Trail Blazing…

Ian C. Smithfield

In economic times that can be categorized as difficult at best. The best recourse might be to take matters into your own hands and create your life’s work. Innovation comes in many forms and these five entrepreneurs know how to find a niche and make it work. If you’re looking for innovation you can end your search here.

Smartpac – Unless you have graduated to permanent use of private jets air travel is a trying situation. You are often delayed, stripped down, given no food and ultimately no recourse. Even the personal amenities you can bring with you are severely restricted. Thus enters Smartpac the brainchild of former consultant, , who figured there had to be a better way to get your personal grooming from one place to another. Smartpac is designed to give you a carry-on ready, disposable, high quality, beautifully designed travel option that services all your personal grooming needs. They come in both his and her options. The products take into account the stresses of air travel as they are loaded with healthy ingredients including green tea for anti-oxidation, vitamin E for anti-aging, Aloe Vera gel for soothing skin just to name a few. Isn’t it time you upgrade your experience even if the airlines won’t?

Eatwhatever – When you’re out and about and you want to make your move on the young lady of your choice that last thing you want to be thinking about is bad breath. You also don’t want to be talking while chewing on a wad of gum like a 15 year adolescent. That’s where Eatwhatever, designed by Jacqui Rosshandler puts you and your breath back in the game. Basically, these 100% organic tablets and mints allow you to literally ingest them prior to your night out and then you can eat and drink to your hearts content while still maintaining kissable breath. How does it work? You ingest two or three vegetarian jellies that release organic peppermint and parsley seed oils to counter the tinge of garlic or onion like smells on the breath. Then you suck on a mint for a few moments while the jellies do their thing. Pretty easy and you’re set for the rest of the night. So if you don’t make it happen with that lady of your choosing you at least know your breath is not the culprit.

Setgo – Nowadays men can just as much as women do. The dirty little secret it out. We have Ipods, Blackberries, keys, money, credit cards, business cards, the list goes on. At times, it is just a bit more than your pockets can bear. Especially if you don’t want bulges ruining your carefully put together outfit. There are those of us who are comfortable rocking the “man-purse” but that is not us. So when you want to carry your essentials and not look a little feminine…you can turn to Setgo founded by Nathan Leon. The Setgo shoulder bag is like a high tech, slicker, messenger bag. It fits neatly over your clothes and has enough pockets and sleeves to carry everything the urban adventurer would need without the heavy load. It’s perfect for the causal days around the town when you need to be on the move. You instantly become part ninja/part fashionisto.

Pingg – Evites might be okay for your impromptu birthday or bachelorette party. But let’s face it, it lacks that sophisticated punch that says “hi, I’m an adult having a classy affair and I would like for you to attend.” Pingg is setting the stage to change that and give the discerning host a high class alternative. Brothers, Matt Harrop & Lorien Gabel have brought a new edge to online invitations and the buzz is growing ever louder. You can design and send personalized online invitations that work seamlessly via email, SMS, Facebook and even print. If you’re taking the time to plan that special occasion it only makes sense to incorporate the best in new invitation technology and that is Pingg without a doubt.

Polosophy – Buying your shirts off the rack is passé. We’ll give you the benefit of the doubt for t-shirts but that’s about it. Even though polo shirts usually fall into the causal category you can now get your own bespoke custom polo shirts courtesy of Giuseppe Stigliano’s Polosophy. The brand is all about being unique. This is not the gaudy heavy logo of a Ralph Lauren polo. Instead the only adornment is perhaps your monogram. In keeping with the royal tradition of polo these shirts are made to look good whether riding or not. You might not be royalty but you’ll have all the necessary accoutrements.

Break Free

At FREE we don’t know everything. As much as we like to pretend that we do. Trust us the editorial meetings can go on and on as we debate minutiae as far reaching as most poignant line in romantic classic Love Jones or whether Kid A or In Rainbows is the definitive Radiohead opus. After such scintillating conversations even we need a break from the ordinary. These respites could come in the form of vacations, spas, weekend jaunts. Or they could come by reinventing the things all around us. Change your outlook and you can change your very life. Heady stuff we know. That’s why we have distilled it down for you. Sex & Life. Intertwined. Connected. It’s time to take a look and break free.

Sex

Schedule – The #1 thing about scheduling sex is don’t do it. Scheduling sex is the bullshit you hear from relationship counselors and married people. Which means it will rarely work. Sex should be explosive and most importantly spontaneous. Night, afternoon, morning. All of the above. Do it when you’re inspired. And with the right person that should be all the time.
Variety – To quote Alan Arkin’s character in Little Miss Sunshine. “Sleep with a lot of women. Not one woman. But a lot of women”. Monogamy is great and all (insert laugh track here) but until you’re in a relationship do what feels right. Have as many experiences as you can. Be safe, be respectful but have sex with lots of women.
Communication – Let the person you’re with know what you are all about. If you like when she pinches your nipples, or bites your neck you better let her know. If you like sexy lingerie or old tee shirts then express yourself. Whatever you’re not getting from your lover will only increase the chances that you’ll look for it elsewhere.
Release your inner freak – Check the above but take it a step further. Forget about missionary style. It’s time to dig deeper and make sex an adventure. A little BDSM, spicy dirty talk and role play never hurt anyone. As long as your partner is on board then step up your freak quotient. Where you used to hold hands walking down the street now you’re getting a hand job under the table at dinner. Quiet picnic in the park leads to a semi-secluded area for a quickie. Where ever your imagination takes you go with it and enjoy one of the best rides you’ll ever have.

& everything else in Life

Itunes is evil – Okay not really. But stop buying music and start going to see it. I am not talking about the bands you love and you check out all the time in big venues. Find a local spot in your city and check in randomly. You’ll discover new sounds and you’ll really be supporting the artists. Plus if you like what you hear more than likely you can buy the disc from the artist right after the show.
Listen – No, I mean it. Really listen. Not the fake ass listening we do when we’re only waiting for our opportunity to speak. I mean attentively listen and process the words that are coming from the person you’re talking to. You’ll be amazed at the things you’ll learn when you take in the ideas and opinions of others. I know we’re always right but on the off chance that we’re not.
Get off the beaten path – Stop going to the same places with the same people. Where ever you frequent once or twice a month go to the exact polar opposite. It is energizing to be in a new environment where you have to adapt. Your adrenaline will rush through your system in a good way. That’s called wonder in case you forgot what it feels like.
Cherish reality – There is no way to sugar coat this one. Stop collecting bullshit. We’re not talking about things we’re talking about obligations. Be honest with yourself and what motivates you to be happy. Do not make other people’s expectations, guilt trips and baggage your own. Instead embrace your friends and family. Spend real time with them. Stop emailing, texting, blogging, playing video games. Don’t talk about your life on Facebook actually get out there and live it. The more we have the less we experience. That’s the type of inverse relationship we should be looking to avoid.