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!

HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. @Ascending1 #Giveaway #Winners Announcement – 20 Winners!

Happy Halloween Butterflies, as always it's all treats and NO tricks for my butterflies! All the above winners for the HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway have been notified, should any winners not respond within 72 hours, we will re-draw, so I'll be sure to keep everyone posted if new winners need to be drawn. (Just a reminder entries that did not comply with rules and instructions were deleted, so please be sure to follow all giveaway instructions very carefully, particularly the main entry, if that is one is wrong, all the other entries will have to be deleted.)

Congrats to our winners! Some Sweet Candy Surprises are headed your way!

So Butterfly, what are YOU going as this year for Halloween?

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This giveaway was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

HERSHEY’S® BOO BLVD. - Throwing the Perfect Halloween Bash! + Treats #Giveaway

Long time readers know that Halloween is my favorite holiday, and horror movies have always been my favorite movie genre! The first movie I got to see sans parents was a horror movie. I love to look back on pictures of me in Halloween Costumes starting from when I was little, they are usually such a great indicator of what was popular at the time.

After a certain age my family decided to stop letting us 'trick or treat' and our family and extended family would get together and throw a Halloween Party mostly at home, or sometimes at a rented space depending on how many people were joining in on the fun that year. I still think House Parties are more fun and certainly a whole lot safer.

We still hold the same traditions now, instead of allowing the kids to go door-to-door our families still get together and hold a big family party mostly geared toward the little kids, and then we'll take the older kids to the movies the next day. We can't resist a costume party, and even the adults still like to dress up!

And we definitely like to exchange Halloween cards, Check out this card display below, I used it to get ideas:

I love creative cards any season, but they are especially fun during Halloween. Isn't that FrankenVampire on the top left totally sweet? I love how even the most innocent things can become creepy during Halloween, take the cat for example:

OK in all fairness Black cats have always been associated with Witches and Halloween! (Little known Ascending Butterfly trivia, I once owned a Black Cat, which I named Ebony - I know Creative right? LOL Someday when I tackle Mount Closet I'll dig out pictures of me with that cat and post them as a Wordless Wednesday. Perhaps I should post a picture of my closet, it's certainly the scariest thing I've ever seen!)

And of course what is Halloween without a Jack-O-Lantern?

Whose idea was it to creepify pumpkins anway? 

Getting everything organized for the bash is half the battle won, it's such a shame it all only comes out once a year!

Something about these Ghosts say 'cute' not scary!

I've always loved Hello Kitty and don't ever remember seeing a 'Halloween Kitty' version of HK especially on a mug!

These would be perfect to fill up with treats as a fun surprise for any visits with teachers or your doctors office reception staff!

Above: Check out these fun treat cups already pre-assembled with a mock licorice stick straw!

Above: When I saw this, I had to have it! An Owl Pumpkin! Brilliant! (And a bit of Italian thrown in for fun, I would like to visit Italy! so I should start practicing! Hmm, I wonder how you say BOO in Italian?)

Above: Did anyone else want to wait it out with Linus for a 'Great Pumpkin' sighting? I did!

Above: Did the peanuts gang open my scary closet? Something about Lucy is different? ;)

Above: That one is addressed to YOU! Happy Halloween Butterflies! Feeling Festive yet?

All month long HERSHEY’S is hosting HERSHEY'S BOO BLVD where you can check for new blogs (this post by yours truly will be featured there!) , crafts, recipes and videos through October 31st! In fact each of the blogs by the bloggers featured are hosting giveaways too, so be sure to visit them all and double your luck!

I'm not even sure how they knew because no one asked us, but they sent me my favorite treat of all, REESE'S Peanut Butter Cups. It's a bit eerie that they somehow knew that one is my favorite, I'm almost sure I've never posted that anywhere! (See you got 2 unknown facts about me in one post, I feel so exposed!)

These were probably devoured by 'team butterfly' in seconds!

Snack Size does mean it's OK to have 2 or maybe 4 right?

As you know, here at Ascending Butterfly Halloween is always all treats and absolutely NO tricks! I had to make sure some extra goodies were involved in this deal for my butterflies, and HERSHEY'S not only stepped up to the plate with hosting a giveaway, they are offering treats to 20, yes that's right TWENTY Ascending Butterfly Followers! SUH WEET!

I like keeping it simple, so the first entry in rafflecopter is super simple, and how much extra credit you want to do beyond that is always up to you!

And don't forget our monthly 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' is back with a Nicole Miller Designer Handbag Giveaway ($295), it ends on 10/31 so be sure to get in your entry if you haven't done so already!

WIN IT!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This post was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Happy Labor Day! What are YOU doing this weekend?

Wishing all my butterflies, a safe, healthy and very happy Labor Day Weekend. If you are off Monday, I hope you are doing something fun, and if you are working on Labor Day, THANK YOU for your service, sometimes we just need to hear it! :)
I for one will be working through the weekend trying to get myself more caught up! On my agenda over 5,000 emails to tackle, Re-doing my whole Media Kit, reaching out to the first responders of our new 'inspiration corner' special feature and several promos I need to take photos for, what's on your agenda for the long weekend?




Wishing you a Butterfly Sighting!
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FTC Disclosure: I would hope it would be obvious that this is NOT a sponsored post! :)

Happy St. Pattys Day Butterflies!

I have a 'real' post coming soon, just a quick note to let you know that I am NOT on vacation (far from it) and I'm doing OK! I hope you  are having a very lucky day!

HOT GIVEAWAY ENDING SOON ALERT: Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ends 03/19 - 1 winner! - 1 winner will receive their choice of Ideology Tank and Bottom as well as a Yoga Mat from Macy's! Enter HERE

Happy St. Patty's Day Butterflies!

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Please Note: Christmas is Cancelled and Apparently it's all YOUR fault!

OK, so I couldn't resist being a bit cheeky! But seriously, have you been naughty or nice this year? Ascending Butterfly is taking a pause for the holiday cause, I'm wishing all my butterflies a very happy, healthy, SAFE and prosperous Holiday Weekend!

Merry Christmas Butterflies!

Don't forget about our active giveaway: Pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes of YOUR Choice Giveaway - Mens or Womens - 2 Winners! Ends 12/27

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Christmas Delights! LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

I'm a total LUSHIE! For those in the know when it comes to the finest handmade cosmetics and skincare, my revelation doesn't mean I need AA, it just means I'm addicted to all things LUSH. Their fresh handmade cosmetics have fun names, smell divine, and make you both look and feel fantastic. It's aromatherapy for the mind, body and soul because their products are so uplifting!

I have been asked quite a bit this week about 'last minute' gifts and 'hard to shop fors' and my recommendation remains the same, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics! Do you have a teacher to shop for? (trust me when I tell you they'd prefer apple scented body treats to an actual apple!) Letter Carrier? Did a co-worker you least expected to give you a holiday gift end up surprising you? I would advise you to stock up year round so you already have these things on hand, but with both an online presence as well as convenient brick and mortar locations you can't go wrong with Lush. There is something for everyone! And better still, they have pre-made gift sets that are delightfully packaged which is a total blessing for last minute shoppers.

Last month I had a chance to check out the launch of the 'Lush Fresh 15' and I posted a review of those products HERE. I gave you guys a sneak peak of a cute holiday gift idea, and now that I've tried it all out I thought I'd give you some feedback!

About Christmas Delights

Christmas Delights is a super cute gift tin created by the elves at Lush, the gift tin includes: 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Angel's Delight Soap 3.5 oz - This one uses Tangerine Oil, which gives a nice pick me up on a cold winter morning!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Candy Cane soap 3.5 oz - This soap is a perfect blend of English Peppermint Oil and sweet almond oil, if you want your body to smell like Christmas or for your spouse to want to lick you, this soap is it! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heavanilli Massage Bar 1.9 oz - I'm a total addict of Lush Massage Bars, they go on like silk, your skin will drink this without ending up all greasy feeling and you will want one for your purse, desk at work as well as home, I can tell you that whoever you gift this set to, will love it for this alone! With natural shea and cocoa butter, it emits a warm scent of jasmine, vanilla and tonka. And as they only use Fair Trade Shea Butter, it's a double delight! The only complaint most people have regarding this product is that they don't make it BIGGER, it's that awesome!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3 fl. oz - A sweet bubblegum and cotton candy scent mixed in with iridiscent glitter, lather up in mounds of sparkly pink bubbles, you can wash your body or hair with this, and if you like to layer, do both!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sugar Babe Sugar Scrub 3.5 oz - Scented with perfume from Ylang Flowers and mimosa blossom and made with Coconut Oil (reduces symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, this oil also provides natural balance to the skin) and Beeswax absolute (known for it's soothing, protective and antiseptic properties)  your skin will probably send you a Thank You Letter. Seriously.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vanilla Delite Body Lotion 3.5 oz - So everytime I use this I get the over-whelming urge to sing 'Groove is in the Heart' by Deee Lite (since I'm always thinking music my nickname as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ totally fits), This smooth blended Vanilla Moisturizer contains Illipe Butter (moisturizes and restores skin flexibility), Hawaiin Tamanu and Monoi Oils, and Organic Coconut Water, this body lotion is a perfect follow up to the Candy Cane Soap!

The aromatherapy will lift your mood and who can resist the tin? While I was not able to nab a reader giveaway this time around, the LUSH Christmas Delights Gift Tin is definitely a holiday gift guide pick!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. A gift tin was provided to Ascending Butterfly Free of Charge for editorial consideration. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Motivation Monday - Holiday Cheer!

While most neighborhoods are starting to look a lot like this, I have to admit that my tree isn't even up yet!

I'm just getting over the flu and my throat is still pretty sore, I haven't yet been able to motivate myself for the whirlwind cleaning and decorating thing!

How about a tree full of butterflies?

Until tomorrow, please check our current active holidays buying guide giveaway - Earthies Jasko Boots Review and Giveaway! ARV $209 Ends 12/22

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

Vinylmation Villains 2 and Jingle Smells Vinylmation

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

Alex McCord with son

Daya Vaidya with family, Mickey and Minnie

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

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

Baby Pocahantas from the Animators Collection

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

Rapunzel Doll

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ascending Butterfly (left) and Mama Butterfly (right)

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - my jeans? Denizen,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardigan? Elle (Yes THAT Elle), 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Necklace? Energy Muse

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and boots? 'Prance' by Kalso Earth

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

 



In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - handbag? Timi and Leslie

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

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

In case you are wondering:

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

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

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

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

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