Will you be my Valentine? Whatever you do today, do it with love + my cupid name!

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies!

Just thought I would share some random Valentine's Day goodness and humor!

♥ Since it is Valentine's Day, it is only appropriate to know your Cupid Name! My Cupid Name is: Noisy Kissy Face 😘

♥ I love this heart of butterflies:

♥ And lastly, a pretty butterfly reminder that Whatever You Do Today, Do It With Love!

Readers Sound Off: What is your Cupid Name and how are you celebrating Valentine's Day?

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

{#MotivationMonday} #Butterflies we are FOUR days away from the first day of SPRING!

Fellow East Coast Peeps, soon we will have LESS of this:

And more of THIS:

In just four days, it's bye bye old man winter and HELLO Spring! Who is with me?

I hope this put the motivation in your Monday!

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A @DrMayaAngelou inspired #MotivationMonday

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty" ~Maya Angelou

I was born on April 4th just like Maya Angelou and hers is one of my absolute favorite butterfly quotes. Many of my butterflies noticed I changed my personal Twitter Account to the image above and I thought it would make the perfect Motivation Monday this week. And a special thanks to all the butterflies out there who email me quotes, pictures and poems they find about Butterflies, I cherish them all!

Being a butterfly is about transformation and change, but often we neglect to reflect upon the changes that get us to where we are and who we are at this very moment.

It's OK to be in transition right now butterflies. I know some of you don't feel like you are in the place you belong, or the skin you feel comfortable in, but I can promise you that it's all for a reason. These shifts, transitions and sometimes setbacks and detours are all an important parts of the process.

This Ascending Butterfly definitely mourns the loss of Maya Angelou, but I know her words are a legacy that will plant a seed of greatness in generations to come.

I hope these words will serve as a reminder to be kinder to those around you - we are all in different stages of our transitions butterflies - let's show more empathy to both our fellow caterpillars and butterflies today!

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FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Find out why Ascending Butterfly recommends following the Butterfly for 'Happy Feet' @AlegriaNation!

Nothing puts the motivation in my Monday faster than a good pep in my step. And while I had no idea that my love of butterflies would become a blog or a brand for me, I do know that following the butterfly has never led me wrong yet.

I'm an April baby and while everyone thinks the 'season of renewal', after many years of soggy birthdays, I have learned the hard way about 'April Showers bringing May Flowers'. Meaning I want to keep my feet dry, but don't necessarily need boots with fur anymore and that's exactly where Alegria Shoes come in. Not just any shoes, but the shoes with the butterfly on them.

If like me you thought Alegria was all 'Nursing Shoes' I urge you to take another look at their website, they are not just for Nurses.

I got to try out the Alegria Cami Mahogany Boot:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine Mahogany Leather
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Buckle Straps at the Calf and Ankle to allow for a custom fit
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leather Covered insole let's your feet naturally breathe
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cork, Memory Foam & Latex footbed, form to the natural contours of your foot
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Removable Footbed
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hand sewn, Dri Lex Lining
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Arch Support
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Roomy Toe Box
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heel Height: 1 1/4 in.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Platform Height: 1/2 in.

MY TAKE:

These are super comfortable, I actually broke them in during a weekend away in Atlantic City and I usually never break in new shoes when traveling there because I know I will be doing more walking than usual. My feet didn't hurt at the end of the day, and I had tons of people asking me about them. Whenever I go to an event I tend to wear something that has a butterfly on it, (usually jewelry) and now I get to add my footwear to the mix which is fun. I love the arch support on these because that's one of the things I actually need the most. I love that these are comfort footwear but don't really look like it. The Buckles give it a hard edge and then the butterfly lends it a more feminine vibe. I'm not going to be happy when the weather warms up so much that I will have to put these away.

These definitely get a 10 butterfly rating out of 10 for hitting it right out the park: comfort (check), stylish (check), BUTTERFLY (check plus, plus!).

And as my fellow Latinas already know, 'Alegria' means happiness, and who doesn't want happy feet?

Are you already a member of the Alegria Nation? If so, which is your favorite pair? Don't forget to tweet @AlegriaNation and tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly! (Apologies for no giveaway this time around, hopefully they can come back for something fun for Spring/Summer!)


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, however the Alegria Cami Mahogany Boot was provided to us for editorial consideration. All opinions are 100% my own!  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Last Day of 2013! Bye Bye 2013 and WELCOME 2014! #NYE

Life is to short to wake up with regrets.

So love the people

who treat you right,

Forget about the ones who don't.

And believe that everything happens for a reason.

if you get a chance,

TAKE IT.

If it changes your life,

LET IT

Nobody said that it would be easy.

They just promised it would be worth it.

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And if something like the image below is on your agenda for tonight, please be careful and safe butterflies. Don't get behind the wheel under the influence, and don't get in any car if you feel the driver is inebriated!

Gogo Shop on Etsy

HAPPY NEW YEAR BUTTERFLY!!!

If you are creating an online vision board, I'd love to see it! If you are game to share yours, please post the link as a comment below!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. This is NOT a compensated post. Happy New Year Everyone! 

Motivation Monday: Are you willing to give up being a caterpillar Edition + We have a winner!

How does one become a butterly? You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar. ~ Trina Paulus

Motivation Monday:

Sometimes we really do have to shed the skin that is comfortable and venture straight into the unknown to make the significant changes we seek in our lives to feel fulfilled.

It's hard to give up what we know, why?

(1) It's comfortable

(2) We went through a lot just to get here, so we don't always want to embrace change

(3) The Unknown can be big and scary

But Ascending to a new level is a part of our journey, one we are not always pysched about, but often times it's just plain necessary. We learn how strong we are only at times we are challenged, only during the moments of growth that aren't always so willing to embrace. So instead of change forcing itself upon you, embrace it yourself and make small changes each day so that when your moment comes to give up being a caterpillar, you will be ready! Being an Ascending Butterfly means always being on a journey to rise higher than you were before.

We have a winner! 

Congratulations to Milena B. (entry #27) winner of the Smooth Jazz Cruise Rafflcopter Giveaway for this Wednesday's Phil Perry sail! If you didn't win this time, no worries, our friends at Smooth Jazz will be back very soon for the rewind sail in October which has a really great lineup, you won't want to miss it! (And by the way the winning entry was a twitter entry, so always make sure you rack up as much extra credit as you can per giveaway because you never know which of your entries is the one that will win! Extra Credit really pays off!)

Active Giveaway:

Don't forget to get in your entry for a $100 shopping spree to In Bloom, this giveaway closes soon and you've got to be in it to win it!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Why should @polyvore send @Tracy_Iglesias of @Ascending1 to New York Fashion Week? #NYFW #sendmetoFW

Like by clicking HERE and pressing on the red heart!

Polyvore is sending one member of their community to New York Fashion Week and of course they came up with the neat contest idea of having members create a Polyvore Board that answers: Why should @polyvore send you to New York Fashion Week? and this was my board for my contest entry! If you think it's as cute and cheeky and totally butterfly fabulous as I do, head on over using the link above and press on the red heart to give my Polyvore Board a like!

Wouldn't you love seeing your favorite NYC Butterfly Loving Blogger covering what's hot on the runway as a Polyvore Correspondent?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post, this is only a contest entry, I have not received any incentives for sharing my contest entry for Polyvore's New York Fashion Week Contest. I just really hope I win!

Motivation Monday: Aphrodite: Inner Goddess Edition!

I love the message on this Aphrodite Tarot Card:

"Awaken the Goddess within you through dance, self-care, and appreciating your divinity"

On this motivation Monday do something to care for and awaken the Goddess within you, whether it's a full blown day in the spa, or just a long bath and lit candle. Nurture yourself today butterflies, your inner Goddess will thank you! (And Guys this applies to YOU too! Do something that makes you feel alive and happy!)

Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly - Wishing you a day of awakened divinity and inner light!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Happy Butterfly Fourth of July! - New York City Style!

Wishing you a fun filled day of happiness, fireworks and butterflies in the sky!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post! Have a Happy Holiday!

Showing Some Sweet #Tuesday Love + Great Giveaway for #Jewelry #Fashion #Accessories Lovers!

And A Great Giveaway Reminder, Don't forget to enter our BuDhaGirl Core Cuff Bracelet Giveaway! Their jewelry is where Fashion and Intention meet, they are all about making life better by the use of intention, and that is definitely what being an Ascending Butterfly is all about!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Motivation Monday: 'A Good Life' Edition!

Sometimes we just need a little butterfly to remind us that we really do have a Good Life, and we just need to celebrate it!

Happy Motivation Monday Butterflies, let your wings take flight this week!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Butterfly Irish Blessing for You! #HappyStPatricksDay

May the wings of the Butterfly Kiss the Sun,

And Find Your Shoulder to Light Upon.

~Irish Blessing

Happy St. Patrick's Day Butterflies! May the luck of the Irish be with you today and always!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Valentine's Day: Jewelry, Scent and Spa, OH MY! Edition

Left: Pictures on Gold Butterfly Pendant, Upper Right: MOR Cosmetics Blood Orange Bliss Duet, Lower Right: H2O+ Purifying Sea Salt Body Collection

Happy Valentine's Day Butterflies!

I hope you are all having a fantastic love day! I thought I'd share how I celebrated mine. As you know Butterflies factor heavily into everything for me they represent change, growth and transformation. This year is a year with many big changes and transformations ahead that are already underway. For me, there is no better gift than one that is personal, personalization can go beyond simple engraving, and when I hit upon PicturesOnGold.com Butterfly Pendant it was love at first sight. You can have a picture of your choice put in the center, or your child's thumbprint. I selected a picture of me and mama butterfly for my custom pendant, and when I saw the finished result I knew it would be my first pick as a Valentine's Day Buying Item, and I personally think it would also be fantastic for Mother's Day, Birthday's, Easter Gifts, or a special gift for a special Grad. It's pictured on the left hand side of the collage picture above.

My second Valentine's Day swoon item (on the upper right hand side of the collage picture above) is the MOR Cosmetics Blood Orange Bliss Duet, it comes packaged in a Peach colored heart coffret, the duet consists of a nurturing Shea Butter Hand Cream and Blood Orange Scented Soy Wax Petite Candle. The scent is ruby red Italian Blood Oranges infused with soft summer floral notes of Jasmine, Rose and Lily of the Valley resulting in a very fresh, delicious fragrance.

My third Valentine's Day swoon item is pictured on the lower right hand side of the collage above and it's the H2O Purifying Sea Salt Body Collection. The best way I can describe the body wash for this spa set is that you feel like you are in the inside of a champagne glass, the body wash lathers so well and it's so bubbly in a tingling and refreshing way that it feels sort of like the bubbles of a champagne glass! This set also helps to restore skin's mouisture balance and it feels super rich and indulgent. I began using H2O years ago when I discovered them in my local Bed, Bath and Beyond. In fact a lot of friends and family know I'm obsessed with their products and I get their kits often as gifts. I love their footcare sets as well.

My Take:

Valentine's Day is a day where we get to tell those we love just how much we appreciate them and vice-versa. I love personalized gifts and think that PicturesOnGold.com offerings of personal photo's on Gold or Silver Jewelry is such an amazing gift idea, and not just for Valentine's Day, but for any gift giving occasion! While Pictures on Gold was new to me, MOR and H2O+ definitely weren't as I've been using their products for a long time now. MOR products have wonderful scents and the most gorgeous packaging, and H2O+ products are also wonderfully scented and equally good for the skin, both of them feel like an indulgent spa day in the comfort of your own home!

Didn't get what you wanted this year? Our gift picks above are also a great way to say I Love You to YOU! So check them out for yourself as well as using them as gift ideas to give others.

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @PicturesOnGold1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Pictures On Gold on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MORcosmetics on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like MOR Cosmetics on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @H2O_Plus on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like H2O on Facebook

How was your Valentine's Day Butterfly, Did Cupid Surprise You with something fantastic this year? Do Tell, leave us a comment and let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received to share our product reviews. All opinions are 100% my own. Pictures on Gold and H2O+ provided samples for editorial consideration, please note the Blood Orange Bliss Duet Kit by MOR Cosmetics was a prize that I won in a competition that they sponsored, I had NO obligation to share about it, I chose to do so because I truly love the products.

Wordless Wednesday: I'm like a #butterfly edition!

Graphic Reads: I'm like a Butterfly, Pretty to look at, Hard to Catch!

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Bloggers feel free to comment with a link to your Wordless Wednesday Posts so we can visit you too! 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post!

Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly Chakra!

Just feeling 'Butterfly Zen' on the advent of my first transformation of the year, details to come!
Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! Bloggers post your Wordless Wednesday links here!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Today's Words of #Inspiration: Happy Monday! Try todays #affirmation on for size!

Day SEVEN of a brand new year butterflies! Are you excited? I am. I am feeling filled with anticipation of victory, blessings, new paths and new destinations! A new week has begun and I made sure to start it with affirmations! I say intstead of singing 'Manic Monday' think 'Magic Monday' instead!
I am definitely not telling you to cover the sky with one hand, but you can shape your day with your thoughts so why not make them positive ones?
Buried under a mountain of emails? STOP! Take a 5 minute break. Even if the most walking you can do in those five minutes is a quick trip to the water cooler, then take it.
Buried under an insane to-do list? You won't get as much accomplished if you are harried. Call someone right now who makes you happy. Stopping for just a moment will help you center yourself. And in the end you'll be able to accomplish more than if you just rush through that list like its a marathon.
How are you coming along with your resolutions? Don't give up on them. Break the main goals down into steps, and take yourself one step closer by the end of the week. You have 51 weeks left to make this your best year ever!
Todays affirmation: 'I deserve love, peace, prosperity and serenity.'  - When your day gets hectic, stop and say this. Say this when you get up, and again when you are headed to bed. Keep reminding yourself of this!
Happy Monday Butterfly! Because we all know a Happy Butterfly, is an Ascending Butterfly! :)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. But if anyone wants to sponsor a Daily Inspirational post, please contact us! :)

Wordless Wednesday: Blue Butterfly #Inspiration

In light of this week's events, this seemed like a fitting Wordless Wednesday!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Today's Words of Inspiration: The Greatest Gift!

Butterflies it's super easy to get wrapped up in the 'Gimme!' 'Gimme!' 'Gimme!' during the holiday season, take a moment to reflect on what's truly important to YOU!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

The stars at night are big and bright....and I want to see them ALL!

Most of you already know I'm a One2One Network member. Throughout the years my membership has been just as much a benefit to me as it has been to each and every single reader of Ascending Butterfly. I have had the chance to share about great products, great deals as well as host a giveaway or three! Be it by email or during Blogging Conferences, I have been often asked why I am a member, or do I find being a member valuable and would I recommend them? My answer is YES.

I learned a long time ago that Blogging is NOT an Island. And as for work/life balance there are only so many hours in a day, and I don't have as much time as I'd like to do outreach for Ascending Butterfly. I take blogging seriously and enjoy bringing you diverse, rich content. Companies like One2One Network that bring brands and bloggers together specialize in outreach, in a way that I never could, or probably wouldn't even want to. I love to write, I never aspired to be a sales person. But somehow throughout the years it's a hat I've had to wear. With One2One it's like having my own sales team, they do the outreach and then come back to me with the opportunity to connect with brands I actually know and work on projects that excite me, without any penalty when I don't want to or just simply can't participate in a campaign for whatever reason.

The company was founded by Barbara Jones and my favorite quote about why she founded the community is:

"I saw an opportunity to break-out on my own and build a grassroots team of socially active women who have the 'I-can't-help-myself' desire to share information about new products and services with their friends, family and colleagues." ~ Barbara Jones

Their motto is: Fun Projects, Cool Perks, Nice People and throughout the years that's exactly what it has been! I've read great books (like Once in a Blue Moon), Listened to great music (like Harry Connick Jr Your Songs, Norah Jones ...Featuring and many others including the fantastic Sex and The City 2 Soundtrack!) and tried some great products including: Crest 3D Whitestrips (please note if you visit that link, that giveaway is already closed), L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara, and Gain Apple Mango Tango Laundry Detergent - all of which remain on my permanent shopping list!

One2One is doing something amazing right now and I really want to be a part of it! One2One Network is hosting a full sponsorship to the Blissdom13 conference for it's members, and I truly want to attend! Check out this page to get more info about the sponsorship contest.

I have never been to Blissdom. I've been to BlogHer (both in 2010 and this year), and I'm headed to the Niche Mommy Conference this month (this is the FIRST year and it's being held in New Orleans! Awesomesauce!), but how I've never been to Blissdom I don't know, just the name alone sounds like I should be there!

I started my year with a shocking and horrible mis-diagnosis, that I was on 'borrowed time' it's pretty much anyone's worst nightmare. And after almost a year of exploratory surgeries (and 2 long hospitalizations later) I'm still very much standing. But my medical setback has given me a mountain of medical expenses to deal with and also robbed me of some major holidays (I spent both New Years Eve and my birthday in the hospital this year). It also placed limits on what I could do physically. I'm finally getting back on track and have TONS of lost time to make up for.

So as much as I'd like to attend to Blissdom13 next year, it won't be possible for me without a sponsorship. This year to get to BlogHer12 I volunteered for my pass, if not, I wouldn't have been able to make it. And for Niche Mommy I won my sponsorship this year which I'm super grateful for!

The four Blissdom13 tracks are: Business, Writing, Life Development, and Photography and they would help me grow both Ascending Butterfly (as well as myself) both personally and professionally speaking and I love the fact that the Writing and Photography Tracks format will also have a hands-on workshop feel! 

The conference after 5 years in Nashville, TN is moving to Dallas, TX. There is something so very fitting about that for me, the conference itself has decided IT needed change and that's exactly how I feel in my life. After being told I might lose mine, I really don't want to hold back in any area of my life anymore. I want to see things I haven't seen, I'm bolder now, I'm not as afraid of taking risks or chances and most of all I want change, I want growth. I think my medical setback kind of brought me into a real life 'chrysalis' state and now that it's almost totally behind me, I want to emerge from my cocoon as a whole new butterfly, and what better way to do it than with a new experience?

I'm sure you guessed it by now, but this is a contest entry, but it's also a super personal glimpse into where I'm at right now!

How about you butterfly, What kind of change do you want to bring into your life for 2013?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. However this post does serve as a contest entry for One2One Network Members.

Motivation Monday - Butterfly Summer Edition!

I have had a TON of butterfly sightings so far this summer! For me butterflies symbolize change, luck and sometimes a loved one who has passed away stopping by to say hello. Since I'm on the verge of a major change this year, I'm hoping all my recent sightings mean good luck is headed my way!

Wishing you a week filled with butterfly sightings and all the delights of summer!

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