Thursday, August 20, 2009

Thursday, August 20, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


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Cultivate Patience

With the weather getting hotter and the humidity rising, it's pretty easy to loose your cool. I'll admit to falling victim to impatience myself and the sticky, humid weather doesn't make it any better!

Rising temperatures sometimes causes aggravation, frustration and a lack of all around patience and good will. Understandable.

It's important to do things that help you cultivate your patience! This way if you are on the receiving end of someone having a bad day you can keep your cool. Two wrongs never make a right.

I like to meditate or read something inspirational to start my day! How do you keep your internal cool as the temperature rises?

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

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




2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

--> Looking for a way to fight frizz in this humid weather? See our Ouidad Product Review and Giveaway HERE!

--> Missed the John Legend concert? Check out the Recap with Photos HERE!

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Wednesday, August 19, 2009

The Best 12 Minutes I've Spent in a Long Time!


I bet that title caught your eye! LOL - I recently experienced the absolute best 12 minutes of my life in the shower! And it was my first time too! My first time using Ouidad's 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Repair that is.

It was actually my first time using any product in the Ouidad haircare line! And it was 12 minutes well spent! The weather is absolutely hot, humid, muggy and sweltering here in the city. Humidity and my hair have never been best friends, until now! I've experienced a drastic reduction in humidity hair troubles since using this product. I received it about a month ago and wanted to use it a few times before posting a review on it.

I have spent years fighting with my wavy hair. Don't get me wrong, I love the waves, I just always hated the frizz. The 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Repair allows me to love my hair again WITHOUT the frizz. Anything that allows you to cut back on using heat styling methods in the summer is pretty much heaven sent if you ask me! It is just too hot to have a blow dryer aimed at my head!

You can buy it directly at Ouidad's salon or website and Sephora also sells this product and they take the words out of my mouth in describing it.

What it does: Ouidad 12 Minute Deep Treatment Intensive Repair works in synergy with heat, delivering a mix of proteins and aminio acids deep into the hair cuticle for serious restructuring and rejuvenating benefits. Bounce, pulse, and luster return as hair is optimally conditioned and able to perform.

What it is formulated WITHOUT:

-Sulfates
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- GMOs
- Triclosan

What else you need to know: A curl's tendency to lose nutrients and moisture makes this treatment the single most important step in your haircare regimen.

This one has a permanent space in my shower! And I hope to try out more products soon. (They also have a new detangling comb I have my eye on! And I had no idea they had a Pomade) I know this is usually where you are looking to see the great giveaway. and yes that's coming, but this time, directly from the company! WIN: Ouidad is hosting a Weekly Giveaway where you can win a 'Love your Curls' Starter Set HERE (Press on the word 'here' to be taken directly to the giveaway and fill out the form, remember you do not have to leave comments here to be entered, just fill out the form at Ouidad's site! However you can feel free to leave product testimonials here if you'd like!)

Ascending Butterflies being the social creatures that we are, love our social media, you can find Ouidad in all your favorite cyber places:

Ouidad on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ouidad
Ouidad on Twitter: http://twitter.com/Ouidad

Don't forget to enter our current giveaways (in addition to the Ouidad Giveaway above!):

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

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

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Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Tuesday, August 18, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!




Count Your Blessings

With the state of the economy, the loss of jobs everywhere, and debts skyrocketing, the pressure is mounting. This pressure makes it all too easy to focus on what you do not have. On what's missing. Just for today, count your blessings. And I do mean that literally. Count them. Get out your pen and paper (yes I know that's kinda retro, but go with me here) and write out 10 things you are grateful for in your life right NOW. Yes TEN things. NO LESS. You can definitely start with family and friends and work your way from there!

DO IT NOW.

I'm watching you. OK well maybe I'm not watching you because that could be creepy and 'stalkerish', but I really want you to do it. See what you do have. Acknowledge what is working. Be thankful for the 10 things on your list. That list is a lot like Willy Wonka's Golden Ticket. The more you focus on those things, and how they make your life better and how grateful you are for them, you will attract more blessings. Live in gratitude, because you will then live in abundance. Push the thoughts of what you don't have out of your mind, not just today but every day and watch your life change for the better.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I live in gratitude for my 10 blessings (read them all straight off your list).' (It is very important to affirm these things out loud! It doesn't matter what time of the day you do it, just that you do it!)

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

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




2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE


Missed the John Legend concert? Check out the Recap with Photos HERE!

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Monday, August 17, 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


Lazy, Hazy Days of Summer


This summer has literally flown by, and part of me secretly wishes it would slow down a bit. Part of me just wants to hold on to those lazy, hazy days of summer!

How are you enjoying the last days of the summer? By the pool? At the Beach? Having family cookouts?

We are still celebrating YOU this month! So celebrate with us and take some time for inner as well as outer renewal.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will enjoy this hazy day of summer by taking out some time for myself.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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


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

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

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

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




2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE




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Sunday, August 16, 2009

Sunday, August 16, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and TWO giveaways!


Living in Gratitude

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

This week, I am grateful for:

1) I had the opportunity to attend John Legend's concert at Madison Square Garden with opening performance by India.Arie! The music was amazing and so were the featured guests which included Kanye West and Estelle, Rick Ross, Buju Banton, Gramps Morgan and more. The concert started in prayer with India.Arie and ended in prayer with John Legend sending out blessings to the audience, it was amazingly uplifting and I'm still singing the tunes I heard that night! You can see my recap of the concert (including really awesome photos) HERE!

2) I am grateful for Ascending Butterfly's amazing sponsors! See two of them in the 'Today's Butterfly' Featured Site of the day below.

3) I'm grateful for some amazing surprises from my fellow bloggers:

  • New York Chica, you can visit her blog HERE
  • Coupon Queens of Laurel Run, you can visit CQoLR HERE
  • Beauty is Easy, you can visit them HERE
What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update fieldOK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and two super Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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

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




2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Friday, August 14, 2009

Weekend Inspiration - Ordinary People Extraordinary Talents!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




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

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


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




ABOVE: India.Arie in her butterfly wings!



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

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

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

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

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

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







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




ABOVE: John and the band







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





ABOVE: Kanye West and Estelle sing 'American Boy'






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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Thursday, August 13, 2009

Thursday, August 13, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

A winner announcement and 'release your inner sexy gal Thursday'


NOTE
: Our Tres Sleek Giveaway winner was lilyk, Congratulations!

Readers before you send me anymore emails, I am aware that there was no 'Today's Words of Inspiration' for Wednesday August 12th. My host was down for the bulk of the day and I couldn't post. It was a very frustrating experience to say the least. My apologies for the delays in publishing all the entries for our new giveaway for a Smashbox Cosmetics Palette of your choice. As soon as my host came back up, I've been working on moderating the entries and getting them all posted. So while other sites are focusing on the little ones, Ascending Butterfly is all about focusing on YOU. YES YOU. You remember you don't you?


Before becoming a parent there was a sexy gal in there. One who wanted to look pretty and feel sexy before her dates. We have quite a month ahead here at Ascending Butterfly. And this month is all about releasing your inner sexy.


Don't blush, don't giggle demurely, I know it's all in there just waiting for an excuse to come out!

I made productive use of my 'enforced downtime' yesterday and used the time to secure some great sponsors and giveaways. I remind you, keep checking daily, you don't want to miss the great things that are coming!

I am heading out to a concert tonight and I just can't wait! I've always loved music. While I know enough to keep my singing behind closed doors in the shower, I somehow seem to always have music on. And all my friends find themselves amazed that I have music in EVERY room. I'd even have music streaming out of my closet as soon as I opened it if I could.

Music lifts my mood and my spirits. What is your favorite type of music? What is your favorite genre and song? Do you have an artist or song you highly recommend? Comment here and let us know. I'm always open to something new and would love to know what you are listening to. And if there are any record labels out there, feel free to send me music! :-)

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

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





2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE





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Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Smashbox - Reign Fall 2009 Collection -Review and Giveaway!

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Congratulations to 'Miss Manda' the winner of Ascending Butterfly's Smashbox Purple Reign Giveaway!

---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team
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Smashbox' new Fall Collection - Purple Reign



► REIGN JET SET PALETTE - ($48.00) - Adorn eyes with opulent shades of budge-proof metallic liner. Includes four shades of our cult-favorite waterproof liner (3 brand-new hues and our best-selling deep black) housed in a mirrored airtight compact with a mini arced liner brush for flawless application.Shades: Matte black, Matte deep brown, Metallic deep gold, Metallic bronze






REIGN LIP GLOSS - ($19.00) - Indulge lips in luxurious, creamy color and scandalous shine. This ultra-moisturizing gloss saturates lips in a gorgeous warm nude shade that pairs perfectly with a smoky eye.Shade: Soft peachy pink





REIGN DOUBLETAKE LIP COLOR - ($22.00) - Envelop lips in color to lust after. A long-wearing liner on one end and velvety-smooth lip color on the other in two of Fall’s hottest shades.Amaretto: Nude Pink, Creamy peachy pinkCurrant: Deep wine, Deep berry red







REIGN LASH DNA MASCARA - ($19.00) - Bejewel lashes in a sumptuous new shade fit for a royal. Lash DNA protein and amino acid packed formula dramatically lengthens, strengthens and defines for stand-out eyes.Shade: Shimmering black plum





REIGN FUSION BLUSH ($32.00) - Give cheeks a sensual glow with this dual-toned blush in both matte and shimmer shades, in a gorgeous flip-top mirrored compact. Shades: Matte peachy nude, Shimmery peachy nude






REIGN EYE SHADOW PALETTE ($42.00) - Decadent mirrored compacts with 6 baked shadows in both matte and shimmer for higher pigmentation and longer wear. Wear wet for a metallic look or dry for a sexy wash of color. Majesty: Matte champagne, Shimmery champagne, Matte cabernet, Shimmery cabernet, Matte black, Shimmery black. Monarch: Matte soft gold, Shimmery soft gold, Matte copper, Shimmery copper, Matte deep brown, Shimmery deep brown





WIN IT! - We like to save the best for last! Thanks to our friends at Smashbox, you have the opportunity to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE! Monarch or Majesty!
How to Win: You must be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (this will be checked if you are selected as a winner) and indicate your palette preference in your entry. Please 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 blogger profile has your email you can just indicate this in your entry.
Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, so no worries if your comment doesn't appear on the site right away. This giveaway is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike, but you must follow this blog for your entry to count. You have from now until Friday, September 11, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Tuesday, September 15th!
EXTRA CREDIT:

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


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


  • Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in a comment.


  • Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment


  • Fave this blog on Technorati and leave your Technorati user name in your comment


  • Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog


  • Follow SmashBox Cosmetics on Facebook HERE


  • Follow SmashBox on MySpace HERE


  • Follow Smashbox on Twitter HERE


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Tuesday, August 11, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!





Purple Tuesday


In honor of our Smashbox giveaway launch, I have dubbed this 'Purple Tuesday'! I will wear Purple, and of course I'm listening to Prince's song 'Purple Rain' in the background as I write today.


Purple is the color for Fall this season, although as far I'm concerned Purple never goes out of style, it's a color I'm very fond of! I love it in it's entire shade range from lavendar to Royal. Purple has a special, almost sacred place in nature: lavender, orchid, lilac, and violet flowers are often delicate and considered precious. Because purple is derived from the mixing of a strong warm and strong cool color it has both warm and cool properties. A purple room can boost a child's imagination or an artist's creativity. Too much purple, like the color blue, could result in moodiness.


The color of mourning for widows in Thailand, purple was the favorite color of Egypt's Cleopatra. It has been traditionally associated with royalty in many cultures. Purple robes were worn by royalty and people of authority or high rank. The Purple Heart is a U.S. Military decoration given to soldiers wounded in battle.


Considering using Purple to decorate this season? Deep or bright purples suggest riches while lighter purples are more romantic and delicate. Use redder purples for a warmer color scheme or the bluer purples to cool down.


There is a lot more to color than meets the eye! Color your space today, color your world!


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

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

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! twitter love: re*tweet by copying and pasting the following into your update fieldOK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and two super Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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

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






2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE









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Monday, August 10, 2009

Monday, August 10, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Zen Monday - Ascending Butterfly is your Zen Garden

I'm resolved not to have a 'manic Monday' this week, so I'm keeping one step ahead of my schedule and to-do list today. Less chaos = Less stress. Less Stress means a 'Zen Monday'. And that's just how I like my Mondays.

What can you do today to put the zen in your Monday? I'd say starting off with Ascending Butterfly's Today's Words of Inspiration, is a great start! Try not to hit the snooze button twice today, if you can get to work 15 minutes earlier than usual, you can plan out your day. Both your professional and personal to-do's. That should give you 15 minutes or more to yourself this evening. What would you do with an extra 15 minutes? You don't have to guess, you can actually make it a reality by staying one step ahead of yourself today.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will stay one step ahead of my schedule and I rule over it, instead of letting my schedule rule over me.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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


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


1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends TODAY!






2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE





NOTE: Come Back Tuesday for a review and giveaway that is very much fall trend fab!!

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Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sunday, August 09, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and TWO giveaways!



Living in Gratitude

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

This week, I am grateful for:

1) My local radio station Power 105, they showed me love in a big way this week. I was the 'Chicas Project' grand prize winner and will be sporting a new Power 105 Tshirt and a new chromatics 8 gb pink ipod Nano to go along with it! Just like 'readership (and followership) does have it's privileges with Ascending Butterfly, listening really paid off for me this week!

2) I am grateful for Ascending Butterfly sponsors who has this made this whole summer special, and there is certainly more great stuff to come!

3) I'm also grateful for having received the opportunity to attend the eenamaria bag launch bash earlier in the week, it was both fun and informative and I'm thankful for all the great people I met there. And the creative inspiration I received regarding a project that is part personal, and part Ascending Butterfly related. But more on that to come later, way later!

What are you grateful for today? I'd love for you to write in and share what you are grateful for this week. The more you say it, the more you speak it, and the more you live in gratitude, the more you will find reasons to be grateful for. So join me on this journey of gratitude. And you can post here daily (even though my list will be posted weekly).

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

NOTE: We have a new review and giveaway coming soon! It's very much in line with Fall Trends, Come back to find out more!


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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day


1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends SOON! You only have until August 10th to put in your entry!





2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win an AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE






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Friday, August 7, 2009

Saturday, August 08, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


I am in Weekend Mode. My mind filled with fun and indulgence. Some time outdoors, time with friends and family, good food, refreshing drinks and treats, I have to admit it's hard to focus on the ever growing inbox and to-do list.

So let's focus today on indulgence, and how it can actually be a good thing. A healthy thing even. We all know that stress causes damage to your heart, your brain, your immune system, and it makes your blood pressure rise. Sometimes you need to indulge your whims. Doing so reduces stress and as you can see reducing stress is a good thing, a VERY good thing.

What are you doing this weekend to indulge yourself? Please share. Sometimes we can all use reminders of the little and big ways to help ourselves feel better.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will indulge at least one whim this weekend.'

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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


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

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


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

1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends SOON! You only have until August 10th to put in your entry!


2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE

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Thursday, August 6, 2009

Thursday, August 6, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Mark Twain had it right when he said:

Dance like nobody's watching....
Sing like nobody's listening...
Love like you've never been hurt...
Work like you don't need the money...
Live like it's heaven on earth...


Sometimes we all stumble with one of these (or some times all of these!) but it's never too late to get back on track. You really can Dance like nobody's watching, I do that one all the time when I'm cooking!

I also Sing like Nobody's Listening in the shower, OK in this case, it's probably really good no one is listening. I won't be auditioning for American Idol anytime soon.

I will admit, 'loving like you've never been hurt' is sometimes a hard one for me! Do you trip up on this one sometimes?? Come on, fess up, I can't be alone with this one!

And in this economy, 'working like you don't need the money' may be difficult too, but it can be done. Don't let work become WHO you are, make sure it's always WHAT you do but NEVER who you are!

Live like it's heaven on earth is my favorite! I strive for that one each and everyday. How do YOU live like it's heaven on earth? What makes you feel that way? For me, it's travel. For me it's a beach chair, while I'm sitting out by the ocean watching the waves crash, feeling the warm sun on my skin and the feel of Ocean Breezes through my hair. For me, that truly is heaven on earth. Or at least as close as I've come to it.

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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

1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends SOON! You only have until August 10th to put in your entry!






2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE



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Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Now a Word from our Former Sponsor!


Just wanted to let everyone know that our friends at Mimobot have an announcement! Mimobot has joined forces with Infectious to offer 'Mimobot iPhone Skins'! Give your iPhone some style! I love skins, my iPod touch has a skin. Even your digital world can reflect your personality, style and Savoir-Faire!

And I'll also give you another cool heads up: From mid-August through September, Mimoco and Infectious will be teaming up to find the next MIMOBOT to be designed by YOU! Sign up for their newsletter for the latest design challenge news. I am truly hoping one of our creative Ascending Butterfly readers will submit a 'Butterfly' Mimobot design for the challenge! I really, really, really want to see a Butterfly Mimobot.

Now go show Mimoco some love and order your iPhone skin HERE
(or by pressing on the iphone skinned graphic above)
And just in case you hadn't noticed the new 'vote-a tunity', please vote for Ascending Butterfly on Fuel my Blog here: http://www.fuelmyblog.com/index.jsp?c=/pages/vote.jsp?vt=fuel&id=26956

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!


Happy Hump Day

According to Urban Dictionary, 'Hump Day' is defined as 'Wednesday, the middle of the week, implying that you have to get "over the hump" before you can anticipate the weekend. The term was not originally intended to carry a second, more risque meaning.' - While I can understand the urge to, (I'm in a silly mood myself), Keep the replies clean on this one everyone! By all means email me the really funny stuff! (I'm going to have to start forum pages soon!)


I won't be happy until I've posted something about every day of the week. I found it interesting that according to the Hebrew Bible, Wednesday is the day when the Sun and Moon were created. Now that's more like it, I'd rather have this association with the day than the some of the others!


How do you get over 'Hump Day'? I try to make it a point to get out for the entire hour during lunch, it somehow helps to not only make the day feel like it's going by faster, but when I get out, I just plain feel more connected to everything including myself. I'd advise you to get away from your desk today regardless of whether or not it is sunny out. Get connected, make your 'hump day' happier!


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


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


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


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


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


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


1. Enter to win NEWLY Launched shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!) Remember, this giveaway ends SOON! You only have until August 10th to put in your entry!









2. Don't forget to enter for a chance to win a AUTOGRAPHED copy of our book club of the month title: 'Perseverance' by Carolyn Rubenstein. You can enter for the book HERE (you may also press the cover graphic below) - Stay tuned for an Author Q & A next week. You can begin to send in your questions now. Email your questions for the author to me HERE







This book is an amazing resource for young cancer patients and their families to find strength, truth, wisdom, humor, grace and perseverance personified. I highly encourage you to read this book, and I wish it had been available to me years ago when my nephew was battling cancer. Reading the stories of other young people speaking to him in a voice he could understand and sharing their unique experiences would have helped him to put his own experiences in better perspective I'm sure.
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