Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday with Heart 2011 at Build a Bear! {Photos}



It's been a long time ongoing tradition since I was a girl to do something for others during the holidays (and year round actually), my mom always taught us that we were blessed in so many ways, and that there were other children and families that needed help especially during the holidays. So each year we do something different, we'll work with local not for profit organizations, or our church, but each year we've focused on doing something for others, and this holiday season is no different.

I received an invitation from the smart + sassy team at moms & the city to attend a very special workshop at Build A Bear in New York City where participants were offered the chance to create a bear to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation!

So me and mama butterfly set out on a cool, rainy, Fall night in New York City to build bears and fill them with special wishes to send to a special boy or girl. The bears also have different allocations to them, so they were actually a DOUBLE give back opportunity! For example the bear I chose to build was called 'Champ', proceeds from Champ the Bear also benefit children's wellness charities.

Here are some photos of me and mama butterfly at the Build a Bear Workshop (what's a Wordless Wednesday without pictures?):

Ascending Butterfly (left) and Mama Butterfly (right)

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - my jeans? Denizen,
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardigan? Elle (Yes THAT Elle), 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Necklace? Energy Muse
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and boots? 'Prance' by Kalso Earth

Ascending Butterfly and 'Champ' a bear whose proceeds benefit Children's Wellness Charities

 


In case you are wondering:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - handbag? Timi and Leslie

Mama Butterfly made a Happy Feet Bear and was super happy to donate it to Toys for Tots!


Ascending Butterfly hamming it up with a big snow globe at the Manhattan Build a Bear Workshop

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - coat? Wilsons Leather
and I've always loved snow globes (wish I could find one with a butterfly inside!)

Loved the first sign which reads 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot'

I snapped this shot on the way out as I went up the stairs, I love the first sign, 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot', fitting sign after just watching a group of not just moms, but dads and some marines building a bear to give to children in need this holiday season. It truly put me in the holiday spirits!

Do you want to help too? From December 2nd- December 4th, go to your local Build-A-Bear Workshop to build a bear for Toys For Tots. You can also bring in an unopened toy to donate or you can choose to make a donation during the entire month December.

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

FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Build a Bear gift cards were provided to attendees.

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Winners Announcement!



Before moving forward with the next giveaway in our holiday buying guide, which will be posted soon, I thought I should post a winners announcement for some of the giveaways that closed just before or during Thanksgiving Weekend:



Last year I posted one big winner's announcement at the end of the entire buying guide, but since the guide started earlier this year than last year, I thought breaking up the winner's announcements into smaller segments might be easier for us all! Join me in congratulating our most recent winners:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ended 11/15 - The winner is: Big Happy Buddha

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Kalso Earth Shoes Giveaway! Ended 11/21 - The winner is: pauline15_01

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} The Littlest Angel DVD Giveaway! Ends 11/23 - The winner is: Terri S.


Please Note: We post winner's site usernames for privacy reasons. Make sure Ascending Butterfly is on your safe senders list, I don't want you to miss a winning email!

We are still processing entries for the Hulk Hogan Main Event for Kinect on Xbox 360 Video Game giveaway. A winner will be notified soon. I will try to post a winner's announcement during the holiday buying guide after the close of every 3-4 giveaways instead of one big announcement at the end.

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

Monday, November 28, 2011

{Kids Corner} Good Habits SoapTime® Review and Holiday Reco!


While my holiday recommendations in my annual buying guides are always review with giveaway, this product is an exception to my rules. Mostly because I received the evaluation unit way before Christmas. But if after reading this, you guys decide you love it, and just 'gotta have it', let me know by posting a comment here and I'll reach out to the powers that be and see if a giveaway is still possible.

I actually received the first unit months ago, but it didn't quite work well and I was un-sure of what to do. Normally I wouldn't be, when I work with a brand directly I would just let them know, be it a damaged item, ill-fitting item etc.

But this review came to me via BSM Media and I didn't want to make waves. I didn't want to put BSM Media in a bad position. But I also realized that I would never be comfortable being less than honest. (In fact it took us almost a year of being approached before we opted for becoming a 'PR friendly' blog.) So I wrestled with what to do and ultimately decided honesty was the best policy.

I let BSM Media know that the first SoapTime® I received did not work, and they couldn't have been more understanding about it. I was given the option of having a replacement sent out, or if I didn't like the idea, not to post.

But when I got my first SoapTime® I immediately fell in love with it, I thought it was a fantastic idea, and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. So when it stopped working I was really bummed. Glad however, that I had not yet tried it out on my younger nieces and nephews. I opted for a replacement, and have tested the replacement a little over 30 days to make sure it was working properly before I posted about it. As you all know I'm 'cool auntie' and so I put this in the bathroom and everytime little ones come over they can't wait to use it! My nieces, nephews and godchildren all love it!

About SoapTime®

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - SoapTime uses a multimedia "Edutainment" experience of lights, music and fun facts to keep kids at the sink for 20 seconds, the proper time to ensure clean hands.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's Elephant, ABC & Earth shaped soap bottles snap onto the SoapTime Smart Base®.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's Smart Base provides 6 unique songs & factoids for each bottle, which play during its custom LED light shows.  (You do have the option of turning off the sound, which is good during the day when the kids are not home or if you have pets and are afraid they'll activate it to hear the sound all day long)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime products were created to give children of all ages a fun & engaging experience at the sink, while providing parents a tool for teaching healthy habits for life.


About Elephant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime’s Elephant Bottle creates a positive sink-side experience with wild-kingdom flare!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sing along to An Elephant Never Forgets to Wash His Hands!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Learn about Elephants, Zebras, Tigers, and Birds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Elephant’s soap is purple in color, non-toxic, with a light lavender scent. (Lavendar is known to be very calming and soothing!)


About ABC

 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's ABC Bottle plays a lively mix of songs and facts centered around learning and language.
 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dance along to salsa beats, banjos, and sing alongs!!
 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Learn how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Spanish, French, and Chinese!
 
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ABC's soap is orange, non-toxic, with a light citrus scent.
 
About Earth

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime’s Earth Shaped Bottle engages children with fun knowledge of our planet and nature.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Listen to “worlds” of details about the sun and blue whales. (I was so into whales as a kid, I have to admit I enjoyed the whale info!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sing along and count to 10 in Spanish! (My Nieces and Nephews got a kick out of this!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earth’s soap is green, non-toxic, with a light apple scent

My Take

I am so glad that I opted for a replacement unit. I honestly wish I could take on an additional giveaway right now, and I wish I had the time to make a video of it so you could see it in action! SoapTime® instills good habits in a way that is fun and totally engaging. My nieces, nephews and godchildren totally loved it! They liked the soap scents, the songs and factoids! I love the LED light show too (perfect if you are in the bathroom at night and don't want to turn on your overhead light.)

You can follow @mysoaptime on twitter and keep up with them on Facebook too!

I wonder if there is a way for them to tweak this product and utilize a no touch sensor technology too? That would be perfect!

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

FTC Disclosure Info: I received a Good Habits Soap Time unit for editorial consideration from BSM Media. However this is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Sunday, November 27, 2011

Weekly Moment of Gratitude {Thanksgiving Edition} + Giveaways {Ending Soon}




This week, I am grateful for
:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  For THANKSGIVING! Just make sure it's not the ONLY time of the year that you express gratitude for your blessings. Do it daily! Journal it. Then on Thanksgiving read all the things you were grateful for each day during the year, it will make your holiday that much more special.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While for most, it's about the bird, for me it's all about the stuffing, I'm still in a Turkey and Stuffing Coma!

Hope all my butterflies are having an amazing weekend!

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

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 Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {LAST CALL/ENDS SOON} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #7 - Win the Hulk Hogan Main Event Video Game on Kinect for Xbox 360 Giveaway! Ends 11/28 - You will definitely score 'cool points' for slipping this one into the stocking of any wrestling fan you know!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 9 - Jockey Being Family Bear Giveaway! Ends 11/30 - This super cute, super cuddly bear is a fantastic stocking stuffer!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Book Club Selection with a special holidays twist! -  Unlikely Friendships Book + 2012 Calendar Giveaway! (This book is for animal lovers of all ages, if you have children and teen animal lovers, nothing to worry about here, this book is appropriate for young ones as well!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 8 - $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02 - Use your gift certificate to select an assortment of unique gifts!

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

Winner Announcements {PENDING}:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We are still processing entries for the $100 Wilsons Gift Certificate, the  Kalso Earth Renee Shoes, The Littlest Angel, and the In Bloom by Jonquil Butterflies are Free Maxi Gown Giveaways. Apologies for the delay. Note: Winners have NOT yet been selected or notified. 

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

Gratitude Journal Reco:

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
















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

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

FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Ascending Butterfly lists winner's site usernames for privacy.

Saturday, November 26, 2011

{CLOSED} Jockey Being Family Bear Giveaway! Ends 11/30

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙
This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Jockey! The Winner is 'tinagirl' - Congratulations! 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 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #9 brought to you by:


Kids Corner: A Bear That Gives Back!

If you are anything like me and love to shop with conscience and buy from brands that give back, then I have the perfect shop-o-tunity for you!

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month?

Jockey Being Family Bear

About Jockey Being Family® Bear

  • support newly adoptive families with the Jockey being family® bear
  • the perfect adorable and cuddly gift
  • lovable bear sure to bring a smile to any child's face
  • approximate size: 11" x 5"
  • for each bear sold, Jockey® will donate $3 to charities supporting adoption
  • You can name your bear and get a personalized certificate!
  • Fabric Content: All new materials stuffed with polyester fibers. To care for your bear: insert in pillowcase and wash in warm water & tumble dry low. Imported.
  • This years bear comes with it's own backpack.
 My Take:

This bear is super soft and cuddly and has that 'heirloom' bear feel for a super affordable price. I love that the bear offers a chance to teach children about adoption, or makes a very memorable gift for an adopted child!

What I really love is that Jockey is donating one percent of all catalog and Jockey.com online sales, as well as 100 percent of sales from theirJockey Being Family® Bear in November to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation for Adoption, which funds critical support for children and families after an adoption. By shopping at Jockey this November, together, we can help provide more support to families touched by adoption.

I can't think of a cuter face to see poking out of a Christmas Stocking this year!

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Jockey would like to give 1 lucky winner a Jockey Being Family Bear of their own!

Don't you just ♥ Jockey? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Jockey and select any other item NOT REFERENCED ABOVE (ie you can't pick the bear!) that you like and provide the URL LINK to it!  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Saturday, November 26, 2011 until Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sign up for the Jockey email list and post here the email address you used to sign up! (Lower right hand side of the screen on the main page)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of the Jockey Being Family Bear, tell us what family means to you or tell us how you are celebrating National Adoption Month?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

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

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @jockey on Twitter

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Jockey + @Ascending1 Being Family Bear #Giveaway! Ends 11/30 - http://tinyurl.com/87msazj

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Jockey on Facebook HERE (Tell them what family means to you or that you are trying to win the Jockey Being Family Bear from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! Here's a win/win extra credit entry if you join Scorebig from my affiliate link you will be entering for the chance to win a $100 ScoreBig Gift Card AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card (yes both) and if I get the most people to sign up via my link, I get a shot at a prize too! How cool is that? ScoreBig is the members-only place to save up to 60% on sports, concert and theater tickets. (Unfortunately if you have already signed up on your own or under someone else, you cannot claim the extra credit here) - tell us which email you used to sign up.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)


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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  This is NOT a sponsored promotion. NO compensation has been received  from the sponsor in exchange for this post. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor. An Affiliate Link is used for the ScoreBig Extra Credit Entry and for EZ Win game.

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Birds the Word! Gobble Til You Wobble!



Counting my Blessings today! And one of them is YOU! Yes that's right you! This week Ascending Butterfly welcomed member # 3,000 a milestone I never expected to reach in such a short period of time. We are now over 3,000 members strong and I'm grateful for each and everyone of you!

I managed to nab a shot of the bird this year before it got switched to a serving platter:


Wishing all my butterflies a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving! What are you most grateful for today?

Birds the Word! Gobble Til You Wobble!
˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙

Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 6 - In Bloom by Jonquil beautiful Butterflies Pajama Maxi Gown Giveaway! Ends 11/26 -This nightgown is absolutely beautiful and super soft and comfortable! (men to enter to win this for a special lady in your life, and score MAJOR brownie points!)


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 8 - $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Book Club Selection with a special holidays twist! -  Unlikely Friendships Book + 2012 Calendar Giveaway! Ends 11/30! (This book is for animal lovers of all ages, if you have children and teen animal lovers, nothing to worry about here, this book is appropriate for young ones as well!)

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

Hope to be back in action tomorrow, if I'm not in a Turkey Tryptophan Coma!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

{CLOSED} $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02

˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•● Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ●•●•٠·˙
This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Uncommon Goods! Our Winner is: Selinda M. 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 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #8 brought to you by:


When nothing but the most original will do!

My background in Account Management and Sales led me to seek out Corporate Gifts that really stand out, and 3 names still come to mind when I'm seeking either a corporate/client gift or a gift that's far from ordinary. Personally and professionally I try to avoid giving gift certificates as gifts, I prefer a more personal touch.

One of the first places that still come to mind for me when shopping for unique gifts is Uncommon Goods, they are a one stop shop for pretty much everyone on your holiday shopping list. And I have never been able to resist buying something for myself when shopping at Uncommon Goods! I have a thing for unique candles, and I always find something new and fantastic at Uncommon Goods. My all time favorite candle that I purchased from Uncommon Goods is a large candle where the casing of it is made of wax, but that's NOT what you light, you put a tea light candle inside of it, and the way it lights up from within, and the way the design dances on the wall when you put out the lights always makes me smile. While they don't still sell that particular candle, I still have mine, and absolutely love it! It sometimes moves from room to room but I've never put it away!

Be it a client gift or a personal one, recipients have always called me with the same question: Where did you get that?

A little something for everyone


MIMIJUMI BABY BOTTLE SET AND NIPPLES

The Very Hungry Baby Bottle Set from Mimijumi was designed with input from mothers, doctors and lactation experts, in order to best meet the needs of both mother and baby. The one-piece, easy-to-attach nipple, snap-off cap and no-skid bottom make it possible to prepare a bottle with just one hand.

The nipple's shape, color and gradual texture change towards the tip are designed to mimic mother's breast, creating a more natural tactile experience for baby. The integrated venting system prevents colic, and the convenient, leak-proof cap protects against dust. Made from medical grade, BPH-free silicone and plastic.

Very Hungry Baby Bottle Set includes:

- 8 oz. (240 ml) bottle
- 1 cap - 1 nipple (slow flow rate)
- 1 bottle care and use guide (instructions)
- 1 no-skid bottom


Hand-crocheted in Peru from 100% cotton, these precious baby booties offer vibrant craftsmanship and plush texture to those fashionable first steps. An instant dose of color and cheer for your baby's wardrobe, these cozy works of art are perfect for dressing up sunny days, special occasions and visits to grandma's. Because you're never too young to appreciate a great pair of shoes. -That's the truth! (These are so cute, they even made me say AW! and I don't have kids!)

Gifts for Her? (Not just MOM her, but HER her):

BIRTH MONTH FLOWER NECKLACES


You've heard of birthstones, but did you know there's a flower that celebrates your birth month? A unique and graceful way to fete a birthday, these luscious bouquets keep individuality in full bloom with 12 different dried, pressed flowers showcased in a resin pendant. Sourced from around the world, each designated flower is specially picked for its delicate beauty. Set in a silver-plated brass bezel, each pendant blooms from a sterling silver chain. (BTW, I'm an April baby!)



A bit Tim Burton, a bit Snow White, these alluring images look like pages from a Gothic fairytale. Created by artist Caia Koopman her original characters have an alternative, rebellious and vulnerable beauty about them. Contrasting innocent images of birds and flowers in pastel colors with jet black hair, waif-like bodies, dark rimmed eyes and burgundy stained lips, Caia creates a truly unique heroine that is both sweet and dark, alluring and intimidating. Choose from Garden Tampon Case (left) and Farewell Wallet Case (right). Made in Los Angeles. Sold individually. -These are not just for your goth girl teen, these are fab office secret santa gifts, they have just the right unique cool factor to them!

and of course there are unique gifts for him including:

WHISKEY STONES & GIFT SET

Why should I use Whiskey Stones instead of ice?

Whiskey Stones are ideal for drinking with high quality whiskey because they keep it at the perfect sipping temperature (50 degrees), whereas ice cubes can make the whiskey too cold and ruin the flavor.

A handful of ice will take a drink to just under 40 degrees, and to deep freeze a drink quickly, there is nothing better. But some drinks you neither want to dilute nor deep freeze. Temperatures in the high 30s are far too cold for good whiskey. Reason being that the wood oils in the whiskey, which have leeched into the liquid from the carefully selected cask it was aged in and which carry all the flavor, tend to congeal and "close down" the flavor of the drink itself when the temperature goes below 50. The stones are specifically designed to "take the edge off without diluting or closing down the flavor." - This may be in the 'for him' category, but I've had my eyes on these for awhile, I'm thinking of getting this one for myself!


 My Take:

I am a long time fan of Uncommon Goods and can spend hours on this site! Thankfully while at work, I can always say I'm shopping for a client gift! :)

They are a Stella Service #1 rated gift site, and from my personal experience it's a well deserved title, the customer service is top notch, fast shipping, and something for everyone in a wide variety of price ranges.

They are going to have some great Black Friday sales! And what I love is that with Uncommon Goods you'll get the benefits Cyber Monday, (i.e., shopping in your PJ's) not just on Cyber Monday but on Black Friday too, you'll get great deals ONLINE so you can shop in your PJ's. You can probably clear your entire list! (You can even win a pair of PJ's to shop in HERE)

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Uncommon Goods would like to give 1 lucky winner a $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate to put some extra Ho Ho Ho! in your holiday shopping!

Don't you just ♥ Uncommon Goods? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Uncommon Goods and select any other item NOT REFERENCED ABOVE that you like and provide the URL LINK to it!  (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Wednesday, November 23, 2011 until Friday, December 2, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sign up for Uncommon Goods email list and post here the email address you used to sign up!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Uncommon Goods would really like to get the word out to new moms about how cool their Mimijumi Baby Bottle Set is, help them out by tweeting about it! Tweet:

Looking for a great gift for a new mom this holiday season? Try the Mimijumi Baby Bottle Set from @UncommonGoods - http://tinyurl.com/2b3b5zp

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of all things Uncommon, what's the most unusual Christmas Present you've ever received?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

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

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @uncommongoods on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate #Giveaway from @UncommonGoods + @Ascending1  Ends 12/02 - http://tinyurl.com/7vdup6g

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Uncommon Goods on Facebook HERE (Tell them what you would pick if you won the $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! Here's a win/win extra credit entry if you join Scorebig from my affiliate link you will be entering for the chance to win a $100 ScoreBig Gift Card AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card (yes both) and if I get the most people to sign up via my link, I get a shot at a prize too! How cool is that? ScoreBig is the members-only place to save up to 60% on sports, concert and theater tickets. (Unfortunately if you have already signed up on your own or under someone else, you cannot claim the extra credit here) - tell us which email you used to sign up.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)


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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  This is a sponsored promotion. I am eligible for additional incentives from the sponsor in exchange for this post. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor. An Affiliate Link is used for the ScoreBig Extra Credit Entry and for EZ Win game.