Sunday, February 6, 2011

Sunday Moment of Gratitude! What a GREAT Weekend!



This week, I am grateful for
:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A weekend of total fun! As you can see I took an entire weekend for myself (well there was some work mixed in, but not as much as usual!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I attended the NYC screening of Disney's Gnomeo & Juliet this weekend, full review soon!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  I also attended the New York City Wine Festival this weekend and it was so much fun! I learned a ton about wine, met great people and greatly enjoyed the jazz concert, not to mention taking home the commemorative Riedel Stemware!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - With a few hours to kill between events, I did enjoy some time at Junior's Cheesecake, the Raspberry Swirl Cheescake is SUPER yummy! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Enjoyed a very fun weekend and hope yours was great as well! Hope your team won the Super Bowl this weekend, but if they didn't, I hope you enjoyed the commercials! I loved the etrade babies and Darth Vader Kid!

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 02/08 - MaineLobsterDirect.com - Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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















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

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I was not asked by Disney, Super Bowl, Junior's Cheesecake, Riedel Stemware, e-Trade,  or The NYC Wine Festival to post about my experiences this weekend, I chose to because they were FUN! :)

Thursday, February 3, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - Year of the Metal Rabbit


'Gung Hay Fat Choy' means "Best wishes and Congratulations. Have a prosperous and good year." Today is the Chinese New Year and as many of you now know, it's the year of the Rabbit!

Are any of you born under the year of the rabbit?

THE RABBIT PERSONALITY

A person born in the year of the Rabbit possesses one of the most fortunate of the twelve animal signs. The Rabbit, or Hare as he is referred to in Chinese mythology, is the emblem of longevity and is said to derive his essence from the Moon. The Rabbit symbolizes graciousness, good manners, sound counsel kindness and sensitivity to beauty. His soft speech and graceful and nimble ways embody all the desirable traits of a successful diplomat or seasoned politician.

Likewise, a person born under this sign will lead a tranquil life, enjoying peace, quiet and a congenial environment. He is reserved and artistic and possesses good judgment. His thoroughness will also make him a good scholar. He will shine in the fields of law, politics and government.

But he is also inclined to be moody; at such times he appears detached from his environment or indifferent to people.

The Rabbit is extremely lucky in business and monetary transactions. Astute at striking bargains, he can always pop up with a suitable proposal or alternative to benefit himself. His sharp business acumen, coupled with his knack for negotiation, will ensure him a fast rise in any career.

THE RABBIT CHILD

A child born in the Rabbit's year will have a sweet disposition. Even-tempered and obedient, he will be sensitive to the moods of his parents and act accordingly. He may or may not be talkative, but he won't be rowdy or offensive. He can sit quietly and concentrate on one toy or game at a time.

Usually he is a light sleeper and may fret a lot when he is sick. He will be easy to discipline and should have little trouble fitting in at school. He learns his lessons well and with ease. But although he has better than average manners, this does not mean he will not be argumentative in his own soft-spoken way. He can grasp both sides of a question quickly and debate his point with intelligence.

At times, it will be difficult to decipher his thoughts or deeds. Smooth at masking his feelings, the Rabbit will only say what he knows will please you and thus maneuver you to his way of thinking without your even noticing it.

He will be able to fend for himself and protect his possessions. Remarkably observant, he can calculate his chances for getting his way. Instead of directly resisting rules, the subtle Rabbit will carefully devise ways around them. In short, this polite little angel is going to bargain for a better deal every time.

He can take reproach with a defiant or philosophical sort of indifference. Shrugging off his setbacks, the Rabbit will patiently start again from square one. Helpful at home, conforming in school and well-tuned to his environment, this child will know his way around people and problems. Rest assured he will be well-liked and accepted in all circles.

So what does it mean to be 'Metal'?

In Chinese Taoist thought, Metal attributes are consideried to be firmness, rigidity, persistence, strength and determination. The metal person is controlling, ambitious, forceful and set in their ways as metal is very strong; and they are self-reliant and prefer to handle their problems alone. The metal person is also materialistic, business oriented and good at organization and stability. However the metal person can also appreciate luxury and enjoy the good things in life. Just as metal can conduct electricity, the Metal person has strong impulses and generative powers and can bring about changes and transformations for those who come into contact with them.

In Chinese Medicine, metal governs the Lung and the Large intestine, nose and skin. The negative emotion associated with metal is grief, while the positive emotion is courage. Many sources aimed at a Western audience equate Metal with the attributes of the element Air.

Things to expect in a Rabbit Year

Good taste and refinement will shine on everything and people will acknowledge that persuasion is better than force. A congenial time in which diplomacy, international relations and politics will be given a front seat again. We will act with discretion and make reasonable concessions without too much difficulty. Money can be made without too much labor. Our life style will be languid and leisurely as we allow ourselves the luxuries we have always craved for. A temperate year with unhurried pace. For once, it may seem possible for us to be carefree and happy without too many annoyances. We will all have a tendency to put off disagreeable tasks as long as possible. <-I am finding this part to be true already! :)

Ideal Job for the Rabbit: Diplomat, counselor, barrister, judge, solicitor, adviser or secretary

Lucky Numbers: 1, 3, 5, 9, 15, 19, 35

Equivalent Western Sign: Pisces

Element: WOOD

Color: GREEN

Direction: EAST

Some Famous Rabbits:

Harry Belafonte, Ingrid Bergman, Lewis Carroll, John Cleese, Peter Falk, Peter Fonda, James Fox, David Frost, Cary Grant, Oliver Hardy, Bob Hope, Whitney Houston, John Hurt, Michael Keaton, John Keats, Julian Lennon, Arthur Miller, Roger Moore, Tatum O'Neal, George Orwell, Neil Simon, Jane Seymour, Dusty Springfield, Sting, Orson Welles, Norman Wisdom.


Today's Words of Inspiration:

Whether you celebrate this festive holiday or not, allow yourself to be caught up in the positive energies that surround a New Year's Day! When a year is new, the day is filled with possibility and hope, let those feelings permeate your spririt today! Set new goals, Wish someone a Happy Day! Affirm a better day AND year for yourself!

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 02/04 - Energy Muse Freedom Beads Necklace Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 02/08 - MaineLobsterDirect.com - Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two Giveaway! ARV $130! - Enter HERE!



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Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Get it right Groundhog!


©iStockphoto.com/David P. Lewis

I'm so happy that the Groundhog got it right or else it would have been Groundhog Stew for Supper! No more Winter, No More Snow, YAY!

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Tuesday, February 1, 2011

MaineLobsterDirect.com - Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two Giveaway! ARV $130! Ends 02/08

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor MaineLobsterDirect.com! 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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'Today's Butterfly' Valentine's Day Buying Guide Countdown sponsored by:



They say the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, but I say the way to anyone's heart is through their stomach! Mine included! And as a life long seafood lover many the special occasion has been celebrated with 'fruta de mare', so I thought why should Valentine's Day be different, what better way to celebrate love day than with a special surf and turf and dinner for two?

It's February and our annual countdown to 'Lve Day' is here! We started you off with 'wine', and so I figured the next logical step is the 'dine' part!

And better still, having that meal show up directly to your door. No Reservations to deal with, and what better surroundings than the comforts of home?  (And cheaper than going out on the town!)

You can be a frugal foodie, and still eat FAB!


Nor-East Feast

What I Tried: Nor-East Feast

Want a complete Lobster Dinner? A Lobster Dinner with your choice of Appetizer, choice of Chowder, Lobsters and Shellfish and choice of Dessert - all from Maine?

The Nor-East Feast Dinner includes: live Maine Lobsters, fresh Maine Steamer Clams, Shrimp or Mussels, Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, fresh Vegetable, and choice of your favorite Cheesecake from the dessert cart, Butter, Lemon, metal shell cracker(s), seafood forks and lobster bibs are also included. All is packed with care in a heavy duty reusable enameled Lobster pot. Price includes FedEx Delivery!

This was the first time I tried my hand at making live lobsters, and I will admit to being a bit nervous about it at first, but it all worked out fine! When the delivery arrived I put the cooler in the fridge while I did my prep work. I knew in advance I was going to boil not bake them, so I made a 'boil' of my own, part water, some old bay, fresh herbs (including Dill and Thyme), crushed garlic and white wine. After my boil, well, came to a boil, I removed the pot that had the lobsters inside it, removed the mussels and clams and transferred the boiling water from the pot into the enameled pot with the lobsters, no fuss no muss, no actual 'touching them'. :)

A little before the Lobsters were done, I added the mussels and clams to the pot. I will warn you the mussels and clams made an audible sound when they hit the water, the lobsters did not make a sound. (And Yes they were alive. Make sure whenever ordering LIVE Lobster, that they are very much alive when they arrive! If they arrive dead do not eat them!)

I reversed the order and had the Lobster Bisque later in the day and greatly enjoyed it. With this cold weather it really hit the spot. So you ask, What about me? Well I'm very glad you asked!


Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner

Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to prepare, the Sweetheart Surf and Turf comes with Two 6-7 oz. Maine Lobster Tails, Two six ounce Filet Mignons and your choice of Maine Lobster Direct's award winning New England Clam Chowder or Lobster Bisque, and Jewell Island special Heart-Shaped White Chocolate and Raspberry Cheesecake. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying this romantic meal for two!

My Take
Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's a taste of Maine right at your doorstep!  - Seafood lovers know that it doesn't get much better than seafood from Maine. And if you can't get to Maine yourself, this is like having Maine come to your door! It just doesn't get better than this. It was seafood dinner nirvana!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taste, Presentation and Nothing Left To Chance - With a burst of the sea in each bite, and excellent packaging/presentation, what you will also appreciate about Maine Lobster Direct is that they literally include everything you could possibly need! I'm a Lobster Lover and have my own cracker for the shell, but the ones included in my package were WAY better than the set I own!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And a cherry on top! - in the form of a moist and delicious Cheesecake Dessert!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I have to admit I am much more used to eating seafood out than preparing it myself. It does take getting used to making Live Lobsters. And hearing the sort of 'hissing' sound when the clams and mussels hit the pot did make me jump at first, but the results? So Totally Worth it!!! So I will leave it to you to decide whether or not this is a pro or con! :-)

If you are totally squeamish about making live Lobsters, then I would advise you to stick to the surf and turf that includes the tails instead of the Live Lobsters. But if I can do it, You can too! :) (And live are of course incredibly tender! Not to mention you really don't want to miss out on the claw meat!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at MaineLobsterDirect.com want you to win a Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for twoDon't you just ♥ MaineLobsterDirect.com? 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 MaineLobsterDirect.com and LINK us to another item that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the The Nor-East Feast Dinner or the Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two or the entry will be automatically 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, February 01, 2011 until Tuesday, February 08, 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 Maine #Lobster Direct  Sweetheart Surf & Turf Dinner for Two #Giveaway! ARV $130! Ends 02/08 Enter Here  http://tinyurl.com/4z9d8os

(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 - 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 Maine Lobster Direct on Facebook and don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you  HERE (Since they are not on twitter yet, I would really appreciate you showing them some extra facebook love!) - Remember to leave the link to your facebook post as your comment - see instructions above for how to get a link on twitter, it applies to facebook too!

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)



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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 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.
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Monday, January 31, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration! + Official Winner's Announcement





Just Change One Letter

Did you know that something as simple as changing one letter can change your whole perspective?

Let The Bangles have their 'Manic Monday', I'd rather delete the 'N' and put in a 'G'. Make mine a 'Magic Monday' please!

Do you remember the things that once struck you as magical when you were young? The moon always following your car when you'd stare out the window during a night drive? Unicorns? Santa?

Remember if you are with me that 'attitude really does altitude', then small shifts in your perspective that help change your attitude today as this new work week commences will certainly change your altitude!

A good quote to keep in mind as this new week begins is as follows:

Don't let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do. ~John Wooden

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 'There is no limit to what I can achieve today.'

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 ! 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!

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

Active Giveaways!

1) - Ends 02/01 - The NYC Winter Wine Festival Giveaway - A pair of tickets for 2 winners! ARV $300 ($150 per pair!) - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 02/04 - Energy Muse Freedom Beads Necklace Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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Congratulations to **Bunny B** our Marissa Del Rosario Leather Prairie Tote Bag Giveaway Winner!

Special Thanks to Designer Extraordinaire Marissa for hosting another amazing giveaway, we hope to have you back soon!
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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:


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** We post our winner usernames instead of full names to protect privacy, except of course if their username is their full name! **

Sunday, January 30, 2011

Sunday Moment of 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 focused breathing meditations.

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This one bears repeating! - 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!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As for me I took some much needed time off this weekend, so please don't worry if you don't see your weekend entries posted yet! :-)

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 02/01 - The NYC Winter Wine Festival Giveaway - A pair of tickets for 2 winners! ARV $300 - Enter HERE!

2) - Ends 02/04 - Energy Muse Freedom Beads Necklace Giveaway! - 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 01/31/11 to secure the promo rate!) if interested, fill out the contact us form here:


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FTC Disclosure Info: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. I was not asked by MOR to post about this effort last week or this week.  I just wanted to help to bring awareness to the Disaster Relief Efforts! I often give space to organizations who are donating proceeds to charitable efforts!

Friday, January 28, 2011

Energy Muse Freedom Beads Necklace Giveaway! Ends 02/04!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Energy Muse! 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! Energy Muse will be back VERY soon with a special Valentine's Themed Giveaway, so stay tuned!
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Today's Butterfly sponsored by:



I'm sure the name Energy Muse is quite familiar to you by now. We worked with them last year for a very special Holiday Giveaway (you can read that HERE) and they also recently contributed to our Mid-Month Moment of Health Special Feature about the physical and spiritual benefits of the practice of Yoga. (You can re-visit that article HERE).

Today has been an especially stressful day, and I've had to call upon every tool in my arsenal to remain on an even keel! Sometimes finding balance in the stillness of meditation doesn't always happen, and it's a balance of meditation, yoga and some stillness that does the trick.

So Are Your Chakras in Line?



First of all, What Are They?

Chakras are energy locations in the body that regulate the flow of energy through the body. There are seven main energy centers known as chakras in the body. They are spirals of energy, each one relating to the others. Using the seven colors of the spectrum, Color Therapy aims to balance and enhance our body’s chakras and also to help stimulate the body’s own healing process. Color Therapy uses color to re-balance the Chakras that have become depleted of energy.

Color has a profound effect, not just on our moods, but on all levels, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual. If our energies become blocked or depleted, then our body cannot function properly and this, in turn, can lead to a variety of problems. Practitioners of holistic medicine who believe in the importance of treating body, mind and spirit understand that Color Therapy can be so helpful since color addresses all levels of our being.

The Seven Chakras

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Root chakra: This is the first and lowest chakra, located in the perineum. It's believed to govern your basic survival instincts. The root chakra is represented by the color red.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sacral chakra: This second chakra is located level to your naval, and governs your creative and emotional energies. It's represented by the color orange.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Solar plexus chakra: The third chakra is located at about the same level as the bottom of your sternum. It's thought to govern your energy and activity levels. It's represented by the color yellow.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heart chakra: The fourth chakra, located at heart level, is said to govern love and relationships. It's represented by the color green, but can progress to rose for those who learn to love unconditionally.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Throat chakra: This fifth chakra governs your ability to communicate and take action. It's represented by the color blue.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Brow chakra: Chakra number six governs your spirituality, intuition and thoughts. It is sometimes referred to as the "third eye", and is represented by a deep purple color.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Crown chakra: This seventh and final chakra governs understanding and wisdom. It is represented by either violet or white.


Freedom Bead Necklace in Action


@Pablo Lomelli 2011

Be free to wrap and wear how you choose. These Balinese colored glass beads are made from recycled glass. Each bead has a unique shape and finish. The colored glass is hand strung with a natural cotton cord that compliments the casual and rough finish of the beads. Feel the Bali spirit, wear them and be FREE!
Whether or not you put faith in Yoga and the benefits of it's regular practice or even into the concept of chakras, there's no denying that the Freedom Bead Necklace is certainly attractive in it's own right! With the high levels of stress I've had to deal with this week, having an extra tool in my arsenal to help re-balance my energies is just what the Doctor ordered!

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - GREEN - And by 'green' I don't just mean the color of some of the beads! The fact that the beads are recycled means our planet's energies and resources were not depleted. The Recycled Glass beads, in addition to being pretty, are very much eco friendly!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - LENGTH - I truly appreciate the length of this necklace. I can wear it long, and I can also double it for less length and a greater visual impact with the color.

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - None! Pretty and Truly Functional, what's not to love?

Can a piece of jewelry remove all stress from your life? No.

But what this necklace can do, with effort on your part is to enable you to keep the energies flowing and in balance. With your energies in balance, you are truly free, so it's name 'Freedom Beads Necklace' couldn't be more appropriate!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Energy Muse want you to win a Freedom Beads Necklace tooDon't you just ♥ Energy Muse? 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 Energy Muse and LINK us to another item that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the Freedom Beads Necklace or the entry will be automatically 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 Friday, January 28, 2011 until February 04, 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 @energymuse Freedom Beads Necklace #Giveaway! Ends 02/04 - http://tinyurl.com/4e3lert

(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 @energymuse 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 Energy Muse on Facebook and don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you  HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - While you are visiting their facebook page, they are currently having a twitter contest you can participate in this weekend, read all about it on either their facebook or twitter page!

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)



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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 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. In Addition, this is not intended as medical advice, readers understand that they should check in with a physician before undertaking any new physical fitness practice.
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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - Do You Have Permission?


Not Quite 'Mother May I?' But Close

Did you know that you have to have permission?

To Succeed.
To Prosper.
To Attract and Retain Successful Relationships and Partnerships.

And it's not quite from WHO you think. It's not from your boss, your mom, or your partner. It's from yourself. Habits and behaviors form and then continue to repeat themselves in direct correlation to our thoughts.

What you tell yourself you can't do, is just as profound as what you keep telling yourself you can do. But if you are telling yourself BOTH without even realizing it, then you find yourself on a hamster wheel. A never ending Hamster Wheel where your life becomes the wheel and you expel tons of energy both physically and emotionally and yet you don't progress. You sometimes feel like you are not even moving an inch. You lead a life in conflict. Conflict with yourself.

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 give myself to permission to succeed, to prosper, to attract and retain harmonious and successful partnerships.'

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

2) NEW! - Ends 02/01 - The NYC Winter Wine Festival Giveaway - A pair of tickets for 2 winners! ARV $300  - Enter HERE!


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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:


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