Monday, September 21, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Know Your Spirit - Awaken Your Inner Mixologist

This weekend I had the opportunity to attend a Dewars Discovery Event. While the tasting was a huge component of the event, the history behind the product and the chance for attendees to mix our own Scotch was one of the highlights. At first it reminded me of science class, there were beakers set up on the tables and within each beaker was a 'note' or essence of what you find in the final blend, separated out so we could learn to identify them individually.

And while they may not seem like similar experiences on the outset, the night brought me back to a trip to Mexico where I visited a very small museum. I went through the exhibits at the museum relatively quickly and right before I was ready to leave, the Museum's Docent stopped me and asked me questions I could not answer about the exhibits. Exhibits I had just seen! He led me through again, asking questions about each piece that were not only incisive, but very much reminded me that it's important to be more observant about what I see and experience.

This weekend was more than an opportunity to 'know my spirits' so to speak, it was reminder to observe and savor what life has to offer.

While I do enjoy a fine Scotch particularly in winter, I never really stopped to think about the flavors and notes of it. I never really stopped to truly appreciate it. (Although I will admit I did stop to appreciate it's ability to warm me up when it was freezing outside! LOL)

Today I urge you to savor the beautiful things, the beautiful experiences and the beautiful people that surround you.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'Today I observe the nuances, I see the small things and I enjoy the beauty my life has to offer.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!
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Sunday, September 20, 2009 - This Week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and TWO giveaways!

Living in Gratitude

On Sunday's, 'Today's Moment of Inspiration' becomes the weekly 'Moment of Gratitude'. While I do still live in Gratitude each and everyday, I decided to change this feature to a weekly to allow a full week of Inspirational messages and breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

1) Ascending Butterfly has been nominated for the Divine Caroline's Love! This Site Awards '09 For the 'Body and Soul' category! I am absolutely floored. I have been a long time reader of The Divine Caroline Website and consider them one of my daily sources of inspiration. My heart was certainly filled with gratitude to find out we were nominated. And more meaningful still, to find out it was an Ascending Butterfly reader who nominated us! Thank You! If you would like to vote for us, please click HERE!

2) I am grateful for Ascending Butterfly sponsors who have this made this whole summer special, and there is certainly more great stuff to come! We moved the 'Today's Butterfly' feature to the very upper right hand side of the page, making it easier and faster to enter our giveaways. And bringing our great and generous sponsors to the spotlight!

3) I'm also grateful for Ascending Butterfly's wonderful readers. This week many of you shared your gratitude list and it was wonderful to have the opportunity to peek into everyone's world. Many readers missed the gratitude last week, and we are happy to say it's back! :-)

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

It is OK to *Re-Tweet* the link to this post and You can find me (@Tracy_Iglesias) on Twitter here! 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 TWO giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

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Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day feature, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier.

NOTE: To our Twitter Followers, you must join Ascending Butterfly via Google Friends connect and then follow the contest instructions regarding your entry comment to be entered. You are NOT automatically entered into the giveaways solely by following on twitter. Please follow ALL contest/giveaway instructions CAREFULLY.

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Friday, September 18, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Happy New Year!

This weekend is Rosh Hashanah and I just wanted to wish our readers who will be observing this religious holiday, a new year filled with prosperity, health, happiness and abundance!

The website, chabad.org has a wonderful very easy to follow 2009 Rosh Hashanah Calendar, the direct link can be found by pressing HERE.

While it may not be the New Year for those of us not observing, every day can be a day of inner renewal. By being more conscious of your inner dialogue and the way it does you harm. Do you find yourself reacting negatively to deadlines and stress? Do you put yourself down in your mind instead of using inner dialogue that can boost your self-esteem instead?

Make today the begining of your 'Inner New Year' by changing your inner dialogue. Just like you are quick to praise friends, family members and even co-workers for a job well done, do the same for yourself. Start as soon as you wake up each morning. Instead of focusing on the things that bother you, focus on one thing each day that you love about yourself. When a negative thought is threatening to creep in, don't claim it, get rid of it by using the focused breathing techniques and affirmations you learn here. Change your thoughts, Change Your Life. Yes it really can be that simple. If you choose to let it.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'Today is the first day of my inner New Year.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!
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Thursday, September 17, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

CH CH CHANGES

We interrupt your regularly scheduled words of inspiration to inform you of a feature 'move'. Readers have asked us to make entering the contests and giveaways, faster and easier. Your wish is our command! We have moved our 'Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the day feature, which is where we host our giveaways, to the upper right hand side of the page. It will be located here from now on to make entering the giveaways faster and easier. Please let us know what you think!

Many people are currently discussing the Mercury Retrograde (which is in effect until the 29th of this month)and blaming it on the problems they are currently experiencing in their communications both on and offline. While it very well may be playing a major part, it is our reactions to change both internal and external that make these communication 'snafus' worse. How well do you embrace change? Do you welcome it? Do you go with the flow? Does 'change' bring you anxeity and frustration? Do you fear it?

I will tell you, sometimes the boat really does need to be rocked for good things to happen. Change allows us to experience something new, and that in turn allows us to grow.

Don't let the mercury retrograde trick you into thinking that flying off the handle when someone cuts you off in traffic is OK because the planets are out of whack. Change is in the air. That change is only as good as you MAKE it. Remember most people fear change, and their negative reactions or in some cases over-reactions, should only set you back temporarily.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I embrace change.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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NOTE: Today's Butterfly has MOVED! Look on the upper right hand side of the page to enter all current giveaways!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Wednesday, September 16, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Rest In Peace

Ascending Butterfly just wanted to take a moment to send our Deepest and Heartfelt Condolesences to the family (including his beautiful wife of 34 years, Lisa Niemi), friends and fans of actor Patrick Swayze who lost his very valiant battle with Pancreatic Cancer yesterday.

I have lost family also to Cancer and know first hand that is not an easy fight. So our 'Today's Words of Inspiration' will become an open forum for those who want to send Condolesences to the family or for those who just wish to share their favorite Patrick Swayze memory or their favorite role he portrayed. I definitely enjoyed 'Dirty Dancing' and 'Ghost' and thought he was awesome in 'To Wong Foo Thanks for Everything, Julie Newmar.' as well.

I also take loss as an opportunity to reach out to friends and family and tell them just how much they mean to me. Do it, before it's too late. Today I urge you to hug someone you love. Tell them how much they mean to you. Because yesterday's affirmation rings true today, I will ask you to repeat it again.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will remind those that I love just how much they are worth to me.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!) This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Tuesday, September 15, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Don't let your possessions possess you

How do you measure worth? How much do you tie in what and how much you own, to how much you are worth? It's a tendency many people fall victim to. Your value is not in what you own, or how much of it you have. Your value is in what you give, what you share, the talents you possess that no one else does. The friendships you cultivate. The family who love you. The pets who wait eagerly by the window until you come home.

Do something today that reminds you just how much you are worth. Do something today to remind those who mean the most to you, just how much they are worth!

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will remind those that I love just how much they are worth to me.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!


1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!) This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Monday, September 14, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

14th Annual Fordham Rennaissance Festival

Many Ascending Butterfly readers wondered why there was no moment of gratitude yesterday, and it was because I was out following my own advice about spending more time outdoors. I attended a local 'renaissance' festival, it wasn't exactly like the 'period' type one you see advertised sometimes on TV. This is more of a renaissance and transition of a neighborhood. Our local business district turned into a very large street fair that offered live concerts, food, vendors, face painting, rides and more. I have been enjoying attending this event annually. The highlight was 'jewelry hopping' and I had the chance to meet many jewelers. There is something wonderful about hand crafted jewelry and meeting the artists behind the work that is always such a treat for me. Such creative people, with wonderful vision and truly inspiring pieces!

Meeting such wonderful, creative, and talented people, most certainly left me inspired again. (which was great because I recently had the displeasure of encountering a jewelry designer so disgusting of spirit that it truly soured me completely on the process!) I am an aspiring jewelery designer myself, so the afternoon was spent doing research, disguised as shopping! :-)

Soon the leaves will turn, the air will become crisper and days that can be spent outdoors will soon become a distant memory until spring. I'm glad I spent some time outdoors soaking up one of the last few all sunny days. Make it a point to get outdoors these next few weeks during your lunch hour and squeeze every last drop out of mother nature before it gets to rainy, cold or 'snowy' to do so.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I will enjoy and make the most of the fall season.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!) This giveaway ends on September 25th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

2. Enter to win the SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit - Your very own Soda Maker! Enter HERE (a $199 retail value!)  This giveaway ends on October 12th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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SodaStream USA Penguin Starter Kit Review and Giveaway!

NOTE: This Giveaway is now CLOSED. The Winner has been notified. Once the winner has confirmed, this page and the homepage will both include a full winner's announcement. Ascending Butterfly would like to thank our sponsor Soda Stream USA for this amazing giveaway. The penguin has become an integral part of our family game night, I'm quite sure the winner of this giveaway will feel the same way! We would also like to thank our readers for the tremendous response. Remember, there are three other current giveaways! Look to the upper right hand of the page where it reads 'WIN HERE' and enter to win our Select Comfort Mattress Topper Giveaway, an autographed copy of our book club of the month title America Libre (please note this is an English Title!, and a copy of Harry Connick Jr's newest CD release 'Your Songs'! And if you thought the summer was good, and this month was great, just wait until you see what November has in store!

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My Favorite Penguin is not from Antartica Anymore!

Yes that's right I have a new favorite Penguin! 'The Penguin' is the first and only soda maker with a glass carafe. Its eye catching design will turn heads in any kitchen, dining room or bar (it most certainly attracts attention in my kitchen!). The stylish Penguin combines form and functionality to prepare and serve your sparkling beverages in elegant, dishwasher-safe glass carafes. Turn water into sparkling water in seconds!

When my penguin arrived earlier this summer, I will admit I tore into the box pretty much like a kid at Christmas. I've always loved all things 'gadget' and I knew I wouldn't be able to sleep until I had used it at least once. I wanted to get the hang of using it before Family Game Night. (A night that involves the Wii, playing games, eating snacks and definitely enjoying the carbonated beverage or two!)

Once I followed the very easy set up instructions, the moment of truth arrived, and I pressed down on the penguin's beak. The sound of the carbonation was a bit intimidating at first and then I will admit I forgot about the pressure release and almost freaked out! Once I hit the pressure relase the unit opened easily and I was able to check whether or not the carbonation was to my satisfaction. It took several attempts to get the level of carbonation and flavor mixed to my complete soda satisfaction. Everyone's taste buds are different so you'll have to play with it to get the balance of carbonation and flavor that works for you and your family.

Flavors

There are an amazing variety of mixes to choose from including: Cola (customer’s favorite - mine too!) , Energy (Compare to Red Bull®), Ginger Ale (Crisp, light ginger flavor) , Lemon-Lime (Compare to Sprite® & Seven Up), Orange (Great taste for the whole family) , Pete’s Choice (Compare to Dr Pepper - I also like this one a lot!), Root Beer, Tonic Soda Mix (Contains Quinine. Great for cocktails), Cranberry-Raspberry (Fresh fruity flavor - I really enjoyed this one as well!), Cream Soda (I love Cream Soda!), Fountain Mist (Compare to Mountain Dew®) and you can of course get these selections in Diet if you prefer. SodaStream also offers 'MyWater' in Berry, Lemon-Lime, Orange, and a very smart variety pack!

Enjoy a wide range of over 25 regular, diet, energy and caffeine-free flavors. Each 500ml soda mix bottle makes the equivalent of 12 liters (about 33 cans!) of soda. Regular soda mix contains no high fructose corn syrup and diet soda mix contains no aspartame. All-natural MyWater flavor essences are unsweetened and calorie-free.

I find it easier to make both carafes at a time and I like to give them a chance to get really cold, so I tend to make them while I'm prepping dinner so by the time dinner is done, the soda has had a chance to get really, really cold before serving.

And yes you can 'over carbonate', so please be careful! Let the carbonation settle down just a bit before you begin mixing in the flavoring, and remember mix it in very SLOWLY so you don't end up covered in soda!

I couldn't possibly be happier with my SodaStream Penguin! And I could go on and on about how amazing the crew at SodaStream are. The Penguin would make an amazing Family Christmas Gift and an awesome gift to a newly married couple. I am sure they will find it to be the gift they end up reaching for again and again, and will think of you each and every time!

Environment

Did you know that SodaStream is eco-friendly? No more bottles or cans to recycle or dispose of, thanks to reusable BPA-free carbonating bottles.

 
Nutrition
 

View SodaStream nutritional information HERE and compare to national brands. Regular SodaStream sodamix flavors contain 2/3 less sugar and calories than national soft drink brands.

RV & Boating

No batteries, no electricity, SodaStream is the perfect accessory for your home-away-from-home.

 

WIN IT! - We like to save the best for last! Thanks to our friends at SodaStream, you have the opportunity to win a Penguin Starter Kit of your own! (This is a $199 value!!!!)

How to Win: You must be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (this will be checked if you are selected as a winner) and please visit SodaStream and tell me something you learned about the product and which mix you'd like to try first. Please leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com), or if your blogger profile has your email you can just indicate this in your entry.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away. You have from Saturday, September 12, 2009 until Monday, October 12, 2009 at 11:59 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. Winner will be announced shortly after Wednesday, October 14th!

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

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

* Tweet about this giveaway and leave the URL in a comment.

* Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

* Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

* Follow SodaStream USA on Facebook HERE

* Follow SodaStream USA on MySpace HERE

* Follow SodaStream USA on Twitter HERE

* Please vote for Ascending Butterfly on Divine Caroline's Love This Site Award '09 for the Body and Soul category, you can press into the badge on the upper right hand site of the page or click through here, there is a Vote button right under the description.

SodaStream USA is also on Flickr HERE

**Use the promo code TWEETS for $5 off orders of $50+ at sodastream.com!**

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Winner Announcement!

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Congratulations to 'Miss Manda' the winner of Ascending Butterfly's Smashbox Purple Reign Giveaway!

Thank you to our wonderful sponsor, Smashbox for an amazing giveaway, we look forward to working with you again!  Don't forget to keep checking with Smashbox on Facebook, a little birdie told me there is some cool stuff going on there! (there is a tab called 'NEW!' that you may want to take a peek at!) Also, our friends at RagingRouge.com have posted a new Smashbox Facebook giveaway, get the details HERE!

Remember, there is still time to win the ActiveIon Pro (a $299 retail value!) by going HERE.

---Ascending Butterfly's Editorial Team

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Friday, September 11, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Remember The Fallen

Where were you on 9/11? I was working in a Hospital in New York City. A Hospital that received casualties. I lost friends at The World Trade Center. I had received a job offer from a firm located in The World Trade Center years before that day, an offer that I had turned down. Had I not turned that offer down, there may not have been an Ascending Butterfly. This is a very somber day for me and for the nation.

This is probably the latest an inspiration has ever gone up, but somehow, the girl who makes a living with words, just didn't know where to begin. Didn't know what to say.

Loss is never easy to bear. But there is one thing of beauty to be remembered . . . The way the nation pulled together. People rallied around one another in a very strong way that day. New York City has always received a very bad rap about not being a friendly city, and many tourists who were visiting here that day had to dispel those rumors, this city showed it's heart that day.

I want to use Today's Words of Inspiration as not only a source of healing, but as a sounding board. Anyone who wants to share their memories of that day can feel free to do so. For those who lost friends or family, my heart is truly with you today!

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I give and receive healing energy today.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!)

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE (This giveaway ends on September 11th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!)

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Thursday, September 10, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Putting Your Best Foot Forward for Fall

Now that the little ones are back to school, it's time to focus on yourself again. I'm sure you spent tons of time, energy and money on getting your little one(s) ready to put their best foot forward this academic year. But what about YOU? Are you ready to put your best foot forward? Whether you are job hunting, working towards your promotion, volunteering or staying at home, what steps have you made to put your best foot forward this fall?

I for one, plan to purge my closets, drawers and wardrobe completely and start over. A lot of what I am going to find, doesn't reflect who I am anymore. I suggest dear readers that you all do the same. Get rid of the past and make room for the glorious possibilities of fall. There is a certain 'crispness' in the air today that I find totally exhilarating. I plan to embrace the change that comes with a new season by renewing myself both inside and out.

I will say if there are any organization companies out there, I could certainly use some help with this undertaking! And readers if you don't find me here tomorrow, send help, it probably means I was swallowed whole by one of the closets!! LOL

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I prepare myself so I can put my best foot forward today.'

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

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!)

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE (This giveaway ends on September 11th, so get your entries in TODAY, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!)

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Wednesday, September 9, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

First Day of School

Start your day in focused breathing, (and not to leave out religion, this can be done in addition to your choice of prayer, or chanting for our Buddhist friends!) it will naturally help you to pace yourself. I for one plan to take active and focused 'energy breathing breaks' at least 3 times today. I'll be putting my focus on enhancing my creative energy today. I have quite a few personal and professional projects and deadlines pending. It's going to be a busy week, and a long 'hump day' as Wednesdays are jokingly called.

It's always fun to watch the kiddos lined up in front of their homes waiting for the bus, in their first day of school 'outfits', and their cell phones already glued to their ears. Now that the lunch is packed, you've slipped a little note of encouragement into their backpacks and you snapped that photo by surprise that makes the kids go  'mom I wasn't ready yet!' first day photo. The one that captures a bundle of nerves and half hearted smile. I still love looking over my school days photos!

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

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I am sending the kids back to school with love in my heart and positive thoughts regarding their safety and well being.' (Don't forget to add a kiss to their forehead after saying this little prayer. Seal it with a kiss. :-)

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!)

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE (This giveaway ends on September 11th, so get your entries in soon, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!)

Our September Book Club Title 'America Libre' by Raul Ramos y Sanchez will be launching shortly!

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Tuesday, September 8, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Post Labor Day - Don't get 'sucked' in

Ascending Butterfly hopes you had an incredible Labor Day weekend! I've been having fun catching up with Labor Day Photos of friends, family and readers on Facebook! Feel free to post your links here!

It's probably going to take a lot of coffee for many of us to face our day today! Definitely understandable. It's going to be really easy to get 'sucked' in today, with emails to sort through, voicemails to return, and an inbox that resembles a small mountain. Don't. Don't let your day overwhelm you. You will set back all the progress you have been making here by focusing your breathing and practicing meditative visualization.

Start your day in focused breathing, (and not to leave out religion, this can be done in addition to your choice of prayer, or chanting for our Buddhist friends!) it will naturally help you to pace yourself. I for one plan to take active and focused 'energy breathing breaks' at least 3 times today. I fear if I don't, the ever increasing action list will swallow me whole.

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

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I am the master of my schedule and it's pace.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (a $299 Retail Value!)

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE (This giveaway ends on September 11th, so get your entries in soon, and don't forget you MUST be a follower of Ascending Butterfly to enter this and ALL giveaways!)

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Labor Day Weekend - Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Happy Labor Day Weekend

Ascending Butterfly would like to wish all our readers, families and friends a very Happy, Healthy, AND Safe Labor Day Weekend!

While there will be no new posts until Tuesday, September 8th, the giveaways will still be moderated and your comments will still be posted, so feel free to enter and comment away! Don't forget to keep spreading the word about our giveaways to your family and friends, remember doing so earns YOU extra entries, so what are you waiting for, get viral already! Tell your friends on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter to join us at Ascending Butterfly for great inspiration, gratitude, honest reviews, and the best giveaways on the net!

Our weekend words of inspiration are very simple, create memories. These are the last days of freedom and the winding down of the summer, spend as much time as you can outdoors with those you love. Don't forget your camera or camcorder, take tons of pictures and videos. Those are the precious memories you'll look back on.

Wishing you good food, good laughs, good friends and incredible memories.

Now I'm not advocating getting away from your duties to self.  Spend some time each day enjoying focused breathing AND soul guided meditative visualization, in doing so, you can bring about amazing, profound, and powerful changes in your life.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I allow myself the joys and pleasures of this holiday weekend with friends and family. I create lasting memories.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (This is a $299 Retail Value!)

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE  (This is a $42 Retail Value!)

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Thursday, September 3, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Keep a Dream Journal

Our soul talks to us in our dreams. Our dreams are sometimes are sub-conscious mind working out the events of the day, sometimes it also brings us images of our soul's innermost desires, wants and well...dreams!

Keep a small notepad and pen on your nightstand, when you awaken from a dream, write it down immediately, everything you can remember, don't edit or change anything, just write it all down. You can edit and interpret what you read later.

I absolutely love the Purple Butterfly Embossed refillable Leather Writing Journal, 6 x 9-inch pictured above sold by Amazon. You can press on the image of it above to be taken directly to amazon to purchase it, isn't it pretty? All new and 'leathery' in fall's color of the season, purple, and with a huge butterfly on it, LOVE IT!!! :-) 

Keep doing this daily, read it over at the end of the week to start, then you can just switch to reviewing your entries monthly. Patterns will emerge. You will not only get better at the literal interpretation of your dreams, but you will become a master of what your soul is telling you. This will help you improve your intuition, you will stop second guessing yourself and your decisions and ultimately begin to make better ones for yourself.

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

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I allow my dreams to reveal what my soul truly yearns for.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Cosmetics Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE in either 'Majesty' or 'Monarch' HERE

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Wednesday, September 2, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

Do You See What I See?

What do you see for yourself? We've spent every day harnessing the power of focused breathing. I would be remiss not to discuss the full power of visualization. You can manifest what you see in your mind and bring it to life.

I want you to go beyond dreams, wants, and bucket lists. I mean fully harnessing the power of your spirit. Turn off the TV, Radio, Computer, Cell Phone and Close your eyes, use your focused breathing techniques to still your mind. Don't 'force' an image in your head, this is NOT about what your mind wants, it's about what your soul wants. Let your soul paint the picture.

Your most beautiful desires will begin to flood you with powerful images. When those images stop, sit up and write them ALL down as quickly as possible. These images should become your new goals, your new 'To-Do' list. Take one step each day to make those images from your spirit a reality that you manifest, step-by-step and day-by-day.

This recession only has the power over your mind and soul that YOU let it have. Today let your spirit help you dictate your new reality.

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I let the desires of my spirit bring me to a new reality.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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

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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE

2. Enter to win the Smashbox Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE

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Tuesday, September 1, 2009 - Today's Words of Inspiration and TWO giveaways!

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year

My friends with kids all call this the most wonderful time of the year and eagerly await the chain store commercial that sells back to school supplies so they can show the kiddos the commercial and take them back to school shopping. (If they are reading this and would like to host a back to school review/giveaway at Ascending Butterfly, we'd definitely be open to the idea!)

While I don't have kids, and I'm not going back to school, I always buy a fresh, clean, new notebook, and can barely contain myself to get home and just write something, anything on the fresh, blank page. The page is so full of possibilities, and so is the fall.

It will soon be time to start putting away the t-shirts, dresses and spaghetti straps and start taking out the sweaters, slacks and dress boots. Isn't Fall great? It's that mix of not too cold, not too hot and fresh breezes. Yellowing Leaves, crisper air, all signs of a new season and it's amazing possibilities to shape our days and future in a new way.

What are your fall expectations? What signs of the season are your favorite? (I'm particularly fond of new notebooks and cozy sweaters!)

Use 'Today's Words of Inspiration' as a breathing meditation to still your mind, quiet your thoughts and bring in positive energy. As you inhale bring in only positive energy by saying in your mind, I breathe in positive energy (or you can say creative energy if that is what you wish to create more of) and as you exhale, Affirm out loud today 'I breathe in the possibilities of the new fall season.'

Visualize yourself manifesting something unique, guided by universal forces that emerge spontaneously from within your soul. Do this at least twice today and see how by taking a moment away from the hectic pace and breathing in positive energy and affirming what you wish to create, your thinking will become different.

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

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


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Today's Butterfly - Featured Site(s) of the Day - And TWO Giveaways!

1. Enter to win an Activeion Pro HERE (you may also press on the Activeion graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

2. Enter to win the Reign Eye Shadow Palette of YOUR CHOICE, Majesty or Monarch HERE (you may also press on the Smashbox graphic below to be taken directly to the giveaway)

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