Ascending Butterfly

Gardens & Works by Ebony G. Patterson …things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…begins May 27 at New York Botanical Garden #EbonyGPatterson #EbonyGPattersonNYBG

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Fri, 26 May 2023 13:12:00 +0000

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

For my New York City Butterflies, here is a memorial day weekend recommendation for you!

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Contemporary Visual Artist and winner of the 2023 David C. Driskell Prize, Ebony G. Patterson's latest exhibition "things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…" is set to open to the public starting May 27 and run through September 17th, 2023.

New York Botanical is showcasing creative women of color twice in a row, first with this year's Orchid Show with designer Lily Kwong and now with this exhibition by Ebony G. Patterson - and I am entirely here for it!

Ms. Patterson is the first visual artist ever to embed within the institution for an immersive residency. She worked directly with NYBG's gardens and collections to form a new body of work that brings her unique perspective on formal gardens to life within the 250-acre National Historic Landmark Landscape.

Visual Artist Ebony G. Patterson, Courtesy of the artist and Monique Meloche Gallery, Chicago; Photo: Frank Isman

Gardens tend to be celebrated when they are in full bloom, when they are fragrant and colorful. They don't get the same love when they are dormant or worse still decaying. But they are nonetheless an important part of the process and life, and this is what is explored in this new exhibition.

The exhibition reflects a deep engagement with the concept of gardens as human-made interventions in nature while shedding new light on the Botanical Garden. It aims to provide new pathways for engagement with the garden and the natural world. It explores that the processes of molting, shedding and decaying are actually revelatory processes that give way to healing, regeneration and ultimately beauty. Are gardens really burial grounds for history?

Outside of the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory there are hundreds of vulture sculptures each doing something different but many are focused on flowers, flowers that include zinnias, sunflowers, and cosmos rendered in blood-red hues, with ruptures that are being tended to by the vultures.Vultures remove dead and decaying animals from the environment. Patterson reveals that while they don't have the most glamorous job in nature, their work is nonetheless important. She refers to their essential ecosystem service as an "act of care".

In addition to the glitter encrusted vultures, there is also a monumental peacock sculpture! Patterson's work explores the entanglements of race, gender and colonialism while inviting visitors to contemplate their own relationships with gardens and the natural world.

Pricing:

Adults: $35

Students (with Valid ID) and Seniors (65+): $31

Children (2-12 years of age): $15

Children under 2: FREE

Patrons/Members: FREE

Wednesdays all day grounds access pass is FREE to NYC residents! Remember that Grounds Admission does not include admission to the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, Special Exhibitions or Tram Tour. Visit nybg.org for more information on event calendar and ticket pricing.

MY TAKE:

As a butterfly lover I have always marveled at Nature's ability to transform itself. A butterfly starts out as a caterpillar. Not the prettiest creature, but it transforms itself into a thing of delicate and graceful beauty. As you explore, make it a mindful meditation on ways you can shed what no longer serves you to emerge into a more beautiful version of yourself. (inner beauty and grace, not just outer!)

Readers Sound Off: What are your weekend plans?

Also, are you NYC central or will be this summer? If you would like me to host a giveaway for tickets to this exhibition, let us know in the comments and I will try my best to make it happen!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored/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, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

#ad May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Let's explore ways to elevate mood and enhance mental health! #PureAmbassador #DollSquad

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Tue, 23 May 2023 12:16:00 +0000

Mental Health Awareness Month!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month (MAHM). Some people are calling it *Mood Awareness Month* as well. I strongly believe our Mental Health greatly affects our Physical Health. While it is certainly not as simple as 'mind over matter', our mental health is as important to our well-being as our physical health.

Are you the strong one in your social circle? The one who everyone relies on, looks towards for solutions or help? Is anyone checking in on you?

The weight of caring for others can greatly affect our mood and our mood correlates with our mental health. I just want you to know I see you! I am that person in my circles, and over the past few years where my chronic pain has reached higher levels than I could handle, I often mentioned that I was not OK, and sadly was never met with the sympathy/empathy I have shown others. I had one person on Facebook that I have known for years tell me "Do you think that you are the only person in the world with problems?" I thought I felt alone in 2011 when I was in a hospital bed deathly ill and no one seemed to care, but having someone say that to me so pointedly cut to the quick. Not only was it a painful revelation but also one that made me turn inwards and become even more stoic than I already am. Bottling things up is never good!

*Self Care* has been my New Year's Focus Phrase/Intention for a number of years now. Do you know why? Because I haven't been doing the best job of it. Not a lack of knowledge but a set of catch 22 circumstances that hasn't made it easy to be kind enough to myself.

There are three sets of circumstances that share something in common, weight loss, developing healthy eating habits and mental health - people can shove pat answers and platitudes down your throat but until you yourself take the reins, nothing changes. They all also need to start directly with seeking the right Doctor to rule out organic issues for the problem. Provided you have already done that, let's explore ways to improve mood and mental health, not just in May, but everyday! That is exactly what the Ascending Butterfly Empowerment Community is all about.

Which heart are you today?

Before I delve into some ways I am using to improve my mood, I have to start by reminding you that if you are in a dark place, if you are feeling suicidal reach out! Pick up your phone and dial 988, it is available 24 hours a day/7 days a week. You matter. You are not alone. Tomorrow is a fresh start - but you have.to.stay.

Money is NOT your identity - if you are experiencing financial insecurities there are ways out, if you are experiencing food insecurities apply to the supplemental nutrition assistance program to help get you and your family meals until things turn around. If money is not your issue but too much time is or loneliness has you feeling down, there are tons of not-for-profit organizations who still need volunteers. Look into community organizations in your neighborhood to make an impact on your community!

I am a long time mushroom lover and have been exploring finding more ways to incorporate mushrooms into my daily routine - I do cook with them but was never sure if I was getting enough of their benefits that way.

Here are some mood boosters I have been greatly enjoying!

🦋 If you spend too many hours in front of a digital device - computer, phone, laptop, you are going to be interested in this product! I am currently trying the ScreenProtect Gummy from Pure Encapsulations - I spend all day in front of digital devices. I do have my laptop on the setting that protects me from blue light but since I am in front of a screen literally all day long I thought I could use more help! These papaya flavored gummies are a nootropic blend that support mental endurance and visual function during extended computer use. These support visual acuity & comfort with lutein + zeaxanthin.

They promote mental endurance, support mental alertness for up to 5 hours, and they contain EnXtra Alpinia galanga extract for a caffeine-free mental endurance support. They are indicated for individuals with 3+ hours of screen use daily and are also over 18 years of age! I just started with these so I will report back in a bit on how they are working for me once I have had more time taking them. This is my first nootropic supplement ever so I feel like I have so much to learn. I am trying to get better at taking care of my eye health. I put way too much strain on my eyes both writing and doing photography editing.

🦋 This one says it all in the product's name: Daily Pure Pack - Mood Balance - I felt a difference in three days, and considering I am in constant chronic pain - currently having a Rheumatoid Arthritis inflammation pain flare that my Rheumatologist described as 'the worst I have ever seen and I have been doing this for a very long time' for this supplement to help me balance my mood this quickly is nothing short of amazing. This product helps to: promote positive mood, moderate occasional stress, maintain healthy eating behavior, and support emotional and mental well-being. Results will vary, but I am very optimistic about these for myself so far. I also really like Pure Encapsulations SAMe which I have featured here before.

🦋 Mushrooms are also appearing in beauty products and I have one that belongs on your radar! Doll Skin Genius Hyaluronic & Reishi Mushroom Repairing Serum. This hydrating and repairing serum with reishi mushroom and five weights of hyaluronic acid penetrates deeply and fills skin with hydration for a visibly plump effect. This bottle of serum is definitely vanity worthy and pairs perfectly with my next reco:

🦋 Yes you can apply any serum with your hand, but how about a method of application that in and of itself has multiple benefits? I am obsessed with my new A&G Stone Gua Sha Facial Massage Tool that I purchased at World Market (yes, I bought this one, it was not gifted!) Gua Sha has origins in Chinese Medicine, the smooth edge of the Gua Sha is used to lightly scrape the face and neck to stimulate blood circulation and lymphatic drainage and is thought to lift and tone the skin. It is recommended to use it with you favorite skincare, I prefer using it with serums. Rose quartz is considered the love stone so I selected this stone to help enhance my self-care and self-love healing vibes for 2023! They also have this one in Jade if welcoming in prosperity as you manage your self care is more your vibe. Either way, you can't go wrong. Just remember, be gentle, don't tug at your face!

🦋 Scent, Rest and Sleep - I have recommended a few CBD, Melatonin and Teas on these pages that help with sleep. As well as aromatherapy options like lavender that help with relaxation. I don't get enough sleep and I am actively working on getting better with this aspect of my self-care.

🦋 Music - A cheap and easy way to elevate your mood! Have you updated your playlist lately? Try making mood playlists. You don't have to listen to the playlist that reflects your current mood you can listen to the one that reflects the mood you *want* to be in.

🦋 Pets - The benefits to your mood from welcoming a pet into your life are numerous. Pets will return your love and affection ten fold.

🦋 Pay it forward/Good deeds. Pay for coffee for the person behind you on line, or a fast food meal, or for gas, etc. Knowing you are bringing someone unexpected joy will bring you joy as well. And you never know when that good karma will come back to you. More than likely it will be when you least expect it and most need it.

MY TAKE:

If you are in the mood for a more comprehensive read on this topic, check out this great article on Food Revolution Network entitled "How Mushrooms Can Help with Depression, Anxiety, and Your Overall Mental Health" published June 22, 2022.

So many things can affect our mood positively or negatively, but actively working on what triggers your bad mood and learning to adjust how you react to those stressors will go a long way to preserving a more balanced mood and ultimately your mental health and well-being. Just like with weight loss and developing healthy eating habits, you have to start with small steps and build so those positive new behaviors become a new habit. A new *healthier* behavior!

I am trying every avenue I can to improve my mood and my mental health and being more aware of my mood, of my need to take breaks, and my need to be more disciplined with healthy habits. It's a process and journey, not a silver bullet or an overnight fix.

And yes butterflies, we all just have blah days - those days where we can't put a name to why we are less than our usual selves. It's OK. Take that mental health day. Give yourself permission to rest, to put off the things that can wait until tomorrow, to talk it out with a friend, a therapist, a family member - there are so many ways to elevate your mood.

So don't let that HBO show turn you off to the power of mushrooms! And remember with a supplement you don't have to worry about taste issues for those of you who would like the benefits of mushrooms but don't care for the taste. No, you don't burp up a mushroom taste in your mouth with any of these supplements! 🍄☺

Readers Sound Off: How do you elevate your mood? What heart are you today from the Mental Health Check In Graphic?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. There is no financial remuneration in the making of this post, some products were provided for Editorial Consideration others were purchased. 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, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias

https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly

Venmo: Ascending1

Beautiful Mother's Day Wishes from your friends at Ascending Butterfly! #MothersDay #MothersDay2023

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Sun, 14 May 2023 12:31:00 +0000

Happy Mother's Day Butterflies!

Happy Mother's Day Butterfly, whether you are:

🦋 A Mother of one or many!

🦋 A mother who has lost her children.

🦋 An adoptive mom who brought a child who needed love into her home!

🦋 A grandmother

🦋 A great-grandmother

🦋 A pet mom!

🦋 A plant Mom!

🦋 Someone who wants to be a mom.

🦋A Godmother!

🦋An Aunt who is raising a niece or nephew

MY TAKE:

Me and mom weren't in the mood for crowds this year so I took her to dinner on Friday and plan to cook today, and I also surprised her with a card from Fresh Cut Paper called 'Pink Tulips' I love how they look like an actual bouquet of flowers, her last name 'rosado' translates to pink in English. The bouquet comes with a note card, but inside the notecard I put in an Asian Money Envelope for this year - the year of the rabbit - because my mom was born in the year of the rabbit and in the money envelope I put money in the exact amount of the years I have walked this earth - I knew that would make her smile. She actually made me laugh by saying she can't wait until I turn $100! I ordered her favorite cake but sadly it won't be here on time.

Here is the card:

(And NO dolls this is not sponsored, they have no idea I am featuring them today!)

I am sending one out to my Lawyer soon as a thank you for her efforts in my case in a different style!

I love this idea so much! They truly make thoughtful gifts and the notecard is perfect for writing your sentiments and also slipping in a gift card should you choose to add something additional. And they only take four forever stamps so you don't have to run to the post office provided you have stamps on hand of course!

I always try to put together thoughtful and fun ways to make my mom feel celebrated and appreciated.

Readers Sound Off: How are you spending Mother's Day this year?

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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, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias

https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly

Venmo: Ascending1

#ad A #SelfcareSunday for your Gut! Show your tummy some love with amazing products from Pure Encapsulations. #PureAmbassador

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Sun, 30 Apr 2023 13:15:00 +0000

A Self Care Sunday for your Gut!

NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

I know the internet tries to sell you on a SelfCare Sunday that's all face masks and wine, but taking a step toward a healthier you is important too! Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the joys of a good mental health day too, but I am also here for taking small steps towards my physical health.

If you have been considering doing a 'cleanse' I am trying to two products from Pure that you should definitely consider!

🦋 PRODUCT ONE:

PureDefense Collagen with Bone Broth Powder The hardest part of a cleanse is feeling *deprived*, but how about a way to enjoy your cleanse and still get protein in addition to these benefits:

🦋 Immune system support with fermented EpiCor postbiotic

🦋 Promotion of barrier integrity - specifically your G.I. mucosal lining

🦋 Cell health and joint support from natural, bioactive compounds (including plant-based flavoniods)

🦋 15 grams of protein from grass-fed beef bone broth AND collagen peptides

Includes immune-supportive mushrooms (fellow Horror/SciFi loving entertainment watchers, no worries you won't turn into a cordycep zombie), enhanced absorption turmeric extract, fermented black garlic extract (this is not my first time featuring black garlic extract, it is incredibly beneficial in so many ways) and an organic vegetable blend, offering both flavor and immune-supporting phytonutrients

Combine a scoop of this powder with hot water for comforting and savory goodness that has health benefits and won't leave you feeling deprived. I would do a smoothie for breakfast, this for lunch and dinner on your cleanse days. If you are trying to reduce meat in your diet, this is also an excellent option for your *meatless mondays* or a meal for Fridays during Lent.

🦋 PRODUCT TWO:

Probiotic G.I. - Helping to promote support digestive function and immune function is something I personally do daily. A Probiotic is definitely helpful before, during and well past a cleanse. This one helps:

🦋 Promote G.I. health

🦋 Helps maintain healthy cellular activity in the G.I. tract

🦋 Supports healthy barrier function, cell health and immune function in the G.I. tract

Provides 10 billion colony forming units (CFU) per capsule of the beneficial strains Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus casei, Bifidobacterium lactis and Streptococcus thermophilus

Note: It is suggested to refrigerate this one and it arrived to me cool (the package had a ice pack in it) - so put this in your refrigerator or beauty fridge if you have one!

Pill Size:

MY TAKE:

The only other thing I would add to this list is keeping a pot of ginger tea brewed and at the ready (I like to buy organic ginger and make this tea myself but you can also buy a Ginger tea on the market!)

I enjoy bone broth even when I am not on a cleanse of any type. This is a perfect product to keep in your desk at work, especially in winter when you don't want to go out or get so busy you do not have time to order in. Just get a cup of hot water from the water cooler and add a scoop of this to it, instant lunch that has protein, is super comforting, and won't weigh you down!

ROCK THE VOTE:

I still need testimonials to help me advance to the voting round for my Sephora Squad application, literally 10-15 words and you get ZERO emails in conjunction with your support! Remember Ambassadorships for your favorite blogger always mean fun stuff for readers too! VOTE: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

Readers Sound Off: What does a typical Selfcare Sunday look like for you?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. However I am a brand ambassador for Pure Encapsulations and products were 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, check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias

https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly

Venmo: Ascending1

A #420 that is three years in the making! Happy 4/20 day! Here is a round up of brands and products that stand out!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Thu, 20 Apr 2023 15:39:00 +0000

Happy 4/20 day butterflies!

Chronic Pain Warriors, Anxiety Suffererers and Insomniacs This Post is for YOU!

Note: This post does not make medical claims, and you must discuss incorporating CBD into your wellness plans with your physician!

BRAND ONE:

Three years ago I attended a favorite conference, the conference had a ton of lifestyle brands there in addition to their core focus which I definitely loved, and someone urged me to visit a booth called "VERBÖDEN" and try the 'chocolate'. Me thinking it was an artisanal chocolate maker I headed over there as quick as my feet would take me! I met the team and realized the truffles were a little more than I expected. I have to admit this lifelong nerd has never smoked, anything, ever. And while that is still the case, I got a crash course in CBD from the owners who paid very close attention to my very long list of chronic pain issues, insomnia, anxiety and more and suggested I try their CHILL sublingual oil (Full Spectrum) and their no triflin truffles. (I took home the two piece sampler that day and I can tell you just go straight for the 9 count box!)

Those two products will always hold a special place in my heart as that is where my CBD journey began! Just getting started I found the truffles a bit more palatable than the oil at first, over time I got used to just how much quicker you get the benefits when using the sublinguals which I already had some experience with as a sublingual ginseng user.

I want to try more products from their line for sure. For anxiety I lean more toward CHILL and for Insomnia I lean more toward their truffles (not to mention if you have a sweet tooth it is a great way to wind down your evening). I am proud to report they are a Certified B Corp. and they are women led, their CEO Jena Min is such an amazing person and I am so glad to have met her in person. I only wish we would have had the chance to nab a quick photo, but needless to say with them being the only CBD brand there, her team definitely had their hands full that day.

BRAND TWO:

Ancient Nutrition Organic CBD Hemp Oil - 20 mg. (Full Spectrum) This is literally the second sublingual I tried and I was lucky to be able to say this was another winner. Now when I say something is a *winner* I mean 'efficacy' - it works for me! And every time I tried a new brand or product I learned something new, they suggested adding theirs to coffee which I thought was a great idea, since I was having tea the day this arrived I put it in my tea and I didn't find that it altered the taste of the tea much (yes you'll be aware of the mct oil that is used as a carrier) and I enjoyed it a bit more in the tea than as a sublingual. They have this product with caplets in their intermediate kit or you can purchase the oil alone using the link provided at the beginning of this paragraph. I spent awhile with this brand as it was the only one available near me in retail (once the pandemic hit I branched out with ordering products online)

BRAND THREE:

Winged Wellness - (affiliate link, be sure to use the discount code Tracy20) I won an international women's day contest via Instagram this year. It was a perfectly curated combo of some power house brands and Winged Wellness was one of them. I am just starting on a super wide assortment of their products and they are definitely going to need to their own dedicated post, but the first thing that stood out is they are as butterfly centered as I am as you can see on their packaging! They are also women led, founded by Jessica Mulligan.

"The idea to start Winged came after plant medicine saved me from a dark place. I wanted to share the relief I felt with other women and set out to design a product line formulate for women" ~Jessica Mulligan

This literally spoke to *directly* to me. It perfectly encompasses how I feel!

I am literally just starting with the line so a full review is forthcoming as I go along trying out the different products, but I did want to also single out that they have a Dark Chocolate THC Free, Vegan and sugar free ingestible that I want to put on your radar - Dark Chocolate Hibiscus Infused Relaxation Bites with Maca (a female specific adaptogen grown in the mountains of Peru, nourishes glands throughout the body responsible for hormone production and improves mood and stress response) & 5-HTP (an amino acid precursor to serotonin, the brain's "happy" neurotransmitter that is linked to feelings of wellbeing and positive mood) I tend to lean toward Chocolate anything as I have a late night sweet tooth and these are perfect! Crafted by a 4th generation chocolatier utilizing certified organic cacao ethically sourced from a female run co-op farm. Organic CBD that is sourced from broad spectrum hemp extract to help minimize the feelings of stress. Hibiscus flower petal extract adds antioxidant protection and a floral tang to each dark chocolate bite. The reviews are high for these for 'that time of the month' hopefully I have some left by then so I can report back on that specific benefit!

I applied for their ambassador program so keep your fingers crossed butterflies. I'd love to be able to work with them directly - there is just a very strong synergy I feel for the products and brand and what they are trying to achieve.

I am happy to report that I am an affiliate and if you would like a 20% discount on this product or any other at Winged Wellness enter the code: Tracy20

BRAND FOUR:

Medterra True Full Spectrum Deep Sleep CBD Gummies - so you know those ads on Facebook that offer a full size product for the price of shipping the item to you? I pressed on one and discovered this hero product! I read the reviews and the complaints that the shipping was kind of high, but decided to proceed anyway and I am so glad I did. This product definitely delivers and should you see this offer show up on your meta/facebook page, do not hesitate! It was NOT a subscription, just a one time shipping charge for a full size product that arrived to me in perfect condition. Note: my mom, affectionately called "mama butterfly" around these parts, has been stealing these from me and asked me to re-order some! So in one sampling they gained two customers! (By the way I have tried a few beauty products this way since trying this and I have been greatly enjoying these types of offers. Please be careful and do your research make sure when you find these types of offers that they are legit - not all are!)

BRAND FIVE:

Highline Wellness CBD Body Oil - I also tried their CBD sleep gummies with melatonin which I did like as well, but the oil is definitely the hero product in their line, it is a combo of marula oil, Jojoba seed oil, vitamin E and Neroli oil, in collaboration with Health and Wellness Guru Hannah Bronfman's HBFIT, it will nourish and soothe your skin it is powered by a potent blend of oils paired with the relaxing and therapeutic qualities of hemp-derived CBD, you will find that your skin will drink it in! I personally would have appreciated a bit of scent with this one, but it is definitely hydrating and I use it while my skin is damp post shower. I do apply a squirt of my fave perfume in my hands and mix it with the oil before applying it onto my skin. (Full disclosure: I was a brand ambassador when I got to try these products. Sadly my affiliate codes expired as I was biting off a bit more than I could chew at the time. I will definitely have to re-apply and hope they will welcome me back!)

BRAND SIX:

For the 'format I never knew I needed award' comes canibrands! This is not a perfume sampler spray bottle, this is a sprayer version from their Cani-Sleep family of CBD sleep products which are natural and non-habit forming, they target all three key sleep phases: relaxing before sleep, falling asleep and staying asleep. For those of you like me who have issues with your hands, be it Rheumatoid Arthritis, Neuropathy, Fibromyalgia you will find this spray format by far the easiest way to use a sublingual. If you drop it, there is no bottle to break and you won't lose product. You can spray it with more accuracy, no fumbling with a dropper and aside from gum or ingestibles is an amazingly easy way to travel with your favorite formulation in your pocket or purse!

They offer four sprays, see collections:

cani-boost for Focus and Energy

cani-mend for Repair and Recovery

cani-fresh for Relaxation and Revitalization

Cani Sleep CBD for rest + sleep

MY TAKE:

Over the years I have slowly but surely tried a wide variety of brands and products. Some gifted/sampled and others I have purchased.

Regular readers may know that during the pandemic I spent time studying. First I did a certificate program in Women's Entrepreneurial Studies at eCornell and recently I graduated from NASDAQ's Milestone Circles program. Both of them together felt like the most well rounded, near Masters Degree Level experience out there. And both allowed me to interface and learn and grow from a wide variety of entrepreneurs and study with fellow entrepreneurs. It was a time consuming but totally amazing experience. I have been trying to start writing again more this year. Oddly at the time where I had the most going on, the most to share and the most to say, I genuinely did not have the time. But I did have a ton of sleepless nights studying again, and was glad that I was already well enough into my CBD journey to be able to find products that helped me.

I have been trying to make a conscious effort to support women led brands. Helping other female entrepreneurs succeed be it by supporting them on these pages, or on social media, or of course by purchases, just feels right after spending two years immersed in women's entrepreneurial studies.

If you are asking yourself 'butterfly if these products are so great why do you keep trying others'? Simple, I am still very much learning and trying out different products helps me learn what works best for me, remember dosing might be different from brand to brand as it will be from person to person. If you have questions about dosing always check out a brand FAQ page and feel free to use contact us to ask questions to a rep when you don't see an answer on their page or a review that addresses your specific type of issues. You will find that the brands are always happy to help and will steer you in the right direction.

I have been enjoying the wide range of ways/products that are available and most importantly how effective they are for me. The benefits of the cumulative effects of taking them regularly, and find the topical, ingestible and spray formulation by far to be my favorites.

Readers Sound Off: Have you tried CBD yet? If so what brands and products do you recommend?

If you want to see this Chronic Pain Warrior join Sephora Squad please put in a testimonial for my Sephora Squad 2023 application here: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

Let's show brands that differently-abled people are beautiful!

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

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

I almost went to meet Jesus! My morning shower almost killed me! #WTFWednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Wed, 12 Apr 2023 11:48:00 +0000

**My What the Fuck Wednesday Moment:**

Ya'll your favorite butterfly almost went to meet Jesus!

I was taking a shower this morning, I heard a bursting sound and when I looked up my shower head flew off and hit the ceiling and water was spewing directly from the pipe, the water was literally *everywhere*! The shower head then hit the top of a cabinet and was bounding back toward me with full force.

As an Aries I knew to protect my head as that is where people born under the sign of Aries tend to get hurt.

Once I knew I was safe I went scrambling to put off the water. And when I inspected the shower head it looked like it had melted from the inside, I have never seen anything like it before or experienced anything like it for that matter.

Then I had to get a pot from the kitchen because these arthritic knees was not trying to sit on the floor of the bathtub and take a bath!

It was both not cute and hysterically funny at the same time!

Never a dull moment!

I opted to put on new underwear though, just in case! Special shout out to Jesus and all my Angels for keeping that shower head from hell from killing me!

Readers Sound Off: Has your shower head ever tried to kill you? Have you had a #WTF moment this week yet?

If you want to see this Latina Chronic Pain Warrior join Sephora Squad (because if Beauty isn't the place for my sense of humor right?) then please put in a testimonial for #SephoraSquad23 application here: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Happy Easter! Easter Quotes + Thing To Do Recommendation if you are in New York City! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Sun, 09 Apr 2023 12:55:00 +0000

Happy Easter Butterflies!

For my Christian Peeps: He is Risen! Today is a day to rejoice!

Some Beautiful Easter Quotes (secular and religious):

🦋 "Easter is the demonstration of God that life is essentially spiritual and timeless." ~ Charles M. Crowe

🦋 "God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power" ~ 1 Corinthians 6:14

🦋 "I am the resurrection and the life." ~ John 11:25

🦋 "The great gift of Easter is hope" ~ Basil Hume

🦋 "There would be no Christmas if there was no Easter" ~ Gordon B. Hinckley

🦋 "Spring shows what God can do with a drab and dirty world." ~ Virgil A. Kraft

🦋 "You can cut all the flowers but you cannot keep spring from coming." ~ Pablo Neruda

🦋 "The very first Easter taught us this: that life never ends and love never dies." ~ Kate McGahan

🦋 "The day the Lord created hope was probably the same day He created spring." ~Bernard Williams

🦋 "Do not abandon yourselves to despair. We are the Easter people and hallelujah is our song." ~ Pope John Paul II

🦋 "Easter is the only time when it's perfectly safe to put all your eggs in one basket." ~ Evan Esar

🦋 "By grace, we are saved through faith." ~ Kevin DeYoung

🦋 "On Easter Day the veil between time and eternity thins to gossamer." ~ Douglas Horton

🦋 "Don't wait for someone to bring you flowers. Plant your own garden and decorate your own soul." ~ Luther Burbank

🦋 "Where man sees but withered leaves, God sees sweet flowers growing." ~ Albert Lighton

🦋 "The resurrection gives my life meaning and direction and the opportunity to start over no matter what my circumstances." ~ Robert Flatt

🦋 "Our Lord has written the promise of resurrection, not in the books alone, but in every leaf in springtime" ~ Martin Luther

🦋 "Twas Easter Sunday. The full-blossomed trees filled all the air with fragrance and with joy." ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Still need your help!

🦋 Where you come in:

I applied for Sephora Squad again this year and I am going to need testimonials to move to the next round! Here is the link to provide your testimonial: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

Just for clarity - they want to hear why my blog or my social feeds resonate with you. So men you too can leave a testimonial, this is not just how I inspire people when it comes to makeup, skincare and hair care but in general.

🦋 Readers Sound Off: What are your plans for Easter?

For those of you local to New York City, I very much highly recommend seeing The Orchid Show at New York Botanical Garden, this year marks the return of Orchid Evenings not to be missed in my humble opinion! My review: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2023/02/a-media-preview-day-like-no-other.html

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Happy Birthday To Me! Another year around the sun! + I may be a Losu Tree!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Tue, 04 Apr 2023 10:05:00 +0000

Happy Birthday To Me!

I have no idea why the hashtag #IfYouSendMeFiveDollars is trending. But since today is my birthday, I'll play!

I want to see @shenyunperformingarts for my birthday!

#ShenYun is in NYC starting April 6th.

Let's see if this hashtag can make that happen!

Cashapp: $ascendingbutterfly
Paypal: http://paypal.me/TracyIglesias
Venmo: @Ascending1

+ Not all gifts cost, I could still use a two sentence testimonial for my Sephora Squad 2023 Application! Post it here: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

🦋 My personal *New Years Day*

I read in a magazine ages ago, that instead of New Years Eve/Day being when we *reset* the year and revisit our goals, it should be our birthday. Our personal annual rebirth. That always resonated with me, and so for me, today is New Years Day! My annual reset!

LOSU TREE!

🦋 - This flowering tree is called the Losu tree. It is extremely rare and found in China. There are only three of them. It blooms once a year in April, and China provides it with severe protection to preserve it. It is also called the April snow because of its very white flowers. I might just be a Losu tree, since I bloom in April too! LOL!

🦋 Readers Sound Off: Do you consider New Years Day or Your Birthday your annual reset + why?

I love that messages have started coming in on my social feed, I plan to be out and about today, so I will return messages in the next few days!

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Do you like rooting for the underdog? Here's your chance! #SephoraSquad2023

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Fri, 24 Mar 2023 15:18:00 +0000

Am I a glutton for punishment or just the most persistent blogger on the planet?

Do you remember Elmyra Duff from Tiny Toon Adventures and its successor show, Animaniacs? She would chase kittens and say "I'm gonna hug you and kiss you and love you forever. I love cats I love kitties, squeeze them into itty bittys!" - You have to admit that Elmyra was cough *persistent*. That is how I am feeling going into another year of applying for Sephora Squad.

During College one of my many part time jobs was selling Classified Ads for a local paper. Sales in general help you develop a tough skin. You learn to let rejection roll off your back and take it in stride. I am sure you remember I tried in 2022, here is the link to my post: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2022/03/the-impact-of-beauty-in-digital-age.html

Why I feel 2023 is *my year*

🦋 Sometimes doing something different just pulls you right back into what you love doing.

I started off as a print journalist, a human interest reporter to be exact. Eventually a pro film critic. Then it was lifestyle pieces for magazines, and then a television newswriter. I came into blogging 'backwards' - most people start here hoping to propel into mainstream media. All this time during the pandemic I haven't been writing on these pages as often because I was in back to back Post Graduate study programs. I already have my Bachelors of Arts in Mass Media Communications, and used these programs as a tool to figure out whether or not to pursue a Masters. These programs, both run vastly different, one by eCornell and the other the Milestone Circles program sponsored by NASDAQ both had me tap into various sides of myself. Both prepared me to dive harder into my serial entrepreneurial pursuits.

🦋 Connections.

Both programs created a sisterhood during the cohorts of women Entrepreneurs in different stages of their journeys. Those connections very much lit a spark within me in many ways. But the one thing that both my studies and connecting with other Entrepreneurs had in common was that they motivated me to want to re-engage with my own community more.

🦋 Women Led/Women Owned/Women Founded

The beauty industry is often women led brands. It is the place where women create that seat at the table for themselves and other women. It dovetails perfectly with all I have learned during my multi year deep dive into the challenges of being a Woman Entrepreneur. When I started Ascending Butterfly in 2008 I was already a ghost writer for brand social media pages and a contributing writer to an award winning brand blog. So when I started my own digital space I knew it was important to me to work with women-led brands, entrepreneurs of color and brands that focus on giving to charitable causes.

🦋Ambassadorships.

The nature of brand Ambassadorships have morphed quite a bit throughout the years, but it still my remains my favorite ways to work with brands. It gives me an inside view of a brand and deepens my relationships with them. I love that they often come with the opportunities to host giveaways, offer exclusive discount codes and many times there are headquarters visits which I always find exciting! What delights me about the chance to work with Sephora is that they carry such a wide variety of products - they literally have something for everyone. I was smart enough at the onset of my blog to know that it needed to match my personality - I never wanted to be 'niched'. If someone had to put me in a box I only allowed it to be *lifestyle* or *empowerment* not a specific type of industry or product. For most that would prove a challenge, but for me (and maybe that is the Aries in me) I loved the opportunity to breeze in and out of topics and let them be as varied as my interests. As you may know I started a new Ambassadorship this year with Pure Encapsulations. For me health and beauty start from within, and working with Pure has made me even more selective with what I put in my body.

🦋So much to say!

Truth be told while my nose was in the books, I had so much to say. But I knew myself enough to know that to succeed as a student again I needed to focus. I knew just how easily events, a plethora of products and developing new interests could become a distraction if I took every thought to my blog. Now that my studying is over, I can dive back into my community, with a renewed sense of purpose and energy and I can get back to writing/blogging and photography again.

🦋 JOY!

Learning really sparks joy in me. One of the things about this Ambassadorship that delights me is getting access to learning opportunities from the best and brightest in the industry. My love of beauty was born from the joy of alchemy. From making my own signature lipstick color because what was on the market at the time didn't suit me, to making my own signature fragrance and even mixing products to get a concealer and foundation that is a match for my skin tone (all this as a teen) has made me realize I am still very much excited by the beauty industry and there is still so much to learn.

🦋 Where you come in:

I am going to need testimonials to move to the next round and then votes when I get there! Here is the link to provide your testimonial: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

Just for clarity - they want to hear what about my blog or my social feeds resonate with you. So men you too can leave a testimonial, this is not just how I inspire people when it comes to makeup, skincare and hair care but in general.

🦋 Readers Sound Off: How does the Ascending Butterfly community inspire you?

While I have always had my hesitations when it comes to voting contests (they end up feeling more like a popularity contest to me) I do love a challenge and I know this year I am very much up for new challenges personally and professionally!

So right now, I am a just a blogger, standing in front of a brand, asking them to include her. (If you picked up the Notting Hill vibes I put down, you really are my people!)

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Does #DaylightSavingsTime Already Have You Singing The Blues? #MondayMeme #Coffee #NationalNappingDay

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Mon, 13 Mar 2023 09:17:00 +0000

Does Daylight Savings Time Already Have You Singing The Blues?

If you are already singing the blues about Daylight Savings Time, there are two things that can help you get through it:

🦋 Coffee

🦋 National Napping Day is today which aligns nicely with our Spring Forward Daylight Savings Time Shenanigans. If you can sneak in a 20 minute nap today it may very well help!

There are healthier energy drink alternatives if you are not a coffee person, and remember to add some collagen proteins to your favorite drink today (for coffee drinkers there are collagen peptide creamers on the market!)

Readers Sound Off: How do you get through the first day of "Spring Forward"/Daylight Savings Time? Also, how about a Monday Morning Coffee Me Thread? If you would like someone to treat you to a coffee you post your Venmo/Cashapp/Paypal if you would like to treat someone then you can send someone who has posted theirs in this comment thread! Mine are listed below! 🦋

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Happy Women's Day! #WomensDay2023

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Wed, 08 Mar 2023 10:48:00 +0000

Image Credit: Leon Herman Company UK

Today is #WomensDay2023 - Let's spend more time celebrating one another and less time putting other women down. Let's not buy into the competition mentality. Let's cheer women entrepreneurs on.

Buy a product from a women-owned/led business today. Give a sincere compliment. Tag a woman that is special to you - be it personally or professionally, let's celebrate each other today and every day! 🦋

Readers Sound Off: Who is the woman in business or personally you most wish to emulate, that you would like to tag for being a force of good? Do it! Let them know how much you appreciate them. It will totally make their day and hopefully they will be inspired to share the love as well.

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

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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

#sponsored It's #SelfCareSunday and #hearthealth awareness month, no better time to share a simple way to help your heart! #PureAmbassador

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Sun, 26 Feb 2023 11:56:00 +0000

*Supplement suggestions are products that are currently working for me, please check with your doctor before starting on any supplements if you are taking medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to let you know if they play nicely together! This is NOT medical advice!*

February is the awareness month for Hearth Health in the United States. It's American Heart Month and I would be remiss if I let the month come to a close without sharing a simple way to support your cardiovascular health. ‡

Some of you may know from following my social media accounts, that Mama Butterfly is experiencing issues with her heart, and this past year has been a blur of hospitalizations and doctor visits.

Like the engine is the 'heart' of a car, our heart is definitely the engine of our bodies and there are important ways to help take care of it:

- Learn your health history. Is there history of heart disease in your family? If so, be sure to discuss this with your primary care doctor (who may also refer you to a cardiologist).

- A heart healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy products. Reduce salt, saturated fat and sugars.

- Exercise - Strive for 150 minutes of moderate- intensity aerobic activitity each week plus muscle strengthening activities twice per week.

- Quit Smoking

- Take all medicines as directed by your physician and never stop a medication without clearing it with your doctor first. Worried that a supplement may not play nicely with your current meds? Well then Pure has you covered! Check out their Drug Nutrients Interactions Checker/database to make sure the supplements you are taking don't interfere adversely with your medications!

- Choose your drinks carefully, limit alcohol consumption, substitute water for sugary drinks

- Take heart smart supplements like Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Omega it offers 1,000 mg supercritical Co2 extracted, triglyceride-form EPA and DHA in a softgel once daily dose.

About O.N.E. Omega:

- Supports joint and connective tissue integrity

- Promotes cardiovascular health

- It offers *twice* the potency of other fish oils (with NO fishy aftertaste)

- Low temperature, oxygen-free processing prevents oxidation reactions

‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Other 'heart smart' supplements from Pure Encapsulations:

- Coq10 120 mg

- Resveratrol EXTRA

- Cholestepure Plus II

- PureHeart K2D

MY TAKE:

Pure Encapsulations are free from unnecessary additives and many common allergens. We had no history of heart issues in my family making what mama butterfly is going through that much more of a surprise. But seeing what she is going through I am trying to be more careful about my own heart health, and am glad to have the opportunity to partner with Pure Encapsulations and take better care of my overall wellness.

What you won't find in Pure Encapsulations: Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Coatings and Shellacs, Tree nuts or peanuts, Artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, GMOs, unnecessary binders, fillers or preservatives, trans fat & hydrogenated oils.

My only warning with this supplement and this is the first I have experienced with Pure so far is that this one is big! I have not had trouble swallowing it personally, but it is certainly larger than any other pill I take.

I am very happy to report that these do not repeat on me at all. No fishy aftertaste.

If you have already done a DNA kit like 23andMe or Ancestry, you can tap into the power of PureGenomics which is a service that harnesses the science of nutrigenomics to help personalize wellness strategies and get supplements tailored to your unique health needs. (I really want to try this!)

‡ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

READERS SOUND OFF:

Which supplements are you already taking? Are you thinking of adding any new ones? If so, which ones and why? Have you already done a DNA report from 23andMe or Ancestry?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I am a PURE Ambassador. As a Pure Ambassador I will have the opportunity to receive products free of charge or at a discount. 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A media preview day like no other! The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage to begin this Saturday at The New York Botanical Garden #LilyKwongNYBG

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Thu, 16 Feb 2023 20:53:00 +0000

Caption: Video highlights of 'The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage'

I spent my Valentine's Day immersing myself in an exotic Chinese mountain landscape lost in an oasis of Orchids!

There are two sure sings of spring for me as a New Yorker - the Mr. Softee truck (which in all fairness I haven't heard yet) and my personal favorite, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. An annual event I have attended with family well before I started blogging about it!

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid show is now in its 20th year! This year the show reflects the vision of landscape artist and designer Lily Kwong. The Orchid Show begins this Saturday, February 18 and will run through April 23rd.

Caption: Opening remarks from the Media Preview of the 2023 Orchid Show

Jennifer Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer and The William Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden opened the Media Preview. When she introduced us to Lily Kwong whose work she described as being at "the junction of horticulture, urban design, contemporary art, climate awareness, urban agriculture, and wellness." who reconnects "people to nature through transformative landscape projects and site specific botanical art installations. Her work here is both meditative and captivating."

Caption: Designer Lily Kwong, 'The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage' - Ms. Kwong's off the shoulder pant suit was designed by her cousin Joseph Altuzarra.

Stop for a moment to press on this photo and make it bigger! For anyone who knows how hard it is to capture a speaker and get that 'perfect shot' this one is for you! Her hand is on her heart in this photo and I feel it captures her authenticity so perfectly!

Ms. Kwong studied Landscape Design at New York Botanical Garden in 2017 and she is both the first woman and first person of color invited to to be a guest designer for The Orchid Show. (and I personally want to see MORE of this happen!) Her designer touch has also been seen in botanical installations at The Highline in New York City, Faena Arts in Miami, Grand Central Terminal in New York City, and Taipei Night Market.

Caption: The Palm Fountain at The New York Botanical Garden transformed for "The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage" designed by Lily Kwong

Ms. Kwong was inspired by four scrolls given to her family by her grandparents who were born in Shanghai, those scrolls with their depictions of mountainous landscapes helped to foster her imagination and were the inspiration for her design of this year's Orchid Show. She said of the scrolls:

"When you are a second-generation immigrant, that's sometimes how the proverbial homeland can feel, like a fantasy you're attracted to but always feels an arm's length away."
~Lily Kwong

Caption: While Marc Hachadourian, Director of Glasshouse Collections waits for the media to catch up during the tour inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, I captured this random shot of designer Lily Kwong and I couldn't help but include it!

The show draws from traditional Chinese landscape design and garden design principles. Composer Gary Gunn adds to the immersive experience with music and sounds created from field recordings from the countries in which these orchids are endemic.

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the meditative walkway that features medicinal and rare orchids that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. And a very peaceful waterfall feature adds to the moment of zen that awaits.

"The Orchid Grows Where Others Cannot"

~Confucius

My Take:

I loved the exhibit. I can't help but share a collective 'aw' moment. Ms. Kwong dedicated the show to her 92-year-old grandmother, Jeanette Wei, whose given name ironically means "Healthy Orchid" and her great-grandfather was an herbalist who opened up the trade of Chinese Herbs outside of China.

It was great to know the very personal connections that resonated so deeply with her and influenced her design style.

I am also thrilled to report the return of Orchid Evenings at The New York Botanical Garden starting Saturday March 18th. There are only six evenings scheduled: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15 & 4/22. From 7-10. Entry times are at 7, 7:30 and 8 pm. Non-member adults of 21+ is priced at $39 and Member/Patron is priced at $29. Remember Orchid Nights are for adults 21 years of age and older. Advance purchase recommended.

This would be an amazing date night, and for my fellow bloggers/influencers, a great backdrop to take photos!

This is a show you won't want to miss!

Readers Sound Off:

I love that artwork in her home passed down from her grandparents led to such an amazing creative vision. Is there a special piece of artwork from your childhood that has inspired your creativity as an adult?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. Media access was granted to the Media Preview Day. 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias

https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly

Venmo: Ascending1

Our @kingofchristmas artificial Blue Spruce is still up in honor of Three Kings Day + Clearance Sale & Discount Code! #KingofChristmas #ThreeKingsDay #DiaDeLosReyesMagos

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Fri, 06 Jan 2023 17:57:00 +0000

On the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day!

Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, ‘El Dia de los Reyes’, as it’s called in Spanish, marks the glorification of baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century.

A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the Three Wise Men. Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert is a symbolic pastry. Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2.

I actually put up my tree on Christmas Day (things were completely insane for me, I like to normally have it up by Thanksgiving Day) and it always stays up until Three Kings Day as it's always been our family tradition.

This year our artificial Blue Spruce is from King of Christmas!

My Take:

There are three major standouts for me, how easy it was to assemble, how evenly spaced and well lit the lights are, and they include these long gloves to use so you can shape your tree and not get scratched up! (and the remote not just for on and off but different light functions at the touch of your fingertips is also wonderful!)

Discount:

There is currently an 'after christmas' 40% clearance sale on select items and free shipping with the code: CHRISTMAS20

Readers Sound Off:

Do you keep your tree up until Three Kings Day or does it come down before?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. King of Christmas has provided a tree for Editorial Consideration. 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A warning to always use your gift cards immediately even if it reads 'gift card never expires' - don't trust @silpadadesigns

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Fri, 23 Dec 2022 05:56:00 +0000

I have been sending and receiving gift cards for ages now, I tend to stick to stores whose gift certificates never expires and better still can be stacked like Macy's and Amazon.

I won a gift certificate from Silpada Designs from a Pinterest Contest. The win included a piece of jewelry from a current collection and a gift card to the site. I hadn't found anything I was looking for to use it on until recently and when I went to use it the website would not take it. Please note I have checked the site on a regular business and never once did I see a 'going out of business' notification.

I reached out to their customer service, but did not get a response of course until I reached out via social media. Apparently most companies don't care about customer service unless it is on Social Media where cancel culture can find them and call them out.

I finally get an answer yesterday and they tell me despite the fact that their gift certificates 'never expire' this particular one was issued under 'previous ownership' so they refuse to honor it despite the fact it has NOT been used, is not a partial amount and the information they requested from me was sent including sending them a photo of the gift certificate. I included the photo above, I redacted the gift card number although I guess I didn't have to since even if someone copied it and tried to use it they would have no luck anyway!

I even left in the fact that they spelled my last name wrong. (which I actually did ask to have corrected when I got in the mail)

I have been super busy lately and haven't even had the time to put up a holiday buying guide yet this year, but this truly got me so angry that I couldn't help but write about it.

For full disclosure I will let you know they offered me a 30% discount code. I already had that from browser attachments that I use to find me deals and discount codes before I check out my cart with any retailer. So they are in essence stealing $100 dollars from me and think I want a discount code that is widely found on the web as a what a 'consolation prize'?

Instead of using it and using my good money to reward their bad behavior, especially during the holiday season, I thought I would write this article instead and prevent someone from going through the same thing!

DO NOT ENTER A SILPADA CONTEST WITH A GIFT CARD TO THEIR SITE AS A PRIZE. DO NOT BUY SOMEONE A SILPADA GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE. AND IF YOU RECEIVE A GIFT CARD FROM THEM DURING THE HOLIDAYS USE IT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THEY TANK AND CHANGE OWNERS AS THE NEW OWNERS WON'T HONOR THEIR GIFT CARDS. THEY GET THE CON ARTIST/SHEISTER AWARD OF 2022 FROM THIS SITE!

Readers Sound Off: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A RETAILER NOT HONOR YOUR GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE? IF SO, PLEASE LET US KNOW WHICH ONES SO WE CAN ALL BE CAREFUL.

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. This is not a sponsored post. It is however a warning to the wise that Silpada Designs has zero honor/integrity. And as this is my personal experience with them and I have the receipts to prove it, it is not libel. I do have an attorney, most bloggers this day and age should. 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Graduation Day! I completed the Milestone Circles program at @nasdaqcenter #MilestoneCircles

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Mon, 19 Dec 2022 20:26:00 +0000

Today is Graduation Day! I completed the Milestone Circles program at @nasdaqcenter #MilestoneCircles is a 12-week program that gives women #entrepreneurs the access, resources, & knowledge they need to grow. Thanks @wellsfargo for making this possible.

Shout out to the amazing #womenentrepreneurs in cohort 68. The last cohort of 2022! A sisterhood of Entrepreneurs in the grind that I can rely on for support, advice and accountability - absolutely priceless!

I am feeling so pumped right now. I have spent the last two years immersed in Entrepreneurial Studies, but this is the first program that actually addressed all aspects of being an entrepreneur. Work/Life Balance, Self-Care - literally crucial to your wellbeing on a daily basis.

I learned that I wasn't focusing on my needs nearly enough, and they have given me so much food for thought for mapping out a personal and professional game plan for 2023. I plan to write a more in depth blog post about the two programs I completed and advice on which order you should take them in if you can.

Readers Sound Off: What is your biggest accomplishment this year?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I participated in the Milestone Circles Program which is free of charge to the students who participate. The program has nothing to do with being a blogger, this post is pure love! 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A celebration of being #FabOver40 is happening and you are cordially invited! Please rock the vote for this butterfly!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Tue, 11 Oct 2022 08:55:00 +0000

Fab over 40 is partnering with New Beauty Magazine to celebrate women over 40 around the globe! And you are definitely cordially invited to join in the fun!

At Fab Over 40 they believe that hitting 40 years of age is just the beginning. No matter if you're feisty, fit, flirty or somewhere in between, it is time to flaunt it!

Women from all over the world are invited to compete for an amazing prize while supporting an amazing cause. Beauty and Elegance have no age limit butterflies!

The Prize: One lovely lady will receive a 2-page spread in NewBeauty magazine, $40,000 cash and the spa-cation of a lifetime for her plus one!

As many of you know this year my mom, lovingly known as 'Mama Butterfly' on this site, has been battling heart issues. The day after my birthday she was admitted to the ER in acute heart failure. This year our lives have been much like a TV medical drama..

And with a host of my own 'invisible illnesses' - including: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, a pinched nerve in my neck which causes alternating numbness and sharp tingles in my hands/fingers (making it challenging to motivate myself to write to say the least), I have learned to rely heavily on my online communities to find support and get great tips and advice.

When I read about this contest, I hesitated about applying. This year has been beyond challenging and I thought to myself at first 'What shot would I have?' I haven't had much time to write this year and have spent more time offline than on, I figured people surely have forgotten all about me by now. The interwebs have always been fickle and most people are only interested in the next hot thing.

Then I remembered that despite these challenges, I pursued post graduate studies at eCornell, was accepted into NASDAQ'S Milestone Circles program this fall and I haven't let anything hold me back ever, so then I thought 'Why NOT apply?' - getting lost in the landmines that is adulting doesn't mean you aren't still a kick a$$ butterfly with a ton of wisdom to share. So I *DID THE THING* and answered the questions, found a photo of me that makes me feel powerful and hit submit and here we are!

My Take:

You guys already know that all Cancer causes are near and dear to my heart (same for my two time Cancer Warrior, Mama Butterfly!) so when I found out that this contest also supports National Breast Cancer Foundation it was literally a no brainer for me. Today is actually Mama Butterfly's birthday. If you donate to National Breast Cancer Foundation already and haven't yet done so for this year, please consider making your donation HERE - if you make it through my voting link, not only are you supporting the cause but I get extra entries. A beautiful win/win!

Remember, you do not have to donate, you can vote on that same page and just press *FREE DAILY VOTE* to vote for me. You will NOT get any spam and it takes less than one second!

Readers Sound Off: I would love for you all to share what milestone birthday you most and least looked forward to and why?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I am an entrant in the Vote Fab Over 40 contest. This post was NOT required, nor do I get any extra credit for posting it! 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.

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer!

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Are you ready for World Heart Day? Sharing ways I'm Falling into Health! + a chance for YOU to win a year's worth of supplements!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Mon, 19 Sep 2022 15:46:00 +0000

If you are connected to this blog on our social channels you may be aware that my Mama Butterfly was rushed to the hospital the day after my birthday in cardiac arrest. This year has been a blur of hospitalizations and stress/worry.

While I have had a ton to say, the stress in my life right now has prevented from me writing much. I usually liked to write in the late night hours when the world was still and as quiet as any neighborhood in New York City can be...

But this year by the time things were 'still/quiet' I would just shut down and mostly stare at the ceiling (you all know by now I am an insomniac)...'Paralyzed from Exhaustion' would be a great title to describe my nights lately.

This year, World Heart Day - observed on September 29th, hits home for me a bit more. While there is no cookie cutter solution to heart health, I am trying out a new supplement and I wanted to put it on your radar:

Wakunaga of America sent me some of their supplements and I am sharing them in the order I started testing them! First up is Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract.

What it does NOT do: There is NO pizza breath here! This supplement will not repeat on you! - I mention this because I tried a Garlic Supplement in my teens for thinning hair and it made my breath so foul I refused to stay the course. So that was my first concern when starting with this supplement and I am happy to report that there are no bad breath issues here at all.

Instructions: Take two vegan capsules with food, preferably during or right after a meal. With food, the pH of the stomach is less acidic which allows the AGE (Aged Garlic Extracts) and its constituents to survive and go into the intestinal tract for absorption. (absorption my friends is the key with any supplement, how well it is absorbed determines how effective it will be so if your supplement bottle tells you to take it with or right after a meal, it is very important to follow those instructions).

Benefits: Aged Garlic Extracts have demonstrated in numerous clinical studies to support overall cardiovascular health by reducing many risk factors for heart disease (e.g., maintaining healthy coronary arteries, supports healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels already within normal ranges, enhance circulation, etc.). Wakunaga's Aged Garlic Extracts have also been shown in clinical studies to show favorable impact in areas of immune function, gingivitis, stress and gut microbiota.

Where it is grown: The garlic used to make their Aged Garlic Extracts is organically grown in California, USA, under strictly controlled conditions without the use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

Multiple benefits of Kyolic Aged Garlic Extract include:

Lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Slowing the progression of coronary artery calcification
Inhibiting the accumulation of “soft” unstable plaque
Decreasing blood platelet adhesion and aggregation
Enhancing circulation
Supporting immune function
Reducing the risk of gingivitis
Easing stress
Improving gut microbiota

I have been taking this supplement for a little under one month now and plan to add it to my routine as I oddly had to cancel my visit to my cardiologist which fell while Mama Butterfly was in the hospital. But her experience definitely has me taking my heart health more seriously and I plan to re-schedule all my appointments soon.

Ten Ways to Improve Hearth Health (suggestions from the American Heart Association):

Balance calories with physical activity.
Reach for a variety of fruits and vegetables.
Choose whole grains.
Include healthy protein sources, mostly plants and seafood.
Use liquid non-tropical plant oils.
Choose minimally processed foods.
Subtract added sugars
Cut down on salt.
Limit alcohol.
Do all this wherever you eat!

Register to win a year’s supply of your favorite Wakunaga supplement during Wakunaga’s 50th anniversary celebration (no purchase necessary; one winner per month during the year 2022): https://kyolic.com/promotion/woa50th-sweepstakes/

My Take:

Mama Butterfly's harrowing experience this year, brought hearth health to the forefront at Casa Butterfly. I have a pretty regular supplement routine and I take quite a few supplements daily, but until now I had never taken one purely for heart health and now I can't imagine not taking one!

Readers Sound Off: Do you take Vitamins and Supplements daily? If so, which ones? Which have you found the most useful/helpful so far?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. Supplements were 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. Like this article? Buy your Editor a coffee to say thanks for the read: paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Wines of Summer (and beyond of course especially for Seafood Lovers) and an NYC restaurant reco! #WineWednesday #WordlessWednesday

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Wed, 20 Jul 2022 20:29:00 +0000

Just in time for your summer sipping pleasure, a Wine Tasting that gave this seafood lover *life* in a spectacular restaurant I also need to put on your radar!

On the eve of Romania's National Day, I had the pleasure of attending an industry trade and media event in New York City hosted at AVRA Madison Estiatorio as part of the Open The Romanian Program in conjunction with The Iconic Estate division of the Alexandrion Group and developed by French retail giant Carrefour.

The aim of the program and this event is to increase awareness and of course the availability of Romanian Wines in the U.S. marketplace and worldwide.

(There is something in this particular photo above that plays into something amazing I will be doing next fiscal quarter, won't speak on it now, but just remember I dropped this cryptic hint!)

The well curated event featured newer wine brands, some made exclusively of its local grape varieties.

Included for our tasting pleasure:

Rhein Extra Magnifique Brut - About this wine: It is fresh, expressive, floral notes, shades of citrus and honey. long slightly spicy finish. This special sparkling wine will play nicely with appetizers, your charcuterie board, and can also nicely accompany fruit-based desserts.

Hyperion Feteasca Neagra Rose - About this wine: Fresh and Fruity with delicate aromas of strawberries and red berries, balanced acidity and the skin contact is short - only long enough to ensure color. Food Pairing Suggestions: poultry (roasted chicken!), fish (especially my personal favorite, Salmon) or spicy seafood.

La Sapata Babeasca Neagra - About this wine: It starts off giving you light and fruity, but there is a subtle aromatic intensity where you should recognize notes of chocolate and cherries. There are notes of prunes as well and a lovely ruby red color. Food pairings: seasoned pasta, white meats, and I love nothing more than pairing a quality red with a quality chocolate!

Avincis Olt de Vie Negru de Dragasani - About this wine: I always immediately recognize oak barrel aging. 30% of this wine was aged in French oak barrels for 18 months. It is a deep purple color with a powerful bouquet and a touch of spice, flavors of black fruits including black cherries and blueberries. And a surprising note of violet. Definitely intense cherry juice flavors with a subtle hint of fresh pepper. Food Pairings: Dry Duck Breast or a slow cooked meat with a wine sauce. I would definitely hit this with Oxtails! Fun fact: The winery was designed as a ship located on the top of a hill with walls plated with limestone and I hope to get a chance to visit there!

Domeniile Averesti Busuioaca de Bohotin - About this wine: This wine with identity for the region of Moldova has a specialy body with aromas of basil, rose petals, honeycomb, wild strawberry and a unique aroma of Honeysuckle (Mother of God's hand), serve well chilled. Food Pairings: Risotto with seafood, soft cheese, fine pies

Marinela Ardelean, international wine critic, author of five books about Romanian wines, served as the ambassador of the Open The Romanian Wine Program and led New York's first exploration of exclusive award-winning Romanian wines produced by top wineries.

The open tasting was followed by a Luncheon at AVRA Madison Estitario located at 14 East 60th Street in New York City. If you haven't yet visited this restaurant, RUN, GO NOW! The food was absolutely amazing and each dish perfectly accompanied the wines. Their Octopus is by far the best I have ever tasted in NYC! And for my PR and Brand friends reading this who always ask me for venue suggestions for events - you need to put AVRA on the top of your list!

For those of you that know when Romanian Day actually is, please do not think I am nuts for holding off on this recap, I did it for a very specific reason. There is a powerful (yet NOT overpowering!) minerality to these wines that paired perfectly with the seafood dishes. When I attended this tasting I immediately thought of the summer moments these wines would pair with. I love seafood and while I eat it year round, I eat more of it during summer months.

My Take: This event literally brought me out of hiding. When things shut down in 2019, I completely stopped taking events. Oddly it was a wine tasting that was the last event I attended the week that NYC locked down and this wine tasting was my first event back in almost two years AND my literal first drink since 2019! And it was well worth it. The wines were stellar, the food was amazing and the service impeccable. Our 'somm and emcee' was knowledgeable and engaging and I literally left with my heart full. It was great to reconnect with other journalists, get the chance to learn more about Romanian Wines and for a fleeting moment enjoy the wanderlust that comes to mind when tasting wines from another region.

Fun facts about me: I have never been to Napa. My wine experience has all been with mostly international wines. I need to do some trips focusing on USA wines (so tourism boards hit me up!)

Books and Music have always been a way to transport myself somewhere new and wine is definitely right up there as well. Since a good wine and a good book definitely go hand in hand, I will have to do a post soon on some books to put on your radar and add to your reading list.

Yes I have started curating a 'Romania and Moldova' private Pinterest Board to get travel ideas thanks to this wine tasting!

Readers Sound Off: Did this review add a new wine to your list? Which one would you most like to try first and what would you pair it with?

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

FTC Disclosure: I attended a Press Luncheon, no monetary compensation has been received. 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. Like this article? Buy your Editor a coffee to say thanks for the read here: paypal.me/TracyIglesias

Broadway is back baby! Spring into Broadway with Paradise Square Musical!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Fri, 01 Apr 2022 11:48:00 +0000

Paradise Square - New Musical on Broadway!

Not since Les Misérables has Broadway been able to take somber subjects, turn them into a Musical and left me leaving the theater actually feeling *uplifted*.

Broadway is back and if you think New York in 1863 as the Civil War rages on, couldn't be more boring - you couldn't be more wrong!

*SYNOPSIS*

Free Black Americans and Irish Immigrants live and love together in the unlikliest of neighborhoods - the dangerous streets and crumbling tenement houses of Lower Manhattan's notorious Five Points slum. The amalgamation between the communities took its most exuberant form with raucous dance contests on the floors of the neighborhood bars and dance halls. It is here in the Five Points where tap dancing was born. But this racial equilibrium would come to a sharp and brutal end when President Lincoln's need to institute the first Federal Draft to support the Union Army would incite the deadly NY Draft Riots of July 1863.

Within this galvanizing story of racial harmony undone by a country at war with itself, we meet the denizens of a local saloon called Paradise Square. These characters include the indomitable Black woman who owns it; her Irish-Catholic sister-in-law and her Black minister husband; a conflicted newly arrived Irish immigrant; a fearless freedom seeker; an anti-abolitionist political boss; and a penniless songwriter trying to capture it all. They have conflicting notions of what it means to be an American while living through one of the most tumultuous eras in our country's history.

With visceral and nuanced staging and choreography that captures the pulsating energy when Black and Irish cultures meet and set to a contemporary score that reimagines early American song, Paradise Square depicts an overlooked true-life moment when hope and possibility shone bright.

*Official Trailer*

Below: "Someone to Love" from Paradise Square

Above: "Welcome Home" sung by Joaquina Kalukango

Review:

The Omicron surge had postponed it's release, it was in previews since March 15th and will open this Sunday, April 3rd. I got to see it last week and I consider it an early birthday present to me!

Literally every cast member *BRINGS IT* but let me warn you right now that Joaquina Kalukango brings down the house and sent a full house to their feet! Her voice is so good my mom literally said a prayer of protection over it! The Tony Awards just needs to give Paradise Square it's award right now and give Joaquina her award now too!

This is a definite *TICKET* - get your tickets before all performances sell out and you are waiting months to get in. Remember summer is swiftly approaching and tourists will be snatching up those seats when they come to visit NYC.

*RUSH/LOTTERY*

A limited number of general rush tickets are available for each performance, subject to availability. General rush seats are $32 each and will be available when the Box Office opens for that day's performance(s). Digital lottery tickets are $32 each (plus $4 service charge per ticket) and limited to (2) tickets per person, subject to availability. Lotteries close at 3:00 PM the day before the performance. Press on the link that reads Digital Lottery - when you get there, click on a social network, social toaster will verify it and then a form will appear and you complete it to enter the Digital Lottery - remember to fill out your name EXACTLY as it reads on your photo ID - this is important if you win so you can claim your tickets. On the day of the performance have your ID at the ready, your proof of vaccination and a mask (they do have some available if you forget yours, but I always say have your own, just in case).

Just in case I don't post again before my birthday this Sunday, April 4th - I want to post a reminder that it is not too late to support my application for Sephora Squad - I would totally consider it a birthday present if you fill this out:

https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/94197

Did you want to treat me to a coffee for my birthday?

paypal.me/TracyIglesias

Readers Sound Off: What broadway performance are you most looking forward to catching? (is there one that is still postponed that you wanted you to see?)

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

FTC Disclosure: I attended Paradise Square during previews, no monetary compensation has been received. 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.

The impact of Beauty in the Digital Age! Something I hope to spend more time this year exploring, I applied for #SephoraSquad 2022!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 13:16:00 +0000

I did the thing! I applied for the 2022 #SephoraSquad I have always believed that beauty is a balance of mind, body and soul. There is more to beauty than curated images of perfection. There was a brief essay question that I thought would be fun to share with you so I could hear your answers to this question as well.

Essay Question: What Got You Into Makeup?

What got me into 'makeup' was actually *NOT* finding what I wanted off the shelf. Back in the good old days there weren't shelves full of concealer or foundation that matched my skin tone. I couldn't find the perfect shade of red lipstick, so I made that too by mixing shades from different brands I liked. And I also couldn't find a signature fragrance match as a teen (there were few places to create customized scents then) and I would also play alchemist and mix it myself. When I got asked what shade of lipstick I was wearing or what  scent I was wearing I knew I did it right and it felt like the ultimate validation of my efforts.

That validation would be repeated in my blogging life when I would hit events or tradeshows and makeup artists would tell me they didn't want to change my lip color - even though that was the point for me to wear that shade the brand was selling and have it appear in my post event recaps.

Sephora has posed an interesting challenge to my readers, they would love a testimonial from you! 

You can leave a testimonial in support of my application here: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/94197

As the world slowly begins to open up again I want to do more than just 'basic self care'. Not to mention Zoom conferences taught us all that a little makeup never hurts! Help support my efforts to bring you my take on hot products and #beauty trends!

Share with me, what got you into makeup? 

(and if you left a testimonial thank you in advance!)

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. 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.

Monday Mood: Missing Hour #MondayVibes

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Mon, 14 Mar 2022 15:14:00 +0000

MONDAY MOOD:

If someone actually calls this number, let me know if someone really answers! I wish someone would return that missing hour - I want it back!

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

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Mon, 14 Feb 2022 20:07:00 +0000

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?

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

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Tue, 11 Jan 2022 21:15:00 +0000

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.

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

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!

noreply@blogger.com (Ascending Butterfly) — Wed, 22 Dec 2021 20:15:00 +0000

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:

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

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.

Ascending Butterfly

Gardens & Works by Ebony G. Patterson …things come to thrive…in the shedding…in the molting…begins May 27 at New York Botanical Garden #EbonyGPatterson #EbonyGPattersonNYBG

Happy Memorial Day Weekend Butterflies!

#ad May is Mental Health Awareness Month! Let's explore ways to elevate mood and enhance mental health! #PureAmbassador #DollSquad

Mental Health Awareness Month!

Beautiful Mother's Day Wishes from your friends at Ascending Butterfly! #MothersDay #MothersDay2023

Happy Mother's Day Butterflies!

#ad A #SelfcareSunday for your Gut! Show your tummy some love with amazing products from Pure Encapsulations. #PureAmbassador

A Self Care Sunday for your Gut!

A #420 that is three years in the making! Happy 4/20 day! Here is a round up of brands and products that stand out!

Happy 4/20 day butterflies!

I almost went to meet Jesus! My morning shower almost killed me! #WTFWednesday

My *What the Fuck* Wednesday Moment:

Happy Easter! Easter Quotes + Thing To Do Recommendation if you are in New York City! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

Happy Birthday To Me! Another year around the sun! + I may be a Losu Tree!

Do you like rooting for the underdog? Here's your chance! #SephoraSquad2023

Does #DaylightSavingsTime Already Have You Singing The Blues? #MondayMeme #Coffee #NationalNappingDay

Happy Women's Day! #WomensDay2023

#sponsored It's #SelfCareSunday and #hearthealth awareness month, no better time to share a simple way to help your heart! #PureAmbassador

A media preview day like no other! The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage to begin this Saturday at The New York Botanical Garden #LilyKwongNYBG

Our @kingofchristmas artificial Blue Spruce is still up in honor of Three Kings Day + Clearance Sale & Discount Code! #KingofChristmas #ThreeKingsDay #DiaDeLosReyesMagos

A warning to always use your gift cards immediately even if it reads 'gift card never expires' - don't trust @silpadadesigns

Graduation Day! I completed the Milestone Circles program at @nasdaqcenter #MilestoneCircles

Readers Sound Off: What is your biggest accomplishment this year?

A celebration of being #FabOver40 is happening and you are cordially invited! Please rock the vote for this butterfly!

Are you ready for World Heart Day? Sharing ways I'm Falling into Health! + a chance for YOU to win a year's worth of supplements!

Wines of Summer (and beyond of course especially for Seafood Lovers) and an NYC restaurant reco! #WineWednesday #WordlessWednesday

Broadway is back baby! Spring into Broadway with Paradise Square Musical!

The impact of Beauty in the Digital Age! Something I hope to spend more time this year exploring, I applied for #SephoraSquad 2022!

Monday Mood: Missing Hour #MondayVibes

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

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

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

Hurry! This giveaway ends on 12/30

**My What the Fuck Wednesday Moment:**