Showing posts with label facebook. Show all posts
Showing posts with label facebook. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Nicole Miller Addison Crossbody Handbag Giveaway!


Nicole Miller Logo


Monthly Featured Handbag In The Spotlight Is Back! 

Butterflies my apologies, this is one of our longest standing regular Features (monthly since 2009) and because of my back-to-back hospitalizations the feature took a hiatus during the summer this year and this is the longest time that has ever elapsed without us featuring a new Handbag of the Month. I am super excited to be bringing this feature back! A HUGE Thank You to Nicole Miller, the bags sent to me for review arrived quite awhile ago, but with me being in the hospital I had to push back the Feature, so I thank them AND YOU so much for your respective patience.

I can tell you that it is going to be so worth the wait! Nicole Miller's team totally surprised me, when they sent me not one, but 5 bags! And because I made you guys wait so long, I'm giving you the Featured Bag which you will see after the review bags. Here is what I received:

Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch:

Top Left: Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black closed, Top Right: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Black Open to show organizational components and strap. Above: Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch in Teal - Don't you just love the rouching detail?


As a public transportation commuter here in New York City, I have always featured crossbody handbags and owned no clutches. I normally carry so much with me that clutches have never been truly practical for my lifestyle. But now as a blogger with many event invites and many of them cocktail evening events, I had been needing a clutch and was in the market for one when the amazing package arrived from Nicole Miller. The Lexi Techno Metal Clutches are fantastic, they have the chain strap which allows me to have my hands free when I need to, and they have a sophisticated styling that allows them to be paired with almost any evening outfit in your closet. A good clutch really is an Accessories Wardrobe Staple. Oddly enough my Grandmother and Mom both have an assortment of great clutches, and it's one thing I didn't have in my wardrobe until now. And I think Nicole Miller may have created a Monster, because now I find myself seriously looking at clutches!

The Nicole Miller Lexi Techno Metal Clutch is a Structured techno metal box clutch with rouching detail and an 18” drop down chain shoulder strap, distressed nickel hardware finish and a Clasp Closure.

Product Specifications:

Dimensions: 6.6" x 4" x 1.8"
Strap Drop Length: 18"
Weight: 13 oz
Material: Fabric/Polyester/Metallic Nylon/Elastane
Warranty: This manufacturer does not have a warranty
Linear Inches: 12.40"
SKU: NM200T
Catalog Number: CT38-208519

Nicole Miller Lexi Sting Ray Clutch

Lexi Stingray Clutch in Black and bronze, Top: Inner Organizational Lining


Black Stingray with Black Lamb Leather, It is a structured Box Clutch with Optional Drop Down Jewelry Shoulder Strap, this super snazzy clutch is all blinged out for evening! Its the one you wear when you are making a statement with not only your Fashion Tastes but your Fashion Accessories as well. If any clutch can call itself A Statement Clutch, Nicole Millers Lexi Sting Ray Clutch certainly can.

And if you think its pretty in Black, check her out in Bronze!

Isn't  she a total chic showoff? ;)


The girl with no clutches, now has 4, and not just any four, four amazing wardrobe boosters in the Nicole Miller Lexi! Both the Lexi Techno Metal Clutch and the Lexi Stingray have received numerous compliments when Ive worn them out on the town. Im partial to the Techno Metal Clutch in the Teal, and while I love the Stingray in both colors, the Bronze really does stand out a bit more. And since my wardrobe does have a lot of dark colors, having the clutch in black is almost an essential.

Nicole Miller Handbags Addison Mini Crossbody 

Collage of Nicole Miller Addison Mini Crossbody bag with Bicycle Chain

  
And now, its time for YOU, I am giving you the bag that when Nicole Miller was asked about what are the hottest accessories shoes and bags of the season, she answered My bicycle chain bags. I love them and they look really new.

I have to admit I highly agree, there is something so punk and unexpected about the Addison Mini Crossbody bicycle chain handbag, it's that detail on the mixed strap, part bike chain, part leather, and it an almost silver and bronze color to the bag, its tough meets city chic in a way that totally works, it literally just ups the cool factor of your outfit 100%

Product Features:

  • 25" shoulder drop.
  • Bike chain crossbody strap.
  • Magnetic closure.
  • Distressed nickel hardware finish.
  • Interior lining
  • Inside features multipurpose slide pocket, slide cell phone pocket, and large zip pocket
  • Mini embossed hamovey leather crossbody with bike chain strap detail


Product Specifications
Dimensions:
9" x 5.63" x 1"
Strap Drop Length:
25"
Weight:
1 lb, 3 oz
Material:
Leather Hamovey Embossed
Warranty:
This manufacturer does not have a warranty
Linear Inches:
15.6250"
SKU:
NM104B
Catalog Number:
CT38-208514















She asked us to share the Addison Bag with our readers which leaves me with the clutch bags. The ones way out of my comfort zone. But I have been rocking them at events lately and getting tons of compliments about them! This has totally re-shaped my attitude on the clutch style! I think 2013 will be me with more clutch style bags! (even if I have to carry a little less to pull it off!)

My Take:

I have greatly enjoyed being able to try out a wide variety of Nicole Miller handbag styles, they are fashion forward, well-designed and super stylish! I know you are going to love your bag as much as I do mine! You can check out all the photos in full size on our pinterest page HERE (and feel free to re-forward the giveaway graphic by pinning it to your wall for another extra credit by leaving us the link to your pin here as a comment, see pinterest board for full details on how to get a Pinterest method of extra credit for this giveaway)

You Can Win the Addison Bicycle Chain Crossbody by Nicole Miller in the Center!


Win It:

Follow the directions carefully in the Rafflecopter Widget below to gain entry. The main entry is super simple, make sure you are following via Google Friends Direct on the upper right hand side of the page and leave your Google Friends name and your email in the widget, easy peasy! That's the only mandatory entry, then we provide some fun and simple extra credits as a way of gaining more entries! You can actually tweet twice a day, but the widget will only let you write one tweet, so you can leave the second tweet as a comment entry! For those doing the vote extra credit, in case you have trouble clicking over to the page where you need to go vote, press HERE, then come back and leave the name you commented under and how much the vote went up to after you voted.

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored giveaway, the sponsor, Nicole Miller, has provided handbags for review as well as providing a handbag for the giveaway. However, all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own!

Thursday, July 26, 2012

Tips to Tackle Parenting's Messes and Stresses! #HuggiesLatino



I already know what you are thinking! But Butterfly, you are NOT a mom what would YOU know about Parenting Stress?

Actually I probably manage more little ones at a time than you do, when you are the only single girl left amongst married siblings, you somehow become the built in babysitter. And not just to one of your siblings kids, but try ALL of them! (and sometimes without even being asked if it's OK to bring them all over, but that's a story for another post I'm sure!) Let's not also forget about the Godchildren!

Sometimes it's not just for an afternoon or a day, but entire weekends with a tribe running around my tiny NYC apartment wreaking all kinds of havoc. Don't get me wrong, I love my nieces and nephews, and as a blogger I thankfully have an assortment of things to keep them busy even at various ages, and that coupled with my background as a Special Ed teacher (many moons ago), I have learned a thing or two about patience throughout the years!

TV personality and father of two, Poncho de Anda and family
Parenting can be overwhelming, but my wife and I work together to constantly improve upon what we’ve learned over the past few years with our children,” said Poncho de Anda. “And we’ve learned a lot – like relying on Huggies diapers and wipes, which stand up to the tests of our little ones and have helped us make it through long flights and even spaghetti night with ease!” 


My tips for managing Parenting Stress:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Mom is an Island - Rally the Troops! - Remember when the baby was born, and everyone came to visit? They all OOhed and AAhed and promised to watch the baby like 'whenever'? Call in those markers ladies. Take an afternoon to yourself. I know you'll be tempted to run household errands with that precious time, but I highly suggest you take that time and do something for yourself. It will make you a happier mom/mami in the long run! (As a loving Auntie, I highly suggest calling and asking first!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Treat MESS like a Virus - Quarantine it! - Try to keep the mess contained to one room. If you can keep kids in one designated play area (particularly in winter when they are stuck indoors) it will make things easier to manage later.

Poncho's Youngest, Dani


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Embrace your Inner Santa - That's right everyone likes an important job, tell your little elves, ahem I mean 'Helpers' how important their job is, and have them put away their toy as soon as they are done with that particular toy. Before taking out a new toy, make sure you put the first one away.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Let Go of the Better Homes and Gardens Ideal - Very few of us have maids, butlers, gardeners, and pool boys, let go of the idea that your home should like the inside of a featured house in Better Homes and Gardens. When you are living your life, it sometimes gets messy!

Want a peek at how Poncho's family manages Parenting's Messes and Stresses? Take a look at the YouTube Video below:



Want a shot at a cool prize? Put the new and improved Huggies Diapers and Wipes to the test for a chance to win a fully stocked Huggies Diaper Bag by visiting Huggies Latino on Facebook!

With BlogHer swiftly approaching, I haven't had time to post as many reviews and giveaways as I'd like, so as I hear of neat giveaways going on online, I'll share them here! After the conference is over we'll resume with some fun giveaways of our own!

(P.S. - And if you are feeling tweety I still have one more day to bug you all for votes, please tweet this:

@KristinaLibby Pls pick @Ascending1 to go from Chrysalis to #Butterfly during #BlogHer12 with a #windowstyle #Makeover ow.ly/cvwOm



You can check out yesterday's post and Tuesday's for more information as to why I need you to tweet this!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Huggies and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are 100% my own.

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

C'mon and Take A FREE Ride!

As The Official #TwitterPartyDJ I'm always thinking music, and could probably find a way to turn almost everything into a song title! With music, travel and being on the 'go, go, go!' the theme to my summer, finding ways to remain on the go, remain on budget and still be the fun loving, yet still totally fab frugalista that you know and love, I need to keep track of deals that will help me stretch an already stretched summer budget!

And that's where our friends at Britax come in. They are inviting you to take a FREE ride with a totally fantastic freebie that is entirely hard to resist.

The Deal:

Purchase a B-Ready Stroller, you get your choice of:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BRITAX CHAPERONE Infant Car Seat ($229.99)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BRITAX B-SAFE Infant Car Seat ($179.99) 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BRITAX Bassinet ($149.99) or
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BRITAX Second Child Seat ($149.99)

Check out the totally sweet graphic below that sums it all up quite nicely (thanks to our friend Chantilly at www.biculturalmom.com for sharing this infographic! Be sure to check out her site!)




This is truly the gift that keeps on giving ladies, by purchasing the B-READY® Stroller you are already purchasing a stroller that will grow with your baby, it is BRITAX's most flexible stroller on the market to date and truly one of the easiest to use, and now with the return of the FREE RIDE® event, Britax just made a good thing, that much BETTER, but butterflies you have to act FAST, this deal ends on July 31, 2012!

You can also get more information on Britax by following them on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube

Si quieres más información en tu idioma, únete a su página de Facebook. Britax Los Lleva Seguros Facebook page y síguelos en Twitter @SafeConBritax


And a little Britax Birdie told me there will be a twitter party later this month, so stay tuned for more information!

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DisclosureI am a BRITAX Latina Advisory Board Member and Social Media Outreach Blogger. While I am a Brand Ambassador and am eligible for additional compensation for my participation in this program, all opinions, ideas, and stories are 100% my own. The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media

Monday, July 16, 2012

Half Way There! Easy ways you can #WaveforChange - Small Effort, HUGE Impact!



I have always had the ability to 'write', I loved creating poetry, short stories and being all around creative as a child. Thankfully my mom was smart and fostered my creativity, unfortunately my guidance counselor at school....well  not so much. He told me writing wasn't a 'real' job, pursue an education that gives you a 'trade' in the end, because that 'trade' is how you'll earn your living.

Needless to say I came home that day with the wind totally knocked out of my sails. My mom picked up on it and asked me why I was so sullen, and when I told her why she was fit to be tied that anyone in the eductional system would so easily try to dash a young person's dreams, and not just any young person, HER daughter! She had experienced something very similar by her favorite art teacher when she was young so she understood how I felt.

She spent years making up for that counselor's mistake by nurturing my creative side at every given opportunity. And finally in High School an amazing teacher who taught Creative Writing, 'got me'. He got my style, liked my writing and totally encouraged me (Huge shout out to Mr. McKinnon!). He taught me my writing was my power. And took me straight to the guidance counselor's office to find all the essay writing contests they knew of for scholarship funding, and with both of their help and a lot of nights spent writing, I wrote the essay that got me accepted into 3 different Universities, and landed me a multitude of Scholarship Funding.

I went on to become to the first College Graduate in my family. And I did find creative ways to make a living writing (starting with articles in a variety of newspapers, time spent as a film critic for a well known local paper, and as a newswriter for a local cable news television station!).

My education impacted my life in more ways than one, earning power, career potential, work ethics and even in emotional ways like self-esteem and pride.

But for every student with the courage to stand up to a devastating 'no', or a 'you can't make in that profession, pick another'; there are students who don't ever tell their families about it and remain silent and worse still, take it to heart and believe it may be true!

When I started Ascending Butterfly it was to share affirmations of empowerment, to encourage, to inspire. And when I was first approached by brands, I wanted something 'better', I wanted to work with brands doing Social Good, making a difference, giving back. And somewhere along the line, I got known for doing so. And now I get more giveback initiatives and campaigns in my inbox than I can possibly cover. I of course wish I had the time to cover them all, but the chance to make a difference to help support education, students and their dreams is one I just had to share!


About:

Neutrogena®, the #1 dermatologist-recommended skin care brand, launched Wave for Change® in 2009 and has benefited disaster relief & environmental charities around the world, as well as provided hope for kids through education. The campaign has raised almost half a million dollars in almost three years and has facilitated scholarships, school uniforms, backpacks, and school supplies to children from unprivileged communities.

Ways to Give Back:

JUST WATCH:

Just by watching the video below, Neutrogena® Wave for Change® will donate $1 to GlobalGiving to support U.S. educational organizations such as: Knowledge is Power ProgramPara Los Ninos, and Education Through Music. (As The Official #TwitterPartyDJ you know I love any program that fosters the love of music and education!)




OR SHOP:

An additional $1 will be donated to GlobalGiving with each participating Neutrogena product you purchase.
Visit the Neutrogena® Wave for Change® site or their Facebook page to activate the purchased products with one quick click!

And:

Here's an even bigger win/win, you can join @LBConnect for a Twitter Party on July 25th, 2012 from 9pm-10:30 pm EST. I am NOT hosting or co-hosting this party, so if you have any questions, please visit the twitter page we linked to above!

Super easy right? I hope you will join me in the Neutrogena 'Wave for Change'. If you haven't already done so, GO watch that video, seriously like NOW! :)


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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post in collaboration with Neutrogena® Wave for Change® through Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are my own. Questions about Ascending Butterfly's Disclosure Policy? See HERE for more information.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Horse Haven Facebook Application by Ubisoft {#Review}




The first summer my family visited a Dude Ranch in Pennsylvania I fell in love with Horses. I was still pretty young and was going to take my first beginner ride, I was supposed to take it on a Pony, but somehow I convinced them I was ready for a 'real horse' because I was a 'big girl'.

It worked (more than likely with a lot of help from my mom), and all weekend I rode 'real horses'. I followed the ranch hands like a shadow and I got to brush the horses, feed them apples, and form a life long fascination with the most amazing animals out there. How they carry so much weight on the most delicate legs and ankles has always amazed me.

The feeling the first time I rode fast on a horse is the closest a person can get to understanding how a bird feels when they take flight. Fast, wild, free and un-tamed, it's the best feeling ever. I still love to ride and it's become the most unique part of my vacations. I look for a stable or a ranch wherever I go, and one of my most memorable rides was through ancient ruins and then on the beach in an ecological park in Mexico.

Would I love to own a Ranch someday? YES!

Can I afford to? Not just yet!

But thanks to Ubisoft I can own a virtual horse ranch AND do something to actually help an animal rescue. I have a longtime love/hate relationship with my facebook friends, for years they have spent time sending me invites to their farms, sororities, vampires, mobs and more. I declined each and every one. There is only one facebook application of the game variety I ever tried and that was Willy's Sweet Shop which helped to benefit one of my favorite charitable organizations ever, St. Jude's Children Research Hospital. I would check in with it daily. And of course I invited my facebook friends, and very few opted to 'play' along with me. Which did bum me out, but perhaps it was a bit of revenge because I showed no interest in their mobs or farms. That's OK, I still love them *smiles*.

So after a year of being a UbiChamp, this is sadly only my second time around sharing some fun Ubisoft news, you might remember my first share which was a review of  Abba You can Dance for Wii. Not that I don't love being a UbiChamp, but my schedule hasn't quite allowed for a lot of free time lately. I did feel a strong draw to try out this Facebook App because of the charitable component tied into playing the game and my life long love of horses.

Description

Horse Haven is a new Facebook social network game allowing you to raise, nurture, and breed horses. Experience the thrill of being a horse ranch owner—maintain buildings and stables, care for horses, compete against friends in special horse competitions, and much more!

As the sole inheritor of a once champion horse ranch now fallen into disrepair, you must find a way to return it to its former ...glory. With just a few rundown buildings—a stable, a farmstead, and some deteriorated drinking troughs and hayracks—you will only have a short amount of time to turn the horse ranch around. With only one lonely foal to start with you’ll need to expand your stable through a combination of breeding and nurturing. In Horse Haven you will experience the excitement and hardships of owning and running your very own horse ranch!


The Game

BREED UNIQUE AND EXCITING HORSES

Build a unique stable of horses through Horse Haven’s distinct breeding mechanics. Choose from five unique American horse breeds and more than 20 skin patterns, 20 body markings, and 10 facial markings, create hundreds of different types of horses, and then show them off to friends!

NURTURE AND CARE FOR YOUR HORSES

Develop a close personal connection with your horses through a variety of nurturing and caring tasks. As you spend more time feeding, watering, petting, and brushing your horses, they will progress to competing with other horses on Facebook. Find out whose horse is the best!

RANCH RESTORATION AND EXPANSION

When the game begins, your ranch consists of only a few run-down buildings—a stable, a farmstead, and some deteriorating drinking troughs and hay racks. Fix up the ranch up and return it to its former glory! Then, add new assets and expand your property. Erect buildings that allow horses to earn money, enhance their training, or broaden their breeding insights. You can even customize your ranch and its surrounding land with decorations to match your horses and their needs.

NEW ADVENTURES AND COMPETITIONS

At the end of each care cycle your stable of horses will go on adventures and participate in competitions! Whether it’s barrel racing, show jumping, or jump racing, make sure your horses are prepared to go for the gold!



How YOU give back by playing

Playing Horse Haven allows players to give to an actual Horse Rescue that is working to save America's Horses, Angel Acres Horse Rescue, which is a Non-Profit Organization. Instead of spending 10 minutes reading status updates, give up just a few of those and add Horse Haven to your daily Facebook routine. Doing so my butterflies would be a double win/win, playing the game is a fun way to de-stress between online activities (think after a long photo intensive blog post that got you all stressed out, or a long spreadsheet, or powerpoint presentation), and that simple 'game' also benefits a real life horse rescue. Talk about win/win.

My Take:

I've always loved finding ways that are totally do-able to give back. Giving to me has always been more than just taking out a checkbook and writing a check, I share and give with time as well as money, and with my competitive personality I knew I'd want to progress along as fast as possible with the game, the more achievements I unlock the better I feel about playing because I know my efforts with this game go beyond bragging rights, they really mean something. And that's exactly what being an Ascending Butterfly means to ME.

So any of my butterflies who decide to give Horse Haven a go, have a ranch friend in me, feel free to reach out here and we can become Horse Haven friends, we can help  make each other's Dude Ranch' fantastic and give back in the process!



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Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this blog post sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #UbiChamps - Questions about Ascending Butterfly Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday, March 12, 2012

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!

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: When Something Bad Happens....{#Inspiration}


One of my favorite Facebook Status Updates, it makes the rounds often so I thought it would definitely make a good inspirational Wordless Wednesday!

Be Strengthened Today Butterflies!

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Tuesday, January 17, 2012

Wordless Wednesday on a Tuesday! Are you going Black for the cause?



Many Blogs are going dark for a cause on Wednesday, there is a great series of articles on the topic on Time Techland that you can read up on if you are not familiar with SOPA. In fact I've been doing quite a bit of reading on this myself to catch up as I've spent my days since the end of December in the hospital and am just getting settled back home.

Quite a few sites across the interwebs will be going dark, sites like Wikipedia are included in the one day shut down to protest SOPA, what about YOU what are you doing to support the cause?

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Monday, October 31, 2011

Piratey Pumpkin Carving For All Hallows Eve!

Photo @WDWMagic.com Forums - Completed Jolly Roger Jack O Lantern Copyright 2004 M. Turner

Getting your little Ghouls and Goblins ready for the big day? If Pumpkin Carving is on your agenda, then check out this PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES Pumpkin Carving Time-Lapse Video courtesy of Disney!



Want a cheat sheet? Visit HERE download the file named 'POTC_PumpkinCarving_FIN.pdf' - Save it to your computer and then print it, and you'll have both the instructions and a stencil for making a Jolly Roger Jack O Lantern! If you don't want to download and save the file, just print it, then visit this LINK. If you, or someone you know is dressing up as a Pirate this year, be sure to share this info with them so they will have the coolest Jack O Lantern's on the block!

If anyone is dressing up as or dressing their little ones as a Butterfly this year, be sure to tag Ascending Butterfly on FACEBOOK, we'd love to see your butterfly photos!

Happy Halloween Butterflies!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored Post. No monetary compensation was received.

Monday, April 12, 2010

Is Your Mom a Beautiful Mom? - 'Beautiful Moms Contest'


'Beautiful Moms Contest'

We are currently getting ready to assemble great giveaways in honor of Mom. Not to sound biased or anything, but I am sure that my 'Mama Butterfly' is the best! So sure in fact that I entered her to win the 'Beautiful Moms Contest' on ICE.com's Facebook Page!

You can submit a picture of a beautiful mom in your life (your own mom, grandmother, a friend, your wife, etc.) and be entered to win one of over 30 great jewelry prizes, valued at over $10,000! Now that's how you celebrate Mom!

Grand Prize

1 Carat Diamond 14K Tri-Gold Pendant with Chain (Retail Value: $2,395)

2nd Prize

One “ICE.com Deal of the Day” prize awarded daily until May 7, 2010

Enter for a chance to win by uploading a photo of a beautiful mom you know whose heart and spirit shine as brightly as the Diamond Pendant Grand Prize! Daily Prizes will be distributed to randomly chosen winners and the Grand Prize will be awarded to the photo that receives the most votes by May 07, 2010.

My mom is absolutely amazing and it's needless to say that I have nominated her, I hope you will consider voting for her. Here is a direct link to my entry, my entry is called 'Cookie', that's my mom's nickname! This is a daily vote. Remember to become an Ice.com Facebook Follower before putting in your own entry or voting. You can post your vote requests as a comment in this thread, Remember to include the URL link so we can vote for your mom! If you have any questions before entering, you can always check out the Official Rules HERE

Ice.com has chosen a select group of bloggers to help them introduce this contest to their readers by offering a tremendous discount to help 'Ice' out your mom this mother's day. This code is valid starting April 10, 2010 and will expire on Mother’s Day, May 9th, 2010. If you would like to get your mom something super special, use this code to get 25% off your purchase:  MTH25 (Please note that this offer excludes watches, engagement rings, and sales items, but trust me that still leaves a wide variety of merchandise!) My personal recommendation on a great piece to apply that discount code, would be the '1/3 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Butterfly Pendant w/ Chain' for obvious reasons! You can go to it directly HERE

I couldn't resist posting a picture of it here:


Isn't it breath-taking? And Diamonds are not only a girl's (or a mom's) best friend, they are also my birthstone too. I am such a lucky butterfly!

What are you still doing here, go nominate your MOM right now!!!

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

FTC Disclosure Information: I was offered an incentive (in product, not cash) for helping Ice.com to promote it's 'Beautiful Moms Contest' on Facebook. However, my own personal participation in the contest itself is solely my own and this write up has no bearing whatsoever on my standing/ranking in the contest. My mom really is a beautiful mom

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Special Announcement - New York Readers Take Note!



Clarins, the plant based skin care expert, will unveil a new beauty counter at Bloomingdale's 59th Street in New York City from October 15th-25th. Explore the new world of Clarins and experience a series of special beauty events including complimentary Skin Time Facial Treatments, exclusive classes, and beauty parties!

Each visitor at the new Clarins counter will be given a package of sunflower seeds to take home to plant and make NYC more beautiful.

Clarins beauty events will feature:

  • Guest speakers including Clarins worldwide skin care expert Rose Marie Castano, who was personally trained by Clarins founder, Jacques Courtin-Clarins. Aline Hebert, VP of Clarins Education, will also provide skin care tips, techniques and quick fixes using Clarins “must-have” products
  • Master classes lead by Aline and Rose Marie, among other guests, that will help women learn how to master the art of caring for their skin with tips, techniques and quick fixes using Clarins “Must-Have” products, including the buzzed-about Multi-Active Day
  • In-store Beauty Parties where you can play with make-up while learning how to look and feel fabulous. Visitors can indulge in a skin care "Beauty Break" while sipping refreshments and sampling sweet treats
  • Personal skin care consultations with complimentary Skin Time Facial Treatments
  • Opportunities for visitors to browse the more modern and open counter space, experiment with skin care and play with color, and receive an exclusive gift* with any Clarins purchase.
Anyone interested in taking part in the events listed below is asked to RSVP via the official Clarins Facebook page,  which will allow you to stay up-to-date on any developments as they happen. You can also follow Clarins on Twitter for up-to-the-minute updates.

Clarins Event Calendar:

10/15 – Kick Off Beauty Party

10/16 – Beauty Party

10/17 – Beauty Party

10/18 – Superior Skin Care Secrets Master Class: hosted by Joseph Favilla

10/19 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano

10/20 – Meet the Expert: Rose Marie Castano

10/21 – Studio Master Class: hosted by Rose Marie Castano

10/22 – Meet the Expert: Aline Hebert

10/24 – Halloween Beauty Party: Get into the trick-or-treat mood!

10/25 – Halloween Beauty Party

**Schedule your appointment today, the direct event page for the kickoff day is HERE!

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Editors Product Pick:

Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15. I received this product to review and thought I'd select is as an Editor's Product Pick today. (I am hoping we can arrange for a giveaway with Clarins soon!) If you are planning to attend the multi day events at Bloomingdales, you should pick one of these up! You all know how important I feel day mouisturizers with SPF are. My aunt battled with Skin Cancer, and she reminded me of the importance of taking good care of my skin and protecting it from the harmful rays of the sun, even in winter!! And I want to be sure that I remind you to do the same every opportunity I get! An investment in your health and protection is completely invaluable!

What it is:

A treatment that guards against UV damage and visibly corrects early signs of aging.

What it is formulated to do:

Fight those first lines and wrinkles with Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Wrinkle Correcting Lotion SPF 15, a powerful, protective innovation that targets emerging evidence of age to restore a youthful, healthy-looking complexion. Keep imperfections at bay with this formula's dermal-epidermal junction repair and radiance-boosting action. Reinforcing the skin with directly delivered, continuous antioxidant defense, this high-performance essential delivers corrective and enhancing effects that show.

What else you need to know:

This cutting-edge must-have is dermatologist tested and noncomedogenic.
 
I hope to see YOU there!
 
---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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Sunday, September 27, 2009

Your Songs - Harry Connick Jr CD Review



Your Songs - Harry Connick Jr CD Review


When the One2One Network reached out to me and asked me if I would be interested in listening to Harry Connick Jr's new CD, Your Songs I didn't hesitate one second in saying YES, YES, YES!!!! Now they never did confirm whether or not I will be able to offer a giveaway, I truly do hope so and will keep you posted here when I get the final answer. Don't hesitate to write in and let the folks at one2one know that Ascending Butterfly's out there want a chance to win the CD too!

I love Harry's voice and his music and consider myself a long time fan! I also enjoy his acting. Everyone that knows me knows I love horror movies and I have to admit Harry truly creeped me out in Copycat, he played a killer just a little too well, LOL! (1995 thriller, you can get it online or rent it at your local video store). Odd to be attracted to someone and creeped out by them at the same time, lol!

Harry's voice immediately conjures up certain images for me, specifically a glass of wine and a bubble bath are the top two, because that's how I usually enjoy his music! This new album was no different. I immediately tore it open and went into the bathroom to listen, I mean solely for the great acoustics and all.....

The first track is Frank Sinatra's classic 'All the Way' and Harry wraps his voice around it like a hug. It's one of my favorite tracks on this album of standards. Another standout is Harry's rendition of Charlie Chaplin's 'Smile'.

Now I will admit I tend to always end up preferring the originals to a re-make, and there are two tracks on this album that were better left to their original artists, one is 'Can't Help Falling in Love With You'. I don't think anyone will sound sexier than Elvis crooning that track. And as a Latina I have to admit that Harry also falls short on 'Besame Mucho' (a song written in 1940 by a young girl named Consuelo Velázquez before her sixteenth birthday, According to Velázquez, she wrote this song even though she had never been kissed yet at the time. She was inspired by the aria "Quejas, o la Maja y el Ruisenor" from the Spanish 1916 opera Goyescas by Enrique Granados.). Besame Mucho was first performed by Emilio Tuero with notable covers by Cesaria Evora, Javier Solis, and others.

This album is like coming home in every other way though, it's familiar, it's comfortable, it's the places and the people you know. It's the perfect accompaniment to a romantic dinner or a night in with your sweetie.

Album Tracklisting (Originally performed by):


All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho (Emilio Tuero)
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Harry’s Upcoming TV Appearances:


9/28 – Today Show
9/29 – The View
9/30 – Imus in the Morning
9/30 – Letterman
10/1 – Today Show
Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray


Other links:


Behind the Scene look at ‘Making of’ the album: http://www.amazon.com/gp/mpd/permalink/m22XB2WJ5NXPVL

Harry’s website: http://www.harryconnickjr.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/harryconnickjr

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Select Comfort Mattress Topper Review and Giveaway!

This Giveaway is now CLOSED. Congratulations to Ascending Butterfly 'ElKaye' (we post our winner's username instead of full name, which is why we put it in quotes!)  Don't forget to enter our current giveaways listed on the upper right hand side of the page where it says 'WIN HERE'.

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Select Comfort Mattress Topper Review and Giveaway

There are various reasons that many people find it difficult to fall and stay asleep, fluctuations in our body temperature is one major culprit! The Outlast In Balance Mattress Toppers by Select Comfort helps your body regulate your sleeping temperature so you are comfortable throughout the night. Less tossing and turning and more quality sleeping, how cool is that?

I am a night owl by nature, but when it's time to sleep, I want to reduce tossing and turning as much possible! And for allergy and asthma sufferers you want to keep your mattress as clean as possible, and a mattress pad that you take off and wash frequently is a great way to reduce allergens in your sleeping environment. Sneezing and wheezing are definite sleep robbers!

Our very patient friends at Select Comfort, who gave me more than ample time to truly review this product, are generously offering up an Outlast In Balance Mattress Topper, to One lucky Ascending Butterfly reader!

I love that it comes with a 10 year warranty, wide bands to hold onto corners so it won't slip off, 100% cotton cover, antimicrobial filling, and of course it is machine washable. I am in the market for a new mattress and after trying the mattress topper, I can only imagine how great a Select Comfort Mattress must be! (feel free to share your testimonials!) OUTLAST® fabric technology is designed to reduce the temperature swings that can cause restless nights-to help you sleep more comfortably each and every night. 300-thread-count, 100% long-staple Egyptian cotton top, 100% cotton bottom. RELY™* polyester fiberfill features an antimicrobial agent to inhibit the growth of fungus, mold, mildew and the odors they cause. Hypoallergenic. Logic™ Label system takes the guesswork out of where to start making your bed. This topper is intended to lay over your current mattress pad and it is secured to your bed with anchor bands in the corner. Machine washable, made in the USA and comes with a 10-Year Limited Warranty!

When conducting giveaways, your privacy as an Ascending Butterfly reader is very important to me, and  I only use your email address to contact you if you are the lucky winner. And for those who subscribe to Ascending Butterfly emails you are opting in to receive our daily words of inspiration in your inbox! Select Comfort in giving away an In Balance Mattress Topper wants you to know that when you enter this giveaway, you consent to let Ascending Butterfly share your email address with Select Comfort, which will sign you up for Sleep Number deals and tips via email (you can always unsubscribe if the emails don't interest you).




WIN IT! - We like to save the best for last! Thanks to our friends at Select Comfort, you have the opportunity to win an In Balance Mattress Topper! (Depending on your mattress size this is a $119.99 TO $179.99 value!!!!) There will be 1 winner.

How to Win: (1) You must be a 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' differ from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) please visit Select Comfort and tell me your favorite SelectComfort product, and what mattress size you would select if you win. (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). Please follow the 1, 2, and 3 steps to winning!

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "i want this or I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Saturday, September 26, 2009 until Monday, October 26, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Wednesday, October 28th!

EXTRA CREDIT:

* Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment

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

* Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in a comment. (you can do this DAILY)

* Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

* Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

* Follow Select Comfort on Facebook HERE

*  Follow Select Comfort Twitter Customer Service HERE

* Follow Select Comfort's Sleep Number Sara on Twitter HERE

* Please vote for Ascending Butterfly on Divine Caroline's Love This Site Award '09 for the Body and Soul category, you can press into the badge on the upper right hand site of the page or click through here, there is a Vote button right under the description. (it's a one time only, super fast, super easy vote, and here is the best part, people who vote are also going to receive a chance to win a $250 Visa Gift Card just for voting!)

* Please vote for Tracy from Bronx, NY to win in the the Nature Made SAM-e Complete® Good Mood Gig Talent Search! Press HERE (Vote for me purple button right next to the blue butterfly)

* Please vote for me on the Simmon's I REALLY want my BeautyRest Mattress contest here, I am a finalist thanks to the voters (thank you!) this is the last leg and I really need your help readers, vote HERE

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