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.
r8chel says
I had never seen The Nate Show before, but I watched it yesterday just to see you two. I thought you did great! I understand what you’re saying about the flowy red shirt. It looks awesome when you can see that it’s cinched in at the bottom, but unfortunately (for your vanity!) you were stuck behind the table for most of the time! By the way, did you feel like they were rushing your final judging? It seemed like Nate was trying to hurry you.
When they showed before-and-after pictures of your house, I wished they would have shown the kitchen instead of the living room, since I think that’s a more dramatic transformation. The den before-and-afters were awesome, of course. Such an amazing change!
Oh, and the Jim and Brian confusion was definitely funny. And I’m kind of embarrassed to admit this, but I almost teared up when he told the young woman what he was giving her (carpet and bed?). She seemed so genuinely surprised and grateful.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey R8chel,
We didn’t feel rushed or anything! We were just so excited to see who would win and see the reactions! We all were counting down the minutes to that. So much fun.
xo,
s
Heidi H. says
This was such a fun post! I’m so happy for y’all! :-)
kristiina says
Due to small children, I also DVR the show…I’ve only watched up until you guys do the DIY ideas with Nate, so looking forward to the rest of the show.
I have always been a big fan of yours, but this post just made me like you guys even more. You are both true professionals–yet humble and aw-struck at the same time. It is endearing :)
So cool that Nate complimented the site–must be nice to have the validation!
Keep up the good work. I’m also enjoying the new ‘flow’ of your posts..it feels so much more natural.
Thanks for sharing all the behind the scenes stuff…fascinating..
Angela says
What a CUTE picture of the three of you at the end of this post. Blue eyes galore!
Anna says
You’re naturals!! So cute and enthusiastic! Love that you guys got to experience this :) Nate is *dreamy*, and that ‘hand’ picture of you two is hilarious.
yancey says
You guys are adorable. Being from Richmond myself, I really enjoy your blog. I know what you mean about the schools in Richmond city – I grew up in the fan on Hanover Ave. but my parents moved to Henrico Co. when I entered high school. I’ll always miss the fan!!
Good luck with the house hunting.
Peace,
Yancey@[email protected]
Audrey says
Sounds like you guys had tons of fun! I’m glad Clara did well on the trip. I have to take my daughter to NM in December (she’ll be 4 months) and I’m kind of nervous about it, but maybe she’ll do ok also.
katie @ k+b says
and for the record. because im sure you care…and this is my second comment on this post. oops.
im loving the spontaneous “real-time” blogging you’ve been doing lately. it feels and reads more natural even if it’s not entirely real time.
Colette says
I DVR’ed the episode and you guys ROCKED!! Funny, smart, cool and collected. (I would’ve been stammering “ummma, ummma, ummma if I was on stage with Nate).
And Sherry, you looked very cute (and skinny) in your red shirt!!!
Emily says
I have to go figure out when and where his show is on.
Um, AWESOME blog post you guys!!!
Ashley says
Totally made my day watching you guys, so cute! I totally think we would be best friends, haha. And Sherry… I agree Dee Dee’s room was rockin! :)
Diane says
Congratulations! You guys looked great to me. I had never heard of Nate Berkus ever before, so in my little world, you guys are the stars who brought old Nate to my attention. Heh.
Lori H says
So awesome! You guys did a great job and looked very natural up on stage. (Must be all those videos you have done!) Sherry, you are too hard on yourself…you always look so adorable and this was no exception. I doubt anyone thought the blousy shirt was your body! Clara is a champ and so cute posed and propped. Congrats!
Jessaca says
Congrats! Love the Cougar Town reference. Does that mean that’s on your guys’ DVR? LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes! We’re catching up on the current season. Love it.
xo,
s
Brenda mcclanahan says
Great post!!! Lol @ the pic of your hand with nate’s!!! You guys are so down to earth, while the rest of us would be equally excited to meet u!!
I hope he does more crate challenges…..so fun!!
K (Barkingbabymama) says
I think the red top looked great! I too am a fan of the pretty blue top on the plane. You looked beautiful Sherry!
Tracey says
Sherry, your shirt looked fine! You can tell from your face, neck and arms that you’re obviously tiny so the flowy shirt didn’t make you look big at all!
reyanna says
Yay! You guys were awesome! How exciting! And what a fun show. I had never seen it. :-)
So cool too… I have that aqua apron from Anthro!! LOL. It’s my absolute favorite apron, and I LOVE wearing it. LOL. So fun to see it on TV. :-)
Larissa says
Sherry, I know it’s easy to be self conscious but you looked FANTASTIC. I don’t think you clapped too loud or had a creepy smile, but I appreciated your overal eagerness. You both seemed very real, and easy to relate to. I am guessing you will be getting a lot more folks stopping by and giving you guys some LOVE!
PS. I have a two year old and I certainly don’t look as good as you. So don’t fret a bit!
Angela says
All three of you have such pretty eyes! Look at that last picture!
I’m glad your flights went well. We’ve taken our now 7 month old on 4 so far, and for 2 of them we were that family that ruins flights for other people. Ugh.
dana says
yay! congrats!
Jessica says
Congrats you guys! This is amazing!
molly says
Holy Schnikes! I just peed my pants a little for you guys. That is SO exciting. I wish I would have known and I would have DVRd it. Then I could have said, LOOK HONEY! I READ THEIR BLOG! And he would have been like, oh not more blog stuff again (he still thinks it’s a made-up world).
But seriously, congrats guys. That hotel room was to die for!
Christi says
I loved watching you guys on The Nate Show! I love your blog and read it everyday so it felt like I knew you guys!
Congrats!
Reina Anastacia says
That was awesome for you guys to be on Nate’s show.
I’ve been a long time stalker, I mean, follower/admirer of your blog…and to see you on Nate, which happens to be one of my favorite (new) shows, it’s insane!
You guys ROCK!!!!!
Thanks for inspiring me. I guess I’ll have to make a bucket list now. (I never did.)
Anne says
Love Nate and I loved seeing you on the show! John, I was bummed that you didn’t get time to explain why you thought the other woman won. What was it you liked better about her room? I was impressed with both of them. Fun challenge and I hope Nate invites you to come back on soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Overall I thought it was a more dramatic change (I liked how the window treatments took up the whole wall and the sofa got an entirely new look). Especially for TV I thought her color scheme was a lot of fun. But they were both great! It was a close race for sure.
-John
Sarah says
I DVR’d this and plan to catch up with it tonight. Loved the sneak peek! I’m foreseeing a few posts on tips for quick/organized packing under the gun and traveling with a little one :)
Zinna says
Congrats!! How awesome for you two!
I’m glad Clara did well. I think flying with babies is MUCH easier than flying with toddlers so definitely enjoy it. Once they’re mobile, they just want to run. On a cross-country flight, we walked back and forth up and down the aisles with our then 2-year old. Thank goodness we were on a jumbo with two aisles and people were very gracious to let us roam.
Congrats!!
Lesley H says
I am over-the-moon excited for you – congrats!
And Sherry, don’t be so hard on yourself. You look better post-baby than many of us will ever look! Enjoy what you got girl:)
Robyn in Chicago says
Woo Hoo! How exciting!!! Yea guys!
Sherry – you looked beautiful.
Did you have to bring a car seat for Clara? I mean, you did right? I can’t believe how nerve racking it must have been just getting ready to be on the show, let alone, your first trip-away-on-an-airplane with sweet Clara.
PS – I just found out yesterday that we’re having a girl…! Yipppeeee!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Robyn,
The car seat was actually provided by the car service that The Nate Show sent to pick us up. It was a bit nerve-wracking having to figure out a new car seat while waiting in the airport taxi line, but luckily it was a cinch to do and Clara rode happily around the city!
-John
PS: Congrats on your girl on the way! So exciting!
Teresa @ Teresa Tastes & Travels says
Oh my gosh!!!! How EXCITING!!
laurajane says
I loved your segment- too cute. You could totally tell you were excited!
I also love your recaps, especially the close up of the hands- hysterical! Glad you had a great time!!!
Sarah says
Yo guys were adorable and just great on TV. My firned and I were texting reminding each other to watch the show and when you appeared on TV (even noticed you in the audience before you spoke) we were texting “YHL on NOW!!” You have fans who loved your segment and love to learn from you so don’t dissect your appearance or actions one bit further. You did far better than many of us would!
Kristin says
So fun! You both look great. And, I have that green settee but in ivory… Nate Berkus for HSN… gotta love it. :) And to top it off, those green ruffly blankets from the segment… yep, have one of those thrown over it. Haha, too funny.
Sandra says
How excited were you to say “manzanita branches” on national TV?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, not nearly as excited as I was to scream pickle jars apparently. But it was fun for sure.
xo,
s
Tracy says
Sherry, I’m sure you have answered this before, but why do you always where your hair in a ponytail? I think you have great looking hair and I bet it would look good down…in fact, I think I remember once…just once seeing it down on the blog. I was curious if they would style your hair down for the show, but nope…you had it pulled back!
I’m still not sure what I think of the Nate show…I wish you both would have had more of a chance to explain why you picked the room makeovers…it seemed rushed. None the less, I’m so happy for you two and that you continue to be successful! Now, I can’t wait for you to get a new house to makeover!
YoungHouseLove says
I’m just a ponytail girl I guess. I feel like I’d be nervously batting my hair around on stage if it was down. It’s down right now and I’m twirling it and twisting it and flicking it around. I guess I’m just comfortable with my hair tied back so it’s out of the way (for everything from DIYing to chatting up Nate).
xo,
s
Tara Harless says
I DVR’d it, you both looked great! I felt like I was watching my friends on TV, kinda cool actually. I thought the Nate’s Crate concept was a bit silly, but I know it wasn’t your idea. You rolled with it and did a fine job.
I like seeing real live before & afters, with prices and reality (like on your blog!).
Linda says
I squealed with delight when I saw the show waiting for me on my DVR when I got home from work yesterday! I was all, “Look husband, it’s John & Sherry from YHL!” He was like, “Huh?” but I was so excited to see you both on the show, you did a fantastic job!
Christine says
I watched this episode and thought you both did a GREAT job!
My husband and I laughed out loud (and hit the rewind button a few times) when Nate misunderstood the names of the parents of the woman on another segment to be “Jim and Brian”! That was hysterical. Was that moment as funny in person as it was to watch on tv?
Congratulations!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Christine,
Let’s just say we’re glad they didn’t cut to us after the whole “Jim and Brian” thing because we were crying from laughter. We were nervous they might edit it out as a “mistake” so were very relieved to see it air yesterday. It was just about the funniest moment of the whole day.
-John
Lessons in Life and Light says
Oh, could Nate BE any cuter? I think not.
The lady on the left lost me with her crazy cards on the wall–what was that, a dorm room decoration? LOL! Not my style at all.
Your trip looked so great! Congrats!
Ericka says
You guys did great on that show! Quite natural:) I have a bit of a crush on Nate as well. I loved seeing him on Oprah. It’s weird that I don’t normally watch his new show though.
I noticed that John said his crush used to be Britney Spears. I got a laugh outta that one. My hubby had a MAJOR crush on her before her K-Fed, driving with a baby on her lap days. Men. :)
tasha roe says
congrats!! it was so much fun to watch. you guys looked liked seasoned pros. :) i would totally watch your show. :)
lisa says
sherry, is nate as handsome in person as he is on camera? or better looking in person? probably better looking. hehe.
YoungHouseLove says
The man is dangerously handsome. More so in person. I seriously was trying not to lean in for a kiss when we were talking.
xo,
s
p.s. Sorry honey! I still love you more. Nate’s just my TV crush. You know how that is.
Meg says
You two did great! I dvr Nate every day but rarely have time to watch it. I made sure to watch yesterday – I was so excited to see my favorite bloggers on tv! Congrats!
Jennifer says
I just happened to be home sick yesterday & was excited when I realized that I would be home to catch you guys on the Nate show! You were both great! Congrats! (P.S. I’ve just finished up washing all of our new baby clothes in vinegar and they came out perfectly…thank you for the tip!!)
Vonda says
Great job y’all! I’m so glad you got the clips since we don’t get it here in RVA. Very proud moment for your local stalkers like me. Sherry, the pic of you in the limo holding the sign is really gorgeous!
Renee says
Sherry- i can totally relate to you on the whole post-baby-body thing. My little one is 4.5 months old and we had my 10 yr HS reunion this week. Thought i was wearing something flattering only to discover in the zillion pictures posted on facebook that i should have worn a fitted dress instead of one that made still look pregnant! sigh. :( oh well. i guess i’ll know for the 20 year! ha ha! there seriously need to be a transition clothes store for women while they’re b/w pregnancy and their old body! anyways- i did see the show and i thought y’all were great! and Clara is adorable in all her pics…..love her serious little face when she’s sleeping in your lap on the plane!
Mary says
I watched you from Atlanta (didn’t know we even got Nate) and I thought you did great. Being on TV is nerve-wracking but I thought you were absolute pros. You looked beautiful and thin. It’s probably good that you didn’t have a ton of advance notice or you would have fretted about outfit, details for weeks. You were perfect!I know you will get your own show in time. Having this tape is just more ammo for you to use! I think Nate is smart to use regular/relatable people. I get tired of the media-coached experts and enjoy fresh faces. I was hoping that you were going to do one of the rooms, though.
Brandi says
Oh wow how exciting! Did this experience make you feel like “you made it?” I totally would feel that way if I were in your shoes. Congratulations!!
YoungHouseLove says
No way. We definitely just felt happy to be along for the ride. But we’re still very aware of the fact that we’re bloggers, not stars. And we’re ok with that. Especially after learning how nerve-wracking TV can be!
xo,
s
Dana @ House*Tweaking says
I can’t imagine! I can only imagine what I’d do if all that happened to me, so I know you must still be reliving every moment with a sappy smile on your face. What a dream. How lucky you are to be chasing your dreams!
PS- You have a wonderful TV voice!