Have you been following HGTV’s Design Star? The competition has been “ferosh” as one contestant might say. Luckily, our local gal, Shelby Township’s own Trish Beaudet is doing well. She has made it through 4 cuts and while other contestants are literally weeping she has been standing tall. The fifth episode airs this Sunday, July 6 at 9 p.m. In honor of that, we’ll share these tips that Trish sent especially for Strut. She offers 10 tips to help you make the last finishing touches to your home’s designs.

(Off-television, Trish is the owner and designer of Finishing Touches Interiors by Design, Inc. Check out her Web site.)

Can’t see Sunday’s Show? It will be re-aired July 06, 9 PM; July 07, 1:00 AM, 11 PM; July 8, 3 AM; July 13 5 PM.

With all the events this weekend—Rothbury, Comerica Cityfest, fireworks, heck, even the Jonas Brothers are coming—I’ve got two more to add to your calendar, and they’re green-friendly!

National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, July 5-12.

I’ll be spending the Fourth of July weekend at the wedding of an old friend. In honor of that occasion, I’m sharing this list of money-saving wedding tips from event planner extraordinaire Lisa Gleeson. Feel free to share your own money-saving tips in the comments of my blog.

1. Make it Yours- Pick out items that you can create yourself. While saving money, it personalizes the wedding too. They may be the favors, the invites, floral arrangements, table cards. Lisa suggests the bridal attendant gifts could be jewelry the bride can make.

There are Christmas music compilations but no Fourth of July compilations. Why is that? (I'm assuming it's the same reason there are no Thanksgiving Carols). Anyhoo -- I'm a big fan of the customized playlist as anyone who has received one of my mix CDs can attest. I’ve always been intrigued by the number of songs that use Independence Day as a metaphor for spectacle or change – or the lack thereof -- in their lyrics. It's surprising how many are brooding or even a touch sad. Here's a selection -- check'em out. They might make for a fun CD you can give to whoever is kind enough to host you this weekend. Feel free to add others you know in the comments.

(Disclaimer: All songs below are marching band free. While not all of the songs are expressly about The Fourth, many evoke it through talk of fireworks and sparks and work for this type of list.).

First off, the State of Michigan passed a resolution to make July 12 an official state day -- Cruisin' Michigan day, that is. All to mark Cruisin' Michigan, the first multi-city Michigan Avenue Cruise and car show. The event will take drivers on a tour through Dearborn, Dearborn Heights, Inkster, Wayne and Westland. Events will also include outdoor concerts in the participating cities. Check out our event calendar for details. 

Strut's a sponsor of what will surely be a great summer tradition. See you there!

Waiting for your big break? It might be here. Birmingham-based company Real Style has been hired by ABC and other movie production companies to find hundreds of extras for films and television show that are being filmed in Michigan. They are currently looking for extras for the film The Prince of Motor City with Andie MacDowell and Piper Perabo.

Says Real Style: “We are actively looking for extras for July 8, 2008, July 12 and July 30 through August 13. A day of shooting can be up to 14 hours long, and an extra is paid for their time on the set. The job pays minimum wage on a voucher system. (Vouchers are filled out upon arrival to set, and turned in at the end of the day, and a paycheck will be sent to you in approximately 10 days.) If you are available and interested, you are committing to the entire day.”

If you are interested in becoming an extra, please send the following via e-mail to info@realstyleonline.com and reference EXTRA, PRINCE OF MOTOR CITY in the subject line.

Name

Phone

Date of Birth

Small file size picture of yourself  

My favorite weekend of the summer is upon us! My plans for the weekend include exploring various local events, such as a night (or two) on the town, and watching fireworks, sailing and relaxing near a large body of water. Unfortunately, with gas more than $4 a gallon, I won't be going too far. Here's a list of things I hope to check out (and you should, too!).

Get the holiday weekend started right with a little nostalgia Thursday night, when Luna in Royal Oak hosts its weekly '80s Night. Click here for more information.

It seems I only go out of town when the cool stuff happens. As a result, I won't be able to go to Rothbury this weekend (Which has made me sad since January when I first heard about the festival. Grrrr...) or Cityfest. But I'm over it. Really. We've written about Rothbury already in this space, but if you were thinking about going to the Comerica Cityfest now until July 6, I've got 6 things I would check out if I were you. 

1. Gwen's Urban Playhouse

Got that buff beach body you wanted this summer?  Me neither, but I’m working on it!  I got clued in to the Hundred Push Up Challenge three weeks ago and pulled my family on board to toned arms with me.

Here’s the deal-

Complete an initial assessment and follow a semi-personalized six-week training system.  Afterwards, you’ll be able to complete 100 push ups in a row. 

Want to win tickets to see this Grammy-winning Texas trio? They're playing at Meadow Brook and you can be there. All you need to do is write in the comments of this blog entry why you need a night out. I'll pick the winners Monday, July 7 at 3 p.m. 

Hear clips from their latest album, Forgiven, here.