11.27.2011

Hat City Kitchen Happy Hour Event!

The organization I work for owns this amazing restaurant. Great food, drinks and company. Live music... great art on the walls. The best part, sexy and ridiculously cool bartenders.. This coming Thursday they are hosting a pretty awesome Happy Hour!

Dont forget to add the blog on Facebook... http://www.facebook.com/pages/Your-Life-Your-Art-Blog/242101825809611

11.26.2011

'90's Primetime TV Fashion Series... Part One: Elaine Stritch

Elaine Stritch as DA, Lanie Stieglitz on Law & Order 
I love old shows. I have always gravitated more towards older shows for many reasons. There is something inspirational about them. One of those reasons being, the FASHION! It is always nice to see how trends and style come back into rotation. I will do future features on classic tv fashion, but I have been on a Law & Order kick. The early seasons that were on in 1997 & 1998. Great show, even back then. I love watching mysteries unfold.

Elaine & Jane Fonda
Watching these seasons I could not help but notice how fabulous the district attorney, Lanie Stieglitz. She is played by, Elaine Stritch. Her style is so classic and feminine. I like to think that when Chanel was envisioning women wearing her line, Lanie came to mind. Co Co Chanel had her faults but one thing she knew was how to style strong, confident and classic femininity.

I love how she accessorizes. She adds a nice personal touch to all of her looks. Elaine Stritch is also a Broadway star and she never misses the chance to show some character in her wardrobe. Whether its classic pearls, a funky hat, tie, cool frames or leopard print!

Stay tuned for the Golden Girls....

8.13.2011

Best Mimosas Everr!

Tale Thai Cuisine  
www.talerestaurant.com
501 Columbus Ave
86st Street (A,B,C,1,2 Trains)


Skimps & I discovered a spot on the Upper West Side that serves the BEST Mimosas! I was never really a fan of Thai food but their Fried Calamari appetizer and flavored mimosas are to die for! I had the pomegranate flavor and I had to get another one!

I also loved the ambiance of the restaurant. It was dimly lit, and had cool decorations. This is definitely some place I would eat again and again.

8.12.2011

COOL ACCESSORY: Tee's Snake Ring!

There is this ring guy that is always on the corner of Kingsbridge & Jerome Ave. in the Bronx. He has like three long tables of rings, all different shapes, sizes, colors. I swear I spend like 10 minutes looking for a ring.

The prices are: 3/$5, and 8/$10. He gets me every time! Here is one that I picked up... for the fabulous Tee..

Great Quality too! Dont you just love great deals! Have you caught any lately????

What Inspires You?? Beyonce's 'Year of 4'

I have always loved Beyonce, as well as Destiny's Child for many reasons. Their music, fashion and most importantly their message. Beyonce, Kelly and Michelle taught and showed me that it was ok to be a fabulous, confident and independent woman.

Now, Beyonce is one of the most fabulous and talented artist and performer ever! She went solo and really just shut the industry down. I really enjoyed every one of her solo albums, Dangerously in Love, B'day and I Am..Sasha Fierce. I was super excited when I heard she was releasing a new album titled, 4. Along with this album was a documentary about the year she took off from her career and how that, along with her marraige to rapper Jay-Z, inspired this album.

One of the messages that she has always wanted to send through her music was to empower women. The first single of the album, 'Run the World' does just that. I listened to her album and you can tell that each song comes from a much deeper place of inspiration than her other albums.

Watching that documentary bought tears to my eyes and really inspired me. Beyonce is such a humble, sweet and powerful woman. It made me believe in myself and come to realize that I have the power to do anything I want in this world. I liked that with all the fame and success Beyonce has received, she is still able to remain grounded, and appreciate the little things in life. She is still very close to her family and loves her husband and being married. She became emotional thinking about Destiny Child's humble beginnings as well. 

Beyonce has taught me that I can become anything I want. Also, to always keep pushing myself towards even bigger goals. Never settle for no. Keep your private life private and let your art speak for you. There is always room for improvement. Dream big! She is fabulous and is seen rarely wearing flats. Not only is she beautiful on the outside but she has a big heart.

These are some of the messages I also want Your Life, Your Art Blog to convey. Buy Beyonce's new album 4 at Target!

8.11.2011

Capture the Moment.

Greenwich Village, NYC
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




Boredom at Work Breeds Creativity !

In the last two weeks of my hostess job...it has been super slow and boring! So me and a couple co- workers decided to draw a city. It was so much fun. We all added our own piece to it. I love it!

I did the three houses, the two cards and tree. Victor drew the sun and well. Ann drew the two pal riding on the bicycle..

Steven drew the "cock" and scary face. Ralph decided to add some NY flavor.

8.10.2011

Capture The Moment.

72nd & Broadway
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




Best MARGARITA Everrrr

Eastside Billiards on the Upper East Side has the BEST MARGARITAS!

The bartender there makes them from fresh fruit and they are DELICIOUS!

INFO: Eastside Billiards
163 East 86th Street
(4,5,6 Trains to 86th Street)

8.09.2011

Tricia's Style: Floral!

Romper from Charlotte Russe
Everyone that knows me, knows how much I love floral. It is so feminine, versatile and goes with everything. At least I make it go with everything. 

Variety !

Different Colors: I love that floral print can be a variety of colors, which gives you the chance to mix and match it with everything.

SiZeS: With floral print, the flowers can come small or BIG which gives the piece a totally different look.

Sheer dress from H&M
A great place to go to for floral prints are Forever 21, Charlotte Russe & vintage boutiques.
Skirt from Forever 21


I like to pair floral with cardigans & blazers to give the floral a classic look. 

Shirt from Macy's
Blazer from H&M


8.08.2011

Capture the Moment.

View from Riverdale, NY
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




Do GREAT Things... featuring FASHION DESIGNER Sequin Slim !

Fashion Designer Sequin Slim is from West Palm Beach, Florida. 

♥biZaRre AzS fAsHioN♥


Sequin Slim's Creation
Her creativity and love for fashion derived from her mother, a seamstress.  In 2000, Sequin Slim's clothing line started out as a line of fancy and embellished hand-made and styled tank tops and t-shirts. 


Another creation

Today, Sequin Slim's designs include a line of heavily embellished bizarre couture 'KupKake' dresses and accessories.  Sequin Slim's greastest fashion inspirations are Betsey Johnson, 80's fashion, and Heatherette. 

Her ultimate goal is to have her designs shown on fashion show Run-Ways WORLDWIDE!

8.07.2011

Capture the Moment

Corner of 42nd Ave & 6ave
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




TRICIA'S STYLE: MY $7 STEVE MADDEN SUNGLASSES !

Every summer I go through like 15 pairs of sunglasses. I am just not good with them. I either lose or break them. This summer however, I vowed that I was not going to invest too much into a pair because it could be such a waste.

Luckily, I found these Steve Madden shades at Marshall's for only $7. And shockingly I have been able to hold on to these one pair alllllll summmer!

What kind of glasses do you like? Aviators? Round shaped? I want to know!

8.06.2011

Capture the Moment.

Sedgwick Ave, Bronx, NY
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




New York Character: Yalitza Rodriguez !

Age: 20
Hometown: Brooklyn, NY
Interesting Fact: "I wake up sometimes in the middle of. The night and write ideas"

Memorable Quote..."Im eating pancakes and I think I just ate a fruit fly" -_-

HOW DO YOU DEFINE YOURSELF?

Ugh I guess I'm not like most people who can go off on a tangent about themselves. I find talking about myself one the most challenging things because it all stems back to being defined. And being defined isn't my thing. I mean don't get me wrong defining things in your life isn't a bad thing, but I'm just infatuated by being uninhibited...

WHAT ARE YOU STUDYING AT JOHN JAY?

Cultural studies and deviant behavior. I feel like I'm just starting to live! I mean I am 20 years old, a junior in college, and I have this extreme thirst for knowledge. A lot of people have labeled me as rebellious, but in life if you don't question everything you will just be another person going with the grain. Thats just not my style. I do really love theater. I discovered this when I joined this City At Peace program with a group of innercity teens who all have my same drive they just needed the right influences and what better way is there when you learn to express yourself and tell someone's story through improvisation acting. I love working with teens and children they possess so much hope for our future. Ask any kid what they want to be when they grow up and they will voice it loud and proud, but sadly I find that if they aren't given the right tools and encouragement they tend to follow with whatever everyone else is doing. I think at some point in my life I want to be that tool for youth, give them confidence and most importantly believe in them. That being said I also want to travel, learn how other people live and experience their culture first hand. From the beginning I said I love to be uninhibited and I mean that in every sense I don't want to settle I want to constantly being moving, learning and dancing. Lol

WHAT ARE SOME FUN FACTS ABOUT YOU?

 I don't even know where to begin on some of the fun facts about myself.. I love to dance not in any conventional way although I do hope to take a few classes someday. Uhh being active is super important, its one of the only true things that keep me sane in my life.
Whether its through Bikram yoga or martial arts, which by the way are two things I am very passionate about. It helps me maintain balance and discipline in my life.

8.05.2011

Capture the Moment.

Walking in Union Square
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




Do GREAT Things...featuring rapper C-Ro Del Fresco

C-Ro Del-Fresco
Mr. Del Fresco....
Age: 18
Hometown: Cleavland, Ohio
Interesting Fact: I learned how to play piano by listening and watching people play

Listen to his MUSIC: C-RO'S YOUTUBE CHANNEL
LIKE C-Ro on Facebook
& FOLLOW him on TWITTER


WHAT DOES MAKING MUSIC MEAN TO HIM?

"Making music is the world to me. It is my only real getaway. It helps me just remove myself from the stresses and problems of the world and takes me to a place where I KNOW I belong."

WHAT MAKES C-RO DEL- FRESCO'S MUSIC DIFFERENT THAN WHAT IS OUT RIGHT NOW?

"I pride myself on my lyrical content. Most rappers out only rap about girls, money, cards and bullshit like that. Me, I rap about things people can relate to- like everyday problems, teenage drama, wanting to fit in , and things like that."

WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU WANT YOUR MUSIC TO CONVEY?

"My main goal is to let people younger than and even older who are trying to be successful with music or life that they can do it. I want to be an example to them that anything is possible. It may be hard, but they can do it."

WHERE C-RO WILL BE IN 5 YEARS?

"Still working hard to be one of the best emcees in hip-hop. I hope to be more known than I am now but even if I am not, I am still going to be doing everything I can to get to that point where I want to be, the top."

MEMORIES...

"In 5th grade we did this lunchtime competition. A couple days before I had shied away from it because I was scared. But I practiced the day before to get myself ready. Since I did not write my own raps then, I chose to do Lil Bow Wow's "Thank You". Next day, I got up there, nervous as heck, rapped the verse and when I was done the lunchroom went CRAZY! I felt like a star. I knew, from that point on, this was what I wanted to do. And I know now that this is the path God chose for me. This is my destiny."

8.04.2011

Capture the Moment

14th Street B, C Trains Station
Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....




STYLE ICON: NAJAI' SIMONE !

Ms. Najai Simone
Amateur filmmaker Najai Simone, is a Style icon.
Age: 17
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Interesting fact: I also enjoy writing poetry , short stories and songs.


HOW WOULD NAJAI DEFINE HER STYLE?

"I would describe it as very Najai. My style is very unique because I like to mix it up, I never stay the same. I like to add my own touch like my buttons or my bracelets. I like to experiment and have fun."

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT FASHION?

"I love that there is no true definition of fashion. You can be as daring as you want and wear whatever you want and it can all be seen as fashion. Everyone has their own personal style and I think that everyone is a style icon"

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE STYLE ICON?

Va$htie Kola
"Va$htie Kola. She is not only talented but she's beautiful and fashionable at the same time. She's a great role model. She proves that in order to be i the media you do not have to use your se appeal or dress revealing to be noticed. You can use your talent instead. I love her."

DOES NAJAI CONSIDER HERSELF A STYLE ICON?

"I never really looked at myself as a style icon, I wear what I want, the way I want to. I guess thats what makes people iconic, doing what they want to."

8.02.2011

Capture the Moment.

Being a New Yorker, it is so easy to get caught up in the business of it. It is good to slow down and really capture moments that make this city so full of life & character.

You never know what can serve as inspiration....



Walking down Central Park West on 74th Streets
 

TRICIA'S STYLE: ALL ABOUT OXFORDS!

Many of my fashion staples stem from my childhood, personality and passions. One of them are OXFORDS.
My grandmother bought me a pair when I was a young girl. While everyone liked to wearing sneakers and boots, I wanted to wear my OXFORDS. Those were not "cool" so I stopped wearing them.

WHERE TO BUY?
My favorite shoe store, Mr. Steve Madden


NOW.. I can not get enough!



What is your fashion staple?

8.01.2011

New York Character: BRANDY !

Age: 23
Hometown: La Porte, Texas
Interesting Fact: My son's name is SID and um.. my TATTOO.

"I have a pair of hot pink lips on my chest. They are a trace of my ex boyfriend's lips and I regret it now."

What has Brandy been dreading about Summer '11?

"The end of the Harry Potter movie saga. I have like nothing to look forward to anymore. I am in denial!"

7.31.2011

What I did During the HEAT WAVE: BLUE DONKEY BAR

After getting mani/pedis at NAILS&MORE, I decided to get some food and most importanty some iced cold drinks.

I went to The Blue Donkey Bar on the Upper West Side.

INFO: http://www.thebluedonkeybar.com/  
487 Amsterdam Ave (between 83rd St & 84th St); 1,2 trains to 79th and/or 86th Streets
What to get?

The Breakfast Burritto & a flavored Twisted Tea Cocktail

What I did during the HEAT WAVE : Nails & More

This has to be the best spot ever! On those hot, disgusting days last week in New York City, I needed to do anything to be in an air conditioned room. My twin and I decided to go get mani-pedis, so that we can some how feel fabulous & sexy in this heat.

Place: Nails & More
WHY ITS THE SPOT? Massage chairs, air conditioned, cool colors, $21 for a manicure/pedicure/10-minute massage!

Location: 267 Columbus Ave , between 72nd St & 73rd St (1,2,3 trains to 72nd Street)

7.30.2011

NOH8. The Gay Marraige Debate.

Gay Marraige is now legal in New York City... How do you feel?

Daniel, 31
(Favorite TV characer is Doug of King of Queens) 
Jorge, 41: Wonderful! People should be happy regardless of sex, gender or anything. The botton line is that people should be able to do what they want to do to be happy. They deserve the same opportunites to build a life and family together.

Daniel, 30: It's cool for them. Why shouldnt they be able to get married? They are not bothering anyone.

LeTrice, 21: I think it is a wonderful thing because I have friends that are gay and I love that they are now able to experience what I have the chance to. Like, have a beaurtiful wedding, and celebrate their love and happiness with their friends and family.

Cobb, 23: Great! Good for them!

Christina, 28: To be honest, I personally do believe that everyone deserves to be happy. However, I am against gay marraige because the bible says that marraige is between a man and a woman. 

Danny: It should be legal everywhere !

7.29.2011

NEW YORK CHARACTER: CATHLEEN

Cathleen Meredith
Age: 29
Hometown: Sacramento, CA

An interesting fact about Cathleen.. "I ROCK!" So yeah, writer, artistic, novelist, philanthropist and role model, Cathleen Meredith is certainly a character reaching for greatness. Cathleen inspired me to pursue my dreams and I hope she does the same for all of you. Cathleen moved to New York City to pursue her dream of becoming an actress, comedian and writer.


HOW ARE YOU LIKING NEW YORK?

"I've always wanted to come here. The sound, the pulsating, noisy power of the city spoke to me. My love affair did not end after arriving years ago. While the jaded, tired and disillusioned messes that are on the subway, i am daily amazed by what happens here. I am amazed by the people, culture, and the pilgrims like me. NYC is the love of my life, for better or for worse."

WHAT DID IT MEAN FOR YOU TO FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS?

"Basically it means sacrifice. It means perseverance. It mean follow through and it takes some hard work. Moving past the years of discovery and defining the dream. I am now at the time to achieve it. This part is exciting. At the same time, it demonstrated what I am made of and what I am willing to do to live the life I imagined."

TELL US ABOUT YOUR WRITING: 

"I write drama stories about the here and now. About relationships, and everything that makes us who we are. I have written more days than I can count. I just completed my first novel and I am currently working on my screenplay."

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU GIVE YOUNG ASPIRING ENTERTAINERS WHO ARE AFRAID TO GO FOR IT?

"Life is short. no one wants to look back on their life and regret. Langston Hughes said it best: a dream deferred is like a raisin in the sun. We are all gonna die some day. Might as well go out with a bang. Know that you lived the life you dreamed about as a kid."

WHAT DOES CATHLEEN DO ON HER DOWN TIME?

"I go to church. I read. I dance. I travel. I like to explore and try new things and places. I like working with kids and teenagers. I love theatre and seeing plays. Big Broadway plays and small local stuff. I love combing my passions: God/theatre/teens/writing. That is when I am happy."

Are Men More Likely to Cheat than Women?

Question: Are men more likely to cheat than women? Why?
Jorge, 42: Tough question. I believe that all people do it for all different reasons. I know a lot of girls that cheat. I keep my mouth shut. Girls are emotional; men are animals.
Danny: It used to be like that way. Not so much anymore. I know a lot of women that cheat. If that’s what you want, get it in an open relationship. Which has become very common. In today’s world you have to accept every possible lifestyle. Cheating is morally wrong. You are violating someone’s trust. Open relationships can work and not for me but my friends are in it and it works for them
Brandy, 23: Yes, I think girls are more emotionally attached. Guys just like attention, so any kind of attention they will take it
Christy, 28: Guys like to brag to their friends about the girls they bang. ‘I piped this and I smashed that’
Sandy, 31: Absolutely because they have a higher sex drive than women. Every guy I have been with has cheated.
Daniel: Depends on the person. Not the gender. Men who drink iced mochas are less likely to cheat LOL
Matt: No. There is no reason.
Rashiem: No because both are equally possible to cheat. Science will tell you that women have more hormones than men. Cheating has more layers. Be honest with your feelings and lust. Be secure on feelings. Cheating is not necessarily bad. I think real relationships can grow from cheating.
Adelle, 24: Yeah because they always want to experience that ‘new fling’ feeling
LeTrice, 21: Definitely because they want that new chase. We shouldn’t base it on gender though because everyone wants to have their cake and eat it too.

7.28.2011

TWITPIC!

Follow the blog @yourlifeyourart !

VINTAGE ITEM OF THE WEEK:

MY FABULOUS GRANDMOTHER'S LOUIS VUTTON DUFFLE !

Who is Benjamin Wiliam-Pierre Franxo?

In his words.. "It’s the kid BEN Frank & no…I don’t make music or do any other cool, creative shit like that so I don’t even know why I’ve been summoned for this blog honestly.


SIIIIIIIIIIIIKE !


"On some real shit though, I’m Benjamin William-Pierre Franxo …BEN Frank for short."


He also considers himself an entrepreneur, dope mover, barista, and an average joe. An interesting fact about him, "I find beauty in almost everything....no homo" One about us, I was a barista too. But anyways...


Benjamin Franxo
Age: 21
Hometown: Bronx, NY


HOW IMPORTANT IS IT THAT YOU ARE ABLE TO EXPRESS YOURSELF THROUGH MUSIC?:


I’ve been rapping since I could talk & I started talking at 2 years old. I’d rap all the shit that was blaring from the speakers until I was 8 & decided I wanted to be one of the many voices I heard composing words in melodic format. It was then that my pops taught me how to count bars. From there I wrote & recorded my first song entitled “Round Here” (We Ghetto) complete with 3 16 bar verses & hook…8 years old nigga. Now, 14 years later, I’ve come to the realization that I’ve been blessed with a very special & unique talent for expressing myself in some of the dopest ways possible.


FASHION:


"As far as fashion goes…I dress like I’m 6 different people. This is so because I grew up in a lot of different scenes & I love to be versatile. Nowadays, I don’t even care about what others wear. My style is so ME that I don’t have idols when it comes to getting dressed. One day you can catch me in a pair of Jordans & a V-neck with some cargo shorts & the next I’m in cut off colored skinnys, basic ass vans & a loud ass tank. The only thing that really doesn’t change is the fact that I wear a lot of Mishka & I’m always gunna have my favorite snap back of the moment near. I don’t necessarily wanna become a “Fashion Designer” or anything, but I feel like I have some dope ass ideas for tee shirts, snapbacks & other cool fashion items so why not wear em & have the people who support my movement wear em too?? Basically, I just want the world to know what it’s like to be me. I’m a pretty fucking stellar guy in my opinion & the opinion of a lot of others. Now I wanna know if the rest of you agree."

BEN'S MUSIC:


When it comes to making music I feel like there’s a certain intimacy that comes along with it. If you’re just writing shit to write it, which I’ve done before while collaborating with other artists, I don’t consider that “making music”.  When you present a part of yourself in a song…something real, something that YOU FEEL & want others to reference while feeling the same. When you give a piece of your soul to the track that’s beneath you or the track that you’re creating…that’s what it is to make music, shitty or not. I feel that artists like Travis McCoy, Tom DeLonge, Kanye West, Jay-Z, Eminem, Pharrell Williams, Pete Wentz, Curt Cobain, Jimi Hendrix & even Tyler the Creator all MAKE/MADE MUSIC! They bring forth what it is to put who you are into the music, breathe life into their art. I feel like my own personal style of creation is going to make time stand still because I have absolutely no hang ups about my art anymore. It’s like this, I’m going to write what I want to hear & what I want people to know about me. I’m also going to do it in any particular style or “genre” of music I want to do it in while it’s happening. I feel like niggas make music chasing a paycheck these days, not I."


WHAT IF PEOPLE DON'T LIKE YOUR MUSIC?:


"I could give a fuck less if I NEVER get signed or people don’t like my music or my clothes or my point of view in general& I’ll continue to put my own money behind this. I wouldn’t say you’re not dope cause you say “FUCK DOPEMVMT!”  you know? That shows that you’re opinionated & that you don’t give a fuck, which I think is pretty dope within its self."


DOPEMVMT ! :


"In the coming months I will be unleashing a plethora of amazing art to the world falling under one large umbrella (that unfortunately lacks Rihanna) called DOPEMVMT (The Dope Movement). DOPEMVMT is everything that has anything to do with BEN Frank, basically the world through my eyes. MY WORLD!!! From the music I enjoy making to what I enjoy listening to, the clothing I like to wear or create myself & just shit that I find creative & well…Dope. DOPEMVMT is literally everywhere already. It lives in the souls of the many like-minded individuals that I’ve been blessed to come across in these 22 long ones."


HEAR BENJAMIN FRANXO'S MUSIC  !