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)

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 !

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.

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  !

Friends With Benefits: How common is it? Can it work?

"Friends with Benefits" has been relevant in our culture in the recent years. Sexuality and relationships are not black and white anymore. There isn't any rulebooks on how people should relate, and connect to each other. Young people do not just have sex with who they are in relationships with or even have feelings for.

The sexy Justin Timberlake and the talented, and charismatic Mila Kunis star in the movie, Friends With Benefits. The story is about a guy and a girl who are good friends and decide to cross that line without getting into a relationship. Friends with Benefits is a common term and seems like an ideal situation but can it work?

Have you ever had a "friend with benefits"? Can it work?

Jorge, 42: Yes, we would have twice a week. It was good until I moved. After that, she confessed her love. Glad I moved when I did. Things would have gotten complicated.

Evelyn, 29: I do not like it because I would feel used. I am old school, and that just seems inappropriate. I have had one but it did not last long because I did not like how it made me feel.

Rasheim: It can definitely work. It just has to be between two people tat can be respectful and honest with each other the entire time.

Daniel, 31: Sooner or later someone will catch feelings. It can get uncomfortable. You are not really "friends" anymore once you add the benefits.

Jasmine, 19: I have had a friend with benefits but it ended because he was engaged.

Danny: Yes. It was great. Because we were honest up front. It was a mutual attraction and we were close friends. It went on for close to a year. It was long distance, once a month. She would come to NY from LA and stay with me 4-5 days. It ended when I got into a relationship with someone I had more romantic feelings for. We are not friends to this day, it is not appropriate now that I am married.

Jessica, 27: Yes I have. It does not have to get complicated if you are honest with your feelings. It really depends on the person.

What Inspires You? "TODD!"

INSPIRATION CAN COME FROM ANYWHERE. WHAT INSPIRE YOU?

Last week my twin sister and I stopped on the street and bought the cutest ring for only $2! A turtle whose rusted, tarnished gold caught my eye. It was not until after I bought it and put it on that I noticed his head, legs and tail moves. My new turtle ring is ALIVE and full of life!

This inspired me in so many ways. It made me want to do great things. I named him TODD. I wear him when I want to feel inspired, creative and be in good spirits.

TODD has 17 jeweled spots, and red eyes.

Do GREAT Things..featuring Jamaal Thompson of Far Beyond Music Ent.

Your Life, Your Art BLOG  is a site that broadcasts dynamic individuals. This site would lose credibility if I did not feature Jamaal Thompson @tharealjamaal. Besides being one of the funniest people I know, he is the founder of Far Beyond Music Entertainment

http://www.farbeyondmusicent.blogspot.com/

www.Soundcloud.com/fbmartist

Natru Hi's Mixtape

What is Far Beyond Music? Far Beyond Music is appreciation for music and everything that surrounds it. Its consists of Natru Hi (artist), Faye (artist) and Christian Mar (Fashion Designer)... Its not just another label its an ode to music and its effect on life FBM includes a fashion line (Don Christian Laurence) which was created and is ran by Christian Mar...I created this brand in means of making music relevant and part of everyday life again because nowadays u really can't get in touch with most of the artist I just felt that the industry needed another empire that had it all music, fashion, entertainment, and did things in the community and that's where I feel me and my brand steps in at

What makes Far Beyond Music different than other labels?  What sets my label aside from any other is the fact I don't call it a label I think of it as a brand a way of life...also we're very family oriented and I think the bond I have wit my artist and different side affiliates is way different then labels that's out here.

What message do you want the label and artists to convey? The message I want my label and my artist to portray is that whatever it is you do go above and beyond it sounds cliche but if you take greatness a step or two further and touch on things others haven't it will put you on a different bracket whether it has to do wit music or just everyday life

Where do you see yourself and Far Beyond Music in 5 years?  In 5 yrs I see my brand as a household name...I want us to touch on the movie scene, fashion, education and beyond

Why did you want to go into the music industry? I always was deep into music growing up wit my older brothers era of music at 4 yrs old I knew the words to any slick rick song on as I got older I watch friends freestyle and I was always good with words so I would join in at lunch time and say a few punchlines that would have my classmates open...once I reached high school me and my boy Ralphy started Ghost Town records where we would destroy any1 at the lunch table...years later I was talking to my boy Chipz the General who already was in the game did a little stint wit Sony and I told him I wanted to start my own label not as a rapper but behind the scenes where I got to select my own artist and really bring music to where it was when I was growing up wit the Biggies, Pacs, Big L, mary j, donnel jones, dave hollister those type of artist were dominating the game...he told me that grinding for what u believe in pays off and linked me up wit some good people in the industry ever since then I never looked back

What has happened that has made you more secure in your success? I really felt like I had my place in the music industry when I dropped my artist Natru Hi 1st mixtape of my label...it didn't hit me until the mixtape was finished, cover was made and I heard him yell out Far Beyond Music on 1 of his songs it may seem minor to any1 else but it gave me a sense of achievement and with his skills and my mission for Far Beyond Music stood for I felt a sense of longevity...its still a shock to me when I have conversations with people like Jimi Kendrix (grammy nominated platinum super producer, Evan Brown (best emerging producer of the year nominee), Cook Carter ( Producer for Money Under Pressure Records) as well as other artist in the game like HeadCrack, Young B, Natasha Mosley, 40 Cal and others like its nothing...just 2 yrs ago I had a far fetched dream of being in the same bracket as the artist I only heard on the radio now I'm chillin wit the producers who gave them hits I appreciate everything that has come my way and what Chipz have done for me

Anything else you would like to add? I just want to tell any1 who is following their dreams to wake up and make it reality u only live once...stay on the lookout for Natru Hi sophomore mixtape, Faye debut mixtape, and a couple of big surprises and announcements coming real soon...Far Beyond Music

STYLE ICON: Jill Gross !

Age: 21

Hometown: Herkimer, NY
Occupation: Case planner in Foster Care

Interesting Facts: Jill has traveled to Kenya to work with orphans, interned with a lobbying firm in Washington DC; loves slam poetry! "Shoutout to Saul Williams!" (a slam poet)

Do you consider yourself a style icon? "I like to think so."

What makes Jill's style unique? "I use the current trends and do my best to combine with vintage accessories..something that is one of a kind. I always put together as many prints that I can. I think that controlled chaos is the best way to attract attention."

Jill's Hair!: My hair is my outlet. My profession me to dress pretty basic and I use my hair as a way to stand out in the crowd. It is a conversation starter. My hair shows my rebellious side."

What are your favorite trends and vintage accessory? "I love fall trends. The layered look with knee high riding boots. My favorite vintage accessory is big gaudy rings, and anything that sparkles."

Which body part do you like to accentuate the most? "I like to bring attention to my neck and shoulders usually a big chunky necklace will do the job."

Who is your favorite style icon? "Jackie O. because as I start my career I am trying to present a strong independent woman while maintaining an approachability which I think she does especially through fashion."

STYLE ICON: Kionnei Lyons !

Age: 22

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Interesting Fact(s): "I love to watch classic black and white movies; I turn guy clothing into cute girl clothes. I want to better the human race each day I am fortunate enough to be on this earth."

What makes Kionnei a style icon?: "I am not too into fashion designers because I feel the person who wears the clothes make it come to life. I do not look at it as style, I see it as a form of expression. I am a young lady full of complexities and I am fortunate enough to live in a city where it is normal to express yourself through clothing and it is not considered weird."

Who is your favorite fashion icon and why? "The people of New York City because it is so much originality and diversity walking these mean streets."

Kionnei's clothing store:  "Right now, ALL SAINTS, (http://www.us.allsaints.com/) although I can not afford it. I go in that store and I see bits and pieces of me. It goes from raw chick from the Bronx to straight off the runway. But until my pockets are fat I will stick to thrift stores and making old clothes into something funky!"

Kionnei's advice to women: "accentuate legs, legs and more legs! My grandmother had the BEST legs in Harlem! I am blessed to have them passed down. Legs are flirty and sensual. I truly encourage women to wear whatever they feel and be unapologetic about it. Who run the world???"

Summer Night Spots: '1 2 3 Burger Shot Beer'

' 1 2 3 Burger Shot Beer '
http://www.123burgershotbeer.com/

Located on 738 10th Ave btwn. 50th & 51st Street (1, A, C, E trains to 50th Street)

Why is it good for summer nights (besides what the name implies)? 100oz Beer Tube or $30

*Tuesday Night Special: Beer Tube, 10 sliders (bite size burger, good for buzzed eating), & your choice of fries for $42.95

*$2 SHOTS in various fun flavors & jello shots! (try the 'Do Me Again' flavor: tequila, strawberry pucker, grapefruit juice) 

Name: LeTrice "Tee"

Age: 21

Hometown: Bronx, NY

Interesting Fact:  "I am a dancer." (Has ballet slippers tattooed on her left calf)

"I liked the atmosphere. The great thing is that they have different types of shots. I had the 'XXX' '(blueberry vodka, raspberry liquor, grapefruit juice, energy)

New York Character: COBB!

Who: Cobb, 25, Aspiring Adult Animator (not what you think)

Hometown: Alexandria, VA

Interesting Fact: deeply enjoys comics

Important to note: When I first met Cobb, he gave me a brief history on comic books. Also, I could not stop saying his name, COBB!

Why Cobb wants to be an animator: "for the purpose of telling the comic stories that I grew up on in a new medium. I would like to make superhero cartoons for a mature audience. I feel that only in this form can there be the proper freedoms given to fully tell a story.

He will do this by "blending the correct emotional spectrum with terrific action sequences without the worry of it being too intense or obscure for younger audiences. I already know how to draw and write, now I just nee to figure out how to make those drawings come to life."

New York Character: The French Firefighter

Who: Emmanuel, 23, Aspiring Firefighter

Hometown: "Here and there. Born here, raised in Strasbourg, France. Have travelled a lot. I have lived in New York for approximately a year."

Interesting Fact: He considers himself asocial and "does not care for anything the general population likes"

With that said, I had to ask what he actually liked about New York, after moving here to become apart of FDNY.

What he likes most about living in New York City: "The fact that it literally never sleeps. There are so many 24/7 spots, and you can get access to pretty much everything at any time of night in Manhattan. I also like how anything is possible here, good and bad."

He made sure to mention what he dislikes the most about living in New York City:

• "too many people live here"
• "the excessive American lifestyle"
• "New Yorkers are obnoxious"

Aren't French people obnoxious too? "No. We are just a proud people."

Madison's 'Let Loose & Fun' Spot !

Name: Patricia R, 21, Creative Director
Hometown: Bronx, NY
Favorite Night Spot: Coyote Ugly Saloon, NYC (1, L trains)
Location: 153 First Ave between 9th & 10th Streets

Why: I had so much fun! My coworker would go there after work, every Thursday. She always asked me to go with her. I finally agreed to go and had the time of my life! At first I was not sure if I could really let loose enough to dance on the bar. She would say that there was no way that I could go the Coyote Ugly bar and not dance on the bar. PBRs are only $2 and if you dance on the bar the hot bartenders usually give you a FREE SHOT OF VODKA. It felt so good to drink with the girls, flirt with CUTE boys, dance on the bar and just really let loose, especially after work. That is not a place that I would go to every week but definitely when I need to let go of some stress and just have FUN.

Memorable Moment: I was on my 6th or 7th beer and I was finally drunk enough to get up there. I bumped my head on the pipe (embarassing). Me and my coworker just laughed and dance the night away!