Weekly Moment of Gratitude! + Winner Announcement!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  In the wake of the death of Steve Jobs, co-founder, chairman, and chief executive officer of Apple who died WAY too young, let's all take a moment to be grateful for this new day we've been gifted with!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - My favorite inpsirational quote from Steve Jobs:

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They somehow already know what you truly want to become. Everything else is secondary.” ~ Steve Jobs

Hope all my butterflies are having an amazing weekend!

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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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Giveaway Winners:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Kate Spade NY for Lenox Vase with 1800flowers Bouquet of your choice Giveaway winner - 'Royalegacy'

Thanks to both of our wonderful sponsors for hosting this fantastic giveaway! Stay tuned this week butterflies as Earthies will be back again with another great giveaway! (Rumor has it a great pair of boots will be in one very lucky butterfly's future!)

Gratitude Journal Reco:

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. Ascending Butterfly lists winner's site usernames for privacy.

Real Steal Movie Review!

Real Steel is out in theaters, and if you can, catch it in Imax so you can really enjoy the fight scenes. The movie is set in the near future and the sport of boxing has gone hi-tech. Robot Boxers in underground matches have replaced human boxers (apparently HBO disappears in the very near future, and we must resort to watching Robot Boxing in underground matches in questionable 'arenas'). It's sort of where 'Rock Em Sock Em Robots' and 'Rocky Balboa' meet with a touch of 'Transformers' for good measure. While this is PG-13 rated, I warn you Hugh Jackman's character, Charlie Kenton, is not quite 'likable', there is some strong language, and an opening scene with a bull that I could have lived without.

Other than the opening scene, it moves along relatively predictably, the fight scenes are enjoyable (yes folks, this butterfly has always been a bit of a tomboy and studied martial arts instead of ballet), and the humanizing of the 'good guy' robot 'Atom', and his relationship with Charles Kenton's son, Max Kenton (Played by Dakota Goyo who you may remember played Young Thor in the Thor Movie) gave the movie a little more depth. Evangeline Lilly as Charles Kenton's ever faithful love interest Bailey was OK, but she's no Talia Shire. (OK, I promise no more Rocky references).

I can't wait to try out the Video Game (although I probably won't get the chance, as it's not available for Wii, it's being released for the Xbox 360 (on October 12) as well as Playstation Network (October 18). So if any of you try it out, please come back here and let me know all about it!

Hugh Jackman (as Charles Kenton) in "Real Steel" (DreamWorks) with Robot 'Atom' and Dakota Goyo who plays son Max Kenton

“The father-son aspect is the spine of the movie,” Jackman said. “As cool a concept as it was to have all of the boxing robots, and as great as that is, we needed to achieve a couple of things beyond that. We needed to make people care about those robots and even with the great design that requires the audience to care about the people around the robots. It’s a redemption tale about all three beings — the father, the son and the robot.” ~Hugh Jackman (via LA Times)

It has the feel good ending audiences can get behind, and enough hi-tech cool factor to keep everyone involved! Visit the Real Steel website to make a cool paper robot and catch up with all things social for Reel Steal on Facebook and Twitter too!

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FTC Info: This is a NON-compensated Post. I attended a Press Screening of Reel Steal. All opinions are my own.

A Little Wine and Beauty in New York City!

Alert to all my New York City Readers, there is tons of fun to be had in the City today, wanna learn how wine and beauty combine?

The Beauty

First: The Beauty. The Beauty Bus is back by popular demand! - Come see the Beauty Bus in Union Square! Union Square West between 15th street and 16th street on October 6th from 12pm – 6pm. Don’t miss the excitement! If you can't get there, you can watch the fun on livestream, how cool is that? The Beauty Bus, a glass truck outfitted with styling chairs, mirrors, and beauty product must-haves, will invite Manhattanites aboard to receive professional makeup applications, DIY beauty tips, and hairstyling consultations. Hair Room Service celebrity stylists and DailyCandy editors will be on-site sharing their favorite beauty tips and looks.

The Wine

Second: The Wine, Great Match 2011 - Once you get all dolled up, you'll invariably need somewhere to go to show off all your fierceness right? How about some wine?  How about the 18th Annual Great Match, featuring Spain’s Vivacious Varietals? Meet with Spanish winery representatives, wine importers and distributors at this must-attend trade-only tasting. Discover new wines while tasting your way through Spain, highlighting more than 150 wines from many of Spain’s denominations of origin.

Don't live in NYC? No problem! If you live in Seattle, this event will be coming to you on Thursday, October 13th, and if you live in Atlanta, Great Match is hitting your city on Tuesday, October 25th. See the Great Match 2011 website for more details!

Give Back

You know I love give back opps, and this event comes with a great one! You can spend money for a fun day and do something to help others at the same time, in my book it doesn't get much better than that! A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Food Bank for New York City, the city's major hunger-relief organization working to end food poverty throughout the five boroughs.

Tickets are $60 – advance purchase required. Click here to buy tickets. For additional information, please call 888-946-3919. American Express, Visa & MasterCard accepted. All attendees must be 21 or older. Photo ID required. All sales final.

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FTC Disclosure: I have access to both events as a member of the digital press. This is a non-sponsored post. No monetary compensation has been received to post about these events.

Do you Motherhood Out Loud?

We live out loud. We laugh out loud. We even love out loud. Then why not motherhood out loud too? That's the question I was left with after taking in the stageplay Motherhood Out Loud at the Primary Stages Theater in New York City.

You can follow primary stages on twitter @primarystages and Motherhood Out Loud on Twitter at @MotherhoodOL) (You can also connect with them on Facebook too!

About Motherhood Out Loud:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - When entrusting the subject of motherhood to such a dazzling collection of celebrated American writers, what results is a joyous, moving, hilarious, and altogether thrilling play. Utterly unpredictable, Motherhood Out Loud shatters traditional notions about parenthood, unveils its inherent comedy and celebrates the deeply personal truths that span and unite generations. Motherhood Out Loud reveals with illuminating insight the humor, raw emotions and rocky roads we experience in life.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Primary Stages presents the New York premiere of the new play, conceived by Susan R. Rose and Joan Stein, and written by Leslie Ayvazian, Brooke Berman, David Cale, Jessica Goldberg, Beth Henley, Lameece Issaq, Claire LaZebnik, Lisa Loomer, Michele Lowe, Marco Pennette, Theresa Rebeck, Luanne Rice, Annie Weisman and Cheryl L. West, under the direction of Lisa Peterson. Motherhood Out Loud received its triumphant world premiere at Hartford Stage and recently completed its West Coast premiere at the Geffen Playhouse (as In Mother Words).

Giving Back:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - $1 will be added to all Motherhood Out Loud tickets as a donation to our charity partner, Choice in Childbirth. Choices in Childbirth is a leader in maternity care consumer education, advocacy and outreach. We believe that every woman deserves a safe, respectful and deeply fulfilling birth experience and we strive to improve maternity care and ensure that the birth of each child is treated with the reverence that it deserves. (You know I love finding ways to make my spending count. How cool is it that you can take in a great play, and be doing something so good at the same time?)

While I can't actually take you to the play, I can share some behind the scenes photos of a special talk back, moderated by Rene Syler (@ReneSyler) Where the writers, director and one of the performers shared their insights on bringing those poignant and memorable moments that comprise being a mother to the stage.

Creators: Claire LaZebnik and Lisa Loomer

Our super energetic moderator Rene Syler

Actress Mary Bacon and her son - he wanted his mama! Talk about Motherhood Out Loud, how cute is he?

Behind the Scenes with the folks behind the production!

My Take

The play offers various perspectives on Motherhood, its funny moments, its heartfelt moments, raw and honest ones, blended families, adoption, family dynamics and more. You can be laughing one moment, and needing a tissue the next (certainly a great tribute to the performances as well as the writing). I went to see the play with my mom, and we both enjoyed it. There were so many relatable moments, and although I myself am not yet a mom, I could certainly relate to many of the moments shared in the play. I wish the timing would have been different, and that this was running during Mother's Day, but it's running through October 29th, so you need to act fast. Don't miss this play!

Bring your mom for FREE! (Or a parent, guardian, or other family member) Motherhood Out Loud is the perfect way to honor that special person in your life. See it together. Enter code MOTHER when purchasing your full price ticket and get a 2nd ticket for FREE!
   
THROUGH 10/29 ONLY! BUY TICKETS NOW!

Call Ticket Central at 212.279.4200,  or visit the 59E59 Theaters Box Office or  CLICK HERE

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FTC Info: Ascending Butterfly received tickets to see Motherhood Out Loud and a gift bag. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Exude Lipstick - Lipstick for the 21st century woman! {Review}

Most little girls have that special moment when they play with mommy's makeup, and their life long love with makeup begins. As for me, the only product that held any long term fascination was lipstick. I loved it, and that's the only thing I asked to wear when I was old enough to start wearing makeup (I'm sure mom was relieved!) I love lipstick so much I custom blend my colors and have been doing so for years now. I constantly get stopped in the street to ask me what color I'm wearing. Even makeup counters have asked me who I'm wearing. I'm thinking I really should be custom blending at a high end cosmetics lab! No one has ever seen me in a lipstick straight from the tube in its original formulation because I have yet to find the 'perfect red' right out the tube so I blend it myself!

I wear my signature custom red almost everyday, and I never get tired of it, and it never grows old. Perhaps it's because I custom blend to my skintone and keep all those factors in mind, I can truly carry it off.  I got to play with the nude trend last year at the MakeUp Show, and I will admit the pro who did it, created an all over look with a heavier eye and nude lips that I still think about to this day. While it should be an easy look, I still prefer my signature (custom blended) red to a nude lip any day.

I recently hit on a lipstick that gets high praise from me for reasons including pigment, application, color saturation, staying power and uniqueness of its Brand Messaging and Packaging, a four out of possible five butterflies goes to Exude.

Exude Lipstick Red #1

About Exude Lipstick:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ  - Exude Lipstick was invented by cosmetics industry veterans Diane Breidenbach and Laurence Mille after extensive conversations with both customers and manufacturers pointed to the problems with existing lipstick and lip gloss products. Following years of testing and intensive design work, they have created Exude Lipstick, a lipstick for the 21st century woman.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Exude wants to empower women to embrace fashion in a smart and fun way, and to reinvent themselves and their idea of what beauty can do. To help epitomize the brand's personality, Exude is teaming up with Style Icon Rachel Zoe who will be a brand ambassador. Exude lipstick is as smart as it is beautiful- exactly like the women who will wear it.

Pictured Above from Top to Bottom: Red #1, Plum and Coral Exude Lipsticks

PROS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Because of its revolutionary applicator, Exude is able to retain its shape over time and dispense the exact amount of lipstick users need

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Love the packaging! The boxes have the following written on them:

Forget Eyes - we think a woman's lips are the window to her soul. We watch the mouths as much for what isn't said, as for what is. This is who we are. This is what we exude. What will you exude today?

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Perfect hybrid between a lipstick and a gloss, with richer pigment saturation. Not matte, not overly glossy, a great shine, non-drying!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Virtual Try On! I LOVE this, they offer a variety of models of all shades/skintones, you pick the model that most closely matches your color tone, and then press the lip color you want to try on. You get a very accurate idea of how the color will look on you, BRILLIANT! You do not have to upload your own photo, or spend a great amount of time figuring it out, it's easy, painless and lets you try on every color so you can easily pick your favorite!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No mess or waste! And they wear well, they don't rub off too easily, so you don't have to reapply constantly.

CONS:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  The applicator dispenses the exact amount you should use, but I find I get less color saturation with one click. But 2 clicks give me color transfer on my teeth. If it weren't for that this would have received a full 5 butterflies!

My Take:

As someone who has had favorite lipsticks smush down or melt on me even in cool weather, I love that with Exude that can't happen, it can't get smushed or bent! It really is no mess which I love. I did wear it straight out the tube to try each color out on their own, they are actually just right in the sense that they are not too glossy or too matte, which is VERY hard to find! I did experience some transfer on my teeth which wasn't great right before an impromptu photo, but I will admit I do use more than one click, which I'm probably not supposed to do. But as I have naturally fuller lips I feel I get better color saturation with more than one click. Eventually with all colors I ended up doing my own blending alchemy, but I have to admit I was happy with Exude's Red right out the box, which for me is rare, and is very high praise indeed.

I tried the colors Red #1, Plum and Coral and I can tell you they are all a re-buy! I love red almost every day, but the plum is such a great color for Fall I'll be wearing it often. And the coral is perfect for the 'nude lip effect' and great for summer! If you look at the two different pictures I provided of the 3 colors on my skin, my skintone is a Golden Beige (I have yellow undertones) and I put enough of the color to give a good idea, in the first picture they were first applied and very glossy, and by the second as the color absorbed, and under slightly different light conditions you see a more pure pigment to the color, it's not exactly matte, but wears to a rich color that is not overly or in your face glossy, but it's not matte, and never feels that way, even right before you feel it's time to re-apply, your lips will still feel moisturized.

I definitely feel these are totally worth the money, a definite re-buy! (And no emails on my custom blending techniques! Those will die with me!!!) Keep up with Exude Lipstick on Twitter @exudelipstick or on facebook at Exude Lipstick. (You can always tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you, or you saw the Ascending Butterfly review, and hope they come back for a promo so you can win one too!)

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FTC Info: Ascending Butterfly received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

SILKtáge™ Rejuvenating Styling Serum Review!

This summer almost ended with a very radical decision, I was at the verge of totally chopping my hair off (which is now well below my shoulder blades), partly because I need a change, and partly because my ends were totally fried. Oddly enough, I didn't blow out my hair as often and only flat-ironed ONCE the entire summer, and my ends were fried central.

While I still may cut it this fall, mostly because I really do still want that change, it's not as much for emergency repair purposes anymore. And I honestly owe it all to one product!  When I'm evaluating a product I stop all others so I really know for sure whether or not it made a difference, and this one made a HUGE difference with my hair! And I'm pretty picky when it comes to WHO and WHAT touch my tresses.

SILKtáge™ Rejuvenating Styling Serum has been the only stylying product I've used on my hair for the past month, and it's made a tremendous difference. I have always battled the frizz monster, and right now, I'm dealing with much less frizz, thanks to SILKtáge™.

About SILKtáge™

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Organic Camellia and Monoi oils are the signature ingredients of SILKtáge™. Enhanced by other organic botanical oils, they combine to rid frizz, add silky shine, soften, smooth, rejuvenate, nourish, and protect hair naturally.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Also known as Green Tea Oil, Camellia Oil is an edible oil that is extracted from seeds of Camellia plants found in Japan. This ancient Asian secret for conditioning and styling hair is renowned for its nourishing and rejuvenating effects. It contains 90% essential fatty acids and extremely high levels of Vitamin E and polyphenols essential for binding moisture, thickening hair, stimulating hair growth, softening texture, and enhancing shine. It supplies abundant nutrients to the hair, skin, and scalp while imparting a silky shine.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Camellia Oil, certified organic by the National Organic Program, is the highest-percentage ingredient in the Rejuvenating Styling Serum, which means you get the full benefit of this remarkable oil. Camellia oil has been referred to as "liquid silk" and is known for making the hair "smooth as silk".

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Monoi Oil - This ancient Polynesian beauty secret is an infusion of Tahitian gardenia flowers soaked in coconut oil—a blend that has been used by the women in the islands of Polynesia for centuries to beautify and nourish the hair. Known for its conditioning and moisturizing properties, it helps repair damaged keratin fibers, smoothes the hair cuticle, adds shine, and makes hair easier to manage and style.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - What's in it: Certified Organic Camellia (green tea) seed oil, Certified Organic Coconut nut oil, Broccoli seed oil, Monoi oil flower extract, Certified Organic Jojoba seed oil, Certified Organic Wheat germ oil, Certified Organic Geranium flower oil, Palmarosa leaf oil, Certified Organic Rosemary flower/leaf oil, Certified Organic Clove bud oil, Certified Organic Essential oil fragrance blend.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - What's NOT in it: Parabens, Silicone, Alchohol, petroleum, preservatives, synthetic ingredients

My Take

What I particularly love most, is that SILKtáge™ helps you battle frizz without changing your hair's natural texture or type! If you have wavy hair, this is NOT going to make it straight, nor will it make straight hair curly, it takes your hair type, knocks out the frizz, and leaves more softness and manageability in it's wake, isn't that exactly what you want the perfect product to do?

It has a subtle scent that it leaves behind that I also like, and it's the most effective frizz fighter I've tried, and trust me, I've tried a ton of haircare products aimed at fighting frizz, and none have been this effective for me. I can wear my hair curlier and not worry about frizz, and when I choose to blow out my hair, this leaves it shinier!

I love that they sell trial size vials, not only for those who haven't tried it, but one permanently stays in my purse for last minute touch ups or refreshers, and the other is in my luggage! I honestly can't imagine not having one at my disposal at all times. And because the oils are all natural if my hair doesn't drink it all, and I have excess on my hands, I just rub into my hands and I swear they look softer too! It's a lightweight formula that leaves no residue.  Total win/win!

If your ends are as fried as mine were when I started using it, then use it as a leave in overnight for the first week, and your hair should be back to normal quickly.

 

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FTC Info: Ascending Butterfly received one or more of the products mentioned above for free for evaluation purposes. Regardless, all opinions expressed are still 100% my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials In Advertising. Ascending Butterfly Disclosure.

Fantastic Give Back Shopping Opportunity With Naturalizer! 4 Discount Codes Available!

I love companies with a conscience, I love using my spending power to support companies that give back. During the Friends of Naturalizer event, Naturalizer will donate $1 for every shoe or handbag sold to Dress for Success®. You can help decide how they should use the donation. You can vote daily from Thursday, September 29th through Sunday, October 2nd for one of these three programs:

(1) Suiting Program:

Dress for Success’ suiting program helps solve the catch-22 that confronts disadvantaged women trying to enter the workforce: without a job, how can you afford a suit? But without a suit, how can you get a job? The suiting program is a vital first-step in a woman's journey towards self-sufficiency. When a Dress for Success client has a job interview, she receives a complete outfit that will help her feel confident in her interview. After she finds work, she can return to Dress for Success for an employment suiting, where with the help and support of a highly-trained volunteer Personal Shopper, she will receive enough apparel to mix and match for up to a week’s worth of outfits.

(2) Professional Women's Group:

Dress for Success’ Professional Women's Group (PWG) provides the network of employed Dress for Success women with a community of support, practical information and inspiration to achieve self-defined success in career and life. The group provides participants with networking opportunities and professional skills growth to promote the development of their careers. Members experience a comfortable atmosphere in which they can share, grow and network with other women who have recently made the same transition into the workforce. With more than 15,000 PWG members at 71 Dress for Success affiliates around the world, members have an infrastructure and support system wherever they live.

(3) Success Summit:

The Success Summit is an annual three-day conference for Professional Women’s Group (PWG) members and delegates to develop leadership capabilities through networking, learning new career skills and exploring topics surrounding employment trends, employment retention and advancement in the workplace. The Success Summit also provides the PWG members with the tools needed to successfully lead a Community Action Project to help make a difference in their communities. For participants, the Success Summit is a valuable resource for advancing one’s position in the workplace and in life.

I also have four 30% off discount codes that can be used online (or in store, but there wouldn't be enough time to mail them to you, so you'd have to shop online to take advantage of this offer), the first 4 butterflies to email me get it! (My email is formatted for security purposes, remove spaces and substitute the word for the dot symbol, as well as the word AT for the @ symbol - tracy (AT) ascendingbutterfly (DOT) com) - Please note these promotion codes are not valid with any other coupon code or offer, and cannot be used toward the purchase of a gift card. The codes are valid from September 29th to October 2nd 2011 only.

Keep up with Naturalizer on Facebook and Twitter and you can also follow Dress for Success on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Our friends at Naturalizer will be back for a giveaway soon. But in the meantime I hope you will shop during the Friends of Naturalizer event to help support Dress for Success!

Have a Wonderful Weekend Butterflies!

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is a non-sponsored, non-compensated post.

{CLOSED} Nano Style Jewelry Review and $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 10/08

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Nano Style Jewelry! We look forward to working with you again! The winner is: Ferriz Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!

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Ascending Butterfly's All Treats No Tricks Countdown to Halloween Giveaway Sponsored By:

Ascending Butterfly has a very simple mission statement 'To Inspire and Be Inspired' and this site was founded on inspiration, gratitude and empowerment. With breathing affirmational meditation excercises and ways to make each day better. It's incredibly important for me to find ways to remain inspired, to connect with the spirit within.

I consider myself a person of Faith, and I derive a lot of inspiration from various religions, not just one. It's the different ways Faith is expressed in various religions that fascinate me. Fundamentally, the core of what we believe is the same, it's just the way the Faith is expressed and how that sometimes differs.

I've always loved the practice of Buddhism, there is something incredibly grounding and centering about it, the meditations, the beauty of the altars, many with beautiful flowers and lit incense that serve as an almost perfumed prayer to the heavens in and of themselves. When I look at Buddha's they represent peace to me. An inner peace that reminds us to be still, that change comes from within. It's about way more than 'Zen Decor' for me.

I've often worn jewelry throughout the years that served me as 'touchstones' of sorts, jewelry that when I wear it, I feel more calm or sometimes even more confident, and I have recently added a piece to my collection that I'd like to share more about.

About Nano

NanoStyle’s contemporary jewelry collections present an exquisite range of onyx and cubic zirconia jewelry collections interconnecting faiths and beliefs through the power of adornment. NanoStyle pendants are made using a unique imprint technology with outstanding visual impact coupled with the flawless CZ stone to bring everlasting beauty to your expression of faith, belief or ideas.

Buddha 2 Pendant

About:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - This Buddhist pendant depicts the Supreme Buddha levitated above the words of the unconditional love meditation, the Metta Prayer, flowing in a spiral against an intricate backdrop design of Om symbols. (The jewelry comes with a magnifying loop so you can read the prayer and see the detailing of the Om Symbols in the background, the loop is attached a sturdy key chain, so you are already receiving two gifts for the price of one, everything arrives extremely well packaged!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - The depiction is imprinted in a dazzling pure gold on an oval, 15x21, onyx stone and available in a 14 karat gold or 925 sterling silver setting of your choice. (I received the pendant set in sterling silver as pictured above)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  The Prayer on the Pendant Reads:

May I be safe from inner and outer harm,

May I be happy and peaceful of heart,

May my body be healthy and strong,

May my life be filled with ease,

May all beings be safe from inner and outer harm,

May all beings be happy and peaceful of heart,

May all beings ' body be healthy and strong,

May all beings life be filled with ease

I believe that words are extremey powerful. In different times people wore amulets, some with symbols, other's with words on them for protection, wealth and more. Think of Nano Jewelry as modern amulets, allowing you to carry reminders of love, protection, faith or strength with you. Isn't the Metta Prayer beautiful? Imagine how much more peace filled this planet would be if everyone recited this prayer daily? Or said the words as affirmations or meditations if you don't want to call it a prayer.

The Necklace:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fox Tail-Silver-50cm -  50cm 925 Sterling Silver Foxtail with black finish 2.1mm Chain. This is recommended as an upgrade for men's Nano Jewelry, but I don't like flimsy chains, and chose to upgrade to this necklace and I absolutely love it.

My Take:

I honestly have nothing but good things to say about Nano, and this necklace! I have worn it literally almost daily since I've received it, and I'm always stopped by someone who asks about it. It's definitely a 'touchstone' piece for me. The Onyx touches your skin on the underside of the pendant, Onyx is thought to increase regeneration, happiness, intuition and one's instincts. It aids in changing bad habits and is a strength-giving stone, good for athletes or people under extreme mental and emotional stress. It brings balance to mind or body as well as strength of mind. It can help you approach a lesson or task with greater self-confidence. It is highly recommended that Onyx be used in conjunction with pearls and diamonds to increase their own metaphysical qualities. (And as Diamond is my birthstone, I definitely love the idea of combining Onyx with Diamonds!). Since antiquity, Onyx has been known to actually be used as protection against black magic, as well as defensive magic when negativity is directed toward you. Whether you believe in the meta physical properties of gemstones or not, this is a striking piece and certainly a thoughtful gift!

They offer Free Gifts With Every Purchase including a presentation jewelry box for the item, a stylish keychain and Magnifying Glass.

There are styles which reflect Jewish, Kabbalah, Buddhist, and Christian Faiths, as well as secular styles, zodiac pendants, love pendants and more.

There is literally something for everyone on your shopping list if you are looking into Holiday gift ideas (the holidays are certainly closer than you think!), and I know you are going to be tempted to pick up something for yourself too.

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Nano Style Jewlelry would like to give 1 lucky winner a $50 Gift Certificate to Nano Style Jewelry!

Don't you just ♥ Nano Style Jewelry? 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 Nano Style Jewelry and provide a URL Link to what you would purchase if you won! (Remember, you cannot select the pendant that was reviewed here)  (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 Monday, September 29, 2011 until Saturday, October 08, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grab our 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 @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 - Follow @NanoStyleJewel on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Pls RT: Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @NanoStyleJewel  $50 Gift Certificate #Giveaway! Ends 10/08 http://tinyurl.com/6l7ay3n

(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 Nano Jewelry on Facebook and tell them Ascending Butterfly Sent You or tell them what your favorite piece is! (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.)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow Ascending Butterfly on Networked Blogs HERE

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vote for Ascending Butterfly on: Fuel My Blog

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you entered another active giveaway on Ascending Butterfly? Let me know which one and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Have you commented on a non-giveaway entry? Let me know which one here and you’ll get more extra credit!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Press the button below and join, you get an extra entry for this giveaway and a shot at more great prizes, lets win together! (one time extra credit, will be verified before entry can be accepted)

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

FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  I was provided product to facilitate the review and giveaway. No monetary compensation has been received. 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.