Showing posts with label Latina Blogger. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Latina Blogger. Show all posts

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

#WomanCrushWednesday Challenging the misconceptions of #Latina #Beauty moderated by @EmeraudeToubia #WeAreOrgullosa

THIS IS NOT A COMPENSATED POST


You know how every month has an official 'something' day?

September has a quite a few, notable ones including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self-Care Awareness + International Self-Awareness Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Self Improvement Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Healthy Aging Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - National Preparedness Month (ironic in the wake of Hurricane Harvey + Hurricane Irma)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shameless Promotion Month (I thought this was a joke!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Photos Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Save Your Koala Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Be Kind to Editors and Writers Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - International Strategic Thinking Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Relationships Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Women's Friendship Month
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 - October 15th

Earlier this summer (well actually just a little before summer) I attended a launch event in New York City hosted by P&G's (Procter & Gamble) #WeAreOrgullosa Initiative where a frank panel discussion was hosted to challenge the misconceptions of Latina Beauty.


If the name sounds familiar it is because I have written about the program before in a post that was a writing challenge where bloggers/blogueras were asked to share their 'orgullosa' moments - moments we were most proud of. I look back on that post fondly as I still LOVE my list, if you missed that post, check it out HERE, but be sure to come back to this post!

The Orgullosa program is one of the largest platforms for Latinas by Latinas that provides tips and resources in the beauty, home and lifestyle categories.

In partnership with Crest, Herbal Essences, Olay, Pantene, Secret and Venus a panel conversation which was moderated by Mexican-Lebanese actress Emeraude Toubia (she portrays Isabelle Lightwood on the freeform fantasy series Shadowhunters) revealed a three step approach to breaking Latina Stereotypes that included:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Lookbook - featuring P&G brands and offering readers product savings, style tips and inspiration for feeling confident, beautiful and orgullosa.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Photo Gallery - that offers free downloadable photos - anyone looking to represent Latinas will now have more diverse and inclusive options

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Docu-style Video - includes live interviews with Latinas capturing cultural stories aimed to inspire other women to embrace the beauty of their own identity

The Video:


Latinas are often stereotyped as sex symbols and boxed in as having one hair color, skin tone and body type, and are sorely under-represented and inaccurately portrayed by media. Challenging these misconceptions and showing that Latinas are multi-dimensional and certainly not 'one-size fits all' is what fueled Orgullosa to put the power of social media to work and partner with Latina Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle Influencers to share tips from their daily beauty routines as well as more personal cultural testimonials.

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"I was honored to have the opportunity to moderate this inspiring panel; each story reignited passion to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Latinas" ~ Emeraude Toubia
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Above: Actress Emeraude Toubia unveils a docu-style video launched by P&G's Orgullosa to celebrate the diversity of Latina Beauty at the #WeAreOrgullosa Event in New York City

Above: Left to Right: Georgina Morillo, Hiliana Devila and Ada Rojas, Far Right Moderator Actress Emeraude Toubia

These ladies are the participants of the Docu-Style Video. I love seeing brands partner with people to tell real stories. 

Above: Had to nab this Product Shot as many of these items were in our gift boxes.


Above: Treat Table with make your own treat mason jars to take home, NICE!

Above: This was during the day so there were no cocktails, but oddly enough this event gets my beverage of the summer award for introducing me to these, there were assorted varieties available for attendees, but these were my favorites with the prickly pear and orange variety (left) being my absolute favorite. I seriously need to find out if they need an Ambassador because I have not been able to stop talking about these!

Above: I  never pass up a flowers shot. Nothing brings more beauty to a space than flowers in my opinion.


Above: You all know I much prefer being behind the camera, so enjoy this rare butterfly sighting of me on the pink carpet 'step and repeat'!

MY TAKE:

More of these frank conversations need to happen to shatter and bust the definition of 'Beauty' wide open, for Latinas and all women.

There are a myriad of ways we can all be part of the solution, whether it's on Social Media or offline, let's celebrate one another, not bash or bully, not criticize photos or videos of other women. It's super easy to use the anonymity of the internet to join the 'mean girls' society, but it is just as easy to say something kind and WAY more empowering.

Ascending Butterfly has always taken a mind, body and soul approach to overall wellbeing AND beauty. and since I'm always listening to music while I write I am going to quote Lauryn Hill:

"How you gon' win when you ain't right within' ~Lauryn Hill (Doo Wop (That Thing)

I have decided to put my usual #WineWednesday to the side for this month and focus on a #WomanCrushWednesday instead, this week I am making all the ladies including the moderator, Emeraude Toubia, my Women Crush Wednesday.

I am also going to focus on various Women Entrepreneurs in this series.

Many will be the amazing women I met at the NYNOW tradeshow this summer. So be on the lookout for upcoming Women Entrepreneurs in my #WomenCrushWednesday series.

Remember Orgullosa is a COMMUNITY, so please head over and join to keep track of future campaigns and to nab great discounts on those Procter & Gamble household and beauty favorites!

READERS SOUND OFF: How do YOU define Beauty? What makes YOU feel most beautiful? Who is your #WomenCrushWednesday this week? Leave a comment here or tag us on social using the hashtag. And for my Latina Beauties also include #WeAreOrgullosa in your social posts so we all can participate in the ongoing conversation.

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FTC Disclosure: This was a private event for Media, Editors and Influencers, and all opinions are 100% my own!  This is NOT a compensated post although it certainly should be. There were gift bags. 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.

Friday, June 20, 2014

{#Photos} Inside peek of the @cosmoforlatinas #CFLFunFearless 2014 Awards + @COVERGIRL #instaGLAM Collection!

Cosmo for Latinas #CFLFunFearless 2014 Awards sponsored by Covergirl including #instaGLAM Collection, flowers


Ascending Butterfly is a community all about empowerment and when you get the chance to attend an event that celebrates those who to go battle for causes they believe in, you just have to jump on it! Cosmopolitan For Latinas recently hosted their Fun Fearless Latina 2014 Awards where 12 Latinas from pop music to politics were honored.

COVERGIRL #instaGLAM Collection


There were headline makers and industry shakers who all came together for an incredibly inspiring evening. One of the title sponsors was COVERGIRL Cosmetics who featured their latest Katy Perry's instaGLAM Collection.

I had a chance to join the Press Line as everyone entered and here is a mix of some of my own shots, interspersed with some shots from the Pro Photog as I couldn't capture everyone on the 'receiving line':

Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City

Isn't that a great lip color? 

Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City being interviewed by Nuevo Dia
Singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City being interviewed by Nuevo Dia!



































Becky G definitely has a big personality! She performed live during the awards,here is some video of her performance:



Singer Becky G walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Singer Becky G walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Here is a Pro Photog shot (mine are pretty comparable right?)

Singer Becky G blows kisses on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Singer Becky G blows kisses on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Below: I was lucky enough to nab a shot with Becky!

Blogger Ascending Butterfly meets singer Becky G at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
I was lucky enough to nab a shot with Becky G! Cool Right?


Blogger Perez Hilton gets interviewed on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Blogger Perez Hilton gets interviewed on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City




































































Since I was at a weird angle, I thought I should include a 'Pro Shot':

Blogger Perez Hilton gets interviewed on the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City


I know with Perez people either love him or hate him, but either way I think we can all agree he definitely brought the business of blogging into the limelight, and he is now an anti-bullying advocate who can next be seen on the new reality series Gay Dads of New York.

DJ Amanda Blaze spins at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
DJ Amanda Blaze - Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
















With my online nickname being the #TheOfficialTwitterPartyDJ I make it a point to snap shots of DJ's at every event I attend!

DJ Amanda Blaze spins at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
DJ Amanda Blaze spins at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
I'm glad I got to take a shot 'in action' but she was also nice enough to look up and strike a pose too!

COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City











COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
COVERGIRL new #instaGLAM Cosmetics Collection on display at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City


































These nail colors for summer are just EVERYTHING!

Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
I was lucky enough to nab a photo with Thalia! (One of my favorite Thalia songs is called 'Piel Morena')

Ascending Butterfly meets Actress/Songstress Thalia Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Ascending Butterfly meets Actress/Songstress Thalia Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Actress/Songstress Thalia at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
One of the featured Honorees was Demi Lovato, who celebrated her birthday last August in Kenya for the Free the Children Charity and has overcome bulimia, drug abuse and self-mutilation.

Singer Demi Lovato walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
Singer Demi Lovato walks the red carpet at Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Awards 2014 in New York City
I have to say I am super proud to see how far she's come, it was very inspiring to hear her acceptance speech!

Singer Demi Lovato accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
Singer Demi Lovato accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
As a foodie I of course was super excited to see Chef Lorena Garcia, I nabbed a shot of her accepting her award below:

Chef Lorena Garcia accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
Chef Lorena Garcia accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
There were honorees at each of the tables, and I had the pleasure of sharing my table with Honoree Melina Garcia, Founder of Union City Music Project, I got to snap a shot of her accepting her award below:

Melina Garcia, Founder of Union City Music Project accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
Melina Garcia, Founder of Union City Music Project accepts a Cosmopolitan for Latinas Fun Fearless Award in New York City
MY TAKE:

I am so happy that a magazine like Cosmopolitan for Latinas is out there, and that they are honoring the Latinas (and Latinos!) that are working zealously to create waves of change for generations to come! There are more photos we didn't have room for, so please visit Ascending Butterfly via our Pinterest Page for more photos! (Any bloggers in attendance who asked me to grab shots of them, you will find those pictures there.) - The Board is named solely by the hashtag #CFLFunFearless and my link takes you straight there.

Butterflies who do you think Cosmopolitan for Latinas should nominate in 2015? (How about The Official Twitter Party DJ for making waves on Twitter? LOL)

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions are expressly my own experiences. I was provided Digital Access to the Red Carpet and did receive a Swag Bag which in no way influenced my opinion. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information. This post contains affiliate links.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

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


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

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


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



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


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


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

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and while this post is NOT sponsored and NO monetary compensation has been received for sharing this experience, I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My press trip was sponsored by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday, May 7, 2012

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


Where in the world is Ascending Butterfly?


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


What I am grateful for

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Travel -  Against the better judgement of my team of Doctors (and my family quite frankly), I set out on my first airplane trip this year. I didn't quite have my Doctor's blessing, but my heart felt it was important to set out on this journey, and I am infinitely grateful that I did.

I have always loved travel, among my career path transitions I briefly worked for an Airline in their Caribbean Sales Department selling tickets and trips directly to Travel Agencies instead of to individuals. I landed that job right after College because I was bi-lingual and speaking Spanish was a huge part of the job. While I ironically traveled much less during my time working for an Airline than I have since then, travel has always changed me. I'm probably the only person smiling all throughout check in, and I guess that's why I have met so many great people at the airport or gate during my travels, I am totally open to the process and actually welcome every step of the way.

From the moment I hit the airport I'm filled with the excitement of the journey. The rush of taking to the skies and being somewhere entirely new. This time I did it with a sense of nervousness and trepidation I had never known before because of my health. While I'll admit I may have overdid it a bit and I'm a bit sore now, I have no regrets!

As many of you remember I shared that I was selected to be a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger and my collaboration with Britax USA and Mami Innovative Media has sent me on a recent adventure to North Carolina along with 25 other amazing, talented and passionate Latina Bloggers!

All the bloggers selected for this campaign include:

Take a moment and check out the sites of all the bloggers selected, there are amazing women behind each and every one of the blogs chosen to participate and I feel blessed to have met them all and been given the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated and passionate writers!

Alba Garza: www.independentmami.com
Amanda Diaz:
www.thoughtsfromher.com
Amber Ortega:
www.thriftyninja.net
Chantilly Patiño:
www.biculturalmom.com
Clauyda Martinez:
www.unknownmami.com
Cristina Duffy:
www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com
Dariela Cruz:
www.mamitalks.com
Denisse Icaza:
www.ahorrosparamama.com
Divina Rodriguez:
www.dancinghotdogs.com
Eliana Tardio:
www.elianatardio.com
Helena Osorio:
www.pinkguayoyo.com
Jennifer Hutcheson:
www.mami2mommy.com
Laura Tellado:
www.holdinoutforahero.org
Lilian Hurn:
www.superbaratisimogratis.com
Liz Cerezo:
www.thoughtsofamommy.net
Mirna Arce:
www.ahorrosconcupones.com
Myrah Duque:
www.couponmamacita.com
Oriana Romero:
www.mommyhoodsdiary.com
Pattie Cordova:
www.livingmividaloca.com
Sara Patterson:
www.mommafindings.com
Silvia Martinez:
www.mamalatinatips.com
Taty Padilla:
www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com
Tracy Iglesias:
www.ascendingbutterfly.com <-YAY ME! :)
Vanessa Martinez Bell:
www.desumama.com
Yadira Ambert:
www.clubdelasdiosas.com
Yolanda Machado:
www.sassymamainla.com

We were flown to North Carolina to get a behind the scenes look at Britax USA's Headquarters, we got to tour the factory, get detailed product demonstrations, and an  unforgettable safety demonstration (I will share about this demo in an upcoming post!) and the chance to break bread together at a wonderful Dinner hosted at Harry's Grille & Tavern. Britax couldn't have been a better host. They couldn't have been more transparent. They take infant and child safety seriously. Very seriously. And it's that passion that has made them the leader in the market. They are innovative. There is technology behind the safety features that so many of us take for granted. Not all baby products are alike! There are touches and well considered details that make product usage safer and much more convenient for moms to use. They truly opened my eyes to things I took for granted. As a loving Aunt and God-mother I have always taken my purchases seriously and researched them carefully, but this trip helped me to see how much we really take for granted and how important the installation of child car seats really are. For me to truly take on an Ambassadorship Collaboration with any brand, I have to be able to honestly say I can stand behind the products. I have no doubt in my mind that going forward none of the little ones in my life will have anything less than Britax. I am eternally grateful for this experience and I have learned so much more than I ever imagined.

In all my years of blogging I never really thought much about what being a 'Latina Blogger' really meant. I'm a Latina and I blog. I haven't always stopped to consider that my voice truly is a unique one. I've always known that my heritage and culture profoundly impacts who I am and my choices, but never stopped until this experience to think about what that means as a blogger. Last year I co-hosted my first bi-lingual twitter party for PBS's iconic children's television series Curious George with a group of amazing Latinas who I greatly admire, and a year later I went from co-hosting a bi-lingual party to directly hosting my first bi-lingual twitter party with Helping Hands Milk Bank (along with my phenomenal co-host Jessie Nuez) and it began a journey that eventually led me on an adventure in North Carolina with a Brand that is making major strides in not just 'translating to' the Hispanic Community, but embracing the Hispanic Market in a truly collaborative way. I could probably go on and on about my experience, so I promise I'll space it all out a bit! (Look for the pictures that go along with this amazing adventure in this week's Wordless Wednesday!)

What does my adventure have to do with YOU?



I am so glad you asked. My collaboration with Britax USA means I will be bringing you product reviews and great giveaways, twitter parties, and all the information you need when it's time to purchase a carseat, stroller or carrier for your little one. I am going to help you make the un-biased decisions you have come to know and trust from Ascending Butterfly. If you have any questions about Britax that you can't find an answer to on their site (which I pretty much doubt), feel free to send it to me and I'll be sure to forward it to the right person and get you an answer! Butterflies this is as much about YOU and the safety of all children as it is about me!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Open - I made a concerted effort to be open to this experience, and met wonderful people at the gate while waiting for both of my planes, normally at the gate I would dive straight into a book, or put on my music, or get on a device and try and look for a signal, but this time around, I stopped to smell the roses more and engaged in conversations with total strangers which is not like me at all. And I met so many fun and warm people. There was a woman on my return flight, 96 years of age traveling to her great grand-daughter's first communion. The flight attendants and gate personnel all asked if she'd like to pre-board and when she replied simply 'No Thank You. I have no health issues or medical reason that would necessitate me to pre-board. I am sure there are others here that really need your help.' Everyone was blown away, but I totally saw myself in her, that's who I want to be, I want to travel until I can't do it, and even then my head will still be in the clouds!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Discovering Inner Strengths - It took a concerted effort on my part to make this trip on many levels, but doing so allowed me to discover so many inner strengths and foster my independent spirit in ways that change, forward motion and travel can only do. Whether it's around the corner or around the globe butterflies, TRAVEL, MOVE, SEE, DO. When I thought my life was being taken from me this year, the only real regret that instantly rose to the surface was not seeing nearly enough of this beautiful world. Time is too short butterfly. Don't use any excuses to NOT do something. Working hard is great, but that money can't come with you, and that time spent not making new memories is time you will regret squandering!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide: Our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide this year, opened with a product review and buying suggestion, the CEVIA Pro 80 Digital Frame and PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service, and will move forward this week with a chance to win a gift card you can use to purchase a new spring trench and fab handbag, this is going to be SWEET. And guys, even though it is a Mother's Day Buying Guide, you are NOT being left out on this one, as this company also sells Menswear and Mens Accessories as well. So our first Mother's Day buying guide giveaway promotion will be from a brand that sells great products for Women, Men and Children so there is something for everyone! (I wanted to have it posted today, but I still need a bit to get caught up, I promise it will be posted SOON).

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

Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly, May this be a week filled with exploration and discovery!

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What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for, and the more reasons that the universe will send you to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude and inspiration. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me on Twitter here (@Tracy_Iglesias) Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Winners

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Winners in our #HHMilkBank Twitter Party have been notified, and many have sent lovely tweets and even pictures of their swag to us on Twitter. Thanks again butterflies for your participation, and in case you missed this last week, here are the winners to our Twitter Party:

Door Prize: @LLLSummer


Party Prize Packs: @SecretsofKristi, @EileenCCampos, @soulfliesfree, @Shihtzuation, @candacki, @abbebrown,@kymnasium, @SweetmatchaJail

Grand Prize Winner: @Paramedic_Mom2

All prize packs will include an Amazon Gift Card and will also include some fun branded merchandise from our wonderful sponsor, Prolacta Bioscience's Helping Hands Milk Bank! As a reminder, the door prize winner received a $50 Amazon Gift Card with their prize pack, the Party Prize Pack Winners received a $25 Amazon Gift Card with their prize packs, and the Grand Prize winner's prize pack will include a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

I want to personally thank all my butterflies for your participation, by joining in this party, your participation has helped spread the word about how Helping Hands is working to save the lives of preemies everywhere, thank you! Stay tuned for our next twitter party!

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
















Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and while this post is NOT sponsored and NO monetary compensation has been received for sharing this experience, I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My press trip was sponsored by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html