Summer Skin and Eye Care On The Go with @Sephora!

By now I'm sure that there are very few of you left that has been able to avoid the against your will 'product dump'. That's when you bring your favorite, must have at ALL times beauty or skincare product with you and the fine folks at the airport either 'confiscate' it, or literally dump it in a big bin right before your eyes!

Not even celebrities have been immune to this outrage, and several famous comedians have even included this horror into standup, garnering big laughs because we all can relate.

And whether your must have is a $10 drugstore beauty item or a $1,000 face cream, the pain is the same when the item is taken from you (and in some cases, ripped from your clutches as you scream 'YOUR DAY WILL COME!!!') ;)

So how do you bring your favorites along with you and get them past the ever watchful eyes of the TSA? Samples of course. Yes that right sample sizes in CLEAR see through TSA regulation cosmetic kit cases!

I know what you are thinking right now, but Ascending Butterfly, what if your local cosmetic counter won't give you any samples, or (*cough*) has run out of them?

Have no fear my butterflies, Sephora is here. They have found a great way to allow you to bring your favorite beauty must haves with you and not even raise a suspicious eye brow from the always vigilant scanner, it's called 'Sephora Favorites'.

In The Glow

Sephora Favorites In The Glow, $35 (retail value $110)

Illuminate your complexion with seven of Sephora’s top-selling radiance boosters! The Sephora Favorites In The Glow kit includes a selection of exfoliators, luminizers and a bronzing cream that will give skin a healthy, glowing finish, including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Tarte Smooth Operator™ Amazonian Clay Illuminating Serum
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Clarins Delicious Self-Tanning Cream
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Kate Sommerville® ExfoliKate®
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Boscia Luminizing Black Mask
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Perricone MD No Foundation Foundation SPF 30
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Ole Henriksen Truth Serum™
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Josie Maran Argan Oil

My Take:

I love this kit, the only thing I didn't try myself was the Self-Tanning Cream as I'm melanin blessed with a lovely golden glow I was born with. But I did share this one with a 'pale' friend who raved about it. Which didn't surprise me as I use a few Clarins products already myself. Some of the kit I was already familiar with like Tarte's Smooth Operator (LOVE IT) and ExfoliKate by Kate Sommerville (LOVE IT! ExfoliKate is actually my favorite product in Kate's line), and got to discover some new faves which is always fun, like Josie Maran's Argan Oil (I reached out to them a long time ago, but never heard back), so I'm glad I finally got to try it, I never really got why everyone was raving so much about Argan Oil, until I tried for myself! I also like the Perricone No Foundation Foundation and the Ole Henriksen Truth Serum (which my skin really seemed to drink in the day I used it!). These products are best-sellers with good reason. My personal suggestion is to buy 2 kits, one for your luggage, and one for your 'desk kit' at work.

Sephora Favorites All Eye Need, $35

Sephora Favorites All Eye Need, $35 (retail value $164)

They say eyes are the windows to the soul so let yours shine with the Sephora Favorites All Eye Need set. This eight-piece kit includes treatment products to cleanse and revitalize delicate skin and liners and mascaras to define the eyes and enhance lashes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Fusion Beauty Lash Fusion XL™ Micro-Technology™ Instant Lash Volumizer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Ole Henriksen Ultimate Lift™ Eye Gel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Tarte MultiplEYE Clinically-Proven Lash Enhancing Primer

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Sephora Collection Nano Eyeliner in Midnight Black

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For™ Platinum

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Murad Eye Lift Illuminator

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –Philosophy Eye Hope™ Advanced Anti-Aging Eye Cream

My Take:

Surprisingly except for Tarte's Primer, most of these were new to me, so I really enjoyed testing this kit out! The big standout for me was the Philosophy Eye Hope which I had not tried before this. Definite re-buy. I also love the Sephora Collection Nano Eyeliner in Midnight Black, somehow it doesn't matter how many great colors I try in eyeliners, I always go back to Black. I also liked the Ole Henriksen Eye Gel and Peter Thomas Roth Lashes To Die For Platinum. I also liked the Fusion Beauty Lash Fusion XL™ Micro-Technology™ Instant Lash Volumizer as I have never tried an eyelash curler in my life. Something about those things scare me, they seem like a vice for eyelashes and I always think they are going to pull your lashes out at the roots! What I love about this kit, is that I don't have to neglect my eyes while I'm away. I can put on my eye cream at night while I'm sleeping and let it work it's magic. I'd also recommend buying 2 kits for yourself, one for your luggage, one for your desk at work. And I'd personally recommend both kits as great stocking stuffers! It's never too early to knock out your holiday shopping.

These are two of a variety of great boxed kits that Sephora sells calls 'Sephora Favorites', they are value sets that combine a variety of Sephora Favorites and are a beauty addict's dream come true. Each limited-edition set features deluxe samples of Beauty Editor's latest fixations—all for $40 or less!—and the options are endless. So, whether you're looking to go green, score smudge-proof eyes, hydrate head to toe, or spritz yourself pretty, there's a perfect box for you! The hard part? Deciding which one to test drive first.

And while I'm sure most of you already have it bookmarked by now, you can keep up with all things Sephora on Twitter and Facebook as well!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. This is not a paid post. No monetary compensation has been received. I was sent both kits for editorial consideration.

Sunday Moment of Gratitude + Giveaways + Pick Your Prize

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For the first week in quite some time that I didn't miss a day no matter how busy it got! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For a Friday afternoon in the park before the weather turned so wet, grey and gloomy this weekend!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For another blessedly productive week!

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

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Active Giveaways!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cool 4 School Back to School Giveaway with ZIPZ Shoes! 2 Winners! Ends 08/19 - You have the chance to select your choice of style (Hi-Top, Low-Top, Slip On etc) and design in the size of your choice as well. You can opt to pick a pair for yourself, or select from a youth/child, toddler or teen shoe and give them to your back to schooler! The choice is YOURS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway! - Win the Hannah Bag in your choice of color!

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

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

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Pick Your Prize:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just a reminder that the great folks at Homedics are giving Ascending Butterfly readers the chance to pick what they'd like to see featured AND what they'd like to win! Leave your selection on this post.

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link.

{REVIEW} Making the Best 'Slimpression'

While this is a way long overdue review, it is enthusiastic and heartfelt because I really love the product. I've worn it so often, I somehow ended up taking it for granted! So I want to start by personally thanking both Amy Pedersen and Jennifer Daniels the sisters in law and co-founders of Slimpressions Shapewear for their patience!

About Slimpressions®

Slimpressions® is owned and operated by Branches Unlimited, LLC, a women-owned enterprise based in Marietta, GA. Co-founded by sisters-in-law Amy Pedersen and Jennifer Daniels, the company designs, manufactures, markets, and distributes a high-quality line of everyday shapewear garments to make you look slimmer.

Most shapewear was designed for the special occasion. The times when you want to and need to look your absolute best. It’s then that you want to pull out the heavy artillery – the firm control shapewear. The stuff that you can’t wait to take off no more than three hours later....That's not Slimpressions.

Slimpressions was designed for every day wear. From grocery shopping to that all day business meeting, Slimpressions slims and sculpts without sacrificing important things like oxygen and blood circulation. :) Will you look like you just had plastic surgery when wearing Slimpressions? No. Can you comfortably look thinner and smoother and feel better about your look on a daily basis? Absolutely!

The quote above is from their site, and I had to include it because it accurately describes the Slimpressions experience. Their shapewear is everyday wearable, and you don't have the urge to take it off a few hours later. You don't feel like you can't eat anything, they don't restrict your movement, yet give you the hold and shape you desire even under jersey knits! You don't take them off and find those red imprints on your skin. They truly are 'breathable', you won't get overheated wearing them, and ladies whether it's a night on the town, date night or some other special occassion, no worries you can go to the bathroom and get the bottoms off easily enough to be able to use the bathroom without worry!

Long Leg Shaper

I tried the Long Leg Shaper from Slimpressions. I found it true to size. I've read other reviews stating they found it a bit snug to put on initially, but I didn't find the long leg shaper to be snug on me, nor did I have trouble putting it on. Using their provided size chart online, I ordered it in my true pants size, and it fit like a glove, a very comfortable, shaping glove! I was super excited to be able to slip into pants that were one size down from my true size at the time! (That was MY personal experience, and I can't guarantee you will have the same results!) Thankfully like most women, I have my current size and usually a size up and a size down in my closet at all times!

I was actually wearing them during BlogHer 10 last year, when I met one of the co-founders during a networking party! I was excited to share with Amy that I was wearing her long leg shaper and how I was able to actually size down while wearing them and just how comfortable they are!

Not only was I shocked with just how comfortable they were, I was also surprised about being able to size down a whole size while wearing them yet still be able to breath! After having my pair for so long now, I am also surprised at just how well they have held up. You can toss these in the wash and they truly hold their shape (and YOURS!) beautifully. They are durable, and do just at they promise! They also have not snagged or pulled on me which is definitely a first for me, especially since I also like to wear them under jeans! For some reason when I wear certain shapewear under jeans they get pil balls I have to remove after, I haven't had that experience yet with Slimpressions!

And if they haven't totally given up on me, I will ask Slimpressions to return later in the year with something special for you guys too! :)

And even though I have dropped quite a bit of weight this year (26 pounds and counting) , I still wear my Slimpressions to help keep an even and smooth appearance under my clothes.

Ladies just say 'NO!' to uncomfortable wire and binding, these prove that they don't have to be uncomfortable to work. Your shapewear truly can be comfortable and still hold you in, in all the right places!

These are made for women BY women, and maybe that's why they work well and are still perfectly comfortable. You will not really remember they are there. And thankfully that's not just until you use the bathroom and can't squirm out of them, you will be able to get these both off and on with ease!

Shapewear this comfortable and this durable isn't even an investment, it's just a no brainer! Anything that makes you feel more comfortable and confident in your clothes is just plain worth it. I've even owned shapwear three times the price that didn't deliver the same results and definitely didn't do it comfortably!

You can connect with Slimpressions on Twitter, on Facebook as well as on Linked In and sign up for their newsletter to stay connected with all things Slimpressions.

I know my butterflies like to make the best impression possible at all times, now you can also make the best 'Slimpression' too!

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FTC Disclosure: I was provided with the Long Leg Shaper by Slimpressions for editorial consideration, however this did NOT influence my opinions. This is not a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received.

Today's Words of Inspiration - Nature's Secret



@ Dean Forbes

Today's Quote:

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

After a day mostly spent handling back-to-back conference calls, I decided to get out and spend the remainder of the afternoon in the park. It was when I got home that I realized just how much that small window of time spent in the sun did for my spirits. I arrived at the park feeling tired and left feeling re-energized. There is very little time left of summer, fall will be here very soon! I love this quote, and thought it was perfect for today. Nature is still, and being out in nature is my favorite reminder that our soul truly requires stillness. It recharges our spiritual and emotional batteries.

And better still? I had 3 butterfly sightings while I was there, and one was a Monarch!

Today's Challenge: Be still in Nature. Meditation is wonderful, but can you take your meditation to a park or a beach today? Even a 'walking meditation' will work wonders for the spirit!

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I am always home in the universe, I am a being at Peace."

Before logging out for your weekend fun, if you haven't already done so, please enter our latest giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 cool 4 School Back to School Giveaway with ZIPZ Shoes! 2 Winners! Ends 08/19 - You have the chance to select your choice of style (Hi-Top, Low-Top, Slip On etc) and design in the size of your choice as well. You can opt to pick a pair for yourself, or select from a youth/child, toddler or teen shoe and give them to your back to schooler! The choice is YOURS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway! - Win the Hannah Bag in your choice of color!

WINNERS:

Our Jockey Stay Cool Winners are:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BikeOhio
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brian E.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rilekat

Congrats to our winners!

Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Weekend Butterflies!

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{CLOSED} 2 cool 4 School Back to School Giveaway with ZIPZ Shoes! 2 Winners! Ends 08/19

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor ZIPZ shoes! We look forward to working with you again! The winners have been notified and upon confirmation, follower names will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 2 Cool 4 School Giveaway brought to you by:

When you were young, what was your style? Is your style the same now? Adults, teens and children may have very different ideas when it comes to back to school shopping. While mom wants durability, children want popular style and teens just want to be unique and wear something that reflects their own personal style.

If you could find footwear that was versatile, durable and definitely in style, footwear that is actually both toddler, kid, teen and adult friendly you'd snap it up in a heartbeat right?

Whether you are shopping for your skater boy, girly girl, urban cool, a preppy teen or somewhere in between, Zipz is your footwear solution!

About ZIPZ®:

ZIPZ® are removable and interchangeable shoes, like nothing you’ve owned before! Match any ZIPZ® COVERS with any same size ZIPZ® SOULS to create one of-a-kind mix and match shoes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Handmade to ensure comfort, quality, and reliability.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Invented in California, Designed in the U.S. - I love that the idea for ZIPZ was born during a family BBQ! (The CEO's dad came up with the idea, and the family as a team went to work bringing his idea into reality.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - By purchasing soles and tops separately you can basically match any top to any bottom creating a endless amount of shoe combinations. - While your child or teen may eventually outgrow their original sole size, I can assure you that they will NEVER get bored as there are a wide variety of covers in a great assortment of styles and colors!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soles sell for $19 and covers sell for $34.

'Cambio tus Zapatos' means Change Your Shoes! Aren't these cool?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There are Zip-Ons, Lo-Tops, and Hi-Tops styles. and there are also Toddler T-Strap and Toddler 2-Strap styles available!

Spiderz Toddler 2 Strap

Aren't these Spiderz Toddler 2 Straps just too cute? I am a horror movie buff, and I so want these for Halloween! Me and my nephew are going to look too cute in our matching Halloween Sneaks!

My Take

While everyone's foot is different, I'm wide width (flat foot) coupled with a high instep so for me, I ended up having to size up a bit before I found the sole that worked well for me. Once I hit on the right size for MY feet, it's been a summer of love, love, love ever since. I love that I can find a cover for any mood I'm in. I started with the Skull Rose, CB Bandanaz, Jet Black, and Dragon Rose in the adult Slip on Style. (I'm definitely thinking of getting the Hi-Tops next, those definitely take me back!)

It takes a bit to get the hang of changing out the covers and I found it easier to put my foot on the sole first, and then zip myself in rather than zip it first and try to get my foot in (but that's because I'm wide width), but once you figure out which technique works best for you, you will be swapping covers every day!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at ZIPZ have a very special surprise for 2 lucky winners! 2 winners will receive a completed pair of zips in their choice of style and size based on in stock availability. You can opt to select a pair for yourself, your toddler, youth/child, or teen, the choice is yours!

Don't you just ♥ Zipz? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (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- Visit ZIPZ and let me know which sole style and cover you would pick! (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 (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE.

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 Thursday, August 11, 2011 until Friday, August 19, 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 - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips, gift certificates, electronics and more!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Are you on Blog Lovin? Well so is Ascending Butterfly! Follow us on Blog Lovin for an extra credity entry!

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! Leave five entries.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @zipzshoes on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + @zipzshoes 2 cool 4 School Back to School  #Giveaway! #Win #Shoes of YOUR choice! Ends 08/19 http://tinyurl.com/3g3vz8u

(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.)

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' ZIPZ Shoes USA and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them which shoe cover is your favorite!) on Facebook HERE (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One time only per giveaway, NOT a daily: Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active 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. The sponsors are 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.

The Help - Whatever you do, do NOT miss this movie!

I usually tend to read the book BEFORE I see the movie, but this is the first instance where I've viewed a movie based on a book before reading the book. This is definitely a first for me, and I have to say SO worth it.

After a summer of mostly 3D and CGI, I was absolutely ready for something 'real' and 'raw', something that not only tugged at the heartstrings, but had real 'meat' to it, and The Help did not disappoint.

The Help is a movie with a simple yet very powerful tagline: Change Starts with a Whisper. And so it does. Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon,  “The Help” stars Emma Stone (“Easy A”) as Skeeter, Academy Award®–nominated Viola Davis (“Doubt”) as Aibileen and Octavia Spencer as Minny—three very different, extraordinary women in Mississippi during the 1960s,  who build an unlikely friendship around a secret writing project that breaks societal rules and puts them all at risk. From their improbable alliance a remarkable sisterhood emerges, instilling all of them with the courage to transcend the lines that define them, and the realization that sometimes those lines are made to be crossed—even if it means bringing everyone in town face-to-face with the changing times.

Deeply moving, filled with poignancy, humor and hope, “The Help” is a timeless and universal story about the ability to create change. It's not just the ability to create the change that's the story, it's the courage to create it both within and without!

Based on one of the most talked about books in years and a #1 New York Times best-selling phenomenon, “The Help” is a provocative and inspiring look at what happens when a southern town’s unspoken code of rules and behavior is shattered by three courageous women who strike up an unlikely friendship.

It's truly a powerful movie, and there was not one dry eye at the end, and yes that includes many of the men in attendance as well! (No easy feat for a New York Press Screening!) 

While the entire movie is expertly cast, look for Jessica Chastain (pictured above) she's a real scene stealer, she plays the character Celia Foote, and she gives the character tremendous depth, humor and spirit! and as a 'Truebie' I was also excited to spot Nelsan Ellis (who portrays Lafayette Renolds on True Blood) in another disney movie (he was also in Secretariat), Nelsan is a great chameleon who really throws himeself into his roles, and he is always fun to watch.

I know most people cite the 'leads' but this is a well rounded cast, and every single character brings this movie a tremendous amount of depth, feeling and emotion.

THE HELP opens in theatres everywhere on Aug 10th. Butterflies, what ever you do, do NOT miss this movie! I'm leaving this thread open, because I'd love everyone to come back here and comment when they've seen it!

“Like” THE HELP on Facebook

Order the book on Amazon using banner below:

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended the New York Press Screening of The Help movie. All opinions about the movie are my own and have not been influenced in any way! An Amazon Affiliate Link has been provided to the book.

{CLOSED} August Featured Handbag in the Spotlight - timi & leslie Hannah Handbag Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor timi & leslie! We look forward to working with you again! CONGRATS to our winner, 'Tee'! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's Featured Handbag in the Spotlight, brought to you by:

Every year since 2009 which is when our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight special feature began, we have tried to feature what we consider to be exceptional Bags. Be it leather, vegan, or Diaper Bag, or whether it's an emerging or established Designer, I seek out bags where both form and function blend into something stylish. If I wouldn't carry it, I wouldn't expect my readers would either. This is a busy city, it's a commuter city, and for the most part New York women live out of their bag during the week!

As a Native New Yorker, I know just how picky women here are about Handbags in general. The first criteria for a good Diaper Bag in New York City is that it look like anything BUT a Diaper Bag. And let's face it, few bags fit the bill. For the most part, moms are still offered GIANT tote bags, and expected to be happy with that.

I don't know about you, but I save the 'tote' structure as my beach bag for summer, other than that, it's not a silhouette I'd carry on a daily basis. I want something a bit more structured even if it's a 'daily' or 'commuter' or 'errands' bag.

So for my busy mama's on the go, I give you......

Hannah:

You’ll be the envy of all mamas’ wearing your Hannah bag! It’s made from faux leather (PVC free) and features custom hardware in an antique brass finish. Hannah comes with many functional and fashionable accessories and features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A cross body, adjustable detachable strap so you can wear it hands free whenever you need to

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Our specially designed changing pad with a front mesh pocket where you can store your diapers, wipes and creams when you need to make a quick diaper change trip

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A stylish clutch that you can use as your purse (who wants to carry a purse and a bebe bag?) with interior credit card slots and an inside zipper pocket

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - An insulated bottle tote to keep your baby’s bottle warm or cool

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Matching stroller straps so you can hang your bebe bag from your stroller

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dirty clothes sac to keep your wet or dirty clothes contained, or a duster bag to keep your bag safe during storage.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Water resistant, light colored lining so you can easily see everything in your bag

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Two exterior side pockets

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Six interior organizational pockets

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Inside key fob – never lose your keys!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Measures 14”H x 16” W x 6” D and 11” handle drop

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available in Pewter, Bronze, Rouge, and Black

My Take

I love this bag! It's definitely stylish and functional, it holds all my necessities for my weekly commute and then some! For all non-moms like me, it holds a laptop/netbook/or iPad comfortably and you can adapt the inner pockets (or outer if you prefer) to hold your phone, MP3 player, camera, lunch, and shoes. (In this post 9/11 city, I wear sneakers during my commute and carry my shoes to change into when I arrive!) I was blown away with just how much this bag can take. I definitely put bags through their paces, and Hannah has held her own. In the evening, she sometimes get filled up with files in addition to everything else. One of my favorites is the 'dirty clothes sac' which I use to put my gym clothes in, hello, BRILLIANT! While I'm not yet a mom, this bag is a commuter's delight!

The only thing that would have made it absolutely perfect since I'm not yet a mom is a leather option.  I tend to go with Leather bags, and while this is not leather, it's a non-PVC Faux leather, it actually can pass for leather which of course makes me happy! But I'd love it if they added a Leather Option down the line! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at timi & leslie have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will receive a Hannah bag in their choice of color based on in stock availability.

Don't you just ♥ timi & leslie? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (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- Visit timi and leslie and post the URL link to another bag other than Hannah that you like! (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 (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE.

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 Monday, August 08, 2011 until Thursday, September 08, 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 - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips, gift certificates, electronics and more!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Are you on Blog Lovin? Well so is Ascending Butterfly! Follow us on Blog Lovin for an extra credity entry!

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! Leave five entries.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @timiandleslie on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + @timiandleslie Hannah #HandBag #Giveaway! Color of YOUR choice! Ends 09/08 http://tinyurl.com/3wazw4z

(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.)

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' timi and leslie and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them which bag is your favorite!) on Facebook HERE (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One time only per giveaway, NOT a daily: Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active 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. The sponsors are 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.