Friday, September 25, 2015

{#FashionFriday} @Cosmopolitan Magazine #NYFW Emerging Designer Showcase featuring @DaniellaKny {#Photo Highlights}

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, Center Daniella Kallmeyer, NYFW
CENTER: Designer Daniella Kallmeyer (wearing black dress) surrounded by models wearing her designs
New York Fashion Week survived it's transition from Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center to a frenzy of shows occurring at various locations in Manhattan including Chelsea Piers. New York Fashion Week will always be a mix of chaos and champagne that local New Yorkers look forward to with an even mix of anticipation, excitement and a bit of dread, it's exhausting!

From the outside I can see where it looks glamorous, entertainment news shows make it look exciting, but they are breaking it into bite size chunks, where the highlights and best parts are what you see. The reality? It's not that glamorous, those flashing lights that last such a short time require a ton of prep and hardwork.

I tend to prefer the shows with a unique backstory, each year there has been a different show that gets highlighted, one year it was EMU Australia - because I actually wear them, their boots are super comfy and their fashions are too (Check out my coverage of their 2011 Fall Fashion Week Show HERE), another year it was when Cabiria was the first Plus Size Fashion Designer to be included in Mercedes Benz Fashion Week (you can revisit that moment with my recap coverage HERE), there was the time I met Mark Cuban at a #streetstylerunway Fashion Show (See that one HERE) and this year I attended Cosmopolitan Magazine's Emerging Designer Showcase Featuring KALLMEYER New York held at Manhattan's Glasshouses which offered stunning views!

I know I linked you directly to the designer, but I just had to share their 'mission statement':
"KALLMEYER's vision is to empower women, to remind them that it is their inner essence and not money, success or experience that makes them the cool and classy woman they aspire to be. By starting off small and focusing on simple beauty in life - fresh cut flowers, a beautifully tailored white shirt - she can be that woman, today. Daniella Kallmeyer applies this philosophy to every design with careful intention and purpose to each uniquely updated wardrobe staple - a tailored jacket, a perfectly cut trouser - and special attention to fabrics and fit. Each piece is an assurance of elegance in that moment, but can be added to her wardrobe portfolio, offering her a timeless collection of enduring value for years to come."
Here are my Photo Highlights:

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, NYFW

Above: The first thing I noticed were the flower earrings! I think it's because of my 'Frida Kahlo' summer at Botanical Garden (those in the know get the reference, but if you don't, click HERE) - and I know the outfit on the left is giving you 'romper' vibes, but it's actually not, I love the resort wear feel of it though!

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, NYFW
Above: I blame Robert Palmer for girls all looking straight into the distance like you are not there, so when I catch a model that actually 'sees me' I have to capture it! And can I get a 'heck yeah' on the comfort footwear? Amen!

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, NYFW
Above: Another 'non-Robert Palmer' moment, gotta love it! Can you get a hint of the beautiful views this venue offers? I definitely got some outdoor shots! The dresses and flower earrings are making me wish I was on a Tropical Beach Vacation right now instead of at my computer!

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, Center Daniella Kallmeyer, DJ Kalcutta
Above: As many of you know I'm called #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ on Twitter, and I have much respect for Lady DJ's, Props to the team at Glamour Magazine on securing DJ Kalcutta for this event. I do have shots of her face, but I like the 'DJ in action' immersed in her work vibe this shot gives off!

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, Center Daniella Kallmeyer, Smart Water Station, Event Sponsor, New York City, NYFW
Above: Smart Water was one of the event sponsors, it's not ALL Champagne folks! Gotta Stay hydrated! LOL

Cosmopolitan Magazine Emerging Designer Showcase: KALLMEYER New York Spring 2016 Collection, Center Daniella Kallmeyer, NYFW
Above: Designer Daniella Kallmeyer was all smiles at the end of her fantastic show, and it is with great reason that she has been labelled 'one to watch' and featured in publications such as WWD, Elle UK, Refinery 29 and more!


Goodie Bag Contents: Cosmo Mag, Elizabeth Arden Superstart Skin Renewal Booster, Glam Squad hair tie, and Smart Water! Sponsors of the event included: Elizabeth Arden, Smart Water and Air Optix.


MY TAKE:


I love attending Emerging Designer Fashion Shows, and I greatly enjoyed the peek at Daniella Kallmeyer's Spring 2016 Collection! I definitely look forward to seeing more.
By the way, I love that among the leather goods sold on her site, her collection includes a Limited Edition Silver Mini Pinned "Blogger" Bag which accomodates an HD camera, notebook and evening essentials. A Liquid Silver Italian Leather Handbag with silver original hardware. JUST THIS! Smart Cookie! I am thinking I totally need this in my life right now! (Especially since I tend to wear silver jewelry!) Hmm.....I'm thinking this would also be perfect for our "Featured Handbag in the Spotlight" special feature, I'm going to have to reach out to Daniella!


What do YOU think of the collection? Would you rock these pieces?


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FTC Disclosure: I attended the show as Digital Media/Press. All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I did receive a gift bag. 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, September 22, 2015

Join me for the #HowWeFamily Twitter Party 9/22 8pmET RSVP http://goo.gl/ywi3iz #ad

#HowWeFamily #TwitterParty
My Twitter "Alter Ego" is #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ, I was a Twitter Early Adopter and have been hosting, co-hosting and participating in Twitter Parties since pretty much their inception.

If you are wondering how I got the twitter nickname, it's because I can always find the right song to play that goes along with any Twitter Party's 'theme', because of that regular party participants would see me join a tweet chat, and tweet "There comes @Tracy_Iglesias, she's the official twitter party DJ", some even tweet me song requests now when I join a Twitter Party!

I don't think there has been a Twitter Party yet that I couldn't find a fun song for.

Well it's #TwitterTuesday and I am going to be participating in a fun Twitter Party tonight and thought I'd share the deets here, I would love to see my butterflies join me! And because I am participating as a SheKnows Media Digital Influencer, I am NOT eligible to win any prizes, but guess what? YOU are! So please join me!

Twitter Party Details:

When: September 22, 2015
Where: Twitter (If you don't have an account sign up NOW!)
Time: 8 PM EST/ 5 PM PT
Hashtag: #HowWeFamily (be sure to use this hashtag in every tweet you make during the party)
Host/Moderators: @lbconnect + @laflowers
Co-Hosts: @ElianaTardio, @LorraineCLadish, @7onAShoeString, @ThePositiveMom
Prizes: FIVE winners will receive a $50 Gift Card
RSVP: You need to RSVP HERE by 7:55 PM EST on 9/22/15 to be eligible for prizing.
Sponsor: Tylenol

NOTE: While I am participating as an Influencer, I am not the one taking RSVP's or Moderating, so please direct all questions to the host(s) or co-host(s), and be sure to be following them all so if you are selected to win a prize someone can Direct Message you to collect your information for prize fulfillment. As an influencer I will do my best to re-tweet all winner announcements, so be sure you are following me @Tracy_Iglesias as well!

As this is a fully Bi-lingual Twitter Party, I may have to rock some Salsa tunes during the party, stay tuned! (or maybe some Pitbull ones, wink, wink, check out yesterday's post for another cool way to win a fun prize, HERE).

NO PURCHASE OR SUBMISSION NECESSARY.

Are you going to join me for the #HowWeFamily Twitter Party?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Digital Influencer in the BlogHer/SheKnows Media Network, I will be compensated for participating in the Twitter Party, NOT for this post. All my 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, September 20, 2015

I kissed @Pitbull at @Perfumania but promise you won't tell anyone! #PitbullMiami {#SillySunday}

Welcome to a first edition of #SillySunday!

Before you ask this is NOT sponsored, I was walking by my local Perfumania store and saw this huge Pitbull cutout through the window, being the inquisitive butterfly that I am I went in to investigate, and saw that he was there as part of an instagram contest and despite the fact I had on no makeup and was not quite feeling my most 'photo ready' I decided to enter anyway!

I am under NO obligation to blog about it, nor does doing so give me any extra entries, I just thought it would be fun to do it, and share it, here is my entry photo:


Pitbull Miami for Woman Fragrance

"Miami has inspired me on every level. The culturally diverse city has taught me that although people may be different, we are a lot more similar than we think, especially when we come together to play. I wanted to capture that energy and spirit into scents for every man and women to wear," ~ Pitbull. 

Pitbull Miami for Man Fragrance

WIN:

This is part of an instagram contest hosted by Perfumania to win a 4 Night "Pitbull Inspired" trip to Miami and 5 'runner-ups' will receive a $100 Perfumania Gift Card!

How to enter:

1. Visit a Perfumania Store
2. Take a Photo with the Pitbull Cutout
3. Log into your Instagram Account and post the photo with the hashtag #PitbullMiami
4. Visit Perfumania.com/pitbull and login and upload your photo from Instagram to be entered to win (you can 'login' with any of your social accounts to make it faster, it will scan them looking for the photo, when it finds the one with the hashtag, PRESS on it until you see a check mark on the photo, THEN hit submit) - It really is EASY PEASY!

MY TAKE:

This Latina Lifestyle Blogger would love to win a trip to Miami to meet Pitbull! If I win I am going to tweet that #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ finally met #Mr305, #MrWorldwide in person and definitely will post a side-by-side instagram of me with the cutout and then me with the real Pitbull! I'm already packing my bags, I have never been to Miami and can't wait to see all the cool things Miami has to offer. I have been suffering from a severe case of Wanderlust lately as I didn't get to travel anywhere this summer and am thinking this trip would be a great belated summer getaway for me.

Can you tell I really want to win?  Are you going to visit your nearest Perfumania and take a photo with the Pitbull Cutout? HURRY! You have until 11:59 AM on Saturday, October 3rd to get your entry in! What is your favorite Pitbull Song?

If you win, take me with you for giving you the heads up! 



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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received. All my 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.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

I got to see @ParamountPics @Captive #movie before it hits theaters, and so can YOU #FollowYourPurpose

Captive Movie 2015 Theatrical Poster, Entertainment, Movies
"God changed me because he changed my life." ~Ashley Smith Robinson

God Changed My Life
Ashley Smith Robinson gave a 'soundbite' so powerful during her interview recently on the daytime television talk show "The View", that I knew I had to open with those words. That simple sentence IS everything and captures (no pun intended) the essence of the movie that tells the tale of a very harrowing experience that her quick thinking and her faith got her safely out of.

The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren, Book, Books

Can God and a Book Save YOUR Life?

Unlikely Angel by Ashley Smith, Book, Books

ABOUT:

Captive is a crime-drama thriller directed by Jerry Jameson which is based on the non-fiction book Unlikely Angel: The Untold Story of the Atlanta Hostage Hero by Ashley Smith. A very much true story about Brian Nichols (played in the movie David Oyelowo) who escapes from the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta - where he was on trial for a rape case (March 11, 2005) and holds Ashley Smith (played by Kate Mara) hostage. During Brian's escape he murders Judge Rowland Barnes, court reporter Julie Brandau and shoots Sergeant Hoyt Teasley while making his escape. He also kills Agent David G. Wilhelm. Brian kidnaps Ashley to use as a hostage. He manages to elude a statewide manhunt and takes Ashley who is a single mother struggling with Meth Addiction (at THAT time) hostage in HER OWN apartment. Over the course of the hours she is held hostage, Ashley desperately uses a book she had been given (one that she rejected when it was first offered to her, but thankfully the person was persistent), Rick Warren's The Purpose Driven Life - What On Earth Am I Here For? and reads from it as a way to reason with her captor who held her captive for SEVEN hours - with surprising results.

TRAILER:


SEE IT FIRST:

TODAY!!!!

Be the first to see the movie "Captive" at one-night only "Captive: Night Of Purpose" Events at Theaters Across the U.S. on Thursday, September 17th! Experience EXCLUSIVE content and conversations (moderated by Gayle King) with the Film's Cast (stars David Oyelowo and Kate Mara) and Filmmakers (Producer Terry Botwick) starting at 7:00 p.m. at participating theaters across the United States. For a list of participating theaters visit: http://captivemovieresources.com/nightofpurpose

Churches and Community Groups can host their own 'Night of Purpose Event'. Buy blocks of tickets or rent out a theater, learn more at http://captivemovieresources.com/hostapremiere or email info@captivemovieresources.com

Left: The real Ashley Smith Robinson now, Right: Actor David Oyelowo who plays her captor Brian Nichols in the movie Captive, in theaters September 18, 2015
Left: The real Ashley Smith Robinson now, Right: Actor David Oyelowo who plays her captor Brian Nichols in the movie Captive, in theaters September 18, 2015
MY TAKE:

This isn't a movie someone can give a 'thumbs up' or 'thumbs down' rating on, this is a TRUE STORY. This is Ashley's story. It's raw and honest. Her life is an open book and I can't imagine that being easy. Overcoming addiction, adjusting to life as a single mother and the night you start getting your new place ready for your little one and you, someone turns your world upside down and holds you hostage. In your own home. Think about that for a moment. Who needs a horror movie, when 'real life' provides the material for a nightmare come true?

Oddly shortly after seeing the press screening for this movie, I experienced being followed into my apartment complex, while it didn't get as bad as Ashley's ordeal (THANK GOD), writing this post was a bit difficult to do.

Want more of the story? You can find out where they are now by watching the all-new season of "Oprah: Where Are They Now?" which premieres on Saturday, September 19 at 10:00 PM on the OWN Television Network. (On the episode Ashley will meet her captor Brian's mother, Claritha Nichols for the first time!)

Today's Talking Points/Call to Action:

Have you ever read a book that changed your life? Please share it's title and author with us! Is there a book you constantly re-read? (does it seem like a new book each time? Reading a book you love with a large gap makes the book feel different, because you are different person in many ways from the last time you read it!) Has your Faith helped you get out of a difficult period in your life?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received. All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I attended a Press Screening of the movie Captive. There are Amazon Affiliate Links in this post. 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 7, 2015

{#MotivationMonday} Leave a Prayer/Good Vibe - Get a Prayer/Good Vibe


Have you ever noticed how easy it is for you to 'kick it into gear' when you are helping someone else? Some deem this a 'helpers high' - where you feel better when you are doing something good for someone else.

Many people feel their prayers work the same way. They feel when they are praying for someone else that their prayers seem 'more powerful' - but not so much when they pray for themselves.

I can't say this is or isn't true - but I can say as a Life Coach the weight you put on that perception can certainly sway your outcomes.

In my humble opinion I think that when we pray or send good vibes to/for other people, we tend to be incredibly precise, it's a focused prayer, when we pray for ourselves, we often feel the need to 'explain ourselves' to explain why we are praying for a specific outcome and tend to include what we have tried to do on our own but felt we failed on, we throw in too many 'additionals/variables' - they say the Universe is very specific, and so our prayers and affirmations should be specific AND very concise.

I agree.

While I love hosting a Weekly Moment of Gratitude on Ascending Butterfly (and I still recommend keeping a daily gratitude journal where you end each day and list three simple things you are grateful for - these are my favorite journals to re-read), I thought I would mix things up a bit and offer a leave a prayer/good vibe request and take a prayer/good vibe request. I have seen these on the interwebs in various places and I have been amazed at how it's brought disparate communities together on a global scale.

Please note this is NOT a 'lets get into a religious debate' post/thread.  You can participate in this even if you are an atheist, hence the reason I used the term 'prayer OR good vibe'. It doesn't matter what religion you are (or aren't), I believe our words have tremendous power, let's use them to HELP one another.

Can you imagine what a better place our world COULD be if we took a moment to pray for a stranger instead of bullying, teasing or watching a fight video on YouTube?

Do you think you need prayer? Ask yourself these questions:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Is there a roadblock you are experiencing?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Do you feel like you are at a crossroads in some aspect of your life?

Crossroads are a great indicator that you are in fact ready for change. Let's surrender it all to prayer/good vibes.

This week I Leave a Prayer and Good Vibes for:

The Family and Friends of Dr. Wayne Dyer who passed away on August 31st. Our world lost a tremendous spirit, so I take a moment to pray for his passing and for the next phase of his journey. I think the best way we as a society can honor his life is by becoming 'change agents' and being that change that we wish to see in this world.

And I seek a Prayer: 

Recently I experienced  the shocking and very eye-opening experience of having been followed into my apartment complex. My both hands were full (heavy bags of groceries in one hand a large pizza box in the other) and I live in a walk up with no elevator so I had to think quickly. I short stopped suddenly and stared the person right in the eye, he was confused by my decisiveness I'm sure and then turned and changed his mind, but obviously did NOT have good intentions. I want to move out (I have actually been toying with re-location and changing cities for awhile now) but financially that is not in the cards at this very moment, so I seek prayer for a financial breakthrough - an area I am sure many of you can relate to.

To make it easier, pray for the poster above you (If the thread gets big enough it may hard for you to pray for everyone, but you can at least tackle the request immediately above you), if you want to let them know you did, by all means do so, if you just want to pray for a few and keep that to yourself, that's OK too.

Feel free to leave your prayer, know that I will be praying for and sending good vibes to EVERYONE who posts here. (Your responses will let me know if this should replace the weekly moment of gratitude!)

What Prayer/Good Vibes are YOU Leaving? May your Motivation Monday and Labor Day be filled with good company and great memories.

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received. All my 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, September 2, 2015

(Not So) {#WordlessWednesday} Shh! Don't tell anyone but @SheaMoisture was my favorite booth at #BlogHer15

One of the best things about Blogging Conferences is connecting with brands, and BlogHer will always win for sheer volume and variety that's a given, they do it bigger! But for me when I can finally connect with a brand that I already love and really use on the regular it's a win/win.

Well first, it's a sort of smack my forehead and think 'DOH! Why haven't I ever reached out to them before?'

BlogHer15 gave me that moment and it was with a brand that I first became aware of because they were gift/swag bag inclusions multiple times at Beauty Events I have attended here in New York City throughout the years. But they weren't at the actual events. I fell in love with each of the Shea Moisture products I had the pleasure of trying out. So when I happened upon them in the expo hall of the Hilton I may have actually squealed with girlish delight (Hey! Don't judge me! It's the little things in life that excite me!)

Their range is super diverse and it was during BlogHer15 that I discovered in addition to the hair and body care products that I have grown to love, they make makeup/cosmetics as well.

I got my makeup done, and I discovered that I still need more practice in the fine art of contouring but I loved the products that were used on me and I also waited to get my hair done. The hairstylist took one look at my hair and said my ends 'were a hot mess' (they were) and told me to return the next day so he could trim them.

And I did.

And I got my first ever haircut (not just a blow out, flat iron or hair touch up) on a tradeshow floor, that was a first for me! And I have to say I absolutely LOVED the results! I have fine hair so if I over product it can look greasy at the root but the ends will still look dry because it's also frizz prone. I have to be careful not to let my hair 'bulk up' too much and when I get a quality cut I can feel the difference, I have fine hair but a lot of of it, so after it's well cut, my whole head sort of feels 'lighter' and of course feels smoother and silkier (no matter how hard I try I have never been able to replicate a hair stylist blow out at home!).

Their booth was buzzing, of course because the products are really THAT good, but they also had a live Graffiti Artist doing wall art for them at the booth, the mural was created by Seb Gorey and you can read more about the mural that was created HERE.

I left that booth feeling like a million bucks, or at least like a shinier penny that's for sure! Makeup CHECK. Hair cut and styled, CHECK. Samples of my favorite products, CHECK PLUS PLUS.

They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador, #JustSayin

Here is a photo of me in front of the mural wall:

#SheaMoisture Booth Photo at #BlogHer15 #ABetterWayToBeautiful


MY TAKE:

Shh! Don't tell anyone but theirs was my favorite booth at BlogHer15. They were super welcoming, took the time to LISTEN not just try and sell, and their hair and makeup artist were totally on fleek. You know I only pause for mascot photos and avoid direct on photos of myself where possible (you all know I don't fall for 'step and repeats'), so for me to pose by myself with no mascot in site is total brand love! And while it's a small thank you in comparison for how good they made me feel, I hope they know just how much this particular blogger feels appreciative of the efforts they took into keeping up that energy and working hard to make sure everyone left their booth feeling beautiful. The hooded cardigan and top I am wearing are by MiracleSuit and the jeans are by Silver Jeans!

I want to add that Shea Moisture body scrubs are the BOMB, and I can't stress enough that their hair care products are good for ALL hair types!

Have you tried Shea Moisture Products yet? If so, which is your fave? What is your go to haircare brand?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (samples were provided). All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I was a Vitabath Brand Ambassador for the BlogHer 2015 Conference. 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, August 31, 2015

Did you miss the @BoyzIIMen Concert & @NickCannon at the #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15 @McDonalds Closing Party?

Boyz II Men  in concert for McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
Boyz II Men  in concert for McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
Don't get me wrong, we haven't quite come to 'the end of the road' - there is a lot more to cover from BlogHer15 and I'm just taking the event in bite size chunks. I can't imagine re-capping everything there was to see and do in one post. Despite juggling my time between 2 over-lapping conferences in New York City, I still have folders worth of photos from BlogHer, organized, but I haven't had time to optimize the raw files yet!

The McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015 included a live concert with BoyzIIMen singing their hits!

I got there literally just in the 'nick-of-time' as they had already started the first song in the set! (I was running to the buses from another event that had nothing to do with either of the two over-lapping conferences - told you I was a very busy girl this summer!)

I took some video of the concert on my phone:



I had no idea just how long it takes YouTube to convert footage that was actually under 10 minutes! But I thought having some footage would give you a better sense of what it was like to actually be there!

McNuggets Way and Happy Meal Place at #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15  McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
I did not get to eat a thing, I tried to get in what I thought was a line, but the line ended up wrapping around and around me with no begnining or end anymore and it felt like the line was going to swallow me whole. I wanted to shout "They are giving out MCNUGGETS NOT GOLD NUGGETS STOP SHOVING!" The line began to feel like an undulating snake that was just literally moving you whether you wanted to move or not. That was my breaking point.

I opted to find small openings and wriggle my way out of it all. I know what McDonalds taste like. (I personally think this part of their annual party is better indoors at the conference hotel, I never remember having trouble getting to the food there.)

I did really enjoy the concert! And ending what was a conference that has kept bringing bloggers back for a decade now outdoors was actually great! This party is usually the sort of late night closing 'after party' held super late in a room that is quite dark most years so to see this party 'by day' was a new and interesting experience. It didn't lose it's cool that's for sure.

BoyzIIMen throwing roses to audience during #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15  McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
Above: When Boyz II Men started throwing Roses into the crowd you could probably hear the screaming on the other side of the pier! (Not sure what was going on over there on the opposite side of the Pier but there were tons of cute Sailors all in white!) I wanted to find out what was going on over there, but wasn't about to lose my spot at the concert!

If we were born around the same time, this music was probably the soundtrack a school age breakup of some sort. I found it funny when they would hold out the mic and let the audience take over, we all knew the songs word by word, there was nobody fake humming! Gotta LOVE that! Sadly I was not pelted with any roses, but I'm sure I was probably too far (God Bless the Zoom Feature on Cameras! LOL - It allows us anti-social folks to keep a very nice distance and still capture the action like we were right up front and in the mix even though we weren't!)

Nick Cannon takes the turntables during #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15  McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
Nick Cannon takes the turntables at the McDonalds Closing Party at Blogher 2015
Above: Nick Cannon took over the evening to DJ and get folks dancing. (This would be the part where I hid behind one of the tents staring across the pier at the view (OK maybe the cute sailors too) while folks did the wobble, the nae nae, danced with minions, enjoyed cocktails and more!). You guys know I met Nick Cannon in person when he presented me with his Monster NCredible N-Tune On-Ear Headphones at an event for Staples, if you missed that one press HERE.

I found this great hidden spot behind the tents where everyone was dancing with Minions. They were dancing, I was watching the sunset with a 'grown folks lemonade', despite my best attempts to hide from people because I was on 'talking at me overload' at that point. (Introverts really have to work very hard to put themself in that mode where conversations happen for so many concurrent hours in a day NON-stop.) But despite my best attempts at hiding, people found me anyway. Stranger after stranger spoke to me and I met some amazing bloggers who traveled so far to be at BlogHer and even bloggers who knew me well and knew I needed some space would come over and pull me out of there, and for all of them I am VERY grateful. Once almost everyone was on the dance floor I took it as my cue to slip out and catch one of the first buses back to the conference hotel.

Ascending Butterfly and Ronald McDonald Selfie 01 during #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15  McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
I am wearing a blouse by MiracleSuit and Jeans by Silver Jeans
Above: As you can see even Ronald was taking Selfies and I couldn't resist, for me, Mascot photos are EVERYTHING!

Ascending Butterfly and Ronald McDonald Selfie 02 during #McDBlogHer #BlogHer15  McDonalds Closing Party at BlogHer 2015
Top: MiracleSuit, Jeans: Silver Jeans, Handbag: Guess, Sunglasses: (worn on my head) Foster Grant
Above: Something always tells me to have a different person take an extra shot, 'just in case' and I was glad I did this time as the first one was super blurry! (As some people have asked, that is NOT a roller coaster behind me!)

MY TAKE:

The McDonalds Closing Party is always one of the parties I look forward to during BlogHer, I will say that most of the parties were fun this year and I also greatly enjoyed the Karoake Party. I hit more parties this year than usual and had to cut back on a few off site evening events hosted by brands to do so. I tried to strike as best a balance as I could between 2 overlapping conferences, 2 major events I cover annually that are at least 2 hours on their own, and brand invites and expo hall exhibitor booths and panels. I have attended BlogHer so often that has become much easier to strike a balance and be sure I hit the things that really matter to me. For conference newbies, as soon as the conference posts it's itinerary/agenda, print it, print every brand event invite, then open a google calendar and beginning inputting what you want to attend. Put it ALL in. Then look for overlaps, factor in times that it takes to get from one thing to another, yes even if it's in the same building, you will be competing for hallway walkway space with HUNDREDS if not THOUSANDS of other people trying to get their rooms too. Don't Overpack your schedule. And if you didn't leave posts scheduled you will regret it, the only time you may have to get posts up are at night (and it will be difficult to get on the conference wifi!), and most days start super early. Keep all that in mind! If you are a member of BlogHer here is the direct link to the Closing Party Photos on FLCKR.

What is your favorite Boyz II Men Song? Would you have joined Nick Cannon's Dance Prompts? Were you THERE? If so, please leave the link to your Closing Party recap, I would love to see it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (food and beverages were provided). All my opinions are 100% MY OWN. I was a Vitabath Brand Ambassador for the BlogHer 2015 Conference. 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, August 26, 2015

{#WordlessWednesday} Recap of @BloggerBashNYC Blogging Conference #BBNYC #sweetsuite15 in Photos!

@BloggerBashNYC Blogging Conference #BBNYC #sweetsuite15

We have already established I will never be able to go totally Wordless. I try. I really do.

For most of you in the blogger loop this year a very tricky blog conference overlap occured in New York City - two top notch blogging conferences - BlogHer and Blogger Bash both went on pretty much at the same time.

No bueno!

I'm a New York City born and raised girl and I knew that with the venues for both conferences being far from close this was going to be tricky for me. And it was. Decisions were made, and some goings on at both conferences were missed. It's a FANTASTIC problem to have and I am not complaining. I am humbled to have been invited to attend both conferences at no cost to me. (Long time readers know that I am on a very strict budget for a variety of reasons!)

I am not even going to go down the - 'which conference was better road' - at this point in my blogging career I have learned that being asked to pick a favorite conference is like being asked to pick a favorite child (if you have children of course, which you all know I do NOT!) - they all have different strengths and weaknesses.

So what's a butterfly to do?

'Conference hop' of course!

I am a total introvert you all know that. I think my event recaps are popular because I take photos of literally everything I see at events, except myself if at all possible. I have an aversion to 'step and repeats' and my attitude about them is pretty much 'who needs to see another photo of someone in front of a branded backsplash? Tres Dull right?'

I have always had a soft spot for one very specific type of photo, MASCOT photos, I live for them, I am obsessed with them, and they are pretty much the only photos where I am super relaxed and happy and laid back about being photographed.

Now I will say this - PR/BRANDS - please pay attention to this: Do NOT force me to take a photo at your booth with the threat of you not talking to me at all if I don't. I HATE that, all bloggers hate that and even if we would have taken that photo, we will walk away if you directly tell us the only way to get your attention is to be forced into taking a photo. Tres TACKY. and that is not the way to start what should be a 'partnership'.

Here is the rundown of the mascot heaven that was Sweet Suite at Blogger Bash:


Above: The fantasy land fun was established the moment I walked into Sweet Suite!

Above: Pretty in pink!


Above: These friendly smiles set the tone for the fun that was waiting for us inside!


Above: I am big fan of looking both up AND down, I found another shareable sticker on the floor!


Above: Aren't these floral arrangements by Teleflora super pretty?


Above: This is called the Perfect Drink and I NEED one of these in my life right now. I truly wish THIS had been in our box of awesomeness, as a Lifestyle Blogger based in the city that never sleeps mastering the perfect cocktail is an absolute MUST. I will be reaching out to them to see if we can partner and do something fun for you guys (and for me too, tee hee, and wink wink!)

Above: Isn't this SuperGirl Costume awesome? The theme of girls being a super hero too was definitely strong at Blogger Bash and I was all about it!

Above: Like I said unleashing your girl power and super hero power was a running theme, what's NOT to love? Follow the hashtag #IAmElemental on social media to learn more!

Above: And while she is not a 'super hero' Strawberry Shortcake was a big part of my childhood and I was totally stoked to see her at Blogger Bash. You can also follow her hashtag, #StrawberryShortcake

Above: An instagram moment with TWO hashtags no less! Both #StrawberryShortcake and #BerryBestBits

Above: I got to attend the CareBears Breakfast, well more like watch it, although I arrived early there were NO seats and because I did not have a seat I didn't get a gift bag so I was super bummed! Some bad blogger behavior happening with people taking multiple bags or putting pocketbooks on seats and not moving them. When I arrived the bear was on break so it took awhile to nab these shots!

Above: Seriously can anyone really resist the 'cuddly-ness' that is a Care Bear?

Above: Finally! I got my shot with the bear!

Above: A blogging pal took one with her phone and my DSLR just in case, I was NOT missing this moment. If I wasn't getting a gift bag I was getting a photo! (BTW, the 'lei of mini care bears' is a total photo prop, we were not allowed to keep them, le sigh!)

Above: I had to nab a shot with Peppa Pig!

Above: Snoopy was at Blogger Bash last year and I was super happy to see Snoopy again this year, my Godmother even had a poodle named Snoopy! I was so excited I forgot to take off my glasses, you guys know I rarely take photos with my glasses on! Sunglasses yes, 'seeing' glasses NO. LOL

Above: After the Care Bears Breakfast, Blogger Bash attendees were wisked off in buses to a private 'Blue Man Group' experience. Yes I have already seen the show and covered it here on Ascending Butterfly, so it says A LOT that I signed up to do this because I wanted to see it again!

Above: Unfortunately this is the second time my photo WITH a Blue Man didn't come out, next time I am just going to have the person use my cellphone instead of the DSLR but I did nab a shot with fellow bloggers showing off our supercool blue VIP bracelets! And this is my only Blogger Bash 'step and repeat' shot!

MY TAKE:

The exact skinny on my pros and cons? Glad you asked:

PROS

✔ Blogger Bash is totally FUN
✔ Mascots Heaven
✔ Toys - but not just the sheer quantity of them, the fact that the swag is not a bag of goodness, but an entire BOX OF AWESOMENESS that is mailed to you - hello, no back breaking lugging stuff around from place to place or knocking into everyone as you walk around the venue. TOTAL PLUS!

CONS:

This is a con for all conferences, this trend toward "VIP" ticketing is a HUGE Pet Peeve of mine. I wish Blogger Bash would drop this and not follow the herd on this trend. But at the end of the day conferences are a businesses and organizers will do what benefits the bottom line. I get it, I just don't like it.

Overall impression: As a Lifestyle Blogger who does NOT have children, I gravitate more toward the nostalgic toys that bring me back to my own childhood. As I don't have kids I don't have anyone to be a 'product tester' so the ton of toy pitches that follow this conference aren't a real win/win for me in that regard so seeing a bit more variety in brands this year was definitely a plus. I posted some of the standout toys when I un-boxed the swag BOX of awesomeness on instagram, so be sure you are following me there too, time has forced me to do more micro-blogging at events and that's the best way to see the conference unfold in real time or see products that I am sent or pitched that may not get a full feature on these pages due to time constraints.

If you are a parent/mom blogger this is DEFINITELY the conference for YOU, it will have you covered for pretty much any child age range you focus on. As a lifestyle blogger I would love to see a bit more variety next year (I do get it's a 'night of play' - but I miss some of last year's stuff like the covergirl suite (I mean free lipsticks/lippies you know I love wearing a signature red lip everyday, I run out of REDS super fast! LOL), the hijinx of the angry birds after party, and I'm all about last year's wine brand)

Did YOU attend Blogger Bash? If so, what did you think of it? What is your personal favorite of all the blogging conferences you have attended? If you haven't attended one yet, which one is on your wishlist?

As always no formal linky here, bloggers feel free to leave a comment with the link to your Wordless Wednesday Photo this week and we will be sure to pay you a visit! (NO Giveway links please, WW only!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a NON -compensated post, no monetary compensation has been received and this is an event recap (a gift box was received). All my 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.