{CLOSED} Amazing Footwear Prize Bundle Giveaway! $100 Gift Certificate for Naturalizer AND a pair of Silver Linings Insoles! Ends 2/26!

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsors Naturalizer and ChuShu Silver Linings! We look forward to working with you both 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·˙

Ascending Butterfly Valentine's Day Love Month Giveaways sponsored by:

Our First Ever Double Review and Giveaway - Two Amazing Brands, One Amazing Prize!

I am super excited about this collaboration! We are giving one winner an amazing haul from not just one, but two amazing brands! The prizes dove-tail together so nicely, we couldn't resist!

The Array Boot




I won these beauties in a facebook contest that Naturalizer was holding on their page and I loved them so much I asked if I could also give my readers a pair! Not only did they say yes, but provided us with the opportunity to offer you a $100 gift card of your own so you could pick the pair of your choice! Since I know some of you are already thinking toward Spring, you can pick up some super cute Spring styles as well!

About the Array Boot:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Knee-High Riding Boot Style

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Round Closed Toe

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Adjustable Buckle Wraps Around the Ankle

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Rear Elastic Panel Ensures a Comfortable Fit

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smooth lining, cushioning insoles features N5 Comfort Elements

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-slip outsole

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 1 1/2 inch heel

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - original price:$149.00, currently on sale for $69.99

Chu Shu’s Silver Linings -

Put Some Silver in Your Step!

Silver Linings shoe liners will extend the life of shoes while keeping feet feeling fresh and clean. They contain a special silver-based technology that banishes odor day in and day out, and they'll add an extra layer of moisture-wicking comfort. Ultra-thin, they'll fit into almost any shoe. When they wear out, simply throw them out and insert a new pair - non-adhesive grip backing means no sticky residue to contend with, and one-size-fits-all means no trimming to fit!

Features:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Silver antimicrobial technology is EPA-registered and environmentally safe

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Moisture-wicking material keeps feet dry

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ultra-thin to fit any snug shoes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Anti-slip backing grips shoes without the use of damaging adhesives

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One-size-fits-most, no trimming required

My Take:

I can't think of a better combination than Naturalizer and Silver Linings! My new Array Boots are truly where fashion and function meet. They are super stylish AND super comfortable! I have wide calves and the rear elastic panel means they go up and stay up and do not choke my calves! I love the height, they are not too high, ensuring all day comfort, but do have enough of a heel to allow for both work and play!

I think the insoles are fab! They stay put, and can both prevent and eliminate any existing odor in your shoes. And many time with boots and heels, nylons and socks can sometimes make them un-comfortable. These insoles allow you to eliminate the need for socks or stockings and not have to worry about slippage, sliding forward so much your toes hurt or odor if your feet are prone to sweating in snug or warm shoes and boots!

Together they make an awesome combo that is sure to put a Spring in your step!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Naturalizer and Chu Shu, want to help put the pep in your step! 1 winner will win a $100 Naturalizer Gift Certificate (this certificate does not include shipping and handling if you order online. The Gift Certificate CAN be used in stores, which means you wouldn't have to worry about the shipping and handling restrictions) AND the winner will also win a pair of Chu Shu insoles for their new shoes!

Don't you just ♥ Naturalizer and Chu Shu? I know I do!

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)MANDATORY entry- Visit Naturalizer and link us to a pair of shoes you like! - Do NOT Post the URL to the Array Boots. (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.

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, Februrary 15, 2011 until Saturday, Februrary 26, 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 - NEW! - This is a one time, one click vote request. Please click on the link and press 'Like' Here: http://tinyurl.com/4rkefxo

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 - In the spirit of Valentines Fun share with us the best or worst gift you have ever received!

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 (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ $100 @NaturalizerShoe Gift Certificate + @ChuShu_Jennifer insoles Prize Bundle #Giveaway! Ends 2/26/11 - http://tinyurl.com/4eeba4v

(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 @NaturalizerShoe on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @ChuShu_Jennifer 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' Naturalizer on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me') HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' Chu Shu on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me') HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Join Naturalizer's Preferred Customer eclub and get $10 off yur next purchase HERE

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 active 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. The sponsors are 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.



Today's Words of Inspiration - Happy Valentine's Day!

What's Love?

“Love is the ability and willingness to allow those that you care for to be what they choose for themselves without any insistence that they satisfy you.” ~ Dr. Wayne Dyer

We Need To Catch Up

Butterflies there is so much going on, and literally a ton to share! I think I've lived a month in a weekend! And I promise catch up posts about everything going on are coming!

Love Month

I've decided to make it love month at Ascending Butterfly and I have some fun giveaways in store, in fact one will be coming up later today!

Taking Stock

Whether married or single, I hope this is a day of taking stock of all the love in your life! Roses are beautiful, but this holiday is about Love. Candy is sweet, flowers are pretty and jewelry does dazzle, but Love is so many other things! It's the friend you can call at midnight because you need an ear, it's the husband that made breakfast, took out the garbage and got the kids to school so you could sleep in, it's the wife who greeted you with heart shaped pancakes, the baby that lights up when you walk in the room! It's your parents who love you unconditionally!

Mud Masks and Margaritas!

What started out one Valentine's Day as a night where the weather was bad and none of my single friends wanted to venture into the city, became a ritual that even our married friends want to join in on now. We get together and have home spa treatments like facial masks combined with Margaritas, coupled with girl talk, and tons of laughs!

Today, don't measure how much you are loved by the number of gifts you receive or admirers that you have, measure it in the daily ways that love manifests itself in your life!

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

 

Disney Pictures Presents Gnomeo and Juliet!

I had the pleasure of attending a NYC 3D screening of Gnomeo and Juliet and it was a welcome break between the madness of pre Fashion Week events and events surrounding the NYC Toy Fair!

The greatest love story ever told, starring...garden gnomes? In the upcoming “Gnomeo & Juliet,” Shakespeare's revered tale gets a comical, off-the-wall makeover. Directed by Kelly Asbury (“Shrek 2”) and showcasing both classic and original songs by Elton John, the film features the voices of James McAvoy and Emily Blunt as Gnomeo and Juliet, who have as many obstacles to overcome as their quasi namesakes when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors. Two garden gnomes, Gnomeo (voice of James McAvoy) and Juliet (voice of Emily Blunt), try to avoid tragedy and find a happy ending to their star-crossed love affair when they are caught up in a feud between neighbors.

I had a fun time playing ‘who is that voice’ in my head, some were easier to recognize than others, like Patrick Stewart, Hulk Hogan, Ozzy Osbourne, Dolly Parton and Michael Caine!

And hopefully you like Elton John, because you will be hearing lots of Elton songs in this movie! There is a very energetic version of Crocodile Rock Performed by Nelly Furtado and Elton John. J

Here is the clip:

MY REVIEW:

While the movie is rated General Audiences, there are a few double entendres in there, and while they will course of make the adults laugh, you want to be aware they are there and decide based on your child’s maturity level, if you feel comfortable with that. I thought the 3D effects in Tangled was a bit more dynamic than in Gnomeo and Juliet, but all in all it is a fast paced, cheeky take on the Shakespeare Classic, With a Cameo by the man himself, well ….. at least his statue was there! J

I was excited to find some butterfly sightings! And when you visit the website gnomeoandjuliet.com you will find a blue butterfly there too! Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ

I have been enjoying playing spot the butterfly during Disney Animated Films and I’ve even got family and friends doing it now! J

I did want to let you know that Disney did offer us a giveaway, but I’m covering pre-fashion week events and fashion week itself as well as the NY Toy Fair for outlets that I write for, and with our Valentine’s Guide now in full swing I just couldn’t take anything else on. My apologies dear readers, I did however want you to know that Disney was very much thinking of you!

In fact, because of the insanity of my schedule, our Valentine’s Day Buying Guide, is running well past Valentine’s Day itself and it will run straight through February!

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

FTC Disclosure: I was provided with Screening Passes for this film. There was no monetary compensation. I was not asked to write about my experience, and my opinions of this film are expressly my own.

Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set Giveaway from Borghese! 4 winners! Ends 02/17/11

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Borghese for hosting not just one, but 4 winners this time! 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·˙

Ascending Butterfly Valentine's Day Buying Guide Giveaway sponsored by:

While the Groundhog supposedly predicted an early Spring, there is no sign of it yet here in New York City. It's been so cold that I get home with super dry skin from the brutal winter winds! My face feels 'tight' and my hands have felt super dry even though they are usually protected by gloves. While I would love to beat the winter blues with a tropical beach vacation, a writer's budget forces me to think a lot more practically!

Beat the Winter Blues

Just because I have to think practical, doesn't mean my skin should suffer!  One of my favorite ways to rejuvenate and revive both skin and spirit is with an at home facial!

Did you notice today's inspirational quote? I leaked it on twitter and facebook as a little teaser of what was coming today! Here it is again:

Your real influence is measured by your treatment of yourself. ~ A. Bronson Alcott

No truer words have ever been spoken! We set the bar for how others treat us by the way we value and treat ourselves!

I have experienced the luxury of a Borghese facial by a skilled esthetician, and they left my skin baby smooth and Glowing!

Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set




I am super happy to report that I can get the same results in the comforts of my own home. Saves me travel time and transportation, and helps me to beat the winter blues by doing something good for my skin!

Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set Includes:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exfoliante Delicato <-The key to a good facial is exfoliating your skin!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fluido Protettivo Advanced Spa Lift for Eyes <- No one will be able to tell if you didn't get your 8 hours of beauty sleep! :)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Effetto Immediato Spa Soothing Tonic <- Just like our bodies need its 8 cups of water each day, our skin needs hydration as well. There is a reason they 'mist' you sort of like a plant while you are at the spa!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fango Active Mud for Face and Body <- There is a reason this product has been a top seller for many years, it just plain works! This really is the cadillac of facial masks! And the fact that it's also a great body mask is a great perk!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CuraForte Mouisture Intensifier <-Your winter ravaged skin will literally DRINK this in!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Crema Straordinaria Da Giorno SPF 25 <- Remember even in winter you need SPF protection for your skin!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dolce Notte Re-Energizing Night Creme

This set is available at qvc.com for $54.00

My Take:

While I'd still prefer to beat the winter blues on the beach, doing something wonderful for my skin is a great way to restore face, body and mind! You can't ask for more in an at home facial system, your skin will truly thank you!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Borghese, want to help you beat the winter blues too! 4 winners will win a Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set from Borghese!

Don't you just ♥ Borghese? I know I do!

One Winner Per Channel:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One Winner will be chosen who follows us on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One Winner will be chosen who follows us on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One email subscriber will be chosen

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One Google Follower will be chosen

Remember to leave a main entry HERE first!

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)MANDATORY entry- Visit Borghese Cosmetics and link us to something you like! - Do NOT Post the URL to the Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set. (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.

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 Thursday, Februrary 10, 2011 until Thursday, Februrary 17, 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 - NEW! - This is a one time, one click vote request. Please click on the link and press 'Like' Here: http://tinyurl.com/4rkefxo

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 - In the spirit of Valentines Fun share with us the best or worst gift you have ever received!

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 (this is ascendingbutterfly’s editor) and give me your twitter ID in a comment

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @BorgheseBeauty Bel Viso Facial Skincare Set #Giveaway! 4 winners! Ends 02/17/11 - http://tinyurl.com/4mwn4ap

(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 @BorgheseBeauty 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' Borghese on Facebook (and remember to tell them 'Ascending Butterfly sent me') HERE

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. 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.

Today's Words of Inspiration + Winner's Announcements + NY Wine Fest Recap!

Let the Good Life Inspire You

This past weekend I had the pleasure of attending The New York City Wine Festival, and I had a fantastic time! I'm no expert, and I let the reps know I was fully in their hands and to make recos on what I should try and in what order. They were super happy to explain the notes and describe the flavors. I also had the chance to meet great people between appetizers and tasting, and it concluded with an amazing concert.

I can't wait for the next one. I started off so nervous not fully knowing what to expect or how a total newb would even be received, and I learned right away I had nothing to fear, and there were other wine novices who seemed visibly relieved when I asked for recos because some were too afraid to admit they didn't know very much about wine either.

I was totally in the moment and greatly enjoyed the great wine, food, music and company! I hope the Ascending Butterfly readers who won our giveaway for a pair of tickets will also write in and let us know how they enjoyed the event.

It's amazing when you stop and think that grapes can become something so luxurious. A wine at it's core is nothing without the grapes. And the event left me thinking about how the ordinary in life can easily become extraordinary via time and transformation.

And isn't that much like us? We undergo changes and transformations daily, some seem so negligible when we are in the midst of them, but then we realize later on just how profound they really were! Today I want you to be inspired by your changes and transformations, celebrate both the ordinary and extraordinary in your life, and don't be afraid to ask for recommendations, you may just discover a new favorite!

Some of my favorites include, in no particular order:

(1) Cuvee Flamme

(2) Llopart Brute Rose

(3) Eudald Brut Cava

(4) Juve & Camps Brut Cava Reserva

(5) Poggio al Tesoro Solosole Vermentino

(6) Warwick Sauvignon Blanc 2009

(7) Wakatake Ginjo Demon Slayer (Sake)

(8) Ichinokura Taru (Sake)

Being at the Festival also reminded me that the fruits of our labors are those indulgences and moments we allow ourselves to savor. Today let good music, good friends, and good wines inspire you!

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 'The good life is mine 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 ! 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 02/14 - $50 digital gift card to Cheesecake.com Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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

Congratulations to **Amanda** and **Clenna** our BearPaw and Energy Muse Freedom Beads Winners! I know Amanda is going to love staying warm with her new BearPaw Boots! And I know Clenna is going to be keeping her Chakra's aligned in style with her new Necklace! And congrats to ** A-Ro ** and ** Theo ** our NY Winter Wine Fest winners!

Special Thanks to Marquee Concerts, Bearpaw and Energy Muse for hosting another amazing giveaway, we hope to have you back soon!

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

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

$50 digital gift card to Cheesecake.com Giveaway! Ends 02/14

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

This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Cheesecake.com! We look forward to working with you again! Congratulations to our winner happyenchilada!  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 Day Buying Guide Countdown sponsored by:

It's February and our annual countdown to '♥ Day' is in full swing! We started you off with 'wine' at the New York City Wine Festival, then 'dine' with an amazing sweetheart surf and turf and dinner for two, and now we are tantalizing your taste buds with dessert!

And not just any dessert, but a supermoist, rich, decadent cheesecake, from cheesecake.com!

NY Black Forest Cheesecake



NY Black Forest Cheesecake



 Dreamweavers!

I have always loved Black Forest Cake, it's tied with Strawberry Shortcake as my all time favorite cake! I even had a favorite restaurant (in Atlantic City, New Jersey) where I'd go eat this famous German Dessert Cake. Unfortunately that restaurant is no longer there, leaving an empty whole in my heart where my favorite Black Forest Cake used to be.

I'd sometimes toss and turn and dream of my favorite cake treat! But somehow the universe really does have a crazy way of manifesting our desires. And this time in the form of those Dreamweavers at Cheesecake.com!

It's like they literally reached into my dreams and combined two amazing things into one fabulous Sweet Treat! The NY Black Forest Cheesecake from Cheesecake.com took all the things that make a Black Forest Cake so delightful, the cherries, and not just any cherries by the way, but California port wine cherries,  and on top you will find a layer of deep chocolate devil's food crumbs, this is combined with sinfully rich and velvety smooth cheesecake! It's like someone reached into my dreams and devised my dream dessert.

My Take

Pros:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Flavor!  - The California Port Wine Cherries add body and a real dimension to the flavor of this cake! This cake is truly a heavenly hybrid of what I love about both Black Forest Cake and Cheesecake. It's truly a perfect marriage! Absolutely perfect for Valentine's Day!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taste, Presentation and Nothing Left To Chance - This arrived super fast, well packaged and is a gift that is sure to delight any recipient!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And a cherry on top! - and again, not just any cherry, but California Port Wine Cherries!

Cons:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There are no real cons here. Unless you count resisting the temptation to eat more than one slice at a time a con? :)

**SAVE HERE** - Can't wait to find out if you won? Want one right now?! - Cheesecake.com is offering website visitors 15% off on their order from the Cheesecake.com website - February Promo Code: SAVE15 - this code provides 15% off of all products in the cart (excludes taxes and shipping). Restrictions: Valid only once per customer. No other promotions valid with this offer..

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Cheesecake.com want you to win a Cheesecake of your choice in the form of a $50 digital gift card! 

Don't you just ♥ Cheesecake.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 Cheesecake.com and LINK us to another item that they sell that catches your eye! REMEMBER: You CANNOT post a link to the NY Black Forest Cheesecake 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 Monday, February 07, 2011 until Monday, February 14, 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 - NEW! - This is a one time, one click vote request. Please click on the link and press 'Like' Here: http://tinyurl.com/4rkefxo

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:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly + @cheesecakecom $50 Digital Gift Card #Giveaway! Ends 02/14  http://tinyurl.com/4gracy2

(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 @cheesecakecom 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 Cheesecake.com on Facebook and don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you HERE - 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)

˙·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·˙