B inspired...

"It's OK to be crazy, but don't be insane." ~ Diddy

B out...This Weekend (NYC)!

What: New York Design Week

When: May 19th - 22nd
Where: All over NYC
Why: You can celebrate design, while drawing inspiration for your own space.
Info: There are too many events to name, so get more info here.

What: Three Kings presents...Tease
When: Saturday, May 19th
Where: Sequoia (Pier 17, South Street Seaport)
Why: The venue has 4 rooms (with both indoor/outdoor space), and 4 different DJs...variety is the spice of life!

What: Shop & Mingle
When: Saturday, May 19th
Where: Location disclosed with RSVP
Why: Word has it they'll have a great selection of BCBG.

What: Alvin Ailey Student Group Performance - West African Dance!
When: Saturday, May 19th
Where: Central Park
Why: You can enjoy the park, the performance and the percussion of West African drums, PLUS learn a few moves after the show.

What: Last Days of Left Eye
When: Saturday, May 19th
Where: on VH1
Why: If it's Saturday, you should be out...but give your DVR a little action. We're hoping this documentary will uncover some of the mystery behind Left Eye's tragic death.

What: AIDS Walk New York
When: Sunday, May 20th
Where: Starts in Central Park
Why: This is a human cause. Plus, it's a great way to show your support while getting your walk on.

B a smart consumer...

Yesterday we asked you to skip lunch for the cause, but life is about balance, so we're promoting consumption of one the most delightful treats on earth...brunch! Arte Pasta is a great place to add to your short list, but not because of the ultra kitschy location in Greenwich Village (which positions you perfectly for weekend shopping), or the visually stimulating ambiance, or even the tasty and artfully presented items on the menu (although it's a close second).

The #1 reason to get to Arte Pasta for weekend brunch is (drum roll, please)...the $12.95 pre-fixed menu which comes with UNLIMITED CHAMPAGNE & MIMOSAS. (They keep those drinks coming like they're going out of style.)

Arte is a great place to go with your BFF, significant other, or a fun group. The service is top shelf, but the environment is relaxed.

Even with emphasis on the drinks, the food is the perfect complement to a few rounds - so come hungry. (If you're not of drinking age or simply don't enjoy mimosas, you can get the same great brunch for $9.95 w/o the booze.)

Everyone was all smiles...happy consumers indeed!

Now that it's officially Spring with Summer on the horizon, The B-Life is continuing the brunch campaign, so stay tuned. And fellas, we know you LOVE brunch too - the secret is out!

B hungry for the cause...TODAY!

We usually don't condone skipping meals, but this time, its for a good cause. Join City Harvest as they fight to end hunger by donating your lunch money. (Just grab a snack around 2pm.) Cheers!

$5 - helps to feed 2 kids for a week
$10 - helps to feed a child for a month
$25 - helps to feed a child for the summer

B a collegian (and rep your school)...

Black Enterprise recently weighed in on their Top 50 Colleges for African-Americans, do you agree with their picks? Even those of us who graduated (eh-hem, many years back) can still be overheard debating whether the AUC or HU provided the best experience. But we have to admit, that Morehouse is noticeably absent from the top 10...It's also interesting that non-HBCU southern schools like Emory, Vanderbilt, UNC-Chapel Hill and UVA didn't make it to the top.

BE rated colleges based on black student enrollment, graduation rates and surveys evaluating the academic and social environments of over 400 schools. Here's the list...

1. Florida A&M University
2. Howard University
3. North Carolina A&T State University
4. Harvard University
5. Spelman College
6. Hampton University
7. Stanford University
8. Columbia University
9. University of Pennsylvania
10. Wesleyan University

This list is a great place to start when choosing a school for yourself, or making recommendations to younger family members and mentees, but there are other factors to consider. Beyond the obvious question of financial aid packages and admission (duh!), also think about these questions:

~ Do you want to be in a metropolitan city or a college town?

~ Does the school have at least 3 of the professional schools/academic programs you want to pursue?

~ How important is a strong athletic program? Is their a team to join or root for?

~ Do you dream of being an actress or TV personality one day (in addition to pursuing med school, as dictated by your parents)? If so, does your school have a respected drama program, or college TV station?

~ How important and easy is it for you to travel home, or visit friends on long weekends or during holidays?

~ Do you want to be involved in Greek life? If so, what is it like on that campus? Are chapters on the yard, suspended, or do they exist at all?

Upon evaluating these variables, and those unnamed factors important to you/your advisee, it's easy to create your own Top 10!

Congrats to the graduates in the Class of 2007!

B a master...

We have to give props to marketers like Hennessy for aiming to produce creative, high quality events to encourage the purchase and consumption of their products. It's leaps and bounds from the generic "tastings" at the corner bar, which used to serve as some company's the entire urban marketing budget.

Hennessy is about to launch The Black Masters Tour, in D.C., Chicago, Miami, L.A. and NYC. This free event will sample Hen's Cognac, while providing info about investing in and collecting art. The B-Life will surely be in attendance! To register for the event, click here.

If you hear of any other cool event's in your area, let us know!

B inspired...

“The more successful I become, the more I need a man.” ~ Beyonce Knowles

B out...This Weekend (NYC)!

What: Good Times at Frank's
When: Friday May 11th
Where: 410 W. 16th St.
Why: Hourglass events are always classy but fun. There's actually room to move around in Franks', so come have a drink or two or three...

What: Soulfood Brunch
When Sunday May 13th
Where: Justin's
Why: Everyone loves a brunch! This Diddy-inspired space is the perfect place to take a mom without breaking the bank.

B willing to give a mother...

Mother's Day is this weekend, and it's time to step outside of the box and give moms something different than the regular bottle of perfume or neck scarf from TJ Maxx. Even if mom tells you to save your hard-earned cash, you still need to step up and show her how much you love her (with a present!)

Here are 6 of The B-Life's favorite gift ideas for your favorite gal:

1. Flower of the month: Though flowers might seem a little generic, flowers of the month give your mom a sweet reminder of how thoughtful you are year round. She will have something beautiful to look forward to every month with this gift. Our favorite is Pro Flowers. Tip: If your mom is allergic to roses or prefers something a little less pretty, and something more functional, try a beer or wine of the month!


2. Customized art: Find an old picture of your mom, blow it up, convert it to black and white, and frame it along with a hand written note recounting a memorable moment or thanking her for the support. She'll have it this gift forever and will appreciate the time and effort you put into it. Tip: If you have siblings, don't be an attention hog...let your brothers and sisters in on the gift and each of you can write a special message.

3. Extracurricular activities: If you have the great fortune of living in the same city as your mom, but only find time to visit on the high holidays, sign up for a weekly/monthly class you can take together. Try a pottery or wine tasting class. Tip: If mom still doesn't know how to swim, head to your local YMCA and work it out. Chances are, she's been wanting to learn, but is terrified to go it alone. It's the least you can do!

4. Upgrade/Update her: Is mom still rocking a Walkman with her fanny pack when she gets her walk-on? If so, buy her an Ipod and hook her up by downloading 20 of her favorite songs. Tip: Be ready to offer at least 2 tutorial sessions when she gets tired of those 20 songs.

5. Around the world: If you're constantly emailing mom pics of you at Victoria Falls and you in front of the Eiffel Tower, maybe it's time to share the wealth and take her with you. Present her with a travel guide and a promise to plan a mother-son/daughter trip within the next 12 months. Tip: Mom may not be able to move as quickly, so patience is the most essential item you can bring with you on the trip. If you still want to get the most bang for your traveling buck and vacation days, don't forgo the local nightlife. You can still hit up the best discotecas by planning a trip with your mom's best friend/sister who has a son/daughter. That way you can still kick it at night, but give mom the proper attention during the day.

6. Surprise: There's no time like the present! If you can hop on a last minute flight and surprise mom for the weekend - do it! Life is too short, and no gift in the world and can top the time that you spend together. Tip: Try Smarter Travel for last minute weekend travel deals.

B a walker not a talker...

Spring is in the air, and it's fundraising season in NYC! The weather is nice and it's time to get off of our bums and support those organizations which mean the most to us.

On May 20th, the 2007 AIDS Walk New York hits Central Park. They've raised more than 2 million dollars, but we can do more. You can participate by starting a team, joining an existing team, making a small donation, or walking to show your support the day of the event. You can support a worthy cause and get 6.2 miles in on a pretty Spring day...I can't think of a better way to feel good from the inside-out!

This year, I'm walking with the New York Urban League Young Professionals, who are passionate supporters of this cause. You can join them, or simply make a donation. Seriously, every penny counts, so $5, $10, or whatever you can give is a HUGE help.

Thanks for your support!

B a supporter...

The Studio Museum in Harlem
Contemporary Friends Spring Benefit

On May 9th, the annual spring benefit, hosted by the Museum's young professional membership group, the Contemporary Friends, raises funds for SMH's educational and public programming, boosts awareness of the Museum and its membership groups - and is sure to be the must-attend event of the spring season! This year's benefit is sponsored by The Morgans Hotel Group and will take place at the Hudson Bar at the Hudson Hotel. The Benefit will be a phenomenal evening of dancing, cocktails, and hors d'oeuvres with 300-plus professionals, artists, cultural aficionados, and other friends of the Museum. You can purchase tickets on line with an American Express, MasterCard or Visa at www.studiomuseum.org or by contacting the membership office at (212) 864-4500 x221 or cf@studiomuseum.org.

When: Wednesday, May 9, 2007, 7-11PM
What: Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and dancing
Where: Hudson Bar at the Hudson Hotel - 356 West 58th Street (between 8th and 9th Avenues), New York City
Attire: Festive
Price: Non-Member tickets $150

Click here for more info.

Women for Obama at the Harvard Club

Naki, from StyleChile, co-hosted the Women for Obama event at The Harvard Club. Being proactive is tre' fashionable! Click here for more.

B out in NYC...This Weekend!

The weekend round-up...

What: Spiderman 3
When: Friday May 4th
Where: Check out AMC Loews Lincoln Square 13 for the IMAX experience
Why: Because Another Bad Creation said Spiderman is their favorite hero.

What: DJ Spooky's "Rebirth of a Nation"
When: Saturday May 5th
Where: Tribeca Film Festival
Why: It's time to remix foul propaganda like 'Birth of a Nation'.
More info: Click here

What: De La Hoya v. Mayweather
When: Saturday May 5th
Where: 40/40
Why: Everyone loves a good fight!

What: Clinton Hill Mansion Tour
When: May 6th
Where: Clinton Hill, Brooklyn
Why: Window shopping for luxe accommodations will put that 9 to 5 (8:15a to 9:00pm) in perspective.
More info: Click here

What: NORI (New Orleans Recovery Initiative) Fundraiser

When: May 6th
Where: Arrojo studio
Why: You can indulge with a conscience while proceeds from all services by top stylists, colorists, and make-up artists will be donated to victims of Hurricane Katrina. It's a win-win!
More info: Click here

B into/over it...

New relationships can be tricky, so look for these signs to determine if you should b into it, or b over it…

B into it if he/she…

1. …brings you something on your first date, no matter how trivial (a CD from their job, a magazine with a restaurant review of the place you’re going to, etc.)
2. …is not afraid to look into your eyes when you’re talking.
3. calls to say they had a great time, before they even made it back home.
4. …finds excuses to call or email you, for no reason at all. (I.e. “Yo, have you read that NYTimes article on global warming?”)
5. …makes it a priority to introduce you to their friends and family.
6. …doesn’t really believe in PDA, but never hesitates to do it with you.
7. …has you constantly replaying funny stories and special moments from your last date.
8. …instantly offers to help when you mention that you’re moving.
9. …isn’t afraid to be cheesy and tell you how much they adore you.

B over it if he/she…

1....randomly mentions their ex more than three times on the first date.
2. …only calls/IMs/emails you during office hours.
3. …gives you a disclaimer that they’re not looking for a relationship before the appetizers arrives at your table.
4. …let’s you go dutch on the first date without a fight. (For ladies only!)
5. …never calls to make sure you made it home safely after a late-night date. (Ladies only!)
6. …never even asked you what you do for a living, but you leave the first date knowing their whole life story.
7. …always comes to your place, but never invites you to theirs.
8. ..starts most of their stories with “My momma…”
9. …leaves more than 2 of your calls/emails unanswered, and you KNOW they’re still in the country.

B transparent...

This Spring, try out the latest trend by putting all your goodies on display! Clear accessories are a fun and sporty way to give a classic piece a modern twist.

Check out a few of our favorites:

You can shine while rocking these Fendi shades on a cloudy day.

These Stephen Dweck baubles give a regal quality to a basic Gap tee.

Clearly, Toy knows how to make wrist-ware functional and stylish.

This Crystal Headlight Bracelet by Kenneth Jay Lane will put the spotlight on you. Forget "twinkle toes", it's your time to shine in these Guess flats.

Even on a rainy day, you can see around the world and beyond with this chic Juicy Couture umbrella.