You’ve heard Black Gold’s catchy single “Shine” on Fox’s “So You Think You Can Dance” reality show.  The ballad plays whenever a contestant is booted off each show. But these Brooklyn-based muscians don’t mind that, they’re just happy their music is getting out there and building quite a following. The group hung out with us at Better and chatted about what it was like to play on the finale episode of the popular reality show. This summer they toured with Panic At The Disco and now they are in studio working on their follow up album.

You may be surprised to learn that I love, love, did I mention love, shoes… and lots of them. Hello everyone, meet the male “Carrie Bradshaw” of shoes.

It’s not my fault. Thanks to my Mother, my appreciation and obsession began as a young boy with my very first pair(s) of Buster Brown’s. She bought me three pairs and made me promise not to tell my brothers or my Father.

Today, you don’t have to be a woman to love shoes. A good shoe collection is an essential part of any gentleman’s wardrobe. I know shoes do not define the man (or woman), but boy can they tell you a lot about a person. Put it to the test by checking out the footwear of the next man or woman you see. Are they wearing sneakers? Are they corporate? Are they stylish? And most importantly, are they clean and/or polished? Then ask them what they do for a living. The shoes should match the person’s career.

No matter where I go, I always take plenty of shoes. My buddy Dave and his wife are visiting me this weekend and he too, has the male shoe bug. My pal Jason’s wife keeps telling me to please not encourage her husband with my shoe acquisition program. Both friends are creative, successful business men that also happen to enjoy the benefits of owning a good shoe collection.

As for the single ladies out there, when your Prince Charming comes along carrying that glass slipper for you to try on, make sure you check out his shoes first.

Melissa Joan Hart is looking better than ever!

I first met Melissa Joan Hart one year ago when she was practicing for “Dancing with the Stars”. She didn’t win, but she showed the world she knows how to move! We first fell in love with her on “Clarissa Explains it All” and “Sabrina the Teenage Witch”, but now she’s back with a new show on ABC Family, “Melissa and Joey”. The show is  about a councilwoman raising her sister’s kids, who’s forced to hire a manny (Joey Lawrence). Don;t compare it to “Who’s the Boss”, Melissa says it’s got it’s own personality. The fun part for her is playing a character who’s not so peaches and cream as most of her other roles. She’s got great one-liners and the chemistry between her and Lawrence comes from knowing each other since they were kids! She’s one of the executive producers of the show. I asked what that means. She says basically she can help choose her wardrobe and get her actor friends guests spots on the show! LOL Check out our chat below.

http://www.better.tv/videos/m/33827425/melissa-joan-hart.htm#q=melissa

I also asked Melissa about having more kids. (she has 2 boys already) and her love for Shirley Temple. Check out what she says about both:

http://www.better.tv/videos/m/33827401/hot-topic-melissa-joan-hart.htm#q=melissa+joan+hart

—Rhiannon Ally

Actually,we didn;t actually win the lotto..But we did have the star of “Lottery Ticket” in studio, Gbenga Akinnagbe. He was so gracious, even though I had the hardest time saying his last name (the G is silent in his first name).

I just felt like making this picture b&w!

Gbenga has a really interesting background. His family is from Nigeria, but he was raised in Washington, DC. He was in trouble as a kid, but sports helped him stay out of too much trouble…

Now he’s popping up all over the big and small screen. He’s in “The Good Wife” playing a pastor and now in the movie “Lottery Ticket” opposite Ice Cube and Bow Wow.

He recently had surgery on his foot. He had no arch, so he had that fixed because it was causing him problems.

In the interview he talked about working on “The Taking of Pelham 123″ w/ Denzel Washington and John Travolta. He also talked about working w/ Mel Gibson in the past.

Check out the interview!

http://www.better.tv/videos/m/33752408/gbenga-akinnagbe.htm

It’s been a while since I blogged about my miniature schnauzer, Violet Annabelle Rose Von Schnorkenheimer, and now that she’s 18 months, fully grown and 12 lbs, I can undoubtedly say she is a teenager.

All children eventually grow up and Violet is no exception. She is smart, well educated, travels and enjoys both the city and country life. But along with all this style and sophistication she has one not-so-refined habit. (Well, two if you count her barking.)

No one would suspect this odd new trait. The fact remains, even once you learn what it is, to look at her one would say she has become quite a regal and refined lady. With her designer Hermes collar, string of fresh water pearls, distinct brown eyes and nose, and happy, affectionate demeanor she often stops people in their tacks, as everyone wants to know what kind of breed she is. In spite of her light taupe color, Violet’s belly still reflects her signature brown markings that I fell in love with. My once little baby girl has become a wonderful lovable pet that I proudly—and often—refer to as my daughter.

That said, pets, a lot like children, sometimes do things that can mortify us, yet still be some how cute and funny. With so many friends visiting this summer, Miss “V” (as so many like to call her) is used to having other people around. She’s developed a fondness for jumping into bed with any of my overnight guests. Yes that’s right, she loves to enter the guestrooms in the middle of the night and sneak a snuggle/hug for a couple of hours. If the door is not completely closed she will push it open by getting a running start. Cute right? But although some people wouldn’t like that, this is still not the unrefined habit I teased. It gets even better.

Last weekend this cute bed-hopping trick was trumped by a new, even more “entertaining” one: opening the bathroom door. My friend, who shall remain nameless, went to the powder room and just at the right moment and without any warning Violet pushed the door open and jumped on her lap. With the door wide open for all to see she began screaming from honor and embarrassment. I quickly came to the rescue to close the door. A week later, while Violet and I visited a friend in town, she once again made a bee line to the bathroom door. I yelled, “Quick…shut the door” too late, as another victim was claimed. I can tell you—more doors will be fully shut in the future, that’s for sure!

I caught up with Claire Danes in New York City today. We talked about her marriage to hunky Hugh Dancy which is going great she said and they’re approaching their one year anniversary. They just bought a house in upstate New York. Danes was painting to launch Velspar hi-def paints and the event benefits the non-profit United States Artists. Since both of Danes parents are artists, she’s an advocate. Currently, she is up for a 2010 Emmy Award for her role in HBO’s movie “Temple Grandin,” awards are Aug 29.

This weekend I headed to Atlantic City to interview Colbie Caillat. The 25-year-old singer/songwriter was doing a photoshoot for the cover of Fitness magazine while on tour. Yes, that’s her posing above on the jerseyshore, looking very fit!  This summer, Caillat spent time on the road with Lilth Fair and opened for Sheryl Crow. Caillat gushed about being in love, confirming that she’s dating her band member Justin Kawika Young. Following up her most notable hit “Bubbly” and duet “Lucky” with Jason Mraz that won a Grammy, the native Californian is currently working on her 3rd album. Caillat will appear on the November cover of Fitness.

Let’s talk Jerseylicious! I headed out to Green Brook, N.J. today to chat with Christy Pereira about season 2 at the Gatsby Salon. The expectant mother was glowing and proudly showed off her bump; she’s due at the end of the month. Christy dishes that cameras will still follow the ongoing drama between Tracy and Olivia, her pregnancy and Anthony’s old salon is now remodeled so he’ll decide to stay or go. The new season of Style Network’s “Jerseylicious” premieres Sept. 5th. Personally, I had to ask Christy what I would need to do to have more Jersey fashion style. Sweetly, she said I looked great but I could use some more self tanner, of course. So I passed the Jerseylicious test – all thanks to my fabulous crew here at “Better” and my great strapless dress from Lord and Taylor!

As a child we are contently reminded and encourage to take naps, but as we get older those encouragements and allowances disappear, and napping becomes a luxury rather than a routine. So I’m here to say, “Take back the afternoon nap.” Upgrade the nostalgic experience in a hammock. Just mentioning the word “hammock” brings a feeling of relaxation over my body—you, too, I’ll bet.

I told myself, when I was planning my garden over a decade ago, that no matter what my design esthetics would be for my garden I needed a space where I could rest and enjoy the beauty of the gardens. This would come in the way of a hammock, of course that today cleverly hangs between the garden studio and the hemlock tree. Placed perfectly in a shaded area, here I can rest my eyes, glimpsing the beauty of the garden as I dose off to la la land. Birds chirp, fountains splash, all while I am tucked away—and away from all wireless connections.

Combined with the breeze and the gentle sway, it’s like Mother Nature is rocking me in her arms. I always doze off quickly to a relaxing deep, deep sleep. This is heaven to me. When I finally arrive to this oasis state, you can be sure I will be out for an hour or two, unconscious with a “do not disturb” bubble above my head.

So this SumMAR the essential “to do” is getting out, owning your very own hammock, and literally hanging out. It’s a good thing, and allowing yourself to take time and enjoy a good nap will refresh and energize you. Don’t even try to go those larger “two man” hammocks to share the experience with another—unless that other is the 4-legged kind. (As you can see, Violet sure loves to snuggle up with me out here.) It’s quite alright to let this be your experience, and yours alone to saver. This is the one time it’s okay to be a single swinger and proud of it. I know I am.