Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Sharing the Stage with THE Nate Berkus

Gosh, where to start? Part of me doesn't even know where the beginning actually was, or if it's truly over. Plus, I want to leave some of this a surprise to you all so that you can enjoy the show without me spoiling it for you. The lovely producers of the Nate Berkus show contacted me last week and wanted to talk about rooms - after lots of emails and pictures, they settled on one, and sent me a flip cam to film it, and talk about how inexpensive it was to create such a beautiful space. Hours later, I had a flight to NYC, a car service, a hotel, and I was running around like a mad person trying to figure out what I was going to wear!

Almost overnight, I had this opportunity fall into my lap, and I wasn't going to say no. (Even though I was worried that I was going to look HUGE on camera ...) So, off to NYC I went, and Tuesday morning had the experience of a life time. I shared the stage with Nate, and 3 other gorgeous and talented ladies who had beautiful rooms that they had created staying true to a budget that was similar to what any of Nate's at home viewers would be looking to spend.

We all had our few minutes of design talk show fame, and then the audience was asked to guess how much the rooms actually cost. It was so much fun! There was a winner, and I'm not going to tell you who it was ... that can wait for the show ... but I will tell you I didn't leave empty handed. I've got sore feet, aching shoulders, and a headache that is probably going to last a week, but it was worth it - so worth it.
In fact, I met a new friend and blogger in the deal. Joi, (pronounced Joey) of http://daveandjoi.blogspot.com/ was one of the lucky 4 who shared the segment. We clicked instantly, and began talking about blogging, decor, anything and everything! Her blog is chock full of fun and budget friendly ideas, and her and her husband are the cutest couple!

I was happy to be sharing this experience with someone so talented. Look at some of her rooms:



She made these little clay butterflies, and I'm totally copying this for my office, and you can too! Just check out her post on it here: http://daveandjoi.blogspot.com/2009/09/diy-3d-butterfly-wall-art.html

Check out her blog, and look for her to post about her Nate experience, too!

Now, don't get upset! I didn't take my camera. I know, I know! But, it was a very last minute trip. I did get a few pictures with my fancy new phone, and I'm waiting til' Joi can send copies of the photos she took with her Nikon. Unfortunately, no personal shots with NB. In fact, it felt as though as soon as we swooped into the studio - they swooped us out. Gotta protect such a hot commodity, and yes, I mean that they way you're reading it!

I had the time of my life, and it was my biggest pleasure meeting Nate, having fun with his staff, and getting chauffeured around like I was the Prince of Niagara Falls. Nate had some wonderful things to say about the room they chose, and was super impressed with everyone on stage ... but I'll let you guys see what he actually said once they give me an air date!

Again, thanks to all of you who read, comment, and watch what's happening around here. Each time I check my email or blog and see a new face following, or a comment left, it makes my heart leap. It's what drives me back to the keyboard daily to work on fun and interesting things for all of you, and what has opened doors to wonderful opportunities like this one. Of course, when it all goes down, it's not usually alone - and there's more wonderful news to share in the coming month ... so stay tuned.

34 comments:

  1. This is so wonderful Artie!! and VERY inspiring! Congrats on your very well deserved recognition!! And LOVED your comment "Gotta protect such a hot commodity- and yes, I mean that they way you're reading it!"

    Made me smile... Going to check out Joi's blog now... Thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience... Congrats again.

    xo ~Lynda

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  2. A big congratulations to you, Artie!! Please let us know when you get an air date. I am off to visit Joi now...the clay butterflies are awesome!

    XO,
    Jane

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  3. I can't 'til this episode airs. :) What a lucky (and talented) duck you are! ;)

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  4. Wait...I THOUGHT you were the Prince of Niagara Falls!! Congrats, Lucky, lucky you! I haven't seen Nate's show yet, so I will have to find out where and when it airs in Syracuse...Off to see Joi's blog

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  5. I am so proud and excited for you Artie...just so great!

    You deserve this and more with your talent!

    Can't wait to hear all of the details.....kelley

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  6. Again,Kudos to you! You deserve it!
    Absolutely can not wait to see the show.Do keep us informed.Puh-lease!

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  7. Congrats, Artie! I haven't been following you very long, but you do come across as THE nicest person and I believe you are very deserving of this opportunity. I had to laugh at "hot commodity" and your comment - you are very bad! I don't know if I missed it in the post, {I will go back and re-read} but let us know the air date. I will have to TIVO it, but at least I'll get to see it.

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  8. This is so incredibly exciting! Please keep us informed as to the air date, can't wait to see it. Hugs, Kat

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  9. OOh how wonderful for you! No wonderful for them really. I can't wait to see this on air. I feel like a groupie!! Congratulations again.

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  10. Artie, Congrats again! What a fantastic opportunity for you. I can't wait to see the show.
    Take care,
    Sherry

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  11. Congratulations Artie! Such a wonderful experience, and well deserved by talented YOU. Looking forward to seeing your segment when it airs. xo Lidy

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  12. O.K., this is all so crazy! My online "friends" are on the "Nate Show"! Great, Artie! We are all so very proud of you and glad that you had this experience. Can't wait to watch!

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  13. How utterly fantastic for you -- what a whirlwind dream. Can't wait to see what you post about the show. Congratulations!

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  14. Oh my goodness!! How fun, how fun!!! I'm so happy for you and I cannot wait to see it!!

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  15. YAY! I was on last week and will be on again tomorrow. They're just the nicest people, aren't they! Can't wait to see your segment.

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  16. This is so exciting! I am thrilled for you. I tape Nate's show every day, although I don't always watch it...so, I'll have to pay attention when you get the air date. How fun and who knows where this may take you...Congrats!

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  17. OMG!!!! Congrats. I am so excited for you. Can't wait to see the show!

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  18. That was so weird, this came up as anonymous. anyway to repeat myself so you know I sent it........OMG! Congrats. I am so excited for you. Can't wait to see the show!

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  19. Arte you so deserve this recognition. Bravo!

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  20. Artie- I can't wait to see this segment myself. I am so glad that they found you and that they will be able to give you a bit of well deserved limelight-You are a special person and good things happen to good people! Hugs-Diana

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  21. Very exciting, can't to see when it airs!

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  22. So exciting Artie and I can't wait to watch!

    xoxo
    Karena
    Art by Karena

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  23. Hi Artie!! It's Laura....We met at the Nate Show. Was that fun, or what!?!? Man, I'm still reeling from the whole thing. I enjoyed meeting you, Joi and Kathy and was sooo glad about Nate's choice for the winner of "The Thriftiest Decorator in America." ( Don't want to give it away ;-) I signed up as one of your followers. I am seriously technologically challenged, so I'm not even sure what that means. I'm going over to Joi's blog and follow her too! Again, it was great meeting you all and best of luck to you in your design endeavors! Oh, and by the way, you can see more of my rooms at www.hayestone.com Thanks!

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  24. What a lovely experience you had there...Congrats:)

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  25. Artie, this is great news! I can't wait to see and hear more. Please let us know when you air on TV. Your mind must be spinning. I'm so excited for you and i'll be able to tell everyone. . .I knew him when. . . Don't forget your old friends when you are famous! So cool.
    ~ ~Ahrisha~ ~

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  26. How wonderfully exciting, Artie! I'm thrilled for you & will be anxiously waiting to see the show. I have my fingers crossed that your room was chosen the winner!

    I'm sorry to have been AWOL for awhile...I was infected & so was my computer! Ugh!
    All is well now & I hope to get back to visiting my favorite blogs & participating a bit more.

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  27. This is my first visit to your blog and wow, what big news you have to share! How exciting - I can't wait to see the show. Congratulations!!

    :)
    ButterYum

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  28. Congratulations Artie! When you give the airdate, I will definitely make a note to watch. Can't wait.

    Loved this post.

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  29. Congratulations Artie! What a wonderful experience. I can't wait to see the show. This media attention is well deserved. Bravo! I'm a big fan of your blog.:)

    I referenced you in my post today, linking back to your site.

    Have a great day.
    H.H.

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  30. I could not be MORE happy for you, Artie. Your life is taking such fabulous turns, and it's high time. You are the BOMB and everyone that knows you knows that! Here's to good things - may they be abundant. Your talent is unmatched - you truly ARE the prince of Niagara Falls - and of my heart. :)
    xo Isa

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  31. oh so glad I found a computer this morning! I LOVE Nate and since I love you too, I can't wait to hear the air date. Hope I am back home by then ... I am now in the deep South!

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  32. Too exciting, can't wait to see your segment! Found your blog via a thread on Twitter! Janell

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  33. Joi is a delight. I judged her living room for St. Louis Magazine's Best Living Space in St. Louis. I am excited she won! I will feature videos of her space on my blog soon.

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