Sparkle: The Girl's Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life

by Cara Alwill Leyba

As women, we have become professional self-critics. We've become so convinced by society that we need to attain a level of perfection that just isn't real. Whether it's trying to get skinnier, look younger, get that promotion, please our parents, get fuller lips or rid ourselves of cellulite -- we're on a never-ending mission to change and it always winds up making us feel like crap. Instead, why not focus on all the fabulous qualities we already possess? There is so much to celebrate when we look at all our accomplishments. In this straight-up girlfriend's guide, lifestylist and wellness coach Cara Alwill Leyba encourages women to discover what makes them sparkle so that they can design the lives they desire and deserve. So raise your glass and toast yourself. You're about to start shimmering, shining and dazzling every day! Because isn't everything better when it sparkles?

Genres: Self Help, Personal Development, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Inspirational, Business, Health

137 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2012

Reviews

[Kurt Marquart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Real men read pink books. There's so much in here that's so basically human. Strip away the pink and the sparkles, and get to the essence of what it's all about, and any man can get the message here too: Stop making excuses and start believing in yourself because the only way to make things happen is to make things happen.

[Hannah Prentice · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book for me to read when I did! I am starting 2013 with a "new year, new me" attitude and Cara really helped lay out the steps to get me there. The book was cute, funny and inspiring! I definitely recommend to any woman looking to make a change in her life.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cute, fun read. I follow @champagnediet on twitter and have enjoyed watching Cara's success with this book.

[Lexie P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved how motivating and how honest she was about self care and taking the time you need to get yourself together!

[Ashley Monette · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an okay self help book for me. It was very short and I read it in one sitting. This wasn't the best self help book I've read but it's not the worst either. It was fun to read and was really cute. I really enjoy self help books for some reason. I don't feel that I need to fix myself but it's nice to have some good advice in the back of your head for a rainy day. Obviously there isn't any brand new advice in this book. It's mostly common sense and has been written before. I'm glad I read it and I like that it is short for people who may need the help but don't have the time to dedicate 300 pages of their time.

[Carol Colegrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, (written in a straightforward style - like hearing your girlfriend talk), reminds women how to enjoy life and appreciate yourself, just as you are. It's an easy, light-hearted read that has a refreshing and optimistic point-of-view on how to live your best life, today.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Generic 'get your shit together' advice but wrapped into a fun bow. Did really like the chapter on the superwoman syndrome and how perfect is not a reality. Fun to read on the treadmill, but nothing you probably haven't read before if you've read a lot of these life coaching books.

[Alyssa Garza]

I know this may not count as a "read" because I listened to it on Audible, but I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a little weightless motivation or really looking to take control of your day-to-day activities. Cara always has a way of making things seem so common sense. Like duh, why wouldn't I want to only eat foods that nourish my body and help me feel my best? While also letting you know it's ok for eating something you enjoy every now and then, you're not a bad person!

[Becky Myrick · Rating 2 out of 5]

Live your best life and don't save the china for special occasions, use it every day.

A repackaging of the author's blog read in her own voice, so you politely listen and nod your head, smiling with your mouth but not your glazed eyes, wondering why you aren't making money rehashing self-help advice you find late-night rabbit holing pinterest.

[Laura-Anne Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparkly

This was a good read full of fun bubbly advice from life coach Cara Alwill Leyba
Much of the advice was common sense but with her glamorous worldview and champagne lifestyle ethos. I did gain some valuable knowledge in this little gem.

[Nikki Stanek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Its positive and encouraging! Good read.

Its a feel good book its positive and she puts things in perspective- if your someone worried about keeping up with everyone else and where your at in life I highly recommend.

[Chelsea S · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy the author's style of motivational writing. This book is part new content and part rehash of what she's written before, but I don't mind. Her whole "be the best you and go kick some butt" message really appeals to me. I can definitely see myself reading it again in the future.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sooo...it wasn't as awesome as The Girl Code, but I still read it quickly with lots of notes and highlights. I would put it in the same code as Eat, Pray, Love...but I definitely liked this book WAY better and it has much better, more practical, advice on how to live a sparkly life!

[Tamara · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Cara Alwill Leyba. Love to follow her. love her messages. This book was ok but not nearly as dazzling as Girl on Fire, for example. Had I read this book first or years ago however I would have appreciated it for exactly what it is and who it is trying to reach.

[Alexandria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkle

I really enjoyed Cara’s way of stressing that we work on developing a healthy relationship with ourselves in terms of fuel, working out, and relationships. Thank you for reminding us to take care of ourselves both mentally and physically.

[Nancy Perez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend

One of the best books I’ve read so far. A truly inspirational and motivating easy read, will definitely be reading it again.

[T. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed it. 💕 It's all about finding your passion and loving yourself with a dash of glitter. ✨

[Shante · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 starts. Love this book and just what needed to start the new year off right.

[Janell Darwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkle

It was a great motivational book! I definitely recommend this book for anyone looking for a self love book. Loved it!

[Katie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s pretty standard advice but I still always find it helpful to read. It took me a long to time get through but only because I’d read it a few pages at a time over lunch on bad days at work.

[Bavani · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s an ok read. I like the ideas presented in the book about celebrating each but ending was a bit of a memoir. But every one deserves to sparkle.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great empowering book. Cheers!

[Melanie Wade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wasn't Cara's best, but it was still a good read.

[Aini Hanifa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think the advices from this book quite common, yet it’s a light book to read in spare time.

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you need a confidence booster read this! Love this girl

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy, light read. Cara had some great advice!

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ladies, 2013 will be here before you know it! Isn't it about time that you put yourself first and start out the new year by letting your inner Sparkle shine?

In Sparkle: The Girl's Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life, life and wellness coach Cara Alwill Leyba waves her magical wand, uncorks a bottle of sparkling bubbly and shows us how to celebrate every single thing about ourselves, flaws and all!

This inspirational self-help guide book will motivate you to kick-start your new life journey to pursue your passions, live healthy, learn to love and embrace yourself for who you truly are, redefine what happiness means to you, transform your self-esteem and develop self-confidence, and start living life on your own terms!

Written in a real and easy conversational style that resembles a straight-forward conversation between girlfriends, Cara's effervescent and witty humor will guide you down the path to learn how to live your best life, and to embrace and celebrate the amazing woman that is you! With insightful advice and motivational tips on positive thinking, living in the moment, finding your passion, loving and accepting yourself, and learning to be happy, Sparkle is an inspirational guide that every woman should read and refer back to often!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.

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[Samantha March · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cara Alwill Leyba is on tour now with CLP Blog Tours and Sparkle: The Girl's Guide to Living a Deliciously Dazzling, Wildly Effervescent, Kick-Ass Life. The cover attracted me at first glance, a cute pink planner/diary that I knew would be filled with great tips and tricks on improving myself and having more confidence. After I finished, I felt that Cara and I were best friends. I have been lucky to get to know her better through her blog tour, and after reading the book she is someone I definitely look up to. Women spend so much time not only down on themselves for one thing or another – but they are often quick to look down on other women. I can’t even tell you how many girls can still make me feel inadequate, so reading something that is all about female empowerment was just wonderful. I love the stories that are shared, the chapter break-downs, and the feel-good feeling I was left with after I finished. As we head into 2013, I think this is a book every women should give a chance. When a new year comes resolutions are made and goals are thought of, and I think this book really gave me a lot of new ideas to incorporate into my life. I definitely thought of Cara and Sparkle on New Years Eve as I did a champagne toast with my girlfriends!

[Selestalis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book explains a lot of what I did in my early 20's to transform my life from it's toxic, abusive upbringing. I began to take the reigns of my life and take responsibility for how I wanted it to go. This included everything regarding my mind, body and spirit. It was a total, holistic overhaul. There was not a single stone left unturned. I read this book last year and it really outlines a lot of my journey...not everything of course, but I share this wonderful woman's philosophy wholeheartedly. I am proud to say that today I do have an amazing, effervescent life and it's possible for each and every individual to transform their life. I love this book and recommend it to anyone. A pretty quick read too, easy to understand. I finished it during a 2 1/2 hour flight. Cheers!

[Izabela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know they say you should not judge a book by its cover but I was instantly attracted to this book thanks to the bright pink cover that imitates a diary.

Written in a very light hearted tone, Sparkle is a great pick me up book you can read in one night. Here, Cara talks about everything from her body issues to past relationships inspiring us to live a heathy life and pursue our dreams.

I have to admit that Sparkle reminded me that despite all the roadblocks I've encountered in my life, I can still conquer the world. All I need is the right frame of mind and some bubbly or sparkling water to celebrate little victories :)