Entertainment

CAREER LESSONS FROM THE BOLD TYPE

/ Lindsay Bartels / Leave a comment

The Bold Type is a Freeform TV show that follows three millennial women that work at a Cosmopolitan-type magazine called Scarlet. While the show has a few inaccuracies as to what it would be like working at a magazine of that size, the show has a number of moments that could be considered career lessons for the aspiring professional woman.

The Bold Type follows three best friends: Sutton, Jane, and Kat. The three girls couldn’t be more different in personalities and job titles. Sutton starts off as an assistant, Jane is a writer, and Kat is the Social Media Director. Each of the girls face unique career challenges when it comes to their positions and where they fit in with the rest of the staff. Here are a few things we could learn from Kat, Jane and Sutton:

**If you haven’t watched the show before, you might want to stop here because there are spoilers ahead** 

YOU ARE NEVER TOO YOUNG TO ADVANCE IN YOUR CAREER

Kat is an excellent example to young women everywhere because she quickly advances to become Scarlet’s youngest director ever. It doesn’t matter that Kat was young, she excelled at her job and was recognized for it. Take a chance, you aren’t too young to make an impression. Your age shouldn’t matter.

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Via GIPHY

IF YOU’RE UNHAPPY WHERE YOU ARE, MOVE ON

Sutton’s transformation in The Bold Type is something to aspire to. She starts out as a green-juice fetching assistant but has a deep passion for fashion. She recognized that she was unhappy in her current position and took a major leap to put herself out there and she ended up making the move to the fashion department. It didn’t happen overnight, but she knew what she wanted and she went for it… and it paid off! Now she’s living her best life and killing it as a fashion assistant.

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SOMETIMES FAILURE IS THE BEST THING FOR YOU

In season two, Jane takes a leap of her own and leaves her comfortable niche at Scarlet to write for a cutting-edge online news source. It ends up being a disaster and Scarlet won’t take her back. Instead of letting this failure consume her, she becomes a badass freelance writer and makes a name for herself on her own. If you can, try to turn the bad into the good. If you let it, failure can often lead you to where you’re supposed to be.

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LOOK TO YOUR SUPERIORS FOR GUIDANCE

The trio of best friends has an oddly close relationship with the editor-in-chief, Jacqueline. Unlike Miranda Priestly from The Devil Wears Prada, Jacqueline is approachable and kind to her staff members. The girls make a point to lean on Jacqueline and look to her for guidance when they need it. It almost never hurts to ask a superior for advice. It can help you advance your career and you can end up building a relationship with them.

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WHY THE BOLD TYPE IS IMPORTANT

Even though television shows like The Bold Type and Younger are cute and fun, they are extremely important for our generation. These shows highlight badass women who are focused on their careers while balancing a social and dating life. No longer are female characters required to chase boys and make poor decisions while putting their aspirations on the back burner.

Times are changing.

FIND YOUR GIRL SQUAD ON VINA

Want to find your own Jane, Sutton and Kat? Swipe on Hey! VINA and make some new connections today. Your girl-squad is waiting for you!

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T.V. SHOWS TO WATCH WITH YOUR VINA

/ Nicole Mathew / Leave a comment

Television is so hot right now, and there are a bunch of shows you simply must watch with your vina, either on cable or Netflix/Hulu/Amazon (you know, for those cord cutters like me). Here’s a list of my top bingeable treats; there’s truly something for everyone to revel in – regardless of the platform you prefer. 

SCANDAL

If you haven’t watched this show before, what are you waiting for? It truly has it all – an all-star cast, excellent writing, and so much more. The show follows Olivia Pope (Kerry Washington), AKA badass woman at the helm of Washington, D.C. and the Oval Office through her powerful connections, both professional and personal. This series is empowering and full of drama – as if you could ask for anything more! Netflix has the entire series just waiting for you to binge. Grab your best friend, pull an Olivia Pope (pour some red wine and get your popcorn ready), and savor the saga that has captivated viewers since its conception.

THE UNBREAKABLE KIMMY SCHMIDT

If you’re in the mood for something silly and fun, hop on Netflix and give this a watch. Kimmy Schmidt (Ellie Kemper) is a woman who finds herself in New York City after she’s rescued from a cult in the Midwest. Written by Tina Fey (who also guest stars on occasion), this comedy is sure to make you smile but also give you some hardcore feels. Watch hilarity ensue while Kimmy and her friends navigate life in the big city – it will be easy to see why this show was nominated for several awards. The series wrapped earlier this year, so you have plenty of episodes to enjoy with your vinas!

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THIS IS US

Grab the tissues and lean on your vina because this one can be a tearjerker. This series follows a set of triplets and their family throughout the course of their lives. Weaved like a delicate fabric, the story is complex and intriguing. I won’t give away too much, but I will say – you will be instantly attached to this family from the jump. The cast is electric (hello, Mandy Moore of 90s pop fame and Milo Ventimiglia from one of my very faves, Gilmore Girls!), the story is fantastic, and I guarantee it will leave you feeling ALL THE FEELINGS. Season 3 just finished, but if you have Hulu or cable (NBC), you’re in luck – get caught up on the entire series before Season 4 premieres next fall!

Those are my top picks, but I have a few others I never miss with my friends:

  • The Santa Clarita Diet (Netflix Original) – so many LOLs + Drew Barrymore!!
  • Gilmore Girls – most of us have seen it once or twice, but a Netflix rewatch is always fun
  • Golden Girls – the entire series is now on Hulu
  • Catastrophe (Amazon Video) – even more LOLs

What are you and your vinas at Hey! VINA watching? Tell us below so we can add ‘em to our list!

4/20 VINA DATE IDEAS FOR STONER BABES

/ taylordhall / Leave a comment

Okay, so it might seem pretty self-explanatory why you’d want to spend 4/20 stoned as a mark of celebration, but there are tons of other ways to partake in the holiday. You can keep it simple and simply smoke, or you can throw the best event ever for your fave stoner vinas. For the sake of shaking things up, here’s a list of cool vina date ideas for any vinas looking to celebrate 4/20!

ROAD TRIP

Marijuana is legal in multiple states. California, Colorado, and Massachusetts are just a few places where you can legally light up. Grab your 21-and-up vinas, and take a trip. Pun definitely intended.

MOVIE NIGHTS 

In keeping with the tradition of Halloween and Christmas, it makes sense to gorge yourself on holiday-related films. So in this instance, watch movies that put marijuana at the center. How High, Up In Smoke, Pineapple Express, Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle, and Half Baked are just a few ideas of holiday classics. (Don’t forget snacks, trust me.)

POTLUCK

You can invite your stoner vinas over for a weed infused bake-off, or maybe just have everyone bring snacks to pig out after you spark one!

AT-HOME MUSICAL FESTIVAL

If you can’t make it to one on 4/20, create your own festival. Head to a plain wall, grab a projector, and compile a YouTube playlist of your favorite artists. Blast music, smoke and enjoy. (Don’t forget the Rihanna!) 

These are just a few ideas for stoner vinas to celebrate 4/20. Maybe you can start a new tradition. Above all else, be sure to indulge responsibly, there is a such thing as too much. Have fun, but be safe!

How do you plan to celebrate? Let us know in the comments!

THE BEST FEMALE EMPOWERMENT SHOWS TO BINGE RIGHT NOW

/ nblondin / Leave a comment

Every girl needs to be able to binge-watch a FIRE show with a ton of strong female leads that make you feel fierce AF. And there will always be people who don’t agree with how things are displayed in shows that many describe as feminist, but there’s nothing better than some hella fierce female leads to make you forget all about the haters.

ONE DAY AT A TIME

“One Day at a Time” is an old-school sitcom in the best way possible. It centers on an Army veteran named Penelope (Justina Machado) and her day-to-day family life, but the show does an exquisite job of weaving in social issues like coming out, dealing with PTSD, and the threat of deportation. Add in a star turn from the legendary Rita Moreno as a proud, sexually active 70-something, and you have a comedy with heart and a whole lot to say.

ORPHAN BLACK

“Orphan Black” is about a group of clones all played by Tatiana Maslany – a truly amazing actress! One of its main themes is rights women have to their bodies – through the lens of the ethics of cloning – and it showcases so many diverse female characters, from a con artist to a scientist to a suburban soccer mom.

SUPERGIRL

“Supergirl” is the rare superhero series that focuses on hope. As Supergirl, Melissa Benoist imbues Kara with a sense of wonder and optimism that is uplifting without being cloying. If you’re looking for a hero who still believes in the goodness of people, then Kara Danvers is here for you!

AGENT CARTER

Every woman should take the time to watch this one. Agent Peggy Carter leads the way as the only female agent in a secret spy agency right after World War II, where she proved her worth in many ways. The show tackles how she handles being a woman in a “man’s world” with grace, and she kicks ass while she’s at it. Not only is she a great role model, but she’s played by actress Hayley Atwell, who is a gift to humankind!

PARKS & RECREATION

Where would this world be without Leslie Knope? The Pawnee legend is what every politician should be: tough but innately good with an unstoppable drive to make the world a better place. The comedy is also absolutely hilarious, but now more than ever before, Leslie’s boundless ambition — portrayed brilliantly by Amy Poehler — is a total inspiration.

JANE THE VIRGIN

“Jane the Virgin” follows three generations of Hispanic women all living under the same roof, but at its heart, the series is a coming-of-age tale centered on Jane (Gina Rodriguez). After going in for a routine checkup, Jane is accidentally artificially inseminated, which changes her life forever. Watching Jane grow with the support of the amazing women in her life is an absolute joy that just gets better with every season.

WYNONNA EARP

Fantasy and sci-fi shows still sometimes struggle when it comes to female representation, but that’s not the case with “Wynonna Earp.” This fast-paced, fun show includes LGBTQ+ characters, a hero with a unique backstory, and a whole lot of demon hunting. Her show may be flying under the radar, but trust us, you need Wynonna in your life.

Wanna find some great gals to binge these fabulous shows with? Connect with them on the Hey! VINA today and plan your next vina binge fest!

5 NEW FASHION STAPLES TO ADD TO YOUR CLOSET

/ ColorMyFootsteps / 3 Comments

No one wants to be the one who looks like they just stumbled out of a time capsule. However, some of the must-have fashion trends for 2019 look like a blast from the past.  These trends have been resurrected to bring us fashion life! Here are the 5 fashion staples you have to add to your closet this year.

FANNY PACKS

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Yes honey, they’re back! Fanny packs have been slowly reemerging on the fashion scene. You can blame celebrities like Rihanna and Kendall Jenner for bringing this trend back to the forefront. In the past, the common reasoning for looking like a human kangaroo was that fanny packs were so practical. However, with the latest fanny pack designs, it’s easy to see that they can be just as cute as they are useful.

TIE-DYE

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When I think of tie-dye I immediately think of braces and summer camp.  Who knew the trend would appear on catwalks across the globe one day.  You can choose any hue from the color spectrum to find the right statement piece.  One great thing about the tie-dye trend is that it lends itself to DIY projects.  So, if a designer tie-dye shirt is outside your budget you can always make your own. We love us an artsy vina!

HAIR CLIPS

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A statement hair clip can add the right amount of flare to your #ootd. Whether heavily embellished in jewels or covered in a textured material, a hair clip adds a layer of (stylish) interest to even the simplest of ensembles.  You can also use the “fashion statement” excuse for wearing a hair clip on those days when it is simply a lazy hair day.

NEON

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Nothing makes a statement quite like neon. Now just imagine combining neon with animal print. Talk about an outfit made for the runway.  The neon trend is flourishing in places like Japan. Don’t know if you’re ready to invest in a neon coat or pair of pants? The trend isn’t limited to clothing! Neon hair is also a movement that is on the rise, so, if you’re bold enough to rock hot pink, bright green, or fluorescent orange, now is the time!

FRINGE

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Fringe is all about movement. It draws the eye to a piece of clothing.  Fringe could make an otherwise simple bottom or jacket pop. If a fringed jacket is too flashy for you, consider a bag, or a pair of shoes with a fringed adornment.

With these pieces, you are sure to make an entrance wherever you go.  Adding one or two of these trends to your closet will ensure that your look is current, while also creating a retro feel.

Which trend are you looking forward to adding to your closet?

Find some fashionista vinas on the Hey! VINA app to match with and talk all things trends, OOTD, and style inspo!

IT’S NATIONAL DRINK WINE DAY! PLAN A VINA DATE TO CELEBRATE

/ csdutoit / Leave a comment

This is probably my favorite day of the year, second to my own birthday and Christmas, of course. It’s time to round up your vinas and plan a wine date ASAP!

Here are a few of my suggestions on how to celebrate this wine-derful day with your vinas.

VINA WINERY TRIP

Check out some of your local wineries! Look around, and find a few places you’ve never been. All you need to do is grab your vinas, make sure your cameras are charged, and off you go!

Vina-to-vina Tip: Drinking and driving is never okay. Please ensure that you have a safe means of travel. Either someone needs to sit out of the drinking and be the designated driver, or you can find a local wine tour company and use the drive-me-home service after.

wine and cheese spread

WINE NIGHT IN

If you’re a bit of a home-bug like me and prefer to be in the comfort of your own home, you can host a cheese & wine evening at your place. Invite your vinas over and ask each to bring a bottle of wine and a complimentary cheese. You could even make a game out of the evening by asking everyone to bring the cheese in unmarked containers and to take the wine’s labels off. Then it’s time to let your creative juices flow. Make up your own wine-and-cheese Mad Libs to make up your own detailed descriptions of the wines and cheeses.

Vina-To-Vina Tip: Make sure you have movies like “Pretty Woman,” “The Greatest Showman,” or any other girls-night classics ready to watch with your vinas. And again, I can’t say this enough: don’t drink and drive. Make alternative plans to get everyone home safely.

VINA PICNIC DATE

My last suggestion is for nature lovers or anyone that just needs to get out of the house without breaking the bank. Call up your vinas and make plans to meet up at the nearest park, take a big blanket, some pillows, a picnic baskets with a bottle of wine, and some snacks like cold meats, chips, crackers, etc. Go find a spot under a big tree and just relax the day away with your vinas, talking about things big and small. It’s a great way to bond and to get out of the house without using all of your spending money for the month.

Vina-to-vina Tip: Make sure to be aware of all the park rules, some places do not allow alcohol and some do. Also, make sure you pack that sunscreen to protect your skin at all times.

Now pick up the phone and make some plans! No matter how busy our lives get, we should always remember and make the effort to make time for those people in our lives that make it good.

Get swiping on the Hey! VINA app and find a vina to make a #VinaWineDate. Remember to share your time with Vina on Facebook or on Instagram.

BRAZEN BOOKS FOR EMPOWERED VINAS

/ Jewell Fears / 1 Comment

One of my favorite books when I was growing up was “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” by Judy Blume. I remember reading it and feeling like I wasn’t alone. Someone else somewhere felt the same way I did about the awkwardness of getting older. As an adult, my reading material has of course changed, but not my search for great books that teach me something, take me on a journey and make me see something in a different light. There are so many great books that do all of these things, but here are some of my favorites:

UNF*CK YOURSELF: GET OUT OF YOUR HEAD AND INTO YOUR LIFE

Courtesy of delia_timis_ Instagram.

by Gary John Bishop

Besides loving the title, “Unf*k Yourself” reminds you of how awesome you are. It’s a straight-forward, brutally honest approach about why you continue to hit roadblocks in your life. What do you need to thrive? What do you need to get out of your head? Gary John Bishop isn’t shy with his answer.

THE WAIT: A POWERFUL PRACTICE FOR FINDING THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE AND THE LIFE YOU LOVE

The Wait book cover
Courtesy of etnahsa Instagram.

by DeVon Franklin, Meagan Good & Tim Vandehey

Ok, so maybe not for everyone, but “The Wait” was an awesome read for me. We’ve all made mistakes in past relationships that we wish we’d stop repeating. Devon and Meagan are super candid about why they chose this path and how it made a difference in their courtship. If what you’ve done in the past hasn’t worked, maybe it’s time to try something new.

BECOMING

Courtesy of kinokuniya_singapore Instagram.

by Michelle Obama

Do I even need to explain this one?! Hello! It’s basically been sold out since it went to the printers and is so the book every woman needs in her life. Just stop everything right now and go get it! You’ll thank me later.

CAN WE ALL BE FEMINISTS?

"Can We All be Feminists" book cover
Courtesy of booksandpolkadots Instagram.

Edited by June Eric-Udorie

A great question with insightful essays hoping to answer it. This anthology featuring voices of women from varying backgrounds and points of view is a must-read. It questions feminism from the standpoint of race, religion, gender identity and more. I originally thought this book may have been too political for me, but I was pleasantly surprised and came away with my own answer to the question.

WELL-READ BLACK GIRL: FINDING OUR STORIES, DISCOVERING OURSELVES

"Well-Read Black Girl" cover
Courtesy of tbretc Instagram.

Edited by Glory Edim

If you’re reading this post, this book is right up your alley. What made you fall in love with writing, books, discovering new voices? “Well Read” asked the same question. Was it a character in a book you still remember? Was it a gift from a loved-one you cherish? Glory Edim curated this collection of females voices sharing their moments of literary love and appreciation.

Start your own girl-power book club with Hey! VINA today! 

PIZZAS TO MAKE WITH YOUR VINA FOR NATIONAL PIZZA DAY

/ Jessica S. / Leave a comment

So, it’s safe to say if I was stranded on a desert island, the one thing I would bring with me is pizza. Although, once that pizza would be finished, I’d totally be jonesing for some more. I LOVE pizza! The fact there is actually a nationally recognized day celebrating pizza just affirms the love I have for it. Grab your vina and your rolling pin for some awesome ideas for National Pizza Day!

I “HEART” PIZZA!

This is one of my favorite ideas for making a pizza. It’s in the shape of a heart! You don’t need to be a culinary pro to master a heart-shape from a circle, and you don’t even need to start from scratch. Buy a pre-made pizza crust and carve the edges to form a heart. Then top it with more love: extra cheese! Bake the cut-off pieces along with the rest of the pizza and dip in some leftover pizza sauce for instant breadsticks. 

VEGGIE PIZZA FOR LIFE

Cauliflower everything has become the star of the produce aisle. Take this cruciferous treat and make it into an amazing pizza crust. You and your vina can look up some super easy recipes for cauliflower pizza crust on the internet. The overall composition is: steamed cauliflower, egg, seasonings, and some people like to add cheese to the mixture. Once it’s made into a doughy consistency, you can flatten it out and add any toppings that you and your vina desire.

MEGA PIZZA LOVE

Ok! Get ready for the most fantastic, out of this world, monstrosity of a pizza: two pizzas in one! Yes, I said it—TWO pizzas! Think of it as the homemade version of deep-dish. The idea is rather elaborate, but again, it’s really not as difficult as you may think. Start with two medium-sized pre-made pizza crusts. Bake them so that they are firm but not baked completely. Pull them out of the oven, and add your sauce, cheese, other toppings, and then another layer of sauce and more cheese. Make sure that the top layer of cheese is a hearty amount compared to the bottom layer. Take the other pizza crust and place it on top of the made pizza. Gently press the crusts together so the top crust will adhere to some of the toppings. Now it’s time to return it to the oven. Lower the temperature slightly, but allow for longer cooking time. When the cheese is melted and the crusts are brown, you can remove and enjoy this mega pizza.

If making your own pizza is not your thing, there’s nothing better than hitting up the best local pizza place for a gourmet slice with some icy cold soda!

Whether you’re a pizza lover or not (um… I never met anyone who was not), National Pizza Day is an awesome excuse to host a vina hang on the Hey! VINA app. 

THE PERFECT VINA VALENTINE’S DATE IDEAS

/ Aimee Therese / Leave a comment

‘Tis the season for heart-shaped everything, mountains of roses and heaps of chocolates. Love is in the air, and that’s a beautiful thing! I believe one of the most unfortunate misconceptions about Valentine’s Day is that it’s centered around romantic love, specifically. I don’t subscribe to this notion, and neither should you! Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate all forms of love, especially friendship. So, why not set aside some time this February to get together with your vinas and celebrate each other? In fact, I’ll even offer up some ideas to help ensure you have the perfect VVD—Vina Valentine’s Date!

GET FANCY

I love to dress up for an evening out—any excuse to put on a dress and a pair of heels. If you and your vina(s) feel the same, go all out with your fancy plans! Here are some ideas for your kickass date:

  1. Get blowouts together—there’s nothing like going out with your hair on-point, and it’s that much better when you have your vina pals with you! Many salons will throw in a complimentary glass of champagne or wine.
  2. Prep for your date together, and plan to get dressed and ready together. I always love doing this with friends before a big event—we chat, help each other get ready, and pregame for the evening with some wine. So, why not put on some mood music, bust out the bubbly, and shamelessly compliment each other while you get glammed-up for a fantastic evening?
  3. Go to that fancy-ass restaurant you and your vinas have been dying to try! This is the perfect opportunity to splurge and enjoy a dining experience you wouldn’t normally treat yourself to. Also, there should absolutely be candlelight—this is really non-negotiable.
  4. Exchange Valentine’s gifts over dinner. Do you love giving and/or receiving gifts? Me too! You can go the more traditional route and give each other ostentatious bouquets or more personalized gifts that represent your friendship.
  5. Don’t forget dessert! Honestly, I think dessert should be mandatory for all dates. If your dinner isn’t followed by a delicious sweet treat (Mmmm, ice cream. All day. Every day. Ice cream), then I don’t think it truly counts as a date, but I digress.

BE ADVENTUROUS

Are you and your vinas looking for something a bit more exciting? Do I have the PERFECT plan for you! You know how you’ve both talked about wanting to get a tattoo, but you just never seemed to get around to it? Here’s your opportunity! I HIGHLY recommend choosing an artist in advance and doing a consultation to ensure you and the artist are on the same page regarding your tattoo vision. Here’s the perfect game plan for you and your besties:

  1. Start the day off with a scrumptious brunch (I suggest avoiding booze).
  2. Shake off nerves by watching your and your vinas’ favorite Netflix series (I highly recommend “Queer Eye” or “Grace & Frankie” 🤗).
  3. Get your tats! Some parlors will let you sit in the room with each other as moral support (you can always chat with your artist beforehand about this).
  4. Take some time to admire each other’s new ink.
  5. Celebrate! I recommend ice cream followed by hours of dancing (either out on the town or in the comfort of your home wearing your coziest PJs).

FEELING CRAFTY?

Do you love getting creative and creating eye-catching crafts? Then you’d better prepare yourself for this epic VVD!

  1. Both of you choose a Valentine’s craft from Pinterest and purchase the supplies prior to the date.
  2. Meet at either of your abodes and exchange crafts (this can be your V-Day gift to each other)!
  3. Take it a step further before you begin your crafting extravaganza by both picking a cocktail recipe to try. Besides, I’m pretty sure cocktails make everyone better crafters.
  4. Construct your creations.
  5. Admire each other’s works of art!

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KEEP IT COZY & CASUAL

Not feeling up for a night on the town? Opt for a cozy night in instead! You can have a perfectly wonderful Vina Valentine’s date within the comfort of your own home. Here’s how:

  1. Dress code: pajamas (10 points to Gryffindor if they’re footies).
  2. Have everyone bring their favorite snack to share.
  3. Menu: comfort food—whatever brings warmth to your heart and happiness to your tummies. To go along with your pajama theme, you can prepare a menu of your favorite breakfast dishes (i.e. pancakes smothered in peanut butter and maple syrup 😍).
  4. Have some wine or mimosas (if you go with the breakfast theme), and let your vinas know how awesome you think they are.
  5. End the evening with your favorite best friend flick! Can’t think of one? “Bridesmaids,” “The Spy Who Dumped Me,” and “First Wives Club” are all excellent options.

GET PAMPERED

Treat yourselves to a day of relaxation and self-care. Here are some steps to your perfect date:

  1. Start the day off at your favorite cozy breakfast spot. You can even order-in, if you’re wanting to keep it super chill.
  2. Surprise your vinas with a trip to the spa.
  3. Enjoy luxurious facials, massages and mani-pedis.
  4. Afterward, go for a refreshing smoothie.
  5. End the evening with a relaxing yoga session at that awesome spot you’ve heard so much about.

Whatever you decide to do with your vinas this Valentine’s Day, remember to set aside some time to express your gratitude for each other and remind one another what badasses you are!

There’s nothing quite like being affirmed and appreciated by a friend, so jump on the Hey! VINA app to start connecting with your potential new besties! 

6 WOMEN FILMMAKERS TO WATCH

/ Jewell Fears / Leave a comment

When you think of filmmakers, who comes to mind? Martin Scorsese, Steven Spielberg, Francis Ford Coppola (I’m a Godfather so…)? True, they are all amazingly talented directors, but where are the ladies at?! There are so many female directors that fly under the radar, creating beautifully made, originally scripted, insightful, approachable work that many have never heard of. That ends now! Get your popcorn ready and check out this list for who you should be keeping an eye on:

AVA DUVERNAY

With production credits such as “Queen Sugar” and “Selma” under her belt, Duvernay is on the road to becoming one of the most prolific female director/producers of our time. She is the founder of AFFRM, the African-American Film Festival Releasing Movement. She was also named one of “The 100 Most Influential People” by TIME Magazine in 2017 and became a member of the “Official Competition” jury at the 71st Cannes International Film Festival in 2018.

DEBRA MARTIN CHASE

This two-time Emmy nominee recently signed a multi-year first-look deal with Universal Television in 2017. As producer of “The Princess Diaries” and “The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants,” Chase will be developing original content for network, cable and streaming services, along with pilots and historical projects. She has multiple productions already in progress with ABC and Bravo, and she is focused on bringing new voices to the table.

ELIZABETH KARLSEN

As a featured filmmaker at the BFO London Film Festive, Karlsen has no qualms about her right as a filmmaker. Known mostly for her 2015 film “Carol” and 1992 film “Crying Game,” she works to bring marginalized groups to the forefront by illustrating the need for girls/women to have role models in the industry. Her most recent project, “Colette,” is based on a French woman of the same name who was not given the ability to claim her own work, because she was a woman in the late 19th and early 20th century.

DEDE GARDNER

As the first female producer to win two Oscars for Best Picture – “12 Years a Slave” (2013) and “Moonlight” (2016) – Gardner has already made her mark. However, she continues to search for “inclusive stories” to tell and continuously improving on telling the stories that need to be told. Garner currently serves as executive producer for an FX anthology series, as well as President of Plan B Entertainment, a production company founded by Brad Pitt in 2001.

WANURI KAHIU

Having premiered her work in 2009, presented a short film at the Sundance film festival in 2010, and garnered Best Narrative Feature at the Pan African Film Festival and five awards at the African Movie Academy Awards, Kahiu is blazing her own trail. She has created her own genre of filmmaking, Afrobubblegum, that is unapologetically vibrant and hopeful. Her latest offering, “Rafiki,” tells the story of forbidden love between two women on opposing sides of society.

TINGE KRISHNAN

Named “One to Watch” by Moviescope Magazine in 2008, Krishnan is steadfast in making sure diversity on set is balanced and appreciated. She has steadily impressed with her films – “Groove on a Stanley Knife” (1997), “Shadowscan” (2001) and “Junkhearts” (2011) – and continues to hone her independent point of view. Paying close attention to themes of love and joy, her recent film “Been So Long” brings almost a child-like view to the streets of London.

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