Tuesday, July 28, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

2010 it comes around again

I missed BlogHer 2009! Ascending Butterfly launched very recently, and there was no time to plan for Chicago this year, but I will be attending BlogHer 2010, will you?? So much to plan and only one year to do it in! Definitely looking for sponsors. What are your plans? Will you be attending BlogHer 2010 in the Big Apple?

For those who attended this years conference, please share some of the details and fun here. And of course the after-party photos!! (You can post your blog links if your photos are already posted!)

I'm looking forward to attaching faces to the names. But that's one year away and although I'm sure it will be coming around sooner than I expect, I'm all about today!

So for today's late morning coffee without the caffeine, let's focus on where we are and where we think we should be! This quote jumped out at me today:

"The significance of a man is not in what he attains but in what he longs
to attain."
------Kahlil Gibran

What do you long to attain? What is it you thought you'd be doing by now or you thought you would have by now, but find that you don't? Will that 'missing' piece of your puzzle truly make you happy? Goals that don't or haven't happened by now, are NOT un-attainable. You CAN, but do you now WAN'T to? That is the million dollar question!

Give up energy spent on worrying about what you do not have yet. Focus that same amount of powerful energy on what you NOW want for yourself and the active steps that will lead you there.

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 'My goals are attainable, I am taking active steps to get where I WANT to be.' Bless where you are, don't curse your fate, each step you take today is one step closer to the goals you just identified for yourself.

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 Sites of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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Monday, July 27, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Just Another Manic Monday

I wish it was Sunday, because that's my fun day, when I don't have to run day.....Yes, Manic Monday by the Bangles circa 1986 is playing in the background! (Where were you then? What memories does that song conjure up for you? Want to share your best 'big hair' pictures from back then? LOL)

While I know it's quite easy for Monday's conjure up busy images and thoughts, get your mind off your never-ending 'to-do' list. At least for a moment.

I have to admit this quote jumped out at me when taking pause to reflect on the work week ahead:

'Work spares us from three evils: boredom, vice, and need.'

~ Voltaire

So in this un-certain economy, those blessed with work should keep this quote in mind when an 'attack of the manic monday blues' hits you sometime around 3 pm 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 am working as fast as my soul will let 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 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 Sites of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)





2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)


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Sunday, July 26, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' AND Two super giveaways!

Ascending Butterfly Weekly Moment of Gratitude
NOTE: On Sunday, '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 Gratitude on Sunday.

This week, I am grateful for:

1) Getting Ascending Butterfly ready to launch a new feature. Thanks to a wonderful Author, our new Book club feature will launch in August with an Autographed copy going to one lucky Ascending Butterfly reader. I'm filled with gratitude to be able to share this book with everyone!

2) For many opportunities to re-visit the past which have presented themselves this month. I have re-connected with a lot of people in July and this trend continued this week! Sometimes you have to think back on where you have been, and who you were to get a better idea of where you want to be in the future and who you are now!

3) For our wonderful sponsors this July, Emily Elizabeth Jewelry and Tres Sleek who launched a new product, and announced it here with us. They even gave us the opportunity to offer Ascending Butterfly readers a chance at winning something from the NEW line, how cool is that?

So readers, what are YOU grateful for this week? Think about it, and take some time to share your gratitude! I'd love to hear your stories!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)


2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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Saturday, July 25, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Silly Saturday

Just thought it would be fun to have a 'Silly Summer Saturday'. Sleeping in late, left over pizza from Friday's Family Game night, watching a Blu-Ray and maybe time for all that 'me' stuff that rarely gets done during the week (can you say at home facial mask?? LOL). In between all the summer laziness, I'll be making sure I leave time to read "Ascending Butterfly's Book of the Month" Club Selection. This is a new feature that will launch in August, with an Autographed copy of the book going to a lucky Ascending Butterfly Reader!

Today, just affirm yourself. Fill in the blank yourself today! Make this a day YOU create, your own way, on your own terms on your own timetable. Doesn't that sound fab?? I even gave you guys a black and white butterfly graphic today, print it out, and color it in! Remember how fun coloring was???

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 ______________'. - Remember, I'm not telling you what to do today, you affirm your own desires!

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 Sites of the Day - TWO cool Giveaways!

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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Friday, July 24, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Thank God It's Friday!

TGIF Ascending Butterflies! I'm so happy it's finally Friday! I am definitely getting tired of this almost every day rainy summer! I spent the evening watching videos last night. I finally got to see Vicky Christina Barcelona and Grand Torino! Both good in very different ways. See, lemonade out of lemons. If it's going to rain every day, I'll get very caught up on movies I haven't seen. (If the film studios are reading this, we'd love to review new video releases!)

How do you make lemonade out of lemons in your life? I'd love to hear your stories about making the best out of bad situations.

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 can always the make best of difficult situations'.

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 Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE! (You may also press on the logo below to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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Thursday, July 23, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

How has the week treated you?

This week has just flown by for me, how has it treated you? I will admit I'm glad it's Thursday! After a week filled with new surprises here at Ascending Butterfly, I thought I'd keep today's words of inspiration simple but powerful.

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 claim my highest good today, for I know my good benefits not only myself, but others.'

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 Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE!

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Wednesday, July 22, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

HAPPY 100 for Ascending Butterfly!

Thanks to each and every one of you, today Ascending Butterfly reached the 100 follower mark! Thank You! It fills me with gratitude to know that there are so many others out there who share in our mission. Yes, that's right, this blog has a mission. Our Mission Statement is to 'seek and share the best sources of inspiration both on and off the web'. That is how this blog began. It wasn't easy to find sources of inspiration out there. Information yes, but inspiration, not always as easy. I wanted to read something that went beyond quotes. Inspirational quotes are great, but after you read them, then what? I wanted guidance, gratitude, inspiration and couldn't find it in the format that I wanted, so I created it. A sort of 'be the change you wish to see in the world' sort of thing but with inspiration.

Somehow I knew if I wanted to see it, so did other people! And today reminded me that I was right! In under two months 100 inspiration seekers found the way here, and we hope to welcome 100 more and 100 more and so on.

I'd love to open up today's words of inspiration to comments and suggestions! How are we doing? What do you want to see more of? less of?

There are a few new features coming soon, but we didn't want to introduce too many new things all at once. The next new feature will launch in August! It will be Ascending Butterfly's Book Club! 'What Ascending Butterfly is Reading' will feature one book a month, readers will of course have a chance to win the book, and the thread will be open to discussion and questions by those that are reading it or have already read it. We already have the first book lined up, but are always open to suggestions. And if any authors out there wish to be featured, we'd love to hear from you!

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 move closer to realizing my personal mission statement 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 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 Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

2. Enter to win NEWLY Launched arm shapewear sponsored by Très Sleek HERE!

FYI - News from our friends at MimoBot: As a San Diego Comic Con exclusive, only 500 Luke Dagobah Variants will be produced. Available at the MIMOBOT booths #2913 and #4938 at Comic Con. Bossy Bear x MIMOBOT flash drives are premiering today at Mimoco’s San Diego Comic Con booths #4938 and #2913M in the Star Wars Pavilion, and at Mimoco’s online shop. The drive comes in 1GB to 8GB capacities, and is bundled with Bossy Bear-themed wallpapers, icons, avatars, screensavers, and Mimoco’s mimoByte™ sound software.
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Special Ascending Butterfly Announcement and Giveaway! - Très Sleek™ Launches NEW Arm Shapewear Collection

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WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT:

CONGRATULATIONS to 'Lilyk'! (Your new shapewear is on it's way!)

Press on the words 'Ascending Butterfly' to be re-directed back to our homepage and enter our current giveaways!

Special Thanks to Tres Sleek!
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I keep my promises! I told my Ascending Butterflies that something special was coming this week, and thanks to our friends at Très Sleek™ who have a special announcement for all of you, we also have a very special giveaway too! If you just can't wait, pressing on the logo above will take you straight to the Très Sleek™ homepage! Très Sleek™, "formerly FLABuLESS" is expanding their Arm Shapewear Collection. Lee Ann has designed a NEW collection of Pleine and De Quart Sleeves - This newest addition is the Pleine and De Quart Deux! They have taken their revolutionary shapewear sleeves and separated them!

I don't have video, but I do have a picture which shows you how to put them on. The new design is certainly going to offer a better and more 'natural' fit, making them not only more comfortable, but much more likely for you to really reach for this day to day!

This NEW collection of sleeves eliminates the back portion keeping the tension and they work better than ever! Now instead of the former shrug style, you can connect these sleeves to your bra straps.

Here are some details about The Pleine and De Quart Sleeves:

• Nylon/Spandex


• Lightweight, seamless


• Reduce Biceps/Triceps by ½ to 3 inches on average


• Compresses from bicep to above wrist (Pleine)


• Compresses from bicep to elbow (De Quart)


• Backless for sexy low back numbers and added comfort
  
• Available in bundle packs (2 pairs of pleine sleeves in one size, nude and black)

De Quart - $29.95

Pleine - $30.95

Colors: Black/Nude

The picture below shows the original sleeve design on the model to the left. Tres Sleek has NOT removed the old sleeve style, it is still available if you would like to purchase it. They have just created this NEW design for those that prefer backless sleeves.

WIN IT! - 1 reader will receive their choice of The De Quart Sleeve or The Pleine Sleeve, in their choice of size and color! To keep things fair, the two previous Tres Sleek Winners are not eligible.

How to Win: You must be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. In addition, please indicate your size choice, color choice and sleeve preference of The De Quart Sleeve or The Pleine Sleeve and where you plan to wear it! 18 and over, USA only. - comments that don't follow these instructions will NOT be entered into the giveaway!

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 Monday, August 10, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Thursday, August 13th! Giveaway open to USA only.

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


• DAILY EXTRA CREDIT FOR VOTING DAILY: Fuel my Blog - http://www.fuelmyblog.com/index.jsp?c=/pages/vote.jsp?vt=fuel&id=26956

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Tuesday, July 21, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and a butterfly giveaway!

WHO DO YOU KNOW?

How has the week been treating you so far? Yesterday was an exciting day here, we announced the two winners of our Tres Sleek Giveaway! I hope you took a moment to say congratulations to them both on the winner announcement thread! There is a surprise coming up real soon, so if you didn't win this time around, don't fret my butterflies, there is still hope on the horizon.

This past weekend taught me the value of the expression, 'it's not what you know, it's WHO you know.' It truly proved to be true for me this weekend and made me think profoundly on my 'who's'.

It made me realize the importance of those people in my life who I can count on. Who do you know? How well do you really know them? We often-times take the people in our lives for granted until we need them. That isn't fair to them or you. Have you lost touch with someone you now miss? It's never too late! Depending on how many 'who's' you have, this may not be feasible to do all in one day, but today, this week, this month, reach out to everyone you know. Just say hi. Remind them you are thinking of them. Call them. Email them. Pick up the lost art of letter writing and write to your 'who's'. Take time to reach out to those you hold most dear to you. Tell everyone in your house that you love them. Give them a hug. It will make their day brighter, and your life richer.

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 appreciate all my 'who's'!

Let these words put you in a mindset of appreciation for all the wonderful people who are a part of your life. 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 a Giveaway! - 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

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

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Winner Announcement - Tres Sleek Giveaway winners

WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT: Congratulations to Tina12312 and to CMWheeler!!! Ascending Butterfly congratulates our winners of the Tres Sleek Giveaway! Following really does pay at Ascending Butterfly! (you can also see the names posted directly on the contest giveaway page!)

Tina12312 said... "I would love their BRAdigy camisole in Lipstick Red because it looks very supportive and I like the thicker straps and cut of the neck. I would wear this when we go out for casual dinners with friends. Thank you!"

and cmwheeler said... "new follower! I'm all about the shrinx. Two big babies have done a number on my belly. I'd want it specifically for my bf's wedding, but I'd likely end up wearing it everywhere!"

For those of you who didn't win the Tres Sleek Giveaway, there is a special surprise coming soon, check back daily so you don't miss it! I am quite sure you are going to LOVE it!

Don't forget to enter the Emily Elizabeth Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace giveaway HERE!

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Monday, July 20, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and a butterfly giveaway!

Happy Monday!

I hope everyone had a great weekend, and got a chance to spend some time outdoors! It was an exciting weekend to say the least! I'm not going to re-post it all, but I will say as a reminder, please remember to wear BOTH sunblock and bug repellant when spending time outdoors this summer!

We've spent tons of time so far on the personal, so I thought for today we'd switch gears and make today's inspirational meditation about work. Whether you have a job you love, a job you hate or would be happy with either one of the above considering the economy, goal setting is very important! The question from your youth will now be asked of you again - 'So, what do YOU want to be when you grow up?'

Think about it.

No, really think about it. And no quick replies please. No smarty pants answers like 'rich'. What truly makes you feel fulfilled? ahem guys, professionally!

Is there still some dream from childhood floating around your head? Why aren't you doing THAT???? You should be. And take it from me, I was told by many a school guidance counselor that writing was NOT a 'real' career. Yet here I am, and here YOU are.

Are you at a crossroads, personally or professionally? If you are, your heart, soul, spirit (you give it the label) wants not more per se, but something DIFFERENT from where you are now. Spend some time today exploring these two questions. If you keep a journal, write these two questions down and take the time to answer them at some time today when you won't be disturbed. Maybe during your lunch break? Maybe before bed? 1) What do I want to be when 'I Grow Up'? (2) What would I do if money weren't a factor? (play in a rock band, train to be an astronaut?) Don't censor yourself. Write everything that comes into your mind as you ask yourself these questions.

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, say creative if you are experiencing writers block) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I am free to become who I REALLY want to be'

Let these words put you in a mindset of freedom, joy and relaxation. 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 a Giveaway! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE! (You may also press on the picture to be taken directly to the giveaway!)

The Tres Sleek giveaway is now closed, the two winners have been notified, and as soon as they confirm, their names will be posted on the home page as well as the contest entry page. Ascending Butterfly wants to thank Tres Sleek for their generosity. For all those who didn't win the Tres Sleek giveaway, stay tuned, there is something special coming this week, and you won't want to miss it!

Also wanted to remind everyone that 'The Product Pasha' is hosting a Redken giveaway, see the post below this one for more details. I highly encourage you to enter!

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A head's up for all my fab Blonde Readers

Just thought I'd give all the Blonde Ascending Butteflies out there a head's up that 'The Product Pasha' is offering her readers an amazing prize package which includes: Redken Blonde Glam haircare line, Extreme Iron Repair, Spray Starch 15, Outshine 01 Anti-Frizz Polishing Milk and Quick Dry 18 Instant Finishing Spray!

Go visit her HERE to enter! (or you can press the graphic!)

And don't forget we are hosting an Emily Elizabeth Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace Giveaway right here on Ascending Butterfly, press HERE to be directed to it!

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Sunday, July 19, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' AND Three super giveaways!

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 Gratitude on Sunday's.

This week, I am grateful for:

1) As I mentioned in yesterday's post, my day out in nature resulted in a nasty allergic reaction to a bug bite. My doctor wasn't in the office and my arm was swelling like a baseball where the bite was. I was dreading a day and possible night sitting in an E.R. and being exposed to who knows what while I was waiting. Needless to say I panicked, and my mom suggested visiting the pharmacist, his help saved the day! So thanks to my mom (we are never old enough to outgrow mom's help! Everyone call their mom today and say Thank You!) and my pharmacist, I can actually type without being in agony each keystroke! Please readers, remember to use both sunscreen and bug repellant while outdoors! And if anyone finds themselves in the same situation, Benadryl and Hydrocortisone really work wonders!

2) For taking some time out for myself, while not every nice thing I tried to do for myself turned out the way I expected, I most certainly created memories this weekend! I finally took time to cut my hair, my ends were beyond frayed and now my head feels lighter from way less weight! Pics will be coming soon, but let's just say no one needed a picture of me this weekend, LOL! I hope you followed your Ascending Butterfly Homework from Friday and took time to put the work week behind and do something special for yourself!

3) For our wonderful Sponsors who are helping Ascending Butterfly to expand our offerings to you! And of course to each and every one of you who make Ascending Butterfly a part of your day.

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

You can follow us on Twitter by pressing on the bird on the upper right of the page! You can also add this blog to your Technorati favorites in one click also! YAY And there is a digg button on the upper left of every post, 'digg' us because we certainly digg you!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!


2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!

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NOTE: We had extended the deadline and the Tres Sleek Giveaway ends TONIGHT, Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 11:59 pm EST. Get your entries in ASAP. The winners will be notified on Monday, July 20, 2009 and will have two days to respond. Make sure your winning notice doesn't get inadvertently sent to your junk mail! The subject line will read "Congratulations! You have been selected as Ascending Butterfly's Tres Sleek Giveaway Winner!". Once BOTH winners have confirmed, their (user) names will be posted on BOTH the homepage and the contest page. Good Luck Everyone! Remember, the Emily Elizabeth Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace Giveaway runs until July 30, 2009 so if you haven't already done so, be sure to put in your entry today. Stay tuned there is a surprise coming up soon, details to follow!
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Saturday, July 18, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration AND Three super giveaways!

Hope everyone is having a great Saturday! It's sunny outside (finally, because on the whole it had started out as a soggy summer here!)

Sorry for the shorter than usual post, but my lovely time outdoors resulted in a nasty mosquito bite! So the Benadryl I have to take to feel better, is definitely making me a drowsy butterfly! Not to mention, it's hard to type with a swollen arm!

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, say creative if you are experiencing writers block) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I am letting the sunshine in, in every area of my life'. Let these words put you in a mindset of freedom, joy and relaxation. Remember, no work 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 at Twitter:

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!


2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!

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NOTE: My busy schedule is YOUR GAIN! I will have limited access to emails this weekend, I didn't want this to interfere with everyone being able to get their entries in for this fabulous shapewear, so to be fair to everyone, I'm extending the deadline for this giveaway! You now have until Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 11:59 pm EST to get your entries in. The winners will be notified on Monday, July 20, 2009 and will have two days to respond. Make sure your winning notice doesn't get inadvertently sent to your junk mail! The subject line will read "Congratulations! You have been selected as Ascending Butterfly's Tres Sleek Giveaway Winner!". Once BOTH winners have confirmed, their (user) names will be posted on BOTH the homepage and the contest page.

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Friday, July 17, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration AND Three super giveaways!

This week has truly flown by! Happy Friday Ascending Butterflies! I'm already very much in weekend mode. I'm going to try to get some errands done and sneak in a little special treat just for me! I hadn't done anything special to celebrate Ascending Butterfly's One Month 'Blog-A-Versary' and I plan to celebrate this weekend by doing those special things for myself that life often gets in the way of doing. Thanks for celebrating one month of inspiration and gratitude! It's been a blessing sharing sources of inspiration with you as well as wonderful products to make your day a little easier, brighter and stress free. We are all about 'stress-free living'. What are your weekend plans? Don't forget to make time to be outdoors. Some time spent 'doing nothing' will be time well spent!

I received a lot of positive feedback about Thursday's post regarding the meaning behind each day of the week, so I thought I'd share Friday with you!
(Source: http://www.crowl.org/Lawrence/time/days.html#Friday)

Friday -- Freya's day
Middle English fridai
Old English frigedæg
"Freya's day"
composed of Frige (genetive singular of Freo) + dæg "day"
(most
likely)
or composed of Frig "Frigg" + dæg "day" (least likely)
Germanic frije-dagaz "Freya's (or Frigg's) day"
Latin dies Veneris
"Venus's day"
Ancient Greek hemera Aphrodites "day of Aphrodite"

Freo is identical with freo, meaning free. It is from the Germanic
frijaz meaning "beloved, belonging to the loved ones, not in bondage, free".

Freya (Fria) is the Teutonic goddess of love, beauty, and fecundity
(prolific procreation). She is identified with the Norse god Freya. She is leader
of the Valkyries and one of the Vanir. She is confused in Germany with
Frigg.

Frigg (Frigga) is the Teutonic goddess of clouds, the sky, and
conjugal
(married) love. She is identified with Frigg, the
Norse goddess of love and the heavens and the wife of Odin. She is one
of the Aesir. She is confused in Germany with Freya.

Venus
is the Roman goddess of love and beauty.

Aphrodite
(Cytherea) is the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

I love the references to freedom and being free today, that is just what Friday's tend to always symbolize, the freedom from the work week! And I'm glad to know Aphrodite is thrown in there too, I'll be spending today focusing on love and beauty in my own life 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, say creative if you are experiencing writers block) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will embrace the weekend and the freedom it will bring'. Let these words put you in a mindset of freedom, joy and relaxation. Shake off the work day world for the next two days!

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 THREE Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!




2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!




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NOTE: My busy schedule is YOUR GAIN! I will have limited access to emails this weekend, I didn't want this to interfere with everyone being able to get their entries in for this fabulous shapewear, so to be fair to everyone, I'm extending the deadline for this giveaway! You now have until Sunday, July 19, 2009 - 11:59 pm EST to get your entries in. The winner will be notified on Monday, July 20, 2009 and will have two days to respond. Make sure your winning notice doesn't get inadvertently sent to your junk mail! The subject line will read "Congratulations! You have been selected as Ascending Butterfly's Tres Sleek Giveaway Winner!". Once BOTH winners have confirmed, their (user) names will be posted on BOTH the homepage and the contest page.

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Got Dropps?

Our friends over at Alice (see the cute button on the upper right of our site?) are hosting a great giveaway that I thought I should bring to the attention of Ascending Butterfly readers. It's very much in line with our mission statement 'to seek out and provide sources of inspiration'.

Let me tell you why this giveaway has inspired a special blog post for today. I am a city butterfly, and in my urban jungle which includes a building sans elevator, I dread lugging jugs of laundry detergent from the market back home and up five flights of steps. I also hate lugging soda bottles, so if those nice folks who have soda making machines are reading this, I'd love to review your fine product! :)

ah, but I digress! About the size of a C battery, each "dropp" contains super-concentrated detergent. In addition to being phosphate and NPE free, the unscented and dye-free version is also free of harsh enzymes. A lack of enzymes also keeps colors looking brighter longer. The pods are septic-friendly, completely biodegrade, compatible with energy-efficient washers, safe to use on delicates and easy to use. Throw one or two pods in the machine (depending on the size of the load) and your clothes will come out fresh and clean!

Unfortunately I haven't yet been sent any of these to review (would love to though!), but our Friends at Alice are having a giveaway where FIVE, yes five readers stand a shot at winning Dropps! I have already entered for my chance at winning, and hope you will do the same!

First join Alice, by pressing HERE!

Then come back and just press on the Graphic above of Dropps to be linked straight to the giveaway, or press HERE!

Thursday, July 16, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration AND Three super giveaways!

We are one day closer to Friday! One of my favorite lessons in school was learning why each day of the week has it's specific name. Thursday is also known as -- Thor's day. Thor is the Norse god of thunder. He is represented as riding a chariot drawn by goats and wielding the hammer Miölnir. Where can you wield a hammer in your life?

Not literally of course! But are there areas of your life that need radical change? I know mine does! Spend some time on Thor's day wielding your hammer for GOOD. Use it to break things. Break Bad Habits. Break through old pains, and truly let them all go this time.

Use Thor's hammer in your life to make a new start. Who says renewal is only for Spring time?

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, say creative if you are experiencing writers block) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will break all bad habits, I will release the past and move forward in renewal .'

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 THREE Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!

2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!

Remember: Friday, July 17, 2009 is the LAST day to enter the Tres Sleek Giveaway! So get in your entries TODAY!

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Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration AND Three super giveaways!

The week is truly flying by! So much so, that I forgot until a dear friend pointed out that yesterday was Ascending Butterfly's one month 'blog-a-versary'. If you haven't already done so, please add this blog to your Technorati favorites. You can press the button on the upper right hand side, and right underneath the technorati button is our Twitter button, follow our editor!

It's been an entire month of sharing and receiving inspiration! I feel filled with gratitude to be able to share this journey with all of you, and that all of you choose to spend some time out from your busy day here. THANK YOU.

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, say creative if you are experiencing writers block) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'Perserverance Pays off, I will not be deterred from my dreams.'

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 THREE Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Sites of the Day

Don't forget to enter our THREE Amazing Giveaways:

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!

2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!

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Tuesday, July 14, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration AND Three super giveaways!

I spent yesterday late afternoon in the park. I needed some time to connect with nature, to connect with others, spend some time people watching and of course sneak in a few moments just to breathe deeply and connect with myself.

Living in the 'city that never sleeps' can be downright exhausting sometimes. Especially when it seems as though our collective mantra is 'time is money'. But it isn't and it shouldn't be.

I needed that time, to be in the middle of green grass, surrounded by trees and the sound of children's laughter, the loud clack of people playing baseball, or the thump, thump, thump of kids shooting hoops!

That is what I wish for you my Ascending Butterflies, some time for yourself on this crazy journey!

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 connect with Nature, I am one with the beauty that surrounds 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 at Twitter:
OK to RT: @Tracy_Iglesias Today's Words of Inspiration and THREE Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Make this your best day ever, Bless and be blessed!

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Don't forget to enter our THREE Amazing Giveaways:

1. Enter to win a lovely Butterfly Kisses Lariat Necklace sponsored by Emily Elizabeth Jewelry HERE!

2. Enter to win one of TWO awesome pieces of shapewear sponsored by Tres Sleek HERE!

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