A Very Sweet Blog

Beauty. Fashion. Food. Lifestyle. Travel.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Let's SPARKLE! Let's DAZZLE! Let's Be FABULOUS!

One of my favorite blogs is Ooh La Frou Frou by Sandy M. Her blog is filled to the brim with beautiful thoughts, words, pictures and inspiration. Besides having a beautiful blog, Sandy is also a professional artist and fashion illustrator. I've featured her beautiful illustrations on my blog HERE , HERE and HERE. Yes! I really have a thing for her work! HaHaHa She recently collaborated with Cara Alwill Leyba, an author, blogger, lifestylist and wellness coach, on her new book entitled "Sparkle: The Girls Guide To Living A Deliciously Dazzling, Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life". Don't you just LOVE the title?

Well ladies, I just finished reading Sparkle and LOVE IT. Without giving too much away, Cara wants us to "CELEBRATE ourselves exactly as we are." Her book contains sparkly chapters and subtitles such as, "What Makes You Sparkle?", "Uncork Your Best Self", "Finding Your MOET-ivation", and "The Happiness Cocktail". How fabulous are those!?! I raise my champagne glass to Cara for writing such a dazzling and uplifting book. I toast Sandy for her beautiful illustration that is featured inside. Great job ladies!

 Here are a couple of beauty products that made me SPARKLE this weekend!
OPI Pink of Hearts 2012 Breast Cancer Awareness Nail Lacquer
Mally Beauty High-Shine Liquid Lipstick Pen in Must Have Pink



Since we're on the topic of books, I would like to recommend ONE more to you. It's called, "Throw Out Fifty Things: Clear The Clutter, Find Your Life" by Gail Blanke. Gail not only gives you advice on how to clean out each and every room in your home, but she also spotlights the MENTAL messes that we carry (I mean lug) around. Whether it's mistakes made in the past or our insecurities, she wants us to KEEP WHAT WORKS and ELIMINATE WHAT DOESN'T. It's an excellent read and guess what? BOTH books are under $10!!! And one lucky reader of A Very Sweet Blog will win BOTH of these books! See details below. Have a SPARKLY Monday!

Sparkle and Throw Out Fifty Things Book Giveaway
(open worldwide)
1. Be a follower of A Very Sweet Blog on GFC
2. Tell me what makes you SPARKLE in my comments section
3. A winner will be selected by Random Number Generator and announced in Friday's post. (10/19/12)
SHARE:
at

76 comments

  1. Content Director - Strong Female LeadersOctober 15, 2012 at 1:34 AM

    I would LOVE these. I'm the author of a girlie blog after all. Amazing color and sparkles.
    Girlie Blog Seattle | Cheap Makeup Reviews

    ReplyDelete
  2. when BABI speaksOctober 15, 2012 at 1:41 AM

    nice photos Kim! pink is my favorite color of all times! have a nice monday! :-)

    Babi

    ReplyDelete
  3. LoveT.October 15, 2012 at 2:53 AM

    You look gorgeous! Love the Nail Design :)

    Have a happy Day ,kisses

    ReplyDelete
  4. The Dainty Dolls HouseOctober 15, 2012 at 3:57 AM

    You look stunning :) The book sounds wonderful, love the idea behond it too..we all should indeed sparkle! And these polishes are gorgeous, love sparkly nail polish :)) I hope you had a wonderful weekend doll & your new week will be even grander :) xx

    ReplyDelete
  5. BIKBIK AND ROROOctober 15, 2012 at 5:14 AM

    O my goodness, you look so adorable -- with a definite sparkle! I'd say my kids make me sparkle, plus lots of good dancing music :)

    ReplyDelete
  6. HeatherOctober 15, 2012 at 5:15 AM

    I so need to read this book! Sounds amazing and a must read for us fabulous women :)

    XO
    Pearls & Paws

    ReplyDelete
  7. Lyosha VarezhkinaOctober 15, 2012 at 5:21 AM

    very nice post, Kim! And your blog looks amazing, I love the makeover!

    What's making me sparkle? pretty much everything nice, good or sweet. At this moment you are making me sparkle!

    ReplyDelete
  8. MicaOctober 15, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    Great reviews on the books and I love your nails Kim!

    Nail polish always makes me sparkle, bright colours cheer me up! :)

    AwayFromTheBlue.blogspot.com.au

    ReplyDelete
  9. Style JourneyOctober 15, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    Both books sound fabulous! Loving the new nail polish too. The pink is so pretty. My daughters make me sparkle and be a better mom and person! Heather

    ReplyDelete
  10. Jenee C.October 15, 2012 at 6:48 AM

    Great review Kim, that book sounds like so much fun. Excuse my candidness but that book sounds like everything that was lacking in Emily of Cupcakes and Cashmere. I'm assuming they are two very similar books. Lets see.. besides my kids of course, fresh flowers always makes me sparkle.

    xx Jenee C.
    {camo meets couture}

    ReplyDelete
  11. The Champagne DietOctober 15, 2012 at 7:00 AM

    Thanks Kim so much for including Sparkle in your giveaway and thanks ladies for the "very sweet" words! Hope you enjoy the book! :)
    Xoxo
    Cara

    ReplyDelete
  12. MeganOctober 15, 2012 at 7:50 AM

    Love the nail polish! The sparkles over the pink look so cute and fun :)

    ReplyDelete
  13. Always MayleeOctober 15, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    Every girl could use some more sparkle in her life! :)

    xo, Yi-chia
    Always Maylee

    ReplyDelete
  14. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 9:20 AM

    I definitely need to pick up this polish! I love shopping for a cause

    xo Jackie
    ...livingaftermidnite

    ReplyDelete
  15. Lena LOctober 15, 2012 at 10:11 AM

    you look rather illuminating in the picture, Kim! :)

    hmmm what makes me sparkle?
    obviously glittery shimmery things i'd put occasionally on my face..but i guess it is more about how confident and good i feel about myself. it could be the job i am good at or people i make happy... :)

    oh you know i am following you on bothe gears, don't you? ;p

    ReplyDelete
  16. Danielle October 15, 2012 at 10:24 AM

    What makes me Sparkle is helping people with a cause, seeing someone else Sparkle makes me Sparkle! And getting dressed up and going out doesn't hurt ether to Sparkle too! :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. Jen @ redsolesandredwineOctober 15, 2012 at 10:58 AM

    Love sparkles and books :) You know I follow you. . and what makes me sparkle is my family, hubby and son!

    Red Soles and Red Wine

    ReplyDelete
  18. little luxury listOctober 15, 2012 at 11:05 AM

    It is SO important to declutter mentally. I've been meaning to do that lately as well. I sparkle when I'm with my husband and we laugh at silly things!

    xoxo,
    Chic 'n Cheap Living

    ReplyDelete
  19. Oh to Be a MuseOctober 15, 2012 at 11:34 AM

    Still loving the OPI Pink of Hearts polish. You're always giving away the coolest things!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Ally GradleyOctober 15, 2012 at 12:06 PM

    your blog is gorgeous!
    I'm your new follower on gfc!
    please check out my blog if you would like to follow back :)

    http://www.gumbootglam.com/

    ReplyDelete
  21. yiqin;October 15, 2012 at 12:17 PM

    love the nails <3

    ReplyDelete
  22. JessicaOctober 15, 2012 at 12:32 PM

    im a follower via gfc; jessica
    my kids make me sparkle :)

    cute polishes

    ReplyDelete
  23. JoOctober 15, 2012 at 12:35 PM

    Hey Kim, this is the perfect giveaway! Family, friends and good blogs definitely make me SPARKLE! I would love that book - time to declutter.

    xo Jo

    http://www.whiterosesandcoffee.com/

    ReplyDelete
  24. Elle SeesOctober 15, 2012 at 1:02 PM

    knowing it's my birthday makes me sparkle!

    ReplyDelete
  25. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 1:07 PM

    You pretty pink nailed lady! Hope you had a wonderful weekend Kim! Love your giveaway :)
    xo Mary Jo

    ReplyDelete
  26. Sarah HartleyOctober 15, 2012 at 1:16 PM

    Loving your sparkle nails! I adore sparkle polish but I do NOT adore having to take it off. What a pain!

    ReplyDelete
  27. Gina H.October 15, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    Love the sparkle nails and the colors are very pretty! I'm a new follower and hope you can follow back.

    Thanks!
    Gina

    http://beautyloveandlipgloss.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  28. IvanaOctober 15, 2012 at 1:47 PM

    Oh Kim, I would so love to have and read these two books! There are many things that make me sparkle: my favorite pair of rose drop earrings, a dazzling pink lipstick, a pastel lace dress, singing my favorite songs while driving my car, watching Gossip Girl, blogging... I could go on and on :) I keep my fingers crossed :)

    xx Ivana
    Macarons and Pearls

    ReplyDelete
  29. AshleyOctober 15, 2012 at 1:55 PM

    Loving these colors!!! And love anything with sparkles! :-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. DeidreOctober 15, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    I don't follow any one, so i'm not eligible - but what a great give away!

    ReplyDelete
  31. THE ALTERNATIVE WIFEOctober 15, 2012 at 2:39 PM

    I've been so exciting for this book! Looks like you definitely dialed up the sparkle this weekend. What makes me sparkle? Definitely a little shimmer & shine and my Jimmy Choo sparkle pumps :)

    Happy Monday, Kim! xoxo

    Oh and yes, I'm following you :) xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  32. Sandy a la ModeOctober 15, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    such fun nails!!

    xo,
    Sandy
    Sandy a la Mode

    ReplyDelete
  33. LauraOctober 15, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    I love this, what a gorgeous book! Anything glittery and girly makes me sparkle :)

    ReplyDelete
  34. Diamonds&Pearls-ShandiOctober 15, 2012 at 3:00 PM

    What a cute inspirational book. I need to read more of those kind of books. And there for a moment I thought you were going to say "Throw out fifty shades of Grey." Ahahaha.

    Love the pink OPI polishes. <3

    ReplyDelete
  35. Shabby, Chic, & CheapOctober 15, 2012 at 3:05 PM

    Looks like a very uplifting book which I could really use! Love the pink nails and especially the sparkles!

    I follow you on GFC *fingers crossed*

    ReplyDelete
  36. Perla SanchezOctober 15, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    I love your nails! :)

    http://perlaxmakeup.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  37. DenisaOctober 15, 2012 at 3:24 PM

    Sooo nice colors of nails. Great. I like the pics and your blog.

    http://fashiondenis.blogspot.sk/

    ReplyDelete
  38. CocoOctober 15, 2012 at 3:29 PM

    I've just checked out Sandy M blog and her work is simply amazing!I'd love to read both the books you suggest.So count me in the giveaway!What makes me sparkle: my girls saying "mamma ti voglio bene". You should see how much light my heart shoots out :-) In general, love makes me high!xoxo

    ReplyDelete
  39. amy b.s.October 15, 2012 at 4:08 PM

    i am so in need of some sparkle!

    ReplyDelete
  40. AnneOctober 15, 2012 at 4:43 PM

    Fab post and giveaway Kim! My lovely family and friends make me sparkle:) Have a great week!
    ~Anne

    ReplyDelete
  41. Lisa - respect the shoesOctober 15, 2012 at 4:48 PM

    I think in pink is such a pretty shade!

    ReplyDelete
  42. KatherineOctober 15, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    of course i follow you :D

    and i love these -your nails look so cute with the pinks! and what a fun giveaway in support of breast cancer. i think being around people i love as well as meeting nice people (like yourself and other bloggers - seriously i am glad to see good supportive women out there) make me sparkle.

    <3 katherine

    ReplyDelete
  43. MOSAMUSEOctober 15, 2012 at 5:24 PM

    love the glitter!!
    xo
    MOSAMUSE

    www.MOSAMUSE.com

    ReplyDelete
  44. Kristina KemešićOctober 15, 2012 at 5:26 PM

    My boyfriend makes me sparkle, and great inspiring books :)

    ReplyDelete
  45. xixOctober 15, 2012 at 5:59 PM

    Kim, I just saw your new layout, and it is so cute and charming! :)

    Anyways, you are such a kind soul for making a post paying attention to breast cancer. The colors are wonderful - so pink and cute!

    X i x i a ❥ thisisxixia.com

    ReplyDelete
  46. SamOctober 15, 2012 at 6:37 PM

    Love Sandy's blog and all her fabulous ideas...so excited to hear about this collaboration, it sounds incredibly cute and fun!

    ReplyDelete
  47. NelahOctober 15, 2012 at 6:53 PM

    Your positive and uplifting thoughts make your readers sparkle as well as your generousity. These books just sound terrific. How thoughtful of you to share them.

    I would say my daughter's smile never fails to make me sparkle (and you know tantrums give me an opposite reaction..ha). Well we decided last minute not to go to New Orleans. All the effort you made in creating that amazing to do list wont go to waste Kim, New Orleans is on our map abd your list will come in handy.

    ReplyDelete
  48. LongIslandWeddingOfficiantOctober 15, 2012 at 7:00 PM

    I love how inspiring you are! You have lots of love and it come through your writing. I need to read that book and start loving myself just the way I am:-)
    Love the nail polish combo you picked.
    hugs from New York,
    xx
    Ask Erena
    http://askerena.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  49. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 7:29 PM

    You definitely have a very sweet blog! In love with your OPI nail paint!I'd love it if you could come and visit and blog and follow each other?
    Love Nyt,
    from
    BIG hair LOUD mouth

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thrifted ShiftOctober 15, 2012 at 8:16 PM

    Oooh, I'm going to try to get rid of 50 things this week! What a great idea!

    ReplyDelete
  51. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 8:38 PM

    I have to read it!

    girlavantgarde.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Champagne StarOctober 15, 2012 at 8:44 PM

    These books sound great! Chocolate and cute animals make me sparkle (I know very silly, but very true lol)!

    ReplyDelete
  53. Outside Looking InOctober 15, 2012 at 8:48 PM

    I love that nail polish! I'll have to check out the book too! What made me sparkle this weekend? Cleaning out my closet (I need the other book lol) and making pumpkin bars...total comfort food!

    Please enter me in the book giveaway. I'm already a follower!

    ReplyDelete
  54. Style JourneyOctober 15, 2012 at 8:57 PM

    Hey Kim, although we already commented earlier, we wanted to let you know we gave you a blog award! Heather and Kayla

    ReplyDelete
  55. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    I could use some decluttering in my life! I am a GFC follower and helping women in need makes me SPARKLE! (Speaking of sparkle I love your glittery nails!)

    ReplyDelete
  56. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 9:57 PM

    I adore this sparkly pink color!
    beautiful post!
    Kisses from Miami
    Borka
    www.chicfashionworld.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 10:04 PM

    Lovely idea - I think all girls need a little sparkle in their life!
    www.AhkaVintage.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. littlemissandreaOctober 15, 2012 at 10:25 PM

    Ooooh, I need to check these books out!

    Hmm.. what makes me sparkle.. Well, looking at delicious food infront of me makes my eyes twinkle and sparkele LOL. That, and doing my nails ;)

    Thanks for the giveaway Kim!

    ReplyDelete
  59. FASHION TALESOctober 15, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    You look adorable Miss Kim! I love Sandy and her blog, so what a special post. Fabulous manicure as well. xo Enjoy your week./Madison

    ReplyDelete
  60. erica marieOctober 15, 2012 at 11:45 PM

    This book sounds like a really good and inspiring read. Love the sparkly nails...fun combination.

    xo erica

    ReplyDelete
  61. UnknownOctober 15, 2012 at 11:53 PM

    Hi Kim, "guess who's back, back again" :)
    I'm with you all the way as far as Sandy's work and blog. She has been a favorite (aside from yours) for quite some time. So much talent and always a guaranteed smile. Love that you are endorsing PINK polish while its Fall, why the heck not. LOL!
    Have a great week doll!

    Maria

    http://onestyleatatime.blogspot.com/2012/10/italian-holiday-fashion-rendezvous.html

    ReplyDelete
  62. Darren and Alana October 16, 2012 at 12:48 AM

    great post... and your blog layout is amazing. I am so jelous.

    -lovethegardners.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. PhioxeeOctober 16, 2012 at 5:50 AM

    OPI's a great brand for nail polish. i think i realy have to try it.

    just me,
    www.phioxee.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Anupama K. MazumderOctober 16, 2012 at 5:53 AM

    I like the simple pink!

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in

    ReplyDelete
  65. Project CurveOctober 16, 2012 at 5:58 AM

    i love the lip color and nail colours..you look so good..and the book sounds good too!

    ReplyDelete
  66. LorenaOctober 16, 2012 at 6:33 AM

    It's about time I pick up a book - its been a while!

    ReplyDelete
  67. YulieOctober 16, 2012 at 6:40 AM

    really nice blog! Maybe we follow each other ? let me know! www.yuliekendra.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. Rowena @ rolala lovesOctober 16, 2012 at 10:32 AM

    Sandy's illustrations are as fabulous as she is! I love your photos of your sparkly weekend. Both books sounds so inspirational and helpful.

    I think I sparkle when I feel truly confident. Thanks for another generous giveaway Kim!

    Rowena @ rolala loves

    ReplyDelete
  69. Jennifer FabulousOctober 16, 2012 at 11:10 AM

    That book looks like something YOU should have written! ;)

    I love those pink polishes.

    ReplyDelete
  70. The Hipster Owl's BookshelfOctober 16, 2012 at 12:50 PM

    My dear, I already follow you ;)

    Also, I think what makes me sparkle is when I wear lots of color in my clothes. I like to wear things that are a little bit different from everybody else. Lots or yellow and red. Or, prints with pastels and adorable rose type jewelry. It makes me feel like I'm part of a painting :))

    P.s. You were right about that blog being adorable :)

    ReplyDelete
  71. AnonymousOctober 16, 2012 at 8:05 PM

    Thank you thank you for the polishes! I received them and went crazy! I'm swatching them this weekend. :) I am IN LOVE with your new blog design! It is too too adorable! :) Maybe one day my blog can have an awesome makeover...

    ReplyDelete
  72. NettyOctober 16, 2012 at 8:30 PM

    Hi Doll! I love the changes to the blog. It looks absolutely adorable.
    The sparkly nail polish is my favorite.

    xx
    The Fashionable ESQ
    http://www.thefashionableesq.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete
  73. Julie (Little Pink Rain Boots)October 16, 2012 at 8:39 PM

    Great giveaway, Sparkle seems like my kind of read. Kim, you should write a book!
    I feel full of sparkle when I have a fresh manicure.

    ReplyDelete
  74. oomph.October 17, 2012 at 4:15 PM

    what's making me sparkle right now is my anastasia beverly hills hydrafull lipgloss in SHARONA, lol!!

    thank you!
    becks

    ReplyDelete
  75. JacquelineOctober 18, 2012 at 5:13 PM

    I love your pink sparkle! And I love love love to get rid of stuff, I am always purging extra stuff!

    -Jacqueline

    www.jenesaisquoifashion.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  76. A Very Sweet BlogOctober 19, 2012 at 12:14 AM

    ***THIS GIVEAWAY IS OFFICIALLY CLOSED***

    ReplyDelete

a cupcake for your thoughts!

© A Very Sweet Blog
Blogger Template Created by pipdig