An Awesome Post by Diane @CosmoHavanese

One of my blogger pals, Diane from the popular blog To Dog With Love wrote a really nice post about the Natural Balance Sweepstakes running online at PETCO.COM. She does a great job explaining how to win some really awesome free stuff and valuable prizes- and at the same time help feed dogs and cats in shelters too. So stop by Diane's blog and check out her post. PS- you can follow Diane on Twitter at @CosmoHavanese, its all about her Havanese named Cosmo who is one awesome dog!

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Enter Weekly Sweepstakes & Feed Shelter Pets Too!

Regular readers of this blog know that I work for Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods. In addition to our expertise in pet nutrition, we also know how to have fun! For the past few years, we have had a float in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day. Our float has been one of the most popular floats during the parade, thanks largely to Tillman and Rose, the world-famous skateboarding bulldogs (here is Rose above).

At last year's parade, the Guiness Book of World Records certified us as having the World's Longest Parade Float. This year, we have built what will be the World's Heaviest Parade Float, featuring Tillman, Rose and their other bulldog friends all skim boarding! They will also be joined by Dock Diving Dogs who will be jumping and swimming on the float at the same time.

  In early November we had an open casting call to find some of the best dock diving and skim boarding dogs in America to join us on the float. This photo at left shows all the dogs who made it, plus Tillman, Rose, Lyle and Sully who were on the float last year.

click banner above to enter the sweepstakes and learn more

  As part of all this fun, we partnered with PETCO on a special Sweepstakes to win really awesome prizes for the next few weeks. People can enter the sweepstakes online each week from PETCO.COM. The best part is with each entry per week, Natural Balance will donate a meal for a dog or cat to an animal shelter. In addition to this, if you are on Facebook, go to the PETCO page and the Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance fan page and click "Like" for each page. With every new "Like" those pages receive between now and January 1st, Natural Balance will also donate a meal for a dog or cat to a shelter! It's quick and easy to enter. All I ask is that you share this with your friends on facebook or Twitter. Let them know they can enter the sweepstakes, and help a shelter pet too. And mark your calendar to watch the Rose Parade on January 1st. Our float is going to be amazing and FUN!

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Rick's Roadshow: I Saw London, I saw Paris

Here is another installment of Rick's Roadshow: I Saw London, I Saw Paris. What is there to write about Paris that has not already been written? I cannot imagine anything at all. During my time in France, I remembered that my command of the French language is not as good as it once was, no, make that not ever as good as I thought it was. I studied French over 25 years ago, and have barely used it at all. I am good at ordering French wine, French cheeses, and French baguette, but that seems to be where my expertise ends. Well that's not entirely fair, I was fine with reading menus and such so that accounts for something, I reckon. During these austere times, it is probably best that I forego the details of my time in France. Instead I'll share just a few photos of the Louvre, Paris' famed museum known to millions of art lovers.

Stunning architecture of the Louvre

Even the gardens at the Louvre are romantic

Paris loves its arches, or should I say "Arc"

Really, this needs a comment?

All I could think of was Dan Brown's book

The French Police- angels on horseback, trumpets blaring.

This photo sums it up: grace, elegance and beauty.

While shopping at Galeries Lafayette, I spotted this wonderful shop window and took this video clip. It is quite charming:

I've long thought that Paris is one of the most beautiful cities by night. Almost any Rue you cross, there are wonderful feasts for the eye throughout Paris. I always recommend walking back from dinner, as it is the best way to see this terrific city at its best.

Here I am in the lounge of a hotel, enjoying a very nice French Bordeaux, well a bottle actually. That plus some fresh bread, wonderful cheese, and snacky things. These are the moments that make Paris Paris, if you know what I mean. I don't smoke, but the only way to have made this a more French moment was if I were smoking and quoting philosophy whilst sipping my wine. Indeed, Paris is divine, even in the winter.
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Rick's Roadshow: Back in England

I've been especially quiet on the blog for the past few weeks, primarily because I've been out of town on a few extended trips and didn't want to broadcast that my home was empty. One of my destinations was to the United Kingdom. Welcome to another installment of Rick's Roadshow: Back in England. This trip was entirely vacation, so it was relaxation central! Having lived in the UK many years ago, it is always nice to be back for a visit. Here are some photos of Cliveden House, a luxury hotel in Berkshire, just outside of London. It is a short ride to the famed Eton, where Prince William attended school.

Cliveden House is a grand, stately English estate surrounded by 376 acres of perfectly manicured grounds and formal gardens. It has a rich, interesting history with numerous stories associated with its long list of illustrious guests. The property has great bones and plenty of details. Look closely at this wall, there are dragons on the sides of the posts. Others have lions and a range of other symbols from British Empire's history.

I was also fascinated by the wonderful manicured gardens, including this one at left. Here you can see the hedges trimmed with incredible precision. The photo below shows a side garden with some topiary. It is, however winter, therefore none of the flowers are in bloom as you can see. Nonetheless these grounds are idyllic for garden parties, receptions and weddings.

While in London I also saw the theatre in Leicester Square where Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows, Part I had opened. As one can imagine, there was tremendous fanfare in London for the latest installment in the magical series. There were hundreds of people dressed as various Harry Potter characters- this is a city that seems to enjoy the series as much as here in the US.

 Samuel Pepys once said "A man who is tired of London is tired of life." I couldn't agree more. London is a vibrant city with a huge range of things to do and see. Truly there is something for everyone. After one particularly busy day out and about, I was in need of some soft lighting and a refreshing libation. A delightful  champagne lounge was just the trick- here I finally had a moment to exhale.

I spent a full day in Windsor and started off with a tour of Windsor Castle, the private residence of Queen Elizabeth II. It had been over 20 years since I was last at the castle, and I must say it was wonderful to be back again. 

Here is an exterior view of the Castle, with a nice statue of Queen Victoria, in front of a soon-to be decorated Christmas tree. It was rather chilly this day, thankfully I was properly dressed, including ear muffs! The cold wind was cutting. What I really needed was a nice cuppa.  Windsor Castle has over a thousand years of history with British monarchs. 

If you are visiting London and want to see a real castle, this one delivers- in spades. There is plenty to learn along the audio-guided tour, which one can navigate along at one's own pace and preference. 

I stopped frequently to admire details such as this one at St George's gate. Here he is, slaying a dragon. You don't often find this sort of stuff in the US. The multiple gift shops had loads of tempting wares, to which I succumbed in short order. The city of Windsor itself is quite charming; tea shops, pubs and British tourist trap gift shops aplenty-all of which enabled me to part with my money in short order.

When lunchtime rolled around, we made our way to an old pub, off the beaten path, probably frequented more by locals than tourists, or at least I had hoped. It was nothing extraordinary, and that was precisely what I liked best. It was exactly the sort of place one would go if one lived there. I had a very ordinary lunch, with a very ordinary pint of ale to wash it down. It was indeed, the best lunch of the entire week. Tomorrow I'll share a few photos from Paris...yes I'm back.
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Tips for stylish layering techniques.

Layers perhaps are the biggest trend of this season. They are not only adding sophistication to your look, but a perfect was to keep yourself warm in this early started frigid winter season. It’s time to see what you have and how to dress it up. The challenge is to make it work and there are some rules to keep in mind. I put set of few images to better demonstrate it, let’s face it, picture is always hundred times better then words.

On the rainy day layer your waterproof jacket over denim or cargo jacket; pair it with boyfriend jeans and boots, for a casual and modern look. To spice it up: skinny jeans with high heels booties. 

From interior décor into our closets gray taking dominant role. Though it mainly defined as a boring unnoticeable color (not for the unnecessary reason mouse is gray), it also could be absolutely most glamorous, when done properly. 

Grays are easy blend-able, but as well as emphasize-able. Several colors work great with gray, among them reach chocolate brown.

Layer gray sweater on top of long sleeve white shirt to lighten it up, roll up sleeves revealing your trimmed wrists (they’re claimed to be one of the most sensual part of women body). For extra glamour place necklace, layer it with the scarf, belt yourself for sharper look, and don’t forget gloves; not only to protect your hands from cold, but to showoff your elegance. Wrap-up cardigan will give you additional layer of warmth.

Vests add extra warmth and new dimension to your outfit. I personally love them, they keep you warm without restricting your movement, which is essential when driving and going in and out of the vehicle. Vest could be a great item to style up your look. Put a belt to define your waist and to glam up your appeal.

Proportions are important factor to keep in mind. It’s best when every layer ending up at a different level, otherwise they will bulk you up, adding unnecessary volume in unnecessary places (waist, hips). 

Balance your cropped jacket with a long sweater or belted cardigan. Skinny jeans would work perfect as well as a mini skirt. I love to wear camisole under my sweater to show off a touch of lace peaking from underneath. 

Fur yet another great trend. From big coats to vest, from collar to trimming fur could add touch of sophistication and glamour. Thankfully to new technologies modern faux fur provide you with cruel-less alternatives.

Fur shawl work great with almost anything and as well as without anything. Layer it on top of turtleneck sweater; skinny jeans or fitted pant or pencil skirt; put a necklace, pair of high heels and you ready to stroll down Champs-Elysées or 5th Avenue.

Today is right time to keep some of your summer items easily accessible. Layering summer dresses is another way to spice up your wardrobe. Dress it on top of the light weighted long sleeve shirt or turtleneck sweater; cover with velvet /corduroy jacket or chunky cardigans, and top it up with a coat.  Summer skirts would work fine as well with a oversize sweater or cardigan. When layering up summer items always wear heavy weighted tights (40 den and above), consider as well textured tights.

Colors. Layering is great way to snow your love of color or the lack of it. Add up a touch of color by adding colored items,

or you can keep it monochromatic by playing within its shade, sequins will sparkle up your outfit.

Black is my personal favorite color. Texture is a wonderful way to layer it up, by using shimmer of silk, deepness of velvety fabrics, warmth of cashmere, shine of leather, transparency of chiffon,  edginess of sheered fur you can create outstanding ensemble.

So Ladies, dig into your closets, pull up all your nice staff, be creative! Just remember, the rule of a Christmas tree doesn’t applies here, more isn’t always better! But never forget to add extra layer of happiness and confidence. Nothing can be as glamorous as being self-confidence.

be Stylish, be Glamorous, be Remarkable!

Happy Holidays!

Pee-Wee Herman Show on Broadway

Last week I was in New York on business and went to see the Pee-Wee Herman Show, which just opened on Broadway. It is running on a limited engagement at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre (6th/Broadway). I've long been a fan of Pee-Wee, from his original show in LA to the Saturday morning TV 'Pee-Wee's Playhouse', to his big screen adventure, 'Pee-Wee's Big Adventure'. The Broadway show was really terrific, I truly enjoyed the entire evening. Admittedly I am still a kid at heart and thoroughly enjoyed screaming along whenever the secret word of the day was mentioned. The show re-creates the original Playhouse and cast of characters that made it so much FUN. Chairry, Mr Window, Conky, Globy, and people favorites like Jambi, Miss Yvonne, Mailman Mike and Cowboy Curtis too. It seamlessly weaves all the retro fun with the original flair of this highly creative 80's show.

Paul Reubens still has it- the look, the energy, the laugh and so much more. The full house of audience-goers to see this zany character indicates a thirst for something even greater. Perhaps another Pee-Wee movie in the near future? We'll have to wait and see. In the meantime, for the next 10 weeks fans can check out Pee-Wee and friends on Broadway and participate in a show that will leave you loving it so much "you'll want to marry it" (inside jokes for true fans). Go get your red bow-tie and prepare to have some FUN! Did someone say FUN? Aaarrrrrgggghhhh!

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Retro Wacky TV: Pee-Wee's Playhouse

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