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?

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

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?

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

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.

Wednesday, December 14, 2016

{#WineWednesday} Fundraiser for @BHFFNYC Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival with Wines of Illyria @indira_bayer @GalleryMCNYC

My blogging experiences have certainly afforded me some unique opportunities and event experiences.

BOSNIAN-HERZEGOVINIAN WINE TASING FUNDRAISER
BOSNIAN-HERZEGOVINIAN WINE TASING FUNDRAISER NYC

I attended a Fundraiser for the Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival. The Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival (BHFF) is an annual event, featuring contemporary Bosnian-Herzegovinian cinematography and films with Bosnia and Herzegovina as their theme.

Since its founding in 2003, the BHFF has gained a reputation as an important showcase that provides a platform for the exposure of up-and-coming and internationally-renowned filmmakers, thus contributing to a greater understanding of this country, its diverse culture and history.

The event was held at Gallery MC in New York City and was sponsored by Wines of Illyria.

As this is both 'Wordless Wednesday' and 'Wine Wednesday' on the wonderful world of the interwebs and I can never really go 'wordless', I thought I'd combine both, here is my event journey in pictures:

Wines of Illyria
Wines of Illyria - I spy a Cuvee!


Authentic Bosnian-Herzegovinian hors d'oeuvres prepared by Zlata Ramic
Authentic Bosnian-Herzegovinian hors d'oeuvres prepared by Zlata Ramic

Founder of Wines of Illyria, Indira_Bayer
Founder of Wines of Illyria, Indira Bayer

Left, Emir Bander, Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival with Right: Founder of Wines of Illyria, Indira Bayer
Left: Emir Bander, Bosnian-Herzegovinian Film Festival with Right: Founder of Wines of Illyria, Indira Bayer
MY TAKE:

I love sampling wines from different regions as it expands my palate!

Turns out because of the climate, Bosnian Wines are a bit more 'dry', and since my palate leans more toward drier wines - this turned out to be a match made in wine heaven!

I actually enjoyed them all equally which for me at any tasting is pretty rare.

Readers Sound Off: Have you tried a Bosnian Wine before? What Wine Region is Your Personal Favorite?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated Post (while perhaps it should be) 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).

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.

Thursday, November 24, 2016

Happy Thanksgiving to all my Tweetie Pies and Butterflies! A Sweet Reminder to Count Your Blessings!


The wine is already chilling (and NO, this is NOT sponsored) from my table to yours, Happy Thanksgiving Butterflies!

I selected this Cabernet Franc from Salem Oak Vineyards for a special reason that I thought fitting to share with you on Thanksgiving.

I met Salem Oak Vineyards during my Atlantic City 2016 Restaurant Week Press Trip during Tropicana Casino & Resorts' Winter Wine Festival.

The first thing I noticed was that the wines were all named after people and I couldn't resist asking about the people behind the names, Salem Oak names their wines after their employees who are all their partners in bringing their creations to life. The wine I selected is named after an employee named Brandon Jae. Brandon sadly passed away, very young. Too young. You may remember I featured their White Table Wine called 'Julia-Maria' HERE.

You guys know I love Dragons, and that is what initially drew me to the bottle. Brandon Jae is a dry red that starts off 'effervescent' but mellows as it breathes. My palate in most wines leans to dry and the bottle art really resonated with me.

It makes me sad to think the person this wine is named after, isn't here.

But it does remind me that life is fleeting, precious and something to be always grateful for.

MY TAKE:

Hug your family a little harder today, take photos even if you don't feel like it, count your blessings with those you love.

Love harder, Laugh often.

I'm grateful for many things, but I can tell you when I sit to eat and sip this wine I will remember to savor every delicious moment today. I hope you do too.

Readers Sound Off: What are YOU grateful for today?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) 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).

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 Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Remember when Kissing meant something? #ThursdayTalk

This post is inspired by, but NOT SPONSORED by Glamour's Women of the Year Awards.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remember when Kissing actually meant something?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was the last time a kiss took your breath away?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was the last time talking to your crush gave you butterflies in your stomach?

While watching an Entertainment News Story that was covering Glamour's Women of the Year Awards, a simple quote made me actually look away from my computer and up at my TV screen, Gwen Stefani was honored as 2016's Woman of the Year during the Glamour's Women of the Year Awards in Hollywood, California and during her speech she said something that has stuck with me since I heard it: (this is a snippet of her acceptance speech):

"I just want to say thank you to my parents for that gift of faith," she told the audience. "I want to say thank you to everyone who ever listened to my music. I am so honored and grateful." She continued, getting choked up, "To my children, to my family, to Blake Shelton for kissing me back to life, thank you so much. I am blown away, I'm blown away by this room of unbelievable courage. It's unbelievable to be here tonight. I am really, really grateful." ~Gwen Stefani

I rarely get 'event envy' - I attend amazing ones here in New York City all the time, but I truly wish I could have been there to see/hear her say it.

Oh to be a fly on that wall.

I would have loved to have witnessed the reactions for myself.

In fact, I would love to know what your *REAL* first reaction to that sentence is, before you think about it, before you cautiously consider - write and then re-write your answer. (Did you mentally go all "Bitter Betty" and think 'UGH', "Jaded Jane" and think 'yeah right' or are you a "Swooning Sally" whose heart beats romantic all the time?)

My Take:

I am writing this and listening to Evanesence "Bring Me to Life" and contemplating how that simple yet boldly powerful statement made by Gwen Stefani reminds of a time when kissing and romance was a bit less complex, was *almost* (and I do say almost)... easier.

I want to jokingly say that Blake Shelton must be a damn good kisser, but I get what she means by it.

But as a single gal in New York City who is not into kissing every random frog that comes hopping along my path (hoping one of them might be that elusive Prince), I wonder if I will ever truly experience a "Kiss that Brings Me Back to Life" - I vaguely remember butterflies in my stomach, but don't think I have yet had a kiss that brought me back to life or helped me 'get my life' either.

I hope that this expression "Kiss me back to life" actually becomes bigger and finally drowns out the term 'conscious un-coupling', coined by Gwyneth Paltrow after her messy divorce. Maybe this quote will have more impact than that one. Imagine a world where we have more people open to love and romance and less plotting how to civilly break away from one another....(and I'll refrain from mentioning that affairs caused so much heart ache and heart break for both Gwen and Gwyneth -perhaps a post exploring why men on cheat on amazing women is a topic to be explored?)

I could also write a book on weird dating experiences in the city that never sleeps! But that my dear butterflies is a story for another day.

(And by the way that is a photo prop in my hand in the photo above, NOT my lips!!!)

Readers Sound Off: Have you ever experienced a 'Kiss that brought you back to life'? Do you think a kiss can really do all that?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) 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).

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 Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.

Tuesday, November 8, 2016

Just Keep Calm and Chew Gum - Did you kiss a Democrat or a Republican? {#ElectionDay2016 #Humor}

Consider this an early Wordless Wednesday but it was just too good to pass up!



And there is a Gum for the two major parties:


So, did you kiss a Democrat or a Republican today?

Make sure you rock the vote + if you can add kissing to the mix all the better right?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Compensated or sponsored Post, (while perhaps it should be) I took a picture of these at the NYNOW Market Tradeshow, I did NOT get a sample of them, haven't tasted them. 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 cave: Electronics/Technology, Fashion, Jewelry, Appliances, Bubbly/Spirits, Foodie/Restaurants and Travel. And remember Ascending Butterfly does NOT have children, please do not pitch her toys.

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 Butterfly.

Still here? Now go make someone happy today.