Disney/Pixar's Brave {Movie Review}

@ Disney Pixar's Brave

Movie Synopsis:

English: Set in the rugged and mysterious Highlands of Scotland, Disney•Pixar’s “Brave” follows the heroic journey of Merida (voice of Kelly Macdonald), a skilled archer and headstrong daughter of King Fergus (voice of Billy Connolly) and Queen Elinor (voice of Emma Thompson). Determined to change her fate, Merida defies an age-old custom sacred to the unruly and uproarious lords of the land: massive Lord MacGuffin (voice of Kevin McKidd), surly Lord Macintosh (voice of Craig Ferguson) and cantankerous Lord Dingwall (voice of Robbie Coltrane), unleashing chaos in the kingdom. When she turns to an eccentric Witch (voice of Julie Walters), she is granted an ill-fated wish and the ensuing peril forces Merida to harness all of her resources—including her mischievous triplet brothers—to undo a beastly curse and discover the meaning of true bravery. Directed by Mark Andrews and Brenda Chapman, and produced by Katherine Sarafian, “Brave” is a grand adventure full of heart, memorable characters and signature Pixar humor. Opens on June 22, 2012, in Disney Digital 3D™ in select theaters.

@ Disney Pixar's Brave

Spanish/Espanol: En la película, Kelly Macdonald presta su voz a Merida, una habilidosa arquera hija del Rey Fergus (voz de Billy Connolly) y de la Reina Elinor (voz de Emma Thompson). Merida está decidida a labrarse su propio camino en la vida y desafía una costumbre milenaria y sagrada de los ruidosos señores de la tierra: el enorme Lord MacGuffin (voz de Kevin McKidd), el huraño Lord Macintosh (voz de Craig Ferguson) y el cascarrabias Lord Dingwall (voz de Robbie Coltrane). Sin quererlo ni beberlo, las decisiones de Merida desencadenan el caos y la furia en el reino. Y cuando acude a una excéntrica y sabia anciana (voz de Julie Walters) en busca de ayuda, se le concede un desventurado deseo. El enorme peligro que corre obligará a Merida a descubrir el significado del auténtico valor: tendrá que deshacer una terrible maldición antes de que sea demasiado tarde.

Brave - Film Clip "Wisps"

My Take:

I do enjoy the Scottish accent, and the greens of the forests and the craggy peaks did set off a case of wanderlust (then again what doesn't right?), what I love most about this movie is that the heroine is strong, independent, persistent and resourceful. She refuses to dance to the beat of someone else's drum and is determined to find her own way in life. Does she stumble along the way? Sure she does. We all do. But she learns that even if it's hard, even when the people you love don't necessarily agree with you, that you can be your own person, and experience life on your own terms.

Brave is rated PG and is definitely family safe!

I love comedians Billy Connolly and Craig Ferguson who both voice characters in the film, and as you all know I love all things Atlantic City so I recognized Kelly Macdonald who voices the heroine Merida in Brave immediately as she plays Margaret Schroeder in the HBO Television Series Boardwalk Empire.

Brave enough to get social? Then link up with Brave here:

Website & Mobile site: Disney.com/Brave 

Like Brave on Facebook: facebook.com/PixarBrave

Follow Brave on Twitter: twitter.com/disneypixar

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FTC Disclosure: I attended an Advanced Screening of Disney/Pixar Brave, however, this is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received in exchange for writing this movie review. 

How do you Apple Mango Tango?

About a month before the official start of summer, I get a very rare disease, which I've officially named the 'travel itchies'. Sadly, I get this every year, and doctors can't seem to cure it and the only thing that works is getting away! The hectic pace of city living can be extremely tiring and the only thing that seems to center me is time at the beach. This time spent near the Ocean gives summer a scent for me, sometimes many scents combined. Once one of those scents hits my senses, I'm ready to pack my bags and go!

Being near the ocean or at the beach whether it's local or abroad brings up so many sensory memories for me, like eating fresh fruit, or enjoying a tropical beverage sometimes straight from a pineapple or a coconut and those smells are the ones that imprint the memory of favorite summer vacations straight to my heart!

One of my favorite vacation scent memories was a summer I spent in Puerto Rico. A friend who owns a large farm brought along fresh Mangos to the beach. They were ripe and fresh and just bursting with sweetness and scent. Anytime I smell Mango it takes me right back to that happy day. I can see myself sitting on the beach with Mango juice dripping down my arm, the sun warm on my back and the hint of a breeze.

But unfortunately a beach vacation isn't in my immediate future as things have been way to busy, but my senses were recently tickled by a great scent that I just had to share! Even the best travel goddess has to do Laundry sometime, and if you want to take a slice of vacation happiness and bring it home with you then I would highly recommend Gain Joyful Expressions Apple Mango Tango Laundry Detergent. I call it 'Vacation in a Bottle'.

What I call 'Vaction in a Bottle,' Gain calls Joyful Expressions Laundry Detergent, and they describe it as "A Superior and Uplifting Scent Experience" and I couldn't agree more. I am definitely going to go back and try out the other scents, especially 'Gain Butterfly Kiss' but for some reason after smelling the joyful expressions line, the Apple Mango Tango resonated with me most. It starts with that crisp smell of Apple, coupled with the sweetness of Mango and it just instantly takes me back to my favorite summer beach memory.

Not only does it smell great, but I like the way it cleans and how long the smell actually 'holds' to your clothes and lingers in the air!

Gain Apple Mango Tango Laundry Detergent

I put it to work immediately on a tough load, my favorite King Size Egyptian Cotton Blanket, which it left soft and smelling great!

Gain Apple Mango Tango Laundry Detergent after cleaning my King Sized Egyptian Cotton Blanket!

It was equally fantastic on clothes, leaving them pleasantly scented and soft to the touch! The only way I could be happier with it, is if it included a Merry Maid to do the Laundry for me! (LOL)

To learn more about Gain’s line of products and to see a full list of the anything but ordinary scents available, visit www.ilovegain.com.

Visit  www.facebook.com/Gain for updates on how to find your perfect match.

Butterfly what is your favorite Vacation Scent Memory?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received in exchange for this post. I am participating in a campaign via the One2One Network and my participation does serve as an entry in a giveaway drawing that makes me eligible for a possible incentive.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude - The Blogging Anniversary Edition!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Blog-a-versary -  Ascending Butterfly was founded in 2009, and here I stand 3 years later, celebrating a Blog-A-Versary! Blogging has been more rewarding than I could have ever anticipated in so many ways. It's the hardest job you'll ever love! So this week I'm not only grateful for my blogging anniversary, but every single reader and follower, every single sponsor, every single brand ambassadorship, and all that I have learned along the way!

These three years have literally flown by, and I am super excited to think of what the next 3 years will bring.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mental Health - I took a few days away from writing this week, and I am so happy I did. I did some wonderful stuff these past few days that I will be sharing with you, so I was literally still working, but taking a few days not glued to a screen certainly gave me some time to unwind!

What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaway

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Road Trip with your Little Ones Britax Accessories Giveaway! Ends 06/26 - Win a Prize Pack Valued at over $150 - http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2012/06/road-trip-with-your-little-ones-britax.html

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Don't be bummed as winners have NOT yet been selected for the Wilson's Leather $200 Gift Card Giveaway and the Blade Buddy Giveaway. Thanks for your patience butterflies! I will be working on closing those out tonight!

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Gratitude Journal Reco:

For those of you who are interested in keeping a gratitude journal this year, here is my recommendation and where to purchase it:

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

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html - Please note this is not a compensated post and I was under no obligation to share my recent wins from Somos Fios or BlogHer.

Wordless Wednesday: India Arie is a Butterfly Too!

In 2009 I won floor seats to a John Legend Concert followed by a meet and greet. To say I was 'excited' is probably an understatement (You can check out my original review of the concert HERE). On my way in, I met Malcolm-Jamal Warner (best known for his role as Theo Huxtable on The Cosby Show). And if that wasn't enough he was actually only 3 rows in front of me! The opening act for that concert happened to be none other than India Arie! I already love her music, but when she came out dressed up like a butterfly I couldn't help but smile. Butterflies are my sign. They represent luck, change, someone who has passed saying hello, and always represent the universe telling me I am in the right place at the right time!

Here is my favorite concert picture of India dressed in her beautiful butterfly wings:

India.Arie in butterfly wings, John Legend Concert, Madison Square Garden, 2009

You know that The Official #TwitterPartyDJ is always thinking music, and Ascending Butterfly is always thinking butterflies, so this song by India is certainly the best of worlds, it combines my two loves, music and butterflies! Don't song lyrics read like poetry when you see them written out?

India Arie Butterfly Lyrics

Constantly creepin' caterpillar,
Still a swoon in a cocoon.
Soon you might emerge,
And you're made to emerge.
A little longing to love, lush,
Starving for affection.
Hidden by the size of my perfection,
With one exception...
If you wanna butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
Still a swoon in a cocoon.
If you wanna butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
How do I hide somebody from the great blue wide?
I'll come and sweep you up,
'Cause your time ain't up, be patient.
Now you see the sun is rising and your realizing,
Wise enough to know,
That you gotta let yourself grow.
If you wanna butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
Still a swoon in a cocoon.
If you wanna butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
What goes around comes back around;
This is nature's way.
Be conscious of what you do,
Because you will be repaid.
If you put turnips in the ground,
You will not harvest grapes.
You are what you attracted,
And this is why I say;
Uhhhhhh...
If you wanna a butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
Still a swoon in a cocoon.
If you wanna a butterfly,
You gotta be a butterfly.
You know that nothing falls out of the sky.
Constantly creepin' caterpillar,
Still a swoon in a cocoon.
Soon you might emerge,
And be made to emerge.
Maybe...
Still a swoon in a cocoon (repeated MANY times!)
Uhhhhhh...

India is a fantastic singer, and a BUTTERFLY too! Happy (Not So) Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Road Trip with your Little Ones Britax Accessories Giveaway! Ends 06/26

With the economy still in the *tank* and Gas Prices still rising in many cities, the 'staycation' and the 'roadtrip' are only going to increase in popularity! Along with the popular roadtrip comes the challenges of traveling with children. From the endless 'are we there yets'? to the 'mom I'm so bored', keeping the kids safe and entertained is certainly a challenge!

I'll leave the entertaining part up to you, but I can help you when it comes to keeping your little ones safe this summer and beyond the summer season while on the road!

Here are some great accessories by Britax that will help make your staycations and summer road trips a success:

BRITAX Vehicle Seat Protector

The BRITAX Vehicle Seat Protector:

Engineered, non-slip material for best-in-class car seat crash performance while providing protection to the vehicle seat from spills, debris, and compression. The BRITAX Vehicle Seat Protector is waterproof and easy to clean with raised edges on all sides to keep spills and debris contained, and a front seat guard that hangs over the vehicle seat to protect it from muddy shoes. The Vehicle Seat Protector is also LATCH compatible and crash tested and approved for use with BRITAX car seats. I love the fact that it is designed for full coverage of the car seat base to minimize vehicle seat indentations and with an MSRP of only $29.99, it's an affordable way to ensure you are protecting your little one AND your car!

BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow

The BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow:

Full body and contoured head support provides superior comfort for your precious cargo. The reversible design has plush fleece on one side and moisture-control fabric on the other to offer all-season temperature control. The EZ-Dry wicking fabric draws moisture away from baby keeping the surface feeling cool and dry, while the plush fleece keeps your little one warm and cozy. The BRITAX Head & Body Support Pillow fits both car seat and stroller harness systems and has been crash tested and approved for use with all BRITAX convertible and infant car seats for children weighing up to 22 lbs. Machine washable. Keep your little ones cozy, comfortable and safe for only $29.99.

Britax Kick Mat

Britax Kick Mat in Action Sold as a pack of 2

BRITAX Kick Mats:

The top and bottom attachment points provide a secure fit, while its large 17.4 x 22.5 in. (44.5 x 57 cm) size ensures full coverage. Deep mesh pockets on the top of the BRITAX Kick Mats offer extra storage possibilities with an elastic top and fastener to keep objects in place. The water resistant fabric is machine washable and also folds for storage. Sold as a 2 pack. MSRP (USD) $15.99. This accessory will certainly make the kiddos and mom and dad happy. Everything they need is easily accesible and the kick mat protects the back of the seats and is easy to wash!

BRITAX Stroller Board

BRITAX Stroller Board in action

The BRITAX Stroller Board:

Easily attaches to most strollers providing travel options for additional children. Three wheels with independent suspension provide a comfortable and stable ride for children weighing up to 50 pounds. The quick release design enables easy removal and installation of the stroller board. The stroller board can easily be adjusted to accommodate your child’s height. When not in use, the storage strap will hold the board up and out of the way. MSRP (USD) $89.99

BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades (2 pack)

Keep your child cool and shield them from UV rays and sun glare with the BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shades (2 pack). The unique cling design with a lightweight, reinforced frame makes application and repositioning a breeze. The BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shade safely clings to the vehicle window with a UPF 30+ sun protection. The additional mesh screen provides shade to keep your child cool while maintaining driver visibility. Use the wire frame to easily remove the BRITAX EZ-Cling Window Shade and store it away to reuse again and again. The 19 x 12 in (48 x 30.5 cm) size is designed for an optimal fit to most vehicle rear-side windows. MSRP (USD) $9.99

Win It - See the cool graphic below created by Mirna of Ahorros con Cupones, (Thanks Mirna!) which outlines what is in  the prize pack!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget Below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. The accessories prize pack being used for this giveaway was provided by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

What are you doing? I'm just feeding my Scalp!

Once the New York City summer humidity starting kicking in, I got a strong urge to chop my hair off, so I did. I cut it in a short, layered sassy style that I absolutely loved. Until I had to re-create it myself that is. I couldn't quite get it to look the same the stylist did. But I also cut it to make sure I nipped split ends in the bud, and now I want to be sure to keep it as healthy as it looked when I cut it.

My hair and I have had a lifelong battle, and I am not sure either of us ever win. We are both stubborn and want things our own way. My hair goes nuts when it's humid out, but I'm over ponytails and pulling it back, that's why I cut it, to force myself to style it more and not cop out with ponytails, buns or some other slicked back hairstyle.

Years ago I read this magazine article where they suggested changing your shampoo and conditioner periodically helps when your hair doesn't seem to be responding to your favorite shampoo and conditioner. With that in mind, I came across something new and thought I'd try it out.  Seems like there may be something to this theory!

When the hair gets frizzy, the hair goes SHOPPING!

Ascending Butterfly holding Duane Read Circular, time to shop!

Can't hurt to check out what's on sale right?

HairCare Aisle, Duane Reade

Look Up - It's the Haircare Aisle!

CLEAR Scalp & Hair THERAPY Shampoo & Conditioner

What's This? I spot the NEW CLEAR Scalp & Hair THERAPY Shampoo and conditioner! There were quite a few choices, after reading the descriptions of each, I selected the one called 'Strong Lengths' for my hair needs, but you can actually pick out which one works for you before even hitting the store, take the Clear Scalp & Hair Beauty Therapy Quiz, it's only 7 easy questions to strong, beautiful hair! There is another interesting test you can take that measures the strength of your hair. 99% of hair's natural strength and beauty comes from the scalp. So feed your scalp right, and you will be feeding your hair right!

I decided on 'Strong Lengths' from Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy

The Strong Lengths Strengthening Serum will help make hair stronger in only 7 days. It's a Scalp & Hair regimen that's ideal for hair prone to breakage. And because I tend to wear ponytails a lot, my hair is definitely more prone to breakage and split ends. (I for one can't imagine working out without picking my hair up and putting in a ponytail or bun, that part I just can't change!).

Duane Reade, What's in my basket?

Found additional sales I just couldn't pass up! AquaFresh Toothpaste on sale for only .99 cents, not the small size, the regular size! Pretty hair and pearly whites too, who can resist?

Ben & Jerry's Display at Duane Reade

RUH ROH! Ben & Jerry's Buy One Get One FREE!!! Sweet Temptation!

Duane Reade Shopping Basket, getting MUCH fuller by the minute!

Wait! How did those two pints of Ben & Jerry's get in MY basket?

I'm thinking it may be time to head to the cashier before I get tempted buy more snacks!

Waiting for a Cashier, Duane Reade

Trying to keep focused and ignore the snacks to my immediate right!

Manager signing a rain check!

Turns out they didn't have enough of the AquaFresh Toothpaste in stock so the manager gave me a raincheck so I could come back when they are back in stock! He was able to find me one (I had selected the wrong ones), so at least I was able to nab one at the great .99 cents sale price! SCORE!

Had to make sure I put the ice cream away first when I got home! They seem quite happy in my freezer next to an organic chicken! LOL

My new shampoo & conditioner and toothpaste!

My new finds in my bathroom on my fave 'zen shelf'

Love how the bottles sleek style totally match my zen shelf!

Got everything stocked and put away where it belongs!

Get more info about the products featured here:

http://www.facebook.com/clearhaircare
http://www.clearhaircare.com/

http://www.facebook.com/clearmen 

http://www.youtube.com/clearhaircare

http://www.duanereade.com/

http://twitter.com/duanereade

http://twitter.com/clearhair


GIVING CAMPAIGN:


You know how much Ascending Butterfly loves it when brands give back! From Monday, June 11th, 2012 through Saturday, August 11th, 2012, $5 for each new Duane Reade Facebook Page 'Like', up to $100,000 will be donated between six participating partners through the Duane Reade Charitable Foundation (DRCF). You can help make a difference in promoting health and wellness within the New York tri-state area. For more info visit www.duanereade.com/charity and don't forget to 'Like' Duane Reade on Facebook to participate!

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I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ but all opinions expressed are my own #CBias #SocialFabric Questions about Ascending Butterfly's Disclosure Policy? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Blade Buddy Review and Giveaway!

Happy Father's Day!  I hope everyone spent a fun day making memories with their Dad today. My dad passed away when I was very young, and I didn't get to share those great memories that most have with Dad like him teaching you to play ball, ride a bike or car, first dance at your sweet 16 or to walk me down the aisle (IF that ever happens, LOL). But I do remember my dad to be a very sharp dresser, and very particular about his looks! 

He was certainly a handsome man as you can see from the photo above! I'm sure shopping for him wouldn't have been easy, but I did come across something this year that I'm sure would have very much appealed to his practical side.

ABOUT:

Better Shaves. Longer Lasting Blades

Blade Buddy works with ANY razor and maintains the sharpness of your razor blades for months, saving you money, reducing waste, and eliminating nicks, cuts, razor burn and ingrown hair.


Reduce Waste

Two billion blades and their packaging are thrown out each year, resulting in two million pounds of plastic waste. Blade Buddy significantly minimizes the amount you throw away.


Save Money

The average consumer spends hundreds of dollars a year on razor blades. By extending the life of a blade from days to months, Blade Buddy reduces this amount significantly.


How Does the Blade Buddy Work

Every time you shave, the edge of your razor blade bends. Blade Buddy’s micro-honing grooved surface straightens the edge back into alignment.


How Do I use BladeBuddy?

All it takes is 3 easy steps. Watch the video below and discover how to keep your razor blades going strong.

My Take:

This is a perfect gift for both Dads and Grads (and moms too!), anyone who uses a razor for shaving will love the Blade Buddy. It's a great product for green homes and households looking for new ways to go green! Saving money, helping the earth by reducing waste in landfills, and getting a smooth, close shave every single time, what's not to love? And with summer and swimsuit season, it means no more ingrown hairs when keeping your legs baby smooth in your swimsuit!


Win It!

For your chance to nab a blade buddy of your own, enter using the rafflecopter form below! Remember to get your main entry in the rafflecopter widget and once you unlock the main entry, there are tons of easy way to score extra credit entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure:  BladeBuddy was sent to me free of charge for editorial consideration, however all opinions are 100% my own. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

What's New at the Zoo? Check out this weekend's happenings at the New York Bronx Zoo!

LeVar Burton will be at the Bronx Zoo this weekend for a sneak peek of the new Reading Rainbow app and special book reading! This is a great opportunity to see LeVar and get a sneak peek at the new Reading Rainbow app for the next generation “digital” Reading Rainbow kids. My niece and nephew love Reading Rainbow, and I'm a total  nerdie Star Trek fan, so we may have to all head to the zoo this weekend and catch story time at Asia Plaza in the Bronx Zoo this weekend. It's so super cool to have access to one of the city's better known landmarks practically in my backyard!

I have to admit the role I most associate with Mr. Burton is as Geordi La Forge from the Star Trek: The Next Generation, television series. Although one of his first claims to fame was for his acting in the television mini-series Roots (the role landed him an Emmy). He has also written a book called The Aftermath.

I could definitely go on and on about his achievements throughout his amazing career, but it's his work for Reading Rainbow that will be featured this week at the Reading Rainbow Sneak peek, and if you are looking for something fun AND educational to do with the kiddos this weekend, this would be my pick! LeVar is very personable and has a great rapport with children.

And my digital loving butterflies already know that You can also save 10% when you buy tickets online: http://www.bronxzoo.com/ticket-discount/ 

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Disclaimer: Ascending Butterfly is participating in a sponsored ambassador program from the Bronx Zoo/NY Aquarium. As a part of this program we have received paid advertising compensation, a premium family membership and merchandise for placement of digital advertisements and specific postings related to programming.

Hollywood Movie Money Winner Announcement! Was it YOU?

TGIF Butterflies! Thanks for all the 'blogaversary' wishes yesterday! It's been an amazing three years and I can't wait to see what the next three will bring!

Winner's Announcement:

Congrats to Joy F. she won the Hollywood Movie Money Passes Giveaway to see the movie What To Expect When You're Expecting!

I will work on closing out and contacting the Wilson's $200 Gift Certificate Winner this weekend, so if you were bummed that you didn't win, don't worry, while the giveaway is closed, the winner has NOT yet been selected. I verify the validity of every single entry and it's taking a bit longer than I expected. The good thing is that when I do select a winner, all the entries in the running are actually valid, which makes everything not only fair, but also improves your odds!

Stay tuned for a Father's Day themed giveaway this weekend!

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FTC Disclosure: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and Digital marketingcompany that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and  I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My movie pass and the movie money being used for the giveaway was provided by Britax USA. The original giveaway and this post are NOT affiliated with Hollywood Movie Money.  This post is NOT sponsored. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Happy 3rd Birthday Butterfly! We've come a long way baby!

Ascending Butterfly turns three today! It's been three wild years! We started with breathing affirmational meditations daily and have come quite a long way since. It took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to share more pieces of myself and my life on these pages. But now when I read back on my older posts I realize just how far this community has come.
2012 has been a challenging year for me on a personal level, but with the support and wonderful messages from butterflies in this community I've made it through feeling stronger and stronger everyday, so today is just as much about YOU as it ever could be about me. Thanks for sharing in the journey with me. Here's to the next 3 years!
To each and every reader, follower, facebook friend and twitter follower, Thank You.
To each and every brand who has partnered with us, Thank You.
To each and every advertiser, both old and new, Thank You.
To each and every sponsor, be it a giveaway or a blogging conference, Thank You.
To each and every brand who has shown tremendous faith in me and selected me as a Brand Ambassador, Thank You. 
I couldn't have foreseen all the opportunities that have come my way throughout the years, especially the ones that came my way this year. I am certainly filled with gratitude!
To my family and friends who are sometimes part of the story even when they are not always sure they wanted to be, Thank You.

I had no idea a love of butterflies could turn into a community of inspiration seekers, a community of social good and optimism that gives me the strength to move forward on days when I feel I can't. A simple idea, a simple interest coupled with my passion for writing and sharing stories turned into something bigger and better than I ever imagined. ~Ascending Butterfly

Blogging has been exciting and incredibly un-predictable, I have no idea what the next 3 years will bring as Social Media Expands and Changes, but I do look forward to the journey! I do hope the future holds many more Twitter Parties! :)
Cheers Butterflies!

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