The NYC Winter Wine Festival Giveaway - A pair of tickets for 2 winners! ARV $300

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

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

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

Today's Butterfly, Valentine's Buying Guide Edition Sponsored by:



Image Courtesy of @ Marquee Concerts 2011


We are excited to open up our Valentine's Day Buying Guide with a super exciting giveaway! Valentine's Day conjures up images of romantic dinners, candle light, and a lovely bottle of wine. And then of course that baby in the diaper trying to hit you in the rear with an arrow.....

Even if Cupid over-looked you this year, keep that image of the lovely bottle of wine in your head. And then multiply it by about 200. Sound Good? It does to me too, that's why I will be attending this year's NYC Winter Wine Festival!



Image Courtesy of @ Marquee Concerts 2011



About the NYC Winter Wine Fest

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - EVENT: NYC’s favorite wine tasting just got better…We are going to turn the Best Buy Theatre in Times Square (formerly NOKIA) into a gargantuan vineyard. Wines from all over the world – great Zinfandels from California…Super Tuscans from Italy…crisp Bordeaux from France…and some amazing wines from Latin America. Over 200 wine selections to taste in all. Last year this event was named by NBC Local Television as the “must attend event” of the first weekend in February. And last year the event was SOLD OUT…so what are we doing this year?? We are creating more room and more space for attendees, AND there are two (2) sessions this year, afternoon and evening. That means more wine, more food and more room to stretch out and enjoy.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - FOOD: Cleanse your palate between tastings with hors d'oeuvres, cheese, bread, and crudités. (Full meal not provided. Light hors d’oeuvres only.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SPECIAL GIFT: As our special gift to you, every attendee will receive a FREE Riedel crystal stem from which to taste and to take home. A $10 VALUE.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WINE CLASSES: Upgrade your tickets for access into our VIP Wine Classes area where you can indulge in an exclusive side-by-side tasting of special wines. Wine never tasted so good. (Please Note: There is an additional charge of $20 per ticket for VIP Classes.)



Image Courtesy of @ Marquee Concerts 2011


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - MUSIC: Special performance by Shilts, formerly from Down To The Bone! Shilts is the former leader of contemporary funk/jazz band Down to the Bone. He will take the stage for a set to close out each session of the festival. His music is funky and danceable and has a party flavor -- more so than typical Contemporary Jazz. He weaves in catchy Funk and Soul grooves. The band is a 5 piece group featuring sax, guitar, organ, bass, and drums. All top notch players. It's a perfect way to finish the night. Having Shilts on the stage ensures that the 2011 NYC Winter Wine Festival is indeed a "festival". Listen to his music.

I love the idea of good wine, good eats, live jazz music and the company of great friends! And I certainly hope to see YOU there too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Marquee Concerts (yes, that's right the wonderful folks who brought us the Jazz Cruise last summer!) want you to win a pair of tickets to The NYC Winter Wine Festival!  There are a pair of tickets for each session. One winner will win two tickets to the afternoon session (3-6 pm) and the other winner will win a pair of tickets to the Evening Session (8-11 pm).

Whether you are blisfully single, happily married or somewhere in between, this event has a little something for everyone! Me and my single friends both male and female are always game for something new to do on 'V-day', and I know just what we are all doing this year! ~Ascending Butterfly

NOTE: You will not receive paper tickets, you and your guest will be placed on a guest list for full admission. Admission does not include the VIP Wine Class. This giveaway is for event admission only, no transportation will be provided, no airfare or hotel stay will be included. Please do not enter if you are not central enough to New York City to easily commute to this event, due to the fast turnaround it would be difficult to re-assign these tickets so we appreciate your cooperation!

Don't you just ♥ Marquee Concerts? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win:  Here are the Easy 1,2,3 Steps to Winning!

(1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and

(2) MANDATORY entry- Take a look at this year's wine list and pick a wine you'd like to try, give us the name of that wine, and also tell us which session you would pick if you win! And because of this nature of this giveaway please state the following with your entry 'I am 21 years of age or older'. 


(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 21 years of age or older. No PO Boxes. We are  no longer sending courtesy reminders when entries do not qualify, make sure you are following publicly and your entry comment complies with giveaway win it instructions or it will be deleted.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Wednesday, January 26, 2011 until Tuesday, February, 01, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our 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 @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @NYWineFestivals NYC Winter Wine Fest #Giveaway! 2 Winners! ARV $300! Ends 2/1 - http://tinyurl.com/45gbxby

(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 @NYWineFestivals on Twitter

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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like New York Wine Festivals on Facebook HERE (Feel free to tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you!) :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

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

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

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

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

So Who Is In Your RSS 'Fab Five'?

Thanks to Trop 50 for sponsoring my writing about fabulous bloggers. This year Trop50 is granting 50 fabulous wishes. Click here to enter for a chance to win $1,000 to help grant a friend's wish!

That Phone Isn't the Only One With a Fab Five!

Remember those wireless phone commercials asking 'who is in your fab five'? Well today I ask you 'Who is in your RSS Fab Five?' - Name Five Blogs you make it a point to read daily.

I can't ask you to take up that challenge if I don't do it myself right? (I do hope I'm one of your fab five!)

1) Layla Grace - The Backroom Blog - I absolutely adore Layla Grayce's blog, it's called the 'The Backroom' and while it's not an individual voice, but a corporate one, it manages to give you a welcoming and very personal feel. They really do engage with their readers about almost anything under the sun, holidays, recipes, color schemes, decor, it's just a melange of fab all around, and the graphics are always outstanding. I get home decor ideas from them, enjoy reading the recipes, and each year look forward to their pictures from the Rose Bowl Parade which is apparently right outside their door! They do fun giveaways and polls to also help keep readers engaged and coming back. If you are not currently reading them you should be! Tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you!

2) Kim Coles - I'm definitely not celeb obsessed, and have to admit I rarely even think about what they are up to in their private lives. However when my very first celeb blog follower, Kim Coles, left a comment on Ascending Butterfly it totally blew me away! It truly made me wonder how she even heard of me. After getting over the excitement, I decided to visit her blog also, and I found a voice that was fun and familiar, a sort of big sis and best friend rolled into one. I like that her blog invites readers to 'celebrate their true potential' and she has a section on her site, called 'G.I.F.T.S.' this is an acronym for 'Gratitude, Intention, Forgiveness, Triumphs and Self Love.' This is very much in line with how I try to live my life each and every day. And when I miss a few days, I find myself going back and reading each and every post I have missed. She is incredibly open and honest about her journey, that's a rare gift. Very few people are that willing to truly bare their soul!

3) Angela @ Mommy PR - While I remind you that I am not a mom blogger, I do have nieces and nephews, and a godson. I am always on the lookout for product reviews when it comes to all things related to kiddos. I like to keep up on new trends and products, it helps me score world's coolest Aunt points and makes me feel better knowing what I purchase has been actually road tested and rates highly! I turn to Mommy PR for her great reviews. But she is also an amazing person. She is helpful to other bloggers, and even offers up plenty of opportunties for brands and bloggers to connect. She is happy to SHARE knowledge and make connections, very rare these days! If you don't yet know Angela, you certainly should!

4) Hispanic PR Blog - As a Latina I find it's important to stay abreast of industry trends, to become more savvy about the interest of Corporate America in relation to the Hispanic Community, and as a result, The Hispanic PR Blog is definitely one of my Fab Five! (I also enjoy HispanicBusiness.com, although they are technically a magazine and not a blog!)

While this year has found me more overbooked than ever, these blogs are a must read for me, they are a mixture of different sides of my personality and of my personal and professional interests. I don't always get to read them each day, but when gaps exist, when I do go back, I find myself spending a great deal of time reading over the posts I've missed to get 'caught up' again!

Don't forget to enter the 50 Fabulous Wishes contest for a chance to win $1,000 to support a friend's wish. I was selected for this Tropicana Trop50 sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do. I received compensation to use and facilitate my post.

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

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 01/30 - Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! ARV $101! - Enter HERE!

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

Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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

FTC Disclosure Info: This is a Sponsored Post. While Tropicana as part of their Trop 50 "Fabulous Five" campaign did sponsor this post, my affection for each blog mentioned is very much sincere! These are five blogs I do make it a point to read daily!



Today's Words of Inspiration! - Monday in Balance!

Monday In Balance

Today the Moon, ruler of our emotions is in the sign of Libra, the scales. This gives us prime opportunity to start our Monday (also known as 'Moon-day') in balance.

This is an excellent day for Meditation, Yoga or Tai Chi. An excellent day to start with a breathing affirmational excercise, to help not only set the pace for the day, but for the entire week!

Today's Words of Inspiration'

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 'I inhale balance and exhale stress.'

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 - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 01/30 - Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! ARV $101! - Enter HERE!

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

Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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

Sunday Moment of Gratitude - Let's Help!

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 - For a home that is not flooded! Australia has been hit by devastating Floods, and our friends at MOR Cosmetics are doing something to help. I felt motivated to donate my Sunday Moment of Gratitude to join in their efforts to bring awareness and help raise funds for the flood victims.

I couldn't get my template to cooperate and make this a bit bigger, so I'll just repost the important stuff in case you can't read it in the graphic above!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - To assist the flood victims MOR will donate 25% of all website sales generated from Wednesday, January 12th until Sunday, February 13th  2011. So doing something super nice for your skin, will also do something super nice for someone who truly needs help! That is definitely a Win/Win in my book!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  You can also help with a direct personal donation here: http://www.qld.gov.au/floods/donate.html

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am also a big believer in the power of prayer, so please do send prayer as well!

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) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 01/30 - Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! ARV $101! - Enter HERE!

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

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

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

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

Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) if interested, fill out the contact us form here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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

FTC Disclosure Info: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I was not asked by MOR to post about this effort. In fact they will have no idea I have done so until they read this, I just wanted to help to bring awareness to the Disaster Relief Efforts and I often give space to organizations who are donating proceeds to charitable efforts!

Today's Words of Inspiration - No Excuses!

 Excuses, Excuses  

"Ninety-Nine Percent Of The Failures Come From People Who Have The Habit Of Making Excuses". ~ George Washington Carver

Why haven't you accomplished your biggest goal? (Insert Excuses Here) Are you what you wanted to be when you grew up? (No? Then Insert Excuses Here)

Today's Challenge: Eliminate The Excuses

I am not going to sugarcoat this one or say that this easy to do. I understand full well that casting excuses aside and going for your biggest dream is sometimes way easier said than done. But what I want you to explore today, is Why is that? If you can get to the root of the Excuse you can learn how to overcome it.

There is no shame in failure. Think of your failures like facets on a Diamond, they were sent to polish you and ultimately make you more beautiful. Make you stronger and more confident in who you are. They teach you what you really value in life. What you really want out of life, and by all means what you absolutely won't accept. These are powerful things to know!

Today's Words of Inspiration'

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 'In times of challenge I summon the power within to rise to occassion. I cast aside all of my perceived excuses on the road to my success.'

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 - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

 

2) - NEW! - Ends 01/30 - Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! ARV $101! - Enter HERE!

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

Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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

Wordless Wednesday!



@Funscrape Graphics 2011


I thought with Mother Nature really hitting us hard this winter, this would make for the perfect Wordless Wednesday photo!

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

Bearpaw Bella Boot Giveaway! Ends 01/30!

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor BearPaw! 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!

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

Today's Butterfly sponsored by:

I have to admit I'm a bit late to this particular trend, when this 'comfy' boot craze began for some reason I didn't jump on the bandwagon. I never even tried a pair on! SAY WHAT???? I know RIGHT!?! I don't know why, I just never got around to trying them on.

This winter Mother Nature has hit 'The Big Apple' with a vengeance. Apparently she's really mad at New York. Today the weather was an awful, miserable, icy, slippery MESS! I can't even sugar coat this one, it's UGLY out!

The one thing that is certain about this City is that it never stops! We didn't get the nickname, 'The City That Never Sleeps' for nothing. Nothing closed, and the commute did not shut down. I thought for a minute about whipping out a sled and putting an ad in the paper for a Husky Dog....But I digress....

Thankfully I didn't end up needing that sled or those Husky Dogs! And thats all thanks to Bearpaw! They sent me their Bella Boot about two weeks ago, and honestly I haven't taken them off since I received them. I now get that whole wearing them all day even as slippers thing! They are absolutely out the box comfy. They are that kind of comfortable that usually a shoe feels like right before you need to replace them. That perfectly broken in perfection! As you all know I don't have the easiest feet to shop for, high instep, lack of an arch for me the whole advice about shopping late afternoon  for shoes is a must. And while I didn't have to brave the stores to shop for these, I can tell you honestly, that I would have gladly, they are literally that comfy! And now I want one in every color!

Bella, The Boot, Not the Twilight Character!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine double-face sheepskin upper, lining and footbed

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Color: Eggplant

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sheepskin lining regulates body temperature to keep your feet warm

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sheepskin footbed provides additional softness and reduces foot fatigue

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rubber outsole is lightweight and flexible on many surfaces

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1/2" heel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 10.00" shaft height

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 18.00 oz.

My Take

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Comfort! These boots are super comfortable, they stand up to the cold and wind, and keep you warm, without being heavy. You can walk comfortable and not feel like you are walking in molasses or tar. They are so comfortable you just want to move, move, move!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The Color! I love the eggplant color! But then again, I'm definitely a purple lover, so Bella in Eggplant just 'fits'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Warm! These are everything you want in a boot, toasty, but not so over heated hot that as soon as you get indoors again you want to take them off. I've experienced boots where when I get into the bus or train I'd get so hot with them on I just wanted them off, but would have to wait until I got to the office. These are perfect. I honestly regret not getting into this trend sooner, but I can tell you I am now totally spoiled!

Cons

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There is only one major con  I now want one in EVERY color, and I do mean every color!

So usually I like to set trends and not follow them, but in this case I happily make an exception! Despite Mother's Nature's Best, I braved the storm, and had a great hair day too, more on that to come!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Bearpaw want you to win a pair of Bella's too!  (You can have the Bella in any color except the Eggplant I received due to availability) . Don't you just ♥ Bearpaw? I know I do!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win:  Here are the Easy 1,2,3 Steps to Winning!

(1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and

(2) MANDATORY entry- Visit our friends at Bearpaw and LINK us to another pair of boots that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the Bella Boot or the entry will be disqualified.

(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. We are  no longer sending courtesy reminders when entries do not qualify, make sure you are following publicly and your entry comment complies with giveaway win it instructions or it will be deleted.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Tuesday, January 18, 2011 until Sunday, January, 30, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blog about this giveaway, linking to this giveaway post. Leave the URL in a comment. (If your blog post contains more than just a pic and link you'll get 5 extra credit entries!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our 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 @Tracy_Iglesias on Twitter and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly and @bearpawshoes Bearpaw Bella Boot #Giveaway! ARV $101! Ends 01/30 - http://tinyurl.com/66a98ru

(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 @bearpawshoes on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Did you know that Bearpaw has an online magazine? In addition to their Facebook and Twitter Stream, exclusive promotions will also be published here, you really should subscribe to you can be in the know! I beleive you'll be very happy you did. Subscribe to the magazine using the orange subscribe button on the top of the page HERE!

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 - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like BEARPAWshoes on Facebook HERE (You do NOT need to write on their wall this time!) :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

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

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

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

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

Today's Words of Inspiration - The Ultimate Measure of A Man!

 What Ruler are YOU using?
  

"The Ultimate Measure of a Man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy". ~ Martin Luther King Jr

Where do you stand in times of challenge and controversy? How do you measure a man? By his words? His Deeds? His Bottom line?

Now, how do you measure yourself? By your words, your deeds or your bottom line? Why?

Today's Challenge: Rise to the Occassion

I've learned challenges do not take a vacation! Hurdles will keep coming at you. Today the nation comes together to celebrate the life and death of Martin Luther King, Jr. We honor his vision. We honor the way he managed to continue to rise to the occassion WITH integrity despite the obstacles he faced. With integrity and without blame. With Courage even though there was much to fear. Learn new ways to measure success, so you can know the triumph of success in your own life. Reflect on what ruler you are using to measure success in your own life. Without knowing what success means to you, how can you achieve it?

Today's Words of Inspiration'

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 'In times of challenge and controversy I summon the power within to rise to occassion. I am a victor.'

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 - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 01/18 - NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Giveaway - Win the pair of Ryn Footwear Shoes of YOUR CHOICE with Rocker Technology! Men or Women's! Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 01/27 - Spotlight Handbag of the Month: Win Marissa Del Rosario's Leather Prairie Tote in color 'Kaffir' Giveaway! ARV $350! - Enter HERE!

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

Advertising Special:

For the month of January only, you can purchase ONE month of  homepage advertising on Ascending Butterfly for only $20.11, send all inquiries to us via our online contact form (you can use this promo during the month of your choice, but it must contracted before 01/30/11 to secure the promo rate!) here:

http://www.contactify.com/2ee21

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