Win 100 Business Cards from @TinyPrints via @Ascending1 - See why these are my FAVORITE Cards!

{CLOSED} Congratulations Carolyn Gonzalez, Entry #298!

2014 will be here before you know it butterflies, are you ready? Do your current business cards truly reflect your brand?

I have a graphic design background and I can tell you that you should never design your own cards, let someone else do it! You need someone to put the same energy into YOU as you do for your clients. If you are very anal about things this 'giving up control' will probably be extremely difficult for you at first, but I can promise you it will be so worth it at the end.

I have never received more compliments on any former Business Card than I have with this one, and I have not looked back since. When I check into events, I wait for my card back but the person always keeps my card! It's quite a compliment!

About Tiny Prints:

tinyprints is a company that was founded by three friends with big dreams and a passion for beautiful paper that has grown from a tiny, self-funded company specializing in unique baby stationery into a booming online destination for stylish stationery (and more!) for every occasion.

My business card is a folded card, this is how I present it when I hand it to someone

When the person takes it they can tell it opens, this is the 'inside' of the actual card (I blanked out my phone number, sorry guys! LOL)

The back of the card has room for notes, and even though the surface of the card is 'pearlized' you can write on it easily!

My Take:

I had a very demanding vision in my mind for my business cards, I wanted to promote two different offerings on one card, and wanted my card to have pops of color and creativity in addition to my logo and signature butterfly of course, and was delighted to learn of tinyprints custom design service, my card ideas weren't actually something a ready made template would accurately cover, I wanted a card that was way more comprehensive than those I had used in the past. In fact since I started blogging, I've designed a new card each year, which makes perfect sense, the cards evolved as much as me and my site have. But now I'm in more of a 'groove' and wanted to grow into my card instead of it being the other way around all the time.

I was delighted to learn that tinyprints has a Custom Design Service! You can make a completely unique card, work 1-on-1 with a Designer, and they offer a free physical AND digital proof. There is a low One-Time Fee of $25 for the service. My designer was amazingly patient, and he was able to take a very BIG vision and tall order and help me organize it all in a way that made sense from a design standpoint, and still retain the creativity I wanted the card to have. The quality of the cardstock and the brilliant design make these my favorite cards to date! I couldn't recommend tinyprints more, but I will warn you, order at least 100 more than you think you'll need, you'd be surprised just how many you will go through PER conference or networking event with these!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/tinyprints

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Twitter: http://twitter.com/tinyprints

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/tiny_prints/

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Google+: https://plus.google.com/+tinyprints/

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Instagram: http://instagram.com/tinyprints

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog: http://blog.tinyprints.com/

Discount:

You can find current Tiny Prints Coupons Codes and Promotions HERE - Get free shipping on all orders! Use Code: FS13 | Limited time only see website for details

Win It:

One lucky butterfly will win 100 business cards of their own. Get yourself and your business ready for the new year! Use the rafflecopter widget below for your entries, remember as always, the first entry is easy-peasy! (and of course keep a look out for fun and easy extra credit entries too!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: Tiny Prints provided us with Custom-Designed Business Cards for editorial consideration, and will be providing cards for one winner. Sponsor is responsible for prize fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly nor contest sponsor will be held responsible for lost or mis-directed mail. 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. All opinions are 100% my own!  

Win a VIP Experience @SmoothJazzNY Cruise to see Phil Perry w/dinner and drinks via @Ascending1 #Giveaway

#Sponsored: This giveaway has been sponsored by (see below for full disclosure):

One thing that's never been much of a secret is that I'm a born and raised New York City Girl, and like anyone living in a City that is a major tourist hub, there are sites you get sick of because of you have to take family and friends visiting town to these same sites/restaurants and experiences pretty much Ad Nausem, and yes, some of them tend to grow old.

Others however have become annual traditions whether or not someone is in town. That's how fun the experience is, that it never grows old or tired, and you never get that 'been there, done that' feeling afterwards. For me being an official Media Partner for Smooth Jazz Smooth Cruises has been an annual tradition that I greatly look forward to. 

Late 2011 on the night before my sail I fell into the hospital which started an over one year drama that forced me to miss the sail in 2011 I was slated for, and I also missed the sails in 2012 which truly made me sad. The smooth jazz cruises are the best part of my summer memories each year. It gives me dedicated time to connect with family and friends in a totally relaxed environment. No TV, No Distractions, just dinner, drinks, hot jazz on a cool night on the water with an expansive of view New York City all around you. And eventually great dinner, great drinks and great music with close proximity to other tables means you can always meet a new friend and have a great conversation with your table mates or those at tables in close proximity to you. 

You can stay in the lower level and have front seats to the concert, or one level up on the buffet level where you can look through directly to the stage from your seat, and eat your meal in comfort enjoying the smooth jazz sounds around you. And you can always head outside for a bit and take in the view, the night air, a cocktail on deck, and the smooth jazz music that is piped outside so you can hear the music both inside and outside the ship.

The Smooth Cruises are winding down for the season, but that doesn't mean the fun is over my butterflies, it's actually FAR from it, there is a full schedule ahead of other fun activities, as well as a rewind sail in October that we will be sharing with you all very soon! 

The Smooth Cruise season is coming to an end, and the last sail is: the smooth sounds of Phil Perry!

I got to enjoy a 6:30 sunset Sail on the Spyro Gyra Cruise and I had a blast! This was the first time I took a Smooth Jazz sail and stayed indoors the whole time. I normally spend some time on the buffet floor, then grab a drink and listen to the smooth jazz live downstairs for a few, then head upstairs to an upper deck overlooking the expanse of the water and the beautiful view, with the sound of the music dancing in my head and I put my feet up and lean back and feel the breeze that is coming off the water brush my hair back, and I take a sip of my drink and literally feel the stress of the week literally slide right off my back. It's like a meditation for me with music. My mind just goes into a relaxed, zen-like state, and I always leave smiling.

Here are some photos from my Sail, The Spyro Gyra Sail:

Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City

Spyro Gyra takes the stage at the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City

Lee Pearson takes a drum solo at The Smooth Jazz Spyro Gyra Sail in New York City

Ascending Butterfly filming the action at The Spyro Gyra Smooth Jazz NYC Sail

Left: Tracy of Ascending Butterfly and Right: Mama Butterfly enjoying the smooth sounds of Spyro Gyra on the Smooth Jazz Cruise in New York City

Emcee of the evening was none other than @LennyGreen Host of the Syndicated Radio Show #TheQuietStorm

Tracy of Ascending Butterfly at Pier 62 in Chelsea Piers, I'm wearing: Jacket: Wilsons Leather, Shirt: Covered Perfectly Shoes: Tika Sandals by Earthies

My Take:

The Smooth Jazz Cruises are my favorite part of summer, back in my recruiting days it was a favorite client gift. It is just a super relaxing evening with great music, food and people! Check out our Pinterest Page for additional photos that didn't make the post!

Win It:

Our friends at Smooth Jazz New York want you to experience the same VIP experience I did! One lucky butterfly will win a pair of passes to the 9:30 Phil Perry sail including dinner and drink tickets for two as well!

Enter using the link to the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: Smooth Jazz New York provided Ascending Butterfly with tickets to the Spyro Gyra sail for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own, you may visit our full giveaway and disclosure page for complete policy information.

Wordless Wednesday: Check out what was in my #ColgateTotalMW @Influenster Box!

I am a member of Influenster and I find that the boxes are a great way to discover new products from brands I already know and sometimes from brands I don't. I use Colgate Total Toothpaste, and was surprised when this box arrived from Influenster to learn that they have a Mouthwash for it now! If you already love the toothpaste, you will definitely love the Mouthwash too! Thanks Influenster!

Hope you enjoyed peeking inside my Influenster Box! Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies! We are too informal for an official linky around here, so bloggers please feel free to comment below with the link to your Wordless Wednesday post (NO Giveaways Please!) and we will be sure to pay you a visit and return the love!

Even after eating and drinking this Mouthwash provides 12 hours of protection with NO burn of alcohol, it kills 99% of germs, and that my friends is definitely something to SMILE about!

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FTC Disclosure: I am a member of the Influenster Program, I receive Influenster Boxes free of charge with supplied products for Editorial Consideration and Review, these campaigns are not compensated and all opinions are 100% my own. See our full Giveaway & Disclosure Policy for more details.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: The Mercury Retrograde is driving me nuts edition!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Comedy of Errors! - I am sure most of you have great Mercury Retrograde mishaps to share, here's mine: I wake up drenched in sweat on the advent of a heat wave in my city. Every other appliance in the room is working except my air conditioner. It's not an old unit. I try everything I can think of and nothing seems to work. I realize it's then time to move heavy furniture and check plugs. Moving heavy furniture sends various piles of stuff to the ground. I also find a dead mouse. YUCK. EWWW. Insert rally cry to the heavens here. I find out it's the extension my air conditioner was plugged into, but not the unit itself that was broken. So on a weekend I was hoping to shirk off anything major I spend it knocking down piles of stuff. SO NOT what I had in mind. But I am sitting here writing this on a desk where I can actually see stuff, so is that my lemonade?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The peeling has finally stopped! - My first ever super horrible sunburn finally doesn't hurt to the touch anymore and the peeling has stopped. I can tell you I will NEVER let that happen again.

I have been keeping my own daily list of things I am grateful for and taking time to acknowledge my blessings daily. A bit of concentrated focus on what you do have, instead of on what you lack or need, can make a huge shift in your life!

What are YOU most grateful for today 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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Active Giveaway:

Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club July 2013 Title

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club is Back! - Enter to win our latest book club selection, Pancho Land by Raul Ramos Y Sanchez HERE!

Please Note: Just a reminder to giveaway entrants, please follow mandatory entry instructions very carefully, some of you are not doing the mandatory entry which means you are not entered in the final draw. We eliminate the entries that do not follow the mandatory entry instructions BEFORE we go to draw the winner which means that those going into the final draw have followed all the entry instructions! (We like to keep things fair!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - UPCOMING GIVEAWAYS!: Our next giveaway is going to be another pick your prize promotion from one of our favorite intimate brand partners, so stay tuned! From Bridal, to lounge wear to beachwear this giveaway will have you covered, our Featured Monthly Handbag in the Spotlight is back too. It's from one of our favorite handbag brands so stay tuned!

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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 (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!) You don't have to wait until January 1st to buy a new journal. I actually like to re-set my year and re-visit my goals on my birthday instead of new years eve, so make this a birthday gift for your spirit that you give yourself!

Make this Your Best Day ever, Bless and Be Blessed!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

@Ascending1 Monthly #Book Club - July #Giveaway: Enter to #win Pancho Land by @Raul_Ramos

No monetary compensation has been received to host this giveaway, full disclosure below:

Butterflies I apologize for the hiatus, but our book club is back just in time for summer, because this is the season where my best reading gets done! Whether it's in the airport lounge, on the plane or beach/pool side I always bring something along to read. And not to knock the 'e-reader' craze, but I still prefer real books. Hard Cover preferably, but even soft covers still have their appeal. Much like music, I still get excited by holding a new CD in my hand, despite having a portable MP3 Player and various services that I love including iTunes and Spotify. There is just something exciting about holding that book in my hand. Like some love their soaps and shows, that's how I feel about books, I can't wait to see where the author will transport me.

We are stoked to have the Monthly Book Club return with Pancho Land by Raul Ramos Y Sanchez!

The author's name should sound familiar to loyal Ascending Butterfly readers, this book is the third in a trilogy of books, and we reviewed the first book in the series (called America Libre) HERE.

I have to start by assuaging a fear I'm sure most of you share with me, starting with a third book in a popular trilogy, but you don't have to worry about that with this book, it does stand alone if you are starting with this book, but the author also weaves in the back story so well that readers of the entire trilogy won't get bored, but new readers get an understanding of the characters and their back stories.

I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say that after reading the end of the trilogy, you are going to be amazed at what happens with the characters. The trilogy centers around a family, a family that experiences incredible blows, incredible lows and incredible highs too. It really is the journey butterflies, not the final destination that matters.

Raul is a skilled writer and you can't help but find yourself invested in the family that is at the center of the books. I can totally see this trilogy becoming a movie! (and like every armchair reader I have strong casting ideas on the roles too!)

While you will see this in the rafflecopter widget below when you enter, I wanted to let readers know that if you "Like" the Class H Trilogy Page on Facebook you will be automatically entered each month in a drawing for a signed and dedicated copy of Pancho Land, America Libre or House Divided! Don't you love having not just one shot at winning but TWO shots at winning? I know I do! Not to mention you can get PDF quick peeks of a chapter in the books as well.

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - "Like" the Class H Trilogy Page on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Follow @Raul_Ramos on Twitter

Remember you get extra credit in the giveaway for social follows so be sure to get your entries

WIN IT: 

One lucky Ascending Butterfly reader can win a copy as well (and based on availability of course) the author will try his best to provide either a physical copy or an electronic copy, winners choice!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a compensated post, the sponsor is fulfilling to the giveaway winner. All opinions are 100% my own. Neither Ascending Butterfly or our giveaway sponsors will be held responsible for late, lost or mis-directed mail. See our Full Disclosure page for any questions or concerns.

Have you tried the Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch with Vitamin E or the Soft Touch with Aloe yet?

#Ad: I was provided with product samples from Influenster

While City living has it's perks, one of the major drawbacks about Apartments in my city is that they are super small, most appliances are outdated or worse still there just isn't enough space to have every appliance in a kitchen that is already severely cramped for space as it is.

One of the things I have had to do without is a dishwasher. It's an appliance I'd love to have don't get me wrong, there just really isn't anywhere to put it, basically it's a washing machine or a dishwasher and I opted for the washing machine leaving me to wash dishes by hand. Day after Day. Month after Month. Week after Week. Year after Year. Monotonous Much?

So you now know exactly why I never get jazzed about Manicures or painting my nails, all that work or money spent and they aren't going to last long with my hands in water all the time.

Another negative about dish washing is just how dry it leaves your hands feeling when you are done!

And that's where Influenster comes to the rescue, I received another box of love from my friends at Influenster. This one was actually too big for my mailbox, and when I got the slip to pick it up at the post office, I wasn't expecting just how heavy the package would be! And if the box didn't have a big ole clue I would have been wondering all the way to the train station what it was as I picked it up on the run on my way to an event in the City.

Let's face it butterflies, into everyone's day Chores must fall. Just because we don't want to do something doesn't mean we can get away with avoiding it. I for one can't leave dishes in the sink overnight, actually I can't leave them between meals either, I'm a dirty a dish, clean it as soon as you are done kind of girl. And while I don't find doing the dishes fun in the least, I make the best of it with my music on, and now I have a new solution for the dreaded 'dishpan hands' syndrome.

While Influenster intended me to share by sending me two, I will admit to a very much not like me bout of temporary dishes selfishness! I kept both of them to myself!

Behold Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E:

Left: Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E, Right: Ultra Palmolive Soft Touch with Aloe

Normally I don't even have to be told to share, but these were just so awesome I had to try them both out! The pink bottle is Palmolive Soft Touch Vitamin E formulated for Soft Hands, and the blue bottle is Palmolive Soft Touch with Aloe formulated for Dry Skin. (For those interested there is a third formulation, with Cocoa Butter!)

And much like real 'twins' I am actually hard pressed to pick a favorite from the bunch! They both get my dishes clean and don't dry out my hands which makes me super happy! I'm not going to tell you they make dishes less of a chore, but they sure don't leave you with 'dishpan' hands! I still have a favorite moisturizer on my sink because I love putting on a skin oil or moisturizer when my skin is still damp, but on days when I'm in a rush or forget to put on the additional moisturizer my hands are still soft!

You know I love to do my research and keep track of ways to keep things Green, so for those of you thinking 'butterfly, I like the idea of Palmolive but I have an all Eco Kitchen, can I still use Palmolive?', the answer dear butterflies is a resounding YES! If you are all Eco, all the time, then Palmolive Eco + Lemon Splash may be better for you!

For fellow Influenster Members who say they never get picked, don't give up, keep being your fab and social self, because sometimes I go months and months between Influenster boxes, and then some months you get surprised with TWO boxes in the same month! BAM! SCORE!

If it's true that good things come in two's, then May has been a good mail month indeed! :-)

Sound off Butterfly: Still washing your dishes by hand like me, or do you have a dishwasher? (or is your dishwasher your hubby? LOL, I know I made myself laugh with that one!)

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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided with product samples for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. I am an Influenster Member, however this is a non-compensated product review.

Win a Got Milk? Themed Gift Basket! Chock of full of great stuff and Gift Cards (like American Express & Starbucks!) too! - 2 winners!

#ad: This is a Sponsored Giveaway. Full Dislcosure Below

I have a strong feeling that most of you are already familiar with the Got Milk? Campaign and have seen even celebs rocking those iconic Milk Mustaches everywhere! I got to meet the  team last year at BlogHer 2012 in New York City and had fun at their booth hamming it up and posing for photos. Check out my picture from BlogHer last year with my Milk Mustache:

Ascending Butterfly & The Milkman at The Breakfast Project Booth, BlogHer12

If you are already following us on Pinterest I'm sure you have already seen that photo. Sometimes we post photos on Pinterest that don't make a blog post, so be sure to follow us there as well! The Breakfast Project, milkmustache.com, knows that every good day starts with Milk, and the campaign is running both in English and Spanish. In Spanish it's called El Proyecto Desayuno and can be found at bigotedeleche.com. Please stop over there right now and take a peek! Guess who the Blogger of the Month/Bloguera Del Mes is? That's right, it's ME!

Making Milk a part of your morning routine has incredible health benefits, including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helping to avoid Osteoporosis, Hypertension and Colon Cancer, these benefits come from drinking milk directly and do not come from only consuming a supplement. (talk about 'one to grow on'!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Protecting you from Tooth Decay and Cavity Problems

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keeping you slim! People who drink Milk regularly actually stay slim and enjoy the many natural vitamins and minerals that help keep you healthy and fit. I know people tend to think the contrary, but Milk as part of a healthy diet can keep you slim and fit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - By drinking Milk regularly you can help prevent heartburn and other gastric problems. Drinking a glass of milk when you experience heartburn can calm your food pipe from inflammation.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The calcium in Milk gives you strong bones, teeth, nails and helps your hair too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My Grandma swore by a hot glass of milk at night and she was right, it can soothe your nerves and help relax tense muscles which helps put you to sleep.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Also helps to replenish the body and is good after a strenous workout!

Milk provides nutrients that the body requires to function properly, vitamins (for our red blood cells), calcium (for strong bones), carbohydrates (for energy), magnesium (for muscles), phosphorous (for utilizing energy), potassium (for the nervous system), protein (growth and the healing process), riboflavin (healthy skin) and zinc (boosts immune system). Who knew that one simple glass of milk did so much? If you are not Lactose Intolerant, then you should make sure you are drinking at least one glass of milk per day, and adding it on at breakfast will help you start your day right!

The folks at Proyecto Desayuno sent over a great gift basket full of Milk Related Items to help me celebrate making Blogger of the Month/Bloguera Del Mes, check it out here:

I have got to put on the tshirt so I can take a picture with it on! The basket contained Special K Cereal Bars, Ferrero Rocher Chocolates, Chocolate Straws, Sugar Wafers, a Got Milk? tshirt, Cafe Bustelo (which instantly reminded me of my Abeulita!), A Picture Frame with motivational messages about the importance of family (why is it that I can never have too many picture frames? I love to display my photos!), a pitcher, a Got Milk? Cup with straw, H2O Milk Skincare Products (I love all things H2O! In fact I'm currently using their Sea Salt line in my shower!), and great gift cards including a $15 Starbucks Gift Card, and a $50 American Express Gift Card).

WIN IT:

Ascending Butterfly and the folks at Proyecto Desayuno want you to join in the fun too! 2 very lucky butterflies have a chance to win a Gift Basket of their own! While some of the items may vary in your basket, the gift card amounts will remain the same and be the same for both winners! The main entry is easy peasy, so be sure to enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Is Milk already a part of your Healthy Breakfast Butterflies?

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Giveaway by Proyecto Desayuno, All Opinions are 100% my own. Visit our Giveaway and Disclosure Policy HERE. I do feel that Milk is a very important part of a healthy breakfast and is very much a part of my personal morning routine!

May is National Moving Month - Tips for a Hassle Free Move + Score a Sweet Discount on your next move here!

Ad: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of unpakt, all opinions are 100% my own: 

Sadly dear butterflies, Mr. Rogers isn't always right; It's not always a beautiful day in the neighborhood. My neighborhood especially. Loud Music Blaring All Day AND All Night. Tons of nefarious goings on that the both the landlord and super turn a blind eye to, what's a butterfly to do?

With May being National Moving Month, and me being ready for change on so many levels, a Move sounds like a great idea to me! There is very little in my neighborhood that I'll miss quite frankly. If you share my sentiments about being ready for a change of scenery this year and a move is on your agenda, I've got you covered with ideas to get you ready for moving day!

Moving Tips:

TIMING - Spring or late Fall are the best times to move. If possible, avoid the first, last and middle of the month when planning your move.

BOOKING: Moving in the summer? Book at least a month in advance! If you are moving in Spring, Fall or Winter you can book two weeks in advance. Don't forget to consider the weather for your area!

ORGANIZING YOUR MOVE - You need a system, try color coordinating with a designated colored sticker for each box that is based on the room the box should end up in, this way the movers will know where to put everything when you arrive, and you can spend less time directing traffic. Or if that sounds like too much work, you can still try out the color system by assigning each family member a color to keep their belongings organized during the move.

PACK A BOX OF 'MUST HAVES' - This is by far my favorite idea: Pack a box of 'must-haves' that includes items such as a change of clothes, toothbrushes, toiletries, so you won't have to search through all the boxes for these things after a long day of moving. Invariably you won't un-pack everything that first day, but this box will have all the major items you need so you don't have to worry if you decide to stop early and just get some rest!

THINK 'LIKE' - If you keep like items together, it will alleviate time when un-packing.

KEEP 'MUST SECURES' HANDY - Just like you pack a box of must have essentials, you should also consider packing important paperwork and jewelry in a box that stays with YOU at all times!

Save Money on your Move:

DECLUTTER - Before you move, as you are packing, be firm about not bringing anything along you don't really need. (By the way a great rule of thumb is this, if the item you are about to pack up and bring with you hasn't been used in 3 months, chances are you can toss it and not pack it!).

DO YOUR HOMEWORK - An ounce of prevention is always worth a pound of cure my friends! Read Reviews because bad movers will end up costing you more in the long run.

INSURANCE - Take out insurance to protect valuables you cannot afford to replace.

BUDGET - Prepare a budget in advance so you can keep expenses low.

TAX BREAKS - Remember if your move is job-related, you may be able to deduct your moving expenses depending upon how you itemize deductions, check with your accountant/tax professional when filing.

LUGGAGE - In addition to using recycled boxes or renting plastic bins, you can also use existing luggage, use the luggage to move items that you want to remember to have handy so you don't have to search through the boxes or bins.

Tips for Moving With Children:

ONE BOX - Try to pack up child's favorite belongings in one box, and if they have lugguage use their luggage for this purpose, this way you don't spend tons of time sorting through different boxes to find a favorite stuffed animal or pillow.

STICKERS - Let kids decorate their own boxes using fun stickers (if you use something like animal stickers and assign each child a specific animal it will make it easier to sort through when you arrive)

PLAY DATE - If at all possible set up a play date so the kids are away from the moving site, this way you can focus on the move, and the kids won't be under foot of you or the movers. And it also avoids the risk of them getting hurt while furniture and heavy objects are being moved.

UNPACK THEM FIRST - It's easier to un-pack your child's room first and then work on common rooms, this way the move doesn't throw off bed schedules.

About Unpakt:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - First web app/digital marketplace/price comparison site for moving services!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helps you find reputable moving companies, compare exact prices, read user reviews and book online instantly!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Streamlines the entire 'booking a mover' process to UNDER an hour!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Named one of The Next Web's Top 10 Apps for Home & Work!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Featured in The NY Times, Forbes, TechCrunch, The Huffington Post, Real Simple and more!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Available Coast to Coast!

How it Works:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter Move Basics (where/when/what you are moving)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compare Moving Companies with exact prices, read user reviews and more. You can also save your move plan for later and make changes at any time. Perfect if you want to do preliminary research and then check in with your spouse at a different time.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Book mover at a guaranteed price. Price will not change unless you change inventory or conditions such as distance, stairs, etc.

NAB A DEAL ON YOUR NEXT MOVE:

Not only was Unpakt nice enough to share these great tips, they are also offering a sweet deal to Ascending Butterfly readers! Receive 5% instant cash back on your next move! Enter promo code: BUTTERFLY on Unpakt.com when booking and save. Must book by 07/31/13.

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Unpakt on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Unpakt on twitter and tweet them using Hashtags #moving, #movingday, #startup

**Always remember when getting social to tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly**

So Butterfly, When is YOUR next move?

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

FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post on behalf of Unpakt.com, however all opinions shared are 100% my own. By the way, my neighborhood truly does suck!

Ascending Butterfly May Monthly #Book Club Title: Review and #Giveaway of The Fast Metabolism Diet #FastMetabolismDiet

This is a sponsored post/Giveaway for SheSpeaks/Fast Metabolism Diet (All opinions are my own):

I spent 2010 and 2011 on a series of Lifestyle Changes that resulted in very healthy weight loss overtime. Getting more excercise and recipe substitions had resulted in the loss of 3 dress sizes and way more energy. I was thrilled!

Then 2012 happened. I spent the bulk of the year at three different hospitals for long term stays. Which meant being sick to my stomach and not wanting to eat due to the medications and surgeries, and a ton of time in a hospital bed which meant no excercise. To say last year threw me off my game is an understatement. Considering I was told I may not make it, I have much to be grateful for. Every few months it's back to the hospital for testing and I still can't go back to a full workout routine yet.

With summer coming I want to have tons of energy because after a year in the hospital, I plan to go out everyday and take full advantage of the sun this summer! I knew I needed to find a way to get my metabolism going knowing full well that I can't yet go back to the workout routine I was enjoying in 2010 and 2011 (which included Zumba and Yoga).

I had actually seen the book on TV before I was invited to participate in this campaign and it had caught my eye. The one thing I've learned through the years is that Lifestyle Changes, (no matter what they are for, to break bad habits, learn new ones, incorporate meditation into your day), have to be logical and not too difficult to incorporate to be successful. From what I had seen this looked easy to do, and seemed to make sense for me with my many restrictions.

I am going to be totally honest, I tried this out and didn't follow it to the letter, but it's OK because I knew I probably wouldn't. My schedule is erratic and because of my varied obligations, it's ever changing. Events in NYC come with cocktails, food, appetizers and all kind of things that are not always what I was meant to be eating that day. And worse still meetings all day and events most evenings including weekends leave very little time for much of a workout routine anyway.

The Science behind The Fast Metabolism Diet is explained graphically on their website and it's worth taking a look at so you can get an idea of 'the HOW' behind the diet. As a single girl in the city I didn't have the problem of worrying about other people in the home not liking the meals, it was just me I had to worry about. Is that how I eat everyday? NO. So it was hard to get adjusted to. For me the biggest problem was the cutting back of refined sugars, I love my chocolate and my Ice Cream and I am NOT going to cut them completely out of my life.

I was excited to discover that some of the foods I already love like Lobster, Shrimp, Avocados, Cashews, Seaweed (Sushi anyone?), stimulate the release of fat-burning T4 and T3 hormones which create a thermogenic effect in the body, melting those hard fat stores and allowing them to be liquified by the Thyroid Hormones, burned for energy and released from the body. This burn boosts your metabolism!

I know what you are thinking by now, 'So Butterfly, Did it WORK?'. Yes it did. I did not lose 20 pounds, but I have a firm policy of not gauging my weight loss with the scale, I lost one dress size so far, and I have maintained that size, my underwear/lingerie are all so loose I have to get new stuff in a size down, and I am happy with that progress. I am not following it to the letter, but with the principles it outlines, and with me slowly but surely being able to become progressively more active I am sure I will be back to where I was in 2011 in no time.

We are happy to make this our first title for the return of the Book Club, and with the advent of swimsuit season upon us, I am happy to recommend this program as the kick start to a series of full Lifestyle changes that will help you get ready to put your best face forward this summer!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Author Haylie Pomroy on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Follow @hayliepomroy on Twitter

WIN IT: 

Our friends at She Speaks and The Fast Metabolism Diet want one lucky Ascending Butterfly reader to have the chance to kickstart and rev up their metabolism too!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for She Speaks/Fast Metabolism Diet. I received compensation and a complimentary copy of the book, the sponsor is also fulfilling to the giveaway winner. All opinions are 100% my own.