Will you be my Valentine? Whatever you do today, do it with love + my cupid name!

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies!

Just thought I would share some random Valentine's Day goodness and humor!

♥ Since it is Valentine's Day, it is only appropriate to know your Cupid Name! My Cupid Name is: Noisy Kissy Face 😘

♥ I love this heart of butterflies:

♥ And lastly, a pretty butterfly reminder that Whatever You Do Today, Do It With Love!

Readers Sound Off: What is your Cupid Name and how are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored 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.

{Your Opinion Counts!} #ontheblog @Tracy_Iglesias of @Ascending1 (Ascending Butterfly Blog) tries @warbyparker #warbyhometryon - help me pick!

My prescription changed in 2021 so it's all - New Year, New Glasses Who Dis?

Since I do not have an iPhone, I was unable to do a virtual try on with Warby Parker, but the next best thing arrived in the mail - a virtual home try on kit!

I selected five frames I liked best (and that is not an easy task as they have a vast selection of colors, styles and fits) and I got a try on kit in the mail with the five frames I selected. I picked three medium fits (which is the size they recommend for most people, especially if you are unsure of your fit), 1 wide and 1 narrow. I tried two that are definitely cat eye inspired (I have never actually worn Cat Eye Glasses before), and was surprised by how much I actually liked them.

The problem is I like all five of them equally for different reasons. I wish I had unlimited budget problems right about now so I could justify keeping all five!

I tried them all on and compiled them into a cute video below:

Please ignore Pajamas, sloppy bed head hair, and bad lighting! (I was so excited to try these on I forgot I was in my PJ's!) I tried to take shots of the glasses with my hair down and then pulled up but that magic lasted for the first two pairs and then the last three was just one look.

Readers Sound Off: Which pair do you think I should select to have my prescription put in and keep? (The video gives you the name of each pair, but you can also tell me the number of the one you liked best as well). Don't forget to also let me know by tagging me on any of my social channels as well.

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FTC Disclosure: A pair of Warby Parker Glasses have been  provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Win the Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display from @Ascending1 sponsored by @Netgear - Holidays Buying Guide Featured Pick!

Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display

How many photos are sitting in your camera right now?

If you are still searching for a meaningful holiday gift for literally anyone with a face, then I have the perfect solution for you! (It's an elegant gift not just for holidays but for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, congrats on your new job etc)

The Merual Canvas II - Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display is the last Digital Photo Frame you'll ever need.

Three Primary reasons you need this frame:

(1) Get those Amazing Photos out of your phone and into your home! You never get tired of seeing them as you can program your frame to rotate through your photos much like a music service lets you make a playlist.

(2) Don't feel you have enough photos? Then enjoy the free art that comes with your frame or purchase an annual subscription and turn your home into an art gallery/museum! There are paintings, photography and the display also plays video.

(3) Strong off-angle viewing (not even using your TV as a photo display is going to give you off-angle viewing as slick as this frame!) and let's not even mention the ambient light detection - when the light's are out, this frame knows it and turns itself off. (Perfect for any room but you definitely want this feature if you are going to use it in your bedroom)

Notable Features:

Meural's patented 'True Art Technology' brings 16.7 million colors to life and offers rich blacks and complex hues, you can either use it on its stand, or wall mount it - they literally even include a leveler to help you hang your Canvas evenly on the wall.

You can upload your own files to your canvas from your phone's camera roll using the Meural App or an SD card. Meural supports JPG, GIF, PNG, BMP, SVG, MP4, and MOV files.

Motion Gestures: The Canvas II has motion sensors beneath the bottom and side borders allowing you to swipe your hand in front of the sensors to shuffle through your images or to adjust your devices settings. This feature has worked way better for me on the Canvas II than the first one. (Makes you feel fab and futuristic while doing it - also keeps it from getting fingerprints on it)

Async Art - If you are one of the cool kids already enjoying NFT art, note that with Meural you can showcase programmable NFT artwork from Async Art. These are digital paintings designed in layers that evolve over time and update on the Meural Canvas throughout the day allowing you to experience NFT art in a way that was not possible before. (Again with the futuristic and high tech vibes!)

My Take: The Meural Canvas II - Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display is a feature rich digital frame that any photography enthusiast would love. I can't think of one person it couldn't knock off your list. And with the ability to constantly push new photos to it, think of the joy it would bring to any parent or grandparent! It also makes a thoughtful "family" gift as well. If you are gifting someone Crypto art and present it to them in this frame it will blow them away!

GIVEAWAY ALERT: Enter to win our own Meural Canvas II – Art, Photos & NFT Crypto-Art Display by using the Rafflecopter Widget Below: (if it doesn't load, please refresh your screen)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Hurry! This giveaway ends on 12/30

Readers Sound Off: How many photos are sitting in your smartphone right now? For those using DSLR cameras, how many photos have you actually printed this year? Would you keep it if you won? If not, who would you gift it to?

Can't wait to see if you win and have to have it now? Order it on Amazon here:

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Netgear Blogger Brand Ambassador, the Meural Canvas II - Art, Photos, & NFT Crypto-Art Display was provided for Editorial Consideration. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Don't forget it is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at New York Botanical Garden this weekend! Here is a Video Journey with major #Fall and #Pumpkin Vibes! #HalloweenWeekend @NYBG

This month, I have been sharing my experiences at the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden, here is the link to my last post: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2021/10/catch-kusama-cosmic-nature-at-new-york.html

and a fun one from 2017 that gives you more Halloween and Pumpkin Vibes: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/check-out-giant-pumpkin-weekend-this.html

The artist, Yayoi Kusama utilizes polka dots to cover and conceal people, animals, the environment and pretty much everything around. She uses the polka dots as a metaphor of giving up identity, abolishing uniqueness, and becoming one with the universe-or "self-obliteration".

One of the most striking pieces on exhibit is called "Starry Pumpkin". A 2-meter tall sculpture whose surface is composed of a shimmering mosaic of blue and white squares that are neatly aligned in parallel rows, the iridescent blue tiles sparkle and gleam and give off colors fluctuating between shades of violet, emerald, and indigo according to the available light.

As I mentioned last week I have been using the On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software program to breathe new life into my photos. Travel and Photography are my passion and while I am happy to spend hours editing one photo, I know most people don't have the patience for it and want an editing software that will allow them to achieve a desired look with ease and in much less time.

Last week I posted a picture of the sculpture "I want to fly to the Universe" this is the very first piece you see when entering the garden through the main entrance (this is assuming you don't veer off to go straight to the Enid Haupt Conservatory instead). I posted my original un-edited photo and then another using On1's AI which auto formats the photo for you.

I wanted to do the same this week focusing on the piece entitled Starry Pumpkin. I compiled the shots into a video so you could view them with more ease and a bit less scrolling. I take you through the sculpture as you first see it, hidden a bit behind the plants and flowers, then as you approach it and another from a third angle. I don't want you to think you are going nuts, you will see my original photo, then one where I use the AI and Noise Removal AI on each photo and a third photo of each angle using a preset called "Golden Autumn" - I stuck with preset 'G6' for all of these - and with the exception of one where I made minor edits to the final outcome of the preset - I wanted to give you an overview of this particular piece and one very happy 'accident'! On the final slide of the video slideshow of photos I use one of my photos to make a Halloween Card. I got nit picky and wanted to edit some of the blemishes on the pumpkins where I planned to place text, apparently a slip of my clumsy hands  and not paying attention to which tool was selected, turned some of the pumpkins a bit of a teal hue - it wasn't on purpose but I really liked the result and left it in!

Also 1 of 13 children have allergies, if you see a teal pumpkin when you are taking the kids trick-or-treating it means that home is offering allergy free options that are safe for children with allergies. I'm kind of glad I ended up with some teal pumpkins in the final edit.

NOTE: PRESS THE SQUARE ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND OF THE VIDEO TO MAKE IT FULL SCREEN HD. (JUST HIT ESC KEY WHEN YOU ARE DONE AND YOU WILL COME BACK TO THE POST AUTOMATICALLY)

My Take:

Unfortunately with Covid very much still being a buzz 'kill' this exhibit didn't get the foot traffic or word of mouth it truly deserved, it was a feast for the eyes and it was fun seeing the art on exhibit in the library as well. I even met a 'camera twin' - in this age of every photo being taken on a cellphone I am always excited to see a photographer shooting with a DSLR. I met one shooting with my same exact camera (Nikon) and someone shooting with my former camera (Canon) although I hesitate a bit to say former because I still like shooting with it, it is just a bit heavy for me these days.

I wish my surgeries this summer and one this fall didn't keep me from seeing the exhibit sooner.

This is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden - so if your Instagram feed needs a pop of fall color and pumpkin goodness (no not just a photo of your pumpkin spice latte) then you need to hit up the Garden this weekend. And even though I didn't snap any pictures of  them (because not cool), I love seeing families taking photos of their babies with the pumpkins!

I am not the greatest with step-by-step tutorials, but I am trying to get better at it. However, I will tell you something very contrary to popular photographer opinion: "The AUTO Setting on your DSLR camera is NOT the devil". Not everyone has the luxury of setting up every shot they take, not all public spaces are easy to navigate with a tripod or don't allow them, not to mention carry full on lighting. While I am trying to get better at memorizing exposure speeds and shuffling quickly to get the light right, I want you to know getting a photo that means something to you is getting what I call 'life' from it - yes even from plants or flowers. Your technical skills can be on point but if you don't have an eye for it, they won't take you very far. And Photo Editing software is your friend. It's obviously more complex than your social filters, but I found On1's AI gives you the feeling of using a filter but with richer results with more detail and depth.

By all means continue to improve your skills, but there is nothing wrong with the Auto setting and post processing either! ;)

And stay tuned Butterflies, your chance to win your own copy of On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software is coming up very soon! This year my Holiday Buying Guide will be focused on thoughtful gifts for (aspiring or pro) Photographers!  Get your photo on!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no monetary compensation has been received.

Catch Kusama: Cosmic Nature at the New York Botanical Garden + Giant Pumpkin Weekend at @NYBG THIS WEEKEND!

On a super cloudy and overcast day I finally got the opportunity to check out the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden. I had been wanting to catch this exhibit all summer, but with a surgery early in the summer and some smaller procedures following, I needed time to heal.

Description: Contemporary Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is one of the most popular artists in the world, drawing millions to experience her immersive installations.

Exclusively at NYBG, Kusama reveals her lifelong fascination with the natural world, beginning with her childhood spent in the greenhouses and fields of her family’s seed nursery. Her artistic concepts of obliteration, infinity, and eternity are inspired by her intimate engagement with the colors, patterns, and life cycles of plants and flowers.

My apologies to my local readers, as this post is normally accompanied by a ticket giveaway, I will work on something hopefully for the holidays. I am ramping up slowly and working on some fun surprises for our annual holiday gift guide which will have some gift suggestions that are sure to please!

The interconnectedness of things is a theme explored in this exhibit, and I was first greeted by this installation: I want to fly to the Universe (I took tons of photos as usual, but I plan to space them out!)

ABOVE: Original, un-edited Photo, I want to fly to the Universe by Yayoi Kusama, October 2021 taken at New York Botanical Garden. Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I am partnering with a very unique Photo Editing Software this year (hint, hint - stay tuned for something fun for YOU very soon!) I am testing out the software and after photo editing this shot, I was able to add some brightness and make the photo appear less overcast.

ABOVE: Same Photo edited using On1 HDR 2021 software

The enhancements are slight but make a world of difference, especially on the tree on the right hand side. My blog template is a little weird, so feel free to press on each photo individually to make them larger, you can hit escape to get back the article after you have viewed the photos. My template accepts JPEG photos so I have to convert the RAW files. I find the RAW files show more detail, but you can see the difference that the Photo Editing Software On1 made with this photo. (I will feature more photos from this exhibit counting down to Halloween). 

If you hit the New York Botanical Garden THIS weekend, you would get a chance to enjoy final days of the Kusama: Cosmic Nature Exhibit and also Giant Pumpkin Weekend. It would literally provide all the fun photo opp goodness you need in your social feed life right now! Here is me dorking out the last time I visited during Giant Pumpkin Weekend, check out this post HERE. (I was so focused on catching the different elements of this exhibit and the Farmers Market that I forgot to visit the Pumpkin Patch while I was there!)

NOTE: You must provide proof of vaccination along with your tickets upon entry. For a completely contactless experience have your app with proof of vaccination (yes you can show the actual card too but the app saves you time checking in and provides a more 'contactless' experience) and have your tickets handy on your phone also ready to be scanned. You will be given a time to visit the Kusama exhibit which means you won't have to worry about too many people around you, which I have to secretly admit I greatly appreciated! I also was asked to show my tickets to the exhibit to enter the gift shop so please note that just in case so you are not caught off guard.

Readers Sound Off: If you are visiting this weekend, please tag me on Twitter or on Instagram so I can see your cool photos! (@Ascending1 on both Twitter and Instagram and also use the Garden Hashtags and tag them as well @NYBG) Which photo above did you like best, the raw un-retouched version or the one I edited using On1? Also, what Photo Editing software are you using? (Did you know you can utilize On1 on both your computer and your phone, both Apple and Android? and the latest version also plays nicely with software you may already be using like Lightroom or Corel - for full disclosure I use multiple software!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no compensation has been received.

Guess who is finally on linktr.ee? Keep up with all things @Ascending1 (Ascending Butterfly) via @Linktree_ #MakingMovesMonday

I finally created a Linktr.ee for Ascending Butterfly!

I like that Linktr.ee organizes all your links in one place, and if you have an event you can add it to your Linktr.ee and it makes easier to highlight, the PRO version of course gives you more benefits, but what is included in the free version is a great place to start. I opted for the free version to start. Once I see how frequently I actually use it I will have an idea whether or not I actually need to upgrade to the Pro version.

I used my photo editing software to merge the URL into the page a bit so it looks slightly different when you actually load the page:

Ascending Butterfly Linktr.ee Profile

If you are currently in the job market you will notice that applications tend to ask for your LinkedIn Profile if you are applying via LinkedIn and your URL. If you don't have a specific portfolio website, this is a perfect substitute for that as it keeps all your URL's in one place that highlight your work and your social. and you can put your LinkedIn profile address as one of the URL's which saves you time on your online job applications. Also, if you use the free version you don't have to worry about the expense of paying monthly site fees just for a resume/portfolio site. And the pro version allows you to password protect it, but that does have a monthly fee, as of the time this post goes live is $6 USD/Month.

Question: Does anyone that has the Pro version know how you use it to accept payments and how that process works?

By the way, this is NOT a sponsored post. When a brand sponsors a post I always let you know!

Readers Sound Off: How many social profiles do you have in total? If you created your own Linktr.ee link how many URL's would you add?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Tequila, Craft Brews), and Foodie Fun - really, I'm such a *simple girl*.

Friday Funny: The Hello October Meme that breaks the internet every year! #FridayVibes #FridayMood #FridayHumor #Meme

As a horror movie fanatic, this meme never fails to make me laugh:

I am so happy Fall is here! Leaves are changing color, it's not too hot or cold during the day, cozy sweaters are coming out of storage and soon I will have all the excuses to put on cute booties and boots! While I was born in April and technically am a "Spring Baby" - Fall is definitely my favorite season!

Hopefully you will be greeting October with a giggle after having viewed this silly meme!

Readers Sound Off: What are your Fall Plans? What is your Favorite Horror Movie? (I still have all my original - now probably considered 'vintage' Freddy Kreuger Posters!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Tequila, Craft Brews), and Foodie Fun - really, I'm such a *simple girl*.

It's Certificate City up in here! Check out my shiny new Certificate of Completion from @FacebookElevate #NotSponsored

I am following my Certificate in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University with a study program in Digital Marketing from Facebook Elevate! They are currently offering scholarships for their Digital Marketing Certificate for students of color who identify as Black or LatinX, I applied and got accepted.

I just finished one of the modules today and got a Certificate of Completion: "Get Started With Marketing on Facebook"

While I am not new to Facebook or using Facebook for Business, I am aware that in the Digital Marketing Space things change rather quickly and I decided keeping up with my studies is the best way to stay on course. Not to mention all these certifications are going to be wonderful for my LinkedIn profile as well.

I am also trying to keep my study chops sharp while awaiting a decision on an MBA program I applied to.

This year I decided if I couldn't go out I was still going to find ways to stretch and grow and take big leaps of faith.

I have put off my MBA for far too long. It feels like it's time. So please send some good vibes my way!

Readers Sound Off: What big project are you working on this year? No project too big or too small, from home renovations to learning a new language.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Back with another (Not So) #WordlessWednesday What I told myself I'd master this summer, and what I actually did instead!

Despite being home recovering from surgery this summer feels like it has literally flown by! 

This year I signed up for a Certificate Program in Women's Entrepreneurship from Cornell University. I finished six months ahead of schedule, I was supposed to complete the program by January 2022. But since I was stuck at home anyway I applied myself and finished ahead of schedule. 

NOT SPONSORED: If you'd like to learn more about the program and get info on how to apply, you can visit: Bank of America Institute for Women's Entrepreneurship at Cornell

The program was fun and challenging and has given me the impetus to want to continue and yesterday I had an interview with an Admissions Recruiter for an MBA program! 

I also applied for an Elevate Scholarship to study Digital Marketing Skills and was accepted! This year is going to be filled with learning and academic achievement! 

I thought this week for my (Not So) Wordless Wednesday I would share my Certificate of Completion!

What have you been up to this summer? 

Feel free to share in a comment here, or tag us on our social channels: 

Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/Ascending1 or https://www.twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias 

Instagram: https://www.instragram.com/Ascending1 

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/Ascending1 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AscendingButterfly

I had vowed I would spend this summer trying to spend some time on both Clubhouse and TikTok to figure them both out and perhaps start posting content this summer, but so far I'm still lurking! If you are on either channel and have tips/advice I would greatly appreciate it, so please do share!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Spadaro House of Fragrances is my pick for National Fragrance Week! #NationalFragranceWeek

Kim Spadaro - BeautyPress Spotlight Day 2014, Photo Credit: Tracy Iglesias

I was originally introduced to Spadaro House of Fragrances in 2014 at a Beauty Press Spotlight Day event. Press the link to read my original introduction to the brand. (The photo above is from BeautyPress Spotlight Day 2014, I was right on time with this shot with the sunlight shining in from the window!)

Beauty Press Spotlight Day was a well curated event that brought the best of skincare, cosmetics, fragrance and more in one place and invited Editors/Bloggers/Influencers to learn more about each brand up close and personal, and in many cases I had the pleasure of interviewing the Founders of each brand.

With it being National Fragrance Week, I just had to be sure that Spadaro House of Fragrances was on your radar.

I honestly haven't met a scent in her line I didn't fall in love with. I had a chance to sniff the bulk of her line at that specific event, but there is a recent scent that I just had to try and that I really want to put on your radar!

The Founder, Kim Spadaro is a literal dynamo in every sense of the word. She credits her mom for encouraging her creativity, and her fragrances are inspired her world travels. She donates a portion of her proceeds to the The Spadaro Foundation which was created as a tribute to Kim's mom wo passed away on 01/11/11. You can hear her speak on it via realTV films Kim Spadaro Interview on The Spadaro Foundation via RealTV Films Youtube.

With our world in flux right now and travel still off limits I personally am turning to the things that 'transport' me - and for me those things include books, fragrances, music and photography!

I love changing up scents seasonally, I can't say I follow the advice out there about matching the fragrance notes that best represent the season, but I normally would just hit a beauty counter and see what resonated. That's definitely not an option for me right now.

Just before NYC went on lockdown I had a mini makeover at Sephora to get me ready for a networking event - and I now wonder when the next time will be that I get to indulge in playing with makeup and sampling scents at a Beauty Counter due to Covid concerns. (Which by the way I was finally able to get the first of the two Vaccines this weekend, been talking about it on Facebook!)

I had the opportunity to try Kasmaran Privé, and I just had to put this entirely unisex luxury scent on your radar!

I have spent a lifetime blending scents to make something that felt like me and I remember clearly when CK One came out, it was OK, but I wore mostly men's cologne's when I was younger, and that is still where my nose gets attracted to, but I've widened up my variety of women's perfumes quite a bit since my teen years.

It was via a random online discussion on Facebook that I was able to re-connect with Kim, I mentioned that one of my all time favorite scent's was CASMIR by Chopard, and she let me know about her new scent Kasmaran.

Kasmaran Privé is a Spadaro Luxury Fragrance (inspired by Bali) that truly blew me away! It truly exceeded my expectations. If you notice you haven't seen very many ode to perfumes posts here and most of you know why - when it comes to lipstick and scent I rarely wear them straight out the tube/bottle - I do a little alchemy to make them more uniquely me. And I started doing so as a teen. Oddly enough if you read the About section on the Spadaro House of Fragrances website, Kim her sister and her mom would experiment with essential oils, herbs and floral essences picked from their home garden. I absolutely love that we have that in common. (not to mention love of travel!)

 "Kasmaran...the scent of the exotic Indonesian island of Bali. Bali, the mysterious Island of the Gods and a Thousand Temples, is a distant and exotic world that was instantly captures and the inspiration behind the Kasmaran fragrance. Explorations through magnificent gardens, coastal rich mountainous land and bucolic scenery were focal points of admiration. The Balinese people captivate with their warm hospitality, peaceful prayers and sacred offerings which became the inspiration for the mystic scent of Kasmaran" ~ Kim Spadaro, Perfumer 

When I tell you I am wearing something that I didn't feel the need to change or customize, it is the highest praise I can possibly give.

My Take: This versatile and unisex scent gives me just the right warmth (Indonesian Musk Pepper) and for me has been the scent that got Oud right - not so overwhelming that you can't detect other notes, but it definitely doesn't get lost either, you know it's there but it's not clawing at you. It is warm, sensual and evocative in all the right ways. I am happy with how long it lasts on me (scents usually dissipate on me right away) and I get a TON of compliments while wearing this one from both men and women! It's a bit chameleon like, men are drawn to it because it's familiar to them, but women still smell feminine wearing it (I attribute it to the powdery notes). This one is a winner and you won't regret taking the chance!

Notes: Agarwood (Oud), Musk, Indonesian Pepper, Coriander, Frangipani, Vanilla, Lemongrass and Exotic Spices.

While writing this, I simultaneously wrote my very first review on Fragrantica so their users would know this fragrance is one they should take a chance on. Online reviews are becoming so much more important as we don't really have the ability to try before we buy like we used to.

The packaging is completely stand out, and if you are thinking of gifts for any upcoming special occasion, Mothers Day, Grads and yes Dads, 60% of Spadaro Fragrance customers are MALE, this would be an amazing gift. A gift that will transport their senses each and every time they wear it.

For me scents that give me an incense vibe in some way are always a favorite of mine, they literally feel like they are taking away negative energy and clearing the atmosphere of both myself and my home. And always remember spray slightly above you and in front of you and walk through the scent mist. I also like to spray just a touch on my hairbrush liner and let it dry and then put the liner on my brush. It kisses your hair with scent. Do you know why they tell you this at the beauty counter? Perfume over time can be very drying to your skin where you apply it and can cause wrinkles to appear, so put the scented lotion on your skin to keep it moist and wrinkle free and spray a mist that you walk into to preserve the youthful appearance of your skin. (and spray in an open area, not over your wooden dresser, you don't want to mar your wood by doing this).

While I have been doing this all along since Ascending Butterfly's inception in 2008, I have been trying my best this year to spend more focus on women and minority owned brands. It feels more important now than ever.

I can tell you that social distancing has been an instant and immediate reminder to all of us that home and self-care are critical now more than ever. While I know everyone wants you to 'Kondo' and make more space and organize and toss everything, I am here with a different message - take that extra long hot bath,(trust me the dishes, the kids, the spouse, the pets, the Netflix can all wait a few more minutes), spray the perfume (the one you hide from yourself that you only use on date night or girls night out), experiment with your makeup, not because of zoom meetings or skype calls or facetime, use the pretty lingerie (yes even if you are like me currently single), paint your nails, do the face mask for no other reason at all but that you are worth it. All your pretty things that you worked so hard to acquire? Spend time enjoying them all. But if you are in toss mode because it's spring, please try to donate what is in good condition instead of just tossing.

I hope this National Fragrance Week Post not only puts an amazing scent, Kasmaran on your radar, but that it inspires you to focus on what makes you feel good about yourself, what brings out your confidence and femininity. Perfume and my signature red lip are like a cape to a super hero. Once they are on, I am in the zone and ready to take on the world.

Let's keep lifting each other up, and be sure that it doesn't stop when the world 'opens up' again. Let's look out for one another everyday!

Readers Sound Off: Leave us a comment with your favorite/signature scent! Is it one scent or do you layer a few to get something a bit more personal to you?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, all opinions are 100% my own! I received a Press Mailing that did include the Fragrance. 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.

Happy Women's History Month and a Deal at #Amazon you should not miss!

Happy Women's History Month Butterflies!

Some fun ways to honor the women in your life:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Video Interview - Write a series of questions and video your mother, grandmother, aunts, cousins, sisters giving you their answers. It's a fun way to get to know them better and an amazing memory of them to have and pass down.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Spa night at home - have a spa night at home - manis, pedis, face masks, and a nice glass of wine of course!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Call - Last suggestion ties in with the 'steal' I teased about in the subject of this post. If this Global Pandemic has taught us anything, it's taught us that what matters most is the health and wellbeing of those we love. If you want a fun way to keep everyone connected invest in a Amazon Echo Show Device - it's one of the easiest ways to make a video call with friends and family - and the Alexa your trusty personal assistant can do a whole bunch of fun stuff including games making a virtual game night with family and friends that much more fun.

Amazon is currently knocking off $100 if you buy two Echo Show 10 (3rd Generation) Devices! (These are also perfect to nab now if you need gifts for the major gifting opportunities around the corner: Mother's Day in May, Father's Day in June, or for a June Grad - they may be about to spread their wings, but this gift will let them stay connected to the ones they love.)

Use the code: SHOW102PACK when you buy 2 Amazon Echo Show devices and you will get $100 off!

I ordered the Amazon Echo Show 5 in early February, it actually took awhile to arrive, so I just started playing with mine. Had I known the bigger one was going on sale so soon I would have waited and nabbed this deal instead! Did you know you could push pictures and music to someone's show? I just found this out and I am totally obsessed! Is there a song that reminds of you someone, send that song to their show device, did you scan an old photo of you and your friends and family? Send a copy right to their Echo Show so they can share in the nostalgia too! Don't you just love that as a gift idea, it literally fits anyone in your life perfectly?

Remember most deals are a limited time only, so grab this one while it's HOT:

Readers: What Woman Do You Admire Most and How Do You Plan to Honor Her During Women's History Month?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Craft Brews), Foodie Fun - really I'm such a *simple girl*.