{#TheatreThursday} The Rhythm is Gonna Get You! Go see @OnYourFeetBway #OnYourFeet #Broadway

Photographer: Chad Griffith

Remember when I shared that I have been stalking the new Broadway Musical On Your Feet!? If you don't remember, check out my post HERE! - I finally got to see it - and I have to tell you, The Rhythm is Gonna Get You!

Each year I can't help but pick a play that was my favorite, last year it was Kinky Boots! 

On Your Feet!, The Story of Emilio & Gloria Estefan, is a Musical directed by two-time Tony Award Winner Jerry Mitchell of Hairspray AND KINKY BOOTS! (Three-time Tony nominated Scenic Designer, David Rockwell also worked on Kinky Boots - you can check out my review of Kinky Boots HERE). I left On Your Feet! feeling as uplifted and happy as when I left the theatre after seeing Kinky Boots and I have a strong feeling that On Your Feet! is going to be my front runner for my favorite play/musical of 2015.

Even mega fans will find this is the story that they both know and DON'T know, it is touching, heart-warming and triumphant, everything a Broadway experience should be! ~ Ascending Butterfly

Making her Broadway Debut is Ana Villafane as Gloria Estefan (Ana looks so much like Gloria). Josh Segarra (who may you know as Billy Cepeda in the comedy series 'Sirens' on the USA network), plays Emilio, both were hand selected by Gloria and Emilio respectively. Alexandria Suarez plays 'Little Gloria' (her voice is AMAZING by the way - she is going to be one to watch!) and Eduardo Hernandez plays both Little Emilio and Nayib (Emilio & Gloria's son). Alma Cuervo (whose NYC credits include: Allegro, Road Show, Cabaret, Beauty and the Beast, Titanic, The Heidi Chronicles and more) also put in a strong performance as 'Consuelo' (Gloria's Grandmother/abuela) - honestly there really isn't a 'weak link' in the cast, everyone truly 'brought it'.

MY TAKE:

I have been following the progress of this show since I first heard about it, and well before I was even approached to consider writing about it. It definitely lived up to my expectations and I hope to see it soar. To finally see not only Latinos on stage, the story of a Latino power couple no less that overcame tremendous obstacles to see their music done their way - but most importantly a Broadway show for Latinos BY Latinos for me will always be absolutely priceless, and the joy of watching fellow members of the audience of ALL ages and races dancing in the aisles, singing along to every word, and even watching people be moved to tears during the more sentimental moments is something I won't soon forget. I highly recommend On Your Feet! (It is certainly an amazing date night experience or just a girls night out! And for my fellow cocktail lovers, there are signature drinks for the show you can enjoy, my personal fave was the "On Your Feet A Rita" which includes Sauza Tequila!)

"The American Dream" doesn't come wrapped in a cute box with a pretty bow, it is something that often comes with great sacrifice and struggle, while our faces may be different, our dreams are very much the same - wanting a better life for our families, wanting to enjoy creative self-expression and personal and professional fulfillment. The Estefan's road to the American Dream comes with many relatable highs and lows. There were moments that brought the audience to tears (a touching scene with Gloria and her Father), and moments that are incredibly heart-warming (the wall of thousands of fan letters that were written to Gloria after her horrific bus accident while she was on her road to recovery) and triumphant ones (When Emilio gets in the face of a record company Executive who thought they should stick to the 'Latin Market' and he exclaims: "This is what America looks like." - there were literally people cheering out loud!).

What I wrote on the My Take for my pre-coverage of this show very much still stands:

"THIS is exactly the story about our culture that we want out there, that we are passionate, focused, driven men and women with so much to contribute. Let's put aside the where a Latino/Latina is from nonsense - the country of origin separation thing does more to hurt our community than help, that's not what is important, this is a human story, an inspirational and powerful story, and one we should rally around seeing be told, and being told BOLDLY on the Broadway Stage no less." (I normally don't quote myself so much in a piece, but I couldn't quite help myself this time!)

I have two small 'cons'

(1) I suggested a Latino/Latina Bloggers themed night, particularly since the show is still in previews, but I never got a green light, I think a Q&A with the cast and the Estefan's by NYC based Latino/Latina Bloggers would have been amazing!

(2) They don't yet have a show soundtrack (I am hoping that post previews this will be remedied!) - there are two songs in the musical that are original to the show and I want them so I hope a soundtrack is coming.

On Your Feet! is currently in previews at The Marquis Theatre in New York City and opens November 5, 2015.

****I do hope to be able to bring you all a tickets giveaway as well, so please stay tuned!****

In the meantime get social with On Your Feet! The Musical here: and don't forget to use the hashtag: #OnYourFeet

Twitter - @On YourFeetBway 
Facebook - On Your Feet The Musical
YouTube - On Your Feet Bway
Instagram - OnYourFeetBway

What is your favorite all time Play/Theatre Production/Musical? Do you have a favorite song from Gloria Estefan, if so which one?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, monetary compensation has been received, 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.

{#WordlessWednesday} Farm to Table - Fall Harvest Bounty {#Photography} #Foodie #LifestyleBlogger

If you are thinking this Fall Harvest Bounty Goodness looks familiar it was on the table when I met Chef Matt Abdoo (of New York City's well known eatery Del Posto Restaurant) for the New York Botanical Garden Family Dinner Series, if you missed that post click here! I just thought this one is so perfect for fall it deserved a day in the Wordless Wednesday Spotlight all to itself!

May YOUR Harvest be equally fresh and bountiful this Fall, in EVERY area of your life! Happy Wordless Wednesday, Bloggers feel free to link up by posting your WW link with your comment (remember NO Giveaway links here, Wordless Wednesday ONLY)

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Seating to the Family Dinner for Editorial Consideration. 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.

{#MotivationMonday} Ready for YOUR Shift? #butterflies #empowerment #inspiration

I posted this photo via our Social Media over the weekend but thought it would be perfect for Motivation Monday as well!

Are you ready for YOUR shift?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. 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.

{#FarmtoTable} @NYBG Family Dinner with @DelPosto Chef @mattabdoo #FoodieFriday

New York Botanical Gardens Family Dinner With Del Posto Restaurant Chef Matt Abdoo

Global Gardens - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

If the Farm to Table Movement is a lifestyle you wish to adopt, then do I have a Foodie Friday for YOU!

The New York Botanical Garden offered a series of Family Dinners this summer that featured Eataly Chefs for an outdoor three-course family meal made by some of the finest chefs New York City has to offer!

The Edible Academy at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York

Gourmet meals with a twist that even kids could enjoy were on tap featuring chefs from Mario Batali and Joe Bastianich's restaurants to support the NY Botanical Garden Edible Academy. Thanks to a recent donation drive in honor of CEO Gregory Long's 25 years with the nonprofit, a $28 million dollar donation to the board allowed the garden to establish a year-round Edible Academy, teaching 80,000 families and children about gardening and nutrition onsite!

The dinners allow attendees to learn from the pros with cooking demonstrations, crafting and gardening activities. I got to attend the last dinner in the series with Chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto Restaurant and Chef Melissa Rodriguez in New York City.

Photo Highlights:

Before the dinner was served there was various stations to keep everyone engaged before the cooking demonstration and sit down dinner outdoors.

There was a create your own Apron Station! (I skipped this one, I have a ton of them and I never use them!) But kids really seemed to dig this station and it was fun watching them at work.

There was a create your own Italian Dressing Station (chock full of Garden Fresh Herbs!)

There was a Plant your Basil Station (I LOVED this! My Great-Grandmother was the one with the hand for Gardening, and doing this made me think of her) - And I am Proud to report my Plant is doing fine and well so far! When I cut my first pieces from it and incorporate it into a recipe I will post a photo for sure!

I will bet this Basil will always taste sweeter because I planted it myself!

The path towards the event showed off various gardens and I just had to nab shots of those!

Korea Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

Ireland Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

Italy Garden - The Edible Academy, New York Botanical Garden

I got shots of AND with Chef Matt Abdoo:

Above: Chef Matt Abdoo of Del Posto Restaurant in New York City leads Family Dinner Cooking Demonstrations at New York Botanical Garden, Bronx, New York in support of The Edible Academy. A shout out to Whole Foods, they were one of the event sponsors!

Above: Stoked that I could nab a shot with the chef! (I arrived super early in hopes that I could)

Above: Annie Novak of The New York Botanical Garden kicked off the dinner. And I have to add that her Frida Kahlo socks are ON POINT!!!

Above: Had to nab a shot of my place setting of course!

The Menu:

First Course (Primi)

Above: Grilled Peaches, Heirloom Tomatoes, and Burrata Salad (this was AWESOME, I so wish 'Tastovision' was a thing!)

Second Course (Secondi)

Marinated Grilled Flank Steak with Salsa Verde

Yukon Gold Potato Salad

Slow-Cooked Rainbow Chard

Dessert Course (Dolci)

Tiramisu (We discussed an 'adult version' where you soak the lady fingers in alcohol that I am TOTALLY going to try for myself! Well technically when the idea came up that you don't just have to just soak the lady fingers in coffe, I may have ASKED directly about soaking mine is a certain Spirit instead (I'm not naming it until I try out the recipe for myself! Stay thirsty my butterflies!)

The Wine Pairings:

Of course I have to share the wines that were offered to pair with the meal:

Above: Leone de Castris Verdeca Bianco Messapia 2009, Red Wine - You guys know I have trouble with finding balanced Red Wines that aren't so tannins heavy that they make me have that suck the roof of my mouth reaction to it, this one was PERFECT. I finally found a red I truly enjoy! The waiter was sweet enough and patient enough to hold all the bottles up so I could nab a shot of them!

Above: Altesino Toscana Rosso 2013, White Wine

Above: 2014 Brancato Rosato Il Poggione Rosato di Toscana, Rose Wine

MY TAKE:

A Family Dinner isn't fun without family, so I brought Mama Butterfly along:

Above: Left: Mama Butterfly and Right: ME! Ascending Butterfly enjoying a beautiful Family Dinner at New York Botanical Garden, for those fashionistas who want to know, the blouse is by Calvin Klein and the necklace is by Silpada!

It was so perfect that I got to attend the final dinner in the series, it was a bit after Fashion Week and it was the perfect way to wind down from a chaotic week. If you arrive well before the dinner, you can stroll the Garden, hit the gift shop and check out what the Garden has to offer. This is actually a limited seating event, so you want to book early and if you are a big group, arriving early would help ensure that your party is seated together. Because they allow children and we all know children have short attention spans, be patient and try to sit up front if you can, but know they may 'roam the aisles' if their parents allow them to (I wish parents wouldn't allow the kids to roam around during the demo). I have to give special props to Chef Abdoo, he is incredibly patient/good with children! Next summer I hope the entire series lines up with my schedule!

And if they are reading: As a single girl in the city with no kids, I wouldn't get mad at a 'singles' version of this dinner. A no kids allowed version, just saying......

Call to Action/Readers Sound Off: Where do you stand in the Farm to Table Movement? Do you already or would you consider growing your own food?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. I received Press Seating to the Family Dinner for Editorial Consideration. 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.

{#MotivationMonday} The #SuperBloodMoon shines brightly across the world, what does that mean for YOU?

Super Blood Moon, Lunar Eclipse, Harvest Moon and Motivation Monday:

Last night the Twitterverse was following @SuperBloodMoon (this twitter handle outlining the events of September 27th with the support of NASA) and it's corresponding hashtag #SuperBloodMoon with baited breath. Folks either had their heads out their windows or hopped in their cars and tried to find the Super Blood Moon to take photos. NASA was live streaming it!

I was also following this fun Huffington Post article which I shared on Ascending Butterfly's Facebook Page as well as my personal one with this wish:

These ‪#‎SuperBloodMoon‬ photos are awesome! ‪#‎LunarEclipse‬ ‪#‎FullMoon‬‪ #‎HarvestMoon‬ - Make a moon wish tonight butterflies, and let the Universe Whisper an answer in your dreams

The photos on social, and shared in this Huff Po article (they were live streaming NASA's video feed most of the night) are absolutely stunning, but after the rush of the photos died down, there was a collective question, what does this mean?

I'm certainly not an astrologer, but I have followed it for years (and I do mean a bit more than passively reading my daily horoscope), and there is a collective theme that I felt was fodder for a Motivation Monday.

This is not only a 'Blood Moon' butterflies, but also a 'Harvest Moon' - now what we harvest in life all depends on our individual Karma, but the doom and gloom associated with a Blood Moon is sort of leveled by the fact it is also a Harvest Moon, if you have been planting positive seeds and working ethically, diligently and with persistence, how beautiful it is to expect to reap what you have sown.

This is also a Lunar Eclipse - yes Eclipses do signify things 'coming to an end' in some way, but remember that doesn't have to be 'bad'. Blood is sometimes associated with atonement - forgiveness or a clean slate, releasing of old Karma and attachments can all be things coming to an end - which is NOT necessarily bad.

For many of us 'endings' and a 'new start' is exactly what we need right now.

One of the most amazing things I read about this Full Moon Lunar Eclipse Super Blood/Harvest Moon was this:

What really needs to happen is we need to stop with our differences, accusations, judgments of one another and start thinking more about the effects we are having on our own lives and the lives of others that know us and the world we live in and our contribution. Life is short, what do you want to be remembered for?

We should focus on becoming better people so that the future of our world as we know it can have a real chance to live in peace and harmony with one another, the human family. 

Until each of us focus on becoming the best version of ourselves as an individual and each of us does so,  and to realize we are all human and one brotherhood that needs to work together, respect one another and love one another, then the change we want to see may never come. ~ILLUME ASTROLOGY

Another worthy read in it's entirety and it's beautiful accompanying photo is from Moonology:

I would have to quote their whole page it is so well written, but I found it interesting that if you are an Aries or Libra (or for those who know their natal charts well those with Aries or Libra Rising), this is going to be a potentially STAND OUT time for you, she wrote "You're being singled out by the Universe as among the people most likely to take some kind of quantum leap into the future" - if you guessed I'm an Aries, you would be correct. (Additional Note for Aries: You have Mars (your ruling planet) on your side for the next seven weeks until November 12, to help you improve your eating habits or update your excercise schedule - make good use of it!)

For my fellow numerology lovers the eclipse was a 1 hour and 11 minute occurence! (For me the number 222 tends to follow me daily - I tend to look at the clock at that hour, see buses or subway cars with that number etc).

MY TAKE:

I have been feeling impending change for a long time now. My soul/spirit is pretty much YELLING at me to try something new, to make needed changes and release not only old habits, but to also find fulfillment - spiritually, emotionally as well as professionally in brand new ways.

I also find it interesting that my name 'Tracy' means 'the Harvester' and this is a Harvest Moon. I personally looking forward to Karmic Rewards for having planted positive seeds and I wish the very same for ALL of my butterflies as well!

This is a rare occurrence, one that won't cycle around again for another 18 years.  Use this rare energy, let it be a spark that propels your life positively forward.

As for the phrase 'Blood Moon' Jonathan Cainer described it best by saying:

There is nothing sinister in this phrase, it merely suggests a time for outgrowing a fear.

Call to Action/Readers Sound Off:

Did you see the Blood Moon? Were you able to capture a photo of it? What are you hoping to change, release or embrace for this last half of the year?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. All opinions are 100% MY OWN. this post is NOT compensated. 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.

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

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

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:

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!

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!

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!

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!

Above: Smart Water was one of the event sponsors, it's not ALL Champagne folks! Gotta Stay hydrated! LOL

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.

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

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.

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! 



˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

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.

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

"God changed me because he changed my life." ~Ashley Smith Robinson

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.

Can God and a Book Save YOUR Life?

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

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?

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

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.