The "B-Life"

B - Black In America

2008-07-23T20:54:00.005-05:00

The much buzzed-about Black In America series premiered on CNN last night. The day-one of the series told the story of the "Black Woman & Family" and covered everything from education to dating "something new" outside of your race. The poignant, but vested Soledad O'Brien guides the story by weaving in a and out of the woes and triumphs of the Rand Family, and other related characters. At times, watching part-one of the series gave me a great sense of pride, re-affirmed the hardships, but most importantly, reminded me of the "community" and the responsibility we have to one another. To say this series is well-timed is an understatement. Catch/tivo part two about the "Black Man" airing tonight on CNN at 9PM ET.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The Smith family (of the Rand Clan) raise 6 college educated scholar-athletes who all have something to prove to exceed their role-model parents
10 year old Eric Kennedy Jr.'s goal score perfect grades o help his single father pay the bills
"Marry Your Baby Daddy Day"
The relentless mission of Harvard Professor Ron Fryer to tackle black issues

B out...Thursday 7/24!

2008-07-21T06:29:00.000-05:00

B quoted...

2008-07-21T06:25:00.001-05:00

“I couldn't tell people what I wanted to do because I was from Atlanta. You don't tell people you're gonna be a comedian in Atlanta. That means you ain't gonna do nothing,” ~ Chris Tucker

B friends (with your Ex)!

2008-07-15T23:39:00.004-05:00

A recent picture on my blog inspired this post. But my answer is YES - you can absolutely be friends with your Ex. Just because you never stop caring, desiring for, or loving that person, doesn't mean that 2 adults can't come to a mutual agreement on the terms of a friendship.

DON'T:

Become bffs with his new girl - you're out to prove something to yourself, him, and the girl...don't try so hard!
Ignore him when you see him in public. If you see him, he sees you. It's reciprocal. Once you start a pattern of not acknowledging each other, it's hard to take it back.
Purposely leave away messages on AIM, change your status on Facebook, or blog anything that indicates your bitterness. Even though you want outsiders to pick up on your "subliminal" messages so they can all send bad vibes to your Ex's - it doesn't work that way. You'll only play yourself
Bring around a new guy, just to make your Ex jealous. If there isn't any real chemistry, your old flame will know you're just playing games.
Pry for details. Trust me.

DO:

Mutually decide whether or not you want to become friends. Once that is squared away, don't be afraid to set some guidelines for the friendship
Take time apart to process the break-up. If you immediately jump in LC and Lo status, you'll either start sleeping together and/or not feel like the break up ever happened.
Call ahead to find out if your Ex is bringing someone to a mutual pal's gathering and/or give him a heads up if you plan to do the same. The first time is tricky, so always be sensitive about the nu-nu.
Acknowledge the good and bad times - birthdays, holidays, promotions, passings, lay-offs, etc. If someone was a major part of your life, there's no need to cut off a strong support arm. Embrace it!
Eventually be open to meeting the new chick. Who knows how long she'll last, but it's worth putting the face to a name. After all, your Ex is just a friend, right...?

Satire or sabotoge?

2008-07-15T07:42:00.001-05:00

B in Prospect Park...BK all day!

2008-07-13T21:16:00.016-05:00

It was a HUGE weekend in BK, and the annual Heatwave BBQ in Prospect Park was blazing! This summer, the crowd was bigger, the line was longer, and the weather was more beautiful than ever. If you missed it...there's always next year!

BBQ - this Sunday 7/13!

2008-07-12T14:55:00.003-05:00

It's baaack...

Where can you find everyone you know from undergrad, grad school, the internship that landed you permanent placement, and your first year in NY? The annual MIH Heatwave BBQ in Prospect Park! If you're not a BK resident, this is the perfect time to venture south and see what the beautiful borough has to offer. Not to mention, the event always promises a drama-free, chill, Sunday afternoon with food and people aplenty. Meet old friends, new friends, and ex-friends you've been avoiding all year...it's all good! Trust, this is a BBQ you don't want to just hear about on Sunday.

What to Bring:

a blanket is a must!
playing cards
comfortable shoes (please don't be one of those in 4-inch heels - not the place!)
a few snacks (and drinks) if you don't want to wait on line
sunblock
sunglasses
friends!

Directions:
2,3 to Grand Army Plaza
Q to 7th Avenue
Enter via Grand Army Plaza Entrance to Long Meadow Field

B out...

2008-07-11T06:39:00.002-05:00

What: The Dream
When: Sat. July 12
Where: Kion - 509 E. 6th St.
Why: Celebrate the Ron Brown Scholar Alumni

What: Boyz 2 Men
When: July 15th & 16th - 8PM
Where: BB Kings Blues Club - NYC
Why: "On Bended Knee" is forever a classic!

B cool...

2008-07-09T05:17:00.011-05:00

From Barack to Prince - how can you not LOVE black men? This month, Ebony Magazine covers the "25 Coolest Brothers of All Time" with 8 different collector's edition covers. My line up has an underlying "ranking", but that was no easy task. How would you have ranked them?

Either way, kudos to Ebony for shining a light on some of the best that ever did it. These gentleman not only play the game, or win the game - they define it.

Leave a comment to nominate another brother for the cover.

B high-browed...

2008-07-07T22:08:00.015-05:00

Do create a natural arch that follows the shape of your eye.

Don't let scraggly brows go unattended. "Thinning" brows make you look older. Fill 'em in!

Do go for a dramatic brow that makes a statement.
Don't paint on your brows. Period.

Do groom pierced brows meticulously.

Don't pluck your brows into semi-circles. Not a good look.

Do embrace a full brow. Thick is in!

Don't get frustrated and take them off altogether!

B a bachelorette!

2008-07-07T00:18:00.013-05:00

Dana: The Blushing Bride

July 4th is made for Essence Fest, The Hamptons, Martha's Vineyard, backyard BBQ's and bachelorette parties on South Beach. Yep, we partied it up this weekend with 25 women at our favorite MIA hot spots. We started at Philippe for tasty fare at the recently opened Gansevoort Hotel, A Fish Called Avalon, and a partied at Opium Garden. The pre-wedding getaway was the perfect recipe for relaxation, bonding with girlfriends, and a golden tan to make the entire bridal party glow on the big day.

Philippe

The Beach

A Fish Called Avalon

Ocean Dr.

Opium Garden/Prive'

B spotted...

2008-07-06T23:41:00.002-05:00

Wesley Snipes was spotted pushing fellow actor Daryl "Chill" Mitchell down the the strip on South Beach. Humanitarian or hunting for a photo op? Hmmm...

B quoted...

2008-07-06T23:28:00.003-05:00

"I'm just riding this train as long as I can. As long as I'm having fun, I'll do it. When it stops being fun, I'll try something else. Maybe I'll open up a chain of Popeye's Chicken." ~ Gabrielle Union

Win a free pair of Christian Louboutin Stilettos!

2008-07-02T06:01:00.003-05:00

UsWeekly coined the term "Recessionista" for the fabulous ones who have an eye for the most desirable must-have items, despite the misfortune of living fashionably in the current economic climate. Too funny, but quite appropriate!

As a result, I had to share an unconventional way to win a pair of the coveted red-bottom Christian Louboutin stilettos. As 3rd Lane/Jive Records introduces the world to Lee Carr, all you have to do is...well, why don't you find out for yourself. Click here to find out how to enter for a chance to win a pair of the hottest stilettos on the market.

Watch Lee Carr's personal invitation below:

The B-Life may air my our favorite entry, so shoot me an email at theblife@gmail.com and send a link to your video! Go 'head - rock 'em. Loubou's don't fall out of the sky every day. Good luck!

BET AWARDS 2008 - Red Carpet Fashion

2008-06-26T06:28:00.004-05:00

I hope ya'll got a chance to check out the red carpet action at the BET AWARDS the other night!

My favorite:

Unfortunately not loving...

What did you think? Let me know. And for more coverage - check out Jezebel.com.

B EXPOSED: Sex & the City - LIES & TRUTHS

2008-06-24T21:35:00.015-05:00

If you ask a 20-something young woman why she moved to New York City, it's likely that her answers may have something to do with a little series called "Sex & the City." (The fashion, the friendships, the fun - oh my!) But as a new audience experiences the fab four through the movie release, it's only right time expose some of the lies & truths about the lifestyles lead by Carrie & the gang.

LIES

4 women can really walk down a Manhattan sidewalk shoulder-to-shoulder and side-by-side without getting whacked or cursed out by on-comers.

Your driver is always on time, and parked right in front of your building.

It's possible to never wear flats and relentlessly pound the pavement in 4.5 inch stilettos - and in the meatpacking district, no less.

You can rent a spacious 1 bedroom apartment on the UES for less than $1000 a month.

A publicist, an author, a corporate lawyer, and an art gallery director/housewife can sync their schedules to have a drink a least once a week.

Neighbors in your building are ever this sexy (and available)!

TRUTHS

You will eat LOTS of brunch.

Fashion will inspire you - daily. (For better or worse.)

You just might get a dream offer to work for Vogue.

You will make friends for life.

You can fall in love.

B a jetsetter!

2008-06-23T08:18:00.010-05:00

Travel season is upon us, so why not jet in-style? A few essentials will keep you fabulously functional while flying high!

WRAP

This Banana Republic Long-Sleeve Wrap Cardigan is key to staying warm and chic on your flight. Layering pieces are easy to grab on your way out the door will help you to keep your outfit simple. All you need are comfortable jeans and a tank!

SUNGLASSES (AVIATORS)

You don't have to be the pilot to rock these stunners. Ray-Ban Original Aviator Sunglasses are classics that can cover a few bags if you had a late-night out before boarding the plane.

PASSPORT CASEYou can't go too far without your passport, but you can take you can instantly upgrade your look with a chic Abas Wave Passport Case. Love this one!

COLORFUL CARRY-ON

Laptop, magazines, wallet - check! Fit it all into a fun, colorful bag like this J.Crew Lugano Leather Valise. It would be hard to leave this standout piece behind.

SCENTED HAND CREAMAsh-checks are necessary before and after you get on the plane. A clean, but fragrant lotion like L'Occitane Lavender Hand Cream will keep you moisturized and a little dab here and there will freshen your senses before you land.

HIGH-FIBER SNACK

Food is hard to come by on most commercial flights, so pack a box of Triscuits on your way out. Hi-altitudes can leave you backed-up (it's true), so hi-fiber snacks will keep everything moving while satisfying your hunger.

B quoted...

2008-06-23T08:10:00.003-05:00

“I was just a typical South Side little black girl... Not a whole lot of money. Going to the circus once a year was a big deal....I enjoyed it there [Princeton]. I liked the safety and quiet. It helped having an older brother who was a basketball star...Of course, it was different, being black, but I found a black support base for myself. It was also different not being filthy rich...At the end of the year, these limos would come to get kids, and me and my brother would be carrying our cardboard boxes down to the train station. But it helped my confidence, being able to succeed there. I actually knew lots of kids in high school who could have competed there, academically. You just had to get in. So much of getting ahead in this world is access, networking.” ~Michelle Obama

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this woman. Get it Michelle!

B out...TONIGHT!

2008-06-18T06:38:00.001-05:00

B thrifty...

2008-06-16T23:05:00.010-05:00

Living the B-Life doesn't exclude doing it big on a budget. Whether you're saving for a trip to South Africa or trying to stash cash to get a Miu Miu bag this Fall - these tips will definitely help you out!

HOLD THAT PURCHASE! Before you make your next online purchase, head to Retail Me Not for discount codes to countless online retailers! I recently got a 20% discount and free shipping on a 1200-thread count duvet set.

CALLING ALL CURL-GIRLS: Sign-up for your free hair cut at the Ouidad Salon today. Ouidad specializes in curly hair, and they dole out experts cuts during training sessions with their special "carve & slice" method.

SHIP THIS - Did you know that Greyhound can ship clothing/furniture/packages cross-country for hundreds less than the usual shipping methods? Just call/go to their website to learn more about the "Cargo" program. My girl's mom recently found an antique chair in LA, and now it lives in her Harlem digs for a mere $30....

CUSTOM DRAPES for all! Apparently custom drapes aren't just for those with pricey interior designers. Visit a fabric store, pick a material/pattern you love, and bring it to your local dry cleaners. A good dry cleaner can place all the necessary hems/pleats to create the perfect panels for your pad.

DRIVE EASY! Getting a new ride is easier (and cheaper) than you think. Sites like Swap A Lease allow you to take over a pre-existing car lease at an extremely reasonable rate. The down payments have already been made, so all you have to do is pitch in monthly. My boy got a 3-series BMW ("B My Wifey"/"Black Man's Wish" - I didn't make those up!) for less than 3 Ben's a month. Not a bad deal.

B: "Black In America"

2008-06-15T23:51:00.004-05:00

This July, CNN unveils the stories of one of the most culturally influential, yet misunderstood groups in the country - BLACK PEOPLE. All of our journeys may vary, but our shared legacy is the same. Take a sneak peak at this provocative and telling special about a group struggling to keep it together at a time when we have everything, but risk losing even more all at the same time.

B quoted...

2008-06-15T23:49:00.002-05:00

"But out of limitations comes creativity." ~ Debbie Allen

B out - THIS WEEKEND...(NYC)

2008-06-12T21:50:00.003-05:00

What: Hypnotic Brass Ensemble
When: Friday June 13th - 12:30PM
Where: Blue Note Jazz Club
Why: Every time I catch these guys on the street I'm mesmerized by their music. Really - if you can stay up, don't miss this one.

What: Dangerous Girl
When: Saturday June 14
Where: Kion Lounge - 509 E. 6th St. (btw Ave. A & B)
Why: Time for a night out...

B out - TONIGHT!

2008-06-12T06:23:00.002-05:00

And so it begins...Lots of options for the summer. This one at Level V will definitely be a good look. Enjoy!

B out(doors) for lunch...

2008-06-11T06:03:00.007-05:00

I think I may have found the perfect work-week lunch spot - MARIA PIA, located on 319 W. 51st St. (btw. 8th $ 9th Ave.)!

If you're a sucker for eating outdoors (like me), you can dine Euro cafe-style in the front, or in the back on the patio.

But if you prefer to stay cool at all times, the inside is equally adorable.

There's also an AMAZING prix fixe lunch special. For $12.95 you get antipasti, secondi, and dolci! You can't beat that with a stick!

(The outdoor patio)

Sure, we may have gotten back to the office about about 15 minutes late, but it was worth it!

Head to www.mariapianyc.com for more info.