Dunkin Donuts Flavored Coffee - Review and Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Dunkin Donuts! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!

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America Runs on Dunkin

Don't you just love that tagline? America Runs on Dunkin - and on occassion so do I! My first memory of the smell of coffee in the kitchen was in my great-grandmother's kitchen, she was a die hard coffee drinker. And while I am not an every morning cup of joe person, there are mornings when I already know my to-do list for the day is what some don't do even in a week, and it's on those mornings, I know I need help. Help to see me through a day that will end up being 16 hours or more at least with back to back meetings. Sometimes I need a little help summoning up the 'back-to-back' energy for those 'back-to-back' meetings!

I want something that I can enjoy drinking and that won't drain my weekly budget, yes, even a butterfly has to stick to a budget! and in winter when it's freezing out, I want something warm to start my morning!

When the Mom Bloggers Club asked if I'd like to participate in a testing opportunity with Dunkin, needless to say I jumped at the chance, and while I'm no Coffee Connoisseur, I do know what I like, and just how much I am willing to pay for it!

I was sent 3 different flavors to try,  French Vanilla, Cinnamon Spice and Hazelnut. I ripped open the Hazelnut first. Which doesn't surprise me, it's my favorite variety and I already knew it would be. It didn't fail to disappoint, honestly just the smell in the bag before you even brew it, is just heavenly! My second fave was French Vanilla, and Cinnamon Spice came in last, but not least, it's good, but hazelnut is definitely my hands down fave!

While these three year-round flavors are awesome, Dunkin Donuts also offers seasonal flavors! You can find info on the seasonal flavors at: http://www.dunkinathome.com. (There are Halloween as well Holiday flavors available, they even have gift baskets too! Or you can pick up some bags at your local grocery store and put together your own gift basket, I'm sure some of those hard to shop for gifts like your mail carrier would definitely love a bag or two of morning love for the holidays!)

WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Dunkin Donuts would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with a bag of Dunkin Donuts coffee. The flavor will be a surprise, chosen at random by the sponsor; But I can assure you it's all treats and no tricks here at Ascending Butterfly!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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 Mandatory Entry: (2) Visit Dunkin at Home and tell me which Dunkin Donuts flavor you would most like to try! (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 your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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, October 26, 2010 until Tuesday, November 02, 2010 at 03:00 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. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  #ascendingbutterfly No Tricks all Treats Halloween #Giveaways! - Win a bag of Dunkin Donuts #Coffee! http://tinyurl.com/2g8fswx

(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). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly needs your votes! I really want to be NatureMade's Good Mood Blogger, please rock the vote for me daily here:


Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

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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 Dunkin Donuts are my own experiences. I was provided product via Mom Bloggers Club to facilitate the review & giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Today's Words of Inspiration - How can I be the change if nothing ever changes?

credit @littlebuddhadesign

How can I be the change if nothing ever changes?

I know what you are thinking: Million Dollar Question, Right?

As cliche as it may sound, 'the change' that you are waiting for, be it a new job, house, mate, friend, car or lifestyle, starts and ends with you.

If nothing around you is changing, it's because you are doing the same things over and over again, and hoping for a new result. That is defined as insanity. A label that may be a bit harsh, but is certainly rooted in some truth. If your routine is the same now as it was 10 years ago, you can't wonder why things have stayed the same.

When does 'The Change' Happen?

Simply put change happens with or without us. With or without our consent and with or without us being ready, but it happens faster, when YOU get fed up. When you are tired of not seeing the level of progress in your life that YOU measure success by. Notice I said YOU. Your friends, family, parents, partner can tell you where your life should be by now, but until you want it, I mean really want it, you won't get there. We put effort into something that we value. Until the change you want to make becomes something of genuine value to you, you won't make it.

Today's Challenge: Get Fed Up of Being Fed Up!

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 'I affirm today that I will put in the effort necessary to cultivate the changes needed to reach my goals and find fulfillment!'

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

@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

Active Giveaways! Hurry Enter Now!

1) Ends 10/28 - Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway with Satya Jewelry! Win the Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet (ARV $48)  HERE

2) Ends 10/31 - Plenty of Dresses Review and Giveaway - Win the Item of YOUR choice! Any Dress, Blouse/Top in any style, size or color! HERE

3) Coming Soon: A special giveaway with Smashbox (this was due to YOUR popular demand), Halloween/Fall Treats from 1-800Baskets and so much MORE! Don't forget the Holiday Buying Guide will be launching in November (11/15), and our book club returns too!

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Sunday Moment of Gratitude and Great Giveaways too!

Photo Reads: 'Beleive in Gratitude Big' Credit: @Bing

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 - Something I normally wouldn't be, a ritual that comes with the changing of the seasons, clearing out my closets. I've actually been pretty productive and been purging my closets of items that no longer serve a purpose and no longer hold the same value they once did. It's a time consuming process, but very rewarding in the end. And while I still have a bit to go, I'm grateful for the feeling of 'lightness' that clearing out closets leaves me with. The newly cleared spaces are filled with anticipation of what will come, now that a space has been cleared for it.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For some very happy mailbox days both personal stuff and butterfly stuff! We have some great giveaways ahead, some fun stuff for Halloween and a super fantastic holiday buying guide ahead. For my 'crafty' butterflies we have something super extra special headed your way . . .

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For all my friends who have participated in Breast Cancer Awareness runs and walks this month, we all choose to honor this month in different ways, but I'm very proud of my friends and the time they put in. And super happy that our friends at Satya Jewelry are hosting such a meaningful awareness giveaway with us! (I'd love it if you could all make sure you take time to enter this giveaway before it closes, and of course if you are shopping for jewelry please consider purchasing from Satya who is donating portions of the proceeds of their special collection to breast cancer awareness, there are also other pieces that donate to different charities as well)

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 10/28 - Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway with Satya Jewelry! Win the Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet (ARV $48)  HERE

2) Ends 10/31 - Plenty of Dresses Review and Giveaway - Win the Item of YOUR choice! Any Dress, Blouse/Top in any style, size or color! HERE

3) Coming Soon: A special giveaway with Smashbox (this was due to YOUR popular demand), Halloween/Fall Treats from 1-800Baskets and so much MORE! Don't forget the Holiday Buying Guide will be launching in November (11/15), and our book club returns too!

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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!

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Plenty of Dresses Review and Giveaway - Item of YOUR choice!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Plenty of Dresses! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!

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

Plenty of Dresses, Where Fashionable Meets Affordable!

Now that the little one's are back in school, have you taken a moment to think about your wardrobe yet? Have you swapped out your summer clothes and started looking at your Fall clothes and sadly realized you've come up a bit short for yourself? Do you have a perfect outfit at the ready for Thanksgiving, for office holiday parties and family festivities?

I am currently in the process of clearing out closets, and getting my home and wardrobe and ready for the new season.

I have to start by apologizing, this review is way overdue, and I want to thank Plenty of Dresses for their patience!

I connected with Plenty of Dresses earlier this year and as I am a butterfly lover, I was sent a variety of butterfly themed items to review. Two very special blouses, that I absolutely adore and a pair of super cute butterfly earrings that were thrown in by the owner, which I thought was extremely thoughtful!

I wore the first blouse and the earrings on my smooth jazz cruise this summer and received numerous compliments! I absolutely love this blouse, it has washed very well, no pills, and no fade out in the silver butterfly design. It looks fab on it's own as I paired it with Black Pants, and also super cute under a jacket for a quick change for evening. I posted the picture of me wearing it earlier this summer, but I just thought I'd show it to you again:

It runs true to size, and I can report it is super comfortable. If you'd like to grab one, it's still in stock, it's called Blue With Butterfly if you can't wait and want to order it now! (And I couldn't blame you!) The other two items don't appear to be in stock (including the butterfly earrings I am wearing in the photo), but there are a wide variety of butterfly themed and non-butterfly themed fabulous clothing that are. And I'm very excited to share that Plenty of Dresses has an excellent variety of Plus Sized items in stock as well. Sometimes when it comes to plus sizing you end up feeling cheated because the selection isn't normally as varied as smaller sizes, but not at Plenty of Dresses! I find it a time saver that I can shop by size and find something super cute that is in stock and available in my size!

I love to get a behind the scenes of brands I work with, and when I'm allowed a glimpse of the person behind the brand I jump at the chance. Plenty of Dresses is a one woman show, that began as a retail location in Canada, the owners, sisters, grew the shop that started with jewelry and accessories, one sister married and moved abroad and the sister that remained expanded the store slowly. She added clothing in a variety of styles, and it took off! Customers responded enthusiastically, and she experienced increased sales and steady growth. And eventually an online shop was formed, that is how Plenty of Dresses was born!

The owner, is the most down-to-earth, approachable person ever (and she's super patient too!) and when I asked her for a bio and more about her she shared her story, but something she wrote really stood out with me, she said:

I'm just a small town girl trying to make it big ~ Corinne, Plenty of Dresses

I honestly don't know how she manages to juggle the demands of a brick and mortar store and running an online shop simultaneously! But with her drive, ambition and perserverance I have no doubt in my mind her quote above will come to pass! I know I make it a personal choice to be sure I think of woman owned businesses first when I shop, I can tell you that having had the chance to try out two pieces from this shop that I fully intend to return to Plenty of Dresses again! As a matter of fact I was thinking of this next:

What do you think? I love purple and the silver accent detail gives it that extra something for evening! OK, I'll be nice and share the direct link to this top, but please don't order them all because I want one! Purple Plus Size Top With Silver Accent

WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Plenty of Dresses would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with your choice of any in-stock item, shirt, dress, the choice is YOURS!

Don't you just ♥ Plenty of Dresses? (I know I Do!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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 Mandatory Entry: (2) Visit Plenty of Dresses and Share a link to the item you would pick if you won! (Remember it can't be the giveaway item, or the other items mentioned! Be careful if you link to the review item your entry will be disqualified!) (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 your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA + Canada residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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 Saturday, October 23, 2010 until Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 03:00 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. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ok to RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  #ascendingbutterfly + @plentyofdresses  #win clothing item of YOUR choice #Giveaway! - http://tinyurl.com/2756a3o

(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). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ‘Like’ (and don't forget to write on their wall that Ascending Butterfly sent you!) Plenty of Dresses on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @plentyofdresses on Twitter 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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly needs your votes! I really want to be NatureMade's Good Mood Blogger, please rock the vote for me daily here:

Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

˙·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 Plenty of Dresses are my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate the review & giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Gain “Sniff, Sniff, Hooray!” Review

I do not yet have a dishwashwer and will admit while I love to cook, and I love to eat, I'm not such a big fan of the dishes part of dinner time, or lunch time or breakfast time. . .well you get the picture!

There are lots of minuses to dishwashing by hand, the dreaded 'dishpan' hands if you don't wear gloves and having to expose to your hands to harsh detergents. And ladies as you probably already know by now, our neck and our hands reveals our age way more than our face actually does! SCARY STUFF!

I don't know about you, but I for one, have never had time to 'comparison shop' when it comes to dishwashing liquid. I have been pretty much used to getting the one that's cheapest. Let's face it when it comes to our shopping, some items we won't compromise with and others are not as important to have by specific brand but just by function and price.

Our friends at My Blog Spark recently sent me a Gain package, that included original scent Gain Dishwashing Liquid, 3 tshirts and 3 $5 Walmart Cards. The day the package arrived, I was sitting for my nieces and they grabbed the t-shirts! Tshirts that had Butterflies on them by the way! LOVE IT!!! It made me feel like they had me in mind when they developed this package! My nieces also laid claim to the walmart cards for snacks and a DVD, while that scored me cool auntie points, that left me without a giveaway item! So you are going to have to blame my nieces for this being a review instead of a review with giveaway as we normally do!

While I love when they come over, they know the rules are, they dirty a dish, they wash it! So after the movie we all set off to the kitchen so everyone could wash their popcorn bowls, and we all tried Gain for the first time. For them, they have a dishwasher, so they only end up washing dishes at my house! Which I think is a good thing for them to learn anyway, we all know electronics can sometimes go wonky. I have actually never tried Gain Dishwashing Liquid, although I am of course very familiar with the liquid laundry detergent. So for me the first thing that stood out was the scent, which I greatly enjoyed. The girls of course enjoyed 'dishwashing liquid bubbles' more than washing their popcorn bowls, but they too liked the scent and all the giggles and silliness made washing dishes so much more fun!

My take on Gain Dishwashing Liquid:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I love the scent!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I like that a little goes a long way, it really does cut the grease well!

I know I will actively seek out Gain, unlike before where I wasn't so concerned with brand, but price. That doesn't mean I won't stick to my budget, but I will be actively seeking it out when it's on sale and making sure to re-stock with Gain when I do run out!

For more information about the new Gain Dishwashing Liquids, visit ILoveGain.com or yoamogain.com. In addition, be sure to “Like” Gain on Facebook and follow Gain on Twitter! By the way, their twitter background has butterflies! Love it!!!!

The search for the Scents of America is on and now it's your turn to vote! Let your nose be heard! http://ilovegain.com/scentofamerica

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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 Gain are my own experiences. I was provided with product from P&G via MyBlogSpark to facilitate the review.

Today's Words of Inspiration - What do you want to be when YOU grow up?

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Invariably this question came up often when you were young, and perhaps in a few job interviews where an HR person asked you that question and it instantly felt like a spotlight shining on you or an interrogation lamp glaring at you depending on how confident you were feeling at the moment.

You are still growing up. Personally and Spiritually (and hopefully professionally!) you will continue to grow and evolve. Your definition of what it truly means to be an adult will continually shift. You should take a moment to re-visit this question. And answer it. I'll bet your answer now doesn't reflect your very first answer! And I'll bet the next time you re-visit this question your answers will differ again. Do you measure being grown up by being married? by having children? How do you define adulthood? Based on your own answers to that definition, are you grown up yet?

Throughout the years my answer has included: (in no particular order)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - cowgirl <- I have been riding horses since the age of five!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - cardiologist <-interesting story about this but kind of long, we'll revisit this later

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - writer <-At the time, my school guidance counselor told me that writing was not a 'real career' that I should have my sights set on something more practical/attainable. I have often wondered if race played a part in his response to my career choice? Why did he feel I needed to learn a 'trade'? I was a straight 'A' student taking top honors. Shouldn't he have been more supportive?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Filthy Rich Lottery Multi Millionaire who sails the world on a yacht <-oops that was last nights sweet dream, how did that sneak in here? :-)

What does your list look like? Care to share? I'd love to read everyone's list!

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 'I affirm today that while I may not know where I'll end up, I have a clear vision of where I'm headed, and I flow with Universal Energy towards goals that bring my highest good to life!'

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

@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

Active Giveaway: Hurry Enter NOW!

1) Ends 10/28 @ 3pm EST - Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway with Satya Jewelry! Win the Cherry Quartz 'Om' Bracelet (ARV $48) - Enter HERE

Stay Tuned we are clearing out the 'giveaway closet' to make way for some fun Halloween Happenings! And the Holiday Buying Guide will be launching in mid November!

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Wordless Wednesday - The leaves are changing colors!

It's that time of year again! The leaves are changing colors, there is a cool, crisp breeze that requires a chunky sweater and your favorite Fall Boots! I've had this picture for ever, and I guess I have to credit Microsoft because it came as a wallpaper option with one of my computers!

What are your favorite signs of Fall?

What changes do you wish to create this season?

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Official Winner's Announcements - Secretariat Prize Pack + Pillsbury Sweet Moments Prize Pack winners!

**And the Winner of the Secretariat Prize Pack Giveaway is:**

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'tristatecruisers'

Congrats tristatecruisers!

**And the Winner of the Pillsbury Sweet Moments Prize Pack Giveaway is:**

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - '5Webs'

Congrats 5Webs!

Ascending Butterfly would like to thank our sponsors Disney and Pillsbury for hosting these super fun giveaways! We hope to work with you again soon!

Active Giveaway: Hurry Enter NOW!

1) Ends 10/28 - Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway with Satya Jewelry!  Win the Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet (ARV $48) - Enter HERE

Todays Quote from our friends at Satya Jewelry:

Be the change you wish to see in this world ~ Ghandi

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** We post our winner usernames instead of full names to protect privacy**

Breast Cancer Awareness Giveaway with Satya Jewelry!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Satya Jewelry! We look forward to working with you again! The winner of this giveaway is 'racergirl1313'  Congratulations! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!

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As I'm sure you know by now this is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a month that is dedicated to bringing attention to early detection and prevention.

'The Big C' (and I don't mean the cable TV show) has definitely affected my family and as a result I'm a strong believer in the saying "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"

While there are a variety of factors that contribute to Breast Cancer, including environmental, hormones, genetics and more, one thing that is most important to a healthy outcome is early detection. Early detection gives you the most treatment options as well as the greatest chance at survival and remission!

It seems like the entire planet is washed in pink this month, pink has seemingly become the official color of Breast Cancer Awareness!

Have you given yourself a 'self examination' this month? I found a very thorough article on ehow which is a must read concerning the proper way to conduct a self-exam!

As you know this month offers those fabulous 'Shop-a-tunities' to get something great for you, and do something great for the cause too! We love featuring companies that give back! Especially one whose products we totally adore!

In honor of October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Satya Jewelry is proud to partner with The Young Survival Coalition (YSC). A percentage of sales from the 'sweetness in your life locket necklace' will be donated to the YSC during the month of October. Young Survival Coalition (YSC) is the premier international organization dedicated to the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer. YSC works with survivors and caregivers; as well as the medical, research, advocacy and legislative communities to increase the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under. For more information about the YSC visit http://www.youngsurvival.org

While you are thinking pink, take a look at the great assortment of Pretty Pink jewelry you can purchase at Satya! And of course I have to mention that they have a lovely assortment of butterfly jewelry too! Like their '18kt gold plated eb mini butterfly earrings' (style#: eg154) and it's matching Necklace (style#: ng401_l18) The Satya Foundation donates 100% of the proceeds from the sale of these items to the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation, aiming to find a cure for a rare childhood skin disease. For More information on the foundation please visit www.ebkids.org

 

We have worked with Satya in the past and are always amazed with the quality and of course overall WOW factor of their jewelry! But the fact that they are always giving back is why they will always have a place in my heart.  I firmly beleive that when you bless others you will always be blessed yourself. They don't just promote gemstone jewelry with a zen aesthetic, they very much practice what they preach. They have a quote right now on their website from Ghandi that reads 'Be the change you wish to see in this world' and I feel they embody that message perfectly.

 

Lately life for me has been extremely busy and somewhat chaotic, and when I opened the mailbox to find Satya's 'cherry quartz harmony bracelet' inside I was extremely excited!  The  7.5" bracelet made of  pink faceted beads of cherry quartz bring your mind, body and emotions into balance. A sterling silver cut-out om charm represents the sacred sound of the universe also bringing inner peace and harmony. Wear this bracelet to bring your life into the balance it deserves! I put it on right away and headed to my meditation altar with it! I will say looking at it made me smile, and when I am not meditating with it, I actually leave it out on my meditation altar and greatly enjoy seeing it everyday!

 

 

 

I placed it on top of a red pyramid I have on my meditation table and it just looks striking against it! And somehow looks to me like it's always been there, and definitely belongs there! I have a feeling my jewelry box won't see this one!

I perceive it as a visual reminder, to love and take care of my body and my health, the importance of prevention and because of the Om symbol, also as a reminder to take moments of deep breathing and stillness DAILY. Very much fitting with our daily breathing affirmational messages! You know I had to incorporate a butterfly into the picture somehow!

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Satya Jewelry would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with a Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet of their own!

Don't you just ♥ Satya Jewelry? (I know I Do!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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 Mandatory Entry: (2) Share a link to another item you like at Satya Jewelry (Remember it can't be the giveaway item or the two other items mentioned that have butterflies! Be careful if you link to the review item your entry will be disqualified!) (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 your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 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, October 18, 2010 until Thursday, October 28, 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 @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ok to RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  #ascendingbutterfly + @SatyaJewelry #win the Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet #Giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/2cxlor3

(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). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ‘Like’ (and don't forget to write on their wall that Ascending Butterfly sent you!) Satya Jewelry on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @SatyaJewelry on Twitter 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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's NEW Community/Real Time Chat, Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly needs your votes! I really want to be NatureMade's Good Mood Blogger, please rock the vote for me daily here:


Good Mood Gig from SAM-e

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

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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 Satya Jewelry are my own experiences. I was provided a Cherry Quartz Om Bracelet  to facilitate the review & giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Official Winner's Announcement PLUS . . .

**And the Winner of the Bratz Party Doll Giveaway is:**

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Freddie'

Congrats Freddie!

A Bratz Doll is on it's way! We are super happy to hear that a special little girl will be on the receiving end during the holidays, we sure hope she enjoys her new doll!

Ascending Butterfly would like to thank our friends at Bratz for sponsoring such an amazing giveaway! We hope to work with you again soon!

Active Giveaway: Hurry Enter NOW!

1) Ends 10/18 - Pillsbury Sweet Moments Prize Pack Giveaway! Includes a free product coupon and heavenly chocolate scented spa products and bath sponge in super cute packaging! Ends Soon so HURRY - Enter HERE

Today's Random Fun Fact:

October 16 [every year]: Boss's Day (National Bosses Day). If it falls on a saturday or sunday, it is observed on the work day closest to the 16th.

Are you getting your boss a gift today? If so, what? Are you the boss? If so, I hope you are on the receiving end of something great today! And if you are your own boss? Celebrate yourself! And this in economy, if you are the boss, you should be writing that as a gratitude entry in your gratitude journals!

**We will be working on quite a few new giveaways for you, be alert, these will close quickly, we need to clear out the giveaway closet to prepare for some fun happenings for you for Halloween!

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** We post our winner usernames instead of full names to protect privacy

Today's Words of Inspiration - Saved by the Butterfly!

Photo Credit @ Dave Dube

We have had various discussions about butterflies, what they mean to me, and what they represent for many of you as well. Last night a very interesting post came my way via facebook from our friends at One Meaning (Thanks Ingrid! 813!) and it was just too interesting not to share!

Komo News posted a fascinating story entitled 'Chilean miners believed saved by butterfly' and the video (which you must watch) sent chills down my spine in a good way! I don't want to give away any spoilers, it's not a long video and you really MUST watch it! See it now HERE (then come back and share your opinion.)

"It would have to be a very hardened heart not to be moved in some way by this compelling video." ~ Ascending Butterfly

What do you think about this video? What do you think about the notion that the miners were saved by a butterfly?

Butterflies for me always signal an oncoming change, not a small one, but a powerful transformation to come in my life, and they have always been very 'lucky' for me as well, sometimes representing an unexpected, yet pleasant stroke of luck.

Many people feel they are signs from loved ones who crossed over who are letting you know they are watching over you.

I thought in honor of this story we would make Today's Words of Inspiration about Symbols. For some it's a repeating number they see everywhere, for others butterflies or dragonflies. Sometimes people ignore their gut, or they ignore symbols that were sent to them.

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 'I affirm today that I am open and receptive to the signs around me and that I allow my intuition as well as my signs to guide me on the right path today!'

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

@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

Active Giveaways: Hurry Enter NOW!

1) Ends TODAY @ 3pm EST - Disney Secretariat Review & Movie Prize Pack Giveaway!  Enter HERE


2) Ends Monday, 10/18 @ 3pm EST - Pillsbury Sweet Moments Desserts and Prize Pack Giveaway! Enter HERE

Stay Tuned this weekend for a special giveaway in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, trust me, you won't want to miss it! Also, our Bratz giveaway winner has been notified via email and Twitter, so stay tuned for an official winners announcement!

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I challenge you today to look carefully for your own butterfly, your own symbol, your sign that transformation will soon come! What shape will it take? ~ Ascending Butterfly