Sunday, August 23, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and TWO giveaways!

Living in Gratitude

On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and breathing meditations. 'Today's Butterfly' will remain a daily and will post with the Today's Inspiration Monday through Saturday, and will post with the Weekly Moment of Gratitude on Sunday.

This week, I am grateful for:

1) Ascending Butterfly celebrated it's Two Month 'Blog-A-Versary' this week! Your emails and feedback really keep us motivated, Thank You Readers!

2) Ascending Butterfly's amazing list of sponsors that just keeps growing each day, Thank You, we couldn't do it without you!

3) I'm grateful for the kindness of an amazing stranger this week. I'm a strong beleiver in paying it forward, so I'll show my gratitude, by doing something nice for someone I don't know. A mitzvah of sorts. :)

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.

So join me on this journey of gratitude. 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 (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and two super Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win the Smashbox Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below)









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Weekend Inspiration - Ordinary People Extraordinary Talents!

Today's Words Of Inspiration are going to be a little different today! The Ascending Butterfly celebrates its 2 month 'Blog-a-versary' today! Thank You loyal readers, for choosing to spend some time each day with us.

Last night I had the amazing fortune to be able to attend John Legend's Madison Square Garden Performance, VIP Style. The concert 'opening act' was none other than India.Arie! And that was just one of many surprises the night had in store.

I arrived early enough to watch the set up process and what did I see? A HUGE BUTTERFLY on the screen!!!! I already love India.Arie's style, flow and music, but that just cinched it, seeing that butterfly let me know that I was in the right place at the right time. She started in prayer and John Legend ended in prayer as well. I'm all about living in gratitude and this concert certainly filled my soul on many levels!

We had amazing seats (Thanks J.T./Madison Square Garden/and Hot97). We were about 3 seats away from a celebrity! Malcolm-Jamal Warner (you may remember him as 'Theo' from the Cosby Show) was sitting in front of us!

Since the concert started with India, so will I. I was too happy to see her big butterfly on screen, and she even comes out during the concert wearing butterfly wings!

I am writing and listening to her song 'Therapy' featuring Gramps Morgan. I LOVE this track, if you don't have it yet, pick it up. (And if her lablel is reading this, we'd be stoked to offer up autographed copies to our Ascending Butterfly readers!) 'Therapy' is a track that speaks of the love we are all seeking! It's the love we all want, the WAY we all want it. And the dynamics between India.Arie and Gramps on that stage was absolutely electric! They really have great chemistry together. Ladies, listen to this song, if the man in your life doesn't make you feel this way, you are with the wrong man! (any men out there who want to approach this butterfly, better listen to this song first and learn how it's done!)

That was just one of many amazing songs sung by India.Arie during her set. It was a mix of old favorites and tracks off the new album.

Here are some photos (It is NOT OK to copy or otherwise reproduce or re-distribute these photos!)

ABOVE: India.Arie walking down the main aisle. Look at that smile!

Her voice and her amazing smile, lit the garden up! And the energy she gave out to the audience was extremely uplifting and positive.

ABOVE: India.Arie with her backup singers and her guitarist (and look at the pretty butterfly)

ABOVE: India.Arie in her butterfly wings!

ABOVE: And she brought out a special guest towards the end, HER MOM!!!

I'm very close with my mom and it was so nice to see India.Arie's mom perform with her on stage! The apple didn't fall from the tree! Two beautiful women, Two powerful Voices, two happy spirits.

The night's headliner John Legend, started out singing directly in the heart of the audience. I will admit it was hard to hear him over the screams of the crowd and shrill shrieks of the delighted ladies for the opportunity to touch him or grab his hand as he tried to make his way to the stage!

I am now listening to 'Ordinary People' as I write, it is one of my favorite John Legend tracks. And somehow everytime I see him sing it, I have to think it is his favorite too. ('Used to love you' and 'heaven' are another two favorites of mine!) (I make your label the same offer John, we'd love to give our readers autographed CD's!!)

Like India.Arie, John Legend put together a great combination of his well known tracks blending with tracks from his new album. And there was so many amazing performers that took the stage with him, Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Kanye West and Estelle, and not to mention India.Arie! I've always liked reggae and dancehall and was happily surprised to see Buju Banton take the stage!

John Legend teamed up with Gap to offer 'exclusive (RED)ZONE' seating for (PRODUCT)RED purchases made at Gap. (PRODUCT) RED purchase proceeds help to eliminate AIDS in Africa. It was a concert with a cause and there is nothing more in line with my mission than that! John is definitely the all-around man to watch, great voice, great style and the heart of a humanitarian, a man that wants to help be a part of the solution, that is MY KIND of man, GO JOHN! You can Buy Red and save lives, learn more by signing up to (RED) HERE

ABOVE: John started off singing to the audience, from INSIDE the audience! (as you can see from the lower right of this photo, he definitely gave security a workout and made them earn their money by doing this!)

ABOVE: John and the band

Above: Buju Banton takes to the stage! As you can see from this pic he was feeling the love!





ABOVE: Kanye West and Estelle sing 'American Boy'

ABOVE: John Legend takes to the stage with India.Arie

The concert began and ended in prayer and folks rarely sat down, it was an on your feet, begining to end high energy and very electric night that ended with me actually getting the chance to meet John Legend in person!

Ordinary People, Extraordinary Talent! Do something out of the ordinary this weekend!
And listen to great music while you're doing it!

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win the SmashBox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE - Majesty or Monarch HERE

2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE

Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and a butterfly giveaway!

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

How has the week been treating you so far? Yesterday was an exciting day here, we announced the two winners of our Tres Sleek Giveaway! I hope you took a moment to say congratulations to them both on the winner announcement thread! There is a surprise coming up real soon, so if you didn't win this time around, don't fret my butterflies, there is still hope on the horizon.

This past weekend taught me the value of the expression, 'it's not what you know, it's WHO you know.' It truly proved to be true for me this weekend and made me think profoundly on my 'who's'.

It made me realize the importance of those people in my life who I can count on. Who do you know? How well do you really know them? We often-times take the people in our lives for granted until we need them. That isn't fair to them or you. Have you lost touch with someone you now miss? It's never too late! Depending on how many 'who's' you have, this may not be feasible to do all in one day, but today, this week, this month, reach out to everyone you know. Just say hi. Remind them you are thinking of them. Call them. Email them. Pick up the lost art of letter writing and write to your 'who's'. Take time to reach out to those you hold most dear to you. Tell everyone in your house that you love them. Give them a hug. It will make their day brighter, and your life richer.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I appreciate all my 'who's'!

Let these words put you in a mindset of appreciation for all the wonderful people who are a part of your life. Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different!

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here!

Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and a Giveaway! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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A head's up for all my fab Blonde Readers

Just thought I'd give all the Blonde Ascending Butteflies out there a head's up that 'The Product Pasha' is offering her readers an amazing prize package which includes: Redken Blonde Glam haircare line, Extreme Iron Repair, Spray Starch 15, Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk and Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray!

Go visit her HERE to enter! (or you can press the graphic!)

And don't forget we are hosting an Emily Elizabeth Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace Giveaway right here on Ascending Butterfly, press HERE to be directed to it!

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Friday, July 10, 2009 - - Today's Words of Inspiration

I'm sure you can all join me in a hearty T.G.I.F. and not the chain restaurant! It's been an amazingly productive week here at Ascending Butterfly, I truly hope it's been a productive AND fulfilling week for each and every one of you as well!

Use Today's Words of Inspiration as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I give myself the same love, care and attention that I do for my family, friends and work. I matter.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different!

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here:

http://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias

Twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update field at Twitter:OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4ThxMake this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Don't forget to enter our TWO Amazing Giveaways:

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry:

http://ascendingbutterfly.blogspot.com/2009/07/tuesday-july-07-2009-todays-butterfly.html

2. Enter to win awesome shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek:

http://ascendingbutterfly.blogspot.com/2009/07/monday-july-6-2009-todays-butterfly-and.html

Stop and be thankful for something good today.
Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Thursday, July 09, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration

Thursday, July 09, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration

I have many daily sources of inspiration, one day I will take the time to list them, a directory of happiness of sorts. I make it a strong point to get happiness in my inbox as well. Newsletters that fill me with inspiration and make opening emails a pleasure instead of a chore.

Today I point you Gaiam (which I did once last month with a great recipe!). I honestly couldn't have said it better today myself, so dear readers, for your inspiration today, look here:

http://life.gaiam.com/gaiam/p/How-to-Use-Visualization-to-Heal-Physically-or-Emotionally.html

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Don't forget to enter our TWO Amazing Giveaways:

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry:
http://ascendingbutterfly.blogspot.com/2009/07/tuesday-july-07-2009-todays-butterfly.html

2. Enter to win awesome shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek:
http://ascendingbutterfly.blogspot.com/2009/07/monday-july-6-2009-todays-butterfly-and.html

Stop and be thankful for something good today.

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Très Sleek™ Giveaway

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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: Congratulations to Tina12312 and to CMWheeler!!!

Don't forget to enter the Emily Elizabeth Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace giveaway HERE!

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Très Sleek™ Giveaway!

Sponsored by

Founded in early 2008 by Lee Ann Stevenson, Très Sleek™ introduced the first arm shape-wear of its kind. Lee Ann identified a void in the shape-wear market after talking to countless women who expressed their frustration with tops that just didn’t fit right. Delving further into the problem, Lee found even more women who felt that the only options for eliminating flabby or bulgy trouble spots were invasive, or required suffering through an unflattering wardrobe.

Lee’s company philosophy is expressed in the following quote:
“I have made it my priority to search for easy ways to address our figure flaws while making it affordable to every woman.” Created specifically to appeal to females who want fast results, Lee brings her own perspective as a wife, friend, mother, and—first and foremost—a woman, to her product development process.

"In my opinion shapewear is a tool to enhance our figure, not hide it" says Lee Ann Stevenson CEO and Creator of Très Sleek™". Finally we live in a time where being shapely is celebrated and having curves is the must have accessory". " With every product I create, my goal is to nip and tuck the areas that time, age, genetics, busy schedules, and pregnancy have re-designed, leaving a naturally sexy and sculpted silhouette".

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Ascending Butterfly is very excited to be able to introduce our readers to a company who feels it’s important to make women feel more comfortable and confident in the skin they are in! Not only have we made Très Sleek™ 'Today’s Butterfly' featured site, but we have teamed up with Très Sleek™ to offer Ascending Butterfly Readers a chance to win this amazing shape-wear! How cool is that?~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

BRAdigy™ Camisole

The BRAdigy™ Camisole is designed to embody the style and comfort of a favorite tank top, this new breed of Cami features thicker straps for comfort and support, and extra length to smooth where it counts. A slightly higher-cut neckline meant to minimize spillover of cleavage and underarm flesh. With its appealing silhouette and variety of colors to choose from, this is one cami whose straps don't need to be concealed, and can even peek out tastefully from under a jacket. Did we mention that this item is also offered in two-toned combinations allowing you to switch between black and nude, or white and black in one bra or cami? So many women are forced to spend good money on multiple camisoles for different color choices. Well now you can get two in one with BRAdigy™ collection. Now that's smart!

Colors: Black, Lipstick Red, Chocolate, Marshmello, Black, Nude, Hot Pink

Sizes: XS-4X, Price 31.95 solids, 41.95 reversible.

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SHRINX™

Shape Shift-Her Collection

Compress yourself with the new and improved, Shrinx™. We've extended in two directions the traditional waist nipper and through this new design have created an all in one slimming garment that addresses common female trouble spots.

• Lightweight and compressive nylon/spandex blend
• Smoothes from underneath breast to upper thigh
• Eliminates back bulge
• No ill fitting bra shelf to deal with
• No clasps or painful hooks
• Wear under tops, dresses, pants, and skirts
• Anchor underneath bra for extra security
• Long enough to tuck into pants/skirt to prevent rolling

Colors: Nude and Black

Sizes: S-3X, $29.95

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Giveaway Time: Two lucky Ascending Butterfly readers will win either a BRAdigy™ Camisole, or a Shrinx™! All you have to do in order to be qualified for a chance to win is to visit Tres Sleek™ and leave a comment on why you need or would like this, and where you plan to wear it AND you must also follow this blog to enter! They don’t say ‘membership (or in this case, readership, has it’s privileges for nothing!)

Please leave a separate comment for each item that you have completed stating that you have done so.

Winners who don’t claim prize within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and a new winner will be selected. Please leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com)

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! This giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike, but you must follow this blog for your entry to count. You have from now until Friday, July 17, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Monday, July 20th! Giveaway open to USA only.

EXTRA CREDIT:

• Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment


• Follow me @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascending
  butterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment


• Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in a comment. Copy and paste the following: "OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Enter to win the Tres Sleek Giveaway at Ascending Butterfly today - http://tiny.cc/WGB0b"

• DAILY EXTRA CREDIT FOR VOTING DAILY: There Should Always Be A Safe Place for Children, Vote YES here - http://bit.ly/16HKW6

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Deal Alert: Buy a Tankteeni™ and use the coupon code, tank4me, for 10% off your purchase or buy a De quart or Pleine bundle pack and use the coupon code, armed4summer, to get 15% off!====================================

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Thursday, July 02, 2009 - Today's Butterfly

Thursday, July 02, 2009 - Today's Butterfly

In honor of our First Annual Fourth of July Giveaway, sponsored by Mimobot, Today's Butterfly will be the same to allow readers more time to enter! How cool is that?Click HERE!

FYI - As a San Diego Comic Con exclusive, only 500 Luke Dagobah Variants will be produced. Available at the MIMOBOT booths #2913 and #4938 at Comic Con, July 22 - 26.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can connect with me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

We welcome our new friends from iJedi.org, they can be found here!

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Wednesday, July 01, 2009 - Today's Butterfly

In honor of our First Annual Fourth of July Giveaway, sponsored by Mimobot, Today's Butterfly will be the same to allow readers more time to enter! How cool is that?
Click HERE!

FYI - As a San Diego Comic Con exclusive, only 500 Luke Dagobah Variants will be produced. Available at the MIMOBOT booths #2913 and #4938 at Comic Con, July 22 - 26.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can connect with me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/Tracy_Iglesias

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

We welcome our new friends from iJedi.org, they can be found here!

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