Friday, December 11, 2015

{#FestiveFriday} #Photo Highlights from the @TropicanaAC Tropicana #AtlanticCity #Casino Holiday Tree Lighting

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting

Happy Holidays Snowman Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting

If like me you share a penchant for 'pulse-pounding' gaming/Casino action, then a visit to Atlantic City is definitely for you. I have been visiting there for a VERY long time and I enjoy visiting Atlantic City for the holidays, each Casino has it's own unique way of decorating for the Holidays and this year I got the chance to attend the annual Tropicana Atlantic City Casino Holiday Tree Lighting as Press. (You may remember I featured Tropicana's Holiday Tree in 2013 and Google Plus did it's 'auto awesome' magic to my shot of the tree and I made it my first photo in the post, you can see that post and photo HERE).

Tropicana Atlantic City 25-foot Poinsettia Tree located in Palm Walk
I arrived a bit before the official kick off and got a chance to take a peek at the Casino Floor and hit some new Slot machines I hadn't tried before like Britney Spears, Batman, The Walking Dead and The Big Bang Theory and enjoy the 25-foot Poinsettia Tree located in the Palm Walk!

If you haven't visited in awhile, Tropicana underwent a $50 million renovation which includes a Multimedia Light and Sound Show, the addition of AltantiCare LifeCenter Fitness and  (NEEDED) renovations to its North Tower Hotel Rooms and Casino.

The 25-foot Poinsettia Tree is just one of the trees you will find at Tropicana, and here are the highlights of the Tree Lighting Ceremony:

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting
Above: As you can see The Quarter at Tropicana was all abuzz in anticipation of the lighting!

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting Tropicana General Manager, Steve Callender
























Above: Tropicana General Manager, Steve Callender

Above: Mayor Don Guardian

Manager Steve Callender, Mayor Don Guardian and the big guy - Santa Claus light the Holiday Tree! Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting
Above: Tropicana General Manager Steve Callender, Mayor Don Guardian and the big guy - Santa Claus light the Holiday Tree!

Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting
Above: Tropicana's Holiday Tree all lit up and pretty!

Santa Laughing at Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting
Above: I just had to nab a shot of Santa laughing! He gave goodies to some of the children that were in the crowd!

Tropicana's Holiday Magic Performers at Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Tree Lighting
Above: We were treated to a delightful medley of Christmas Carols, the performers are from the Tropicana Holiday Magic Show (which I have some photo highlights from as well!)

Broadway Burger Bar at Tropicana's The Quarter
Above: All that Christmas Goodness really helped us Press work up an appetite, thankfully Tropicana had just the right idea, lunch for Press at Broadway Burger Bar in The Quarter! Salad, Sliders, and beverages of choice - my choice was prosecco of course! The Broadway Burger Bar has a great deal for a meal and imax movie, date night anyone?

10 North Lounge Tropicana Atlantic City Casino
Above: After lunch we hit 10 North Lounge on the Casino Floor for drinks before the show.

Spiked Hazelnut Hot Chocolate Cocktail at 10 North Lounge Tropicana Atlantic City Casino
Above: Need a break from the action on the Casino Floor? Hit up 10 North Lounge for a 'Hazelnut Hot Chocolate' - what's in it? I am so glad you asked:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Nutella
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Frangelico
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brandy
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Topped with Whipped Cream and Chocolate Straw and Shavings for garnish!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better than this, they brought out:

Spiked Salted CaramelHot Chocolate Cocktail at 10 North Lounge Tropicana Atlantic City Casino
Above: Option 2 'Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate' 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Caramel Baileys
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Topped with Whipped Cream, Caramel and Sea Salt

Served with an assortment of cookies and biscotti.

These were both delicious, but the standout for everyone was the second option. I was actually surprised I liked the second one so much as I am actually not a Caramel fan, but I am a Baileys Fan and this was warm and delish. In all fairness what didn't resonate with folks about the first spiked hot chocolate was the brandy. I am a Brandy Lover, but I only like Remy Martin, I want to try to make this one myself using Remy for the Brandy and see if I taste a difference. Hot Chocolate and Nutella Goodness, they just needed the right Brandy! 

View of the Casino Floor from 10 North Lounge Tropicana Atlantic City Casino
Above: View of the Gaming Floor from 10 North Lounge.

I will definitely go back to 10 North Lounge when I visit again, it's a great place to unwind and get off the Casino floor for a moment. Or if like me and my friends and family if you all go in different directions this is a great place to meet up before dinner or before the Holiday Magic Show!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Dancers twirling at Tropicana Holiday Magic Show

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Remember the singers that sang during the tree lighting ceremony - here they are!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: I need to add that I was off center and there is no flash photography during the show. So I was taking these with a DSLR with no Flash and trying capture performers in motion - I'm pretty pleased with myself! :)

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: I did say this was a Magic Show!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Ta-Daa!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: And then Presto-Chango!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Check out the leg action - with NO Flash - can you tell I am still quite pleased with myself?

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Great singing and dancing!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Beautiful Aerial Performance!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: I wish I could do this! (My watermark gets cut off with this photo on extra large, but it's worth it!)

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
I got WAY more shots, just didn't want to give it all away! :)

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Back to the Magic!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: How do they do that?

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Here is where I admit I haven't put up my tree yet! Maybe I will just hang these photos on my wall! LOL

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Notice the elf in the audience?

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Let it Snow!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Dancing Snowmen!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Dancing Reindeer!

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Singing, Dancing, Magic and Fantasy, what's not to love?

Tropicana’s Holiday Magic, Tropicana Atlantic City Casino 2015 Holiday Magic Show
Above: Santa came out into the audience and brought this little audience member some holiday magic!

MY TAKE:

Atlantic City has always been one of my favorite weekend getaway destinations, I didn't get nearly as much time as I wanted to explore all the changes at Tropicana so I think another trip up there is in order! I enjoy their Holiday Tree Lighting and they really have become a one stop shop, with an imax theatre, comedy club, 2 pools, spa, great restaurants from casual to fine dining, bars, shops and so much more! You really don't have to leave the building, well only to watch the outdoor light show! This was a great way to kick off the holiday season and I couldn't recommend it enough! Don't miss the Holiday Musical Light Show in The Quarter at Tropicana Atlantic City Casino!

Readers Sound Off: Have you seen the changes at Tropicana Atlantic City? What is your favorite Casino and why?


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FTC Disclosure:  This is NOT a compensated Post, and all opinions are 100% my own! The tree lighting was open to the public, lunch and tickets to the Holiday Magic Show were provided 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.

Monday, December 7, 2015

{#Giveaway} It is @Neutrogena Rainbath's 45th Anniversary/Birthday but YOU get the presents! #Ad

NEUTROGENA® Rainbath Giveaway

Sponsored Giveaway, brought to you by Neutrogena!
NEUTROGENA® Rainbath Giveaway via Ascending Butterfly
Neutrogena's Rainbath is turning 45, although she doesn't look a day over 18 if you ask me!

I 'discovered' Neutrogena in my teens. I saw an ad that said that using Neutrogena's Shampoo is a good way to make your regular brand more effective by alternating between it & the Neutrogena anti-residue shampoo.

That began a period of me trying out tons of products in the line, with their Oil-Free Acne Wash, Rainbath refreshing shower and bath gel and their original light sesame body oil becoming my top three favorites from their line!

Now that I am blogging and get to try out tons of skincare and beauty products in a wide variety of price points, it is still Neutrogena I go back to. When I finish a system I am testing out, I let my skin 'breathe' again before starting on a new system to review by using Neutrogena for a week before I go testing something new.

It slays me to re-visit old posts, especially previous work for the same brand, and this review post of mine for Neutrogena's Rapid Wrinkle Repair (in conjunction with Allure Magazine and their Beauty Enthusiast's program) still cracks me up, check it out HERE (it outlines me and my eternal struggle with RBF, if you suffer from RBF too, can I get a 'what-what'!?) Another review I enjoyed re-reading that I did for Neutrogena can be found HERE. And a post for them that is near and dear to my heart as it's a rare glimpse into me and how I got into writing, HERE.

My mom taught me the importance of NEVER going to bed with makeup on, and on those nights when I come in and just straight up want to hit my bed hard, I always keep a pack of makeup remover in my nightstand, I love keeping these at the ready. I keep some in my purse too. This way between day and night events I can change makeup or after the gym (although in all fairness I try not to wear makeup when I am headed to the gym).
Rainbath is enjoying a 45th Anniversary/Birthday and what better way to celebrate a special occasion, than with presents?
I certainly love a good prezzie, particularly around holiday time! Our friends at Neutrogena whole-heartedly agree and they want to stuff your stocking with some Neutrogena 'goodies'. In fact a basket of Neutrogena Goodies, this may have to go under the tree as it might not fit in your stocking!

WIN IT:

One lucky butterfly will win a basket of Neutrogena Products including Rainbath - Refreshing Shower and bath gel!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (sometimes the widget gets stuck, if that's the case, just refresh your screen, that usually does the trick! If you don't see the widget but the words 'a Rafflecopter giveaway' just press that link which will take you to the entry widget)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

Neutrogena will always be the brand I associate with my kick off into my skincare and beauty routine, and when I get the chance to write about products you will definitey find in my cabinets anyway - I consider it a really good day at the office.

You know how much I love playing 'Butterfly Claus' and giving you guys the chance to experience the products I am currently playing with!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite Neutrogena Product? Why is it your fave?

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FTC Disclosure: All products featured were supplied to Ascending Butterfly at no cost for Editorial Consideration. This is a sponsored/compensated Post, 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, December 1, 2015

I am putting my Pinky Up for the annual @WorldMarket #DoTheDownton Virtual Tea Party on Sunday,12/6, join me! RSVP!

Sponsored Post: Brought to you by:
World Market Logo
Remember that 'Social Media Sandwich' I joined up with World Market for to serve up a day of Social Media Fun on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and more? Read more HERE if you forgot, well that event became an annual event and it's BAAAaaaCCCkk! :-)

If you are a fan of the show Downton Abbey, then this is going to be right up your alley! And if tea hits the spot for you on a cool winter day, then put that pinky up and get ready to join in the fun!

Photo Contest: (This is the HEART of what this fun day is all about! YOU!) 

Here's the 1,2,3:

What: #DoTheDownton Virtual Tea Party

When: 12/6/15

How:

1. On December 6th make your favorite tea and put it in your prettiest tea cup!

2. Put up that pinky! Then take a sip, but don't forget to take a photo! A friend can take it for you or you can totally rock out with a tea drinking selfie!

3. Don't forget to upload it! -  Upload your photo on any of your social channels (Facebook, Twitter or Instagram) showing off your best Tea Party Pose (pinky up please) and include the hashtag #DoTheDownton and tag @WorldMarket along with your photo - you can upload it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram (or all three if you'd like, just don't forget to tag them with the hashtag)

Prizes:

30 Winners will each receive: - (1) $50 World Market Gift Card + (1) Exclusive Downton Abbey Tote Bag + (1) Exclusive Downton Abbey Tea Mug

These prizes will be drawn by Cost Plus World Market and winners will be notified directly by Cost Plus World Market!


#DoTheDownton Images
SECOND WAY TO PLAY: (oh no biggie, just a dream trip to London)

Do you want to win a Dream Trip to London literally fit for royalty?

Enter for a chance to win the Downton Abbey Sweepstakes herehttp://www.worldmarketsweepstakes.com/

Grand Prize Package:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Trip for 2 to London, England (including airfare + accommodations)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Private tour of Highclere Castle

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Downton Abbey Script (signed by the FULL cast)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $1,000 World Market Gift Card

Three (3) First Prizes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $500 World Market Gift Card

These prizes will be awarded directly by Cost Plus World Market!

Twitter Party Join Us Graphic



THIRD WAY TO PLAY/ The TWITTER PARTY: (How about a 'Social Media Sandwich with that tea?) OK Butterflies, let's get TWEETIE with it! Let's get it trending, I want to see all my tweetie pies there! I am not a host this year, (so please be sure to follow all hosts, co-hosts and sponsor), but I am a Cost Plus World Market Ambassador and will be there showing my support!

Details for an afternoon of #DoTheDownton fun:

Date: 12/6/15

Hashtag: #DoTheDownton - This hashtag will be used on ALL channels so be sure to use this hashtag in all your tweets, status updates on facebook and google plus as well as instagram!

Times and Channels:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 9 am PST / 12 pm EST - Twitter: The party kicks off on twitter so don't forget to RSVP using the Rafflecopter RSVP Widget Below!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 pm PST / 4 pm EST - Facebook - The party will move to Facebook and there will be prize packs given away there too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram Takeover - Don't forget to post your Pinky Up! Photo!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 5 pm PST / 8 pm EST - Twitter Again: The party starts and ends on Twitter, the GRAND PRIZE is NOT to be missed!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Prize Packs: (3) $100 World Market Gift Card, Exclusive Downton Abbey Tote Bag, & Exlcusive Downton Abbey Teacup

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Prize Packs: (2) $150 World Market Gift Card, Exclusive Downton Abbey Tote Bag, & Exlcusive Downton Abbey Teacup

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GRAND PRIZE: (1) $250 World Market Gift Card, Exclusive Downton Abbey Tote Bag, & Exlcusive Downton Abbey Teacup

RSVP:

Please RSVP using the Rafflecopter Widget Below! Please remember to follow the sponsor, host and all co-hosts as per rafflecopter instructions, we need to be able to Direct Message you if you win!


Twitter RSVP Sign Up Graphic


RSVP using the Rafflecopter Widget, but if you are going to be there, I would love to know so please leave a comment here letting me know and your twitter handle too! Are you a Downtown Abbey Fan? Do you love World Market? (I have a room makeover I am going to share with you all soon with items I purchased from Cost Plus World Market!) Pinkies Up Butterflies!

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FTC Dislcosure: This is a Sponsored Post. The Twitter Party is being hosted in conjunction with Cost Plus World Market. All prizes are non-transferable with no cash redemptions, equivalents or substitutions except at Sponsor's Sole Discretion. Prize details and availability are subject to change and in the event that Sponsor is unable to provide a Winner with their Prize the Sponsor may elect to provide such Winner the approximate value of said prize in an alternate prize of comparable value. Prizes will be awarded via a random drawing and winners will be notified via Twitter's Direct Messaging System. All Winners must respond to the notification within 24 hours or an alternate winner will be selected. Party hosts and co-hosts are NOT responsible for shipment of prizing, shipping fees or insurance, prizes will be fulfilled by Cost Plus World Market. Sponsors or hosts are not responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. Winners are responsible for any taxes on prizes awarded. Odds of winning are based on the number of tweets, status updates and participants during each respective entry period. No Purchase Necessary. Prizes will be honored and shipped to winners ages 18 + who are United States Residents.

Sunday, November 29, 2015

Enter the "Taking Care of Business #Giveaway" with prizes from @ribbetapp + @Logitech + @TinyPrints

Taking Care of Business Holidays 2015 Giveaway

Sponsored Giveaway, brought to you by Logitech, Ribbet and TinyPrints!

Taking Care of Business Holidays 2015 Giveaway on Ascending Butterfly, Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400, Logitech MX ANYWHERE 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse, 1 year of Ribbet Premium, 100 Tiny Prints Business Cards
I hope all my butterflies had a blessed Thanksgiving (for those of you that celebrate) and hopefully you are not too deep in a Turkey Leftovers Coma to do a little 'sweeping'. And by 'sweeping' I mean entering a great contest!

If the title of this giveaway doesn't give you a hint about where my head is at moving into 2016, nothing will. I have been blogging for a VERY long time, blogging is actually my fourth foray into being an entrepreneur, I may just be a 'serial digital entrepreneur'! In College I started a Translation and Transcription Service as one of my part time ways to earn money to put myself through school. I even landed Latina Magazine as a client. Not a bad start for a 'first business'. Later on I added a Graphic Design Business to the mix, and after I left the Staffing Industry a Career Coaching Business that morphed into a Life Coaching Business. And now it's Blogging and Social Media Consulting.

I wanted to put together a Holidays Giveaway this year that included my favorite resources for running my business(es).

I was considering including adding Pajamas to this mix, but then I remembered that is exactly the mindset I want to get most people OUT of! Do I sometimes get a chance to work in my PJ's? YES - but is that all the time? - NO! (and its actually mostly when I do the writing part of my blogging, which is usually during graveyard type hours anyway)

Let's outline the prizes in this Giveaway shall we?: (in alphabetical order)

LOGITECH:

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400, Taking Care of Business Giveaway Holidays 2015 Ascending Butterfly Blog
Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400

Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400Earlier this year I got to attend an event where I got to try out the Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard, this was during the week of BlogHer (there are enough of you who will know exactly what that means, INSANITY!!!!) - so this product review is a bit overdue to say the least.

This HTPC Keyboard is intended for PC connected TV's. Those that know me well know I have no skills with touchpads. I mean literally none. Thankfully I admitted this to the Logitech team, they had me try it out and use the TouchPad first. And surprisingly I was able to work it, it wasn't so overly touch sensitive that I couldn't get to what I needed but was actually sensitive enough to get it where I wanted it go onscreen. Color me impressed!

I had resigned myself to a lifetime of avoiding touchpads. (I don't even use touchpads on laptops, I actually travel with a travel mouse!)

My living room TV recently died (as it's Thanksgiving Present to me. LOL), so on Black Friday I broke down and ordered my first Smart TV ever, you'll see more about that soon, but now I can finally make the best use of this Keyboard. (Notice I said 'ordered' as in online, I did NOT brave the crowds!) This Media-friendly TV Keyboard has a 33-foot range - can you say 'host Twitter Parties from my couch? YES!!!!

Logitech MX ANYWHERE 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse
Logitech MX ANYWHERE 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse
I still prefer a real mouse, even when I travel and I finally hit on the right one. I was using a wired travel mouse before hitting upon the Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse. It took about 2 weeks for me and this mouse to get into a groove. It doesn't use batteries, it's a re-chargeable, but I use my mouse A LOT, I mean super heavy use and do a lot of photo editing whether I am at my home PC or on the road so I needed to really put this one through it's paces to figure out how often I would need to re-charge it. A one-minute charge gives you an hour and a full charge lasts normal people up to two months. I give it a full charge about every four-five days. So on the weekend when I am ready for bed I will put my mouse to charge and this gives me enough charge for most of the week. The mouse can be paired with up to three devices, I have it connected to my home PC, laptop and my Surface Pro Tablet and can switch flawlessly between them with ease. This light weight mouse can perform anywhere - glass tables (in your hotel room for instance), laminate, train and airplane tray tables and yes even in your jeans!

New Ribbet Logo

Photo Editing Software is the Best Friend of most bloggers, photographers and editors - while there are many 'free' versions out there, most of the advanced features or 'premium features' (you know basically the ones you really want it for) have a fee now. I think we all know how expensive that program is,  you know the 'big P' - and with many laptops and tablets not having optical drives anymore, software on CD is becoming obsolete for most of us. What makes Ribbet my preferred Photo Editing program is that it is browser based. So while I am on the road I can edit photos instead of leaving it all for when I return. Ribbet 'Premium'  has an annual fee to access it's premium features but the basic photo editing program is still very much free. Ribbet made me premium for one year and I'm super happy to pay it forward! With Ribbet I can remove Red Eye from my photos (I have light eyes and tend to get red eye in my photos all the time!), I can add frames/borders, I can also hyper focus on an object and blur others from a photo (especially helpful in food posts) and so much more!

Tiny Prints


I think you all know my love for Tiny Prints is deep and real. Ever since they paired me with a designer and I got my first set of business cards done, I have NOT changed my business cards in awhile. (The only thing I ever change on these cards is my contact number, I test a lot of mobile phones and devices across a variety of carriers so I tend to change my cards when I am going to be with one phone/carrier for more than a brief trial period). These are foldable and our logo is on the front flap (not shown), and the back of the cards has a section for a person to write notes and despite the gloss look they give off, any kind of ink pen can write on the card notes section. I have featured Tiny Prints a ton since I began with them and I am stoked they are back again for a 100 business cards giveaway for you! Here is a link to my last review so you can check out other views of this card:  http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2014/03/giveaway-need-to-update-your-brand.html

WIN IT:

One lucky butterfly is taking home the entire haul valued at just under $200! 

Prize Includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 year of Ribbet Premium - so you can go crazy editing photos, this program is also fun for designing your own Holiday Cards! (ARV $29.99)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A Logitech MX ANYWHERE 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse ($79.99)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 (ARV $39.99)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 100 Tiny Prints Business Cards (Depends on style you select, my preferred style is $49.00 for 100)

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (sometimes the widget gets stuck, if that's the case, just refresh your screen, that usually does the trick!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

MY TAKE:

Having Tiny Prints pair me with one of their designers to design my current business cards was a game changer for me. Every time I attend an event, conference or travel and present my card it always gets me tons of compliments. This has been my most effective business card design to date, this is actually one of those small things that slip through the cracks for many people but it really is not only the 'first' impression you make, but the last one too as that card goes home or back to the office of the person you presented it to. And many people I meet at conferences particularly always tell me the same thing, they hate 'unique' shape cards or super small ones as those tend to fall from the pile and often times get lost! You don't want your card being the one that gets lost do you?

I actually got an interesting post event follow up email from a rep that told me "I remember you saying that your card when in full size orientation makes a perfect bookmark" - "you were absolutely right, I used mine in a book I was reading during my flight" - "I just had to touch base with you and tell you that. You are the first person I circled back with!" - Be memorable my butterflies, be memorable!

I have hit my new Logitech MX Anywhere 2 Wireless Mobile Mouse pretty hard so far and love how seamlessly I can switch between my PC, laptop and tablet, and my fellow blogging friends who have hosted twitter parties know, you sometimes need to have all devices open at once when you are hosting a tweet chat! I do heavy Photo-Editing and this mouse has definitely served me well. I have to charge it more frequent than most users probably will, but that I pretty much expected that to be the case. While I was testing it I used it to the max until the battery just plain couldn't take it so I could figure out my charging frequency needs and for me I do it at 4 days, but I actually max out closer to five days. I LOVE this mouse, and quite frankly no matter what mouse comes with a PC I end up using a Logitech Mouse instead! (I have been using their products WELL BEFORE my blogging days, when I tell you they are the ones I have always bought for all my home PC's that tells you everything!) And I can tell you from experience, Logitech products can really take a beating and stand up to the test of time. (Yes I drop them often, don't judge me! LOL) They may not be 'totally indestructible' but they come quite close in my experience.

As for the Logitech Wireless Touch Keyboard K400 I got to test it briefly at the event I attended earlier this year on a Smart TV they had setup and I was greatly impressed with how well I was able to navigate the touchpad, now that I have my first ever Smart 4K TV on it's way I am totally excited about really getting a chance to test this out with the projects I would actually be working on and the apps I need to log into when I set up my new Smart TV.

I had been using Ribbet since their inception. Like most I was not totally thrilled when it went to a paid service for premium, but as a blogger I certainly understand - you gotta eat and businesses need to grow so they can survive. For me this is convenient as you edit in a web browser and I can work on the road using it so it's beyond worth it for me. 

These four are definitely some of my favorite blogging tools, and I am stoked to get a chance to bring them all to you!

Readers Sound Off: Which of these four tools do you want/need most and why?

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FTC Disclosure: All product featured were supplied to Ascending Butterfly at no cost for Editorial Consideration. 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, November 25, 2015

Thanks to @BestBuy I attended the @LGUS Designed to Inspire Event, presented by LG Studio #NateBerkusLG #ad

#Ad: This post is sponsored by Best Buy

David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing, Alex Sobolewski, Petya Toncheva and Nate Berkus LG US LG Studio Kitchen Appliances #NateBerkusLG
From Left to Right: David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing, Alex Sobolewski, Petya Toncheva and Nate Berkus far right.

On November 19th in New York City Designer and LG Studio Artistic Advisor, Nate Berkus as well as ASID finalists attended a Hearst Magazines, LG Studio event to celebrate the new line of LG Studio premium kitchen appliances.

LG US LG Studio Kitchen Appliances #NateBerkusLG

I got the chance to attend with fellow Best Buy Bloggers and in addition to a meet and greet with Nate Berkus, I got to swoon over the sweet new appliances too! I need ALL of these in my life right now, especially on the heels on the biggest cooking day of the year!


Above: You know I am all about the small touches and love live flowers so I just had to nab a  table centerpiece shot of these beautiful flowers.


Above: You can tell that's a candid shot of me, because I always take off my glasses! LOL

David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing #NateBerkusLG

Above: David Vanderwaal, Vice President, LGEUS Marketing - Considering how far back I actually was standing I can't be mad at this shot, glad I lugged my DSLR along! David gave us an overview of the design contest and the appliances and then kicked it over to Nate Berkus who is the LG Studio Artistic Advisor and who judged and selected the winner of the contest for the ASID (The American Society of Interior Designers) contest.

Nate Berkus #NateBerkusLG

Above: Nate Berkus, LG Studio Artistic Advisor discusses the judging contest.

Nate Berkus and ASID winner Petya Toncheva #NateBerkusLG

Above: Nate Berkus and ASID Contest Winner Petya Toncheva


Above: Let's just say it was Cats and Dogs raining outside (like really all Noah's Arc 40 days/40 nights like!) so this photo booth shot is all #curlyhairdon'tcare - I also posted this photo on Instagram along with a photo of the signature drink made with Tequila and Jalapeno! So be sure to be following us Instagram to catch moments that may not always make the recap post!



MY TAKE:

I think it's great that LG US is looking to the next wave of designers to help create new appliances, and with contests like this one, it gives upstarts a chance to showcase their skills!

It was great meeting Nate Berkus, and he was kind enough to sign copies of his new book for the bloggers in attendance which I thought was such a neat touch!

I know I for one will be looking for new appliances and other electronic items during this weekends sales (I tend to shop Cyber Monday more than Black Friday), and Best Buy is going to be offering some super competitive pricing on the LG Studio Collection at Best Buy so get it while it's HOT!

Will you be shopping at Best Buy for Black Friday Deals this year? Are LG Appliances on your Appliance Wish List?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Best Buy. This is an event recap, 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.