Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tuesday, September 29, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




Which of these two are you celebrating?

Today there are two celebrations on the calendar.

1 - Michaelmas - (Also Called Michaelmas Day) -

a) A Christian feast observed in honor of the archangel Michael.

b) September 29, the day on which this feast is observed.

Michael (according to Wikipedia) - is an archangel in Jewish, Christian and Islamic tradition. He is viewed as the field commander of the Army of God. He is mentioned by name in the Book of Daniel,  the Book of Jude and the Book of Revelation. In the book of Daniel, Michael appears as "one of the chief princes" who in Daniel's vision comes to the angel Gabriel's aid in his contest with the angel of Persia (Dobiel), and is also described there as the advocate of Israel and "great prince who stands up for the children of your [Daniel's] people".

The Talmudic tradition rendered Michael's name as meaning "who is like El?", - so Michael could consequently mean "One who is like God." But its being a question is alternatively understood as a rhetorical question, implying that no one is like God.

Much of the late Midrashic detail about Michael was transmitted to Christianity through the Book of Enoch, whence it was taken up and further elaborated. In late medieval Christianity, Michael, together with Saint George, became the patron saint of chivalry, and of the first chivalric order of France, the Order of Saint Michael of 1469. In the British honours system, a chivalric order founded in 1818 is also named for these two saints, the Order of St Michael and St George. St Michael is also considered in many Christian circles as the patron saint of the warrior. Police officers and soldiers, particularly paratroopers and fighter pilots, regard him as their patron. He is also a patron of Germany and of the City of Brussels.

Roman Catholics refer to him as Saint Michael the Archangel and also simply as Saint Michael. Orthodox Christians refer to him as the Taxiarch Archangel Michael or simply Archangel Michael. The New Thought Movement refers to Michael as Christ Michael.

Many chose to light a red prayer candle in his honor on this day. (I am among them!)

2 - Confucius Day -

When : Always September 29th

Confucius Day honors one of the world's greatest philosophers. Born in China on October 18, 551 B.C., Confucius is one of the earliest, and perhaps the the first great philosopher. He was also a teacher, a scholar, and a politician. He gave the world many teachings, and gave the world 499 famous sayings.

Celebrate Confucius Day by learning more about this ancient philosopher, and read some of his teachings and sayings.

Note: Over the years, many comical and humorous sayings have been created and referenced as sayings of Confucius, usually titled "Confucius Says". As a rule of thumb, if the saying is humorous, chances are it is not a true saying by this great scholar.

In this economy one of his standout sayings is:

'He who will not economize will have to agonize."  ~ Confucius

Will you be celebrating Michaelmas or Confucius Day? What is your favorite Confucius saying?

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I embrace my inner confucius and make my own words to live by.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. There is a new giveaway for a Select Comfort Mattress Topper!

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And you also must include your email in your comment entry, we have to have a way to reach you if you win!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Monday, September 28, 2009

Monday, September 28, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




Oh, Monday, Monday

I can't beleive we are days away from October! Soon the leaves will change color and pumpkins will grace doorways with their eerie smiles and September will be a memory.

Our first 'green-themed' giveaway came to an end this weekend, and our winner was Ascending Butterfly reader 't42vek20', join me in wishing her a hearty congratulations! You can see the full winner announcement here. And don't forget to enter our two current giveaways, (look for the 'WIN HERE' box on the upper right hand side of the page) one for a Soda Maker and one for a Mattress Topper! Just remember you must be a follower to enter all giveaways and if your profile doesn't have an email address you must include it in your entry comment for your entry to be processed. If you don't see your entry on the contest page, it means you missed a step.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I welcome in a new week with joy in my heart.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. There is a new giveaway for a Select Comfort Mattress Topper!

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And you also must include your email in your comment entry, we have to have a way to reach you if you win!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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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

Winner Announcement!



Congratulations to user 't42vek20' the winner of Ascending Butterfly's Activeion Giveaway!

Winning Entry:

I learned that the water is flat and the nanobubbles connects with the ions of the dirt and the repel each other, and break apart so that it can be wash away. If you use it for a year, it's like taking 2200 cars off the road! Green is Clean!!! Yeah!

t42vek20

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Activeion, for an amazing giveaway, we look forward to working with you again!

Don't forget to check the box that says "WIN HERE: Today's Butterfly Featured Sites of the day!' on the upper right hand side of the page, that is where you will find our current giveaways! Readers asked us to make the giveaways faster and easier to enter, and your wish is our command!

---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team


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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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Friday, September 25, 2009

Friday, September 25, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




TGIF

This week has flown by and I will admit to being very happy it is finally Friday! The week shot by so fast that I haven't even finalized my plans yet!

For me when a week just passes so quickly it literally brings new meaning to the expression 'in the blink of an eye', it makes me just want to take the weekend real slow. My inner butterfly could really use a massage! (Any New York City Day Spa Owners out there reading this! LOL)

Although, what ends up happening is trying to squeeze in as much fun as you possibly can in two days! So in an effort to follow my own advice, I plan on giving myself some time for meditation upon rising on Saturday morning, I hope you'll consider doing the same. (Even if it turns out to be Saturday afternoon for you). A sort of 'slow down' so you can 'speed up' later kind of thing.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will make the most of my weekend, not just the 'best of it'.

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. TODAY IS THE LAST DAY TO ENTER TO WIN AN ACTIVEION PRO ($299 RETAIL VALUE), ENTER NOW

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed.

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

Check out our review of Tiara Minerals Makeup HERE

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Thursday, September 24, 2009

I am a Minerals Virgin No More!




I knew that title would catch your eye! Now that we have established your desire for evening titillation is strong . . .

I was approached with the opportunity to try Mineral Makeup for the first time and I will admit I was quite reticent about it. I'm not the biggest makeup person, I have a pretty streamline daily routine, but on certain occassions where I know I need to be my most 'photo ready' self, I will usually go for my tried and true favorite liquid foundation coverage.  I always thought mineral makeup would add more time to my routine.  More time? Who has that?? (not me!)

The good folks at Tiara Minerals knew something I didn't, that mineral makeup doesn't have to be complicated and is very good for your skin. They challenged me to try something new and I'm grateful for the opportunity to have done so.

I spread everything out on my bureau and will admit I felt like a little girl again raiding mom's makeup! (Hope you are not reading this mom!) The colors were amazing! Then a brief moment of worry crossed my thoughts. Latina skin tends to be difficult to match foundation for as many a countless beauty counter makeover debacle will attest to. Most brands tend to make our skin appear very yellow, and that's the last thing you want, especially during a moment where photo opps are possible.

I decided I'd try it all out first for a brief run around the neighborhood for errrands. Hopefully no paparazzi at the bank or supermarket right? LOL

I first went to buy a Lotto ticket (you have to be in it to win it right, scoff if you'd like, but that mega millions is MINE all mine I tell you) and the folks behind the counter all remarked I looked nice today. I smiled a knowing smile and was off to my next errand. My favorite teller at the bank asked if I cut my hair, LOL, again I smiled a knowing smile and was off to the supermarket. Everyone knew something was different, and everyone LIKED it! FANTASTIC!

Then I decided Tiara Minerals would get it's next test. The Real Test. A New York City event in a cramped venue, with way too many people and not enough air conditioning. I'm pleasantly surprised to report that the entire line held up to the biggest test a woman can give her makeup, the SWEAT test! Tiara Minerals passed again. They passed the two biggest tests I have with makeup, will it stand up to sweating, and will it yellow me out?




Now it's time to share what I tried:

Tiara Minerals UnderEye Concealer
Tiara Minerals Summer Concealer
Tiara Minerals Natural Concealer
Tiara Minerals Beige Foundation - see photo above post
Tiara Minerals Warm Beige Foundation- see photo above post
Tiara Minerals Silk Mineral Veil
Tiara Minerals Blushing Rose Blush
Tiara Minerals Blackberry Passion Wine Shadow and Liner Set - pictured immediately above

I can't speak highly enough about the quality, the colors, the service and lasting wear of these products. I highly recommend Tiara Minerals, 5 Natural Ingredients, eco friendly packaging, it doesn't get better. I wasn't able to get a giveaway for us today, but hopefully will have the opportunity to work with Tiara Minerals again in the future to host a giveaway here with Ascending Butterfly.

Tiara Minerals can also be found on Facebook HERE

They offer a Monthly Sample Subscription I highly recommend:

Receive 10 Sample Baggies Every Month for only $12.95! (Blushes, Shadows & Liners)

This gives you the chance to play with a wide variety of colors and then pinpoint which ones you love the most so you can get those in a full size once you run out.

Thursday, September 24, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!





Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, from September 15 to October 15, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize the economic, cultural, and social contributions of the more than 47 million Latinos residing in the U.S. The dates of Hispanic Heritage Month were selected to include the Independence Day celebrations of Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile, as well as to incorporate Día de la Raza—a holiday celebrated in Mexico on October 12 observing the colonization, exploration, and multicultural heritage of the Americas.

The National Council of La Raza has a great calendar of events on their website of activities taking place during the celebration HERE.

We sometimes lean on our occupation, culture, socio-economic status or our labels within our family structures to help us identify with who or what we are. At best, it's a mixture of all those things. And as a very proud Latina, I enjoy looking for ways to share community with other Latinos especially during Heritage Month.

Whether you are of Latino Ancestry or not, each and every day is a good day to look internally and figure out what you identify with being. Identify the WHO in who YOU are.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I identify and unify all the disparate elements that make up who I am into one whole and healed being.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier.

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed.

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Wednesday, September 23, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




SUN IN LIBRA

Today the sun is in Libra! The sun's entrance into Libra marks the first day of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere. Libra is the sign of teamwork, partnership and relationships, which will be the focus through the next few weeks. I love when the sun is in Libra, collaborations always turn out better for me. And since my life is surrounded by those under the Libra zodiac sign I have many birthdays to celebrate in the next few weeks too. (Happy Birthday to all Libran friends and family!) Must control urge to eat all the birthday cake! oops that was a note to self.....

I read a passage today by Holiday Mathis that I'd love to quote here:

AUTUMNAL EQUINOX: The sun's transit into Libra has been celebrated by ancient and modern cultures alike. The imagery of Libra's scales and the theme of balance are inspired by the equality of nighttime to daylight. It's also a turning point, since the nights increase in length in the weeks to come. This is traditionally a time to pull together our resources and connect with loved ones to harvest the bounty around us and store up for the colder months. Since very few of us are actually farmers in this age, our harvest is of a different nature. What, besides the basics of food, water and shelter, will sustain you through the winter? And who helps you get it? For some, it's love and romance that add passion to the season. For others, it's special projects or art. For still others, it's intellectual growth, physical fitness or the satisfaction of a family well cared for or a job well done. Give some thought to what you have in your life that makes it great. Think of a way you can show the universe and the people in your life that you are grateful for the abundance of the past season as a way of getting ready to greet the new one.

When you feel blessed, and you are filled with gratitude for those blessings the Universe just seems to WANT to bless you more!

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I am receptive to the powerful opportunities for collaboration that are coming my way.

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier.

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed.

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




Merry Mabon!

There just hasn't been time to breathe today! Is is just me or is Fall racing to become winter? September is almost gone already!

Today is Mabon -This Wiccan holiday marks the fall harvest and the preparations for the coming of winter. Mabon is celebrated on the autumnal equinox. Some call it 'Harvest Home Day'.

What do you do to prepare your home for the coming winter?
 
Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I prepare my home and mind for the changing season'.

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed.

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Monday, September 21, 2009

Monday, September 21, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


Know Your Spirit - Awaken Your Inner Mixologist

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Dewars Discovery Event. While the tasting was a huge component of the event, the history behind the product and the chance for attendees to mix our own Scotch was one of the highlights. At first it reminded me of science class, there were beakers set up on the tables and within each beaker was a 'note' or essence of what you find in the final blend, separated out so we could learn to identify them individually.

And while they may not seem like similar experiences on the outset, the night brought me back to a trip to Mexico where I visited a very small museum. I went through the exhibits at the museum relatively quickly and right before I was ready to leave, the Museum's Docent stopped me and asked me questions I could not answer about the exhibits. Exhibits I had just seen! He led me through again, asking questions about each piece that were not only incisive, but very much reminded me that it's important to be more observant about what I see and experience.

This weekend was more than an opportunity to 'know my spirits' so to speak, it was reminder to observe and savor what life has to offer.

While I do enjoy a fine Scotch particularly in winter, I never really stopped to think about the flavors and notes of it. I never really stopped to truly appreciate it. (Although I will admit I did stop to appreciate it's ability to warm me up when it was freezing outside! LOL)

Today I urge you to savor the beautiful things, the beautiful experiences and the beautiful people that surround you.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'Today I observe the nuances, I see the small things and I enjoy the beauty my life has to offer.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!
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Sunday, September 20, 2009

Sunday, September 20, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and TWO giveaways!




Living in Gratitude


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

This week, I am grateful for:


1) Ascending Butterfly has been nominated for the Divine Caroline's Love! This Site Awards '09 For the 'Body and Soul' category! I am absolutely floored. I have been a long time reader of The Divine Caroline Website and consider them one of my daily sources of inspiration. My heart was certainly filled with gratitude to find out we were nominated. And more meaningful still, to find out it was an Ascending Butterfly reader who nominated us! Thank You! If you would like to vote for us, please click HERE!

2) I am grateful for Ascending Butterfly sponsors who have this made this whole summer special, and there is certainly more great stuff to come! We moved the 'Today's Butterfly' feature to the very upper right hand side of the page, making it easier and faster to enter our giveaways. And bringing our great and generous sponsors to the spotlight!

3) I'm also grateful for Ascending Butterfly's wonderful readers. This week many of you shared your gratitude list and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to peek into everyone's world. Many readers missed the gratitude last week, and we are happy to say it's back! :-)

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. 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 (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! 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 TWO giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day feature, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier.

NOTE: To our Twitter Followers, you must join Ascending Butterfly via Google Friends connect and then follow the contest instructions regarding your entry comment to be entered. You are NOT automatically entered into the giveaways solely by following on twitter. Please follow ALL contest/giveaway instructions CAREFULLY.
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Friday, September 18, 2009

Friday, September 18, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!



Happy New Year!

This weekend is Rosh Hashanah and I just wanted to wish our readers who will be observing this religious holiday, a new year filled with prosperity, health, happiness and abundance!

The website, chabad.org has a wonderful very easy to follow 2009 Rosh Hashanah Calendar, the direct link can be found by pressing HERE.

While it may not be the New Year for those of us not observing, every day can be a day of inner renewal. By being more conscious of your inner dialogue and the way it does you harm. Do you find yourself reacting negatively to deadlines and stress? Do you put yourself down in your mind instead of using inner dialogue that can boost your self-esteem instead?

Make today the begining of your 'Inner New Year' by changing your inner dialogue. Just like you are quick to praise friends, family members and even co-workers for a job well done, do the same for yourself. Start as soon as you wake up each morning. Instead of focusing on the things that bother you, focus on one thing each day that you love about yourself. When a negative thought is threatening to creep in, don't claim it, get rid of it by using the focused breathing techniques and affirmations you learn here. Change your thoughts, Change Your Life. Yes it really can be that simple. If you choose to let it.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'Today is the first day of my inner New Year.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!
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Thursday, September 17, 2009

Thursday, September 17, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


CH CH CHANGES

We interrupt your regularly scheduled words of inspiration to inform you of a feature 'move'. Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day feature, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Many people are currently discussing the Mercury Retrograde (which is in effect until the 29th of this month)and blaming it on the problems they are currently experiencing in their communications both on and offline. While it very well may be playing a major part, it is our reactions to change both internal and external that make these communication 'snafus' worse. How well do you embrace change? Do you welcome it? Do you go with the flow? Does 'change' bring you anxeity and frustration? Do you fear it?

I will tell you, sometimes the boat really does need to be rocked for good things to happen. Change allows us to experience something new, and that in turn allows us to grow.

Don't let the mercury retrograde trick you into thinking that flying off the handle when someone cuts you off in traffic is OK because the planets are out of whack. Change is in the air. That change is only as good as you MAKE it. Remember most people fear change, and their negative reactions or in some cases over-reactions, should only set you back temporarily.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I embrace change.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Today's Butterfly has MOVED! Look on the upper right hand side of the page to enter all current giveaways!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!



Rest In Peace

Ascending Butterfly just wanted to take a moment to send our Deepest and Heartfelt Condolesences to the family (including his beautiful wife of 34 years, Lisa Niemi), friends and fans of actor Patrick Swayze who lost his very valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer yesterday.

I have lost family also to Cancer and know first hand that is not an easy fight. So our 'Today's Words of Inspiration' will become an open forum for those who want to send Condolesences to the family or for those who just wish to share their favorite Patrick Swayze memory or their favorite role he portrayed. I definitely enjoyed 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost' and thought he was awesome in 'To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.' as well.

I also take loss as an opportunity to reach out to friends and family and tell them just how much they mean to me. Do it, before it's too late. Today I urge you to hug someone you love. Tell them how much they mean to you. Because yesterday's affirmation rings true today, I will ask you to repeat it again.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will remind those that I love just how much they are worth to me.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!) This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!


Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


Don't let your possessions possess you

How do you measure worth? How much do you tie in what and how much you own, to how much you are worth? It's a tendency many people fall victim to. Your value is not in what you own, or how much of it you have. Your value is in what you give, what you share, the talents you possess that no one else does. The friendships you cultivate. The family who love you. The pets who wait eagerly by the window until you come home.

Do something today that reminds you just how much you are worth. Do something today to remind those who mean the most to you, just how much they are worth!

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will remind those that I love just how much they are worth to me.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!


1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!) This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!


Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Monday, September 14, 2009

Monday, September 14, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


14th Annual Fordham Rennaissance Festival

Many Ascending Butterfly readers wondered why there was no moment of gratitude yesterday, and it was because I was out following my own advice about spending more time outdoors. I attended a local 'renaissance' festival, it wasn't exactly like the 'period' type one you see advertised sometimes on TV. This is more of a renaissance and transition of a neighborhood. Our local business district turned into a very large street fair that offered live concerts, food, vendors, face painting, rides and more. I have been enjoying attending this event annually. The highlight was 'jewelry hopping' and I had the chance to meet many jewelers. There is something wonderful about hand crafted jewelry and meeting the artists behind the work that is always such a treat for me. Such creative people, with wonderful vision and truly inspiring pieces!

Meeting such wonderful, creative, and talented people, most certainly left me inspired again. (which was great because I recently had the displeasure of encountering a jewelry designer so disgusting of spirit that it truly soured me completely on the process!) I am an aspiring jewelery designer myself, so the afternoon was spent doing research, disguised as shopping! :-)

Soon the leaves will turn, the air will become crisper and days that can be spent outdoors will soon become a distant memory until spring. I'm glad I spent some time outdoors soaking up one of the last few all sunny days. Make it a point to get outdoors these next few weeks during your lunch hour and squeeze every last drop out of mother nature before it gets to rainy, cold or 'snowy' to do so.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will enjoy and make the most of the fall season.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!)  This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!





Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Saturday, September 12, 2009

SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit Review and Giveaway!

NOTE: This Giveaway is now CLOSED. The Winner has been notified. Once the winner has confirmed, this page and the homepage will both include a full winner's announcement. Ascending Butterfly would like to thank our sponsor Soda Stream USA for this amazing giveaway. The penguin has become an integral part of our family game night, I'm quite sure the winner of this giveaway will feel the same way! We would also like to thank our readers for the tremendous response. Remember, there are three other current giveaways! Look to the upper right hand of the page where it reads 'WIN HERE' and enter to win our Select Comfort Mattress Topper Giveaway, an autographed copy of our book club of the month title America Libre (please note this is an English Title!, and a copy of Harry Connick Jr's newest CD release 'Your Songs'! And if you thought the summer was good, and this month was great, just wait until you see what November has in store!
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My Favorite Penguin is not from Antartica Anymore!

Yes that's right I have a new favorite Penguin! 'The Penguin' is the first and only soda maker with a glass carafe. Its eye catching design will turn heads in any kitchen, dining room or bar (it most certainly attracts attention in my kitchen!). The stylish Penguin combines form and functionality to prepare and serve your sparkling beverages in elegant, dishwasher-safe glass carafes. Turn water into sparkling water in seconds!

When my penguin arrived earlier this summer, I will admit I tore into the box pretty much like a kid at Christmas. I've always loved all things 'gadget' and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I had used it at least once. I wanted to get the hang of using it before Family Game Night. (A night that involves the Wii, playing games, eating snacks and definitely enjoying the carbonated beverage or two!)

Once I followed the very easy set up instructions, the moment of truth arrived, and I pressed down on the penguin's beak. The sound of the carbonation was a bit intimidating at first and then I will admit I forgot about the pressure release and almost freaked out! Once I hit the pressure relase the unit opened easily and I was able to check whether or not the carbonation was to my satisfaction. It took several attempts to get the level of carbonation and flavor mixed to my complete soda satisfaction. Everyone's taste buds are different so you'll have to play with it to get the balance of carbonation and flavor that works for you and your family.

Flavors

There are an amazing variety of mixes to choose from including: Cola (customer’s favorite - mine too!) , Energy (Compare to Red Bull®), Ginger Ale (Crisp, light ginger flavor) , Lemon-Lime (Compare to Sprite® & Seven Up), Orange (Great taste for the whole family) , Pete’s Choice (Compare to Dr Pepper - I also like this one a lot!), Root Beer, Tonic Soda Mix (Contains Quinine. Great for cocktails), Cranberry-Raspberry (Fresh fruity flavor - I really enjoyed this one as well!), Cream Soda (I love Cream Soda!), Fountain Mist (Compare to Mountain Dew®) and you can of course get these selections in Diet if you prefer. SodaStream also offers 'MyWater' in Berry, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and a very smart variety pack!

Enjoy a wide range of over 25 regular, diet, energy and caffeine-free flavors. Each 500ml soda mix bottle makes the equivalent of 12 liters (about 33 cans!) of soda. Regular soda mix contains no high fructose corn syrup and diet soda mix contains no aspartame. All-natural MyWater flavor essences are unsweetened and calorie-free.

I find it easier to make both carafes at a time and I like to give them a chance to get really cold, so I tend to make them while I'm prepping dinner so by the time dinner is done, the soda has had a chance to get really, really cold before serving.

And yes you can 'over carbonate', so please be careful! Let the carbonation settle down just a bit before you begin mixing in the flavoring, and remember mix it in very SLOWLY so you don't end up covered in soda!

I couldn't possibly be happier with my SodaStream Penguin! And I could go on and on about how amazing the crew at SodaStream are. The Penguin would make an amazing Family Christmas Gift and an awesome gift to a newly married couple. I am sure they will find it to be the gift they end up reaching for again and again, and will think of you each and every time!

Environment

Did you know that SodaStream is eco-friendly? No more bottles or cans to recycle or dispose of, thanks to reusable BPA-free carbonating bottles.
 
Nutrition
 
View SodaStream nutritional information HERE and compare to national brands. Regular SodaStream sodamix flavors contain 2/3 less sugar and calories than national soft drink brands.

RV & Boating

No batteries, no electricity, SodaStream is the perfect accessory for your home-away-from-home.
 
WIN IT! - We like to save the best for last! Thanks to our friends at SodaStream, you have the opportunity to win a Penguin Starter Kit of your own! (This is a $199 value!!!!)

How to Win: You must be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (this will be checked if you are selected as a winner) and please visit SodaStream and tell me something you learned about the product and which mix you'd like to try first. Please leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com), or if your blogger profile has your email you can just indicate this in your entry.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away. You have from Saturday, September 12, 2009 until Monday, October 12, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Wednesday, October 14th!

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.

* 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 SodaStream USA on Facebook HERE

* Follow SodaStream USA on MySpace HERE

* Follow SodaStream USA 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.

SodaStream USA is also on Flickr HERE

**Use the promo code TWEETS for $5 off orders of $50+ at sodastream.com!**

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Winner Announcement!

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Congratulations to 'Miss Manda' the winner of Ascending Butterfly's Smashbox Purple Reign Giveaway!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Smashbox for an amazing giveaway, we look forward to working with you again!  Don't forget to keep checking with Smashbox on Facebook, a little birdie told me there is some cool stuff going on there! (there is a tab called 'NEW!' that you may want to take a peek at!) Also, our friends at RagingRouge.com have posted a new Smashbox Facebook giveaway, get the details HERE!
Remember, there is still time to win the ActiveIon Pro (a $299 retail value!) by going HERE.

---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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Friday, September 11, 2009

Friday, September 11, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


Remember The Fallen

Where were you on 9/11? I was working in a Hospital in New York City. A Hospital that received casualties. I lost friends at The World Trade Center. I had received a job offer from a firm located in The World Trade Center years before that day, an offer that I had turned down. Had I not turned that offer down, there may not have been an Ascending Butterfly. This is a very somber day for me and for the nation.

This is probably the latest an inspiration has ever gone up, but somehow, the girl who makes a living with words, just didn't know where to begin. Didn't know what to say.

Loss is never easy to bear. But there is one thing of beauty to be remembered . . . The way the nation pulled together. People rallied around one another in a very strong way that day. New York City has always received a very bad rap about not being a friendly city, and many tourists who were visiting here that day had to dispel those rumors, this city showed it's heart that day.

I want to use Today's Words of Inspiration as not only a source of healing, but as a sounding board. Anyone who wants to share their memories of that day can feel free to do so. For those who lost friends or family, my heart is truly with you today!

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I give and receive healing energy today.'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in your life.

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!)


2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE (This giveaway ends on September 11th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!)



Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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