{#Beauty Review} My daytime/night-time #skincare one-two punch! @PURattitude + #RadiantwithAVEENO #SleepoverInfluenster

I've been using a skincare regimen that's been really showing positive results for me and I just had to share it with you!

I'm a big fan of serums and have been using PUR Attitude's 'Fountain of Youth' Serum during the day and in the evening after removing makeup I have been using Aveeno's Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream and  I can tell you this combination has been a major one/two punch for my skin, they have been doing so much for my skin that even family and friends have noticed a difference, and what I love is how quickly I noticed the difference using them.

PUR Attitude Fountain of Youth Serum

By Day: About PUR Attitude 'Fountain of Youth Serum':

This non-toxic, anti-aging serum combines peptide science with an exclusive blend of Hyaluronix technology to visibly increase the collagen and elastin matrix for firmer skin and less visible wrinkles. It's dubbed as a Botox alternative and much like the Fountain of Youth of Lore, is said to be able to 'turn back the hands of time'!

Dramatic Results Include:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - a 754% Increase in skin oxygenation

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - a 128% Boost in collagen

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - a 90% Increase in skin hydration

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - an 85% Increase in cell renewal

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - a 56% Reduction in the appearance of wrinkles

A 1 fl oz bottle is equal to a 6 to 8 week supply! (I am so happy I got a chance to meet the team behind this fantastic brand at Beauty Press Spotlight Day last year, you can see our original coverage of it HERE)

Aveeno Active Naturals Intensive Night Cream + Sleep Mask in Influenster Box!

By Night: About AVEENO Positively Radiant Intensive Night Cream:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brightens and evens skin tone

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Reduces skin dullness and improves luminosity

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Helps banish Brown Spots

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Proven concentration of Active Naturals Total Soy Complex boosted with tone-evening vitamin B3

My Take:

I normally like to let each product have it's own day in the sun and feature them seperately, but because they have worked so well for me using them daily in tandem, I had to share them with you together. The day serum isn't cheap at $90 for the 1 fl oz, but for me price isn't nearly as important as efficacy is. This product works, and I noticed a difference immediately, and on the few days that I don't use it, I notice it and that says alot because I'm using quality cosmetics. So if on a day I don't use the serum I can still notice a difference made up, then that's proof in the pudding it's doing what it says it does! What I love is that a very little goes a long way with this. My skin is oil/acne prone and this did not clog my pores and just makes my skin feel incredible and the firming properties are really noticeable!

As you guys know I have been testing Aveeno Active Naturals before receiving this wonderful bundle of love from Influenster (which included a sleep mask, how cute is that?), you can read HERE for our previous coverage of the line, but I can tell you that despite using such a phenomenal serum by day, after I wash off my makeup when I go to put my Aveeno Active Naturals Intensive Night Cream on, my skin literally drinks it in! I love the scent and even make sure to put it on my neck and decolletage at night too! It makes my face feel softer and smoother and in a very short time I noticed a difference in brown spots and my skin's luminosity. I have a lot of brown spots and acne scars which I normally cover up with makeup if I get enough time before running out the door in the morning. With  this night cream I actually feel like I'm addressing the problem in a way that makes a more permanent difference than makeup can alone. And at $16.99 for the 17 oz jar this one is definitely a steal!

These are both working very well as a skin 'tag team' of sorts! And considering my skin is oily/acne prone, I love that neither one clog my pores, nor do they make my skin feel greasy in any way. On days where time is crazy and I forget to use either one I do see a difference and it's a great reminder to stick to this effective skin care routine!

Have you tried Fountain of Youth/PUR Attitude or Aveeno Products? Share Your Experiences with us. What is your daily skincare ritual Butterfly?

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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly was provided product samples of both products for editorial consideration, however all opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. We share products that we feel will benefit our readers and blog using all Ethical Blogger Standards and Guidelines. You can also check out our Full Disclosure Policy for more information.

Motivation Monday: The Mother's Day + Money Isn't Everything + Winner Edition!

Yesterday we posted about the the StrongMoms Pledge and a recap of the StrongMoms Empowerment Summit in New York City, if you missed that post, or would still like to take the pledge, click HERE. I hope you do take the pledge, you don't have to be a mom to vow not to bash other moms and always be supportive! As adults this pledge is an example that shows younger people how important it is to be supportive of one another and NOT bully each other both on or offline, let's set the example! We all do the same things in very different ways sometimes, that doesn't make it bad or good, wrong or right, let's embrace what makes everyone unique and be more supportive of each other! I hope all our mom readers had a fantastic day. And for those whose moms are now in heaven, know that they were with you yesterday! And if you saw a butterfly on your path, it was someone who has passed away saying hello to you!
We also announced the winner of our $100 Wilson's Leather Gift Card Giveaway, you can click HERE to go straight to the rafflecopter widget and check it out, the winner was Katie R. who was entry #3394. I am sure she is going to find something that she loves at Wilsons Leather! You guys did a great job, we got just under 3,900 entries and after deleting those did not follow the rules (like not being a GFC follower or just leaving the rafflecopter blank) we ended with a total of 3,563 entries, which is the biggest turnout to date, and I got a lot of emails telling me just how much you guys loved that jacket! I love that Wilson's always provides gift cards so YOU can select your choice of item (which is also great for our male readers who don't want handbags!) :)
And because it's Monday and we can all use some Motivation, or if anything at least a good chuckle, here is some Monday Motivation for you:




























Seriously though, if your money is getting you down......LOL

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post.

Happy Mother's Day! Have You Taken The StrongMoms® Pledge Yet? {#Photos and recap of StrongMoms® Empowerment Summit in New York City} #strongmomsempower

Display Signage at StrongMoms Empowerment Summit in New York City

When a survey leads to a summit you have to figure it must be pretty powerful! The National Motherhood Decisions Survey which was conducted by Mom Central and Similac found that 95% of moms feel negatively judged on their parenting decisions. The online survey included responses from over 1,100 moms with at least one child under 5 years of age and found that moms feel most judged on decisions related to parenting approaches, work, as well as infant feeding. Surprisingly, moms that completed this survey felt equally judged for being 'too strict' and equally judged for 'spoiling' their kids! (Sadly, this judgment goes beyond moms and mom bloggers, it's occurs with all genres/styles!)

Display Signage at StrongMoms Empowerment Summit in New York City

The survey results and the issue of 'mom-judging' was the focus of the May 7th, 2013 StrongMoms® Empowerment Summit in New York City, hosted by The MOMS and presenting Sponsor Similac. The goal of the Summit was to heighten awareness of the issue and to empower moms by creating a more supportive and less judgmental environment, both on and offline. A panel of influential moms shared stories that included how they created their support systems and how they empower themselves and other daily.

“Similac created StrongMoms Empower^™ to encourage moms to support each other and build confidence in their decisions.” ~ Rhonda Hoffman, Division Vice President and General Manager, U.S. Pediatric Nutrition

Speakers and Panelists Display Signage at StrongMoms  Empowerment Summit in NYC

Speakers and Experts on the Panel included:

Three-time Olympic Gold Medalist Kerri Walsh Jennings:

“As someone in the public eye, others have definitely judged some of my parenting choices,” said Kerri Walsh Jennings, three-time Olympic gold medalist in beach volleyball and mother of three. “But I don’t let their comments get to me. I try my hardest and make the decisions I think are the best for my family and me. I think that’s all any mom can do.”

Parenting Expert Michele Borba, Ed.D.:

“It’s not easy being a mom in today’s world,” said Michele Borba, Ed.D., expert on parenting and bullying prevention and StrongMoms Advisory Board member. “Moms face tremendous pressure to make the ‘perfect’ parenting decisions, and there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting.”

"The Kid's Doctor" Sue Hubbard, M.D.

"Anxiety plays a role in raising stressed out kids!"

Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein, The MOMS

“There’s no such thing as a ‘Mom Manual,’" said Denise Albert and Melissa Musen Gerstein of The MOMS, StrongMoms Advisory Board Members. “StrongMoms Empower has such an important message for all moms – whether you work or stay home, breastfeed or formula feed, are strict in your parenting or not – the message to support mom is universal.”

The Chatty Momma Blogger, Tonia Sanders

Tonia Sanders (wearing the red dress) blogs at http://thechattymomma.com/

Founder of ExtraordinaryMommy.com Danielle Smith

Right: Danielle Smith, (Who is wearing the Orange striped dress) is the founder of www.extraordinarymommy.com/ and one of the authors of 'Mom, Incorporated'

If you are interested in checking out Danielle's book, you can order it directly from Amazon below:

All Speakers!

Producer Dina Conte Schulz (Far Right) is with 'The Kid's Doctor Media'

Moderator, Darlene Rodriguez

Moderator, Darlene Rodriguez, is co-anchor of the award winning 'Today in New York' and she also fills in as co-anchor for the NBC 4 New York's Evening Newscasts.

My Take:

I love that the StrongMoms Empowerment Summit featured real moms sharing their real world experiences, the good, the bad and the ugly. Those moments where they didn't feel so empowered were used to help empower other moms when they got the chance and that is exactly what it's all about. I firmly believe that every experience we go through, especially the bad ones, are meant as teaching tools, they empower us to help someone else facing the same situation.

I took the Pledge:

And I hope that you will visit StrongMoms® Empower and take the pledge too! Let's stop judging each other, and help empower each other. What better gift can you give Mom, than pledging to empower ALL moms?

I won the centerpiece!

I was at the lucky seat at my table (there was a little purple sticker on my chair) and I won my table's centerpiece (which contained an Orchid, Roses and pretty Carnations!) And the (former) event planner in me must share that the venue, the Apella Event Space at Alexandria Center in New York City couldn't have been more perfect!

Happy Mother's Day Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored/Compensated Post, no monetary compensation has been received to share our event recap. All opinions are 100% my own. The banner to the book is an affiliate link. I genuinely feel the world would be a MUCH better place if we took as much time empowering one another as we do be-littling each other!

You can only hope to look this good at 90! Check out the #90thAnniversary 90th Birthday Activities with @AlexanderDollCo

On April 30th, The Madame Alexander Doll Company held a 90th Anniversary (aka 90th 'Birthday) event in  their NEW Mid-Town Manhattan New York City Showroom. For those in the know, the iconic doll company was headquartered originally in Harlem New York, so it was a bit weird to see them in their new location, they were such an intrinsic part of the Harlem Community for so long. (Not to mention their new offices with their proximity to Macy's Herald Square is so much more dangerous for me as it's way to tempting to go shopping after leaving their new offices now!)

21" Cissy Doll emulating a photo of Madame Alexander from a 1920's photo, wearing a beaded dress and fur shawl with a rhinestone broach. She was on display in a display case of her own, so please forgive the glare of my flash.

For those that don't know the brand history, Madame Beatrice Alexander initiated an infamous series of 'firsts' in the toy industry including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first doll based on a licensed character, Scarlette O'Hara from Gone With the Wind

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to bring feature Baby Dolls to market

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to create dolls in honor of living people, including Queen Elizabeth, the Dionne Quints and more

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first full figured fashion doll, 'Cissy', with haute couture outfits (years before Barbie hit the market!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to invent the 'sleep eyes' mechanism that makes dolls' eyes close

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first-ever line of Patriotic Dolls

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The first to use hard plastic in doll manufacturing

Collection of Madame Alexander Dolls on display in their new midtown Manhattan New York City Headquarters

They have spent 9 decades capturing the imagination and passion of doll lovers and collectors world wide, and at 90 they couldn't look better, we can all only hope to look that good at 90! My introduction to the brand was when my Grand-Mother gave me my first Madame Alexander doll. My Grand-Mother was a nurse but one of her many passions was embroidery and sewing and she would make Bridal Dolls for Weddings, using Madame Alexander dolls and creating a replica of the bride's dress for the doll. Her handi-work was amazing, and after each one was done, I wanted them all! Everytime I get to visit or attend a Madame Alexander event, it's always a bit nostalgic and bitter-sweet for me, because I instantly think of my Grand-Mother and her late night's making Bridal Dress replicas for Madame Alexander dolls for brides (if anyone out there has one of my Grandmother's creations, I'd love to see a photo!). I only wish she would have been here to make one for me for my own wedding.

Dollie & Me Display in the reception area of their headquarters in Midtown, New York City

The famous doll company is now owned by Kahn Lucas Lancaster, Inc, a global designer and wholesaler of branded girls' dresses and fashion collections, and during the 90th Anniversary event, we got the chance to learn more about Dollie & Me, a doll lifestyle brand made by Madame Alexander and designed by Kahn Lucas. In addition to selling dolls with matching outfits for girls, they strive to empower young girls through positive and imaginative play. The 18' dolls and trendy matching girl dresses, outfits and pajamas can also be purchased seperately (in case your little princess doesn't necessarily want her little friend to match her all the time!). And for my fellow butterfly lovers there were tons of fab butterfly dollie & me outfits to choose from.

90th Anniversary Collection Dolls are limited edition and all come with a special 90th anniversary hang tag!

The New York City event included a Dylan's Candy Bar treats station:

Dylan's Candy Bar Treat Station at Madame Alexander 90th Anniversary Celebration in New York City! Notice the Dylan's Candy Bar Queen 8-inch Wendy Doll in the background? She is currently on pre-order and expected to ship September 2013!

90th Anniversary Cupcakes:

Madame Alexander Doll Company 90th Anniversary Celebration in their new midtown Manhattan New York City Headquarters attendees enjoyed 90th anniversary cupcakes

I just had to snap a shot of this Eloise at the Plaza replica that was designed for FAO Schwarz:

The Plaza Hotel Replica designed by Madame Alexander for FAO Schwarz in New York City

and a doll to take home! (A bit hard to explain why I was carrying this doll at the Fashion Events I attended later that afternoon and evening!)

Want to join Ascending Butterfly in wishing Madame Alexander a very Happy 90th Anniversary/Birthday?

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Alexander Dolls on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @AlexanderDollCo on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You can also become Pin friends with Madame Alexander (Official) on Pinterest

What is your favorite doll Butterfly?

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FTC Dislcosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no compensation has been received to share our event recap coverage. We were given Dylan's Candy Treats, Cupcakes and a gift bag!

Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly Silent Edition!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. Shhh.....it's Wordless Wednesday!

Wanna Power Walk an Overnight Marathon in Your Bra? For Real! Let's Do it! #MoonWalkNYC

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Walk the Walk. All Opinions Expressed in this post are 100% my own!

I wasn't around for the Feminist 'Ban the Bra' Movement, but awhile back there was a big controversy in New York City when Men were allowed to go Topless on local beaches but women not only could not go Topless, they would be fined for it. So when I found out about an event that is actually encouraging women to 'Power-Walk' in their bras, I just had to share (and find out more! Color me Intrigued! Time for my Rebel Yell!).

Participants with hands held high wearing decorated bras at Walk the Walk's Moon Walk Marathon

About/History of MoonWalk:

Walk the Walk was formed 17 years ago when a handful of women Power Walked the New York City Marathon in their bras to raise money and awareness for Breast Cancer. What started off as a one time fundraising event grew into a multi-million dollar charity, that to date has raised over $126M for Breast Cancer causes and has engaged over 300,000 participants.

It all began with founder of Walk the Walk, Nina Barough, who after only two months since her adventure at the New York City Marathon, found out in January 1997 that she herself had Breast Cancer. A very aggressive tumor (which is believed she had for three years), turned her world upside down and her treatment included a mastectomy, followed by radiation therapy, and a two year course of Zoladex Injections and Tamoxifen (a drug that has a few side effects of it's own). In 1998 Walk the Walk, became an official charity that not only promotes a healthy and fit lifestyle, but also raises money for breast cancer causes.

Walk the Walk is a grant making charity who has held MoonWalk events in London and Edinburgh as well as SunWalks in Newcastle, Bristol and Southampton.

And amazingly enough the MoonWalk officially comes full circle this year! The inaugural event in America is being held in New York City where it all began for Founder Nina Barough!

Balloons Being Released during MoonWalk Marathon

WHEN AND WHERE/HOW DO I SIGN UP:

Ready to decorate your bra and get started? I thought so! Here are the deets:

MoonWalk NYC presented by Empire BlueCross BlueShield will take place on July 20, 2013 at Randall's Island in New York City. An estimated 8,000 participants will join in an opening ceremony celebration at Randall's Island, walkers will then depart weaving through Manhattan and passing some of the City's most iconic landmarks lit up brightly at night!

There are two courses to ensure that everyone can participate regardless of their fitness levels or abilities, there will be a 'Half Moon' (13.1 Miles) and a 'Full Moon' (26.3) Miles.

Both Women AND Men are welcome to participate!

They are hoping to raise $2 Million dollars in ONE night, the bulk of which will be granted to Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center to help support the Breast Examination Center in Harlem, which is one of the first FREE screening facilities for Breast Cancer in the country. 80% of patients are un-insured, and this center not only provides them free screenings, but support and guidance as well. (You may remember we mentioned the center last year as well!)

Not only do they offer a half and full marathon, they also need volunteers, so if you are not up for running or walking, consider volunteering a few hours of your time to make a huge difference for an incredible cause, let's face it, it will be the most unique, rewarding and fun volunteer experience you will ever have!

I am going to check with my doctors and see if they will clear me for this, if I do opt to run I will form a team so if you want to join me you will be able to do so! But if you can't wait for me and decide to form your own team or want help in finding other Ascending Butterfly readers who will be there, please post your comments here! Let us know your team name if you form a team before I do, and a way to contact you if others wish to join your team. You may want to meet in advance to train with your team, or spend an evening decorating coordinated bras to show your team pride! I'm behind you all the way!

Want a sneak peek of what to expect? Of course you do, check it out here:

 

Who says Breast Cancer Awareness efforts should only happen in October? This is NOT your mama's breast cancer walk! Be sure to share this post on your social media sites butterflies, the more the merrier, the more awareness raised the more lives we can save.

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FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post from One2One Network and Walk the Walk. All Opinions Expressed in this post are 100% my own!

Motivation Monday: 'A Good Life' Edition!

Sometimes we just need a little butterfly to remind us that we really do have a Good Life, and we just need to celebrate it!

Happy Motivation Monday Butterflies, let your wings take flight this week!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post.

Weekly Moment of #Gratitude + Active #Giveaway: Happy Cinco de Mayo Edition!

What I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Girl Time! -  I got to spend some time after an event hanging out with one of my favorite bloggy buddies, Milena from beyourbestmom.com, she tagged me on a great post she wrote called the '10 Things I learned this week'. We spent time hanging out at a pub that I had heard the name of, but had never visited, Pig 'N' Whistle (36th Street in New York City). I highly recommend the Calamari there, and I'm pretty picky about my Fried Calamari! It's definitely enough to share! It's actually not far from Macy's, so if you are shopping and want to wet your whistle, I'd definitely recommend them. I get to hang out with such amazing New York City Bloggers, but mostly at events, which means we don't always get a chance to just have girl talk and really connect, so I'm super grateful that Milena and I got to take a moment that wasn't event related to break bread and just talk! (Well it was somewhat event related, because we hung out after an event, that I will recap here soon!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Veg Time! - I spent some downtime catching up on movies I hadn't seen yet on cable, totally dis-connected and just watching some Movies, just what the doctor ordered!

I have been keeping my own daily list of things I am grateful for and taking time to acknowledge my blessings daily. A bit of concentrated focus on what you do have, instead of on what you lack or need, can make a huge shift in your life!

What are YOU most grateful for today 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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Active Giveaway!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Just in time to get my butterflies ready for swimsuit season, this month's Ascending Butterfly Book Club title is The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy, don't forget to enter, you've got to be in it to win it!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Entries are currently being processed, and we hope to announce a winner soon for the $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway.

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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 (I love that it gives you writing prompts for when you feel stuck on what to say!):

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

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, all opinions are 100% my own. Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Best Buy Wants to Help You Capture and Store Your Memorable Moments at a Price That WON'T Break the Bank!

As many of you have already guessed from my recent posts both here and across my Social Media sites, I am on the hunt for a new Digital Camera. Don't get me wrong, my first 'real' Digital Camera is an Olympus that I love, love, love, it's compact, sturdy (over the years it has withstood quite a few steep falls and is still ticking), and it takes way better pictures than any mobile device I've tried.

But much like my blog has evolved throughout the years, so have my photography skills and it's time to make the big (price-wise) and scary leap of upgrading to a DSLR, and I have my choices narrowed down based on recommendations from friends, family, consumer reviews and other bloggers I have queried.

Instagram pictures from events will always have their place to share information when I am at an event or conference and don't have time or access for a full post. But to me nothing, and I mean nothing, beats the optical quality of a picture taken from a camera. Very few smart phone or smart device photos can actually rival those of a good quality camera.

Not to mention, those important memories are ones that you will want to share and even enlarge and frame, and very few smart phone photos are of sufficient optical quality to be able to enlarge them without them becoming blurry, pixelated and for all intensive purposes, useless.

I have been doing my research and I've narrowed down my choices to either the Canon - EOS Rebel T5i pictured below:

or the Nikon - D3200 24.2-Megapixel Digital SLR Camera pictured below:

I hear great things about both cameras, If you have either one, please post a comment and let us know what you think!

As an 'April Baby' Spring is my season, my Spring Memories Season, first my birthday in April, Mother's Day in May, and in June there are June Weddings to attend, Graduation Ceremonies to attend and Father's Day too and let's not even get started on summer vacations! My favorite take home from any vacation is my photos!

With Mother's Day swiftly approaching, many people often wonder what to get Mom, whether it's your mom you are shopping for, or for men that are shopping for their wives & the mother of their children. I will stop and tell you first and foremost what NOT to get mom, do NOT get mom a new household cleaning appliance for Mother's Day. That is not a gift for HER. Get her something that she will cherish and treasure for always.

I for one am incredibly tech oriented, so for me a new DSLR would get my heart racing, but there are ways to get a tech friendly gift for those who are not necessarily tech oriented, a Digital Photo Frame is a great gift for mom (a new DSLR + a Digital Photo Frame would be even better, just saying!), it's a great way to store treasured family memories. (Extra Brownie Points for pre-loading it with her favorite photos and setting it up for her!). And with Best Buy offering Digital Photo Frames less than $50, you can get the moms in your life a meaningful gift that doesn't break the bank!

And butterflies if you think that rocks, what until you find out what else Best Buy has in store for YOU! For a limited time you can get an ADDITIONAL 25% off select digital photo frames with a special Friends & Family Coupon Offer! You can either press the word coupon in the previous sentence, or go directly to www.bestbuy.com and when you purchase a Digital Photo Frame with the SKUs: 2915399, 2915371, 6331239, 3757047, and 3757065, to redeem coupon, enter the code MEMORYMAKER at check out to see an additional 25% savings off the already low price! (Who loves you butterfly?) And if you didn't read our helpful post on Best Buy and Recycling, remember you can trade in your old camera for a Best Buy Gift Card, which you should of course put towards a special Mother's Day Gift for your Mom! 

With a low price guarantee, free shipping on cameras and a limited time additional 25% savings on Digital Photo Frames, Best Buy has got you covered for Mother's Day, Father's Day, Graduation, Summer Travel and BEYOND!

So Butterfly, what are you getting for your mom this Mother's Day?

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FTC: Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post, compensation has been received in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or the products/services referenced have been provided at a reduced price or for free. I am a member of Best Buy's Wolf Blogger Blogging Campaign. All opinions are 100% my own.

Ascending Butterfly May Monthly #Book Club Title: Review and #Giveaway of The Fast Metabolism Diet #FastMetabolismDiet

This is a sponsored post/Giveaway for SheSpeaks/Fast Metabolism Diet (All opinions are my own):

I spent 2010 and 2011 on a series of Lifestyle Changes that resulted in very healthy weight loss overtime. Getting more excercise and recipe substitions had resulted in the loss of 3 dress sizes and way more energy. I was thrilled!

Then 2012 happened. I spent the bulk of the year at three different hospitals for long term stays. Which meant being sick to my stomach and not wanting to eat due to the medications and surgeries, and a ton of time in a hospital bed which meant no excercise. To say last year threw me off my game is an understatement. Considering I was told I may not make it, I have much to be grateful for. Every few months it's back to the hospital for testing and I still can't go back to a full workout routine yet.

With summer coming I want to have tons of energy because after a year in the hospital, I plan to go out everyday and take full advantage of the sun this summer! I knew I needed to find a way to get my metabolism going knowing full well that I can't yet go back to the workout routine I was enjoying in 2010 and 2011 (which included Zumba and Yoga).

I had actually seen the book on TV before I was invited to participate in this campaign and it had caught my eye. The one thing I've learned through the years is that Lifestyle Changes, (no matter what they are for, to break bad habits, learn new ones, incorporate meditation into your day), have to be logical and not too difficult to incorporate to be successful. From what I had seen this looked easy to do, and seemed to make sense for me with my many restrictions.

I am going to be totally honest, I tried this out and didn't follow it to the letter, but it's OK because I knew I probably wouldn't. My schedule is erratic and because of my varied obligations, it's ever changing. Events in NYC come with cocktails, food, appetizers and all kind of things that are not always what I was meant to be eating that day. And worse still meetings all day and events most evenings including weekends leave very little time for much of a workout routine anyway.

The Science behind The Fast Metabolism Diet is explained graphically on their website and it's worth taking a look at so you can get an idea of 'the HOW' behind the diet. As a single girl in the city I didn't have the problem of worrying about other people in the home not liking the meals, it was just me I had to worry about. Is that how I eat everyday? NO. So it was hard to get adjusted to. For me the biggest problem was the cutting back of refined sugars, I love my chocolate and my Ice Cream and I am NOT going to cut them completely out of my life.

I was excited to discover that some of the foods I already love like Lobster, Shrimp, Avocados, Cashews, Seaweed (Sushi anyone?), stimulate the release of fat-burning T4 and T3 hormones which create a thermogenic effect in the body, melting those hard fat stores and allowing them to be liquified by the Thyroid Hormones, burned for energy and released from the body. This burn boosts your metabolism!

I know what you are thinking by now, 'So Butterfly, Did it WORK?'. Yes it did. I did not lose 20 pounds, but I have a firm policy of not gauging my weight loss with the scale, I lost one dress size so far, and I have maintained that size, my underwear/lingerie are all so loose I have to get new stuff in a size down, and I am happy with that progress. I am not following it to the letter, but with the principles it outlines, and with me slowly but surely being able to become progressively more active I am sure I will be back to where I was in 2011 in no time.

We are happy to make this our first title for the return of the Book Club, and with the advent of swimsuit season upon us, I am happy to recommend this program as the kick start to a series of full Lifestyle changes that will help you get ready to put your best face forward this summer!

Get Social With It:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Author Haylie Pomroy on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Follow @hayliepomroy on Twitter

WIN IT: 

Our friends at She Speaks and The Fast Metabolism Diet want one lucky Ascending Butterfly reader to have the chance to kickstart and rev up their metabolism too!

Enter using the Rafflecopter Widget below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post for She Speaks/Fast Metabolism Diet. I received compensation and a complimentary copy of the book, the sponsor is also fulfilling to the giveaway winner. All opinions are 100% my own.