The funny part about talking about our Oprah-related experience during blogiversary week is that we talked about almost appearing on Oprah’s show during our very first blogiversary week (spoiler: we got bumped last minute by Ty Pennington and some twins in need of a makeover). So it seems, now five years later, that things have come full circle. Was that an O pun I just made? Yes. Yes it was.
First of all, the exciting news. For anyone who wasn’t able to watch or stream the short film when it aired on Sunday, the kind folks at OWN have generously provided a clip for us to share here. So here it goes.
The nice thing about working with Oprah’s team is they’re really good about encouraging you to pause and think more deeply about what a home really is and what it means to the people who live there. Even watching it back, and the way they edited a day’s worth of words and footage was thoughtful. It just really cuts to the meaning of home for us. And it was a reminder that as much as we can stress over how something looks and whether a project is turning out the way we want it to, those aren’t the things that make a house a home. They’re just a fun part of the journey if you can manage to sit back and enjoy the ride. Which is definitely what we strive to do everyday. We’re not trying to pretend that we’re philosophers, but Oprah’s editors sure can make you feel all warm and fuzzy.
But wait, the most insane “is this real life?!” moment was when Oprah herself said our names in the intro, which was just before the clip above kicked in. Correct pronunciation and everything. So you know we had to tape it off of our TV, right?
Then right after it aired on Sunday, she tweeted a quote from our segment. Not only did she say our names, but she listened to us talk. #brainexplosion
So how did this all come to be? Let’s rewind over ten months ago to last November when our book tour took us to Chicago, Oprah’s hometown. Through our publisher we learned that a producer at Harpo (Oprah’s production company) was hoping to chat with us while we were in town. Um, sure! Our trip there was quick, so the meeting was very casual – as in “meet us in the lobby of our hotel a couple of hours before we have a book signing” casual.
Heather, the producer that you’ll meet here in a minute, was amazingly nice and awesomely enthusiastic about finding some way to collaborate. And when she tossed out the idea of a 3-minute short film, we thought it would be fun.
Ok, and we lost our minds a little, as evidenced by this text-fest between Sherry and Roo.
The shoot day was back in May, so we were still living in our old house. And since no behind-the-scene post is complete without a “Look, John had to put on make-up!” shot, here it is.
The day was pretty easy as shoots go. We had built up a good friendship with Heather (whom you can see standing on the far left below) so it was nice to finally have her over, along with a really nice team of talented crew-members.
The hilarious happened-within-ten-minutes-of-the-crew-arriving-story is that Sherry threw out her back for the first time ever. She was doing some last minute cleaning in the living room while they were in the dining room setting up and she leaned over the sofa to put something away and said it felt like someone pulled a piece of her spine out like Jenga. She essentially fell on her face on the sofa, couldn’t move, struggled to roll over onto her back while praying that no one would see her floundering around on the sofa, and stood up very slowly. Then she slinked into the bathroom and called the doc, who recommended a high dose of tylenol and as much lying down as possible. Thankfully the pain-killers kicked in and she somehow made it through the day… but in person she was a lot stiffer than usual. Which explains why Sherry describes the walking scenes of us as “that time she waddled like a duck on national TV.”
One of our favorite parts of the day was just watching the crew work their magic. Here’s how they got some of those pretty shots of our (very missed) frame hallway.
Clara was at school or napping for most of the shoot, but she was there for our fun little family activity of baking cookies. I love this shot because it looks like Clara’s on the set of her own cooking show.
We also took a brief visit over to the new house with everyone (our inaugural shoot in this place!) so they could capture some footage about our “next chapter” (to steal some OWN’s lingo). None of this footage made it into the final clip, which is probably good because I think we were all like “So, um, this is our new house. Please don’t look too closely yet…”
We’re incredibly grateful to Heather and the whole Harpo crew for their excitement to work with us. We’ve always been big fans of Oprah, and now we have an even greater respect for all of the people and work that stand with her. Oh, and for the record, never during this process did we meet or speak to Ms. Winfrey (as we learned she’s called around the office). But maybe in another five blogiversaries that will have changed. You never know…
Mary | Lemon Grove Blog says
So, so fun!! Talk about a home video ;) What a fun way to capture your family and your lovely homes!
Carmel says
So cool! You all are naturals on camera!
jeff_williams says
Don’t worry about the make-up, John. It’s totally normal for guys to have a little on TV. I had to sit in the chair a number of times for Sweat Equity. Your Man Cards are still intact.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Jeff. Fist bump in solidarity.
-John
Karen J says
Beautiful! So where’s the cookie recipe??? (smile)
YoungHouseLove says
Good ol’ peanut butter cookies! http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/peanut_butter_cookies/
xo
s
Heather says
That’s so awesome! ( thanks for posting btw…we don’t have cable!) I think you guys are pretty much celebrity status now! ;) Congrats on all your success your sweet family deserves it!!
Theresa W says
I actually cried! So happy for you guys :) I love your positive energy and how thoughtful you are about every day life, family and home.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Theresa!
xo
s
Shelby says
Super big props to you Sherry for making it through that after having thrown your back out for the first time!! When that happened to me, in a very similar manner – I was picking up a sock, I had no idea what was going on and when I frantically called my husband he said “why don’t you walk over to the hospital?” (We lived one block from the hospital).
Anyway, I spent the rest of the day doped on muscle relaxers and pain killers so I would definitely not have been in any condition to be filmed. Unless Oprah wanted a new version of the “Is this real life?” skit.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! I felt a little like that kid a few times…
xo
s
Stephanie says
I know the twins that bumped you last time! Hilarious. Their family deserved the love and the girls had so much fun with oprah!
YoungHouseLove says
No Way! That’s so sweet!
xo
s
Tracy says
umm…how freaking awesome! Seriously…Oprah!! So so cool. And I am so glad I finally heard someone say your last name…turns out I had it all wrong! Thank you for bringing so much joy to your readers. In a totally non-creepy way, I feel like you two are my really good friends that have influenced majorly the decisions we make in improving our home (just ask my husband who laughs every time I say “well..John and Sherry did this…or said this – he gets a big kick out of it :) Congrats guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Tracy!
xo
s
Jackie says
LOVE THIS!!! Oh and my instagram comment made the blog today… glad to see you resisted the urge to rap on camera, although it would have been epic on so many levels, Sherdog. =)
YoungHouseLove says
My dance moves would have been awesomely robot-esque from the whole back thing…
xo
s
Jessica Huber says
I got so choked up watching this. Even though you have so many followers, your little family has this magical way of making the reader feel like a friend. Even though when I met you in Palo Alto, I felt like I was waiting in line to meet NKOTB and my mind went blank when I walked up!
So awesome guys, congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, thanks so much for coming out to see us in Palo Alto, Jessica! We loved being there!
xo
s
Amy W says
Guys! I’ll be honest, I had some tears watching your video. Too sweet and precious and out of control awesome. So happy for the success you’ve all had. Love your home(s)!
Amy @ http://www.delineateyourdwelling.com
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Amy!
xo
s
Val M says
Congratulations on the video! It is great! One question though….I’ve only been following your blog for about a year. Who is Roo? :)
YoungHouseLove says
She’s a hilarious blogger and a master of emojis! Her stick figure drawings make John want to up his game.
xo
s
brooke @ claremont road says
I LOVED watching this on Sunday — not just because I love you guys, but also because the lovely Heather is my friend! T’was a great piece involving all fabulous people :)
YoungHouseLove says
I love Heather! She was so much fun to work with!
xo
s
steph says
Y’all! I just can’t even imagine how excited you must’ve been! So great – I’m DYING to get home and watch the clip!!
Also, on the last name bit, which seems particularly humorous since you were all worried about the Oprah shouting of the your last name… I think you may have Roo’s last name mispelled? I think there’s another “i” in there somewhere?? Ciambriello?
Too fun, so happy for you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
Dude! I think you’re right! My phone contacts got deleted and John transferred his over, so that must be his spelling mistake. See how I swiftly blamed my man, there? Haha! Off to fix it…
xo
s
Bethany says
That was such a beautiful little film, and such a special thing for you to have. I loved everything you said about your home, especially how it doesn’t have to be perfect and how it can bring you peace. You two have inspired me so much, it really is about the journey and not the destination. Thanks so much for sharing!
And Sherry, I never would have guessed about your back! I went back and watched the video again, specifically looking for any traces of a waddle, and didn’t notice anything weird. What a scary thing to happen right before a TV shoot though!
Tipling says
AHHHHHH This is so awesome! Congrats you guys, you know you have officially arrived when Oprah knows your name :)
steph says
Well played, that is my go-to move as well :) lol…
Love you all and love Roo!
Sasha says
Super sweet piece on you guys :) Love it, congratulations :)
Couldn’t help but rewatch the clip looking out for any waddling, happy to report I could hardly see it, and definitely didn’t see it till you pointed it out :) I hope your back is better now :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sasha! That shot of us walking down the street kills me! But I think watching yourself back on film is pretty much always awkward, haha!
xo
s
careen says
I declare: that made me tear up a bit. it’s the music!
YoungHouseLove says
Totally is the music!
xo
s
Kirstin says
Here’s the link, if anyone wants to see it!
http://www.oprah.com/own-super-soul-sunday/Young-House-Love-Home-Is-Where-the-Soul-Is-Video
This is so weird, but I found myself tearing up at it. All the quotes and thoughts on what it is to have a home really got to me — we bought our house almost a year ago, and it’s such an emotional ownership that you have with the place.
Congrats, John and Sherry, on the continued success :)
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Kirstin!
xo
s
Samantha says
This is SO great! Love love love! So happy for you guys!
Gabbi @ Retro Ranch Reno says
I seriously cannot get over how awesome-sauce this is! Congrats guys…you were perfect! :)
Jennifer says
Sherry, you have the most beautiful skin! I smile reading your blog every day and I am so happy for your family’s success. This even might have brought a little tear to my eye. Congratulations.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Jennifer!
xo
s
Lisa in Seattle says
Kudos to Heather for producing such a warm, heartfelt piece. You guys rocked it. Clara’s polite request for the “little cookie” just about did me in. Sherry, I am so sorry about your back and hope you were still able to enjoy the day.
Oprah’s loss for not getting to meet you while you were there.
Desiree C. says
Congratulations, guys! That is awesome and “Ms. Winfrey’s” crew did one heck of a good job with your short film. It’s so warm and inspiring. I honestly felt like going home, changing into my pjs, throwing some cookies in the oven, and curling up with a good book. :)
As far as throwing your back out, I’v been there and I forced my husband to play the guessing game with how it happened. How about we do the same:
A] Lifting my desk chair for our yearly carpet shampooing in the office.
B] Fluffing my scarf.
C] Bending over to pick up a carrot.
If you guessed B, you are right (that’s kind of funny, right?). It was terrible. In short, I feel your pain, Sherry. And for the sake of all things, I hope it never happens again. :)
YoungHouseLove says
It was so crazy! I wasn’t doing anything! Just leaning over the sofa to put a tiny remote in a lacquered box!
xo
s
Colleen Wilson says
GAH!!!!
And more… gah!!!!
Nothing but love!
Katie says
Y’all are hands down the coolest people I know :)
Mel says
Holy crap! I just got teary-eyed and goosebumps! I’ve read your blog since you two were in the first house, love your book, use so many of your ideas and I couldn’t be more proud for ya’ll! Congrats guys!
-Mel from Texas
Kristin @ bliss-athome.com says
That was super cute!! Loved seeing you guys on there :) xo Kristin
Meredith Jones says
How exciting that must have been! I don’t think I get the OWN network so I’m glad you were able to post the video here. And how CRAYCRAY it must feel to have Ms. Winfrey so your names! Whuuut!
Tiffany | A Touch of Grace says
How fun! I love how you guys talk about the journey. I need to remember that myself. What a great experience for your family!
Amanda says
OMG that shot of your wall of photos! I just love it & the lighting was so perfect! Does you finally feel like your new house is starting to become “home” to your family?
Also, love the K.Scott Danielle earrings :) I’m wearing some of her jewelry today!
YoungHouseLove says
Love me some Kendra Scott! As for the new house, the old one still gives us that “aw, so cozy – so sentimental” feeling because it was totally home, but I’d say the new one is 30% there. It definitely feels like the house we live in (we don’t forget and drive to the old one anymore) but it’s still sort of us figuring out the light switches and bumping into things in the dark. We don’t know it like the back of our hand quite yet…
xo
s
Triana B says
Wow! So exciting for your guys! Congrats!
Jodi says
so amazing. and so well-deserved.
KarinK says
It was a great shoot! In fact, I tried to watch the first part of the show but ended up fast forwarding to you guys after about 30 whole seconds (had to DVR it). The funniest thing was seeing your Va is for Lovers spread – I had no idea…. I was flipping through the magazine, and my eye happened to stop right on Sherry’s face, and the brain process went something like this: “Huh. That looks like Sherry. And look at that! The little girl looks just like Clara! Maybe I should scan this picture to them in an email…they’d probably get a kick – HEY! That’s John! That’s THEM! Wait.. whaaaaat?”
YoungHouseLove says
SO FUNNY!
xo
s
Suz says
AWW! I am so excited for you! Congratulations!!! I absolutely love this blog, and your ideas are hella awesome!
Wrenaria says
What a great video! It captures those moments of life in your previous house beautifully and now you’ll have that forever. You guys get to do all the fun things. :)
Brittney Everett says
That is soo cool that you’re first ever shoot in your new house was Oprah – that’s a cool legacy!
Karyn says
I’ve been reading since you were “that other name”, so I totally squeal when I read of all of the amazing-ness in your life! Can’t wait to read the new chapter!!
Melissa says
Omg, that video made me tear up! I love the quote that Oprah herself quoted from you Sherry! Congrats ! :)
Emmie says
All teary eyed over that! So awesome and crazy at the same time :)!! Congrats on another anniversary!
I had a similar “throw your back out” episode by just getting out of bed – talk about “getting out of bed on the wrong side”!! Glad you made a fast recovery!
YoungHouseLove says
It’s the worst, right?!
xo
s
Monica says
Yep, I shed a few tears for you guys too! Such a nice summary of your story. And great quotes, camera angles and music…how can you frame a three minute clip for your next gallery wall?! Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
I know, right?! We need a little digital frame on our side table playing it on a loop or something. Haha!
xo
s
Reenie says
Big smile on my face while reading this and watching the video. CONGRATS!!! :)
Amanda says
How crazy exciting is that!
This makes me a total internet weirdo, but I remember Heather from her Weddingbee days! Fun to see how much the internet is just like a giant neighborhood. We all bump into each other at some point!
YoungHouseLove says
So funny! She has lots of friends here in the comments!
xo
s
Giselle says
I just cant get over the fact of how amazing u guys are… all 4 of you, and to even think that out of all this 6 years i´ve been along the way for 4 is crazy, im so glad i found this blog, which i visit religiously every single day, and with my own bun in the oven, my very first precious little star im beyond happy to see what this yhl family has become…. cant wait to keep watching what the future holds…. its guaranteed is full of wonderful things!!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much, Giselle! And best of luck with your little bun in the oven!
xo
s
Elisa from CharmingDoodle.com says
This is SO great! And good gravy…you are good secret keepers! Hmmm…what’s happening right now that we don’t know about? :)
Robyn S says
Wow, totally cried watching that clip! That was so kind of OWN to give you the clip to post so we could watch it. And I love that you recorded Oprah saying your names. . . I’d set that as my ringtone or something!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a hilarious idea.
xo
s
Annie says
I’m sooooo happy for you guys! And for all of us because what you two do is good…it’s not kardashian, it’s not addiction-recoveresque, it’s not restlyn-filled. It’s flesh and bones, and heart and humor and that is getting harder and harder to find. So thank you!
I laughed so hard I spit my water all over my computer when I read the text between you and Roo! (I love her blog).
Maybe the two of you could have a talk show?
Watch out Oprah…..
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh that would be a hot mess of a talk show but I think if it was only recorded for us to watch back we would get endless laughs from it. And if the world was watching we’d both freeze for 30 minutes like statues (and Roo might get barfy).
xo
s
ashley says
wow! so amazing!! the big O!