Thursday, May 10, 2012

Win a $200 Gift Card to Wilsons Leather

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This giveaway is now CLOSED. Thanks so much to our wonderful sponsor Wilson's Leather! We look forward to working with you again. Winner has been notified, and upon confirmation, follower name will be posted both here and on our homepage. Remember: There are great giveaways active on the upper right hand side of the page!
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We have a promo so big it actually fits into TWO of our Guides! This promo serves as this month's 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' and our first giveaway in our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide! This one is especially for moms who like to travel in style! 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). Wilson's Leather has been my go-to for my handbags, jackets and leather accessories like Leather Gloves for years now. The leather is buttery soft, incredibly durable and the in store (brick and mortar) as well as online service is always top notch.

We are getting dangerously close to June, Is it just me or is this year starting to move way too fast! While everyone likes to harp on the Spring Flowers and the chirping birds and the butterflies (or maybe that's just me), to get there, we get rain. A lot of rain. So a day that may start cool, then get warm goes back to cold at night, which means you don't want to wear a winter coat, but still need something to keep you warm for the mornings and evenings when the temperature drops or it's raining out.

This is where our friends at Wilson's Leather come in, despite the title, they are NOT just leather! And if you are in the market for a great Spring Trenchcoat or a new Travel Bag, check out Wilson's first! If you are a fab frugalista who wants to look spot on and not spend more than you have to doing so, then the current sales will knock your socks off, right now you can get 60-80% off designer jackets, and there is also a sale running where if you buy one business bag you get the second at half off, and that will apply AUTOMATICALLY in cart during checkout, how awesome and fab is that?

Many of you know that it's been a challenging year for me this year to say the least, but the challenges I've faced have forced me to come out of my comfort zone in so many ways. I've been embracing things I normally wouldn't, and forcing myself to do things and wear things I probably never would have. I was a late comer to the 'animal print' trend and now I can't stop wearing it! I must share my newest obsession!

Black Rivet Asymmetrical Zip Front Jacket




Isn't this trench absolutely fantastic? Here is a shot of me wearing it (notice my super cute over-sized butterfly earrings):



I always thought animal prints were just too bold for me, and now I can't get enough! And as Blogging has gotten me more into travel I love that this coat is lightweight enough to be able to pack it easily, but fully lined so I'm not freezing when it gets nippy at night. Traveling in style also requires the right bag, I did tell you that this was also a 'Featured Handbag in the Spotlight' Promo too right? I'm sure by opening with a Trench you were begining to wonder if I had forgotten the Handbag, I have not my friends. I never forget the Handbag, it's a monthly feature for us since 2009!

In fact, this is no ordinary handbag, it's a wheeled briefcase with a sleek style, it's airport easy as it fits in the overhead or slides easily under the seat in front of you, has a padded compartment for your laptop, iPad, or Kindle, and an organizational compartment in the front. The wheel system is totally removable so if you just want throw it over your shoulders for your daily commute you can do so with or without the wheels. It slides on or off easily, but stays on and stays put when you need it!

McKlein USA Roseville 96646 Fly-Through Checkpoint-Friendly 2-in-1 Removable-Wheeled Ladies' Laptop Case




I love to travel, but hate to lug heavy bags, or bags that aren't well organized. Let's face it, airport security checkpoints are not fun. You are already harried, frazzled, and then standing in a super long line with someone right in front of you and directly behind you so have no room to move, then suddenly you have to get your jacket, jewelry and shoes off, take your laptop or portable tablet OUT of your bag and get all this in a bin. Then you are being scanned while worrying about your stuff, and by the time you are done, your bins are already at the end of the aisle and you have to get everything back on and back in your bag in half a second because there are tons of folks behind you. Not so simple right?



The buttery soft Italian Leather had me at Hello and I will now never travel without this bag, it comes with a removable protector for your laptop/tablet that slides easily in and out and protects your device while in the bin. It has great organizational pockets, you can remove the wheel system if you prefer and use the shoulder strap. This trench and this bag together are a KILLER travel combo! You will breeze through the airport cool, confident and in style!

Now butterflies, you all know what Buying Guides mean right? You know I always look out for you butterfly! How would you like to win Trenchcoat and amazing travel briefcase too?

I thought so!

I can even do one better for you, how about a $200 Gift Card to Wilsons Leather so you can buy the trench and bag of YOUR choice? Who loves you butterfly?

Use the Rafflecopter form below for your chance to win a $200 gift card to Wilsons Leather, do the mandatory entry to unlock the bonus entries.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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FTC Disclosure: Ascending Butterfly received the products mentioned above free of charge for editorial consideration, no additional incentives have been received. All opinions expressed are 100% my own. I am disclosing this information in accordance with the Federal Trade Commisions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Our full Giveaway Rules and Disclosure Policy can be found HERE.

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: The sometimes you have to leave home so you can miss it travel edition!


As promised, here are the photos that should have accompanied Monday's Post, Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies!

Remember, you can press on any individual photo to make it larger, and then hit the backspace on the top of your browser to come back to this page!


Above: I am a Latina Advisory Board Blogger/Britax Hispanic and Digital Outreach Blogger and this is the sign that welcomed me and the other amazing bloggers that were selected for this campaign and invited to Britax USA's Headquarters!



Above: Here is a group shot of the first group of bloggers, call us group 'A'. Bloggers and Team Britax are all smiles, it was a beautiful sunny day. The bloggers were given Headquarter Tours in two segments so they could give us time and really answer everyone's questions. Can you spot Ascending Butterfly?


Above: Another Group A Group Shot. There are a lot of these at different angles, this one is a little closer so I thought I'd include both. To see the list of the bloggers pictured, press on the link above that will take you straight to Monday's post where everyone's name and URL are listed!


Above: Both Group A and Group B were finally united at a Group Dinner for all the bloggers in the campaign at Harry's Grille & Tavern in Charlotte, North Carolina. By the way the next time you are in Charlotte, you need to check this place out, the food was FAB and the service was great, great atmosphere. Poor Harry's, Latina Bloggers from all across the USA descended on them during a weekday! The 'locals' put up with us, promise we didn't make too much noise...well...maybe.......

Since most of the group shots are going to start looking the same to you after awhile, I won't post anymore to this post! I am truly honored to be a part of this campaign, Britax was transparent, welcoming and wonderful hosts, and being amongst this group of dynamic, driven and super smart Latina Bloggers left me so motivated.

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies - Remember sometimes you need to get away from home to realize just how much you miss it! Hope you enjoyed this brief sneakpeak into my Britax USA Headquarters, Charlotte, North Carolina Press trip!

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FTC Disclosure: The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and while this post is NOT sponsored and NO monetary compensation has been received for sharing this experience, I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My press trip was sponsored by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

Todays Inspiration Tuesday Edition: Put A Little Zen in Your Day!






Just thought I'd put a little ZEN in your Tuesday Butterfly!

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Monday, May 7, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude: Life Journey's Travel Edition - Happy Motivation Monday!


Where in the world is Ascending Butterfly?


Happy Monday Butterfly! There is so much to catch up on that I am combining my Weekly Moments of Gratitude, with a special Motivation Monday this week to share with you what I've been up to this past week! First of all, thank you all for the emails expressing concern, you are all amazing, you all know I try to post daily and when I don't I always get emails from readers checking in to make sure that I am OK. That means so much more to me than you could ever know. I have tried to answer as many of you as I can individually. Please know I am just fine, I was on an amazing trip and my devices don't always play so nice with the available WiFi. (and my flights did not have WiFi both ways!)


What I am grateful for

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Travel -  Against the better judgement of my team of Doctors (and my family quite frankly), I set out on my first airplane trip this year. I didn't quite have my Doctor's blessing, but my heart felt it was important to set out on this journey, and I am infinitely grateful that I did.

I have always loved travel, among my career path transitions I briefly worked for an Airline in their Caribbean Sales Department selling tickets and trips directly to Travel Agencies instead of to individuals. I landed that job right after College because I was bi-lingual and speaking Spanish was a huge part of the job. While I ironically traveled much less during my time working for an Airline than I have since then, travel has always changed me. I'm probably the only person smiling all throughout check in, and I guess that's why I have met so many great people at the airport or gate during my travels, I am totally open to the process and actually welcome every step of the way.

From the moment I hit the airport I'm filled with the excitement of the journey. The rush of taking to the skies and being somewhere entirely new. This time I did it with a sense of nervousness and trepidation I had never known before because of my health. While I'll admit I may have overdid it a bit and I'm a bit sore now, I have no regrets!

As many of you remember I shared that I was selected to be a Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach Blogger and my collaboration with Britax USA and Mami Innovative Media has sent me on a recent adventure to North Carolina along with 25 other amazing, talented and passionate Latina Bloggers!

All the bloggers selected for this campaign include:

Take a moment and check out the sites of all the bloggers selected, there are amazing women behind each and every one of the blogs chosen to participate and I feel blessed to have met them all and been given the opportunity to collaborate with such dedicated and passionate writers!

Alba Garza: www.independentmami.com
Amanda Diaz:
www.thoughtsfromher.com
Amber Ortega:
www.thriftyninja.net
Chantilly Patiño:
www.biculturalmom.com
Clauyda Martinez:
www.unknownmami.com
Cristina Duffy:
www.unacolombianaencalifornia.com
Dariela Cruz:
www.mamitalks.com
Denisse Icaza:
www.ahorrosparamama.com
Divina Rodriguez:
www.dancinghotdogs.com
Eliana Tardio:
www.elianatardio.com
Helena Osorio:
www.pinkguayoyo.com
Jennifer Hutcheson:
www.mami2mommy.com
Laura Tellado:
www.holdinoutforahero.org
Lilian Hurn:
www.superbaratisimogratis.com
Liz Cerezo:
www.thoughtsofamommy.net
Mirna Arce:
www.ahorrosconcupones.com
Myrah Duque:
www.couponmamacita.com
Oriana Romero:
www.mommyhoodsdiary.com
Pattie Cordova:
www.livingmividaloca.com
Sara Patterson:
www.mommafindings.com
Silvia Martinez:
www.mamalatinatips.com
Taty Padilla:
www.coolmomscooltips.blogspot.com
Tracy Iglesias:
www.ascendingbutterfly.com <-YAY ME! :)
Vanessa Martinez Bell:
www.desumama.com
Yadira Ambert:
www.clubdelasdiosas.com
Yolanda Machado:
www.sassymamainla.com

We were flown to North Carolina to get a behind the scenes look at Britax USA's Headquarters, we got to tour the factory, get detailed product demonstrations, and an  unforgettable safety demonstration (I will share about this demo in an upcoming post!) and the chance to break bread together at a wonderful Dinner hosted at Harry's Grille & Tavern. Britax couldn't have been a better host. They couldn't have been more transparent. They take infant and child safety seriously. Very seriously. And it's that passion that has made them the leader in the market. They are innovative. There is technology behind the safety features that so many of us take for granted. Not all baby products are alike! There are touches and well considered details that make product usage safer and much more convenient for moms to use. They truly opened my eyes to things I took for granted. As a loving Aunt and God-mother I have always taken my purchases seriously and researched them carefully, but this trip helped me to see how much we really take for granted and how important the installation of child car seats really are. For me to truly take on an Ambassadorship Collaboration with any brand, I have to be able to honestly say I can stand behind the products. I have no doubt in my mind that going forward none of the little ones in my life will have anything less than Britax. I am eternally grateful for this experience and I have learned so much more than I ever imagined.

In all my years of blogging I never really thought much about what being a 'Latina Blogger' really meant. I'm a Latina and I blog. I haven't always stopped to consider that my voice truly is a unique one. I've always known that my heritage and culture profoundly impacts who I am and my choices, but never stopped until this experience to think about what that means as a blogger. Last year I co-hosted my first bi-lingual twitter party for PBS's iconic children's television series Curious George with a group of amazing Latinas who I greatly admire, and a year later I went from co-hosting a bi-lingual party to directly hosting my first bi-lingual twitter party with Helping Hands Milk Bank (along with my phenomenal co-host Jessie Nuez) and it began a journey that eventually led me on an adventure in North Carolina with a Brand that is making major strides in not just 'translating to' the Hispanic Community, but embracing the Hispanic Market in a truly collaborative way. I could probably go on and on about my experience, so I promise I'll space it all out a bit! (Look for the pictures that go along with this amazing adventure in this week's Wordless Wednesday!)

What does my adventure have to do with YOU?



I am so glad you asked. My collaboration with Britax USA means I will be bringing you product reviews and great giveaways, twitter parties, and all the information you need when it's time to purchase a carseat, stroller or carrier for your little one. I am going to help you make the un-biased decisions you have come to know and trust from Ascending Butterfly. If you have any questions about Britax that you can't find an answer to on their site (which I pretty much doubt), feel free to send it to me and I'll be sure to forward it to the right person and get you an answer! Butterflies this is as much about YOU and the safety of all children as it is about me!



Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Being Open - I made a concerted effort to be open to this experience, and met wonderful people at the gate while waiting for both of my planes, normally at the gate I would dive straight into a book, or put on my music, or get on a device and try and look for a signal, but this time around, I stopped to smell the roses more and engaged in conversations with total strangers which is not like me at all. And I met so many fun and warm people. There was a woman on my return flight, 96 years of age traveling to her great grand-daughter's first communion. The flight attendants and gate personnel all asked if she'd like to pre-board and when she replied simply 'No Thank You. I have no health issues or medical reason that would necessitate me to pre-board. I am sure there are others here that really need your help.' Everyone was blown away, but I totally saw myself in her, that's who I want to be, I want to travel until I can't do it, and even then my head will still be in the clouds!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Discovering Inner Strengths - It took a concerted effort on my part to make this trip on many levels, but doing so allowed me to discover so many inner strengths and foster my independent spirit in ways that change, forward motion and travel can only do. Whether it's around the corner or around the globe butterflies, TRAVEL, MOVE, SEE, DO. When I thought my life was being taken from me this year, the only real regret that instantly rose to the surface was not seeing nearly enough of this beautiful world. Time is too short butterfly. Don't use any excuses to NOT do something. Working hard is great, but that money can't come with you, and that time spent not making new memories is time you will regret squandering!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide: Our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide this year, opened with a product review and buying suggestion, the CEVIA Pro 80 Digital Frame and PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service, and will move forward this week with a chance to win a gift card you can use to purchase a new spring trench and fab handbag, this is going to be SWEET. And guys, even though it is a Mother's Day Buying Guide, you are NOT being left out on this one, as this company also sells Menswear and Mens Accessories as well. So our first Mother's Day buying guide giveaway promotion will be from a brand that sells great products for Women, Men and Children so there is something for everyone! (I wanted to have it posted today, but I still need a bit to get caught up, I promise it will be posted SOON).

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - PLEASE ROCK THE VOTE: I could really use your vote on my Swag Mom contest entry! (If you are in a voting contest and need a return vote, please leave a comment on this post, I'd be happy to return the vote!) The essay forced me to be very concise, but it expresses what I have been through this year in a very raw, open, emotional and honest way, I hope you will read it even if you are not a swagbucks member. Those who vote however will receive swagbucks just for voting and the shot at winning the same prize to Las Vegas as the Grand Prize Winner, those who vote will also be put in a special prize draw to win the same prize! (You know I love win/win opportunities!) If you do vote, please comment here and let me know, I'd love to say Thanks! - bit.ly/HGRmzN

Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly, May this be a week filled with exploration and discovery!

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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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Winners

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Winners in our #HHMilkBank Twitter Party have been notified, and many have sent lovely tweets and even pictures of their swag to us on Twitter. Thanks again butterflies for your participation, and in case you missed this last week, here are the winners to our Twitter Party:

Door Prize: @LLLSummer


Party Prize Packs: @SecretsofKristi, @EileenCCampos, @soulfliesfree, @Shihtzuation, @candacki, @abbebrown,@kymnasium, @SweetmatchaJail

Grand Prize Winner: @Paramedic_Mom2

All prize packs will include an Amazon Gift Card and will also include some fun branded merchandise from our wonderful sponsor, Prolacta Bioscience's Helping Hands Milk Bank! As a reminder, the door prize winner received a $50 Amazon Gift Card with their prize pack, the Party Prize Pack Winners received a $25 Amazon Gift Card with their prize packs, and the Grand Prize winner's prize pack will include a $100 Amazon Gift Card!

I want to personally thank all my butterflies for your participation, by joining in this party, your participation has helped spread the word about how Helping Hands is working to save the lives of preemies everywhere, thank you! Stay tuned for our next twitter party!

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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. The Britax Hispanic Digital and Social Media Outreach is in partnership with Mami Innovative Media, a communications and digital marketing company that pairs multicultural and Latino bloggers with influential brands and blogging campaigns. I am a blogger brand ambassador for Britax and while this post is NOT sponsored and NO monetary compensation has been received for sharing this experience, I am part of a long term campaign that does provide additional incentives for my participation. However all opinions are 100% my own. My press trip was sponsored by Britax USA. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Sunday, May 6, 2012

Let's Be Honest: Where coming clean about life could be VERY rewarding! cc @Purex #PurexLetsBeHonest


Do you and your pals like to dish about life? Maybe share some laundry woes or funny laundry mishaps? Did you know all that 'dishing' you were doing for free could instead have been getting you something for it?

Whether you are paying too much for "Premium Detergent" or uncovering the truth about skinny jeans, the folks at Purex Let's Be Honest - http://www.purex.com/lets-be-honest - is shedding some light on everyday absurdities with a series of new videos and the chance to win free Purex for a year. You can check out each video every time you enter the daily giveaway to win Purex detergent for a year.

This summer we will see the resurgence of  'Neon', yes that's right, NEON as a Fashion Trend, you are already going to be easy to spot and bright, the last thing you want on your new neon shirt or outfit is a big ole stain!

But in case you do get a stain on your new neon fashion statement this summer,   from NOW through July 24th, you could win a year's supply of Purex detergent simply by registering at http://www.purex.com/lets-be-honest

I'm getting horrible 80's flashback's in my head, although I do remember one really cool pink neon belt that paired nicely with my favorite Little Black Dresses back then as well as my black skinny jeans with the zippered ankles and high heel boots! (alas, where did the adventurous me go? where is my rebel yell? - I guess she is too busy doing laundry this weekend!)

Check out the cute animated 'Judy Let's Be Honest' character who is part of the campaign:


I think she's working her wash day outfit too, that's quite an ensemble she has there, love how her headband matches her pink shoes too!

Check out this campaign on Facebook or Twitter and get social with it!

So for my butterfly fashionista, frugalista, fabulista and mom washing Divas out there, let's get to coming clean for a chance to 'win clean' for a year!

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FTC Disclosure: This is not a compensated post, no monetary compensation has been exchanged. I am however, a Purex Blogger Brand Ambassador Insider and my participation in this long term campaign does come with additional perks and opportunities to sample various products for the purpose of facilitating honest reviews. Questions about our Disclosure? Please visit: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Mother's Day Buying Guide Gift Recommendation #1 - Help Mom Store Cherished Memories in Style!



Happy May Day Butterflies! Today is the first day of May and our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide is now in swing!

If you haven't today, go KISS your mom, and if you are too far right now, please CALL her immediately. Tell her you love her and thank her for the gift of life, for being there when you were sick, for every warm meal, for every hug, for being your nurse and doctor and for all the wonderful memories of your childhood.

In fact, why not also give her a way to preserve her memories in style?

As you may remember we featured a digital photo frame as our holidays 2010 gift buying guide recommendation (and you even scored a chance to win one for yourself), the CEIVA Pro80 with one year picture plan photo delivery service. Read my original review and first impression of the Ceiva Pro80 HERE.

I fell in love with my CEIVA, and in fact so has everyone who sees it when they come visit, and I still love it, it's simple to set up, and gives me instant gratification when I can send a picture from an event or party while I'm still there, right to my frame and have it already loaded into the frame when I get back!



Features

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Connect by telephone line or by Wifi and receive photos sent from anyone you invite as your guest – from anywhere in the world!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Send pictures to your frame via smartphones, iPhone, email and sites like Flickr and Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -Lifetime warranty – as long as you have an active PicturePlanCEIVA will replace or repair the product for free.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Memory Card Slots - Insert a memory card into the back and enjoy an instant slideshow

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Use a media server application to show photos over your home network

Set Up:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Register Your Frame

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Upload Photos

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Connect the frame to your wifi and sync



Nab A Deal!
Mother's Day Sale (Deals Valid through May 7th)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CEIVA Pro80 Starter Pack (includes one-year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service and WiFi adapter)- $119.95

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - CEIVAshare Starter Pack (includes one-year PicturePlan Photo Delivery Service)- $99.95 (Wifi adapter optional)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Place an order totalling $99 or more in the CEIVA Store and get FREE economy shipping! Not valid on standard, 3-day, 2-day or overnight shipping.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Purchase any two frames and receive 10% off, Buy 3 or more and get 20% off! (Think, one for your mom, aunt, grandma, Men should add an extra one on for their wife too!)

My Take:

I really love the CEIVA Pro80 Starter Pack! I highly recommend it across the board for anyone on your list. There is nothing more personal or more thoughtful. Whether you and your mom are in the same city or are miles away from each other, imagine her delight when you send this to her, and in 3 simple steps she can not only enjoy the pictures she chooses to put on the frame, but you can instantly send her pictures anywhere, anytime. The grandkids can send grandma pictures right from their phones! Mom never feels like she misses a single moment. And with this frame, everyday feels like Christmas because you can send mom, or your Aunt or your Grandma, a new photo each day and no one misses a milestone.

This year mama butterfly is getting one! (But shhh, don't tell her!)

While I wasn't able to nab an extra one this time for a giveaway, CEIVA is awesome about throwing great giveaways and promotions on their Facebook page and you can also get social with them on twitter too! And don't forget to tell them Ascending Butterfly sent you, maybe we can arm twist them a bit to come back with us again next time! :)

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FTC Disclosure: I received a CEIVA frame and a picture plan for the purposes of this review, all opinions regarding the product are expressly my own experiences. Our full giveaway and disclosure policy can be found at: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday, April 30, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude - It's Motivation Monday!





What I am grateful for

 

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Family -  I had a great Sunday afternoon yesterday celebrating my cousin and uncle's birthday, I got to see extended family I hadn't seen in a long while and it was a great reminder of all the things that are really important in life.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Church - Late afternoon Sunday service yesterday after the family party at a church I hadn't been to in many years. The last time I was in that church was for a funeral. It was a bit bittersweet being back there. But it filled my spirit to spend time in prayer as I have quite a bit to be thankful for!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blogging Opps - One of my blogging opps is taking me on quite an adventure this week and I will be sure to share more as soon as I can!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide: Our annual Mother's Day Buying Guide this year, will open with a double whammy promotion, AND it will also include the May Featured Handbag of the Month, butterflies you are going to LOVE this promotion! If you love to travel, want to travel in style and love handbags, this promotion is definitely for YOU.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - STARTING TODAY MONDAY, APRIL 30th PLEASE ROCK THE VOTE: I could really use your vote on my Swag Mom contest entry! (If you are in a voting contest and need a return vote, please leave a comment on this post, I'd be happy to return the vote!)  - bit.ly/HGRmzN

Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly, May this be a week full of surprise blessings to be grateful for!

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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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Winners

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - All Winners in our #HHMilkBank Twitter Party have been notified, the list is as follows:

Door Prize: @LLLSummer


Party Prize Packs: @SecretsofKristi, @EileenCCampos, @soulfliesfree, @Shihtzuation, @candacki, @abbebrown,@kymnasium, @SweetmatchaJail

Grand Prize Winner: @Paramedic_Mom2

All prize packs will include an Amazon Gift Card and will also include some fun branded merchandise from our wonderful sponsor, Prolacta Bioscience's Helping Hands Milk Bank! As a reminder, the door prize winner receives a $50 Amazon Gift Card with their prize pack, the Party Prize Pack Winners will receive a $25 Amazon Gift Card with their prize packs, and the Grand Prize winner's prize pack will include a $100 Amazon Gift Card with their prize pack!

I want to personally thank all my butterflies for your participation, by joining in this party, your participation has helped spread the word about how Helping Hands is working to save the lives of preemies everywhere, thank you! Stay tuned for our next twitter party!

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

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.

Saturday, April 28, 2012

Todays Words of Inspiration: Do you really want to say that to the Universe?







Hi Butterfly!

It just felt like high time we had a back to our roots plain and simple Today's Inspiration! Despite everything I've been going through this year, I've been working hard to remain focused and inspired, and I hope you are too!

I can't believe April is almost gone and we are swiftly approaching May. They say April showers bring May Flowers, and I don't know about you, but I'm overdue for 'flowers' in my life lately! I'm definitely ready to let the sun shine in, both through my window and in my heart. How about you?

You know how it is said that 'words have power', that our destiny can be altered with our words and with our thoughts? What you don't say and what you don't believe is just as powerful as what you do say and what you do believe about yourself.

When things are going along swimmingly in your life, are you secretly waiting for the other shoe to drop? When you experience a triumph do you truly believe that you really deserve it?

Today's Inspiration: Be careful that when something good happens to you, you don't say 'I can't believe this is happening to me, I didn't think something this great would ever happen for me.' If you do, the Universe will believe you, and may not send you more. It will believe you are not ready accept more than what you have.

Today's Challenge: When something good happens today, Just say Thank You. To God if you are Faithful/Spiritual or the Universe, or BOTH even better still. Don't say I don't believe this, and go beyond saying WOW, say Thank You, and say you are grateful to see a harvest for your efforts and you will continue to be rewarded because you are telling the Universe you are grateful for what you have received. That gratitude WILL open the pathway to more.

Speak your way to success today Butterfly, You DO deserve it!

XOXO,

Ascending Butterfly

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Friday, April 27, 2012

Beautiful Butterfly Friday!





Wishing all my butterflies a happy, healthy and beautiful Friday!


 
 

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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Wordless Wednesday: Butterfly Wednesday!



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Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Infant Nutrition Twitter Party TONIGHT, let's help save #preemies in the #NICU sponsored by @hhmilkbank



'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ', @Tracy_Iglesias of Ascending Butterfly (@Ascending1) is hosting tonight's #HHMilkBank Infant Nutrition Twitter Party along with @JessieNuez, the tweet chat is being sponsored by @hhmilkbank, not only will there be prizes, but we are going to learn ways to help preemies currently in the NICU! So many moms have reached out to me since the RSVP page for this twitter party was posted, to tell me that when they had their babies, they produced more breastmilk than they even knew what to do with. It's so sad to know that so much life saving milk is being thrown away when there are babies that desperately need it!

This will also be a bi-lingual twitter party conducted in English and Spanish! The English RSVP page is HERE, (the rafflecopter widget is also on this page, so you can just RSVP here as well) and the Spanish RSVP page is HERE.

Helping Hands Milk Bank is operated by Prolacta Bioscience, they collect excess breast milk to help save the lives of babies who are in the neonatal intensive care unit. Excess breast milk is used to make nutritional products from 100% human milk which has a significant impact on the lives of the infants and their families. They also make the donation work harder, for every ounce of donated qualified breast milk collected by Helping Hands Milk Bank $1 will be contributed to Susan G. Komen for the Cure in support of Breast Cancer Research.

Preemie who needed fortified human milk from Helping Hands Milk Bank

Here is the party 411:

Who: Helping Hands - Make sure to follow the sponsor on twitter @hhmilkbank and of course our party hosts: @Tracy_Iglesias (if I get sent to twitter jail, I'll then be tweeting from @Ascending1 so you may just want to go ahead and follow that account too), Co-hosts include: @JessieNuez from Hecho Para Mama - http://www.hechoparamama.com/

What: Twitter Party! - Follow along with the #HHMilkBank Hashtag

When: April 24, 2012 at 9pm EST/6PM PST - 2 hour party!

Where: You can follow along using the #HHMilkBank Hashtag or you can use a grid. Here is a link to the custom tweetgrid already created for this party, (you only need to be sure to change the username on the very right hand column to your own so you can see any tweets made directly to you!)

Baby Drinking Prolacta Fortified Human Milk


And of course, what's a party without presents?

Prizes:

Door Prize: Follow the RSVP instructions in the rafflecopter widget below for a shot at the $50 Amazon Gift Card and Prize pack just for RSVPing for the party! The party is come as you are, but only the folks who RSVP have a shot at the door prize (as long you actively participate during the twitter party!)

Party Prizes: There will be 8 $25 Amazon Gift Card and Prize Packs awarded during the party every 15 minutes!

Grand Prize: One luck party goer will win our Party Grand prize a $100 Amazon Gift Card along with a Helping Hands Prize Pack!

That's over $350 in prizes, so be sure to tell a friend. Tweet it out. Share it on Facebook!

RSVP using the rafflecopter widget below: (You only need to RSVP once, there will however be sign up widgets on each hosts blog!)

Baby Isabella, an underweight newborn who benefitted from Prolacta Fortified Human Milk



a Rafflecopter giveaway



BUTTERFLIES: LET'S GET THIS TWITTER PARTY TO TREND AND HELP SAVE PREEMIES!

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FTC Disclosure: While this post is not sponsored, the twitter party is sponsored. I will receive additional incentives for hosting this party. For full details on Ascending Butterfly disclosure policies: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Monday, April 23, 2012

Weekly Moment of Gratitude, Twitter Party Tomorrow + Winners!







What I am grateful for:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ Sometime the best lessons are learned the hard way -  {Motivation Monday Thought}: Sometimes you KNOW something, but you just don't apply it until life hits you HARD, and one of the lessons I've had to re-learn the hard way this year is that there are literally but so many hours in a day, and if I don't stop and take some time for myself to let my body heal and rest, it won't. So for the first time ever, I'm not answering emails within 24 hours and I'm not yet totally caught up since my return from my last hospital stay most of March and early April. The True Lesson: IT'S OKAY. And I know some people will understand and be patient, and others won't. The True Lesson? You can't be ALL things to ALL people ALL of the time. And yes, that's OKAY!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Twitter Party! - That's right, 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' is hosting a great twitter party tomorrow! On April 24th from 9-11pm EST/6-8pm PST Ascending Butterfly's Editor @Tracy_Iglesias along with @JessieNuez will be hosting a twitter party sponsored by @hhmilkbank! (Make sure you are following all three twitter accounts before the party!) So if you haven't already done so, RSVP for the #HHMilkBank Infant Nutrition Twitter Party HERE. The prizes are amazing (Prize packs and Amazon Gift Cards that total over $350), and the tweet chat is going to be super fun and fast paced as always, they don't call me 'The Official #TwitterPartyDJ' for nothing!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Blogging Opps - I have some amazing Blogging Partnerships/Brand Ambassadorships to share with you, and will reveal them all one by one very soon.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Annual Mother's Day Buying Guide: Our first Mother's Day Buying Guide Gift Recommendation this year, is actually a double whammy promotion, it will be the first gift featured as it will cover two different regular features, our buying guide for Mother's day as a Mother's Day Suggestion, AND as our May featured Handbag of the Month, butterflies you are going to LOVE this promotion!


Happy Motivation Monday Butterfly, May this be a week full of surprise blessings to be grateful for!

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

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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Winners/ Closed Giveaways:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WINNER: ashleymorrissey90:  Ascending Butterfly Monthly Book Club: Chicken Soup for the Soul: Devotional Stories for Tough Times Book Giveaway! Ended 03/25 - Let's Congratulate our winner! I genuinely hope that the winner of this giveaway finds this book to be a huge blessing and source of hope!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - WINNER: Nightowl: Think you've got the moves? Ideology by Macys DOUBLE Giveaway! (ARV $100) Ended 03/19 - 1 winner! - Congrats, Enjoy your new fitness gear!

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

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.