Revolutionize your Health and Fitness Experience in 3 EASY steps!

After a year that has been spent mostly in the hospital and in and out of doctor's offices, all the momentum I had gained in 2011 with losing so much weight and several dress sizes was pretty much under-mined. I am slowly trying to get back into the swing of things but my routine had to be modified to accomodate some restrictions until I'm 100 percent back up to speed.

I can't wait to get there, but I am finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and am happy to report I found a fitness and lifestyle experience that truly works for me, and one I feel strongly about, and strongly about sharing.

Kristin McGee, certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

I tried Yoga for the first time ever last year, and I really enjoyed it! I was hoping to incorporate it into my day to day fitness routine when I got sidetracked. This summer I got the chance to try again, I had an amazing Yoga Session with Kristin McGee (Kristin is a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor as well as an ACE certified personal trainer), the class was held at the Reebok Sports and Fitness Club in New York City! When you check out Kristin's site you'll see a ton of testimonials from her celebrity clients including: Steve Martin, Bethenny Frankel, Tina Fey and more. She is absolutely phenomenal and I get why her clients love her. It's her mind, body + soul approach to fitness that keeps you both grounded and energized at the same time. She made working out fun for me again, and in a way that made Yoga easier for me. She gave me ways to alter certain poses that I can't quite do just yet and still get the same workout as everyone else. I never felt intimidated, I never felt like I couldn't keep up and I definitely appreciate that. She also specializes in Post Natal Yoga so for those moms who want to get back in the swing of things again and lose those last stubborn pounds, you will definitely get the support you need with Kristin!

The Yoga Session was sponsored by CoachClub, who offers a unique approach to fitness, by bringing the gym TO YOU and not the other way around! It's 3 easy steps to get started!

Ever find yourself saying:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's raining.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's Snowing.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's too hot.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I'm tired.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I had a busy day.

All perfectly wonderful excuses for not going to the gym. Until Now! CoachClub allows you to customize a fitness plan that is tailor made to your specific workout goals and needs. Whether you are in College and trying to get rid of the 'Freshman 15' or a mom who has post-pregnancy weight to contend with you are going to be able to customize a routine that not only works for YOU, but works with YOUR schedule.

If you thought 'Movies-on-Demand' were great, wait until you try 'CoachClub-on-Demand'. With CoachClub you can go 'On-Demand' and get over 200 workouts - 3 intensity levels, No subscription, No Commitment and Choose the Video you want, or you can go 'Premium' and set your goals, and get a Coach and unlimited access to fitness videos (so your routine never gets boring!)! Not sure which is right for you? No Worries Butterfly, for a very limited time you can try out Premium FREE. Yes that's right, you read that right, FREE. Premium is in Beta through August 31, 2012 so you can try it out for free and see if it works for you.

While I don't have the money to have Kristin train me daily, (let's face it in this economy hiring a personal trainer is a luxury!), I can certainly afford CoachClub, and love that I can work out when I want, and am not restricted to a specific class or gym schedule that I may not have time for. This is fitness at a time that works for me, in the comfort of my home, so I am at more at ease, can work out in whatever I want to wear break a sweat and not worry about anyone watching and then follow with a shower that has all my favorite beauty products at the ready! Fitness at MY schedule, my way.....CoachClub where have you been all our lives?

Kristin McGee, certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Here are some tips from Kristin and Coach Club to help make CoachClub work for YOU:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Right after you drop off the kids at school do your workout! If you put it off, you'll find excuses not to get moving.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Invite a friend or other mom over to your house and workout to CoachClub together. It's a way to hang out and be social and sneak in exercise

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have your kids do CoachClub workouts with you after school, it keeps the whole family moving and is a fun way to unwind and blow off stress from the day. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If your kids are too young to get moving with you, play a game where they have to judge you and see if you're doing the moves correctly like American Idol!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Set your iphone, blackberry, computer alarm to alert you that it's time to get up and move and just do a 25 minute Coachclub routine even 25 minutes a day will re energize you.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Take turns with your husband getting the kids ready for school in the AM and do CoachClub on alternate days. You can even set up a little contest with your hubby.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Do some post natal yoga on CoachClub if you're a new mom when the baby is napping to rebuild strength and tone. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sign up for CoachClub with friends from all over the country and skype or email with each other to share notes.

We were also sent home with Mission Ready 'Omega-3 Ready' which delivers 50% more EPA and DHA than most Fish Oil supplements!

My fitness routine got a boost this summer and now a way to keep it up through winter, and I hope this info helps you to step it up a notch too! And if you are super active during summer but less so during winter, use this program to help you maintain your fitness routine through fall into winter!

Left: Kristin McGee, Right: Ascending Butterfly

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like CoachClub on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @CoachClub on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Kristin McGee on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @thebendigirl on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Get Mission Ready on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @getmissionready on Twitter

So Butterflies, What are you going to do to kick up your fall/winter Fitness Routine?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. No monetary compensation has been received. I did attend a Yoga Fitness Class led by Kristin McGee at Reebook Sports & Fitness Club NYC and I did receive Get Mission Ready 'Omega-3 Ready' dietary supplements to try. I do feel strongly about health and fitness and enjoy sharing fitness and health finds with Ascending Butterfly Readers, however I am not a medical expert, so please see your doctor before embarking on a new fitness routine or trying any new supplements!

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: Fitness Edition!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Persistence -  This week has been so insane I feel like I lived a month in the week. I'm not sure how i made it through it all this week. I was entirely over-booked and probably pushed myself a bit too hard. I can only attribute my persistence to how I made it through it all this week. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Yoga - I took my second ever class this week thanks to Coach Club, the class was held at the Reebok Sports Club in New York City by Celebrity Yoga & Pilates Instructor, Kristin McGee . It was a fantastic class and I hadn't been able to challenge myself like that physically in a long time. I was exhausted AND exhilarated afterwards in a good way. I want to thank Southard Communications for the invite! I promise a full event recap with pictures coming soon!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helpfulness-  I recently had a tech give me what amounts to a free small business consultation without expecting anything in return, and that is usually what I do for other people, but don't always get it return when I need the advice or help. I was truly touched by his generosity of spirit and the gift of his time. His help will allow me to make some smarter tech decisions for myself both personally and professionally, and I thought I'd share it in today's gratitude post because sometimes the smallest gestures amount to the greatest gifts in life. Sometimes it's easy to get bitter when you feel like the relationships in your life are so one sided that you do way more giving than receiving. This week I received something I really needed without really having to ask, and it just melted away the resentments.

What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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Giveaways!

The two winners of the Purex giveaway will be selected and notified later today! New giveaways coming at you SOON!

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html - Please note this is not a compensated post!

Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ends 03/19 - 1 winner!

Macys Ideology It's Your Move Dance Video Contest!

Back in December of 2011 I had the chance to attend the launch of Ideology, a premiere fitness line being sold at Macy's. I had a really great time learning all about Ideology and if you missed my original post with my impressions about the line and photos from the event, click HERE. What impressed me then before having the opportunity to actually try any of the pieces, is exactly what impresses me about them now after having had the opportunity to actually try them out, they are really cut with a woman's curves in mind. As many a trip to the gym will tell you, not all workout gear is flattering, not all workout gear actually flatters your figure. Macy's Ideology line of fitness gear actually works with a woman's natural curves and are figure flattering as well comfortable. The pattern on the racerback tanks actually makes your waist appear 'cinched in' a good way. Ladies, you can now work up a sweat, and still look totally hot doing so!

Cheryl Burke, professional dancer and two time Dancing With The Stars Champion is the spokeswoman and face of the brand. Cheryl gets what it takes to make fitness clothes functional, they need to move with you, be comfortable, 'breathable', yet still trendy and fashionable. Ideology has that all on lock!

Now I'm sure you are wondering why this is a DOUBLE giveaway post right? If you have moves, and are not afraid to bring it, then Macy's has got something special for you! I'm sure my Butterfly Fashionistas are already 'liking' Macy's on Facebook, but if you are aren't, this sure may be incentive enough for you to do so. You know those wonderful fitness goals you've been working on since New Years? They just might be about to pay off. Macy's is hosting an 'It's Your Move Dance Contest' on Facebook. Cheryl Burke will determine the grand prize winner, but 5 Fan Favorites will also have a chance to win great prizes.

How it works:

1) Visit HERE on Facebook, then select a music track - You will be provided with 5 choices. Listen to each track and then decide which one you will use, download that track (no worries, it's a FREE download).

2) Here is the fun part: Choreograph and record yourself dancing to the track you selected in step 1. (It can be an individual dance or with a partner, please be sure to tell your partner you are entering a video contest!)

3) Upload your video + Fill out form and hit UPLOAD and you are good to go! But HURRY Butterflies your videos have to be uploaded by March 15th.

Grand Prize:

A VIP trip to Los Angeles including round trip airfare and accomodations for 2, where you will be Cheryl Burke's special guests at a taping of a TV show and enjoy a $1,000 ideology shopping spree!

5 Fan Favorites:

From March 16-29th, you will have a chance to vote on the videos - the top 5 videos will be awarded a $250 Ideology Shopping Spree.

Macy's Ideology Racerback Sleeveless Tank

I had the chance to try out the Sleeveless Striped Racerback Tank and the Ideology Pants Bootcut Leg Pull On, and find them super figure flattering and they make my work outs more fun and fashionable!

Macys Ideology Fitness Pants in three different lengths

Not a dancer? Not big on being on video? No worries, you don't leave here empty handed! I always take care of my butterflies! Macy's has a little something something for YOU too!

One lucky butterfly will have the option of selecting ONE tank and ONE bottom from the Ideology collection and a Yoga Mat (size and color based on in stock availability)! Check out the rafflecopter widget below to get in your entries!

Energy Muse Freedom Beads Necklace Giveaway! Ends 02/04!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Energy Muse! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! Energy Muse will be back VERY soon with a special Valentine's Themed Giveaway, so stay tuned!

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Today's Butterfly sponsored by:

I'm sure the name Energy Muse is quite familiar to you by now. We worked with them last year for a very special Holiday Giveaway (you can read that HERE) and they also recently contributed to our Mid-Month Moment of Health Special Feature about the physical and spiritual benefits of the practice of Yoga. (You can re-visit that article HERE).

Today has been an especially stressful day, and I've had to call upon every tool in my arsenal to remain on an even keel! Sometimes finding balance in the stillness of meditation doesn't always happen, and it's a balance of meditation, yoga and some stillness that does the trick.

So Are Your Chakras in Line?

First of all, What Are They?

Chakras are energy locations in the body that regulate the flow of energy through the body. There are seven main energy centers known as chakras in the body. They are spirals of energy, each one relating to the others. Using the seven colors of the spectrum, Color Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body’s chakras and also to help stimulate the body’s own healing process. Color Therapy uses color to re-balance the Chakras that have become depleted of energy.

Color has a profound effect, not just on our moods, but on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If our energies become blocked or depleted, then our body cannot function properly and this, in turn, can lead to a variety of problems. Practitioners of holistic medicine who believe in the importance of treating body, mind and spirit understand that Color Therapy can be so helpful since color addresses all levels of our being.

The Seven Chakras

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Root chakra: This is the first and lowest chakra, located in the perineum. It's believed to govern your basic survival instincts. The root chakra is represented by the color red.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sacral chakra: This second chakra is located level to your naval, and governs your creative and emotional energies. It's represented by the color orange.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Solar plexus chakra: The third chakra is located at about the same level as the bottom of your sternum. It's thought to govern your energy and activity levels. It's represented by the color yellow.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heart chakra: The fourth chakra, located at heart level, is said to govern love and relationships. It's represented by the color green, but can progress to rose for those who learn to love unconditionally.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Throat chakra: This fifth chakra governs your ability to communicate and take action. It's represented by the color blue.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brow chakra: Chakra number six governs your spirituality, intuition and thoughts. It is sometimes referred to as the "third eye", and is represented by a deep purple color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Crown chakra: This seventh and final chakra governs understanding and wisdom. It is represented by either violet or white.

Freedom Bead Necklace in Action

@Pablo Lomelli 2011

Be free to wrap and wear how you choose. These Balinese colored glass beads are made from recycled glass. Each bead has a unique shape and finish. The colored glass is hand strung with a natural cotton cord that compliments the casual and rough finish of the beads. Feel the Bali spirit, wear them and be FREE!

Whether or not you put faith in Yoga and the benefits of it's regular practice or even into the concept of chakras, there's no denying that the Freedom Bead Necklace is certainly attractive in it's own right! With the high levels of stress I've had to deal with this week, having an extra tool in my arsenal to help re-balance my energies is just what the Doctor ordered!

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GREEN - And by 'green' I don't just mean the color of some of the beads! The fact that the beads are recycled means our planet's energies and resources were not depleted. The Recycled Glass beads, in addition to being pretty, are very much eco friendly!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LENGTH - I truly appreciate the length of this necklace. I can wear it long, and I can also double it for less length and a greater visual impact with the color.

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - None! Pretty and Truly Functional, what's not to love?

Can a piece of jewelry remove all stress from your life? No.

But what this necklace can do, with effort on your part is to enable you to keep the energies flowing and in balance. With your energies in balance, you are truly free, so it's name 'Freedom Beads Necklace' couldn't be more appropriate!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Energy Muse want you to win a Freedom Beads Necklace too! Don't you just ♥ Energy Muse? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win:  Here are the Easy 1,2,3 Steps to Winning!

(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 our friends at Energy Muse and LINK us to another item that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the Freedom Beads Necklace or the entry will be automatically disqualified.

(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! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. We are  no longer sending courtesy reminders when entries do not qualify, make sure you are following publicly and your entry comment complies with giveaway win it instructions or it will be deleted.

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 Friday, January 28, 2011 until February 04, 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 - 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 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!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly and @energymuse Freedom Beads Necklace #Giveaway! Ends 02/04 - http://tinyurl.com/4e3lert

(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 - Follow @energymuse on Twitter

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 Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Energy Muse on Facebook and don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you  HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While you are visiting their facebook page, they are currently having a twitter contest you can participate in this weekend, read all about it on either their facebook or twitter page!

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another 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 Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product and the sponsor are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review and giveaway. Sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment, rests with the sponsor. In Addition, this is not intended as medical advice, readers understand that they should check in with a physician before undertaking any new physical fitness practice.

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Today's Words of Inspiration! - Monday in Balance!

Monday In Balance

Today the Moon, ruler of our emotions is in the sign of Libra, the scales. This gives us prime opportunity to start our Monday (also known as 'Moon-day') in balance.

This is an excellent day for Meditation, Yoga or Tai Chi. An excellent day to start with a breathing affirmational excercise, to help not only set the pace for the day, but for the entire week!

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 inhale balance and exhale stress.'

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 here! 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!

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 01/30 - Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! ARV $101! - Enter HERE!

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Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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Mid Month Moment of Health with Guest Blogger Heather Askinosie! - 'Yoga, My Saving Grace'

We are super excited to bring you our first official 'Mid-Month Moment of Health' for 2011, with a very special Guest Blogger! We plan to bring you a special Health Related Post every month on the 15th, with rotating Guest Bloggers, feel free to reach out to us if you are interested in contributing an article! And as always we encourage you to comment and show our Guest Bloggers some love, make her feel welcome everyone!

~ Ascending Butterfly

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@Pablo Lomeli 2011



I have been doing yoga for the past 20 years and it has been my saving grace. Sometimes my practice has been strong, flexible and powerful, while other times it has been reflective, slow and gentle. The one constant is that yoga always gives me what I need at that moment. When you are on a spiritual journey life gives you lessons, obstacles, joy and many choices. Our current state of mind determines how we choose to handle each situation which arises.

If the mind controls the body, then the mind needs to be calm, clear and balanced, which is much easier said than done. However a great meditation will help the mind shift to a state of nothingness, and some days this works better than others. One of the main reasons I find yoga vital in my life is because I do not have time to think. Rather the act focuses on the breath and the expansion and after an hour and a half my perspective changes. Everything becomes more manageable and clear. My personal connection with the divine is reinstated and my connection with myself is more complete.

Yoga has taught me that some of the greatest things in life take multiple years to learn. Poses can be perfected but in time that too will change. Each day on my yoga mat is different because each day I show up I am different.

"Yoga has taught me to be kinder with myself and accept where I am right now in this moment." ~Heather Askinosie

Yoga is a healer, a teacher and one of the greatest gifts one can offer to yourself. After every class I thank my body for being healthy and allowing me to do the YOGA.

Namaste,




@Pablo Lomeli 2011

About the Author: Heather Askinosie's mission is to educate and reconnect the world to the ancient wisdom and healing properties of crystals and gems. She has traveled the world to learn ancient healing and uncover lost knowledge that serves to help guide the mind, body and spirit. Her jewelry line, Energy Muse, serves as a tool to help you tap into your inner power and manifest your desires.

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FTC Disclosure Information: This is not a sponsored post. No compensation has been received in conjunction with this guest post. This is a regular feature on our blog where rotating Guest Bloggers speak on the topic of mind, body and soul health and wellbeing. All opinions expressed by our Guest Bloggers are solely their own, as are the experiences they relay in their posts. Our Mid-Month Moment of Health does not offer Medical Claims, it is recommended that you check with your own physician regarding physical fitness and any form of excercise.

Sunday Moment of Gratitude and a Great Giveaway too!

Photo Reads: 'Beleive in Gratitude Big' Credit: @Bing

On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - An 'EventFUL' weekend! I told you I was on the field yesterday with an upcoming story for Ascending Butterfly, and I will do a full post during the week, but I just wanted to say my Saturday Night ended with dinner and fireworks under the stars in Central Park, it reminded me of all the reasons I do LOVE this city! And I prefer to think of what I am grateful for than worry about things I cannot change. (A big Thanks to our new friends Nissan Leaf, I promise to share more SOON) - Sending love to all the runners in Sunday's ING sponsored New York City Marathon!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Casa de Butterfly is truly starting to resemble Santa's Workshop, I am road testing a ton of incredible products and have an amazing Holidays Buying Guide in store for you! This month has made me feel like a kid at Christmas EVERY single day! Can't share more...not just yet! So keep checking, the guide launches soon and you won't want to miss a day once it does! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For a major 'First' - My first YOGA class! I must admit since I stopped doing Martial Arts, I hadn't been working out as intensely as I used to, but this weekend I put my body through it's paces, and while I'm still a bit tired and sore, it did put me in a better frame of mind! Thanks Strala Yoga, you truly ROCK! Special thanks to our instructor Mike Taylor (who many of you know as husband to Nissan Master, Tara Stiles!), he is very patient with us Yoga NEWBS! :-)

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).

I wasn't here yesterday and I have been working on closing out the Energizer contest and processing entries for the 1800baskets giveaway which closes tomorrow, so I got this email a bit late, but I wanted to make you aware of a sale that our friends at Satya Jewelry are having in honor of Daylight Savings Time this weekend, 15% off the Sun and Moon Collection, (I have this thing for Sun and Moons, long story, but I'm sending a wink to my friends in the know about why ;) - At Checkout, enter the code 'Daylight' - without the quotes of course! - Please post here if you buy anything, I'm sure Satya would love to know Ascending Butterfly sent you! 

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

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 11/-08 - 3 Baskets for 3 Winners! Review and Giveaway with 1800Baskets.com! 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 a direct link to purchase it:

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

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a compensated post nor is this a paid insertion. Nissan hosted a series of events in conjunction with the NYC Marathon in promotion of it's newest vehicle, the Nissan Leaf in conjunction with the Zocalo Group. We were not asked to post about these events nor were we compensated. We attended a series of events including the Health & Fitness Expo, A Yoga Session, a Dinner, and passes to the bleachers at the NYC Marathon as well as a Tshirt. Satya is a long time friend of our blog and we regularly post sales information of our former giveaway sponsors, we were not compensated to do so.