Saturday, February 11, 2012

{CLOSED} Ugglebo Seattle Low Style Shearling Boots Giveaway! ARV $309 Ends 02/18

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Ugglebo! The winner is Kathy Pease, comment #826! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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Ascending Butterfly's Valentine's Day Buying Guide Giveaway #3, sponsored by:


With New York Fashion Week shows, pre-shows, launches and kick off parties my feet are already nervous. Loads of commuting (trains, tons of stairs) and even more walking and standing, coupled with VERY cold weather these past few days and even worse, SNOW coming, keeping my feet warm and happy has been my top priority.

And after battling pneumonia and a collapsed lung, I am definitely all about making sure I am warm enough while out and about! During a time in New York City where Fashion is the top word on everyone's list, how do you keep it fashionable and not end up with a severe cold or worse flu?

UggleBo Brand Clogs



Seattle Low in 'Tan'

About

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Seattle Low Shearling Boot in color 'tan'
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tall Clog Boot on a low-heel Alderwood base
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Customizable - Fold over the shearling to fit the style you want.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-Zipper, slip in style for a smooth look all around (pull tabs on top of boot)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available in two colors: Black and Tan
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Each Clog is crafted by hand

Many people fall under the mis-conception that Shearling is only good in the winter, but if you wear Shearling Boots without socks, you will find that quality shearling actually circulates air evenly and does not cause your feet to sweat, shearling can help regulate your body temperature making it fine to wear well into Spring with your skirts!



Here is a picture of me wearing them tucked under my Beija Flor 'Jennifer' Jean! I love how they are the perfect marriage of the comfort of a clog style, with the fashion forward detailing and the shearling! I've never managed walking on backless shoes so usually clogs with their open back styling are normally off limits to me, I was so happy that Ugglebo offers clog style in boots, and that these are such a perfect heel, not too high so you can wear these all day and your feet don't get tired! Their website has a size chart so you can order the correct size for your feet, these don't run totally on traditional sizing and I sized up about a half a size. Like many people I have one foot that is slightly longer, so the size up was perfect for that foot, for the other foot I put in an insole and found that to make them absolutely perfect for me! I am able to wear these for long stretches and my feet don't feel tired, I love that they are fashion forward, still totally comfortable, and have really held up well, because I love wearing them and wear them often!

My Take

I love supporting companies with a conscience, and Ugglebo is a company with heart! Ugglebo donates 5% of their annual profits to the nurturing, growth and passing of wisdom to disadvantaged children through education. In addition, they also made their Chukka Shearling Boot their Pink Ribbon Riders’ boot, which means that for every Chukka Shearling Boot that you buy, they will donate $20 to the Pink Ribbon Riders, whose mission is to promote breast cancer awareness in the motor sports industry for both men and women, while raising funds for those in need.

And you know how much I love a win/win, there is a 10% off discount coupon for new 'likers' on Ugglebo's Facebook Page! The coupon is valid through January 2013, how cool is that? Not to mention their facebook page has 'sales of the day' prices on select styles, so you definitely want to make sure you are in the know so you can nab your favorite style on sale (and don't forget that additional 10% off!)

While Fashion Week is always super chaotic and totally exciting, for me I'd prefer to spend my time telling you who is giving back. Trends come and go, but a company with the spirit of giving, that my friends is totally fashionable!

Want to nab a pair of your own? Enter using the Rafflecopter form below, if it doesn't load for you, hit refresh! Start by pressing the big green button that says '+1 Do It' to get started with the Mandatory Entry! (And if you experience any problems using Rafflecopter to get your daily tweets, no worries, just copy the link to your tweet and leave it as a comment on this post instead!

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, February 7, 2012

5 Helpful Tips to Rearing Responsible Children! Ascending Butterfly's Kids Corner Guest Post by @kiddieacademy

Ascending Butterfly's Kids Corner, Guest Article Contributed by the experts at Kiddie Academy


 
When you're making your children's meals, doing their laundry and helping them get dressed in the morning, do you ever stop and think: How will my children ever become responsible, self-sufficient adults? It—a sense of responsibility, that is—happens to most everybody, eventually. As a parent, you can assist in your child’s long road to independence.

Here are some ways how:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Refrain from doing everything for your child. Yes it's quicker and often easier to do it your self, but at some point it's time to let her do things on her own. Start small, let her know you're there for support, and ready to assist—especially if frustration sets in. Gradually, you'll witness an increasingly independent and responsible child.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Involve children in care of pets. Lots of children share a special bond with their pets, so it follows that they might be more willing to take on responsibility that involves their care—feeding the cat, for instance—than, say, taking out the trash. So when you're getting your child started on the road to responsibility, think about chores that connect to his pets or other passions.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Equate responsibility with being “grown up.” Rather than presenting the act of cleaning up toys, putting clothes in drawers and helping around the house in other ways as chores, frame the tasks in a way that makes your child feel like a “big kid.” This tactic can be particularly effective if the child has a younger sibling and likes to be recognized for being able to do things that the younger sibling isn't “big enough to do yet.”

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Practice what you preach. When your child sees you hang up your coat every day, it will feel natural for her to do it too. The same goes for putting dirty dishes in the sink and replacing the cap on the toothpaste. Lead by example.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Read about it. Reading about other kids who act responsibility can reinforce the lesson you’re trying to instill in your own child. These are a few book choices that illustrate the importance of responsibility: Caring for My Things, by Jane Moncure; I Have a Pet, by Shari Halpern; and The Shepard Boy, by Kristine Franklin.

Do you have additional tips to share? How do you foster your child's independence while helping them to be more responsible?

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FTC Disclosure: This article was provided and sponsored by Kiddie Academy®. The company has been a leader in education-based childcare for 30 years serving families and their children ages 6 weeks to 12 years old, offering full time care, before- and after-school care and summer camp programs. You can visit the KA Family Essentials blog and LIKE them on FB as well as Twitter @KiddieAcademy for additional information.

Monday, February 6, 2012

{CLOSED} In Bloom by Jonquil Item or Pajama Set of YOUR Choosing Up To $80 Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor In Bloom By Jonquil! We look forward to working with you again. The winner is lilyk. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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Ascending Butterfly's Valentine's Day Buying Guide Giveaway #2, sponsored by:


I have a thing for Loungewear Pajama Sets, I like to be comfortable, and be wearing something I can open the door with if my Fedex or UPS delivery carriers arrive too early! Don't get me wrong, frilly, lacy, babydolls have their place, and definitely come to mind first when you think Valentine's Day, but lately my mind has been in a much more practical place (See why HERE).

My latest PJ obsession is In Bloom by Jonquil, they have a little something for everyone (and an incredible selection of bridal lingerie and nightgowns), I can visit the site just to see what's new and find I have been there for quite some time! You can check out my reviews from our 2011 Holiday Buying Guide where we featured 2 items from In Bloom, a PJ set and a beautiful Butterfly nightgown! I wore my last two In Bloom PJ's while at the hospital and everyone fell in love with them!

In Bloom is definitely creating a Pajama Snob! The feel good fabrics, bold design, and super comfortable fit, not to mention they wash well and many of the sets have matching robes have made In Bloom by Jonquil my favorite pajamas ever. If I could come close to defining how they make me feel when I wear them, it's kind of like wearing a HUG.



In Bloom by Jonquil Creole Paisley Bathrobe

This robe is currently on sale, the matching loungewear set (top and bottom which I received), have already sold out, but the chemise is currently available and is also on sale! Snap them up!

About

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can be worn over the Creole Paisley lounge dress. This fabric has a luxuriously soft hand feel and provides a perfect punch of everyday glamour.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 90% poly/10% span knit
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 33 1/2" long
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Set in belt
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Inside Tie
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Care Instructions: Hand Wash Cold, Line Dry, Cool Iron if needed
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sizing: P = Dress Size 0-2 + Bust 30-32, S = Dress Size 4-6 + Bust 32-34, M = Dress Size 8-10 + Bust 36-38, L = Dress Size 12-14 + Bust 40-42, XL = Dress Size 16 + Bust 44-46

My Take

In Bloom by Jonquil's Pajamas are a perfect gift anytime, not just Valentine's Day. But guys if you are at a loss for ideas, check out the Romantic Gifts for Her section, you are bound to find something to make her smile (and when she wears it you will definitely be smiling too)! The Angel Chemise and Cami Short Sets are definitely tres cute!

Hopefully I can put all this medical stuff behind me soon so I can try out something sexier the next time I work with In Bloom, but the good news is, YOU are not being restricted to MY conservative pick this time around so you can go sexy for Valentine's Day if you wish!

Can't wait to win? Must order NOW?! I can't say I blame you, if you use the coupon code “butterflies” it will give you $10 off a purchase of $50+- good through March 1. I see some stuff I may just have to order!

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below, if it doesn't load for you, hit refresh! (You can let me know in the comments below if you like using Rafflecopter and would like us to continue using it). Start by pressing the big green button that says '+1 Do It' to get started with the Mandatory Entry! (And if you experience any problems using Rafflecopter to get your daily tweets, no worries, just copy the link to your tweet and leave it as a comment on this post instead!

Saturday, February 4, 2012

{CLOSED} Win all NINE Mor Cosmetics Lip Macarons Gloss/Balms - Rafflecopter #Giveaway! ARV $90

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor MOR Cosmetics! We look forward to working with you again. The Winner is Annie A, Entry #222 (winners are selected using the random number generator via rafflecopter). Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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Ascending Butterfly's Valentine's Day Buying Guide Giveaway #1, sponsored by:


Just because my Valentine's Day isn't quite going to be all hearts and flowers this year, doesn't mean that I can't get my inner Diva on! I can't say kisses are gauranteed with this one, but you definitely stand a pretty good chance when your lips are this soft, deliciously smooth and yummily scented.

Lips are no different than the rest of your face, they require occasional exfoliation, SPF protection/sunscreen and moisturization, yes you can stave off those deep lip wrinkles! The smoother your pucker the better you'll feel, and the more confident you are, the more kissable you will be.

I have been learning to embrace change lately (well OK, admittedly some of it by force), and I have a new favorite lip gloss/balm to share with you! At least this is very much a happy change!

Lip Macaron

Mor Cosmetics Lip Macaron's are my by far my favorite lip gloss/lip balm hybrid. They provide the moisturization of a balm, and the sheer, subtle shine of your favorite gloss. They don't make my lips feel like an oil slick, yet provide long lasting moisture that definitely make your lips much more kissably smooth.

About

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soothing & hydrating
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Contains Vitamin E to nourish lips
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Contains Beeswax for healing
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Adds a sheer, subtle shine to lips
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 9 Delicious Flavors: Sorbet, Rosebud, Peach Nectar, Lychee Flower, Blood Orange, French Vanilla, Cassis Noir, Apples and Passion Flower <- I love them all, but Passion Flower and Cassis Noir are tied for my lip macaron favorite scent!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This product is not tested on animals

My Take

These have replaced my former favorite Burts Bees hands down! I love the perfect moisture, subtle shimmer (that does not interfere with the color of any lipstick you might layer it with), and the scents are fantastic! These are not just perfect gifts for Valentine's Day, they are perfect anytime!

And you know how much I love a win/win, not only are they hosting a great giveaway here, there is also a great giveaway on Mor Cosmetic's Facebook Page too! It's called the Celebration of Love Sweepstakes and the prize is a private screening of the movie 'The Vow' for you and 100 of your closest friends PLUS a $500 shopping spree on www.morcosmetics.com. That would definitely get you a ton of delightful pampering products for your skin!

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below, if it doesn't load for you, hit refresh! (You can let me know in the comments below if you like using Rafflecopter and would like us to continue using it). Start by pressing the big green button that says '+1 Do It' to get started with the Mandatory Entry! (And if you experience any problems using Rafflecopter to get your daily tweets, no worries, just copy the link to your tweet and leave it as a comment on this post instead!

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Morro Castle!


This is one of my favorite pictures that I took during a trip to Puerto Rico. This is 'Fort San Felipe del Morro' also known by tourists as 'Morro Castle' in San Juan. How I wish I was there right now!

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FTC Disclosure: I have NOT been compensated for this post. This is my own photo!