Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall. Show all posts

Friday, October 29, 2021

Don't forget it is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at New York Botanical Garden this weekend! Here is a Video Journey with major #Fall and #Pumpkin Vibes! #HalloweenWeekend @NYBG

This month, I have been sharing my experiences at the Kusama: Cosmic Nature exhibit at New York Botanical Garden, here is the link to my last post: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2021/10/catch-kusama-cosmic-nature-at-new-york.html

and a fun one from 2017 that gives you more Halloween and Pumpkin Vibes: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2017/10/check-out-giant-pumpkin-weekend-this.html

The artist, Yayoi Kusama utilizes polka dots to cover and conceal people, animals, the environment and pretty much everything around. She uses the polka dots as a metaphor of giving up identity, abolishing uniqueness, and becoming one with the universe-or "self-obliteration".

One of the most striking pieces on exhibit is called "Starry Pumpkin". A 2-meter tall sculpture whose surface is composed of a shimmering mosaic of blue and white squares that are neatly aligned in parallel rows, the iridescent blue tiles sparkle and gleam and give off colors fluctuating between shades of violet, emerald, and indigo according to the available light.

As I mentioned last week I have been using the On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software program to breathe new life into my photos. Travel and Photography are my passion and while I am happy to spend hours editing one photo, I know most people don't have the patience for it and want an editing software that will allow them to achieve a desired look with ease and in much less time.

Last week I posted a picture of the sculpture "I want to fly to the Universe" this is the very first piece you see when entering the garden through the main entrance (this is assuming you don't veer off to go straight to the Enid Haupt Conservatory instead). I posted my original un-edited photo and then another using On1's AI which auto formats the photo for you.

I wanted to do the same this week focusing on the piece entitled Starry Pumpkin. I compiled the shots into a video so you could view them with more ease and a bit less scrolling. I take you through the sculpture as you first see it, hidden a bit behind the plants and flowers, then as you approach it and another from a third angle. I don't want you to think you are going nuts, you will see my original photo, then one where I use the AI and Noise Removal AI on each photo and a third photo of each angle using a preset called "Golden Autumn" - I stuck with preset 'G6' for all of these - and with the exception of one where I made minor edits to the final outcome of the preset - I wanted to give you an overview of this particular piece and one very happy 'accident'! On the final slide of the video slideshow of photos I use one of my photos to make a Halloween Card. I got nit picky and wanted to edit some of the blemishes on the pumpkins where I planned to place text, apparently a slip of my clumsy hands  and not paying attention to which tool was selected, turned some of the pumpkins a bit of a teal hue - it wasn't on purpose but I really liked the result and left it in!

Also 1 of 13 children have allergies, if you see a teal pumpkin when you are taking the kids trick-or-treating it means that home is offering allergy free options that are safe for children with allergies. I'm kind of glad I ended up with some teal pumpkins in the final edit.

NOTE: PRESS THE SQUARE ON THE LOWER RIGHT HAND OF THE VIDEO TO MAKE IT FULL SCREEN HD. (JUST HIT ESC KEY WHEN YOU ARE DONE AND YOU WILL COME BACK TO THE POST AUTOMATICALLY)




My Take:

Unfortunately with Covid very much still being a buzz 'kill' this exhibit didn't get the foot traffic or word of mouth it truly deserved, it was a feast for the eyes and it was fun seeing the art on exhibit in the library as well. I even met a 'camera twin' - in this age of every photo being taken on a cellphone I am always excited to see a photographer shooting with a DSLR. I met one shooting with my same exact camera (Nikon) and someone shooting with my former camera (Canon) although I hesitate a bit to say former because I still like shooting with it, it is just a bit heavy for me these days.

I wish my surgeries this summer and one this fall didn't keep me from seeing the exhibit sooner.

This is Giant Pumpkin Weekend at the New York Botanical Garden - so if your Instagram feed needs a pop of fall color and pumpkin goodness (no not just a photo of your pumpkin spice latte) then you need to hit up the Garden this weekend. And even though I didn't snap any pictures of  them (because not cool), I love seeing families taking photos of their babies with the pumpkins!

I am not the greatest with step-by-step tutorials, but I am trying to get better at it. However, I will tell you something very contrary to popular photographer opinion: "The AUTO Setting on your DSLR camera is NOT the devil". Not everyone has the luxury of setting up every shot they take, not all public spaces are easy to navigate with a tripod or don't allow them, not to mention carry full on lighting. While I am trying to get better at memorizing exposure speeds and shuffling quickly to get the light right, I want you to know getting a photo that means something to you is getting what I call 'life' from it - yes even from plants or flowers. Your technical skills can be on point but if you don't have an eye for it, they won't take you very far. And Photo Editing software is your friend. It's obviously more complex than your social filters, but I found On1's AI gives you the feeling of using a filter but with richer results with more detail and depth.

By all means continue to improve your skills, but there is nothing wrong with the Auto setting and post processing either! ;)

And stay tuned Butterflies, your chance to win your own copy of On1 Raw 2022 Photo Editing Software is coming up very soon! This year my Holiday Buying Guide will be focused on thoughtful gifts for (aspiring or pro) Photographers!  Get your photo on!


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. 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. On1 Photo Editing software and passes to the exhibit were provided for Editorial Purposes but no monetary compensation has been received.

Friday, October 1, 2021

Friday Funny: The Hello October Meme that breaks the internet every year! #FridayVibes #FridayMood #FridayHumor #Meme

As a horror movie fanatic, this meme never fails to make me laugh:


I am so happy Fall is here! Leaves are changing color, it's not too hot or cold during the day, cozy sweaters are coming out of storage and soon I will have all the excuses to put on cute booties and boots! While I was born in April and technically am a "Spring Baby" - Fall is definitely my favorite season!

Hopefully you will be greeting October with a giggle after having viewed this silly meme!

Readers Sound Off: What are your Fall Plans? What is your Favorite Horror Movie? (I still have all my original - now probably considered 'vintage' Freddy Kreuger Posters!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, 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 & Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. Things that lure this butterfly out of her cocoon: Technology, Travel, Fashion, Beauty, Spirits (Sparkling, Champagne, Prosecco, Sake, Bourbon, Tequila, Craft Brews), and Foodie Fun - really, I'm such a *simple girl*.

Friday, October 20, 2017

Check out Giant Pumpkin Weekend THIS WEEKEND at @NYBG #NYBG #NewYorkBotanicalGarden

Wishing all my butterflies the richness and comforts of Fall and a bountiful harvest at your table!

To all my New York City Butterflies and those of you who might be in town this weekend, I have a fun way to enjoy the colors of Fall and enjoy some awesome photo opps that are definitely Instagram worthy, it's Giant Pumpkin Weekend at NYC landmark New York Botanical Gardens THIS WEEKEND ONLY! It's also your last chance to catch the Dale Chihully Exhibit that I have been featuring on these pages all summer! (We gave away a pair of tickets to Chihully Nights at the Garden HERE - remember that giveaway is now CLOSED, and I featured the exhibit again when I realized after perusing my photo collection from the Media Day that my outfit actually matched one of the installations in the exhibit HERE) Here are some great shots from the last wine tasting I attended at NYBG, HERE.

I normally try to arrange a giveaway, but there was no time this time around so I will try to work on something for the Train Show.

What you will see:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Record-Breaking Pumpkins, Squashes and Gourds - arranged in collaboration with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth, the recognized standard of weights, measurement, and fairness of competitive growing. This year’s North American record breaker, weighing 2,363 pounds, was grown by Joel Holland from Washington state. Also on display will be the world’s largest squash at 2,118 pounds from Rhode Island; the largest European pumpkin, from England, at 2,269 pounds; and the longest gourd in the United States, from Wisconsin, at 143.75 inches.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Meet the Growers - You can ask questions and get tips directly from these talented growers!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Giant Pumpkin Seed Harvest - Members of the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth will be opening these monstrous gourds and actually climbing inside to harvest their impressive seeds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Whole Foods Market Trick-or-Treat Trail - Wear your favorite costume, decorate a bag to collect wholesome goodies while you enjoy this weekend of hands-on activities and special events.

Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens
 Above: Everett Children's Adventure Garden, New York Botanical Gardens


Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd

The sign reads:

"Speckled Swan Bottle Gourd" (Lagenaria Siceria)

Look at the silhouette of this uniquely shaped gourd to see features reminiscent of a swan's neck
Ghost Bush
Above: Isn't this the CUTEST Ghost Bush Ever?
pineapple-o-lantern
Above: He's a unique sort of 'pineapple-o-lantern' isn't he?
LARGE pumpkin
Above: That is quite a LARGE pumpkin!

Above: I have no idea why my blog template makes this shot so small, please press on it to see it a big bigger and capture more detail on the rock.
Enjoy butterflies you all know just how camera shy I am!
Above: More jack-o-lantern spooky cuteness!


Pumpkin Patch
Above: I love how that ray of sunlight on the left just breaks through the greenery and looks like it's pointing at the pumpkin patch!
Not just one, but TWO shots of me in one post, SHOCKING!

WINNER ALERT: Our lucky winner for the 24 count of assorted truffles from Elements Truffles is Julie Waldron, entry #621! Congrats Julie! Don't forget to reply to your winner's email with your address for prize fulfillment! She won from an extra credit entry, I always encourage entrants to do more than just the main entry, see it really pays off! (Just a warning we validate entries, so if the randomizer picks someone for example for following on twitter or Instagram, we are going to make the sure the person actually did it before we validate them as a prize winner - you can't cheat the system). Enjoy your truffles Julie!

What are YOUR Halloween Plans? If you do visit New York Botanical Garden for Giant Pumpkin Weekend this Weekend, please tag us so we can see your photos! @Ascending1 for both twitter and Instagram!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. 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.

Wednesday, October 18, 2017

{#WordlessWednesday} #TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty #ContestEntry

#TrickorTreat #pumpkinspice #Polyvore #FashionablyNaughty


Featuring:


It's been a seriously long time since I have had a moment to get on Polyvore, get inspired, and make some boards, their recent #PumpkinSpice Challenge caught my eye and I thought I would give it my New York City Gal Leather Loving edge with a leather jacket, statement boots with orange patent leather accents and what is a butterfly post without a statement handbag right? Check out this hot number by Givenchy. (And yes butterflies, I know our Featured Handbag in the Spotlight Feature is MIA, I am working on returning that much beloved Feature as soon as possible).

Those all Vamp Halloween Nails are literally EVERYTHING!

This all treats no tricks butterfly style.

GIVEAWAY ALERT: To add to our 'treat' theme, don't forget that today is the LAST DAY to enter our hot flash giveaway for a 24 count box of Assorted Chocolate Truffles from Elements Truffles. These are Ayurveda inspired, junk free and even dairy free and I can assure you they are flavorful, delicious and do taste 'decadent'! If you haven't already entered, enter HERE! If you have already entered, don't forget to share via your social media channels for extra credit entries. (Our last contest winner, selected by randomizer won from her twitter entry! I keep telling you all it pays to tweet!)

I have an event packed day so our Women's Entrepreneur Series will return next Wednesday, and come back tomorrow for some #TechTalk you are not going to want to miss.

What are YOUR Halloween Plans?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored or compensated post. Polyvore Boards let you link to the brands pictured, the links are NOT affiliate either. The giveaway we are currently hosting that is referenced in this article is sponsored by Elements Truffles, all opinions are 100% my own! Personally I think every brand mentioned should be paying me big bucks. 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.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Change Your Clock Change Your Battery - Energizer Smoke Alarm and Battery Giveaway

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Energizer! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!
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I am very grateful that our dear friends at Energizer sent me a very important reminder, that Daylight-saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 7th! I will admit I had completely forgot about it, and probably would have freaked out Monday morning when I got up at the wrong time and cheated myself out of that sweet hour of extra sleep when we 'fall back'. (I still use the 'fall back' and the 'spring ahead' rhyme to remember which way I'm turning the clock, and sadly I can't even cite 'mommy brain' as an excuse!)

What will you be doing with that extra hour? More Sleep? Meditation Maybe?

Sunday, Nov. 7, also marks the 23rd anniversary of the Change Your Clock Change Your Battery® program, created by Energizer and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), which reminds people to check and change the batteries in their smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors during the fall time change. This message is simple, and the habit can be lifesaving. Forty percent of fatal fire injuries occur in homes without working smoke alarms, while 23 percent occur in homes in which at least one smoke alarm is present but fails to operate.*

Secondly, you can spend your extra hour spreading good in your neighborhood. More than 80 percent of local fire departments are staffed by volunteers. Energizer and the IAFC are encouraging people to use their extra hour volunteering to make a change in their community.

A few years ago there was a fire in our apartment complex and it was the quick thinking of a neighbor who made sure he banged on everyone's door after calling the fire department that helped to alert everyone. Unfortunately being on the upper floor, by the time I got downstairs the smoke was brutal, and a firefighter had to actually put me inside his jacket and help me out of the building which was already dark and extremely smoky!
 
I think to myself often that the whole nightmare evening could have been prevented if that apartment had a working smoke alarm.
 
The after effects of that night included all doors and locks having to be repaired, water and fire damage and countless other damage that was preventable!
 
So needless to say when I learned about this campaign, I felt it was incredibly important to remind readers that you really should use Daylight Savings as a reminder to change the batteries in your alarm and most importantly TEST it, make sure it is working properly. What you may think is a battery change, might be a need to replace it, so just don't change the batteries in the alarm without actually testing it!
 
Each year, Energizer donates 200,000 batteries to help local fire departments nationwide. This year everyone has the chance to help double the donations, up to 400,000 batteries. Visit the CYCCYB tab on the Energizer Bunny Facebook page, and pledge to change your smoke alarm batteries, share the life-saving Change Your Clock Change Your Battery message with others and create your family’s home escape plan so you have an exit plan in place. Each action will trigger a donation of batteries!


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Energizer would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with (1) First Alert Smoke Alarm, along with a 2-pack of 9 volt Energizer Max batteries.

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 Mandatory Comment Entry: (2) Have you ever experienced  fire in your home? (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.

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 Thursday, November 04, 2010 until Sunday, November 07, 2010 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 - 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!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly First Alert Smoke Alarm and @energizerbunny batteries #Giveaway  http://tinyurl.com/2fxwzuk

(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.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @EnergizerBunny on Twitter

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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Energizer on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me) HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another 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! Ascending Butterfly needs your votes! I really want to be NatureMade's Good Mood Blogger, please rock the vote for me daily here (voting for me daily nets you daily extra credit, talk about quid pro quo! I thank you in advance for your support!):

Vote for Me
Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

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)



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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding Energizer are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review & giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

*Statistics provided by the National Fire Prevention Association

Monday, November 1, 2010

Today's Words of Inspiration - Only 60 Days Left!


Photo Credit: @funscrape

Are You Ready?

Did you know that there are only 60 days left to the end of the year? We are slowly approaching a time of year that should signal slowing down, spending time with loved ones, yet many of us find ourselves even busier ever! There is always so much to be done, and it seems like the stores usher us straight from one holiday to the next with no pause in between.

How was your Halloween weekend? Did you dress up? (If you have a link to your pictures, please share them!) I hope you remembered to take a moment and enter our fun Halloween giveaway with 1800Baskets.com, if you didn't there is still time, Enter by clicking HERE!

Today's Challenge: Get Your Spirit Ready for this new season!

Remember to give yourself your some time to get your spirit ready for the new season ahead. You need to make your inner house just as ready as your physical house! I know many people cut back on 'me-time', on meditation, yoga, workouts or spiritual walks because of the extra demands of the season, increased work hours, extra shopping, do it yourself projects in the home, and then feel over-worked and over-wraught during the holidays. That frazzled feeling takes away from the fun!

So don't cut back on those things that do your heart and your emotional well-being so much good! It is during this season that you need those things more than ever!

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 'I affirm today that I will ready my inner house before my outer one to ready myself for an exciting new season ahead!'
"Autumn is a second spring where every leaf is a flower." ~ Albert Camus

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about profound and powerful changes in your life.

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!

Twitter : re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field:

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration and Great #Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx


Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed

Active Giveaways! Hurry Enter NOW!

1) Ends 11/02 - Dunkin Donuts Flavored Coffee - Review and Giveaway! Enter HERE

2) Ends 11/08 - 3 Baskets for 3 Winners! Review and Giveaway with 1800baskets.com! Enter HERE

3) Coming Soon: Don't forget the Holiday Buying Guide will be launching in November (11/15), and our book club returns too!

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Friday, October 29, 2010

3 Baskets for 3 Winners! Review and Giveaway with 1800Baskets.com! Ends 11/08

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor 1800Baskets.com! We look forward to working with you again! The winners are Alisa, @JessieNuez and bdiane34. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!
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KNOCK! KNOCK! TRICK OR TREAT !


As promised butterflies, it's an 'All Treats and No Tricks' Halloween Weekend at Ascending Butterfly! Our friends at 1800Baskets.com are back with a very special and super fun giveaway! Join me in the pumpkin patch while I wait for the great pumpkin! Casa de Butterfly has been having tons of fun road testing great treats and here's our report:


Photo Credit @ 1800Baskets

12 ct of the Fall Leaves Chocolate Dipped Strawberries - These were super yummy! The strawberries were HUGE and bursting with fresh strawberry goodness! My fave in the variety are the dark chocolate dipped. And these go really well with champagne, just saying! It's starting to get chilly here in the Northeast, which means more time spent indoors, this is a perfect indoor treat for you and that special someone! Because this is a fresh fruit delivery it requires overnight shipping, so keep that in mind when you order it.

Now when you think of fruit you think of two other things, cheese and nuts! What is your favorite? My favorite is definitely Cashews! If anyone figures out why you can't stop at a few of them, please let me know! Are you attending any Fall parties and want a thoughtful hostess gift? If you were coming over to my house, I'd love this:

Photo Credit @ 1800Baskets

Vintage Pressed Glass Jar with Jumbo Cashews - These were great. They were just the right amount of salty, they were whole not halves, and when they say JUMBO they mean jumbo, most important, they were soft, don't you hate when you bite into a cashew and it's so hard that you are afraid you might crack a tooth? I love the jar and will definitely be re-purposing it once I run out of the cashews! So it's really a two for the price of one kind of gift! And the chocolate plaid bow adornment would make it a very guy friendly gift also, send them straight to his office as a fall surprise! (Just don't send 'manflowers' to go with it, save those for when he gets home!)

While I always love working with 1800Baskets and try my best not to pick favorites, I did decide to save the best for last this time. This basket is by far the perfect centerpiece for a Fall Table. It's perfect for Thanksgiving and for the Holidays. And would totally make an excellent Hostess gift as well if you are a guest at a Fall gathering. There is something about the Corncupia shape that just speaks 'bounty' and reminds me immediately of a big Thanksgiving meal shared with Family and Friends!

Photo Credit @ 1800Baskets


Cornucopia of Fruit Gift Basket - The selection in this basket includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cornucopia Basket
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Comice Pears
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 Bosc Pear
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Fuji Apples
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 Granny Smith Apple
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Navel Oranges
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8oz Cheddar Cheese
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1.5oz Toasted Seasoned Almond Halves
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3oz Pistachios
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Net wt. 8lbs

I absolutely loved this basket, and will be ordering a few as gifts for sure! It is filled completely no empty spots, you won't feel cheated or that it had more filler than content. It's chock full of delicious fruit, nuts, and cheese! I also hate when I get a basket that includes very few things I actually consume, this basket is a 100% winner!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at 1800Baskets.com would like to provide 3 Ascending Butterfly Followers with a Fall Treat of their own, you win what I tried! I can assure you it's all treats and no tricks here at Ascending Butterfly! We are mixing this one up in honor of Halloween. We will select one google follower, one twitter follower and one facebook follower! (Remember the, twitter and facebook follower must also be a google follower!) Each person will receive one of the items listed above! The first person to respond to their winner notification will receive the Corncupia Basket, the second winner the 12ct chocolate dipped strawberries and the third winner to respond to their notification will receive the Cashew Nuts! We are in no way requiring you to become a Facebook Follower or Twitter Follower of ours or the sponsor (although we would love it if you did!), you can opt to only to do a main entry as a google follower and will still have the same chances as an entrant using the other methods to win!

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 Mandatory Entry: (2) Visit 1800baskets.com look through the list of Fall Baskets and link me to any basket other than the three listed above! (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.

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, October 29, 2010 until Monday, November 08, 2010 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 - 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!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the spirit of Halloween fun, how about an extra credit for sharing your favorite scary movie? (Some of my faves include Nightmare on Elm Street, The Excorcist, and Terror Train!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly No Tricks all Treats #Halloween #Giveaways with @1800baskets, 3 winners! - http://tinyurl.com/2c2skzj

(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.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @1800baskets on Twitter

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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow 1800baskets.com on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me) HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another 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! Ascending Butterfly needs your votes! I really want to be NatureMade's Good Mood Blogger, please rock the vote for me daily here (voting for me daily nets you daily extra credit, talk about quid pro quo! I thank you in advance for your support!):

Vote for Me
Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

My site was nominated for Best Blog About Stuff!

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)


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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding 1800baskets are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review & giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Wordless Wednesday - The leaves are changing colors!



It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, there is a cool, crisp breeze that requires a chunky sweater and your favorite Fall Boots! I've had this picture for ever, and I guess I have to credit Microsoft because it came as a wallpaper option with one of my computers!

What are your favorite signs of Fall?

What changes do you wish to create this season?

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

Sunday, September 12, 2010

This week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great Giveaways!


On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you read this weekend's inspirational posts, you know that the first thing I am grateful about this weekend, is the fact that I got to greet it. The memory of 09/11, and the fact that I was supposed to be in the Towers makes it especially important for me to count my blessings this weekend!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The onset of Fall is making me very happy, the heat and humidity is slowly dropping, and the days have been perfect for long walks and time spent with friends before the onset of winter!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Music, I've been listening to it and enjoying it more than usual lately! (Which for me is great, my very inconsiderate neighbors have been sucking the joy of hearing music from me because they always play it so loud, that for the most part I tend to just crave silence! I forgot just how much I was missing music!)

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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Active Giveaways:

1) ENDING SOON: Ends 09/14 - "Fall Into Bags' - Elliott Lucca's Granada Trapezoid Satchel in Twilight Giveaway! HERE

2) Ends 09/17 - Back to School with Play-Doh Sesame Street Shape & Spin Elmo Playset Giveaway! ! HERE

3) Coming Soon: The Return of the The Ascending Butterfly Book Club!

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Keep your eyes on the homepage's 'Win Here - Today's Butterfly' section we have more great giveaways to come! (And we are working on our Holiday Buying Guide! so Stay Tuned!)

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and a direct link to purchase it:















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

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

Sunday, September 5, 2010

This weeks 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great Giveaways!







I hope everyone is enjoying the long weekend. Happy Labor Day Weekend Butterflies! On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For Fall! I love Fall, the heat of summer starts to wane, there isn't as much rain as Spring and it's cool but not cold like Winter. It's my favorite season! Soon cozy sweaters and favorite fashion boots will come out the closet to play! Fall for me is cashmere, leather boots and new clean notebooks and pens just filled with possibility! Crisp air, changing leaves, what's not to love?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fall also means a switch recipe wise as well. Favorite comfort meals that are just too time consuming or make the kitchen too hot during summer will finally make their way into my grocery shopping list and back on my plate! :-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And an admittedly guilty pleasure of fall? some of my favorite TV shows are coming back! Dexter anyone?

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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 09/14 - "Fall Into Bags' - Elliott Lucca's Granada Trapezoid Satchel in Twilight Giveaway! HERE

2) Ends 09/07 - Smashbox Brow Tech Trio Review and Giveaway! HERE

3) Coming Soon: Back To School Giveaway with PlayDoh!

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


Keep your eyes on the homepage's 'Win Here - Today's Butterfly' section we have more great giveaways to come! (And we are working on our Holiday Buying Guide! so Stay Tuned!)

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and a direct link to purchase it:















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

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