Tami Michaels: Inside Out

Today on Inside Out we are going to cover everything that you ever wanted to know about deck care but were afraid to ask with Robin Daly.  I love this video and you will too if you have an ugly tired deck.  http://www.dalyspaint.com/videos.html

Also, PJ Glassy of XGym (www.xgym.com) will be my guest.  PJ inspired me and because of him I lost 38 lbs four and a half months ago and I have kept it off.  PJ will be in today to share his philosophy on exercise and his diet tips.  For starters I have provided a few of PJ's great tips on food selections that have helped me keep that weight off and become a lot healthier to say the least. Here are some great food substitutions and swaps.

For bread: http://julianbakery.com/low-carb-bread/smart-carb-no-1/ (or Smart Carb #2)

Instead of peanut butter: http://fitnutzbutter.com/products.html#SUGARFREE (and with with celery is a great snack)

Instead of regular jam: http://natureshollow.com/

As you can see, we just made a pb&j sandwich.  :-)

Instead of English muffins: http://julianbakery.com/low-carb-bread/manna-from-heaven/

Instead of mayo: http://www.followyourheart.com/products.php?id=20

Tortillas: Smart and Delicious brand tortillas or Don Pancho low carb.

Chocolate covered strawberries and ice cream recipe here: http://xgym.com/xtras/recipes/

For pasta: www.miraclenoodle.com.

Cheers,
Tami Michaels

In light of the recent and terrible earthquake in Japan, I want to give you a great reference to help prepare you and your family for various emergencies.  Of course, earthquakes are a serious risk in our area, and some precautions are strongly advised.

Examples include securing things such as your water heater, how to shot off things like natural gas lines, emergency kits, medical supplies, etc.  Please look into this Washington State website for lots of great information on emergency preparedness, http://www.emd.wa.gov/preparedness/prep_personal_prep_video_index.shtml.

This information could save lives and protect your property.

Cheers,  Tami Michaels

As most people know, asbestos is extremely hazardous to workers handling it and to others in the area when it gets into the air and is inhaled. Asbestos is a carcinogen that causes lung cancer and mesothelioma and is very dangerous.

Most people don't realize how common asbestos was used in building materials.  In addition to insulation, asbestos was used in linoleum floors, ceiling tiles commonly used in basements, roofing products, radiators and other heating elements, and even the faux embers in fireplaces.  

Disturbing asbestos materials during remodeling or construction is a serious hazard.  Anyone handling or removing asbestos for commercial purposes in the state of Washington must be certified and receive approval from the L&I.

An excellent resouce on asbestos and the removal and disposal of asbestos can be found at http://www.lni.wa.gov/tradeslicensing/licensingreq/asbestos/.   Please take extra when disturbing potential asbestos materials and protect the ones you love.

Cheers, Tami

In the US, six billion pounds of carpet go to the landfills annually, with one hundred million pounds ending up in King County’s landfill. There is a strong environmental concern being raised by legislators, consumers, manufactures and retailers that share a desire to work together to find an environmentally friendly solution.

Courtesy: CRI

California just passed a law on carpet recycling, with a similar law is being proposed by our state legislators to force the recycling of old carpet (SB 5110).  The challenge is how to regulate and who should be held responsible for old carpet; the retailer, the installer, the consumer?  This is a provocative debate.  It is my belief that most consumers do not want to put old carpet in a landfill, yet most people are not aware of the available options to recycle it.  What can the consumer do? Be aware that there are two carpet recycling centers in our area and they can even pick the carpet up from the job site.  The companies and locations are, (1) Again, located in Kent, and (2) Recovery 1, Inc., located in Tacoma.


Courtesy: Recovery 1

How much does it cost to recycle carpet?  According to the Carpet America Recovery Effort, recycling is far from free. At this time it will likely cost between 5 cents to 25 cents per pound to recycle old carpet (carpet typically weighs about 4-5 pounds per square yard).  Many building materials are made from recycled carpet, with decking and siding among the most common items.  Carpet manufacturers are working on a carpet that is made from recycled carpet, although right now it is primarily a commercial product.


Courtesy: Shaw

On the consumer side of environmental carpet, people should know there are new carpet options that are made from recycled products such as plastic bottles.  The carpet is amazingly stain resistant and the carpet is soft and luxurious to the touch.

The bottom line:  Most of us would probably make an effort to see that our old carpet goes into a recycling process if we know there is an option to putting it in a landfill.

Cheers,
Tami Michaels
 

Like zombies, these bills just won’t stay dead!

The Interior Design Coalition of Washington and the ASID Washington chapter (aka “the Cartel”) have once again duped a couple of legislators into sponsoring their extremely restricitive practice act.  Their amended version which only restricts the title “registered interior designer” is just a smokescreen in their efforts to divert attention away from the language of the bill which would prohibit the majority of the design community from practicing.  Once again they are trying to put other interior designers out of work for their personal gain, thus a 'Cartel'.

Unfortunately for the Cartel, IDPC has a very strong, very active, very effective grassroots organization in Washington, which I Chair.  My staff and wonderful collection of activists have not been just sitting on our hands since an almost identical bill was defeated last year!  We have been consistently lobbying Washington legislators, enlightening them as to what a practice act will do and what the motives are behind it.

On today's show I will talk about the Washington practice act and what is happening in Olympia. 

Washington design community!  Join our crusade to protect your right to practice!  http://www.idpcinfo.org/Membership.html

Thank you for all your support.

Cheers,  Tami Michaels

The new 2011 color palette is definitely a reflection on the emotion that most of us are ready to feel - optimism! 

The new colors sometimes reflect traditional colors such as smoky blues. Blues are timeless.

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore

Greens are always around and the word I use to describe the new greens is "lively.”  

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore

Some of the new colors are vivid and vibrant and at times they grab your attention, i.e. pinks. 

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore

Embrace these new colors and add a new look to your home.

Photo credit: Benjamin Moore


Photo credit: Benjamin Moore


Photo credit: Benjamin Moore

Cheers,
Tami Michaels

If There’s One Design Question That Gets Asked More Than Any Other, It’s This:  

"What is the newest color?” 

Ah! What a fun question! I think you’ll be surprised at the answer…

We are all ready to firmly shut the door on 2010, and Pantone’s Color of the Year lets us do that in a grand, optimistic way. The color we are all excited about right now is called Honeysuckle.
 

Here’s What Pantone Has to Say About This Intriguing New Hue:

“A Color for All Seasons- Courageous. Confident. Vital. A brave new color, for a brave new world. Let the bold spirit of Honeysuckle infuse you, lift you and carry you through the year. It’s a color for every day – with nothing “everyday” about it.”

Easy Ways to Use This Confident Color in Your Own Home:

• Add excitement to the powder room by using C2 Paint’s “Lip Service” as your knock ‘em dead accent. Buh-bye boring beige!!!
• Liven up your tastefully neutral sofa by tossing on some cheerful accent pillows in a bold, graphic print
• Don’t forget fresh flowers - instant cheer!
• How about introducing this color into the dining room with napkins and a table runner?
• Paint the wall behind the bed in the Master Bedroom this color, and then layer a platinum, metallic glaze on top for instant romance. 

Thank you, Robin, for these wonderful ideas!  
Cheers, Tami Michaels
 

I always enjoy the annual Consumer Electronics Show, and each year I identify the latest technology that I think represent a major leap forward and is particularly note worthy for my audience.  This year I was struck by the advances in energy saving products.  This is especially relevant for Washington residents as the cost of electricity is expected to double in the next three years. 

Wind is now becoming a viable option as a residential power source.  This picture is from West Seattle Natural Energy and just one of many options they provide. High winds frequently knock out a lot of power in our area, and a wind turbine is often most effective in these same conditions, providing a constant source of power.

 

Smart grids had a high level of visibility at this year's Consumer Electronics Show.  The consumer grid interface appears on any of your electronic devices such as your PC, iPad, smart phone apps and easily monitors your environment and energy usage, such as the temperature, check security cameras, turn lights on to give the impression someone is home, etc.  This has a direct correlation to ‘Smart Grid’ technology that is often discussed.

Courtesy: Martin La Monica/ CNET

Smart bulbs by Greenwave are programmable energy monitors and savers.  They can be programmed with user friendly color coded dials that allow the consumer to remotely and systematically control when the light is on and off, and can monitor energy use.
 

*ThinkEco's new product is my favorite; an electric plug that can communicate with a PC through a USB key. The system can track how much energy various electronic devices use and let people schedule things to turn off at set times. It lets people cut down on wasted power when things are left on but aren't being used or by eliminating stand-by and vampire power. A consumer product, priced at $50, is due this spring.

Courtesy: CNET

I just love this concept home by Karim Rashid, which features reclaimed wood and glass materials, solar panels, and eco friendly radiant heat floors.  Yes, it has a living room, a full bath, kitchen, and a bedroom, and even a plunge pool from collected rain water. 

Cheers,
Tami Michaels

On today's Inside Out show I have a special guest, Jeremy Fellows, who is one of this areas best structural engineers.  Seattle has the second highest number of landslides (see blog below), major La Nina rains are forecasted through the winter, and in Jan/Feb landslides peak in our area.

Jeremy will prode expert advice on how to shore up your home and make things safer for you and your family.  Mr. Fellows also provides excellent architectural engineering and interior design; I am a big fan of his.  Jeremy's company is Sturdy Structures and he can be reached at (206) 351-0576.

I hope you join us for today's show.

Cheers,

Tami Michaels

It is my pleasure to welcome Gayle O'Donnell, who will be an events contributor to the komonews.com website.  Gayle has been coordinating various events and celebrations for many years and is recognized as one of this areas finest in her craft.  January is the start of the wedding planning season.

January 7, 2011 was an exciting day for brides. Nordstrom launched a new department in their downtown Seattle flagship store. The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom highlights merchandise for all bridal needs, occasions and events surrounding the big day at appealing price points. It serves as a “one-stop shop” for the entire bridal party — from engagement parties, to the wedding day and honeymoon.

The comprehensive selection covers bride, bridesmaid, and reception dresses, foundations, shoes and jewelry. Capsule collections of bridal, bridesmaid and special-occasion dresses by guest designers will include ML Monique Lhuillier, Notte by Marchesa, Milly, Kate Spade and Trina Turk. Special accessory and footwear designs through exclusive partnerships with Alexis Bittar and Stuart Weitzman will also be offered.  Additional in-store services include on-site tailoring, bra fit specialists, beauty services, garment steaming, shoe shining and free shipping on orders placed with Wedding Stylists. Wedding Suite in-store shopping will be by appointment only. The Wedding Suite at Nordstrom will launch in 14 select stores nationwide and online at Nordstrom.com. Downtown Seattle is the only Washington store scheduled to feature The Wedding Suite at this time.
 
 
To celebrate The Wedding Suite opening there will be an Open House this weekend, Saturday, January 15 from 12:00 – 3:00 PM at Seattle’s downtown Nordstrom store. The public is welcome and responses are requested.  You can call 206-628-1730 to RSVP for the event, or to make an appointment for your bridal gown consultation with one of Nordstrom’s wedding stylists.  Nordstrom expects to host other special events, such as trunk shows with some of its featured designers in the future, so we’ll keep you posted as we learn of upcoming events. To learn more about The Wedding Suite visit them at Nordstrom.com.
 
Gayle O’Donnell,  Events Contributor 

Thank you, Gayle,  Cheers, Tami Michaels