#ad: @Kleenex has gone all 2.0 with 'Sneeze Shield' - Find out why you need some for Back-to-School #KleenexBTS #LatinaBloggers

ad#: This is a compensated campaign in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kleenex

Send your kids back-to-school without all their much needed supplies? ¡Que escándalo!

As a former Special Education Teacher I can tell you it's the bane of a teacher's existence when students show up un-prepared for class. It's not only annoying, it's incredibly costly, for the teacher. Most public schools don't offer a full range of classroom supplies leaving it up to the teacher to supply their own classrooms on incredibly meager salaries! And while I realize times are hard all around, and it takes a village, it is super difficult for teachers to shoulder the burden by themselves. I personally think they shouldn't have to, but that's certainly a post for another time.

What if you could make a small addition to your shopping list that would not only promote healthy kids and healthy classrooms but also help support the amazing Box Tops for Education Program, would you do it? Of course you would! Who wouldn't?

Did you know that Kleenex is the ONLY facial tissue brand that participates in Box Tops for Education? And to date, the Kleenex Brand has donated $13 million to the Box Tops for Education Program (since 2006). Box Tops Coupons are found on over 240 participating products! I can tell you that this alone makes me want to run out and stock up, I know how under-funded the schools are in my district, and I currently participate in the Box Tops for Education program and buy as many products that participate in the program as I can. If the children of today are our future, shouldn't we do all we can to ensure their success?

This year, the iconic tissue brand that has always been synonymous with Back-to-School for me both personally and professionally, gets a hi-tech makeover with 'Sneeze Shield', they are thicker and more absorbent which helps to keep wet stuff off hands, which helps to fight school germs! A single sneeze can travel 100MPH and send 100,000 germs into the air, um no thanks! But since it's best to let a sneeze happen and not so healthy for you to supress it, at least Kleenex with Sneeze Shield offers a barrier that helps keep your child, the air and the classroom a bit more germ free!

Some ideas for Back-to-School include:

In case you missed our previous Back-to-School post, many of these supplies were featured HERE

My Take:

Supporting a brand that is supporting students, classrooms and teachers is a total no-brainer! Kleenex Wallet Packs, and the classic on the go Kleenex Everyday Tissue Packs with Sneeze Shield are the perfect size to slip into a bookbag. And since we know that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, don't wait until your child catches a cold, even if they aren't allergy prone, it's always helpful to carry Kleenex on the go!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post in collaboration with Latina Bloggers Connect and Kleenex

We interrupt your summer to tell you that it's almost time for BACK TO SCHOOL! #StaplesHasIt + @NickCannon & a #Giveaway too!

I know the thought of Back to School will send all your child's hairs to stand on end, but doing all your shopping at the very last minute, will do the same to your wallet! Did you know that the bulk of a student's shopping budget is actually in 'tech' products now? And not every back to school shopping retailer can offer a wide range of school supplies AND technology products too at affordable prices that won't break the bank!

I recently attended a Back-to-School event where we got one resounding message loud and clear STAPLES HAS IT, or in this new age of speaking in hashtags: #StaplesHasIt

Back-to-School Made Easy with the Newest Trends

For the 2013 Back-to-School Shopping Season, Staples is offering an expanded assortment of fashionable and super functional must-have supplies, that will make going to back to class more fun! To help families save money on those must-have supplies the popular Back-to-School Savings Pass is back this year which gives you a 15 percent discount on supplies! Remember you can only purchase the pass through August 31st, and it's valid through September 21st which is great, because sometimes despite our best efforts we end up having to make multiple trips to the store for supply runs anyway! The pass costs $10, but if even if you have only one tech item on your list the 15% discount will help ensure that the cost of the savings pass pays for itself!

Some trends you'll spot at Staples this season include:

Neon - Get into the groove will cool and bold hues, Neon Sharpies or the Quilted Collection of Zipper Binders, Pencil Pouches, Tablet Cases and Clipboards!

Exclusive Patterns and Designs - Let's face it, individual expression is what it's all about, and Staples offers unique designs on products like the Staples BETTER binders, sticky notes and index card holders. One of my favorites are the ARC notebooks that offer a customizable cover that you can change whenever you get bored or want to mix things up! (for me it's like the notebook equivalent of swapping out your desktop wallpaper!)

Twinkle, Twinkle - The Glo-Lite Collection lights up when pushed and includes staplers, rulers and dry-erase boards. The Fiber Optic Pencil Pouches which are Exclusive to Staples, twinkle with designs that include shoe, piano and paisley. The Magnetic Motion Sensor Locker Chandelier with seven LED lights, the exclusive Glo-Lite Magnetic Pencil Bin, glitter rugs, Twinkle Scissors and magnetic wallpaper will help students spruce up their space and stand out in style.

Tech You Can Touch - The Acer Aspire Touch Laptop and new tablets like the HP Slate with Beats, Samsung Galaxy II, Samsung Note 8.0, Google Nexus 7 or the Kindle Fire HD help kids stay connected online both in and out of the classroom. (Again that savings pass will come in handy if you plan to purchase any tech for Back-to-School). And of course you need a cool case to protect your new touch device, how about a Zebra Print Tablet Case by Jansport? (pictured above)

Non Basic Basics -  I fell in love with the new, bendable Staples Flexible Calculator, and the Scotch Magic Chameleon Tape Dispenser which changes color when touched! (pictured above)

Lunchtime = Funtime - The Fit and Fresh 14 Piece Healthy Lunch Set features perfectly proportioned containers with ice packs that snap into the lids! Cool It! Ice Packs will keep the chill in any lunch bag or box. Or enjoy the updated classic LEGO Lunch Box. (all are pictured above)

Celebrity Surprise:

Staples surprised us all when Nick Cannon and AJ from Extra payed a visit to promote his Designer N-Tune headphones produced by Monster!

I was there! Here is a picture of Nick giving me, 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' my new Monster NCredible N-Tune On-Ear Headphones (Black):

Left: Tracy, Founder, Butterfly-in-Chief, Ascending Butterfly, Right: Nick Cannon

Here is a picture of AJ Calloway from Extra Television, interviewing Nick Cannon, he asked him about his new N-Tune headphones as well as how it was working with Amanda Bynes!

Here is a picture of me and AJ from Extra TV, he just loves bloggers!

Right: AJ from Extra TV, Left: Tracy from Ascending Butterfly

Staples Gives Back:

Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) and Staples, Inc have teamed up with teen actor Jake T. Austin for the 6th annual Staples for Students national school supply drive to help kids get the tools they need to be successful in school and achieve great futures!

There are THREE ways YOU can HELP!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Give $1 at checkout - Donate $1 at any Staples register from June 30 - September 28

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Share to Give - Visit Staples for Students on Facebook and they will donate $1 for every share starting July 15th! Isn't that awesome?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Donate Supplies -  Drop off donated supplies at your local Staples August 11-17th (Just make sure it's not the stuff you pilfered from the office, LOL)

My Take:

As a tech enthusiast I know the Savings Pass will definitely pay for itself! It's been awesome having the opportunity to attend Staples Preview Events, they always present something unique, and their events are always fun, but I will admit I didn't expect the celebrity surprise this time, and Nick couldn't have been more down to earth. I can see why he is so excited about his latest collaboration, Monster produces quality audio accessories and better still they really stand behind them (which I can personally attest to, when my Monster Vivienne Tam Butterfly Headphones died way before they should have, Monster took the time to make it right and send me a replacement, which is not just good customer service, it means they really stand behind the product!). Nick took the time out of his day, to present each and every single one of us with our headphones and to take pictures. He was super approachable and I definitely wish this latest venture of Nick's great success!

YOUR Chance to WIN:

Check out the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway - Every Tuesday you can enter the #StaplesHasIt Photobomb Giveaway by submitting a caption for a chance to win a tablet and a Savings Pass! You can enter via Facebook or by following @Staples via twitter and tweeting your caption to the photo of the week! (Hint: That Cool Tape Dispenser I Posted the Picture of above? it just might be in this week's giveaway, so get those creative juices flowing and head on over for your chance to win!)

Have you started your Back-to-School Shopping Yet? What is on your shopping list for this year Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: We were provided with the opportunity to learn of Staples Back-toSchool Products at a Digital Press Preview Event, we got to meet Nick Cannon and were supplied with the N-Tune headphones  and a gift bag with an assortment of products to facilitate our review, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for our event recap coverage. All opinions are 100% my own. See our full disclosure policy for any questions.

{#Inspiration} If Back-To-School Doesn't Bring Out Your Inner Writer, I Don't Know What Will! {ThrowBack #Photos}

Composition Notebook

Back To School brings out my inner writer in a way no other time of year can. There is something about a brand NEW Composition Notebook that just literally screams 'WRITE SOMETHING NOW!!!'.

Kindegarten Photo - Ascending Butterfly

Before school would begin and we would shop for supplies, I would have to fight with myself not to write in the notebook until the first day of school. And this time of year just makes me want to buy a new composition notebook, just for myself. I have leather bound journals, colored spiral notebooks, pretty stationery, organizational to-do list books, but the old school black and white Composition Notebook brings out my inner writer in a way nothing else can. Maybe it's because that is what I used to use to jot down poems that literally flowed out of me like a waterfall when I was younger. And while very few have ever read my poetry, the few that have, read pages torn from a composition notebook.

That book has always had a powerful way of coaxing me to write, it's stronger than writer's block, more powerful than a stressful day and while it has lines to guide the height of my letters it never seems to care whether or not I play between the lines. Where a journal is where you reveal yourself, somehow the Composition Notebook has always felt like the place where you could develop yourself. Where you could make mistakes and just correct them and move on. The place where 'A's' and Gold Stickers lived. The place where hard work and achievement is always praised. Is there anyplace better for a writer to be?

I can type 90 words per minute error free (and I've been tested), I live and for the most part make a living on a computer, but when I really want to write, it's still a Composition Notebook for me!

Even if you are way past your school aged years or your little ones haven't even started yet, there is something that says 'fall' and that says 'back-to-school' even if you don't have to go there yet, What is your 'Back-To-School' trigger?

So Butterfly tell me, Does the Pages of a brand New Notebook inspire you?

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FTC Disclosure: I am a Latina Advisory Board Member and part of The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogging Program. This program 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 I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. This Back-To-School themed Sponsored Post is being brought to you by Britax, However all opinions and stories are 100% my own. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Have I got a 'shoportunity' for YOU

Did you know there were 3.8 million sports and recreation related concussions last year?

Are you an athlete? Do you know one? Love one? Are you raising a future or aspiring athlete? If so, there are ways you can help Dick’s Sporting Goods fund concussion testing!

Ways to help: From August 2 to September 12, Dick’s Sporting Goods will donate $1 every time you:

1) Share about the PACE campaign with your friends and Dick’s will donate a $1 to PACE - Like them on Facebook or tweet using  #DSGPACE (you should also be following them on Twitter too @DICKS)

2) Buy athletic shoes in store or online by September 12, and Dick's Sporting Goods will donate a $1 to PACE

3) Use Facebook Places or Foursquare to check in at Dick’s Sporting Goods stores

ABOUT PACE

PACE (Protecting Athletes through Concussion Education), is the nation’s largest baseline concussion screening initiative.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Give schools nationwide access to free educational materials about concussions

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Supply up to 3,335 schools with ImPACT Test Packages (each provides baseline tests for up to 300 athletes)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Aim to screen one million young athletes

Check out Jerome Bettis getting the word out on PACE:

Dick's Sporting Goods has teamed up with ImPACT (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing), the first, most-widely used and most scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. Eligible schools that are new to the ImPACT program will receive its software free (a $500 value) to test young athletes for one year.

ImPACT is an invaluable tool for neuropsychologists, certified athletic trainers and other licensed healthcare professionals to assist them in determining an athlete’s ability to return to play after suffering a concussion.

I personally witnessed an athlete head injury during a game back in College, and I'm thinking how helpful this would have been then!

Many of us are already shopping for athletic shoes for Back to School, why not purchase them at Dicks Sporting Goods? This way by doing something you were going to do anyway, you can help schools get much needed equipment and support young athletes! Perhaps even your own childs school could benefit by doing something so simple, shopping with a conscious. Making an active decision to have your dollars count for something! By the way if you are ordering online Dick's Sporting Goods is offering Free Shipping in a Back to School promo that includes Footwear, Backpacks and Athletic Apparel! (You're Welcome!)

Remember to use your shopping dollars wisely, and shop corporations with a conscience!

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FTC Disclosure: I was given a free product or sample because I'm a Klout influencer. I was under no obligation to receive the sample or talk about this company. I get no additional benefits for talking about the product or company. I am a member of @Klout Perks Program, while this is not a sponsored post, I have received an @Klout Perk in conjunction with this campaign. I am a blog with integrity blogger and this post poses no conflict of interest. I really do believe it's important to support corporations with a conscience!

{CLOSED} 2 cool 4 School Back to School Giveaway with ZIPZ Shoes! 2 Winners! Ends 08/19

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor ZIPZ shoes! We look forward to working with you again! The winners have been notified and upon confirmation, follower names will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 2 Cool 4 School Giveaway brought to you by:

When you were young, what was your style? Is your style the same now? Adults, teens and children may have very different ideas when it comes to back to school shopping. While mom wants durability, children want popular style and teens just want to be unique and wear something that reflects their own personal style.

If you could find footwear that was versatile, durable and definitely in style, footwear that is actually both toddler, kid, teen and adult friendly you'd snap it up in a heartbeat right?

Whether you are shopping for your skater boy, girly girl, urban cool, a preppy teen or somewhere in between, Zipz is your footwear solution!

About ZIPZ®:

ZIPZ® are removable and interchangeable shoes, like nothing you’ve owned before! Match any ZIPZ® COVERS with any same size ZIPZ® SOULS to create one of-a-kind mix and match shoes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Handmade to ensure comfort, quality, and reliability.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Invented in California, Designed in the U.S. - I love that the idea for ZIPZ was born during a family BBQ! (The CEO's dad came up with the idea, and the family as a team went to work bringing his idea into reality.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - By purchasing soles and tops separately you can basically match any top to any bottom creating a endless amount of shoe combinations. - While your child or teen may eventually outgrow their original sole size, I can assure you that they will NEVER get bored as there are a wide variety of covers in a great assortment of styles and colors!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soles sell for $19 and covers sell for $34.

'Cambio tus Zapatos' means Change Your Shoes! Aren't these cool?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There are Zip-Ons, Lo-Tops, and Hi-Tops styles. and there are also Toddler T-Strap and Toddler 2-Strap styles available!

Spiderz Toddler 2 Strap

Aren't these Spiderz Toddler 2 Straps just too cute? I am a horror movie buff, and I so want these for Halloween! Me and my nephew are going to look too cute in our matching Halloween Sneaks!

My Take

While everyone's foot is different, I'm wide width (flat foot) coupled with a high instep so for me, I ended up having to size up a bit before I found the sole that worked well for me. Once I hit on the right size for MY feet, it's been a summer of love, love, love ever since. I love that I can find a cover for any mood I'm in. I started with the Skull Rose, CB Bandanaz, Jet Black, and Dragon Rose in the adult Slip on Style. (I'm definitely thinking of getting the Hi-Tops next, those definitely take me back!)

It takes a bit to get the hang of changing out the covers and I found it easier to put my foot on the sole first, and then zip myself in rather than zip it first and try to get my foot in (but that's because I'm wide width), but once you figure out which technique works best for you, you will be swapping covers every day!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at ZIPZ have a very special surprise for 2 lucky winners! 2 winners will receive a completed pair of zips in their choice of style and size based on in stock availability. You can opt to select a pair for yourself, your toddler, youth/child, or teen, the choice is yours!

Don't you just ♥ Zipz? 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- Visit ZIPZ and let me know which sole style and cover you would pick! (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 who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. 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 Thursday, August 11, 2011 until Friday, August 19, 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 - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips, gift certificates, electronics and more!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Are you on Blog Lovin? Well so is Ascending Butterfly! Follow us on Blog Lovin for an extra credity entry!

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! Leave five 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 @zipzshoes on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + @zipzshoes 2 cool 4 School Back to School  #Giveaway! #Win #Shoes of YOUR choice! Ends 08/19 http://tinyurl.com/3g3vz8u

(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.)

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 - 'Like' ZIPZ Shoes USA and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them which shoe cover is your favorite!) 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 - One time only per giveaway, NOT a daily: 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)

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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 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.

Back to School with Staples - Deals for YOU and a way to give back!

Last week I attended a Staples Back-to-school event hosted by Moms And the City, Melissa Gerstein, Denise Albert and Raina Seitel. A midtown Manhattan Staples store played host to a group of mom and dad bloggers who were divided into groups and taken to three different learning stations around the store.

The first station was for learning all about the ways that Staples is giving back. You know I love featuring 'Shopping with a Conscience' opportunities! If you can do something good for you, at a good price AND give back, that's shopping nirvana as far as I'm concerned.  Staples partnered with the organization, Dosomething.org,  to design new products and also for their 4^th Annual Staple for Students School Supply Drive where Students are encouraged to collect school supplies for children in need and drop them off at Staples.

The second station is where we got to learn about the laptops, service plans and easy comparison checker that you can use to compare and contrast features from different laptops at the display just by pulling them up on one without having to walk all around and read all those cards. Me being in the market for a new laptop after the back to back lemon experiences I have had with HP, made this demo one of the highlights for me! I'll be going back to Staples soon and checking out the laptops, although I'm kind of leaning toward an iPad 2 instead of a standard laptop this time around.

The third station is where we learned all about the Staples Savings Pass, a $10 discount card where you can get everything for back to school every day through September 17th at 15% off. (Think about the savings if you have to buy a laptop or other electronic items! And for larger families, this savings pass certainly pays for itself!).

Melissa, Denise and Raina then showed us all their favorite new back to school items. That's where I noticed this cute notebook!

I didn't realize it until I got home, but this cute Butterfly Notebook is by our friends at Carolina Pad, how butterfly perfect was that? Everywhere I go I ALWAYS have a butterfly sighting!

You know how I feel about new notebooks right? They are like perfect blank slates, and I'm dying to grab my colored pencils and draw on the first page! I have so far managed restraint, but I'm sure it won't be long before I start drawing butterflies all over the first and last page!

We also had the opportunity to make fun photo bookmarks with the folks at Photo Op NYC

It was fun posing for these pictures, the results are a way hipper, way cooler photo booth type picture! PhotoOp was recently named the Best Children's Family Photo Studio in New York by New York Magazine in their "Best of New York" issue and I could see why by the looks of my own and other bookmarks I got to see, they are very easy to work with and have a way of bringing out the best in their subjects! I'd highly recommend them. I hope my scan is doing it justice!

Our Staples visit ended with a 'Staples Bingo' Game with fun prizes and we left with goodie bags (but shh, let's keep that our secret, unlike last year, I didn't tell my niece and nephew about this one, I am NOT giving up my butterfly notebook! But I'm definitely not called the 'cool aunt' for nothing, I'll end up taking them to Staples to buy some fun Back-to-School supplies of their own very soon).

Check out your local Staples weekly ads for sales, don't forget the 1 cent specials to help you REALLY stock up, sign up for your Staples Rewards card for great rebates, and up your cool factor by sharing the fun videos made by Modern Family's television show co-star, Rico Rodriguez, who shares what kids need for Back-to-School in a series of funny videos HERE.

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. No monetary compensation has been received. I attended a local event and was under no obligation to write about it. I did receive a gift bag after the event, and lunch was provided during the event however the opinions expressed are solely my own. I really do beleive in featuring corporations with a conscience that give back to the community and world at large!

Winner Announcement - Staples $50 Back To School Giveaway Winner!

And the Winner is:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Jessie C.

Congrats Jessie! Your $50 Staples Gift Card is on it's Way! That sure buys a lot of pens and pencils!

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!

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Ascending Butterfly is actively seeking brand ambassador opportunities and sponsorship for the Blogalicious Weekend Conference in Miami, if you would like your brand represented at  Blogalicious, which is aimed at celebrating the diversity of women of all ethnicities in social media, please let me know by contacting me on my contactify form HERE

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Back to School with Staples $50 Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 08/27

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Staples! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'Jessie C'. (We have many Jessie's, please note this Jessie, has already sent her address and claimed her win!) Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! Watch for the return of our Monthly Book Club!

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Ascending Butterfly Back To School Editor's Pick, Sponsored By:

A few weeks ago, I attended a Staples Back to School themed event in NYC (Thanks to Lisa @ New York Chica for sharing this information with me!) and not only did I have fun re-connecting with New York based Bloggers I know, but also got a chance to preview some great items for back to school that I am looking forward to sharing with you!

As most of you know I'm not a Mom but I am an Aunt and a God-Mother and actually enjoy helping my nieces and nephews shop for their Back to School items. I've got a range of ages to help shop for, but I don't like having to visit too many different stores to get the lists completed. Being able to tackle each age group in one place is a huge time saver, let's face it, 'Time is Money'.

Here are some cool items you can find at Staples for Back to School:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Supplies for a Cause - Teens can be encouraged to convert their energy and ideas into positive action with the new DoSomething.org-inspired products ($0.99-$11.99), exclusive to Staples. These products help students stay organized while learning about important issues impacting their communities. The collection includes planners, notebooks, comp books, pocket portfolios and 3-ring pencil pouches featuring cool designs including background on social issues and tips on how students can make a difference. Ascending Butterfly loves 'guilt free shopping' and products that give back. Encouraging young people to get into a mindset that teaches them that their dollars are buying power that should be leveraged to make a difference is important!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Go Glam- Add some ‘bling’ to the classroom with the new Glam Rocks Collection. Sparkle in style with the hand-crafted Glam Rocks Staplers ($4.99) and Glam Rocks Pens ($4.99). Designs available in purple floral, pink color fade, royal blue and crystal clear. Students can also do some sparkling number-crunching with the Glam Rocks Calculators ($4.99).  These went over quite well when I attended the event at Staples, and I scored major auntie brownie points with my niece when I got her these!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Flash Forward- Exclusive to Staples, get a little flashy with the Omnitech 2GB Swivel Flash Drive ($12.99), designed to keep the cap in place. Available in new black and white, multi-colored dots and peace-sign patterns.  These definitely went over well, and I couldn't resist picking one up for myself!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cool Calculators- Math has never been more fun with these calculators, exclusive to Staples. Students can “flex” their math muscles - literally- with the new Staples Flexible Calculator ($3.99). It’s uniquely bendable with translucent and tie-dyed designs.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - With the new Staples Soccer Buddy Calculator ($3.99) and its functional mini-soccer ball, achieving math “goals” will be easy. My soccer loving nephew named his FIFA and said this one was for HIS desk!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Organize in Style- Students can let their personality show with Staples Brand fashion products ($1.99-$5.49), including binders, portfolios, notebooks and comp books, fashion dividers and more. Available in an assortment of stylish colors and designs from funky geometric prints to free-spirited paisley creations. The Staples BETTER binder™ is built for long-lasting durability and to withstand heavy-duty daily use available in an assortment of vibrant back-to-school colors ($6.99-$14.79). I was tempted to keep one of these for ME, but ever the good aunt, I gave it up, but I am thinking of going back and picking up a few for myself!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-it - How do you make a pencil case out of a really long zipper? Just pull it and watch it zip into shape! The brainchild of a student whose class project called for turning an everyday item into something new, the Zip It-Unzip Your Mind pencil pouch ($5.99) is perfect for teen trendsetters. Available in stylish colors including black, purple and pink with exclusive rainbow-zipper design for Staples. This was my favorite product that was shown to us at the event, and my enthusiasm for it rubbed off on my niece too, she wanted one in every color, but I kept the hot pink for me because my ipod protector is pink and I've decided to put it into the Zip It Pouch so it would be safe inside my bag! (During the event Staples held 'zip and unzip offs' where the fastest bloggers won prizes!) I of course immediately asked about how well it washes to use as a cosmetics bag, and all you have to do is UNZIP it completely and throw it in the wash, the makeup residue comes right off and it looks like new again! The uses for this pouch are endless!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Thanks to our friends at Staples the lucky winner of this giveaway gets a $50 Staples Gift Card to help with Back To School Shopping (and with their 99 cent specials - check your local ad for details - this gift card will certainly go a long way!) Don't you just ♥ Staples? 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 (this must be done for all others to count): Visit Staples and post the URL Link (NOT THE NAME) of any OTHER back to school item aside from the review items!  (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.

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 Wednesday, August 18, 2010 until Friday, August 27, 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 (+5 entries, leave 5 comments with the URL to your blog post!)

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!) (2 credits, post twice)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #ascendingbutterfly + @StaplesTweets #win a $50 Staples Gift Card for Back to School #Giveaway - http://tinyurl.com/2co77zk

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry. Get the Tweet's URL by clicking 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 @StaplesTweets on Twitter HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Staples on Facebook (and remember to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you, post the URL of where you posted on Staples wall) HERE  (+1 for liking and +3 extra credit entries for wall post, (please post 3 comments!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow/Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook (remember when we have giveaways which allow for multiple winners, one winner will always be selected at Random from our Facebook Page, so make sure you are following us there too!) HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Review this blog on Alexa HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! 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 the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate my review and for the 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.