Picture me miming the act of getting out the ol’ Bucket List and crossing off one of the most major “pipe dream” things on there. As we quickly mentioned here, three Wednesdays ago The Nate Berkus Show contacted us and asked if we’d be interested in being on their show… which was taping just two short days later in NYC. If so they’d fly us out the very next day.
Uh, yes please.
See, I’ve been obsessed with Nate for years. And not just mildly obsessed, we’re talking can’t-mention-him-without-my-voice-going-up-an-octave status. The man just does something to me (check out a few I-love-Nate posts of yore here and here). But what the heck would we be doing on the show anyway? They explained that they were introducing a new feature: Nate’s Crate Design Challenge. It would involve two real-people contestants competing for his affection design kudos using a mystery crate full of basic household items (craft paper, blankets, a feather duster, push pins, burlap, staple guns). Basically Nate would be challenging them to a design duel on two identical white rooms for the hour-long duration of the episode using only those unconventional decorating items to alter their spaces and score the win. Here’s a pic of those lucky ladies with their finished rooms behind them:
But where did we fit in? They actually wanted us to be the judges a la Paula and Simon (or soon-to-be J-Lo and Steven) since we’re big on the whole DIY thing and working with everyday household items is our idea of a good time. No words, people. We had no words.
They even gave us a little American Idol-ish desk:
And added this blush-inducing subtitle below our names. Insanity.
Nate even invited us on stage to demo of a few fun DIY projects using items from the crate.
But back to how we found ourselves standing on stage with Nate. The day after we received that unbelievable invitation to be on the show, we were on a plane to NYC. Yes, it really does move that fast. It was Clara’s first flight ever, and thankfully she slept like a champ (we intentionally timed our departure after her bedtime in the hope that she’d lay low- and hallelujah it worked).
We arrived at LaGuardia and got picked up by a fancy limo service. Yeah, we’re those dorks who took a picture of the sign with our names on it. Guilty as charged (or GAC as they say on Cougar Town).
It was around 11:30pm when we finally got to our hotel. They generously put us up at the Flatotel– where the contestants have lived on shows like Project Runway and America’s Next Top Model (holy Tyra Banks, Batman). And look how cute the beanette looks in a big girl bed (though she actually slept in the crib they sweetly provided).
In the morning we were up at 5:30-ish. We had to be at the studio by 7:15 and we could hardly sleep due to nerves, excitement, and I-get-to-meet-Nate mania. But we did take a moment to enjoy the view (we were in an awesome corner room with two amazing city views) before we headed off to our morning taping.
By around 7:30 we were settled in the green room, where my mom (who lives in NY) met us to play babysitter while we got our Nate Berkus on. It was actually the first time we had an official “babysitter” since Clara’s birth five months ago. So even though we would only be gone for a few hours of rehearsing and taping I was totally that person. You know, the nutjob mom who spouts off info like “if she seems tired she likes to be held like this, and she likes when you rub her back like this, and then she might want to stand so hold her like this, and then she might want to read a book but only for a few minutes…” Of course everything was fine and my mom didn’t need the ridiculous Clara crash course at all. And look how cute our offspring looks on the almost baby-sized settee in our private green room (complete with fresh eats and flowers). Seriously, who did they think we were? We would have been happy to hang out in a cardboard box.
Then it was time to get our faces on. Yep, even John got powdered up. And look how much makeup it takes to make me TV ready. See all that stuff in the foreground? I needed it all. The two makeup & hair gals were awesome (there was even one named Sherry, spelled my way) and they regaled us with tales of making people beautiful on soap opera sets and movie lots.
And as if the day weren’t awesome enough, then we ran into Mrs. Limestone who was also scheduled to be featured in the same show (read more about how she ended up on another episode here). It was so amazing to meet her after years of being virtual blog buddies. And she was just as beautiful and sweet in person. Her hubby was awesome too. And of course they killed it on the show, eliciting tons of well deserved oohs and aahs when they showed a few of their jaw-dropping before and after house pics.
We don’t have any first-hand pictures beyond this because we weren’t allowed to take photos in the studio. But after a quick rehearsal, a speedy make-up touch-up, a last minute Clara feeding, and some mic-age we walked out there and taped the show. They don’t post full episodes online, but here’s a clip of us doing our little ditty about using unconventional items for quick home makeovers (yes, I do scream “pickle jars”):
And here’s a clip of the design challengers revealing their final rooms (and us judging the results):
Here’s where I’ll go off on a vain rant. I also learned that when on TV I should follow the FIB rule (FIB= fitted is better). I don’t know why I thought a bright red flowy shirt was the way to go, but after I caught a glimpse of myself in the monitor I knew I made a mistake. I giant red lollypop-esque mistake. So to any other self-conscious not-quite-back-to-your-pre-baby-body moms out there I offer this advice: flowy isn’t good. Unless the body shape you’re going for is round (and you want your aunt to call and ask if Clara is getting a brother or sister). So now I know. But on the bright side, in the looking-crazy department, I felt like I did my creepy perma-smile thing and clapped a little too enthusiastically, but overall it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Most times I could be found just gazing at Nate…
… and waving my hands around wildly (it looks like I’m yelling at one of the contestants here but I promise I was nice).
But enough self-dissection. Back to the story. It was an out of body experience. Words can’t describe how funny, gracious, and amazing Nate was. Not only did he personally compliment our house and our design sense on and off camera (at one point I felt like I was melting into a happy little puddle on the floor) but he gave us a whole new respect for how hard the whole TV thing is. He didn’t just have to master basics like how to read a teleprompter, think on his feet, and keep the audience engaged, he also had to memorize which camera to look at while delivering each segment (and there were at least 6 cameras in different locations and positions). Sometimes it felt more like a choreographed dance than a show. Mad props to Nate Dog.
And did I mention we got pretty chummy onstage? I mean, check out how close our hands got in this shot of us discussing the merits of burlap.
We had barely finished recording our last segment when a producer whisked us off set and told us we had to run to catch our flight (they graciously booked us on the earliest one possible so we could make it back to Richmond just in time to entertain Katie, Jeremy, and Will Bower who were spending the weekend with us. We ran out so quickly we barely had time to geekily snag the paper placard from our green room door. And it’s only a coincidence that we snapped this photo with it in front of NYC’s very own Home Depot as we sped sat in traffic on the way to the airport.
Despite all the traffic we had plenty of time to kill at the gate, which was quite entertaining for Clara since she was more awake for this trip to the airport than the one the night before. Look at that TV ready smile. Too bad she didn’t get to be the third judge (although I doubt her squeals and dribbles would be as adorable to everyone else as they are to us).
And since we were traveling during the day this time, she not only squeezed in a nice quick nap on the plane, but also enjoyed some alert time to look out the window and soak up the view. We are SO GRATEFUL that Clara’s first two plane trips were so smooth. We feared the zip-in-zip-out plan might throw her off and result in a very sad baby indeed, but she’s such a great little travel buddy. Just happy to go with the flow and see new things.
Anyway, happily our little family of three made it home just in time for the arrival of the Bowers. And boy was Burger happy to see us (thankfully John’s sister Emily fed, snuggled, and pottied him while we were gone, just like she did when we were in the hospital with Clara).
So that’s the story of flying to NYC on a day’s notice and returning within 22 hours of leaving. In fact we both woke up on Saturday morning and had the same though: was that all a dream? Were we really in NYC the morning before? We didn’t really believe it until we saw the episode yesterday. Turns out it really happened. Somebody pinch slap me.
All images and video clips of the show, courtesy of thenateshow.com.
bria says
Congrats! couldnt happen to a more lovely family!!! i would LOVE to watch YHL on TV!!!!
Snickrsnack Katie says
You guys were fantastic! Sherry, you in particular are totally a tv personality! John did great, too, but wow – you totally have a tv persona. You may have clapped enthusiastically but you did AWESOME!!!! :)
Roxanne says
Hi Guys!!
I am a big fan, I read your blog daily, think you guys are amaaazing!! I saw the show yesterday and I was so excited for you guys!! I felt like I knew you guys, like you were family on TV, so very exciting!! :)
Carmen says
How exciting! You guys looked great! Clara is so cute. Actually she is a great age for this whirlwind trip. If she was older, say 2, it wouldn’t have gone so smoothly.
Gretchen says
First off – that was awesome! I have to say, I totally laughed and nodded my head in agreement about your “flowy shirt” comment. I wore a shirt exactly the same style about 3 months post-baby. I went to my 27 year old cousin’s bachelorette party (I already felt old at 33 w/all the youngins!). I thought I looked good….until I saw the pix!!! No – flowy is not helping hide the post-baby body. Ugh! And you’re right – now we know!
Congrats on all your successes!
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
you guys did great. looked like you had lots of fun too. i too did not know who he was until you posted about him. great show. i’ll have to dvr it more often. :D
Christine says
yay! So cool to see your behind-the-scenes take! I’ve got it at home on my PVR and hopefully can catch it tonight. Can wait to watch!!
jja says
I love those pictures with Clara, so cute!
Sherry I love your make up and your outfit, didn’t see TV show, but what I see from photos like here
http://images.younghouselove.com.s3.amazonaws.com/2010/10/Berkus-In-Car-With-Sign.jpg it looks great!
Jen says
Great job guys! I don’t have cable so I only watched the clips online, and I noticed that in those clips, they never mentioned the name of your blog. Did Nate actually mention your blog sometime in the show so viewers know where to find more of you?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Jen,
We actually got to mention the name of our blog during our intro (Nate explained why he picked us as judges and interviewed us a bit in the beginning of the show) but that clip wasn’t on their site so we couldn’t share it. So much fun!
xo,
s
Katie says
Of course you rocked it. I wish you had retold the story about the crowd-engaging antics. I still giggle hysterically thinking about those dancers :)
xo – kb
p.s. next time, you must kiss his neck. PROMISE me.
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a story that must be demonstrated. Hahah. Those dancers…
As for the neck kiss. I promise.
xo,
s
Carolina L says
You are on today (10/26/10)in Denver CO. Yahoo!! Congrats.
Melanie Beth says
I’ll have to wait till I’m home from work to watch the clips… but it looks like you guys had fun! And Sherry the shirt may have been a mistake, but you look gorgeous anyway… your makeup and everything looks so nice I didn’t even notice the shirt till you pointed it out! Anyway, congrats you guys!
linda says
you guys were SO GREAT! i loved it! and loved the pickle jar comment… and nates comment about two dads… err… brothers.. LOL!
the “tv ready smile” pic of clara is sooo adorable.. and the one of you looking adoringly at her on the plane…
SOOOOOOOOOO happy for you two!!!!
Molly says
DVR’d yall& yall were so cute! Loved the show. Congrats on a mini moment of fame! =)
Katie Truelove says
Congrats! That must have been so much fun! What a whirlwind trip- very impressed that you guys were able to move that quickly- but it seems you had the motivation;):)
Virginia says
Hey Guys!
Love the blog, but what is going on?
You´ve not been posting as usual…I miss the 2 post a day rule!
:)
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Virginia,
We posted twice yesterday and have a second post going up later today so we’re pretty much sticking to that schedule- although we’re trying to have more fun and be a bit more spontaneous. You can check out this post all about it. We’re embracing a looser and more spur of the moment schedule, just posting in real time and sharing everything that’s going on at home- from pumpkins and silhouettes to house hunting and getting ready for showings! We’ve also been sharing extra posts from time to time, so although we only shared one post last Friday, there were three posts last Monday and even one on last Saturday! We’re crazy like that.
xo,
s
Constance says
Watched it last night and well done! I saw someone already comments on this, but without thinking about it I had expected you two to be on a segment of the show instead of the whole thing. What a fun surprise — you both looked just lovely and did an excellent job. Even if someone hadn’t come across your blog before, you had that great “friend on tv” vibe because you were so approachable. I would be shocked if you didn’t get some more networks calling :)
Shunta says
that was so exciting!!! seeing you guys on real live TV!!! I have a feeling this is just the beginning for you “EXPERT DIYers!” yay!!
Kristy says
Sherry, how excited were you that Nate agreed with you on the winning room? ;)
Sounds like it was a lot of fun. And I’m glad Clara traveled well!
YoungHouseLove says
Very excited! Although I would have been excited if he looked at me and said I was crazy. He can do no wrong.
xo,
s
Barbara says
Please Sherry don’t hate me: I find Nate’s dress quite awful. Ok I said it. But it was just to mean that you two were really better dressed than him! Come on, just compare John’s textural shirt with Nate’s flat polo shirt. ;-))
J&K Homestead says
I honestly had butterflies in my stomach for you while I watched the recording of this episode late last night. I can’t imagine how nervous I would have been in your shoes. How crazy exciting for you guys!!
-Katie
Terri says
OMGosh…..that is sooooo exciting for you guys!! Congratulations! I am a long time follower of your blogs, and I think you are finally get the credit you deserve!
And, Sherry….not to worry about the red “flowy” top….you looked cute as a button! Way to go! :)
Jen says
IKEA Me
Homeless individuals are very near and dear to this gal’s heart. I have had some situations within my immediate family that have left me with a special understanding for those in need. I have always dreamed of creating a safe haven shelter for those without home… until that day, lending a helping hand at shelters is how I would spend all my spare volunteering time.
xoxo,
Jen
Jen says
Sorry, submitted that last comment on the wrong post. You can disregard.
I just watched you on the Nate show. You guys were the perfect fit, I just adore you!
xoxo,
Jen
Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says
Hey you 2! How positively exciting it was to catch you on the Nate episode yesterday. I DVR all of them & just about jumped up & down at 9:30 last night as I started watching the show & there YOU were. So excited to see bloggers getting opportunities like that. Ya’ll did a great job. I knew that Mrs. Limestone was going to be on the show at some point, but missed your announcement. Seems like I “know” you 2 anyway, so how happy I am for you both. Totally deserved kudos!!
Especially exciting since I was at the blogger’s show last month with a bunch of other bloggers. Of course, we didn’t get the royal treatment with plane, hotel & limo, but hey, it was fun anyway. What a memory for you!
Keri says
I work during the day so haven’t had a chance to watch the show yet but I had my mom DVR it for me at her house. I can’t wait to see it, I’m sure you guys did amazing! Oh and the whole flowy shirt thing I totally get. I will never EVER buy a flowy shirt again until I get preggo, I’ve had 6 people ask me if I’m expecting or trying to hide a bambino bump under the shirt I had on last week. Needless to say that shirt will be going into the back of my closet.
Rebekah says
You guys were great on the show! Thanks for sharing all of the details.
Kristen says
You guys rocked it! It’s so cool that you had such a great opportunity.
Megan says
I’ve made a point to tune into Nate since I’ve started working from home and made SURE to catch yesterdays episode! GREAT job guys! What an awesome opportunity – I can’t wait to see YHL continue to grow and grow from this :)
mike @ the lil house that could says
this was/is awesome. congrats guys!
Wendy says
So awesome you guys! I love Nate too and DVR the show every day – was so excited to watch it last night. You did an awesome job! And to me, the fact that you took Clara with you made that trip even more amazing. I couldn’t have gotten it together that fast. I was eager to see if you were going to wear the ponytail, and you stayed true to form Sherry! Congrats! Please keep us updated on what comes as a result of your appearance (as I’m sure you will!)! I hope it’s more and more good things.
Cara says
I was so happy I remembered to DVR the show yesterday. You guys were great!!
Sarah@StyleandCenstability says
BIG HUGE Congrats!!
All your hardwork is paying-off! What a great source of encouragement. I am amazed how proud I feel for you guys for not even knowing you!!
http://styleandcentsability.wordpress.com/
Cecelia says
I DVR The Nate Berkus Show and watched your episode this morning.
Hopefully, this won’t sound smarmy, but you guys are adorable! You both seemed at ease and professional.
You two are candidates for your own tv show, in my book.
Cecelia says
Does anyone know who makes the aprons that the decorating contestants were wearing?
They were great!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Cecelia,
Does anyone else recognize those aprons? Maybe Anthropologie?
xo,
s
Ginny says
I don’t ever make time for tv, but I did yesterday. You all did a great job. I was proud of two of my favorite bloggers! Congrats to you both! (I may need to start making time to watch the Nate Show. Used to love his segments on Oprah.)
abriana says
so cool! i made sure to watch it yesterday and had to remind myself that i dont ACTUALLY know you guys. lol.
did you blog stats jump big time after yesterday’s show aird?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Abriana,
We did have a pretty busy blog day but happily nothing too crazy that crashed the site or anything!
xo,
s
Rachel L. says
Wow!! What fun!! That was really fantastic, both of you! John, I never realized how tall you are — you looked great on TV! Sherry, I loved the bright (but not too bright) blouse! Besides, who is really focused on it with that pretty face perched on top? Maybe you have to be my age before you’ll be able to look back and realize how fantastic you look. The last photo of the 3 pairs of bright blue eyes said it all. Happy family, great post!
Kristel says
Someone I know tweeted about your appearance on Nate’s show and how much they were looking forward to it.
I had never heard of Nate Berkus or been to your site but I am SO glad I tuned in. I loved the show and I have been all over your website now. I even emailed it to my husband (we’re in the process of house hunting) and to one of my friends who just bought a house. There’s tons of inspiration here, I love it.
Chelsea says
Sherry, you were absolutely adorable on there! I wish I could watch the whole thing. You are great on camera and I wouldn’t worry about your flowy shirt–you looked so cute! I loved this post and somehow couldn’t stop smiling. :) Congratulations to you two.
Sarah Krebsbach says
I watched the show on the DVR yesterday after work. Great job you guys!
Christine says
SO awesome! You guys were naturals.. look totally comfortable in front of the camera!
Erin says
I’ve always loved Nate and your blog is great. Did Clara get to meet Nate? Was the only time you talked to him during commercial breaks and during the show?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erin,
We had a rehearsal with him before the show (where he was amazingly funny and very kind to us about our site). It was so cool to hang out with him beforehand! Sadly Clara never met him because she was tucked away in the green room with my mom, but I have a feeling the world might have imploded if the two cutest people on the planet (Nate and Clara) were in the same room anyway.
xo,
s
Cindy PICKLE JARS! says
I am sooo excited for you guys. You know how it is when you read someone’s blog and have commented back and forth — you feel like you know the blogger even though you really don’t? Well I almost feel like my friends got to be on the Nate Show. ;) YOU ALMOST TOUCHED HIS HAND! *swoon* I DVR the show and am several behind — I’ll have to skip over some and put yours at the top of my viewing list! :D
For years, I have thought Nate is dreamy and talented and kind. I have read several not-so-nice comments about Nate and his production crew from the bloggers who attended a taping but didn’t get mentioned, and from other guests. I’m glad to hear that you only have good things to say. I hope his show is a success.
xo
Nicole says
Man that kid is cute! I love seeing her propped up like a big girl! Loved your big moment of fame!
Joi says
It was so neat to read your recap! I was actually on the show last Tuesday and am dying to find out when our segment will air!
Reading your review was much like mine {minus John and Clara!} ; )
Maky says
Guys, this is seriously cool stuff! We don’t even have a clue who Nate Berkus is here in the UK but your excitement literally jumped off the page/screen when reading this entry! I’d love to see the full episode if at any point in time you might consider adding it to your video section (provided you get the OK from the Nate Gods, of course).
In the meantime, my favorite part of this post is the picture of Sherry’s hand oh so very close to Nate’s LOL You really are two of a kind! :-)
Congrats on making another dream come true!
Rachel says
Those aprons are from Anthropologie, and they have matching pot holders too. So cute, right?
YoungHouseLove says
I knew it! So cute!
xo,
s
Kelly says
Haven’t watched the show yet but have it DVR’d, so excited to watch it. Sherry totally random question but did you change your shirt in the car on the way to the airport? In the car you have your red top on and in the plane you have your blue top on. Totally random, I know!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! This might be TMI, but I wanted to nurse Clara on the plane under a blanket and the blue shirt is a lot easier to do that in (so I made a quick airport bathroom change).
xo,
s
Katie says
Hey guys! Great job on the show. Just have to say… SHERRY, YOU LOOKED ADORABLE & TINY. DO NOT WORRY ABOUT THE SHIRT SO MUCH! :)