Showing posts with label Gift Card. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gift Card. Show all posts

Friday, December 23, 2022

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

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.


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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

Sunday, April 21, 2013

Featured #Handbag in the Spotlight + pick your prize with a $100 Gift Card to @wilsonsleather via @Ascending1



As a lifelong New Yorker, my wardrobe is filled with Black, and after the year I had last year I determined that this year as soon as I was back on my feet and something closer to a normal weight I would start ridding myself of a wardrobe that sadly resembles someone in mourning, and change over to brighter colors! I started that earlier this year when I embraced the Pantone color of the year, Green, and got a great jacket from Wilsons Leather and paired it with my Linea Pelle Dylan handbag in Kelly Green. (You can check out how I styled Green this year HERE)

With Spring finally here in New York City, I wanted to continue with my 'brighter' new me, and I fell in love, love, love, with the Black Rivet Blazer in the color 'Papaya' and the Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange' from Wilsons Leather!

First I'll show you the pro-shot of each one:

Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya':

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Front



Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Back

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange':

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange'


Here are some shots of me wearing them:

More on where I'm hamming it up at for my Birthday in this picture later during the week (Wordless Wednesday maybe)!


Jacket: Black Rivet Blazer, HandBag: Black Rivet Satchel from Wilsons Leather, Shirt by Calvin Klein, JeansSignature Curvy Skinny by Levi Strauss & Co

My Take:

I have received tons of compliments on both the Blazer and the Handbag, and I have a feeling I will be living in these for Spring! The color is just so vibrant and fun, I can take my black wardrobe and give it a pop of color with bright accessories! And when a spill on my jacket occured, a quick dab with club soda took it right off with no staining or fading. The bag has a stripes lining on the inside, that makes it a super fun choice going straight into summer, and makes it easy to see on the inside when you are in lowlight and need to find something fast. It has great organizational compartments, my sunglasses are super-oversized and my phone is a pretty thick one, and both fit with ease in their side compartments, which is rare for me to find in most handbags. I find myself wanting to reach for these everyday now!

Win It:

When I told my friends at Wilsons Leather it was my birthday but YOU get the gifts, they were happy to join in the fun! And while I LOVE my picks, you may want something totally different, a different color, or silhouette of bag and you can actually pick your own bag instead of my choice! So not only is it my birthday month and YOU get the gifts, you also get to pick your gift, isn't that cool?

Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter Widget below to get your entries in for a $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card! One lucky butterfly will win $100 to Wilsons Leather to pick their own prize, and gentlemen remember, Wilsons Leather is NOT just for Ladies, they sell great stuff for Men too! Who Loves You Butterfly?

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Wilsons Leather provided Ascending Butterfly with the Jacket and Handbag for editorial consideration, and they are also fulfilling to one prize winner, all opinions are 100% my own. Sponsor is responsible for Prize Fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly or it's giveaway sponsors will be held responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. Our full disclosure policy can be found at: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Sunday, February 24, 2013

Are You Recycling Your Electronics? We can all get a bit 'leaner' and 'greener'!



I am a Spring Baby and with the end of Daylight Savings Time coming soon, and signs of Spring popping up everywhere, my mind is on Spring Cleaning, the closet purging that will make room for some fun summer fashions, and a purge of a very different kind as well. An 'electronics purge'.

I don't know about you but there are old phones, TV's and other outdated tech that I have been meaning to get rid of, but it has piled up. With some of it, (many of you I am sure can relate to this), I kept as a 'backup'. (Especially with some of the phones). But I've never touched those backups and in some cases have gone on to newer technology well past their immediate replacements.

As a renter, space is at a premium and there isn't really the luxury of allowing outdated items to pile up. I've been actively trying to switch over to all Energy Star Certified Products and get a bit 'greener', which in turn helps you get 'leaner' as Energy Star Certified Products all save you money in the long run!

With my schedule, I need Recycling to be simple and easy and with my budget, I definitely need it to NOT be a burden. So how do you do something good for the environment AND you? I'm so glad you asked!





Best Buy Electronic​s Recycling Program:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available for free in every Best Buy location in Puerto Rico and the U.S.! Learn more about the program by clicking HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No matter where you bought or how old it is, Best Buy will recycle it!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Best Buy recycles 387 pounds of electronics each minute their stores are open!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -   Did you know that Best Buy carries a whole line of Energy Star certified products as well?  Recycle your old electronics and upgrade to more energy efficient ones. To learn more about Best Buy's Energy Star certified products, click HERE


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Best Buy will recycle any eligible item at no charge.


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Recycling Kiosks - Every US and Puerto Rico Best Buy store has free kiosks, just inside the door, for you to drop off ink and toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, wires, cords and cables.


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Appliance and TV Haul-Away — Best Buy will remove an appliance or TV free of charge from a customer's home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best Buy Home Delivery.


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Not ordering something from Best Buy right now, but would still like home pick up? Appliance and TV Pickup - For $100, Best Buy will arrange a home visit to remove up to two appliances or TVs for recycling. For more than two units, add $20 per additional unit.





Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Want a Gift Card?Trade-In @ Best Buy - You can visit wwww.bestbuy.com/tradein to trade-in select gently used electronics for a Best Buy gift card.

My Take:

You can Recycle free of charge or even trade in and get a gift card so you can upgrade your technology, what's NOT to love? Turn your old technology into that new iPad or Tablet you've been wanting! Turn some outdated stuff into a brand new GPS for this summer's road trips, the possibilities are endless, and with the old stuff NOT polluting our landfills and getting re-purposed, you are doing something for the environment, something for you and getting something great in return! GO FOR IT!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Best Buy on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BestBuy on Twitter

Have you tried Best Buy Electronics Recycling Yet? If so, what product(s) did you recycle? Did you Trade In or use the in store kiosk? Don't forget to let Best Buy know you saw the Electronics Recycling Program featured on Ascending Butterfly!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Best Buy WOLF program Blogger, you can also visit the WOLF program on Facebook and Twitter. I will receive a Best Buy Gift Card for sharing about the Recycling Program, however all opinions are 100% my own. This program offers additional incentives for participation. But you can best believe I reduce, re-use and recycle! Go Green!

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Happy Birthday Cuz!


Happy Birthday to Cousin Butterfly (as you know I don't name my family here for privacy reasons), my cousin and I were born two weeks apart, here is a picture of us celebrating his birthday this year!

Feel free to list your Wordless Wednesday links as a comment, I look forward to seeing your pictures!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!


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Active Giveaway:

Don't forget to enter our Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight/Mother's Day Giveaway for a $200 Gift Card to Wilson's Leather: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/05/win-200-gift-card-to-wilsons-leather.html


Please Note: Wilsons Leather also carries mens and childrens items, so this giveaway is truly open to all!


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Saturday, November 5, 2011

{CLOSED} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 11/15

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Wilsons Leather! We look forward to working with you again! The Winner is: Big Happy Buddha (We Post Winner Site Usernames for privacy purposes). Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #1 brought to you by:



By now Wilsons Leather is no stranger to Ascending Butterfly readers, they've hosted a few Featured Handbag in the Spotlights for us (see HERE and HERE for reminders). I'm not even sure there are new words I can use to express the lifelong love affair I've had with Wilsons Leather. I've been shopping there ever since I was a teen, first at my local mall, and now online. I have purchased quite a few handbags and leather blazers from Wilsons and have always been happy with the quality, and how well everything wears and retains their beauty over time. I have purchased gifts from Wilsons that the recipients still have and very much enjoy and treasure.

This year my favorite winter jacket needed replacing (I have a hard time letting go of favorite pieces and this was one of them), it had not only seen better days, but even the lining was beyond repair, well when your favorite tailor tells you it's time to let something go and not even bother trying to repair it, you know it's time.

I knew that the only place I could trust with finding a replacement was Wilsons. And no surprise I found a jacket I loved.

Pelle Studio Smooth Lamb Belted Jacket w/ Thinsulate Zip-Out Lining

Front View @2011 Wilsons Leather

Back View @2011 Wilsons Leather

I started with Wilson's Images of the Jacket because the pro shots will give you more detail!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shell: Genuine leather; Lining: 100% polyester
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-Out Liner: Front/Back, 100% polyester; Fill /Thinsulate™
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Full-zip front with snap overlay; stand-up collar
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Attached cuff tabs
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On-seam hand pockets
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical strip down front seams; removable tie belt at waist
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-out quilted Thinsulate™ lining
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remember: When cleaning is necessary send to a special leather cleaner only

The jacket arrived at a perfect time as many fellow east coasters know we got a very snowy Halloween here in NYC (many called it #snowtober on twitter), and it's been chilly since! I wore it recently to a holiday event at the Disney Store, here I am with Mickey & Minnie and my mama butterfly, I am standing closest to Minnie, and I'm wearing my new jacket in the photo below:

Ascending Butterfly second to left near Minnie Mouse wearing Wilsons Pelle Studio Jacket!

 My Take:

I love the zip out thinsulate lining, it allows me to remove it in Spring or Fall, and then put it back in once the weather gets colder (much like it is NOW!). I love the details on this jacket, especially the way that the back stitching tapers in the back of the jacket, it truly accentuates the waist, which is where we normally curve in, so it's very flattering!

I've been wearing Wilsons for years and I already know to size up, but if you read the reviews many people are kind enough to provide their height and measurements, and you will see from petites to plus it's better to order one size up. I did that, I could have easily fit the size down from the one I ordered, but I know full well, especially in winter I will be wearing it over bulky sweaters, or sometimes even sweaters and cardigans and I wanted to be sure that I had enough room, it's actually slightly big on me, but as it gets colder and my sweaters get bigger, I know I'll be super happy I sized up.

Wilsons Leather carries all sizes and has a great variety in plus size, which I definitely appreciate, I love my curves and I love shopping brands that cater to them! :)

They have a great variety of gifts, mens and women's outwear, handbags and accessories (BTW, there are several Kindle cases on sale you might want to snatch up, especially if you are getting someone special a Kindle this year), they also have an amazing assortment of Leather Cases, Duffels & Suitcases for business and travel as well as great outwear for kids! Right now the entire site is 50% off, it's literally a one stop Holiday shop, with Handbags currently 60% off on select styles, what are you waiting for?

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Wilsons Leather would like to give 1 lucky winner a $100 Wilsons Gift Card so you can select the item of your choosing!

Don't you just ♥ Wilsons Leather? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Wilsons Leather and link us to anything other than the Pelle Studio Lamb Leather Jacket with zip out thinsulate lining that catches your eye!  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Saturday, November 05, 2011 until Tuesday, November 15, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of all things coats, tell me about your all time favorite coat, was it a cute coat you had as a kid, or something more recent?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter (this is Ascending Butterfly's new account, we will soon be hosting twitter parties which necessitates having a second account so you can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @wilsonsleather on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @wilsonsleather $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card #Giveaway! Ends 11/15  http://tinyurl.com/3hxazkr

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Wilsons Leather on Facebook HERE (Tell them which item you are trying to win on Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)


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FTC Disclosure Info for this GiveawayThe Pelle Lamb Jacket was provided for review free of charge. No monetary compensation has been received. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Back to School with Staples $50 Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 08/27

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Staples! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'Jessie C'. (We have many Jessie's, please note this Jessie, has already sent her address and claimed her win!) Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! Watch for the return of our Monthly Book Club!
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Ascending Butterfly Back To School Editor's Pick, Sponsored By:


A few weeks ago, I attended a Staples Back to School themed event in NYC (Thanks to Lisa @ New York Chica for sharing this information with me!) and not only did I have fun re-connecting with New York based Bloggers I know, but also got a chance to preview some great items for back to school that I am looking forward to sharing with you!

As most of you know I'm not a Mom but I am an Aunt and a God-Mother and actually enjoy helping my nieces and nephews shop for their Back to School items. I've got a range of ages to help shop for, but I don't like having to visit too many different stores to get the lists completed. Being able to tackle each age group in one place is a huge time saver, let's face it, 'Time is Money'.

Here are some cool items you can find at Staples for Back to School:



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Supplies for a Cause - Teens can be encouraged to convert their energy and ideas into positive action with the new DoSomething.org-inspired products ($0.99-$11.99), exclusive to Staples. These products help students stay organized while learning about important issues impacting their communities. The collection includes planners, notebooks, comp books, pocket portfolios and 3-ring pencil pouches featuring cool designs including background on social issues and tips on how students can make a difference. Ascending Butterfly loves 'guilt free shopping' and products that give back. Encouraging young people to get into a mindset that teaches them that their dollars are buying power that should be leveraged to make a difference is important!




Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Go Glam- Add some ‘bling’ to the classroom with the new Glam Rocks Collection. Sparkle in style with the hand-crafted Glam Rocks Staplers ($4.99) and Glam Rocks Pens ($4.99). Designs available in purple floral, pink color fade, royal blue and crystal clear. Students can also do some sparkling number-crunching with the Glam Rocks Calculators ($4.99).  These went over quite well when I attended the event at Staples, and I scored major auntie brownie points with my niece when I got her these!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Flash Forward- Exclusive to Staples, get a little flashy with the Omnitech 2GB Swivel Flash Drive ($12.99), designed to keep the cap in place. Available in new black and white, multi-colored dots and peace-sign patterns.  These definitely went over well, and I couldn't resist picking one up for myself!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cool Calculators- Math has never been more fun with these calculators, exclusive to Staples. Students can “flex” their math muscles - literally- with the new Staples Flexible Calculator ($3.99). It’s uniquely bendable with translucent and tie-dyed designs.



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - With the new Staples Soccer Buddy Calculator ($3.99) and its functional mini-soccer ball, achieving math “goals” will be easy. My soccer loving nephew named his FIFA and said this one was for HIS desk!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Organize in Style- Students can let their personality show with Staples Brand fashion products ($1.99-$5.49), including binders, portfolios, notebooks and comp books, fashion dividers and more. Available in an assortment of stylish colors and designs from funky geometric prints to free-spirited paisley creations. The Staples BETTER binder™ is built for long-lasting durability and to withstand heavy-duty daily use available in an assortment of vibrant back-to-school colors ($6.99-$14.79). I was tempted to keep one of these for ME, but ever the good aunt, I gave it up, but I am thinking of going back and picking up a few for myself!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-it - How do you make a pencil case out of a really long zipper? Just pull it and watch it zip into shape! The brainchild of a student whose class project called for turning an everyday item into something new, the Zip It-Unzip Your Mind pencil pouch ($5.99) is perfect for teen trendsetters. Available in stylish colors including black, purple and pink with exclusive rainbow-zipper design for Staples. This was my favorite product that was shown to us at the event, and my enthusiasm for it rubbed off on my niece too, she wanted one in every color, but I kept the hot pink for me because my ipod protector is pink and I've decided to put it into the Zip It Pouch so it would be safe inside my bag! (During the event Staples held 'zip and unzip offs' where the fastest bloggers won prizes!) I of course immediately asked about how well it washes to use as a cosmetics bag, and all you have to do is UNZIP it completely and throw it in the wash, the makeup residue comes right off and it looks like new again! The uses for this pouch are endless!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Thanks to our friends at Staples the lucky winner of this giveaway gets a $50 Staples Gift Card to help with Back To School Shopping (and with their 99 cent specials - check your local ad for details - this gift card will certainly go a long way!) Don't you just ♥ Staples? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Mandatory Entry (this must be done for all others to count): Visit Staples and post the URL Link (NOT THE NAME) of any OTHER back to school item aside from the review items!  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Wednesday, August 18, 2010 until Friday, August 27, 2010 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment (+5 entries, leave 5 comments with the URL to your blog post!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!) (2 credits, post twice)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow me @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #ascendingbutterfly + @StaplesTweets #win a $50 Staples Gift Card for Back to School #Giveaway - http://tinyurl.com/2co77zk

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry. Get the Tweet's URL by clicking on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @StaplesTweets on Twitter HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Staples on Facebook (and remember to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you, post the URL of where you posted on Staples wall) HERE  (+1 for liking and +3 extra credit entries for wall post, (please post 3 comments!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook (remember when we have giveaways which allow for multiple winners, one winner will always be selected at Random from our Facebook Page, so make sure you are following us there too!) HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Review this blog on Alexa HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)



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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate my review and for the giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.