I can finally fuel my designer #handbag obsession & get great prices, seriously folks there is #MoreatSears than meets the eye!

#Sponsored: This is a Sponsored Post written by Ascending Butterfly on behalf of Sears via the Niche Mommy Network & Conference

It's no surprise to long time followers that I have a handbag obsession. I will never own enough handbags. If there were a support group, I'd be it's President. Since 2009 we have featured a 'Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight' on Ascending Butterfly, it's included both established and emerging brands /designers and probably just about every color of handbag under the sun.

I recently found out a handbag I have been coveting by a major designer is being dis-continued (I know right GASP!) so I went on an online hunt to see who still had it (My top three favorite Manhattan Department Stores were already sold out, UM serious LE SIGH!), and after scrolling was super surprised to find out Sears actually has it, so I skipped off to my nearest store, and they didn't have it. NOT COOL (My city is in the midst of a major heatwave, zapping me of any desire to be outside, walking or moving in general.)

Remember how I was telling you yesterday that the blogging Gods & the Universe have been sending me all kinds of signals? When this info hit my email inbox I have to admit it made me laugh. Not in a bad way, just in a not surprised way because I actually inadvertently discovered this revelation on my own, and I'm more than happy to let you guys in on the secret.

As a curvy Latina one of my biggest pet peeves is finding a super sweet outfit in the store, (or go looking for a coveted handbag), and then find out someone else snatched up the last one. To resolve this very issue, Sears has expanded its website. In fact, the Sears website is now WAY larger than the stores. Sears.com carries more sizes and colors than you can find at your local Sears. And for last minute shoppers, have no fear you can buy it online, schedule an in store pickup and Sears guarantees that they will have your item ready in 5 minutes or less, if they don't, you'll get a $5 in store coupon. (Um, even those pizza folks make you wait 30 minutes before making it up to you for the slow service! Just Saying!)

Aside from having more colors and sizes on the website, Sears.com carries more brands and styles online than they do in store. They really have 'stepped up their retail game' with brands like Ray Ban, Michael Kors, DeWalt Tools, Steve Madden, Nike, Vince Camuto, and one I've been obsessed with for a long time, Tory Burch. (You can't tell me that Capital T Logo of theirs didn't have ME in mind!)

Check out the Newest Arrivals at Sears Market Place!

Screen Capture of Sears.com Front Loader Washers - New Arrivals!

I don't know about you, but this mercury retrograde has been wreaking havoc on my appliances and electronics so I am researching a few major purchases (for after the retrograde dust clears of course) including a new Washer/Dryer, Refrigerator, and hoping somewhere in there I can squeeze in that handbag I'm lusting after, before it totally sells out!

What will YOU buy at Sears.com today?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post written by Ascending Butterfly on behalf of Sears via the Niche Mommy Network & Conference, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. See our Full Disclosure Policy for additional information.

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

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

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

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

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

Best Buy Electronic​s Recycling Program:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Take:

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

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Best Buy on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BestBuy on Twitter

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

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

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday: See how Appliance Envy + Patricia Heaton = @SamsungUSA

My name is Tracy and I have appliance envy. Serious Appliance Envy.

As a long time apartment dweller, I've been relegated to a ton of sub par appliances, many of which have long needed replacement, but that's certainly a story for another day. I recently attended a product demo for Samsung where various appliances were set up and press were given a walk through of each model and it is then and there that I learned I have 'Appliance Envy', while probably not as deadly as my summer 'travel itchies' disease, it's painful none the less. In a very brief time I learned I have been working way harder than I should in the kitchen and in other rooms. I had no idea just how far Household Appliances have come. But I now know just how far behind my particular kitchen is. Whether it's a future appliance overhaul or a complete move that fix remains to be seen (both sound equally appealing to me right about now!).

SAMSUNG AND PATRICIA HEATON LAUNCH GROUNDBREAKING NEW LINE OF SMART HOME APPLIANCES TO HELP MOMS WORK SMARTER, NOT HARDER

The new 32 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator has enough room to fit up to 32 bags of groceries!  

Samsung Electronics America, Inc., America’s fastest growing home appliance brand and award-winning innovator, take organization and efficiency in the home to a new level with the launch of its line of 2012 smart home appliances. Samsung is dedicated to using its technological expertise to create moments of wonder for today’s busy moms. Its line includes a Wi-Fi-enabled LCD refrigerator with apps that redefines organization in the kitchen, a smart phone-controlled washer/dryer for more freedom from the laundry room and a 5.9 cu. ft. large capacity oven that can be divided into two separate ovens for unparalleled meal preparation flexibility.

I'm not sure how they heard me when I was praying to the Twitter Gods about the ability to conduct and participate in Twitter Parties from my Refrigerator as Twitter Parties invariably make me hungry, and somehow they heard me. I wanted to stand and play at that refrigerator all day but unfortunately other people seemed to want to see it too, (How dare they? It's MINE all mine!) so I had to admire it, drool and move along!

SO WHERE DOES PATRICIA HEATON COME IN YOU ASK?

“Make Your House Work” Panel Discussion, Left: Actress/Panel Moderator Patricia Heaton

Patricia Heaton, America’s favorite high capacity mom and the star of The Middle joined Samsung for the official unveiling of the new product line. In addition, Samsung is teaming up with Patricia and a team of top experts to launch “Make Your House Work,” an online program that will provide ideas, inspiration and recommendations for Samsung home appliances to keep your house operating at peak performance.

“Samsung really understands the challenges and needs of moms like me,” said Patricia Heaton

The panel which included Patricia Heaton on the very left (in the photo above the solo shot), and to Patricia's right Julie Morgenstern (aka 'The Queen of Putting People's Lives in Order and author of  'Organizing from the Inside Out'), Liz Pryor (Good Morning America's parenting 'Advice Guru'), and Christina Stanley-Salerno (Blogger for Rachel Ray Magazine Online).

"They have really cool ideas and are showing day-in and day-out how smart home appliances and technologies can make a big difference in your life.”  said Patricia Heaton

Samsung’s new product line for 2012 includes more connectivity, capacity and convenience than ever before to help moms stay efficient and organized.

Patricia Heaton in Samsung Demo Kitchen at Milk Studios Gallery in New York City

A new national consumer survey of over 750 moms conducted by Samsung with Blue Suit Mom, an internationally recognized resource of work and family balance information for working mothers, highlights the challenges that moms face in organizing their lives and managing their households. For the vast majority of moms (85 percent), housework is a frustrating activity (not sure we actually needed a survey to determine that one right ladies?), and 76 percent never feel caught up on it. And although 69 percent recognize the important role that technology can play in making their lives more organized, 59 percent don’t know where to start to make housework easier.

Patricia Heaton in Samsung Demo Kitchen at Milk Studios Gallery in New York City

The Samsung survey was conducted in May, 2012 via an online survey fielded to the following networks: BlueSuitMom.com, MomsMindPool.com and MomSelect.com. An ending sample of over 750 Moms completed the online questionnaires. The demographics of the respondents varied in income level, marital status and household make-up.

Samsung Wi-Fi enabled WF457 laundry pair

Connectivity

• The new Wi-Fi enabled WF457 laundry pair is making laundry smarter and less time-consuming by allowing consumers to start, stop and pause the machine from an app available on smart phones. It also reduces the normal cycle time by up to 15 minutes with new SpeedSpray™ technology by shooting water and dissolved detergent directly onto clothes so that cleaning begins faster.

• The LCD Refrigerator with apps has been updated and refreshed with the Grocery Manager app, which tracks the expiration time of perishables. This new addition is a direct response to consumer feedback for more efficient ways to control the waste and cost of spoiled food.

Capacity

• The new 32 cu. ft. French Door Refrigerator is the largest in its class and has enough room to fit up to 32 bags of groceries. That means fewer trips to the market for mom.

• The 4.5 cu. ft. king-size capacity High Efficiency Top Load Washer does 2.4 laundry baskets (or 32 bath towels) full of clothes at a time, reducing the amount of time spent in the laundry room. Mom can also rest assured that her clothes are being gently washed by foam and water jets.

Samsung's Flex Duo Oven and Gas Range

Convenience

• The Flex Duo Oven can split from one large capacity oven into two separate 2.7 cu. ft. and 3.0 cu. ft. ovens, giving cooks the option and convenience of preparing two dishes at two different temperatures.

• The new Induction Range with Flex Cookzone™ makes cooking easier with a flexible cooking surface which accommodates pots or griddles that would not fit on a standard-sized heating surface. It also features a boil sensor which helps eliminate boil-overs by alerting the user or automatically reducing heat to a pre-set level.

• The company’s new canister vacuums, available in the U.S. for the first time, come in three models – Champagne, Electric Blue and Black colors – and feature reduced noise levels and innovative ergonomic design, allowing busy moms to vacuum anytime of day or night even when the room is filled with family members watching TV or snoozing on the couch.

To learn more about Samsung Home Appliances and “Make Your House Work,” visit the Samsung Home Appliance Facebook page. Beginning June 21, fans will have the opportunity to ask questions of the experts and to enter a series of fun challenges in parenting, cooking and home organization to win prizes, like weekly housecleaning for a month, professional window washing, or a new vacuum. Now that my dear butterflies, is a total win/win! (Readers you may also want to tell them on their facebook page that you saw them featured here, and would love to see an appliance giveaway!)

  
So Butterflies, What do you think of these futuristic appliances? Ready to have your home resemble the Jetsons? I for one would also love a Rosie Robot!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended a product demo and walk through of the products referenced above as a member of the digital press. No monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post. All opinions about the products, demo and panel discussion are 100% my own. However I do daydream about owning each and every single one of the products referenced above and should Samsung ever consider sending them over, I'll be happy to disclose that! :)

Saturday, January 23, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and great giveaways!

Spin to Support Save the Children (and you will get a chance to win a Frigidaire Affinity Washer and Dryer)!

I have been sending out Tweets about this for the past few days and then remembered I hadn't posted it here yet! Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are teaming up to support Save the Children’s U.S. Programs, dedicated to helping children living in poverty in the United States. We should all continue to participate in ways to help the people of Haiti, but let's not turn a blind eye to the children of the United States who are living in poverty, and suffering from hunger.

Their new Spin & Win game gives you the opportunity to win gift cards for spending quality time with your children, whether it’s curling up with some new books, starting a craft project or having a family movie night. They’re giving away a prize every day! Plus, you could also win a brand-new Frigidaire Affinity washer and dryer, with time-saving features that give you more time for the important things in life. (My washer is on it's last legs, so you can count that I will be making sure I spin daily!)

The best part is that every time you play, Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children, as part of their $250,000 commitment to support Save the Children’s CHANGE program, dedicated to providing nutritious snacks and promoting healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty in the United States.

Visit http://www.maketimeforchange.com/ to participate. You can play every day through April 26, 2010!  (Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous U.S. & D.C., 21 or older. Void in AK, HI and where prohibited.)

Remember, with every spin Frigidaire will donate $1 to Save the Children, so even if you don't want or need any of the prizes, please participate to help the children!

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 today 'I find new ways to give and share daily, keeping my spirit open to the generosity and abundance of the Universe'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, 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:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration and Great #Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE! Don't forget to use the share button below any inspiration to stumble, digg, tweet or share with your friends on facebook and twitter! And if you want to share inspiration with other members, Ascending Butterfly has a NING group with real time chat HERE

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

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This is not a paid insertion, all opinions expressed are my own, and I did NOT receive any compensation for alerting readers of Frigidaire's giveaway and Save the Children initiative. (however if Frigidaire would like to send me an Affinity Washer and Dryer for an honest review I would certainly be open to the idea!) :-)