The B-Life is on holiday, but we'll be back in the new year! We still have a limited quantity of New Year's Eve tickets with the B-Discount, so email us at theblife@gmail.com to get yours. Happy Holidays!
12.21.2007
B out for NEW YEARS EVE! It's a celebration....
Get your tickets to the hottest NEW YEAR'S EVE celebration for the grown & sexy with the exclusive B-Life Discount!
(General Admission tickets are almost gone, so get yours before it's too late.)
(General Admission tickets are almost gone, so get yours before it's too late.)
Ticket includes: admission, open bar, appetizer & dessert stations, and coffee & tea bar.
- General Admission** - $150 (w/ B-Discount $135) - Price good until 12/26/07
- VIP** - $225 (w/ B-Discount $205) VIP comes with table service (and food) and 2 free bottles (of your choice)! Plus, if you buy 4 or more VIP tickets, each person will receive an additional wristband for a General Admission guest.
**Limited availabilityTo purchase tickets with the exclusive B-Discount, email us at theblife@gmail.com with your: name, phone number, billing address, email address, party size and desired ticket level. Feel free to send any inquiries as well.
You don't want to miss this...
12.20.2007
B-trendy: Buffalo Plaid!
When I got to work yesterday, it looked like my super-stylish boss and I got dressed together. She was wearing a red flannel buffalo plaid strapless dress (with pearls!!!) and I was wearing a similar red buffalo plaid pleated mini. So it got me thinking...
I'll admit, I'm a little obsessed, and this fabulous hunting-turned hipster-turned(somehow) chic yet punky print comes in several enticing shapes and color combos, but let's start with the basics...
THE INSPIRATION: LINDSAY LOHAN (FASHION ONLY)
I'll admit, I'm a little obsessed, and this fabulous hunting-turned hipster-turned(somehow) chic yet punky print comes in several enticing shapes and color combos, but let's start with the basics...
THE INSPIRATION: LINDSAY LOHAN (FASHION ONLY)
For a a more-masculine lumberjack style button-down
(paired with skinny jeans and flat boots - to-die!), try...
Lux Buffalo Plaid Shirt - $38 (Urban Outfitters)
For a more dressed-up, holiday appropriate version
that you can pair with pearls, try...
Taffeta Buffalo Plaid Wrap - $25 (Issac Mizrahi for Target)
BONUS: If you have the tops down and you're ready for the next item this buffalo plaid boot is classic and gothic at the same time!
Plaid Rainboots - $25 (Urban Outfitters)
12.18.2007
B in the Spotlight: Loni Swain
Meet Loni Swain...She's sassy, fun-loving, and she's never met a stranger! As one of the hottest PYT's on the airwaves, her voice is her money-maker. Let's chat with Loni and learn how she gets in where she fits in on the radio scene.
What is your current role?
I am working at FOXY 95.5 WFUN-FM in Saint Louis, MO. I am the host of Loni's Love Lounge...all the slow baby makin' love songs! Mon-Fri 6p-12a. You can also listen LIVE online at www.foxy955.net.
How did you get your start in radio? (Hint, hint - did any peer help you out? :)
I got my start in radio thanks to the B-Life's founder and my dear friend Jen! :) I started, as most in the entertainment industry, as an intern in the Promotions department at Q93 WQUE-FM in New Orleans,LA in 2001. After doing that for 6 months WITHOUT PAY...just a couple free cds here and there...I got hired PART TIME. This industry is big on making you pay your dues! And I am still considered a rookie with 5 years under my belt!
What did you have to do to prove yourself as a serious on-air personality?
Aside from "paying my dues" ( interning without pay, working the grave-yard shifts, and filling in for people at the last minute), I mainly had to show my dedication to the job. This is a job where you are CONSTANTLY having to prove yourself on a daily basis! Its a 24 hour job that you have to remain passionate about. Consistently being up-to-date on current events and things relative to my audience, putting in the extra hours, doing community service, creating a name for myself amongst my listening audience as well as my co-workers by promoting myself and events that I am a part of and last but certainly not least..NETWORKING!!! Meeting and maintaining communication with other people within the industry will help you out A LOT! and the more people you know...the more people speak about you and your work ethic...the better!
Which parts of the job are glamorous?
Meeting the celebrities of course... Attending award shows, boxing matches in Vegas, staying at the W Hotel in Hollywood for movie premieres and more...all for $FREE.99! Getting free cds, movie passes, concert tickets, VIP status at the clubs...but the free trips are my fav! Plus a lot of listeners look up to you as though YOU are a celebrity...people hear your voice everyday! you are a part of people's lives!!! pretty cool! :)
Which parts of the job are unglamorous?
The PAY can be very UNGLAMOROUS! Especially when you first start out. They figure the free stuff is compensation enough... SOMEBODY LIED! lol...Plus...because it can be considered very glamorous for most, they know there are plenty of people in line who would do the job for little to nothing! Its highly competitive! Also, because some people consider you a celebrity and see you get the hook-up, you have to watch for the fake friends and groupies that just want to hang out with you so that they can get " the hook-up too!"
Tell us something that we don't know about the radio business?
Because no one ever sees radio personalities...alot of us go to work lookin' TOE-UP! despite our glamorous appearances when we are on the social scene! :)
What is your dream job? I always say...anything that doesn't deal with math or science!!!!
Honestly, I don't know. In the near future, I plan to pursue some television aspirations. Possibly news anchoring or being a vee-jay. However, I change my mind everyday and sometimes dream of being a pre-school teacher! I know it would have to be something where I interact with people on a daily basis...plus I like to talk!
What advice do you have for those who may want to break into the radio biz. or show business in general?
Be persistent!!!!! Stay encouraged! Know that you will have to pay dues...do grunt work and possibly take a job making coffee for the boss to get your foot in the door. BE WILLING TO LEARN EVERYTHING! to make yourself more valuable to the company. You also have to have tough skin or be willing to get some...because this industry is based on OTHER PEOPLE's OPINION of YOU! And ALWAYS stay HUMBLE! This is a JOB...like any other JOB...you could be HOT today...and GONE tomorrow!
What makes you good at your job?
I am a naturally friendly person...and I smile a lot...so I usually have no problems meeting new people and making new friends...personally and professionally...this biz is all about networking and building relationships!
Where do you go from here?
Hopefully UP! :) My short term goal is to break into television while doing radio simultaneously....take over your airwaves AND TV! Soooo...hopefully you will be hearing me on your radio and seeing me on a TV near YOU!
What is your current role?I am working at FOXY 95.5 WFUN-FM in Saint Louis, MO. I am the host of Loni's Love Lounge...all the slow baby makin' love songs! Mon-Fri 6p-12a. You can also listen LIVE online at www.foxy955.net.
How did you get your start in radio? (Hint, hint - did any peer help you out? :)
I got my start in radio thanks to the B-Life's founder and my dear friend Jen! :) I started, as most in the entertainment industry, as an intern in the Promotions department at Q93 WQUE-FM in New Orleans,LA in 2001. After doing that for 6 months WITHOUT PAY...just a couple free cds here and there...I got hired PART TIME. This industry is big on making you pay your dues! And I am still considered a rookie with 5 years under my belt!
What did you have to do to prove yourself as a serious on-air personality?
Aside from "paying my dues" ( interning without pay, working the grave-yard shifts, and filling in for people at the last minute), I mainly had to show my dedication to the job. This is a job where you are CONSTANTLY having to prove yourself on a daily basis! Its a 24 hour job that you have to remain passionate about. Consistently being up-to-date on current events and things relative to my audience, putting in the extra hours, doing community service, creating a name for myself amongst my listening audience as well as my co-workers by promoting myself and events that I am a part of and last but certainly not least..NETWORKING!!! Meeting and maintaining communication with other people within the industry will help you out A LOT! and the more people you know...the more people speak about you and your work ethic...the better!
Which parts of the job are glamorous?
Meeting the celebrities of course... Attending award shows, boxing matches in Vegas, staying at the W Hotel in Hollywood for movie premieres and more...all for $FREE.99! Getting free cds, movie passes, concert tickets, VIP status at the clubs...but the free trips are my fav! Plus a lot of listeners look up to you as though YOU are a celebrity...people hear your voice everyday! you are a part of people's lives!!! pretty cool! :)
Which parts of the job are unglamorous?The PAY can be very UNGLAMOROUS! Especially when you first start out. They figure the free stuff is compensation enough... SOMEBODY LIED! lol...Plus...because it can be considered very glamorous for most, they know there are plenty of people in line who would do the job for little to nothing! Its highly competitive! Also, because some people consider you a celebrity and see you get the hook-up, you have to watch for the fake friends and groupies that just want to hang out with you so that they can get " the hook-up too!"
Tell us something that we don't know about the radio business?
Because no one ever sees radio personalities...alot of us go to work lookin' TOE-UP! despite our glamorous appearances when we are on the social scene! :)
What is your dream job? I always say...anything that doesn't deal with math or science!!!!
Honestly, I don't know. In the near future, I plan to pursue some television aspirations. Possibly news anchoring or being a vee-jay. However, I change my mind everyday and sometimes dream of being a pre-school teacher! I know it would have to be something where I interact with people on a daily basis...plus I like to talk!
What advice do you have for those who may want to break into the radio biz. or show business in general?Be persistent!!!!! Stay encouraged! Know that you will have to pay dues...do grunt work and possibly take a job making coffee for the boss to get your foot in the door. BE WILLING TO LEARN EVERYTHING! to make yourself more valuable to the company. You also have to have tough skin or be willing to get some...because this industry is based on OTHER PEOPLE's OPINION of YOU! And ALWAYS stay HUMBLE! This is a JOB...like any other JOB...you could be HOT today...and GONE tomorrow!
What makes you good at your job? I am a naturally friendly person...and I smile a lot...so I usually have no problems meeting new people and making new friends...personally and professionally...this biz is all about networking and building relationships!
Where do you go from here? Hopefully UP! :) My short term goal is to break into television while doing radio simultaneously....take over your airwaves AND TV! Soooo...hopefully you will be hearing me on your radio and seeing me on a TV near YOU!
Thanks Loni!
B Gifted...
The B-Life Holiday Gift List has arrived, just in time for you to finish off your shopping before the big day! Below you'll find gift ideas that you crave or help you save when buying for your loved ones. Remember - the key to great gifting is buying something for someone that they wouldn't buy for themselves, so use your imagination.
For your best friend...I'm excited about the upcoming SATC movie release, so I'm all about Carrie Bradshaw & the gang-inspired gifts.
Save: Urban Outfitters (Extra-Large) Envelope Clutch - $20(Supersized clutches are all the rage. This vintag-y bag is just the type of hand piece that would get the sign off from the girls!)
For your man...get your man something he can brag about. Sports-themed gifts are usually a safe bet. Plus, he'll probably share his passion with you.
For your lady...Fellas, we want jewelry. Point-blank. Period.
For your mom...Give mom a jazzy, more mature version of something you'd buy for yourself! She'll love the fact that you hipped her to the game. Hey, she may even let you borrow it...
For your dad...Give dad a challenge while sharing the latest technology. Remember Cliff Huxtable - he's the ultimate "dad" and he couldn't stay away from a good gadget.
For your co-workers...no need to splurge on this one. If you want to share the joy with the work crew, buy something yummy from your native city (if you're not a New Yorker). As a native New Orleanian, pralines are my treat of choice. Garrett's popcorn is perfect for Chicagoans, etc., etc.
Gift for anyone...I'm def. a magazine girl, so I love gifting a subscription to their favorite page-turner. They're typically cost efficient, and you can tailor the gift to their personality. For example, when buying for your favorite business-owner/mid-thirties aunt, grab a double subscription to Essence and Fortune magazines. (B-Life hint: When presenting this gift, don't forget to buy the issue from the newsstand, wrap it in ribbon, and enclose a letter stating when the subscription will begin.)
Magazine subscription - About $20
12.17.2007
Holiday Dreams Come True
This Sunday, The JI Group (in conjunction with their recently formed V-Force) proved that giving an amazing party is just as important as giving back! Holiday Dreams pulled out all the stops and collected toys for tots, winter gear for those in need, and raised funds all in the name of the United Cerebral Palsy of New York.
Chris & Juan of the JI Group (Calcie, not pictured, was an integral part of Holiday Dreams)
The silent auction included: a signed lithograph b Ken Griffy Jr., designer watches, signed basketballs (one from LeBron James), and so much more!
The raffles included goodies such as: a 1-yr. subscription to Black Enterprise Magazine, Dooney & Bourke handbags, Go Smile Whitening Gift Bags, just to name a few...
To add to the spirit of giving to get (while giving), they had mystery Santa Grab Bags with a gifts valued over $100.
V-Force committee members with William White.
A very special thanks goes out to everyone who came out for such a deserving charity, and helped make this event a reality. Job exceedingly well done! Word has it that one of the committee members got over 150 toys donated from Mattel. That type of collaboration and good will is what the season is really about!B quoted...
Vanessa Williams quotes (x2)..."Success is the sweetest revenge."
"Collaboration is the theme of the week."
B festive...
So you may have read about the infamous book club, turned dinner club - well here we are! We got it together for a holiday potluck and it was a blast! White Elephant brought out the selfish beasts in all of us, but in the end, it was a great time with yummy eats, and delicioso sangria.Season's Best to All!
12.13.2007
B Out this Weekend for Holiday Dreams!
The JI Group has brought NYC premier events for a long time, but this Sunday, come out to celebrate Holiday Dreams, a party to support The United Cerebral Palsy of NYC. JI was so passionate about giving back that they created The V-Force, a group of volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to bring us this feel-good event before the holidays. Cheers to JI and the Holiday Dreams committee for their tireless efforts!What: Holiday Dreams
When: Sunday December 16th 3-8PM
Where: Amalia 20 W. 55th St. (btw. 7th & Bway)
Why: It's time to give back! Come thru after your holiday shopping this Sunday, and don't forget to bring an unwrapped toy, adult coat, winter wear or a $20 gift card to Target or ToysR'Us!
SPECIAL B-LIFE PROMOTION: NYE
The B-Life is working with The JI Group to promote this not-to-be missed event. And because we love you, we're offering you a chance to buy tickets with the exclusive B-Life Discount!
Ticket includes: admission, open bar, appetizer & dessert stations, and coffee & tea bar.
Ticket includes: admission, open bar, appetizer & dessert stations, and coffee & tea bar.
- THIS JUST IN - General Admission - $115 (Until 12/18) w/B-Discount
- General Admission - $150 (w/B-Discount $135)
- VIP** - $225 (w/ B-Discount $205) VIP comes with table service (and food) and 2 free bottles (of your choice)! Plus, if you buy 4 or more VIP tickets, each person will receive an additional wristband for a General Admission guest.
This event will SELL OUT, so don't delay. To purchase tickets with the exclusive B-Discount, email us at theblife@gmail.com with your: name, phone number, billing address, email address, party size and desired ticket level.
Congrats to America's Next Top Model!
Congrats to Saleisha Cooper, winner of America's Next Top Model. She's a positive role model with great energy and an infectious smile. We can't wait to see her grace the cover of Seventeen!
12.12.2007
B linked (and b a giver)...
We're working on our ultimate B-Life Holiday Gift List, but until then, check out a few suggestions from the New York Times Critics' Picks 2007 Holiday Gift Guide.Ps. If you have any brilliant gift ideas - send them this way and we'll share them with the masses!
12.11.2007
B Dressed!
With all the excitement about New Year's Eve, I couldn't help but let my fingers do the walking and search for the perfect dress for the occasion. NYE is the one night (with the exception of your wedding and your birthday) that it's OK to be a little overdressed and aim to the the BEST looking one in the room (ok, so that might be all the time for some of you). So what's the formula?
- Sparkle (+ a little sex)
- Color (+ a little sex)
- Unique Silhouette (+ a little sex)
Here are a few of my faves that I found on ShopBop (did I mention how much I LOVE this site???)
Catherine Malandrino Asymmetrical Sequin Dress - $795
(For the girl who always wears black - surprise 'em!)
Rebecca TaylorGreen Silk (Cami) Dress - $249
(For the girly girl who wants to turn it up a notch!)
Julie HausSiren Bustier w/ pockets- $287
(For the Boss B chick who runs it in the office and at the party)
Thread SocialCorset Top Bubble Dress - $610
(For the trendy fashionista girl.)
Yaya AflaloStormy Top - $445
(For the subtly sexy & "I want to be the only one rocking this dress" girl.)
Alice & OliveTie Neck Ruffle Halter Dress - $396
(For the classic girl who can never have enough navy.) - love this one!
Catherine MalandrinoCacada Dress - $595
(For the bold chick who speaks her mind at all times, and will walk into VIP w/ or w/o a wristband!)
Dallin Chase Ryan Deep Pleat Party Dress - $310
(For the party girl who plans to dance all night.) - Nude is so fresh. Love!!!
Karen Zambos Vintage Couture One Shoulder Dress - $328
(Lady in red...all eyes on you mama!)