Weekly Moment of #Gratitude! - What are YOU Grateful for today? #inspiration

What I am grateful for:

Ascending Butterfly and Mama Butterfly at the 'Toast to Survivors' Luncheon  in New York City hosted  by actress Kristin Chenoweth

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Great Event! -  I got to attend a very special event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness, which I recapped originally HERE. If you haven't already done so, celebrate a survivor in your life this month! My Mama Butterfly is a Cancer Survivor and she is my daily inspiration, I'm so glad we were able to attend this luncheon together!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Amazing Mail Week! - As a Digital Journalist, I'm taking my mail week and incredibly hectic schedule as a sign of optimism that the economy is starting to turn around!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digital Free Day! - I have been taking a digital free at least once a week, it has not been easy I will tell you, I'm the type of person that always feels like each moment should be productive, and as a small business owner maximizing my time requires a lot of hours, but these digital free days have been very much needed and I plan to continue doing so. Difficult, but I will be very grateful during the holidays if I can keep this up! No more sneaking the smartphone to the bathroom to answer '1 more email'. :-)

What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly? What will you do to get this week off to a good start?

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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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Giveaways!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am super happy to announce that our regular and highly anticipated 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' is back! If you haven't put in your entry this month, there is still time! Enter our Nicole Miller Addison Crossbody Designer Handbag Giveaway today! ARV $295, there will be 1 winner and you have until 10/31/2012 to get in all of your entries! (It's all treats, no tricks for my butterflies!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Thinking Halloween Candy? Let Ascending Butterfly and Hershey's start you off with a bag of treats! There is still time to enter our HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway

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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. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html - Please note this is not a compensated post! Our gratitude posts are always NON-Sponsored.

{Not So} Wordless Wednesday - Getting Fit with Cheryl Burke + Ideology + a Kardashian too! {Photos}

Earlier this month fashion editors, Manhattan’s social elite, and taste-makers alike celebrated the announcement of Ideology’s new face of the brand, Cheryl Burke, who was on hand for the festivities at the chic Dream Downtown Hotel.

Cheryl Burke, a renowned professional dancer and two-time winner of Dancing With The Stars, will appear in the campaign for the line launching in February 2012.

Guests sipped on cocktails and previewed the collection to the tunes of Reality TV’s newest DJ, Rob Kardashian, who spent time in the DJ booth and mingling with guests. Fashion celebutants Phillip Bloch, Richie Rich, and Supermodel Irina Shayk, were also in attendance. Professional dancers surprised guests with hot and original dance routines wearing the new line.

The new line reflects a modern design comprised of functional easy to mix-and-match pieces that add a beat of unexpected fashion to any errand, tango, or work-out. And as we transition from our Holidays promos to our annual 'New Year, New You!' features, I couldn't think of a better Wordless Wednesday, since I'm sure most people will have Fitness somewhere on their New Years Resolutions list.

I'm mixing my photos (which are watermarked, please do not 'borrow' them, with the photos supplied by the PR firm (non-watermarked, but I suggest contacting Factory PR for permission, they are being used on my site with permission).

I had a fun time, and needless to say 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' was tempted to take over the turntables. Although with DJ Rob Kardashian spinning the tunes, I was able to just mingle and relax! :)

Tip: Press on any photo to see them bigger!

I love how the tops work WITH a woman's curves!

The pants come in different lengths so there is something for everyone!

The Sport Bra comes in a wide variety of colors

A Belief in the Power of Movement - I just love that! I'm 26 pounds down and counting!

Who Says Workout Bras have to be utlitarian? A little something for my girly girls!

(Left) Rob Kardashian, (Right) Cheryl Burke

Second from Right: Rob Kardashian

Cheryl Burke, Face of Ideology, (exclusive to Macys) Workout Apparel

(Left) DJ, (Center) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ), (Right) Cheryl Burke

(Left) Cheryl Burke of DWTS, (Right) Rob Kardashian

(Left) Ascending Butterfly, (Right) Mama Butterfly

Dancers all wearing Ideology Fitness Wear! Love that they made this one B&W!

(Left) DJ, (Center) Cheryl Burke, (Right) Rob Kardashian (Celeb DJ)

Cheryl Burke (Center) surrounded by Dancers

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly in the background holiday decor at Dream Hotel NYC - How about that scary Polar Bear?

(Left) Mama Butterfly, (Right) Ascending Butterfly and hiding behind the small tree, a Reindeer!

Ideology, which will feature neutral and brightly hued jackets, sweatshirts, tops, bras, pants, shorts and accessories ranging from $7.98 to $58 will launch at Macy's Spring 2012 (hopefully we can get them to come back, and host a reader giveaway once the line actually launches in the new year!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received, no gift bags were received. I attended this event as a member of the digital press and was under no additional obligation to post. All Opinions Expressed are 100% my own. Non-watermarked photos used with permission by Factory PR.

Not So Wordless Wednesday {Photos} - Disney Store Share the Magic Top 10 Toys Celeb Studded Holiday Event!

I had the pleasure of attending a Holiday themed Top 10 Toys event at my local Disney Store, where there were quite a few celebs and their little ones in attendance. We got to enjoy shopping, holiday story time in the Disney Store Theatre and one-on-one photos with Mickey and Minnie Mouse in their holiday attire!

Disney Store’s holiday theme this year is “Share the Magic” and for every Mickey and Minnie holiday plush sold from October 31-Dec. 11, Disney Store will make a $1 donation to the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Here are some photos from the event (the watermarked ones are mine, the photos not watermarked were provided by Disney and all rights are reserved, photos used with permission):

Actress Kelly Rutherford and her lovely daughter Helena @Disney Store all rights reserved

Animators Collection - Aren't these little princesses totally adorable?

 

Disney Animator Mark Henn at The Disney Store in New York City

$1 from every sale of the Mickey and Minnie Plush will go to the Make-A-Wish-Foundation

The Muppets will definitely be hot holiday toys this year with the movie out in theatres!

Kidada for Disney Store Wish-a-Little Jasmine Figure with Charm Necklace

Vinylmation Villains 2 and Jingle Smells Vinylmation

LaLa Anthony with her son Kiyan (We were right near each other during storytelling, I wonder if I'll appear on her show?)

Alex McCord with son

Daya Vaidya with family, Mickey and Minnie

This beautiful Fairy was suspended in mid air, you know I love all things with wings and zoomed in to get this great shot!

Actress Kelly Rutherford, daughter Helena with Minnie and Mickey Mouse in Holiday Attire

Baby Pocahantas from the Animators Collection

Check out this Disney Princesses Collection - I SO WANT THIS!

Rapunzel Doll

Ascending Butterfly (left), Mama Butterfly (right) - center with Minnie and Mickey Mouse

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FTC Disclosure Info: I was invited to the Disney Store Share the Magic Event as a member of the digital press. This is NOT a sponsored post. Attendees were given gift bags.

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday with Heart 2011 at Build a Bear! {Photos}

It's been a long time ongoing tradition since I was a girl to do something for others during the holidays (and year round actually), my mom always taught us that we were blessed in so many ways, and that there were other children and families that needed help especially during the holidays. So each year we do something different, we'll work with local not for profit organizations, or our church, but each year we've focused on doing something for others, and this holiday season is no different.

I received an invitation from the smart + sassy team at moms & the city to attend a very special workshop at Build A Bear in New York City where participants were offered the chance to create a bear to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation!

So me and mama butterfly set out on a cool, rainy, Fall night in New York City to build bears and fill them with special wishes to send to a special boy or girl. The bears also have different allocations to them, so they were actually a DOUBLE give back opportunity! For example the bear I chose to build was called 'Champ', proceeds from Champ the Bear also benefit children's wellness charities.

Here are some photos of me and mama butterfly at the Build a Bear Workshop (what's a Wordless Wednesday without pictures?):

Ascending Butterfly (left) and Mama Butterfly (right)

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - my jeans? Denizen,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardigan? Elle (Yes THAT Elle), 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Necklace? Energy Muse

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and boots? 'Prance' by Kalso Earth

Ascending Butterfly and 'Champ' a bear whose proceeds benefit Children's Wellness Charities

 



In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - handbag? Timi and Leslie

Mama Butterfly made a Happy Feet Bear and was super happy to donate it to Toys for Tots!

Ascending Butterfly hamming it up with a big snow globe at the Manhattan Build a Bear Workshop

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - coat? Wilsons Leather
and I've always loved snow globes (wish I could find one with a butterfly inside!)

Loved the first sign which reads 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot'

I snapped this shot on the way out as I went up the stairs, I love the first sign, 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot', fitting sign after just watching a group of not just moms, but dads and some marines building a bear to give to children in need this holiday season. It truly put me in the holiday spirits!

Do you want to help too? From December 2nd- December 4th, go to your local Build-A-Bear Workshop to build a bear for Toys For Tots. You can also bring in an unopened toy to donate or you can choose to make a donation during the entire month December.

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Build a Bear gift cards were provided to attendees.

Chocolate Thursday!

Got Back Late from an M&M's Event, Holiday Buying Guide will resume tomorrow! And a real event recap with photos will be posted for next week's (Not So) Wordless Wednesday! Happy Thursday Butterflies!

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post!

THE ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE SERIES! Coming to NYC today and a city near you SOON!

PRETTYCITY.COM AND SHAPE MAGAZINE HOST THE ANNUAL BEAUTY SAMPLE SALE SERIES IN NEW YORK!

How would you like to Sample Free Spa/Salon Services, Beauty Products, Cocktails, Appetizers And More While Discovering Beauty Trends, Expert Advice And Swag?

I thought so, because it sounds great to me too, and I will definitely be there! And so should you!

PrettyCity.com, is bringing the most anticipated beauty sampling event of the year to New York. Co-hosted by SHAPE magazine, the annual Beauty Sample Sale series makes its way through five major cities this year, starting in Boston in September and ending in LA in January 2012, offering an extensive array of beauty product samplings, on-site makeovers, and complimentary spa and salon treatments.

With a unique take on the traditional “sample sale,” The Beauty Sample Sale offers beauty devotees a one-of-a-kind shopping and sampling experience. “I’ve always loved sample sales, what woman doesn’t? There are plenty of such sales for the clothes horse but there were no events for beauty aficionados like myself. Women may know what brands of jeans look best on them, but when it comes to finding the perfect shade of red lipstick or picking skin care that suits her skin, sampling is essential,” said Carolyn Brundage, chief executive officer and founder of PrettyCity.com.

Beauty enthusiasts from across the country gather to partake in exclusive samplings of the latest beauty products, opportunities to experience distinctive spa and salon treatments, as well as deeply discounted sale prices on cosmetic, skin and hair care products. Attendees each enjoy a complimentary cocktail or glass of wine and appetizers plus goodie bags filled to the brim with full sized products – not samples – from the likes of Haken Professional, Girlfriends Blotting Papers, Milani Cosmetics, Lavanilla, Ouidad, Mirabella, Mirenesse and more. (You can log on to PrettyCity.com for updated goodie bag “sneak peeks” leading up to each event.)

With over 25,000 women having attended The Beauty Sample Sale in years past, the event is proving to be recession-proof as it has steadily grown since its inception six years ago. “These events have been so popular largely because women consider taking care of themselves outside and inside a top priority. They’re willing to spend money to look great, but they need help wading through the millions of products and thousands of services available to find the ones that truly work for them." The Beauty Sample Sale is a smart way for women to sample products and services that they’ve heard about without wasting their hard-earned dollars,” said Brundage.

The Beauty Sample Sale will take place in New York on Wednesday, October 12, 2011 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., at Marquee, two eighty-nine, 10th Avenue. You can purchase tickets online for $29 each at www.BeautySampleSale.com; guests must be 21 and up and present valid photo ID to attend.

Media RSVP: Private media preview begins at 5:30 p.m. on October 12 at Marquee. Limited media passes are available. Please contact pr@prettycity.com with requests.

The Beauty Sample Sale hits Atlanta on 11/09/11, You can RSVP HERE, it hits Chicago on 12/06/11 and you can RSVP HERE for Chi-town, it hits Los Angeles last on 01/11/12, LA folks can RSVP HERE.

It wasn't a sharable widget so I couldn't embed it here, but if you are interested in seeing pictures from Last Year's event in NYC, click HERE.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Ascending Butterfly received admission tickets to the event as well as Media Preview Hour and will receive a gift bag. All opinions are my own. Ascending Butterfly covers local NYC events for our readers to keep them informed of product launches, events and happenings.

A Little Wine and Beauty in New York City!

Alert to all my New York City Readers, there is tons of fun to be had in the City today, wanna learn how wine and beauty combine?

The Beauty

First: The Beauty. The Beauty Bus is back by popular demand! - Come see the Beauty Bus in Union Square! Union Square West between 15th street and 16th street on October 6th from 12pm – 6pm. Don’t miss the excitement! If you can't get there, you can watch the fun on livestream, how cool is that? The Beauty Bus, a glass truck outfitted with styling chairs, mirrors, and beauty product must-haves, will invite Manhattanites aboard to receive professional makeup applications, DIY beauty tips, and hairstyling consultations. Hair Room Service celebrity stylists and DailyCandy editors will be on-site sharing their favorite beauty tips and looks.

The Wine

Second: The Wine, Great Match 2011 - Once you get all dolled up, you'll invariably need somewhere to go to show off all your fierceness right? How about some wine?  How about the 18th Annual Great Match, featuring Spain’s Vivacious Varietals? Meet with Spanish winery representatives, wine importers and distributors at this must-attend trade-only tasting. Discover new wines while tasting your way through Spain, highlighting more than 150 wines from many of Spain’s denominations of origin.

Don't live in NYC? No problem! If you live in Seattle, this event will be coming to you on Thursday, October 13th, and if you live in Atlanta, Great Match is hitting your city on Tuesday, October 25th. See the Great Match 2011 website for more details!

Give Back

You know I love give back opps, and this event comes with a great one! You can spend money for a fun day and do something to help others at the same time, in my book it doesn't get much better than that! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Food Bank for New York City, the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.

Tickets are $60 – advance purchase required. Click here to buy tickets. For additional information, please call 888-946-3919. American Express, Visa & MasterCard accepted. All attendees must be 21 or older. Photo ID required. All sales final.

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FTC Disclosure: I have access to both events as a member of the digital press. This is a non-sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to post about these events.

Wordless Wednesday - Bridesmaid DVD Event Launch!

Last night I attended the Bridesmaid DVD Launch Event, hosted by NBC Universal and YellowTail Wines and I had a great time! I almost thought I wasn't going to make it, as The President was about to give a speech and the streets were all blocked off! But us industrious and persistent New Yorkers always find a way!

Here are some pictures from the event!

Pictured Above: Check out the cute high heel shoe floral centerpieces at the tables, candle light and a glass of Yellow Tail Wines Sparkling White!

Pictured Above: Guests were asked to bring in Bridesmaid Dresses they no longer cared for and the dresses were donated to help benefit The Glass Slipper Project. In the photo above Kiymet Lale who manages Custom Coutere Alterations for Hallak Cleaners is altering a dress. How she managed to do such precise work amidst so  many people was amazing to watch!

Pictured Above: Dresses that were used in the Bridesmaid Movie were on display for photo opps!

Pictured above: Left, is Carolina Bermudez, evening event emcee and Radio Personality, Right is yours truly, Ascending Butterfly!

During the event mini spa treatments were offered, never seen movie footage was shown, and there were 'bouquet tossings' where guests had a chance to win prizes (unfortunately I never caught a bouquet, much like during real life weddings!)

Keep up with Yellow Tail Wines on Twitter and Facebook
BridesMaids the Movie on Facebook and NBC Universal on Twitter
Hallak Cleaners on Twitter
Carolina Bermudez on Facebook and Twitter

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FTC Disclosure Info: No monetary compensation has been received. This is NOT a sponsored post. I was invited to the Bridesmaid DVD release launch party and am under no obligation to write about it. Gift bags were given to attendees of the event.