What's New at the Zoo? Check out this weekend's happenings at the New York Bronx Zoo!

LeVar Burton will be at the Bronx Zoo this weekend for a sneak peek of the new Reading Rainbow app and special book reading! This is a great opportunity to see LeVar and get a sneak peek at the new Reading Rainbow app for the next generation “digital” Reading Rainbow kids. My niece and nephew love Reading Rainbow, and I'm a total  nerdie Star Trek fan, so we may have to all head to the zoo this weekend and catch story time at Asia Plaza in the Bronx Zoo this weekend. It's so super cool to have access to one of the city's better known landmarks practically in my backyard!

I have to admit the role I most associate with Mr. Burton is as Geordi La Forge from the Star Trek: The Next Generation, television series. Although one of his first claims to fame was for his acting in the television mini-series Roots (the role landed him an Emmy). He has also written a book called The Aftermath.

I could definitely go on and on about his achievements throughout his amazing career, but it's his work for Reading Rainbow that will be featured this week at the Reading Rainbow Sneak peek, and if you are looking for something fun AND educational to do with the kiddos this weekend, this would be my pick! LeVar is very personable and has a great rapport with children.

And my digital loving butterflies already know that You can also save 10% when you buy tickets online: http://www.bronxzoo.com/ticket-discount/ 

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Disclaimer: Ascending Butterfly is participating in a sponsored ambassador program from the Bronx Zoo/NY Aquarium. As a part of this program we have received paid advertising compensation, a premium family membership and merchandise for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to programming.

Bronx Zoo Animal Tales Extravaganza!

New York City Landmark Bronx Zoo, has a series of fun filled weekends lined up this summer and there is still time to get in on the fun this weekend!

At the Animal Tales Extravaganza, each weekend your family can enjoy entertainment from Broadway's Avenue Q, the family friendly puppet show, Avenue Zoo, march in a fanstastical Rainforest Creature Parade, meet and greets with characters from beloved children's books and shows as well as animal yoga stretches and crafts & activities.

I'm most excited to check out Ferdinand The Bull, it was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl!

And because I love sharing great deals with my butterflies, you can also save 10% when you buy tickets online: http://www.bronxzoo.com/ticket-discount/

Did you check out the Zoo this weekend with your little butterflies?

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Disclaimer: Ascending Butterfly is participating in a sponsored ambassador program from the Bronx Zoo/NY Aquarium. As a part of this program we have received paid advertising compensation, a premium family membership and merchandise for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to programming.

Wordless Wednesday: The sometimes you have to leave home so you can miss it travel edition!

As promised, here are the photos that should have accompanied Monday's Post, Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

Remember, you can press on any individual photo to make it larger, and then hit the backspace on the top of your browser to come back to this page!

Above: I am a Latina Advisory Board Blogger/Britax Hispanic and Digital Outreach Blogger and this is the sign that welcomed me and the other amazing bloggers that were selected for this campaign and invited to Britax USA's Headquarters!

Above: Here is a group shot of the first group of bloggers, call us group 'A'. Bloggers and Team Britax are all smiles, it was a beautiful sunny day. The bloggers were given Headquarter Tours in two segments so they could give us time and really answer everyone's questions. Can you spot Ascending Butterfly?

Above: Another Group A Group Shot. There are a lot of these at different angles, this one is a little closer so I thought I'd include both. To see the list of the bloggers pictured, press on the link above that will take you straight to Monday's post where everyone's name and URL are listed!

Above: Both Group A and Group B were finally united at a Group Dinner for all the bloggers in the campaign at Harry's Grille & Tavern in Charlotte, North Carolina. By the way the next time you are in Charlotte, you need to check this place out, the food was FAB and the service was great, great atmosphere. Poor Harry's, Latina Bloggers from all across the USA descended on them during a weekday! The 'locals' put up with us, promise we didn't make too much noise...well...maybe.......

Since most of the group shots are going to start looking the same to you after awhile, I won't post anymore to this post! I am truly honored to be a part of this campaign, Britax was transparent, welcoming and wonderful hosts, and being amongst this group of dynamic, driven and super smart Latina Bloggers left me so motivated.

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies - Remember sometimes you need to get away from home to realize just how much you miss it! Hope you enjoyed this brief sneakpeak into my Britax USA Headquarters, Charlotte, North Carolina Press trip!

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FTC Disclosure: 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

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: Life Journey's Travel Edition - Happy Motivation Monday!

Where in the world is Ascending Butterfly?

Happy Monday Butterfly! There is so much to catch up on that I am combining my Weekly Moments of Gratitude, with a special Motivation Monday this week to share with you what I've been up to this past week! First of all, thank you all for the emails expressing concern, you are all amazing, you all know I try to post daily and when I don't I always get emails from readers checking in to make sure that I am OK. That means so much more to me than you could ever know. I have tried to answer as many of you as I can individually. Please know I am just fine, I was on an amazing trip and my devices don't always play so nice with the available WiFi. (and my flights did not have WiFi both ways!)

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!)

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).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PLEASE ROCK THE VOTE: I could really use your vote on my Swag Mom contest entry! (If you are in a voting contest and need a return vote, please leave a comment on this post, I'd be happy to return the vote!) The essay forced me to be very concise, but it expresses what I have been through this year in a very raw, open, emotional and honest way, I hope you will read it even if you are not a swagbucks member. Those who vote however will receive swagbucks just for voting and the shot at winning the same prize to Las Vegas as the Grand Prize Winner, those who vote will also be put in a special prize draw to win the same prize! (You know I love win/win opportunities!) If you do vote, please comment here and let me know, I'd love to say Thanks! - bit.ly/HGRmzN

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

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!

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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 am a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger!

Did you notice my new blog bling?

While 2012 has been especially challenging for me on so many levels, there has been a number of amazing blessings as well, and I can finally officially announce one of them, I have been selected as a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger!

In partnership with Britax USA and  Mami Innovative Media, myself and several other select Latina Bloggers will have the opportunity to attend exclusive events, host parties on twitter (and since I'm fondly considered 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ', you know those parties are going to be fast paced and super FUN), there will be product reviews and of course great giveaways for you too!

Britax is a leader in mobile safety for more than 70 years, with a legacy of leadership in developing innovations that enhance the safety of child car seats and improve their ease of installation and use. Britax not only manufactures car seats for the general public but also for the medical community to service children with special needs! I don't know if many of you know this, but I was a Special Education teacher in the past and finding a brand that makes strides in developing products for children with special needs is definitely important to me! The seats for children with special needs are distributed through Snug Seat, Inc. They have been distributing products for children with special needs since 1987. For more info on Snug Seat by BRITAX products visit: www.snugseat.com.

I'd love for my butterflies to show Britax some love by Liking both of their facebook pages, the English Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Britax and their Facebook page in Spanish: http://www.facebook.com/pages/BRITAX-Los-lleva-seguros/341508082538078

Even if English is your first language, I'd appreciate you giving them a like on both pages. I think this is a great initiative that deserves our support as it is for the benefit of children around the world!

I will be a part of a few 'Brand Ambassadorships' this year that I am very excited about so there are more announcements still to come, but I am so excited that everything is finally in place and I can share about this exciting campaign with my butterflies!

And as always I thank each and everyone of you, because I have the best readers, readers who are social media savvy, always engaged and active, brands continue to take notice of our community of inspiration seekers and want to be a part of it. So keep telling them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me', and I'm sure the blessings will continue to grow for all of us!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger. My participation in this program comes with additional incentives, however this announcement post is NOT sponsored, and all opinions are 100% my own. I am part of a long term ambassadorship in conjunction with Britax USA and Mami Innovative Media. For full Ascending Butterfly Disclosure refer to: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

{CLOSED} Full Size Purex Crystals + Jockey Sports Bra Giveaway! Ends 01/20

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsors Jockey and Purex! We look forward to working with you both again. The winner is: Tamara B., Congrats! Remember there are active giveaways listed on the upper right hand side of the homepage where it reads 'Today's Butterfly'.

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Ascending Butterfly's 2012 New Year, New You! Giveaway #1 brought to you by:

and

Is Fitness part of your new years goals?

As many of you already know I slowly lost 26 pounds over the entire year of 2011, and this year I've lost a bit more weight already but not quite for good reasons (see this post for why: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/01/thank-you-not-quite-way-i-had-in-mind.html). Before my medical setback hit, I had dreams of a Fitness fueled January, I had been enjoying my Wii Dance Games and seeing great results with them.

For me I need a lot of variety in my fitness routines to keep up with them so I can see good results, and my dance games via the Wii have offered me just what I need in terms fitting MY schedule, being challenging (particularly the latest Zumba that really keeps track of your progress and allows for an adjustable intensity in the workouts), and they are FUN. I play both alone and on weekends with family and friends, which makes fitness and health goals much more fun. I can't wait until all this over to get back into my routine again.

Before my medical setback hit in December, I had received an exciting review package from Jockey and Purex that included a Jockey® Sports Bra along with one full-sized Purex Crystals in the 'Tropical Splash' scent. I am both a Jockey and Purex Insider!

About the Jockey Sports Bra

The Bra is a 93% Poly and 7% Spandex Blend with a racerback and an inside key pocket (stash your locker key while at the gym!) with breathable mesh panels and mouisture wicking fabric. I also like Sports Bras as sleep bras (I'm ahem a 'blessed' chested gal) and like the extra support even at night. This bra is my new favorite bra while doing Zumba (under my workout tank of course, I don't think I'll ever be that girl working out in just my sports bra and nothing else over it). And as most workout tanks are made in that racerback style it's nice having a bra that holds up the girls to go under those tanks!

About Purex Crystals

Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that go in your wash at the start of the cycle. Which means no more second guessing or remembering to pour in the fabric softener, how convenient is that? The scented crystals get to spend more time with your clothes, infusing them with long-lasting freshness! Purex crystals do not contain oil making them perfect for all your laundry needs. I've made a complete to switch to Purex and find they impart a much more long lasting scent than the liquid fabric softener that I had been using for years!

Why the collaboration between Purex and Jockey? Fabric softeners have oils that can harm garments but Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that infuse long-lasting freshness into the fabric fibers of clothing without harming garments. So the crystals impart softeness and a fresh scent without harming in any way the mouisture wicking properties of the sports bra. Which means your Jockey Sports Bra will hold up longer!

 My Take:

Workout clothing and under-garments in general are an investment. Well endowed girls especially know just how quickly straps get stretched and worn out and bras have to be replaced often in that case, which is not cheap! And let's face it, while hand washing will help most garments last longer, WHO has that kind of time? I certainly don't!

I love that Purex doesn't harm the mouisture wicking fabric of the Jockey Terry Sports Bra, and I love using this bra during my favorite Zumba workouts (which I can't wait to get back to!). I definitely recommend them both. I have sensitive skin and there are some fabric softeners I'm actually allergic to, and I love that my skin does not react at all to the Purex Crystals!

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Jockey and Purex would like you to help you keep to your fitness goals this year, and have one prize pack with the same items I reviewed for one lucky winner! Winner will receive a full size Purex Crystals and one Jockey Sports Bra (choice of size which includes: XS, S, M, L, XL)

Don't you just ♥ Purex + 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: Share your top New Years Resolution for this year and how you have started accomplishing 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 Friday, January 13, 2012 until Friday, January 20, 2012 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 - In honor of Bras and Fabric Softener, which is your favorite? Favorite Bra of all time? Favorite Fabric Softener? Share it with us and we'll give you extra credit!

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! So be sure to post the URL to your blog post 5 seperate times.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join the Ascending Butterfly Blog Frog Community HERE

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

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + Full Size @Purex Crystals +  @Jockey Sports Bra #Giveaway in choice of size! Ends 01/20 - http://bit.ly/wViMxl

(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.) Please remember we do not process twitter entries from PRIVATE accounts. If your account is private we will not process your twitter entries. NO exceptions so please do not email us regarding this policy.

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 Purex on Facebook HERE (Tell them you are trying to win Purex Crystals 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 - Like Jockey on Facebook HERE (Tell them you are trying to win a Jockey Terry Sports Bra with Purex Crystals 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 - 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 - NEW! - I really want to win Duane Reade's VIP Influencer Contest and become one of the ten New York City based bloggers that help Duane Reade get promo and product announcements out and more. Can you visit Duane Reade on Facebook and tell them they should pick Ascending Butterfly as one of their 10 NYC VIP Influencer bloggers? or tweet the following: Hey @DuaneReade I think @Tracy_Iglesias of @Ascending1 should be one of your 10 VIP Influencers! #DReade #CBias

Of course if you do both, post two comments WITH links to your posts on their facebook page and twitter post link and you'll get 2 extra credits!

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 sponsors 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 EZ Win game.

Growing an Empowerment Community and Re-Defining What You Already Know

I'm sure many of you have noticed the Latina Smart badge proudly displayed on my sidebar, and many of you remember me sharing the announcement that I had been selected as a Kmart Latina Smart Brand Ambassador which entailed juding the allocation of $25,000 in scholarship funding (you can read that post HERE if you missed it the first time), but another part of what my ambassadorship entailed was helping to grow the Latina Smart community on Facebook.

I've spent years building my own empowerment community and I thought the hardest part of the process would be judging the scholarship entries, and while the scholarships contest was the foundation of how the community began to grow, it is the Ambassadors and Facebook Page Moderators that helped foster, sustain and continue to grow it, with incisive questions to the community to provoke thought and seasonal sharing such as share your favorite summer vacation photo, as well as members sharing information with another that helped the community to flourish.

Do I consider myself Latina? Definitely! Do I consider myself Smart? I'd like to think so! But being part of a community that helps Latina's re-define for themselves what that means has been both challenging and empowering. It's helped me to re-define not just what those specific things mean to me, but to allow me to look at my life and my goals a lot more strategically.

I'm going to be taking what I learned into this upcoming new year, re-defining what I think I know about myself as a writer, as a blogger, and as an empowerment coach and community builder and making myself better and more efficient, which only benefits Ascending Butterfly (and other communities I am involved in) to grow stronger.

I've learned to re-define what I already know including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sharing resources and information blesses everyone (including YOURSELF).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You are not the only one going through something, sharing it, helps you work through it.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There really is power in numbers, when you ask for advice, within the many perspectives you receive, it does help you to see things in a brand new way and tackle an idea, creative project or an even a problem you couldn't before resolve, in a much different way.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A community can only grow when everyone contributes their fair share.

While it seems obvious, take these lessons about community and apply them to your own, be it your place of work, your place of worship, your neighborhood, or your family, you can approve any area of your life with focused effort, purpose, and a spirit of sharing and giving. Which is also an incredible thing to take with you when visiting family for the holidays. It really doesn't have to be the drama and fight fest that most people dread. A community is a call to action to be of service, do so graciously, and you will derive way more from it, than you give to it.

I look forward to seeing how this community grows, evolves and develops in 2012, I am proud to be a member of the Latina Smart Community, and I am proud to be an Ascending Butterfly. My butterflies have taught me so much about inspiration and encouragement that I was able to take those lessons with me to another empowerment community and share in it's growth. In being part of both my own community of inspiration seekers and the Latina Smart Social Media community on Facebook and Twitter I have learned to continue to give the best of myself and receive such amazing blessings and opportunities in the process.

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

Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes of YOUR Choice Giveaway - Mens or Womens - 2 Winners! Ends 12/27

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We still have more surprises coming up in our annual Holidays Buying Guide, and right after the annual Holidays Buying Guide, is our 'New Year, New You!' series of promotions, so don't blink! We will be going from one set of promotions to another in the blink of an eye! ;)

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

FTC Disclosure: I am participating in a Brand Ambassadorship with Kmart Latina Smart which makes me eligible for additional incentives.