Growing an Empowerment Community and Re-Defining What You Already Know

I'm sure many of you have noticed the Latina Smart badge proudly displayed on my sidebar, and many of you remember me sharing the announcement that I had been selected as a Kmart Latina Smart Brand Ambassador which entailed juding the allocation of $25,000 in scholarship funding (you can read that post HERE if you missed it the first time), but another part of what my ambassadorship entailed was helping to grow the Latina Smart community on Facebook.

I've spent years building my own empowerment community and I thought the hardest part of the process would be judging the scholarship entries, and while the scholarships contest was the foundation of how the community began to grow, it is the Ambassadors and Facebook Page Moderators that helped foster, sustain and continue to grow it, with incisive questions to the community to provoke thought and seasonal sharing such as share your favorite summer vacation photo, as well as members sharing information with another that helped the community to flourish.

Do I consider myself Latina? Definitely! Do I consider myself Smart? I'd like to think so! But being part of a community that helps Latina's re-define for themselves what that means has been both challenging and empowering. It's helped me to re-define not just what those specific things mean to me, but to allow me to look at my life and my goals a lot more strategically.

I'm going to be taking what I learned into this upcoming new year, re-defining what I think I know about myself as a writer, as a blogger, and as an empowerment coach and community builder and making myself better and more efficient, which only benefits Ascending Butterfly (and other communities I am involved in) to grow stronger.

I've learned to re-define what I already know including:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sharing resources and information blesses everyone (including YOURSELF).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - You are not the only one going through something, sharing it, helps you work through it.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - There really is power in numbers, when you ask for advice, within the many perspectives you receive, it does help you to see things in a brand new way and tackle an idea, creative project or an even a problem you couldn't before resolve, in a much different way.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - A community can only grow when everyone contributes their fair share.

While it seems obvious, take these lessons about community and apply them to your own, be it your place of work, your place of worship, your neighborhood, or your family, you can approve any area of your life with focused effort, purpose, and a spirit of sharing and giving. Which is also an incredible thing to take with you when visiting family for the holidays. It really doesn't have to be the drama and fight fest that most people dread. A community is a call to action to be of service, do so graciously, and you will derive way more from it, than you give to it.

I look forward to seeing how this community grows, evolves and develops in 2012, I am proud to be a member of the Latina Smart Community, and I am proud to be an Ascending Butterfly. My butterflies have taught me so much about inspiration and encouragement that I was able to take those lessons with me to another empowerment community and share in it's growth. In being part of both my own community of inspiration seekers and the Latina Smart Social Media community on Facebook and Twitter I have learned to continue to give the best of myself and receive such amazing blessings and opportunities in the process.

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes of YOUR Choice Giveaway - Mens or Womens - 2 Winners! Ends 12/27

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - We still have more surprises coming up in our annual Holidays Buying Guide, and right after the annual Holidays Buying Guide, is our 'New Year, New You!' series of promotions, so don't blink! We will be going from one set of promotions to another in the blink of an eye! ;)

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FTC Disclosure: I am participating in a Brand Ambassadorship with Kmart Latina Smart which makes me eligible for additional incentives.

Christmas Delights! LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics

I'm a total LUSHIE! For those in the know when it comes to the finest handmade cosmetics and skincare, my revelation doesn't mean I need AA, it just means I'm addicted to all things LUSH. Their fresh handmade cosmetics have fun names, smell divine, and make you both look and feel fantastic. It's aromatherapy for the mind, body and soul because their products are so uplifting!

I have been asked quite a bit this week about 'last minute' gifts and 'hard to shop fors' and my recommendation remains the same, Lush Fresh Handmade Cosmetics! Do you have a teacher to shop for? (trust me when I tell you they'd prefer apple scented body treats to an actual apple!) Letter Carrier? Did a co-worker you least expected to give you a holiday gift end up surprising you? I would advise you to stock up year round so you already have these things on hand, but with both an online presence as well as convenient brick and mortar locations you can't go wrong with Lush. There is something for everyone! And better still, they have pre-made gift sets that are delightfully packaged which is a total blessing for last minute shoppers.

Last month I had a chance to check out the launch of the 'Lush Fresh 15' and I posted a review of those products HERE. I gave you guys a sneak peak of a cute holiday gift idea, and now that I've tried it all out I thought I'd give you some feedback!

About Christmas Delights

Christmas Delights is a super cute gift tin created by the elves at Lush, the gift tin includes: 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Angel's Delight Soap 3.5 oz - This one uses Tangerine Oil, which gives a nice pick me up on a cold winter morning!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Candy Cane soap 3.5 oz - This soap is a perfect blend of English Peppermint Oil and sweet almond oil, if you want your body to smell like Christmas or for your spouse to want to lick you, this soap is it! ;-)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Heavanilli Massage Bar 1.9 oz - I'm a total addict of Lush Massage Bars, they go on like silk, your skin will drink this without ending up all greasy feeling and you will want one for your purse, desk at work as well as home, I can tell you that whoever you gift this set to, will love it for this alone! With natural shea and cocoa butter, it emits a warm scent of jasmine, vanilla and tonka. And as they only use Fair Trade Shea Butter, it's a double delight! The only complaint most people have regarding this product is that they don't make it BIGGER, it's that awesome!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Snow Fairy Shower Gel 3.3 fl. oz - A sweet bubblegum and cotton candy scent mixed in with iridiscent glitter, lather up in mounds of sparkly pink bubbles, you can wash your body or hair with this, and if you like to layer, do both!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Sugar Babe Sugar Scrub 3.5 oz - Scented with perfume from Ylang Flowers and mimosa blossom and made with Coconut Oil (reduces symptoms of psoriasis and eczema, this oil also provides natural balance to the skin) and Beeswax absolute (known for it's soothing, protective and antiseptic properties)  your skin will probably send you a Thank You Letter. Seriously.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Vanilla Delite Body Lotion 3.5 oz - So everytime I use this I get the over-whelming urge to sing 'Groove is in the Heart' by Deee Lite (since I'm always thinking music my nickname as 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ totally fits), This smooth blended Vanilla Moisturizer contains Illipe Butter (moisturizes and restores skin flexibility), Hawaiin Tamanu and Monoi Oils, and Organic Coconut Water, this body lotion is a perfect follow up to the Candy Cane Soap!

The aromatherapy will lift your mood and who can resist the tin? While I was not able to nab a reader giveaway this time around, the LUSH Christmas Delights Gift Tin is definitely a holiday gift guide pick!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a Sponsored Post. A gift tin was provided to Ascending Butterfly Free of Charge for editorial consideration. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Not So Wordless Wednesday - War Horse Screening Q & A with Actress Emma Watson {Photo + Video}

I have attended some great events this months, and slowly but surely I'm sneaking in event recaps during our annual holidays buying guide because I love to make you feel like you were there with me! I had the opportunity to attend a special screening of the movie War Horse thanks to Moms & The City, the Film Society of Lincoln Center and a live stream of a questions and answers session with Actress Emma Watson that was live streamed by the New York Daily News!

DreamWorks Pictures "War Horse" directed by Steven Spielberg is an epic adventure that tells the story of a very special friendship between a horse named Joey and a young man Albert who trains Joey, the adventure begins when they are forcefully parted due to The First World War. Joey changes and inspires the lives of all he meets including the British Cavalry, German Soldiers, and a French Farmer and his Grand-Daughter, meanwhile his friend Joey's life is forever changed in attempting to reunite with him. It's a heartfelt and touching tale of friendship, of the single thread that unites us all even under (or maybe especially under) dire circumstances, tenacity and friendship. I'd say the age range for young ones would entirely depend on your child's maturity level. There is some violence as this is a war epic after all!

As if Mimosas, warm popcorn, bagels and other assorted snacks weren't enough incentive, the screening was followed by a Question and Answer session with one of the films stars, Actress Emma Watson!

Here are my two best shots from the Q&A Session:

Emma Watson Center, holding microphone!

(Left) Raina Seitel, Moms & The City (Center) Actress Emma Watson (Right) Melissa Gerstein, Moms & The City

NY Daily News was live streaming the Q&A, and if you'd like to hear Emma's answers to moms questions, press on the video below (you might want to view this in full screen mode):

I would definitely recommend checking out War Horse the movie which will open on Christmas Day! Emma is incredibly down-to-earth, (a bit shy!), and super approachable, I enjoyed meeting her and greatly enjoyed the screening!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received. I was invited to a special screening as a member of the digital press, I was fed and did receive a gift bag! :)

{CLOSED} Pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes of YOUR Choice Giveaway - Mens or Womens - 2 Winners! Ends 12/30

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Marc Joseph New York! We look forward to working with you again.

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Ascending Butterfly's 2011 Holidays Buying Guide, Giveaway #12 brought to you by:

Start Your New Year on a COMFORTABLE Foot

Remember when I told you I was on the hunt for grey boots to match my favorite Kooba bag? We all know how the Universe works, you tell it exactly what you want and well sometimes you get TWO. I found two grey boots I fell in love with this season, and when I find something super fab I totally have to share!

This time around it's both a flat and a bootie from a company that gives back 10% of its profits to local charities (including an after school program + a charity that helps people pay their electricity and gas bills), they also donate to national charities like the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

For me, knowing my purchases are making a wider difference is very important to me. And for me this is doubly so with Marc Joseph NY, as Ascending Butterfly is NY based as well so I know my purchases are helping my local community and that is truly a fantastic feeling!

About Marc Joseph NY

Founded in 2006, and headquartered in the heart of Manhattan, Marc Joseph NY has become one of the hottest Brand names for Luxury Footwear in the U.S as well as internationally. Father and Son Duo (if you are sensing a trend this holiday season with us featuring family owned brands you are right!), Marc, and his son and the company's Creative Director, Joseph,  work hard to design shoes that are unique, but also practical. Together they ensure that the comfort and fit is nothing less than perfect. The shoe collections are named after famous intersections and popular destinations in Manhattan & New York City.

While some of you may already recognize the name for their wildly popular driving shoes, the line is so much more!

About Union Street Suede

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine leather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Goatskin lining

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Gel heel insert for optimized comfort

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Padded footbed

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Handstitched

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Runs half size full

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Designed in NYC. Crafted in Brazil

Here is a pic of me wearing the Marc Joseph NY Union Street Suede Shoe in the 'Amber' Color:

Ascending Butterfly wearing Marc Joseph NY Union Street Suede Shoe in 'Amber' color!

I'm sure that grin has alot to do with my comfortable feet! :)

About the Gramercy Bootie

Marc Joseph NY Gramercy Bootie

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Grey Leather Bootie with Suede Pleate Detail

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3 Inch Heel Height

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine leather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Padded Footbed

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Handstitched

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Runs true to size

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Designed in NYC. Crafted in Brazil

I have worn these to several events, but no one took a 'long shot', so I definitely owe you guys a picture wearing these!

Mens: Park Avenue

Marc Joseph NY Mens Park Avenue Shoe

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Genuine Leather

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Goatskin Lining

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Handstitched

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Removable cushioned footbed

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Superior Arch Support

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Hugs foot without gapping

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Runs true to size

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Designed in NYC. Crafted in Brazil

Didn't think I'd forget my guys did you?

 My Take:

From the sleek, very New York, black packaging with gold logo and signature tissue paper inside, you know you and your feet are in for a treat the moment the box arrives. You don't have to pour over tons of user reviews to figure out what size you'll need because the site tells you which styles run larger and which are true to size. I went up a half size for the Union Street Suede Flats and the Gramercy Booties run true to size, I did not need to size up for those. So I asked the Universe to deliver a great grey boot and I found two! I wonder if that works the same way for the powerball?

I can't think of anyone on your shopping list that wouldn't be totally delighted to find a pair of Marc Joseph New York Shoes under the tree! And I'm happy we get to include the guys in the fun this time around with the great selection of men's shoes!

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

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WIN IT! - Ascending Butterfly and our friends at Marc Joseph NY would like to give 2 lucky winners the shoe of their choice, MENS OR WOMEN based on in stock size availability!

Don't you just ♥ Marc Joseph NY?  I know I do!

Love what you see and can't wait to find out if you won? Can't say I blame you! How about a Discount?

Get a 15% off discount on your next order with the code: Asc11Holidaypromo

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 Marc Joseph New York and select any other item aside from the Gramercy for women, the Union Street Suede for women and the Park Avenue for men and provide the URL LINK to it!  (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 Tuesday, December 20, 2011 until Tuesday, December 30, 2011 at 03:00 PM (EST) to comment and be entered for a chance to win. You will have 48 hours to confirm if we do not hear from you we will be forced to move on to an alternate. (We only notify winners DIRECTLY via email, so if your profile or your comment does not have an email your entry will not be processed)

EXTRA CREDIT:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - In honor of shoes, tell us about your all time favorite pair of shoes or boots!

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 - Join the Ascending Butterfly Blog Frog Community HERE

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

Tweet This:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ @Ascending1 + Marc Joseph NY #Shoes Mens or womens style #Giveaway! 2 Winners! Ends 12/30 #footwear - http://tinyurl.com/85yb4kn

(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.) Please remember we do not process twitter entries from PRIVATE accounts. If your account is private we will not process your twitter entries. NO exceptions so please do not email us regarding this policy.

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 Marc Joseph New York  on Facebook HERE (Tell them what your favorite pair is that you are trying to win from 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 on their facebook wall, and when the page fully loads, highlight and copy the URL address and then paste it into the comment field here). If you say "I wrote on their wall" and do not leave the link that Extra Credit Entry will NOT be processed.

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:  This is NOT a sponsored promotion. NO compensation has been received  from the sponsor in exchange for this post. 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. An Affiliate Link is used for EZ Win game.

Motivation Monday - Holiday Cheer!

While most neighborhoods are starting to look a lot like this, I have to admit that my tree isn't even up yet!

I'm just getting over the flu and my throat is still pretty sore, I haven't yet been able to motivate myself for the whirlwind cleaning and decorating thing!

How about a tree full of butterflies?

Until tomorrow, please check our current active holidays buying guide giveaway - Earthies Jasko Boots Review and Giveaway! ARV $209 Ends 12/22

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Weekly Moment of Gratitude + Winners, Winners, Winners! + Active Giveaway!

This week, I am grateful for:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Some super fun events this month! It's been hard getting in all the recaps because of the holiday buying guide, but look for a recap during this week's Wordless Wednesday (or in my case not entirely wordless....)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - It's been an amazing shoe week, and you'll see a ton of footwear promos to close out our annual holidays buying guide. You'll be able to start your new year with some pep in your step! And don't worry my girly girls, we've got a beauty surprise coming too!

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 Active Giveaways!  - http://tiny.cc/n4Thx

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Active Giveaway:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Earthies Jasko Boots Review and Giveaway! ARV $209 Ends 12/22


 

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Winner Announcements:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Hulk Hogan Main Event Video Game on Kinect for Xbox 360 Giveaway! Ends 11/28 - The Winner is follower 'Sam Buck'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Jockey Being Family Bear Giveaway! Ends 11/30 - The Winner is follower 'tinagirl'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} $25 Uncommon Goods Gift Certificate Giveaway! Ends 12/02 - The Winner is follower 'Selinda M'

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} The California Wine Club 3 Month Premiere Membership Holidays Giveaway has closed, no new entries are being accepted. Entries are still being processed and a winner will be notified shortly.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {CLOSED} Make 2012 your most fit year yet with our Zumba Fitness 1 and Zumba Fitness 2 Prize Bundle Giveaway! Ends 12/18 - has closed, no new entries are being accepted. Entries are still being processed and a winner will be notified shortly.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - {ENDS SOON} Act Fast! - Earthies Jasko Boots Review and Giveaway! ARV $209 Ends 12/22 <- Trust me, ladies you NEED these boots in your life!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Do you LOVE Jeans/Denim? If so, comment on this post, and let this fab eco chic denim company know you'd like to see them back! Click HERE

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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.

Stuff her stocking with Jeans she'll LOVE - Beija Flor Jeans! Eco Chic Denim!

For most of us ladies, regardless of our size, we tend to dread shopping for Jeans and swimsuits. Yes we love denim, it's normally a closet staple and a casual 'go-to' must have, but finding just the right pair can sometimes be much like picking out that proverbial 'Needle in a Haystack'. It's no different for me.

Added to the mix my Latina curves, I love them, but not all jeans work with my 'curvy' and very much 'hourglass' figure. I have always had a super small waist regardless of my weight or size at any given moment which usually means countless hours of trying on jeans or having them tailored, sometimes both to have the waist taken in, and have the length hemmed/shortened. Which means tacking on tailoring fees to the price of most my jeans and taking away the fun of the instant gratification most of us get from our 'retail therapy'. (I don't usually get to wear my purchase until the items come back from the Tailor).

For me it's been a very weird jeans year, I've lost some weight, which is great of course, but it has made the waist gap issue I experience with most denim even more pronounced.

If you are like me you do your homework and research when it comes to making a purchase. Although let's face it, in this economy, every purchase is an investment! When I read positive reviews including "These Jeans Changed my Life!" from People Magazine Style Watch, "Designer Jeans that fit Everyone" from an AOL Stylist, "Wow" from Essence Magazine, "Super Flattering" from Redbook and "Your Answer to Jeans that Fit" from WE TV, I knew I was on to something!

The Story of A Brand, The Story of a Family and The Story of What Will Become Your Favorite Jeans!

I know that 'hourglass curves', 'ample bottoms' and 'healthy hips' are not solely a Latina phenomenon, and that finding jeans suited to 'real women' bodies is not always easy! That's where Beija Flor (pronounced "beige-a floor"), comes in! These jeans are not only designed by women for women, (by Mother/Daughter talent phenomenons Kathy Moça & Emilie Whitaker), but also designed based on the style and cut of Brazilian jeans which work with a woman’s natural curves rather than against them! GENIUS!

While living in Brazil, they noticed that the style and cut of Brazilian jeans worked with a woman’s natural curves and when they returned to the States, they decided to share this insight through the design of their own line of jeans made with premium Brazilian denim that are now available in more than 300 boutiques nationwide, as well as online at ilovethesejeans.com. The name Beija Flor comes from the indigenous selection of hummingbirds that grace the countryside of Brazil.

Maybe it's because I'm super close with my mom, but I absolutely love that the minds behind the brand are a mother/daughter duo! How cool is that?

THE JEANS

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - No-Gap Countour Waist (I'm inserting a choir of denim angels here!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Curve Friendly (Can I get an Amen?)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Higher Back, Mid-Rise Front (This is why it doesn't gap, yet you don't have to constantly tug them up!)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Flattering Pocket Placement
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Memory Stretch Denim (Which means they fit like a dream)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Eco-friendly production (These jeans are Eco-Chic Ladies!)
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Certified Water Recycler
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Fair Trade Fashion
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Women-Owned, Women-Designed

Originally I asked for the Beth Jean:

This is NOT me, this is a model shot!

But I received the Jennifer Jean instead because at the time they were out of the Beth Bootcut in my size:

Again, this is NOT me, this is a model shot!

I will tell you honestly I was a bit nervous about this style, because when I looked at them all online, I wasn't totally convinced about the front pocket styling on this cut, that's why I didn't select it in the first place, but all things really do happen for a reason, a good reason! These have become my FAVORITE pair of Jeans this year so far! And I didn't think I'd find ones I love as much as my Denizen Jeans (you can see my Denizen review HERE!) As hard as denim is to shop for you can't help but gush when you find a great pair!

Here are some shots of me in my new Jennifer Jeans by Beija Flor:

Ascending Butterfly wearing Beija Flor Jennifer Jeans and Ugglebo boots - What's that in the bag?

and let's zoom in on the back:

Ascending Butterfly wearing Jennifer Jeans by Beija Flor and 'Ebony' style boots from Sole Society

SMOKIN HOT RIGHT?

My Take:

I love these jeans! I did have to have them tailored but only because they were a little too long so I had them hemmed, but thankfully nothing needed to be done to the waist, and all my initial reservations about the styling of the front pocket went out the window once I actually tried them on. I am super happy to report that these jeans are actually so generously cut that they are one size DOWN from my normal jean size with other brands! They wash well and I have not seen signs of fading or pills, and the no gap waist and memory stretch denim make them super flattering. Beija Flor jeans are the 'butt lifting' jean - they may just be your denim 'Fountain of Youth'.

Lovely butterflies I was not able to arrange for a giveaway this time around, but if you'd like to see a giveaway of the best jeans ever, please Facebook or Tweet @beijaflorgirl and let them know you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly and would love for them to come back and host a giveaway! When you do, come back here and post on this thread letting me know! While I couldn't nab a giveaway, I can tell you if you stuff these into someone's Christmas Stocking they will love you forever! They are definitely a holiday buying guide pick!

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FTC Disclosure Info: This is not a sponsored/compensated post. No monetary compensation has been received. A pair of Beija Flor Jennifer Jeans were provided to our editor for editorial consideration. All opinions expressed are 100% my own.