Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: Check out what was in my #ColgateTotalMW @Influenster Box!


















I am a member of Influenster and I find that the boxes are a great way to discover new products from brands I already know and sometimes from brands I don't. I use Colgate Total Toothpaste, and was surprised when this box arrived from Influenster to learn that they have a Mouthwash for it now! If you already love the toothpaste, you will definitely love the Mouthwash too! Thanks Influenster!

Hope you enjoyed peeking inside my Influenster Box! Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! We are too informal for an official linky around here, so bloggers please feel free to comment below with the link to your Wordless Wednesday post (NO Giveaways Please!) and we will be sure to pay you a visit and return the love!

Even after eating and drinking this Mouthwash provides 12 hours of protection with NO burn of alcohol, it kills 99% of germs, and that my friends is definitely something to SMILE about!

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

FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Influenster Program, I receive Influenster Boxes free of charge with supplied products for Editorial Consideration and Review, these campaigns are not compensated and all opinions are 100% my own. See our full Giveaway & Disclosure Policy for more details.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

#ad: @Kleenex has gone all 2.0 with 'Sneeze Shield' - Find out why you need some for Back-to-School #KleenexBTS #LatinaBloggers


ad#: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kleenex


Send your kids back-to-school without all their much needed supplies? ¡Que escándalo!

As a former Special Education Teacher I can tell you it's the bane of a teacher's existence when students show up un-prepared for class. It's not only annoying, it's incredibly costly, for the teacher. Most public schools don't offer a full range of classroom supplies leaving it up to the teacher to supply their own classrooms on incredibly meager salaries! And while I realize times are hard all around, and it takes a village, it is super difficult for teachers to shoulder the burden by themselves. I personally think they shouldn't have to, but that's certainly a post for another time.

What if you could make a small addition to your shopping list that would not only promote healthy kids and healthy classrooms but also help support the amazing Box Tops for Education Program, would you do it? Of course you would! Who wouldn't?

Did you know that Kleenex is the ONLY facial tissue brand that participates in Box Tops for Education? And to date, the Kleenex Brand has donated $13 million to the Box Tops for Education Program (since 2006). Box Tops Coupons are found on over 240 participating products! I can tell you that this alone makes me want to run out and stock up, I know how under-funded the schools are in my district, and I currently participate in the Box Tops for Education program and buy as many products that participate in the program as I can. If the children of today are our future, shouldn't we do all we can to ensure their success?

This year, the iconic tissue brand that has always been synonymous with Back-to-School for me both personally and professionally, gets a hi-tech makeover with 'Sneeze Shield', they are thicker and more absorbent which helps to keep wet stuff off hands, which helps to fight school germs! A single sneeze can travel 100MPH and send 100,000 germs into the air, um no thanks! But since it's best to let a sneeze happen and not so healthy for you to supress it, at least Kleenex with Sneeze Shield offers a barrier that helps keep your child, the air and the classroom a bit more germ free!

Some ideas for Back-to-School include:

In case you missed our previous Back-to-School post, many of these supplies were featured HERE

























My Take:

Supporting a brand that is supporting students, classrooms and teachers is a total no-brainer! Kleenex Wallet Packs, and the classic on the go Kleenex Everyday Tissue Packs with Sneeze Shield are the perfect size to slip into a bookbag. And since we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, don't wait until your child catches a cold, even if they aren't allergy prone, it's always helpful to carry Kleenex on the go!


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

FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kleenex

Monday, July 29, 2013

When an @Audi A8 picks you up to take you to the #movies it's going to be EPIC! @WolverineMovie #HughMamarazzi

The Wolverine


As some of you may remember, many moons ago I worked as a film critic for a well known print publication (which shall remain nameless, to protect the innocent, namely ME). And I've done a lot of Press Screenings. In the beginning the Private Screening Rooms and Snacks were impressive (I started pretty young so often times I was the youngest journalist in the room), the Press Junkets and meeting the celebs were fun (I actually have a scrapbook with my clippings), but I think The Moms have finally finished creating a Movie Monster in me with their most recent Screening Experience!

Audi A8 2014 Automobile, Black, Vehicle, Cars, Ascending Butterfly
Check out Team Butterfly peeking out from behind the passenger side of the 2014 Audi A8!

When an Audi A8 and a driver show up at your door to take you into the city for a film screening you know it's going to be EPIC!  First of all I have to tell you that it was the smoothest ride I've ever experienced,  I love New York City, but anyone who has visited as well as locals know, there are A LOT of potholes, I mean A LOT, and while riding in the Audi A8 the very first thing I noticed was just how smooth the ride is. I know where most of the potholes are by heart and know when to brace myself (especially when I'm in a yellow cab) but this car ride was absolutely the smoothest I've ever experienced, and my driver was awesome too! I'm not sure I want to go any screening that doesn't come with Audi ride to and from my door after this!

Audi A8 2014 Automobile, Black, Vehicle, Cars, Ascending Butterfly
Team Butterfly outside AMC 25 Movie Theatre in New York City, check out the super hot 2014 Audi A8 Automobile and there is my super cool driver!

Seriously folks if you are considering a new vehicle, look no further, the 2014 Audi A8 is pure perfection! The Audi quattro all-wheel drive system is super smooth, it's LED lighting, Audi MMI touch technology, Audi MMI Navigation plus with voice control system, and absolutely gorgeous interior, make this vehicle pure perfection as far as I'm concerned! I will be dreaming of this car for quite awhile! I looked great as a passenger, but I'm thinking I'd look even better behind the wheel!

Hugh Jackman, The Wolverine, Audi A8 Automobile
Wouldn't it have been amazing if we were picked up by Hugh Jackman? (A girl can dream can't she?)

















But I digress! Despite how amazing the ride is, the true star of the show was the movie of course, The Wolverine!

Hugh Jackman, Logan, The Wolverine


Plot Summary/About:

Lured to a Japan he hasn't seen since World War II, century-old mutant Wolverine (Played by Hugh Jackman) finds himself in a shadowy realm of Yakuza and Samurai. Wolverine is pushed to his physical and emotional brink when he is forced to go on the run with a powerful industrialist's daughter (Played by Tao Okamoto) and is confronted - for the first time - with the prospect of his own death. As he struggles to re-discover the hero within himself, he must grapple with powerful foes and the ghosts of his own haunted past.

Rila Fukushima, Yukio, The Wolverine


In every movie there is a scene stealer, and for me, The Wolverine's scene stealer, is Rila Fukushima who plays Yukio who becomes a 'body guard' for Wolverine/Logan, it's an understated yet very well delivered performance!

I don't want include any spoilers, but I will tell you don't pop up when the credits start to roll, stay put and pay attention, something cool happens, but I won't tell you what, you'll just have to go check that out for yourself to find out what it is! All I can say is....the plot thickens my friends!

Hugh Jackman:

The best part of attending Screenings with The Moms is the opportunity to have a questions and answers session with stars of the movie, Hugh was very open and very down-to-earth, here is the video of his Q&A:





Here are some of my shots: (apologies butterflies they are a bit grainy, I think my camera has really had it, it died after me trying to take 4 hi-res shots which is NOT a good sign as the batteries were fully charged!)










Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow all things Wolverine on Twitter @WolverineMovie
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" The Wolverine Movie on Facebook




My Take:

This is definitely a summer must see! It's action-packed and has great visuals, there is something that has always fascinated me about Japanese culture and the scenes there are visually beautiful to watch and certainly make me want to go visit. Hugh couldn't have been nicer and the Audi A8 ride to and from the theatre was smooth and fantastic! As we were leaving we were treated to cupcakes by Baked By Melissa, they used 1,700 cupcakes and they spelled out the word 'The Wolverine' with the chocolate ones which I thought was pretty cool!

Even 'The Wolverine' can't resist cupcakes, NOM! NOM! NOM!


Butterflies, The Wolverine is a definite 'TICKET', once you've seen it, come back here and let us know what you thought!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. We were provided with Roundtrip Transportation to and from the Theatre compliments of Audi. We were provided with a private screening experience courtesy of The Moms. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

We interrupt your summer to tell you that it's almost time for BACK TO SCHOOL! #StaplesHasIt + @NickCannon & a #Giveaway too!

#StaplesHasIt


I know the thought of Back to School will send all your child's hairs to stand on end, but doing all your shopping at the very last minute, will do the same to your wallet! Did you know that the bulk of a student's shopping budget is actually in 'tech' products now? And not every back to school shopping retailer can offer a wide range of school supplies AND technology products too at affordable prices that won't break the bank!

I recently attended a Back-to-School event where we got one resounding message loud and clear STAPLES HAS IT, or in this new age of speaking in hashtags: #StaplesHasIt

Back-to-School Made Easy with the Newest Trends

For the 2013 Back-to-School Shopping Season, Staples is offering an expanded assortment of fashionable and super functional must-have supplies, that will make going to back to class more fun! To help families save money on those must-have supplies the popular Back-to-School Savings Pass is back this year which gives you a 15 percent discount on supplies! Remember you can only purchase the pass through August 31st, and it's valid through September 21st which is great, because sometimes despite our best efforts we end up having to make multiple trips to the store for supply runs anyway! The pass costs $10, but if even if you have only one tech item on your list the 15% discount will help ensure that the cost of the savings pass pays for itself!

Some trends you'll spot at Staples this season include:

Neon Sharpies








Neon - Get into the groove will cool and bold hues, Neon Sharpies or the Quilted Collection of Zipper Binders, Pencil Pouches, Tablet Cases and Clipboards!





Exclusive Patterns and Designs - Let's face it, individual expression is what it's all about, and Staples offers unique designs on products like the Staples BETTER binders, sticky notes and index card holders. One of my favorites are the ARC notebooks that offer a customizable cover that you can change whenever you get bored or want to mix things up! (for me it's like the notebook equivalent of swapping out your desktop wallpaper!)







Twinkle, Twinkle - The Glo-Lite Collection lights up when pushed and includes staplers, rulers and dry-erase boards. The Fiber Optic Pencil Pouches which are Exclusive to Staples, twinkle with designs that include shoe, piano and paisley. The Magnetic Motion Sensor Locker Chandelier with seven LED lights, the exclusive Glo-Lite Magnetic Pencil Bin, glitter rugs, Twinkle Scissors and magnetic wallpaper will help students spruce up their space and stand out in style.


Tech You Can Touch - The Acer Aspire Touch Laptop and new tablets like the HP Slate with Beats, Samsung Galaxy II, Samsung Note 8.0, Google Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD help kids stay connected online both in and out of the classroom. (Again that savings pass will come in handy if you plan to purchase any tech for Back-to-School). And of course you need a cool case to protect your new touch device, how about a Zebra Print Tablet Case by Jansport? (pictured above)


Non Basic Basics -  I fell in love with the new, bendable Staples Flexible Calculator, and the Scotch Magic Chameleon Tape Dispenser which changes color when touched! (pictured above)







Lunchtime = Funtime - The Fit and Fresh 14 Piece Healthy Lunch Set features perfectly proportioned containers with ice packs that snap into the lids! Cool It! Ice Packs will keep the chill in any lunch bag or box. Or enjoy the updated classic LEGO Lunch Box. (all are pictured above)

Celebrity Surprise:

Staples surprised us all when Nick Cannon and AJ from Extra payed a visit to promote his Designer N-Tune headphones produced by Monster!

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player

I was there! Here is a picture of Nick giving me, 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' my new Monster NCredible N-Tune On-Ear Headphones (Black):

Ascending Butterfly, Nick Cannon, N-Tune NCredible Monster Headphones
Left: Tracy, Founder, Butterfly-in-Chief, Ascending Butterfly, Right: Nick Cannon

Here is a picture of AJ Calloway from Extra Television, interviewing Nick Cannon, he asked him about his new N-Tune headphones as well as how it was working with Amanda Bynes!




Here is a picture of me and AJ from Extra TV, he just loves bloggers!

AJ from Extra TV, Tracy from Ascending Butterfly
Right: AJ from Extra TV, Left: Tracy from Ascending Butterfly


Staples Gives Back:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Staples, Inc have teamed up with teen actor Jake T. Austin for the 6th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive to help kids get the tools they need to be successful in school and achieve great futures!




There are THREE ways YOU can HELP!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Give $1 at checkout - Donate $1 at any Staples register from June 30 - September 28

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Share to Give - Visit Staples for Students on Facebook and they will donate $1 for every share starting July 15th! Isn't that awesome?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Donate Supplies -  Drop off donated supplies at your local Staples August 11-17th (Just make sure it's not the stuff you pilfered from the office, LOL)

My Take:

As a tech enthusiast I know the Savings Pass will definitely pay for itself! It's been awesome having the opportunity to attend Staples Preview Events, they always present something unique, and their events are always fun, but I will admit I didn't expect the celebrity surprise this time, and Nick couldn't have been more down to earth. I can see why he is so excited about his latest collaboration, Monster produces quality audio accessories and better still they really stand behind them (which I can personally attest to, when my Monster Vivienne Tam Butterfly Headphones died way before they should have, Monster took the time to make it right and send me a replacement, which is not just good customer service, it means they really stand behind the product!). Nick took the time out of his day, to present each and every single one of us with our headphones and to take pictures. He was super approachable and I definitely wish this latest venture of Nick's great success!

YOUR Chance to WIN:

Check out the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway - Every Tuesday you can enter the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway by submitting a caption for a chance to win a tablet and a Savings Pass! You can enter via Facebook or by following @Staples via twitter and tweeting your caption to the photo of the week! (Hint: That Cool Tape Dispenser I Posted the Picture of above? it just might be in this week's giveaway, so get those creative juices flowing and head on over for your chance to win!)

Have you started your Back-to-School Shopping Yet? What is on your shopping list for this year Butterflies?

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

FTC Disclosure: We were provided with the opportunity to learn of Staples Back-toSchool Products at a Digital Press Preview Event, we got to meet Nick Cannon and were supplied with the N-Tune headphones  and a gift bag with an assortment of products to facilitate our review, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

New & HOT in #Audio: Headphones that FLIP to powerful SPEAKERS - FlipsAudio™ #solo2social reviewed by the #TwitterPartyDJ

FlipsAudio, FlipsAudioUSA, Flips, Flip Headphones, #solo2social


What is the soundtrack of your life?

I normally save my question and my call to action and reserve it for the end of my post, but this time it just seemed so fitting for it to go first! I'll bet there is a song that represents major moments of your life, your first dance, prom, wedding and more. 

or maybe you are like me and there is always a running soundtrack in your head.

Have you ever wished you could share that soundtrack in real time? Now, with a simple flip you can! 

How Flips Works:

Just thought I'd share this video produced by Flips so you can see how easy it is to go from 'solo' listening, to 'social' sharing of your music (I'll try to do a Vine or quick video of my own when I get more caught up!):



It's literally that easy!

You can use them like regular headphones for solo listening, or you can charge them (they have a Lithium Ion Battery that is USB recharge-able) and then flip them and use them as you would any portable speaker!

PROs:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Portable Speakers and Headphones all-in-one! They are lightweight, portable and convenient to use!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Memory Foam Padded Earpiece that is comfortable and if you wear glasses or earrings they don't press them into your head!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They are compatible with any 3.5 millimeter audio jack which is the standard size on most portable devices including tablets, smart phones, iPods etc.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Comes with Protective Carrying Case

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you buy them directly from FlipsAudio, you get free shipping if you buy multiple units in the same order! (So if you have a pal that was looking into these, maybe you can guys can put the order in together and save on the shipping!)

CONs:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Of course Lithium Ion has it's Pros as well as Cons, if it's not fully charged you aren't going to get a lot of time when you are in Share mode, on a full charge it will give you 3 hours.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I did notice that it has a bit higher treble than most people are probably used to with standard headphones (probably because it's a Speaker as well as headphones, so you may have to adjust your device's treble settings to get a more 'even' sound.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For now, the color choices are a bit narrow, All White with Red Accents (which is the color I selected) or All Black with Lime Accents (my fellow Alienware Computer Enthusiasts are going to love that color scheme! But since most of my headphones and earbuds are actually Black like the typical New Yorker I am, I went with white this time around.)

FlipsAudio, FlipsAudioUSA, Flips, Flip Headphones, #solo2social, White and Red


Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like' FlipsAudioUSA on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @FlipsAudio on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to the FlipsAudio YouTube Channel

My Take:

Butterflies you all know that I went into headphones kicking and screaming because I have always preferred earbuds. I am an eyeglass wearer and I also wear pierced earrings which makes headphones a pain for me, I can tell you after extended hours of use with these they do NOT hurt my ears or push my eyeglasses or sunglasses or earrings into the side of my head. No Marks, means happy butterfly! I am very happy with the sound as a speaker and as headphones as well. I do have a 'good ear' when it comes to audio so it was hard at first getting used the higher treble capture with these, but I've adjusted my settings and once I did that I found that these really do deliver a quality audio experience across various Musical Genres. I have a very eclectic collection of music (but then again what 'DJ' doesn't?), and despite their bigger profile in my handbag, I have found myself reaching for them all the time (BTW, I love the protective case that comes with these!). They are delivering big price sound that allows you to easily share the beat at a price that won't break the bank. One of the highest ratings I can give with me having a background in music and studios and being a blogger is this 'Would you re-buy them if something went wrong?' and the answer is definitely a re-sounding yes! I of course hope they last a long time (and a long time for me is relative and is WAY different than the average mainstream user) but if I lost them I would re-buy them!

My apologies dear butterflies I was not able to arrange for a giveaway with these this time around, but please visit FlipsAudio on their Social Channels and let them know you saw them reviewed here and would love a giveaway, I'm sure your enthusiasm would help sway 'The-Powers-That-Be' over at FlipsAudio! J


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

FTC Disclosure: We were provided with the FlipsAudio #solo2social headphones to facilitate our review, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our review. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Monday, July 22, 2013

Motivation Monday: Aphrodite: Inner Goddess Edition!



































I love the message on this Aphrodite Tarot Card:

"Awaken the Goddess within you through dance, self-care, and appreciating your divinity"

On this motivation Monday do something to care for and awaken the Goddess within you, whether it's a full blown day in the spa, or just a long bath and lit candle. Nurture yourself today butterflies, your inner Goddess will thank you! (And Guys this applies to YOU too! Do something that makes you feel alive and happy!)

Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly - Wishing you a day of awakened divinity and inner light!


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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Sunday, July 21, 2013

Weekly Moment of Gratitude + Giveaway Winner for the @Ascending1 July Monthly Book Club Title!







What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ? - These past four days have been so bad, that I have nothing to say. I guess with the year I had last year, I'm supposed to say 'getting one more day', but right now that doesn't feel like much of a consolation or a gift considering this has been an entirely un-bearable past week. Sorry butterflies, usually I'm good at finding silver linings, but I'm just plain not feeling very inspired. So I spent a few days not writing hoping I could find a way to put things in perspective for myself. Hopefully you have been having a better week than I have had and that you have great things to share to be grateful for. Maybe I can find some inspiration in your stories this week.


What are YOU most grateful for today Butterfly?

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

What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Giveaway Winner:


Pancho Land, Cover Art, Book, Books, Raul Ramos Y Sanchez, Author, Review, Reviews, Giveaway, Giveaways, Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club
Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club July 2013 Title



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club is Back and we have a winner for our July title, the winner's name is posted in the rafflecopter widget HERE, please join me in congratulating the winner, entry #14, Anita Yancey!

Please Note: Just a reminder to giveaway entrants, please follow mandatory entry instructions very carefully, some of you are not doing the mandatory entry which means you are not entered in the final draw. We eliminate the entries that do not follow the mandatory entry instructions BEFORE we go to draw the winner which means that those going into the final draw have followed all the entry instructions! (We like to keep things fair!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS!: Our next giveaway is going to be another pick your prize promotion from one of our favorite intimate brand partners, so stay tuned! From Bridal lingerie, to loungewear to beachwear this giveaway will have you covered,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Our Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight is back too in case you missed July's featured handbag, click HERE


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

Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!) You don't have to wait until January 1st to buy a new journal. I actually like to re-set my year and re-visit my goals on my birthday instead of new years eve, so make this a birthday gift for your spirit that you give yourself!

















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Ascending Butterfly Featured #Handbag in the Spotlight: See why the @ElliottLucca Cordoba Flap Tote is our one to watch! + Learn about the 'Choose Your Karma' Campaign! #Fashion



I hope it's no where near as hot where you are as it is where I am. The summer heat is coming on strong here but that doesn't stop us New Yorkers from enjoying the City and all it has to offer! 

Things have been super busy around here and I just realized that our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight has gone dormant a lot longer than usual. So while you search for a cool breeze, I am going to share a HOT bag with you!

I know most people think casual tote bags when summer arrives, but for me, I still have business to do, so while a casual 'summery' tote is what I enjoy during weekends, I need a bag that says business during the week, but won't be too out of place when I attend events in the evenings straight after work.

The bag I have been loving pre-summer and so far right through it, is Elliott Lucca's Cordoba Flap Tote in the color 'Teal', exotic . You know how when you first change bags over it takes you awhile to get used to the new one? I didn't experience that with the Cordoba Flap Tote, it's all Fashion and it's just the right size, I also love the inner organizational compartments!



About the Cordoba Flap Tote:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exterior: Leather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shiny Gold Tone Hardware

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Magnetic Closure

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Two Interior Compartments: Front Compartment features two multi-use, open pockets. Back Compartment features back wall pocket with zipper closure

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 13 in L X 5 in W X 9 in H

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Drop: 7 in

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Strap: 16 in

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fringed Leather Tassel Accent

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Top Handles for hand toting or Leather and chain link Shoulder Strap

Ascending Butterfly, White Cardigan, Jaclyn Smith Collection for Kmart, Trouser Jeans, Coldwater Creek, Denim, Cordoba Flap Tote, Teal Exotic, Handbags
Ascending Butterfly is carrying the Elliott Lucca Cordoba Flap Tote in Teal Exotic, White Cardigan is by Jaclyn Smith Collection for Kmart and Trouser Jeans are by Coldwater Creek 

My Take:

I have been wearing my Cordoba Flap Tote in Teal Exotic everywhere, it's laid out in the inside just the way I like it, and there is room for a 'real camera', phone, tablet, sunglasses, and MORE! It's super roomy without being bulky, well organized and I love how versatile it is, it goes just as nicely with a suit as it does with jeans!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @ElliottLucca via Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Elliott Lucca via Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Pin friends on Pinterest

Choose Your Karma, Sakroots, The Sak, Elliott Lucca


CHOOSE YOUR KARMA CAMPAIGN:

As you know The Sak, Sakroots, and Elliott Lucca are all sister brands and Sakroots is currently offering a "Choose Your Karma" promotion where you pick your art of choice among a variety of beautiful prints including 'Peace Print', 'One World', 'Flower Power', 'Dreamland', 'Bambu', 'True Love', 'Water Nation', 'TreeHouse' and then you will have the choice to donate to one of the partner charities associated with each print and Sakroots will match ALL donations received!

If you pick Peace Print you can help The Nature Conservancy (one of my favorites! As you guys know I am a Wildlife Conservation Society Blogger Brand Ambassador here in New York City), One World styles go to Elephant Nature Park, Flower Power goes to NABA - North American Butterfly Association (and needless to say I LOVE that!), Dreamland print proceeds can be donated to NPH USA (Raising children. Transforming Lives), Bambu goes to World Bamboo, True Love goes to The HoneyBee Conservancy (as you know they are endangered, and while they can be annoying when they sting you, they serve an important purpose to our eco-system!), Water nation goes to the Whale and Dolphin Conservancy and last but not least, Tree House style bags go to Plant a Billion Trees! So you can express your style, AND give back which in my opinion is all the more reason to add a new handbag to your collection!

Sorry Butterflies we couldn't arrange for a giveaway this time around, but we hope to have Elliott Lucca back soon!

Tell us Butterflies, which 'Choose Your Karma' style would you choose and why?


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


FTC Disclosure: We were provided with the Elliott Lucca Cordoba Flap Tote to facilitate our review, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our review. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Wordless Wednesday: The 15 Things To Give Up Edition! #inspiration #motivation #empowerment
























Bloggers feel free to post a link to your Wordless Wednesday Posts so we can check out your photos as well. (NO Giveaways Please, all comments will be moderated!) 

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. Stay Wordless My Friends!

Tuesday, July 16, 2013

Why do you Love @IGIGI? Want to see why I do? + Sharing your story could net you some shopping $ #Fashion


I am a Latina with curves, and I'm super proud of them. Even at my 'smallest' weight number on the scale, my curves are still there and I love them. I'm very ahem 'blessed' on top, I have a small waist in proportion to the rest of me and great hips, I'm a true 'hourglass', normally that makes shopping for things like jeans and pantsuits difficult for me. A pantsuit for me is usually no fun to shop for, they come together but invariably I end up needing one size for the pants, and a different size for the jacket. Again a small waist and ample bottom also makes shopping for jeans pure torture. So when I find a brand that makes styles with my body type in mind, it's hard for me to refrain myself from shopping there all day long and buying everything up!

But let's face it, we have all reached a point where we are no longer buying something just because 'it fits'. That's just not enough anymore. After the roller-coaster year I had last year I am slowly but surely purging my closet of things that merely fit. If I don't LOVE something, it shouldn't be taking up valuable space.

My working environments pre-blogging and social media consulting, were all super corporate, so I'd stock up on classic suits and allow the accessories to do the talking in terms of trends and color. But now I'm slowly veering toward adding color to the clothes not just the accessories and experimenting with more dresses. And for me IGIGI has helped me make these transitions much more easily and effortlessly than I ever expected.

And I have put the fashions I have tried from them through their paces and everything wears well. I have reviewed some amazing styles from them in the past, the polyvore board I created putting together a great evening style feauturing one of IGIGI's most iconic dresses (the Ambrosia Dress) and their Hanna Coat still gets a ton of traffic (you can check that one out HERE) and I also mentioned the suit I am sharing with you today during my Getting Gorgeous recap coverage from New York City.

Now I know I just said I am trying to veer from all black, and I AM, I'm actually doing really well with it, but now that I'm out of a hospital bed and slowly getting back into my routines again I've lost so much weight that my favorite suits were all too big, and some just weren't really worth getting altered at this point. And I strongly want to start over in so many ways. The wonderful folks at IGIGI sent me a Black Suit (in a style called "Monroe") and a gorgeous Tunic Top in the color Scarlet (in a style called "Luella").

Here are some pictures of me wearing the suit and the top:

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, Monroe Pant Suit, Luella Scarlet Tunic Top, Pants, Blouse, Suit, Suits, Foster Grant, Sunglasses
Tracy from Ascending Butterfly (ME!) is wearing the Monroe Pantsuit in Black and Luella Infinity Tunic in Scarlet by IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, sunglasses are by Foster Grant!

This suit is comfortable and seasonless and the bright pop of scarlet from the top really helps pull it together!

IGIGI by Yuliya Raquel, Monroe Pant Suit, Luella Scarlet Tunic Top, Pants, Blouse, Suit, Suits
Hamming it up with a Lei around my neck and fun Elvis Standee!

I definitely love this suit, and am glad I went bright with the top!

Here I am again on the far left, this time my Wilsons Leather Animal Print trench is on top of the Monroe Pant Suit by IGIGI. This suit is super comfortable and super versatile too!

My Take:

IGIGI is the perfect compliment to my curves and my wardrobe! From casual to dressy they offer a wide variety of sizes and styles and their clothes are cut with 'real women's curves' in mind!

WIN IT:

Want to win a $100 IGIGI shopping spree? Of course you do! The giveaway is not here, it's on IGIGI's facebook page, (it always pays to Get Social with our Brand Partners!), all you have to do is fill out a super quick entry with your name, email and age (will NOT be disclosed to anyone!) and then answer the question, Why do I love IGIGI? - Every 100th answer will win a $100 Gift Certificate to IGIGI. So make sure to enter HERE for your chance to win!

Check Out IGIGI's website and tell us what you would buy if you won the $100 Gift Certificate to IGIGI

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received to share our review, the Monroe Pantsuit and the Luella Tunic Top were provided for editorial consideration. All opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. IGIGI is the bomb dot com! For real! J