Imani Workshops

Marley And Me Marley And Me

Petr Prielozny: Junior Bodybuilding Champion of NYC

Crank:High Voltage Crank:High Voltage

Christina Mendez: Essence Magazine Real Size Model

WATCHMEN - The Movie WATCHMEN - The Movie

Dr. Catrise Austin: Celebrity Cosmetic Dentist

Bedtime Stories Bedtime Stories
Latest News

Momma's Boy: Is It Up to the Girlfriend to Cut the Umbilical Cord?

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Thursday, March 25, 2010 , under |



We all thought holy matrimony was a wonderful, harmonious gift shared between a loving wife and husband. But what about those guys out there who seem to  have wanted marriage with their mothers. Thousands of  females have expressed their outrage and total discomfort with their boyfriends' inability to "step up and be a man," because of his uncontrolled veneration for "the mother." Disturbing calls at 12 AM...."Roger, can you come over and fix the plumbing." Unplanned visits on a Friday night without the children..."I came to bake my son some cookies." Guys and girls alike, what are your views on the "Momma's Boy?" Is it up to the girlfriend/fiance/wife to address the situation? Or should the boyfriend/fiance/husband speak up?

**Eternity signing off**

A Special Note to All of You:Happy New Years

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Thursday, December 31, 2009 , under |



Happy New Year everyone. Can you all believe it's the end of the decade? A new beginning is upon us. Now, there is no need for the New Year's Resolution. We are all too familiar with the inconsistency of NY resolutions, and the lack of solid committment to these self-proclaimed new rules. Instead, make tiny changes, and try to enforce them each and everyday. Start off small. In most cases, people reflect back pn the previous year, and with a surge of energy, ambition and gusto, they decide to make an empty promise of changing for the New Year. Remember, you can accomplish anything in life,  however do not bite off more than you can chew, remember also to stay true to yourself, make small steps towards enlightenment, success and most importantly happiness. Learn about yourself. Pay attention to the beat of your heart, be still and find resolve in the loudness of silence. Know yourself. This is the Life and Style Union bigtime 2010 advice! Be Blessed, and stay tuned to more of Life and Style Union, resurrected and fully reloaded.

*****Eternity signing off*****

Not Your Average Cup of Tea But Musically Succulent: Dr. Hyde and the Scouts

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 , under |






Dr. Hyde and the Scouts, the name offers an interesting twist to the musical ambience of this new hit underground rock cluster sensation, trampling on the stages of jazz/hip hop, comtemporary rock saturated venues throughout New York City. Lead singer Avi Pavlovich introduces a fresh tone to singing and songwriting, focalizing issues of love, emotions, and whimsical moments existent in the day to day dealings of humanity, within the octaves and falsettos of Dr. Hyde and the Scouts lyricism. Life and Style Union would like to bring this hot band to the forefront of all mainstream music. Real music? Without a doubt. Interview coming soon, but in the meantime checkout their Myspace music page. Listen especially to " Alone" and "Cheese Number 2."

http://www.myspace.com/drhydeandthescouts

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dr-Hyde-and-the-Scouts/121091700022?ref=ts#/pages/Dr-Hyde-and-the-Scouts/121091700022

Her Fingers Orchestrate Her Dreams: Voice of the People Correspondent George Jones Interviews Upcoming Songwriter F.reelance

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on , under , |




Joining us today on Life and Style Union, we have up-and-coming songwriter, Freelance. Born and raised in California but now resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, F.reelance’s determination and readiness to excel in the industry, radiates throughout her skin. At the young age of 22, F.reelance made it known that her dream of becoming a professional songwriter will shortly become a reality. Welcome to Life and Style Union F.reelance, let’s get started…

George: When did you first start writing songs?

F.reelance: If I can remember right, I first started writing when I was 10 years old.

George: Do you remember the first piece you’ve written? Was it a poem to a grade school crush? (Smiling)

F.reelance: I know I’m not that old lol but I honestly don’t remember the first piece I wrote...sorry couldnt tell you. (laughing) and no it wasn’t a poem to a grade school crush..maybe if it was I would remember it lol.

George: Has there ever been a time where your dream was differed in anyway? If so, how did you get back on track?

F.reelance: As far as I know, no....my dreams have been the same; I just let certain people stop me for a while. I got back on track by realizing I can no longer live my life for those that won’t support me anyway and been writing ever since.

George: Being a songwriter, is there a specific genre you cater to? Or are you well rounded?

F.reelance: I usually cater my music to R&B, but it doesn’t really matter to me...I just choose R&B because that’s what I mainly listen to. But, what I write can be for any genre, I don’t discriminate.

George: Where do you get the inspiration to write such songs?

F.reelance: I have actually a few people that inspire me. For one I have my siblings because they support me with what I want to do. They are the only ones that have lived with me and I write about certain things that have happened. Secondly, the inspiration comes from myself because I write about things that have happened to me, mistakes I've made and so on....etc...Last but not least, my BIGGEST inspiration comes from a lady im talking to. She pushes me to do my best, matter of fact, better than what I know I can do. It really gets on my nerves but I thank her for it.

George: What is your most recent work and can you tell us about it?

F.reelance: Literally this morning I finished one of my songs called 'Thank You'. It’s not your typical thank you song. It’s focused on those that aren’t supportive of me and what I do; I’m just thanking them because they've made me stronger.

George: Who in today’s industry do you feel would be the ideal candidate for you to write a song?

F.reelance: (Pause) I haven’t really thought about it. But I would write a song to an entertainer that has been through just as much as I have and probably more things than I could experience in my life. I have a couple people in mind but I’m not sure because I really don’t know them and I don’t want to make a song for someone that isn’t true.

George:  In light of your era being the early 90s, how do you feel music has changed from that time period, to the new millenium? 

F.reelance: Honestly, I think the music that was played in the 90's rules [over]  what’s played today. Don’t get me wrong, there are alot of good songs out there, I just think 90s music was better because it focused on I say, real things. Don’t take this as an insult, because like I said there are alot of artists who do make good music I enjoy.

George:  Besides yourself, who do you feel is the most talented songwriter out today?

F.reelance: I have to say Ne-Yo because he writes about things people can relate to in life. I’m not saying all the other artists aren’t like that because they are.

George:  Where will we see F.reelance in the next five years?

F.reelance: I see myself as a successful songwriter and producer. Enough said.

George:  Before I let you get back to writing more unique ballads(smiling), can you leave us with a word or two for those who aspire to become the future heavy hitter songwriters in the industry?

F.reelance: Never give up on your dreams.

George: Thanks for sharing your story with us here at Life and Style Union F.reelance. Much success to you and your future endeavors. Until next time ladies and gentlemen, this is Voice of the People Correspondent George J signing off.

Secret Shoperias Nestled in NYC: Reveal #1

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Sunday, September 13, 2009 , under , , , |



My lovelies...
As promised, I am divulging one spot in NYC, adorned with high-end designer clothing and accessories. Check out El Mundo, located on Valentine avenue in the Fordham Road section of the Boogie Down, Bronx. I was doing my normal run of "antiquing" in the historical Bronx, and decided to get some varnish for the newly bought 1910 French headboard I scored...Of course, I was in the area and saw this giant store which resembled the classic "99 Cents" joint- (Urban dwellers should know what I'm talking about *smiles*). In my head "this store should have the varnish," so I walk in, and am I taken by surprise? Yes indeed. A whole swarm of people diving in big brown boxes- what in the world could these folks be looking for? Well what do you know, a cute Spanish lady throws a Kate Spade purse up in the air "Tu quieres mami"..."Of course I want this." (SMILING) Took it to the cashier along with my varnish...grand total- $4.25!
A joke? I kid you not. Kate Spade cow-hide clutch for less than my table shine...wow $1.25.
I had to look in the box for myself and to my surprise, Juicy Couture Boxes, 10 of them to be exact!

Well, that's all for now. You may doubt this, but my resources are credible. Check out this NYC nestled shoperia, and best believe, it will not be your last visit.

Until next time ....stay positive

*****Ashleigh-Eternity signing off*****

LSU is drenched in Jalapeno Sauce ...Catching Up with Candy Girl's star and video model, the lovely Ms. Blanca Lopez

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Friday, September 11, 2009 , under |



Hot, spicy and “tell-it-like-it-is” reality,docu-soap star from E!’s blazing American series Candy Girls, Blanca Lopez stops in on Life and Style Union to have some good old-fashioned conversation with founder and CEO of LSU, Ashleigh Fitzwilliam. Check it out beautiful people.



AF: Thanks so much for stopping by to chat Blanca. How’s life treating you?





Blanca Lopez: Hi Ashleigh! Im great. I have love and its a beautiful thing..





AF: I remember watching Candy Girls on E!, like the reality TV junkie I am, and I was particularly drawn to the personality, Blanca Lopez. You have this no-nonsense persona, and you appear to march to the beat of your own drum. Is this all a part of the TV personality , or is this the real mccoy Blanca Lopez, naked of the Hollywood spotlight?





Blanca Lopez: Yes indeed I do march to the beat of my own drum I don't disagree with that.





AF: Candy Girls viewers all across the nation were entertained by your alter-ego Feniix; you seemed to drink a lot under this guise. Are there any other traits of your alter-ego not captured on camera?





Blanca Lopez: I never wanted to show Feniix but the producers loved it and I'm glad I did because Feniix has fans from what I hear (smiling)... seems like a lot of people relate to having that other side of them. Sometimes when I drink I become another person not all the time though... it usually has to do with Patron that thing is deadly. But the cameras didn't really get to see how crazy Feniix can get at times, but that is a good thing.. (smiling)





AF: I suppose so, but we all really want to see how "luda" Feniix can get (smiling).How did you create the name Feniix in the first place?





Blanca Lopez: A friend of mine has a daughter named Phoenix and I thought it was cute but I switched mine up to Feniix. I thought it was so unique that she named her [daughter] that. I felt it had a nice ring to it for me as well (laughing) I didn't want to name my other side something regular it had to stand out and be fun.





AF: I dig that. Blanca, on the show, you and Danielle Crawley (head of Bella Agency), did not seem to get along. Where and when did it all go wrong?





Blanca Lopez: At first we didn't get along because of he said she said gossip in Hollywood it all was a miss-understanding... we decided to set our differences aside and work together. She got to know me, I got to know her so its all good now.





AF: That's totally fab to hear. However, my question is, was this “feud” designed for ratings or was it a real situation?





Blanca Lopez: It was a real feud we didn't like each other at the time ... They cut out the more interesting version when we got into a real ugly argument. They just showed [everyone] a snippet.





AF: Do you both have an amicable relationship now?





Blanca Lopez: Yes we have grown to have love for one another.





AF: Cool. When did you decide to pursue modeling as a career?





Blanca Lopez: When I was 5 [years of age] my mom took me to a fashion show in Mexico. I was in awe and I told her I want[ed] to be one of those!





AF: Did you intend to be a video model? By the way, what videos have you appeared in?





Blanca Lopez: No. I intended to be an actress but I don't see anything wrong with doing videos as long as they are classy and make you look fabulous. I haven't appeared in many but of course The Dream -Rocking that Thang, Mims- Move, Pharrel-That Girl, and K.Shawn- Moviestar ( shout out to K.Shawn, my other half.... and the link to K.Shawns video is http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YY1gb0rsV6Y





AF: What is it like working for Bella Agency?





Blanca Lopez: One word fun.





AF: Do you find competition within the group of models signed to Bella Agency- you, Terricka Cason, Brooke Bailey, and Olivia Jones?





Blanca Lopez: Well, we all have different looks and different talents so no I dont think so. When we all don't get to work together we still support when one of us gets hired, we are a team.





AF: A zillion people want to know if Candy Girls is up for a second season(including me.) What’s the 411?





Blanca Lopez: For now my lips have to be sealed...Sorry I'm going to have to leave you with the suspense.





AF: Alright, fair enough...well, any future projects in the works for you?





Blanca Lopez: Well I recently appeared in a sketch comedy with actor/comedian Mike Epps called "Funny Bidness," I have a calendar coming out, I'm planning on opening a boutique in my hometown Tucson Arizona in the next year .. daytime shows, movies .. the sky is the limit.. here's the link to Mike Epps http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7mUmv6ul6c





AF: As a model, what are some of the things you do to stay in shape? Any fitness 101? Fill us in…





Blanca Lopez: I eat healthy but I also love food (smiling). I'm not the best adviser for staying in shape Ineed to get in the gym and discipline myself (laughing).





AF: Don't we all..I cannot recall the last time I really worked out (laughing). To all the aspiring models out there in the world, what can you say to them regarding the industry? Is it the famed “cut-throat” arena?





Blanca Lopez: Follow your dreams and everything is not as easy as it seems, its a race out here and also a roller coaster ride.. ups, downs you just go through so much you never know whats going to happen but I am a firm believer that if you work hard anything can happen you have to believe in yourself. "You are what you think about all day long" R.Schuller [said], and what ever it is you want to do in life try to be the best you can be. Never do anything just to do it.





AF: Blanca you really gave some excellent pointers. This was a hot convo, thanks a bunch for taking some time out of your busy schedule to catch-up with Life and Style Union. Stay in touch, you’re always welcome.





Blanca Lopez: Thank you Ash!!!!! Much love





Note to my readers: Alcohol was mentioned in this article. Please be advised that the drinking age limit is 21. In no way does Life and Style Union condone under-aged drinking. Blanca Lopez is over the drinking age requirement. Thank you. Until next time, stay focused, stay true and believe.





*****Ashleigh Fitzwilliam-Eternity signing off*****

The Realness: Soulful Def Jam singer/songwriter Miss Aja Lorraine-Her Story

Posted by Ashleigh Fitzwilliam, CEO and Founder on Monday, September 7, 2009 , under , , |




Life and Style Union warmly welcomes sultry, singer and songwriter Aja Lorraine, signed to Def Jam and Ruff Ryder record label. This woman, as previously described in LSU updates, bleeds positivity and a self-awareness most cannot even fathom. Her signature phrase “ I am so blessed to know myself…” only entices LSU to get to know her, so let the show begin!

AF: Great to have you on Life and Style Union Aja! Give us a taste of Aja Lorraine…

AJA: THANKS FOR HAVING ME!!! (SMILING BRIGHTLY)


Age: 31


Hometown: BROOKLYN, NY


Ethnicity: BLACK/HISPANIC


Fave Color: RED


Fave Restaurant: PHILIPPE CHOW


Fave Music: JAZZ, OLD~SCHOOL HIP~HOP AND R&B


Fave Food: NOW THIS IS A HARD ONE!!! I LOVE FOOD!!! MY FAVORITE WOULD HAVE TO BE ITALIAN...


AF:Now that the basic 411 is covered, onto the grown-up talk(smiling)... As a music artist, what genre do you fall under?


AJA: I TRULY HATE THE WHOLE GENRE THING, LOL BUT IF I HAVE TO CHOOSE, I WILL SAY R&B, NO WAIT, SOUL... OH NO HOLD UP, MAYBE I'M HIP~HOP... COULD BE JAZZ...SEE WHAT I MEAN??? I LET THE FANS DECIDE... (smiling)


AF: When did you decide to pursue music as a career?


AJA: I NEVER GREW UP THINKING I WANTED TO BE A SINGER, I JUST ALWAYS SANG AND WROTE SONGS... MUSIC IS JUST A PART OF ME THAT COMES NATURAL LIKE WALKING AND TALKING... I DID MUSIC BECAUSE IT MADE ME FEEL GOOD, SLOWLY PEOPLE BEGAN TO TAKE NOTICE AND THAT IS HOW MY MUSIC CAREER DEVELOPED INTO WHAT IT IS NOW... TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTION DIRECTLY, I WILL SAY THE DAY THAT I SIGNED TO RUFF RYDERS WAS THE DAY I DECIDED TO PURSUE A MUSIC CAREER... (laughing)


AF: There are so many singers/songwriters in the industry, both nationally and internationally. What distinguishes you from all the rest?


AJA: I THINK IT'S THE FACT THAT A LOT OF SINGER/ SONG~WRITERS ARE JUST FOLLOWING THE TRENDS... I TEND TO WRITE WHAT I AM FEELING OR GOING THROUGH AT THE TIME AND I SING IN MY OWN UNIQUE WAY, (FROM THE HEART)AND ALSO I TRY VERY HARD TO STAY AWAY FROM COPYING ANY~ONE'S STYLE OR GOING WITH WHATS IN... I ENJOY BEING UNIQUE...


AF: When were you signed to Def Jam/Ruff Ryder?


AJA:WELL, THAT IS A LONG STORY BUT I WILL GIVE YOU THE SHORT VERSION... I CAN'T EXACTLY RECALL THE YEAR I SIGNED WITH RUFF RYDERS, BUT I RESIGEND WITH THEM AND SIGNED A DISTRIBUTION DEAL WITH DEF JAM IN '05...


AF: Have we seen you in any music videos? Any guest appearances on MTV,VH1,BET or any on-camera features?


AJA: I WAS IN DRAG~ON'S VIDEO, DMX VIDEO... NO MTV, VH1, OR BET YET.


AF: I listened to your track collab with the beautiful EVE. How was it working with one of the most dynamic and lyrically blessed female hip hop artists in the country?


AJA: SHE MAKES YA BRING YA A GAME... SHE'S A VERY HARD WORKER...SHE IS SO FUN AND OUT~GOING... SHE WAS A PLEASURE TO WORK WITH AND I AM TRULY BLESSED TO HAVE MET HER AND WORKED WITH HER!!! LOVE YA EVE!!!

AF: Have you worked with any other mainstream artists and/or producers?

AJA: LET'S SEE.... DRAG~ON, EVE, DMX, JADA~KISS, STYLES P, JIN, SWIZZ BEATS, NEO DA MATRIX, MAHOGANY, TIMBALAND, ANGIE STONE... AND THERE MAY BE A FEW OTHERS...

AF: I think you and Andre 3000 would make a mean track in the studio;both of you are so diverse and bring a different flavor to mainstream music on the ?whole. Do you concur

AJA: OH HELL TO THE YES!!! I LOVE ANDRE... HIS MUSIC IS GREAT!!! I THINK THAT WOULD BE ONE OF MY BEST COLLABS EVER... I FIND A LOT OF SIMILARITIES BETWEEN US... HE SEEMS LIKE HE JUST ENJOYS MAKING GOOD SOULFUL MUSIC AND HE FOLLOWS HIS OWN GUT INSTINCTS AND FEELINGS JUST LIKE I DO...

AF: Are you going to make that happen (laughing)?

AJA: NO DOUBT!!! THAT IS ON THE TO DO LIST!!! ( LAUGHING HARD) BUT SO SERIOUS!!!

AF: Do/did you encounter any impediments while trying to make your stamp in the music industry? What about your journey to stardom- was it a difficult one?

AJA: I'M STILL ON THE JOURNEY!!! AND THE IMPEDIMENTS ARE OVERWHELMING AT TIMES... UPS AND DOWNS, DISAPPOINTMENTS... I KNOW THEM ALL TO WELL... BUT, I TRY HARD NOT TO FOCUS ON THAT... I JUST KEEP MOVING... THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT CAN MAKE ME STOP THE JOURNEY, THAT IS THE LOVE FOR MY KIDS... IF AT ANY TIME MY KIDS SAY IT'S TIME TO STOP AND JUST BE MOMMY, I WOULD KISS THE GAME GOOD~BYE...

AF: How have your life experiences molded you into the individual you are presently?

AJA: I HAVE HONESTLY BEEN THROUGH MOST OF LIFE'S DRAMA... FROM BEING A SEXUALLY ASSAULTED TEEN, TEEN PREGNANCY, HAVING A CHILD DIE AND COME BACK TO LIFE, DEATH OF LOVED ONE'S, BEING POOR, BEING RICH, FALLING IN LOVE, FALLING OUT OF LOVE, SELF ESTEEM ISSUES, FINANCIAL PROBLEMS, BEING IN JAIL, DOMESTIC ABUSE, DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY AND MUCH MUCH MORE... I AM LIVING PROOF THAT LIFE GOES ON!!! THAT YOU CAN KEEP A SMILE ON YOUR FACE AFTER ALL THE BULLS**T... I SMILE BECAUSE I AM TRULY HAPPY... I SING BECAUSE I AM HAPPY!!! I'M GRATEFUL AND THANKFUL TO GOD FOR HELPING THROUGH IT ALL AND ALLOWING ME TO GET TO KNOW MYSELF... I FEEL SOOOOOOO BLESSED TO KNOW MYSELF... THIS IS NOT A COCKY STATEMENT!!! EVERY~ONE SHOULD GET TO KNOW THEMSELVES WELL... HOW CAN YOU INTERACT WITH OTHER PEOPLE AND REALLY BE "YOU" IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHO "YOU" ARE???I AM A SURVIVOR, A FIGHTER, A MOTHER, A DAUGHTER. A SISTER, A LOVER, AN ARTIST AND MUCH MORE... BUT MORE THAN ANYTHING, I AM A CHILD OF GOD...

AF: I find your statements very profound and so many people out there can relate to your story. So real.The crux of Life and Style Union’s mission as an online magazine is to give back to the youth community at large, for this population serves as the leaders of tomorrow? Do you share similar sentiments? How do you give back to your community?

AJA:CHILDREN ARE EVERYTHING TO ME!!! ALL CHILDREN... I AM WORKING HARD TO GET TO A POINT IN LIFE WHERE I CAN GIVE TO YOUTH ORGANIZATIONS THAT NEED HELP... THAT IS A MAJOR GOAL... AT THE TIME I AM NOT FINANCIALLY WEALTHY BUT I CAN GIVE MY TIME AND LOVE TO ANY~ONE WHO MAY NEED ME... SOMETIMES, IF ALL YOU CAN GIVE IS A SMILE, A HUG OR ENCOURAGEMENT, YOU ARE TRULY GIVING ALL YOU GOT... I TRY HARD TO PROVIDE ALL OF THESE THINGS EACH DAY...

AF: Aja ,this is your opportunity to address the masses of Life and Style Union youth readers all across the globe. What can you share with them about life and success? The floor is yours (smiling)…

AJA: TO THE YOUTH (THE FUTURE), I AM SAYING PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP ON YOURSELF, LEARN YOUR WORTH AND WHERE YOU STAND, THERE IS A PURPOSE AND A PLAN FOR YOU... YOU ARE SOOOOO MUCH BETTER THAN YOU KNOW, ALLOW YOUR CONFIDENCE TO GROW, DO NOT LET DEMONS ALSO KNOWN AS HATERS STOP YOUR FLOW... I KNOW LIFE BRINGS MANY PROBLEMS, YOUR CHALLENGE IS TO SOLVE THEM, DON'T GIVE UP ON YOU, YOU HAVE COME SO FAR... I KNOW THE WORLD MAY NOT ACCEPT YOU, HATERS HURT AND NEGLECT YOU, BUT YOU ARE A CHILD OF GOD... SO PLEASE BE WHO YOU ARE!!! SHINE FOR ALL TO SEE, DON'T FALL SHORT OF BEING YOURSELF, DON'T WORRY ABOUT WHAT PEOPLE THINK OF YOU... YOU GOTTA SEE THAT YOU ARE UNIQUE, IT'S IN YOUR WALK, YOUR STYLE, YOUR SPEECH...POTENTIAL IS INFINITE IF "YOU" BELIEVE!!!!SPEAK LIFE TO YOUR LIFE AND YOU WILL HAVE SUCCESS!!!

AF: Aja you are the epitomy of inspiration. What you said here, has touched me and I am confident it has touched the hearts of so many people...amazing. Thank you very much Aja for catching up with Life and Style Union. It has been a pleasure speaking with you. The LSU community welcomes you back at any time (smiling.)

AJA: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO... THANK YOU LSU!!! GOD BLESS YOU AND ALL YOU DO!!! (SMILING BRIGHTLY)