Tuesday, March 7, 2017

How Well Do You #KnowYourYogurt ?

AD: This compensated post is sponsored by The Dannon Company, Inc. and Mamavation Network. All opinions are my own.

GMO-Free Yogurt - From 'Farm-to-Cup'

Dannon encourages you take the Dannon Pledge: http://www.dannonpledge.com/ and to #KnowYourYogurt

Learn about the Dannon Pledge: http://www.dannonpledge.com/. And get to #KnowYourYogurt

How well do you know your Yogurt?

Is there a checklist you can use when trying to figure out what Yogurt to buy?

In fact there is, look for a Yogurt that:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - offers Non-GMO Ingredients
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-GMO fed Animals
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - engages in Proper Animal Welfare in the production of its food (Dannon works with Dairy Farms that operate under the Validus Certification System)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and engages in farm-to-table relationships where the farmer is at the center of the process
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and for my fellow tech inclined friends look for a whole lot of 'WYSIWYG' on the label (What You See Is What You Get - look for the label that reads 'NON GMO Ingredients")

Dannon's Pledge to reinvent the dairy process was featured on the Mamavation website and I highly encourage you to take the pledge yourself at: http://www.dannonpledge.com/

Dannon is launching a multi-year plan to change how they make their Yogurt to give you more choices about your food. The first Dannon Products that were NON-GMO hit the market July 2016. All products offered transparent labeling by the end of 2016 and they are including more natural and non-synthethic ingredients in their flagship brands and are partnering directly with Dairy Farmers. They are also strongly committed to improving sustainable agricultural practices to aim for better soil health, water quality and quantity and a decreased carbon emission and energy use. Brands that respect Biodiversity are important, there is but so damage we can keep doing to this planet and still sustain a quality of life.

MY TAKE:

Oddly there are two dairy delights that I never ate as a child or teen and didn't discover the joy of until quite recently, cheesecake and yogurt. My parents really didn't enjoy either one so it was never really around and I never thought much of it.

My first associations with Yogurt were doing my cubicle days, I would hear co-workers going into tirades over who stole their yogurt from the fridge. I was never looked at as I never ate the stuff. Most office parties offered one of two cakes where I worked, cheesecake or carrot cake, and since I didn't eat either I would tend to avoid the office memo about cake in the break room.

Oddly, now that my cube days are far behind me, I find myself loving both Yogurt and Cheesecake. In fact I did a series of recipes one summer that included Yogurt Substitutions for Favorite Comfort Food Recipes (you guys really responded to it so I may need to do a few more this summer), plus an iconic NYC landmark that launched a farm-to-table dinner series, and Yogurt even made its sneaky way into my smoothies. I even attended a Philharmonic event that was sponsored by a Yogurt Brand. My blogging journey has certainly never been dull.

Farm-to-Table is important to me and when a Yogurt brand like Dannon can provide me with a 'Farm-to-Cup' experience even better. Since I am using Yogurt as a substitute for recipes that call for more fatty ingredients, it makes the decision TWICE as sweet for me knowing that I am selecting a Yogurt that is NON-GMO and that uses Natural Ingredients.

I can't think of a better way to take something healthy and make it that much better - but thankfully Dannon Did!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite Dannon Yogurt Flavor? Do you currently use Yogurt in any of your recipes? If so, which ones?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a compensated post sponsored by Dannon and Mamavation. All thoughts and opinions are my own.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR Part 255  Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Friday, February 24, 2017

The countdown is on to the #Oscars one of the #movies NOT to miss is @LionMovie #LionHeart

@LionMovie #LionHeart The Moms Screening with Nicole Kidman Talkback Collage with Sunny Pawar
With 'Oscar Sunday' swiftly approaching, time is running out to catch up on the nominated movies. There are a few I have missed myself and need to catch up on, but there is one that I saw earlier this year before it's release that I wanted to make sure didn't slip under your radar.

I had the chance to attend a special screening of Lion Movie sponsored by Stop and Shop and Nature's Promise hosted by The Moms with a talk back with Nicole Kidman that had a special surprise at the end.

Movie Synopsis:

Five year old Saroo gets lost on a train which takes him thousands of miles across India, away from home and family. Saroo must learn to survive alone in Kolkata, before ultimately being adopted by an Australian Couple, when Saroo becomes an adult he journeys to India to find his family and explore his roots.

Here is a Video of the Talk Back with Nicole Kidman:


The special surprise at the end is Sunny Pawar who portrays young Saroo in the movie, his performance is completely absorbing, in fact the movie is very well cast. Long time readers know I was a Professional Film Critic many moons ago (yes you can get paid to watch movies and NO it's no where as glamorous as it sounds), and have been on a ton of real Press Junkets (please don't be mad blogger friends but the customized experiences film companies offer you is nothing like an actual junket - but that's a story for another day). I have had the chance to see Nicole Kidman do many interviews, but I haven't seen her nearly as animated, passionate and 'alive' as she was discussing this movie.

The movie deals with the very real and overwhelmingly heartbreaking reality of the over 80,000 children in India who go missing each year, and the Lion Movie has a giving initiative called #LionHeart that partners with organizations worldwide to help the children in India and all around the world. (The link in the second paragraph that leads to the movie official page has a donation link)

MY TAKE:

Both the film and Nicole Kidman are nominated for this Sunday's Oscars, and like each year I watch the award show I will not envy the committee. The films nominated are usually all powerful and moving and the actors have all delivered strong performances. I'm just afraid that this film will have slipped under the radar of so many and hope that as many of you as possible will take the time to watch it.

This is NOT a compensated post in any way, but Nature's Promise and Stop and Shop did sponsor the screening and gift bags. (Full Disclosure Butterflies).

Readers Sound Off: Which of the 2017 Oscar Nominated Films have YOU seen? Are there any you haven't yet seen that you will be binge watching before The Oscars this Sunday?

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FTC Disclosure: Access to special screening with talk balk was granted to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. This is NOT a compensated 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 see our  Disclosure Page for additional information.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Monday, February 13, 2017

#ValentinesDay Gift Buying Guide presented by @Ascending1 and @Corkcicle #wine #whiskey #beer

Disclosure: 2017 Valentine's Day Gift Buying Guide presented by Ascending Butterfly sponsored by Corkcicle. Products were provided for Editorial Consideration.


This gift guide is all about the 'perfect spirits' and has a little 'something-something' for both him or her!

The Corkcicle One, Wine Aerator, Wine Pourer, Wine Chiller
The Corkcicle One

Let's start with the Oenophile in your life who by now has an Electronic Wine Opener, Corkscrew and Foil Cutter at their disposal right? But how about an aerator that also keeps that wine bottle cool? The Corkcicle One (this is an amazon affiliate link) has a built-in aerator that enhances the aromatic profile of any wine, coupled with an easy pour spout that makes serving your favorite wine a breeze, and the unique freezing gel maintains chilled whites for up to an hour without the need for an ice bucket and can cool down room temp reds in 15 minutes.

Corkcicle One, White Wine Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
Prior to this one I owned the Soiree In Bottle Wine Aerator, (this is an amazon affiliate link) and don't get me wrong, I absolutely loved it, but someone dropped it and broke it and shortly after while hunting for a replacement, I met the Corkcicle team at a tradeshow where I got to see the Corkcicle One in action and the ability to chill down a room temp red or keep a chilled white wine cool for almost an hour without the need for an ice bucket is what swayed me to make the switch and I have never looked back. It's the accessory in your wine arsenal that you had no idea you needed and once you have it just can't live without it!

Corkcicle One, cool room temperature Red Wine in 15 minutes, Pourer, Aerator, Wine Chiller
You can keep the party going without the need for tons of ice, ice buckets, and honestly I would recommend getting a few, if you have ever hosted a dinner party where pretty much everyone wanted something different, having a few of these on hand is a life saver! I can't remember the last time I drank wine without the use of an aerator.

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Is your sweetie more of a 'hard spirits' lover? Would a bourbon or Whiskey be more up their alley? Then no worries Corkcicle has got you covered there too with the Whiskey Wedge (this is an amazon affiliate link) - keep your Whiskey cool without diluting it or watering it down and do it in style! No shade but I love the look of this WAY better than the stones. (and if you are anything like me you can't help but wonder where those stones are sourced and what might be on them, we know what you nasty boys do in the woods! I am just not about sourcing stones to put in my glasses OK? LOL).

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
I have been all over Bourbon ever since the signature cocktail I discovered during my last press trip to Brandywine Valley (read more about the Bourbon St. Margarita that I enjoyed at High Street Caffe & Vudu Lounge HERE) - this is that sexy and grown James Bond way to serve your Bourbon. You go Ms. MoneyPenny Get Your Bourbon On! LOL

Corkcicle Whiskey Wedge
Bourbon and I are still in the "getting-to-know-you" stages, but I do know Corkcicle is making this recent love affair that much more sexy and fun!

Corkcicle Invisiball
























Now I don't want you guys to think I am not team ice, some drinks do need real ice, but that doesn't mean you can't do it the way bartenders do, and again, Corkcicle has got you covered with their Invisiball. (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corkcicle Invisiball












Here is a video of it in action:


As much as I enjoy a good ice carving, I am NOT about to do all that to get the perfect ice for a drink, so thanks Corkcicle, Invisiball is right up my alley, not to mention I love that can you use it to add fruit, herbs, or flower petals to infuse flavor and get perfect cubes every time that melt super slowly so as not to dilute your drink. You can use a freezer bag to prepare a few in advance and have them ready for your next party, or for Valentine's Day! (How about making some with those cute candy hearts in them to send a special message to your sweetie?)

Corckcicle Chillsner























Is your sweetheart more into a good brewski than a good wine? No worries, Corkcicle GOT YOU! They apply the same technology to the Chillsner that they do with the Corkcicle One - Keep your favorite brew as cold as the first sip with each sip using the Corckcicle Chillsner! (this is an amazon affiliate link)

Corckcicle Chillsner

It is with good reason that the Chillsner is a number one Best Seller in the category on Amazon!

Corckcicle Chillsner



I plan on smuggling mine into the bowling alley to keep my beer cold from first sip to last, the bigger the group the longer the wait between bowls....just saying.

Corckcicle Chillsner
CHEERS!

MY TAKE:

I love that Corkcicle has products that keep the party going with a little something for every type of spirit lover in your life. These are amazing hostess gifts, so whether it's just you and your sweetheart staying in for some Netflix and Chill, or GALentine's Day with the girls, or heading off to a party, bring Corkcicle's innovative products with you and you are bound to set the party off right.

Happy Valentine's Day to all my beautiful Butterflies!

Readers Sound Off: Which Corkcicle Product sounds like the right one for YOU? What is your favorite Spirit? Are you team wine all the time? Beer? Bourbon/Whiskey?

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FTC Disclosure: Corkcicle provided their innovative product line to Ascending Butterfly for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

Not so #WordlessWednesday Photo Tour of The New York Times #Travel Show! @NYTTravelShow #NYTTravelShow

I had no idea when I walked into the Media Day for The New York Times Travel Show this year what a mess there would be at the Airports later that weekend. (And let's not even discuss the weekend schedule into the city on public transpo, thanks MTA! NOT!)

After what was an amazing weekend of  'exploring the world in one place' and connecting with my tribe of fellow travelers, 'wanderlusters' and writers - Editor friends would have trouble getting home, when Airlines experienced computer problems, and our new President issued a Travel Ban that caused chaos.

It took me a few days to figure out how to approach sharing my recap of the show. Should I stay silent about what is going on around the world? Just focus on the exhibitors? Tidbits from the Panels and Learning Sessions from Media Day only?

There are fundamental things in life that have the ability to 'transport' you:

(1) Reading
(2) Music
(3) Education

and last but certainly not least

(4) TRAVEL

Travel at its best expands our horizons, shows us just how much we have in common - it makes the world that much 'bigger'.

And that is exactly what The New York Travel Show achieved for me, here are some photo highlights:


Above: All-Inclusive Travel Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - the all-inclusive travel market is facing a ton of competition - including cruising, improvements are being made but travel buyers still need to research and evaluate a prospective all-inclusive carefully to be sure you are getting the most bang for your buck based on the way YOU travel. When you travel, do you sleep in late most days? Then an all-inclusive that includes breakfast is probably not a necessary expense for you. Do you hate buffets? Make sure your all-inclusive includes more than a buffet dining option.


Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show -  Norwegian Cruises let us know that the Norwegian Sky is going to Cuba with an overnight in Havana



Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - Celebrity Cruises will boast 61 overnight calls in Europe in 2017


Above: Focus on Cruising Panel at The New York Times Travel Show - MSC Cruises focus on wellness powered by Technogym definitely caught my eye, if I can get away but still focus on 'staying centered' that is my idea of vacation nirvana! I have never taken a cruise before, but MSC has definitely got me tempted. Ascending Butterfly has always taken a 'Mind, Body, and Soul' approach to wellness and wellbeing and this is certainly right up my alley!

VIDEO - While I did take photos I thought sharing this video I shot at the Mexico Tourism Exhibitor Booth of a live Mariachi Band would be way more fun!



Below: The Media Day was sponsored by the Costa Rica Tourism Board, they hosted a really nice networking break:


Above: Costa Rican Coffee, an assortment of chocolate, and dried fruit to take home and some delicious empanadas to nibble on between sessions was a great break in between panels during Media Day. Learning is hungry business!


Above: It snowed yesterday here in New York City, I actually wish I was on a beach 'wasting away in Margaritaville' right about now! #LicensetoChill

Below: But it was the Giant Flip Flop that drew visitor's to the booth!




Above: The India Tourism Board caught my eye especially after the special screening of Lion starring SAG nominee Dev Patel that I got to attend earlier in the month (I will share a full review on the movie soon) and I couldn't help but nab a close up of the eye catching elephant statues.




ABOVE: Indonesia also had a super eye catching booth!


Above: At the Indonesia Tourism Booth they offered the chance to customize a bookmark with your name in Javanese Characters which as an avid reader I thought was awesome and I definitely took advantage of this, it will be a very treasured bookmark!


Above: The interactive mailbox at Live the Language definitely caught my eye, I would love to learn a new language abroad! Yes Please!

Cultural Performances:


Above: 2017 New York Times Travel Show  - The New York Korean Performing Arts Center drum and dance in celebration of the Lunar New Year. Asia Stage Cultural Performance.


Above: Korean Martial Arts Group takes Asia Stage at The New York Times Travel Show (I have studied several forms of Martial Arts, seeing this was a great reminder I need to get back into it!)


Above: Cultural Dance Performance - The New York Times Travel Show 2017

Above: What is a tradeshow without a fun cocktail reception right? ManAboutWorld hosted a cocktail reception sponsored by the Tourism Boards of both Florida and Arizona, and they definitely get cool swag mentions for the McClendon's Select Organic Red Grapefruit Soaps! Not to mention the Tequila Glasses for the Margaritas were super cute too! LGBT travel was the focus of this party which I hopes become an annual one for the show.

MY TAKE:

The New York Times Travel Show does a great job of improving it's Media Day each year, I am there now as Press, but many moons ago I worked for an Airline (that is still very much in business) in the Caribbean Sales Division where I sold directly to the Agencies that sold to the end consumer. I will always have a strong interest in the 'business' side of travel and where it's headed, the technology that is always changing and adapting to suit the needs of the tech savvy traveler and finding unique travel ideas, products and experiences.

It also activates a fresh case of 'wanderlust-itis' - that won't go away until I board a plane again!

Readers Sound Off: What destination(s) is top on your travel bucket list this year?

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FTC Disclosure: I was granted Press Access to the New York Times Travel Show for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly. Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Friday, January 13, 2017

In the mail awesomeness with @InfluensterVox @Maybelline #BigShotMascara @Allure_magazine #BeautyBox @preendotme @Elemis #spon

Influenster #BigShotMascara Vox Box, Allure Beauty Box, Kmart, Restonic, Target, Elemis, Maybelline, Briogeo, Spongelle, Tatcha, Klorane, Mally Cosmetics
This past holiday season was very much a mixed bag for me. But there was some "In the Mail Awesomeness" that I couldn't resist sharing!

On the minus side:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lost a family member

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Another had surgery and is still bed ridden

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Writing became one more 'to do' on my plate that I just didn't have very much energy for at the end of the day. Very long, long, long days which are still not totally back to normal, but getting there.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not to mention I can't remember the last time I took a picture and did photography just for fun and  my own memories and not for work.

On the plus side:

When I did give myself some time to roam on the interwebs, it paid off!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I stumbled upon the Lands End Marathon Twitter Party this year (which I would love to co-host someday myself) and ended up winning a $50 Gift Card! YAY ME! They host this twitter party marathon every year, and while I have participated each time this is the first time the randomizer Gods were smiling down upon me and I actually won.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A friend shared a contest entry on her Facebook page as a status update and I entered a weekly contest for Restonic and I won a $100 Target Gift Card. I have a superstore near me and I can't wait to put a dent in that card!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I still have my Kmart Gift Card from participating in the Kmart Shopping Event in NYC for St. Jude (if you missed that post, click here)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I entered a contest on Preen.me for an Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream sample and won! (It can be seen in the photo at the top of the page)

Influenster #BigShotMascara Vox Box
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I qualified for an Influenster #BigShotMascara Vox Box and it arrived with the Colossal Big Shot Volum' Express Mascara #223 'Blackest Black' but also included a really neat bonus: Maybelline New York Master Precise Curvy liquid eyeliner #310 'Black' color - I must admit Vox Box is one my oldest box programs and I stick with them for good reason, so far their boxes have never disappointed me in any way. They always curate a great mix of cult classics and 'new to me's' that always end up getting added to my purchase list.


Allure Beauty Box, Briogeo, Spongelle Freesia Pear Body Wash Infused Buffer, Tatcha, Klorane, Mally Cosmetics, Doucce Freematic Eyeshadow Single

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And for the first year ever Allure Magazine decided to thank members of their insiders program with an Allure Beauty Box - In December I received the October 2016 box which included:

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair Deep Conditioning Mask (for hair)

Spongelle Freesia Pear Body Wash Infused Buffer (looks sort of like a hockey puck and is stiff when dry but softens nicely in the shower and leaves you with a fresh scent and also buffs away dead skin cells)

Doucce Freematic Eyeshadow Single in 'Kristi' (brown powder eyeshadow with a tinge of shimmer)

Tatcha Indigo Soothing Silk Body Butter - contains indigo extract as well as colloidal oatmeal - allure calls it the 'cashmere onesie of body creams' YAS!!!!

Mally Volumizing Mascara - I will have to have a 'Mascara Off' and do one eye with the one I received from Influenster and the other eye with this one and see which one gives me the eyelashes with the most beautiful volume. 'Flirty Eyes Here I Come!' - I see you 2017! Because just like Jody Watley sings 'I'm looking for a new love baby, a new love....' - so I am fixing to get my flirty self all 2.0 for 2017.

Klorane Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk - I like the gentle scent on this one, the scent doesn't  linger and isn't over powering at all.

My Take:

I haven't torn into all of these new products yet and will do individual reviews of products once I have had a chance to thoroughly test them, these are mostly initial impressions.

It was nice to have "Beauty-Claus" pay a visit during a holiday season where the last thing I was thinking about was myself.

I think maybe it is the Universe trying to remind me to take some time for myself no matter what may be going on around me.

Readers Sound Off: What was your favorite gift from Santa this Christmas? Or if you are totally over the holidays, which of these products would you most like to try?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post, all products were provided to me free of charge for Editorial Consideration and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Friday, December 30, 2016

As you say Goodbye to 2016 and Hello to 2017, inspired by @NinoProdigio

Abundance, Cosmic
I welcome ABUNDANCE into my life in 2017

As a Life and Career Coach and Human Interest Reporter the techniques I have adopted over time for preparing for the upcoming year are as follows:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Your birthday is actually your *PERSONAL* New Year - I like my year resetting here instead of New Year's Eve. I like to reflect on what worked or didn't work for me a bit before my birthday.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - Pick a word - It is said you should pick a word that reflects what you wish to manifest in the new year.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - Intention vs Resolution - If you pick a word that word will become an intention, you have more of a chance of being successful with an intention than you might with a resolution.

Look at the definitions:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - res·o·lu·tion
[ˌrezəˈlo͞oSH(ə)n]
NOUN
a firm decision to do or not to do something:
"she kept her resolution not to see Anne any more"
synonyms: intention · resolve · decision · intent · aim · plan
the action of solving a problem, dispute, or contentious matter:
"the peaceful resolution of all disputes"
synonyms: solution to · answer to · end to · ending to · settlement of
chemistry
the process of reducing or separating something into its components.
the smallest interval measurable by a scientific (especially optical) instrument; the resolving power.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥ - in·ten·tion
/inˈten(t)SH(ə)n/
noun
1.
a thing intended; an aim or plan:
"she was full of good intentions"
2.
the healing process of a wound.

My Take:

Instead of just focusing on an 'ending' wouldn't you rather focus on something 'healing'?

Oddly enough an astrologer (for my Latinos in the house, it was "El Nino Prodigio" - in case you are wondering this is NOT a sponsored post and I was not asked to link to him, he has no idea who I am) - suggested that for those born my under my zodiac sign (Aries if you are wondering) - the "intention" word I should select for this year is "Abundance".

Oddly my first name, Tracy - means "The Harvester".

Hmmm...The Harvester of Abundance - there is just something so right about that.

So while I may not set specific resolutions, I *LOVE* the idea of embracing 'Abundance' as my intention word for this upcoming year. Your intention word is something you wish to manifest and create more of  in your life. And since 'abundance' can apply to almost every area of your life, I am embracing this suggestion.

So while I focus on the things I want for the upcoming year I will visualize them coming in abundance.

Wishing all my butterflies out there a Healthy, Happy, Prosperous and Abundance filled New Year. May 2017 be your best year yet.

Please stay safe on New Year's Eve and do NOT get into any car if the driver has been drinking, whether it is someone you know or a taxi, if the driver appears inebriated, do NOT get in.


Readers Sound Off: Do you set resolutions for the New Year? If so, what are some of yours and why? If you don't set resolutions, will you consider an intention word for this upcoming year?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated/Sponsored Post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Monday, December 19, 2016

{#MondayMotivation} What happens when @Kmart gives select NYC #Bloggers an unlimited budget to shop for @StJude? #Kmart #Love

For those of you that follow me via Social Media, I recently experienced another death in my family. Second one this year if you are keeping count.

It sent me into a very dark tailspin.

One I'm truthfully still trying to shake.

And while I have turned down a majority of events I have been invited to this last quarter of the year, one event invite stood out from the rest.

The opportunity to join with fellow NYC bloggers to support an initiative with Kmart to help St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Philanthropist Marlo Thomas (daughter of Danny Thomas who founded the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee in 1962) was there with some of the children of St. Jude to lead us in a Toy-Shopping Spree - with my favorite words ever included - 'unlimited budget'. We were told only to 'fill up our carts' and that we were shopping from ages 0-18.

Kmart has marked a milestone achievement of donating $100 Million to St. Jude in total lifetime donations. They are the first Corporate Partner in the hospital's history to attain this landmark donation!
These funds have helped to:

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fully treat 206 patients with ALL, the most common form of childhood cancer

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Provide more than 10 million meals for St. Jude Families

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cover the costs of 67,000 days of Chemotherapy

Here are some photo highlights to put a smile in your motivation Monday!

See those cute #Love Hats? They are available at Kmart for $5 and $1 from each hat goes directly to St. Jude!






Special thanks to NYC Blogger and St. Jude Blogger Brand Ambassador, Nichol Perez of fivelittlewords.net for sharing the three photos above with me!

I filled my cart with stuff for pretty much every age group!
MY TAKE:

This is an amazing achievement, and I personally prefer to support brands that are doing something to give back. Way to go Kmart!

I haven't even put up a tree yet with everything I am dealing with (and quite frankly may not), but as a survivor I jumped on the chance to help do something to bring a smile to the children of St. Jude, I know how much a prolonged hospital stay sucks, I know how much Cancer Sucks, anything that makes Christmas a bit brighter for children battling cancer and are in the hospital for Christmas is something I am all about doing.

And I got to experience the joy of giving at a moment where I really needed it most. They have no idea how much I needed to be there and do something to get outside of my own head for a little while.

As I am not a mom it gets super frustrating to be pitched toys all the time, EXCEPT in THIS context!

An event where the toy swag goes directly to the children who need it? YES, PLEASE!

Readers Sound Off: Does knowing that Kmart has reached this milestone level of support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital make you want to shop there just a bit more? Will you pick up a #Love hat this holiday season?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated Post and all thoughts and opinions are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Kmart Gift Cards were provided to bloggers in attendance as a thank you for our time, not as compensation for the post.

Things that lure Ascending Butterfly out of her butterfly cocoon of fabulosity: Electronics/Technology (yes I am a Gadget Geek first!), Fashion, Jewelry, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants, Photography and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys (at least not those that are intended for children).

Unless it's charity related, If a campaign doesn't pay, this butterfly won't want to play.

Smile if you got this far, twirl around twice and sing Mariah Carey's Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.