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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Take:

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

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I am an entrant in the Vote Fab Over 40 contest. This post was NOT required, nor do I get any extra credit for posting it! All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

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

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

#ad: @JENGA is a 2015 National Toy Hall of Fame Finalist Help them win the @museumofplay #toyhalloffame top honor!

This is a compensated sponsored post brought to you by JENGA:

Remember those days when playing actually meant *doing* something? You weren't in front of a computer monitor, you weren't developing super long thumbs by texting your friends, but you were playing and testing your dexterity with a bit of wooden goodness called JENGA....

I remember those days fondly and while you all know I'm an avid tech enthusiast I do fondly recall simpler days of play, when the most 'technical' game I knew was 'Operation'! and before the Atari hit my radar, games like JENGA is what game night was all about and I definitely want to see classic toys introduced to newer generations.

I have to admit often times my friends pets would knock down many a game, at that crucial moment when you all knew there weren't too many 'good moves' left - an exuberant pup or attention seeking cat would knock the game down at just THAT moment. Diffusing the tension with gales of laughter that was just as fun as the game itself. Sometimes we would start games over multiple times only to have a pet (or a kid brother or sister for that matter) knock it down and no one find out who that days 'loser' would have been.

Our friends at JENGA need YOUR help. This isn't for prize money, they don't get a 'prize' for winning, they get bragging rights - hey much like the game itself right?!

JENGA is in the running for the 2015 National Toy Hall of Fame, they are a finalist and they want your vote! With 30 years on the shelf, who doesn't have a great JENGA story to share?

When you visit www.toyhalloffame.org you will see a big blue box, under that box are purple banner tabs the one on the right reads 'Choose Your Favorite Toy Hall Finalist!' Press the button that says JENGA then hit Submit, you can take this poll once per day - the winner will be announced on November 5th. It's a super simple quick click right on the homepage of the Toy Hall of Fame website and NO personal info or email address required to vote, how easy is that?

I think one of my fave things about JENGA is how it 'grew' with us and was just as fun when I got older as it was when I was little.

In all fairness, now there is wine with game night now, but I do digress.....

MY TAKE:

There is just something about a classic game night that never grows old for me. I still have them with friends and family. My fondest memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Family Gatherings was playing games with my cousins while we waited for the big family dinner. And on Christmas Eve while the city was blanketed in white and we were waiting for Santa and counting the seconds until midnight when we were allowed to open ONE present we were always playing board games. If you don't want to see classic board games disappear be sure to give them as gifts too, introduce your child, nieces, nephews, and god-children to the joy of a classic board game night if you are not doing so already.

I hope you will consider giving JENGA your super quick vote!

GET SOCIAL:

Did you vote and want to let them know you did? Of course you do! Here is the tweet I used:

I just voted for @JENGA in the @museumofplay 2015 #toyhalloffame

What was your favorite classic board game as a kid? Did you/Will you vote for JENGA?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is a Sponsored/Compensated Post. 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.

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! = #MondayMotivation

Happy Presidents Day!

What I am Grateful For:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Skinny Scoop! (I need your ONE CLICK daily vote!) - The Skinny Scoop has nominated Ascending Butterfly as one of the Top 25 Product Review Blogs! You can vote for Ascending Butterfly daily until 02/28 here: http://www.skinnyscoop.com/social-list/create?list=top-25-product-review-blogs

Ascending Butterfly is already a Top 50 Product Review Blog on Cision, I was totally floored when I found out we made their list! (Article here: http://blog.us.cision.com/2012/06/top-50-product-review-blogs/) so I was honored to see us nominated again independently in the Product Review category. I try to bring you unique products from a very wide variety of brands both established and emerging, and it's gratifying to see my efforts recognized! For those of you who saw my social media blasts about the nomination and have already voted for us, THANK YOU. Your support means more to me than you know! It is a simple one click vote, that doesn't require you to like anything, sign up anywhere or even provide your email, just click vote and you are done!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Losing Followers! - I put up one cheeky title last week and it appears a few 'butterf'lies' disappeared. Had they read the entire article they would have realized the play on words was entirely innocuous. I don't do it very often, but when I do, it's just being cheeky, I've kept this blog drama free, politics free, sex free and pretty much snark free since 2009. I'm sure they will come running back during the next great giveaway, but frankly I wish they would stay away. This space is a place where I am going to be myself. I am going to be true to myself. I am going to be authentic to myself. and I am going to express myself. Will it work for everyone? Probably Not. We can only please 50% of the people 50% of the time. I'm OK with that. So yes, I am actually quite grateful for those that bailed because of my cheeky laundry detergent title, they reminded me that it is OK to be true myself. And I'm sure double will come in for all those who left. (some people actually like cheeky!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wins! - I've been carving out some time for sweeping every now and again, and had a few wins come in during February that I almost forgot all about.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Volunteer Time This Week! - As many of you already know I spent some time last year in Chicago at the Headquarters of Ronald McDonald House and got to visit several houses out there, and spend some time volunteering, one day it was making welcome bags for the families, on another simply baking cookies to share with the families with some of the children who were up for it. Part of my pro-bono ambassadorship is to meet with my local house here in New York City and find ways to help them. I have my first meeting with the local house this week, and I'm just truly grateful for the chance to help. After spending a year in the hospital myself, I have a great deal of empathy for families who find themselves in the hospital helping their child to battle a serious illness. Once I get a more defined sense of what the local house in New York City needs, I will share more about it here, but I just wanted to give a deep thanks to the brands I work with who have already expressed interest in finding ways to get involved. In my opinion this is what I wanted to see my little space online and my social used for, for Good, for Giving Initiatives, for ways to motivate, challenge and inspire myself as well as others. A recap of my Chicago experience can be found here: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2013/09/i-am-ronald-mcdonald-house-charities.html

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Please VOTE daily via Facebook for our Butterfly-in-Chief, Tracy of Ascending Butterfly to win a spot on 'Run to Napa' a 10K run, powered by @ZOOMArun  - http://woobox.com/h3xho2/vote/for/1921984

To Vote:

(1) Follow the link above

(2) It will be defaulted to 'enter' so press the 'vote' button instead

(3) Scroll down until you see the picture above, you may have to scroll all the way and press 'view more' or show more entries twice before my picture comes up

(4) Once you find my picture which will be the same as the one above, hit VOTE

That's it! (You won't get any spam for voting!)

THANK YOU!!!!

oh did I mention I have the chance to bring one blog reader with me on this amazing trip? It's a daily vote, so if you are voting, please leave a comment below and let me know!

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What are you GRATEFUL for today Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Winner Announcement - The Borghese Spa Bella Tote Winner Is

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WINNER: Thanks to Borghese for hosting our Spa Bella Tote Giveaway, the lucky winner who will receive the signature B Tote filled with wonderful Borghese Products is:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - mframe00

Our annual Dads N Grads Buying Guide has begun with the Fogless Shower Mirror, if you haven't already done so, be sure to enter HERE (this giveaway ends 06/15 so be sure to enter before it closes!)

And if you haven't already, I could use a one time vote (no worries it's not a daily, just a one time vote, I am the one on the top of the list, Tracy, wearing a red leather jacket!) HERE

I am happy to return all vote requests, so if you are in a voting contest, and have voted for me, just leave me the link to your contest and I'll be happy to return the favor! :)

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Today's Words of Inspiration - Getting Jiggy With it!

Thanks for the reader reminders that it's been awhile since we talked inspiration! Quite frankly, I haven’t been feeling all that inspired lately. It’s difficult to admit that the person who keeps people inspired, has had trouble keeping herself feeling inspired under the weight of all the stress I’ve been under as of late.

Are the stressors going to change or decrease? Probably not, but the way I perceive them can. In the theme of the current giveaways, I have been using Music as my steady source of inspiration and sanity!

I’ve been listening to music a lot more than usual lately across all genres! It’s helped me work better, and at least mentally escape since I can’t quite physically escape right now!

I could truly use a getaway right about now, does anyone know of a seaside resort that could use a quality review? ;-)

So what is there to do when you can’t run from life? Get Jiggy with it of course!

Today's Words of Inspiration'

 

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud 'I fill my life with music'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 04/12 - Rebecca St. James I Will Praise You CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/15 - Yanni Truth of Touch CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:



FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one! I was also not asked to write about Will Smith,  I do love his music and thought it was a great analogy!

Sunday Moment of Gratitude!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My birthday! Monday, April 4th was my birthday and I wanted to thank everyone for the lovely e-cards, emails, tweets and facebook wall posts wishing me a Happy Birthday!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Birthdays are a great reminder that I am grateful for another year. Another year to come closer to realizing my personal and professional goals! Instead of New Years Eve, I prefer to make my goals setting list on my birthday!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am working on some great surprises which I hope to be able to post about soon!

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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 04/12 - Rebecca St. James I Will Praise You CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/15 - Yanni Truth of Touch CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

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

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Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below:



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FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!' An Amazon Affiliate Link to purchase the journal was included in this post.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude - @VLANY Trunk Show AND More Winning!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Thursday (3/24), I had the opportunity to attend the VLA New York Trunk Show!

VLA celebrates the contributions of Volunteer Attorneys, Pro Bono Coordinators, Law Firms, and Corporate supporters bi-annually at their Summer and Fall Benefits. Their Board of Directors and the entire organization are proud to recognize the extraordinary efforts of the volunteers who donate legal services worth millions of dollars to the New York arts community each year.

Many of the brands in attendance at this invite only event were donating proceeds from the evening's sales to Japan! Brands in attendance included:

Bria Bridal
Charles Alexander Neckwear
Chaya Gruber
Christopher Beane
Corrente Handbags
Henley and Sloane
Janna Levin
Judith Haas
Khirma Eliazov
Lisa Fiorentino
Louda Larrain
Margo Petitti
Megan Isaacs Jewelry
Molly Rose Post
NALLIK
Prima Zaria
Urban Boulder
Species by the Thousand
Unk & Wil
Very Cool Jewels

The highlight of the evening was the opportunity to meet a very special designer in person, Stella Chang, Founder of Prima Zaria, a line of amazing handbags with not only beautiful design, but amazing attention to detail. Look for an upcoming collaboration here in June! Stella and her team were incredibly approachable, and her love for what she does truly shines through.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  An Amazing win to report! I WON the huge Bridal Beauty Blow Out Giveaway on Just Married with Coupons & SweepTight! I have to admit I almost fell out of my chair when I got the email notifying me that I won. The prize haul is so massive, they actually sent me a spreadsheet inventory list! Wow!!! Jennifer and Dawn, thanks you didn't Just make my day, you made my week!

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).

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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 03/28 - $50 Novica.com Digital Gift Code Giveaway!  - Enter HERE

2) Ends 04/01 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month Giveaway! Pelle Hinges Tote sponsored by Wilsons Leather! ARV $200!  This is a perfect Spring Bag to add to your accessories wardrobe! - Enter HERE

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For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

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

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

Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below:

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

FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!' I was also not asked to write about the VLANY Trunk Show or the brands featured, I like to share events I attend with my readers! I also was not asked to share about my win, it was too fab not to!

Today's Words of Inspiration - Get outside the comfort zone!

Dancing With The Stars new season began last night, and I never miss this show! Music, Dancing, what's not to love? With the exception of some of the outfits, it's one of the most family friendly shows out there! I love Dancing and I like watching the first episode especially when the cast is revealed. Usually I am really good at picking the first one to go and who will be the last 3 standing right from episode 1.

The thing I appreciate most though is watching the cast progress. Particularly the ones with no real/formal dance training. The ones who are really going outside of their comfort zones, learning something new! There is something exhilarating about going outside of our comfort zones. Tackling a new challenge, especially one we don't think we are necessarily ready for.

You'll see some will come out with enthusiasm and confidence, optimism or bravado, and others won't be as sure on their feet.

Attitude will determine altitude as sure as practice and discipline will. Today challenge yourself to try something outside your comfort zone. It could be anything, volunteer to be a project leader at work, at the PTA, at church. Try a recipe tonight you've never made. The challenge can be as big or small as you like. The rewards of stepping outside of your comfort zone include increased confidence, and who can't use more self-confidence?

If you are watching who is your favorite team? You can see the team list HERE

Today's Words of Inspiration'

 

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud 'I step outside of my comfort zone and tackle new challenges with ease!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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

Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 03/28 - $50 Novica.com Digital Gift Code Giveaway!  - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/01 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month Giveaway! Pelle Hinges Tote sponsored by Wilsons Leather! ARV $200!  - Enter HERE!

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

Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:



FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one! I was also not asked to write about DWTS, I do watch the show each season and thought it was a great analogy!

Sunday Moment of Gratitude -Winning, Early Birthday Cake and More!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Friday, March 18th bloggers were asked to take a day of silence for the people of Japan and Ascending Butterfly decided to participate. I am grateful to be part of a blogging community that thinks globally, not just locally! Remember, Donations can be made to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief by texting REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - That there are still many things that bring out the kid in me, and while I have one of those birthdays ahead of me, that many consider a 'cross roads', I received my first birthday cake WAY early this week (my birthday isn't until April) and it truly brought out the little kid me! I haven't opened it yet, and it's been difficult to resist the urge to dive into it and attack it! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have had a great mail week this week! While I haven't had time to enter many giveaways this week, I did receive some prizes I won from various contests including some great purex coupons, and I found them on sale 2 for $5 isn't that awesome! And I also received an amazing Crisco Prize pack with gorgeous Pasta Bowls, (hand painted beauties made for William Sonoma!). Not to mention my early chocolate birthday cake!

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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 03/21 - LUMIXYL Brightening System 8 weeks to a brighter you Giveaway! 3 winners! ARV $270 PER kit $810 Total! (See Facebook Page and Twitter Page for more exciting ways to win!) - Enter HERE

2) Ends 04/01 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month Giveaway! Pelle Hinges Tote sponsored by Wilsons Leather! ARV $200!  This is a perfect Spring Bag to add to your accessories wardrobe! - Enter HERE

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

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

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

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

Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below:



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

FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!'

Today's Words of Inspiration - Take time for yourself every day!

Thanks to Crystal Light for sponsoring this post. To learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors, visit facebook.com/crystallight

I have a lot of balls in the air right now! As a result, I've been ignoring my own sage advice, and allowing circumstances to force me to stretch myself thin. And as a catholic, observing the season of Lent brings constant reminders of sacrifice, and 'giving something up'.

But what if there is nothing left to give up? What if time has become your nemesis? What if you are sacrificing sleep to get 'everything' done. What does that leave you to 'give up'? Where does that leave you emotionally?

I'm not going to pretend I have all the answers. I've learned to live in serenity and accept that work/life balance is a struggle. A struggle most of us share!

I have come to value my breathing affirmational excercises even more lately. So much so, that despite being super busy, I actually affirm and take moments of stillness twice a day, once to begin my day and once at the end of my night to help 'program' my sleep. Those albeit brief moments of stillness where I affirm statements that I know will bring about change and greater good within me have become my favorite parts of the day. Which has made me realize exactly how much more I'd like to be doing for myself.

I give a lot of my energy and time, to work, to family, to cultivate friendships, and I don't wan't to let myself 'starve' emotionally in the process. In my post about Lent, a reader told me, that instead of giving something up, they planned to add something on, and while I'm not going to 'add' exactly the same thing, I will add on more time for myself. To unwind, de-stress and even sneak in some pampering! The Flight Attendants in an Airplane even tell you to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, you can't take care of others, if you don't take proper care of yourself first. I am making that my motto today!

In case you missed today's St. Patrick's Day message, click HERE. Remember to throw on a little green today! May the ♣ LUCK O' THE IRISH ♣ be with you!

Today's Words of Inspiration'

 

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud 'I take time for myself daily!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration - Take time for yourself every day! #CleverRefresh- http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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

Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 03/21 - LUMIXYL Brightening System 8 weeks to a brighter you Giveaway! 3 winners! ARV $270 PER kit $810 Total! (See Facebook Page and Twitter Page for more exciting ways to win!) - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/01 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month Giveaway! Pelle Hinges Tote sponsored by Wilsons Leather! ARV $200!  - Enter HERE!

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

Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:



FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!

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

Remember, visit facebook.com/crystallight to learn more about how Crystal Light can flavor your day with 30 refreshing flavors. I was selected and paid for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

Today's Words of Inspiration - Is Compassion Dying?

I'm normally not prone to celeb gossip and news on Ascending Butterfly. Celebs comings and goings don't interest me much. Normally you will only see them featured here if they are doing something for charity or the world at large. I get press releases all day long from PR folks who seem to think who wore what where is of interest to me and my readers. That some ball gown is earth shattering and important.

I get that there is a market for 'demented humor' and 'snarky' is very popular and has it's place, but today I'm plain disgusted about the lack of simple compassion in the world. As many of you know, there was quite a bit of controversy surrounding Gilbert Gottfried and Rapper 50 Cent.

I recently met Gilbert at an event for Fisher Price. He was personable and very friendly, and even he himself seemed very surprised that he was selected to speak to the blogging audience in attendance that day. I was actually quite amazed at his ability to go from 'himself' one minute, directly into 'character' the next.

Here is what he tweeted:



@TMZ 2011

 and:

@TMZ 2011

There were 12 insensitive tweets in total, which were deleted and I noticed this on his timeline recently:

I meant no disrespect, and my thoughts are with the victims and their families. (That tweet can be seen HERE)

As you may also know he lost his gig as the voice of the AFLAC duck because of this.

In the case of rapper 50 Cent he tweeted:

"Wave will hit 8am them crazy white boys gonna try to go surfing."

And: "Look this is very serious people I had to evacuate all my hoess from LA, Hawaii and Japan. I had to do it. Lol"

He then explained:

"Nah this is nuts but what can anyone do about it. Let's pray for anyone who has lost someone"

And: "Some of my tweets are ignorant I do it for shock value. Hate it or love it. I'm cool either way 50cent."

Would Gilbert be that blasé about the Holocaust? Would 50 be that blasé about Katrina?

I've also been following the news stories about the 2 bus accidents by buses returning from Casino Day Trips and I've seen such a lack of sensitivity there as well, with people saying they shouldn't have gone to a Casino in the first place and other such insensitive remarks.

I send my prayers to the people of Japan. I send my prayers to those in the 2 bus accidents as well as their families and friends. Donations can be made to Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami relief by texting REDCROSS to 90999 for a $10 donation.

I'm honestly completely appaled by all this! I get that Gilbert tells for the most part insanely dirty jokes and that hardcore rappers are not prone to public bursts of sentimentality, but when do we as human beings hold ourselves accountable for what we say and do. Is compassion dying?

Today's Words of Inspiration'

 

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud 'I radiate compassion!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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

Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 03/21 - LUMIXYL Brightening System 8 weeks to a brighter you Giveaway! 3 winners! ARV $270 PER kit $810 Total!  - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/01 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month Giveaway! Pelle Hinges Tote sponsored by Wilsons Leather! ARV $200!  - Enter HERE!

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

Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:



FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!