Where in the world is Ascending Butterfly?
What I am grateful for
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Travel - Against the better judgement of my team of Doctors (and my family quite frankly), I set out on my first airplane trip this year. I didn't quite have my Doctor's blessing, but my heart felt it was important to set out on this journey, and I am infinitely grateful that I did.
I have always loved travel, among my career path transitions I briefly worked for an Airline in their Caribbean Sales Department selling tickets and trips directly to Travel Agencies instead of to individuals. I landed that job right after College because I was bi-lingual and speaking Spanish was a huge part of the job. While I ironically traveled much less during my time working for an Airline than I have since then, travel has always changed me. I'm probably the only person smiling all throughout check in, and I guess that's why I have met so many great people at the airport or gate during my travels, I am totally open to the process and actually welcome every step of the way.
From the moment I hit the airport I'm filled with the excitement of the journey. The rush of taking to the skies and being somewhere entirely new. This time I did it with a sense of nervousness and trepidation I had never known before because of my health. While I'll admit I may have overdid it a bit and I'm a bit sore now, I have no regrets!
As many of you remember I shared that I was selected to be a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger and my collaboration with Britax USA and Mami Innovative Media has sent me on a recent adventure to North Carolina along with 25 other amazing, talented and passionate Latina Bloggers!
All the bloggers selected for this campaign include:
Take a moment and check out the sites of all the bloggers selected, there are amazing women behind each and every one of the blogs chosen to participate and I feel blessed to have met them all and been given the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated and passionate writers!
Alba Garza: www.independentmami.com
Amanda Diaz: www.thoughtsfromher.com
Amber Ortega: www.thriftyninja.net
Chantilly Patiño: www.biculturalmom.com
Clauyda Martinez: www.unknownmami.com
Cristina Duffy: www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com
Dariela Cruz: www.mamitalks.com
Denisse Icaza: www.ahorrosparamama.com
Divina Rodriguez: www.dancinghotdogs.com
Eliana Tardio: www.elianatardio.com
Helena Osorio: www.pinkguayoyo.com
Jennifer Hutcheson: www.mami2mommy.com
Laura Tellado: www.holdinoutforahero.org
Lilian Hurn: www.superbaratisimogratis.com
Liz Cerezo: www.thoughtsofamommy.net
Mirna Arce: www.ahorrosconcupones.com
Myrah Duque: www.couponmamacita.com
Oriana Romero: www.mommyhoodsdiary.com
Pattie Cordova: www.livingmividaloca.com
Sara Patterson: www.mommafindings.com
Silvia Martinez: www.mamalatinatips.com
Taty Padilla: www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com
Tracy Iglesias: www.ascendingbutterfly.com <-YAY ME! :)
Vanessa Martinez Bell: www.desumama.com
Yadira Ambert: www.clubdelasdiosas.com
Yolanda Machado: www.sassymamainla.com
We were flown to North Carolina to get a behind the scenes look at Britax USA's Headquarters, we got to tour the factory, get detailed product demonstrations, and an unforgettable safety demonstration (I will share about this demo in an upcoming post!) and the chance to break bread together at a wonderful Dinner hosted at Harry's Grille & Tavern. Britax couldn't have been a better host. They couldn't have been more transparent. They take infant and child safety seriously. Very seriously. And it's that passion that has made them the leader in the market. They are innovative. There is technology behind the safety features that so many of us take for granted. Not all baby products are alike! There are touches and well considered details that make product usage safer and much more convenient for moms to use. They truly opened my eyes to things I took for granted. As a loving Aunt and God-mother I have always taken my purchases seriously and researched them carefully, but this trip helped me to see how much we really take for granted and how important the installation of child car seats really are. For me to truly take on an Ambassadorship Collaboration with any brand, I have to be able to honestly say I can stand behind the products. I have no doubt in my mind that going forward none of the little ones in my life will have anything less than Britax. I am eternally grateful for this experience and I have learned so much more than I ever imagined.
In all my years of blogging I never really thought much about what being a 'Latina Blogger' really meant. I'm a Latina and I blog. I haven't always stopped to consider that my voice truly is a unique one. I've always known that my heritage and culture profoundly impacts who I am and my choices, but never stopped until this experience to think about what that means as a blogger. Last year I co-hosted my first bi-lingual twitter party for PBS's iconic children's television series Curious George with a group of amazing Latinas who I greatly admire, and a year later I went from co-hosting a bi-lingual party to directly hosting my first bi-lingual twitter party with Helping Hands Milk Bank (along with my phenomenal co-host Jessie Nuez) and it began a journey that eventually led me on an adventure in North Carolina with a Brand that is making major strides in not just 'translating to' the Hispanic Community, but embracing the Hispanic Market in a truly collaborative way. I could probably go on and on about my experience, so I promise I'll space it all out a bit! (Look for the pictures that go along with this amazing adventure in this week's Wordless Wednesday!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Open - I made a concerted effort to be open to this experience, and met wonderful people at the gate while waiting for both of my planes, normally at the gate I would dive straight into a book, or put on my music, or get on a device and try and look for a signal, but this time around, I stopped to smell the roses more and engaged in conversations with total strangers which is not like me at all. And I met so many fun and warm people. There was a woman on my return flight, 96 years of age traveling to her great grand-daughter's first communion. The flight attendants and gate personnel all asked if she'd like to pre-board and when she replied simply 'No Thank You. I have no health issues or medical reason that would necessitate me to pre-board. I am sure there are others here that really need your help.' Everyone was blown away, but I totally saw myself in her, that's who I want to be, I want to travel until I can't do it, and even then my head will still be in the clouds!
I have always loved travel, among my career path transitions I briefly worked for an Airline in their Caribbean Sales Department selling tickets and trips directly to Travel Agencies instead of to individuals. I landed that job right after College because I was bi-lingual and speaking Spanish was a huge part of the job. While I ironically traveled much less during my time working for an Airline than I have since then, travel has always changed me. I'm probably the only person smiling all throughout check in, and I guess that's why I have met so many great people at the airport or gate during my travels, I am totally open to the process and actually welcome every step of the way.
From the moment I hit the airport I'm filled with the excitement of the journey. The rush of taking to the skies and being somewhere entirely new. This time I did it with a sense of nervousness and trepidation I had never known before because of my health. While I'll admit I may have overdid it a bit and I'm a bit sore now, I have no regrets!
As many of you remember I shared that I was selected to be a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger and my collaboration with Britax USA and Mami Innovative Media has sent me on a recent adventure to North Carolina along with 25 other amazing, talented and passionate Latina Bloggers!
All the bloggers selected for this campaign include:
Take a moment and check out the sites of all the bloggers selected, there are amazing women behind each and every one of the blogs chosen to participate and I feel blessed to have met them all and been given the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated and passionate writers!
Alba Garza: www.independentmami.com
Amanda Diaz: www.thoughtsfromher.com
Amber Ortega: www.thriftyninja.net
Chantilly Patiño: www.biculturalmom.com
Clauyda Martinez: www.unknownmami.com
Cristina Duffy: www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com
Dariela Cruz: www.mamitalks.com
Denisse Icaza: www.ahorrosparamama.com
Divina Rodriguez: www.dancinghotdogs.com
Eliana Tardio: www.elianatardio.com
Helena Osorio: www.pinkguayoyo.com
Jennifer Hutcheson: www.mami2mommy.com
Laura Tellado: www.holdinoutforahero.org
Lilian Hurn: www.superbaratisimogratis.com
Liz Cerezo: www.thoughtsofamommy.net
Mirna Arce: www.ahorrosconcupones.com
Myrah Duque: www.couponmamacita.com
Oriana Romero: www.mommyhoodsdiary.com
Pattie Cordova: www.livingmividaloca.com
Sara Patterson: www.mommafindings.com
Silvia Martinez: www.mamalatinatips.com
Taty Padilla: www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com
Tracy Iglesias: www.ascendingbutterfly.com <-YAY ME! :)
Vanessa Martinez Bell: www.desumama.com
Yadira Ambert: www.clubdelasdiosas.com
Yolanda Machado: www.sassymamainla.com
We were flown to North Carolina to get a behind the scenes look at Britax USA's Headquarters, we got to tour the factory, get detailed product demonstrations, and an unforgettable safety demonstration (I will share about this demo in an upcoming post!) and the chance to break bread together at a wonderful Dinner hosted at Harry's Grille & Tavern. Britax couldn't have been a better host. They couldn't have been more transparent. They take infant and child safety seriously. Very seriously. And it's that passion that has made them the leader in the market. They are innovative. There is technology behind the safety features that so many of us take for granted. Not all baby products are alike! There are touches and well considered details that make product usage safer and much more convenient for moms to use. They truly opened my eyes to things I took for granted. As a loving Aunt and God-mother I have always taken my purchases seriously and researched them carefully, but this trip helped me to see how much we really take for granted and how important the installation of child car seats really are. For me to truly take on an Ambassadorship Collaboration with any brand, I have to be able to honestly say I can stand behind the products. I have no doubt in my mind that going forward none of the little ones in my life will have anything less than Britax. I am eternally grateful for this experience and I have learned so much more than I ever imagined.
In all my years of blogging I never really thought much about what being a 'Latina Blogger' really meant. I'm a Latina and I blog. I haven't always stopped to consider that my voice truly is a unique one. I've always known that my heritage and culture profoundly impacts who I am and my choices, but never stopped until this experience to think about what that means as a blogger. Last year I co-hosted my first bi-lingual twitter party for PBS's iconic children's television series Curious George with a group of amazing Latinas who I greatly admire, and a year later I went from co-hosting a bi-lingual party to directly hosting my first bi-lingual twitter party with Helping Hands Milk Bank (along with my phenomenal co-host Jessie Nuez) and it began a journey that eventually led me on an adventure in North Carolina with a Brand that is making major strides in not just 'translating to' the Hispanic Community, but embracing the Hispanic Market in a truly collaborative way. I could probably go on and on about my experience, so I promise I'll space it all out a bit! (Look for the pictures that go along with this amazing adventure in this week's Wordless Wednesday!)
What does my adventure have to do with YOU?
I am so glad you asked. My collaboration with Britax USA means I will be bringing you product reviews and great giveaways, twitter parties, and all the information you need when it's time to purchase a carseat, stroller or carrier for your little one. I am going to help you make the un-biased decisions you have come to know and trust from Ascending Butterfly. If you have any questions about Britax that you can't find an answer to on their site (which I pretty much doubt), feel free to send it to me and I'll be sure to forward it to the right person and get you an answer! Butterflies this is as much about YOU and the safety of all children as it is about me!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Open - I made a concerted effort to be open to this experience, and met wonderful people at the gate while waiting for both of my planes, normally at the gate I would dive straight into a book, or put on my music, or get on a device and try and look for a signal, but this time around, I stopped to smell the roses more and engaged in conversations with total strangers which is not like me at all. And I met so many fun and warm people. There was a woman on my return flight, 96 years of age traveling to her great grand-daughter's first communion. The flight attendants and gate personnel all asked if she'd like to pre-board and when she replied simply 'No Thank You. I have no health issues or medical reason that would necessitate me to pre-board. I am sure there are others here that really need your help.' Everyone was blown away, but I totally saw myself in her, that's who I want to be, I want to travel until I can't do it, and even then my head will still be in the clouds!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Discovering Inner Strengths - It took a concerted effort on my part to make this trip on many levels, but doing so allowed me to discover so many inner strengths and foster my independent spirit in ways that change, forward motion and travel can only do. Whether it's around the corner or around the globe butterflies, TRAVEL, MOVE, SEE, DO. When I thought my life was being taken from me this year, the only real regret that instantly rose to the surface was not seeing nearly enough of this beautiful world. Time is too short butterfly. Don't use any excuses to NOT do something. Working hard is great, but that money can't come with you, and that time spent not making new memories is time you will regret squandering!
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide: Our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide this year, opened with a product review and buying suggestion, the CEVIA Pro 80 Digital Frame and PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service, and will move forward this week with a chance to win a gift card you can use to purchase a new spring trench and fab handbag, this is going to be SWEET. And guys, even though it is a Mother's Day Buying Guide, you are NOT being left out on this one, as this company also sells Menswear and Mens Accessories as well. So our first Mother's Day buying guide giveaway promotion will be from a brand that sells great products for Women, Men and Children so there is something for everyone! (I wanted to have it posted today, but I still need a bit to get caught up, I promise it will be posted SOON).
Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly, May this be a week filled with exploration and discovery!
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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).
Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.
It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:
OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx
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Winners
Party Prize Packs: @SecretsofKristi, @EileenCCampos, @soulfliesfree, @Shihtzuation, @candacki, @abbebrown,@kymnasium, @SweetmatchaJail
Grand Prize Winner: @Paramedic_Mom2
Gratitude Journal Reco:
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Winners in our #HHMilkBank Twitter Party have been notified, and many have sent lovely tweets and even pictures of their swag to us on Twitter. Thanks again butterflies for your participation, and in case you missed this last week, here are the winners to our Twitter Party:
Door Prize: @LLLSummer
Party Prize Packs: @SecretsofKristi, @EileenCCampos, @soulfliesfree, @Shihtzuation, @candacki, @abbebrown,@kymnasium, @SweetmatchaJail
Grand Prize Winner: @Paramedic_Mom2
All prize packs will include an Amazon Gift Card and will also include some fun branded merchandise from our wonderful sponsor, Prolacta Bioscience's Helping Hands Milk Bank! As a reminder, the door prize winner received a $50 Amazon Gift Card with their prize pack, the Party Prize Pack Winners received a $25 Amazon Gift Card with their prize packs, and the Grand Prize winner's prize pack will include a $100 Amazon Gift Card!
I want to personally thank all my butterflies for your participation, by joining in this party, your participation has helped spread the word about how Helping Hands is working to save the lives of preemies everywhere, thank you! Stay tuned for our next twitter party!
I want to personally thank all my butterflies for your participation, by joining in this party, your participation has helped spread the word about how Helping Hands is working to save the lives of preemies everywhere, thank you! Stay tuned for our next twitter party!
˙·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!
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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media
Outreach is in partnership with Mami
Innovative Media, a
communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and
Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and while this post is NOT sponsored and NO monetary compensation has been received for sharing this experience, I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My press trip was sponsored by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html
I just started following your blog & i love it.
ReplyDeleteThis year I am trying to make my dreams come true
follow back please?
thank you! <3 :)
@Kristin - Glad you found us! Following you, I am glad you are working to make your dreams come true - attitude determines altitude, keep plugging away!
Delete♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
You are such an amazing person and I am so happy to be on the board with you. You are so right attitude is everything.
ReplyDelete@Dancinghotdogs - Likewise Divina! It is such a pleasure to be a part of this campaign, and I'm so happy to be working with you too!
Delete♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
Hola Tracy! It was such a pleasure to meet you :) I look forward to seeing you again soon. Un abrazote.
ReplyDeleteHelena de PinkGuayoyo
@megamama - It was so nice to finally meet in person and actually put a face to the name, when a fellow blogger tells me they are a reader it always makes me blush! I hope you will be coming to NYC for BlogHer in August! I'm so happy to be working with you!
Delete♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ