Becca Jewel Dust Review & Giveaway! 3 Winners!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Becca Cosmetics, who gave us the opportunity to host not just one, but THREE winners. We look forward to working with you again! Congratulations to *'Janette', 'Elphie' and 'Deb K' confirmed winners of Ascending Butterfly's Becca Jewel Dust Giveaway! Remember: There are still some great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Spring is finally here, and color is everywhere! One of the coolest places to enjoy color is on faces! Yes faces! Eyes, lips and cheeks everywhere will be adorned with pretty colors for Spring.  And we do know butterflies like to land on the most colorful flowers!

I know that when thinking of makeup, color comes to mind first, but I would remiss if I neglected to point out that the packaging to this makeup is amazing. While the outer boxes look almost minimalist in it's dark gunmetal grey with silver lettering on the logo, it's the packaging on the inside of the box that the makeup itself is housed in that you won't soon forget. They have a non slip, ergnomic feel to them, and the silver toned bling of the metal logo is also quite pleasing to the eye. Now don't get me wrong, they don't substitute style for substance, the makeup is just as wonderful as it's packaging. But I will say it's the kind of packaging you'll actually WANT to keep proudly displayed on your nightstand! This packaging would truly be wasted shoved hastily in your cosmetics bag never to be seen again.

I had the opportunity to try out a few examples of the line including the Eye Color, Mineral Bronzing Powder, Mascara, Lip Sheer Tint, Water-Resistant Eye Tint, Lip and Cheek Creme, as well as the Jewel Dust Sparkling powder for eyes!

Smooth application, great color, sweat resistant and long-lasting, everything I could ask for, including awesome packaging! There is something about spring that makes me want to chuck my neutrals and get into some color for a change. And this makeup made transitioning from my winter makeup to my spring look effortless and enjoyable.

I'm pretty picky about lipstick and will say I do enjoy Becca! The Sheer tint lip colour was long lasting, kept my lips feeling smooth and moist and didn't require constant or immediate touch ups. The mascara was great also and I just love the feel of the tube, the ergo grip allows you to focus on application with no worries about dropping it or having it slip from your hands. I enjoyed using this makeup greatly and consider everything I tried out a re-buy!

Take a peek at what I tried:

Sheer Tint Lip Colour - Tatiana

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3g/ 0.1 oz tube

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A collection of sheer, hydrating lipsticks with subtle shine in a palette of nude tones flattering for all skin tones, BECCA’s Sheer Tint Lip Colour contains a cocktail of emollients and antioxidants such as Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Honey and Vitamin E, to moisturise and protect the lips while providing a smooth, even application of creamy colour.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Comes in a sleek metal case with a lid that twists and locks to the base for no-fuss travel and toting in your purse

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Deliciously scented with a natural light vanilla/caramel scent

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Infused with a moisturizing formula containing Shea Butter, Cocoa Butter, Honey and other essential fatty acids with natural anti-oxidants to leave lips soft and moisturized

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Delivers a sheer wash of colour with a soft, creamy shine

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Nourishing and non-drying

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paraben free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sheer colours enhance the lip’s natural tones

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Makes lips look healthy, moist and full

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Anti-feathering and anti-bleeding

Make-up Artist Tips:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Apply directly to lips from tube or apply using BECCA Lip Brush #20 for long-lasting wear

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Line and fill in lips with BECCA Nude Liner, then apply a wash of BECCA Sheer Tint Lip Colour

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For added shine, top BECCA Sheer Tint Lip Colour with BECCA Glossy Lip Tint

Eye Tint in Gilt (note the color shown is Lapis, I tried this in Gilt)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - An ingenious eye crème with a unique formulation that glides on as a crème and sets to a powder. This long-lasting, water-resistant, crease-resistant and easy to apply tint glides on effortlessly for highly pigmented colour.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can be layered under powder eye colours and loose pigments for added intensity

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can be applied with fingers or a brush

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Streak-free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Make-up Artist Tip: Mix with Jewel Dust or Loose Shimmer Powder for a dramatic, budge-proof, metallic eye colour

Mineral Bronzing Powder

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get a sun-kissed glow all year long without ever catching a ray! BECCA’s Mineral Bronzing Powder imparts the skin with a silky smooth, natural looking wash of luxurious bronze colour that won’t fade or look orange upon application.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - With an advanced mineral formula containing mica, this gentle and lightweight bronzer deflects unflattering light and minimizes flaws while brightening the skin with a subtle faux-glow. Conveniently packaged in a mirrored compact, BECCA’s Mineral Bronzing Powder is the perfect way to tan safely, even on the go.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Talc-free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Oil free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paraben free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mineral pigments

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Long lasting colour

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Very smooth texture

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The neutral (non-orange) tone provides a natural look that suits most complexions

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can be used to “even” pale skin on the neck, under the chin, and any other areas of the body that require bronzing

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Packaged in a mirrored compact for ease of travel

Make-up Artist Tips:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Using Powder/Bronzer Brush #16, apply to areas of the face that would be naturally highlighted by the sun – the sides of the forehead, temples, brow bones and centre of the nose

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To create contoured cheekbones and slim the face, apply using Soft Contour Brush #42 directly below the cheekbones

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Alternatively use Double Cheek Contour Brush #45 to ensure colour is simultaneously applied to both the cheeks and the hollows of the cheeks

WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Becca Cosmetics would like to provide THREE lucky winners with the opportunity to win one Jewel Dust in your choice of the 'Sebille', 'Nyx', or 'Astra' color! (This is a $72 retail value!) - Don't you just ♥ Becca Cosmetics?

Jewel Dust Facts: (I figured you'd want to know all about it!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - These exquisitely embellished powders add playful colour to the eyes when worn alone, and create rich, exotic tones when layered over neutral eye shadows. Available in a range of enchanting colours from ethereal pastels to dazzling metallics. Fragrance and preservative free.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Created from pure pigments which provide the highest luster and intensity

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Unlike other shimmer powders, this exclusive formulation does not contain talc, fillers, or inferior silver pearl pigments

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Can be worn alone or layered over creme and powder eye colour to create unique tones and range of effects

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Micro fine shimmer pigments adds illuminating colour to the eyes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Suitable for sensitive eyes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Takes the wearer from 'daytime demure' to 'party perfect'

Make-up Artist Tips:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Apply with a brush onto bare eyelids for a sheer sparkling wash of translucent colour.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dab on with a sponge applicator, such as BECCA Eye Powder Control Brush #49, for more concentrated color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Apply over BECCA Mattifying or Silky Hydrating Primer to lock the colour onto the eyelids and for a more intense effect.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Layer over matte eye colours to create interesting metallic and glittering shades.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Apply over creme colours to set the cremes and to create intense, opaque colour with a jewel-like finish.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Layer BECCA Bird of Paradise Gloss over a sheer wash of Jewel Dust for sexy shiny colour.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Apply a fine line of shimmer to the lower or top lash line to create a flash of colour and sparkling eyes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Apply a small amount of the lighter shades to the inner corners of the eyes for a fresh, bright-eyes look.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Apply with a damp brush for a more vibrant, intense and opaque finish

How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Visit Becca and tell us which of the three jewel dusts you would pick if you won. (Remember the choices are:  'Sebille', 'Nyx', or 'Astra') (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com, If it is visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, March 23, 2010 until Friday, April 01, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #ascendingbutterfly + @BECCA_COSMETICS - Jewel Dust #Giveaways- 3 winners - http://tinyurl.com/yhnunaj

Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @BECCA_COSMETICS on Twitter HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Becca Cosmetics on Facebook (and don't forget to tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you!) HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Ning Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below (This is a ONE time vote only):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW METHOD OF EXTRA CREDIT, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the '2010 Blogs by Latinas Awards'! Please vote using the below (This is a ONE time vote only):

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and the sponsors are also fulfilling product to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product.

Monday, March 22, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!

Is it a Dream, a Wish or a Goal?

With Spring being a notorious season of renewal and re-birth, it is second only to New Year's Eve for Goal Setting.

With Spring also falling around the time of my birthday, it's doubly a time of setting goals for myself. Sorting through my dreams, wishes and goals to identify what I want to make happen for myself before my next birthday is not the easiest task.

This is something I undertake very carefully and I urge you to do the same. Try to identify between your wishes, (a sort of free-for-all of things you want),  your dreams (the outcome or destination of a wish fulfilled) and your goals (focused and specific targets that if done right, will help manifest your dreams into reality).

I'm working on a complete overhaul in many areas of my life, and I'm starting by setting goals to free myself of negative patterns and thoughts. An action plan to take me from wishes and dreams to a much happier reality, and in turn a much happier me.

What are your goals for Spring? What are you hoping to achieve before the season of re-birth and renewal comes to an end?

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 set meaningful Goals!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in 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:

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

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE! Don't forget to use the share button below any inspiration to stumble, digg, tweet or share with your friends on facebook and twitter! And if you want to share inspiration with other members, Ascending Butterfly has a NING group with real time chat HERE!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote Butterfly Below: (This is a one time vote, if all our followers voted just once, Ascending Butterfly would sweep the category!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the '2010 Blogs by Latinas Awards'! Please vote using the below (This is a ONE time vote only):

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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

Winner Announcement - Ascending Butterfly's Kettle Cuisine Giveaway Winners!

Congratulations to *'lilyk', 'Terri' and  'Sarafan2' confirmed winners of Ascending Butterfly's Kettle Cuisine  Giveaway! Join me in congratulating our winners!

We would like to thank our sponsor, Kettle Cuisine, for this great giveaway, as well as giving us the opportunity to have not just one, but three winners. We look forward to working with you again soon!

Thank You for choosing to spend a part of your day with Ascending Butterfly; and Remember to enter our active giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page!

--Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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

*Out of respect for privacy, We post our winner username/comment names instead of full names.

Thursday, March 18, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration and Great Giveaways!

This week has flown by!

It's been an incredibly busy week at Ascending Butterfly! As you know we passed two big 1,000 milestones! We have passed the 1,000 email subscriber and google follower mark! It is thanks to each and every one of you that we keep growing strong! It fills me with gratitude that so many people on the blog-a-sphere choose to spend a part of their day with Ascending Butterfly. I have met so many of our wonderful readers in person and it's always amazing how the desire for inspiration brings positive minds from far and wide together! I feel very blessed to have made connections with so many of you, and hope to meet more of you in person!

We also had a winner of our Elliott Lucca bag giveaway, this giveaway was the first in a series of featured bags for Spring 2010. We will be featuring a new bag every two weeks throughout the entirety of the Spring Season. Congrats again 'cdziuba' enjoy spring and your new handbag! I wanted to thank everyone again for taking out the time to tell the sponsor on their facebook page that Ascending Butterfly sent you, it made quite an impact. Please do this whenever you follow a sponsor on Facebook. It makes a great impact on many levels. It helps companies understand the impact that blogs and their readers have on purchasing, a true understanding of our buying power! Most of us turn to blogs first for reviews on products we plan to purchase. We can relate to the advice and experiences of other moms whose blogs we read online. We trust it will be honest, it will comprehensive and tell us just what we need to know. We are a large community with incredible impact, as companies realize just how much blogging and bloggers are the new 'consumer reports' of this decade more and more will be open to hosting reviews and giveaways. One of the best ways they see a return on their investment is in writing, is in you telling them who drove you their way, what product you are interested in etc. So again, THANK YOU READERS. With a quick gesture, you got noticed! You got counted, and your voices were heard!

The second bag in our 'Spring Into Bags' special feature has launched as a special tie in with St. Patrick's Day! We welcome Linea Pelle to our 'Spring Into Bags' feature. And we have received quite a few entries in a very short time period! I am having fun seeing everyone's Linea Pelle wish list bag item in your entries! I am the newest contributing writer to the Linea Pelle Life+Style Blog and you can see one of my recent articles HERE - writing for Linea Pelle has been a blast, it's allowed me to explore my inner fashionista and 'girly side' in a way I don't always get to do here. Let me know what you think of the article! What did you do this St. Patty's Day? Needless to say I was rocking my Linea Pelle Dylan in 'kelly' and no one pinched me!

We also launched a 'Spring Into Renovation' giveaway special feature helping you find ways to make improvements in your home. Spring means new beginings, and we know that means inside as well as out. You can enter for your chance to win 2 gallons of Mythic Paint in YOUR choice of color and 2 Accubrush Kits to help you tackle a home renovation project with ease. I am also enjoying reading your paint color choices, the selections have been as varied as a rainbow! We have very expressive readers here at Ascending Butterfly!

Don't forget about March's 'Featured Book in the Spotlight' for our monthly book club, this month it's "The Shift" by Dr. Wayne Dyer. As you all know, he is certainly one of my favorite sources of daily inspiration, and it fills me with gratitude to be able to share this title with you. For those who couldn't wait and already purchased it, what do you think? Are you begining to make 'the shift' in your life?

As this week has been tremendously fast-paced and busy for me I thought it would be important if we all took a moment to reflect on time and what it means to us. Do we value it? Do we often take it for granted until it's too late?

I've become tremendously aware of time lately because I've had so precious little of it to spare. I am a Spring baby. Spring is the season of renewal. The clocks have 'sprung ahead', and the weather is finally showing some signs of promise around here!

My birthday falls on Easter Sunday this year! (I'm thinking that means cake AND chocolate easter baskets and bunnies are in order! Hey, are the 'Bake me a Wish' folks reading this?)

While I'm looking forward to better weather with happy anticipation, I have a strong feeling this is going to be a very busy time for me, and I'm going to need to rely on meditation and personal time for rest and relaxation now more than ever to remain centered.

How do you honor your own need for 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) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I respect time by giving myself and my own needs an equal share of it!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in 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:

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

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE! Don't forget to use the share button below any inspiration to stumble, digg, tweet or share with your friends on facebook and twitter! And if you want to share inspiration with other members, Ascending Butterfly has a NING group with real time chat HERE!

ENDING SOON ALERT: Don't forget your chance to win Kettle Cuisine Soup ends tonight at 11:59 pm EST so enter HERE!

Vote Butterfly Below: (This is a one time vote, if all our followers voted just once, Ascending Butterfly would sweep the category!)

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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

Winner Announcement - Ascending Butterfly's 'Spring Into Bags' Elliott Lucca Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to *'Cdziuba' confirmed winner of Ascending Butterfly's 'Spring Into Bags' Elliott Lucca Giveaway! This was the first bag in our feature, we will feature a new bag every two weeks throughout spring.

Join me in congratulating our winner!

We would like to thank our sponsor, Elliott Lucca for this great giveaway. We look forward to working with you again soon!

For those that didn't win, use the link below to purchase an Elliott Lucca Demi of your own:

Thank You for choosing to spend a part of your day with Ascending Butterfly; and Remember to enter our active giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page!

Special Note:  I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to let Elliott Lucca know on their facebook page that Ascending Butterfly sent you, the sponsor was so impressed with your enthusiasm that they will be working with us again to feature another bag during our 'Spring Into Bags' feature! Please continue to do this when entering giveaways, it makes more of a difference than you know! You guys are the BEST, I ♥ all my Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ's!

--Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team


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

*Out of respect for privacy, We post our winner's username/comment name instead of full name

Spring Into Bags Special Feature - Enter to win a Linea Pelle Dylan Disco Clutch Designer Bag!

˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙
This giveaway is now CLOSED. We are NO longer accepting entries for this giveaway. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Linea Pelle! Thank you for participating in our ‘Spring Into Bags’ 2010 special feature. We look forward to working with you again! The winner is follower 'Amber', see official winners announcement HERE.

Remember: There are still some great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! Stay tuned for the next bag in the feature.
˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙˙·٠•●♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ ♥●•●•٠·˙

 

Ascending Butterfly's 'Spring Into Bags' Special Feature sponsored by:

As I'm sure I've already mentioned, this Spring, color will be hot in handbags (think 'brights' like yellows, kelly greens etc) and studded bags in honor of the 'Rocker Chick' inspired runway looks we saw at New York Fashion Week. The best way to apply runway style trends to our day-to-day lives lies in the accessories. None of us can show up at work with a head-to-toe look straight off the runway, but we can rock a great bag!

For Spring 2010, Ascending Butterfly will be hosting a special feature called 'Spring Into Bags' we are going to be reviewing and giving away hot handbags from 'IT' bag designers! Fasten your seatbelts fellow bag lovers you are in for an awesome ride! Can you believe we are already featuring the second bag? We are hurtling into Spring! We are just days away from the official start of Spring, and we have already had to Spring ahead! Is it me, or is 2010 just flying by super fast?

We are now one day away from St. Patrick's Day! You can see an article I wrote about the 'wearing of the green' called "St. Patricks Day 2010 – Get Charmed!" HERE

Will you be wearing a touch of green this St. Patty's Day? I will! And no, I won't be wearing a green sweater or a goofy hat, I'm going to incorporate the green my favorite way, with the accesories. I'm definitely whipping out the Claddagh Jewelry, and in addition, I will be sporting a very hip, very trendy, very spring 2010 'au currant' handbag, Linea Pelle's Dylan Medium Tote in 'Kelly Green' of course!

I haven't put this bag down since I received it! It's absolutely fantastic in every way! It is the right size for me, not too big, and definitely not too small. I'm a road warrior and my bags need to keep the pace with my busy NYC lifestyle, and I am happy to report that Linea Pelle's Dylan Medium Tote definitely gets two thumbs up. And that's only because I don't have more thumbs to give it! (And in the heart of  NYC if I wave my two thumbs around, someone might try to snatch my  Dylan and run!) Dylan and me will be at the St. Patty's Day Parade tomorrow.

Dylan Tote Factoids: (yeah that's right, I've seen MTV!! Don't judge me!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - available colors: black, cobalt (blue/purple), espresso (dark brown), kelly (green), sand (off white), zucca (orange).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - washed italian leather.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - solid brass hardware.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dimensions: 15" w x 13 1/2" l x 5 1/2" d.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 9" drop.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - features one outside zip pocket.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - inside zip pocket.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - two inside utility pockets.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - zip top closures.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - wear cross body or as a shoulder bag.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - washed in special garment and enzyme blend for soft casual look.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - signature LP dustbag included for protection and storage.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - free gift wrap: arrives neatly wrapped in tissue and sealed with a sticker (and if you are a leather fanatic like me, the smell is just plain HEAVEN in a bag!)

Here's a group shot, so you can see all the colors:

I am definitely thinking the 'zucca' (orange) next for fall! And I love the light hand with the studs, keeps the bag trendy and current, yet seasonless! Only Linea Pelle could pull that off!

Is the 'luck of the Irish' with you? Try your luck!

Linea Pelle Dylan  Disco Clutch $155.00

WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Linea Pelle would like to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to sport a Linea Pelle Dylan Disco Clutch! (This is a $155 retail value!) - Don't you just ♥ Linea Pelle?

Dylan Disco Clutch Facts: (I figured you'd want to know all about your  future bag!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - available colors: black, cobalt (blue/purple), espresso (dark brown), kelly (green), pink, sand (off white), zucca (orange).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - washed italian leather.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - solid brass hardware.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 8 1/2" w x 5 3/4" l.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - adjustable/removable messenger strap.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - features one outside zip pocket.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - inside zip pocket.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - zip top closures.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  wear cross body or as clutch.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - washed in special garment and enzyme blend for soft casual look.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - free gift wrap: arrives neatly wrapped in tissue and sealed with a sticker.

How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Visit Linea Pelle and Tell us what other bag ASIDE from the Dylan Medium Tote and the Disco Clutch that catches your eye and leave the LINK to that bag in your comment entry! (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com, If it is visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, March 16, 2010 until Tuesday, April 06, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #ascendingbutterfly + @lineapelle - Dylan Disco Clutch #Giveaways- http://tinyurl.com/yz3c467

Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @lineapelle on Twitter HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Linea Pelle on Facebook (and don't forget to tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you!) HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Ning Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below (This is a ONE time vote only):

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW METHOD OF EXTRA CREDIT, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the '2010 Blogs by Latinas Awards'! Please vote using the below (This is a ONE time vote only):





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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and the sponsors are also fulfilling product to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product.

'Spring Into Renovation' Giveaway featuring Mythic Paint and Accubrush!

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsors ‘Mythic Paint’ and ‘Accubrush’! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is "~dab". We post winner usernames instead of full  names. Official Winner Announcement can be seen HERE. Remember: There are still some great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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

 

Ascending Butterfly 'Spring Into Renovation' Special Feature 'Today's Butterfly' Sponsored by:

ACCUBRUSH

+

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We are a few days shy of the official first day of Spring. And you know what that means, Spring Cleaning! After getting rid of clutter and clearing out closets and drawers of stuff you haven't touched in 12 months (some even say 6 months), it's time to think of the rest of the rooms. It's time to paint and re-decorate! My favorite part of the whole process, is finally seeing a room transformed!

My birthday is coming up soon (it falls on Easter Sunday this year), and as a result, I am taking the whole process of  spring cleaning and renewal seriously. I am also trying to work quicky because I want to see it all completed BEFORE my big day.

I like to start with high traffic rooms first, and for 'casa de butterfly' it's the kitchen! It gets the most visitors daily and the most foot traffic. It was also begining to remind me of a sanitarium. There had been a massive leak in my apartment and the landlord repaired the walls and white washed them. Meaning, All white paint all over, UGH!

I couldn't take it! I decided I couldn't continue creating my culinary masterpieces in an all white kitchen! It was time for a change, an immediate change!

Maybe it's the Aries in me, but I'm a strong personality type and I definitely like color. If I'm going to use color I want it to make a statement, I want it to inspire me. My favorite place to be inspired is by the ocean, and it's also a popular spring color this year!

I like to accesorize my kitchen in blue and yellow so picking a paint color was a total no brainer for me.  I chose Mythic Paint's 'Comfortable Blue' for my kitchen. (Now if only Le Creuset would send me their new 'caribbean blue' cookware set to test, it would put the perfect final touch on my new kitchen!)

I am asthmatic and one of my biggest criteria for paint is low odor. I'm also very picky about how I want the room done, I want the paint color on the walls but the borders and ceiling white, which requires precision 'cutting' and is the most time consuming part of the whole process. I knew I wanted low odor paint, and I knew I would need to be able to 'cut' to get the look I wanted. Thankfully I found a way to get everything on my checklist!

About the Paint:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Mythic® paint is a non-toxic, ultra low odor paint that provides the durability and coverage you expect from a premium paint without the off-gassing VOC’s and cancer-causing toxins that emit years after drying. Stronger, safer, smarter paint®. Now that’s a breath of fresh air!

About the Brush:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Paint Edger has brush which cuts in precisely to the edge

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rollers are washable and reusable
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Patented Roller-brush combination - speed of a roller and the accuracy of a brush!

I was supposed to film myself painting, but in all the excitement I forgot, but I did get some before and after photos of the kitchen to show you!

Below is a picture of my 'Before' - the all white sanitarium Kitchen - (see the tin ceiling?)

Now peep the new blue kitchen! (Don't you just love my chefs?)

My new blue walls are just what I need to get into a 'Spring' mind frame! I am a much happier cook now! I was pleasantly surprised by just how fast I was able to get this done with the Accubrush! It paints around crown moulding quickly and easily and it handled the tin ceilings with ease! I was also amazingly surprised that I did not have to open every window. When Mythic says, 'very low odor' I can tell you with confidence that they mean it, and it's accurate advertising! I am incredibly pleased with both the paint and the brushes!

Check out the booty you could win:

AND

WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Mythic Paint and Accubrush would like to provide one lucky winner with the opportunity to complete a Spring Renovation Project of their own! The Grand Prize winner will receive a color book (to help you pick the right color with accuracy!), 2 gallons of Mythic Paint in winner's choice of color as well as 2 Accubrush MX Jumbo Kits with Video to get the job done quicky, easily and efficiently! (This is a $180 retail value!) - Not to mention the time savings of having the paint and brushes delivered directly to your door...priceless!

Don't you just ♥ Mythic Paint and Accubrush?

How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Tell us what room you will be painting and Visit Mythic Paint and select your Paint Color Preference and leave the LINK to that color in your comment entry! (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com, If it is visible in your profile, just say so, that's OK!). Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning! This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Monday, March 15, 2010 until Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #ascendingbutterfly Spring Into Renovation #Giveaways! #win 2 gallons of paint + 2 Accubrush MX kits - http://tinyurl.com/yhz2l2m

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @safepaint  on Twitter HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - View the Accubrush in Action on You Tube by pressing HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Ning Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW METHOD OF EXTRA CREDIT, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW METHOD OF EXTRA CREDIT, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the '2010 Blogs by Latinas Awards'! Please vote using the below (This is a ONE time vote only):




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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review and the sponsors are also fulfilling product to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product.

Sunday, March 14, 2010 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great 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 focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am filled with gratitude to see Ascending Butterfly reach a milestone I never expected us to reach before our one year 'blog-a-versary', the 1,000 google follower mark! We now have over 1,000 inspiration seekers in our community, and over 1,100 email subscribers! I  wanted to take a moment to thank each and every one of you for being here and making this momentous milestone possible! It's great to know that there are so many other inspiration seekers out there who want to make positive change in their own lives and the lives of others!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The opportunity to enjoy some 'Simple Indulgences' this week at an event hosted by iVillage in conjunction with Dove Chocolates and Gallo Wines, and most importantly, for the great connections I made with fellow attendees! (A special hello to Lisa, Issa (and her sister!), Ofelia (and her mom!) and Hasani!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am grateful to report that Ascending Butterfly is a nominee in the Blogger's Choice Awards '10 in the 'Best Blog About Stuff' Category, Please vote for us!

Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below:

Your vote is appreciated, winning this category will bring Ascending Butterfly the recognition that will help us attract more sponsors and offer more prizes to our loyal readers! This is not a daily, it's a one time vote only. If every Ascending Butterfly follower votes just once, we would sweep the category for sure!

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 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 Great giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! We will be offering multiple giveaways all throughout 2010! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE!

ENDING SOON ALERT: Ends Monday 03/15/10 at 11:59pm EST - Spring Into Bags Special Feature - Enter to win an Elliott Lucca Designer Bag! enter HERE!

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

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

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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will have no way of informing you if you win, and we will have to select another winner. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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

Friday, March 12, 2010 - Today's Words of Inspiration, THE BIG 1,000 and Great Giveaways!

THE BIG 1,000!

Today, Ascending Butterfly reached a milestone we most certainly never expected to reach so far before  our one year 'blog-a-versary', we have reached the 1,000 follower mark on google friends connect! We now have 1,000 followers and over 1,100 email subscribers. And it's all thanks to each and every one of you! THANK YOU!

Lucky 1,000, is follower Jaclyn Rubly, she is also a blogger! Her blog, 'This Mama Says' can be found HERE -  Please stop by her blog and say Hi, tell her  Ascending Butterfly sent you; and while you are there check out her giveaways too! (Jaclyn, I sure hope you  are reading this, please reach out to me as soon as possible!)

This is quite a mile-stone! I fully intend to celebrate! It reminds me that very often we forget to celebrate our victories, our triumphs, our success.  Be it big or small, don't wait for someone else to celebrate your achievements. The external confirmations you want may not always come. It is sometimes up to you to 'toot your own horn'

This weekend, take a moment to savor and celebrate YOUR victories!

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  proud of all I have achieved!'

Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound and powerful changes in 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:

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

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

Don't forget to enter the great giveaways on the upper right hand side of the page! It's just our way of saying Thank You for choosing to spend part of your day with us. We are really happy you landed HERE! Don't forget to use the share button below any inspiration to stumble, digg, tweet or share with your friends on facebook and twitter! And if you want to share inspiration with other members, Ascending Butterfly has a NING group with real time chat HERE!

ENDING SOON ALERT: Don't forget your chance to win an Elliott Lucca designer bag, closes Monday, March 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST so enter HERE!

Vote Butterfly Below: (This is a one time vote, if all our followers voted just once, Ascending Butterfly would sweep the category!)



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

NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Keep the suggestions coming, remember we also have a NING group with real time chat, you can give us your comments and suggestions in REAL time, how cool is that?

NOTE 2: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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