#ad: @JENGA is a 2015 National Toy Hall of Fame Finalist Help them win the @museumofplay #toyhalloffame top honor!

This is a compensated sponsored post brought to you by JENGA:

Remember those days when playing actually meant *doing* something? You weren't in front of a computer monitor, you weren't developing super long thumbs by texting your friends, but you were playing and testing your dexterity with a bit of wooden goodness called JENGA....

I remember those days fondly and while you all know I'm an avid tech enthusiast I do fondly recall simpler days of play, when the most 'technical' game I knew was 'Operation'! and before the Atari hit my radar, games like JENGA is what game night was all about and I definitely want to see classic toys introduced to newer generations.

I have to admit often times my friends pets would knock down many a game, at that crucial moment when you all knew there weren't too many 'good moves' left - an exuberant pup or attention seeking cat would knock the game down at just THAT moment. Diffusing the tension with gales of laughter that was just as fun as the game itself. Sometimes we would start games over multiple times only to have a pet (or a kid brother or sister for that matter) knock it down and no one find out who that days 'loser' would have been.

Our friends at JENGA need YOUR help. This isn't for prize money, they don't get a 'prize' for winning, they get bragging rights - hey much like the game itself right?!

JENGA is in the running for the 2015 National Toy Hall of Fame, they are a finalist and they want your vote! With 30 years on the shelf, who doesn't have a great JENGA story to share?

When you visit www.toyhalloffame.org you will see a big blue box, under that box are purple banner tabs the one on the right reads 'Choose Your Favorite Toy Hall Finalist!' Press the button that says JENGA then hit Submit, you can take this poll once per day - the winner will be announced on November 5th. It's a super simple quick click right on the homepage of the Toy Hall of Fame website and NO personal info or email address required to vote, how easy is that?

I think one of my fave things about JENGA is how it 'grew' with us and was just as fun when I got older as it was when I was little.

In all fairness, now there is wine with game night now, but I do digress.....

MY TAKE:

There is just something about a classic game night that never grows old for me. I still have them with friends and family. My fondest memories of Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve Family Gatherings was playing games with my cousins while we waited for the big family dinner. And on Christmas Eve while the city was blanketed in white and we were waiting for Santa and counting the seconds until midnight when we were allowed to open ONE present we were always playing board games. If you don't want to see classic board games disappear be sure to give them as gifts too, introduce your child, nieces, nephews, and god-children to the joy of a classic board game night if you are not doing so already.

I hope you will consider giving JENGA your super quick vote!

GET SOCIAL:

Did you vote and want to let them know you did? Of course you do! Here is the tweet I used:

I just voted for @JENGA in the @museumofplay 2015 #toyhalloffame

What was your favorite classic board game as a kid? Did you/Will you vote for JENGA?

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FTC Disclosure: All opinions are 100% MY OWN. This is a Sponsored/Compensated Post. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

So how awesome was getting a sneak peek of @Grandfathered and meeting @PortableShua during #BlogHer15, this awesome!

I don't think I can give you guys one big post that would fully recap BlogHer 2015 in New York City, so I am going to give it all to you in bite size chunks! One of the cool things I got a chance to do was attend a preview screening of the upcoming FOX Television Series Grandfathered starring John Stamos and Josh Peck. (Oddly enough I am watching Josh on an episode of Big Bang Theory as I write this, coincidence? I think NOT!).

You may remember Josh Peck from his role as Josh Nichols in the Nickelodeon live-action sitcom Drake & Josh, but Josh is all grown up now and is coming to FOX TV on Tuesday, 9/29 at 8/7 central.

ABOUT GRANDFATHERED:

Successful restaurateur and confirmed bachelor, JIMMY MARTINO (John Stamos) is used to being the most suave, most handsome, and most single guy in the room. All that changes when Jimmy discovers he not only has a son, GERALD (Josh Peck), but also a granddaughter, EDIE. Jimmy's blissful selfishness will make it difficult to juggle success with his new-found, unlikely family.

Josh was brave enough to face a room full of bloggers who had a ton of questions and he was down-to-earth and had a great sense of humor!

Here are some of my photos:

Above: (Left) Actor Josh Peck fields questions during GRANDFATHERED Sneak Peek during #BlogHer 2015 in New York City

Above: OK, so there may have been a TON of questions on what it was like working with John Stamos and baby Edie at this point, LOL - Josh was such a good sport!

As you can tell I had AMAZE BALL seats (front row center all the way baby!) and my DSLR to capture all the action!

Check out the Official Trailer:

Get Social:

You can start cyber-stalking the show on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Google+ and be sure to use the hashtag #grandfathered!

My Take:

If you loved John Stamos in Full House as Uncle Jesse you are going to getting a huge kick out of seeing him play a grandpa! He does have a knack for working with babies that's for sure! He is definitely not your 'retirement home' grandpa, his character is still trying to get his 'single and ready to mingle, playing the field swag on' and then gets hit with being not only a dad to a fully grown son, but a grandfather as well. For me, being a single girl in the city with no kids myself, I would probably just go ahead and pass out with that kind of news (you can insert a Kevin Hart "I'm NOT ready!" voice here!), but his character takes to the news quite well all things considered, and Josh Peck who plays his son Gerald has great chemistry with him. The cast who plays John's restaurant staff are stand-outs as well, and look for Paget Brewster as Stamos's character's ex and Christina Milian who plays Vanessa, Baby Edie's mom (aka Gerald's 'baby mama').

I wish John Stamos was my sexy grandpa! But since he's not, I will have to be content with watching GRANDFATHERED this fall (9/29 to be exact) on FOX!

Watch the trailer and let me know what you think -- will you be watching this Fall?

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FTC Disclosure: This post is sponsored by FOX and SheKnows, all opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

#ad: You don't have to spend a million to look like a million + Get Rewarded with @CVS_Extra #DivinaLatina #DivinaLBC

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Unilever and Latina Bloggers Connect.

Butterflies 'Holidays Madness' has begun and you know what that means right? Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Eve! Family, friends and if you have them 'In-Law's' visiting (this butterfly is blissfully single and thankfully does NOT have to worry about In-Laws!). There is a lot of preparation that goes into the holiday season, getting your home ready, preparing elaborate meals, and of course power shopping - where are you trying to get the most for your money without breaking the bank!

What can easily get neglected in this scenario of trimming trees, getting the house 'visitor ready' and shopping for gifts for everyone else is your skincare routine. But this is also the season of Holiday Parties both personal and the office party, decking the halls and it all culminates with the end of year bash of all bashes, New Years Eve. You definitely want to feel Red Carpet Ready on New Years Eve. 

There is actually sense in the superstition of getting dressed up each year on New Year's Eve, the way you greet the New Year tends to set the tone for the year itself. How do you want 2014 to find YOU this year? I can tell you this year is not finding me in 'Shlumpadinka' mode, and I have a strong feeling you feel the exact same way!

You can wear a million dollar ballgown and if your hair looks like a rats nest and your face looks puffy and tired you are NOT going to feel your best. You do not have to spend a million to look and feel like a million!

There are Drugstore Brands that are staples in most homes for a reason, and as a Beauty Blogger I try a ton of products and use them as a gauge for what type of stuff works best for me, but best believe when it comes time to buy I'm looking for the same results for less just like everyone else!

CVS sent over some new faves to add my beauty arsenal:

Ponds and TRESemme are certainly not new to me, but the particular products I was sent are! The women in my family have amazing skin and the first thing they taught me was that an ounce of prevention when it comes to skincare is worth a pound of cure. They taught me to keep my skin hydrated, and even in my teen years when acne was definitely a factor they still made sure I didn't let my skin get stripped or dried out by acne care products and I am super thankful for that now.

I have always washed off all makeup every night, but recently I have been trying to incorporate night creams into my routine, I am trying out the Pond's Rejuveness Anti-Wrinkle Cream with AHAs and Collagen, while they recommend using it twice per day, I prefer to use this one as a night cream. With demands on my time being increasingly crazy and my days getting longer and longer I do find using a night cream consistently is showing great results with my skin. And I have had people asking me what I'm doing lately so I'm counting on you to keep it top secret! Because of the AHAs I do suggest you follow the packaging instructions and use Rejuveness approximately 15 minutes after cleansing your face to avoid a 'tingling' sensation.

I am new to the Keratin craze so I haven't tested enough products to give you guys a definitive on which one for me is 'the one' but I am enjoying TRESemme Keratin Infusing Smoothing Serum. TRESemme is one of my oldest preferred Drugstore Favorites and I'm glad I was able to try this out as I flat iron often and my hair does need the extra protection as my ends get fried pretty quickly from the double combo of blow drying and flat iron.

So what do "Divina Latina" products have to do with YOU?

GET REWARDED:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Red Carpet Ready Every Day with Divina Latina Products that are available at CVS/pharmacy and are eligible for ExtraBucks Rewards!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Every $50 spent on Beauty Products at CVS/Pharmacy gets you $5 ExtraBucks rewards! (and I can easily spend more than $50 on my average visit to the pharmacy, like most retail locations, you go in for one thing and end up with tons of other stuff, so at least get rewarded for it!)

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" the Divina Latina Facebook Page to keep track of current promotions!

MY TAKE:

You know I always say Beauty starts from within, and at this time of year the chaos can easily make you lose track of both. So butterflies get in your daily meditation time and don't lose track of your skincare routine in all the holiday insanity. You want to prepare to start this upcoming year with good routines already in place to be the best you that you possibly can be! And with a little help from CVS and the Divina Latina Collection of Unilever Products you can take good care of the outside and be your most beautiful and radiant holiday self!

Which Unilever Brand is YOUR personal favorite Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Unilever, Divina Latina, CVS and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

#ad: Is furthering your Education part of your 2014 Long Term Goals? Find out how to score a 10K Scholarship to do just that! #spon

#ad: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Scholarships 4 Moms

I for one have been in 2014 planning mode for awhile now. Both long and short term goals are swirling around my head. From personal to professional there are a myriad of goals I have set for myself and a new year is the ideal time to begin working on them.

I worked three part time jobs and had landed a few merit scholarships to cover my College Tuition. It wasn't easy, but I know the sacrifices I made to pursue to my degree were very much worth it. Post College was a whirlwind of work and I shelved my Master's Degree dream because I was on a career path that kept me very busy.

I want to go back. I want to pursue a Master's, and I'm sure I'm not alone. I'm probably busier now then I was right after College, but despite having way more on my plate, I am not going to let anything, including this lousy economy stand in my way. I have never let any obstacle stand in the way of something I really want for myself.

5 Tips for any Adult Considering Returning to College:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Choose a Degree that is PROFITABLE - Adults have less time to experiment and knowing which Degree is 'profitable' in the long run is going to be half the battle won!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - STEM initiatives (acronym for Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are not just for younger students! Educations focusing on the Technical and Scientific Fields are actually a bit easier to find Scholarships for. I am NOT saying it will be easy to land them, but there is a bigger need especially for women in these fields and there are scholarships out there geared to students who wish to pursue a scientific or technical career!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exhaust all options as 2013 acceptance rates showed heightened School Selectivity. It's even harder for Adult returning students to compete for those Golden Acceptance Letters, you need to be creative and exhaust as many options as possible.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Consider Distance Learning. Who said the only way to get a Degree is to attend an actual campus? Your dining room table can be your study hall, with a Distance Learning Degree, College comes to YOU on your schedule whenever, wherever.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Start with what you already know - Sit with a counselor or academic advisor to find out how your real world experience may translate into credits toward your degree. Your experience and maturity is actually an ADVANTAGE not a dis-advantage!

$10,000 Scholarship 4 Moms Sweepstakes:

Exhausting every possible option for funding is just plain smart! How about the chance to win $10K to return to school?

Benefits of entering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Essay to complete!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No GPA Score Required to Participate!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Short Registration Form!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $10,000 to put toward the start of your DREAMS!

Instead of asking Why? Ask Why Not?

Are you still here?

WIN IT:

Visit HERE and enter for your chance to win $10,000 to put toward your Degree! If you are a mom all I can say is this, aside from your children, your degree is the second biggest job with sacrifices you'll ever love and NEVER regret! Go for it! (I always say before any entering any competition, check out the Official Rules first!)

MY TAKE:

As a Career and Life Coach I can tell you that a Degree is a must! Hiring Managers in this economy can be way more selective, and if you don't have a degree (as a former recruiter) I can tell you a hiring manager is going to lean toward the candidate who has that Degree!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Scholarships 4 Moms and Mom Bloggers Club. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

#ad: I get rewarded just for making someone smile, do YOU? #HallmarkCardRewards

#ad: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect.

I get rewarded just for making those I know and love smile! Just for letting them know I was thinking of them! Something I do even when it's not a particularly special occasion. I love to celebrate everyday moments and victories with friends and families, not just the major milestones! I learned the hard way last year that everyday moments are 'the special moments'! And I love the look on a friend or family member's face when I surprise them with a 'real card'. The smile on my niece or my nephew butterfly faces when I send them a card in the mail just because they got an A on a 'hard test' or won an award for team sports is priceless!

I actually get rewarded TWICE (but please don't tell them that!). The first is for the happiness that my card gives them, and the second is via Hallmark Rewards! Yes that's right, you get rewarded for buying cards! NICE, verdad? (verdad? = right?) :-) So if I go in and buy cards for co-workers, friends and family and I purchase at or about 50 individual cards (this is for individual cards, not boxed sets) I get one reward for every 5 cards I buy; so if I nab 50 cards, I'll end up with 10 rewards that I can use for either Lands End, Applebee's, Omaha Steaks and Cherry Moon Farms! Pretty sweet deal!

Get the lowdown on Hallmark Card Rewards:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get rewarded everywhere you buy Hallmark Cards at more than 30,000 grocery stores, drug stores, and supermarkets across the U.S. for selecting individual cards and NOT for boxed greetings!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earn 1 reward for every 5 Hallmark Cards Purchased. Rewards include gift cards, discounts, dollars off, and more from rewards partners including: Starbucks, Nike, Applebee's, Land's End, Omaha Steaks and many others!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Download the Hallmark Card Rewards mobile app (for Android and iPhone) to easily scan the bar-code on the back of your purchased Hallmark Cards and register your rewards for your account.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Register today for Hallmark Card Rewards at http://bit.ly/1hK3ijP

Hallmark has been a Holiday Tradition for my family as my mom would buy a new holiday ornament at various Hallmark locations during her travels in and out of the city, it's a ritual we still do to this day! We like to get collectible ornaments especially and each year we run over to get the next ornament in several series we are collecting for our tree! Our tree decorations are NOT complete until we add this year's newest store ornament!

One of our favorite types of ornaments to collect are the carousel horses, Hallmark always gets great ones and a new one each year, I have this one, it's one of my favorites:

Photo Credit: Coppertonlane.com

Another of our favorites are the Hallmark Holiday Barbie Collector's Series Ornaments, here is one I'd like to add to my growing collection:

Photo Credit: Highwire.com

Hallmark is a special part of my holidays year after year! 

BUTTERFLIES: what is your favorite gift to buy at Hallmark or do you just focus on cards? (Either Way, be sure to get rewarded for your purchases!) 

If anyone saves up enough rewards, I LOVE Applebees riblets by the way! So if you save up enough you treat to dinner OK? Wink! WInk! :-)

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FTC Disclosure: This is a compensated campaign brought to you by Hallmark and Latina Bloggers Connect. All opinions are 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.