The first Saturday of the year was a peaceful day. I was looking for inspiration for this new year and found it.

Enjoy.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Day two into the New Year. It's been quite a day.

My car, my beloved car, is having transmission problems and will be traded in for a new/newer car in the next few days. It saddens me. Yes, getting a new car is exciting, but this car has some meaning for me.

This was my first, brand new car. But I loved it for another reason. In 2002 I had a terrible car accident. Besides the physical injuries, my spirit was hurt. I was terrified of driving and swore I would never do it again. Facing your worst fear and immortality will do that to you. It's terrifying and shook me to my core.

But I lived in Los Angeles. How could I not drive. After weeks of being driven around by friends and relatives, I finally realized that I had to face my fear. And I got behind the wheel of my first new car. The car isn't anything fancy, but I felt safe, so that made it priceless to me. I pictured myself driving that thing for 20 years, never once being ashamed of how old it was. But, it wasn't meant to be.

I said this would be a year of changes and two days in, it's true. I'll update on what car I end up purchasing.

For now, some inspiration...

Add some sparkle to your day,

Happy 2015!!!!

Here it is, the beginning of a NEW YEAR! I think this is an exciting day. You get to start over and set new goals to better your life. Have you written your New Year's Resolutions?

I spent the last week of the year analyzing this past year. It was a tough year, but also a year filled with many blessings. I'm grateful for all of the wonderful people that are a part of my life. They made a difference in my life, and for that, I am thankful.

As this new year begins, I am setting a lot of goals, just like everyone else. But I don't just want to make a list of goals that I'll forget about. I want to change my life.

That's quite the statement, right?

While I love my life, I want to be more present in living it. I want to seize everyday and do the things I love. I want to influence the life of others, I want to make a difference. I want to be a better person and I want to become a better version of myself.

How am I to accomplish all of this?

I'm breaking down my life, day by day. I'm making small changes that will help me become the best version of me. Some things may seem like small changes, but when all the changes are added together, it will change my life.

I'll be posting everyday, both here and on Instagram. I'll post the things, quotes and people who inspire me. I'll post challenges and update you on the things that work out, and those that don't.

I hope you'll join me on this journey. A 365 day journey. What will you name your  journey?

For now, let's name my journey...A Life that Sparkles.

Add some sparkle to your day,

What I'm Loving - Saturday, October 4, 2014

I am really loving my Filofax Nude Original Planner. Look at it! How can you not love it?

I'm looking forward to setting this up. I'm hoping to have that done by this weekend. I'll be sure to be back with pictures. 

Add some sparkle to your day,

Finally?!

I'm so glad to finally be taking my blog to the next level. So many things have kept me from being able to fully develop the blog. But now, it's time.

I hope you enjoy the new layout.  There are more changes coming in the following weeks.

For now, please stay tuned for more regular updates. Also, a store feature will be added soon.

So, get comfy, and come by to have some fun!

Add some sparkle to your day,

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!!!

I hope today is going to be a great and relaxing day for you! How will you be celebrating?

I'm going to be spending the day with family. My brother is having a big BBQ. He says this is his favorite holiday. I like this day because every year on this day, I remember how fortunate I am to live in this great country. We have so many freedoms and privileges that can sometimes be taken for granted.

So, have a fantastic day and enjoy the long weekend.

Sparkle on,

Maria

A Brand New Start..

After many starts and stops, I have finally decided to make some changes to my blog. I wanted to really focus on what kind of blog I wanted this to be and what changes would be necessary.

I want this blog to be a reflection of my life and my thoughts. I have always loved writing and it is something that I truly enjoy. For many of us, writing on Facebook is the extent of expressing our thoughts. But that isn't really for me. I have a variety of interests and I want to share them here.

Over the next few weeks, there will be a brand new web design. It will be more reflective of the things I love. There will be new features and more consistent posts. I hope you will join me in this new adventure. I promise, it will be fun.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

I love planners. I've loved them for years. After joining a lot of different groups on Facebook, I started my own page. I created "Filofax Decorated Pages" so that planner lovers from all over the world could share pictures of how they decorate their planners. The group has now grown to almost 4000! Who knew there were so many planner lovers out there!

In about a years time, I have accumulated my fair share of planners. Everything from Kikki K, Filofax, Daytimer and now Kate Spade. There is nothing like breaking in a new planner. I'll be posting pictures of my collection in upcoming posts.

Please share what planner you are loving the most.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

I'm back!

This beautiful sparkly place has been left unattended long enough. I'm ready to return to regular posting.

Some things will be changing on the blog. I am going to be doing a re-design, along with adding some more features.

Stay tuned.....

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

Win this stamp!

I'm obsessed with Owls. They are so cute! And I have plenty of stickers, dividers and washi tape for my Filofaxes. I'm thinking ahead for Halloween, and on a recent shopping trip, I found this...

Isn't this ADORABLE??? I stamped it so you can see how cute it is! 

So, it's giveaway time! I'll be picking a winner Monday, August 26, 2013.

Here are the rules:

1) You must be following this blog. Leave a comment on this post. 

2) Follow me on Instagram  @blingedandbrilliant and leave a comment. 

That's it! 

Thanks for participating!

Benefit's Newest Promotion

Have you ever seen those commercials that are so bad, you wonder what they were thinking? At times, I have actually sat back and wondered "Are they kidding?" Well, this morning was no exception.

I was reading my Facebook news feed and an article came up. I watched this video in horror and wondered why one of my favorite makeup lines would do something so tacky. What in the world makes you think this is funny? The packaging is not new. And since when do women want to wear mascara that came out of some guys pants?! Seriously? Benefit, I love your products. But you need better advertising advice. Call me.

Judge for yourself.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

The White Princess by Philippa Gregory

I am a big fan of Philippa Gregory. I love historical fiction and I have really enjoyed all of her books.

The White Princess is an easy read. The story flows easily and it's easy to get caught up in the story. I was able to finish the book in two days. The story picks up where the previous book, The White Queen, ends. This book is based on Elizabeth of York, daughter of Elizabeth and Edward.

The story is easy to follow and it makes you feel the emotions of the characters. In case you haven't read the book, I don't want to give away too much.

If you enjoy historical fiction, this book, along with the others in the series, is a great read.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

This is the Filofax that I am currently using. It's the Fluoro Personal Original. It's bright, cheery and perfect for summer. I spotted this Filofax on a video posted on YouTube and I just couldn't stop thinking about it. I purchased it a couple of weeks later and I have been in love ever since.

I know that a lot of people didn't like the loop, saying that it was too short. Personally, I love everything about this Filofax. Although I have several other Filofax organizers, I find myself going back to use this one.

What is your favorite Filofax?

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

While working, I have the best view in the world.....

This is my doggie Peetie. The sunshine of my days. 

Happy Wednesday! 

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

The White Queen

I have been enjoying Philippa Gregory's book since last year. I read "The White Queen" and instantly became obsessed with reading all of her books. They are historical fiction, yet they are written so well, you feel like part of the story. Her writing style is easy to follow and very descriptive. While reading her books, I could actually visualize the scenes.

So, you can only imagine how thrilled I was when they announced the series on Starz based on three of her books: The White Queen, The Red Queen and The Lady of the Rivers. The first episode was this past Saturday and it did not disappoint. I was happy that they stayed true to the book. I definitely recommend watching the series. It's on Saturdays at 8pm on Starz.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

This is the Filofax that I am currently using. It's the Filofax Purple Saffiano in personal size. The color is rich and vibrant. You can't help but feel happy whenever you look at it. You can order it through the Filofax website at Filofax.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

I've been a long time lover of stationary, pens, pretty paper, etc. I thought I was the only one who got deliriously happy going to Office Depot or Staples. Yes, I love pens, post it notes, etc.

So, imagine my delight when I found people who shared in my obsession/passion! I'm currently on a lot of great Facebook groups where I have met people who love all things stationary!

But my most recent obsession is FILOFAX!!! While I am a self professed tech nerd, and I have all the latest gadgets, there is still something about a paper planner  that helps me keep my life organized. I've always loved planners, calendars, etc. In fact, I remember receiving my first holiday bonus and spending it on a planner.

Now, I am the proud owner of Filofaxes....8 to be exact. I'll be featuring them here. Feel free to share your thoughts.

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

My husband and I own a small business. I know that when someone hears this, they conjure up images of life being easy and stress free. They imagine that somehow, you are spending your days kicking back while everyone else with a normal job, is slaving away. Seriously?

I work more now than I ever did. My husband did have this business before we were married.However, after we got married, I joined the team as the marketing "expert". Did this bring about more freedom? Yes, in some aspects. I get to bring my dog to work everyday...a HUGE perk for me. And that's where the perks end.

Everyday, I find myself answering emails, doing research and stressing way past 5pm. No one hands me a paycheck at the end of the week, unless we've made a sale. If I don't purchase our OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive health care, I have no benefits. And when a computer isn't working right, and money is a bit tight, guess who suddenly has to know how to fix it?

You have to really want to be your own boss to own your own business. And people who venture to be entrepreneurs deserve a lot of credit. I won't take any of that credit just yet. This business is my hubby's creation.

I'm in the process of creating my own....

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

An Update...

I have this beautiful blog and I don't use it? What is wrong with me?

Truth is, sometimes life gets so hectic, that it tough to find the time to blog. Being a small business owner is so time consuming. And stressful! But I have finally decided that I will be posting her on a regular basis. I have so much to share!

Stay tuned.....many posts to follow!

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria

 

This always makes me laugh.

 

Enjoy!

Add some sparkle to your day,

Maria