A warning to always use your gift cards immediately even if it reads 'gift card never expires' - don't trust @silpadadesigns

I have been sending and receiving gift cards for ages now, I tend to stick to stores whose gift certificates never expires and better still can be stacked like Macy's and Amazon.

I won a gift certificate from Silpada Designs from a Pinterest Contest. The win included a piece of jewelry from a current collection and a gift card to the site. I hadn't found anything I was looking for to use it on until recently and when I went to use it the website would not take it. Please note I have checked the site on a regular business and never once did I see a 'going out of business' notification.

I reached out to their customer service, but did not get a response of course until I reached out via social media. Apparently most companies don't care about customer service unless it is on Social Media where cancel culture can find them and call them out.

I finally get an answer yesterday and they tell me despite the fact that their gift certificates 'never expire' this particular one was issued under 'previous ownership' so they refuse to honor it despite the fact it has NOT been used, is not a partial amount and the information they requested from me was sent including sending them a photo of the gift certificate. I included the photo above, I redacted the gift card number although I guess I didn't have to since even if someone copied it and tried to use it they would have no luck anyway!

I even left in the fact that they spelled my last name wrong. (which I actually did ask to have corrected when I got in the mail)

I have been super busy lately and haven't even had the time to put up a holiday buying guide yet this year, but this truly got me so angry that I couldn't help but write about it.

For full disclosure I will let you know they offered me a 30% discount code. I already had that from browser attachments that I use to find me deals and discount codes before I check out my cart with any retailer. So they are in essence stealing $100 dollars from me and think I want a discount code that is widely found on the web as a what a 'consolation prize'? 

Instead of using it and using my good money to reward their bad behavior, especially during the holiday season, I thought I would write this article instead and prevent someone from going through the same thing!

DO NOT ENTER A SILPADA CONTEST WITH A GIFT CARD TO THEIR SITE AS A PRIZE. DO NOT BUY SOMEONE A SILPADA GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE. AND IF YOU RECEIVE A GIFT CARD FROM THEM DURING THE HOLIDAYS USE IT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THEY TANK AND CHANGE OWNERS AS THE NEW OWNERS WON'T HONOR THEIR GIFT CARDS. THEY GET THE CON ARTIST/SHEISTER AWARD OF 2022 FROM THIS SITE!

Readers Sound Off: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A RETAILER NOT HONOR YOUR GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE? IF SO, PLEASE LET US KNOW WHICH ONES SO WE CAN ALL BE CAREFUL.

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. This is not a sponsored post. It is however a warning to the wise that Silpada Designs has zero honor/integrity. And as this is my personal experience with them and I have the receipts to prove it, it is not libel. I do have an attorney, most bloggers this day and age should. 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. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

{CLOSED} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 11/15

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Wilsons Leather! We look forward to working with you again! The Winner is: Big Happy Buddha (We Post Winner Site Usernames for privacy purposes). Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #1 brought to you by:

By now Wilsons Leather is no stranger to Ascending Butterfly readers, they've hosted a few Featured Handbag in the Spotlights for us (see HERE and HERE for reminders). I'm not even sure there are new words I can use to express the lifelong love affair I've had with Wilsons Leather. I've been shopping there ever since I was a teen, first at my local mall, and now online. I have purchased quite a few handbags and leather blazers from Wilsons and have always been happy with the quality, and how well everything wears and retains their beauty over time. I have purchased gifts from Wilsons that the recipients still have and very much enjoy and treasure.

This year my favorite winter jacket needed replacing (I have a hard time letting go of favorite pieces and this was one of them), it had not only seen better days, but even the lining was beyond repair, well when your favorite tailor tells you it's time to let something go and not even bother trying to repair it, you know it's time.

I knew that the only place I could trust with finding a replacement was Wilsons. And no surprise I found a jacket I loved.

Pelle Studio Smooth Lamb Belted Jacket w/ Thinsulate Zip-Out Lining

Front View @2011 Wilsons Leather

Back View @2011 Wilsons Leather

I started with Wilson's Images of the Jacket because the pro shots will give you more detail!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shell: Genuine leather; Lining: 100% polyester

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-Out Liner: Front/Back, 100% polyester; Fill /Thinsulate™

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Full-zip front with snap overlay; stand-up collar

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Attached cuff tabs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On-seam hand pockets

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical strip down front seams; removable tie belt at waist

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-out quilted Thinsulate™ lining

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remember: When cleaning is necessary send to a special leather cleaner only

The jacket arrived at a perfect time as many fellow east coasters know we got a very snowy Halloween here in NYC (many called it #snowtober on twitter), and it's been chilly since! I wore it recently to a holiday event at the Disney Store, here I am with Mickey & Minnie and my mama butterfly, I am standing closest to Minnie, and I'm wearing my new jacket in the photo below:

Ascending Butterfly second to left near Minnie Mouse wearing Wilsons Pelle Studio Jacket!

 My Take:

I love the zip out thinsulate lining, it allows me to remove it in Spring or Fall, and then put it back in once the weather gets colder (much like it is NOW!). I love the details on this jacket, especially the way that the back stitching tapers in the back of the jacket, it truly accentuates the waist, which is where we normally curve in, so it's very flattering!

I've been wearing Wilsons for years and I already know to size up, but if you read the reviews many people are kind enough to provide their height and measurements, and you will see from petites to plus it's better to order one size up. I did that, I could have easily fit the size down from the one I ordered, but I know full well, especially in winter I will be wearing it over bulky sweaters, or sometimes even sweaters and cardigans and I wanted to be sure that I had enough room, it's actually slightly big on me, but as it gets colder and my sweaters get bigger, I know I'll be super happy I sized up.

Wilsons Leather carries all sizes and has a great variety in plus size, which I definitely appreciate, I love my curves and I love shopping brands that cater to them! :)

They have a great variety of gifts, mens and women's outwear, handbags and accessories (BTW, there are several Kindle cases on sale you might want to snatch up, especially if you are getting someone special a Kindle this year), they also have an amazing assortment of Leather Cases, Duffels & Suitcases for business and travel as well as great outwear for kids! Right now the entire site is 50% off, it's literally a one stop Holiday shop, with Handbags currently 60% off on select styles, what are you waiting for?

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Wilsons Leather would like to give 1 lucky winner a $100 Wilsons Gift Card so you can select the item of your choosing!

Don't you just ♥ Wilsons Leather? 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: Visit Wilsons Leather and link us to anything other than the Pelle Studio Lamb Leather Jacket with zip out thinsulate lining that catches your eye!  (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 Saturday, November 05, 2011 until Tuesday, November 15, 2011 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 all things coats, tell me about your all time favorite coat, was it a cute coat you had as a kid, or something more recent?

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 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 (this is Ascending Butterfly's new account, we will soon be hosting twitter parties which necessitates having a second account so you can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @wilsonsleather on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @wilsonsleather $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card #Giveaway! Ends 11/15  http://tinyurl.com/3hxazkr

(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 - 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 Wilsons Leather on Facebook HERE (Tell them which item you are trying to win on 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, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field 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 -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 - 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:  The Pelle Lamb Jacket was provided for review free of charge. No monetary compensation has been received. 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.

Clarisonic Review and $200 B-Glowing Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 05/10

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor B-Glowing! 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!

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

Ascending Butterfly's Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide Giveaway, brought to you by:

The newest weapon in my beauty arsenal is the Clarisonic Skin Care Brush! I am as skeptical as most when I read about a product yielding 'instant results', and since I have acne prone skin, I was actually a bit fearful this would exacerbate oil production and make my skin oilier.

I was genuinely amazed with Clarisonic after my very FIRST use. I found my skin felt cleaner than ever. That level of clean that you feel after a fancy spa facial, where they steamed your skin, exfoliated it, massaged it and you lay down in a zen room with a facial mask on....

I am still a natural skeptic, so I decided to give it the 'toner test'. I have a favorite toner that I use as a second step after cleansing my face. That toner manages to find gunk that I didn't know was there, and the cottonball never lies. After using my Clarisonic the very FIRST time, I decided to wait a bit, and then use my toner. The cottonball was spotless, my skin was deep down clean. And felt amazing.

I have used it twice a day for 2 weeks now, and the level of clarity in my skin, the even-texture and tone, the brightness and luminosity from within is very much noticeable. I require much less moisturizer and toner and have not experienced one breakout since using it. I'm actually amazed by the transformation I have experienced with my skin since using my Clarisonic.

Clarisonic Skin Care Brush

Clarisonic Clarisonic CLASSIC White Skin Care Brush
From: b-glowing

Ladies what Sonicare did for the toothbrush, Clarisonic does for the skin! It leaves your face feeling smooth, soft, almost polished. Your makeup will go on more evenly, and it is safe for even sensitive skin!

B-Glowing sells more than just Clarisonic Products, they are literally a one stop beauty shop, that also sells those hard to find products that are not always available in your neighborhood!

Clarisonic Deets:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The sonic frequency moves Clarisonic's soft, gentle brush back and forth at more than 300 times per second, thoroughly clearing pores and skin surface.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Creates noticeably healthier looking skin.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ideal for all skin types and used and recommended by leading dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gentle enough to use for cleansing rosacea and sebborheic dermatitis.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Classic comes with a 2 year warranty! 

My Take

I love b-glowing, when I truly want to indulge - be it my skincare or haircare, they have everything I love to use regularly, and I can certainly lose track of time doing some virtual window shopping from some of the most sought after cosmetic brands in the industry! They feature Globally Conscious Products, and just like shopping in store many of their brands offer a complimentary gift with purchase. All orders receive 3 free samples in their signature organza bag with a thank you card and free shipping on purchases over $75. You can get the department store perks, while shopping in the comfort of your own home, how entirely awesome is that?

Only bad thing ladies, is you could actually lose track of time looking through all the goodies they sell! (Much like in the Department Store!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at B-Glowing have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will win a b-glowing Gift Certificate - $200.00 Gift Certificate

So you can get a Clarisonic of your own, or any other product they sell that your heart desires!

Don't you just ♥ B-Glowing? 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- Visit B-Glowing and then Link us to any item you like other than the Clarisonic! (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 Tuesday, May 03, 2011 until Tuesday, May 10, 2011 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 Mother's Day Fun share with us your favorite advice that your mom has given you! (and yes, if you were not raised by your mom, you can share with us the best wisdom received by the person who did raise you!)

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 @bglowingcom on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter (this is Ascending Butterfly's new account, we will soon be hosting twitter parties which necessitates having a second account so we can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @Clarisonic Review and @bglowingcom $200 Gift Certificate #beauty #Giveaway! Ends 05/10 http://tinyurl.com/3apufv8

(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 - 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 B-Glowing and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You on Facebook HERE (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets!)

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 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 - 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 paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product and the sponsor are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review and giveaway. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Win Your Christmas Tree with a $100 Gift Certificate to Hayneedle.com

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Hayneedle.com! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'mamawj' (we post winner usernames for privacy) Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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

Ascending Butterfly Holidays Buying Guide 2010, First Giveaway sponsored by:

It's begining to look a lot like Christmas! Santa's little butterfly elves have been in the workshop working feverishly to bring you an amazing buying guide this year! I'm sure some of you caught the not so subtle hint on Saturday and figured out that we'd be starting off our Annual Holidays Buying Guide with a Christmas Tree!

While I love 'Live' Trees, they don't quite fit into my urban dwelling lifestyle. I'm on a Fifth Floor Walkup with no elevator, so there is no way I'm lugging a Live Christmas Tree up here! I stick with the artificial ones, delivered by an express mail carrier (we won't name any specific one, they can pay to advertise!)

My former artificial tree was truly on it's last legs and it was time for a replacement. Another great reason for using artificial trees for me, is that I store them well and hold onto them usually well past their warranty, which makes them the greener option.

I also knew that I wanted to be true to my preferences about making sure I was working with someone who gives back, you know I simply can't resist 'shopping with a conscience'. I always try to find ways to give back with every purchase I make. I love finding ways to shop smarter not harder, stay on budget and still manage to give back.

While I did receive the opportunity to review an Artificial Christmas Tree that truly suited my needs and my preferences, I was also delighted to find out that when you purchase your Christmas Tree from Hayneedle, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant a live tree in one of our nation's needy forests. Their goal is to help plant up to 15,000 trees! I would definitely love to see them achieve that goal! Learn more about Hayneedle's goal to plant 15,000 trees. (Not only can you help but at minimal cost to you, READ ON!)

I didn't get a chance to take pictures every single step of the way, but here is a picture of the tree just after assembly, since it's a pre-lit, after I assembled the base, attached the bottom, middle and top tier, I plugged it in, and this is what it looked like:

It was a little weird working with a new tree after having had my old one for so long, it took a bit to get the shape the way I wanted to, and ultimately I did end up adding a bit more lights of my own to it. (I love alot of lights on the tree!)

Then I went on to the fun stuff, Decorating! After me and the butterfly elves got to working our magic and decorating the tree it looked like this:

For my fellow travel lovers with an observant eye, yes that is a picture of 'El Morro' (San Juan, Puerto Rico) in the background, taken by yours truly and blown up and framed!

Now don't get me wrong, Hayneedle is WAY more than just Christmas Trees! Hayneedle.com includes 220 stores and counting, each devoted to a single product category. Best of all, you can shop all of them with one global shopping cart! Who needs 'Brick and Mortar' when you can get it all done in your PJ's in your ahem 'Spare Time'.

Here is a sponsor image of the tree (you know I love the hi-res!)

Technical Tree Stats:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shape: Full
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base Width: 64-inches
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Number of Bulbs: 800
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Number of Tips: 2176
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Material: PVC
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Style: Pine Trees

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - When one light goes out, the rest will stay lit as long as the bulb remains in the circuit

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pre-lit is super convenient, no more fighting with those 'string balls' of lights that are all tangled

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Base worked the first time! (for anyone who has had to fight with their Christmas Base - you know what I mean!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The branches are long! This gives you room to play with, you can tilt them up if you have a narrow space, and spread them out full if you want a really wide look to it!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you are putting this up solo, the base piece is pretty heavy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It doesn't come in something to keep it safe, so be careful if using a box cutter to open the outer box, there is nothing in there to protect the pieces but bubble wrap. (My box arrived pretty banged up) I really wished the tree would have come inside a storage box or bag to keep it safe during transit.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It does require time to get the 'shape'
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Would have loved more lights, but you can easily add your own, which I did

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The instructions are a bit vague so make sure you line it up well so that when you connect each tier the plugs line up for the lights, you want each tier to have it's plugs in the back.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Hayneedle.com would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with a $100 Gift Card! - You can use the gift card to get a Christmas Tree, or on any item in their 220 stores!

Don't you just ♥ Hayneedle? (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 Mandatory Entry: (2) Visit Hayneedle.com and link me to what you would use your $100 Gift Card for. Remember you cannot link to the reviewed tree! (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 Monday, November 15, 2010 until Monday, November 22, 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 Christmas fun, how about an extra credit for sharing your favorite holiday movie?

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 + @hayneedle Holiday Buying Guide #Giveaways $100 Gift Certificate - http://tinyurl.com/2arpd9n

(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 @hayneedle 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 Hayneedle 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 - I could use your vote (please leave me your voting number in the comment field for an extra credit) - http://www.itsthoughtful.com/gift-idea/2758/

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 paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product and the sponsor 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. BTW, I genuinely LOVE the holidays! =)