Not So Wordless Wednesday - My day as a Hair Model at Butterfly Studio Salon!

Have you ever dreamed of being a Hair Model? Oddly enough it's the one New York experience that I have not had before.....Until Today!

I'm kinda of a lifer type, I'm super loyal. I was with my first hair-dresser since late childhood until right about senior year in High School. He actually did my hair for Prom! He had a heart attack and at the urging of his family got out of the industry. I missed him terribly and floundered for a number of years. I never felt I got a cut as good as his in my adulthood, until today!

Things had been so bad as of late, that my hair sadly went a full year uncut! (I know right?!! I can totally hear you gasping!) I knew I couldn't continue to leave my ends un-attended, they were literally starting to look fried. After attending the Hair 101 event at L'Oreal Paris, I asked team L'Oreal for a Salon Recommendation in NYC and the first salon that was recommended was Butterfly Studio Salon. (Why I hadn't heard of them before the glowing recommendation from L'Oreal I don't know). But I learned a long time ago to trust the butterfly, and follow it wherever it leads me.

Butterfly Studio Salon has Junior Stylists that are working toward their chair in the salon, and often need hair models so that the stylists can advance. Normally something like this would scare me, I've had my share of really scary haircuts, I mean really scary. But for some reason this year has been all about change for me, and I really, really wanted a major change. I was starting to feel like Sade, people were able to spot me at events by my super long pony tail! Well butterflies, no one will be able to spot me by my super long ponytail anymore, because it's GONE!!

The long hair down my mid back that I would actually snap my head back with sometimes is gone and I couldn't be happier. My hair is naturally wavy, thin and super frizz prone, and as most people with naturally wavy or curly hair know, the shorter you cut it, the more it curls, so I tend to lean on the conservative side with how much I'm willing to cut. (Which I'm sure normally wouldn't make things easy on the stylist.)

Maybe because I was so ready for a real change, I really put myself in my stylist's able hands and let her take the vision of what I wanted, coupled with her expertise and knowledge of what my hair really can and can't do, and let her transform it.

My stylist, Margaux Martinez, managed to take my un-manageable mane and truly transform it. I feel about 10 pounds lighter! In all my salon experiences, my blow outs usually entail a ton of painful tugging, followed by either a flat iron or a curling iron (depending on the desired style), this is literally the first time I couldn't feel my hair being tugged at all, she has great hands and a very light touch. Disproving the 'Dicho' (saying) 'El que quiere moños bonitos aguanta jalones' which loosely translated means 'If you want pretty hair you will deal with the yanking/pain.

This was the most 'pain free' (and I mean that in every sense of the word) salon experience I've ever had, and I can't recommend Margaux or the team at Butterfly Studio Salon higher!

The salon which moved from Mid-Town to the super trendy Flatiron district, transports you the moment you arrive, with a beautiful Koi pond in the waiting area, and because they are on the second floor you are already removed from the hustle and bustle and don't have to worry about people poking their faces in the window to see you with your wet hair! (Let's face it, we only want people to see the after!)

OK, I'm thinking you are ready for the un-veiling, I mean this was supposed to be a Wordless Wednesday and all....

Ascending Butterfly (Left), Margaux Martinez, Stylist (Center), my Mama Butterfly (Right) 

 

Oops, tucked the front behind my ears when I put my coat on!

If any of you have been hesitant to try out something like this, I couldn't recommend Butterfly Studio Salon more, and you will love Margaux! Ask for her, you won't regret it! The Hair Model program asks you to only pay for the price of the products used basically, so you will pay a $35 salon fee (gratuity is additional), and you will get a wash (shampoo + conditioner), cut (one that is tailored to work with your hair and it's natural texture, you never feel forced to do something that doesn't work for you), style and blow out. No charge for the Koi Pond and serenity! :)

And you know I love companies that give back, brands with a conscience, and Butterfly Studio Salon is giving back this holiday season, here's how you can do something wonderful for you, and give back at the same time. The salon has decided to act to put some cheer into the faces of disadvantaged children by donating new toys and participating in the Toys for Tots program. On your next visit if you bring a new unwrapped toy valued at $10 or more, you will receive 10% off on your next service. Something nice for you and a way to give back too, How cool is that?

I wouldn't be doing my job as a fab frugalista if I didn't mention that during the holiday season if you check in on Foursquare or Facebook you will receive a complimentary Kerastase travel sized product.

There are a few other Holiday Gift Package Promotions you should definitely check out, and they are also having a 'Social Butterfly Event' on November 17th, where you can meet Tata Harper and experience complimentary express facials and complimentary eyebrow shaping by Christina Marroquin! Don't you just love that they call their events 'Social Butterfly Events'? (Much like me, a social butterfly!)

You can keep up with all things Butterfly Studio Salon on your favorite social media channel like Twitter or Facebook! And if you would like to have your hair styled by Margaux, you can reach her directly via email at: margaux.martinez@yahoo.com

I found a new stylist and new favorite salon, today has been a fantastic hairday!

Happy Not So Wordless Wednesday Butterflies, Hope you are having a fantastic hairday, I know I am!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. No compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly for this post!

Tasty Tuesday!

On the verge of a MAJOR personal change, I'm in prep mode, be back soon, hope you are all having a Tasty Tuesday!

Does change drive you to comfort foods? These cones are looking mighty tempting!

I'm super happy tomorrow is Wordless Wednesday!

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{CLOSED} Win a Pair of Shoes or Boots from Naturalizer Holiday Giveaway! Ends 11/13

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

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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #2 brought to you by:

By now lovely butterflies, you know more about my feet than you probably even wanted to know, yet there is still more to share! (inserting an LOL here)

I had the chance to visit with Naturalizer and their designer Angelique and learn all about the new fall styles that Naturalizer had to offer, and I was thoroughly impressed at how much more fashion forward Naturalizer Shoes have become WITHOUT sacrificing the comfort, and variety of wide width AND wide shaft boots that most of us have come to know and love. With color-blocking options and higher heels, they set out to prove you can really have your cake and eat it too when it comes to functional footwear that does not sacrifice one bit on style!

Want to feel like you were actually there? Check out this video of Naturalizer Shoe Designer extraordinaire, Angelique showing some of the new styles:

Here is a picture of me with Naturalizer Shoe Designer Angelique:

Ascending Butterfly (right) with Naturalizer Shoe Designer Angelique, I'm wearing 'Dinka' Boot in Black Leather

After trying on several pairs, (and not wanting to leave any of them behind) I ultimately selected the 'Dinka' Black Leather Boots. (They also have these in grey suede, and I'm thinking of picking those up too!)

About Dinka Boot

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Leather or suede upper in a dress knee-high style with a round toe

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Lace-up detail with metal eyelets at the back

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Full length side zipper

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Smooth lining, cushioning insole features N5 Comfort Elements

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Non-slip outsole, 2 1/2 inch heel

These boots with the feminine back lace up detail are the absolute perfect height to make them both fashionable yet extremely comfortable for all day wear! I took them in both the wide width and wide shaft option as I have wide calves and these fit PERFECTLY! They are true to size (no need to size up) and do really go over wide calves!

 My Take:

I'm a long time Naturalizer lover and used to work very close to the location that this event was held, so I would visit that particular store often. These boots match perfectly with my new black leather jacket from Wilsons Leather! These boots pair just as well with skinny jeans as they do with skirts and dresses. They are not so high you feel like you are teetering, and they are not so low that they are overly casual.

I have always loved that Naturalizer offered wide width shoes in a wide variety (as many wide width shoe lovers know, you always find out the hard way that not all styles are available in wide widths) and the fact that they offer wide shaft boots, makes Naturalizer the first name that comes to mind when I'm in the market for something new! The Naturalizer Ilaz style also caught my eye! (It gets honorable mention, I'm thinking of going back for that one!)

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Naturalizer would like to give 1 lucky winner a pair of Naturalizer Shoes or Boots of your choosing on naturalizer.com! (Note: May not be combined with any other offer at checkout, not valid on the purchase of gift cards, not valid toward the purchase of Naya, Ryka, MBT, or NaturalSport Footwear). Gift Code expires 12/10/11

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - How to Win: (1) You must be a PUBLIC follower of Ascending Butterfly to be eligible for this and all giveaways. Indicate in your entry that you follow (if your 'comment name/user id' differs from your profile id, please let me know what name you follow under) and (2)MANDATORY ENTRY: Visit Naturalizer and link us to anything other than the Dinka or Tyla boot that catches your eye!  (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. No purchase necessary. 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, November 07, 2011 until Sunday, November 13, 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 - In honor of all things shoes, tell me which shoe (current or former) is your all time favorite shoe and why?

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 @NaturalizerShoe on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -#Win a #free pair of #shoes or #boots from @NaturalizerShoe & @Ascending1 #Giveaway Ends 11/13 #myblogspark http://tinyurl.com/7qvu5o5

(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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Naturalizer on Facebook HERE (Tell them which item you are trying to win on Ascending Butterfly) - Be sure you leave the link to your comment here for extra credit. (You can get the link the same way you do on twitter, press on the time you left the comment, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Subscribe to Naturalizer's You Tube Channel

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 -This is ONE time per giveaway, NOT daily.

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:  The Dinka Boots were provided for review free of charge. 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. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Weekly Moment of Gratitude + Great Giveaways!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Don't you just love falling back and re-claiming that extra hour? What did you do today with your extra hour? I slept in and later in the day cooked a fab dinner!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Attended some fun events this week I can't wait to share more about. More detailed posts to come!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Our annual holidays buying guide has launched! So come back daily so you don't miss something you really want to win!

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 Winners Announcement - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 11/15 - There will be one lucky winner!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club: Unlikely Friendships Book + 2012 companion Wall Calendar Giveaway! - Two winners will take home the book and companion 2012 wall calendar!

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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.

{CLOSED} Holidays Buying Guide Giveaway #1: $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card Giveaway! Ends 11/15

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Wilsons Leather! We look forward to working with you again! The Winner is: Big Happy Buddha (We Post Winner Site Usernames for privacy purposes). 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 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #1 brought to you by:

By now Wilsons Leather is no stranger to Ascending Butterfly readers, they've hosted a few Featured Handbag in the Spotlights for us (see HERE and HERE for reminders). I'm not even sure there are new words I can use to express the lifelong love affair I've had with Wilsons Leather. I've been shopping there ever since I was a teen, first at my local mall, and now online. I have purchased quite a few handbags and leather blazers from Wilsons and have always been happy with the quality, and how well everything wears and retains their beauty over time. I have purchased gifts from Wilsons that the recipients still have and very much enjoy and treasure.

This year my favorite winter jacket needed replacing (I have a hard time letting go of favorite pieces and this was one of them), it had not only seen better days, but even the lining was beyond repair, well when your favorite tailor tells you it's time to let something go and not even bother trying to repair it, you know it's time.

I knew that the only place I could trust with finding a replacement was Wilsons. And no surprise I found a jacket I loved.

Pelle Studio Smooth Lamb Belted Jacket w/ Thinsulate Zip-Out Lining

Front View @2011 Wilsons Leather

Back View @2011 Wilsons Leather

I started with Wilson's Images of the Jacket because the pro shots will give you more detail!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Shell: Genuine leather; Lining: 100% polyester

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-Out Liner: Front/Back, 100% polyester; Fill /Thinsulate™

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Full-zip front with snap overlay; stand-up collar

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Attached cuff tabs

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - On-seam hand pockets

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vertical strip down front seams; removable tie belt at waist

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Zip-out quilted Thinsulate™ lining

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Remember: When cleaning is necessary send to a special leather cleaner only

The jacket arrived at a perfect time as many fellow east coasters know we got a very snowy Halloween here in NYC (many called it #snowtober on twitter), and it's been chilly since! I wore it recently to a holiday event at the Disney Store, here I am with Mickey & Minnie and my mama butterfly, I am standing closest to Minnie, and I'm wearing my new jacket in the photo below:

Ascending Butterfly second to left near Minnie Mouse wearing Wilsons Pelle Studio Jacket!

 My Take:

I love the zip out thinsulate lining, it allows me to remove it in Spring or Fall, and then put it back in once the weather gets colder (much like it is NOW!). I love the details on this jacket, especially the way that the back stitching tapers in the back of the jacket, it truly accentuates the waist, which is where we normally curve in, so it's very flattering!

I've been wearing Wilsons for years and I already know to size up, but if you read the reviews many people are kind enough to provide their height and measurements, and you will see from petites to plus it's better to order one size up. I did that, I could have easily fit the size down from the one I ordered, but I know full well, especially in winter I will be wearing it over bulky sweaters, or sometimes even sweaters and cardigans and I wanted to be sure that I had enough room, it's actually slightly big on me, but as it gets colder and my sweaters get bigger, I know I'll be super happy I sized up.

Wilsons Leather carries all sizes and has a great variety in plus size, which I definitely appreciate, I love my curves and I love shopping brands that cater to them! :)

They have a great variety of gifts, mens and women's outwear, handbags and accessories (BTW, there are several Kindle cases on sale you might want to snatch up, especially if you are getting someone special a Kindle this year), they also have an amazing assortment of Leather Cases, Duffels & Suitcases for business and travel as well as great outwear for kids! Right now the entire site is 50% off, it's literally a one stop Holiday shop, with Handbags currently 60% off on select styles, what are you waiting for?

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Wilsons Leather would like to give 1 lucky winner a $100 Wilsons Gift Card so you can select the item of your choosing!

Don't you just ♥ Wilsons Leather? 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 Wilsons Leather and link us to anything other than the Pelle Studio Lamb Leather Jacket with zip out thinsulate lining that catches your eye!  (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. No purchase necessary. 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 Saturday, November 05, 2011 until Tuesday, November 15, 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 - In honor of all things coats, tell me about your all time favorite coat, was it a cute coat you had as a kid, or something more recent?

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 @wilsonsleather on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Tweet this:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - @Ascending1 + @wilsonsleather $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card #Giveaway! Ends 11/15  http://tinyurl.com/3hxazkr

(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 - Like Ascending Butterfly on Facebook HERE

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FTC Disclosure Info for this Giveaway:  The Pelle Lamb Jacket was provided for review free of charge. 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. All opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own. Once a winner is selected and their information has been forwarded to the sponsor, the responsibility of prize fulfillment rests with the sponsor.

Santé Nuts Review {Discount Code too!}

Celebrate Life Every Day!

Next to my own Tagline (Not Just A Blog, Not Just A Destination, But an Upwards Journey!), Santé Nuts has my favorite company tagline ever: 'Celebrate Life Every Day!' - I couldn't agree more

About:

Santé makes premium nuts from all natural ingredients that are perfect for snacking, salads, baking and more. They start with the highest quality nuts and roast them by hand in small batches, using secret cooking technique that minimizes the amount of oil the nuts absorb during the roasting process.

Benefits:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ- Less oil means less fat

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ- Handmade
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gluten-Free

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Natural
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ – Kosher

Flavors:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Candied Pecans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sweet & Spicy Pecans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cinnamon Pecans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Roasted Salted Pecans

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Candied Walnuts

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Roasted Salted Walnuts

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Garlic Almonds

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Chipotle Almonds

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Cardamom Cashews

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Candied Pistachios

My Take:

I tried the Candied Pecans, Roasted Salted Pecans, Candied Walnuts, and Garlic Almonds. I enjoyed them all, I love that they were crunchy and a great snack straight out of the bag. I tasted a few from each flavor just on their own, and then included the rest in favorite recipes including nut encrusted trout, halibut (pretty much any white fish), in salads, and also enjoyed using the walnuts in my favorite chocolate cake recipe!

They are super fresh and have a really nice un-expected crunch to them, they are so good straight out the bag that I had to force myself to remember to save some to put in my favorite recipes! These will be perfect for holiday entertaining, and would certainly make a thoughtful hostess gift in a lovely bowl.

And for those who are a bit wary of the 'candied' part, I'm not usually a candied lover either, but I want to let you know that these are in fact NOT sticky, or clawing, they are a perfect balance of salt with a very subtle of hint of sweet that makes them great for snacking and perfect to enhance your favorite recipes.

The folks at Santé Nuts have a discount code for you, enter 2011-Blog-169 and receive 25% off any order at SanteNuts.com

The Garlic Almonds were my personal favorite, they have a great zing to it, and I put those out on game night, and they went very fast! As many of you know I've dropped 26 pounds this year (and I'm almost down another dress size, YAY!) and small substitutions have made a world of difference for me. A few Garlic Almonds are a much healthier snack than a bag of chips! And they satisfy the cravings quite nicely when I want something salty, or something sweet! I loved the candied pecans too!

Keep up with Santé Nuts on Twitter and Facebook too! Tell them you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly, maybe we can nudge them into hosting a holiday giveaway!

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. I was sent product to review via Zooka Creative, all opinions are 100% my own.

It's been a Social Butterfly Thursday!

It's been a social butterfly Thursday! My day started at the Disney Store checking out all things Toys, hot holiday toys, great story time, and a fun photo opp with Mickey & Minnie! Pictures and more to follow!

Then I attended the 3 Musketeers Like Up NYC event at the W Hotel where I sipped on Chocolate Martini's and caught up with my favorite NYC bloggers!

I just realized when I got back, I hadn't yet posted for today! :)

Our monthly book club returned this week with a fun dual giveaway, if you haven't yet entered, click HERE. Our 2011 Holidays Buying Guide will launch very SOON!

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FTC Info: This is NOT a sponsored post, no compensation has been received. I did receive a gift bag at the Disney Event and new 3 Musketeers Chocolate at the Like Up NYC event.