{CLOSED} Kate Spade NY for Lenox Vase with 1800flowers Bouquet of your choice Giveaway! Ends 09/29

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsors Lenox and 1800flowers.com! We look forward to working with you again! The winner has been notified and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's 'Don't Let Go of Summer Sweepstakes', hosted by:

Is it just me or are we moving into Fall super fast? Kids are back in school (a few weeks away from first report cards), we are days away from Rosh Hashanah, fast approaching Halloween, and Thanksgiving will be right around the corner!

When I think of September, I think of Indian Summer and trying to hold on to the sunshine for as long as possible. One of my favorite ways to keep the summer in my heart and in my home is via flowers. They always lift my spirits, and I like to have live bouquets in my home and the office weekly. I take time to arrange each flower and really get the right balance and symmetry. What ultimately sets off your arrangement is the Vase. You can't put the perfect arrangement in just any Vase! (Well sometimes you have no choice in the office, but you usually do at home).

My grandmother and mom have beautiful Crystal Vases, which I always admired. As for me, I had a collection of Vases that came with the bouquets. An odd assortment of sizes and shapes, but mostly smaller, which meant when I bring home or receive a large bouquet I'd have to split them between multiple small vases. I'm not going to complain, because that gave me the ability to put flowers in almost every room, but sometimes you really want the bouquet you've received to remain intact. Especially if it's a hostess gift. Flowers are my favorite hostess gift, both to give and receive. I know many of you will be attending and hosting special family dinners this season.

Kate Spade NY for Lenox

kate spade Pleasant Hill Bouquet Vase

I'm sure most of you are familiar with Lenox. Their dinnerware and housewares are on most bridal registries. What you may not know is that they have many designers who design specialty collections for them, including Marchesa for Lenox, Disney, Dansk, Donna Karan, and Kate Spade NY for Lenox.

Kate Spade NY for Lenox is an amazing collection of dinnerware, serving pieces, flatware, glassware, Barware, gifts and Home Decor.

I received the Kate Spade NY for Lenox Pleasant Hill Bouquet Vase, this Vase is available in 2 heights, a taller version and the one I received with a 'rounder' profile. I love the rounder profile and absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the butterflies!

About the Vase:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Crafted of glass
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Height: 6"
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The wide mouth of this vase is designed to accommodate a full bouquet.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Etched butterflies encircle the vase for a look that's chic with a touch of whimsy.
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Made by Lenox
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Under license by kate spade new york, which has reviewed this product for quality and authenticity
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $75.00

1800Flowers

What's a beautiful Vase without flowers right? I thought it would be perfect if our friends at 1800flowers.com joined in on the fun and added some flowers to fill up the new Vase! I was trying to get artistic, but I forgot to take a picture of them both side by side, I received a florist choice bouquet that reflected my personal favorites, and extras thrown in by the designer. I received TWO huge over-flowing bouquets! And ended up using 2 vases in 2 different rooms by the time I was done arranging!

My 'Florist Choice' Bouquet:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pink and Red Roses
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Assortment of Stargazer Lilies
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - salal tips
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - alstroemeria
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - limonium

The Photo Above is my own Vase with the second bouquet, the candles, and candleholders are my own, and I used the Raffia that the bouquets came wrapped with for added decoration.

My Take:

The Vase and flowers are beautiful, the scent filled my home for literally two weeks (using the powder preservative packets that come with the bouquets and changing the water every few days.) Flowers just always make me smile, and having the flowers welcome me home every day and waking up to that scent every morning automatically lifted my spirits. The Vase is elegant and beautiful, and the butterflies are very meaningful for me, butterflies have always represented those I love who have passed away saying hello, and symbols of change and luck for me personally, so this Vase carries all those meanings with it for me and I hope to never put it back in its box, I hope to have it out every day!

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Kate Spade NY for Lenox and 1800flowers.com have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will win a Kate Spade NY for Lenox Pleasant Hill Bouquet Vase + a $100 savings pass from 1800flowers.com!!! (Total ARV of the prize is $175) (By the way, the $100 savings pass can be used not only at 1800flowers.com but also at their sister brands: 1800baskets.com (who we LOVE at Ascending Butterfly), Cheryls Cookies, The Popcorn Factory, and Fannie May Fine Chocolate, so if you are allergic to flowers, you can still enjoy this prize.)

Don't you just ♥ Kate Spade NY, Lenox and 1800flowers.com? 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 THE BOUQUET YOU'D FILL YOUR VASE YOUR VASE WITH IF YOU WIN FROM 1800FLOWERS.COM AND LINK US TO ANOTHER KATE SPADE NY FOR LENOX ITEM YOU LIKE  (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, September 15, 2011 until Thursday, September 29, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our 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 @katespadeny on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Lenox_Corp on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @1800flowers 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 make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + @katespadeny  for @Lenox_Corp  Butterfly Vase + $100 worth @1800flowers #Giveaway! Ends 9/29! http://tinyurl.com/3qyfd7q

(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 Kate Spade NY on Facebook, Lenox on Facebook and 1800flowers on Facebook and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You or tell them which product you picked for your entry! (Please post the link to your facebook comment, you can get that link the same way you get your link to your tweets! If you don't post the link where you wrote on their wall I can't give you extra credit for it.) - Leave three separate comments so you can receive 3 extra credits for following each brand!

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 products and the sponsors 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.

Wordless Wednesday - Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show!



@2011 Tracy Iglesias, www.ascendingbutterfly.com

This picture was taken during Fashion Week at the Gen Art Fresh Faces in Fashion Show. I'm particularly pleased with this shot because I was sitting way up in the boonies at a very bad angle, while me and this camera are still getting to know each other, I'd say it's a pretty decent motion shot! Looks like deep corals are coming back again Spring 2012!

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

{Before} Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips - Fashion Week NYC!

My friends at the One2One Network and at Crest 3D White asked me “What life event would you whiten for in just two hours with Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips?”

For me, that was an easy answer, New York Fashion Week! New York Fashion Week is one event after another back to back and tons of photo opps! With many of these events not only do you have to consider the pictures you pose for, there are also the ones taken of you that you don't even know about! Both pictures and video are shot of the attendees, not just the models on the runway!

I'm still not used to being in front of the camera, which I know sounds weird for a blogger. But my blog started solely with inspirational and empowerment posts, I never really expected to share very much about myself. Along the years I've become a bit more comfortable with sharing the face behind the brand, and Fashion Week for me this year has been way busier than last year, while I don't aspire to walk the runway, I definitely want to have the whitest, prettiest smile possible!

I'm off to try out the Whitestrips, and I'll share my after photo with you (and you know I'm always looking out for my butterflies, so stay tuned for your own chance to share what life event you would whiten for and win a box for yourself!)

By the way,  I have also had a chance to try out the Crest 3D White ToothPaste and I really love it!

In the meantime you can:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Nab Crest 3D Whitestrips Coupons

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Connect with Crest Whitestrips on Facebook

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FTC Disclosure: I was given this product for free to review as part of the Crest 3D White 2 Hour Express Whitestrips campaign hosted by One2One Network. My participation in this campaign makes me eligible for additional incentives. I am a blog with integrity blogger and all opinions regarding the sponsor and product are my own.

Today's Words of Inspiration - I am here. Now.

words and photo @Sierra Goodman, Shared from divinedolphin.com

Today's Quote:

I no longer hide from my light.
I no longer argue for my limitations.
I fully accept, honor and carry out my Divine Plan
and Service to humanity without resistance
(except for when it comes up and then I shall
joyfully do the work to name it, claim it and release it).
I easily and gracefully step into my agreed upon
Divine Role and I fully embrace Who I Really Am.
I shine my light with pure love and compassion.
I am here. Now.

I saw this on Divine Dolphin's Facebook Page and I just had to reach out to the author to share it here, this is the most beautiful reminder of the importance of remaining in the now and claiming energies that serve a higher purpose in our lives and releasing energies that don't. If you are not already following Divine Dolphin on Facebook you should consider doing so!

And before I get accused of Fashion Week madness, I thought we should start out the week on an inspirational post! =)

Today's Challenge: Remain in the now. Sometimes trying to have it all means you are making lists in your head instead of enjoying lunch or dinner, scrolling through your to do list mentally during your commute home. Be in the NOW today. Just for today try being in the moment.

Today's Breathing Affirmation: Close your eyes, take a deep, slow breath in through your nose, and affirm "I Am Here. Now."

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Step into Fall With Earthies Talera Shoes - Review and Giveaway! Ends 09/18 - Win a pair of Talera Shoes in your choice of color!

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Remember that attitude determines altitude, go out there and make this your best day ever, bless and be blessed!

Have A Wonderful Day Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: I was not compensated to share Divine Dolphin's Facebook Page, I consider them a great source of inspiration, this is a NON compensated post!

Weekly Moment of Gratitude + 9/11 Peace Intention Experiment and MORE!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - As some of you might remember, I had been offered a job in the Towers that year, but didn't accept it. It was a great job, great benefits and a great team, but somehow I immediately turned it down. I can only assume it was God's protection. On 09/11 I was working in a Hospital that wasn't that close to Ground Zero, yet we received casualties. The phone lines were shut down and we couldn't reach out to our families, nor them to us, and body bag after body bag kept arriving. It was literally like living in a movie, or a nightmare, it was surreal. The transit system shut down and I was lucky enough to be in one of the last cars allowed on the highway that day. We were a full house in the car and it broke my heart to pass so many people trying get home on foot. Most people were walking from pure instinct, their faces and eyes were just glazed with shock and a sadness so profound it was heart breaking. It seems surreal that it's actually 10 years later because I can remember it like it was yesterday. I'm grateful for many things on this day: not taking that job, making it home that day, and watching heros first hand, EMT's, Fire Fighters, NYPD, the Doctors and Nurses at the hospital where I worked, and just being here to tell the tale.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This week my emails were filled with all kinds of pitches and stories, but only one really stood out, The 9/11 Peace Intention Experiment. 

About The Experiment:

Tens of thousands of Arabs and Americans are joining together for the tenth anniversary of the 9/11 terror attack on New York’s Twin Towers for a remarkable experiment: to discover whether their collective intention can bring greater peace to an area of conflict.

The 9/11 Peace Intention Experiment will take place in a 20-minute period every day for eight days. As such it will replicate McTaggart’s 2008 Peace Intention Experiment, carried out on Sri Lanka, which showed a 74 per cent reduction of violence after the experiment and a demonstrable effect when studied through statistical time analysis.

This blog is all about the power of intention, if we all focus our intention on Peace, just imagine how powerful that could be!

The experiment fills me with gratitude that the human spirit is so resilient, determined and strong, and that despite the pain there are still people out there trying to bring hope to a hopeless act.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Another email I received this week regarding 09/11 that stood out was from our dear friends at The Sak.

Commemorate the 10th Anniversary of 9/11 by helping The Sak Give Back!   

100% of the proceeds from the Betty Sue Collection benefits The Brooke Jackman Foundation, which honors Brooke's memory, a fallen hero of 9/11.  Shop the Betty Sue collection at http://www.thesak.com/handbags_betty_sue/pl/c/587.html.

To learn more visit www.brookejackmanfoundation.org

I love that Ascending Butterfly gets the opportunity to work with brands that give back. Put your buying power to work and support corporations with a conscience wherever possible.

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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 Giveaway

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Step into Fall With Earthies Talera Shoes - Review and Giveaway! Ends 09/18 - Win the Talera Shoe in your choice of color (based on in stock availability!)

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

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

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FTC Disclosure: Journal Recommendation uses an Amazon Affiliate Link. I was not compensated to post about The 9/11 Peace Intention Experiment nor the sale with The Sak, I thought they were both important causes to share!

Diane Von Furstenberg Fashion Night Out Win + Reader Poll

Not that I quote Charlie Sheen often, but last night I had a Fashion Night Out WINNING moment, I won a DVF (Diane von Furstenberg) Wrap Dress playing along with @DVF on Twitter! Me and Twitter have a very special relationship anyway, this just solidified it!

So for those asking where the official #TwitterPartyDJ is? She is enjoying Fashion Night Out as a party attendee, not a DJ! And boy did it pay off!

Reader Poll: Which is your favorite DVF Wrap Dress? (check out the pictures and comment below with the name)

Linda Dress in Glaze Red

Julian Wrap dress in Black

Genevieve Dress in Teal

Ah, Decisions, Sweet Decisions! Hope you are enjoying Fashion Week as much as I am this year Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. I won a DVF Wrap Dress during Fashion Night Out in a twitter contest I am under no obligation to post. But with designs, this classic and beautiful I couldn't help but share! ;)

Lucky Magazine and Lord & Taylor's Shop. Eat. Blog. Blogger Breakfast

@loribergamotto  (Left) & Suze Yalof Schwartz (Right) Kicking off Blogger Breakfast at Lord & Taylor New York City

My schedule hadn't permitted me to attend any events hosted by Lucky Magazine until today, and what an event to make my first! I was invited to a very unique' Fashion Morning In' hosted by Lucky Magazine and Lord & Taylor this morning. The 'Shop.Eat.Blog' Breakfast Blogger Event was a heavenly way to start the insanity that has been Fashion Night Out. (Don't get me wrong it's Good Insanity, but being this over-booked in a walking commuter city in inclement weather can be a challenge!)

You can sometimes feel very much lost in the shuffle no matter how 'intimate' an event claims to be, but this morning I didn't feel that way at all, the team at Lucky Magazine and Lord & Taylor truly went out of their way to make us feel like we were just hanging out with friends. (You know if you and your friends get to shop privately at your own equivalent of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.)

After breakfast, the bloggers in attendance were gifted with a shopping spree at Lord & Taylor before the store opened to the public.  (Insert Choir of Angels sound here). Being able to shop before the store even opened gave us the opportunity to really see styles we might have missed in the crowds, and I got the chance to interact with some amazing folks including the visual merchandiser for Guess who happened to be stocking when I walked over to the Guess Section! I probably spent WAY too much time checking out shoes and handbags which will always be my weakness!

As many of you already know I have dropped 26 pounds this year so far, and was pleasantly surprised to find that many of the stuff in the womens section was actually too big! YAY! I was super stoked to experience the REVERSE problem, usually stuff is too small, but today a ton of way 'too bigs' had me leaving the store floating on a confidence high.

I met some wonderful bloggers I didn't know whose blogs I am off to follow, and discovered a scent that an employee was wearing that I fell in LOVE with! (More to come on that scent later!)

And of course as with everywhere I go, there was a butterfly sighting, I spotted quite a lovely butterfly necklace with a swarovski crystal that did catch my eye.

I can't think of a better way to have started Fashion Night Out! I certainly hope Lord & Taylor was on your agenda!

And now, tell me all about your Fashion Night Out experiences. Where did you go? Which shows did YOU see?

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FTC Disclosure Info: A Gift Card to shop at Lord & Taylor was provided to bloggers in attendance, however, no monetary compensation has been received and I was no under no obligation to post and all experiences and opinions regarding the blogger breakfast are my own.

Odilon Spring/Summer 2012 Fashion Presentation!

Last night I attended the Spring/Summer Fashion Presentation for Odilon and thought I'd share some pictures with you. What stands out most is that this is truly wearable straight from the runway, and I don't often say that. I may like what I see at some shows, but that doesn't always mean it's wearable, it's usually 'interpretable' more than wearable, so when I attend a show where I really find the fashion wearable it stands out for me. Last year it was EMU Australia's show that stood out in my mind, and this year Odilon's wearable fashions for Spring/Summer 2012 are becoming a real standout for me as well. (Yes, I'll admit the week is still young and there are about a million more events to go!)

Designer, Stacey Clark, put together a great show, and as I'm fondly called 'The Official' #TwitterPartyDJ on Twitter, I have to tell you the DJ really rocked it! You can keep up with all things Odilon on Twitter @odilonbysc

Totally digging the white jacket above!

This is perfect resort wear and I can see me taking this set along with me to the Caribbean!

A shot of the all the white outfits and the designer!

(Sorry about photogs head on the lower left!)

Navy and White are my fave color combos for summer, Love that set on the right, yet more summer/resortwear for me! :)

Not sure if my camera did this shot justice, the green on this dress is a bit more vibrant than this photo would indicate!

OK, you know I HAD to snap a shot of the DJ, he ROCKED!

Here's a shot of all the models, I have a penchant for catching models smiling in my coverage, don't you love it?

Designer Stacey Clark (center) and her lovely creations!

 

I enjoyed getting a sneak peak of Odilon's S/S 2012 line, and hope you now feel like you were there!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received, nor swag, I was under no obligation to write about the show, however because disclosure is very important, please note refreshments were provided! :)

Winner Announcement! - ZIPZ winners!

We have 2 WINNERS!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - '1955nurse' and 'Danelle Johnson' are our ZIPZ shoes winners, congrats and enjoy your new sneakers! Hope you'll share a picture wearing your new kicks!

Today and most of the week, I have tons of events in conjunction with Fashion Night Out, so you'll see shorter posts, but hopefully more frequent! (There will be a slight delay with entries appearing for the giveaways, but no worries your entries are coming through, we just moderate all entries before they appear on the site! I can see a lot of you were busy entering for the shoes last night!)

Our Zippity Doo's Winner will be notified by tomorrow and posted shortly!

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**We post winner site user/member names for privacy (except of course if their real name is their username!)**

{CLOSED} Step into Fall With Earthies Talera Shoes - Review and Giveaway! Ends 09/18

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Earthies Footwear! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is Vicki S. - Congrats! Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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With the countdown clock ticking and Fashion Night Out rapidly approaching, most of us are thinking Fashion and Beauty, and here in New York City I'm prepping for a full week of event hopping, Spring 2012 Fashion Shows and unfortunately rainy weather.

Despite the gloomy weather, I will have a pep in my step and that's thanks to Earthies Footwear! I am 'stepping into Fall' in style this season in a Fashion Forward Pump that's as trendy as it is comfortable. I have to start by admitting that 'Talera' is a bit higher than my normal pump, so the height took getting used to but these sleek, classic pumps are so me, leather, minimalist and yes black!

I had to 'borrow' this quote from Talera's page, because honestly I couldn't have said it better myself:

Unerring sophistication. Indisputable elegance. Meet the Talera, a silhouette of exquisite character, defined by its tailored lines and contours that mask a uniquely functional wellness footbed. If it is in fact possible to live well without needing to flaunt it, the Talera proves it so. 

About The Talera:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A cupped heel that sets the foot into a proper supported position unlike ordinary high heels which leave the heel unsupported and create forward slip

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - An anatomic arch that increases touchpoints in the transition area from the heel to the forefoot unlike many ordinary high heels without arch contour that force weight-bearing onto the underside of the toes

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A cradle toe area with a gentle curl to evenly distribute weight away from the toes unlike many ordinary high heels that create foot

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Platform Height:  0.18”, Heel Height: 3.39”, MSRP: $169.00 (USD)

These heels pair perfectly with suits, slacks, denim, dresses, I can't think of one outfit that they wouldn't pair with. These are that classic black shoe that you must have in your wardrobe, they are the shoe equivalent of the little black dress.

For the next few weeks we will feature a different style shoe from Earthies/Kalso Footwear, a heel (The Talera Shoe), a flat (TBA), a bootie (TBA), and boots (TBA) and you have the chance to nab each pair reviewed!

My Take:

This is my second pair of Earthies and much like the first time around I needed to size up, with this pair I had to size up a whole size (with the last pair I sized up a half size). I found that the thicker heel offers better stability and much like my Earthies Verias (you can check out my review for the Verias HERE), the Talera is proof that the word comfort and heels really can go together! While sizing up may or may not be necessary for you, you will find you can't go wrong with the Talera. It's offered in Black, Mahogany (a rich, deep chocolate color), and Merlot, and much like with my Verias experience, I definitely want this one in more than one color.

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Earthies have a very special surprise for 1 lucky winner! 1 winner will win 'The Talera' Shoe in their choice of color!

Don't you just ♥ Earthies? 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 Earthies and then Link us to any other pair in the collection you like other than The Talera Shoe! (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 Tuesday, September 06, 2011 until Sunday, September 18, 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 Fall Fun share with us the outfit you'd pair these shoes with!

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 @earthiesusa 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 make updates throughout the entire party!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Pls RT Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 and @earthiesusa The Talera #shoe #Giveaway! Ends 09/18! http://tinyurl.com/3eg9lxk

(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 Earthies and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You on Facebook HERE - You should also share which pair is your favorite, I'm sure they'd LOVE to know! (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.

Oikos Greek Yogurt Review and Recipe too!

I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls on behalf of Dannon. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program but my opinions are my own.

For more information and recipe ideas, visit www.oikosyogurt.com or www.Facebook.com/oikos  I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity, as I do.

I didn't grow up eating Yogurt, and as a result hadn't really developed a taste for it. That was until BlogHer 2010 last year where I tried one that I really liked, and after that it created a monster! Earlier this  year I had the opportunity to attend a cooking class at the International Culinary Council in New York City where I learned to incorporate Yogurt into my favorite recipes, substituting more fattening items from the recipes with Yogurt instead. (You can read more about that experience HERE and you can also read the recipes I've posted under the 'healthify your summer with Fage' summer series).

Because I'm a bit of a 'late comer' to the joys of Yogurt, I find myself always trying new ones when I see them at the Supermarket. Especially now that I've begun incorporating them into recipes, I like trying out different yogurt brands in the same recipes to figure out which ones work best in which recipes.

I have lost 26 pounds so far this year by making small lifestyle changes including recipe substitutions. I've actually always been pretty good about NOT skipping breakfast before running out the door, but I have also included more Yogurt in the morning instead of those popular fast food egg, ham, and cheese biscuits and have noticed that I have more energy through the mornings with a much healthier and better for me way to get my protein!

I had a chance to try Stonyfield yogurt earlier this year when I took a Zumba Fitness Class with Degree for women and really liked it, so when I was recently was offered the opportunity to try out Dannon Oikos Greek Yogurt I jumped at the chance. But was a bit disappointed that John Stamos was not hand delivering it! (I think it would have tasted better if he delivered it to me directly! wink, wink) I thought I'd try using it in a recipe and was delighted to find a recipe for Tandoori Chicken under their Dannon Smart Swap Recipes page.

Tandoori Chicken Recipe:

Ingredients

• 16 chicken tenderloins
• 6 dried red chilis
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon pepper
• 4 teaspoons ground coriander seeds
• Juice of 4 limes
• 4 garlic cloves, crushed
• 4 tablespoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon ground clove
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cups Stonyfield® Oikos® Greek Plain Yogurt
• 2 teaspoons fresh cilantro, chopped

Directions

1. Make 2-3 slashes in chicken pieces and place in a nonmetallic dish. Set aside.
2. In a food processor, mix the red chilies, salt, pepper, lime juice, garlic, ginger, clove and chili powder.
3. Transfer to a small skillet and heat over low heat until aromatic.
4. Add the onion and cook over low heat. Stir in the yogurt and remove skillet from heat.
5. Pour the mixture over the chicken.
6. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours or over night.
7. Arrange the chicken on a broiler tray and cook under a preheated broiler or over a barbecue for 20 to 30 minutes, turning just once.
8. Garnish with fresh cilantro.

Yields: 8 Servings

I forgot to snap a picture of this when it was done, although I may not have had a chance even if I had remembered because as soon as this came out the oven, everyone congregated in the kitchen quicker than ever! There was NONE of this left over!

And if the recipe above didn't sell  you, then I'm sure this will:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Dannon® Oikos® Plain and Fruit on the Bottom contains 0% fat, while the Dannon® Oikos® traditional blended varieties contains about 3% fat. Both are an excellent source of protein, twice that of most regular lowfat yogurts.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Dannon® Oikos® 0% varieties contain active yogurt cultures and range from 80 calories (Plain) to 130 calories (Fruit on the Bottom) per 5.3 oz. cup.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ- Oikos is proud to support National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and by liking their page on Facebook they will donate funds for every like, they also offer other ways to help once you get there. You know how much Ascending Butterfly loves brands that give back!

I tried out the plain Dannon Oikos in the Tandoori Chicken recipe above and purchased the Key Lime flavor as well to try out the 'Greek Key Lime Pie Cake' recipe, but I haven't had a chance to make it yet, I will let you know how it comes out when I make it later in the week!

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FTC Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour conducted by Clever Girls on behalf of Dannon. I have been compensated for my time commitment to the program but my opinions are my own. And I really have lost 26 pounds via lifestyle changes this year!

Happy Labor Day Weekend Butterflies!

Today I spent a wonderful Friday visiting Times Square in New York City and enjoying the Discovery Times Square Women of Pompeii Exhibit with my Mom and my Aunt, followed by lunch which was followed by Juniors Cheesecake, my labor day weekend is off to a great start, and I'm wishing you a weekend filled with great memories as well! (If you haven't seen the exhibit, this is the LAST weekend to do so, and because it's the last wekend, they are offering extended hours! Don't miss it, especially if you are not traveling and you are staying in the city, and if you are here visiting, you should definitely check it out!)

What are your plans for the labor day weekend?

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This is the FINAL Weekend! Go See: POMPEII THE EXHIBIT

Being born and raised in New York City can make you a bit of a museum snob, and I'll admit to not being very easily impressed. Most museums have had to up their game to compete for the attentions of busy New Yorkers in an economy still very much in flux. In the city of 'pop-up restaurants', there are even 'pop-up museums'.

When Bodies The Exhibition hit NYC I was eager to see it, and it lived up to my expectations and then some. (As many of you might remember, I was pre-med, an aspiring cardiologist, and the show is truly a must see for any aspiring Doctor), this year I am catching Pompeii The Exhibit, and I'm urging you to do the same!

About Pompeii The Exhibit: Life and Death in the Shadow of Vesuvius

Experience Pompeii before and after the epic eruption 2,000 years ago. Imagine the moment their world vanished and discover the miraculous artifacts unearthed since. Witness the life and death of those frozen in time by ash.

• Over 250 artifacts - includes some never-before-seen objects and the largest collection of body casts ever on display including a dramatic skeleton collection (OK so perhaps me being a horror movie buff helps here, but I never tire of skeletons, are you thinking Halloween right now? I am!I'm thinking this should have ran until Halloween!)

• Exhibit highlights include a collection of body casts (human impressions created from cavities found in the volcanic matter) and several hundred unearthed artifacts– all of which capture the essence of daily life in Pompeii, from gold coins, jewelry and home furniture to everyday utensils, burial urns and gladiator armor, as well as a perfectly preserved loaf of bread. In addition, the exhibit features Pompeian frescos that survived the epic explosion. (I'm a bit intrigued by this well preserved loaf of bread, bagels sometimes go moldy in my Fridge BEFORE their expiration date!)

• A brand-new, immersive movie experience depicting a timelapsed representation starting from the moment of Vesuvius' massive explosion

DiscoveryTimes Square (226 West 44th Street) is open seven days a week. Last tickets are sold 90 minutes prior to closing. For individual tickets and venue hours, visit www.DiscoveryTS.com, call 866.9.TSXNYC (212-987-9692) or visit the Discovery Times Square box office. Tickets are available for $19.50 (child 4-12), $26.00 (adult) and $23.50 (senior = 65). Special savings for groups of 15 or more with advanced reservations.

Extended Hours:

September 2nd - September 4th: 9 am – midnight
September 5th: 9 am – 8 pm

ABOUT DISCOVERY TIMES SQUARE

DiscoveryTimes Square (DTS) is New York City’s first large-scale exhibition center presenting visitors with limited-run, educational and immersive exhibit experiences while exploring the world’s defining cultures, art, history and events. More than a museum, DTS has featured a renowned line-up of exhibitions including Titanic: The Artifact Exhibition, Leonardo Da Vinci’sWorkshop and King Tut: Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs.

ABOUT RUNNING SUBWAY PRODUCTIONS

Running Subway Productions is a New York-based production company that conceptualizes, produces, markets and manages iconic entertainment properties. Founded in 2005, Running Subway has staged a multitude of theatrical shows and museum exhibits successfully combining traditional entertainment with innovative technology.

Have you seen this exhibit yet? If so, please share what impressed you most!

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is not a sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received for sharing this information with my readers. I have been provided passes to see the exhibit.