The "B-Life"

12.15.2008

B Out...Tonight

What: NV After Hours
When: Monday December 15 6p - 1a
Where: Barna - 365 Park Ave. South (@ 26th St.)
Why: It's a great spot. Chill crowd. Plus, bring an unwrapped toy to support Hale House.

12.09.2008

Falling in love is a little easier when it's cold outside. There's no better excuse to pair off, stay in, and get close (body heat, of course)! After a little mid afternoon brainstorm, my friend Lindsay Swartz helped me to pull together a few fun ideas for winter dates.

Pictured: (L to R) Lindsay, Jen

ICE SKATING

Go ice skating in your local park, community centre or outdoor rink. A little coordination goes a long way, but the fumbles are totally charming.

NOVELTY SHOPPING

Cruise your local outdoor holiday markets (e.g. Union Squares weekend holiday flea market) for great gifts for your friends and family. Top it off with a cozy dinner at a local duck out or classic eatery (think: Coffee Shop).

CHRISTMAS TREE SHOPPING

Go Christmas tree/ornament shopping or do some fun holiday decorating together like stringing popcorn or cranberries, etc. If you're having holiday fun together now, perhaps you can picture what it would be like to share every holiday as a team?

HOT CHOCOLATE

This is an obvious one, but hot chocolate is the perfect complement to great conversation over a stroll, in place of dessert, or simply as a good excuse to extend the date a little longer. How sweet!

12.08.2008

B Loved: Nic's Sticks by OPI

It's revolutionary. It's so easy to use. Nic's Sticks by OPI are the latest and greatest nail polish technology, and it's going to change your life. It's a simple shake & pump pen that's as basic as a paint pen. The little brush perfectly spreads across your nail bed distributing color evenly for the most inept "color between the lines" ladies (like myself). Try it. Trust. You'll love it, and save tons on nail care.

12.07.2008

New York Sample Sales

ODE TO THE SAMPLE SALE:

Even though you may be strapped for cash,
now's the time to dip into your secret stash.
Sample sales are truly the recessonista's dream,
because prices might be even lower than they seem.
Though some throw bows to get to the bottom of fashionable piles,
a little violence goes a long way when it comes to style.

Happy Shopping!

ALICE + OLIVIA

When: Dec. 8-11th, Mon. & Wed., 10a-6p; Tues. & Thurs., 10a-7p
Where: 261 W. 36th St. (btw. 7th & 8th Aves.)

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG

When: Dec. 9-13th Tues., 9a-6:30p.; Wed., 9a-8p; Thurs., 9a-7p; Fri., 9a-5:30p; Sat., 9a-3p
Where: 260 5th Ave. (btw. 28th & 29th Sts.)

CATHERINE MALANDRINO

When: Dec. 10-12th, Wed., 8a-8p, Thurs. & Fri. 10a-8p
Where: 145 W. 18th St. (btw. 6th & 7th Ave.)

MACKAGE

When: Dec. 10-12th 12-7:30p
Where: 275 W. 39th St.

B quoted...

"Women, you can have it all - a loving man, devoted husband, loving children, a fabulous career." ~ Jada Pinkett Smith

12.05.2008

B out this weekend...Big Apple Classic

What: Bragging Rights Bowling Event
When: Friday Dec. 5th from 7:30 - 11:00PM
Where: Harlem Lanes
Why: Reunite with old friends and just kick it.

What: Big Apple Classic Basketball Game (Howard v. Hampton)
When: Saturday Dec. 6th at 7PM
Where: Madison Square Garden
Why: A little competition and rivalry goes a long way!

Happy Birthday!!

The B-Life is sending champagne wishes & birthday cheer to Nekia & Moore!

(Nekia pictured on right)

(Moore pictured on right)

12.04.2008

PJ Morton Live in NY

Catch PJ Morton at Billie's Blacks tonight!

What: PJ Morton
When: Thursday Dec. 4th 8PM & 9:45PM
Where: Billie's Black - 271 W. 119th St.
Why: We heart PJ. He's always gives you show!

12.03.2008

B at Quality Meats...

Quality Meats - 57 W. 58th St., NYC (212)371-7777

In between the baking of the pies, the mashing of the potatoes, and basting of the turkeys, treat yourself to a night out for a hearty, uncomplicated, but totally perfected meal at Quality Meats. Without giving too much away, I'll tell you the restaurant is overflowing with loyal regulars, business men who, plainly, love meat, and overseas tourists who've heard hearsay of this superb dining experience in far away lands. Quality Meats is situated near 5th ave in the 50's so stop in for a great meal to finish off a vigorous eve of shopping. Come hungry, leave happy.

12.02.2008

B Look...for Less: Statement Jewelry

Make a statement with your accessories. It's the easiest way to take something from basic to fabulous.

This Double Strand Elephant Necklace is on-sale at J.Crew- LOVE! You can scoop it for $100, plus you can usually find additional online discounts this week and on retailmenot.com.

For an even more economical solution, just add a pretty brooch to a set of pearls you inherited, bought at Claire's or caught at Mardi Gras. Banana Republic has a very cool Elephant Brooch version for just $39.

B resolved...

In 2008, I wanted to "b great"...What's your 2009 New Year's Resolution?

I want to hear from you so I'm calling all beautiful, strong-minded, and about their business B-Lifers. Email me at theblife@gmail.com with a picture with your name, age, and your 2009 New Year's resolution. Are you planning to run a half marathon, learn a different language, stop eating peanut butter at midnight, whatever? We all do better when we get out and get something together, so I'm publishing your resolution on the web! Get inspired!

12.01.2008

B on the fringe...

Betsey Johnson Fall 2008 Collection

Fringe was a runaway runway hit for Fall '08 and it's still hot for Spring '09. So if you thought fringe was only meant for roaring 20's costume parties, think again. Fringe allows you to be lady-like and edgy, all in one pretty package, with a side of shredded goodness. Plus, nothing says "party" like a little fringe and a a great pair of legs!

Twelve by Twelve - $49

Go Jane - $32

Go Jane - $19

Forever 21 - $23

Forever 21 - $21

Go Jane - $46
(This is the classic version - think "Proud Mary". Start here for the most mileage for your fringe.)

11.30.2008

B quoted...

"They said that Etta James is still vulgar. I said, Oh, how dare them say I'm still vulgar. I'm vulgar because I dance in the chair. What would they want me to do? Want me to just be still or something like that? I've got to do something."~ Etta James

11.25.2008

B out...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! ENJOY THE HOLIDAY WITH YOUR LOVED ONES. DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE B-LIFE WISHMAKERS TEAM - WE'VE ALL BEEN SO LUCKY AND IT'S TIME TO GIVE BACK. I'LL CATCH YOU AFTER THE HOLIDAYS!
XO, JEN

What: Wynton Marsalis "Moving to a Higher Ground" book signing
When: Tuesday 11/25 @ 6PM
Where: Hue-Man Bookstore - 2319 Frederick Douglas Blvd. (btw. 124th & 125th Sts.)
Why: He's a living legend.

What: The INC. Thanks giving Eve Party
When: Wednesday 11/26 @ 10PM
Where: The Time Hotel - 224 W. 49th St. (btw. 8th & Broadway)
Why: This party is always fun. Plus you get to reunite with folks you haven't seen in months. Good times.

What: J.I. Group Annual Thanksgiving Party
When: Friday 11/28 @10PM
Where: Amalia - 204 W. 55th St.
Why: Dance off some of that turkey. It's gonna be a party ya'll...

11.23.2008

Get the boot!

Winter fashion is best served with a hot boot...even if you're rocking them with a mini. There are 6 quintessential style that every well-heeled girl needs in her wardrobe. See below!