Viva La Via Privé

Via Privé is a lifestyle, activewear brand defined by traditional performance-driven workout apparel with a fashion-forward focus.   Co-founder Sarah Vazirani wanted to create a clothing line combining fit, function and fashion while also being committed to sourcing to a socially ethical, responsible program that gives back to those in need.  We commend Vazirani for having an entrepreneurial spirit with a heart.

This month, Via Privé is proud to introduce their first activewear apparel clothing line that combines innovative performance technology with the utmost attention to design.   This collection encompasses elements of fashion, fit and lifestyle at an affordable price.

What makes this collection unique is the introduction of Quadracore, a four-way stretch fabric, and the use of ProModal, an eco-friendly fabric that allows a stress-free custom fit to each woman who exhales in it.  And you know we all need exhaling moments.   This collection also enables the body to breathe and lend support in achieving any position that exercise or life puts you in.

Via Privé is dedicated to employing and training the locals of the Dominican Republic, where the factory this collection is made, in an effort to break the cycle of poverty.    Via Privé is also donating an outfit to a woman or child in need at the Shraddhanand Mahila Ashram in Mumbai, India for every online order they receive.

The full collection price runs between $38 to $104 per piece.  To view the collection and place an order, visit http://www.viaprive.com/

Tiger Lily Tank

Lotus Pant

Azaelea Sweatshirt

Generation Klean

I’m all for beauty products that are pure and enhance your mind, body and soul.  Thanks to Generation Klean, you can purchase pure products made from unique formulations and the finest pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.  Though Generation Klean offers products for all target areas, one of their most popular products is a hair mascara called Gray Disappear.

Gray Disappear is a paraben, sulfate and pg free hair mascara that’s used to cover up gray hairs.  Did you know that parabens and other ingredients found in hair dyes could potentially result in harmful effects on the body?  Generation Klean is determined to keep it as pure as possible.  Available in the four natural shades of hair color (black, brown, red and blonde), the product and Generation Klean are rapidly growing and setting new and healthier standards for beauty maintenance.

To order Generation Klean products or to learn more about the company, visit www.generationklean.com. You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

Byebye Netflix, Hello BIGSTAR

If you are not too happy with Netflix it  might be a good time to look into BIGSTAR.   BIGSTAR is a global-wide streaming service available through your TV, iPad, iPhone, Android, and other devices.   With prices starting as low as $34.99/year, BIGSTAR claims to have the lowest prices in the video-on-demand market.

“We understand how frustrating it is when a company raises prices for a service, especially in this economy,” said BIGSTAR President and CEO Xavi Dalmau.  “We believe former Netflix customers will find BIGSTAR a very affordable destination to get their on demand fix for the best movies.

Like Netflix, BIGSTAR subscribers have access to thousands of major motion pictures.  The difference that BIGSTAR has over Netflix is the fact that they are also the number one destination for viewing international and independent films from festivals such as Cannes and Sundance.   For more information, you can visit their website at www.bigstartv.com.

If you have BIGSTAR let us know what you like and/or dislike about their service.

And Then Something Startling Happens

For those of you who are writers, what do you think is the most important part of telling a story?  Is it having compelling characters?  Is it setting the story in an interesting location?  Todd Klick seems to think that it’s all about the pacing, and we agree with him.

As a screenwriter and a film fanatic himself, Klick has written and delivered one of the most useful tool a writer can pick up.  Aimed toward screenwriters but beneficial for any fictional writer, Something Starling Happens: The 120 Story Beats Every Writer Needs To Know is a dive right into the world of storytelling and how it can go from flat to fabulous.

In Something Startling Happens, Klick breaks down over 300 movies into the standard beats, explaining to his readers how they all use the same minute-by-minute blueprint.  It doesn’t matter if the movie is “Juno” or if it’s “The GodFather”, they all use the same pattern in their storytelling.

Currently sitting at a 5 star rating on Amazon, many other writers seem to agree that Klick’s book is just the ticket to kickstart your writing.  Whether you’re a newbie or a veteran, there’s something for everyone in Something Startling Happens.

To get a taste of the kind of advice Klick offers, you can check out his website www.writerwrench.com  Writer Wrench is designed to consolidate all of the best tips for writing into one convenient location.  According to Klick himself, Writer Wrench offers a decade’s worth of collected links to share.

Klick currently is the Vice President and Directory of Story Development for White Oak Films.  He has recently signed a deal with the Hallmark Channel, and four of his screenplays are currently optioned.  Be sure to become a fan of the book on their Facebook page and follow Todd Klick on Twitter.

Are You Covered?

World AIDS Day is here, December 1st, and fashion designer and Fashion Institute of Technology student Maggie Kervick is ready to tell the world one thing:  “I’m Covered.”

Kervick has teamed up with Lifestyles Condoms to launch a new campaigned called “I’m Covered.”  She has created a new line of vinyl handbags made to look like SKYN condom wrappers.  Crafted out of a synthetic material, the bags come in the Living in SKYN tote size, the Dirty Little SKYN cosmetic size, and the I’m A Slave for SKYN wristlet size.  Each bag includes an informational pamphlet as well as a box of condoms in order to educate women how to properly use them.

Kervick’s bags are spreading a message of female empowerment, breaking down all negative stereotypes associated with women who carry condoms.  “I’m hoping to break down the stereotype that if a guy has a condom, he is considered ‘prepared’, but if a girl has a condom she is considered a ‘tramp’,” Kervick said.  “The ‘I’m Covered Campaign’ reinforces the need for self-respect and a proactive approach in regards to protecting oneself from STIs and unwanted pregnancies.”

Check out the pictures below to see pictures of these bags.  You can also learn more at the Bags by Mags website, the Bags by Mags Facebook page and the Bags by Mags Twitter.

The Next Generation of Film Education

With how rapidly technology is changing, it’s no wonder that the way we teach students is changing too.  Focal Press, the global leader in books and content on film and media technology and  has recently launched a new program called FilmSkills.  Focal Press has partnered with over 200 leading industry experts from the executive producer of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and the 1st assistant director of “Avatar” to EMMY award-winning television directors to an Academy-Award Nominated Costume Designer  and more.

“Filmmaking is a collaborative art,” said FilmSkills co-creator Jason Tomaric.  “Working alongside the masters of the industry provides those of us in filmmaking with a career-long education. In FilmSkills we’ve recreated that collaborative atmosphere so young filmmakers can learn from the best filmmakers in the world.”

With FilmSkills, users can access modules in the area of screenwriting, editing, directing and more.  These modules include streaming videos, instructional guides and resources right at your fingertips to enhance your skills and heighten your learning.

FilmSkills covers the entire process from writing to distribution and expertly organizes each lesson into 93 multimedia modules and contains…

• Over one hundred videos that feature working film professionals and academic experts
• Downloadable tools (raw footage, budget forms, etc.)
• Companion text from Focal Press books that delves deep into the subject matter
• Instructor resources (tests, quizzes, PowerPoint presentations that feature lecture slides)
• Social Media features allowing students and teachers to add their insights to the conversations

FilmSkills has the advantage of recreating a collaborative atmosphere so young filmmakers can learn from the best, working alongside masters of the industry.  FilmSkills provides resources for those new to the industry and those who want to hone their skills.  The modules are already being used in more than 40 countries.

Focal Press is the first publisher to offer its content on a platform such as FilmSkills.  For more information, visit www.filmskills.com

Crime Never Takes a Vacation

“The lagging economy has caused an increase in crime and it is happening everywhere”, says home security expert, Alan Young.  Over the past three months, Young has conducted nearly 100 radio interviews, giving listeners tips on how not to become victims of a growing burglary and home invasion epidemic.  Young is CEO of Armor Concepts LLC and has been featured on the CBS Early Show, The Today Show and The Discovery Channel, as well as numerous local news segments.

According to Young, there are three keys factors in making sure that your home is secure.

• “Use some common sense. Don’t post vacation plans on Facebook and don’t post vacation photos while still on vacation.  Many burglaries are committed by someone you know or by someone connected to someone you know. Letting the world know that you’re not home is an easy way to become a target.”

• “Make your home a less attractive target than your neighbor’s home.”  You can do this by trimming the shrubbery around your home, especially around the windows.  Also, by properly lighting the inside and outside of your home.

•  “Most people think about home alarm systems as home security. An alarm simply tells you that someone is inside your house and police response times are often greater than 20 minutes. A home alarm is the equivalent of having OnStar® in your car. Would you not buckle your seat belt because OnStar® will call the police after you have an accident? Alarms are a good addition to your home’s security but 85% of all break-ins are through a door. Secure your doors and you greatly increase your likelihood of success against a burglar.”

You can find an assortment of products to protect your home and your doors at www.armorconcepts.com.   The kits are easy to assemble but effective against predators.  You can also find more home security tips at the website as well.