Soap Opera Lovers REJOICE All My Children & One Life to Live are back via The Online Network (@TOLN) on Monday, April 29th!

Butterflies, I don't know if it started for you the same way it did for me, but my first sick day when I was in Junior High School turned out to be a bonding moment and TV habit that would last for decades! I was home sick and well past my cartoon days, so Mom let me in on her favorite daytime 'me time', Soap Operas! Mama Butterfly introduced me to all the characters and patiently caught me up on story lines so I could figure out what was happening. Like many moms, she created a monster, I HAD to know what was going on! And subsequent sick days always meant me in my PJ's watching 'soaps' with mom!

When All My Children and One Life to Live were cancelled it was the shot heard around the world. Many loyal watchers considered each character 'family' and many soaps were passed down throughout the generations in families. Even those who couldn't watch their 'stories' during the day would be sure to record them so they could watch them at night. Soap Operas were favorite water cooler fodder, and the networks were definitely barraged by outraged fans.

And while it had been rumored for what seems like a very long time coming, I can indeed confirm that All My Children and One Life to Live are BACK! The shows are being brought back on The Online Network and can also be viewed on Hulu, Hulu Plus and iTunes! You can check out All My Children (AMC) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/all-my-children and One Life to Live (OLTL) on Hulu at www.hulu.com/one-life-to-live

Fans no longer have to settle for the crossover of their favorite characters on General Hospital. (And while I know I'm in the minority on this one, I didn't like the character crossovers from OLTL characters on General Hospital. I personally felt that they just didn't 'fit'.) They belong back in their home, and now they will be!

I am SUPER excited to know not only that All My Children and One Life to Live are back, but it's like they are re-invented and being re-born on the web. It's like Soap Opera's 2.0, bigger, better and hopefully built to last!

Show synopsis: All My Children revolves around the lives of the residents of fictional Pine Valley. For nearly forty years, this town has seen the trials and tribulations of its dynamic families. Now your favorite stories are back, and more dramatic than ever!

Plot outline: Since 1970, the residents of All My Children's Pine Valley, PA -- including its most famous citizen, Erica Kane (Susan Lucci) have seen their fair share of scandalous hookups, feuds, and devastating murders. Pine Valley luminaries include resident hero Ryan Lavery (Cameron Mathison), Fusion Cosmetics maven Greenlee du Pres (Rebecca Budig), perpetual troublemaker David Hayward (Vincent Irizarry), funnyman Tad Martin (Michael E. Knight), and the unforgettable romantic duo of Angie and Jesse Hubbard (Debbi Morgan and Darnell Williams).

All My Children actors include returning actors include Debbie Morgan as Dr Angie Hubbard, Julie Barr as Brooke English, Sal Stowers as Cassandra Foster, Eric Nelson as AJ Chandler, Denyse Tontz as Miranda Montgomery, Jordan Lane Price as Celia Fitzgerald, Ryan Bittle as JR Chandler, Eden Riegel as Bianca Montgomery, Cady McClain as Dixie Cooney, Ray MacDonnell as Dr. Joe Martin, David Canary as Adam Chandler, Heather Roop as Jane McIntyre, and Francesca James as Evelyn Johnson will be returning once the soap moves online.

What Luke and Laura are to General Hospital, Jesse and Angie are to All My Children! I remember where Dr. Angie Hubbard's storyline last left off, and I literally can't wait to find out what direction they are going to take her character and her storyline!

Show synopsis: One Life to Live follows the complicated lives of three main families: the wealthy Lords, the powerful Buchanans and the strong-willed Cramers. The quiet simplicity of small town living is often interrupted by the drama between them yet despite the struggles, strong family bonds keep them united.

Plot outline: The good people of Llanview, Pennsylvania, lead complicated lives. In a town of questionable marriage ethics, teenagers grow up fast and fall in love quickly. The quiet simplicity of small-town living on the Llantano River is frequently upset by an over-abundance of multiple personalities who disturb the peace. Despite the jealousy, betrayal, and occasional baby-swapping, Llanview is where the Buchanan, Lord, and Cramer families struggle to retain the strong family ties that have always united them.

One Life to Live actors include Corbin Bleu as Jeffery King as well as returning actors Erika Slezak as Victoria Lord Buchanan, Robin Strasser as Dorian Lord, Tuc Watkins as David Vickers, Robert S. Woods as Bo Buchanan, Kassie DePaiva as Blair Cramer, Jerry verDorn as Clint Buchanan, Florencia Lozano as Tea Delgado, Melissa Archer as Natalie Buchanan Banks, Hillary B. Smith as Nora Buchanan, Kelley Missal as Danielle Manning, Josh Kelly as Cutter Wentworth, and Andrew Trischitta as Jack Manning. Recurring actors include: Sean Ringgold as Shaun Evans, Shenaz Treasury as Rama Patel, and Nick Choksi as Vimal Patel.

The Buchanans are the power family of OLTL, and true fans know that Erika Slezak who portrays Victoria Lord Buchanan is a very versatile actress, she certainly plays many roles!

I got to see the premiere episodes and am sworn to secrecy, but I do have previews I can share with you!

All My Children | New Season Preview:

After a gunshot was fired five years ago, how has life in Pine Valley changed? Who will find love? Who will seek revenge? The characters you have come to love, the characters you will meet for the first time..Find out when all new daily episodes begin, Monday, April 29th!

One Life to Live | New Season Preview:

                                                                     

Character driven drama One Life to Live is back with all new must-see episodes. Filled with action, romance, comedy and it pushes the boundaries of entertainment by exploring cutting-edge social issues.

I just couldn't resist including this Photo of Snoop Lion helping to countdown the days until OLTL's return!

30 minute episodes will be available each weekday with a recap on Friday, and with Guest Appearances by Snoop Lion (formerly known as Snoop Dogg, notorious OLTL fan who has appeared on the show before), as well as Riff Raff and Nervo, and without the restrictions that sometimes come with daytime TV, folks this is NOT your mama's Soap Opera!

Get Social:

A fun way to get ready for Monday would be to interact with each show's Social Media Pages:

All My Children:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - If you aren't already, you can 'Like' AMC on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Stalk, ahem I mean Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHAMC)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Wanna see their pictures? Then Follow via Instagram too!

One Life to Live:


Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 'Like' OLTL on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on Twitter (as shown above, the hashtag is #WATCHOLTL)

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow via Instagram too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And for my Tumblr Peeps: Follow OLTL on Tumblr too

The Online Network:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on @TOLN on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow them on YouTube/tolnsoaps

My Take:

Again, I have seen the first episodes but I am sworn to secrecy and cannot reveal any spoilers, but I am so happy to have both shows back on the air! This is not your Mama's Soap Opera butterflies, this is the digital age at it's finest, taking the old and adding a whole new twist to how you watch your beloved shows and now with the added availability of watching on the go, what's NOT to love?

Butterflies, on Monday after you've seen both episodes, come back here and sound off, let us know what YOU think!

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FTC Disclosure: This is a Sponsored Post from One2One Network and The Online Network, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own. I am a long time Soap Opera fan, and a 'General Hospital Moms' Blogger.

The Official #TwitterPartyDJ Reviews the Voxx International 808 Studio Quality Headphones!

I grew up around DJ's both family and friends, not just weekend enthusiasts, but pros that started off in clubs and many now own their own Audio Production Companies, for my family Music wasn't just entertainment it was always very much business. So when it comes to Audio Products and Accessories I'm pretty picky and I learned early on that labels, names, flash and floss didn't always mean great sound.

I love Music and feel blessed to have grown up in a family that takes it so seriously and also exposed me to such a wide variety of artists and musical genres. Their love of music and sound and what goes behind creating memorable musical moments definitely rubbed off on me, but there is always one place where I differed from the Pro's in my family. I prefer earbuds. That's definitely not a secret to long time readers, but it's still where me and my family members in the industry differ. And they spent years trying to convert me to headphones but they were never successful. I always hated how they 'crushed' my hair (remember how high 80's hair used to be right?), I have always worn eyeglasses and the headphones would press my glasses into my temples which after awhile would hurt and as I live in the Public Transportation Capital of the Planet, New York City, I always hated how headphones drew too  much attention to you. To my fellow individualists, trust me when I tell you that the one place you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself is on a New York City Subway Train.

808 Studio Quality Headphones in Matte Black

So when a pair of 808 headphones arrived for editorial consideration to say I was a bit skeptical would probably be an understatement. I recently reviewed my new HP Envy Desktop computer which I absolutely love (which is awesome because I had purchased a few lemons over the last few years and was slowly losing faith in them), one of the things that stand out about my new desktop is the amazing Audio. As a long time HP owner (both at work and at home both desktop and laptop), I was never all that impressed with their Audio, until my new Envy, the Beats Audio on my new system is fantastic. Like many writers I have a tendency to write better late at night and once I get into the flow I could write until the wee hours of the morning. That means I'm up clicking away while my world is asleep and for me not to disturb anyone I always listen to music at night while on my computer or desktop with earbuds on.

Studio Quality 808 Headphones Un-boxed showing Headphones, Instruction Manual and Protective Travel Case

I've spent the past few weeks listening to music on my HP Envy Desktop Computer wearing my new 808 headphones and I've also been bringing them with me on roadtrips on weekends and I have to tell you in all the years of my family members in the Audio Industry trying to get me to switch to headphones, this time spent road testing the 808's has made me a convert!

About the 808 Studio Quality Headphones:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Advanced and Powerful 40mm Dynamic Range Audio Drivers with outstanding response and accuracy

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Soft, Comfortable earcups

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 2 Detachable Cables - round without mic and flat with mic

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - High Quality Durable Protective Travel Case

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 3 colors: Black Matte, Black High Gloss, and White High Gloss

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Compatible with iPod, iPhone and iPad

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Works with Android

Watch them in Action:

My Take:

With a street smart style, cutting-edge audio technology, and an affordable price tag, these headphones prove that style, substance and smarts can be achieved at a price point that is reachable for everyone. It brings out nuances in some songs that I don't hear when wearing other headphones/earbuds, there were songs from U2 and Sheryl Crow that I've heard over and over that sounded so much different to me with these. They blocked outside noise (like when I'm in the bus with them on, I don't hear ambulance sirens blaring in my ears and interrupting my tunes) and in the trains I can  use these to block out the Garbled MTA messages (Perhaps the MTA should retain Voxx International to re-do the audio in the subway system, maybe then you'd actually be able hear to the announcements!), they also smartly help me tune out wailing infants, obnoxiously loud cell phone conversations and just immerse myself in the escape that my music collection provides me during a hectic rush hour traffic commute into the city.

Warning to the wise, turn DOWN your current audio level setting on your device before you plug these in, you won't need to have the volume anywhere as close to the setting you are using now. These deliver a rich, even consistent sound, rich bass, and definitely have style for days. I love my 808 headphones, and am excited about their upcoming On-Ear (the Drift) and In-Ear Earbuds that are set to release in 2013 in the months ahead!

I am going to have to see if our friends at Voxx International will consider joining us in our upcoming June 'Dads N Grads' annual gift buying guide with a reader giveaway, because I know you are going to LOVE these as much as I do.

808 'Gloss White' Headphones

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ -  Like 808 Headphones on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @RCA_Scoop on Twitter as well as on @Audiovox_Corp on Twitter

They post tons of fun contests, promotions and giveaways and hint, hint, there is one going on right NOW! (and don't forget to tell them on facebook or on twitter that you saw them featured on Ascending Butterfly)

Can't wait for us to offer a giveaway? (I can't say I blame you!), Amazon has them at a STEAL, and I mean that literally, you can order them NOW on Amazon by pressing the banner below:

Butterfly what is your favorite Audio Product or Audio Accessory?

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FTC Disclosure: Voxx International has provided me with a product sample for editorial consideration, however all opinions expressed herein are 100% my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Are Your Excuses More Important Than Your Dreams?

Happy Wordless Wednesday Butterflies - Bloggers feel free to post the link to your photos as a comment (we are too casual for a formal linky widget around here) and we will visit your site and show you some Wordless Wednesday comment love! 

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post!

Set Your Inner Child Free with Peter and the Starcatcher at the New World Stages Theater!

Can you still tap into your inner child? If you need a little help with that then you might want to check out Peter and the Starcatcher (A Grown Up's Prequel to Peter Pan!) now playing at the New World Stages Theater in New York City!

Peter and the Starcatcher won five Tony Awards and was named one of New York Times, New York Magazine and New Yorker's Top 10 Shows of the Year! It recently moved to the New World Stages Theater at 240 West 50th Street.

SYNOPSIS:

This imaginative prequel to the story of PeterPan, (based on the best-selling Disney-Hyperion novel by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson), tells the story of an Orphan who heads to a faraway land, where he finds love, friendship, and ultimately, himself. The show is comprised of twelve actors playing more than a hundred unforgettable characters, all on a journey to answer the century-old question: How did Peter Pan become the boy who never grew up? The epic story of one of popular culture's most enduring and beloved characters proves that an audience's imagination can be the most captivating place in the world.

MY TAKE:

What I love about anything that is even remotely Disney related is that somehow, somewhere in the show there will be something with wings, Peter Pan of course has Tinkerbell (or in this version we learn how Tinkerbell comes to be), but my favorite quote from the play was: 'To Have Faith, is To Have Wings'.

Isn't that a perfect Ascending Butterfly quote? Faith really is the wings that allow us to soar in life, to take chances, to follow our dreams and to become the person we are meant to be!

But the best life lesson that comes from Peter and the Star Catcher, is that Peter keeps reminding the adults around him, that 'he just wants to be a boy' for awhile. Sometimes we cram so much into a child's schedule that they don't get time to just 'be', to just 'breathe' and enjoy what is supposed to be a care free time in their lives.

The performance is recommended for children ages 10 and up, and that sounds about right to me, there are some double entendres and an appearance of men dressed as mermaids, so I'll let you decide how young you feel comfortable in going.

This is a definite 'Ticket', and for my fellow cocktail lovers, I tried a cocktail called 'The Bad Idea' which was fantastic! (It's a bit like a Long Island) And they will bring it to at your seat if you don't feel like getting back up to hit the bar!

I greatly enjoyed Peter and The Star Catcher! Trust me, your inner child will thank you!

GET SOCIAL:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @StarcatcherBway on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Peter and the Starcatcher on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Keep up with Peter and the Starcatcher on Pinterest as well (I like the 'Imagination' Board!)

If you've seen it, or plan to see it, let us know!

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post, no monetary compensation has been received by Ascending Butterfly, we were provided only with our seats for editorial consideration. All Opinions are always 100% my own. Special thanks to Culture Mom Media!

Make it Earth Week - Check out the Earth Day and Family Friendly title @Disneynature 'Wings of Life' on Video!

Whether you spend Earth Day outdoors or indoors, if you are looking for a fun way to engage the entire family, I would recommend Disneynature's Wings Of Life available now on Blu-ray Combo Pack and HD Digital.

The Movie opens with an amazing quote: 

"Life Depends on the Little Things We Take For Granted."

The theme unfolds in a series of stunning displays of Nature at it's absolute finest while exploring the  intersection of animal and plant worlds and how they are all inter-dependent on one another. Disneynature is the same studio behind the popular titles "Earth", "Oceans", "African Cats" and "Chimpanzee".

The latest release, "Wings of Life" is narrated by Meryl Streep, and her narration has an incredibly soothing quality to it that makes the narration from one scene to the other feel effortless and easy.

It is an intimate look into the world of butterflies, hummingbirds, bees, bats and flowers, a third of the world's food supply depends on these amazing creatures. Creatures that are increasingly threatened.

Check out the Clip Monarch Wings of Life:


Monarch - Wings of Life on Disney Video

There are so many ways to help enhance the movie and activities you can do with your child to help integrate what they see and learn in the movie and help to bring the message home!

Teach Your Children to Plant and Care for us.

and if you don't have a Garden, or are an apartment dweller, you can join in the fun too:

Plant Us In a Window Box!

Some Go Green Reminders:

Go Local, Support Your Organic Farmers and Beekeepers!

Join a Neighborhood Cooperative Garden!

and I have to admit this one, is one of my favorite tips:

Plant us alongside roadways. The land there is open to everyone!

Wouldn't you rather see flowers than trash along the roadways?

Plant us in a backyard or a rooftop Garden!

and you know Ascending Butterfly is all for this tip:

Bring Back the Monarchs, Plant Milkweed!

There are tons of great butterfly sightings in the movie:

Seeing the Monarch Butterflies in the trees and watching them fly off is one of the most visually impactful moments in the movie, it looks at first as if the butterflies are just leaves that begin to change color for Fall, but the butterflies are actually so plenty in number that they can literally bend the tree!

Watching the Caterpillar change into a Butterfly is another one of my favorite scenes in this movie, it's captured in such amazing detail, and is one of the most amazing transformations in nature!

Even those pesky picnic pests, Bees, have an important role in Nature as they are the pollinators that keep the flowers blooming by helping them to achieve what they cannot do on their own.

The movie ends with a song that says "Where there is life there is love and hidden beauty"

My Take:

The cinematography is breath-taking, and this family friendly movie has a lesson in it for all ages, this has to be the perfect way to bring a bit of Earth Day home!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Disneynature on Facebook

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Disneynature on Twitter

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - For more beautiful Nature Photos, Follow Disneynature on Pinterest too!

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - And you can catch all things Disney Trailers on YouTube too!

Enhance the Learning with The Educational Kit:

What 'Green' Thing Did You Do For Earth Day?

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FTC Disclosure: Disneynature provided Ascending Butterfly with a DVD for editorial consideration, all opinions are 100% my own. 

Featured #Handbag in the Spotlight + pick your prize with a $100 Gift Card to @wilsonsleather via @Ascending1

As a lifelong New Yorker, my wardrobe is filled with Black, and after the year I had last year I determined that this year as soon as I was back on my feet and something closer to a normal weight I would start ridding myself of a wardrobe that sadly resembles someone in mourning, and change over to brighter colors! I started that earlier this year when I embraced the Pantone color of the year, Green, and got a great jacket from Wilsons Leather and paired it with my Linea Pelle Dylan handbag in Kelly Green. (You can check out how I styled Green this year HERE)

With Spring finally here in New York City, I wanted to continue with my 'brighter' new me, and I fell in love, love, love, with the Black Rivet Blazer in the color 'Papaya' and the Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange' from Wilsons Leather!

First I'll show you the pro-shot of each one:

Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya':

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Front

Wilsons Leather Black Rivet Blazer in 'Papaya' Back

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange':

Black Rivet In & Out Satchel in 'Orange'

Here are some shots of me wearing them:

More on where I'm hamming it up at for my Birthday in this picture later during the week (Wordless Wednesday maybe)!

Jacket: Black Rivet Blazer, HandBag: Black Rivet Satchel from Wilsons Leather, Shirt by Calvin Klein, Jeans: Signature Curvy Skinny by Levi Strauss & Co

My Take:

I have received tons of compliments on both the Blazer and the Handbag, and I have a feeling I will be living in these for Spring! The color is just so vibrant and fun, I can take my black wardrobe and give it a pop of color with bright accessories! And when a spill on my jacket occured, a quick dab with club soda took it right off with no staining or fading. The bag has a stripes lining on the inside, that makes it a super fun choice going straight into summer, and makes it easy to see on the inside when you are in lowlight and need to find something fast. It has great organizational compartments, my sunglasses are super-oversized and my phone is a pretty thick one, and both fit with ease in their side compartments, which is rare for me to find in most handbags. I find myself wanting to reach for these everyday now!

Win It:

When I told my friends at Wilsons Leather it was my birthday but YOU get the gifts, they were happy to join in the fun! And while I LOVE my picks, you may want something totally different, a different color, or silhouette of bag and you can actually pick your own bag instead of my choice! So not only is it my birthday month and YOU get the gifts, you also get to pick your gift, isn't that cool?

Follow the instructions in the Rafflecopter Widget below to get your entries in for a $100 Wilsons Leather Gift Card! One lucky butterfly will win $100 to Wilsons Leather to pick their own prize, and gentlemen remember, Wilsons Leather is NOT just for Ladies, they sell great stuff for Men too! Who Loves You Butterfly?

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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FTC Disclosure: Wilsons Leather provided Ascending Butterfly with the Jacket and Handbag for editorial consideration, and they are also fulfilling to one prize winner, all opinions are 100% my own. Sponsor is responsible for Prize Fulfillment. Neither Ascending Butterfly or it's giveaway sponsors will be held responsible for lost, late or mis-directed mail. Our full disclosure policy can be found at: http://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/p/disclosure-policy.html

Find out how helping an admirable teacher means free travel for YOU with the @HiltonHHonors Teacher Treks Campaign!

Who was your favorite teacher? Mine was my High School English Teacher, I was in two different English Classes, AP (Advanced Placement) English and I also took more Creative Classes with my favorite teacher Mr. McKinnon. He was just plain awesome, his classes were fun, insightful and he had a fun way of relaying everything and making it more interesting and memorable. For that one period it was like school actually turned off, and you had so much fun you didn't realize you were actually learning!

His classes inspired me to take Creative Writing Classes in College and the foundations that he instilled in me as a student helped me to even begin writing for a local Newspaper as well as the Campus Newspaper in my freshman year in College. Eventually I even made the front page of the Local Paper on many occasions, attended Press Junkets as a film critic, and in Senior year landed an internship as a newswriter for my local cable news channel.

Before I started teaching Special Education, I spent time working for a major Airline (one of the few that have actually survived the fallout), and ironically while working for an Airline I ended up traveling way less than after I was working there, but it is when the travel bug hit me and it hit me hard.

I remember when 'reward programs' had their start and I joined them for every major airline and when hotels launched their own rewards programs I joined those too! One of the first hotel related reward programs that I joined was the Hilton HHonors Program, and it is still one of my favorite reward programs to this day. 

The Hilton HHonors Program is a loyalty program for Hilton Worldwide's 10 distinct hotel brands which include: Waldorf Astoria, Conrad, Hilton, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton, Homewood Suites, Home2 Suites and Hilton Grand Vacations. 

Some of my personal favorite properties in the program include the The Roosevelt New Orleans which is a Waldorf Astoria Hotel (I stayed there last year for The Niche Mommy Conference), and Fess Parker's Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara!

I just found out about an amazing Travel Grant Competition called Hilton HHonors Teacher Treks, which is a program that will fund 15 teachers to travel and gain first hand experience that will help them to enrich the subject they teach, which will allow them to enhance their curriculum and inspire students to explore the world! (I wish programs like this existed when I was teaching!)

A panel of judges that includes K-12 teachers and other education experts have narrowed down the finalists to 30 amazing teachers, and now YOU get the chance to help them select the 15 winning teachers! While I'm sure you'd love to see them all win, (I know I would), I do know first hand just how difficult and demanding teaching is, but only 15 teachers can win this AWESOME prize, and that's where YOU come in, for helping out with this big decision, all who vote will be entered for a chance to win a Hilton HHonors Gift Card valued at $250. There will be TEN winners! You can cast one vote per day which helps to increase your chances to win. And of course will also help the teacher you are voting for!

Prize Structure:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - 15 winners will receive a grant valued at $6,000 to travel to a destination of their choice and in addition to the trip, each winning teacher's school will get a $2,500 grant to use for cultural activities or enhancements.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Runners-up: 15 runners-up will receive a $2,500 Grant for their school to use for cultural activities or enhancements.

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - One winner from all submissions will receive a cultural excursion for their classroom valued at $1,500

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Voters: TEN random winners who vote in the Teacher Treks competition will receive one Hilton HHonors Gift Card valued at $250

NOTE: If you live in Texas, Illinois, Michigan, Montana, New Mexico, Nevada, Colorado, California, Massachusetts, North Carolina or Washington congrats you have a teacher who made the finals, so show them some love!

So what are you waiting for Butterfly? Go VOTE Now! Do something nice for a deserving teacher and in turn something fun for YOU too!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own. I like to share about products and services that I feel will be beneficial to my readers! And as a former Special Education Teacher, I love any company that gives back to teachers for all the hard work they do!

Like Free Gift Giveaways? Looking for Creative Solutions to Refresh Your Space? Then by all means Read on!

                                                             

You know how much Ascending Butterfly loves Empowerment and Life Improvement, and when something combines BOTH + Free Giveaways it's a total win/win in my book! The folks at Family Circle and Ikea are presenting 'Ikea Life Improvement Store Seminars' in two of their locations this weekend with Celebrity Designer Stephen Saint-Onge! Stephen will provide Creative Tips and Techniques on how to refresh and update your kitchen, plus event attendees will receive FREE Gift Giveaways! (I think this qualifies as awesomesauce + amazeballs combined). I don't know about you butterfly, but my kitchen definitely needs some help! Whether you have a super spacious kitchen and need a few how-to's or a super cramped space and can't figure out how to organize it, this event will certainly get you inspired and motivated!

Here is the skinny/Event Details:

Date: Saturday, April 20th

Time: 1:00 pm

Place: IKEA Paramus, 100 IKEA Drive, Paramus, New Jersey

and the Second Seminar:

Date: Sunday, April 21st

Time: 1:00 pm

Place: IKEA Elizabeth, 1000 IKEA Drive, Elizabeth, New Jersey






About Stephen:

Designer, Photographer, and Dad Stephen Saint-Onge, (known as "Designer Dad"), Author of Book 'No Place Like Home: Tips & Techniques for real family-friendly home design', is the Contributing Home Editor for Family Circle Magazine and FamilyCircle.com. He firmly believes that "good design has the power to change lives."

If you want to order the book and have it shipped straight to you so you don't have to carry anything extra that day order it here:

He has become to the 'go-to' expert on home and family-focused lifestyle in magazines such as Better Homes and Gardens, Cottage Living, House Beautiful, Elle Decor and has appeared on television programs such as Oprah, The View, The Today Show, The Early Show, TLC and CNN.

And this weekend you get the power of his expertise to help you to refresh your own space!

And before you say 'but Butterfly, I don't live in New Jersey', if you are anywhere Tri-State Central, check this out:

FREE BUSES: There is Free Shuttle Bus Service from Manhattan to and from the IKEA in Elizabeth New Jersey on Saturdays and Sundays! The Shuttles operate ouf of the Port Authority Terminal located in New York City at Eighth Avenue and 42nd Street. (You can take an MTA train to Times Square and walk to Port Authority).

Buses will depart from Gate #5 on the lower concourse near Academy Bus Line and the bus Departures are on the half hour with service available on Saturdays and Sundays between 10:00 am - 2:30 pm. Return trips are also on the half hour with service available from noon to 6:00 pm!

Get Social:

Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @Ikea_Usa on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Follow @FamilyCircle on Twitter
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like IKEA USA on Facebook
Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ - Like Family Circle Magazine on Facebook

My Take:

What a great way to get your home ready for Spring at either one of these super fun events! My kitchen is small and pretty cramped, and since I can't change spaces right now, any help in getting mine to look less cluttered would be super helpful to me!

Any NYC based bloggers going and interested in meeting up? Let me know!

Any Butterflies that do attend, please come back here and share what you learn!

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

FTC Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, however all opinions are 100% my own and I like to share about improvement and empowerment information that I feel will be beneficial to my readers!