{TONIGHT} Join us for the #ClaraLume Valentine's Day #TwitterParty - follow @Tracy_Iglesias and @Ascending1 your moderators as well as sponsor @claralumeshop

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post and part of a compensated campaign for Clara Lumé

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies!

Tonight is the night!

Join us for the Clara Lume Twitter Party tonight at 9pm hosted by yours truly!

Still time to get in your extra credit on the rafflecopter form.

WIN IT:

You are cordially invited to win your own Clara Lumé AURORA Handbag at our #ClaraLumé Valentine's Twitter Party being held on Thursday, February 7th, at 9 p.m. EST - that's 6pm in California for our West Coast friends!

This party is for a half hour, so be sure to be there on time and use the hashtag #ClaraLumé to play along! Using the hashtag is your entry! So the more questions you answer and the more times you use the hashtag the more entries you will receive.

This one is open internationally! All USA, Canada and International Readers are very much welcome to join us!

Are you swooning over Clara Lumé as much as I am?

Here is a chance to RSVP, do some extras like additional social follows and earn some extra credit:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look for our post about the party on Instagram, tagging friends there will get you extra credit as well!

It's in the rafflecopter, just remember you need to be following both https://twitter.com/claralumeshop and https://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias so it will be easy to DM you should you be the lucky winner! (And please note, if I get thrown in Twitter Jail for tweeting too much, yes this has happened, I will switch to the Ascending Butterfly Twitter Account so follow it too just in case: https://twitter.com/Ascending1)

DISCOUNT:

Ascending Butterfly Blog is honored to have the very FIRST and very much exclusive Discount Code!

Can't wait for the party?

Nab 10% off at Shop Clara Lumé by using the code: BUTTERFLY10 - note this code expires June 2019 so nab yours now!

"Sensual Hearts" Light show - Clara Lumé Aurora Handbag

My Take:

This bag has been getting me so much attention at New York Fashion Week events! It makes me a new friend everywhere I go!

Cute photo of me sporting my bag during the Twitter Party! Can't give it all away now right?

Readers: Join us on TONIGHT for the Valentine's Day Twitter Party!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is both a sponsored and compensated campaign, and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine! 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 - {Calling All #Fashion Lovers! #GIVEAWAY} Ascending Butterfly is bringing back our "Featured #Handbag In The Spotlight" with a #DesignerHandbag from @claralumeshop and a Valentines Day Themed Twitter Party too! + EXCLUSIVE Discount Code! #ClaraLumé

DISCLOSURE: This is a sponsored post and part of a compensated campaign for Clara Lumé

 

After the major fire I dealt with last year, I have found myself very much in a 'starting over' position. Not exactly a fun place to be. That actually was just one of many challenges on my plate last year. My handbag collection was one of my treasures and having to start that again from scratch feels like an incredibly daunting task. 

I started this empowerment community in 2008, because nothing like it existed at the time. I was looking for empowerment that wasn't necessarily spiritual, I was a long time life coach looking for my own inspiration. I couldn't find it, so I created it. 

'Blogging my way through it' has really been my therapy, and in doing so, I found my tribe. People who wanted a place to turn that was positive. A moment of light. 

With Valentine's Day swiftly approaching, I wanted to find a way to give my butterflies a gift and bring back my all time favorite regular feature! 

I have decided this year I do not want to stick with what I know, I do not want to play it safe, it is time to turn heads! And this Valentine's Day Recommendation and our first Featured Handbag in the Spotlight for 2019 is definitely going to help me achieve that goal.

I have a few Valentine's Day Recos, but I can't help but to start with this one and when you see the bag you will totally get why!

There are several passions I have often dreamed of turning into a full time business (and in some cases have been approached to do so):

Handbag Design (I have been approached about this, but haven't found the right partner yet)

Creating my own Scent (I sort of do this already, I also do it with lipstick)

Owning a Winery (Champagne or Prosecco Please!)

Owning a Casino (I have been enjoying 'Casino-Cations' for years now, in different places, I can take the best from each and avoid the mistakes I have seen along the way, I'd be good at this!)

Some of these being a bit more do-able than others, but all vision board worthy!

One of the things I love do when I collaborate with Designers is pick their brain. I love to know what inspires fellow creatives. How dreamers bring their visions to life.

Five minutes with Richard Hofer of Lucent Wear LLC: 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When was Clara Lumé  formed? 

Development of the Clara Lumé bag started in April of 2017. The product was released publicly in September of 2018. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  What was the inspiration for the design? 

The original inspiration for the Clara Lumé bag was from Burning Man. I have been many times and I absolutely love the culture. Light up fashion is popular at the event and I found it very inspiring. Over the years I have developed and shared a number of art projects at the event. One of these projects was a set of light up coats. They were amazing, but they weren’t something that could be brought directly to the market for everyone to enjoy. They were just too expensive to build, too heavy, too hot, and too fragile for the general public. So, I looked for a way that I could share some of that fun but in an affordable and durable product. And that’s where the Clara Lumé bag came in. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Can the fur be water treated like footwear to prevent stains? or is it just the leather that can be treated to prevent stains and make it easier to clean? 

We do not recommend treating the fur with stain preventers. They often change the feel of the fur, and it’s not really necessary anyway. During development we tested many different fur products and one of the reasons we chose the one we did was because of its ability to resist staining. We tested red wine, cola, beer, and several other staining substances and found that they all could be easily removed with water alone. The fur fibers are very stain resistant. If something does get on your bag we recommend spot cleaning with a damp cloth and a small amount of soap. Do not wet the fur all the way through as this can loosen the fibers. 

 Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Will you offer interchangeable straps? 

We are certainly planning on offering different length straps and other styles as well in the future. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  What is your typical day like, are you involved in other businesses in addition to Clara Lumé?

During development of the bag Clara Lumé was more than a full time job. Once the product was released and production was lined out, the work load started to decrease. As of the last few months I have been taking on other outside engineering consulting contracts to fill my time. As sales increase with Clara Lumé I suspect I will have to devote my entire energy to the business once again. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Please consider making matching vests and boots! :) 

Boots are on the horizon, but I need to get this product rolling steadily first.

I got my Clara Lumé Aurora bag all set up this weekend and it is making it's debut for New York Fashion Week events this month!

This bag is well crafted, super soft, and the unique light show feature is going to turn heads. I have had so much fun playing with the app and picking light shows for it that match my personality like Yin and Yang, Cross, Sensual Hearts and She's on Fire! (And don't think I wasn't pumping Alicia Keys' 'Girl on Fire' in tune to the light show on my Aurora!)

WIN IT:

You are cordially invited to win your own Clara Lumé AURORA Handbag at our #ClaraLumé Valentine's Twitter Party being held on Thursday, February 7th, at 9 p.m. EST - that's 6pm in California for our West Coast friends!

This party is for a half hour, so be sure to be there on time and use the hashtag #ClaraLumé to play along! Using the hashtag is your entry! So the more questions you answer and the more times you use the hashtag the more entries you will receive.

This one is open internationally! All USA, Canada and International Readers are very much welcome to join us!

Are you swooning over Clara Lumé as much as I am?

Here is a chance to RSVP, do some extras like additional social follows and earn some extra credit:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Look for our post about the party on Instagram, tagging friends there will get you extra credit as well!

It's in the rafflecopter, just remember you need to be following both https://twitter.com/claralumeshop and https://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias so it will be easy to DM you should you be the lucky winner! (And please note, if I get thrown in Twitter Jail for tweeting too much, yes this has happened, I will switch to the Ascending Butterfly Twitter Account so follow it too just in case: https://twitter.com/Ascending1)

DISCOUNT:

Ascending Butterfly Blog is honored to have the very FIRST and very much exclusive Discount Code!

Can't wait for the party?

Nab 10% off at Shop Clara Lumé by using the code: BUTTERFLY10

"Sensual Hearts" Light show - Clara Lumé Aurora Handbag

My Take:

I love that the Aurora Handbag has the light show on BOTH sides, and lets me express a wide range of moods at any given time. For my animal lovers, it's FAUX Fur, while it feels soft like a rabbit, no rabbits were harmed in the making of this handbag.

It gives me ski bunny realness and you are going to turn heads wearing this bag that's for sure!

I will post a photo of myself soon rocking my new Aurora handbag soon (Hmm....or maybe I will save it for the Twitter Party on Thursday!)

Hopefully in honor of our partnership they will develop a butterfly light show on the Aurora just for me!

Readers: Are you joining us on Thursday for the Valentine's Day Twitter Party?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is both a sponsored and compensated campaign, and all opinions are 100% my own!  The love however is genuine! 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.

Not so #WordlessWednesday with @SenteursdOrient and @ElilaFullFigure + Focus Phrase Time! #WednesdayMotivation

Getting my "NEW" on for New Year's Eve + FOCUS PHRASE TIME!

2018 was probably the second worst year of my life, so I decided I was breaking all New Year's Eve patterns completely.

Well maybe not *ALL* of them.

I kept the champagne.

I kept the eating something sweet during the 12 second count down. This alternates each year depending on what I have on hand, sometimes grapes or sometimes chocolate. During that time I read from a list of New Years Wishes - things I want to manifest during the New Year. So I start my countdown at 12 seconds before the new year so I can read off 12 wishes - one for each month of the year.

I normally wear red underwear because I am an Aries and Red is my "Power Color" And it has always been my tradition to do so.

This year I did not do red. I did a most divine plum instead from Elila Full Figure.

And I even changed my soap, using a brand new to me Senteurs d'Orient!

The above photo I edited with Ribbet and the insta art below I did with Corel Paintshop:

FOCUS PHRASE FOR 2018 - You know I have mixed feelings about 'resolutions', I am more partial to the idea of 'goal setting' for your birthday. That is when your personal year actually resets, not December 31st. But my phrase last year was "Self Care" and quite frankly butterflies, I failed MISERABLY at it.

So it is my phrase for this year as well.

Self-Care is and can be so many things.

MY TAKE:

If you remember I first met Elila Full Figure when I was covering Curve Expo, you can get a great description of the brand and see a model wearing Elila in my Curve Expo recap coverage post: HERE

I plan on covering Curve Expo again this year and will definitely be making a beeline directly to Elila's booth to see their new styles. I am obsessed with them now. They need to put a ring on it and make me an official ambassador!

The soap, Senteurs D'Orient I actually won from a Blog Contest being hosted by a blogger via instagram, it is definitely one of my favorite discoveries, I love the rich lather and the amazing scents offered by Senteurs. I haven't tried them all, but definitely love the Amber, and the Almond Exfoliant so far the best.

Both of these would be lovely for VALENTINES DAY or GALENTINES DAY! And this DSLR Photography Enthusiast is always up for creating custom Art Photos/Prints or Posters like the one displayed above, so DM me via Insta (@Ascending1 - this is also the blog Twitter) or email me directly here if you want a custom art piece for your walls.

Hopefully I can get Elila and Senteurs to come back and do something fun for my butterflies.

Readers/Butterflies Sound Off: What is your focus phrase/word for 2019? Do you have an underwear color preference for New Year's Eve?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

At the corner of #Tech and #Fashion is the OS by Google: @MichaelKors Access Runway #Smartwatch pick yours up @bestbuy today! #MichaelKors #AccessItAll #ad

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. Best Buy provided a Michael Kors Access Runway  Smartwatch for Editorial Consideration. There are affiliate links in this post.

Watches are a staple Fashion statement that are not going anywhere anytime soon. However like most tech, they are getting smarter. A watch is becoming more of a personal assistant than plain wrist jewelry.

You can check off that tech loving Fashionista on your list with the Michael Kors Access Runway  Smartwatch available at Best Buy

Features:

Compatible with Android phones and iPhone®

Wear OS by Google works with phones running Android 4.4 or later (excluding Go edition) or iOS 9.3 or later operating systems.*

Calendar, SMS, email and social apps notifications

Keep you updated on day-to-day happenings.

Touch, tap and swipe for easy menu navigation 

1.19" AMOLED touch-screen display.

Stainless steel case 

Along with a 18mm stainless steel watch band ensures durability and an elegant look.

Water-resistant design 

Defends your smartwatch against submersion in up to 98' of water.

Wireless connection to your device 

Bluetooth 4.1 LE connectivity and NFC technology enables simple one-touch pairing.

Comprehensive monitoring 

Tracks distance, calories burned, activity, sleep activity, heart rate and steps taken.

Vibrate mode 

Quietly alerts you to a range of notifications, such as incoming e-mails, calls and text messages, as well as upcoming calendar events.

Built-in battery

Offers up to 24 hours of use on a full charge for extended operation.

Customizable

Custom Watch Faces and Interchangeable Straps

Pay With A Wave

Wave your wrist and go with Google Pay's NFC Technology

Smarter Health Coaching

Activity Tracking and Coaching based on the guidelines from the American Heart Association & World Health Organization.

If you have been following the "Days of my Computer" Soap Opera Drama, I finally found a laptop, which just like the watch can be purchased at Best Buy! During the Black Friday Sales this year I nabbed the HP - Spectre x360 2-in-1 15.6" 4K Ultra HD Touch-Screen Laptop - Intel Core i7 - 16GB Memory - 512GB SSD - HP Finish In Dark Ash Silver for a steal! (All me, not sponsored, I purchased this one, will give a more detailed review of the computer in a seperate post, still under 30 days and we are focusing on the watch in this post.)

I love how the gold tone accents on my laptop play with the gold tone on the smartwatch!

A few lifestyle shots of my synced up tech in action.

Sync Watch to your Smartphone by downloading the Wear OS App. Smartphone not included, but if you need a new smartphone you can get one at Bestbuy while you are at it.

I did a quick Kiss imPRESS Gel Manicure with a mix of rose gold, gold tone glitter accents and matte burgundy velvet so I could give you some Vanna White cuteness while showing off the watch.

I am happy to report it is also compatible with Spotify! You know I have to have my Music with me everywhere I go.

MY TAKE:

Best Buy can pretty much be your one stop shop this year for holiday shopping. Any entrepreneur, travel lover or time strapped student on your list would love the Michael Kors Access Smartwatch.

My favorite feature? With all the stress on my plate this year it would have to be having the breathing exercise guiding me to be more aware of my breathing and taking a deep breath more often, having my calendar on my wrist to easily see an address without having to pull out my phone is great also.

This watch is definitely a holidays buying guide pick for 2018!

Readers: Are you upgrading to a Smartwatch? Who on your holiday shopping list would most love a Smartwatch?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, a watch was provided for Editorial Consideration and all opinions are 100% my own!  Affiliate links are used in this post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

These 10 #Travel and #Tech Products are a must have for your Holidays 2018 Wish List! #CTATravel

Disclosure: This is an event recap. This post is NOT compensated.

I am woefully behind on Event Recaps thanks to a summer that brought a devastating fire on the Fourth of July due to someone sneaking up to the roof of my apartment building and throwing illegal fireworks, followed by a death in the family a week later, and culminating in me twisting BOTH my ankles and spraining my wrist a week after that!

To say it has been a "challenging' summer would be a complete understatement.

All the events I did get to attend before my world came crashing down were pretty amazing, and while it may take me awhile I promise I will get to each and every one of them.

I had the chance to attend the Techlicious/Consumer Technology Association/CES Lunch and Learn event at Quality Italian Restaurant in Midtown New York City.

I will start with the hot tech first and then lead into the great food!

These are the great products I was exposed to (these are NOT reviews, I got to see the products at the event, not road test them personally, so these are first impressions)

Since the nice reps from Roku were seated at my table, I will start with Roku first:

Roku Streaming Stick

I am totally getting sick of dealing with my Cable Company, and with features like Hotel and Dorm Connect the Roku Streaming Stick is perfect for both Travelers as well as College Kids hitting the dorm. Why pay the hotel a million bucks to rent a movie when you can just bring along your own streaming stick? Retail Price = $49.99 - these were in our gift bags but I didn't get a chance to test mine as it was lost in the fire, if Roku sends out a replacement I will definitely provide you guys with a full review.

The next brand has been at several events I regularly cover including The Luxury Review/The Luxury Tech Show and I haven't had a chance to take the demo or speak to the reps (in this instance it was my arrival time, at LTS my time at certain booths ran overtime during the Press Preview time period and once that event opened up to non-press it was just too crowded to get in there.) But I have wanted to take the demo and will have to make sure to do it next time I see HTC Vive.

HTC Vive

I love that Virtual Reality is being used by the travel/hospitality industry to help you tour a destination or a hotel room without ever leaving the comfort of your couch. Retail Price = $1,399 (definitely a splurge but Vive Pro definitely has one of the richest content libraries available on SteamVR and VIVEPORT.

Ashley Chloe Helix Cuff

You guys know I am called #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ via Twitter because I am a Twitter Party Hostess with the Mostest who LOVES Music and hasn't met the twitter party yet I couldn't find the right song for. I am always on the market for new audio and when I can combine my love of audio and tech with my love of fashion and accessories all the better! My Audio 'Form Meets Function' pick from the event is definitely The Ashley Chloe Helix Cuff. The world's first wearable wireless Bluetooth headphones with cVC noise reduction, AptX Technology, Smart Multipoint Connectivity and Bluetooth 4.1. Retail Price = $99.00 - $249.99 (The pricier one is the Helix 24K Gold Edition, love the exclusive color! I would have to listen to Bruno Mars 24K first on these!) Earbuds not getting twisted or destroyed in my cavernous handbag, PRICELESS!

myCharge Pride Limited Edition Power Bank

myCharge Pride Limited Edition Power Bank was donating 5% of Pride Month Power Bank Sales to The Trevor Project, and since later on this year I got to cross attending Ru Paul's Drag Con off my bucket list (full post to come) - this got me a thumbs up every time I pulled it out to keep my phone charged during the conference. This is a little bulkier than some of the Power Bank's I have used in the past, but love the on and off button, how fast it charges my devices and how long it holds its own charge. The plug for the wall flips out, and this charges itself AND the device simultaneously. This one definitely gets a thumbs up from me, and something like this can cross off nearly everyone on your list! Retails for $34.99

Hum by Verizon 

With holiday travel at it's peak and everyone driving to visit family and friends, the Hum by Verizon certainly helps prove that 'those who wander are not lost'.  With pinpoint roadside assistance, you can get the help you need by using the Hum App to request 24/7 roadside assistance, there is also a mechanics hotline, stolen vehicle assistance, maintenance reminders, you can check your safety score (this helps keeps insurance costs low), vehicle diagnostics and you can also turn your car into a Wi-Fi Hotspot allowing passengers to stream, surf and game on the road (eliminating the dreaded "Are We There Yet?" Questions, PRICELESS).

Sony WH-1000X M3 Wireless Headphones

The Sony WH-1000X M3 are pricey at $349.99, but these wireless, noise cancelling beauties offer five hours playback from a mere 10 minute charge, perfect for us frequent fliers who struggle to find an outlet or left our trusty powerbank behind. We were shown the M2's but the M3's are already out now. I need these in my life and am sad they were not in the gift bag!

Sony SP700N true wireless earphones

With extra bass and the Google Assistant built into these Sony SP700N true wireless earphones, you can make easy hands free at the click of a button, enjoy digital noise cancellation or ambient sound which lets you hear essential sounds. The compact carrying case not only keeps them secure, but holds an additional two full three hour charges, so you can power them on the go! These sound perfect for my morning commute, and I am bummed that these weren't in the gift bag either. These Retail for $149.99.

Sony RX100 Advanced Camera

Sony was showing their RX100 Advanced Camera with 1.0 Sensor, while it may be portable, the specs are definitely not 'lightweight'. It is a 20.2 MP, with a SteadyShot that reduces blur even in low light, HD video capabiity for beautiful video and full manual control for creative photography. It retails for $369.99. Not in the gift bag either, le sigh. I have had my eye on the Sony a7rIII which I played with last year during Fashion Week at Sony Square Space in NYC and then again at this year's Photo Plus Expo. I took a picture with it that served as a Best Buy contest entry during the Expo which is featured on my Instagram page here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BpbS1-TAXLt/ - I have to say I am bit more inclined to the A7RIII, but this has a $2,799 retail price tag making the RX100 a bit more holiday budget friendly. But as Photography is a huge part of my career, not just a hobby/passion, I am telling Santa I want the A7RIII (42.4 MP with 14-bit RAW output!) for Christmas! I really have been a very, very, very, good butterfly this year.

Speck Presidio for iPhone X

Speck Presidio for iPhone X offers 8 foot drop protection! While I am an Android girl and have never owned an iPhone, I have witnessed a ton of friends, family and colleagues drop their uber expensive phone and ended up walking around with a cracked screen - not cute. Why not make a small investment in protecting it instead? At $39.95 ($27.96 if you act fast to nab the extended Cyber Week deal) it gives you something absolutely PRICELESS - peace of mind!

Modobag - Motorized Luggage

See that image above? That is a grown man riding on Modobag - Motorized Luggage, it convinced me to give it a go:

Actually I watched TWO men ride this thing before I opted to get on it myself.

Zip through the airport terminals and never miss a flight, on a single charge the Modobag has the ability to travel up to 6+ miles based on a rider weight of 180 pounds, it has an indoor speed of 4 MPH, and outdoor speed of 7 MPH, three times a regular walking pace, and it goes to full charge in two hours. It also has two USB ports for individual or simultaneous charging. I totally want this for Christmas, as a Blogger this would be my portable office for press trips! I really want this! The Retail on Modobag is $1,495 - which considering designer luggage costs three times as much, and does not haul you around in addition to your stuff, this is actually a steal!

I also wanted to share some photos of our meal:

CTA Travel Tech Lunch Menu

Above: CTA Travel Tech Lunch Menu

Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer

Above: Shrimp Cocktail Appetizer (shared by our table, I swear I didn't all that!)

Baby Kale Tricolore Salad

Above: Baby Kale Tricolore Salad

Sausage and Pepper Garlic Toast

Above: Sausage and Pepper Garlic Toast

Mediterranean Branzino, Pesto Rosso with Qi Tuscan Fries

Above: Mediterranean Branzino, Pesto Rosso with Qi Tuscan Fries (you know I usually go for the seafood/fish dish!

Above: Sometimes I am not fast enough to nab a shot before hungry Editors tear into something, but I oddly like this shot all the more for having some pieces missing!

Chocolate Coffee Malt Cannoli with Pistachio Gelato

Above: Chocolate Coffee Malt Cannoli with Pistachio Gelato

QI Signature Lemon Meringue Tart

Above: QI Signature Lemon Meringue Tart

MY TAKE:

These items are perfect for anyone on your list, and are going to score major brownie points with travel lovers and tech enthusiasts of any age. Again these are impressions as I got to play with these products at the event. Should I get review units I will give those items their own day in the sun with full reviews.

My photos are watermarked, un-watermarked photos were used by media with permission.

This is the second year I have attended this event, (the food is always amazing) just in case you missed last year's which focused heavily on Photography and Photography tips for getting better shots, check it out here: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/techlicious-ctatech-ctaphotonyc-lunch.html

This by far has been the second worse year of my life, second only to almost dying in 2011. It zapped every ounce of writing energy out of me. Not to mention left me without a computer until Black Friday Sales enabled me to get a laptop. I am just not one of those bloggers who can blog solely via phone. I do not have millenial thumbs and have no idea how they can get so much typing done on a mobile touch keypad.

I am slowly but surely trying to get myself ramped up again.

And am considering either a re-design or a complete re-branding.

I do have some overdue giveaways so check back often.

For those of you who have sent me personal emails checking in on me, Thank You!

I know our Inspirational Messages of the Day and Gratitude Sundays have been missed, and I will find a way to bring them back soon. Let's just say getting myself motivated has been difficult enough lately.

This event put some great products on my radar, I definitely wouldn't mind seeing any or all of these under my Christmas Tree or stuffed inside my stocking this year.

Readers: Which of these do you want most? Do you already have any of them?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Yes Way Frosé! This Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries gets it's own #WordlessWednesday for being my drink pick of the summer! From @curvexpo Cocktail Hour honoring @Wacoal [#Lingerie Designer of the Year] @Pier66Maritime

Curvexpo 2018 was fabulous this year!

The increased focus on Body Positivity and even a panel on Social Media made it my favorite tradeshow of the summer!

More to come, and hopefully some brand highlights in individual posts as there were a TON of butterfly sightings this year which meant I talked to way more brands than I usually get a chance to.

Today's "Wordless Wednesday" is focusing on a delicious Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries that was the signature drink of the event (the drink was brought to us by Vodafone) at the Cocktail Hour hosted outside the tradeshow at a venue called Big Red Boat in Park/aka 'Frying Pan'/Pier 66 Maritime they were honoring Wacoal as Lingerie Designer of the Year and Curvexpo exhibitors and attendees and media were invited to mix and mingle over drinks and apps! It got super packed and busy but the location right on the water somehow made it so relaxing.

Above: Yes Way Frosé! This Watermelon Frosé with Blueberries gave me all the summer feels, it was refreshing, cool and delicious - a treat in a cup!

Above: Just another day in the city that never sleeps when a Cocktail gets its own blog post! I call this "FROYAY"

Above: Not a bad view from my table, Curvexpo NYC did it again, see you guys next year!

These photos were taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

Readers Sound Off: What was your Cocktail of Summer 2018? Did you hit on something new or stick to an old favorite? Have you attended Curvexpo in NYC or other cities?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

#WordlessWednesday This one is for you #Squirrel Friends! #Photography #NikonD3300

I thought things couldn't get worse after the Fourth of July fire, last night I found out that my Aunt passed away, so for the first time ever, I am very much truly wordless!

This photo was taken by me using a Nikon D3300 DSLR Camera.

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Fourth of July FIREworks now have a whole new and not so good meaning for me, this #WordlessWednesday photo is definitely worth a thousand words!

I have never truly come close to a true wordless 'Wordless Wednesday', but today will be the closest I have ever come. A bit after midnight on the Fourth of July we were awakened to the sound of someone pounding on our door yelling "FIRE!" "FIRE!".

Someone threw illegal fireworks off the roof and set the building ablaze.

I have more photos of the destruction that the FDNY left in their wake, but I think my battered bible says it all:

Unfortunately, this is the second time there was a fire in my apartment complex. This time around I am saddened by not only the things that were lost that can't be replaced, photos, the family bible pictured above, trinkets from my travels but also these things that leave me angry:

- FDNY - The firefighters were so RUDE. They let us know that we were SUPPOSED to go up to the roof and stop people from throwing illegal fireworks, um, it was late at night and I was asleep and two, I am NOT a cop. There has been quite a bit of gang activity in this area and he thinks I am supposed to risk my life confronting criminals?

- My Neighbors - People we have lent a hand to when they were locked out their apartments, held their packages when they missed Fedex/UPS - and when the worst was over everyone closed their doors, not one person asked if we would like to stay with them or needed water or anything.

- My Fair Weather Friends - Remember when it was popular to ask 'Who is your 4 am?' - meaning if anything were to happen to you and you could not call your parents, siblings etc who would that person be that would be there for you in the middle of the night. I should have already known this from my health scare in 2011 - but this, really helped hit home that I do not have a 4 am.

- My Landlord - There should be better security measures in this building and if this isn't proof of that, then I do not know what is.

Readers: Have you ever experienced a fire? 

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received, and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#WineWednesday} Looking for a Sparkling #Wine to start your #FourthofJuly2018 with a pop of apple crisp goodness that will carry you into fall? Check out @drinksauvage

Happy Fourth of July Butterflies!

Compensated Post Sponsored By: Sauvage Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp Sparkling Wine

June was a BIG month at Ascending Butterfly, it marked the 10 year anniversary of this blog. I normally do a 'it's our birthday, you get the gifts' month of giveaways, but things got super busy so I will sprinkle some giveaway goodness into your life throughout the summer.

Something about Independence day and the expression "As American as Apple Pie" made me want to work on this post today. And while I am not presenting actual Apple Pie, I am talking about 'Apple Crisp', of a LIQUID variety.

Above: Sauvage Comsi Comsa 'Apple Crisp' Sparkling Wine

You guys have no idea just how long it took to get this flat overlay shot to work, then I used Ribbet (my fave online Photo Editing Software) to get this matte effect!

For some odd reason my wine tasting experiences have leaned heavily on the international side, and when I got to cover the Tropicana Winter Wine Fest in Atlantic City, New Jersey, it was the first time I had a chance to try wines produced closer to home.

Today I am proud to share a wine that is produced in Oneonta, New York and has only TWO ingredients - apples and champagne yeast. This wine is natural, gluten-free and kosher and made with dozens of apple varieties sourced from local farms surrounding the distillery.

Sauvage's distillery and tasting room is in Oneonta, New York in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains along the banks of the Susquehanna River and has direct access to 24 varieties of apple's growing in the nearby region's orchards.

It is 12% alcohol by volume with an Amber-Caramel color and a 'full-bodied nose' and is that intersection where bubbly meets cider (cider is only 6% alcohol by volume, Comsi Comsa 'Apple Crisp' is 12%).

It has the refreshing taste of a crisp green apple, not a sweet, crumbly dessert, I tend to lean toward brut and dry palate wines and love that this is crisp, surprisingly full-bodied and well-balanced.

Above: I was so inspired I even started exploring fun filters - this filter is called "True Vintage" and I love everything about it, I want to enlarge this one and put it in my kitchen!

MY TAKE:

Sauvage Comsi Comsa Sparkling Wine is affordable luxury at $14.99 per bottle and pairs so perfectly with cheeses that you will want to make it the star of your summer and fall. I'm a Brie Cheese lover and the pairing of this wine with Brie is literally a match made in heaven.

If an 'Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away' surely stocking my bar with Comsi Comsa Apple Crisp will help me live forever right?

So be sure to pick up a bottle to go along with your backyard barbecues and fireworks today!

Please drink responsibly butterflies, do NOT drink and drive!

Readers Sound Off: What is your favorite way to enjoy Apples?

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FTC Disclosure:  This is both a compensated and a sponsored Post, but the love is real. Ascending Butterfly is not just my passion project, it's my business/brand. 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.