{Inspiration} This is what I Choose - What do you choose?

TGIF Butterflies!

While I love our annual holidays buying guide, I needed a giveaway free day today. Unfortunately new members that come in during the holidays think this is solely a product review blog, so I thought a day where we go back to our empowerment and inspirational roots was in order. We have one very simple mission statement: To Inspire, and Be Inspired. While that sometimes comes in the form of people, places, things, events, causes or travels that inspire me, it's also finding ways to make my day better, by using tools such as breathing affirmations or meditations, and even being physical, like going for a walk, excercising or trying Yoga. 

I saw this graphic posted last night on Facebook, and immediately re-shared it as a status update but I realize we have different followers across different channels, and wanted to be sure to share this here for those that don't follow on Facebook.

You can live out loud, on your terms, by your rules! You can be selective, that doesn't necessarily make you picky. You can be firm and stand your ground, that doesn't mean you are inflexible.

We are rapidly approaching a new year, are you ready for it? What do you want from 2012? What do you want from yourself? What do YOU choose in this New Year?

Whatever you decide you want your year to be, make it happen your way, on your terms! And if you need some extra encouragement, share your goals here, you'd be surprised at just how many other readers share your goals, we can support each other!

Some of my goals for the new year include keeping up with my weight loss and amping up my physical activity, I want to do some more traveling as I didn't get away very much this year and definitely regret it, and I have a few professional changes I'd like to make as well.

We will resume the holidays buying guide this weekend as my goal is to give you enough time to put in entries and still get all items before the holidays, but I just thought a day to focus on what really matters was in order! :)

P.S. We have a few giveaways that will be closed out and processed this weekend, winners list coming soon!

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

L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara {Review} - Ladies Are YOU Faking it?

The question today is: Are YOU Faking it?

L’ORÉAL PARIS ENCOURAGES WOMEN EVERYWHERE TO STOP “FAKING IT”

No woman should ever have to “fake it.” Whether it’s flashing a faux smile through a horrible date or flaunting fake lashes that are tricky, frustrating and time-consuming to achieve, L’Oréal Paris is encouraging thousands of women everywhere to join them in pledging to never fake it again. Because after all, any woman that’s experienced the real thing is sure to pass on faux forever. Confess Ladies, how many of you have faked your way through a horrible date?

About Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara:

From the creators of the cult-favorite Voluminous Mascara comes a breakthrough in fiber mascara technology. Voluminous False Fiber Lashes Mascara reinvents the false eyelash look, making it possible to achieve the clean impact of professionally-applied false lashes. A combination of super-fine nylon and rayon fibers perfectly adhere to natural lashes, enveloping them from root to tip thanks to an exclusive polymer in the formula. Meanwhile, an architectural precision brush with a 40-degree angle and reverse twist bristles ensure optimal application, making lashes appear fuller, longer, curled and sculpted. No clumps or messy results – just flawless lashes from every angle.

My Take:

I have super sensitive eyes. My failed attempts at wearing contact lenses throughout my life attest to the fact that my eyes are just beyond sensitive. I have to change my Mascara more frequently than most people. Once air hits my mascara, I don't tend to get many applications before my eyes become super sensitive to it. I have that reaction with eyeliners as well. And one thing that has proven true for me so far, is that while I have access to a variety of brands and products, with me, for Mascara, I have had much better luck with 'drugstore' brands, and I am happy to report that L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara has proven my theory right yet again!

I must confess I have never applied actual False Eyelashes to my eyes, I'm sure someday I will try them, but I haven't yet, I don't consider my eyelashes super short, but they aren't super long either, I'm sure 'falsies' are dramatic and quite glamorous, but I'm not sure how my eyes would react to the glue for one, so I've been a bit afraid of trying them out. I like that with L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara I'm getting the effect of False Eyelashes, without the price tag or the time involved with application.

Pros: For me L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara are the perfect alternative to Falsies! You get the glam factor for a fraction of the cost and most certainly a fraction of the time!

Con: It's a 'dry' formulation so you do have a small 'tug' factor upon application. Its a Waterproof formulation which is great because you can avoid racoon eyes, but waterproof formulations are a bit more dry. So if you are used to a more 'wet' feel when you first open a mascara, you could even confuse it for being old. But it's not!

My suggestion: If you like a more wet feel, apply a lash conditioner or lash primer gel to your lashes FIRST, then apply L'Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lash Mascara, so you won't have to tug as much and you'll get the benefits of great length, no racoon eyes and plumper lashes! A total win/win, here's to saying NO to faking it!

Availability: L’Oréal Paris Voluminous False Fiber Lashes is available now at mass-market retailers and drugstores nationwide for a suggested retail price of $8.95.

Keeping it Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Take the Facebook L'Oreal Paris USA Never Fake It Again Challenge

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Get Tweety with @LOrealParisUSA

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

FTC Disclosure Info: This is a sponsored post on behalf of L’Oréal Paris via One2One Network. I was compensated and provided product for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Holiday with Heart 2011 at Build a Bear! {Photos}

It's been a long time ongoing tradition since I was a girl to do something for others during the holidays (and year round actually), my mom always taught us that we were blessed in so many ways, and that there were other children and families that needed help especially during the holidays. So each year we do something different, we'll work with local not for profit organizations, or our church, but each year we've focused on doing something for others, and this holiday season is no different.

I received an invitation from the smart + sassy team at moms & the city to attend a very special workshop at Build A Bear in New York City where participants were offered the chance to create a bear to donate to the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation!

So me and mama butterfly set out on a cool, rainy, Fall night in New York City to build bears and fill them with special wishes to send to a special boy or girl. The bears also have different allocations to them, so they were actually a DOUBLE give back opportunity! For example the bear I chose to build was called 'Champ', proceeds from Champ the Bear also benefit children's wellness charities.

Here are some photos of me and mama butterfly at the Build a Bear Workshop (what's a Wordless Wednesday without pictures?):

Ascending Butterfly (left) and Mama Butterfly (right)

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - my jeans? Denizen,

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardigan? Elle (Yes THAT Elle), 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Necklace? Energy Muse

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - and boots? 'Prance' by Kalso Earth

Ascending Butterfly and 'Champ' a bear whose proceeds benefit Children's Wellness Charities

 



In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - handbag? Timi and Leslie

Mama Butterfly made a Happy Feet Bear and was super happy to donate it to Toys for Tots!

Ascending Butterfly hamming it up with a big snow globe at the Manhattan Build a Bear Workshop

In case you are wondering:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - coat? Wilsons Leather
and I've always loved snow globes (wish I could find one with a butterfly inside!)

Loved the first sign which reads 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot'

I snapped this shot on the way out as I went up the stairs, I love the first sign, 'Even this City has a Big Soft Spot', fitting sign after just watching a group of not just moms, but dads and some marines building a bear to give to children in need this holiday season. It truly put me in the holiday spirits!

Do you want to help too? From December 2nd- December 4th, go to your local Build-A-Bear Workshop to build a bear for Toys For Tots. You can also bring in an unopened toy to donate or you can choose to make a donation during the entire month December.

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

FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. Build a Bear gift cards were provided to attendees.

Winners Announcement!

Before moving forward with the next giveaway in our holiday buying guide, which will be posted soon, I thought I should post a winners announcement for some of the giveaways that closed just before or during Thanksgiving Weekend:

Last year I posted one big winner's announcement at the end of the entire buying guide, but since the guide started earlier this year than last year, I thought breaking up the winner's announcements into smaller segments might be easier for us all! Join me in congratulating our most recent winners:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ended 11/15 - The winner is: Big Happy Buddha

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Kalso Earth Shoes Giveaway! Ended 11/21 - The winner is: pauline15_01

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} The Littlest Angel DVD Giveaway! Ends 11/23 - The winner is: Terri S.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} In Bloom by Jonquil beautiful Butterflies Pajama Maxi Gown Giveaway! Ends 11/26 - The Winner is: daveshir2005

Please Note: We post winner's site usernames for privacy reasons. Make sure Ascending Butterfly is on your safe senders list, I don't want you to miss a winning email!

We are still processing entries for the Hulk Hogan Main Event for Kinect on Xbox 360 Video Game giveaway. A winner will be notified soon. I will try to post a winner's announcement during the holiday buying guide after the close of every 3-4 giveaways instead of one big announcement at the end.

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

{Kids Corner} Good Habits SoapTime® Review and Holiday Reco!

While my holiday recommendations in my annual buying guides are always review with giveaway, this product is an exception to my rules. Mostly because I received the evaluation unit way before Christmas. But if after reading this, you guys decide you love it, and just 'gotta have it', let me know by posting a comment here and I'll reach out to the powers that be and see if a giveaway is still possible.

I actually received the first unit months ago, but it didn't quite work well and I was un-sure of what to do. Normally I wouldn't be, when I work with a brand directly I would just let them know, be it a damaged item, ill-fitting item etc.

But this review came to me via BSM Media and I didn't want to make waves. I didn't want to put BSM Media in a bad position. But I also realized that I would never be comfortable being less than honest. (In fact it took us almost a year of being approached before we opted for becoming a 'PR friendly' blog.) So I wrestled with what to do and ultimately decided honesty was the best policy.

I let BSM Media know that the first SoapTime® I received did not work, and they couldn't have been more understanding about it. I was given the option of having a replacement sent out, or if I didn't like the idea, not to post.

But when I got my first SoapTime® I immediately fell in love with it, I thought it was a fantastic idea, and I couldn't wait to share it with you guys. So when it stopped working I was really bummed. Glad however, that I had not yet tried it out on my younger nieces and nephews. I opted for a replacement, and have tested the replacement a little over 30 days to make sure it was working properly before I posted about it. As you all know I'm 'cool auntie' and so I put this in the bathroom and everytime little ones come over they can't wait to use it! My nieces, nephews and godchildren all love it!

About SoapTime®

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - SoapTime uses a multimedia "Edutainment" experience of lights, music and fun facts to keep kids at the sink for 20 seconds, the proper time to ensure clean hands.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's Elephant, ABC & Earth shaped soap bottles snap onto the SoapTime Smart Base®.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's Smart Base provides 6 unique songs & factoids for each bottle, which play during its custom LED light shows.  (You do have the option of turning off the sound, which is good during the day when the kids are not home or if you have pets and are afraid they'll activate it to hear the sound all day long)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime products were created to give children of all ages a fun & engaging experience at the sink, while providing parents a tool for teaching healthy habits for life.

About Elephant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime’s Elephant Bottle creates a positive sink-side experience with wild-kingdom flare!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sing along to An Elephant Never Forgets to Wash His Hands!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Learn about Elephants, Zebras, Tigers, and Birds.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Elephant’s soap is purple in color, non-toxic, with a light lavender scent. (Lavendar is known to be very calming and soothing!)

About ABC

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime's ABC Bottle plays a lively mix of songs and facts centered around learning and language.

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dance along to salsa beats, banjos, and sing alongs!!

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Learn how to say "hello" and "goodbye" in Spanish, French, and Chinese!

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - ABC's soap is orange, non-toxic, with a light citrus scent.

 

About Earth

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SoapTime’s Earth Shaped Bottle engages children with fun knowledge of our planet and nature.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Listen to “worlds” of details about the sun and blue whales. (I was so into whales as a kid, I have to admit I enjoyed the whale info!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sing along and count to 10 in Spanish! (My Nieces and Nephews got a kick out of this!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earth’s soap is green, non-toxic, with a light apple scent

My Take

I am so glad that I opted for a replacement unit. I honestly wish I could take on an additional giveaway right now, and I wish I had the time to make a video of it so you could see it in action! SoapTime® instills good habits in a way that is fun and totally engaging. My nieces, nephews and godchildren totally loved it! They liked the soap scents, the songs and factoids! I love the LED light show too (perfect if you are in the bathroom at night and don't want to turn on your overhead light.)

You can follow @mysoaptime on twitter and keep up with them on Facebook too!

I wonder if there is a way for them to tweak this product and utilize a no touch sensor technology too? That would be perfect!

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

FTC Disclosure Info: I received a Good Habits Soap Time unit for editorial consideration from BSM Media. However this is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude {Thanksgiving Edition} + Giveaways {Ending Soon}

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  For THANKSGIVING! Just make sure it's not the ONLY time of the year that you express gratitude for your blessings. Do it daily! Journal it. Then on Thanksgiving read all the things you were grateful for each day during the year, it will make your holiday that much more special.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While for most, it's about the bird, for me it's all about the stuffing, I'm still in a Turkey and Stuffing Coma!

Hope all my butterflies are having an amazing weekend!

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {LAST CALL/ENDS SOON} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #7 - Win the Hulk Hogan Main Event Video Game on Kinect for Xbox 360 Giveaway! Ends 11/28 - You will definitely score 'cool points' for slipping this one into the stocking of any wrestling fan you know!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 9 - Jockey Being Family Bear Giveaway! Ends 11/30 - This super cute, super cuddly bear is a fantastic stocking stuffer!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Book Club Selection with a special holidays twist! -  Unlikely Friendships Book + 2012 Calendar Giveaway! (This book is for animal lovers of all ages, if you have children and teen animal lovers, nothing to worry about here, this book is appropriate for young ones as well!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 8 - $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02 - Use your gift certificate to select an assortment of unique gifts!

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

Winner Announcements {PENDING}:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We are still processing entries for the $100 Wilsons Gift Certificate, the  Kalso Earth Renee Shoes, The Littlest Angel, and the In Bloom by Jonquil Butterflies are Free Maxi Gown Giveaways. Apologies for the delay. Note: Winners have NOT yet been selected or notified. 

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

Gratitude Journal Reco:

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

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

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

FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Ascending Butterfly lists winner's site usernames for privacy.

{CLOSED} Jockey Being Family Bear Giveaway! Ends 11/30

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Jockey! The Winner is 'tinagirl' - Congratulations! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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

Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #9 brought to you by:

Kids Corner: A Bear That Gives Back!

If you are anything like me and love to shop with conscience and buy from brands that give back, then I have the perfect shop-o-tunity for you!

Did you know that November is National Adoption Month?

Jockey Being Family Bear

About Jockey Being Family® Bear

• support newly adoptive families with the Jockey being family® bear
• the perfect adorable and cuddly gift
• lovable bear sure to bring a smile to any child's face
• approximate size: 11" x 5"
• for each bear sold, Jockey® will donate $3 to charities supporting adoption
• You can name your bear and get a personalized certificate!
• Fabric Content: All new materials stuffed with polyester fibers. To care for your bear: insert in pillowcase and wash in warm water & tumble dry low. Imported.
• This years bear comes with it's own backpack.

 My Take:

This bear is super soft and cuddly and has that 'heirloom' bear feel for a super affordable price. I love that the bear offers a chance to teach children about adoption, or makes a very memorable gift for an adopted child!

What I really love is that Jockey is donating one percent of all catalog and Jockey.com online sales, as well as 100 percent of sales from theirJockey Being Family® Bear in November to the Debra Steigerwaldt Waller Foundation for Adoption, which funds critical support for children and families after an adoption. By shopping at Jockey this November, together, we can help provide more support to families touched by adoption.

I can't think of a cuter face to see poking out of a Christmas Stocking this year!

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Jockey would like to give 1 lucky winner a Jockey Being Family Bear of their own!

Don't you just ♥ Jockey? 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 (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Jockey and select any other item NOT REFERENCED ABOVE (ie you can't pick the bear!) that you like and provide the URL LINK to it!  (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. No purchase necessary. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE

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, November 26, 2011 until Wednesday, November 30, 2011 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 - Sign up for the Jockey email list and post here the email address you used to sign up! (Lower right hand side of the screen on the main page)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of the Jockey Being Family Bear, tell us what family means to you or tell us how you are celebrating National Adoption Month?

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 NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @jockey on Twitter

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Jockey + @Ascending1 Being Family Bear #Giveaway! Ends 11/30 - http://tinyurl.com/87msazj

(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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Jockey on Facebook HERE (Tell them what family means to you or that you are trying to win the Jockey Being Family Bear from Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW! Here's a win/win extra credit entry if you join Scorebig from my affiliate link you will be entering for the chance to win a $100 ScoreBig Gift Card AND a $100 Amazon Gift Card (yes both) and if I get the most people to sign up via my link, I get a shot at a prize too! How cool is that? ScoreBig is the members-only place to save up to 60% on sports, concert and theater tickets. (Unfortunately if you have already signed up on your own or under someone else, you cannot claim the extra credit here) - tell us which email you used to sign up.

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 -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active 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 - 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 sponsored promotion. NO compensation has been received  from the sponsor in exchange for this post. The sponsors are fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the products. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor. An Affiliate Link is used for the ScoreBig Extra Credit Entry and for EZ Win game.

Birds the Word! Gobble Til You Wobble!

Counting my Blessings today! And one of them is YOU! Yes that's right you! This week Ascending Butterfly welcomed member # 3,000 a milestone I never expected to reach in such a short period of time. We are now over 3,000 members strong and I'm grateful for each and everyone of you!

I managed to nab a shot of the bird this year before it got switched to a serving platter:

Wishing all my butterflies a very happy, healthy and safe Thanksgiving! What are you most grateful for today?

Birds the Word! Gobble Til You Wobble!

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

Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 6 - In Bloom by Jonquil beautiful Butterflies Pajama Maxi Gown Giveaway! Ends 11/26 -This nightgown is absolutely beautiful and super soft and comfortable! (men to enter to win this for a special lady in your life, and score MAJOR brownie points!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Win the Hulk Hogan Main Event Video Game on Kinect for Xbox 360 Giveaway! Ends 11/28

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway # 8 - $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Book Club Selection with a special holidays twist! -  Unlikely Friendships Book + 2012 Calendar Giveaway! Ends 11/30! (This book is for animal lovers of all ages, if you have children and teen animal lovers, nothing to worry about here, this book is appropriate for young ones as well!)

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

Hope to be back in action tomorrow, if I'm not in a Turkey Tryptophan Coma!