Showing posts with label Latina Bloggers Connect. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latina Bloggers Connect. Show all posts

Friday, December 6, 2013

#ad: @Univision and @jnjcares Want You to Vote for "The Family of Today" #LaFamiliadeHoy

#ad: This is a compensated post in collaboration with Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect, All Opinions Expressed are 100% my own. I have been selected among a group of Latina Bloggers to help spread awareness about Johnson & Johnson and Univision's "La Familia De Hoy" campaign. See below for additional disclosure information.

La Familia de Hoy Logo


Today's Modern Family is a bit more complex in structure, but at it's core are people who love one another un-conditionally, and parents who want to see their children do that much better than they ever could. For me, my family is filled with people who are in every sense of the word 'my family' although not all are related by blood or marriage. It's a different kind of family, the friends that have really been there are the sisters and brothers that I didn't get from God, my mother's childhood friends were the Aunts I wasn't given by blood, who all have very special places in my heart.

I think for the most part the notion of a 'traditional' family has been very much turned on it's head in this day and age. And that's a good thing.

Here is one of my favorite 'family photos:

Ascending Butterfly Birthday with mom and aunts
That's me laughing hard about to cut my birthday cake!


In this picture on the very right and very left are my 'Tia's'/Aunts, they are not my Aunts by blood, but by something more meaningful, time and love. They were there every step of the way in my life and still are! Their children are my 'cousins' even though we are not related and many modern day families of 'today' are comprised of people who are not always related by blood or marriage ties.

Johnson & Johnson has partnered with Univision to find La Familia de Hoy, and they want your help! You get to check out the family's profiles and determine who you think should become a 'spokesfamily' for Johnson & Johnson in 2014

The Olivera Family La Familia de Hoy Campaign Photo


While I can easily see any of the families that are in the running do a great job, the Olivera family resonated most with me, the dad who is a semi pro football player also owns his own business and takes time to coach as well. I can relate to his entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to the difficult thing called work/life balance.

Though he passed when I was very young, my dad also enjoyed his sports, he played baseball, loved his daughters very much and my mom she was the Entrepreneur, she taught me that you don't have to be chained to a cubicle to make a living or a life.

So Visit the La Familia de Hoy Voting Site to select which family you think should win! If you want to find out who won you can watch the show Sábado Gigante on Univsion on Saturday, December 21, 2013 (check your local listings for the exact time in your area).

My Take:

The face of today's family is changing, but the glue that keeps families strong will never change, it's love, respect, communication and support! I love that Johnson & Johnson is looking for 'Today's Family' and letting voters help determine what that looks like for us. As a Latina, I love that there will be a family in campaigns that look a lot closer to mine than 'Traditional Media' has offered in the past. Without the cheesy stereotypes, without the generalizations, just a real family being celebrated for what they do best, celebrating life's everyday moments!

Butterflies tell us which family ultimately got your vote? Was it my pick, The Olivera Family? or was it The López or Jiménez Family?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign/Sponsored Post brought to you by Johnson & Johnson and Latina Bloggers Connect. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Wednesday, December 4, 2013

#ad: Starting a Business Takes More than just 'Ganas'/Desire, it takes Planning + a #Giveaway too! @AmwayUS #SomosAmway

#ad: This is a Compensated/Sponsored Post in collaboration with Amway and Latina Bloggers Connect, as always, all opinons are 100% my own, additional disclosure information below post.

Amway English Logo


I've been an entrepreneur in some form or another for as long as I can remember, in fact I worked three jobs to get myself through College (in addition to several academic merit scholarships!). My original major was Biological Sciences (because I was pre-med and an aspiring Cardiologist at the time), but I was already a freelance writer contributing articles to a Bronx Newspaper (no, folks not just the Campus paper), and I ran my own Transcription and Translation Service, it started small and the word-of-mouth eventually landed me a Major Magazine Client whose editors would use both services, they would send me the tapes of the interviews editors would conduct with Spanish Speaking Celebrities and have me translate them because the magazine published articles solely in English at the time with some peppering of Spanish in some articles, so I would not only transcribe all interviews, (both the English and Spanish ones), but also translate the Spanish articles. It was my first lesson in just how long the hours are when you work for yourself. I would get a lot of 'overnight' turn around requests. Tapes would sometimes arrive to me via a messenger service up until 1 am (the latest time those services ran in my city) and I would have to translate, transcribe, proof read and get the tape returned and story sent to the editor hours later for same day rush service. Yes I was smart enough to charge additional fees for same day service and turn around, but I had to be up all night sometimes to complete those jobs. And still get up early for an office day job and a FULL TIME, NOT PART TIME class schedule.

Was it easy? NO, not at all.

Was I always tired? Indeed.

While my three jobs were very different in scope they all taught me unique lessons that all specifically prepared me well for the future. They honed my discipline, my accounting skills, my time management skills, project management skills and client management skills. All skills you need in spades to turn your dreams of running your own business into a reality.

It takes more than 'Ganas'/'Desire', it takes more than wanting it to make it happen. Yes butterflies if you can dream it, you can achieve it, I have NO doubt about that, but don't forget that it takes planning, research, in some cases additional education and it does take financial preparation. When you work for yourself, you will work way LONGER hours than you've ever worked for anyone else. Trust me when I tell you no day job you've ever had will ever compete with the amount of hours you will have to work when you go into business for yourself.

Amway is partnering with various digital entrepreneurs to discuss and share our stories. They empower people everyday by enabling them to start a business, and they wanted us to share our perspective with being your own boss. Despite the fact this economy is still very much in a recession, it's exactly that reason that many people are exploring their options. Sometimes a 9-to-5 isn't quite enough to make ends meet these days and knowing that there are other options to empower yourself and your family is important.



My friends there is a cure out there for "The Common Cubicle"! Sales skills are an integral part of any business, so this is a great way to hone those skills in hours that are convenient for you. Check out the quick video below:



I for one think it's important to get first hand feedback from someone who is currently in a business, so I would suggest checking out the testimonials from happy Amway Family members including the Diaz Family, the St. John Family, the Avellaneda Family, the Veloz Family, the Kothapallis Family, and the Garcia Family. There are tons more!

I personally think it's good business to allow folks to 'try the goods' you know 'sample the merchandise', and thankfully our friends at Amway agree, there is no better way to help people understand just how great your products are than by giving them the chance to try them out for themselves! Amway wants YOU to do just that!

WIN IT:

Our friends at Amway want you to try out some of their most popular products including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NUTRILITE Fruit & Vegetables 2Go Twist Tubes (We actually did a full review of this product HERE if you'd like to check that out)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NUTRILITE Men's Packs Dietary Supplements

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NUTRILITE Women's Pack Dietary Supplements

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NUTRILITE Perfect Pack for your Health

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Artistry Youth Xtend Collection

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Artistry Light Up Lip Gloss

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Artistry Liquid Eyeliner

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Legacy of Clean All Purpose Surface Wipes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Legacy of Clean SA8 Triple Liquid 3X Concentrated Laundry Detergent

The Approximate Value of this Prize Basket is $710.00! Can I get a Woot! Woot!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please note Ascending Butterfly is NOT drawing the winner, the sponsor is, so please check back after the contest closes to see the winner's name announced on the widget as I won't be posting a winner's announcement for this since I'm not drawing it.

Tell us Butterflies, What part of the prize package interests you most?


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FTC Dislcosure: This is a Sponsored Giveaway in conjunction with Amway. All prizes are non-transferable with no cash redemption, equivalent or substitution except at Sponsor's Sole Discretion. Prize details and availability are subject to change and in the event that Sponsor is unable to provide a Winner with their Prize the Sponsor may elect to provide such Winner the approximate value of said prize in an alternate prize of comparable value. Prizes will be awarded via a random drawing and winners will be notified directly by Amway NOT by Ascending Butterfly. All Winners must respond to the notification within 24 hours or an alternate winner will be selected. Ascending Butterfly is NOT responsible for shipment of prizing, shipping fees or insurance, prizes will be fulfilled by Amway. Sponsor nor Ascending Butterfly will be held responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. Winners are responsible for any taxes on prizes awarded. Odds of winning are based on the number of  participants during respective entry period. No Purchase Necessary. Prizes will be honored and shipped to winners ages 18 + who are United States Residents.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

#ad: I get rewarded just for making someone smile, do YOU? #HallmarkCardRewards


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

Hallmark Card Rewards








I get rewarded just for making those I know and love smile! Just for letting them know I was thinking of them! Something I do even when it's not a particularly special occasion. I love to celebrate everyday moments and victories with friends and families, not just the major milestones! I learned the hard way last year that everyday moments are 'the special moments'! And I love the look on a friend or family member's face when I surprise them with a 'real card'. The smile on my niece or my nephew butterfly faces when I send them a card in the mail just because they got an A on a 'hard test' or won an award for team sports is priceless!




I actually get rewarded TWICE (but please don't tell them that!). The first is for the happiness that my card gives them, and the second is via Hallmark Rewards! Yes that's right, you get rewarded for buying cards! NICE, verdad? (verdad? = right?) :-) So if I go in and buy cards for co-workers, friends and family and I purchase at or about 50 individual cards (this is for individual cards, not boxed sets) I get one reward for every 5 cards I buy; so if I nab 50 cards, I'll end up with 10 rewards that I can use for either Lands End, Applebee's, Omaha Steaks and Cherry Moon Farms! Pretty sweet deal!

Get the lowdown on Hallmark Card Rewards:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get rewarded everywhere you buy Hallmark Cards at more than 30,000 grocery stores, drug stores, and supermarkets across the U.S. for selecting individual cards and NOT for boxed greetings!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earn 1 reward for every 5 Hallmark Cards Purchased. Rewards include gift cards, discounts, dollars off, and more from rewards partners including: Starbucks, Nike, Applebee's, Land's End, Omaha Steaks and many others!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Download the Hallmark Card Rewards mobile app (for Android and iPhone) to easily scan the bar-code on the back of your purchased Hallmark Cards and register your rewards for your account.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Register today for Hallmark Card Rewards at http://bit.ly/1hK3ijP

Hallmark has been a Holiday Tradition for my family as my mom would buy a new holiday ornament at various Hallmark locations during her travels in and out of the city, it's a ritual we still do to this day! We like to get collectible ornaments especially and each year we run over to get the next ornament in several series we are collecting for our tree! Our tree decorations are NOT complete until we add this year's newest store ornament!

One of our favorite types of ornaments to collect are the carousel horses, Hallmark always gets great ones and a new one each year, I have this one, it's one of my favorites:

Hallmark Collectible Carousel Horse Holiday Ornament
Photo Credit: Coppertonlane.com

Another of our favorites are the Hallmark Holiday Barbie Collector's Series Ornaments, here is one I'd like to add to my growing collection:

Hallmark Holiday Barbie Collector's Series Holiday Ornament
Photo Credit: Highwire.com

Hallmark is a special part of my holidays year after year

BUTTERFLIES: what is your favorite gift to buy at Hallmark or do you just focus on cards? (Either Way, be sure to get rewarded for your purchases!) 

If anyone saves up enough rewards, I LOVE Applebees riblets by the way! So if you save up enough you treat to dinner OK? Wink! WInk! :-)


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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect. 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 visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Pass the Virtual #PurplePurse & a $5 donation will be made to YWCA for Dometic Violence Awareness Month + a #TwitterParty!

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and The Allstate Foundation, see below post for additional disclosure details:



You know how much Ascending Butterfly loves featuring Brands that Give Back. Brands and People that are working to make a difference in the lives of others will always have space here. In addition to October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it is also Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and this month The Allstate Foundation has chosen a Purple Purse as the symbol for domestic violence awareness, with the purse representing a woman's way to escape the cycle of abuse by gaining Financial Independence. The program, which is now in it's third year, has pledged to donate up to $350,000 to the YWCA for programs that are designed to assist survivors of domestic violence (and other women in need).

To get the conversation going, 1,300 purple purses filled with information on domestic violence will be distributed across the United States with the goal of the purse being passed between family, friends, community leaders, celebrities, and media. In fact there is a twitter party tonight to raise awareness and I hope that you will join. While I am not personally co-hosting this one, I will be attending to help raise awareness and discuss this important topic. (and hopefully to win too!).



For every Purple Purse passed through the end of October, The Allstate Foundation will donate $5 to the YWCA, up to $350,000 to help domestic violence survivors and to stop the cycle of abuse! They are almost there, so I am passing my Virtual Purse to each and every one of you in hopes that you will share this information with your family and friends. If you see something, say something! If you suspect someone is the victim of domestic violence, let them know you are there to help, direct them to their nearest YWCA, they need to know that there are options out there, and they don't have to accept abuse, EVER!

Butterflies, domestic violence occurs more than 145 times each HOUR in the U.S. on average, THREE women die every day as a result of injuries sustained and it affects one in four women in their lifetime - that is more women than breast, ovarian and lung cancer combined. Only about half of Americans know how to help the victims of domestic violence and the lack of financial knowledge and resources are the number one reason victims will return or stay in the abusive relationship.

Let's all get on Twitter tonight and join the #PurplePurse Movement, this is a party that we must help 'trend' on twitter, let's get everyone talking about it!

Twitter Party Details:

Date: Wednesday, October 9

Time: 9 to 10 p.m. EST / 6 to 7 p.m. PST

Hashtag: #PurplePurse

Hosts to Follow:

@mslatina
@jeannettekaplun
@deborahderas
@diariolamoda
@lbconnect
@laflowers

Prizes:

Grand Prize: Adriana Castro Purple Maya Clutch (ARV $635) - 1 winner

Party Prizes: Allstate Foundation Purple Purses (6 winners)

To be eligible to win you must be active during the Twitter Party and using the hashtag actively making an original tweet using the #PurplePurse hashtag and by answering party giveaway questions, winners will be announced throughout the hour. Again, I am NOT personally hosting or co-hosting, so please direct any questions directly to the hosts.

I have registered my purse and passed the virtual code along to you, you can get involved by posting the code in the graphic above at www.purplepurse.com or via Facebook!

Butterfly did you pass the purse?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and all opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

#ad Whether it's a #cocktail #mocktail, or iced Latte, Stay cool, slim & sexy with @Slimfast #SlimFastVeranoSexy

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and SlimFast. See below for Full Disclosure Policy.

Slim-Fast, French Vanilla Shake, Cocktail Glass, #SlimFastVeranoSexy Campaign
Un-boxing summer fun! What until you see what this simple box can do!


I bet I know what you are thinking 'But Butterfly, Cocktails = Empty Calories which is not good", am I right? How about if I told you there is a way to still enjoy a refreshing summer cocktail (or mocktail if alcohol/spirits is not your thing) and still keep that sexy summer bikini body you trained for all winter! or at least not look like you are auditioning for the Trailer Choir's 'Rockin' the Beer Gut' video! (super funny by the way!)

Keeping it cool doesn't mean you have to avoid a fun and social time with friends, in fact you may even be the hit of the summer fiesta (party) with these stay cool/stay slim recipes!

Try out these easy recipes and still stick to your favorite Slim-Fast Diet:

Slim-Fast, Berry Sexy Vanilla Sunrise, Cocktail, Recipe, Rum, Alcohol, Spirits, #SlimFastVeranoSexy
Slim-Fast Berry Sexy Vanilla Sunrise Recipe (WITH alcohol version)

I will post all these recipes on a Pinterest Board on our Pinterest Page, it will be called #SlimFastVeranoSexy, and you will be able to see all these recipe cards full sized for easy printing! (Sorry my blog template shrinks them so much!). You can press on them to see them full sized also, then just hit the back arrow to come back here and see the rest!

Slim-Fast, Berry Sexy Vanilla Sunrise, Mocktail, Recipe
Slim-Fast Berry Sexy Vanilla Sunrise Mocktail Recipe (WITHOUT alcohol version)

If alcohol/spirits are not for you, then try the refreshing mocktail version. You know that with Slim-Fast Shakes you are getting not only great taste, but 10 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 4 hours of hunger control, making it easy to stick to your plan and achieve your weight loss goals. But obvs with or without alcohol, everything in moderation, OK Butterfly?

#SlimFastVeranoSexy, SlimFast, Sassy Strawberry Colada, Cocktail Recipe, Cocktails, Alcohol, Rum, Strawberries 'N' Cream Shake, Strawberries, Strawberry
Slim-Fast Sassy Strawberry Colada Cocktail Recipe (this is the WITH alcohol version)

As you can probably tell by now, the 'daisy' border is for the recipes using alcohol, and the 'roses' border is for the same recipe without alcohol! I'm a Piña Colada lover so this one definitely went over well with me and my friends!

#SlimFastVeranoSexy, SlimFast, Sassy Strawberry Colada, Mocktail Recipe, Cocktails, Strawberries 'N' Cream Shake, Strawberries, Strawberry
Slim-Fast Sassy Strawberry Colada Mocktail Recipe (WITHOUT alcohol version)


Butterfly I don't know about you, but I love to mix things up, I like to host weekly Wii parties, nothing formal, just friends and family, we love to play dance games, and these cocktails and mocktails both dovetail perfectly with our fitness games and dance fun!

SlimFast, Cinful Iced Latte, Cocktails, Cocktail Recipe, Cappuccino Delight Shake, rum, dark rum, cinammon sugar, #SlimFastVeranoSexy
Slim-Fast Cinful Iced Latte Cocktail Recipe (WITH alcohol version)
This Cinful Iced Latte is equally good without the dark rum, but if you like cocktails like Irish Coffee, this Cinful Iced Latte will definitely be right up your alley! I for one love Mudslides and Brown Cows, so these shakes definitely work in those recipes as well (although what doesn't taste better with Kahlua right?) If you like these you can check out more SlimFast cocktail/mocktail recipes and keep your summer slim and sexy by visiting here: http://wow.slim-fast.com/cocktailrecipes.pdf

I made a Slim-Fast Mudslide! All the great taste, less calories, and  vitamins and minerals too, what's NOT to love?

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" Slim-Fast on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Slimfast on Twitter

My Take:

These recipes are definitely helping me to mix things up, and they have gone over well at the weekly Wii party (now I will admit after working up a sweat we sometimes end things with ordering pizzas, but at least we start off right!).

Which Slim-Fast Cocktail or Mocktail is YOUR favorite Butterfly?

Note: Please remember that cocktails are NOT a part of the SlimFast 3-2-1 plan.  Only occasional use recommended. You must be 21+ to consume alcohol and PLEASE drink responsibly. Losing more than 2lbs per week is NOT recommended. Exercise 30 minutes daily and follow the SlimFast plan.


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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and SlimFast. See our Giveaway and Disclosure Policy Page for more information.

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!


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

Sunday, April 7, 2013

I'm Getting Positvely Radiant with Aveeno®! #AVEENOActiveNaturals



When your use of a brand spans your entire lifetime to date, you know it's a brand you can trust. While my memory doesn't go back that far, Mama Butterfly tells me I suffered from severe heat rash even as an infant, and when she checked with the doctor about what to do, instead of a prescription for something chemicals laden and bad for any skin, nevertheless an infant's, the Doctor recommended she use Aveeno® products on my skin and she tried it and it worked like a charm. So my first introduction to the brand goes back a long way!

She was impressed with how well my skin responded to the products then, and it still works just as well for me now, my skin thankfully is not as sensitive now as it was then, but it is acne prone and like most skin, reflects bad habits like lack of sleep, poor eating habits, or sensitivity since I test out a wide variety of products. But my Doctor's advice then, still holds true now, use products on your skin that you can pronounce ALL the ingredients for.

I just got introduced to some new products from Aveeno®, and before I even started putting them to the test, I was impressed with the ingredients list for Aveeno® Active Naturals products:

Moisture: OAT - Colloidal Oatmeal, a rich mixture of components found in Oat Seed



Skin Tone: SOY - Soy Complex helps to naturally even out skin tone and texture



Redness: FEVERFEW - has anti-irritant and anti-oxidant abilities,  improves the appearance of redness and calms irritated skin



Nourish: WHEAT - Helps to replenish moisture



Youthfulness: SHITAKE - Works in harmony with  your skin's unique chemistry



Softness: SEAWEED - is rich is VITAMINS (ahem some very pricey beauty products contain this ingredient at 10 times or more the price! Just saying!)



Antioxidant: SOUTHERNWOOD - fortifies your skin's moisture barrier



Botanical: LUPINE - essential amino acids are found in this plant!




Water Repellant: LOTUS - in this instance the use of Lotus repelling water is a GOOD thing, it helps the sunscreen formulas to adhere to your skin even when it's wet so you have continuous sun protection.


Sometimes it's what NOT in a product that speaks volumes! Natural ingredients soothe your skin so you end up feeling not only softer and smoother, but you can combat redness, irritation and protect your skin's moisture barrier!

Here is a picture of the products I have been testing out:

Aveeno Active Naturals and Positively Radiant Moisturizers/Lotions for Face and Body


What I tried:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® SKIN BRIGHTENING DAILY SCRUB
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® DAILY CLEANSING PADS
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® TINTED MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 30
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® DAILY MOISTURIZER WITH SPF 30
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® POSITIVELY RADIANT® SKIN BRIGHTENING CLEANSER
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® DAILY MOISTURIZING BODY WASH
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - AVEENO® DAILY MOISTURIZING LOTION WITH BROAD SPECTRUM SPF 15

My Take:

This is where science meets nature to make products that are good for your skin! You know how much I love sharing affirmations and meditations, so today repeat after me 'I affirm that I deserve and have beautiful, youthful and healthy skin!'. I start with the Skin Brightening Cleanser in the morning and then the apply the Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 30 (as I lost my Auntie Butterfly to skin cancer, products that protect from the harmful UVA/UVB rays is incredibly important to me!), at night I remove any makeup with the Cleansing Pads (one side is gently textured so it will help to mildly exfoliate your skin, and the other is soft and has foaming skin cleansers and natural soy extract), and then on alternating nights in addition to removing makeup with the pads I will also use the skin brightening daily scrub. (Cleansing Pad Tip: I like to take along a few of the cleansing pads in a clear plastic bag, they are great pre gym workout to help you remove any foundation so you don't sweat the makeup into your eyes which burns!). Do something good for your skin each and every day and trust me when I tell you that you use less makeup when you have a good skin regimen in place!

Twitter Party: (Here is YOUR chance to nab these great products too!)

You all know how much I love 'the tweety box' and how much I love twitter parties, so I would be remiss as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' if I neglected to let you know that there will be an Aveeno® Sponsored Twitter Party this month, so SAVE THE DATE:

Date: April 22, 2013

Time: 9pm EST / 6pm PST

Hashtag: #AveenoActiveNaturals

Hosts: @chicanol, @ClubdelasDiosas, @MamaHolistica, @Mejoramihogar, @NaturalmentMama

Moderators: @lbconnect, @laflowers

Sponsor: Aveeno®

Prizes:

3 WinnersAveeno® Products valued at $100 AND a $50 Gift Card

Eligibility: Join the party by participating during the hour using the hashtag #AveenoActiveNaturals, and your own original tweets, re-tweets will not count as entries. You must answer giveaway questions correctly during the party to be eligible for all party prizes.

NOTE: I am not a host or co-host, please direct any questions regarding this twitter party to the hosts directly!

Butterfly, What is YOUR Favorite Aveeno® Product?


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FTC DISCLOSURE: This Sponsored Post is in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and AVEENO® - All products featured were provided to Ascending Butterfly free of charge for our editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own.

Saturday, November 17, 2012

November 17th is World Prematurity Day #ProtectPreemies #RSV



As you may remember on April 24th Ascending Butterfly hosted an Infant Nutrition Twitter Party, where we discussed the importance of Infant Nutrition for preemies, so I definitely couldn't let today go by without a reminder on the importance of prematurity awareness as today is ‘World Prematurity Day!’

Did you know that worldwide, 13 million babies are born early/premature every year? More than a half of a million in the United States alone? Prematurity is actually the leading cause of neonatal deaths! A recent survey on prematurity awareness revealed that 3 in 10 mothers of preemies weren't aware of the possibility of prematurity until they had their first child.

Because their immune systems and lungs aren’t fully developed, preemies are more likely to develop infections and are more susceptible to respiratory problems. In fact, 79 percent of preemie moms have a baby who was hospitalized due to a severe respiratory infection. One virus in particular that parents of preemies should know about is respiratory syncytial virus, commonly known as RSV. RSV is contracted by nearly all children by the age of two, often causing relatively minor symptoms that mimic the common cold. However, preemies are most at risk for developing much more serious symptoms, including a serious respiratory infection (severe RSV disease) from the virus, because their lungs are underdeveloped and they don’t have the antibodies needed to fight off infection. Below are a few quick facts that all parents should know about RSV:

RSV Quick Facts:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RSV is the leading cause of infant hospitalization, and severe RSV disease causes up to 10 times as many infant deaths each year as the flu.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - RSV is most prevalent during the winter months. The CDC has defined the “RSV season” as beginning in November and lasting through March for most parts of North America.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In addition to prematurity, common risk factors include low birth weight, certain lung or heart diseases, a family history of asthma and frequent contact with other children.

Premature Baby in NICU


Prevention is Key:

RSV is very contagious and can be spread easily through touching, sneezing and coughing. Since there’s no treatment for RSV, parents should take the following preventive steps to help protect their child:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wash hands, toys, bedding, and play areas frequently

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ensure you, your family, and any visitors in your home wash their hands or use hand sanitizer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Avoid large crowds and people who are or have been sick

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Never let anyone smoke near your baby (that includes YOU!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

Know the Symptoms: Contact your child’s pediatrician immediately if your child exhibits one or more of the following:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Severe coughing,  wheezing or rapid gasping breaths

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blue color on the lips, mouth, or under the fingernails

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Speak with your child’s doctor if he or she may be at high risk for RSV, as a preventive therapy may be available

My Take:

Do your research! Sites like the RSV Protection Site provides detailed information on the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (Virus Sincicial Respiratorio). Being born prematurely, can have long-lasting effects on health well into adulthood. It is important that pregnant women give up smoking (even after the baby is born as second hand smoke exposure is as harmful to children if not more so as it to adults), and it also important that elective C-sections and labor inductions are discouraged unless there’s an important medical reason to do. Because of my own scare this year with my Lungs (and I have NEVER smoked by the way) I take Flu and RSV prevention very seriously and I hope you will too!

Butterfly, are you a Preemie Mom? What did you learn from your doctor about Preemie Care?

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FTC DisclosureThis is a sponsored post in collaboration with Latina BloggersConnect and the RSV Protection Site, however all opinions are 100% my own.