I am Unapologetically Strong and it's my Goal to help YOU to be too! #DegreeStrong

I can't remember when exactly it was that I became aware of being strong. Of being 'Unapologetically Strong.'

Was it after battling my first bully in elementary school? Who was a big tall boy by the way, one who had everyone terrorized because his Dad worked in the school, so many people would take his abuse because they felt they had no one to tell, and that if they did, the person would certainly take his side instead of theirs. The very first time he picked on me, I gave it right back and when he challenged me to a fight that day after school. I was there. With my super long hair tied up in a bun and my face slathered with Vaseline!

Was it the male bully in my neighborhood who kept picking on me and when he hit me, I hit him on the head with my Kabangers (also known back then as Klik Klaks)? He ended up VERY sorry he hit me, if anyone had that toy they know just how deadly a weapon they actually were! (In fact injuries is the main reason that toy ended up being recalled!)

Was it losing my Grandmother, Great-Grandmother and Father in the same year?

Was it in high school when my school forced all girls into a gym class called 'modern dance' and because I refused to wear the skimpy outfit and dance around in hippie circles with plastic garbage bags and I insisted on my gym being changed so I was put in the 'weightlifting' class where I of course was the only girl in the class, is that when I realized I was Un-Apologetically Strong? Probably Not.

Or was it in College when my mom began her battle with Cancer and I was working part time with a full time course load and labs during the weekends (I was on a 'pre-med' track at that point which is why I had so many science labs on weekends) that I realized I was 'Strong'? I changed majors but kept my part time jobs and still went to the hospital every single day.

Somehow I've risen to each and every challenge life threw my way, but I started this year with my biggest one yet, being told I myself was on 'borrowed time' because a mass had been found on my Lung. And after several exploratory surgeries, (where I actually WOKE up during), and two different almost month long hospital stays in two different hospitals after the first one almost killed me via various acts of negligence, it was THEN that I realized I went beyond 'regular Strong'. It was this experience that helped me understand I truly am Unapologetically Strong.

I've spent many years being 'that' person. The one everyone comes to for help, advice, and guidance when the chips are down. The one who could solve it. The one who could figure it out. Whether it was for tech help, electronics, life advice. I was somehow everyone's life coach. The one who turned the lemons into lemonade.

From that stupid weight training class where I was the only girl, I learned that when I worked up a sweat, it made my problems disappear while I trained. And I took it all with me, well after that class whenever I was having a bad day, I'd crank up power music playlists and I'd train until my muscles felt like goo and I was drenched in sweat, then I'd jump in the shower, and go about my day. Being active has somehow always had that effect on me, when I would go horseback riding and would get to ride fast is when I felt most alive.

Right now I'm not yet allowed to resume a full workout routine, but I will get there again. Slowly but surely.

In 2009 I was looking for a site where I could find some kind of motivation and inspiration in a way that would help me truly remember it. And I couldn't find what I was looking for so I created it. I started a site that focused on affirmational breathing excercises daily. A way to 'breathe your way' into a better day. That site, Ascending Butterfly, much like me has evolved quite a bit since then, but much like me, is still the place whose mission statement is 'to seek out and share the best sources of inspiration both on and offline'.

I can tell you that Life will test your resolve and your mettle each and every single day! It's HOW you face the challenges that determine your strength. Do you keep trying? Do you keep fighting? ~ Ascending Butterfly

Graphic Reads: I won't apologize for who I am

What moment in your life made you realize that you were 'Un-apologetically Strong'?

WIN FOR SHARING: Don't just share it with us, share your unique and inspiring Unapologetically Strong story on the Degree Women® Facebook page for a chance to win a grand prize of $5,000 to spend on achieving your goal, how awesome is that? The Facebook contest runs from September 12th through September 26th.

It's like kismet that I was asked to participate in this campaign, as we have recently announced our new feature on Ascending Butterfly called 'Inspiration Corner' where we will feature someone and find out who or what inspires them! You can participate in this feature too by leaving your email (formatted for security purposes on this or the original post) and we will email you some questions! Each month we will feature someone new!

Degree® Clinical Protection Deodorant with motionSENSE™ Technology

Last year I took my first ever live Zumba class thanks to Degree® Women Deodorant with motionSENSE™ technology which you can read all about HERE. I greatly enjoyed the class, and I even got the game for the Wii so I could keep up the fun at home! And since that day which is when I first started using Degree, I switched from my old brand to Degree and have never looked back! This year I was sent a different scent to try out called 'Cotton Fresh' and I LOVE it! This deodorant really works for me, and living in this walking city I can truly work up a sweat before I even get to the gym! Trains are certainly a hot, sweaty place especially in the summer in New York City!

I'm the one all the way in the back the person right near the exit sign, this was taken last year, at my first ever live Zumba Class sponsored by Degree!

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - “like” Degree Women^® on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Degree Women^®. I received product for review and this post makes me eligible for additional incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ends 03/19 - 1 winner!

Macys Ideology It's Your Move Dance Video Contest!

Back in December of 2011 I had the chance to attend the launch of Ideology, a premiere fitness line being sold at Macy's. I had a really great time learning all about Ideology and if you missed my original post with my impressions about the line and photos from the event, click HERE. What impressed me then before having the opportunity to actually try any of the pieces, is exactly what impresses me about them now after having had the opportunity to actually try them out, they are really cut with a woman's curves in mind. As many a trip to the gym will tell you, not all workout gear is flattering, not all workout gear actually flatters your figure. Macy's Ideology line of fitness gear actually works with a woman's natural curves and are figure flattering as well comfortable. The pattern on the racerback tanks actually makes your waist appear 'cinched in' a good way. Ladies, you can now work up a sweat, and still look totally hot doing so!

Cheryl Burke, professional dancer and two time Dancing With The Stars Champion is the spokeswoman and face of the brand. Cheryl gets what it takes to make fitness clothes functional, they need to move with you, be comfortable, 'breathable', yet still trendy and fashionable. Ideology has that all on lock!

Now I'm sure you are wondering why this is a DOUBLE giveaway post right? If you have moves, and are not afraid to bring it, then Macy's has got something special for you! I'm sure my Butterfly Fashionistas are already 'liking' Macy's on Facebook, but if you are aren't, this sure may be incentive enough for you to do so. You know those wonderful fitness goals you've been working on since New Years? They just might be about to pay off. Macy's is hosting an 'It's Your Move Dance Contest' on Facebook. Cheryl Burke will determine the grand prize winner, but 5 Fan Favorites will also have a chance to win great prizes.

How it works:

1) Visit HERE on Facebook, then select a music track - You will be provided with 5 choices. Listen to each track and then decide which one you will use, download that track (no worries, it's a FREE download).

2) Here is the fun part: Choreograph and record yourself dancing to the track you selected in step 1. (It can be an individual dance or with a partner, please be sure to tell your partner you are entering a video contest!)

3) Upload your video + Fill out form and hit UPLOAD and you are good to go! But HURRY Butterflies your videos have to be uploaded by March 15th.

Grand Prize:

A VIP trip to Los Angeles including round trip airfare and accomodations for 2, where you will be Cheryl Burke's special guests at a taping of a TV show and enjoy a $1,000 ideology shopping spree!

5 Fan Favorites:

From March 16-29th, you will have a chance to vote on the videos - the top 5 videos will be awarded a $250 Ideology Shopping Spree.

Macy's Ideology Racerback Sleeveless Tank

I had the chance to try out the Sleeveless Striped Racerback Tank and the Ideology Pants Bootcut Leg Pull On, and find them super figure flattering and they make my work outs more fun and fashionable!

Macys Ideology Fitness Pants in three different lengths

Not a dancer? Not big on being on video? No worries, you don't leave here empty handed! I always take care of my butterflies! Macy's has a little something something for YOU too!

One lucky butterfly will have the option of selecting ONE tank and ONE bottom from the Ideology collection and a Yoga Mat (size and color based on in stock availability)! Check out the rafflecopter widget below to get in your entries!

Win a Weekend Getaway in Boston!

Win a Trip to Beantown!

Our good friends at Kettle Cuisine are hosting a really fun and easy contest for a chance to win a weekend getaway in Boston this Spring.  Here’s a  link where you can learn more (www.facebook.com/kettlecuisine).  The Kettle Cuisine team has also created this short video to show you how easy it is to win http://youtu.be/ySqQ4G8_uqY.  All you have to do is take a picture with any of their soup packages in a fun, interesting or every day location and post it to their facebook page.  Then you just get as many of your friends as possible to vote for your picture.  The great news is you win an amazing giftpack, just for entering. The contest is only open for a very limited time so check it out as soon as you can and come back here and post the link to your entry after you enter so the Ascending Butterfly Community can vote for you!

Contest Instructions: Snap a 'soupah' photo of a Kettle Cuisine package in fun, interesting or everyday places for a chance to win a fun filled weekend getaway to Kettle Cuisine's hometown, Boston, MA. To enter, upload your photo to their facebook page (press where it says 'soupah snapshots' on the left hand side, it's 3 down from where the picture is) between January 10, 2012 and January 31, 2012 and tell all of your friends to vote for your submission by liking your photo! (Make sure they vote early and often!) Voting will be open through February 14, 2012. Online votes will determine the top five finalists and a team of soupah smart expert judges will choose the winner.

Prize Details: Win a weekend getaway for 2 to historic Boston, Massachusetts to experience the best the city has to offer. The prize includes: Red Sox tickets (right field box seats! We’re talking 6th or 7th rows back in the ballpark!), dinner for 2 at one of the city’s finest restaurants, a ride through the city with the original Boston Duck Tours, and hotel and travel accommodations. It gets even better because everyone is a winner!  All entrants will receive an official Kettle Cuisine lunch bag! Remember: Only persons who are at least 18 years of age can enter.       

Personal Recos on Places to See and Things to Do: I absolutely LOVE Boston, and I greatly encourage you to enter this contest, you'll love visiting Boston, it's a super fun city with so much to do. Take a New England Aquarium whale watching tour while you are there, eat at Legal Seafood and you have to hang out at Jillians at least once while you are there! If you decide to visit the House of Blues out there, just don't take any pictures on the inside, they are pretty adamant and quite rude about it. Improv Boston is fun (especially with a group). The Cheers Bar is also a must visit, there are two locations. I'm not sure which hotel is part of the prize package, but I greatly enjoy The Lenox when I visit Boston. Remember these are all my personal recommendations of places to go while you are there, these are NOT part of the prize package being offered in this contest.

Souper Considerate!

OK a little pun intended here. But I just wanted to take a moment to personally thank Kettle Cuisine for a recent gesture that truly touched my heart.

When they read about my recent nightmare hospital stay, they sent me a care package box filled with assorted soups! It meant so much to me that they would take the time to do something so thoughtful, and because Kettle Cuisine soups are Gluten Free I knew there would be no conflict with my post hospital dietary restrictions.

I tried:

Angus Beef Steak Chili with Beans - A slow simmered Angus Beef Chili with a blend of Southwestern spices, red beans, ripe tomatoes, peppers and spicy green chilies.

New England Clam Chowder - Fresh Light Cream from local New England Dairies, hand shucked clams, sauteed onions and potatoes.

Southwestern Chicken and Corn Chowder - Fire grilled all natural chicken, hand-chopped fresh red and green peppers, corn chowder infused with cayenne and Southwestern Spices.

Thai Curry Chicken Soup - All natural chicken, bamboo shoots, mushrooms, bell peppers, brown rice combined with aromatic green curry, lemongrass and coconut milk in made from scratch chicken stock gives you a great Southeast Asian Flavor.

My Take:

I have tried pretty much all of Kettle Cuisine's Soups and haven't found one I don't like yet! I love that they are Gluten Free, combine all natural ingredients, come in perfectly portioned sizes, and are fast and easy to re-heat. It gives you the taste of a slow simmered soup, warm and satisfying in no time at all! The soups are also a good source of Fiber and Iron as well as protein. They are good for you, yet taste good too! And if you don't have any bread restrictions, then accompany your soup with a nice crusty bread for a great lunch or dinner.

I love the facebook contest they are currently running, a chance to visit Kettle Cuisine's hometown for the grand prize winner, and everyone gets a lunch bag to tote your Kettle Cuisine Soups to work in style!

And any company with a heart is one that will always have my loyalty, I totally appreciate the care box of love they sent me just to let me know that they were there for me!

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FTC Disclosure: I received a box of assorted Kettle Cuisine Soup to help facilitate this review. All Opinions are 100% my own. I really do love the City of Boston, and think the person who wins this contest will be very happy! I also love Kettle Cuisine Soups!

Not So Wordless Wednesday! - Ascending Butterfly Tries Zumba for the First Time {pictures}

DEGREE® GIVES WOMEN A MOTIVE TO MOVE

I was recently invited to try out Zumba Fitness for the first time at Exhale Spa in New York City by Degree Women. Yes that's right the folks behind Degree Deodorant are challenging us all to move! And as many of you already know I have already dropped 26 pounds so far this year making small Lifestyle Changes that have really added up. Last year I got to try Yoga for the first time, and this year I tried Zumba for the first time!

Exhale Spa

I thought the spa was beautiful, it's a large but warm and inviting space in Manhattan, New York City. I couldn't resist snapping this picture, I loved the quote on this t-shirt:

Just in case you can't read it very well from this photo, it reads: 'Disarm From Within' - Isn't that a great inspirational quote?

Degree and the Spa provided us with Breakfast as the class was held very held very early in the morning, check out the pretty and very zen spread:

A very zen and healthy spread was laid out for us!

Zumba!

After Breakfast, we had the chance to try out a Zumba session, and boy was it intense, super fun and got everyone sweating in no time! Below is a picture of instructor Samuel Salazar showing us all some moves! (You can practice with sam too, email him directly at zumbawithsam@aol.com)

And below is another picture of the class in progress, I'm in this picture!

I may be a little hard to spot, you can press on the pictures to open them though, I'm in the very back left of the picture posted above this caption, I am in a Turquoise Top and Black Pants.

Degree Deodorant with motionSENSE Technology

For the past week since the event I've been testing out the new Degree® Women Deodorant with motionSENSE™ technology, the only anti-perspirant formula activated directly by movement, not moisture. And I have to tell you, it's what I'd call a 'Drugstore Gem'. There are some staples that you get at the Drugstore that you say to yourself 'oh well, I can just get the brand on sale' but there are other things, that regardless of the sale price you will not change your regular brand for. I've been a Secret Deodorant user for pretty much a lifetime and switched to their clinical strength when they first launched it. I honestly have never switched from Secret (except from their regular formulation to the clinical) and now that I've tested out Degree with motionSENSE, I'm hooked. I've made the switch. It's beyond effective! And I know it's totally geeky but I like that my new deodorant has a 'technology' behind it! I will tell you this Deodorant will take what you dish out, so hit it with your best shot, be as active as possible, I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was at how well this keeps you fresh and dry effectively all day!

MotionSENSE™ Technology – The More You Move, The More it Works

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - While the average anti-perspirant/deodorant releases fragrance upon contact with sweat, Degree Women with motionSENSE™ is the only antiperspirant that starts working when women start to move, keeping women fresher for longer.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Expert Protection with motionSENSE™ keeps women protected longer than the leading anti-perspirant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Clinical Protection® with motionSENSE™ provides prescription strength wetness protection without a prescription. Seven out of ten women say they would switch to Degree® Women Fresh Energy Clinical Protection from their current anti-perspirant (count me among those seven!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Additionally, Degree Women Fine Fragrance® and Natureffects® anti-perspirants/deodorants feature motionSENSE™ technology

For more information, “Like” the Degree Women Facebook page and follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen.

Amazing GIVEAWAY Alert - Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook

Now you know I'm always on the lookout for the win/win, I like to be sure Ascending Butterfly Readers get something too, that's why I don't mind working so hard, this time even putting up a sweat to bring you back something great!

If you have seen the extra credits for our amazing Dads N Grads Month Buying Guide Giveaways, you may have noticed the Degree App extra credit entries I've offered. But you don't need to be entering our giveaways to benefit from this info and promotion!

Do you like gift cards, electronics, trips?

I kind of had a feeling you'd say that!

By registering for the Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook (facebook.com/degreewomen) or on mobile devices (m.degreewomen.com), fans can start earning motionMILES, 'virtual currency' redeemable towards chances to win thousands of prizes. These motionMILES are earned for various ways women move, including checking in with Facebook places and logging activities. Earning motionMILES is easy - eligible activities include going to the gym, taking Zumba® or yoga classes and various other activities women already do, like grocery shopping or catching the bus. Fans can also earn motionMILES by answering daily trivia questions on the Facebook application, inviting friends to “Get into the Move,” and even logging in daily. I have FIVE EXTRA MOTION MILES for YOU! Enter the Code GetMoving031 (that is the number zero, not the letter 'o') after you register where it says 'Enter Code', this code will get you Five Extra motionMILES that you can trade in for instant win prizes, weekly prizes or even the amazing Grand Prize Trip Prizes! (If you enter the code, I have a shot at a prize too!)

Once earned, fans can use motionMILES for a shot at winning instant prizes by spinning the prize wheel or by entering weekly and grand prize sweepstakes. Prizes include a surfing trip in Hawaii, designer shoes, gift certificates for Zumba classes and much more. Fans can also choose to donate motionMILES in a dollar amount to one of two charities: The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Girls in The Game.

“Women partake in infinite daily actions. In fact, the average woman moves 5,000 times a day,” explains Mike Dwyer, Director of Marketing for deodorants at Unilever. “With Degree’s new motionSENSE™ technology, the more you move, the more it works. We took that same idea and created a rewards program for our fans to get into the move and reward them with motionMILES - the more they earn, the more chances they have to win. What a way to put our product to the test!”

Dance for motionMILES with Zumba Fitness

To help women earn motionMILES, Degree Women has partnered with the largest dance-fitness company in the world, Zumba fitness. Coined the “fitness party,” the Zumba program blends contagious and easy-to-follow choreographies with upbeat international music, from the hottest award-winning producers, to provide an effective total-body workout. Fans can win Zumba fitness prizes through the “Get into the Move” application and earn motionMILES by taking Zumba classes at participating fitness clubs.

“To help women get in the move, we are breaking down signature Zumba moves that will be featured on the Degree Women Facebook page,” explains Beto, creator of the Zumba program. “You don’t have to be a dancer to master the moves, just be ready to get lost in the music and have your own exhilarating Zumba fitness party; it’s all about the fun!”

My first Zumba Class ever was super fun, and I can't wait to try it again, thanks Degree Women for giving me a great way to get moving and keep up the momentum, now I want the Zumba Fitness Game for Wii (so if the lovely folks at Majesco Entertainment want to send me this game to try out, I'd be totally open to it!)

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FTC Disclosure Info: NO monetary compensation was received, This is a NON-compensated post. I was invited to a Zumba Fitness Class, fed and given a gift bag with samples for my review consideration, I was under NO obligation to post. If my motionMILES code is used, I will gain additional entries into a giveaway for a chance to win a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Transparency is everything! :)