Revolutionize your Health and Fitness Experience in 3 EASY steps!

After a year that has been spent mostly in the hospital and in and out of doctor's offices, all the momentum I had gained in 2011 with losing so much weight and several dress sizes was pretty much under-mined. I am slowly trying to get back into the swing of things but my routine had to be modified to accomodate some restrictions until I'm 100 percent back up to speed.

I can't wait to get there, but I am finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel and am happy to report I found a fitness and lifestyle experience that truly works for me, and one I feel strongly about, and strongly about sharing.

Kristin McGee, certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

I tried Yoga for the first time ever last year, and I really enjoyed it! I was hoping to incorporate it into my day to day fitness routine when I got sidetracked. This summer I got the chance to try again, I had an amazing Yoga Session with Kristin McGee (Kristin is a certified Yoga and Pilates instructor as well as an ACE certified personal trainer), the class was held at the Reebok Sports and Fitness Club in New York City! When you check out Kristin's site you'll see a ton of testimonials from her celebrity clients including: Steve Martin, Bethenny Frankel, Tina Fey and more. She is absolutely phenomenal and I get why her clients love her. It's her mind, body + soul approach to fitness that keeps you both grounded and energized at the same time. She made working out fun for me again, and in a way that made Yoga easier for me. She gave me ways to alter certain poses that I can't quite do just yet and still get the same workout as everyone else. I never felt intimidated, I never felt like I couldn't keep up and I definitely appreciate that. She also specializes in Post Natal Yoga so for those moms who want to get back in the swing of things again and lose those last stubborn pounds, you will definitely get the support you need with Kristin!

The Yoga Session was sponsored by CoachClub, who offers a unique approach to fitness, by bringing the gym TO YOU and not the other way around! It's 3 easy steps to get started!

Ever find yourself saying:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's raining.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's Snowing.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's too hot.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I'm tired.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I had a busy day.

All perfectly wonderful excuses for not going to the gym. Until Now! CoachClub allows you to customize a fitness plan that is tailor made to your specific workout goals and needs. Whether you are in College and trying to get rid of the 'Freshman 15' or a mom who has post-pregnancy weight to contend with you are going to be able to customize a routine that not only works for YOU, but works with YOUR schedule.

If you thought 'Movies-on-Demand' were great, wait until you try 'CoachClub-on-Demand'. With CoachClub you can go 'On-Demand' and get over 200 workouts - 3 intensity levels, No subscription, No Commitment and Choose the Video you want, or you can go 'Premium' and set your goals, and get a Coach and unlimited access to fitness videos (so your routine never gets boring!)! Not sure which is right for you? No Worries Butterfly, for a very limited time you can try out Premium FREE. Yes that's right, you read that right, FREE. Premium is in Beta through August 31, 2012 so you can try it out for free and see if it works for you.

While I don't have the money to have Kristin train me daily, (let's face it in this economy hiring a personal trainer is a luxury!), I can certainly afford CoachClub, and love that I can work out when I want, and am not restricted to a specific class or gym schedule that I may not have time for. This is fitness at a time that works for me, in the comfort of my home, so I am at more at ease, can work out in whatever I want to wear break a sweat and not worry about anyone watching and then follow with a shower that has all my favorite beauty products at the ready! Fitness at MY schedule, my way.....CoachClub where have you been all our lives?

Kristin McGee, certified Yoga and Pilates Instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer

Here are some tips from Kristin and Coach Club to help make CoachClub work for YOU:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Right after you drop off the kids at school do your workout! If you put it off, you'll find excuses not to get moving.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Invite a friend or other mom over to your house and workout to CoachClub together. It's a way to hang out and be social and sneak in exercise

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have your kids do CoachClub workouts with you after school, it keeps the whole family moving and is a fun way to unwind and blow off stress from the day. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If your kids are too young to get moving with you, play a game where they have to judge you and see if you're doing the moves correctly like American Idol!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Set your iphone, blackberry, computer alarm to alert you that it's time to get up and move and just do a 25 minute Coachclub routine even 25 minutes a day will re energize you.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Take turns with your husband getting the kids ready for school in the AM and do CoachClub on alternate days. You can even set up a little contest with your hubby.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Do some post natal yoga on CoachClub if you're a new mom when the baby is napping to rebuild strength and tone. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sign up for CoachClub with friends from all over the country and skype or email with each other to share notes.

We were also sent home with Mission Ready 'Omega-3 Ready' which delivers 50% more EPA and DHA than most Fish Oil supplements!

My fitness routine got a boost this summer and now a way to keep it up through winter, and I hope this info helps you to step it up a notch too! And if you are super active during summer but less so during winter, use this program to help you maintain your fitness routine through fall into winter!

Left: Kristin McGee, Right: Ascending Butterfly

Get Social With it:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like CoachClub on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @CoachClub on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Kristin McGee on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @thebendigirl on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Get Mission Ready on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @getmissionready on Twitter

So Butterflies, What are you going to do to kick up your fall/winter Fitness Routine?

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post. No monetary compensation has been received. I did attend a Yoga Fitness Class led by Kristin McGee at Reebook Sports & Fitness Club NYC and I did receive Get Mission Ready 'Omega-3 Ready' dietary supplements to try. I do feel strongly about health and fitness and enjoy sharing fitness and health finds with Ascending Butterfly Readers, however I am not a medical expert, so please see your doctor before embarking on a new fitness routine or trying any new supplements!

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: Fitness Edition!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Persistence -  This week has been so insane I feel like I lived a month in the week. I'm not sure how i made it through it all this week. I was entirely over-booked and probably pushed myself a bit too hard. I can only attribute my persistence to how I made it through it all this week. 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Yoga - I took my second ever class this week thanks to Coach Club, the class was held at the Reebok Sports Club in New York City by Celebrity Yoga & Pilates Instructor, Kristin McGee . It was a fantastic class and I hadn't been able to challenge myself like that physically in a long time. I was exhausted AND exhilarated afterwards in a good way. I want to thank Southard Communications for the invite! I promise a full event recap with pictures coming soon!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helpfulness-  I recently had a tech give me what amounts to a free small business consultation without expecting anything in return, and that is usually what I do for other people, but don't always get it return when I need the advice or help. I was truly touched by his generosity of spirit and the gift of his time. His help will allow me to make some smarter tech decisions for myself both personally and professionally, and I thought I'd share it in today's gratitude post because sometimes the smallest gestures amount to the greatest gifts in life. Sometimes it's easy to get bitter when you feel like the relationships in your life are so one sided that you do way more giving than receiving. This week I received something I really needed without really having to ask, and it just melted away the resentments.

What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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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!

The two winners of the Purex giveaway will be selected and notified later today! New giveaways coming at you SOON!

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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!

One Down, One to Go! Winner's Announcement!

Thanks for your patience butterflies as I get myself more caught up, I didn't factor just how slow I really have to take things now.

Congratulations Kimberly Beauchamp, you are the Ascending Butterfly Macy's Ideology Giveaway winner! Don't forget to reply to your winning email notification. I hope you enjoy your new workout gear! Hope your new gear is just the inspiration you need to kick start your fitness routine!

In the next few days I will close out our last Book Club Giveaway and hopefully have the new title up soon!

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Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ends 03/19 - 1 winner!

Macys Ideology It's Your Move Dance Video Contest!

Back in December of 2011 I had the chance to attend the launch of Ideology, a premiere fitness line being sold at Macy's. I had a really great time learning all about Ideology and if you missed my original post with my impressions about the line and photos from the event, click HERE. What impressed me then before having the opportunity to actually try any of the pieces, is exactly what impresses me about them now after having had the opportunity to actually try them out, they are really cut with a woman's curves in mind. As many a trip to the gym will tell you, not all workout gear is flattering, not all workout gear actually flatters your figure. Macy's Ideology line of fitness gear actually works with a woman's natural curves and are figure flattering as well comfortable. The pattern on the racerback tanks actually makes your waist appear 'cinched in' a good way. Ladies, you can now work up a sweat, and still look totally hot doing so!

Cheryl Burke, professional dancer and two time Dancing With The Stars Champion is the spokeswoman and face of the brand. Cheryl gets what it takes to make fitness clothes functional, they need to move with you, be comfortable, 'breathable', yet still trendy and fashionable. Ideology has that all on lock!

Now I'm sure you are wondering why this is a DOUBLE giveaway post right? If you have moves, and are not afraid to bring it, then Macy's has got something special for you! I'm sure my Butterfly Fashionistas are already 'liking' Macy's on Facebook, but if you are aren't, this sure may be incentive enough for you to do so. You know those wonderful fitness goals you've been working on since New Years? They just might be about to pay off. Macy's is hosting an 'It's Your Move Dance Contest' on Facebook. Cheryl Burke will determine the grand prize winner, but 5 Fan Favorites will also have a chance to win great prizes.

How it works:

1) Visit HERE on Facebook, then select a music track - You will be provided with 5 choices. Listen to each track and then decide which one you will use, download that track (no worries, it's a FREE download).

2) Here is the fun part: Choreograph and record yourself dancing to the track you selected in step 1. (It can be an individual dance or with a partner, please be sure to tell your partner you are entering a video contest!)

3) Upload your video + Fill out form and hit UPLOAD and you are good to go! But HURRY Butterflies your videos have to be uploaded by March 15th.

Grand Prize:

A VIP trip to Los Angeles including round trip airfare and accomodations for 2, where you will be Cheryl Burke's special guests at a taping of a TV show and enjoy a $1,000 ideology shopping spree!

5 Fan Favorites:

From March 16-29th, you will have a chance to vote on the videos - the top 5 videos will be awarded a $250 Ideology Shopping Spree.

Macy's Ideology Racerback Sleeveless Tank

I had the chance to try out the Sleeveless Striped Racerback Tank and the Ideology Pants Bootcut Leg Pull On, and find them super figure flattering and they make my work outs more fun and fashionable!

Macys Ideology Fitness Pants in three different lengths

Not a dancer? Not big on being on video? No worries, you don't leave here empty handed! I always take care of my butterflies! Macy's has a little something something for YOU too!

One lucky butterfly will have the option of selecting ONE tank and ONE bottom from the Ideology collection and a Yoga Mat (size and color based on in stock availability)! Check out the rafflecopter widget below to get in your entries!

{CLOSED} Full Size Purex Crystals + Jockey Sports Bra Giveaway! Ends 01/20

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsors Jockey and Purex! We look forward to working with you both again. The winner is: Tamara B., Congrats! Remember there are active giveaways listed on the upper right hand side of the homepage where it reads 'Today's Butterfly'.

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Ascending Butterfly's 2012 New Year, New You! Giveaway #1 brought to you by:

and

Is Fitness part of your new years goals?

As many of you already know I slowly lost 26 pounds over the entire year of 2011, and this year I've lost a bit more weight already but not quite for good reasons (see this post for why: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/01/thank-you-not-quite-way-i-had-in-mind.html). Before my medical setback hit, I had dreams of a Fitness fueled January, I had been enjoying my Wii Dance Games and seeing great results with them.

For me I need a lot of variety in my fitness routines to keep up with them so I can see good results, and my dance games via the Wii have offered me just what I need in terms fitting MY schedule, being challenging (particularly the latest Zumba that really keeps track of your progress and allows for an adjustable intensity in the workouts), and they are FUN. I play both alone and on weekends with family and friends, which makes fitness and health goals much more fun. I can't wait until all this over to get back into my routine again.

Before my medical setback hit in December, I had received an exciting review package from Jockey and Purex that included a Jockey® Sports Bra along with one full-sized Purex Crystals in the 'Tropical Splash' scent. I am both a Jockey and Purex Insider!

About the Jockey Sports Bra

The Bra is a 93% Poly and 7% Spandex Blend with a racerback and an inside key pocket (stash your locker key while at the gym!) with breathable mesh panels and mouisture wicking fabric. I also like Sports Bras as sleep bras (I'm ahem a 'blessed' chested gal) and like the extra support even at night. This bra is my new favorite bra while doing Zumba (under my workout tank of course, I don't think I'll ever be that girl working out in just my sports bra and nothing else over it). And as most workout tanks are made in that racerback style it's nice having a bra that holds up the girls to go under those tanks!

About Purex Crystals

Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that go in your wash at the start of the cycle. Which means no more second guessing or remembering to pour in the fabric softener, how convenient is that? The scented crystals get to spend more time with your clothes, infusing them with long-lasting freshness! Purex crystals do not contain oil making them perfect for all your laundry needs. I've made a complete to switch to Purex and find they impart a much more long lasting scent than the liquid fabric softener that I had been using for years!

Why the collaboration between Purex and Jockey? Fabric softeners have oils that can harm garments but Purex Crystals are 92% natural crystals that infuse long-lasting freshness into the fabric fibers of clothing without harming garments. So the crystals impart softeness and a fresh scent without harming in any way the mouisture wicking properties of the sports bra. Which means your Jockey Sports Bra will hold up longer!

 My Take:

Workout clothing and under-garments in general are an investment. Well endowed girls especially know just how quickly straps get stretched and worn out and bras have to be replaced often in that case, which is not cheap! And let's face it, while hand washing will help most garments last longer, WHO has that kind of time? I certainly don't!

I love that Purex doesn't harm the mouisture wicking fabric of the Jockey Terry Sports Bra, and I love using this bra during my favorite Zumba workouts (which I can't wait to get back to!). I definitely recommend them both. I have sensitive skin and there are some fabric softeners I'm actually allergic to, and I love that my skin does not react at all to the Purex Crystals!

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Jockey and Purex would like you to help you keep to your fitness goals this year, and have one prize pack with the same items I reviewed for one lucky winner! Winner will receive a full size Purex Crystals and one Jockey Sports Bra (choice of size which includes: XS, S, M, L, XL)

Don't you just ♥ Purex + Jockey?  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: Share your top New Years Resolution for this year and how you have started accomplishing it.  (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. No PO Boxes. No purchase necessary. 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 Friday, January 13, 2012 until Friday, January 20, 2012 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 - In honor of Bras and Fabric Softener, which is your favorite? Favorite Bra of all time? Favorite Fabric Softener? Share it with us and we'll give you extra credit!

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! So be sure to post the URL to your blog post 5 seperate times.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join the Ascending Butterfly Blog Frog Community HERE

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 @Ascending1 on Twitter

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + Full Size @Purex Crystals +  @Jockey Sports Bra #Giveaway in choice of size! Ends 01/20 - http://bit.ly/wViMxl

(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. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.) Please remember we do not process twitter entries from PRIVATE accounts. If your account is private we will not process your twitter entries. NO exceptions so please do not email us regarding this policy.

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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Purex on Facebook HERE (Tell them you are trying to win Purex Crystals from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Jockey on Facebook HERE (Tell them you are trying to win a Jockey Terry Sports Bra with Purex Crystals from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

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 - NEW! - I really want to win Duane Reade's VIP Influencer Contest and become one of the ten New York City based bloggers that help Duane Reade get promo and product announcements out and more. Can you visit Duane Reade on Facebook and tell them they should pick Ascending Butterfly as one of their 10 NYC VIP Influencer bloggers? or tweet the following: Hey @DuaneReade I think @Tracy_Iglesias of @Ascending1 should be one of your 10 VIP Influencers! #DReade #CBias

Of course if you do both, post two comments WITH links to your posts on their facebook page and twitter post link and you'll get 2 extra credits!

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 sponsored promotion. NO compensation has been received  from the sponsors in exchange for this post. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor. An Affiliate Link is used for EZ Win game.

Thank You + Not quite the way I had in mind to lose more weight!

As many of you know I'm going through the fight of my life right now and I have been sharing my journey along the way, you can refer to these posts to get caught up (in order of most recent post about my experience to oldest):

1. An Open Letter to New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital, (and to New Yorkers) and . .

2. Wordless Wednesday: More Prayers!

3. Prayers and Good Vibes Needed

4. Today's HA! HA! Moment!

5.  Happy New Year Butterfly!

While in the hospital amazing online groups I belong to have rallied around me to help make this difficult time much more bearable. In many ways my online friends have rallied for me harder and faster than some of my real life ones! A beautiful flower arrangement (done inside a tea cup) and a balloon appeared at the hospital from:

http://llbloggers.com/

I was so surprised and they defintely lifted my spirits, including the messages of support from the group too! And a visit from one of the members of the groups where we got to meet IRL (in real life) for the first time was such a wonderful surprise!

And another amazing surprise was that the Latina Bloggers Connect crew created a chip in account to help with my Medical Expenses, donations have started to come in, and honestly it all brought tears to my eyes. I'm usually the person who gives, and at first was a bit uncomfortable with the idea. But I realized that this isn't a time to worry about pride, but to worry about my health. This gift allows me to focus on my health and not worry so much about bills. It's not just the donations that have come in, but many being from perfect strangers with messages of support and encouragement that have really touched me.

My articles about my harrowing experience at the hands of a hospital have had an amazing trickle effect even I didn't think about, be it from reading my article, or donating to my chipin, people have shared THEIR stories with ME. Horrible medical experiences, their own medical challenges, or those of someone they love, and all the stories have been so moving!

So I also want to thank the amazing folks behind:

For setting up the following Chip In Fund (you can press on the button below if you'd like to also contribute and you will also notice the button on my sidebar as well):

And a special thanks to each and every one of you who have contributed so far!

Now me being the cheeky person I am and having the wicked sense of humor that I do, I have to share I have lost more weight since all this craziness began. The almost two weeks under heavy meds made food pretty un-appetizing and now clothes and even underwear are very loose on me, not the way I had in mind to loose more weight this year! But I guess I have found one positive in all this negative. Last year I slowly lost almost 26 pounds. And this year with this medical struggle I'm losing even more weight. So unlike most, I've kept the holiday pounds at bay! But not in a way I'd recommend of course.

I'm temporarily back home, and enjoying escaping that crazy hospital and my crazy hospital roomie. I can sleep in total darkness and silence again! Well, at least until I have to go back to the new hospital I am changing my care to. I can eat 'real' meals again, and get some air/sun and of course take real showers in a bathroom with a working shower. Even a long bathe. Something we think of as commonplace and even take for granted until we can't have them.....

Have a friend in the hospital? Here are some do's and don'ts:

DO - Visit them. Hours are insanely slow when your life screeches to a halt.

DON'T - Give them the 'poor baby' look. I'm not saying lie and tell them that they look fab, they don't need or want that either, but the 'poor baby' look makes people want to scream.

DON'T - Over tax the patient, don't bring them stress, theirs or yours.

DO - Leave after a reasonable amount of time. The person may feel like they have to keep up energy they really don't have to make YOU feel comfortable.

DON'T - Arrive empty handed. BUT:

DO -  A little recon, find out if they can have flowers (not all units allow the patients to have them in their rooms. My unit did NOT allow flowers in the patient's room which I was super bummed about.) Things most patients will always need: PJ's, toiletries (invariably you will forget something that they don't have), lotions (your skin ends up feeling like sandpaper in there), treats (waiting on the food tray to arrive is nerve wracking, many times you don't get what you want, it tastes awful and you end up hungry way before the next tray is set to arrive). So once you find out what they can have and can't have, be sure to bring treats or food, it will be greatly appreciated.

DO - Ask about the patient's care with the patient and the team, patients who are being looked after get better care. period. Make sure enough people are visiting that patient so the hospital staff knows you will notice anything out of place or any negative treatment or problems.

DO -  Keep in mind the patient's schedule is no longer their own, they often have to take tests so may not be in their room, and when they just get back to the room be it after surgery or after testing, they are exhausted. If they fall asleep, LET them sleep and come back to visit at another time.

Right now it takes so much extra time to do things I normally never had to think about, but I'm actively working at keeping my spirits up and remaining inspired.

If I can keep my spirits up despite my current challenges, so can YOU!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored Post. I am choosing to thank the online groups that sent cheer my way during a very difficult hospital stay. I was under no obligation to do so and all opinions expressed here are 100% my own.

{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! - Ascending Butterfly Tries Zumba for the First Time {pictures}

DEGREE® GIVES WOMEN A MOTIVE TO MOVE

I was recently invited to try out Zumba Fitness for the first time at Exhale Spa in New York City by Degree Women. Yes that's right the folks behind Degree Deodorant are challenging us all to move! And as many of you already know I have already dropped 26 pounds so far this year making small Lifestyle Changes that have really added up. Last year I got to try Yoga for the first time, and this year I tried Zumba for the first time!

Exhale Spa

I thought the spa was beautiful, it's a large but warm and inviting space in Manhattan, New York City. I couldn't resist snapping this picture, I loved the quote on this t-shirt:

Just in case you can't read it very well from this photo, it reads: 'Disarm From Within' - Isn't that a great inspirational quote?

Degree and the Spa provided us with Breakfast as the class was held very held very early in the morning, check out the pretty and very zen spread:

A very zen and healthy spread was laid out for us!

Zumba!

After Breakfast, we had the chance to try out a Zumba session, and boy was it intense, super fun and got everyone sweating in no time! Below is a picture of instructor Samuel Salazar showing us all some moves! (You can practice with sam too, email him directly at zumbawithsam@aol.com)

And below is another picture of the class in progress, I'm in this picture!

I may be a little hard to spot, you can press on the pictures to open them though, I'm in the very back left of the picture posted above this caption, I am in a Turquoise Top and Black Pants.

Degree Deodorant with motionSENSE Technology

For the past week since the event I've been testing out the new Degree® Women Deodorant with motionSENSE™ technology, the only anti-perspirant formula activated directly by movement, not moisture. And I have to tell you, it's what I'd call a 'Drugstore Gem'. There are some staples that you get at the Drugstore that you say to yourself 'oh well, I can just get the brand on sale' but there are other things, that regardless of the sale price you will not change your regular brand for. I've been a Secret Deodorant user for pretty much a lifetime and switched to their clinical strength when they first launched it. I honestly have never switched from Secret (except from their regular formulation to the clinical) and now that I've tested out Degree with motionSENSE, I'm hooked. I've made the switch. It's beyond effective! And I know it's totally geeky but I like that my new deodorant has a 'technology' behind it! I will tell you this Deodorant will take what you dish out, so hit it with your best shot, be as active as possible, I'm sure you will be as surprised as I was at how well this keeps you fresh and dry effectively all day!

MotionSENSE™ Technology – The More You Move, The More it Works

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - While the average anti-perspirant/deodorant releases fragrance upon contact with sweat, Degree Women with motionSENSE™ is the only antiperspirant that starts working when women start to move, keeping women fresher for longer.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Expert Protection with motionSENSE™ keeps women protected longer than the leading anti-perspirant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Degree Women Clinical Protection® with motionSENSE™ provides prescription strength wetness protection without a prescription. Seven out of ten women say they would switch to Degree® Women Fresh Energy Clinical Protection from their current anti-perspirant (count me among those seven!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Additionally, Degree Women Fine Fragrance® and Natureffects® anti-perspirants/deodorants feature motionSENSE™ technology

For more information, “Like” the Degree Women Facebook page and follow Degree Women on Twitter at @DegreeWomen.

Amazing GIVEAWAY Alert - Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook

Now you know I'm always on the lookout for the win/win, I like to be sure Ascending Butterfly Readers get something too, that's why I don't mind working so hard, this time even putting up a sweat to bring you back something great!

If you have seen the extra credits for our amazing Dads N Grads Month Buying Guide Giveaways, you may have noticed the Degree App extra credit entries I've offered. But you don't need to be entering our giveaways to benefit from this info and promotion!

Do you like gift cards, electronics, trips?

I kind of had a feeling you'd say that!

By registering for the Degree Women “Get into the Move” application on Facebook (facebook.com/degreewomen) or on mobile devices (m.degreewomen.com), fans can start earning motionMILES, 'virtual currency' redeemable towards chances to win thousands of prizes. These motionMILES are earned for various ways women move, including checking in with Facebook places and logging activities. Earning motionMILES is easy - eligible activities include going to the gym, taking Zumba® or yoga classes and various other activities women already do, like grocery shopping or catching the bus. Fans can also earn motionMILES by answering daily trivia questions on the Facebook application, inviting friends to “Get into the Move,” and even logging in daily. I have FIVE EXTRA MOTION MILES for YOU! Enter the Code GetMoving031 (that is the number zero, not the letter 'o') after you register where it says 'Enter Code', this code will get you Five Extra motionMILES that you can trade in for instant win prizes, weekly prizes or even the amazing Grand Prize Trip Prizes! (If you enter the code, I have a shot at a prize too!)

Once earned, fans can use motionMILES for a shot at winning instant prizes by spinning the prize wheel or by entering weekly and grand prize sweepstakes. Prizes include a surfing trip in Hawaii, designer shoes, gift certificates for Zumba classes and much more. Fans can also choose to donate motionMILES in a dollar amount to one of two charities: The Challenged Athletes Foundation and Girls in The Game.

“Women partake in infinite daily actions. In fact, the average woman moves 5,000 times a day,” explains Mike Dwyer, Director of Marketing for deodorants at Unilever. “With Degree’s new motionSENSE™ technology, the more you move, the more it works. We took that same idea and created a rewards program for our fans to get into the move and reward them with motionMILES - the more they earn, the more chances they have to win. What a way to put our product to the test!”

Dance for motionMILES with Zumba Fitness

To help women earn motionMILES, Degree Women has partnered with the largest dance-fitness company in the world, Zumba fitness. Coined the “fitness party,” the Zumba program blends contagious and easy-to-follow choreographies with upbeat international music, from the hottest award-winning producers, to provide an effective total-body workout. Fans can win Zumba fitness prizes through the “Get into the Move” application and earn motionMILES by taking Zumba classes at participating fitness clubs.

“To help women get in the move, we are breaking down signature Zumba moves that will be featured on the Degree Women Facebook page,” explains Beto, creator of the Zumba program. “You don’t have to be a dancer to master the moves, just be ready to get lost in the music and have your own exhilarating Zumba fitness party; it’s all about the fun!”

My first Zumba Class ever was super fun, and I can't wait to try it again, thanks Degree Women for giving me a great way to get moving and keep up the momentum, now I want the Zumba Fitness Game for Wii (so if the lovely folks at Majesco Entertainment want to send me this game to try out, I'd be totally open to it!)

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FTC Disclosure Info: NO monetary compensation was received, This is a NON-compensated post. I was invited to a Zumba Fitness Class, fed and given a gift bag with samples for my review consideration, I was under NO obligation to post. If my motionMILES code is used, I will gain additional entries into a giveaway for a chance to win a trip to Sedona, Arizona. Transparency is everything! :)