Dare to Dream

I got introduced to Aerial Yoga over two years ago by my friend and became addicted ever since. I’ve taken yoga classes before, however I always prefer to do regular vinyasa routine at home on my own, without the instructor. However, this type of yoga had changed the entire experience I was used to before. Aerial yoga usually is a simple vinyasa practice which involves silk hammocks. It is incredibly fun and does not require a lot of skill, just courage!

You start as a regular flow, and then incorporate the hammock as a floating support, for example when doing a plank, you put your feet through the loop and balance it. It helps the core muscles and adds complexity to the routine. Aerial yoga is also great  for those who have back problems, since you can stretch your back and spine by swinging upside down while the hammock is holding your torso. The best part of the practice is that you can learn new “tricks” as you get more comfortable with the hammocks and the feel of being unbalanced and lifted up in the air.

This is me in the pictures 🙂 doing some fun stretching and swinging at the yoga studio in Gramercy, next to Union Square. The studio is called OM Factory and is my favorite one in New York. I had an incredible opportunity to volunteer at the studio and get free classes at the same time. It was an amazing chance for me to get better at my practice and have fun with an amazing crew. They offer a wide variety of Aerial and Acro yoga classes as well as Vinyasa and Ashtanga. OM Factory has two locations in New York and currently opened one more in Seoul. The classes are priced at between $17-$30 per session, depending on the type of class. Special pricing options available for packages.

There are other yoga studios in New York  which offer Aerial yoga classes, such as AntiGravity Fitness and Holding Space, however OM Factory has the best pricing on classes and offer the widest selection of various yoga styles. If you haven’t yet tried the Aerial Yoga you should definitely give it a shot! It is the most fun way to do yoga practice and will definitely leave you hooked!

It is not a secret that the textile manufacture industry causes huge amounts of air and water pollution while trying to satisfy the worlds growing demands for clothes, shoes and accessories. It is the consumerism, and the desire to own more and more goods that drives our global economy, and together is creating an enormous amounts of waste  which destroys our planet.

However, more and more companies are trying to participate in the eco-conscious and socially responsible way of manufacturing, distributing and operating their business. I am a huge advocate for using the products made with the recycled materials and manufactured the ecologically friendly way with the support of social causes. When we have choice of either taking a part in the global pollution or fighting against it, why would you chose the first? Let’s look at some fashion designers and brands which help sustain our planets naturals resources.

Aside from eco-friendly and organic household products Toms are well known for their mission to donate a pair of shoes for every pair that is purchased. Toms work with more than 75 different companies who participate in the same shoe giving programs around the world. Toms started with basic design of loafer-looking canvas shoes and now use variety of materials and designs for their shoe collection. Aside from being super-comfortable, they are extremely affordable and versatile. I personally own four pairs and wear them all summer long!

A company that borrowed the idea from Toms, but cannot be blamed for it. Doing good is contagious. Warby Parker donates a pair of glasses every time someone purchase a pair. WB have distributed over half-million pairs worldwide and counting. They also provide free eye exams in the low income communities and are advocates for safe and socially responsible work environment. The glasses WP offers are of a great quality and have the fashion-forward design. The average price for a pair of optical frames is $95 and the price for sunnies varies from $95 for non-prescription to $150 for prescription lenses.

A clothing brand which has several stores in US and the online marketplace. The idea behind the Reformation brand is to make clothes out of vintage garments and surplus materials and create as little waste as possible. The company was started in Los Angeles, then more stores were opened in New York. All stores were build using recycled and eco-conscious materials and carry organic skincare and cosmetic products besides its clothing line. Their designs became extremely popular when celebrities like Rosie Huntington-Whitley, Rihanna, Alexa Chung, Rumer Williams and Miley Cirus “joined the reformation”, in other words showed their support for the brand. The company’s slogan is “Join the Reformation”, and calls for everyone to support the movement against the waste and pollution caused by the manufacturing industry.

Launched in summer 2013 H&M Conscious Collection promises a more responsible, more ethical and more sustainable way to do business. Their statement says: “Our vision is that all our operations should be run in a way that is economically, socially and environmentally sustainable. ”  Company is using natural resources for their production, they follow the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” rule and give back to communities in need.With their affordable pricing and high volume the company is successful in raising money and spreading awareness of the Conscious Collection so they can help build the better future. The latest contributions include the benefaction to clean water in Bangladesh and support of the “Haiyan” typhoon victims in Philippines.

Whether you have or haven’t yet participate in the global movement for a better future of our planet it is always a good idea to help others as much as we can. And whether its shoes from Toms or a sweater from H&M, a conscious choice to support a social cause is always a small step towards a healthier environment.

How do you make the world better?

You probably have already heard or tried the new way of getting a manicure that last two weeks. Most of the salons in New York City offer the Gel Manicure – a semi-permanent nail color which is applied as a regular nail polish, but then is dried under the UV or LED light and Voilà! – your nails are pretty and shiny for a whole two weeks! There are however, some downsides to the miracle manicure. First, that if done wrong it may damage your nails. And if you ever gotten a manicure at a salon, you might have been as unlucky as me and had your nails over-polished to paper-thin. Another problem is that it can come costly. The average price for the Gel Manicure is around $35 plus the tip and the tax, and you are looking at $90 or more a month just for the manicure!

I have been getting the Gel Manicures for about two years now, and about a year ago I have decided that it is definitely not worth braking the bank. At about same time pharmacies introduced gel manicure sets. So I have decided to try it out. The gel polish bottle by Sally Hansen cost around $15 plus the base and the top coats which are at the same price per bottle. The LED machine by Red Carpet Manicure, which promised to dry your nails in 30 seconds cost $49. To my surprise, I did a pretty good job applying it, however two days later the polish started peeling off and had some discoloration. I have returned the Sally Hansen bottles back to the pharmacy and went online to look for gel colors of a better quality. Amazon was filled with products that promised great quality with prices varying from $3 to $20 per bottle. I found a brand called nailUV, which was priced at $7 and had a started kit of base and top coat for $10. It had plenty of positive reviews and offered free shipping. Believe it or not these gel colors were amazing. I use them ever since and am very happy with the quality.

Now I just want to talk a bit about some techniques I have learned while doing the manicure myself. First, the nails should be lightly buffed prior to application. After the buffing it is best to wipe the nails with acetone to remove all the oils. Then, the “Bonder” coat needs to be applied, it is a sheer liquid that prepares your nail and makes the gel stick to the surface. Then a coat of base should be applied (nailUV had a top and base coat in one), after applying the top coat nails should be placed under the UV of LED lamp and dried for either 2 minutes (UV) or 30 seconds (LED). After that, two or three coats of color should be applied, followed by the top coat. After each application the nails should be placed under the UV or LED lamp.  After the top coat has dried the nails should be wiped with acetone to remove the excess gel. Please note that when applying the gel color and/or the top coat it is important to apply a very thin layer, because the gel is very runny and can be a mess if applied in excess.

These are pictures of my nails with the Gel Color. The trick I have learned because of my need for a constant change is to use regular nail polish when you wish to change the color. If you use lighter gel color for your manicure you can always paint over it with a regular darker-color nail polish and it will last about a week. This will not ruin your gel color, and could be removed at any time with a regular nail polish remover. I usually put on a neutral nude as a gel color and then just re-paint the nails with regular nail polish every week!

When you are ready to remove the gel color, you can simply buff the color off until its gone with a rough buffer first, and then with the more gentle one. You don’t have to completely remove the gel from your nails if you are just changing colors, the bonder and base coat could be applied on a buffed gel as well.

The next time you are thinking to go to a nail salon, think about the fun you would have by doing the nails yourself and the money you could save!

They say that exercise helps you boost your mood, well this one will sure make you happy…and sore. The new way of staying in shape has taken over the private fitness studios and large gym classes all over the United States. Ballet-based extensive workout at the barre will make you break a sweat, and if you haven’t tried it yet, after reading this you will sure find yourself signing up!

I heard about the class from a friend, who invited me with her for a workout at Physique57, a Manhattan-based fitness studio. The class was extremely intense, although it was a beginner level. We had to do series of exercises at the barre by using our leg, arm, abdomen and back muscles. You would think that there would be a lot of stretching and graceful slow movement, but instead the class of only ten people moved at a fast and dynamic pace while MJ’s “I’m bad” was blasting in the background. The first ten minutes I was having pure fun and was getting just a tiny bit hot.

After twenty minutes I realized that I am soaking wet and need a moment, but the instructor just raised the volume of the speakers and encouraged: “Come on ladies, you are on your way to your dream body, work it!” And I sure knew that my dream body was not looking at me from the mirror across, so I kept on working. After the fifty seven minutes of pure work (no breaks!),I dragged myself into the cab and was riding home happier than ever. The next morning, I have to say, I was not so happy when every single muscle of my body reminded me of the work I have done….however it was definitely worth it!

Today the barre exercises are extremely popular and receive plenty of good reviews and feedback from clients. It is an intensive workout, but I can tell you for sure, it was the most effective I’ve ever taken. After the fourth class I already felt a huge difference in the way my body felt and after the sixth I could see myself moving a little closer to that dream body. Several studios ( The Bar Method, Exhale Spa, Pure Barre )  offer barre classes in NYC, the prices vary from $30 to $45 per session, however most studios offer packages and special pricing. If you are still undecided what to ask Santa for Christmas this might just be the perfect start to get to that new year resolution of staying fit, and most important, happy!

Ever since I was little I didn’t like to wear hats. I thought they were goofy and made my head look too big. Until recently I started noticing how trendy and appropriate head accessories can become if worn the proper way. The simplest and most versatile of them all is the beanie.  So whether you decide to wear a beanie as a fashion staple or a cold weather ammunition, you should wear it with style. Let’s look at some different variations of a beanie and suggestions on what to pair it with.

The Classic Beanie

Plain and simple, it is usually wool or cashmere and is the most timeless accessory of all time. This one could be worn virtually with anything, if it does not have any excessive embellishments or graphics. In case if your beanie has crystals, beads or bows it is best to be paired with a simple and classic coat such as peacoat or a trench and classic boots or heels. In case if your beanie has some funky graphics or geometrical patterns it is best to wear it with a casual-sporty jacket such as parka or a puffer and some kicks or combat boots. I personally, prefer no accents, instead a splash of color like red or neon lime, which lets me make a statement and not worry about what to pair it with.

The Slouchy Beanie

The best thing about this one is that you can’t wear it wrong. Its oversized and relaxed fit allows you to style it the way you want, scrunch it in the back or on the side, or just let it be puffy. It looks good with anything: motorcycle jacket, as well as with the fur coat or a slouchy sweater. Because of its laid-back look I would suggest you wear the slouchy beanie all year-round and have it in many colors. It has been a trendy item for both men and women for several seasons in the row and looks like it will remain popular for some time.

The Pom Pom Beanie

This one is the cutest and the most loved one by me. The pom-pom beanie is often thickly-knitted wool or wool blend and has a pom pom at the top. Depending on the style of the beanie itself it could be worn differently. A slouchier fit is more versatile since the pom pom could be all the way in the back and the fitted one is more of a playful style since the pom pom is right on top. Looks best when paired with matching gloves and/or a scarf, to emphasize the winter-appropriate outfit. Could be worn with virtually anything, however the best is when worn in a colder season.

My personal favorite is the new fashion staple of this winter season,the veiled beanie. It has an overlay of veil that covers the eyes and looks super chic and romantic! Available at Nordstrom.com

What’s your favorite beanie style?

Regardless of our skin type or color we all face issues when it comes to finding the perfect way to make our face skin look flawless. For years I have been joggling between the miracle moisturizers, primers, liquid foundations, mineral powders, concealers, primers, you name it! At first, to mask my acne, then hyper-pigmentation and now the fine lines too… The sad truth is, that the way our skin reacts to certain products very much depends on the external factors such as hot/cold weather, humidity or dry air.  So when it comes to finding the product that will match your skin type and give you the result you want, it could be a long journey before you actually find the one…or two…or maybe even three products that will finally get you closer the picture-perfect skin we all see in magazines.

However, lately what I have seen in magazines and cosmetic stores such as Sephora or Ulta are the new miracle-creams that have several products in one working together to make your skin look and feel (yay!) healthier. You probably seen those BB and CC creams all over the store shelves or on the back covers of magazines. Perhaps some of you even tried them. Well, I would like to take a closer look at what the BB and CC creams actually are and what are the differences between them.

Let’s start with the BB Cream. BB creams became popular several years ago in Asian markets and came to US about two years ago. BB stands for “Beauty Balm” and usually comes in a tube as a liquid balm. By its texture the usual BB cream lays somewhere between the regular full-coverage foundation and a tinted moisturizer. Therefore it does give a semi-sheer coverage and has some added ingredients that benefit the skin. Those ingredients vary from brand to brand, and might include an anti-aging serums, anti-oxidants, acne treatments and SPF.

Whereas CC Cream is like an updated version of BB Cream and stands for “Color Correcting”. CC Creams are usually much lighter in their texture and provide more sheer coverage than BB does. However, it is infused with the light reflecting particles which create more even skin color and helps mask the hyper-pigmentation (yay!), large pores, fine lines, and redness. CC Cream, just like BB Cream is packed with various skin-benefiting ingredients such as SPF, moisturizers, and serums, all depending on the brand.

Now that many skincare and cosmetic companies offer both BB and CC creams, it must be hard to pick the one that s right for you. However, most cosmetic stores offer free samples, which you can try before making a purchase, that is how I discover most skin care products! You can also use this great list by Allure to see which BB or CC creams are best for your skin type.

After trying about a dozen of both BB and CC creams I found the one I am absolutely obsessed with. It’s the AMORE PACIFIC CC Cushion Compact , and it has officially stole my heart…and a big chunk of my wallet, but it was totally worth it! It comes in a compact just like a press-powder, but instead has this sponge-like base and an antibacterial applicator, which goes on very smoothly and gives my skin an amazing glow. It has the SPF of 50 and the formula has an anti-inflammatory properties, which saves my acne-prone skin. It is also ultra hydrating and stays put all day. The compact does come with the refill, so it is supposed to last longer than an average CC cream, and is also very convenient to carry around with, since it has a mirror. I definitely recommend to try it!

What’s your favorite BB or CC Cream?

Dare to Dream is a portal for modern women to read, share and discover new beauty products, fashion trends and healthy lifestyle tips. As a constant explorer of modern fashion industry and a beauty product-addict I would like to share my experiences and thoughts on this blog. I love to experiment with new looks and discover new ways of  expressing myself. In this blog I will post weekly reviews of new cosmetic and skincare products, hair styling tools and beauty procedures in the Beauty section. Here you will also find reviews on beauty treatments and read about new technologies in healthcare and skincare medicine. The Fashion section will be constantly updated with fresh fashion tips and ideas for casual and evening wear. Here I will review new clothing, shoes and accessories in the fashion industry and suggest outfit combinations for different body types and occasions. The Wellness section will have helpful tips on how to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle. Here you will find information about healthy eating habits and fitness advices. As an avid active lifestyle-lover I will also review local yoga studios, pilates and fitness classes and talk with instructors about the healthy lifestyle.

This portal welcomes all new members who would like to read and comment on the posts and articles and also would like to contribute to some of them. Dare to Dream blog would like to built a diverse community of women who share same passion for staying beautiful, healthy and fashionable and most important unique. The idea of wellbeing and happiness lays in each woman’s individual way of expressing herself and fulfilling her full potential. The beauty lays within one’s thinking, within the ability to be a one of a kind unique human being. Each woman should be able to embrace her way of living, thinking, dreaming. Putting your dreams into reality sometimes may be a hard thing to do, but the only way to make them true is to believe in yourself and dare to be yourself. I encourage all of the readers to Dare to Dream and be yourself.