VIVmag Celebrates 'Green & Travel' Issue With Cover Models Rachelle Carson-Begley and Husband, Ed Begley, Jr.

NEW YORK, March 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Rachelle Carson-Begley has earned both critical and popular acclaim for her myriad film and television roles.  But the accomplished actress and dancer today reveals that her real-life role as the wife of Hollywood's "Jolly Green Giant" may be one of the most demanding of her career.

Carson-Begley and her eco-conscious husband, Ed Begley, Jr. -- the first male to grace a cover of VIVmag -- share the spotlight in the special March/April 2010 "Green & Travel" issue (vivmag.com/green), which launched today, featuring the magazine's first-ever, cross-animated cover.  The Hollywood beauty talks about what it's really like to live green -- albeit somewhat reluctantly -- her career and her complex relationship with food.  

"As women, we all face the same issues, no matter who you are or where you live," Carson-Begley said.  "Being under the microscope in a reality show sometimes makes it a little tougher, but I'm honored to share some tips I've learned about wellness and awareness with VIVmag readers."

VIVmag's special "Green & Travel" cover features Carson-Begley and Begley, Jr., stepping onto the red carpet, premiere-style, amid a flurry of flashing strobes.  As they pose for paparazzi, the carpet springs to life with green grass as the couple's Toyota Prius Hybrid ($22,800, Toyota.com) fades into the background.  Carson-Begley's ensemble includes a La Perla silk, one-shoulder gown ($3,235, LaPerla.com), Roxanne Assoulin for Lee Angel cluster drop crystal earrings ($90, LeeAngel.com), Kenneth Jay Lane rose-gold crystal pave bangles ($225 each, jennifermillerjewelry.com) and Claudia Ciuti "Marcia" mirror leather heel ($400, at Claudia Ciuti, NYC, 212.535.3025).  Begley, Jr.'s, wardrobe includes a Lauren Ralph Lauren tuxedo ($595, at Lord & Taylor, NYC, 212.391.3344), C5 Company cuff links ($540, C5company.com) and Bruno Magli "Ranuncolo" Oxfords ($375, at Lord & Taylor, NYC, 212.391.3344).  Created by acclaimed photographer and multimedia artist, Alexx Henry, the interactive cover allows readers to click each product for credit details.

The cover story features embedded clips from Planet Green's Living with Ed, along with original photos and video shot inside the Begleys' Studio City, CA, home.  VIVmag readers get a peek at "Rachelle's Favorites," which include Bella Ve, Liz Earle and Jurlique for natural skin care, DermOrganic, Prawduct and Pureology haircare products, Premier Figuier by L'Artisan Parfumeur fragrances, Prairie Underground organic clothing, shoes by Stuart Weitzman and sustainable jewelry by C5 Company.

In addition to Living with Ed, Carson-Begley has appeared in the TV legal drama Boston Legal, NYPD Blue, the 80's TV hit Falcon Crest and the 1990 drama, Eating: A Very Serious Comedy About Women & Food, where her character tearfully confesses her shame about seeking comfort in food.  In VIVmag, Carson-Begley indicates her own experience isn't far off from the character she played, admitting that the typical catered craft service is an ever-present temptation while shooting the reality show.

"I can't think of a more appropriate cover model for this special 'Green & Travel' issue," said Anne M. Russell, editor in chief, VIVmag.  "Not only is Rachelle strikingly beautiful, but she's also genuine, proving that behind all the glamour, there is a universal fabric that unites all women across generations, lifestyles and cultures."

The March/April 2010 issue of VIVmag includes other eco-friendly features, encouraging readers to:

• Explore fun and exotic agritourism destinations that allow visitors to participate in the activities, such as producing chocolate in Belize, growing organic lemons in Sicily and attending a coffee academy in Thailand in VIVmag's Travel section;
• Learn how easy and rewarding it can be to eat locally with great websites and resources for finding locally grown produce, meat and dairy products in your area in VIVmag's Bookmark It section; and
• Choose the best e-reader to enjoy eco-friendly reading with VIVmag's roundup of devices, including features, carrier coverage and pricing options, in the Tech section.

Other exclusive interactive features in this issue include:

• The "Into the Wild" Style section, in which fashion expert Jorge Ramon shows readers how to take high-style items from wild to mild in entertaining, interactive video segments; and
• A film-noir-style feature covering women's fears about sex and intimacy that plays more like a thrilling piece of cinematography than a magazine article.

"Also, readers will be glad to know that international arbiter of style, Colin Cowie, is back in this issue with a special column on travel tips and how to pack for a fabulous journey," Russell said.

As the first, all-digital, luxury magazine for women, VIVmag continues to expand its revolutionary integration of multimedia content, highlighted by the March/April 2010 issue, which has been optimized for the iPhone.  Features include seamless page layouts and dynamically designed typeface, offering a richer consumer experience.

Stephen G. Barr, Associate Publisher, announced several new advertisers debuting in VIVmag's "Green & Travel" issue: Fandango's preview trailer of the upcoming HBO Films' Sex and the City 2, KIA Motors' dynamic ad featuring the new Kia Sorento CUV's national commercial, retailer Mitchells/Richards/Wilkes & Bashford's spring campaign and Showtime Network's Nurse Jackie and United States of Tara promos featuring season-premiere dates.

Estee Lauder returns with the launch of its new Perfectionist campaign, along with Audemars Piguet, Dior, Donna Karan Beauty, MACY'S, NetJets and Philip Press.

To read the full-length story on Rachelle Carson-Begley, "Living with Hollywood's Jolly Green Giant," and other features in the March/April issue, go to VIVmag.com.

About VIVmag

VIVmag is a first: It's an exclusively digital, 100% interactive magazine that delivers reliable, accurate service journalism in fitness, wellness, fashion, beauty, awareness and nutrition. Its audience of savvy women is genuinely committed to leading healthy, balanced lives.  VIVmag's interactive content entertains and informs, helping readers achieve the confidence that comes from engaging life at a higher level.  From interactive exercise demonstrations to point-and-click purchasing power right from its pages, VIVmag has attracted a circulation of over 350,000 influential readers committed to discovering and embracing the future of magazines.  To learn more about VIVmag, please visit VIVmag.com.

SOURCE VIVmag