B @ N.O. Jazz Fest - just a taste!

The recent trip to New Orleans was perfect in more ways than one. But watching Frankie Beverly & Maze at the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival was certainly a highlight! More great pics from Jazz Fest to come, but I had to share a live performance of your favorite club outro!



Ps. You know that's a fine old man...aged like a fine wine! Love it! And yes, I shout ya'll out in the video :)

B engaged!

A HUGE congrats goes out to Vertis & Adriane (HU grads) on their recent engagement. My boy did it right! He kept her guessing, swept her to NY, and had her friends do an ambush surprise attack to help them celebrate!

B forgiven...

Sorry for being so remiss on posting...between travels, the flu/allergies, home renovations, and work - it's been hectic. Rest assured, I'm back with you! xo, Jen

B out :)

What: Making Books Sing Event
When: Thursday May 1st
Where: Kenneth Cole - 57th st. & Lexington Ave.
Why: It's for the kids!

What: Shopping Event Benefiting Brotherhood/Sistersol
When: Saturday May 3rd
Where: N Boutique - 114 W. 116th st.
Why: This for is for the kids too. Def. support if you're in the neighborhood...or not!

B at Jazz Fest!!!

Looking for a last minute getaway this weekend? If so, head to 'Nawlins (my fave city - tied with NYC, of course)! This is the final weekend to get in on the action at New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival. Jazz Fest is arguably, the best event to go down in the bayou - even above Mardi Gras and Essence Festival. If N.O. Jazz Fest is new to you, let me sum it up: Food, Music, Sun. It's a pretty simple concept, but ooooweee, if you've never had crawfish bread in one hand, and a daiquiri in the other while laying on a blanket listening to Stevie Wonder, you haven't fully lived!

Check out a few of the acts hitting the stage this weekend!

Friday May 3rd

STEVIE WONDER

Saturday May 3rd

THE ROOTS

DIANA KRALL

Sunday May 4th

SANTANA

MAZE FEAT. FRANKIE BEVERLY

REBIRTH BRASS BAND

B in the Spotlight...Alesha Renee'

B in the Spotlight w/ BET's...
ALESHA RENEE'

1. What are your stats ?
I'm from Lake Charles, Louisiana raised in Houston, TX. military brat! Attended Univ. of Houston pre-law. I currently reside in NY.

2. How did you get into the world of entertainment?
I was discovered by BET at 22, making me the youngest person on the network! I had to interview, do cold reads and cold interviews and a week later out of 20,000 people, I'm here!

3. Did you always plan to be in limelight?
Yes! In one way or the other I started off wanting to do music... then went to entertainment law then ended up in broadcasting.

4. What was your first big break?
I think I'm actually still waiting on it… lol. I have a great start to my career and while I'm learning and growing I'm still not in the place where I'm a household name, and that’s the goal… so that’s the big break I'm waiting on :-)

5. Was there someone that you met along the way that totally shaped your career path?
Um...pre-television days it was Mr. Malinsky, my high school broadcast journalism teacher. He ALWAYS knew I would be in entertainment. He said “pickles ALWAYS remain you and the world will love you like we all do.”

6. What projects are you currently working on?
I'm currently developing my non-profit organization called Mae Bells Angels, as well as serving as a spokesperson for NCADV - the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the BET Rap It Up Tour, the Pantene “Total You” tour as well, as some acting

7. Have you met any celebs that you absolutely love/or that you could have done without?
lol - I won't throw any one under the bus...but, I LOVED QUEEN Latifah! She was FABULOUS!!

8. What was it like when you first started getting recognized on the street?
Crazy, because it took a minute for it to kick-in that people were just recognizing me and for the longest I was always wondering why in the heck were people staring at me...lol.

9. Where would you like to see yourself in the next 5 years?
Happy, successful and growing in my craft.

10. If you weren't a media figure/actress, what else would you be doing?
I'd probably be a psychologist, dealing with all my friends issues since they think I have all the answers - lol.

11. When you're not working, how do you spend your downtime..if you have any?
I take bubble baths, cook, write, read, spend time with family, and watch church online.

12. Any advice for someone trying to pursue similar path?
Yes, be you and just have fun! Take it one day at a time, tomorrow will work itself out.

13. If you had to give yourself one "B" what would it be?
BLESSED and BOUNDLESS!!!!!!!!

Photo credits: Nigel D. for The Avenue Report Magazine

Thanks Alesha - keep doing your thing!
xo, Jen, The B-Life

B quoted...

"There is a light at the end of the tunnel... hopefully its not a freight train!" ~ Mariah Carey

B out - THIS WEEKEND!

Some great options for this weekend...

What: George Lois: The Esquire Covers
When: April 25th, 2008 - March 31st, 2009
Where: MOMA (Museum of Modern Art) 11 E. 53rd st. (near 5th Ave.)
Why: This collection is just as artistically relevant as it historically telling.

What: Samba Soul
When: Saturday April 26th (8:30p, 10:30p, 12:30a)
Where: SOB's 204 Varick St. (@ W. Houston)
Why: The music of Brazil...I'm so there!

What: threeKINGS presents....Spring Fever
When: Saturday April 26th
Where: France Origine - 71 Spring st. (btw. Lafayette & Crosby)
Why: It's time for a good one.

B Classic...

This is an ode to my dear friend who just finished paying off her first Chanel bag. In another exhilarating "taxi debate", we recently discussed whether it makes more sense to drop a thou on a once in a lifetime trip or on a handbag that you'll have forever. Personally, I was a little torn. But on that note, I was inspired to do a post on "the classics" - i.e. fashion staples for those of us looking to invest in a few items that might not appreciate, but will carry valuable stock in our overall wardrobes. 

Ever heard of a CPW (cost per wear?). Well, the CPW of these items might just make a case to support my (now debt free) girl's side of the argument. What do you think?

CHANEL BAG

BURBERRY TRENCH COAT

CARTIER LOVE BRACELETS (THE WATCHES ARE CLASSICS TOO!)

GUCCI SUNGLASSES

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG WRAP DRESS (ANY PATTERN/COLOR WORKS!)

DAVID YURMAN RING (OR BANGLES, EARRINGS, PENDANTS....)

LOUIS VUITTON LUGGAGE 

(START WITH A CARRY-ON OR DUFFLE - LESS DAMAGE!)

HERVE' LEGER DRESS (SEX NEVER GOES OUT OF STYLE!)

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN HEELS (WHO DOESN'T LOVE A RED SOLE?)

B out....TONIGHT!

What: Living Measure
When: Tuesday April 22, 2008 6:30 - 9:30P
Where: Libation (137 Ludlow St.)
Why: It's a party supporting Edeyo - a charitable organization that serves children in Haiti by providing educational and nutritional support.

Living the B-Life!

Girls Brunch at Red Bamboo!
(L to R: Sally, Olivia, Gwen, friend, Susan, and Denise)

A few b-lifers were out and about and wanted to share their fabulous experience at Brooklyn's Red Bamboo. Let's see what the girls had to see about the vegetarian/Caribbean/soul favorite:

"As soon as we walked in the Brownstone-style restaurant, we fell in love with it's style and ambiance."

"...the best drinks this side of Brooklyn!"

"If you are seeking a chill-like neighborhood feel then you are at the right spot. The 1st floor has dining area and bar. The 2nd floor has more seating for dinner, bar, and lounge area with a fire place and patio as well!"

"It was our first time eating Vegan cuisine - you must try the mac and cheese and buffalo wings."

Learn more at: www.redbamboobrooklyn.com

B quoted...

"I mean, there are only so many notes. What makes something original is how you put it together."
~ Lenny Kravitz

B-LOVED: Abas Valet Clutch!

Have you ever played "that's my car" with the new Saks Holiday catalog? Or perhaps you've taken "window shopping" to the next level by going inside to inquire about a price? And of course, there are those of us who spot certain items, or hear about an experience that we absolutely covet without following through, due to price, impracticality, or other priorities (ah, priorities...). If this sounds like you, then I need your help and contributions for the brand new B-LOVED section.

ABAS VALET CLUTCH

Right now, I am totally loving my handy, dandy Abas clutch. I've had mine for over 2 years, but I get compliments on it at least once a day. Plus, Abas continues to roll out pretty metallics, lacquered animal prints, and other colors/textures that would make any bag-lover drool.

Beyond the styling, the Abas clutch is totally functional! It's large enough to carry when heading out, but compact enough to stuff into a larger bag.

The design is perfectly lady-like, with a retro, yet modern appeal. It's for the girl with lots of plastic, maybe a metro card, and hopefully a little cash to boot! Don't be scared by the $100+ price tag...you'll feel special every time you pop your Abas clutch open in the train station, at a restaurant, or perhaps the next time you go "window shopping".

Where to Buy:
Frosted Moon Emporium on South Portland (btw. Lafayette & Fulton) - Brooklyn, NY

The B-Life is looking for all reader submissions for items, places, things, etc. that are B-LOVED by you! Email me at theblife@gmail.com so you won't be in love alone.

B out...TONIGHT (4/16)!

Spring is in the air...oh yes it is...no turning back...spring is in the air!

What: "It's a Shoe Thing" Shopping Event
When: Wed. April 16th 6-8P
Where: Te' Casan - 382 W. Broadway (btw. Spring & Broome)
Why: The Fashion Bomb is giving us a little bubbly PLUS a 20% off discount. Thanks Claire!!!

What: Women Who Jam
When: Wed. April 16th - Doors open at 7p - Show starts at 8p
Where: Ashford & Simpson's Sugar Bar - 254 West 72nd Street, New York
Why: "A subsidiary of NABFEME, Women Who Jam! is a popular all female national music showcase and respected brand of live entertainment designed to provide a promotional outlet and gathering place for ground breaking female entertainers including singers, musicians and poets who are often overlooked by labels, concert promoters, radio and the media. Showcases are supported by record executives, industry tastemakers and music fans alike!"

Spa Week is baaack - April 14 - 20th, 2008!

It's Spa Week once again, so it's time to indulge and start setting up those appointments. For $50 you can wind down, re-energize, or melt away the week's stress with hot stone massages, body scrubs, reflexology and more. You deserve to treat yourself, so why not start a "me-time" tradition when you can get your thrills for the cheap (relatively speaking, of course).

The B-Life Pick - Dorit Baxter NY Day Spa

Location:
47 West 57th Street, Suite 301
New York, NY 10019
212.371.4542

Spa Week $50 Specials
55 Classic European Facial
45 Sea Mineral Body Scrub with Warm Hand Paraffin
Brazilian and Eyebrow Wax

relax, relate, release...