Saturday, April 23, 2011

{CLOSED} Win a Rug Mother's Day Giveaway with Madison at Main! Ends 04/30

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Madison at Main! 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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Ascending Butterfly's Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide Giveaway, brought to you by:



Yes my butterflies, I do realize we are nearing Easter, but writers have to think a few holidays ahead! And today my mind is on Mother's Day.

My mom is an amazing person who takes tremendous pride in her home. She is an amazing hostess and goes out of her way to make sure all of her guests feel welcome and at home. She is also incredibly creative and I take my love of both giving and receiving creative hostess gifts from her.

I am not going to divide my buying guide by 'mom type' because I personally find that a bit annoying, I think we all have diverse sides to our personality and ever changing needs and wants, but one common denominator we all have is the love of a comfortable home. One that is warm, inviting and that we look forward to coming home to!

Meet Deveraux



Isn't he handsome? Better still he can live indoors and outdoors with equal ease. Thanks to Madison at Main, the traditional tired looking beat up 'Welcome' mat can be exchanged for something infinitely more creative!

Rug Deets:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Machine Washable
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Versatile for Indoor or Outdoor Use
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fade Resistant
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Made From 35% Recycled Materials

My Take

Because I live in an Apartment Building, Deveraux lives indoors! He has a very proud place to nest in my Kitchen! I like to cook and every time I step into the Kitchen he makes me smile.

Narrowing it down to Deveraux was not an easy choice! And I'm sure you are all thinking it, and yes I can confirm they had very nice butterfly rugs too! Some standouts are:


 and :
While you know I adore butterflies I very much appreciate when a brand I work with gives me options and I wanted to sincerely thank Madison at Main for allowing me to select something I love for my Kitchen!

Madison at Main is Rugs AND MORE! They also have a fantastic selection of Throws, Afghans and Blankets! There are three throws I fell in love with (maybe we can have them back for Fall with a Lovely Throw Blanket!), I love the Mink Throw, the Chinchilla Throw, and the Betty Throw too! They are perfect for the sofa, over a chair and for a lovely layering effect in the bedroom!

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Madison at Main have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner can select their choice of one Jellybean or Homefires Accent rug. (Not one of each, but one rug from either of the two brands)

DISCOUNT ALERT: Can't wait to find out if you've won? Then enter the code FLYINGHIGH, good for 10% off any order!

Don't you just ♥ Madison at Main? 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 Madison at Main and then Link us to what Rug you would select if you win! (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 Saturday, April 23, 2011 until Saturday, April 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 - In the spirit of Mother's Day Fun share with us your favorite advice that your mom has given you! (and yes, if you were not raised by your mom, you can share with us the best wisdom received by the person who did raise you!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our NEW Button and put it on your Blog. Leave the URL where we can see it in a comment (if you have our old one, please swap it out, our URL address has changed!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @MadisonatMain on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ascending1 on Twitter (this is Ascending Butterfly's new account, we will soon be hosting twitter parties which necessitates having a second account so you can to make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 and @MadisonatMain Rug of Your Choice #Giveaway! Ends 04/30! http://tinyurl.com/3wk77u7

(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 - Follow Madison at Main and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You on Facebook HERE (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets!)

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)


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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. The sponsors are 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.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Op Ed: Corruption: Shame on YOU!



Luis Santos was fatally stabbed outside a San Diego State fraternity party in 2008. (Family photo)

While I try to keep Politics as far away from Ascending Butterfly as possible, it's been super difficult to cover the sky with one hand and pretend that the news hasn't been affecting me lately!

What some of you may not know about me is that I worked for a Politician awhile back and spent some time representing the City Councilman I worked for at Police Precinct, Hospital and School Board Meetings as he couldn't be in all places at once. Prior to my time working in Government, I worked as a local reporter and covered quite a bit of Political Reporting. I think that's one of the reasons I've kept this blog Politics and Op Ed free for so long. I made a living doing it, and I wanted this site to focus on things that inspire and keep me inspired.

I'm the first to say that not ALL politicians are bad, or corrupt, many take very limited resources and make impactful changes in their respective communities.

But watching interviews with former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger where he has been yawning to express his boredom on being questioned repeatedly by reporters for his decision to reduce the prison sentence of (the son of former Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez), Esteban Nuñez, who had pleaded guilty to participating in the killing of college student Luis Santos have literally outraged me! He also granted several other commutations and pardons and gave government appointments to political allies and the spouse of his chief of staff. A court of law found Esteban guilty, as far as I'm concerned he should have served his full sentence! Not to mention how disrepectful is his childish action of yawning in front of the cameras to the victim and his family? If roles were reversed, and he was the Father of a Murdered Child how would he feel?


Danroy Henry, photo credit @Gothamist
 And if that wasn't enough, back in my home state of New York, there is the decision by The Pleasantville Police Benevolent Association to award Officer Aaron Hess, who shot and killed the Pace University Student Danroy Henry, the "Officer Of The Year" Award. WHAT???

He was honored for the "dignified and professional manner [he's] conducted himself throughout his career and this ordeal." First of all, I don't understand why he wasn't fired, nevertheless to now be receiving this award, recognition and 'honor'.

I have New York Finest in my family, and I know the struggles and sacrifices that Police Officers make on a daily basis. I appreciate their sacrifices and don't blame the bunch for a bad apple, but how does someone consciencly decide to award this man? How do you bestow honor on him and sleep at night?

My heart truly goes out to both of the families affected by these decisions.

This Op Ed isn't meant to throw stones, there is no one alive who can say they have a decision somewhere along the line that they don't regret, but when you make a poor decision, and continue to rub it in the face of those you hurt, the least you can do is not be 'bored' or 'surprised' by the backlash.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Officer Aaron Hess are not even sorry nevertheless contrite, what does that say about them? What does that say about us? Where is this nation headed, why are we giving honors and awards to the wrong people?

While my normal way of affecting change is to highlight an unsung hero, there are times when the injustices are just so great that they can't continue to be ignored!

I chose to post photos of the victims instead of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Officer Aaron Hess.

Please note that while I don't agree with their decisions or politics, I did not personally bash them, and I ask that any responses to this post be equally respectful.

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FTC Disclosure: This is a pure opinion based editorial, I was not asked to write about this. If you would like to read more about these cases, sources I used in this editorial include both the LA Times as well as Gothamist.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

What is on your Earth Day Agenda?


Normally a Wordless Wednesday would go here, but I'm a member of an amazing group of bloggers the Latina Fashion, Lifestyle and Beauty Bloggers and we have decided to collectively make today about Earth Day in some way, shape or form as a group as an effort to help draw attention to our first tweet chat scheduled for Wednesday April 20th from 4:00 p.m. PST/7:00 p.m. EST to 5:00 p.m. PST – 8 p.m. EST. The theme of our first Tweet Chat celebrates the group launch and focuses on “Earth Day,” with hash-tag #LLBlog. Participating group members will also post their Earth Day themed blogs in the morning to showcase the Latina Lifestyle blog content diversity!

While I am sure that with over 180 bloggers participating in this initiative, there will be tons of different ideas and perspectives on Earth Day, lets make sure we are all giving more back to Mother Earth than we are taking from her. Let's leave things nicer than we found them. The rules our parents taught us about visiting someone's house for the very first time, are not bad rules to apply to how you treat the earth while you are outdoors!

Ascending Butterfly likes a life in balance! Mind, Body and Soul are very important, they must be in balance for you to be happy. I don't beleive that taking time for yourself, your needs or some pampering is silly or selfish, time spent devoted to your beauty routines is very important to your overall wellbeing. The moment you walk out the door, you can almost tell the kind of day you are going to have. You should always put the best face you can out to the world it makes a tremendous difference! When you are taking extra care of yourself, you feel more energized and enthusiastic to face the day! And if you still want to show your skin some much needed pampering and TLC but want to keep it Earth Friendly, one of my first beauty brand besties, Origins, has a variety of offerings on tap and great ways to keep your skin at it's absolute best, while HELPING the planet! How cool is that?



For one day only on April 22 (While Supplies Last) Trade in your current skincare to receive a **FREE** Full Size Origins Cleanser! Now swap harsh chemical ingredients for the puritty of Origins. Bring your current skincare (full or empty) to any Origins counter and we’ll trade it for a full-size of one of our gentle, high-performance cleansers. Fill out this form and print it out and take it to your local Origins retail location. 








Plantscription™ Anti-aging serum

√ 88% of the visible wrinkle-reducing power of a prescription

√ 0% irritation

Although it's not a prescription, in just 4 weeks nature's next generation power plant noticeably reduces wrinkle length & depth. Without the irritation. Visibly helps repair the vertical fret lines between your eyes, the stubborn furrows across your forehead and the deepening frownies that frame your mouth. Youthful "bounce" is revived. Skin is clinically firmer, smoother and more lifted-looking. And with continued use, results improve. What will nature think of next!

Plant A Tree: By donating $1 during checkout, Origins will plant a tree on your behalf in partnership with Global ReLeafTM.

To learn more about Origins Plant A Tree Program, click here.

Best for all skin types

1.0 fl. oz./30 ml US $55.00

So on Earth Day Origins is offering you the opportunity to bring old makeup/skincare product containers in for recycling, which literally gives you the ability to kill two birds with one stone, get rid of old product and do some spring cleaning of your beauty draw, and the chance to replace them with earth friendly packaged products with good for your skin ingredients. Its definitely a win/win for you, for your skin, and for the Earth! And for $1 more you can literally have a tree planted, if that's not 'power shopping' my butterflies, I don't know what is!

So get out there and do the right thing for your skin and Mother Earth!

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the products are expressly my own experiences.

Monday, April 18, 2011

HPNG Entrepreneurs Event


Let this post serve as an open letter to my fellow bloggers, to small business owners and everyone and anyone with an Entrepreneurial Spirit in and around the New York City area on Tuesday, April 19, 2011, that there is an event you absolutely MUST attend!  The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG) Entrepreneurs Event!

Because I have a very old school journalism background and my first Editor drilled it into my head to 'just give 'em the W's! The Who, What, When, Where and Why' I figure that is where I better start!

Who: The Hispanic Professionals Networking Group (HPNG)

What: Entrepreneurs Event

When: Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Where: Elmo @ The Lounge, 156 Seventh Avenue, (btwn. 19th & 20th), New York, NY

Why: To get answers to the business issues faced by entrepreneurs!

How: Building on the success of HPNG networking events, the event will deliver a live, one-on-one interview with the Commissioner of the New York City Department of Small Business Services, Mr. Robert W. Walsh. Who will discuss certification programs, including the Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program, the Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) Program and the Locally-based Business Enterprise (LBE) Program.

On tap will be in depth discussions of business strategies, sales and marketing as well as the sharing of best practices to learn how to overcome business challenges.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to network and service providers will showcase their products or services by way of exhibits and a 'learning theatre'. This learning theatre allows exhibitors to deliver a 3-minute elevator pitch to the audience about their product or service.

Cost: $25.00 pre-pay online or $35.00 at the door

With an impressive line up of Supporting Partners you won't want to miss this one!

*Special Thanks to Louis Pagan for the heads up on this!*

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is not a paid insertion. No monetary compensation has been received. I will be attending this event and like keeping my readers informed about New York based events and happenings!

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Sunday Moment of Gratitude



This week, I am grateful for
:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Taking some much needed time off Friday and Saturday!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It is Palm Sunday. However you celebrate, may you be blessed with peace and joy!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I wanted to thank you all again for your votes in the Mom Central Grant Program Contest! I was really touched by how many you of left encouraging posts on the facebook voting page. I don't know how it will turn out, but I appreciate your support and encouragement. Ascending Butterfly readers are the BEST! :)

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

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Active Giveaway!

1) Ends 04/19 - Easter Basket of Your Choice 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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Friday, April 15, 2011

Thank God it's Friday!


Is there such a thing as Wordless Friday? It's been a super long day today and I thought this picture really did sum things up perfectly!

I'm on bloglovin now! Follow my blog with bloglovin

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to vote for me on the Mom Central Grant Program, I really appreciate not only your votes and support, but the notes of encouragement many of you took the time to post when you voted on facebook! I will definitely keep you posted on the outcome! Please send good thoughts and prayers my way!

I'll also have an official winners announcement posted soon for the Lindt, Rebecca St. James and Yanni Giveaways! (Winners have been notified!)

What are your weekend plans?

Mine include movies on my couch! and maybe some Margaritas? :)

Don't forget to enter to enter our Easter themed giveaway! Any Easter basket of YOUR choice under $70 from HappyEasterStore.com HERE!

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Thursday, April 14, 2011

Got Frizz? Fight the April Showers with Liqwd!


Does that sound a bit counter-intuitive?

You can actually keep the frizzies at bay with Liqwd! No, not liquid, Liqwd! Let me start by saying this review is super long over-due, but the only benefit to that is that I really got to road test the product under every weather condition imaginable!

An unprecedented capsule collection, LiQWD professional products feature exclusive Nano-Hydrasphere™ and ColorLife® Technologies. Nano-Hydraspheres™ turn vital nutrients and potent volumizers into microscopic particles capable of penetrating the hair shaft to treat and transform critical, previously unreachable, cortex layers. ColorLife® works synergistically with Nanos to lock color brilliance and essential moisture in and environmental hazards out.

I have very fine hair that is wavy and super frizz prone, which is a difficult combo to work with. Not only do the pros have trouble keeping my mane shiny and fab, I have even more trouble! I find myself in a 'hair catch 22'. Taming the frizz, sometimes causes people to use products that 'weigh' the hair down to keep frizz at bay. But with fine hair, that will end up knocking all the body out of your hair, and if the frizz products are oil based and applied from root to tip, most of us with fine hair end up with the front almost greasy looking, but the middle to the ends still dry. Not pretty!

While April will always be my favorite month of the year because it's my Birthday and the start of Spring, it's also the month where 'April Showers bring May Flowers' and while I love Flowers, I do not love April Showers! and I hate what April Showers and humidity does to my hair!

My normal response to bad hair days are to book an appointment, but right now, salon visits are not in the budget! But I do have an arsenal of hair care products that help me keep the frizz at bay between Salon Visits!


Healthy hair is  hydrated hair, so start with the Hydrating Shampoo! The ultimate, moisture-powered solution for hair that’s processed, damaged or just plain parched. The result is fresh, dynamic, treatment-ready hair. I loved the smell and the way my hair felt from the first use. I don't know about you, but I can usually tell even when my hair is still wet, how well my hair will respond to the product. These are definitely salon quality and a little product goes a long way!


Liqwd calls this "The ultimate, everyday treatment for hair that's processed, damaged or just plain parched. The result is vital, voluptuous hair that radiates health, feels phenomenal and performs to perfection." I personally see this as far from 'everyday'. It certainly rivals many 'deep conditioning' treatments I've paid for in pricey salons!


If you noticed that the Volumizing Shampoo has a slightly bigger picture, it's because it is my favorite. It provides the same 'nano-hydration' for healthy, shiny hair, but also builds the volume that my fine, frizzy, thin hair lacks! In the words of Charlie Sheen 'Duh, Winning'!

It's encouraged on their website to mix and match products across their lines to get customized results, and this definitely worked wonders for me. My best results were achieved by using the Hydrating Shampoo, the Volumizing Conditioner, and the Think Big Professional Volumizing Catalyst (if like me you have very fine, thin hair, then I would suggest using LESS than the instructions require!).

And the creative, graphic designer side of me can't help but point out how sleek and wonderfully packaged the products are!

After visiting their blog, I'd definitely love to try the LiQWD Q-Keratin Smoothing Treatment next! It is Formaldehyde and Paraben free!

You can also get social with Liqwd on Facebook HERE. Don't forget to tell them that Ascending Butterfly sent you! I am sorry I don't have a giveaway this time, but hopefully we will soon, might not hurt to mention it while you are visiting their facebook page! ;)

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 04/15 - Yanni Truth of Touch CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/19 - Easter Basket of Your Choice Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

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Vote Needed!

Voting Ends 04/15/11, I need You!!! I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:



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FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one! This is not a paid insertion. This is a non-compensated post and all opinions regarding the product are expressly my own experiences. I was provided product to review, this in no way influenced my opinion of my experiences with this product.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wordless Wednesday - Signs of Spring?


I am wishing for Signs of Spring, April Showers have certainly begun. . .
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Tuesday, April 12, 2011

{CLOSED} Easter Basket of Your Choice Giveaway! Ends 04/19!

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor the Happy Easter Store! 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.
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Ascending Butterfly's Happy Easter Giveaway, brought to you by:



As I was born on a Palm Sunday, and Easter isn't all that far from my birthday, April is one of my favorite months of the year!

Many of my friends born near Christmas and Hanukah would tell me all about the nightmare that is the 'combined present'. Thankfully the Easter Bunny always found me despite me having an April birthday! For me, after Church, Easter meant coloring Easter Eggs with friends, and baskets overflowing with treats!

This year, a very funny thing happened. I had the chance to review the newly launched Happy Easter Store, and I spent some time reviewing the site and deciding on what to choose. As I don’t have little ones of my own, and I didn’t want any of my nephews or my niece to feel left out, I decided I’d continue to be the 'cool activity Aunt' and will take everyone out to the movies on Easter, so I thought I'd instead pick something that we could all share, yet wasn’t intended for one person specifically, at least so I thought…..and then this arrived….


A Birthday Cake arrived literally right before my birthday as the review item for an Easter Promo! How funny was that? I couldn’t help but smile. While we did share it and enjoy it, (and I keep my title as world’s coolest Aunt, well ok, maybe I gave myself that title), I’d like to think the Universe was affirming that I should celebrate myself a bit more this year!
10" Three Layer Chocolate Cake

This is the ultimate chocolate cake! A high three layered chocolate cake is filled with rich chocolate cream. It is surrounded by chocolate glaze and appointed with an elegant chocolate border.

Cake Deets:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Serves 16
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Certified Kosher Dairy by Orthodox Union
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Net Weight 5 lbs 7 oz

My Take:
I am a major chocoholic and this cake is pure chocolate, dreamy goodness! The kiddos gave it a thumbs up as well! They even drank their milk with it! They are lucky it was such a generous size that I decided to share! It was so good that left to my own devices I probably could have eaten it by myself!

It’s a definite ‘re-buy’ and I would recommend it for any occasion, and I also love that it’s from a certified kosher kitchen! If you are visiting with family for Easter, this would make a great hostess gift. You can pre-order it and have it sent directly to where you will be visiting for Easter. You will definitely score Brownie Points!

And while I didn’t get a traditional Easter Basket, the Happy Easter Store has a fantastic selection! (By the way, ‘The Infant Easter Long Johns’ are totally adorable!)

You didn't think I'd forget about you right? Who loves you butterfly?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Happy Easter Store have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner can select any Easter Basket of their choice $70 or under from the Happy Easter Store!

Don't you just ♥ Happy Easter Store? 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- Link us to what you would buy if you win! (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, April 12, 2011 until Tuesday, April 19, 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! - one click, no registration required, super easy, DAILY vote, I am a finalist in Mom Central's Grow Your Personal Brand Grants Program and would really appreciate your vote! Read more about ‘Project Chrysalis’ and vote here

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 Easter Fun share with us your favorite item included in an Easter Basket!

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:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ #ascendingbutterfly Easter Basket of Your Choice #Giveaway! Ends 04/19! http://tinyurl.com/3pcyvhp

(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 - Follow Happy Easter Store and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You on Facebook HERE (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets!)

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)


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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. The sponsors are 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.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Today's Words of Inspiration - Getting Jiggy With it!


Thanks for the reader reminders that it's been awhile since we talked inspiration! Quite frankly, I haven’t been feeling all that inspired lately. It’s difficult to admit that the person who keeps people inspired, has had trouble keeping herself feeling inspired under the weight of all the stress I’ve been under as of late.

Are the stressors going to change or decrease? Probably not, but the way I perceive them can. In the theme of the current giveaways, I have been using Music as my steady source of inspiration and sanity!

I’ve been listening to music a lot more than usual lately across all genres! It’s helped me work better, and at least mentally escape since I can’t quite physically escape right now!

I could truly use a getaway right about now, does anyone know of a seaside resort that could use a quality review? ;-)

So what is there to do when you can’t run from life? Get Jiggy with it of course!

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 fill my life with music'

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!

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 04/12 - Rebecca St. James I Will Praise You CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/15 - Yanni Truth of Touch CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!


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Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below or HERE:





FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one! I was also not asked to write about Will Smith,  I do love his music and thought it was a great analogy!

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Sunday Moment of Gratitude!



This week, I am grateful for
:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My birthday! Monday, April 4th was my birthday and I wanted to thank everyone for the lovely e-cards, emails, tweets and facebook wall posts wishing me a Happy Birthday!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Birthdays are a great reminder that I am grateful for another year. Another year to come closer to realizing my personal and professional goals! Instead of New Years Eve, I prefer to make my goals setting list on my birthday!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am working on some great surprises which I hope to be able to post about soon!

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

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Active Giveaways!

1) Ends 04/12 - Rebecca St. James I Will Praise You CD Review and Giveaway! - Enter HERE!

2) Ends 04/15 - Yanni Truth of Touch CD Review and 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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Vote Needed!

I am a finalist in Mom Central Consulting's 'Grow Your Personal Brand' Grant Program. I would love your vote, but I would also love for you to read my entry. My essay is entitled 'Project Chrysalis'. A project, which many of you know has already begun. The essay questions I was asked to answer really made me think, about my 'brand' and most importantly about my goals both personally and professionally. I hope reading my entry brings you inspiration! This is a DAILY, 1 click, no registration required vote request. You can vote by pressing the image below:






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FTC Disclosure: I was not asked to write about Mom Central's Grant Program, nor does writing about it improve my chances. I feel the message they are sending by supporting bloggers efforts to grow their brand is an important and powerful one!' An Amazon Affiliate Link to purchase the journal was included in this post.