Sunday, May 30, 2010

Sunday, May 30, 2010 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great Giveaways!

Memorial Day


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Memorial Day is a day meant for us to commemorate U.S. men and women who died while in military service - Let's all take some time during this long weekend to pray for those who lost their lives while in service to our country! Do you have a service member friend or family member you can do something special for? Take them for a special meal, attend a special service at church. I am grateful to all the brave men and women who defend our country both at home and abroad.  Thank you all for your sacrifices, for your time, for your service. And I send prayers to those families who have lost someone they love.

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 focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For some extra time to spend with family and friends.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For all the amazing bag designers who have come on board for our 'Spring Into Bags' Feature, we now have so many for this feature, that it will continue throughout 2010! This feature has been fun, but it has also created a monster, I can't help looking at the bags ladies are carrying now when I am in transit, or running errands, etc. If you haven't already done so, be sure to enter to win the CAMENAE 'Siren Mogano’ Leather Shoulder Bag ARV $1,135 HERE it's an absolute stunner (and yes you did read the ARV right!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am definitely feeling grateful my 'butterfly NYC' styleboard is currently in the lead, Please vote for my styleboard @ Macy's Fashion director HERE!

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! We will be offering multiple giveaways all throughout 2010! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE!

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















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

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Thursday, May 27, 2010

5 Winners have a shot at winning a Rascodog Leash for their 'furbaby'

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor RascoDog! We look forward to working with you again!

Winners: Jackie P, Jillyrh, LifeonPrint, masonsgranny59, and Diane J. (we post winner usernames or first name/last initial only out of respect for privacy).   

Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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Ascending Butterfly's Mother's Day Buying Guide Editor's Pick sponsored by:



Yes readers you read correctly, this is a Mother's Day Buying Guide Pick! Some of us single gals who are not yet moms, forget that being a 'furbaby' mom is a full time job, one that deserves to be recognized too! I didn't want to leave my single ladies out of the Mother's Day Buying Guide! And I didn't want the guys out there to get bored.

Are you still walking your furbaby with one of those retractable leashes? (Think about how YOU would feel if someone you trusted constantly grabbed you by the neck to get your attention, NOT cool right? It's high time we stop yanking at our dogs, and take them on a walk we can BOTH enjoy!

I wish I had heard of today's giveaway sponsor when I was at my last job where I was close to a nearby dog park in Manhatan New York. I greatly enjoyed sitting there during my lunch break, but I did not like dodging the poop that careless owners neglected to 'scoop'. And no one wants to go back to work with poop on  the bottom of their shoes and then get it on the carpet, YUCK! When people follow their nose to your cubicle in disgust, you know you are in trouble!

In many large cities there are fines upwards of $250 for owners who don't 'scoop the poop' and I'm sure many of you can relate to the inconsiderate neighbor who allows their dog to use your yard or favorite rose bushes as their dog's toilet!


I am a dog lover, and I've always owned 'large breeds', Rottweilers, German Shepards, and of course we all know, the larger the dog, the larger the ..... well let's just say you definitely want to be prepared once a furbaby that big handles a 'nature call'

Thankfully I no longer have to worry about not being prepared, and I now have ONE official leash for my baby, and it's by Rascodog! I also have to say I have been enjoying my walks so much more with my choke free leash that has the bags built right in, genius! (OK, I secretly wish I invented it!)



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Rascodog would like to provide FIVE lucky winners with the opportunity to win the Rascodog ReadyLeash (ARV $100 - $20 X 5 winners)!

About the Rascodog ReadyLeash:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Built-in bag dispenser

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Comfort-grip handle

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 45 biodegradable bags included

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The bags simply pull out like tissues and refillables easily pop into the handle

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - XtraLeashes can be attached to the ReadyLeash handle for walking multiple dogs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - equipped with an adjustable 4-ft lead and 3 rolls of biodegradable bags

Don't you just ♥ the Rascodog ReadyLeash? I know I do, and so does my big 'furbaby'!

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) Like ReadyLeash on Facebook (tell us what name you follow under) (3) Follow @Rascodog on Twitter (tell us what name you follow under). 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 visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. This is a little different from our normal, so please be sure to follow instructions CAREFULLY. See below example of entry format:

EXAMPLE: Your entry should read like this after you have followed above steps:

(1) I follow Ascending Butterfly via google friends connect as (insert your follower name here)
(2) I follow ReadyLeash on Facebook (insert your follower name here)
(3) I follow @Rascodog on Twitter (insert your follower name here)

*Please note, I am aware that some readers may not have a facebook or twitter account, if you don't have one or both, please leave a comment on Rasco's blog (see extra credit below for the link) in lieu of. If you have left a comment on their blog, please tell us which post it's under.

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, May 27, 2010 until Thursday, June 10, 2010 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 address your entry will not be processed.)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit! If we cannot see the button we will not process this extra credit.)

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

Tweet this:

Pls RT #WIN Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @Rascodog ReadyLeash #Giveaways - There will be 5 winners! http://tinyurl.com/34sychn

*Two Tweets per person per day MAX

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow the RascoDog Blog HERE

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 - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Community Group (with real time chat) NOTE: We switched from NING to Spruz, if you were a member of our old group you'll need to switch for this credit to count HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please Vote, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below:

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW DAILY: Please vote for my outfit 'Yay4WkEnd' @ Macy's Fashion director (note you do not have to register to vote for me, one click daily super fast, super easy!)  HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly and earn extra credit, leave a comment letting me know which giveaway you entered. (This will be checked!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Purchase a Rascodog ReadyLeash anytime between 5/27 - 6/08 and receive 10 extra entries. (you will need to email us a copy of your invoice as proof. Yes, you can cross off method of payment information! Don't forget to take advantage of the exclusive coupon code, Siren50 if you are ordering a Siren bag!) Use our 'contact us' form to get in touch with us HERE

Can't wait to win one? Purchase the Rascodog ReadyLeash at Amazon here:
















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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

We are excited to report that this giveaway is a Prizey.net's Editor's Pick! Thanks Prizey, and thanks for all the Ascending Butterfly readers for your enthusiastic response!


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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 products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and for the giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner, this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

TWO Winner's Announcements and an EXCLUSIVE Thank You Coupon!






*Congratulations to 'FDP 4 Life' confirmed winner of Ascending Butterfly's Jewelry Payless Slanted Butterfly Necklace Giveaway! I hope she enjoys her butterfly bling as much I do! We would like to thank Jewelry Payless for hosting gift #8 in our Mother's Day Buying Guide!


*Congratulations to 'whitechocolatecherries' confirmed winner of Ascending Butterfly's Helena de Natalio “Belen’ Shoulder Bag Giveaway! I hope she enjoys her 'Belen' Bag as much I do! We would like to thank Helena de Natalio for hosting the sixth bag in our 'Spring Into Bags' 2010 Special Feature! Your enthusiastic responses made this bag, the most popular in the feature to date! How exciting!

Join me in congratulating our winners!

Our friends at Jewelry Payless had so much fun reading your entries and checking out which items appealed to you most, that they have a special and exclusive to Ascending Butterfly Coupon Code for you! Take advantage of this great deal to get your dad or grad gifts NOW!

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A COUPON FOR YOU: entering ascendingbutterfly with no quotes or spaces will get you 25% off at Jewelry Payless <- This is even higher than the 15% off memorial day savings that can be found on their site! Thanks Jewelry Payless we ♥ You too!
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NOTE:

(1) Ending 05/27: Enter to win the Luminique Personalized Scented Candles Review & Deluxe Gift Set Giveaway HERE!

(2) 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature - Enter to Win the CAMENAE 'Siren Mogano’ Leather Shoulder Bag! - ARV $1,135  HERE!

Stay tuned, new gifts in our Mother's Day Buying Guide will launch VERY soon. The ENTIRE month of May is devoted to Mom. Plus the next book in our monthly book club will also be launching soon! And we are days away from our June 'Dads & Grads' buying guide, a whole new round of great giveaways are on the way, check back daily so you don't miss anything!

--Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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*Out of respect for privacy, We post our winner(s) username/comment name(s) instead of full names

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack Review

Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack Review

So somehow my tickets to the Sex and the City 2 movie premiere must have been way-layed, because this New York City Based Blogger would have been there with bells on!

Add me to the list of  New Yorkers that are super stoked that the sequel to Sex and the City (one of my favorite series ever) comes out May 27, 2010!

While I didn't get to preview the movie, my friends at the One2One Network did send me the movie soundtrack, which I am listening to AGAIN right now as inspiration. I did a happy squeal when I opened this yesterday!


Sex and the City 2: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack was released on May 25th and the film is in theaters May 27th!

Soundtrack Highlights:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The soundtrack features a brand-new duet "Love is Your Color" by Grammy and Academy Award® winner Jennifer Hudson, along with global superstar, multi-platinum recording artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis. I love both Jennifer's voice and Leona's, this is a great duet!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soundtrack includes a new song by platinum-selling CeeLo and International superstar Dido also contributes an exclusive new track. I like CeeLo and Dido as well and was excited that they both contributed new tracks to this soundtrack.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Academy Award® winner Liza Minnelli covers Beyonce’s chart-topper “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” OK, I will admit I'm still not sure how I feel about this track....this one might be best left to the original! (With the exception of Justin Timberlake's 'spoof take' on the song on Saturday Night Live which was super funny!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 12-time Grammy Award winner Alicia Keys performs her own extraordinary new version of the Blondie classic “Rapture”. I couldn't imagine anyone singing a Blondie song, but this was a different take and a nice tribute to the original.


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The soundtrack also features the stars of Sex and the City 2, Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, performing the Helen Reddy classic “I Am Woman.” This one just made me want to call the girls over and whip out my karoake Wii Game.

Which of the girls do you identify with most? Are you the Carrie in your circle? Would you love the opportunity to win a call from Sarah Jessica Parker? Try your luck and enter the giveaway whose grand prize is a call from Sarah herself by clicking HERE!

Tracklisting

1. Alicia Keys “Rapture”
2. Dido “Everything to Lose”  <--New for the album from Dido!
3. Cee Lo “Language of Love”  <--New for the album from Cee Lo!
4. Erykah Badu “Window Seat”
5. Natacha Atlas “Kidda”
6. Michael McGregor “Euphrates Dream”
7. Liza Minnelli “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”
8. Ricki-Lee "Can't Touch It"
9. Alicia Keys "Emire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down" <-Definitely my favorite track!
10. Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis "Love Is Your Color"
11. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon “I Am Woman”
12. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “If Ever I Would Leave You”
13. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Sunrise, Sunset”
14. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Till There Was You”
15. Shayna Steele, Jordan Ballard, Kamilah Marshall “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”
16. Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”
17. Cyndi Lauper “True Colors”  <--This track took me back! :-)
18. Aaron Zigman “Divas and Dunes”

Apologies dear readers, I wasn't able to nab a copy for giveaway this time, but if you just can't wait to get your hand on it, do it cheaper below:
















Check out Sex and the City 2 on Facebook HERE

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Review: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the soundtrack, movie and the series are my own experiences. I was provided product to review, this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. An opportunity to win one of six gift cards is available to all those who post their review of the soundtrack.

Saturday, May 22, 2010

'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature - Win the CAMENAE 'Siren Mogano’ Leather Shoulder Bag! ARV $1,135

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Camenae! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'BigHappy_Buddha'. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! Watch for the next bag in the ‘Spring Into Bags’ series to launch SOON.
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Ascending Butterfly's 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature sponsored by:


For Spring 2010, Ascending Butterfly has been hosting a special feature called 'Spring Into Bags' we have been reviewing and giving away hot handbags from both established and emerging hand bag designers! We are now featuring the SIXTH bag in the feature! (In case you missed them, the first bag was by Elliot Lucca, it was a convertible leather crossbody in a cheery 'poppy' color, the second bag was by Linea Pelle, it was also a leather convertible clutch in a very spring 'kelly green' color, the third bag was a leather crossbody called 'Sierra' in a popular neutral color 'latte beige' from handbag designer by night, Nurse by day, Marissa Del Rosario! The Fourth Bag in the Feature was the Fleurville 'Lexie' Teal Butterfly Tote sponsored by Layla Grayce). The Fifth Bag in the Feature was the 'Belen' Bag from Helena de Natalio.)

Where Bag Meets Art

I have a long time fascination with Asian Art and (a very obvious to my readers) admiration (or is that obsession) with fine leather bags! One of the most recognized Asian symbols of ancient lore is the Dragon, whose origins are traced to China. The dragon is seen as a Protector to many Buddhists, also as a symbol of Imperial Power, Guardian of Eastern Direction (in Feng Shui, Dragons are placed in the main area of the home or office), Controller of Rain & Tempests, Guardian of the Tide Jewels, Bringer of Wealth & Fortune and also as a Magical Shape Shifter. The Dragon sounds a bit like me, "wearer of many hats"!

Imagine how surprised I was to find my two favorites merged together to form what simply has to be the perfect marriage between art and handbag! I honestly couldn't believe my eyes when I first saw the 'Dragon Nymph' bag by CAMENAE!

While the Dragon Nymph is the smallest of  Camenae's amazing bags, it is one of  their top selling bags for good reason. The Dragon is a piece of art from artist Bui Huu Hung, whose pieces sell for $3,000+. As this Dragon is drawn exclusively for CAMENAE, it is a highly valued piece of art which has been fused with Italian luxury. Mr. Hung's works are varied but center around a common theme of recollection. He believes that new events, impressions and knowledge are built upon life's historical foundations. He strives to preserve the past by blending it with present day elements so that "it does not become reduced to lifeless words without visual detail". He certainly achieved his aims with this Design.

"Dragons have long been a potent symbol of auspicious power, representing the universe, life, existence and growth."

This bag is a collectible work of art and I am floored, and honestly plain humbled to have it. I can't stop looking at it! (I have a ring that matches it perfectly, I somehow feel that this bag was designed with ME in mind!) I want it in EVERY color! There are no important details missing, from it's feet to it's unique hardware, it's beautiful tassels and striking unique interchangeable straps, this bag turns heads. It arrives in it's dust bag, and the straps are also packaged in their dust bags. It has a tan organizational Waterproof treated lining that gives you room for your cell phone, sunglasses, keys,  MP3 player and more.




I love that the Straps are interchangeable (they Lock in place with a key and are easy to attach and remove, just remember to 'unlock' it again when you are ready to swap straps!) and I love the Dragon Strap in the Metallic Bronze color as pictured above! I feel this color truly does the detail of the intricate Dragon design justice!

Buy A Bag, Change A Life

The Dragon Nymph is part of the Dragon Capsule Collection which is derived from CAMENAE Change a Life: Art + Luxury = to benefit charity. All Dragon pieces are custom designed, with the Change a Life hallmark and artists signature blind embossed on each Dragon item. CAMENAE will donate $10 for every Dragon piece sold to support the Christina Noble Children's Foundation. The Christina Noble Children's Foundation is an International Partnership of people dedicated to serving underprivileged children with the hope of helping each child maximize their life potential. Learn more about this amazing organization HERE. I have had the pleasure of presenting various companies that offer the opportunity of shopping for a cause and knowing that a portion of sales for this bag (and the other products in the dragon collection) help such an amazing cause makes me want to shout it from the rooftops! I hope you will too!

The founders have been friends for 22 years and are often mistaken for sisters, I can see why, learn more about the dynamos behind the brand HERE.

And because I wouldn't be doing my fashion duty by not sharing special information, I have a preview for you of upcoming bags that are available for pre-order, these are not ready to ship until May 31st!

CAMENAE is currently releasing it's first silhouettes in color this year. Below are links of the 2 most sought after pieces from the Colore Collezione:



Pictured Above  is The Calypso Baguette style clutch, in Azure, Coral and Halo Gold. (Can't you just picture this with your favorite little black dress, strappy dress shoes, and dazzling earrings? I say come to MAMA!)


Pictured Above is The Electra double wrap skinny belt, also in Azure, Coral and Halo Gold. (I can absolutely picture this with a crisp white shirt, indigo skinny jeans and a super cute pair of sandals this summer and the belt in the lovely coral hue shown.) Remember this item is also a pre-order that will ship May 31st. When CAMENAE does color, they mean color, vibrant and bold, eye catching and care free, I love it!

Although the Calypso clutch comes with a chain, it can be removed and used with the Electra belt.


Isn't this a stroke of genius? One bag and multiple electra belts gives you amazing versatility and a unique look!

And there is a very special reward for you for allowing me to go on and on and on about my latest obsession and fab find!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at CAMENAE would like to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to win the 'Siren Mogano' Bag (ARV $980)! This giveaway has been made personal by CAMENAE, it is being sent to the winner with the CAMENAE Rivetto Strap (+ $290). The Siren Rivetto is an exclusive bag/strap combination bringing the ARV of this amazing prize package to $1,135.00 (Normally the Siren Mogano is sold with the strap called 'Personale' remember the straps are designed to be interchangeable, I encourage you to visit the site and see other straps that are available for purchase).




About the Bag:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Material: Leather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 15.5 l x 6 w x 10 h inches

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Colors: Mogano (brown), Nero (Black), and Sabbia (a latte/tan)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Made in Italy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Waterproof Treated Lining

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - zipper rings and removable tassels

But Wait, There's MORE! If you can't wait to find out if you won and want to nab this delicious bag NOW, (and who can blame you!) CAMENAE is generously offering an exclusive discount for Ascending Butterfly Readers that you will NOT find anywhere else but HERE, 50% off The Siren Bag (remember in it's original configuration, with the 'Personale' Stap, not the 'Rivetto' Strap as shown above) with use of VIP code: Siren50 (at check out)!  WOW!

Don't you just ♥ CAMENAE? 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) Like CAMENAE on Facebook (tell us what name you follow under) (3) Follow @CAMENAEbags on Twitter (tell us what name you follow under). 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 visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA AND Canada residents who are 18 years of age or older. This is a little different from our normal, so please be sure to follow instructions CAREFULLY. See below example of entry format:

EXAMPLE: Your entry should read like this after you have followed above steps:

(1) I follow Ascending Butterfly via google friends connect as (insert your follower name here)
(2) I follow CAMENAE on Facebook (insert your follower name here)
(3) I follow CAMENAE on Twitter (insert your follower name 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 Saturday, May 22, 2010 until Tuesday, June 22, 2010 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 address your entry will not be processed.)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit! If we cannot see the button we will not process this extra credit.)

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

Tweet this:

Pls RT #WIN Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @CAMENAEbags 'Siren Mogano’ Leather Bag! ARV $1,135! #Giveaways - http://tinyurl.com/22k8422

*Two Tweets per person per day MAX

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pick another bag other than those discussed here that you like and post it's URL/link here

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 - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Community Group (with real time chat) NOTE: We switched from NING to Spruz, if you were a member of our old group you'll need to switch for this credit to count HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please Vote, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below:

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW DAILY: Please vote for my outfit 'Yay4WkEnd' @ Macy's Fashion director (note you do not have to register to vote for me, one click daily super fast, super easy!) HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly and earn extra credit, leave a comment letting me know which giveaway you entered. (This will be checked!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Make a purchase from CAMENAE anytime between 5/22 - 6/20 and receive 10 extra entries. (you will need to email us a copy of your invoice as proof. Yes, you can cross off method of payment information! Don't forget to take advantage of the exclusive coupon code, Siren50 if you are ordering a Siren bag!) Use our 'contact us' form to get in touch with us HERE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and for the giveaway, this in no way influenced my opinion of the product.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Winner Announcement - Ascending Butterfly's complete set of pro makeup brushes from Sigma Makeup Giveaway winner!


*Congratulations to 'CLC408' confirmed winner of Ascending Butterfly's complete set of pro makeup brushes from the Sigma Makeup Giveaway! I hope she enjoys these quality brushes as much I do!

Join me in congratulating our winner!

We would like to thank Sigma Makeup for hosting gift #6 in our Mother's Day Buying Guide! We look forward to working with Sigma again!

NOTE:

(1) Our Mother's Day Buying Guide is in full swing, and the giveaways this month will be fast & furious so hold on to your hats! Win the Slanted Butterfly Necklace from Jewelry Payless HERE!

(2) 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature - Win the Helena de Natalio “Belen’ Leather Shoulder Bag! (ARV $319) HERE!

(3) If you like candles as much as I do, check out the Luminique Personalized Scented Candles Review & Giveaway, Win the Deluxe Set HERE!

Stay tuned, new gifts in our Mother's Day Buying Guide will launch VERY soon. The ENTIRE month of May is devoted to Mom. Plus the next book in our monthly book club will also be launching soon!

--Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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

*Out of respect for privacy, We post our winner(s) username/comment name(s) instead of full names

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Wednesday, May 19, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!


Stop Playing  Chess!

OK so as a former Chess Team Captain, this may seem like very strange advice.

Do you spend most of your day trying to stay two steps ahead of your to do list? Juggling the personal and professional To-Do's all day long in your head.

Chess much like life is a game of strategy, while it's fun to play, and even more satisfying to win; it's an exhausting way to live life.

Play your 'game' today in the here and now. Not that strategy is bad, not that thinking two steps ahead isn't a good thing, but spending your entire day in this in mode will hinder you from enjoying those little victories that often go overlooked as it is, especially when you are already two steps past that victory in your mind strategizing toward the next one.

Stop playing figurative Chess in your head all day and savor the now!

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 LIVE in THIS moment!'

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

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

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

Active Giveaways:

(1) Win a Butterfly Pendant Necklace HERE

(2) Win a Luminiqe Deluxe Gift Set HERE!

(3) And while it's not an official part of the Mother's Day Buying Guide, the current bag being featured in our 'Spring Into Bags' 2010 Special Feature would be perfect for mom, if you or your mom are handbag lovers, check out the Helena de Natalio 'Belen' Leather Bag giveaway HERE - ARV $319

The mother's day buying guide will encompass the entire month of May! So while some giveaways will close after Mother's Day itself, the month will still be dedicated to saying Thank You to our moms. For all the daily ways they show us they love us that sometimes go unheralded. While I think you should show your mom you love her everyday, mother's day should be extra special, and we are making May 'Moms Month' on Ascending Butterfly! Stay tuned for the next gift in the buying guide and for our next book club title coming soon. Also, stay tuned June is our big 'dads and grads' month and there are AWESOME giveaways ahead!

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

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Tuesday, May 18, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!



Funscrape.Com

Kids seem to have a magical ability to extract abundant joy from minutiae don't they? Twirling in circles until they get dizzy and fall down leads to gales of laughter. Driving in the car at night they see the moon following them out the window. And no one finds goofy one liners funnier than my nieces and nephews.

Don't you wish it was that easy now?

We will ourselves into negative mindsets via negative thoughts and self doubts, we can equally choose to make ourselves happy instead.

It may not be skipping rope anymore, but there is still enough  magic in your world that doesn't cost a dime, tap into it today. Do you love to draw? Doodle on your post it cube. Do you like poetry? Make up a silly Haiku on your way to work. Is there some cheesy song you'd hate to be caught dead listening to? Then whip out that mix tape and sing it at the top of your lungs. And never underestimate the power of a good hug!

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 be happy, because I WILL 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: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration and Great #Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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

Giveaways:

(1) ENDS TONIGHT @ 11:59 pm EST: Win a set of Makeup Brushes from Signa Makeup HERE

(2) Win a Butterfly Pendant Necklace HERE

(3) Win a Luminiqe Deluxe Gift Set HERE!

(4) And while it's not an official part of the Mother's Day Buying Guide, the current bag being featured in our 'Spring Into Bags' 2010 Special Feature would be perfect for mom, if you or your mom are handbag lovers, check out the Helena de Natalio 'Belen' Leather Bag giveaway HERE - ARV $319

The mother's day buying guide will encompass the entire month of May! So while some giveaways will close after Mother's Day itself, the month will still be dedicated to saying Thank You to our moms. For all the daily ways they show us they love us that sometimes go unheralded. While I think you should show your mom you love her everyday, mother's day should be extra special, and we are making May 'Moms Month' on Ascending Butterfly! Stay tuned for the next gift in the buying guide and for our next book club title coming soon. Also, stay tuned June is our big 'dads and grads' month and there are AWESOME giveaways ahead!

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

Monday, May 17, 2010

Winner Announcement - Ascending Butterfly's Eli's Cheesecake Giveaway winner!



*Congratulations to 'Kathryn B.' confirmed winner of Ascending Butterfly's Eli's Cheesecake Giveaway! I hope her family enjoys this cheesecake just as much as 'casa de butterfly' does!

Join me in congratulating our winner!

We would like to thank Eli's Cheesecake for hosting gift #5 in our Mother's Day Buying Guide! We look forward to working with Eli's again!

NOTE:

(1) ENDS Tuesday, May 18th: Win a complete set of pro makeup brushes from Sigma Makeup HERE!

(2) Our Mother's Day Buying Guide is in full swing, and the giveaways this month will be fast & furious so hold on to your hats! Win the Slanted Butterfly Necklace from Jewelry Payless HERE!

(3) 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature - Win the Helena de Natalio “Belen’ Leather Shoulder Bag! (ARV $319) HERE!

(4) If you like candles as much as I do, check out the Luminique Personalized Scented Candles Review & Giveaway, Win the Deluxe Set HERE!

Stay tuned, new gifts in our Mother's Day Buying Guide will launch VERY soon. The ENTIRE month of May is devoted to Mom. Plus the next book in our monthly book club will also be launching soon!

--Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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

*Out of respect for privacy, We post our winner(s) username/comment name(s) instead of full names

Saturday, May 15, 2010

Weekend Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!

Funscrape.Com

We've spent lots of time concentrating on physical and emotional well-being, but not as much on love. Is your love life where you want it to be? Are you surrounded by love?

It's a huge part of the journey, some would argue it's what we are here for. And like many things in life you have to give it to get it.

To get enough love you have to give it. and to give it freely you need to be in a place where you love yourself fully, boldly, and confidently so you can attract that same kind of love in return.

Let's focus on love this weekend!

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 create more space for love in my life!'

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

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

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

We recently launched our Ninth gift in our first annual Mothers Day Buying Guide! We started with the gift of CleanRest, followed by the gift of cream perfume, the gift of One Dozen Long Stemmed Roses and Godiva Truffles, a review & giveaway of the 'Serene Spring Spa Gift Tower' from 1800Baskets.com, a White Chocolate Raspberry Eli's Cheesecake, a pair of Diamond Stud Earrings (valued at $1,750), a set of Makeup Brushes from Signa Makeup which you can enter to win HERE, a Butterfly Pendant Necklace which you can enter to win HERE, and a Luminiqe Deluxe Gift Set which you can enter to win HERE!

(And while it's not an official part of the Mother's Day Buying Guide, the current bag being featured in our 'Spring Into Bags' 2010 Special Feature would be perfect for mom, if you or your mom are handbag lovers, check out the Helena de Natalio 'Belen' Leather Bag giveaway HERE)

The mother's day buying guide will encompass the entire month of May! So while some giveaways will close after Mother's Day itself, the month will still be dedicated to saying Thank You to our moms. For all the daily ways they show us they love us that sometimes go unheralded. While I think you should show your mom you love her everyday, mother's day should be extra special, and we are making May 'Moms Month' on Ascending Butterfly! Stay tuned for the next gift in the buying guide and for our next book club title coming soon.

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

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Luminique Personalized Scented Candles Review & Giveaway!

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Luminique! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is Terri142. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙



Ascending Butterfly's Mother's Day Buying Guide Editor's Pick sponsored by:

I am a candle lover, and over the years I've purchased and received a fair share as gifts. Candles are used in different ways for many different moments. They light our birthday cakes, and mark milestones. They accompany us during a warm bath. They are left near the windows to help someone find their way home safely. They are lit in rememberance. They are lit to send our prayers to the heavens. They are used for scent to create a mood.

Spas use them to help create a relaxing environment, and so do we at home. As much as I do love them, if you are on the receiving end of them often, they can become a bit boring after awhile.

Where can you find a candle gift that is eco friendly, sophisticated and most importantly PERSONAL? If a CUSTOM candle with an intention is what you seek with a price that will not break the bank yet will still very much impress, look no furthur than Luminique! They offer a very simple, fun 5 step process to creating a gift you will be delighted to receive for your home (or altar, or meditation space) and that friends and family would be very touched to receive from you.

About Luminique:

Lumnique gives new meaning to the experience of giving and receiving a beautifully crafted candle. Unlike conventional, off-the-shelf candles, Lumnique's soy candles are highly personalized and exceptionally thoughtful. Each custom-designed by the customer especially for the unique personality and lifestyle of the recipient.

Each Lumnique personalized candle is manufactured using a clean-burning soy candle wax blend and cotton wick, environmentally friendly color dyes, and natural essential fragrance oils that retain their scent while the candle burns. We do not house any premade candles in our inventory. All of our soy wax candles are created and poured individually after an order is placed.

Creating your Candle - My Experience!

Step 1 - When I sat down to design my candle, I had a lot on my mind. The year had already begun and thoughts of where I was at that particular point, where I wanted to be and the possibilities the year contained all played in my mind. Step 1 in designing the candle asks you to pick an intention. And this shouldn't be taken lightly whether this is for yourself or a gift. While there were various 'intentions' that spoke directly to me, I chose 'New Beginings' because that is what I want to create. I want to welcome new experiences both personally and professionally in my life and this selection is meant to 'inspire positive feelings about change and welcome a new direction'. Perfect!

Step 2 - Select a color. I read through them all, and again various color choices appealed to me for different reasons including the 'wine' color, but ultimately I chose 'Red' which is 'Fire' - Representative of excitement; energy; strength; health; vitality; courage; power and willpower; enthusiasm; overcoming obstacles; passion; speed; strength; all elements of love throughout your life'. This greatly appealed to me because I wanted to overcome the obstacles that stand in the way to the 'New Begining' that I seek for myself. It's amazing how well both the 'intention' (Step 1) and 'color choice' (step 2) tied in to my particular wants and needs! I will admit I couldn't help but read every option with great care and enthusiasm. I haven't found myself this excited about personalizing a gift in quite awhile!

Step 3 - This is a fun step, this is where you pick your fragrance preference. There are a ton of scents to choose from, I selected 'Frankincense and Myrrh - This warm, woody, balsamic aroma blends the mystical resins of frankincense and myrrh.' - It's a personal favorite of mine and I was very excited to see it included among the options!

Step 4 - Personalize Your Candle - This is where you say who it is to and from and enter a personal message.  This will appear in the customized certificate that is included in the box.

Step 5 - Choose a Gift Set - Options:

Standard Gift Set Details

Includes your Lumnique Personalized Candle and Customized Certificate.
Price: $25

Deluxe Gift Set Details

Each candle is delivered in a unique Lumnique gift box that includes the Candle, a Lumnique Matchbox and the Customized Certificate.
Price: $30

I received the Deluxe Gift Set and found the packaging to be impressive, this is certainly the option I will choose when giving this set as a gift!

When you light this candle, it's a very different experience, the customized certificate is a visual reminder of the intentions behind the candle, you literally feel like you are lighting the way to something. That you are creating something you want for self, in my case it is new beginings, you may choose to create an entirely different intention for yourself (like abundance for example!), but the scent transports you, and between the scent, the packaging, and the certificate reminding you of the intention,  it's a total sensory delight on a variety of levels. I can tell you no other candle out there can offer you this expeience!

If candles are a favorite signature gift of yours to give, then UPGRADE immediately, because you truly will be remembered for giving this gift! And if you are lucky enough to be on the receiving end of this gift you will remember it always!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Luminique would like to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to win the Deluxe Gift Set! (ARV $35)

Candle Detail:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - BURN TIME: Up to 40 Hours
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - DIMENSIONS: 4 5/8" tall, 3 1/2" wide, 2" thick
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WAX BLEND: 8 Ounces of Lumnique Soy Wax Blend
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - APPROXIMATE CANDLE WEIGHT (With Glass Jar): 1 lb, 13 oz

Don't you just ♥ Luminique 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) Visit Luminique- and customize a candle! Then come back here and tell us your intention, color, and scent choice, as your comment entry! You will not be ordering at this time, only following the first three steps in the process and sharing them here for your main entry. (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 it is visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.

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 Tuesday, May 13, 2010 until Tuesday, May 27, 2010 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 address your entry will not be processed.)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit! If we cannot see the button we will not process this extra credit.)

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

Tweet this:

ok to RT #WIN Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @LumniqueCandles Deluxe Gift Set #Giveaways -http://tinyurl.com/2drxj6d

*One Tweet per person per day

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @LumniqueCandles on Twitter HERE

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 - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Luminique Personalized Scented Candles on Facebook HERE  (You will get the extra credit for following/Liking them, but if you would also like to write on their wall Ascending Butterfly sent you it is not required but it would be great!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Community Group (with real time chat) NOTE: We switched from NING to Spruz, if you were a member of our old group you'll need to switch for this credit to count HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please Vote, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below:

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please vote for my outfit 'springtime nyc' @ Macy's Fashion director Giveaway. You can vote for me and also enter to win a $500 Macys Gift Certificate too by creating a styleboard of your own HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly and earn extra credit, leave a comment letting me know which giveaway you entered.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Make a purchase from Luminique anytime between 5/13 - 5/25 and receive 10 extra entries. (you will need to email us a copy of your invoice as proof. Yes, you can cross off method of payment information!)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and for the giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner, this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.