Monday, August 31, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Re-embrace your 'To-Do' List

With fall comes a never-ending list of errands and shifting priorities. It may just be time to 're-embrace your To-Do List'. But instead of allowing the list to dominate your every thought, use it as a guideline, use it to stay organized and on track. Just remember Rome wasn't built in a day, and your 'To-Do' list may not be possible to tackle in one day either. What doesn't get done today can be added on to tomorrow. Just make sure to make your goals and 'To-Do's' realistic in the first place.

Stop and breathe. Focusing your breathing on helping to bring you energy will also allow you to accomplish MORE. Yes, slowing down for one minute will actually allow you to accomplish more. Inner Frontier offers an interesting case in point about the benefits of 'Energy Breathing' which as you all know I am a big beleiver in. They even offer an Audio Stream that is worth listening to!

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 breathe the life I want for myself into existence.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

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Saturday, August 29, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

The Giving Continues

In continuation of The Social Good Conference, I'm posting another way you can help that won't cost a dime!

Watch videos for charity

As a part of Social Activism Month this August, Ford Fiesta Agents (Way to go FORD!) are on a mission to give back to their local communities. Each are documenting their individual missions via video — all of which you can view on the Ford Fiesta Movement page. Ford is generously donating $1 for every video view on Mashable’s Ford Fiesta Movement page up to $10,000 to the Summer of Social Good.

Watch the videos here. The money raised will be going to support Livestrong, The Humane Society, OxFam America and WWF (The World Wildlife Federation). I for one am going to watch as many as I can and hope you will too!

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 utilize technology for change.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

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Friday, August 28, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

I apologize for the delay in getting 'Today's Words of Inspiration' live. As I mentioned yesterday I spent today at Mashable's Summer of Social Good Conference held at the 92nd Street Y in New York City. (It was actually my first time ever entering the 'Y'). Ascending Butterfly recently launched it's Facebook presence, and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to listen to Randi Zuckerberg, Marketing Director, Facebook teach us how not only Facebook has connected people globally, but how to better maximize our presence and reach; and make the experience more rewarding for us and for our readers.

It was an enlightening experience exploring the ways that social media can be used to connect the world globally for GOOD. The word 'Slacktivism' was thrown around quite a bit during the presentations and it made me ponder, am I doing enough?

It's not too late to participate, and thanks to Mashable you can even see the conference live on the web HERE!

In honor of the Social Good Conference let's make Today's Words of Inspiration an exploration of what we can do to help others. Whether it's locally or globally or better still both, find your voice, find a way to make a difference that truly inspires you.

And while there are many ways to get involved, this one is my personal favorite:

Want to donate, but don’t have the money to do so? We have a simple solution: Retweet!. All 100 Ford Fiesta Agents are donating money to the Summer of Social Good for retweets of three Mashable posts. The first post in the series raised $1,000 for the campaign and the second post, “Top 10 YouTube Videos for Social Good" has a little over 1,000 retweets to go until it raises another $3,000. The third post in the series will be released once the second hits 2,000 retweets. So don't be a 'slackativist', ReTweet NOW!

RT @mashable Top 10 YouTube Videos for Social Good http://bit.ly/V8IoQ Please RT for @SocialGood charity

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 make my world a better place through focused action.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)





2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)






THIRD GIVEAWAY ALERT: Our Friends at Ouidad are celebrating their 25th anniversary! 25 years of helping 'curly' girls love our locks, no small feat! They are having a '25 days of curly celebration'. This celebration is 25 days of winning their hottest products! How cool is that?? Check out the calendar of prizes here (the current days prize will say 'Enter Now' press there to enter for the giveaway product of the day. Today, Anniversary Surprise - Free Shipping All Day:Use Code: 25AFREE!)

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Thursday, August 27, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Summer of Social Good

There has been a summer of social good going on, and tomorrow I will be attending The Social Good Conference and I wanted to share a bit about it with you today.

Four Critical Causes, Four Charities, One World.

Livestrong: More than 12 million worldwide are diagnosed w/ cancer and 8mil will die from the disease each year. We will end the stigma of cancer and turn cancer victims into cancer survivors, build an international grassroots movement, take cancer from isolation to collaboration and ,together with world leaders, will transform cancer from obscurity to a global priority.

Humane Society: Established in 1954, The HSUS seeks a humane and sustainable world for all animals—a world that will also benefit people. We are America's mainstream force against cruelty, exploitation and neglect, as well as the most trusted voice extolling the human-animal bond. Our mission statement: Celebrating Animals, Confronting Cruelty.

Oxfam America: More than 2.5 billion people live in poverty, struggling to survive on less than $2 a day—and the numbers are growing. But we at Oxfam believe that it doesn’t have to be this way. If we work together, we can turn the numbers in the other direction. Along with individuals and local groups in over 100 countries, we save lives, help people overcome poverty, and fight for social justice.

WWF: Our environment and earth’s future is in great danger. It is estimated that, over 75% of the world's marine stocks are currently over fished, we lose 36 football fields of rainforest on the earth every minute and we will possibly lose up to 10,000 species this year. NOW is the time for action. WWF needs your help to strengthen global awareness of these issues and ensure that the best possible solutions are implemented for a sustainable future.

It is not too late they are still selling Last Minute General Admission "Door Tickets" - 100% Donation to Summer of Social Good Fund HERE.

In researching this theme of social media for good, I came across many wonderful sources of information. In addition to the Summer of Social Good, I also enjoyed reading about Bloggers giving back, these stores can be found at 'Bloggers give Back'.

It is inspiring to know this 'global village' of writers, bloggers, artists, wordsmyths are coming together to use their voices and power to impact for good causes. For positive change. I for one, feel it is very important to support these efforts. To help promote these efforts so they can grow, flourish and continue.

So Today's Words of inspiration are to get involved, to inspire and be inspired by the good that surrounds you.

Now is the time to act by spreading awareness and donating to one fund that benefits four major organizations who affect policies that have profound impacts on the world.

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 allow myself to inspire and be inspired.'

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

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

THIRD GIVEAWAY ALERT: Our Friends at Ouidad are celebrating their 25th anniversary! 25 years of helping 'curly' girls love our locks, no small feat! They are having a '25 days of curly celebration'. This celebration is 25 days of winning their hottest products! How cool is that?? Check out the calendar of prizes here (the current days prize will say 'Enter Now' press there to enter for the giveaway product of the day. Today, win one of 25 $25 gift certificates to the New York or Santa Monica Ouidad Salons!)

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Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: The winner of Ascending Butterfly's first Book Club of the Month Selection, 'Perseverance' by author Carolyn Rubenstein is user 'Marianna', Congratulations!
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As I've probably already mentioned, I have a hard time sitting still, so I thought I'd explore that today. I came across this quote:

"There is More to Life than Increasing it's Speed." By Mahatma Gandi

I need to learn to slow down and enjoy the ride more. I think most people do. We get so focused on where we want to be that we forget to enjoy where we are. So today, slow down, enjoy the ride and stop worrying about 'what's next'. Don't rush to tick off another thing from your to-do list, save one for tomorrow, trust me, it will still be there!

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 slow my pace enough today to enjoy the journey.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)








THIRD GIVEAWAY ALERT: Our Friends at Ouidad are celebrating their 25th anniversary! 25 years of helping us 'curly' girls love our locks, no small feat! They are having a '25 days of curly celebration'. This celebration is 25 days of winning their hottest products! How cool is that?? Check out the calendar of prizes here (the current days prize will say 'Enter Now' press there to enter the for the giveaway product of the day, today's is 'Botanical Boost')


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Tuesday, August 25, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Let's Keep making our vocabulary shorter this week!

We are going to continue working on making our vocabulary shorter this week. Yes shorter. Let's remove another useless word from our conversations, the word 'can't'. Another word we tend to use to express frustration, for example 'I Can't Take this Anymore', 'I Can't Stand this!'. Frustration isn't truth, the less you express it, the less you allow it to manifest in your conversations, the less you are bound to experience. Monitor your thoughts, when you feel an 'I Can't' about to burst forth, stop it, don't speak it into existence.

There is absolutely nothing in this world that you are not capable of doing. There is nothing out there you 'can't' do. Nothing.

Let's make this week about 'emotional spring cleaning'. Or is that 'emotional Fall cleaning'? Get rid of the thoughts, emotions and mindsets that are holding you back from feeling truly fulfilled.

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 remove the word 'can't' from my vocabulary.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

THIRD GIVEAWAY ALERT: Our Friends at Ouidad are celebrating their 25th anniversary! 25 years of helping us 'curly' girls love our locks, no small feat! They are having a '25 days of curly celebration'. This celebration is 25 days of winning their hottest products! How cool is that?? Check out the calendar of prizes here (the current days prize will say 'Enter Now' press there to enter the for the giveaway product of the day, today's is 'Deep Treatment' a product I can personally vouch for the efficacy of!)

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Saturday, August 22, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Remember that song from the 80's? Who is Frankie anyway? And why is he telling me to relax? YOU RELAX!!! LOL

There has been a lot of stress lately affecting the lives of many people I know. We like to think of Stress as something coming from the outside and affecting our ability to remain on even keel. But it's not. While cars cutting us off in traffic, people bumping into us during rush hour, arguments, problems and even illnesses happen to us, it's not the pressure causing the problem, it is how you REACT to it.

Stop the chaos in your mind first, it will help you not to over-react to situations that are beyond your control. Your reactions to these various forms of 'stress' however, is very much within your realm of control.

So while listening to 'Frankie Says Relax' may not bring you to an enlightened state of being all on it's own, the message and silly delivery of it, can work wonders on your spirits today.

Don't let any situation get the wrong rise out of you. I hope you have been practicing your breathing excercises here daily. Taking a deep breath may not take the situation you are facing away, but doing it, will help you focus your reactions better.

And before the emails begin, I am quite aware of the many connotations of 'Frankie Says Relax', and I'm not choosing to discuss them here! I am taking relax literally here and in no other way! How YOU choose to interpret the rest of the lyrics is entirely up to you!

I for one, am going to crank up music and sing at the top of my lungs today, it usually helps me forget everything. Saturday night is movie night for me, so a few tunes now and dancing around the house will help me when I have to sit still watching movies (I still have trouble mastering the art of sitting still!). Any movie recommendations out there?

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 have full mastery over my reactions to every situation I encounter.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below)

--> Looking for a way to fight frizz in this humid weather? See our Ouidad Product Review and Giveaway HERE!

--> Missed the John Legend concert? Check out the Recap with Photos HERE!

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Friday, August 21, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Leave your stress behind - Try the Four and Eight style of breathing this morning.

When you wake up this morning take four deep breaths in through your nose, slowly and deeply but not overly forced, and not too fast. As you take each breath in bring a positive thought intention with you. Breathe in through your nose and say the word 'love' in your mind, hold that breath there and bring in the next breath by bringing in another positive thought with you by saying 'Peace', holding it in, begin breathing in the next word/intention 'creativity', and as you breathe in your last intention '_____' (You fill in this blank!) you can then begin the process of exhaling on 8 while exhaling, use it to rid yourself of stress you wish to remove from you life. for example debt, illness, inertia, fear, doubt, anger etc, exhale away 8 things that no longer serves your highest good. Work your way toward increasing the frequency. For the first week, just do this in the morning. Then by the second week, do it every morning and night before bed. Then by the third week move up to 3 times per day, morning, noon, and night. These steps will help you draw the traits and determination you need to make effective changes in your daily life. And will also help rid you of negative and stressful feelings that aren't getting you anywhere.

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 release every single way that I sabotage my own success.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE




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Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Cultivate Patience

With the weather getting hotter and the humidity rising, it's pretty easy to loose your cool. I'll admit to falling victim to impatience myself and the sticky, humid weather doesn't make it any better!

Rising temperatures sometimes causes aggravation, frustration and a lack of all around patience and good will. Understandable.

It's important to do things that help you cultivate your patience! This way if you are on the receiving end of someone having a bad day you can keep your cool. Two wrongs never make a right.

I like to meditate or read something inspirational to start my day! How do you keep your internal cool as the temperature rises?

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

--> Looking for a way to fight frizz in this humid weather? See our Ouidad Product Review and Giveaway HERE!

--> Missed the John Legend concert? Check out the Recap with Photos HERE!

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Count Your Blessings

With the state of the economy, the loss of jobs everywhere, and debts skyrocketing, the pressure is mounting. This pressure makes it all too easy to focus on what you do not have. On what's missing. Just for today, count your blessings. And I do mean that literally. Count them. Get out your pen and paper (yes I know that's kinda retro, but go with me here) and write out 10 things you are grateful for in your life right NOW. Yes TEN things. NO LESS. You can definitely start with family and friends and work your way from there!

DO IT NOW.

I'm watching you. OK well maybe I'm not watching you because that could be creepy and 'stalkerish', but I really want you to do it. See what you do have. Acknowledge what is working. Be thankful for the 10 things on your list. That list is a lot like Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. The more you focus on those things, and how they make your life better and how grateful you are for them, you will attract more blessings. Live in gratitude, because you will then live in abundance. Push the thoughts of what you don't have out of your mind, not just today but every day and watch your life change for the better.

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 live in gratitude for my 10 blessings (read them all straight off your list).' (It is very important to affirm these things out loud! It doesn't matter what time of the day you do it, just that you do it!)

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

Missed the John Legend concert? Check out the Recap with Photos HERE!

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Monday, August 17, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer

This summer has literally flown by, and part of me secretly wishes it would slow down a bit. Part of me just wants to hold on to those lazy, hazy days of summer!

How are you enjoying the last days of the summer? By the pool? At the Beach? Having family cookouts?

We are still celebrating YOU this month! So celebrate with us and take some time for inner as well as outer renewal.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will enjoy this hazy day of summer by taking out some time for myself.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Weekend Inspiration - Ordinary People Extraordinary Talents!

Today's Words Of Inspiration are going to be a little different today! The Ascending Butterfly celebrates its 2 month 'Blog-a-versary' today! Thank You loyal readers, for choosing to spend some time each day with us.

Last night I had the amazing fortune to be able to attend John Legend's Madison Square Garden Performance, VIP Style. The concert 'opening act' was none other than India.Arie! And that was just one of many surprises the night had in store.

I arrived early enough to watch the set up process and what did I see? A HUGE BUTTERFLY on the screen!!!! I already love India.Arie's style, flow and music, but that just cinched it, seeing that butterfly let me know that I was in the right place at the right time. She started in prayer and John Legend ended in prayer as well. I'm all about living in gratitude and this concert certainly filled my soul on many levels!

We had amazing seats (Thanks J.T./Madison Square Garden/and Hot97). We were about 3 seats away from a celebrity! Malcolm-Jamal Warner (you may remember him as 'Theo' from the Cosby Show) was sitting in front of us!

Since the concert started with India, so will I. I was too happy to see her big butterfly on screen, and she even comes out during the concert wearing butterfly wings!

I am writing and listening to her song 'Therapy' featuring Gramps Morgan. I LOVE this track, if you don't have it yet, pick it up. (And if her lablel is reading this, we'd be stoked to offer up autographed copies to our Ascending Butterfly readers!) 'Therapy' is a track that speaks of the love we are all seeking! It's the love we all want, the WAY we all want it. And the dynamics between India.Arie and Gramps on that stage was absolutely electric! They really have great chemistry together. Ladies, listen to this song, if the man in your life doesn't make you feel this way, you are with the wrong man! (any men out there who want to approach this butterfly, better listen to this song first and learn how it's done!)

That was just one of many amazing songs sung by India.Arie during her set. It was a mix of old favorites and tracks off the new album.

Here are some photos (It is NOT OK to copy or otherwise reproduce or re-distribute these photos!)

ABOVE: India.Arie walking down the main aisle. Look at that smile!

Her voice and her amazing smile, lit the garden up! And the energy she gave out to the audience was extremely uplifting and positive.

ABOVE: India.Arie with her backup singers and her guitarist (and look at the pretty butterfly)

ABOVE: India.Arie in her butterfly wings!

ABOVE: And she brought out a special guest towards the end, HER MOM!!!

I'm very close with my mom and it was so nice to see India.Arie's mom perform with her on stage! The apple didn't fall from the tree! Two beautiful women, Two powerful Voices, two happy spirits.

The night's headliner John Legend, started out singing directly in the heart of the audience. I will admit it was hard to hear him over the screams of the crowd and shrill shrieks of the delighted ladies for the opportunity to touch him or grab his hand as he tried to make his way to the stage!

I am now listening to 'Ordinary People' as I write, it is one of my favorite John Legend tracks. And somehow everytime I see him sing it, I have to think it is his favorite too. ('Used to love you' and 'heaven' are another two favorites of mine!) (I make your label the same offer John, we'd love to give our readers autographed CD's!!)

Like India.Arie, John Legend put together a great combination of his well known tracks blending with tracks from his new album. And there was so many amazing performers that took the stage with him, Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Kanye West and Estelle, and not to mention India.Arie! I've always liked reggae and dancehall and was happily surprised to see Buju Banton take the stage!

John Legend teamed up with Gap to offer 'exclusive (RED)ZONE' seating for (PRODUCT)RED purchases made at Gap. (PRODUCT) RED purchase proceeds help to eliminate AIDS in Africa. It was a concert with a cause and there is nothing more in line with my mission than that! John is definitely the all-around man to watch, great voice, great style and the heart of a humanitarian, a man that wants to help be a part of the solution, that is MY KIND of man, GO JOHN! You can Buy Red and save lives, learn more by signing up to (RED) HERE

ABOVE: John started off singing to the audience, from INSIDE the audience! (as you can see from the lower right of this photo, he definitely gave security a workout and made them earn their money by doing this!)

ABOVE: John and the band

Above: Buju Banton takes to the stage! As you can see from this pic he was feeling the love!





ABOVE: Kanye West and Estelle sing 'American Boy'

ABOVE: John Legend takes to the stage with India.Arie

The concert began and ended in prayer and folks rarely sat down, it was an on your feet, begining to end high energy and very electric night that ended with me actually getting the chance to meet John Legend in person!

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Talent! Do something out of the ordinary this weekend!
And listen to great music while you're doing it!

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

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

1. Enter to win the SmashBox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE - Majesty or Monarch HERE

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE

Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Thursday, August 13, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

A winner announcement and 'release your inner sexy gal Thursday'

NOTE: Our Tres Sleek Giveaway winner was lilyk, Congratulations!

Readers before you send me anymore emails, I am aware that there was no 'Today's Words of Inspiration' for Wednesday August 12th. My host was down for the bulk of the day and I couldn't post. It was a very frustrating experience to say the least. My apologies for the delays in publishing all the entries for our new giveaway for a Smashbox Cosmetics Palette of your choice. As soon as my host came back up, I've been working on moderating the entries and getting them all posted. So while other sites are focusing on the little ones, Ascending Butterfly is all about focusing on YOU. YES YOU. You remember you don't you?


Before becoming a parent there was a sexy gal in there. One who wanted to look pretty and feel sexy before her dates. We have quite a month ahead here at Ascending Butterfly. And this month is all about releasing your inner sexy.


Don't blush, don't giggle demurely, I know it's all in there just waiting for an excuse to come out!

I made productive use of my 'enforced downtime' yesterday and used the time to secure some great sponsors and giveaways. I remind you, keep checking daily, you don't want to miss the great things that are coming!

I am heading out to a concert tonight and I just can't wait! I've always loved music. While I know enough to keep my singing behind closed doors in the shower, I somehow seem to always have music on. And all my friends find themselves amazed that I have music in EVERY room. I'd even have music streaming out of my closet as soon as I opened it if I could.

Music lifts my mood and my spirits. What is your favorite type of music? What is your favorite genre and song? Do you have an artist or song you highly recommend? Comment here and let us know. I'm always open to something new and would love to know what you are listening to. And if there are any record labels out there, feel free to send me music! :-)

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 listen to music that uplifts my spirit today.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Purple Tuesday

In honor of our Smashbox giveaway launch, I have dubbed this 'Purple Tuesday'! I will wear Purple, and of course I'm listening to Prince's song 'Purple Rain' in the background as I write today.

Purple is the color for Fall this season, although as far I'm concerned Purple never goes out of style, it's a color I'm very fond of! I love it in it's entire shade range from lavendar to Royal. Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like the color blue, could result in moodiness.

The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.

Considering using Purple to decorate this season? Deep or bright purples suggest riches while lighter purples are more romantic and delicate. Use redder purples for a warmer color scheme or the bluer purples to cool down.

There is a lot more to color than meets the eye! Color your space today, color your world!

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 add color to my life and my space.'

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 fieldOK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and two super Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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

1. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Monday, August 10, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Zen Monday - Ascending Butterfly is your Zen Garden

I'm resolved not to have a 'manic Monday' this week, so I'm keeping one step ahead of my schedule and to-do list today. Less chaos = Less stress. Less Stress means a 'Zen Monday'. And that's just how I like my Mondays.

What can you do today to put the zen in your Monday? I'd say starting off with Ascending Butterfly's Today's Words of Inspiration, is a great start! Try not to hit the snooze button twice today, if you can get to work 15 minutes earlier than usual, you can plan out your day. Both your professional and personal to-do's. That should give you 15 minutes or more to yourself this evening. What would you do with an extra 15 minutes? You don't have to guess, you can actually make it a reality by staying one step ahead of yourself today.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will stay one step ahead of my schedule and I rule over it, instead of letting my schedule rule over me.'

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

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends TODAY!

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

NOTE: Come Back Tuesday for a review and giveaway that is very much fall trend fab!!

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