Sunday, June 17, 2012

Blade Buddy Review and Giveaway!



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



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

ABOUT:


Better Shaves. Longer Lasting Blades

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


Reduce Waste

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


Save Money

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


How Does the Blade Buddy Work

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


How Do I use BladeBuddy?

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




My Take:

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


Win It!

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

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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

Saturday, June 16, 2012

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



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



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

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



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



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

Friday, June 15, 2012

Hollywood Movie Money Winner Announcement! Was it YOU?



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

Winner's Announcement:

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

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

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



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

Thursday, June 14, 2012

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




Ascending Butterfly turns three today! It's been three wild years! We started with breathing affirmational meditations daily and have come quite a long way since. It took me a long time to feel comfortable enough to share more pieces of myself and my life on these pages. But now when I read back on my older posts I realize just how far this community has come.

2012 has been a challenging year for me on a personal level, but with the support and wonderful messages from butterflies in this community I've made it through feeling stronger and stronger everyday, so today is just as much about YOU as it ever could be about me. Thanks for sharing in the journey with me. Here's to the next 3 years!

To each and every reader, follower, facebook friend and twitter follower, Thank You.

To each and every brand who has partnered with us, Thank You.

To each and every advertiser, both old and new, Thank You.

To each and every sponsor, be it a giveaway or a blogging conference, Thank You.

To each and every brand who has shown tremendous faith in me and selected me as a Brand Ambassador, Thank You

I couldn't have foreseen all the opportunities that have come my way throughout the years, especially the ones that came my way this year. I am certainly filled with gratitude!

To my family and friends who are sometimes part of the story even when they are not always sure they wanted to be, Thank You.

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

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

Cheers Butterflies!


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Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Madagascar 3 - The I met Jada Pinkett-Smith Edition!

As promised here are the rest of the photos that wouldn't fit into the original review post, which you can check out HERE.










Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

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Monday, June 11, 2012

Dads N Grads Gift Buying Guide Recommendation from The Official #TwitterPartyDJ



My apologies on the late start on this year's annual 'Dads N Grads' Buying Guide, but I can tell you it's worth the wait! My first pick not only perfectly covers both the Dads AND the Grads on your list, but it's also a great gift suggestion for any Music Lover in your life.

As you all know by now I'm fondly considered 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' because I love to host (and attend) twitter parties and spin party tunes that fit the party's respective theme. Music has been a long time passion and love of mine so throughout the years I've road tested my fair share of Audio, from Home Theatres to personal/portable and the accesories that go with them!

I literally enjoy music in every room of the house, when I'm cooking there is always music on. I have a huge pink boom box in my kitchen that is an iPod dock and I also have a different type of dock in the bathroom for long hot bubble bath music! I'm obsessed with music and am always updating my playlists. I'm an early adopter when it comes to tech, electronics, software and I'm currently obsessed with Spotify. I'm in the market for a new player as my bedroom dock died and I want something a bit jazzier than what I was using to replace it.

So my research is your gain, and of course this fab music loving, twitter party DJ'ing frugalista also had to find something that not only fit the bill, but also offers a great deal too!









About:

Get ready for some floorboard rattling, heart thumping HiFi sound. In the kitchen. The bedroom. Any room at all. Start with one Sonos® player, then expand wirelessly, wherever you want music. Now take control with your Android smartphone or tablet, iPhone or iPad and play whatever you want, wherever you want.


Listen to Millions of songs and stations:

Stream a radio station from Brazil in the bedroom, listen to Top 80s in the kitchen, and play your favorite song from iTunes all over. Sonos connects directly to the Internet, so you can blast a universe of music in every corner of your home. Play a different song in every room or play the same song everywhere, in perfect sync.

Your music library:

Play any music stored on any computer or NAS drive.

Free Internet radio:

Tune in to more than 100,000 Internet radio stations, shows and podcasts for free.

Online music services:

Stream millions of songs and stations direct from the Internet —no computer required.

GREAT DEAL:  Sonos Wireless HiFi System Promotion At Target Stores And At Target.com

Receive a FREE $30 Target Gift card with the purchase a Sonos Play:3 wireless HiFi system or a FREE $40 Target Gift Card with the purchase of a Play:5 now through June 16, 2012 at Target stores and at Target.com.



Sonos Play: 3

Compact, all-in-one Sonos player with 3 integrated speakers and 3 digital amps for big HiFi sound. Available in Black or White ($299)


Sonos Play: 5

Original, bigger room, all-in-one Sonos player with 5 integrated speakers and 5 digital amps for a powerhouse of HiFi sound. Available in Black or White ($399)

Want to let Sonos know that you would love to see a full product review and giveaway featured on Ascending Butterfly? You can send them a tweet on twitter, or post on their facebook wall!



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Disclosure: I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and I'm eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Madagascar 3 + Advice to women and moms from Jada Pinkett Smith + #CapriSunSuperV


The super awesome ladies behind 'The Moms' (aka the Mamarazzi®) invited Ascending Butterfly to a very special screening of Madagascar 3, where we got the chance to not only view the film, but also a Questions and Answers Session and Meet and Greet with Jada Pinkett Smith. We also got to try out the new Capri Sun Super V juice. There were rainbow afro wigs, moms drinking from Juice Boxes, eats and treats and I have to say it's one of the wildest screenings I've attended in awhile! As a former film critic (Bronx Observer), I've attended my fair share of screenings and press junkets for films, but this was definitely different!

Film Synopsis:

English: Alex the Lion, Marty the Zebra, Gloria the Hippo, and Melman the Giraffe are still fighting to get home to their beloved Big Apple and of course, King Julien, Maurice and the Penguins are all along for the comedic adventure. Their journey takes them through Europe where they find the perfect cover: a traveling circus, which they reinvent – Madagascar style.

Spanish/Espanol: Alex el león, Marty la cebra, Gloria la hipopótamo, y Melman la jirafa siguen tratando de regresar a su casa en su adorada Gran Manzana y por supuesto, el rey Julien, Maurice y los pingüinos también participan de esta divertida aventura. Su viaje los lleva através de Europa en donde encuentran la excusa perfecta para mantener las apariencias: un circo ambulante, al que reinventan al mejor estilo Madagascar.

MADAGASCAR 3: EUROPE’S MOST WANTED, photo taken in Cannes


Characters:



Alex the Lion – Ben Stiller

The King of New York still yearns to return home to his throne in the Central Park Zoo.  Hiding in a European traveling circus with the rest of the Zoosters may finally be his ticket back to the Big Apple, but things aren’t easy when the gang finds themselves as “Europe’s Most Wanted.”

Spanish/En Espanol: Alex el león – Ben Stiller

El rey de Nueva York todavía desea con ansias regresar a su hogar y a su trono en el zoológico de Central Park. Esconderse en un circo ambulante europeocon el resto de sus compañeros del zoo podría ser finalmente la manera devolver a la Gran Manzana, pero nada es tan fácil como parece cuando los   miembros del grupo se convierten en los “Más buscados de Europa”.



Marty – Chris Rock

Although he found his herd in Africa, Marty isn’t willing to leave his best friend Alex’s side.  The opportunity to join the circus gives Marty the shot of adrenaline he needs…he just didn’t realize he is the one being shot…out of a cannon.

Spanish/En Espanol: Marty – Chris Rock

A pesar de que encontró a su manada en Africa, Marty no abandonará a sumejor amigo Alex. La oportunidad de unirse al circo le da a Marty el disparo de adrenalina que necesita... solo que no se dio cuenta de que él también sería disparado… desde un cañón.



Melman – David Schwimmer

Did you hear the one about the hypochondriac giraffe who finally found love with a hippo?  Melman’s dreams are realized as he and Gloria figure out how to balance it all…on the circus high wire!

Spanish/En Espanol: Melman – David Schwimmer

¿Oíste hablar de la jirafa hipocondríaca que finalmente encontró el amor en una hipopótamo? Los sueños de Melman se vuelven realidad cuando él y Gloria descubren cómo equilibrarlo todo… ¡en la cuerda floja del circo!



Gloria – Jada Pinkett-Smith

The sweet, sassy and adorably plump hippo-next-door found love in Africa, and now she is ready to take things to exciting new heights with the rest of the Zooster gang.  Who says an oversized, heavy hippo can’t master the high wire act?

Spanish/En Espanol: Gloria – Jada Pinkett-Smith

La dulce, atrevida y adorablemente regordeta hipopótamo encontró el amor en Africa y ahora está lista para llegar a nuevas y emocionantes alturas con el resto de la pandilla del zoológico. ¿Quién dice que una hipopótamo extra grande y muy pesada no puede dominar el arte del equilibrio en la cuerda floja?



The Penguins – Chris Miller, Chritopher Knights, Tom McGrath & John Di Maggio

Stealthy and adventurous, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico and Private sneak through Europe on a mission.  They cook up a clever plan to help the Zoosters hijack a European traveling circus and turn it into a true three ring adventure.

Spanish/En Espanol: Los pingüinos - Chris Miller, Chritopher Knights, Tom McGrath & John Di Maggio

Sigilosos y aventureros, Skipper, Kowalski, Rico y Private se escabullen através de Europa con una misión. Urden un plan inteligente para ayudar a los animales del zoológico a secuestrar un circo ambulante europeo y convertirlo en una verdadera aventura de tres pistas.

Frances McDormand, as relentless French animal control officer Captain Chantal DuBois


The Soundtrack/The Music:

Along with Katy Perry's “Firework” and Australian collaborators Yolanda Be Cool & DCUP’s worldwide #1 dance hit “We No Speak Americano,” the Madagascar3: Europe’s Most Wanted soundtrack album features three-time Grammy Award®-winning producer-songwriter Peter Asher’s “Love Always Comes As a Surprise.”  New Madagascar voice Frances McDormand, as relentless French animal control officer Captain Chantal DuBois (who is in hot pursuit of the Zoosters running wild in her city), pays tribute to the Little Sparrow Edith Piaf with a new take on the classic “Non, je ne regrette rien (No, I have no regrets).”

In addition, Madagascar's King Julien covers C + C MusicFactory’s “Gonna Make You Sweat (Everybody Dance Now),” Spice Girls’ “Wannabe,”and Nelly’s “Hot In Herre,” and collaborates with Marty (voiced by Chris Rock) for thealbum’s closing mash-up of “Afro Circus” and Reel 2 Real’s “I Like To Move It” for new track “Afro Circus/I Like To Move It.”


Meeting Jada Pinkett Smith:

Right after the screening, Jada Pinkett Smith walked into a surprisingly silent room and teased us all about how quiet it was. It didn't remain that way for long, that I can tell you! There were tons of questions for her  - ranging from acting to motherhood and she answered thoughtfully, openly and with a great sense of humor. I can certainly remember from Press Junket's how hard it usually is for an actor to maintain their enthusiasm after answering the same question for the hundreth time, but Jada approached each question with thought and her passion for her craft, her family, and for life really did shine through.

Sharing some quotes that really stood out from the Q & A as captions to the photos below:

"Do what you need to do to keep your spirit alive by any means necessary" ~ Jada Pinkett Smith




"We as moms need to identify what we really need for ourselves as mothers." ~ Jada Pinkett Smith


"I make sure my kids understand that you can't get something for nothing." ~ Jada Pinkett Smith

I loved that she affirmed the importance of taking time for yourself. How feeding your passions fuels your spirit. She said that 'We need to feel alive so we can give passion to those that we love' and I couldn't possibly agree more. I find that on days when I don't take time for myself, where I give 100% to everything and everyone else, and leave nothing more for myself, I get burned out, and that's not where I want to be!

Capri Sun Super V

As soon as we arrived to the screening venue, here is the smiling face that greeted us with our choice of Capri Sun Super V flavor!



Kraft Foods recently launched Capri Sun Super V, and they were at the Madagascar 3 screening and provided us all with samples! Picture a room full of bloggers drinking out of their Capri Sun Pouches!


Left: Ascending Butterfly holding her Fruit Punch Flavor Capri Sun Super V!


Each pouch provides ½ cup fruit and vegetable juice, which is one combined serving of fruits and vegetables, according to the U.S. Dietary Guidelines (¾ from fruit juice, ¼ from vegetable juice). It is also fortified to be a good source of fiber and antioxidant vitamins A, C and E. Recommended Daily Intake = 4 servings of fruit and 5 servings of vegetables in a 2,000-calorie diet. Be sure to make most of your fruits and vegetables whole fruits and vegetables.

Sneaking in fruit & veggies in an easy to go pouch and it tastes great too, total PERK! (Notice I chopped off my super long hair? This butterfly is totally ready for summer!)

My Take:

I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to be a part of the Q&A with Jada Pinkett Smith, she seems to have a strong appreciation for her blessings in life and takes her most vital role, that of being not just a Mom, but a hands on mom that teaches her children to be independent, caring and grateful individuals very seriously.        

I enjoyed this movie, the penguins always make me laugh and it had great 3D special effects (happy to see that the 3D complimented the film), it had great pacing, and sneaks in great lessons for the little ones without boring the adults! And as a former event organizer I have to also say I love the way the screening was organized, and the details and touches that went into it.

As a Duane Reade VIP Blogger and Brand Ambassador I have to point out there was a Duane Reade mention, which made me smile!

And of course I wouldn't be doing my job as a butterfly loving blogger if I didn't point out there was a butterfly sighting in this movie! And you know that always makes me smile.

I still have some more photos from the screening, but I'll share the rest as this week's Wordless Wednesday!




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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. I attended a screening as a member of the digital press and did receive a gift bag.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Hand of Faith Gold Nugget was on Display!


Check out that shiny nugget! On loan from Golden Nugget Las Vegas and weighing in at 62 pounds with a value of $5 million, the "Hand of Faith" gold nugget is currently on display in Atlantic City at the Golden Nugget.

It was found in 1980 by Kevin Hillier using a metal detector near Kingower, Victoria, Australia. The gold nugget was only 12 inches below the surface in a vertical position!

The Hand of Faith is the biggest gold nugget in existence, the second-biggest ever discovered, and the biggest ever found with a metal detector. Kevin Hillier sold his gold nugget find to Golden Nugget for over $1 million. If only being in it's presence brings me the same luck!



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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post! I was under no obligation to post this picture or any information regarding Golden Nugget Atlantic City.

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Bronx Zoo Animal Tales Extravaganza!



New York City Landmark Bronx Zoo, has a series of fun filled weekends lined up this summer and there is still time to get in on the fun this weekend!



At the Animal Tales Extravaganza, each weekend your family can enjoy entertainment from Broadway's Avenue Q, the family friendly puppet show, Avenue Zoo, march in a fanstastical Rainforest Creature Parade, meet and greets with characters from beloved children's books and shows as well as animal yoga stretches and crafts & activities.

I'm most excited to check out Ferdinand The Bull, it was one of my favorite books when I was a little girl!



And because I love sharing great deals with my butterflies, you can also save 10% when you buy tickets online: http://www.bronxzoo.com/ticket-discount/

Did you check out the Zoo this weekend with your little butterflies?

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

Friday, June 1, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude! My #Electronics Got Pimped Edition!






My Electronics Got Pimped!

What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ My Love of Twitter Parties -  Before I started hosting them, I was attending them. Lot's of them. I became known as the official Twitter Party DJ because I would be the one to make fun song suggestions based on the theme of the party I was attending. Some might even call me the life of the twitter party! (Well OK, bragging just a bit!). But when I'm not hosting I still love attending them, I love the fast pace, catching up with my online friends and being introduced to brands in a fun and interactive way. I recently attended one and it paid off big time! My Television just got pimped thanks to Verizon's Somos Fios! I won the Grand Prize in their recent twitter party, a 32 inch Samsung HDTV Television! Check it out below!





Don't you just love my super cute Turkey Hill Cow sitting happily on top of the box?

You can get social with them to on Twitter and Facebook and via twitter use the hashtag #SomosFios, and hint hint, feel free to tell them on twitter and facebook that you would like them to host a twitter party with Ascending Butterfly, aka @Ascending1 as the host!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - New iPod Touch - While it wasn't from a Twitter Party, I did win a sweet new iPod Touch from BlogHer! I have been following the series of giveaways from their Life Well Lived Moments Sweepstakes, and I found out recently that I won Sweepstakes #8. Because to some degree bloggers often live their lives out loud, it makes many think we share often or easily, but I'm actually very much the opposite, I'm pretty shy mostly, and essay type entries where I have to share something personal aren't so easy for me. So when I found out that I won I was truly surprised and touched. I felt grateful that doing something (that perhaps for others comes easier) like sharing a personal story paid off in such a big way. I'm a total tech nerd, it's the side of me that doesn't come across on these pages nearly enough, but I have always been the one who sets everything up when it comes to new electronics or computers. And you know what's super cool? There is still time for YOU to get in on the fun, they posted Sweepstakes 9 in the Life Well Lived Moments Sweepstakes! You can enter to win a brand new iPod Touch and a $50 iTunes Gift Card by sharing your Life Well Lived Moment regarding an important tool in your life at: http://www.blogher.com/life-well-lived-moments-sweepstakes-9

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Out and About - I have had the opportunity to attend some fun events about town (the benefits of living in New York City is that there is something going on pretty much at all times) and I'll keep posting more recaps as often as possible!

What are YOU most grateful for this week Butterfly?

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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Giveaway Notices

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Don't be bummed as winners have NOT yet been selected in the two most recent expired giveaways. Winners will be selected & notified soon for the Wilson's Leather $200 Gift Card Giveaway and the Hollywood Movie Money Gift Vouchers for the What to Expect When You're Expecting Giveaway. Thanks for your patience butterflies! We will have our first giveaway posted soon in the annual Dads N Grads Buying Guide series soon as well! (It's June already? Seriously, where did MAY go?)

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
















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

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

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Hey YOU Hang In There It's Almost Friday!




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Wednesday, May 30, 2012

I was a Walmart Choice Steak Challenge Judge!

Welcome to my Not so Wordless Wednesday!



On May 22nd Walmart, Kingsford and Coca-Cola put me to the challenge, the Walmart Choice Steak Challenge as a Judge - Eight top chefs had a chance to compete and put their skills and meat grills to the test!

The challenge began at various Walmart's where shoppers tasted the steaks prepared by the chefs and and selected favorites, ultimately 8 chef finalists from cities including Tampa, Miami, Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville and Atlanta were selected to compete in New York City for best seared steak honors, (as well as a check for $5,000 for themselves and another check for their preferred charity), in a contest judged by champion pit master Chris Lilly and other food luminaries (including yours truly!).

The Chefs who competed for the title included:

Richard Chamberlain of Richard Chamberlain's Steak and Chop House of Dallas who prepared a Grilled Filet Mignon with Smoky Spice Rub and Grilled Salad with Tomato-Basil Vinaigrette. His Charity of Choice is Bridge Builders. His Grilling Tip:


"Flare ups are a big part of grilling. As a kid I used to help my dad avoid them by standing over the grill with a squirt gun." ~ Chef Richard Chamberlain

Ronald (Ronnie) Killen of Killen's Steakhouse of Houston who prepared Grilled Rib Eyes with Garlic Pepper Dry Rub and Grilled Corn with Herbed Butter. His Charity of Choice is Recipe for Success. His Grilling Tip:

"Be sure that when you take your steaks off the grill that you allow them to rest before cutting. This will ensure that all of the juices stay in." ~ Chef Ronald Killen

Eric Lackey of Flamestone American Grill in Tampa who prepared Grilled Rib Eye with Everglades Rub, Coca-Cola Balsamic Marinated Bermuda Onion and Grilled Beefsteak Tomato with Himalayan Pink Rock Salt Crust. (We talked about our mutual love of Himalayan Pink Rock Salt as I use it too!). His Charity of Choice is The Abilities Foundation. His Grilling Tip:

"The key is using Kingsford Charcoal, which you should light in chimneys prior to grilling. Also, it's important to set two stage fire zones for searing and cooking." ~ Chef Eric Lackey

David Larkworthy of 5 Seasons Brewing in Atlanta who prepared Cherry Cola Chili Smoked Rib Eye and Avocado Mashed Potatoes. His Charity of Choice: Alzheimer's Association. (By the way, in my opinion he is the chef with the most awesome smile, which I think my photo really does capture! I always say happy chefs impart extra love and flavor in the food!). His Grilling Tip:

"Don't be afraid of the grill. Grill anything and everything. Work with your fire and most imporantly, have fun!" ~ Chef David Larkworthy

Daniel Nemec of Kirby's Steakhouse in San Antonio who prepared Grilled Rib Eye with Coca-Cola Reduction and Grilled Potato Salad. His Charity of Choice is: The Huntington Disease Foundation. His Grilling Tip:

"Your coals need to be bright red with a thin white ash coating. You also need a clean grill grate that has been thoroughly oiled with canola oil (do not use olive oil - it will smoke too much and give a bitter flavor to whatever you're grilling). Once you have followed these steps you are ready to grill and enjoy!"

Note: I wasn't able to capture an individual shot of Chef Nemec, but I do have him in several group shots, refer to group shots after the individual chef profiles.

David Rook of Copia Restaurant & Wine Garden in St. Louis who prepared Grilled Rib Eyes with Horseradish Garlic Butter Sauce and Grilled Mixed Vegetable Salad. (This one definitely had a kick to it!) His Charity of Choice: The American Diabetes Association. His Grilling Tip:

"Always wait for the grill to reach a medium heat as opposed to a high heat to avoid charring your meat." ~ Chef David Rook

Erik Sierra of the Red Fish Grill in Miami who prepared Grilled Rib Eye with Red Wine Glaze and Char-grilled Vegetables with Arugala-Orange Pesto. (This one also had a very robust flavor! and I'm also fond of using Wine in my cooking!). His Charity of Choice: ASPCA. His Grilling Tip:

"I like my steak to be medium-rare so I recommend using a meat thermometer to obtain your preferred doneness." ~ Chef Erik Sierra

Willy Thomas of Park Cafe in Nashville who prepared Coffee Rubbed Steak with Grilled Onion and Bleu Cheese Dressing as well as Grilled Corn on the Cob with Lime Chipotle Mayonnaise. (The meat had a strong flavor with the Bleu Cheese, and the Lime Chipotle Mayo on the Grilled Corn on the Cob was fantastic!). His Charity of Choice: Vanderbilt University Department of Child Neurology Epilepsy Research.  His Grilling Tip:

"Like a good golfer, pull out a blade of grass and throw it up in the air to determine which way the wind is blowing so you don't get smoke in your face - works perfectly" (I have to admit this one made me smile, as I used to organize charity golf tournaments many moons ago!)

Note: I wasn't able to capture an individual shot of Chef Thomas, but I do have him in several group shots, refer to group shots after the individual chef profiles.

Left: Chef Daniel Nemec (see above in his profile for his quote) Very Right: Chef Willy Thomas (see above for his quote)

And the winner:


@2012 Photo Courtesy of Kingsford Charcoal


Congratulations to Chef Richard Chamberlain who won the challenge!

Winning Chef Richard Chamberlain Center and the Ascending Butterfly Team

As you can he was super personable, here is a photo of team Ascending Butterfly with the winning Chef! Congrats to the Chef and his charity of choice, Bridge Builders! You know Ascending Butterfly loves covering stories with HEART! 




Team Butterfly had a great time at the Walmart Steak Challenge, feel free to grab recipes and learn more about the great selection of Steaks Walmart has to offer, you can also get social with them on Facebook! Butterflies did you know that only 1 out of 5 steaks is good enough to be called Walmart Choice Premium Beef? Look for the seal my friends and don't accept anything less for your family! The quality of any cut of meat greatly determines the result of the flavor of the dish, so choose carefully butterfly!



Above: I just had to brag a bit about the group shot above, apparently a hot shot photographer on the scene who apparently felt he had priority over everyone taking a photo, told me quite loudly to MOVE out HIS way. And I said no, my shot is already set up, and when I did the chefs looked my way and smiled (I think a few were quite pleased with my *gumption*)

Did you grill some great Steaks over Memorial Day Weekend? Do you have a Father's Day BBQ planned?


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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. This post is non-compensated. This is an event recap of a Walmart, Kingsford and Coca-Cola sponsored event, all opinions are 100% my own.