This blog post is brought to you by EMSCULPT. However all thoughts and opinions in this blog post are my own.
I really love technology and gadgets and have heard (and seen the results) from EMSCULPT over the past few months.
So I headed over to Dr. Kanodia’s Beverly Hills office – if you search his name online you can see all rave reviews from beauty editors and celebrities, and his Instagram is full of patients who gush about him so I knew I was in good hands. EMSCULPT is FDA-cleared for the strengthening, toning and firming of the abdomen, buttocks, thighs, arms and calves.
Nurse Karla explaining to me how EMSCULPT works before the start of my first session.
Utilizes HIFEM magnetic field technology to induce approximately 20,000 supramaximal muscle contractions per session to strengthen and build muscle, and sculpt the body
You lie on a comfortable bed for 30 minutes as they securely strap-on the EMSCULPT applicator – I got one applicator as apparently my stomach is not that big, but if you are a bigger person i.e a 6 foot guy you may need two applicators.
EMSCULPT is an FDA-cleared and pain-free treatment that addresses both muscle and fat.
My first session, they had the EMSCULPT machine’s strength only up to 80%. According to Karla, the lovely nurse who monitored/helped me throughout my session, most people can only go to 60-70%, as it takes a while to get used to the sessions. Again – it’s not at all painful, but it is weird feeling your muscles contract strongly so I only had the machine all the way to 80%. Karla mentioned that Dr.Kanodia’s himself has had the machine cranked up to 100% full-strength on his first try.
Dr.Kanodia says of all the many non-invasive treatments and machines he has seen and tried – EMSCULPT is his all time favorite and he can’t personally get enough of it.
According to EMSCULPT’s official literature this is how the technology works: The contractions result in a rapid metabolic reaction to strengthen and build muscle. This is the ONLY technology that builds muscle in addition to burning fat, all while leaving the surrounding tissues unaffected. It is unlike any other treatment on the market–current body shaping techniques fail to address muscles which greatly affects body contour. EMSCULPT finally goes beyond just waistline reduction and elimination of fat cells to provide a dual treatment that addresses muscle tone as well.
Both Dr.Kanodia and Karla emphasized that EMSCULPT is not a quick fix – but is ideal for those who already have been practicing a healthy lifestyle but needed a bit of extra help to target the muscles. They both also have said that optimal results can be seen about 3 months after treatment.
It is not a ‘magic fix for weight loss” but it does help – my analogy is, if you are a tennis player – the right tennis racket would help you improve your serve, but you need to do the work to start with. Likewise if you need some extra help to tone the abs and butt area (like me), EMSCULPT is a great method to achieve better and faster results.
Easy-peasy EMSCULPT.
To find out more about EMSCULPT- click here.
No matter how busy, tired, or preoccupied I am from everything going on at work, I always make time for one of the most important parts of my day: skincare. As a beauty blogger and skincare enthusiast, I’ve had my fair share of hits and misses when it comes to products.
If there’s one thing I’ve learned after years of working with several beauty and skincare brands, it is the importance of using medical grade skincare products that are truly effective. So when I discovered Honor MD, I felt like I hit the jackpot.
The Honor Code promises only clinically proven results from clean and natural products, doing away with harmful ingredients like parabens, phthalates, and sulfates. There was so much thought put into each formulation, and even their packaging had the environment in mind!
The Wild Rose Cleanser should be a mainstay in your bathroom countertops. It gently removes dirt and impurities, with moisturizing and regenerative properties thanks to Red Seaweed and Vitamins C and E. It’s almost as if you emerge a brand new person after every wash – that’s how refreshing it is!
If you’re a fan of multi-purpose skincare products, you’re going to love the Tropical Mist pH Balancing Toner. You can use this after cleansing to tone your face, on top of makeup to set it, or throughout the day as a facial mist.
Get your glow on with Genetically Blessed Super Antioxidant Serum! Just a little bit of product goes a long way, giving you that perpetually radiant and healthy-looking skin that will keep everyone guessing your real age.
Last but definitely not the least is my personal favorite, the H(ope)2O Moisturizing Serum. I have naturally oily skin but this moisturizer hydrates without clogging my pores. I even use it on other breakout-prone areas such as my chest area every once in a while.
They also have original line available in Dr. Diaz’s office, such as another product I swear by – their Treat Exfoliating Pads. My skin is really oily and using these 2-3 times a week has been so helpful in making sure my skin looks smooth and even.
Growing up, we are often taught that there is a certain path to success — and I am no exception. I grew up in a traditional Asian family where it was drilled into my head that a good career should be one where I can make a lot of money and preferably somewhere well-known. After putting in the hard work and excelling in school, I landed a lucrative job straight out of university as an investment banker at Citibank. A short while later, I rose to become the CEO of a Nasdaq-listed tech company, and for a while, I was living the definition of “success” I had always known. It was a good life until I started growing cynical and despising my work.
I sought for purpose in what I do every day and realized that making a lot of money without truly understanding why I was doing it was not sustainable in the long run. This urged me to make the jump from finance maven to fashion blogger, a bold move that not many would have enough grit to do. The decision to trade a stable and high-paying job for a passion project that might not work out is hard to make. But with a healthy amount of courage and a whole lot of perseverance, I breathed life to my own masterpiece in the form of The Ambitionista, a fashion and lifestyle brand for professional women, and now, Marque Media, a leading digital communications agency serving clients around the world. The work is intense, if not more than what I was used to, but I wake up every day motivated — and that made a world of a difference.
Through my all-around digital communications agency Marque Media, I have provided work-at-home opportunities for women across the globe. At my company, each team member is given a goal with definite parameters, the accompanying support, and training (that enable them to hone their craft), as well as the freedom to control their own time and output. There are no stifling rules, no “You have to be at the office from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.” Because of this flexibility, Marque Media can accommodate almost all the unique circumstances of each employee. If you are a mom who needs to help her children prepare for school in the morning and can only work after 10:00 AM or a daughter whose aging parents require assistance after lunch, you can arrange your work schedule however you want from Monday to Saturday.
This flexible set-up stems from my awareness that a lot of women and single mothers need to work, but because they have children, they are not able to utilize the opportunities out there. Childcare is expensive, and even if they do have childcare, children are always better off if they have more quality time with their mothers. I find fulfillment in hearing my team members say that one of the reasons they like working with me is that it allows them to grow professionally without sacrificing family time.
I am driven by two things: providing a transparent and value-added service for clients, and creating a conducive work environment for my team. Marque Media is still a startup, but I look forward to building and refining processes and benchmarking the best practices in the next couple of years.
My purpose took shape after founding my company. Having been blessed to have achieved a lot in my life, in large part due to my mentors and my supportive team, I resolved to provide an avenue to help other entrepreneurs, especially women entrepreneurs. If I could create a support system that empowers women, then I could give more meaning to Marque Media and the work we do. In my own small way, I change the lives of the people, particularly the women, I work with.
I’m proud and happy to say that I have redefined what success means to me: that is, finding a career that has a purpose and empowering women to do the same. Right now, I am focused on advocating for working women and encouraging women around the world to take charge of their lives and open their eyes to the wide array of possibilities available to them — without treating their circumstances as a mother or a woman as roadblocks to their advancement.
Follow me on Instagram (@TheAmbitionista) to see what I am up to. To learn more about my digital marketing agency and my amazing team, Marque Media, check us out on (@wearemarque).
I first learnt about probiotics in the 90’s as a young girl, when my uncle, who also happened to be our GP, told my mom that one of the best things she could do for us kids – is to make sure that we have a healthy stomach and digestive track. Specifically by making sure we religiously take our daily dose of probiotics. Not doing so my uncle warned – would open us up to all types of digestive and immune imbalances -especially since we as a family, traveled a lot all over the world ever since I could remember.
So religiously since I was 12, I had been taking yoghurt (with probiotics in them) every morning. But here’s the kicker – I don’t like nor care for dairy products and I don’t particularly like yoghurt – not to mention the fact that when I do eat yoghurt, I tend to be very selective of which brands I buy.
I have also tried probiotics capsules but I don’t like pills very much. So what is a probiotics-aware girl to do?
Two of these very delicious gummies have more than 10x the amount of lactobacillus than 8 cups of yogurt. Also who has the time or stomach to eat 8 cups of yoghurt?!
2 Digestive Advantage Probiotic Gummies has the same amount of probiotics as 8 cups of yoghurt.
In fact, to show you how ridiculous eating 8 cups of yoghurt is, my friend Jiemei, (who is a badass business strategist) , will attempt to eat said 8 cups of yoghurt, while I eat two gummies and show you how much time it takes:
Just to further emphasize the point across – studies on Digestive Advantage Daily Advantage gummies have shown that two gummies survive better than 8+ cups of the leading brand of yoghurt, based on probiotic survivability testing vs. leading yoghurt brands. The gummies also have a natural protein shell that survives stomach acid 100X better than leading probiotics and yogurt.
Well, one of the things that a lot of medical professionals agree upon is that probiotics ( good bacteria that help support our digestive health) can help with digestive issues that occur as we grow older, or can assist with common digestive problems like occasional gas, bloating, or diarrhea, or simply supplement a diet.
I am happy that I am able to eliminate one more food product that I don’t like out of my life – and replace it with something that is truly enjoyable. Getting rid of yoghurt has allowed me to make better food choices, save time and cut down on grocery bills. Basically just streamline my already busy life further. I especially like the fact that the gummies are so easy to pack when I travel – making ‘probiotics’ a to-do item that I can take off my list easily.
I got my Digestive Advantage gummies easily on their website, and would really recommend everyone to switch from multiple cups or bowls of yoghurt and cereal to these delicious gummies.
It all started with one mother’s desire to alleviate the frequently overlooked problem of dental care during pregnancy.
When Beverly Hills-based dentist Leedia Riman was pregnant with her baby Julia, she was carrying not only her child but also had a huge problem- she was walking around with a missing front tooth. This dental dilemma of hers eventually led to physical and mental health problems including a short-term depression.
Fortunately, she discovered that a large percentage of mothers in her area were faced with the same issue. Through her post on the Facebook group LA Mommies which garnered over 70 responses, Dr. Leedia was able to communicate with other moms who suffered from dental problems, including cavities and root canals.
Apart from moms, she also found that plenty of children frequently suffer from dental problems which would lead to hospitalization. At that moment, Dr. Leedia discovered a golden opportunity to turn this struggle into a solution. Through the women she met online, she slowly began to build her newfound purpose.
Since 95% of dental decay is preventable, Dr. Leedia thought of the perfect way to put a stop to dental issues without sacrificing something kids (and moms) love to indulge in. After seeking help from a family friend who worked at Bazooka, Dr. Leedia developed delicious candy that’s good for the teeth.
This was how she started Koracare, a one-stop shop where parents can learn about dental wellness during pregnancy and purchase clean and safe products for their children.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing for Dr. Leedia, however. She had her fair share of mishaps in her entrepreneurship journey, including encounters with unprofessional individuals who made false promises. After a few failed tries and gray hairs, she finally found the all-around answer to her marketing needs through her own patient, Heidi Nazarudin.
Heidi is the founder of Marque Media, a full-service communication agency that handles everything a brand could ever need to up its game – from branding, content, web design to social media marketing. Dr. Leedia found her most suitable partner in Marque Media, composed of a team that values her vision and hard work.
Dr. Leedia is no stranger to the struggle. Being a dentist, wife, and mother (who is also pregnant!) who is now launching her own brand Koracare, she knows how difficult it is to juggle a lot of responsibilities in her personal and professional life. But she also knows full well the victory that comes after powering through it all – armed with great strategies and the right partner.
As a full-time blogger who’s always running off to endless appointments and events, I basically live on my phone and work on the go. And it goes without saying, there’s a real need for me to have top-notch smartphone technology at hand—that is, a device that can keep up with all of the tasks I do and people I meet. Not to mention, making sure the photos the smartphone takes are of stunning quality.
When Samsung invited me to experience their latest smartphone models—the Samsung Galaxy S8 and S8 Plus—I simply couldn’t turn the opportunity down. I know for a fact that this Korean brand has been a power player in the smartphone market for more than a decade now, what with all the bestselling tech devices they roll out each year! I already had the Samsung S8+ and I own a Samsung 360º camera unit—so I couldn’t wait to give the pop-up store at the Americana at Brand, Los Angeles a visit.
Entering the Samsung Galaxy Studio is like stepping into an ultra-modern interactive museum. There were a number of installations that let people fully utilize every product Samsung has to offer, from a virtual reality theater to art installations that transfers photos from your phone to a screen underwater. I personally had a lot of fun filming myself with the Samsung Gear 360º and watching my animated selfies show up on the Frame TV.
This was my favorite part of the whole thing—exploring the Samsung 360º room—where fluffy flowers move around you as the latest K-Pop hits play. Can I have this in my apartment?
But the main star of the show, of course, is the Samsung Galaxy S8. At first sight, it’s a real beauty to behold, with a super slim profile and a sleek screen that spills around the edges—the Infinity Screen, as Samsung calls it. I don’t know about you, but any stylish gadget earns extra blogger points for me!
Beyond its sleek look, I find that the Infinity Screen does two things perfectly for me. One, it expands my view of graphics and videos, which means that I get to fully enjoy all the episodes that I catch in between tasks. Two, it enables the Multi-Window feature, which allows me to use two apps at the same time. More things done in one screen? That’s almost as good as getting on my laptop.
The Galaxy S8 is also built to withstand elements. The water art installation in the Samsung Studio was there for customers to submerge phones underwater, only to pull the phones out and discover that they are still in perfect working condition. This is good news for me: I’m a regular jetsetter, which is to say that I’m exposed to different types of weather all the time. If I get caught in the rain or drop my phone in wet sand, at least I know my phone is built for protection against elements. There’s a lot that I would lose otherwise—access to email and work files, important contacts and personal mementos.
My creation using the Samsung smartphone doodling app. I tested this out on the Galaxy Note 8, another one of Samsung’s latest models, but this feature is also available on the Galaxy S8 and S8+.
Part of what I do on a daily basis is create crisp and fresh stories that resonate with my audience. Content is at the core of any blogger’s work. Quality is of utmost importance when it comes to images, which is why I usually lug around a bulky camera with me to shoot photos of my day.
Off to test the camera on my own Samsung Galaxy S8+ outdoors. My photo op spot of choice is this tram!
Selfies taken with the Samsung Galaxy S8+! Look at that quality
These are photos straight from my Samsung Galaxy S8+. Look at the rich colors! Also say hello to Sabrina – my good friend and photographer.
Samsung Galaxy S8+, however, eliminates the need to lug around heavy equipment. Its camera produces spectacular photos in colors as rich and vivid as reality. It may be my favorite feature yet. And it doesn’t hurt that I can snap photos and share easily while I go!
The speed is superb—there are absolutely no lags in between shots.
Have to admit—I was very gleeful at spending a workday exploring the Americana mall on this fun tram…and being able to write this off as ‘work’!
Personally, I think Samsung has kept a finger on the pulse of people’s technological needs. The more we interact with the world through our phone, the more there is a need for a device that is intuitive, responsive and long-lasting. It’s good to know that there are gadgets that are built for the hustle and bustle of our lives. With the Galaxy S8+, I know I won’t miss a task to work on—or a moment to share.
Be sure to check out the Samsung Studios to see all the amazingly cool gadgets in person – click here to see all the Studio locations!
What do you think? Would you upgrade your current smartphone to the new Samsung Galaxy S8 or S8+?
Learn how this seasoned entrepreneur tackles everyday life while managing her two successful ventures.
On this week’s Success in Stilettos series, The Ambitionista features
Jenny Q. Ta, Founder & CEO of Sqeeqee.com, the
first-of-its-kind social networthing platform and the inventor of an
interactive multi-player game Squiggy Piggy, she is also the Co-Founder of
VCNetwork.Co with
Shinta Dhanuwardoyo, a virtual “Shark Tank” for startups that bridges the
gap between modern entrepreneurs and forward-thinking venture capitalists
worldwide.
What did you want to do when you grow up?
Change the world.
Which women do you admire in your life?
Margaret Thatcher.
Name one activity that you do every day without fail
Say my prayers.
How long is your working day?
How long is your working day? At least 12 to 15 hours, or even
more.
How much sleep do you get every night?
I try to get a minimum of five to six hours, but on average it’s
probably less.
If you really want to dress to impress, what do you do?
Depending on the occasion or event, but I would just visit a mall and
grab a new outfit to fit that occasion. This is always the case.
What are your favorite brands for workwear?
It depends, but I’d say Zara. It’s simple, modern and they have small
sizes.
What’s your favorite everyday beauty brands/products?
Chanel.
What was the biggest obstacle you have faced that in the end
helped you?
Failure.
How often do you check your emails?
After every meeting. Most of the time, my daily work schedule is
back-to-back meetings..
How do you stay sane and on top of it?
Have a few fun chats with good friends or run for hours on the
beach.
What do you carry with you all the time in your purse?
An iPhone and a Samsung phone.
How often do you check your emails?
After every meeting. Most of the time, my daily work schedule is back-to-back meetings.
What do you splurge on?
A bit of fashion and travel.
What does success mean to you?
Seeing more women leaders with equal pay and respect in the
workplace.
If you could meet a younger you from 10 years ago, what would
you have told her?
Keep on going and don’t ever stop.
Caught between a strong mind, and a fragile heart.” – UNKNOWN
