Michelle_Williams's Blog

Don't Buy It! Rent It!

Need a fabulous purse for one night or a loaner love seat for your home? These web sites can help!

You can rent a designer gown by Versace or Badgley Mischka at www.onenightaffair.com  ($45-$200 for 5/nights and they'll alter it for you for under $20).

Need some fancy jewels to match?  You can rent some rocks at www.borrowedbling.com.

My personal favorite, do you want to carry a Kate Spade but can't handle the heft of its price tag? Head to www.bagborroworsteal.com and rent one.

If you need help "staging" your home, you can rent fashionable pieces to fill a room at www.furniturerent.com.

 

How do I get out this stain?

It's one of those questions that you could ask everyone from your mom to Martha Stewart and you'll get a different answer.

This morning on Good Day Philadelphia we gave you the right answers!

Herb Barndt, Associate Professor of Textile Engineering and Janet Brady, Assistant Professor of Textiles from Philadelphia University www.philadelphiauniversity.com showed me how to get out the most stubborn stains and they did it with stuff you probably have lying around the house, no expensive stain-removers.

Here's some of their Stain Secrets:

Problem:  Red Wine stain on fabric

Solution: Place stained area over bowl, cover stain with table salt (lots of it).  Then turn stained area upside down and place over bowl, pour boiling water over salt-covered stain and watch the red wine disappear!  There may be a ring left behind but if you then put it in the laundry it should come right out.

Problem:  Ball point pen ink on leather

Solution:  Rub peanut butter into stain, yup, peanut butter!  This will take some serious rubbing and time but eventually it will come out.  Then clean off peanut butter with mild soap & water.

Problem: Red candle wax on white fabric (ie. your favorite tablecloth)

Solution: Wait until the wax hardens.  Scrape off with dull knife.  Turn stained area upside down and place over bowl, pour boiling water over and watch wax break up and wash off.

Problem: Felt tip marker on white fabric

Solution: Soak the stain in rubbing alcohol until the stain disappears (no rubbing necessary) then clean off the alcohol with liquid dish detergent.

Problem: Grease (cheese steak splatter, salad dressing, etc)

Solution: Let corn starch soak up the grease, brush off then clean with liquid dish detergent.

Problem: Mustard (the stainmasters say this is one of the toughest)

Solution: Rub the stain with ammonia

Problem: White bleach on black clothing

Solution: Color in with black Sharpie!

If you have any stubborn stain solutions, let us know about them!

It is possible to live a green lifestyle without sacrificing comfort or style! I witnessed proof of that today right here in Philadelphia. First I toured a Fishtown rowhome that is green from top to bottom! Then I went 'shopping' at Greenable, a new store on Market Street in Old City that is like a mini Home Depot for the earth-conscious. Environmentally unsustainable building practices are at the root of many of today's environmental issues and Onion Flats Developers and Greenable are helping educate and revamp the way we build. The green building revolution is a powerful thing that can immediately reduce air and water pollution and the depletion of our natural resources.

Not to mention, these homes and building materials are stunning and really not much more expensive.

This green revolution can get annoying however! It seems like every company is busily painting themselves a shade of green and slapping 'green' labels on all their products. Which ones are really truly environmentally responsible and which are worth your money.

After spending the day with the owners of Onion Flats and Greenable, I can tell you that these people are dedicated to this cause and not just trying to cash in. They would be more than happy if you walked in their offices or shop to just chat. They would be thrilled to answer any questions you may have about their services or simply about other green ideas.

Check them out!

The two Fishtown rowhomes that now available from Onion Flats are located at 1317 Berks & 1318 East Hewson and listed at $594,900.

It's the first residential Leed-H Gold Certified project in Philadelphia.

A free electric car and designated parking spot is included!

www.onionflats.com

Greenable is Philadelphia's premier resource for interior and exterior green building products and for residential & commercial projects. Whether it is simply a can of paint, a green roof installation, or an entire residential or commercial design project, Greenable does it all. Located in Old City on Market Street between Front and 2nd.

www.greenable.net

If you're green you can get money back from the government - check out www.dsirusa.org for a comprehensive source of information on state, local, utility, and federal incentives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency.

Are you keeping track of our Deal or Dud test results?

So far ...

Deal 3

Dud 0

This week 'Bodyguardz' joins the list of products put to the Fox 29 Deal or Dud test, along with the 'Magic Sponge' and 'Hang and Level.'

Mike Della Polla from the RadioShack at Aramingo and Tioga helped us out with the Bodyguardz Deal or Dud test and called it a 'Deal.'

He covered his razor phone with the Bodyguardz and put it through a series of tests including keys, loose change and even nails!

The phone survived, in fact it didn't have a scratch on it!

RadioShack doesn't carry Bodyguardz but you can find them online at www.bodyguardz.com

The price ranges depending on the size of the gadget, most cell phone protectors cost around $25 bucks.

Here's their product description:  Looking for a product to protect your device from scratches, but not hide the beauty of it? Look no further, introducing BodyGuardz scratch-proof transparent skins. Designed to custom fit each particular device, these protectors are made from the same material that is used to protect the front of automobiles from stones and other abrasive elements. Tough and durable, you can be assured that your device is protected by BodyGuardz.

BodyGuardz protective film is the toughest film on the market today and requires no special care or maintenance. Each pack includes two complete BodyGuardz - that's right, two, providing you a spare just when you need it.

You have several options, if you want to get your old records transfered to CD or converted to MP3 files (what you use on portable music devices like the iPod).

Here are the basics:

The Easy Way You can buy a combination Record Player - CD Recorder, like the ION LP Dock (www.ion.com) or the following turntable/recorder devices: TEAC LP-R400 TURNTABLE CD RECORDER & RADIO Crosley CR248OA Songwriter CD Recorder OAK To get the songs listed as individual tracks on your CD or iPod, you'll still need to use computer software to chop up your recorded files.

The Harder Way

If you still have a turntable at home and a stereo receiver/amplifier, you can plug the receiver/amplifier into your computer's soundcard. Then, using widely available sound editing software (costing $25-$50), you can record the songs and make them into MP3 files.

The key is that you need to have than amplifier (or a turntable with a built-in amplifier) to make the sound loud enough to be recorded by your computer. Check your sound card to see it has one input or two inputs for incoming sound. You need to find the Line In jack. (If you only have one Line In jack, you can buy an inexpensive patch cord from Radio Shack that will merge the two stereo out cables into one.) Either way, make sure you clean you records and the stylus on the turntable first. Use distilled water on older records.

You can find lot of information on these topics online - it's a popular web topic and you'll find lots of good info using Google or another search engine.

Philly isn't exactly known as a 'green' city (yet) but we're making progress! You can start the trend by strutting down the city's concrete runways in earth-friendly fashions and you don't have to sacrifice style thanks to new forward-thinking designers!

More and more local shops are stocking eco-friendly products and these 'green' options are just as functional and beautiful as the traditional 'stuff' we are used to buying. If these businesses can take the 'green' challenge, so can you! Ali McCloud is just 31 years old but took a big risk, turning her graduate thesis about eco-friendly fashions into a small business. Arcadia, Northern Liberties' newest boutique carries environmentally and socially responsible clothes and decor from Philly and around the world.
Some of her favorite green designers are Panda Snack, an all-bamboo line that makes softer-than-cotton tops and Stewart+Brown which uses organic cotton, hemp and cashmere. A lot of Arcadia's jewelry is made from recycled or even 'reused' vintage pieces. There is even a line of organic cotton jeans called Del Forte that's no more expensive than your favorite designer denim. Check her out at 819 North 2nd Street and www.arcadiaboutique.com.

Meanwhile, lifestyle expert Nicole Cashman of Cashman and Associates www.cashmanandassociates.com knows everything about what's new and hip in the Philly scene, especially when it comes to fashionable items for your home and wardrobe. She scoured the city to find the coolest new 'green' items, check out this list and notice, going 'green' doesn't necessarily mean spending a lot of green!

Fashion
Why choose organic cotton? Organic cotton is grown using methods and materials that have a low impact on the environment, reducing the use of toxic and persistent pesticides and fertilizers, and building biologically diverse agriculture. Another organic fabric is Lyocell, which his made from recycled tree bark. The production process for Lyocell is extremely environmentally friendly and the material is 100% bio-degradable.

Organic Tees
White v-neck tee made of organic cotton with white stitching on the front by BOSS Orange, $115.00
Grey organic button down with bright yellow stripes by BOSS Orange, $195
Organic cotton black t-shirt with white graphic print by HUGO, $55
Handcrafted organic dark denim jean, $255
Available at the Hugo Boss Store in Marlton, NJ and King of Prussia, PA

Super soft organic tees and tanks printed with vegetable-based henna dyes for a beautiful bohemian finish by AT2, $80-100
Available at Pileggi Boutique 715 Walnut Street, Philadelphia

Handbags
Everyone knows that plastic bags are a huge drain on our natural resources. But let's face it, most of the reusable bags sold at the grocery store aren't exactly fashion forward. Who can blame you if you can't remember to bring them with you when you shop? We've got three totes that are so adorable, you'll find yourself using them for much more than trips to the grocery store!

'Green is the New Black' Tote by Vert, This roomy tote with double handles and green apple charm attached is made of certified organic cotton, uses soy ink for the logo detail and donates 5% of the profits to environmental causes, $60
'Reduce Recycle Renew Tote' by Beau & Soleil, This tote comes from an eco-friendly dress line, Beau & Soleil. The designer who uses bamboo, vegetable dyed organic cottons and recycled leathers wanted to make a product that everyone could embrace. This machine washable bag is made of 100% organic raw cotton canvas and features practical details such as with rope handles and multiple snap pockets, $45
Available at South Moon Under
1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia and 205 West Lancaster Ave, Wayne
www.southmoonunder.com

1154 LILL Custom Studio Handbags, from $38 - 200 (Bag shown, Donna, $188)
1154 LILL, the custom handbag boutique, opens it's first Philly store next week! The shop offers a variety of "design your own handbag" structures that can be mixed and matched with over 150 fabrics to create your very own bag. Lill Studio offers recyled materials for their eco-friendly customers- Green Stalk and Kalahari Leopard. Green Stalk, made out of post-consumer plastic, has a creamy colored background filled with large earth toned leaves coming off of dark green vines. The Kalahari Leopard is 100% recycled polyester featuring a small-scale brown and cream leopard print inspired by the tribal print spring trend. Other eco-friendly choices include organic cotton twill in licorice, cigar, mellow yellow, ballerina, and key lime. All of the fabrics can be used to make anything from a cosmetics case to a clutch to a satchel to a large tote.
Available at Lill Studio
115 S. 13th St. Philadelphia
www.1154lill.com

Beauty
Who said beauty is only skin deep? Not only are beauty companies working to manufacture their products in a more environmentally friendly way, they are now developing recyclable packaging and using organic ingredients all the while providing us with our favorite products and shades.
Physicians Formula Organic Wear
Tinted Moisturizer $10.95
Blush $11.95
All Powders and Bronzers $13.95
Liquid Bronzer $10.95
Concealer Stick $6.95
Physicians Formula's "organic wear" consists of organic blushes, bronzers, and concealers made from only certified organic materials. Because they are packaged in paper compacts made out of recycled paper these compacts will use 93% less plastic than the original ones! If every woman purchased Organic Wear compacts 4,586 tons of plastic would be saved per year. The line allows women to choose a green lifestyle from head to toe without sacrificing the quality of the product. The Organic Wear line features eight distinct products and everything from concealer sticks to bronzers and blushes.
Available at any drugstore or online at www.drugstore.com

Cargo Plant Love Lipstick, $20.00
Cargo is featuring a hot new organic lipstick line. The tubes are corn polymer instead of plastic and are fully biodegradable in 50 days. The outside carton is made of biodegradable flower paper infused with real flower seeds. Cargo's new shades are designed by celebrities such as Lindsay Lohan, Denise Richards, Courtney Cox, and Angie Harmon. Cargo is just committed to the environment. They are also donating $2.00 from every sale to the St. Judes Children Hospital.
Available at Sephora Stores or www.sephora.com

Home
If your home is your sanctuary, shouldn't your environmentally conscious choices begin there?
Fusion Bedroom Furniture by Okookoo, $230-$5,275
The New Zealand based furniture company, Okooko is one of the only manufacturers in the world to be ISO14001 accredited (an international accreditation for environmentally sustainable manufacturing). From heli-harvesting their trees to using hydra-powered sources, they take all possible steps to eliminate waste, recycle, and conserve throughout the manufacturing process. Okooko plants one tree for every piece of furniture sold, The ultimate 'green' piece is the Fusion line. Fusion is comprised of all recycled waste scraps that have been finger-jointed together and utilized to build bedroom furniture known as "Fusewood." The headboards are reddish-brown to golden in color and are as practical as they are environmentally conscious. The "Space" model features two individual storage units concealed by panels that lift from the rear. Using a lift mechanism each panel can securely rest at several angles, giving each person an adjustable rest for activities such as reading in bed. Space also has hidden cubbyholes for storage. The only Okookoo store in the US is right here in Philadelphia.
Bamboo sheets and pillowcases by Okookoo, $260
Okookoo Philadelphia Show Room
205 Arch St., Philadelphia
www.okookoo.com

Picture Frames by O'Brien and Schridde, $60-100
O'Brien and Schridde have created a new line of their delicate and unique handmade picture frames. These frames are made out of 100% recycled cardboard rather than wood. The new cardboard line mixes romantic pieces with a twist of vintage chic. Preserve your favorite memories while you preserve the earth.
Available at South Moon Under
1731 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia
205 West Lancaster Ave, Wayne
www.southmoonunder.com

We shot this segment inside a brand new Fishtown row-home designed, developed and built by eco-visionary developers Onion Flats It's all green! It even comes with an electric car!
This property is designed to achieve Energy Star Certification with all available appliances and mechanical systems designed to reduce overall energy use by 25-50%. The overall design brings natural light and air into all areas of the space in order to minimize electric lighting usage during the day. Green roofs are used as to significantly increase the insulation values, reducing cooling costs in the summer and heating costs in the winter, while fulfilling 100% of the Storm Water Management needs. Each home will be Solar Thermal installation ready with all mechanical systems run to the roof. The project is within two blocks of public transportation service and an electric car will be given to the buyer of home.
I'm working on a story about it for Earth Day but until then you can check it out online at www.onionflats.com

Philadelphia Style Magazine editors dish on their favorite makeup, hair-care and skin-care products.  The Real Deal loves them because most are under $30!

EYELINER
Clinique Double-Ended Cream Shaper for Eyes
$13.50
Macy's or Sephora
Thanks to the pencil's creaming texture you can line lids without tugging

BLUSH
Benefit Blush
$26
Macy's or Sephora
For an instant face-lift (or to fool others into thinking you slept through the night, brush this flattering pink on the apples of your cheeks.

LIPGLOSS
Tarte Double Dose lip gloss
$21
Sephora
We love the healthy beauty concept here: antioxidant- and vitamin-infused pigment mixes with clear gloss.

SHAMPOO
Phytobrush Special Smoothing Shampoo for Blow-Drying-Anti-Frizz
$24
Sephora
Protect your hair from heat styling while zapping annoying frizz

FACE MASK
Valmont Renewing Pack
$135
Rescue Rittenhouse Spa Lounge
Slather on Valmont's hydrating and rebalancing mask as part of your pre-party routine.  The payoff?  Glowing skin that'll make 'em jealous.

CUTICLE TREATMENT
Creative Nail Design's Solar Oil
$7-10
Ulta or Rescue Rittenhouse Spa Lounge
Slick your cuticles with the oil nightly and say goodbye to ragged edges.

The Eagles Cheerleaders calendar photo shoot is getting hotter each day!  Today started at sunrise on the beach.  The photo crew got up in the middle of the night and actually had to find their location by flashlight!  Asoon as the sun started coming up it was a race against time to get the perfect light as a backdrop for veteran cheerleader Jamie.  She had to wake up at 2:30am and be in makeup by 4am!  She posed standing on rocks in the shallow water with the sun coming up behind her - the shots are stunning!  Seven Eagles Cheerleaders followed, posing in grass huts, on massage tables and in between palm trees.  One of the veterans who has posed for the calendar for several years in a row said she still gets nervous and didn't sleep at all the night before!  Meanwhile, a rookie, who's never even been out of the country, never mind on a photo shoot in Mexico, said she slept fine!  They all have one thing in common, they're all a little relieved they can indulge in some Mexican food now that their photos are behind them.  Tomorrow the calendar cover girls from the last 5 years will unite for a group shot on the beach.  I'm told it will become a pull-out poster featured in the calendar to celebrate the Eagles' 75th anniversary.  We will be there to tell you all about it!

Check my blog for updates on the cheerleader´s calendar photo shoot every day this week and watch Fox 29 News at 10pm Sunday May 13th for my first report.

The Eagles Cheerleaders are receiving a warm welcome here in Tulum, Mexico.  First though, their day started with a 3 hour rehearsal!  It was only scheduled for 2 hours but leave it to talented but tough coreogrpaher Suzy Zucker to work them an extra hour!  I didn´t any girls complain though!  It was actually the first time the squad practiced together since the brand new team was announced.  The 2007 team is made up of 19 veterans and 19 rookies.  They all say this trip is a great chance to get to know each other.  In the afternoon the ladies hit the pool and took on the hotel guests in a game of pool volleyball.   Then, the reason we are all here - eight ladies took turns in front of the camera for their calendar closeups.  There are a team of photographers, fashion consultants, makeup artists and hair stylists on location to perfect every image.   But even the most thought-out shoots can change at the last minute.  At one point a complete costume change was made on location!  All of today´s photos were shot on the hotel grounds.  Mexican murals, grass huts and pristine beaches provide the perfect backdrop.  There´s an advantage to shooting on the first day - girls who shot today say they´re relieved they don´t have to worry about what they eat for the rest of the week!  Tomorrow the plan calls for more beach time.  The first makeup session begins at 4:30am!!!  The cheerleaders and photographers want to be on the beach by 6am to catch the sunrise!  We will be there and promise to bring you all the photo shoot details from Mexico!

Check my blog for updates on the cheerleader´s calendar photo shoot every day this week and watch Fox 29 News at 10pm Sunday May 13th for my first report.

What an assignment!  I can not honestly call this work!  Photojournalist Dave Eitzen and I arrived in Mexico this afternoon with the Eagles Cheerleaders.  The brand new squad is here in Tulum (about an hour south of Cancun) to shoot their annual calendar.  The Eagles organization (especially the cheerleades) look forward to this all year, their calendar is the 3rd most popular calendar in the NFL.  Last year you may remember the ladies shot on location at the Linc, so this time it´s a little more exotic!  We flew in this morning with all 38 cheerleaders, the photgrapher and his crew, fashion consultants and makeup artists.  Even at 5am at the Philadelphia Airport the cheerleaders looked glamorous and when we arrived at the Cancun airport there were lots of heads turning!  It´s predictibly beautiful, hot and sunny here, complete with blue skies, crystal clear water and white sand.  However, it won´t be all R&R for the ladies.  Their talented and tough-as-nails coreographer Suzy Zucker is here as well and each morning she´ll put them through rigirous rehearsals (remember, football season is right aroud the corner)!  Meanwhile, the calendar´s photographer spent the day scouting locations for this week´s photo shoot.  He will take photos of all 38 girls and then the competition begins!  Only the best shots make the calendar and of course there can only be one cover girl.  Who will it be?  Stay tuned....

Check my blog for updates on the cheerleader´s calendar photo shoot every day this week and watch Fox 29 News at 10pm Sunday May 13th for my first report.