Do you like rooting for the underdog? Here's your chance! #SephoraSquad2023

Am I a glutton for punishment or just the most persistent blogger on the planet?

 

Do you remember Elmyra Duff from Tiny Toon Adventures and its successor show, Animaniacs? She would chase kittens and say "I'm gonna hug you and kiss you and love you forever. I love cats I love kitties, squeeze them into itty bittys!" - You have to admit that Elmyra was cough *persistent*. That is how I am feeling going into another year of applying for Sephora Squad.

During College one of my many part time jobs was selling Classified Ads for a local paper. Sales in general help you develop a tough skin. You learn to let rejection roll off your back and take it in stride. I am sure you remember I tried in 2022, here is the link to my post: https://www.ascendingbutterfly.com/2022/03/the-impact-of-beauty-in-digital-age.html

Why I feel 2023 is *my year*

🦋 Sometimes doing something different just pulls you right back into what you love doing. 

I started off as a print journalist, a human interest reporter to be exact. Eventually a pro film critic. Then it was lifestyle pieces for magazines, and then a television newswriter. I came into blogging 'backwards' - most people start here hoping to propel into mainstream media. All this time during the pandemic I haven't been writing on these pages as often because I was in back to back Post Graduate study programs. I already have my Bachelors of Arts in Mass Media Communications, and used these programs as a tool to figure out whether or not to pursue a Masters. These programs, both run vastly different, one by eCornell and the other the Milestone Circles program sponsored by NASDAQ both had me tap into various sides of myself. Both prepared me to dive harder into my serial entrepreneurial pursuits.

🦋 Connections.

Both programs created a sisterhood during the cohorts of women Entrepreneurs in different stages of their journeys. Those connections very much lit a spark within me in many ways. But the one thing that both my studies and connecting with other Entrepreneurs had in common was that they motivated me to want to re-engage with my own community more.

🦋 Women Led/Women Owned/Women Founded

The beauty industry is often women led brands. It is the place where women create that seat at the table for themselves and other women. It dovetails perfectly with all I have learned during my multi year deep dive into the challenges of being a Woman Entrepreneur. When I started Ascending Butterfly in 2008 I was already a ghost writer for brand social media pages and a contributing writer to an award winning brand blog. So when I started my own digital space I knew it was important to me to work with women-led brands, entrepreneurs of color and brands that focus on giving to charitable causes.

🦋Ambassadorships. 

The nature of brand Ambassadorships have morphed quite a bit throughout the years, but it still my remains my favorite ways to work with brands. It gives me an inside view of a brand and deepens my relationships with them. I love that they often come with the opportunities to host giveaways, offer exclusive discount codes and many times there are headquarters visits which I always find exciting! What delights me about the chance to work with Sephora is that they carry such a wide variety of products - they literally have something for everyone. I was smart enough at the onset of my blog to know that it needed to match my personality - I never wanted to be 'niched'. If someone had to put me in a box I only allowed it to be *lifestyle* or *empowerment* not a specific type of industry or product. For most that would prove a challenge, but for me (and maybe that is the Aries in me) I loved the opportunity to breeze in and out of topics and let them be as varied as my interests. As you may know I started a new Ambassadorship this year with Pure Encapsulations. For me health and beauty start from within, and working with Pure has made me even more selective with what I put in my body.

 

🦋So much to say!

 

Truth be told while my nose was in the books, I had so much to say. But I knew myself enough to know that to succeed as a student again I needed to focus. I knew just how easily events, a plethora of products and developing new interests could become a distraction if I took every thought to my blog. Now that my studying is over, I can dive back into my community, with a renewed sense of purpose and energy and I can get back to writing/blogging and photography again. 

 

🦋 JOY!

 

Learning really sparks joy in me. One of the things about this Ambassadorship that delights me is getting access to learning opportunities from the best and brightest in the industry. My love of beauty was born from the joy of alchemy. From making my own signature lipstick color because what was on the market at the time didn't suit me, to making my own signature fragrance and even mixing products to get a concealer and foundation that is a match for my skin tone (all this as a teen) has made me realize I am still very much excited by the beauty industry and there is still so much to learn. 

 

🦋 Where you come in: 

 

I am going to need testimonials to move to the next round and then votes when I get there! Here is the link to provide your testimonial: https://www.sephorasquad.com/leave_testimonial/114319

 

Just for clarity - they want to hear what about my blog or my social feeds resonate with you. So men you too can leave a testimonial, this is not just how I inspire people when it comes to makeup, skincare and hair care but in general.

 

🦋 Readers Sound Off: How does the Ascending Butterfly community inspire you?

 

While I have always had my hesitations when it comes to voting contests (they end up feeling more like a popularity contest to me) I do love a challenge and I know this year I am very much up for new challenges personally and professionally! 

 

So right now, I am a just a blogger, standing in front of a brand, asking them to include her. (If you picked up the Notting Hill vibes I put down, you really are my people!)

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FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Does #DaylightSavingsTime Already Have You Singing The Blues? #MondayMeme #Coffee #NationalNappingDay

Does Daylight Savings Time Already Have You Singing The Blues?

If you are already singing the blues about Daylight Savings Time, there are two things that can help you get through it:

🦋 Coffee

🦋 National Napping Day is today which aligns nicely with our Spring Forward Daylight Savings Time Shenanigans. If you can sneak in a 20 minute nap today it may very well help!

There are healthier energy drink alternatives if you are not a coffee person, and remember to add some collagen proteins to your favorite drink today (for coffee drinkers there are collagen peptide creamers on the market!)

Readers Sound Off: How do you get through the first day of "Spring Forward"/Daylight Savings Time? Also, how about a Monday Morning Coffee Me Thread? If you would like someone to treat you to a coffee you post your Venmo/Cashapp/Paypal if you would like to treat someone then you can send someone who has posted theirs in this comment thread! Mine are listed below! 🦋

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Happy Women's Day! #WomensDay2023

Image Credit: Leon Herman Company UK

Today is #WomensDay2023 - Let's spend more time celebrating one another and less time putting other women down. Let's not buy into the competition mentality. Let's cheer women entrepreneurs on.

Buy a product from a women-owned/led business today. Give a sincere compliment. Tag a woman that is special to you - be it personally or professionally, let's celebrate each other today and every day! 🦋

Readers Sound Off: Who is the woman in business or personally you most wish to emulate, that you would like to tag for being a force of good? Do it! Let them know how much you appreciate them. It will totally make their day and hopefully they will be inspired to share the love as well.

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

FTC Disclosure: This is NOT a sponsored post. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

#sponsored It's #SelfCareSunday and #hearthealth awareness month, no better time to share a simple way to help your heart! #PureAmbassador

*Supplement suggestions are products that are currently working for me, please check with your doctor before starting on any supplements if you are taking medication. Your doctor or pharmacist will be able to let you know if they play nicely together! This is NOT medical advice!*

February is the awareness month for Hearth Health in the United States. It's American Heart Month and I would be remiss if I let the month come to a close without sharing a simple way to support your cardiovascular health. ‡

Some of you may know from following my social media accounts, that Mama Butterfly is experiencing issues with her heart, and this past year has been a blur of hospitalizations and doctor visits.

Like the engine is the 'heart' of a car, our heart is definitely the engine of our bodies and there are important ways to help take care of it:

- Learn your health history. Is there history of heart disease in your family? If so, be sure to discuss this with your primary care doctor (who may also refer you to a cardiologist).

- A heart healthy diet that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low fat dairy products. Reduce salt, saturated fat and sugars.

- Exercise - Strive for 150 minutes of moderate- intensity aerobic activitity each week plus muscle strengthening activities twice per week.

- Quit Smoking

 

-  Take all medicines as directed by your physician and never stop a medication without clearing it with your doctor first. Worried that a supplement may not play nicely with your current meds? Well then Pure has you covered! Check out their Drug Nutrients Interactions Checker/database to make sure the supplements you are taking don't interfere adversely with your medications!

 

- Choose your drinks carefully, limit alcohol consumption, substitute water for sugary drinks

 

- Take heart smart supplements like Pure Encapsulations O.N.E. Omega it offers 1,000 mg supercritical Co2 extracted, triglyceride-form EPA and DHA in a softgel once daily dose.

 

About O.N.E. Omega:

 

- Supports joint and connective tissue integrity

- Promotes cardiovascular health

-  It offers *twice* the potency of other fish oils (with NO fishy aftertaste)

-  Low temperature, oxygen-free processing prevents oxidation reactions

     

‡These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Other 'heart smart' supplements from Pure Encapsulations: 

- Coq10 120 mg

- Resveratrol EXTRA

- Cholestepure Plus II

- PureHeart K2D

MY TAKE:

Pure Encapsulations are free from unnecessary additives and many common allergens. We had no history of heart issues in my family making what mama butterfly is going through that much more of a surprise. But seeing what she is going through I am trying to be more careful about my own heart health, and am glad to have the opportunity to partner with Pure Encapsulations and take better care of my overall wellness.

What you won't find in Pure Encapsulations: Wheat, Soy, Dairy, Eggs, Gluten, Coatings and Shellacs, Tree nuts or peanuts, Artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners, GMOs, unnecessary binders, fillers or preservatives, trans fat & hydrogenated oils.

My only warning with this supplement and this is the first I have experienced with Pure so far is that this one is big! I have not had trouble swallowing it personally, but it is certainly larger than any other pill I take.

I am very happy to report that these do not repeat on me at all. No fishy aftertaste.

 

If you have already done a DNA kit like 23andMe or Ancestry, you can tap into the power of PureGenomics which is a service that harnesses the science of nutrigenomics to help personalize wellness strategies and get supplements tailored to your unique health needs. (I really want to try this!) 

 

‡ These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

READERS SOUND OFF:

Which supplements are you already taking? Are you thinking of adding any new ones? If so, which ones and why? Have you already done a DNA report from 23andMe or Ancestry?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I am a PURE Ambassador. As a Pure Ambassador I will have the opportunity to receive products free of charge or at a discount. All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A media preview day like no other! The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage to begin this Saturday at The New York Botanical Garden #LilyKwongNYBG

Caption: Video highlights of 'The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage'

I spent my Valentine's Day immersing myself in an exotic Chinese mountain landscape lost in an oasis of Orchids!

There are two sure sings of spring for me as a New Yorker - the Mr. Softee truck (which in all fairness I haven't heard yet) and my personal favorite, the annual Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. An annual event I have attended with family well before I started blogging about it!

The New York Botanical Garden Orchid show is now in its 20th year! This year the show reflects the vision of landscape artist and designer Lily Kwong. The Orchid Show begins this Saturday, February 18 and will run through April 23rd.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caption: Opening remarks from the Media Preview of the 2023 Orchid Show

Jennifer Bernstein, Chief Executive Officer and The William Steere Sr. President of The New York Botanical Garden opened the Media Preview. When she introduced us to Lily Kwong whose work she described as being at "the junction of horticulture, urban design, contemporary art, climate awareness, urban agriculture, and wellness." who reconnects "people to nature through transformative landscape projects and site specific botanical art installations. Her work here is both meditative and captivating."

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caption: Designer Lily Kwong, 'The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage' - Ms. Kwong's off the shoulder pant suit was designed by her cousin Joseph Altuzarra.

 

Stop for a moment to press on this photo and make it bigger! For anyone who knows how hard it is to capture a speaker and get that 'perfect shot' this one is for you! Her hand is on her heart in this photo and I feel it captures her authenticity so perfectly!

Ms. Kwong studied Landscape Design at New York Botanical Garden in 2017 and she is both the first woman and first person of color invited to to be a guest designer for The Orchid Show. (and I personally want to see MORE of this happen!) Her designer touch has also been seen in botanical installations at The Highline in New York City, Faena Arts in Miami, Grand Central Terminal in New York City, and Taipei Night Market.

 

 

Caption: The Palm Fountain at The New York Botanical Garden transformed for "The Orchid Show: Natural Heritage" designed by Lily Kwong

Ms. Kwong was inspired by four scrolls given to her family by her grandparents who were born in Shanghai, those scrolls with their depictions of mountainous landscapes helped to foster her imagination and were the inspiration for her design of this year's Orchid Show. She said of the scrolls:

"When you are a second-generation immigrant, that's sometimes how the proverbial homeland can feel, like a fantasy you're attracted to but always feels an arm's length away."

~Lily Kwong

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Caption: While Marc Hachadourian, Director of Glasshouse Collections waits for the media to catch up during the tour inside the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, I captured this random shot of designer Lily Kwong and I couldn't help but include it!  

The show draws from traditional Chinese landscape design and garden design principles. Composer Gary Gunn adds to the immersive experience with music and sounds created from field recordings from the countries in which these orchids are endemic.

 

 

One of the highlights of the exhibition is the meditative walkway that features medicinal and rare orchids that have been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. And a very peaceful waterfall feature adds to the moment of zen that awaits.

"The Orchid Grows Where Others Cannot"

~Confucius 

My Take:

 

I loved the exhibit. I can't help but share a collective 'aw' moment. Ms. Kwong dedicated the show to her 92-year-old grandmother, Jeanette Wei, whose given name ironically means "Healthy Orchid" and her great-grandfather was an herbalist who opened up the trade of Chinese Herbs outside of China.

It was great to know the very personal connections that resonated so deeply with her and influenced her design style.

I am also thrilled to report the return of Orchid Evenings at The New York Botanical Garden starting Saturday March 18th. There are only six evenings scheduled: 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8, 4/15 & 4/22. From 7-10. Entry times are at 7, 7:30 and 8 pm. Non-member adults of 21+ is priced at $39 and Member/Patron is priced at $29. Remember Orchid Nights are for adults 21 years of age and older. Advance purchase recommended.

This would be an amazing date night, and for my fellow bloggers/influencers, a great backdrop to take photos!

This is a show you won't want to miss!

 

Readers Sound Off: 

 

I love that artwork in her home passed down from her grandparents led to such an amazing creative vision. Is there a special piece of artwork from your childhood that has inspired your creativity as an adult?

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FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. Media access was granted to the Media Preview Day. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias 

https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly

 Venmo: Ascending1

Our @kingofchristmas artificial Blue Spruce is still up in honor of Three Kings Day + Clearance Sale & Discount Code! #KingofChristmas #ThreeKingsDay #DiaDeLosReyesMagos

 

 

On the twelfth day of Christmas, January 6, we celebrate Three Kings Day! 

 

Celebrated most in Europe, Spain, and Latin America, ‘El Dia de los Reyes’, as it’s called in Spanish, marks the glorification of baby Jesus by the Three Wise Men. In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus isn’t as popular as he is in the United States. Rather, it is the Three Wise Men who are the bearers of gifts and leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name Epiphany and dates back to the 4th century. 

 

A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the Three Wise Men. Three Kings Day, or El Dia de Reyes, remains an important holiday for Catholics. In addition to gift-giving, there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as Rosca de Reyes (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert is a symbolic pastry. Shaped in a circle to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion Dia de la Condelaria (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2.

 
I actually put up my tree on Christmas Day (things were completely insane for me, I like to normally have it up by Thanksgiving Day) and it always stays up until Three Kings Day as it's always been our family tradition.

 
This year our artificial Blue Spruce is from King of Christmas! 

 

My Take:

 

There are three major standouts for me, how easy it was to assemble, how evenly spaced and well lit the lights are, and they include these long gloves to use so you can shape your tree and not get scratched up! (and the remote not just for on and off but different light functions at the touch of your fingertips is also wonderful!)

 

Discount: 

 

There is currently an 'after christmas' 40% clearance sale on select items and free shipping with the code: CHRISTMAS20

 
Readers Sound Off: 

 

Do you keep your tree up until Three Kings Day or does it come down before?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. King of Christmas has provided a tree for Editorial Consideration. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A warning to always use your gift cards immediately even if it reads 'gift card never expires' - don't trust @silpadadesigns

I have been sending and receiving gift cards for ages now, I tend to stick to stores whose gift certificates never expires and better still can be stacked like Macy's and Amazon.

I won a gift certificate from Silpada Designs from a Pinterest Contest. The win included a piece of jewelry from a current collection and a gift card to the site. I hadn't found anything I was looking for to use it on until recently and when I went to use it the website would not take it. Please note I have checked the site on a regular business and never once did I see a 'going out of business' notification.

I reached out to their customer service, but did not get a response of course until I reached out via social media. Apparently most companies don't care about customer service unless it is on Social Media where cancel culture can find them and call them out.

I finally get an answer yesterday and they tell me despite the fact that their gift certificates 'never expire' this particular one was issued under 'previous ownership' so they refuse to honor it despite the fact it has NOT been used, is not a partial amount and the information they requested from me was sent including sending them a photo of the gift certificate. I included the photo above, I redacted the gift card number although I guess I didn't have to since even if someone copied it and tried to use it they would have no luck anyway!

I even left in the fact that they spelled my last name wrong. (which I actually did ask to have corrected when I got in the mail)

I have been super busy lately and haven't even had the time to put up a holiday buying guide yet this year, but this truly got me so angry that I couldn't help but write about it.

For full disclosure I will let you know they offered me a 30% discount code. I already had that from browser attachments that I use to find me deals and discount codes before I check out my cart with any retailer. So they are in essence stealing $100 dollars from me and think I want a discount code that is widely found on the web as a what a 'consolation prize'? 

Instead of using it and using my good money to reward their bad behavior, especially during the holiday season, I thought I would write this article instead and prevent someone from going through the same thing!

DO NOT ENTER A SILPADA CONTEST WITH A GIFT CARD TO THEIR SITE AS A PRIZE. DO NOT BUY SOMEONE A SILPADA GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE. AND IF YOU RECEIVE A GIFT CARD FROM THEM DURING THE HOLIDAYS USE IT IMMEDIATELY BEFORE THEY TANK AND CHANGE OWNERS AS THE NEW OWNERS WON'T HONOR THEIR GIFT CARDS. THEY GET THE CON ARTIST/SHEISTER AWARD OF 2022 FROM THIS SITE!

Readers Sound Off: HAVE YOU EVER HAD A RETAILER NOT HONOR YOUR GIFT CARD/GIFT CERTIFICATE? IF SO, PLEASE LET US KNOW WHICH ONES SO WE CAN ALL BE CAREFUL.

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. This is not a sponsored post. It is however a warning to the wise that Silpada Designs has zero honor/integrity. And as this is my personal experience with them and I have the receipts to prove it, it is not libel. I do have an attorney, most bloggers this day and age should. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

Graduation Day! I completed the Milestone Circles program at @nasdaqcenter #MilestoneCircles

Today is Graduation Day! I completed the Milestone Circles program at @nasdaqcenter #MilestoneCircles is a 12-week program that gives women #entrepreneurs the access, resources, & knowledge they need to grow. Thanks @wellsfargo for making this possible.

Shout out to the amazing #womenentrepreneurs in cohort 68. The last cohort of 2022! A sisterhood of Entrepreneurs in the grind that I can rely on for support, advice and accountability - absolutely priceless!

I am feeling so pumped right now. I have spent the last two years immersed in Entrepreneurial Studies, but this is the first program that actually addressed all aspects of being an entrepreneur. Work/Life Balance, Self-Care - literally crucial to your wellbeing on a daily basis.

I learned that I wasn't focusing on my needs nearly enough, and they have given me so much food for thought for mapping out a personal and professional game plan for 2023. I plan to write a more in depth blog post about the two programs I completed and advice on which order you should take them in if you can.

Readers Sound Off: What is your biggest accomplishment this year?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I participated in the Milestone Circles Program which is free of charge to the students who participate. The program has nothing to do with being a blogger, this post is pure love! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

paypal.me/TracyIglesias or https://cash.app/$ascendingbutterfly or Venmo: Ascending1

A celebration of being #FabOver40 is happening and you are cordially invited! Please rock the vote for this butterfly!

Fab over 40 is partnering with New Beauty Magazine to celebrate women over 40 around the globe! And you are definitely cordially invited to join in the fun!

At Fab Over 40 they believe that hitting 40 years of age is just the beginning. No matter if you're feisty, fit, flirty or somewhere in between, it is time to flaunt it!

Women from all over the world are invited to compete for an amazing prize while supporting an amazing cause. Beauty and Elegance have no age limit butterflies!

The Prize: One lovely lady will receive a 2-page spread in NewBeauty magazine, $40,000 cash and the spa-cation of a lifetime for her plus one!

As many of you know this year my mom, lovingly known as 'Mama Butterfly' on this site, has been battling heart issues. The day after my birthday she was admitted to the ER in acute heart failure. This year our lives have been much like a TV medical drama.. 

And with a host of my own 'invisible illnesses' - including: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Sciatica, Fibromyalgia, a pinched nerve in my neck which causes alternating numbness and sharp tingles in my hands/fingers (making it challenging to motivate myself to write to say the least), I have learned to rely heavily on my online communities to find support and get great tips and advice.

When I read about this contest, I hesitated about applying. This year has been beyond challenging and I thought to myself at first 'What shot would I have?' I haven't had much time to write this year and have spent more time offline than on, I figured people surely have forgotten all about me by now. The interwebs have always been fickle and most people are only interested in the next hot thing.

Then I remembered that despite these challenges, I pursued post graduate studies at eCornell, was accepted into NASDAQ'S Milestone Circles program this fall and I haven't let anything hold me back ever, so then I thought 'Why NOT apply?' - getting lost in the landmines that is adulting doesn't mean you aren't still a kick a$$ butterfly with a ton of wisdom to share. So I *DID THE THING* and answered the questions, found a photo of me that makes me feel powerful and hit submit and here we are!

My Take:

You guys already know that all Cancer causes are near and dear to my heart (same for my two time Cancer Warrior, Mama Butterfly!) so when I found out that this contest also supports National Breast Cancer Foundation it was literally a no brainer for me. Today is actually Mama Butterfly's birthday. If you donate to National Breast Cancer Foundation already and haven't yet done so for this year, please consider making your donation HERE - if you make it through my voting link, not only are you supporting the cause but I get extra entries. A beautiful win/win! 

Remember, you do not have to donate, you can vote on that same page and just press *FREE DAILY VOTE* to vote for me. You will NOT get any spam and it takes less than one second!

Readers Sound Off: I would love for you all to share what milestone birthday you most and least looked forward to and why?

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

FTC Disclosure: No monetary compensation has been received. I am an entrant in the Vote Fab Over 40 contest. This post was NOT required, nor do I get any extra credit for posting it! All opinions are 100% my own! I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 16 CFR, Part 255 - Guides Concerning the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising, you may check our Giveaway and Disclosure Page for additional information regarding Ascending Butterfly Disclosure. 

If you like this article treat me to a coffee, a caffeinated writer is a happy writer! 

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