Sunday Moment of Gratitude - Happy Father's Day! Check out Ascending Butterfly's Dad! Winner Announcement and Giveaways too!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My Dad! I had a great Dad, his face always lit up like a 100 watt light bulb when he saw me. But sadly we didn't get much time, he died when I was very young! I scanned in the picture of him that I carry daily in my wallet! (Isn't he handsome?)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I loved this status from Facebook and used it on both of my Facebook Pages Today:

Copy and paste this if your DAD is in heaven. If roses grow in heaven lord, then pick a bunch for me. Place them in my dads arms and tell him they're from me. Tell him that I love and miss him, and when he turns to smile, place a kiss upon his cheek and hold him for awhile.. ♥I love and miss you DAD ♥♥

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - I am also incredibly grateful for my Mom. She became a widow very young, and raised me by herself, becoming both a mom and dad; and she handled two of the world's most difficult jobs with grace!

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ToiletTree Products Fogless Shower Mirror Winner:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Teressajoe


Please Note: Winner has confirmed her win! We post winner usernames only out of respect for privacy.

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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 06/22/11 - Help Make Dad a Cut Above the Rest With the Shenzhen Knife Giveaway! Win a Ceramic Chef's Knife for Dad or to keep for yourself! Enter HERE

2) Ends 06/24/11 - Tickle Dads Tastebuds with the SodaStream Genesis Giveaway! Win a Soda Stream Genesis Soda Maker Starter kit! Enter HERE

3) Ends 06/24/11 - Put a Spring in Dads (or your) step with Joya Shoes - 5 Winners!  Enter HERE

♥ Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ If you haven't already, Please Vote For Me, One time only and its Super QUICK! Thanks XoXo (I return all votes, so you can feel free to send me yours too!) - http://www.yourbestpose.com/competition/?id=1#6

˙·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!

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link

{CLOSED} Put a Spring in Dads (or your) step with Joya Shoes - 5 Winners - Ends 06/24

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

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Ascending Butterfly's Annual Dads N Grads Buying Guide Giveaway, brought to you by:

They say the way to a man's heart is through is his stomach, and while that may be true, I say the way to anyone's heart is via their feet! Yes, their Feet! Painful shoes and foot pain can shut down the fun quick, and I mean QUICK. Most people turn into cranky monsters when their feet hurt, myself included. I have even stopped and bought new shoes when shoes I'm wearing are hurting my feet.

Most men HATE to shop, hence an underwear draw filled with underwear that are older than their children, and shoes that have seen better days in their closets!

This Father's Day Weekend, let's have a 'Shoe-tervention' and vow to get Dad's comfortable, stylish footwear that will improve their posture, and put an overall 'Spring' in Dad's steps!

Joya 'Cuba' Mens Shoe

Joya - the world's softest shoe

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Experience effortless walking - Joya uses futuristic internationally patented Sole Technology that delivers a sensation while walking that has really never before been encountered. You are given the emotional experience of walking effortlessly on a concrete planet. It's not about sculpting and toning a chiseled physique. It's not about being the "cure-all" shoe for orthopedic pain.

It's simply about making walking a joyful and effortless experience.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - They have a great selection for both men and women! (aren't the Cuba shoes above for men super sharp?)

Joya Womens Marilyn Shoe

I had the chance to try out the Joya Womens Marilyn Shoe, I am still breaking these in as I have a SUPER high instep, but they do feel like I'm walking on a cloud! I normally have the most trouble with my arches, and my arches are not barking with these. What I love is that much like my favorite shoes from Ryn, the Joya shoe also dramatically improves my posture! Despite the fact that they consider themselves more of a 'soft shoe' than a 'rocker' shoe, they do seem to offer me the same benefits I love from my Rocker Shoes, improved posture, and less joint stress as I walk.

My Take

Joya is a 'sister' company of sorts to our friends at Ryn, who have been featured several times on Ascending Butterfly and for very good reason! (See our Slip Into Summer 2010 Review as well as our NEW YEAR, NEW YOU! Giveaway - Remember these are both now closed, I just wanted you to refer to the reviews to see why I love them so much!) Ryn footwear has played a very strong part of several Lifestyle Changes I have made that have resulted in the loss of 26 pounds so far! I don't know about you, but I love spending money when it yields results I can truly see AND feel!

I honestly didn't think I'd ever 'cheat' on Ryn shoes, until I found Joya that is! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our new friends at Joya have a very special surprise for 5 lucky winners! FIVE winners will win a pair of Joya Shoes for their Dad, or to keep for themself (as there are both mens and womens styles)!

Don't you just ♥ Joya? 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-  Provide us with the URL link in a comment below to any other shoe you like (mens or womens), remember to provide the URL link not just the name. You can pick any pair except the Cuba Men or the Marilyn Womens as those were both featured in the review. (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. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE.

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, June 17, 2011 until Friday, June 24, 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 - Rock the VOTE - it's super easy and a ONE time only, Please vote for me, Tracy Iglesias, (in red jacket)  - http://www.yourbestpose.com/competition/?id=1#6

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

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! Leave five entries.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the spirit of Father's Day Fun share with us your favorite advice that your dad has given you! (and yes, if you were not raised by your dad, you can share with us the best wisdom received by the person who did raise you! Uncles and Grandpas count too!) Or you can share if you are giving these to lucky guy in your life or keeping them for yourself!

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 @joya_shoes 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 we can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + @joya_shoes Put a Spring in Dads (or your) step w/ Joya Shoes - 5 Winners - #Giveaway! Ends 06/24 http://tinyurl.com/42k28qx

(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 Joya Shoes and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them who you'd give this to and why also!) 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 - Every 100th person who "likes" Joya Shoes on Facebook will automatically get a free pair of Joyas of their choice - so "liker" 200, 300, 400 etc - How COOL is that?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One time only, NOT a daily: 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.

{CLOSED} Tickle Dads Tastebuds with the SodaStream Genesis Giveaway! Ends 06/24

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

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

Ascending Butterfly's Annual Dads N Grads Buying Guide Giveaway, brought to you by:

Does your Dad derive tremendous satisfaction from Do-It-Yourself projects? Does he like Gadgets? Does he just love making his family happy? If your Dad (uncle or Grandpa) still calls Soda 'Pop', or remembers the 'Soda Fountain' then I've got the perfect gift idea for him!

SodaStream - www.sodastream.com

SodaStream Genesis - The Gift That Pays For Itself

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - SodaStream offers a wide variety of styles and colors to match any kitchen decor.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Prepare great-tasting, fresh, fizzy beverages precisely to your taste - with no bottles, cans, electricity...and no clean-up. Over 30 flavors at the touch of a button!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 30-day money-back guarantee.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - two-year manufacturer's warranty on all new soda makers.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Automatic access gas release mechanism. It is as easy to use as making a cup of coffee!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Customized carbonation level.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Easy to clean drip tray.

My Take

You might remember that in 2009 we reviewed the Sodastream Penguin Soda Maker and it was love at first Soda! I still have my penguin and 2 years later it works like new! I only mention this because for me durability is very important, when I spend money I expect that item to last. Most of us want quality and value at a good price, and Sodastream truly delivers! So you wonder? Why did you review the Genesis? While I love my Penguin and it's not going anywhere, I actually wanted the ability to make more soda per use and the Genesis has a bigger batch per use capacity than the Penguin does. But just like the Penguin, it is SUPER easy to set up, use, and maintain! I love being able to make bigger batches per use, I love the drip tray, and I love the slimmer profile as I do have a small kitchen.

This year I've been making small Lifestyle changes that have added up to yield major results. Without drastic changes I have dropped 26 pounds, and Sodastream is one of the tools in my arsenal. I am never going to become a fanatic, I love life, I love food and I love my Soda! I'm NOT giving it up entirely, but Sodastream allows me to still enjoy my soda with reduced levels of sodium, carbs and caffeine. The comparison between popular brand sodas and sodastream are really dramatic, please refer to this chart for more info HERE.

Based on my level of Soda Consumption I can't even begin to explain just how much I've saved using Sodastream, not to mention the mix is lighter to carry than standard 2 liters and as I live in an Apartment, it's definitely helping my back not carrying those heavy bottles anymore. I love being able to customize the intensity of the flavor as well as the level of carbonation and variety of flavors! My personal fave flavors include (it's truly like having a soda aisle in your pantry) : Cream, Cranberry Raspberry, Dr. Pete, Lemon Lime, Orange, and the traditional Cola flavor!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at SodaStream have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will win a SodaStream Genesis for their Dad, or to keep for themself!

Don't you just ♥ SodaStream? 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- Tell us who this will be for, Will you give it to Dad, your Hubby, Brother, Uncle, (or will you keep the SodaStream for yourself)? (And while we never make social media follows mandatory, I'd love it if you followed SodaStream via Facebook or Twitter, see Extra Credit Section for more info and direct links). (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. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE.

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, June 16, 2011 until Friday, June 24, 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 - Rock the VOTE - it's super easy and a ONE time only, Please vote for me, Tracy Iglesias, (in red jacket)  - http://www.yourbestpose.com/competition/?id=1#6

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

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! Leave five entries.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the spirit of Father's Day Fun share with us your favorite advice that your dad has given you! (and yes, if you were not raised by your dad, you can share with us the best wisdom received by the person who did raise you! Uncles and Grandpas count too!)

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 @SodaStream 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 we can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @SodaStreamUSA SodaStream Genesis #Giveaway! Ends 06/24 Pls RT- http://tinyurl.com/3zqqptv

(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 SodaStream and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them who you'd give this to and why also!) 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 - One time only, NOT a daily: 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 products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

{CLOSED} Help make Dad a cut above the rest with the Shenzhen Chefs Knife Giveaway! Ends 06/22!

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

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

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

Ascending Butterfly's Annual Dads N Grads Buying Guide Giveaway, brought to you by:

Is your dad a foodie? Whether Dad is a gourmet, foodie or  weekend griller the one thing that holds true is that he needs a Knife that can handle the job! I love to cook and so did my Dad, I have to admit I've been through my fair share of Knive Sets since I started cooking.

One of my favorites to prepare is seafood and fish, which I love to eat, but hate to skin. Removing the skin from fish is one of the best tests of a Knife as far as I'm concerned! And most of the knives I have just don't cut it, no pun intended.

I have been wanting to 'pimp my knives' and had been researching Ceramic Chef's Knives for awhile now, and discovered they are pretty pricey! Wouldn't it be great to get Chef's quality at a discount price?

Shenzhen Knives - The Affordable Ceramic Knife

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Price Advantage: Most ceramic knives after production, have passed through multiple layers of distributors (who add their own price mark-ups) prior to arriving at the retail distribution point. Shenzhen's Internet distribution model enables them to bring their ceramic knives DIRECTLY from the factory to YOU, at a significant price savings.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ceramic Blade Advantage  - These ceramic knives are made of an advanced ceramic called zirconia, the second hardest material known to man next to diamond. The material's properties make it particularly resistant to wear and tear, which means that a ceramic blade can hold its edge much longer than a steel blade without the need for re-sharpening as often as steel knives.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Benefits -  Rust proof. Non-stick surface makes the ceramic blade easy to clean.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No Interaction - No metallic taste or smell. Given the ceramic blade's characteristics, the ceramic knife will not interact with your food's taste.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Care - They do require a bit of care and know how, read HERE for more info.

My Take

I tried the 3 piece Chef's Set from Shenzhen and I really like them! It took some getting used to about being careful NOT to bend or force them which is what I normally do sometimes with my regular steel blades. While you can use Ceramic Knives on a daily basis, Shenzhen's website suggests that you should use them in addition or in conjunction to your favorite daily Steel Blades not as a complete replacement to Steel Blade Knives. I love that Shenzhen Knives do not interact with food, need sharpening less often, are durable and can handle my love of Fish and helps me to skin them with ease! And to be able to get Chef's Ceramic Knife Quality at direct to me discount pricing is an incredible added bonus!

DISCOUNTS:

FREE SHIPPING on Shenzhen 3 piece ceramic knife sets, and orders of $60 or more or:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Shenzhen have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will win a Ceramic Chef's Knife for their Dad, or to keep for themself!

Don't you just ♥ Shenzhen? 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- Tell us who this will be for, Will you give it to Dad, your Hubby, Brother, Uncle, or a Culinary School Grad (or will you keep this great Chef's Knife for yourself)? (And while we never make social media follows mandatory, I'd love it if you followed Shenzhen via Facebook or Twitter, see Extra Credit Section for more info and direct links). (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. One entry per Household, see Ascending Butterfly Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy HERE.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Please follow directions or you will be disqualified! All comments are moderated, they may not appear on the site right away (comments like "I want this" or "I want to win" will not be entered). You have from Wednesday, June 15, 2011 until Wednesday, June 22, 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 - Rock the VOTE - it's super easy and a ONE time only, Please vote for me, Tracy Iglesias (in red jacket)  - http://www.yourbestpose.com/competition/?id=1#6

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You know how much I love finding us both win/wins right? Here's another one: Visit the Degree Women MotionSENSE App on Facebook and enter GetMoving031 in 'Enter Codes' HERE (you'll get an extra 5 MotionSENSE Miles which you can trade in for great prizes including trips!) Enter, share on your wall, and let me know you entered by linking me to where you shared it on your wall, by the way sharing also buys you extra MotionSENSE miles, win/win right? :)

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! Leave five entries.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In the spirit of Father's Day Fun share with us your favorite advice that your dad has given you! (and yes, if you were not raised by your dad, you can share with us the best wisdom received by the person who did raise you! Uncles and Grandpas count too!)

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 @ShenzhenKnives 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 we can make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @ShenzhenKnives Ceramic Chef Knife #Giveaway! Ends 06/22 Pls RT- http://tinyurl.com/3oojojd

(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 Shenzhen Knives and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You (I'm sure they'd love for you to tell them who you'd give this to and why also!) 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 - One time only, NOT a daily: 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 products. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Got Wanderlust? Then JetSet! Plus Twitter Party with SWEET Prizes!

I used to work in the Airline Industry many moons ago (won't say which one), and I learned the hard way as an industry insider, that the hours were super long, and the promised 'travel benefits', the main perk and reason most people are drawn to the industry in the first place, are not exactly made easy to use. You don't really get the time to use your perks and must fly out stand by so sometimes you pay for the hotel for a set number of days and do not even end up there the first day because you are still at the airport on standby waiting to get on a flight.

Don't get me wrong, I still very much love travel, it's my passion, I pretty much say I work hard to be able to play hard. I work to travel, I live to travel. Oddly enough I am able to travel more now that I don't work in the industry than I did when I worked for an Airline!

I was very lucky when I was younger that my mom loved to travel also, and no two summers were ever the same. Some summers were spent Horse Back Riding at a Ranch, others lazing on the Beach, and others were spent with friends visiting as many amusement parks as possible.

So of course the moment summer arrives and the sun comes out, I instantly get attacked by a major case of Wander Lust!

I've already hit the Beach this month, and took a sort of staycation long weekend at Atlantic City last weekend! What are your travel plans for this summer?

Maybe it's from my airline days, but I have packing down to a Science. I'm a great packer, and in fact have managed to keep all my travels so far down to only ONE piece of luggage and a tote. Both of which are industry regulation and can be carried on. I don't remember the last time I waited at a luggage carousel waiting for a suitcase.

My friends and family are lucky that they have me to help when it comes to vacation planning, I love researching vacations, family vacations, girlfriend getaways, I have a knack for finding the best deals on airfare, hotel stays, getting package extras like room credits, beverage credits and more. I'm kind of like their travel concierge!

Do you need a travel concierge?

Then try, JetSetVacations.com - your vacation concierge without the hefty price tag!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - JetSetVacations.com is a travel wholesaler with 15 years of experience that can serve all of your travel booking needs whether you’re looking for a family adventure, quick weekend away, or romantic trip for two.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Every booking provides you with white glove service which includes a vacation concierge to assist you with your needs while you are on vacation.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  They guarantee the lowest rates to Mexico, the Caribbean, and Costa Rica and specialize in helping families travel on a budget. (It's like they were invented just for me, being a North East girl, most of my vacations tend to be Caribbean or Beach Centered, and I've personally visited Mexico and Puerto Rico multiple times for their beautiful beaches!)

Ready to PAR TAY? - Twitter Party Alert!

You know everyone calls me the Twitter Party DJ on Twitter, I LOVE Twitter Parties, they are always fast paced, and super fun, and you get a chance to win prizes just by doing something you already love to do, Talk Travel, Party and TWEET!

Our friends at JetSetVacations.com want YOU to enter to win a $1,000 vacation credit and more by participating in the JetSetVacations.com Twitter Party this Wednesday night (June 15, 2011) from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET. For more information visit: http://bit.ly/ijMbgq

When: Wednesday, June 15th from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. ET

Where: #JetSetVacations tag on Twitter

How: To participate follow @JetSetVacations and host @ResourcefulMom Giveaway winners will be chosen at random from party participants

New to Twitter? Learn more about how to participate in a Twitter Party!

Twitter Party Prizes

(5) Five winners will each receive a Flip camcorder

(5) Five winners will each receive a digital camera

(1) SUPER GRAND PRIZE winner will receive a gift certificate for $1,000 toward a trip*

*The winner of the super grand prize must use the gift certificate for a trip this summer and blog about their experience. If the winner does not have a blog, they may write a guest post for ResourcefulMommy.com to fulfill that requirement.

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

FTC Disclosure:  This post is part of a sponsored campaign with Global Influence and while I have been compensated for my participation, I am a Blog With Integrity blogger, and the text and opinions are solely my own.

Organize your Finances, Subscriptions and Rewards in a Cloud for a chance to win $1000!

Last month I got a sneak peek into Manilla, a new household account organization site, and I wanted to share the scoop with you! Manilla will give you the chance to not only organize your household Finances and more, they are also doing an amazing Giveaway in June where one lucky new user will win $1,000 cash to pay their bills!

A chance to get paid for getting organized, how cool is that?

Manilla will help you manage multiple cloud services with a single sign on, it offers a single place to go for online bill paying. While most Banks do offer that service already, Manilla takes this a bit further by also offering a place to manage frequent flier accounts, managing magazine subscriptions (no more renewal notices as Manilla will let you know when your subscriptions are due), and it even creates a virtual filing cabinet for you making things loads easier for you come tax time. All of your account info is consolidated using an easy-to-read dashboard. Think of it as a GPS for your household management, giving you not only easy to understand directions on how to get you from point a to point b, but also saving you time, reducing clutter and paperwork and from June 7-30, 2011 you will also have the chance to win $1,000 just for trying them out!

How to Enter:

1. Sign up with Manilla

2. Link one or more household, financial, subscription or rewards account with Manilla (I personally love seeing all my frequent flier in one handy place)

Note: While various blogs are sharing the love about Manilla just remember the maximum number of entries per person is 1 regardless of number of blogs visited for entry.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking? ah Manilla, where have you been all my life?

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



FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Manilla. The opinions and text are all mine. All opinions are my own. Contest runs June 7-30, 2011. Winner must be signed up with Manilla with at least one account linked to win. A random winner will be selected by July 1, 2011.

Official Contest Rules:

Entry Limit: One (1) Manilla account can be setup per household, one (1) entry per household regardless of number of comments, per each Participating Blog – maximum number of entries per person is 1 regardless of number of blogs visited for entry.

Prize(s): One winner will receive a $1,000 gift card/cash. Gift card is subject to the terms and conditions associated with its use. Total average retail value of all prizes is $1,000.00. Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible entries received from all Participating Blogs. Unclaimed prizes will not be awarded if not claimed within two weeks of being notified. All applicable federal, state, and local taxes on prizes are the sole responsibility of the prize winners. Limit one (1) prize per person in the Contest.

Winner Selection: One (1) winner from all Participating Blogs will be selected in a random drawing no later than 7/1/11 from among all eligible entries received. Winner must have a Manilla account with at least one account linked to win. Winner will be notified by email. In the event the Sponsor is unable to contact the winner within two weeks of first notification attempt, prize will be forfeited and an alternate winner may be selected.