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.
You guys were adorable. I DVR’d it and watched it after work. So fun to see you on TV!
Watching the clip of the DIY tips, I can’t believe how much taller John is than you, Sherry!
“PICKLE JARS!”
Great job! So happy for you guys! What’s next, your own show??
I agree with what the other ladies said Sherry… you didn’t look round AT ALL! Having just had a baby 10 weeks ago when I saw you I actually said out loud “oh man I hope I can look that good again”.
I also laughed out loud at the pickle jar comment! You guys always say how you aren’t nearly as cool in real life as you seem on the blog… but you still seemed pretty cool on tv ;). I also really enjoyed when John said he was JLO.
What an amazing experience! So well deserved! You two are awesome!!
Well, never thought I could be so happy for people I’ve never actually known. But I am so happy for you guys!! Kudos to timing the flight with Clara’s sleep schedule. And I laughed out loud at the shot of your hand next to Nate’s hand. Hahaha.
Gosh, I love you guys!
great job on the show! how exciting!
You guys were great! I didn’t get home from work until almost 11:30 pm and what was the first thing I did after kissing the hubby and grabbing some (very late) supper? Turn on the DVRed version of John & Sherry on Nate! I looked forward to it all day :) You guys are too cute!
And Sherry, you are cracking me up with your little crush on Nate because I feel the same way. Is it not every girl’s dream to brush hands with Nate Berkus while discussing burlap? Ha ha. Great job guys. Congratulations!
I’ve been following your website for the past year and have been so inspired by your DIY journey!
You are a power couple who makes us feel good about spending less!
Congrats and keep spreading the knowledge that gives your readers so much joy! :)
Love-
Melissa
congrats, well done!
I think that colour of red looks great on you, btw!
can’t sherry be your celeb crush now after all of this publicity john? =)
you guys were awesome on the show!
You guys were awesome!! And Sherry, I thought you were gorgeous. We’re all our own worst critic, but you were beautiful, and you both did a great job with the craft segment and the judging – very charismatic and knowledgeable, and you looked like you had such a fun time judging! I’m glad you guys had such a great time (and that little Clara did well and got to see her gramma too)!
ahhhh you guys, im so proud! i sat watching with the nervousness and excitedness as if i actually KNOW you guys. hahaa… but seriously, awesome job. i can’t even imagine. yayy!
I thought y’all did great! It was so neat to see you on primetime TV! It was on at 6pm here, so I watched you while I was cooking dinner. Great job you guys!
Saw you guys yesterday on the show – you did a great job!
Congrats guys!
PICKLE JARS!!!! Amazing! This post was seriously what I needed to get my smile on today! Yeah, and don’t beat yourself up, that blouse was really cute. It snugged you around the waist, I love shirts like that. :)
wow this is so awesome! I can’t wait to see the episode!
Sherry, I totally share your Nate crush. And not to worry, I thought you looked stunning! Great job guys :)
Sherry, we’re always harder on ourselves – I think you look beautiful (and not round or lollipop-ish or pregnant)! What an awesome opportunity!!!
Great job! I watched the show yesterday just to see you guys on it, you were adorable as expected! Congrats!
Sherry, Not only do you look amazing – you ARE amazing! What fun to watch you guys yesterday. You were both great and I was so proud of my favorite bloggers.
AHHHH SO FLIPPING EXCITING!!!!!! Now they need to come to their senses and give you guys your own show =) Burger too! <3
This is too funny! I love the screen shot of your hands almost touching! Also love the pics of Clara propped up on the bed/couch, kind of an super-easy version of Where’s Waldo. Congrats!!
I watched! You guys were adorable!! I just assumed you guys would be doing one segment!…had no clue you would be on the whole show as judges! How awesome!! So great!
Okay this is gonna sound so dorky, but when I watched I was like , “I know them!” Well, at least that’s how i feel when i read your mega-blog everyday:) You did awesome on the show. (I just wanna know when HGTV is gonna find out about you and offer you all your own show!)
You guys were such naturals on camera. And I thought you both looked gorgeous. (No complaints about that shirt at all, Sherry!) Hope you get to do more like this, because you are both so endearing…. and your ideas are great, too!
I thought you guys did great! You both looked fun and enthusiastic– I’m sure everything TV people want guests to be. Congrats on an awesome job!
Oh my gosh, OHMYGOSH!!! Sitting at my desk reading this with a perma-smile. Congrats guys, this is so wonderful!
Sherry, before I even read your “vain rant,” I was thinking what a nice outfit choice you made for TV. The FIB rule might be true, but I still think you look effortlessly elegant and cool. :)
I especially liked how when they cut to shots of you two it would say “DIY Experts” on the bottom!! Loved you on the show, judges! You both rocked and Sherry you looked beautiful!
You guys were awesome! I got in a panic yesterday around 11 am, when I realized I did not set the DVR yet…. But no worries, Nate doesn’t come on here until 3pm.. Whew!! You guys did great and I loved the Nates Crate Segment.. Who doesn’t crush on Nate anyway!! Love you guys!
Congrats you two!! What an amazing experience. You both looked fantastic and did an awesome job!!
Thanks for sharing the experience! I thought you looked great! Who knows, this may be the start of something new for you two.
that is the coolest thing ever!!!!!! congrats! so happy you got to do that. :) and you looked lovely in red.
Aw shucks you guys. Thanks for all the kind words! We’re beaming over here.
xoxo
s (& j)
Was so excited to flip on my PVR and see you on the Nate show. You guys rocked!
A Nate-endearing moment…I can’t remember if it was from your show or the day before, (I had DVR’s a couple shows and watched them at once), but I thought it was totally adorable when Nate was discussing a bedroom design dilemma with a young woman and he thought her parents were both men. Then she corrected him and said those were her brothers. It was so cute the way he was like, “I should be the last one to judge…” He just handled it in such a cute way.
Oh yeah that was our show. We were crying from laughing so hard in the audience. It was the funniest thing ever. And you’re right- Nate was so cute about it!
xo,
s
You rocked the show! It was so nice to not see someone from Hollywood and instead it was you!! You were both very poised and at home in front of the camera. Wishing you many more successes in your endeavors.
abby
Loved the “Bob and Jim” moment from yesterday’s show…..you guys were great! Loved the burlap bit :)
Loved you guys on the show! I’m sure you both must have been nervous, but you didn’t show it at all, you’re so natural and have great chemistry! I think you should have your own show! Are you listening DIY or HGTV??
I melted seeing that photo of Clara on the hotel bed. This clinches it: you really do have the Cutest Daughter In The World. Congrats.
I’m glad to see I’m not the only one who was thinking this is really an audition for Young House Love, the TV series. :-) Someday, Sherry, Nake Berkus will be blogging about how close his hand was to yours.
I happened to be home from work yesterday and my wife turned on the show about halfway through. I forgot about it, but we did catch the end where you picked the Nate’s Crate winner. I thought you guys did great and hope you benefit from the TV exposure, you certainly deserve it.
Maybe I missed it, but did Nate’s show tell you how they found you/decided you were going to be on the show?
Nate himself actually said he found our site! He was looking for DIY judges and thought we were good at working with what we have! Amazing.
xo,
s
Sherry,
Just wondering if there’s a reason why they told you not to wear black. Is that some kind of TV thing I’m not aware of??
Hey Shruti,
They say not to wear white, black, or busy patterns on TV (since they can wash you out, look bland, or look crazy on camera).
xo,
s
I made it a point to watch your episode yesterday. You guys did great! I think your energy and enthusiasm were perfect to match Nate’s. Oh, and for the record, I totally agreed with Sherry’s pick for the winner. Congrats on getting to knock something off your bucket list!
We don’t have television in our house so I haven’t watched the whole episode, but I caught the clip of your inconventional decorating items on the internet and love it. I probably would never have though of the burlap table runner.
Congrats you guys!
Congrats guys! Surreal, isnt it?
You guys were amazing on the show! I hope he’ll have you guys back often!
Sherry, I thought you looked beautiful (you too, John- haha :)). I’ve seen myself on TV before so I know how it’s easy to be critical of yourself and every detail… but I thought you guys looked (and acted) like total pros! I really enjoyed the segment and hope you get lots of publicity for your site from this. Congratulations!
Loved the show yesterday! I can see Nate brining you guys back for sure!