#ad #GiftThemJoy + have fun & win at the Cost Plus @worldmarket Golden​ ​Llama​ ​Treasure​ ​Hunt​! #worldmarkettribe

This post is sponsored by Cost Plus World Market. I am a Cost Plus World Market Blogger Brand Ambassador and member of #WorldMarketTribe all opinions are my own.

Earlier this year I got to have some major fun hosting workshops at the Cost Plus World Market Retail location in Brooklyn, New York, I hosted an Easter Treat Jars Workshop and a Children's Story Time Event in honor of National Library Month. (If you missed those click HERE to read up on it), one of the books I read was Llama Llama Red Pajama by Anna Dewdney and that set me off on a Llama obsession that is definitely carrying over to the holidays thanks to Cost Plus World Market!

If you didn't get to attend one of the totally fun workshops at your nearest Cost Plus World Market, I have got a great reason for you to RUN not walk to your nearest location starting TODAY! To find your nearest store check out the store locator page HERE.

While the New York City/Manhattan location (620 Sixth Avenue, New York, NY 10011) is closer to me, the workshops I conducted were held in the Brooklyn location (850 Third Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11232), but our friends at Cost Plus World Market have a super unique program that launches today that gives you the chance to win great prizes just for visiting the store, it's called the Golden Llama Treasure Hunt Program, www.worldmarket.com/hunt, check out the video below for more info:

Golden​ ​Llama​ ​Treasure​ ​Hunt

Find​ ​a​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​and​ ​receive​ ​a​ ​coupon​ ​valued​ ​at​ ​$20,​ ​$50​ ​or​ ​$100!

Over​ ​$1​ ​Million​ ​in​ ​Total​ ​Rewards!

How​ ​to​ ​play:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Every​ ​day​ ​beginning​ ​Wednesday,​ ​November​ ​1st​ ​through​ ​Wednesday,​ ​November 22nd,​ ​your​ ​local​ ​Cost​ ​Plus​ ​World​ ​Market​ ​store​ ​will​ ​hide​ ​5​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​pieces throughout​ ​the​ ​store.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Each​ ​day,​ ​we’ll​ ​share​ ​the​ ​daily​ ​clue​ ​in-store,​ ​via​ ​email​ ​and​ ​on​ ​our​ ​social​ ​media channels.​ ​Use​ ​the​ ​clue​ ​to​ ​help​ ​you​ ​find​ ​a​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​and​ ​you​ ​could​ ​receive​ ​a reward.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Locate​ ​(1)​ ​Golden​ ​Llama​ ​piece​ ​and​ ​bring​ ​it​ ​to​ ​the​ ​nearest​ ​store​ ​associate​ ​to exchange​ ​for​ ​a​ ​reward​ ​coupon​ ​valued​ ​at​ ​$20,​ ​$50​ ​or​ ​$100.​ ​Reward​ ​is​ ​valid​ ​only​ ​on the​ ​day​ ​it​ ​is​ ​awarded.

*Limit​ ​one​ ​(1)​ ​reward​ ​per​ ​person​ ​throughout​ ​the​ ​Promotion​ ​Period,​ ​regardless​ ​of​ ​store location(s)​ ​visited.​ ​EMPLOYEES​ ​NOT​ ​ELIGIBLE.​ ​

See​ ​Terms​ ​of​ ​Participation​ ​for​ ​complete details. Full Rules www.worldmarket.com/hunt

As you know I am a World Market Tribe Member/Blogger Brand Ambassador, which means I get the chance to post clues as to where to find the Golden Llama on my social channels DAILY through November 22nd. So be sure you are already following Ascending Butterfly on Twitter and Facebook where I will be sharing the clues, today's clue will also be posted in this blog post!

I am all about the Holiday Llama-Rama at Cost Plus World Market right now and between the Llama Ornaments, Llama Lamp, Llama Art/Llama Pictures, and even a cute Stuffed Llama there is a little Llama love for pretty much everyone on your list, and check out my slideshow below to see some of the Llama items on my holiday wish list! Leave it to me to find the perfect gift for the Llama lover who also loves Wine. Ahem, like ME!!!! And don't forget the Llama Llama Holiday Drama Picture Book.

Check out Cost Plus World Market Holiday World Market's Christmas Shop

I am torn between all these picks and think I need them all in my life. Those Llama Wine Charms are EVERYTHING and I need those for my holiday wine tastings and Wine Wednesday posts. I also really get into Gingerbread scented products at this time of the year so those soaps are totally up my alley. (I have a candle that I am super obsessed with that I really need to share about! But I will save that for another post.)

I need to fill that "Save the Drama For Your Llama" mug with hot chocolate (ok so it might be spiked with something, don't judge me!) and fill out those Holiday Llama Cards, hang that cute stocking, then put on that super cute Gray Cable Knit Llama Scarf and hit my nearest Cost Plus World Market to find the Golden Llama, and then come home to a glass of wine with my Wine Charm on it, and take a long bath using that Gingerbread Soap while perusing the picture book!

Ready for Clue #1?

Above: Golden Llama Treasure Hunt Clue #1: "Golden Llama Where Are You? Hiding Next To Something Blue."

 My Take:

Don't you just love my Wish List slideshow?

I think I am going to make one of these every year, and on my birthday, and on valentine's day too!

I am going to go Llama crazy this holiday season, how can you resist any animal that looks like it is smiling/happy? I think it's why I also like Sloths, looking at them always makes me smile. And aren't the holidays all about surrounding yourself with things that make you smile?

And because I know many of you will ask, NO, I do NOT know where the Llama is hiding, I have the clues my butterflies, but you need to hunt for it to get the reward.

Visit Cost Plus World Market, (warning: this is an affiliate link so if you shop using this link you will be supporting my Llama habit!) then come back here and let me know which of the Llama products (or other Christmas Items!)would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why? And if you visit your local store and find the Llama, please tag me on twitter and let me know! (@Tracy_Iglesias or @Ascending1)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  All opinions are 100% my own! This post also contains affiliate links) 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.

@Techlicious @CTATech #CTAPhotoNYC Lunch and Learn @QualityMeatsNYC #Photography Gear and Pro Tips!

NOT a compensated post, however it does earn me an entry into a special competition!

This Butterfly about town is currently attending the Photo Plus Expo (which you can best believe I have already been tweeting about and will bring you highlights from the show as soon as possible) in New York City, so since this is going to keep me wrapped up for a few days I thought I would warm you all up on the idea of me talking some heavy tech and photography by sharing about a great "Lunch and Learn" event I attended recently hosted by Techlicious, The Consumer Technology Association, CES and Lifestyle Blogger Danielle Wilson

The Venue: Quality Meats in New York City

Above: You know I am all in when it comes to a nicely set table that is welcoming, inviting and filled with ambience and warm glow!

The Menu:

Above: Appetizers included: Green Goddess Chopped Salad, The QM Crabcake, Hamachi Sashimi; Entrees Included: Filet Mignon, Tuna Au Poivre and East Coast Halibut; Desserts Included: Chocolate Cream Pie, Passion Fruit Tart and Bellini Sorbet

Above: They brought out all three apps to the table and we were able to try a bit of each one!

Above: All about that Halibut!

Above: YES to that Chocolate Cream Pie which I wish I had right now!

The Speakers:

Above: Suzanne Kantra of Techlicious

Above: Tyler Suiters, Consumer Technology Association

Above: Alex Podstawski, Nikon USA

This was one of my favorite tips: VR is useful, but a tripod is better for very long exposures (I totally agree!). Use low ISOs for best quality and use high ISOs to stop movement at night. (Don't you love that effect?)

The Products Featured (and showcase sponsors):

Above: Shutterfly Framed Shadow Box

Above: Shutterfly Ribbon Candle

Above: Shutterfly Watercolor Patterned Frames Coaster

Above: Canon PowerShot G9 X Mark II Silver

Above: Nikon D3400

Above: Panasonic Lumix ZS70

Above: Epson Expression ET-2750 EcoTank Printer

Above: Tiffen Steadicam Volt

Tips For Taking Better Photos:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Burst Mode to ensure you get the shot - In Burst Mode you are able to take multiple shots with one press of the shutter button.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use Sports Mode To Stop Action - While this mode is not always as good at capturing true-to-life skin tones, it helps you capture a moving object with more vibrant color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use HDR Mode- In this mode your camera takes two or more shots at different exposures and then combines them so both the light and dark areas of your photos are shot properly yielding in a much better end result than if you didn't use High Dynamic Range Mode.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tripod - Holding a camera or phone still long enough to get a clear, crisp shot is difficult no matter how steady of hand you may think you are, start using a tripod and you will notice a difference in your images. I do have one, I need to find the right carrier, and I saw one at Photo Plus Expo that I really like!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Fast Lens"- A fast lens will let more light through, enabling you to take pictures faster, and reducing the potential for blur. How can you tell how 'fast' a lens is? Look at the maximum aperture (the shutter behind the lens) called the "f-stop". The lower the number, the wider the aperture and the more light the lens will let in. A good camera choice will come in at f/2.8 or lower.

Cool Halloween Trick Shots:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Ghosts in your photos with multiple exposure mode- Take a shot of a scene, and then another shot with a person in it - the multiple exposure setting will combine the two shots, making the shot with the person somewhat transparent - Ghostly! The key here is to use a tripod so the background remains EXACTLY the same in each of the two shots.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Add Ghostly Writing to a Scene - You can add Ghost Writing by using a Long Exposure, ideally 30 seconds, again you want to use a tripod here to keep your camera steady, a light source (flashlight or glow stick) and black gloves to hold the light source. Once you've started the exposure, draw shapes or words with the light source. With your hands in the black gloves they won't be visible in the final shot. If you're writing words, they'll show up backwards in the image, but that's easy to fix by flipping the image afterwards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Create Spooky Silhouettes - Find a spot with a clear line of sight to the western sky and have your subject stand in front of you with the bright sky behind them, turn off your camera's flash about 20 minutes before sunset for a perfect Halloween Backdrop.

 My Take:

I consider this more of a 'who I met' and 'what I got to see', these are NOT product reviews! You all know my motto on events is this: SEEING product is NOT the same as me putting it through its paces. And I have gone back and amended reviews if a product failed me while still in warranty. This butterfly is always going to be transparent, honest and just plain 100%.

I have followed up with everyone and offered them a shot at an actual product review and also the offer of doing something neat for my butterflies too!

We were provided with the Tiffen Steadicam Volt, which I have not yet had the opportunity to test as I tend to carry my DSLR to document most events. I will try to test it as soon as possible and come back to you guys with a full review.

Lunch at Quality Meats was fantastic, and I enjoyed getting the tips as well as I am constantly striving to improve my photography skills as a Lifestyle Blogger and Social Media Influencer it is a critical skill set. So while I am at the Photo Plus Tradeshow, I leave you with some homework of your own:

Visit the websites and read the product specs, then come back here and let me know which of the products featured above would you most want Santa to slip into YOUR stocking this year and why?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post, this was a press event one not open to the public, this is an event recap. 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.

Check out Giant Pumpkin Weekend THIS WEEKEND at @NYBG #NYBG #NewYorkBotanicalGarden

Wishing all my butterflies the richness and comforts of Fall and a bountiful harvest at your table!

To all my New York City Butterflies and those of you who might be in town this weekend, I have a fun way to enjoy the colors of Fall and enjoy some awesome photo opps that are definitely Instagram worthy, it's Giant Pumpkin Weekend at NYC landmark New York Botanical Gardens THIS WEEKEND ONLY! It's also your last chance to catch the Dale Chihully Exhibit that I have been featuring on these pages all summer! (We gave away a pair of tickets to Chihully Nights at the Garden HERE - remember that giveaway is now CLOSED, and I featured the exhibit again when I realized after perusing my photo collection from the Media Day that my outfit actually matched one of the installations in the exhibit HERE) Here are some great shots from the last wine tasting I attended at NYBG, HERE.

I normally try to arrange a giveaway, but there was no time this time around so I will try to work on something for the Train Show.

What you will see:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Record-Breaking Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds - arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, the recognized standard of weights, measurement, and fairness of competitive growing. This year’s North American record breaker, weighing 2,363 pounds, was grown by Joel Holland from Washington state. Also on display will be the world’s largest squash at 2,118 pounds from Rhode Island; the largest European pumpkin, from England, at 2,269 pounds; and the longest gourd in the United States, from Wisconsin, at 143.75 inches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Meet the Growers - You can ask questions and get tips directly from these talented growers!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Giant Pumpkin Seed Harvest - Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will be opening these monstrous gourds and actually climbing inside to harvest their impressive seeds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail - Wear your favorite costume, decorate a bag to collect wholesome goodies while you enjoy this weekend of hands-on activities and special events.

 Above: Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens

The sign reads:

"Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd" (Lagenaria Siceria)

Look at the silhouette of this uniquely shaped gourd to see features reminiscent of a swan's neck

Above: Isn't this the CUTEST Ghost Bush Ever?

Above: He's a unique sort of 'pineapple-o-lantern' isn't he?

Above: That is quite a LARGE pumpkin!

Above: I have no idea why my blog template makes this shot so small, please press on it to see it a big bigger and capture more detail on the rock.

Enjoy butterflies you all know just how camera shy I am!

Above: More jack-o-lantern spooky cuteness!

Above: I love how that ray of sunlight on the left just breaks through the greenery and looks like it's pointing at the pumpkin patch!

Not just one, but TWO shots of me in one post, SHOCKING!

WINNER ALERT: Our lucky winner for the 24 count of assorted truffles from Elements Truffles is Julie Waldron, entry #621! Congrats Julie! Don't forget to reply to your winner's email with your address for prize fulfillment! She won from an extra credit entry, I always encourage entrants to do more than just the main entry, see it really pays off! (Just a warning we validate entries, so if the randomizer picks someone for example for following on twitter or Instagram, we are going to make the sure the person actually did it before we validate them as a prize winner - you can't cheat the system). Enjoy your truffles Julie!

What are YOUR Halloween Plans? If you do visit New York Botanical Garden for Giant Pumpkin Weekend this Weekend, please tag us so we can see your photos! @Ascending1 for both twitter and Instagram!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WordlessWednesday} #TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty #ContestEntry

#TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty by tiglesia

Featuring:

Bottega Veneta leather jacket

Walter Steiger short boots

Givenchy clutch

Maker's Halloween Velour Terry Hand Towel 16"x28"-Trick Or Treat

It's been a seriously long time since I have had a moment to get on Polyvore, get inspired, and make some boards, their recent #PumpkinSpice Challenge caught my eye and I thought I would give it my New York City Gal Leather Loving edge with a leather jacket, statement boots with orange patent leather accents and what is a butterfly post without a statement handbag right? Check out this hot number by Givenchy. (And yes butterflies, I know our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight Feature is MIA, I am working on returning that much beloved Feature as soon as possible).

Those all Vamp Halloween Nails are literally EVERYTHING!

This all treats no tricks butterfly style.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: To add to our 'treat' theme, don't forget that today is the LAST DAY to enter our hot flash giveaway for a 24 count box of Assorted Chocolate Truffles from Elements Truffles. These are Ayurveda inspired, junk free and even dairy free and I can assure you they are flavorful, delicious and do taste 'decadent'! If you haven't already entered, enter HERE! If you have already entered, don't forget to share via your social media channels for extra credit entries. (Our last contest winner, selected by randomizer won from her twitter entry! I keep telling you all it pays to tweet!)

I have an event packed day so our Women's Entrepreneur Series will return next Wednesday, and come back tomorrow for some #TechTalk you are not going to want to miss.

What are YOUR Halloween Plans?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. Polyvore Boards let you link to the brands pictured, the links are NOT affiliate either. The giveaway we are currently hosting that is referenced in this article is sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! Personally I think every brand mentioned should be paying me big bucks. 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.

Our #WomenEntrepreneurWednesday #NYNow Spotlight is back with a Flash #Giveaway from @elementstruffle #Spon

 Giveaway Sponsored by Elements Truffles

This summer I met so many inspiring women at the NYNOW Tradeshow (The Market for Home, Lifestyle and Gifts), that instead of lumping my recap of the show into one big post where you might only get a one or two sentence recap, I wanted to give each woman entrepreneur and their amazing brands their own individual day in the sun.

While the first Woman Entrepreneur/Woman Crush Wednesday was not from NYNOW but from a different event entirely (if you missed it I featured Emaurade Toubia from the show Shadowhunters who moderated a great panel on Latina Beauty HERE), I wanted to devote some dedicated time to featuring women who are pursuing their passions and following their dreams.

One of the brands that stood out was Elements Truffles and it's Founder, Alak Vasa who I got a chance to meet in person during NYNOW.

About the Founder:

One of the things that stood out most about Alak Vasa, founder of Elements Truffles is that she was a Wall Street Trader. I worked in Finance for quite awhile during College and I remember working on the Trading Floor for quite a number of Financial Firms and remember first hand just how incredibly stressful the environment is.

Good chocolate is one of the things that kept Alak going and also planted a seed of inspiration. Combining her culinary experiments with her spirituality and the ancient life science of Ayurveda, Alak turned her passion for chocolate and how the five elements - earth, water, fire, air and ether - into an artisanal dessert.

Oddly enough when I worked in Finance we had a great truffle store located inside our building, except those truffles were popular for their 'spirits' not just their spirit! If you know what I mean! Wink! Wink!


About Elements Truffles They contain NO:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GMO
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soy or other Emulsifiers
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Preservatives
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Synthetic Flavors
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gluten
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cane Sugars
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Refined Sugars
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dairy

You read it right, Dairy Free and Gluten Free Chocolate and trust me you wouldn't be able to tell by the flavor that these are Dairy Free!

Ingredient Sourcing:

Their ingredients including Cacao made from fine quality Criollo beans from Peru and honey extracted ethically from local honey bees in New Jersey are all from Fair Trade Manufacturers that align with Element Truffles philosophies (high quality with low environmental impact).

Social Stewardship:

Not only do 25% of the profits go towards supporting the education of under-privileged children in tribal areas of India, (their charity partner is www.careforchildren.org) each member of The Elements Truffles team invests at least five hours of their time each week giving back to the community.

I loved them all, but these were my top two flavors in no particular order:

Above: Peppermint infused with Lavender - Elements Truffles Ayurveda Inspired Artisanal Chocolate Bar

Above: Raspberry infused with beetroot - Elements Truffles Ayurveda Inspired Artisanal Chocolate Bar

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

WIN IT + MY TAKE:

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

24 Count Assorted Elements Truffles - Photo Used With Permission

What I can't stress highly enough is just how delicious Elements Truffles are! It's rare that people rave that something good for you, tastes good too. That's what amazes me most, they hide all this healthy stuff inside their chocolate, yet it tastes better than most I have tried to date. At this point in my blogging career the highest praise I can give something that helps you understand my sincerity is to tell you I plan to buy these on regular rotation so I can have them at hand, and that is saying A LOT!

Our friends at Elements Truffles want you to experience their artisanal chocolate first hand so we have teamed up to give away a 24 count box of their assorted truffles!

Can't wait to see if you've won, or have a chocolate craving and must get some NOW, now NOW!? I can't say I blame you, shop them here:  Shop Elements Truffles

Follow the instructions in the Gleam widget below so you can be in it to win it (we are switching from Rafflecopter to Gleam this time around, please let us know if you experience any glitches so we know going forward if we should stick with Gleam and consider going Pro or go back to rafflecopter - we are letting you decide!)

Elements Truffles 24 Count Box of Assorted Truffles

I have tried a larger number of 'healthy chocolate' brands than you know dear butterflies. The reason you don't know is because they don't all make these pages. The last time I was this jazzed about a chocolate that could honestly call itself "healthy" was unreal which I featured HERE if you missed it.

READERS SOUND OFF: Visit Elements Truffles and tell us which of their flavors you are most excited to try (by the way that is the mandatory entry for this contest, so don't forget to tell us in the Gleam Widget what name you commented under so you can get your entry!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! They are sponsoring the prize, however this post is NOT compensated! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

#ad: Going through @NBCThisIsUs Withdrawal? Would Winning #ThisIsUsMusic from the Series help? #Giveaway

AD: This is a Compensated Post Sponsored by One2One Network and UMe

Fall is upon us and along with cozy sweaters, boots, and for those who indulge, Pumpkin Spice Latte's, also comes the joys of Fall TV.

With most people hitting the road in the summer, summer TV tends to feel like the filler it is, and we await the return of Fall shows with baited breathe, wondering how those cliff hangers will be resolved.

I have a select few shows I am waiting for (what can I tell you 'spare time' is as elusive as a Unicorn for me as of late) - there are very shows I watch during live airing (I usually watch 'on demand' so for me to watch a show during it's live airing is saying it all about how much that show means to me) - one of the shows I can't wait to see return is NBC Television's This Is Us.

This Is Us Season 2 Premieres Tuesday, September 26 at 9pm on NBC. If you haven't watched Season 1, you need to get on that. Like NOW.

Be sure to have your snacks and beverages handy - you are NOT going to want to move, and be sure to have Kleenex on hand butterflies, this show will literally give you ALL the feels. Not some feels, but literally: ALL. THE. FEELS.

Above: Cast of NBC Television's Hit Series This Is Us

About the Show:

Chosen by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten television programs of 2016 and nominated for 10 Emmy Awards including Outstanding Drama Series, "This Is Us" chronicles the Pearson family across the decades: from Jack (Milo Ventimiglia) and Rebecca (Mandy Moore) as young parents in the 1980s and 1990s to their now adult kids Kevin (Justin Hartley), Kate (Chrissy Metz) and Randall (Sterling K. Brown) searching for love, fulfillment and healing in the present day. This grounded, life-affirming dramedy reveals how the events in our lives – both big and small – impact who we become, and how the connections we share with each other can transcend time, distance and even death. Chris Sullivan, Susan Kelechi Watson and Ron Cephas Jones (who is AMAZING!) also star.

Ron Cephas Jones as William Hill in NBC Television's This Is Us

Music From The Series:

This Is Us (Music from the Series), a companion to the show America loves, is available September 15 via UMe. This Is Us: The Complete First Season will be available on DVD three days earlier so fans can relive all the moments along with the music from the hit show. With instantly recognizable hits and classics, an original song and a compelling score, the soundtrack features 20 songs curated by “This Is Us” Creator/Executive Producer Dan Fogelman and his team, music supervisor Jennifer Pyken and composer/musician Siddhartha Khosla. Each musical element is carefully woven throughout the series, with the songs clearly defining a moment or serving as a gentle guide through the complex emotional journey.

TRACKLISTING:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1.  Death With Dignity - Sufjan Stevens
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2.  You Can Call Me Al - Paul Simon
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3.  Willin’ – Mandy Moore - Song on YouTube here
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 4.  Can’t Find My Way Home - Blind Faith
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 5. Uptight (Everything’s Alright) – Stevie Wonder
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 6.  The Calvary Cross – Richard Thompson & Linda Thompson
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 7.  Watch Me – Labi Siffre
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8.  The Wind – Cat Stevens
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 9.  Come Talk To Me – Goldspot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 10. Blues Run The Game – Jackson C. Frank
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 11. If Only – Maria Taylor (featuring Conor Oberst)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 12. Northern Sky - Nick Drake
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 13. If I Ever Was A Child - Wilco
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 14. Because Of You - Gene Clark
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 15. Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix) – Goldspot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 16. Without You – Badfinger
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 17. The World’s Smiling Now - Jim James
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 18. Photograph – Ringo Starr
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 19. We Can Always Come Back To This - Brian Tyree Henry
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 20. This Is Us Score Suite - Siddhartha Khosla

Mandy Moore as Rebecca Pearson in NBC Television's Hit Series, This Is Us

I am going to keep this post spoiler free because if you haven't seen the show I don't want to spoil it. One of the plotlines includes Rebecca Pearson, played by Mandy Moore, a mother with dreams of a career as a professional singer who eventually does attempt to live out this dream and we see her sing Little Feat's "Willin'" in one episode, the track is also included on This Is Us (Music From The Series).

Mandy does a great job with the song "Willin'", other notable tracks include:

"Death With Dignity" by Sufjan Stevens which fans will recognize from the series' debut episode.

A rare cover of Peter Gabriel's "Come Talk To Me" by Goldspot, praised by Gabriel himself! (not sure there is any other stronger endorsement than that!)

Above: We Can Always Come Back To This from Memphis Episode, NBC This Is Us

"We Can Always Come Back To This" a song that was part of Season 1's pivotal "Memphis" Episode - this soulful, Stax-Inspired song must have really resonated with the show's audience as it topped Billboard's Blues Singles chart at No.1 for FOUR consecutive weeks and reached No. 12 on iTune's Top 100 chart.

And in keeping with the show's theme of family and family relationships, not to be missed is Goldspot's "Evergreen Cassette (Tape Mix), drawing on Siddhartha Khosla's personal experience of living in India with his Grandparents while his parents were working in the United States and attending Graduate School. His sole method of being able to communicate with his parents at the time was with a evergreen-colored cassette tapes by his mother, who would speak to him, sing songs and tell him stories.

and the tracklisting concludes with the "This Is Us Score Suite"

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WIN IT

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If you are anything like me and can mark pivotal moments in your own life with music, then you need to win a copy of This Is Us (Music From The Series)!

Winners choice of physical CD or Digital Download, you're welcome!

Can't wait to see if you've won,  Preorder This Is Us (Music from the Series):  https://UMe.lnk.to/ThisIsUs

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MY TAKE:

I would not survive my commute into the city each day without music. Literally.

And right now in the midst of  New York Fashion Week, Fashion Shows are putting tons of songs in my head.

My ride home consists of good tunes and trying my best to tune out the many sounds of New York City (I am a public transportation commuter so trust when I tell you there are A LOT of sounds to tune out!).

Relationships are the crux of the show, but what NBC This Is Us does is make 'real life' not just relatable but instead of the theme being something you want to escape (we all have familial relationships right), they make it something you literally can't wait to come back to each week.

The entire cast is amazing but Ron Cephas Jones as William is the show standout from Season 1 and for those who watch regularly Toby and Kate played by Chris Sullivan and Chrissy Metz were giving everyone relationship goals, and I can't wait to see how they develop in Season 2. (Season 2 and Season 3 of the show have been given the green light).

There are literally only four shows that get my FULL attention, I mean no laptop/phone and I go entirely device free - This Is Us, Game of Thrones, Ray Donovan and Shameless. They are wildly different, yet technically they aren't - doesn't EVERYTHING revolve around relationships in some form or another?

Happy to be partnering with One2One Network and UMe to put these tunes in your library and share my love for This Is Us. (My favorite music collaboration posts on Ascending Butterfly have been in conjunction with One2One Network, this is one influencer network I have been with the longest, and we definitely share music vibes!)

READERS SOUND OFF: What show are you most looking forward to seeing return? If you watch This Is Us who is your favorite and why? And for true show die-hards, lets challenge you a bit more: Do you remember which scenes go with each song?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated post sponsored by One2One Network and UMe, 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.