Happy New Year! 13 Resolutions

Hi everyone! Glad to see we all made it to 2013!

What a year we had, huh? I am the FIRST to say that I am glad it's over and we can begin our journeys on a clean slate so to speak.

I keep hearing "New Year, New Me" coming from all ways and then I realized, I don't want a new me. I just want the best version of me.

As I lay in bed on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 i started to think about what I REALLY wanted to work on this year and I came up with the following:

13 Resolutions for 2013

1. Lose weight (duh) What person can't afford to shed some lb's? The difference this year is that I have a plan: I have set deadlines for when I should hit certain numbers.
2. Save, save, save! Another obvious one I know but just as I did with the the weight loss I have done with my money. I have devised a plan in which each month I am forced to put aside x amount of money to reach my quarterly goal. A great tool that I have discovered online is Mint.com. This site helps you handle your finances and spending while setting goals and helping you achieve them.
3. I am planning on buying my first home this summer. *fingers crossed*
4. No more drinking! Not that I was ever a heavy drinker passed out at the local bar or anything but I don't like drinking at all! Therefore I say, no to drinking (except wine at dinner ;))
5. Limit the sweets! Oh, my poor sweet tooth. this needs to stop once and for all. I can eat healthy and say no to pizza or greasy fries but a toffee almond mil chocolate bar... MMMMmmm... but NO MORE!
6. Go to the gym ATLEAST 4 times a week.
7. I want to take my GRE/GMAT and apply to graduate school (hoping to start my graduate degree in September!)
8. I want to start writing more. Write atleast once a day, even if its a love story on a napkin. When I was younger I used to write books and I mean when I was 6. As I grew up writing became more and more of a "work thing' but not anymore!
9. Start my career - now that I am out of school I am eager to begin my career in marketing.
10. Learn French! I took 3 years of french in high school and never fully grasped the language. This year, je vais parler français!
11. This one comes from my boyfriend: Be more considerate of others' opinions. Hmm, interesting to see what others think of you. Well, I am considering his opinion and totally willing to work on this!
12. Spend less on material things and more on experiences.
13. The most important on the list: Live everyday to the fullest.

So there ya have it. My 13 faults, dreams, wishes, hopes and expecations for the new year. What are your resolutions for 2013!?

Here's to a great year and may all of your wishes come true!

 

Follow me: @stefyyleon
Instagram: stefyyleon

Chic Office Outfit Ideas!

Often times, I find myself scrambling for new ideas for an office-appropriate and yet chic outfit to wear. It can be hard to fit in to "corporate america" and still have some of your style incorporated.

Well, thankfully I found this list of awesome outfit ideas to help you and me get some ideas! Print this out and refer to it on your next trip to the mall.

Remember: Buying key pieces is crucial. Make sure to have a black pencil skirt, crisp white button down shirt, black blazer, black pumps, and a nice bag in your closet. You will be surprised how many times these pieces can be re-used.

Let me know what you think! xox Stefy
@stefyyleon
www.ambitiousglam.blogspot.com

Product Review: Face Moisturizer

Hey guys! Happy Monday!

As a follow-up to my previous post on "Tips to avoiding Dry Skin", I wanted to do a review on two products that I have tried these past weeks: Michael Todd's Citrus Cream Moisturizer and Clinique Moisture Surge.

Michael Todd's Citrus Cream Moisturizer

Firms, lifts and moisturizes

For: All Skin Types

Quick Overview: Light, soothing hydrating cream moisturizer infused with essential oils of sweet and mandarin orange, tangerine, lemon and lime. DMAE firms skin, and improves fine lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic Acid (humectant) attracts moisture to the skin restoring the skin’s optimal moisture balance. Skin is left feeling moist, smooth and younger looking all day.

I bought this moisturizer online after a friend raved about its magical effects. I washed my face and then used this moisturizer afterwards: I LOVED IT! It leaves your skin feeling smooth, hydrated and glowing! The only thing that I would say is a downfall would be the scent of the moisturizer. As my previous post stated, try and steer clear of anything with a scent, especially for dry skin. Although Michael Todd's is all organic, I still do not like the srong "citrusy" scent that this has.  Overall: an excellent product and would defintely reccomend.

Grade: A-

Find it here: Michael Todd True Organics

Clinique Moisture Surge

For: All Skin Types

Quick Overview: Light, comfortable cream/gel plumps skin with hydration for a full 24 hours. Fine lines, flakiness and tightness are washed away. In their place—a sense of supple, firm, vibrant well-being, even through shifts in humidity. One ‘drink' and skin looks and feels happier, healthier. Oil-free.

So, while shopping at Sephora 2 weeks ago, I was offered this product as a result of my points. I was beyond excited as Clinique products are amongst my top faves! I took this home and tried it immediately and what a pleasant surprise! First of all: it's oil free -This moisturizer is the best!!! It gives you a hydrated look and feeling which makes your skin look like its glowing. I apply this right before my foundation and beleive me, my make-up lasts almost all day long! The best part, there is a very minimal scent, almost non-existant. Score!

I happen to switch from Michael Todd and Clinique at the moment but tend to use Michael Todd before bed and Clinique in the morning or right before my make-up application.

I have VERY dry skin and having products that actually work is essential for skin care! These two will not disapoint.

Find it here: Clinique Moisture Surge

What moisturizers are you using? I'd love to hear about other amazing products!!

Until next time, xoxo Stefy

Follow: @stefyyleon
www.ambitiousglam.blogspot.com

7 Smooth Tips for Healthy Skin!

If there is one thing I can't stand it's dry skin. And onions, but that's another post.

With the winter months inevitably comes the effects of dry, itchy, flaky skin. "Tight skin" as I like to call it, can leave you feeling less than comfortable and worried about your appearance altogether.

There's actually ALOT that goes into keeping your skin safe and healthy and as you can imagine some were blessed with better skin than others. But follow my simple tips and you won't be a prisoner of this situation any longer!!

(Recommended for all skin types)

1. Exfoliate
The skin acts as a protectant barrier for the body; pollutants, toxins, excessive heat/cold weather. Using a gentle salt scrub to exfoliate your skin once a week will work wonders by shedding the dead skin that tends to linger. Dead skin or cells will make moisturizing a little bit harder for you. Get rid of the dead and replenish the new.

Some amazing scrubs:
Bath and Body Works Sea Salt Scrub
L'Occitane Verbana Body Scrub
Bliss Hot Salt Scrub

2. Facial Mask
Twice a week, apply a soothing aloe mask to your face to help rehydrate skin and reduce redness and inflammation. Open a fresh aloe vera leaf and rub a thick layer of the sap onto clean skin (find the plant at a nursery or at a housewares store such as Home Depot). Leave it on for 15 minutes, then rinse off. Or try a mask that's packed with aloe, such as Yes to Cucumbers Calming Facial Mask.

3. Moisturize after the shower
This is the easiest way to stay hydrated and moisturized. After a shower (with medium temp water) pat dry yourself, do not rub the skin, and apply a non-scented lotion to the skin. This will ensure that the lotion "locks in" the moisture from your shower.

4. Avoid scented lotion
Scented lotions tend to carry many harmful ingredients for the skin, including alcohol. stay far away from these type of lotions as they will dry up your skin faster than you can imagine.

5. Protect yourself from the sun
Yes, mom knows best. Applying SPF daily to your skin will ensure that you are protecting yourself from harmful elements. In the winter months, appkying a moisutrizer to the face with SPF in it should suffice.

6. Keep lotion handy
Think of all the times when you were in the middle of nowhere and felt that skin tightness after washing your hands; keeping a small lotion bottle in your bag/work/locker etc. will ensure that you are safe wherever you go. Right now I am using Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion (travel size). This lotion is frangrance free and always leaves my hands feeling fresh and soft after using.

7. Stay hydrated
This might seem quite obvious BUT it's not. I frequently read that 75% of Americans are chronically dehydrated and given the fact that our bodies are made up of about 70% water it is no coincidence that a dehydrated person will be more susceptible to having dry skin. Therefore, make sure you're drinking 8 8oz. glasses of water a day!

Hope you're all staying warm out there! Let me know your thoughts and any other products that you can recommend for the winter.

xoxo, stefy

Dont forget to follow me: @stefyyleon
www.ambitiousglam.blogspot.com

Target Partners with...?

I heard some fascinating news that I must share with you!

Target has announced a exclusive partnership with Sam and Libby Edelman!

Target has been known to team up with other top names such as Jason Wu, H&M, Prabal Gurung etc. but this will truly be an amazing collaboration! Another interesting and shocking partnership comes this December with Neiman Marcus.

My obession with Sam Edelman shoes has not dwindled and I am certain this will be a collection you wont want to miss.

As a matter of fact, Libby Edelman shoes, which are a bit more affordable are also adorable! I found a nice pair at Marshalls for 29.99. Don't have them anymore or I would show you a pic.

Some of my current Sam Edelman obsessions (hint, hint.. Christmas is around the corner!!)




PRYCE shoe - Retail for $200 but found them at Bloomies for $130 HERE Available in Black or nude.

Adele Studded Boots in nude - available HERE

Jolie Studded flats - amazing flats that bring sparkle and fun!










I'm looking forward to this collab and I'm sure you are too. Cant wait for March 2013!!! What are you hoping to see??

Me and My Reiki

I have to tell you about something different and exciting I did last week... I went to see a Reiki!

I am HUGE on spirituality; yoga,meditation etc. so when my mother sent me a video on Spirit Science I was excited to see what they had to say (watch the video, its enlightening!)

They mentioned doing something that caught my ear. I heard the word "reiki" being used over and over and so naturally I googled what it was.

Google gave me this definition:

A Japanese form of complementary or alternative medicine, developed (or rediscovered) during the latter half of the 19th century.

None of my Chakras were unbalanced!

In simple terms, reiki is a technique for stress reduction and relaxation that also promotes healing. A reiki can read your Charkas (we have 7 of them), see which ones are unbalanced and then fix them.

According to Reiki belief, if any of your Chakras are out of balance, you are more susceptible to things like illness, heartbreak, poverty.

Well, I did some further digging and found that there was a place 2 blocks from my house in Jersey and I made 3 appointments: my boyfriend, my mom and myself.

My boyfriend was the first to go on Saturday, 11:00 a.m. He had an amazing 30 minutes.

Then it was my turn... When I first got there I felt a sense of peace, it was a small room with dim lights and beuatiful music. She asked me a couple of personal questions and then told me to lay down on the massage-like table/bed thing.

She put her hands on my head first and in a matter of seconds her hands got sooo HOT it was strange. She then moved down to my sholders, arms, knees and ankles. Then she placed a necklace over each of my chakras and read them.

Unfortunately, my reiki was a little more talkative than my boyfriends Reiki which didnt allow me to relax as much as I would have wanted to.

She read my Chakras and told me everything was balanced. She also told me that she had felt some negative enery being stored in my stomach and that it derived from a previous relationship. I asked her how it got there and she told me most likely jealousy from a previous friend or an old boyfriend.

That made me really sad. Why am I even holding on to that sort of stuff?! Thankfully, she got rid of it!

All in all, it was a great experience. I would definitely do it again and ask her not to speak as much :)

Have any of you had an expeirence with a Reiki?

 

Follow me on Twitter: @stefyyleon

Facebook

 





Living to Work or Working to Live?

As I get closer and closer to graduating (finally), I have seen a trend of disillusioned graduates who are complacent with what job they have or are simply thankful they have a job at all.

More and more I am seeing my friends working simply to make a living and living MISERABLY (sometimes myself included). So I ask, what happened to "the dream job"?

Well, nothing happened. People are working their dream jobs everyday! The main factor that separates these type of people is passion and determination, the "anything is possible as long as I work hard" kind of people. 

And as I sit here and think of my PASSION, what truly drives me, I would have to say that I love helping others, making others feel special, creating something bigger than me. Now that I am graduating, I will follow my passion and hopefully I end up where I`m meant to be. (Fashion, makreting, social media included somewherein there)
 Last night in class we had a guest speaker, a former Kean student who graduated last year and now works at her dream job. Upon graduating she immediately emailed the President of her dream company and sent him/her a copy of her resume, some writing samples and a passionate email. Needless to say, she was hired and has recently been promoted. She was passionate and she was determined.

Whats your passion?

As Confucious once said, "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” 

I think the world would be a much better place if we simply did what we loved, what we were passionate about. Sometimes life can get crazy and while the bills pile up we make decisions that are easy and grant us immeiate relief or satisfaction.

Passion+determination=Success

But don't lose sight of your passion because what else do we have in life? Live the life you've always wanted and DO what you were put on this earth to do! think of where you'd like to be and start creating a plan to get there. Ok, I'll stop preaching now... lets make the world a better place, one happy employee at a time.

 

*No one said it would be easy, they just said it would be worth it*

Fitness + Health: ISAGENIX!

Hey guys! I couldn't wait to post about my three days on Isagenix. After hearing from a couple of people about all the wonders of Isagenix, I decided to try it myself. Let me tell you, it's not easy - but totally worth it! Today is my fourth day and I can totally feel a difference (and even lost a couple of inches all over).

I received my huge package on Thursday March 22nd but decided to wait till after the weekend to get started for obvious reasons ;). I couldnt beleive how much they send you!

I bought the 30 day cleanse which includes:

• Welcome Guide with tracking system
• 2 Cleanse for Life: a nutritional drink that helps the body breakdown and release harmful substances and at the same time feeds the body with over 100 nutrients. (choice of liquid or powder)
• 4 Isalean Shakes (Choice of Vanilla or chocolate) I chose 2 of each and both taste amazing! - 23g of whey protein
• 1 Natural Accelerator - helps facilitate cleansing process, increases fat-burning and energy
• Isagenics Snacks- helps curb cravinfs - choclate or vanilla flavored
• 1 Isaflush-Gentle digestive support
• 2 Ionix Supreme- Over 100 active ingredients, aids body
• 1 Green tea milk chocolate snacks- amazing!

Day 1 (measurments were taken on Sunday night)
I woke up and drank 2 glasses of water, followed by 6 oz. of water with 1 scoop of Ionix supreme. Made my Vanilla flavored shake for the road and drank it at around 9:00 a.m.

11:00 a.m. - Snack

1:00 p.m. - Tofu Salad

3:00 p.m. - Second Snack

6:00 p.m. - Last shake of the day (chocolate flavored)

10:00 p.m. - Isaflush! (take it on empty tummy for the evening)

First day was a huge success, no hunger!

Day 2
Tuesday was a bit rough, I forgot my snacks at home and was STARVING at work even though i had a wrap for lunch. I got home and was all bent out of shape because i didnt follow the program correctly. I was starving and couldnt catch the momentum again. Went to bed early because i was miserable.

Day 3 (back on track!)

I decided to stay on a strict schedule and made sure that I ate every 2 hours. Started my day with water and and Ionix Supreme drink and my shake. For lunch I had a chicken wrap with lettuce, tomato and mozarella cheese. Since lunch is the only meal that you are allowed to have, make sure that it is of substance but that it also contains essential nutrients for your bod. I felt great, went home and did a Pilates class and went to bed.

Just for kicks, I decided to measure myself and I am so proud to say that I have lost a couple of inches all over my body in just 3 days! Also, I have lost almost 6 lbs!!!

Today is day 4 (Thursday) and I am SOOO motivated, now more than ever. I have a couple of friends who are starting Isagenix next week. This is the best product. Their thinking is that you will never lose weight until you clean your body of all the impurities and toxins in it. Brilliant!It might sound so cliche, but drinking water can really help curb your hunger!!! Dont forget - 8 oz, 8 times a day!

Oh and by the way, I bought this blender at GNC for like $18 on sale a couple of months ago. A popular one is the Magic Bullet which can be bought in Target or Bed Bath & Beyond for like $45. (GNC brand one works just as good)


 Hope you guys enjoyed this post, I will do a follow up with weight and inches lost.

If you are interested in more info, go to www.stefyleon.isagenix.com or send me a message. Good luck girls, summer is right around the corner!

Big Hug!!
Puchi



Hair Sense: Dermorganic

I am SOO excited to tell you about my favorite product/brand for hair! Seriously, I should make money off of all the people that I tell about Dermorganic... AND everyone who tries it, loves it.

About 1 year ago, I was on a search for a miracle for my dry, split-ended hair. I had just taken out my hair extensions and things were not looking good. My hair needed help ASAP. I did some quick research online and found this line.


Dermorganic is an argan oil based hair care line which includes shampoo, conditioner, leave-in treatment and shine spray. Argan Oil has been said to be "the secret of the Morrocon women". Well, not anymore ladies! This "liquid gold" comes from the Argan tree (found in Morroco) which grows a small fruit and carries the Argan seed inside. The Argan seed is then cold pressed to release the oil. The best part is that the Argan oil is 100% certified from Morroco (unlike other brands that claim they have argan oil or morrocon oil).


Benefits: Sulfate-free,vegan, made without animal by-products and never tested on animals, contains no DEA, MEA, dyes or food coloring, gluten-free, contains no artificial presersatives and is paraben free, contains no salt, sodium chloride or other artifical thickeners, and uses only certified organic Argan Oil, Sunflower Seed Extract and Grape Seed Extract as a natural preservative. LOVEEE!


I have been using these products for about a year now and will never, ever, EVER use pharmacy cheap products again. Yes, its cheap but all of the chemicals included are not worth it in the long run. Trust me.


Dermorganic can not be bought through their webpage but I did find them being sold in CVS. Easiest and cheapest way to buy them is through Amazon.com - i bought this 4 pack for $55 which is worth it since the shampoo alone is $17.99 in CVS. Cheapest I found was HERE: shampoo, conditioner and leave-in treatment for $38.95

Hope you love this just as much as I do and that you achieve beautiful, healthy hair :)

xoxo Puchi

NAIL TREND: CAVIAR MANICURE

Ciaté, an amazing nail brand has announced their new caviar manicure:

This will be the first three dimensional nail kit to ever hit stores. Word has it that it will be available in all Sephora stores this spring! Can NOT wait to try this out :)

Their website has provided the following tutorial:

This will be the first time I say YES to Caviar ;)

Motivation For the Gym!!

If you're anything like me, some days it seems like the hardest thing in THE WORLD is.... going to the gym. I don't know why it such a hassle sometimes because regardless of the situation, you ALWAYS feel amazing afterwards. Go figure.

Well here's a little motivation for this gorgeous Tuesday! Remember, Summer's almost here and you DONTwant to regret all you ate during your winter hibernation!

First day of Spring! (and blogging!)

Hi guys! My name is Stefy, 25-year old from the dirty Jersey!

So after reading like 465,9845 blogs, I decided to do one of my own. Why not? Ill share anything interesting that comes my way like fashion finds, trends, makeup tips, fitness tips and whatever else sparks my interest.

I'll use this as my outlet!

The Ambitious Fashionista... thats who I am.

My objective is to create a blog for like-minded girls all over the world to hang out and interact with each other. I hope to get the blog name out to as many women as possble and create awareness through word-of-mouth and other social media tools.

The type of person reading? Well she is ambitious, fashion-conscious and eager to learn ways to improve on their everyday fashion as well as bringing that fashion to the office, meetings, etc. A "dress for success" type of deal.

This is what I wore to work today:


Dress: Michael Kors Peplum dress (Originally $189, Marshalls for $39.99!!!) Shoes: Dolce Vita (Lord & Taylor sale $78) Forever 21 necklace for $7.99

Tip of the day: Look like a million bucks without actually spending it!

All in all, I would consider my blog to be an extension of my thoughts, style and beauty tips. My fashion girls hang out on sites such as fashionista.com, chictopia.com, etc. I will post and actively communicate with the girls while promoting my blog.

In a world where women are increasingly working in corprate america, it is essential that we do not lose our femininity and keep our style while climbing to the top!

On another note, I bought this weight-loss/cleansing product called Isagenix that some people SWEAR by. Since I am most definitely NOT at my ideal weight I went ahead and ordered a 30-day cleanse pack. My goal weight-loss would be 20lbs. The pack should be here sometime this week and I will let you guys know how it goes. with summer right around the corner, I know we are all freaking out about squeezing into that tiny bikini once again, I know I am.

If you are interested, I signed up to be an associate and sell the products as well. Go to www.stefyleon.isagenix.com and buy it through me. You can also become an associate as well and become part of my team which will not only help you make some extra cash but also save on the products themselves. Let me know what you think!

Stefy x0ox
Twitter
LinkedIn