How to start a movement

This is one of the funniest videos I have seen in a long time – it also has a great message!

http://www.ted.com/talks/derek_sivers_how_to_start_a_movement.html

Best dishwasher detergent

I became concerned some time ago that my dishes always have a film of soap/residue on them when I unload the dishwasher.  Not sure I want to be eating that?

I am using this recipe to make my own and I like it 200% better.  The dishes come out squeaky clean and it costs much less than buying Cascade.

Ingredients in Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

Your environmentally friendly dishwasher detergent is going to have four main ingredients.

– Washing Soda—This stuff has been around forever. It is a natural substance, made from salt and limestone. Scientifically it is known as sodium carbonate. It cuts grease on anything and can be used for many (if not most) of the cleaning projects in your home. Arm and Hammer puts it out in the United States. If you can’t find it at your grocers you can find it on Amazon and other places online.

– Borax—Borax occurs naturally in the environment and can be mined as well as created in a lab. It is toxic in concentrated amounts, and you should keep it out of the reach of children. You can find it by the laundry detergent; Borateem is one brand.

– Kosher Salt—Kosher salt is a pure salt. I use it for cooking because the food tastes cleaner. I have also used regular salt, when I was out of the kosher salt.

– Citric acid—You can buy food grade citric acid like Fruit Fresh.  You can also use unsweetened lemonade packets (like Crystal Light); the main ingredient is citric acid.

– 1 T rice (prevents clumping)

Recipe for Homemade Dishwasher Detergent

– 1 cup Washing soda

– 1 cup Borax

– ½ cup salt

– ½ cup citric acid

Mix together and store tightly covered in a Mason Jar. Use one tablespoon per load. Add white vinegar to the rinse dispenser as a substitute for rinse agent.

Style Icon: Tommy Hilfiger

WITH HIS BOYISH HAIRCUT and mischievous grin, it’s hard to believe that Tommy Hilfiger is about to receive the Geoffrey Beene lifetime achievement award from the Council of Fashion Designers of America. But the man whose Nantucket-meets-hip-hop designs helped define late ’90s cool is now 61—with four of his children grown, his business long since sold to private investors and a quieter, comfortable life with second wife Dee Ocleppo and their 2½ year-old son, Sebastian.

Yet with his recent gig as an image adviser for “American Idol” and his investment last year in luxury British biker brand Belstaff, quiet certainly doesn’t spell boring for Mr. Hilfiger. While his main men’s line is now overseen by British designer Simon Spurr—and his women’s by Peter Som—Mr. Hilfiger still has the final word on more than a dozen annual collections as principal designer of the Tommy Hilfiger Group, the company he founded in 1985. As for Belstaff, Mr. Hilfiger will serve as a board member and adviser for the 88-year-old label, which plans to open a New York boutique this fall, followed by a five-story London flagship in 2013.

The growing international presence makes sense for Mr. Hilfiger, whose name has become a global brand, not just an American one. “Our style of American heritage has this ‘cool factor’ that appeals to cultures world-wide,” said Mr. Hilfiger last week. “From cowboys and Indians to the Las Vegas Strip, I’ve lived my life steeped in Americana and pop culture,” he added. “I’d like to think I’ve had a part in spreading it across the globe.”

My [older] son lives in Los Angeles so we spend a lot of time out there. Usually we stay at the Peninsula Beverly Hills, which has outstanding service, an incredible location and the food is above average. The rooftop cabanas let you feel like you’re on vacation.

My favorite beaches are on the island of Mustique, where we have a home. The sand is white, the water temperature is perfect and the weather is amazing. The place has this primitive feeling of elegance.

I’m not regularly attacked by the paparazzi but we do have our occasional run-ins with them. It’s intense; I wouldn’t want to be Brad Pitt.

Vintage shopping in Los Angeles is much more interesting than in New York—particularly boutiques like Decades, American Rag, What Goes Around Comes Around and Lily et Cie. Their owners are like curators and are more daring than in Manhattan.

The Leela Palaces, Hotels and ResortsLeela Palace Hotel in Bangalore, India

I recently fell in love with the Leela Palace Hotel in Bangalore, India. The hotel’s design blends Art Deco with royal Indian styles and was built by my friends, the Nair family, who own magnificent, six-star palace hotels across country.

Splash NewsMr. Hilfiger’s yacht

My favorite New York restaurant is Cipriani on Fifth Avenue. It’s close to my home, the food and service are great. Serge, the maître d’, is one of New York’s best. I’m a terrible cook, so I eat there often.

I met my wife, Dee, in St. Tropez and every year we yacht along the French and Italian Rivieras. I like the privacy of yachting, the ability to gather my entire family in one place.

I wanted to be a professional athlete when I was young, but was too small to play football or basketball. I wore bell-bottoms and had long hair, but wasn’t talented enough to be a rock star. Maybe I would have been an actor—though I’m very happy with the way things turned out.

l grew up on classic rock—the Beatles, the Doors, Hendrix, Led Zeppelin. Back then, we didn’t download singles, we bought entire albums—and listened to every single word of every single song until the next album came out.

When you’re raised in a family of nine kids you quickly learn to group together and work as a team. But you also learn to respect a wide range of styles and points of view, which was of enormous value when I developed my business because there are many different consumers with many different tastes.

The last great gift I received was a magnificent Hautlence watch from my wife. I gave her a great book and a piece of jewelry to go with it.

Nothing beats private jets—they’re the ultimate luxury in life and the best way to save time and maximize flexibility.

I always thought you had to be far more accomplished to receive a lifetime achievement award, but if the CFDA is giving it out, I’ll take it with pleasure.

The way children learn today is far different than 20 years ago. My youngest son is only 2½ and already knows how to use an iPad and iPhone. My oldest kids didn’t even start on computers until they were in high school.

I probably wear my own designs 99% of the time. I’m a perfectionist and want to ensure that the fit is just right, that the piece washes properly. I’m definitely my harshest critic.

Every man should own a well-tailored tuxedo and great two-button navy blazer. The tux should be from Anderson & Sheppard in London—and the blazer, of course, from Tommy Hilfiger.

 I love Manhattan’s Upper East Side—it’s my home and where I feel safe. But I still enjoy the restaurants and ambience of SoHo and the East Village, where I lived when I was younger.

I’m not sure where or when, but one of my future dreams is to possibly open a hotel. Like my clothing, the style would be classic American cool paired with everything I love about luxury properties, like a great restaurant, towels and bedding.