Celebrate National Singles Week with our 1800Flowers.com $40 Gift Card Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor 1800flowers.com! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is 'lfhpueblo', congrats! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page Where it reads “Today’s Butterfly! Win Here’!

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Did you know this week was National Singles Week? There were a few great 'flower' moments that may have slipped under the radar including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - National Singles Week (9/19-9/25)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wife Appreciation Day (9/19)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Love Note Day (9/24)

Did you send or receive flowers yet? Me and my single friends like to have a girls night out during National Singles Week (Vegas Anyone?) But that doesn't mean that a beautiful bouquet doesn't still make me blush!

What better bouquet to receive than one that is aptly named 'All About You', check it out:

Isn't it pretty?

Not into flowers or allergic and still want a piece of the action, try chocolate! or Better Still, Chocolate Covered Cherries! Fannie May® Chocolate Covered Cherries from 1-800flowers.com, they aren't just flowers you know!

Doesn't this make you want to reach into your screen and pluck one from the box?

Not a cherry lover you say? Then how about cookies? Not sure what her favorite cookie is? Then try an assortment pack, 1-800flowers.com has a Cheryl &Co.® Classic All Occasion Gift Tower that includes a delicious 4-box tower of sweets including classic cookies and brownies galore – and more!

These are definitely not like any other cookie, these cookies are baked fresh daily  and frosted by hand with their  famous buttercream frosting and individually wrapped to seal in the freshness!

And last but certainly not least, the item I reviewed, Junior's Triple Chocolate Cheesecake! This double layer dessert marries velvety Junior’s® cheesecake with rich chocolate ganache, then it’s topped with Junior’s creamy homemade chocolate mousse and coated in chocolate ganache and tasty chocolate chips. 3lbs of pure chocolate heaven. And it's Kosher!

I am definitely going to re-order this one! The mousse in this cake was light as air, and it's super rich, filling and so satisfying, so don't serve with your eyes, cut your portion a little smaller with this one, trust me!

I am off to sneak another little piece of this cake, so I'll leave you to the fun part!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at 1-800flowers.com would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower with $40 of buying power on 1-800flowers.com (Don't you just ♥ 1-800flowers?)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Visit 1-800flowers.com and pick something other than the review items above you would use your gift code for and leave the LINK to that item in your comment entry! Remember you can link to anything, it doesn’t have to just be flowers! (3) You must also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning (or in this case, the A,B,C’s of winning!) This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older. No PO Boxes.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Saturday, September 25, 2010 until Monday, October 04, 2010 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet This:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @1800flowers $40 Gift Card #Giveaway - http://tinyurl.com/23uo5s5

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @1800flowers on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like 1800flowers on Facebook HERE (and don't forget to write on their wall that Ascending Butterfly sent you! 1 credit for liking them and 3 for commenting on wall, leave 3 comments.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Ascending Butterfly's Community Group HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please Vote, Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ Where it reads total votes, there is a yellow box that reads 'Vote' Press there to vote, you must be logged in to see the number increase/vote registered. You can also vote directly using the button located on our home page and below: (This is a one time vote, you can only get credit for this once)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enter another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly and earn extra credit, leave a comment letting me know which giveaway you entered.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Review this blog on Alexa HERE

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

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NOTE: Twitter followers: please remember you must also follow Ascending Butterfly using Google friends connect on the upper right hand side of the page for your entries to be processed. And remember if your profile does not have an email and you don't leave your email in your entry, we will not accept your entry. Make sure your entry or your profile have your email address!

Just a helpful Reminder: How to Follow Using Google Friends Connect:

Please look to the upper right hand side, where the follower pictures are. (Note the number of followers before you start this process)

1) press the follow button - the google pop up wizard will open, this is not an ad and your pop up blocker will not block it

2) tick the option that reads 'follow this blog publicly' once that button is selected, hit follow again - it should now read 'you are now following'

3) if the follower count went up you know you did it succesfully, if your profile has a picture, that picture will be the first one on the left side. If your profile doesn't have one, it should still be searchable on the members list. (Remember, following a blog, does NOT subscribe you to receive emails, you have to subscribe separately to do that, you will not receive emails for following)

Are you getting the dreaded 'Your Entry Can't Be Processed' message when leaving an entry or comment? Before hitting enter, highlight your comment and COPY it. If you get that message after hitting enter and your comment is still there, just ignore the message and hit enter again, then you will get a screen with a captcha code, enter the captcha code, then submit and VOILA. If after you hit the submit button the first time, you get the dreaded message and the comment 'disappeared' no worries, that's why I asked you to copy it in the first step. Paste it back in and submit again. This has worked for me when comment boxes have glitched on me, and I hope it helps you too!

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate my review and the sponsor is also fulfilling product to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

In or Near enough to NYC and Wanna Tantalize your senses this weekend?

Head over to Sniffapalooza's LUSH & Gorilla Perfume Gallery Event, 9/23-25 in NYC @ 54 Crosby Street! (Between Spring and Broome) press the link above to see the full invite information!

Our friends at Lush Cosmetics (you remember them from the ultra cool Lush Butterfly Kiss giveaway they hosted with us right? They were in our holiday buying guide last year, you can refresh your memory HERE - I hope we can have them in our holiday buying guide again this year, ah but I digress!) tantalized my senses last night, and now they want to do the same thing to YOU!

I love scoring you guys great giveaways, but when I can get you entry access to a super cool event, I love it even more.

You all know I'm a 'Lushie' and PROUD of it, LOL and I spent time last night at the most amazing gallery fragrance event, I don't want to give out any spoilers, I'd rather you just find out for yourself why I can't stop raving about this event!

I will tease you all by telling you that it involves ALL your senses, and I do mean that LITERALLY! Intrigued? I thought so!

Here's a copy of the invite:

Here's the text from the invite so you can read it more clearly:

Come and experience the art of perfume in a multi-sensory exhibit showcasing Gorilla Perfumes by LUSH. Take your senses on a trip through this winding olfactory maze of wonderment, encounter one-off creations and emerge with your favorite new fragrance from the onsite pop-up shop.

Having made its debut in London, this international touring gallery is making its only North American stop in New York City. Open to the public for 3 days, the gallery also features an artistic collaboration between Gorilla Perfumers, Mark and Simon Constantine and world famous manipulative mixologist, Paul Tvaroh.

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, PLEASE STOP BY! (If asked how you heard about the event, feel free to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you!)

The Gallery Exhibit is open the following dates and times:

Sept. 23rd, 12pm - 9pm
Sept. 24th, 12pm - 9pm
Sept. 25th, 11am - 5pm

When you get back, come back here and tell me how cool it is!!! And tell me which fragrance is your favorite!

Highlights for me: I am in LUST with 'Lust', felt super energized by Orange Blossom, loved the clean die down of Imogen Rose, and was amazed by how 'The Smell of Freedom' came together! and the edible and drinkable portion are going to blow you away! And while you are there, don't forget to 'Tuca Tuca' - You'll see! (And Smell!) (And Taste!)

ENJOY!

 

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FTC Disclosure: I attended a press preview event, sponsored by LUSH, I received a swag bag on my way out of the event. I was not compensated, this is a non-compensated post. I am however very much a 'Lush' fan! Whose products I was using well BEFORE my blogging began! Also note, no one was asked to write about their experiences at the event, it was just so good, I couldn't help but share it with my readers!

The stars of America's favorite holiday show, the Radio City Rockettes, are coming your way and want to teach you their moves!

Bring along the little ones as The Rockettes® will show them how to perform those eye-high kicks, provide a glimpse of the history of the Radio City Christmas Spectacular® and tell them what it takes to become a world-famous Rockette. They'll even get to join in a mini-performance and receive an “Honorary Rockette” certificate!

Following the Dance with the Rockettes experience, snag a photo and meet with the stars of the world's most precision dance troupe while they're in your town!

Want to see the Rockettes on stage in all their glory? Spend $50 or more at this event and receive a pair of tickets to their Radio City Christmas Spectacular during their national tour. Plus, enjoy a special offer of 25% off your ticket purchase to the Radio City Christmas Spectacular in addition to your two free tickets with code MACYS at http://www.radiocitychristmas.com/ (offer not valid for NYC shows). It's the perfect way to bring holiday cheer to your family this season!

While you're in store, be sure to register to win a VIP Meet and Greet with the Radio City Rockettes and four tickets to your local Radio City Christmas Spectacular show!

Rockettes at Macy's (all events begin at 2:00PM)

9/25 - Oak Park - Kansas City, KS
10/2 - Cherry Hill - Philadelphia Metro *
10/2 - Edison Mall - Ft. Myers, FL
10/16 - Bridgewater - Bridgewater, NJ *
11/6 - Burlington - Boston/Burlington, MA
11/6 - Providence - Providence, RI

Rockettes Radio City Christmas Spectacular Tour

12/14 – SaveMart Center – Fresno, CA
12/6-12/7 – Honda Center – Anaheim, CA
12/16-12/17 – Oracle Arena – Oakland, CA
12/18-12/19 -- HP Pavillion -- San Jose, CA
12/23-12/26 – Rose Garden Arena – Portland, OR
11/19-12/24 – Ole Opry – Nashville, TN
12/9-12/12 – Nokia Theater – Los Angeles, CA
11/19 – Sprint Theater – Overland Park, KS

11/11-11/28 – Barbara B Mann Performing Arts Center – Fort Myers, FL

11/2-11/29 – Providence Performing Arts Center – Providence, RI
12/3-12/9 – Citi Performing Arts Center – Burlington, MA

* Free tickets with $50 purchase, 25% off discount code and VIP meet and greet giveaway not applicable here

About Macy's:

Macy's, the largest retail brand of Macy's, Inc., delivers fashion and affordable luxury to customers at more than 800 locations in 45 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Guam. Macy's stores and macys.com offer distinctive assortments including the most desired family of exclusive and fashion brands for him, her and home. Macy's is known for epic events like Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade®, as well as spectacular fashion shows, culinary events, flower shows and celebrity appearances. Building on a 150-year tradition, Macy's helps strengthen communities by supporting local and national charities that make a difference in the lives of our customers.

 

The Rockettes are a big part of the Christmas Traditions in New York City and I couldn't pass up the opportunity to keep you all posted about their upcoming collaboration with Macys! One of my favorite places to shop!

 

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FTC Disclosure: In conjunction with BlogRollers Media I am alerting my readers about upcoming events for Macy's and the Radio City Rockettes and I am being provided a $25 gift card to Macy's for my participation in this campaign. No monetary compensation has been received by this blog for our participation.

Ascending Butterfly Book Club - Unforgettable You by Daisy Fuentes Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Daisy Fuentes! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is Erma H. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page! (Our next book review will be posted soon!)

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Ascending Butterfly Montly Book Club pick:

Our book club returns with a special title, 'Unforgettable You' by Daisy Fuentes! (Especially happy to be featuring Daisy during Hispanic Heritage month!)

Right under the title on the cover it reads:

'Master the Elements of Style, Spirituality, and True Beauty' - 'Become a Classic Girl in a Modern World.'

Not an easy task, but in a read that is part 'sneak peak' into Daisy's Diary, personal scrapbooks and photos, and very in depth questions and queries of herself and other celebrity friends along the way, she manages to offer what I'd call 'Life Sense' advice that tackles the cover challenge in 335 pages!

So how do you become a Classic Girl in a Modern World? What do you think makes a Woman Unforgettable?

She answers all the questions asked herself, and then poses them for you to answer as well. The chapter excercises are actually fun and exceptionally thought provoking. This was truly a fun and very surprising read!

Because this synopsis is absolutely dead on, I wanted to share it:

Revealing tips that she has learned from her life in and out of the spotlight and from other celebrities and experts, Daisy shows you how to perceive yourself honestly and accurately. Only then can you feel and look absolutely irresistible, with a head-turning walk and a million-dollar smile. Unforgettable You helps you to become the very best version of yourself. Daisy breaks her approach down to easy-to-follow areas on which to focus your improvements: inner reflection, etiquette, relationships, sex, spirituality, and beauty.

By the end of this book, you'll know Daisy better, but most importantly, you'll know yourself better and you will be armed with all the tools you need to be unforgettable—from the inside out.

Daisy is not afraid to tell it like it is in this book and one of my favorite quotes is "I believe you can be a "take no shit", strong, powerful, successful, Liberated Woman and still be a Lady". I whole heartedly agree!

The book is also peppered with her favorite quotes and a list of some of her favorite charity choices, and I discovered her #1 choice is one we both share, Saint Jude Children's Hospital! (#2 and #3 are ASPCA and Smile Train, respectively) - Daisy has also been the celebrity chairman for the annual St. Jude Angels & Stars Gala in Miami since it's Miami debut!

These are the things about celebs that interest me, not who they are dating, or where they shop, but the positive ways they wield their celebrity to do good. Not because of the PR it garners, but because the cause actually has a personal meaning to them. Somehow Ascending Butterfly has carved a niche for itself featuring brands and now stars with a conscience. Those that balance the bottom line with giving back in impactful ways, and I couldn't be happier to do so! I have often been asked if I have something against profit, trust me, I don't, I just think it's important to give back whenever we can.

I loved this book! I have already recommended it to quite a few people. I encourage you to 'experience' this book, don't just read it. There is nothing superficial about it. The excercises/challenges are thought provoking, if you are not afraid to challenge yourself, to question yourself, and reveal to yourself WHO you are, then this book is for you. But if you get this book, and don't actually participate in the challenges the only person you are doing a dis-service to is yourself. I learned quite a bit about myself via the excercises in this book. I am sure I will constantly learn more about myself, and journaling is a great way to do that, But the Proust Questionnaire which is included in this book was one of the most interesting self exploration excercises I've experienced since my favorite writing class in College! I missed that kind of challenge, both on a personal level and as a writer! Gracias Daisy!


Here's Daisy discussing the Book:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and Daisy Fuentes would like to provide 1 Ascending Butterfly Follower a copy of  'Unforgettable You' (Don't you just ♥ Daisy Fuentes? - I know I do! This book certainly helped me to see her in a whole new light!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) In honor of the book and it's title, share with us 'What makes a Woman Unforgettable?' (3) You MUST also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning. This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older, no PO Boxes.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, September 21, 2010 until Friday, October 01, 2010 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment (5 entries, leave 5 comments)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!) (3 entries, leave three comments, remember this will be verified)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ok to RT: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - #AscendingButterfly + @DaisyFuentes Unforgettable You #Giveaway! #win here - http://tinyurl.com/2d58py8

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Follow/‘Like’ (and don't forget to write on their wall that Ascending Butterfly sent you!) Daisy Fuentes Official on Facebook HERE (3 entries, leave 3 comments) Post the URL of your comment. (You can see the instructions for twitter above on how to get the URL of your facebook comment, they work the same way on Facebook)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Review this blog on Alexa HERE

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

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

Can't wait to see if you won? Buy it NOW:

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided with a book to facilitate my review and for the giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue Review & $10 Discount For YOU!

Disney's Tinker Bell and The Great Fairy Rescue is coming to Blu-Ray and DVD TODAY! I was tempted to say 'flying in' but I promise I'll restrain myself. Well, Maybe!

I have to start out by admitting I'm a bit biased. Tink has WINGS!!! You know how I feel about all things with wings....butterflies, dragonflies, angels, fairies.....I love 'winged' things.

And really is there anything more magically wonderful than Pixie dust? I wouldn't mind a little sprinkle of Pixie Dust right now!

My Tinkerbell and Peter Pan history goes back a long way! My mom who loves the theater, took me to see many plays when I was a young girl. Two stood out strongly for me, The King & I (with the amazing Yul Brynner as the King of Siam) and Peter Pan at  the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre starring Sandy Duncan as Tinker Bell. Back then those plays stood out for me because there were young children my age in the play! And it was love, love, love, ever since! One of the benefits of growing up in New York City is the Theater, and I never took that gift for granted!

In this movie Tinker Bell introduces a new circle of enchanting fairy friends – Fawn, Iridessa, Rosetta and Silvermist – each with an incredibly diverse talent, personality and look!

Do you remember the moment you met your best friend as a child? The moment you first believed in Magic? Disney movies always that bring that childhood magic back for me!

Teaser Alert: Check out the first time Tinker Bell meets a human for the first time – an 8-year old girl named Lizzy. Lizzy discovers that her dream to meet a fairy is finally coming true. She also learns that Tinker Bell speaks in jingles and that fairies can’t fly in the rain. This marks the beginning of a very unique friendship.

Notice the butterflies in the begining? Isn't that neat? I'd like to think that was put in there just for ME. This was 'screened' during my weekend Auntie 'sitting' duties. Why do they call it sitting? (Kids rarely let you sit do they?) Thankfully the movie gave us both time to sit! My niece really enjoyed it! and so did I! And nothing better than a movie screening in your living room in your PJ's. And since Disney offers the Blu-Ray and DVD combo pack, I just popped that Blu-Ray into the Player, and the surround sound, big screen, and Disney Movie Magic took care of itself! What's also great about this movie set up, is that Auntie keeps the Blu-Ray, and the chosen niece or nephew that weekend gets to keep the DVD. A little something for everyone!

Isn't this picture from the premiere fun? You did notice that there was a BUTTERFLY right above Tinkerbell right?

I wasn't able to nab a giveaway this time around, but I do have some good stuff to share:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LIMITED TIME OFFER ALERT: Want to join in on the Tink Fun, for less? Of Course you do! Here is a special coupon for $10 off the Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack! Go HERE to print your coupon, printed coupon redeemable at participating retailers and Expires on 10/03/10.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  NEED MORE TO SEAL THE DEAL? - Of course you do! LOL - Disney Movie Rewards has a deal where you will receive a free silver bracelet and Tinkerbell charm when you buy Tinkerbell & the Great Fairy Rescue. When you purchase the movie, you’ll find a code for 125 points at Disney Movie Rewards. After entering the code, you will be prompted to order your FREE bracelet and charm! Get it for $10 less than everyone else, and nab a cool Charm Bracelet too! By the way, I didn't tell my niece about the charm bracelet, because I may want to keep it for myself, so SSsssHHHhh! Zip it! Don't tell, OK? --- oh yeah, that's right, I said it, Don't Judge Me! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  STILL NOT ENOUGH? - OK, You are seriously killing me here! I know what you are thinking, you are thinking 'But Butterfly, how ever will I keep the kiddos entertained AFTER the movie'? How about some 'TINK-ER-IFIC' fun activities? Disney sent me some to share with you HERE

This is a great family night movie, and with $10 off, a free charm bracelet and neat activities, it really is almost like they are paying you this time around!


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FTC Disclosure Info for this Review: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product are expressly my own experiences. I was provided a DVD/Blu-Ray combo pack to facilitate my review. This in no way influenced my opinion of the product. I honestly enjoy things with wings!

Official Winner Announcement - Play-Doh Sesame Street Elmo Sit and Spin Giveaway Winner!

**And the Winner is:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Nicole G. (We know we have multiple Nicole's, please note Nicole has already confirmed her win)

Congrats Nicole!

Our winner's daughter is having a birthday soon, so please join me in congratulating our winner and wishing her dear daughter a very Happy Birthday!

Ascending Butterfly would like to thank our friends at Hasbro & Play-Doh  for sponsoring such an amazing giveaway!

FYI - Our system went crazy and deleted our post entirely for Thursday, September 16th, while I pull my hair out, I just wanted to re-post that the winner of the Elliott Lucca Granada Trapezoid Satchel (in color 'Twilight') was Courtney S. (and again, we know we have multiple Courtneys, this Courtney has already been notified via email and confirmed her win) Courtney I'm sorry your Official Winner's Announcement 'dis-appeared' :(

But I know you will enjoy your new Fall bag! :)

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 09/27 - "Fall Into Bags' - Amber Pollard's Taqueria Satchel Giveaway! In a great, smoking hot red color called 'Salsa Picante' (OK with this being Hispanic Heritage Month, I have to admit I totally love the name of this bag!) Enter HERE

3) Coming Soon: The Return of the Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club (and other amazing giveaways)!

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Ascending Butterfly is actively seeking brand ambassador opportunities and sponsorship for the Blogalicious Weekend Conference in Miami, if you would like your brand represented by a tireless and hard-working Brand Ambassador at Blogalicious,  an industry conference which is aimed at celebrating the diversity of women of all ethnicities in social media, please let me know by contacting me on my contactify form HERE

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

"Fall Into Bags' - Amber Pollard's Taqueria Satchel Giveaway!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Amber Pollard! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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'Fall into Bags' Special Feature sponsored by:

'Fall into Bags' our ongoing Handbag Feature has been cleverly re-named with the new season, and is well under way! We began with a super hot purple metallic bag by Elliott Lucca (see review HERE), and we wanted to offer you a bag that reflected the hot colors of Fall.  For Fall 2010 it appears that Purple, Red, Grey and Animal Prints are all showing strong. We started you with Purple, and are moving to a very sexy Red with our next bag!

Designer and new Mom, Amber Pollard has designed a line of bags that are not only Haute, but exceptionally functional, keeping the needs of today's women in mind!

Her exclusive Lunch à la Mode™ insulated lunch pouch designed to carry your lunch is made to fit inside the handbag and then you can simply remove it from your bag when you arrive at work and place it in the fridge. It's a lunchbox for grownups that in and of itself is quite snazzy, but it's holder, the haute handbag is the true star of the show! The insulated pouch keeps pace with the needs of a daily commuter just as easily as a mom who wants to keep beverages cool for their little ones for a day in the park. These are super stylish bags and are never going to be confused for a Diaper Bag. (Not that you couldn't use it that way if you wanted to!)

I try to always share my unique experiences and perspectives with each and every bag and try not to incorporate Taglines taken directly from the sponsor site, but this time I couldn't help myself, it was just too clever not to share!

Vegan Anyone?

Vegan friends, sacrifice your style no longer! Select Amber Pollard handbags are available in all vegan materials. And with the insulated Lunch à la Mode™ lunch pouch, you can look haute while keeping your tofu cool.

Last time the review and giveaway bag were just slightly different but from the same collection, this time the review and giveaway bags are totally different, but equally fantastic!

I have been testing a bag from the Trattoria Collection in a color called 'cocotini'. Thankfully, I did receive it before labor day!

I'm not sure the picture totally does the bag justice. I was a bit nervous before I received it, that it would be a larger silhouette, the picture gave it an almost duffel like appearance. But I was pleasantly surprised that while it is a roomy bag, it's by no means over-powering, and it's not too large and not too small! It truly is 'just right'. I love the insulated lunch pouch, It keeps my lunch cool during my public transportation commute, and my lunch arrives safe, never squished and I don't have to worry any more about a frozen meal thawing during a longer commute day, and since it's insulated, it allows me to bring something warm along and keep it warm! It's one of the highlights of the bag for me and one of the main reasons I was super excited about this line!

Like many New Yorkers I use the buses and subway pretty much everywhere and I have always had a hard time finding what I call 'the perfect work bag'. It has to be fashionable, presentable, stylish and still be functional. I need a crossover strap since it's rare you get a seat in the train or bus and you want to keep your hands free. I need a front pocket to be able to quickly and easily (like one hand easy) reach my transit card (we call them 'metro cards' here). This bag is literally my wish list for a 'work bag' come to life. And with the insulated pouch, it's already accompanied me on several weekend outings as well! Even the included custom ice packs to keep things cool have a pretty design! Who wants to sacrifice fashion for form? Not me!

In addition to the front outside pocket, the lining features two multi function pockets and a zippered backwall pocket. I love having organizational pockets to keep my Mp3 Player, Cell Phone and Digital Camera safe while in transit in my bag! I can carry what I need to have with me on a day-to-day basis without the need for multiple bags or additional totes. It's a quality bag, but does not add that unwanted heft that come with some bags. Some bags are just so heavy on their own that by the time you add your own stuff, your shoulders hurt at the end of the day, or you end up walking with one shoulder higher than the other. I'm happy to report I did not experience this with my Trattoria Bag!

Another thing I love about the Lunch à la Mode™  insulated lunch pouch is that those beauty lovers in the know will find it invaluable to put their cosmetics especially lipsticks in during the summer months to keep them from melting!

The winner of this giveaway will win a different bag to the one I reviewed, very much purposefully, I didn't want to subject my fashionable readers to a white bag after labor day and I wanted a bag that would reflect one of the hot colors of Fall, Red! (I am always looking out for you guys!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our amazing friends at Amber Pollard would like to provide 1 ultra lucky Ascending Butterfly Follower an Amber Pollard Taqueria Satchel in color 'Salsa Picante' (Don't you just ♥ Amber Pollard? - I know I do!) - This giveaway has a $295 ARV!

About your bag (If you are anything like me, you want the details!):

Taqueria

The Taqueria hobo is one hot tamale! Put a little spice in your daily routine with this all-in-one fashion necessity accessory. This expandable bag not only holds your everyday essentials but keeps your lunch fresh and tidy with an exclusive Lunch à la Mode™ removable insulated lunch sack.

Style Description:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dimensions 17” wide x 11” tall, strap 20” <-Generous Dimensions indeed and you can crossover the strap!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Luscious shimmery sueded leather hobo <-I'm getting jealous, I wish I could enter too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Full-length exterior zippers allow for 2-3 inches of expansion <- I love this feature!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Two exterior pockets with magnetic closures <-and yes they really do work well! (For those of you who like me are leery of magnetic closures, no need to be here!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Inside zip, cellphone, multifunction pockets plus pen pocket <-Excellent because I HATE fumbling for pens!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ring and strap to clip an accessory or keyfob

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exclusive Lunch à la Mode™ inner insulated lunch sack made of black poly-taffeta fabric with white monogram <-You are going to fall madly in LOVE with this pouch, trust me!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Two reusable hot/cold packs; water and stain resistant; washable

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2) Visit Amber Pollard and pick another bag (other than the one being reviewed and the one being given away!) that you like and leave the LINK to that bag in your comment entry! Remember do not post the link to a Trattoria or Taqueria bag. (3) You MUST also leave your email address somewhere in your comment. (You can format it this way for security, example: ascendingbutterfly AT mail host DOT com). (If your email is clearly visible in your profile, you can just say so, that's OK!) Please follow the easy 1, 2, 3 steps to winning. This giveaway is open to USA residents who are 18 years of age or older, no PO Boxes.

Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Friday, September 17, 2010 until Monday, September 27, 2010 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment (5 entries, leave 5 comments)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you already have our button, just let us know, you will still get extra credit!) (3 entries, leave three comments, remember this will be verified)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ok to RT: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly + Amber Pollard Taqueria Satchel Handbag #Giveaways! #win here - http://tinyurl.com/2c2spk5

(Leave a comment with the tweet’s url so you can get a valid entry (click on the time your tweet was sent to get the direct URL and then copy and paste it here). You can Tweet TWICE per DAY. If you Tweet more than that, that entry will be disqualified.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Follow/‘Like’ (and don't forget to write on their wall that Ascending Butterfly sent you!) Amber Pollard on Facebook HERE (3 entries, leave 3 comments)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ –  Sign up for Amber Pollard's Newsletter and SAVE 10% on your first order! If you use a different email to do so, please list it in your comment.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Digg about this giveaway and leave your digg username in your comment

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to receive Ascending Butterfly emails using our Feedburner widget on the upper right hand side of the page below the follower thumbnail pictures! (If you are already a subscriber you will still receive extra credit!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Review this blog on Alexa HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - NEW METHOD OF EXTRA CREDIT, (You can vote daily for extra credit): Ascending Butterfly is a nominee for the Bloggers Choice ’10 Awards in the ‘Best Blog About Stuff’ Category - http://bloggerschoiceawards.com/ You can press the button below to go straight to the page where Ascending Butterfly has been nominated!

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

NOTE: Amber Pollard is currently having a Virtual Sample Sale with savings between 60-75% Off! Don't miss out!

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to facilitate my review and for the giveaway. The sponsor is fulfilling directly to prize winner(s), this in no way influenced my opinion of the product. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Wordless Wednesday - Meet You at the Point!

We had an amazing turn out for the Elliott Lucca Granada Trapezoid Satchel! You guys really love your Handbags! Way to go everyone! It's thanks to your enthusiasm, that a one shot giveaway during Spring 2010 became an ongoing regular feature! Your incredible response has had designers excited about working with us! We have been able to offer you a new Handbag approximately every two weeks!

The winner of the Granada Satchel giveaway has been notified, and as soon as the winner confirms, we will post an official winner's announcement on the home page and update the giveaway page as well.

The next bag in the feature is already set, and will launch either this Thursday or this Friday! Stay Tuned!

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends 09/17 - Back to School with Play-Doh Sesame Street Shape & Spin Elmo Playset Giveaway HERE

2) Coming Soon: Ascending Butterfly's Monthly Book Club Returns and the next bag in our 'Fall Into Bags' special launches soon!

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Meet You at Inspiration Point!

Today's Words of Inspiration - Sometimes you have to dis-connect to re-connect!

Yesterday thanks to my friends at Heads Up International I ended up taking an un-planned day away from all things electronic to enjoy a Private VIP Dress Rehearsal prior to her world tour of a Jazz Singer named Esperanza Spalding. I wasn't very familiar with her work, but I am very grateful for the opportunity to have attended a very lovely reception, the actual Dress Rehearsal and the very enlightening Questions & Answers session conducted immediately after.

While we braved a freak storm to get to the venue, and a bit of confusion in getting underway. The venue was intimate, absolutely perfect for capturing the nuances of Esperanza's powerful voice. Her first name translates into 'hope', and right from the very moment she took the stage, I felt hope, hope that there is still 'real' music out there to pass down. She's a musician's musician, who was at ease jamming with her team of amazing musicians and accompanying vocalists. The emotion is still raw, you can tell the 'bigness' that is now encompassing her life, her style and her music yet it is still very new. Much for her to take in I'm sure!

After her captivating debut last year, 25 year old bassist Esperanza Spalding is back for an encore by popular demand. Blending innovative vocal stylings with uncanny instrumental chops, she has already taken the jazz world by storm, performing with such distinguished musicians as Stanley Clarke, Dave Samuels, Pat Metheny and others. Clearly an up and coming star,she performed at the White House in February, 2009 and was also invited to play at the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in honor of President Obama. That's BIG!

I love all kinds of music, and apparently so too does Esperanza, there were hints of all kinds of world music in her repertoire, including Argentinean, Brazilean, South African and more. During the Questions And Answers Period, many questions led back to what her influences are and who inspires her, lyrically she cited many great writers, from Herman Melville to Pablo Neruda and musically from Prince, Stevie Wonder, and Beyonce to work from her bandmates who seem to constantly surprise and inspire one another. And her take on the globalization influences in Art was very much spot on. These influences were certainly seen during her set!

There is just something about sitting in a room with Jazz Lovers, you can feel 'one love' amongst people who are passionate for pure music, raw emotion, transcendent flow, it reminds you of similarities and makes differences so irrelevant they disappear, it unites you with perfect strangers. It can even turn a perfect stranger into a friend.

I came back from the concert, renewed, invigorated and energized. The chance to step away from all things technology based, and connect myself with something more powerful, like song, emotion, communion, and a gathering of energy through music; I feel totally renewed!

I plan to reach out to her label in an effort to host a review & giveaway of her album 'Chamber Music Society' which had it's debut as the #1 Jazz Album on iTunes and has remained at #1 for 7 days since release, #65 iTunes Top 200 (Peak #46). And I can tell you it's for good reason that her album attained #1 in it's debut status, her sound took me to that Speakeasy jazz club referenced in movies that I've never actually been to (because I was just too young or in some cases not even born yet!), it transported me to a place of elegant gowns and men in sharp suits, to dancing, standing up and laughing all night long, to drinks with snazzy names and simple ingredients, to night's I didn't want to see end, to that place in my mind I go during a long bubble bath with jazz playing in the background. . . .it just plain took me places. How much of today's 'modern' sounds can you say actually transport you? to somewhere you WANT to stay!

I came home inspired enough to want to see a real inspiration shared today! I was going to put up a giveaway today to help get us caught up so we'll be ready for the Holiday 2010 Buying Guide, but this feeling of inspiration was just too good to put off for another day!

All I know is that I spent a day 'dis-connecting' to actually 're-connect' today. You know I oftentimes tell you all  to 'disconnect from your 'electronic umbilical cords', and connect to an un-tapped source of a different kind, Yourself. Your Soul. Your Needs. The needs outside the emails, texts, tweets and facebook 'likes'. 

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 be inspired by MY world. I will be inspired by my voice. Today I will seek out the communion of kindred spirits be it at a concert, coffee shop, record store, or place of worship, I will actively seek out a way to uplift my spirit through sound, be it an instrument, my voice or listening in appreciation to music I truly appreciate and re-explore it's value in my life right NOW!'

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

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

@Tracy_Iglesias #ascendingbutterfly - Today's Words of #Inspiration and Great #Giveaways! - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways:

1) Ends TODAY - 09/14 - 3pm Eastern Standard Time - "Fall Into Bags' - Elliott Lucca's Granada Trapezoid Satchel in Twilight Giveaway! HERE (Folks this is one of the hottest bags in Fall's Hot Color, with the trendy turnlock closure showing up on the cool bags this fall, You don't want to miss your chance to win this one!)

2) Ends 09/17 - Back to School with Play-Doh Sesame Street Shape & Spin Elmo Playset Giveaway HERE

3) Coming Soon: Ascending Butterfly's Monthly Book Club Returns!!!

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This week's 'Moment of Gratitude' and Great Giveaways!

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

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you read this weekend's inspirational posts, you know that the first thing I am grateful about this weekend, is the fact that I got to greet it. The memory of 09/11, and the fact that I was supposed to be in the Towers makes it especially important for me to count my blessings this weekend!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The onset of Fall is making me very happy, the heat and humidity is slowly dropping, and the days have been perfect for long walks and time spent with friends before the onset of winter!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Music, I've been listening to it and enjoying it more than usual lately! (Which for me is great, my very inconsiderate neighbors have been sucking the joy of hearing music from me because they always play it so loud, that for the most part I tend to just crave silence! I forgot just how much I was missing music!)

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

Remember, attitude really does determine altitude.

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

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

Active Giveaways:

1) ENDING SOON: Ends 09/14 - "Fall Into Bags' - Elliott Lucca's Granada Trapezoid Satchel in Twilight Giveaway! HERE

2) Ends 09/17 - Back to School with Play-Doh Sesame Street Shape & Spin Elmo Playset Giveaway! ! HERE

3) Coming Soon: The Return of the The Ascending Butterfly Book Club!

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Keep your eyes on the homepage's 'Win Here - Today's Butterfly' section we have more great giveaways to come! (And we are working on our Holiday Buying Guide! so Stay Tuned!)

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

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

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Gone Dark!

We are making this a wordless day in honor of September 11th, we made a full post regarding 09/11 HERE - We joined our Facebook Friends this morning in a moment of silence.

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

Today's Words of Inspiration - September 11th!

I want to remind you all to take a moment to pray this weekend for the victims, their families, and for our nation at large. If prayer isn't your thing, send positive energy, send it as an embrace that circles our planet.

I know that on the night of New York City's big 'Fashion Night Out' it would probably be much simpler to write about trends, beauty and wonderful shopping opportunities. Parties, cocktails, hors dourves, super models and Fashion are the topic of the day. But today, my mind is elsewhere, on a topic that is not as popular or upbeat.

The repercussions of that day still and will always loom large. I am a New Yorker, I was born here, raised here and have spent my entire professional career earning my living here. In what has to be by far one of the busiest and most hectic cities on the planet.

As some of you may remember from a previous inspiration, I was offered a job in the towers. Had I accepted that position, this community would never have happened! I can't imagine no Ascending Butterfly. Thankfully, I don't have to. Other families were not so lucky.

No matter what your stance is on War in general, please pray for our troops, this is an especially tense weekend for New York City, for our troops overseas, and for all those who serve the community like Policemen and Women, Fire Fighters, and EMT's who are on call and at the ready this weekend in NYC, just in case.

On that day I was working in a Hospital in Manhattan, while it was not nearest to Ground Zero, we did receive 'casualties'. Casualties. What a weird word that is. Bodies of mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, who went to work and did not make it home. For reasons I still don't quite frankly understand. From Soul to Soul I can only pray for peace, for understanding, for people to STOP hurting each other oddly enough in the name of Peace. Peace is an action, not just a state of mind. It should practiced, not just preached!

I will be taking a moment of prayer and silence this weekend, I hope you will too!

Where were you on that day?

Today's Inspiration? Peace. Think it, Speak It, and put it into practice DAILY!

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