedule and the show matched up and it couldn't have been more perfect that it lined up for me this year as this is the show's 10 year anniversary. 

There was literally so much to see and do that I will split my recap up into a few pieces, I know some of you prefer trade-show recaps in smaller bursts as opposed to one big post that is very long to read!

The Makeup Show put together a fun highlight Video which I thought it would be fun to share:


 

One of the sessions I made it a point to attend was "Signature Style - Ellis Faas" - as you may remember I originally shared about Ellis here on Ascending Butterfly when I got to see them on display at Elements Show NYC (if you missed that post click HERE). Vogue Paris named her "One of the most influential make-up artists of her generation" and I can certainly see why!

She participated in an intimate Questions and Answers Session with James Vincent during the 2015 Makeup Show in New York City where she shared techniques to bring your makeup skills to an Editorial level in every application and how to find your own footing and make your own stand in this ever changing and evolving industry.

Here are the Photo Highlights of that session:

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 1 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Left: Ellis Faas Right: James Vincent

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 2 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 3 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas applies makeup on a model at The Makeup Show NYC

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 4 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas describes how she created the look

Signature Style Ellis Faas q n a presentation 5 with James Vincent during The Makeup Show 2015 in New York City #10 yearsofTMS WATERMARKED, The Makeup Show, Beauty, Cosmetics, #bbloggers, Lifestyle Blogger
Above: Left: Makeup Artist Ellis Faas and Right: Makeup Artist James Vincent

MY TAKE:

Ellis was definitely an open book and if anyone can make someone open up and share their passion and enthusiasm for the Beauty Industry it's James. The Makeup Show was super crowded this year, and while I wasn't always able to capture every moment I wanted to share with you, this was an amazing year for the show and they certainly pulled out all the stops!

It's funny because as soon as I saw her line in 2014 I had always wondered about this, but during her Q&A she mentioned getting stopped at the airport, which I figured initially from seeing the line as the packaging is shaped much like a bullet!

Did you miss the NYC show? No fears, it may coming to a City near you soon!

Catch The MakeupShow again on November 7-8th 2015 in Chicago, March 19-20 2016 in L.A. and it returns to NYC May 1-2, 2016. I hear the Dallas Show got moved from June 13th to September this year , and there will be a pop-up shop August 29th-30th 2015 in San Fran!

Who is your Favorite Makeup Artist? What is your Favorite Makeup Trend?

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, Press Passes to the annual tradeshow were provided to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Friday, June 5, 2015

Nominate a Special Dad for an @NYBG Father's Day Concert + Frida Al Fresco Experience in New York City! #FridaNYBG

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Neon Sign at Cantina in The New York Botanical Garden

I think we all know by now and can all agree that Dad does not want a tie for Father's Day right?

Tired of the same old Father's Day Gift Ideas?  How about an experience instead?

Since May I have been sharing my coverage of Frida Kahlo: Art. Garden. Life at The New York Botanical Garden. I have taken more photos than I can possibly fit into one post so I will create a Pinterest Board that will be a work in progress of the experience to date. (I already made one for the Mastercard Priceless Experience with Chef Aaron Sanchez that occured at The New York Botanical Garden, if you missed that one click HERE). 

Remember when I told you all this coverage was leading up to something special for YOU? As promised, I come with a Special Giveaway!

Do you think Dad would like an experience that combines nature, art, music, and dance in a very special setting with a fun concert too?

I shared my coverage of the Media Day for the exhibition, but what I haven't yet shared and will do so now is the opening weekend of the 'evening version' of the exhibition called 'Frida Al Fresco' where the Garden comes alive after hours!

There is MUSIC:

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert
AboveContemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers are Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden in conjunction with the Frida Kahlo - Art. Garden. Life Special Exhibition

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Above: Look who joined in on the fun, a dancing Frida!

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert

Contemporary Mexican Ensemble Group, The Villalobos Brothers, Musical Artists in Residence and are performing at The New York Botanical Garden, Music, Live Concert, Outdoor Concert, Alberto Villalobos
Above: I asked The Villalobos Brothers to sign my CD! Left: Alberto Villalobos.
 Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

Above: Mariachi Flor de Toloache performing live outdoors at The New York Botanical Garden for Frida Al Fresco Evenings

There is ART:



Paper Mache Mask Sculpture designed by Alberto Villalobos of The Villalobos Brothers on display at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Did you notice these masks were onstage during The Villalobos outdoor concert in the photos above? There is a very significant reason for that, this mask was designed and created by Alberto Villalobos himself. (By the way he also handcrafted one of the violins being used in the concert also!) I can see why they are 'Artists in Residence' - for both their artistic and musical talent it seems! Color me blown away!

7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”)
Above: In addition to the Paper Mache Masks, there was also a 7 ft tall paper mache sculpture entitled “Quetzalcoatl” (inspired by the Aztec deity and creator of mankind, and coming from the Nahuatl language meaning "Feathered serpent”) on display, but I wasn't able to nab a shot of it.

There is DANCE:

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden

Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden




Calpulli Danza Mexicana performing outdoors at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden
Above: Calpulli Danza Mexicana at Frida Kahlo Art Garden Life Exhibition at The New York Botanical Garden. They finished their performance to great applause! I took video, as soon as I upload it to YouTube I will be sure to add it!

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition
























Above: This dancing Frida performed alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache. Do I get props for capturing this motion without blur or what?

Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition


Dancing Frida Kahlo performs alongside Mariachi Flor de Toloache at The New York Botanical Garden Frida Khalo Art Garden Life Exhibition




























Above: The person behind me who saw the preview of this shot on my camera was blown away as I was literally holding my camera up above the crowds head to get this shot! I may have been on my tiptoes the whole time so the fact the camera didn't pick up my movement and I didn't get much shake in the shot is something I have to admit that I'm kinda pleased with myself about. Maybe my calling is really to photograph dancers?

There is FOOD and DRINK:

Above: Warning, the lines for this truck are usually a bit long, but the food is prepared fresh, and is so worth the wait! Don't pass up a chance to grab some eats from La Casa Azul Food Truck! If you can't stand the wait try the Hudson Garden Grill which has a special menu in conjunction with the exhibition.

Above: This pic was actually taken with my phone because I posted it to instagram. I got quite a few likes for this one, you guys really love your food! I highly suggest the fish tacos from La Casa Azul Taco Truck!

On Father's Day there will be a special 'Canciones de mi Padre' (Songs of My Father) concert - the top selling non-English album in American History and this special performance of her landmark album of traditional Mexican folk songs will be performed under the stars by The Villalobos Brothers and Humberto Flores at The New York Botanical Garden and I want YOU to take your Dad!

MY TAKE:

I have been enjoying the exhibition and love that no two experiences have been the same. Frida Al Fresco during the evenings was such a fun and laid back way to meet new people and if you check out the event schedule they are truly mixing things up so that each visit will really offer up something unique for the visitors. 

I wanted to give you a few tips to maximize your experience:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Paper Dresses are in Ross Hall, Ross Hall doesn't stay open late so if you are going for Frida Al Fresco during the evening, but want to see the Paper Dresses, plan to arrive a little earlier so you can hit Ross Hall first!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photography is NOT permitted in the Art Gallery

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Large Backpacks will not be permitted on the grounds and there is no coat check, so please plan accordingly

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - La Casa Azul Taco Truck is AWESOME, the food is prepared while you wait that is why the average wait time can be very long, so if it is not to crowded when you arrive, HIT THAT before a line forms.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your advanced admission includes a complimentary cocktail which you pick up at the Cantina. The Cantina is to your left when you walk past the ticketing. Same tip applies here as above, if it's not to crowded when you get there, get your drink then so you don't end up losing time in lines.

WIN IT:

Nominate a Special Dad (can be your Dad, Grandpa, your Husband, Your Brother, Uncle - the choice is yours) by telling us what makes him special. Is your Dad gone? If you would like to take along a special Adult Grad instead, tell us something about your special Grad.

Use the rafflecopter widget below to enter (if the widget seems 'stuck' just refresh your browser, it might have 'fallen asleep while you were reading!):

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please Note: This giveaway is only open to those 21 years of age and above. The Frida Al Fresco evenings tickets come with a complimentary Modelo Especial Draft Cerveza (beer) OR a Jose Cuervo Tradicional Margarita. (Ascending Butterfly will NOT be held responsible if you are denied access to the event or bar because winner or guest is not of age, there are NO subsitutions to this prize)

The Prize: This giveaway includes one pair of passes to Frida Al Fresco (one winner and one guest) which will allow you to enjoy the Father's Day Concert as well 2 copies of The Villalobos Brothers "Aliens of Extraordinary Ability" CD - one for you and one for your dad (this will be sent to you directly). It does NOT include airfare, hotel, parking or any additional expenses.

Who will you nominate to win this special experience? Your Dad or an Adult Grad? Why should your Dad or (adult) Grad win?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Looking for new #Beauty Brands to put on your radar for summer? @beautypress and @Ascending1 have got you covered!

Beautypress Spotlight Day put a few great products on my radar and needless to say I just had to share!

Here they are in (mostly) Alphabetical Order:


We have featured All Beauty Water several times on Ascending Butterfly and I am always happy to see them, beauty really does start from within and with each bottle offering 2 glasses of nutrient enhanced skincare that nourish your skin from within, this by far has to be the best weapon in your beauty arsenal for summer and beyond. Stay hydrated my friends!


Did you really look at that photo above carefully? If so you spotted the super pretty butterfly in the founder of BeverlyD's hair! BeverlyD's Luxe Organic Hair Care products promise to heal hair from the inside out and make hair young again. As always, I am solely presenting the brands I met at Spotlight Day and will provide more extensive reviews on all products once I have had a chance to test everything out. But I did see people have this product applied to their hair and saw really good results but I haven't yet tried it on my own hair.



I have to admit I tried this that night when I got home from this event. When I tell you that you NEED this in your life, I am not exaggerating. Callex will get your feet summer sandal ready! You can put this on and not feel like you are going to slide out your shoes, but it keeps your feet exfoliated and gets rid of cracked heels better than anything else I have tried to date. (Please note: Do NOT use exfoliating foot appliances while using this. It's redundant, use this and you won't need the appliance, just saying! And it's on the box.)


Kesh Beauty Argan Oils are available in 'Pure', 'Rose', and 'Orange Blossom' scents and are 100% organic cold-pressed. I love Argan Oil as it is truly versatile, it is equally effective on skin as it is on hair, and as hair retains and radiates scent so well, a touch of a scented argan oil in my hair as the tropical trade winds blow through my hair this summer sounds like a plan to me!


Capri Blue Candles are heavenly scented and will certainly compliment your decor. So give your space and your senses LIFE, you can't go wrong with any of the scents, but 'Rain', 'Blue Jean' and 'Velvet Moss & Jasmine' were standouts for me.


This science based cellulite removal product that is popular in France definitely held the biggest curiosity factor, as I think many people thought it was something else entirely! Cellu Blue replicates the gesture of a "palpate-roll" massage, honestly I haven't had a chance to try this out yet, so I will report back on my progress with it once I have.


CōTZ, The Healthier Sunscreen has also been featured on Ascending Butterfly before, this time around they were featuring their CōTZ Face which I have been using and LOVE, this is perfect for summer as I rarely wear foundation in summer, the texture on this is awesome and what had me sold is when I sweat this didn't sting or burn my eyes. It offers an SPF 40 protection, feels soft and silky and leaves a sheer matte finish and the price point is fantastic, this is a WINNER.


Dr's Remedy is formulated by two podiatrists with a special blend of organic ingredients, their collection offers over 30 nail colors along with treatment products to help battle dry, brittle and discolored nails. My nails can certainly use some extra TLC for summer that's for sure.


Ecco-Bella is skin care enriched with VitaminCells, Flower Wax Infused Makeup, and Water-Free Herbal Body Lotions.



I LOVE the color on this lipgloss, too bad this baby wasn't in our bags!


I am a BOLD lip kind of girl! No 'wallflower' shades for me!


Ecco Bella's philosophy of 'Intelligent Beauty' certainly mirrors my own, the founder does NOT believe in animal testing and she is a board member of the organization Friends of Animals. Now that my friends is beautiful!


Elysee Scientific Cosmetics who offers skincare, makeup, Tools & Brushes as well as fragrance was a fun stop! We got to take home their Fountain of Youth Soothing Line Diminishing Gel, I plan to put this one in the fridge for summer and apply it to my skin cold. As I have acne prone skin I find that Gel Formulations have always worked best with my skin and I look forward to completely testing this one out and will report back to you after I have. (It takes me awhile because I actually finish a system completely before reporting back to you. I don't believe applying something once is going to yield accurate results or provide me or you a complete picture!)


You know me, just trying to get creative with my photography and mix things up a bit, ittsē lets you create your own palette - you can choose from over 100 pressed shadows, brow and complexion products and group them together which is perfect for travel!


Maliqá is a floral fragrance with essence of water lotus, and notes of peony and rose with a nice mix of woods and musk thrown in!


Pottymints was another of those 'surprise' products, at first I thought it was actual mints to consume with a funny name, but these are not mints for your mouth, they are mints for your TOILET! These are actually single use dissolvable air freshener tablets, you know so your 'potty' won't smell so much like an ahem...potty! (if you keep one of these in your purse, you can always use these if you are stuck in public restroom hell. Say you are only in there for a #1 and someone comes into the stall next to you and proceeds to carry on with a #2 you can open one of these so you can finish your business in peace and get out of there! LOL)



Above: The Thymes Aqua Corraline Collection can boast that it's body scrub is an Allure Magazine Best of Beauty Award Winner!

I was stoked to see a brand there that I have been using long before my blogging days. I actually discovered them when I arrived for a Broadway Show early and went looking around the gift shop in the hotel adjacent to the theater. I was just sort of mindlessly roaming around when I sprayed the tester of Thymes and Goldleaf and it was love at first sniff. I bought the entire collection and it is still one of my favorite scents. I took my time taking in every single bit of their display which was an olfactory delight I tell you!

Above: Frasier Fir is Christmas in a candle my friends!

Above: The Gingerbread Candle was actually my surprise favorite, I don't even eat Gingerbread, but I want to burn this in my kitchen 24 hours a day, I can't describe the scent, the notes are spicy cardamom, crystallized ginger, fresh ground cinnamon and golden amber. I know I am always attracted to all things amber when it comes to scent, but this is just super rich, warm and inviting, try it you'll LIKE it!

Above: I may have let out a little 'Squee!' when we were given Thymes Goldleaf Gardenia to take home! With notes of Gardenia, rose, jasmine, amber, praline and patchouli, this will be my signature scent this summer!





































Above: Thymes definitely never fails to surprise, despite me not being a Gingerbread lover, I LOVED their Gingerbread candle and again I LOVED the Tupelo Lemongrass Collection as well and I am not normally a 'lemongrass' kind of girl, so go figure!

Swag Bag Inclusions:

In our bags were also products by Aquage, Jane Carter Solutions and MyChelle. I will definitely give more feedback when I have given everything a full test, but I will say that I did try out the Nourish & Shine which is Jane Carter's best seller for dry hair and skin and despite the texture feeling a bit 'grittier' than I expected to the touch it did leave my hair softer, really helped tame the frizz and I rubbed the excess onto my hands and they did feel softer!

MY TAKE:

BeautyPress Spotlight Day always curates a great mix of products and brands, there were a few really unusual ones (in a GOOD way) and I was super stoked to meet the team behind Thymes as it is a brand I have used for a VERY long time. I came away with products I wasn't already using to put on my radar, and I can't stress enough just how much I am loving Callex for my feet, if you wear sandals in the summer you are going to thank me for this recommendation!

Which product above would you most like to try and why? 

Happy Wordless Wednesday! (Bloggers feel free to comment and leave us the link to your Wordless Wednesday so we can check out your Photos too! Remember, absolutely NO Giveaway links, this is a Wordless (or not so wordless) Wednesday ONLY!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is an event recap, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.