I guess I’ve teased and tortured y’all long enough about last week. Where to begin? With only a two day notice, I spent last week in Scottsdale, AZ. I was invited by SheKnows to be a part of the Homestretch series – a show where 2 designers have 2 days and $2000 to transform two rooms. My mind must have sounded something like this: Different time zone. A week away from home. Need to lose 10 pounds. Short notice. Need to finish the ORC. Crazy work schedule. Never done this before. What would I wear? Overdue for a hair appointment. Camera shy. Sure, why not? It would have been much easier to say no, but if I went I would be facing my fears. I had to say yes.
The family who received the makeover could not have been any sweeter or more gracious. The hilarious crew kept me in stitches all day! Everyone was so incredibly nice! Every now and then I catch myself remembering a “moment” from last week and laugh out loud. Actually, I believe there was a scene where I could not stop laughing. I mean crying laughing. Kid in church who can’t stop laughing, laughing. Not breathing. Get the picture? When the director yelled, “Cut!” I felt like a kid in time out. Oh no, they’re going to ask me leave. The crew was so patient. There were also times when they would say, “That was good, but next time let’s try this”. In other words, that really sucked – let’s do it over. I’m okay with that though because I learned so much about myself, and really stretched professionally and personally. Oh, and I think my southern accent might have thrown them.
Each morning we were up before the sun and on our way to the house. A super nice and helpful PA drove me everywhere I needed to go in a cargo van provided by SheKnows – except for that one late night trip to Target. Look out Scottsdale – here comes René in a cargo van! Woot! Oh, and another late night Target trip with Courtney on the hotel shuttle. You can just imagine us with tables, lamps, etc. …on a shuttle. #hardcore
Early days, late nights, and severe lack of sleep required proper caffeination. Girl’s gotta survive. At this point my nails are chipped and my skin is beginning to look like a lizard ;).
Hair and make-up was done first thing each morning. My make-up artist was lovely and whimsical and I just loved her. She really was a ray of sunshine and shared a few trade secrets with me.
There was so much to do and so little time to do it. Filming took a long time because the lighting first had to be right and then the cast had to get it right, and well then you have someone who might laugh uncontrollably – wonder who that could be? I could not have done everything without the help of the awesome (and I don’t use that word often) PA’s, the home owners, and the crew. Everybody pitched in and made it happen. Thankfully this project didn’t require paint (other than touch up) or structural work like some of the other shows in the series. Everyone said this was the easiest show ever but they weren’t inside my head.
Probably the best part of the whole trip was that I was able to meet Courtney from the blog A Thoughtful Place and chat it up most evenings. This was such an intense, fun, stressful, amazing, tiring, and rewarding experience. I’m so glad to have someone who can truly relate. After getting to know this amazing woman, I’m certain we were meant to be put there together.
This yummy treat was waiting for me in my hotel room the last night. I think Mr. knew that I needed a little pampering.
Sorry I didn’t share more pictures of the actual project. Wouldn’t want to spoil all the fun surprises now would I? The series should air mid December. At which time I will crawl under a rock share more pictures and insight, but you might find a few more pics here.
How cute you are!! I would feel the same way if I had two days to do what you did! But way to go girl! Can't wait to see it! XOXO
Thank you Desiree! Courtney and I agreed this was one of the hardest things we've ever done, but so worth it.
What an amazing opportunity!!! You are brave to try something new, but come December I'm sure we'll all agree you were a total pro. Can't wait to see the project!
Oh Ashley, I have obsessed over the "after" pictures and there are so many things I would have done differently. It all happens so fast!
so exciting!!! can't wait to see the room!
this is even more amazing than I was guessing! So exciting for you and what an awesome gift you've given a family in need!
Ha! The family isn't in need at all. They were just chosen to have the room makeover :).
Rene, congratulations on this amazing experience!! How exciting!!
Great opportunity….so glad you threw caution to the wind and did it!!! I am sure you are awesome:)
How fun! What a great opportunity.
that is wonderful news Rene'! can't wait to see it…
Congratulations! I'm sure you're feeling fantastic for going for it and conquering some of your fears! Can't beat that on top of some happy homeowners! Good stuff.
How fun, and boy were they smart to pick you. You look beautiful and bring a lot of talent. Yeah!
Wow, Rene! That's amazing! What a fun opportunity and I am sure you did a great job. Can't wait to see it all. 🙂 You looked amazing!
TWO days!! I'm so impressed! So excited for you, and what an inspiration to 'just do it!' You looked adorable, I know you'll be fabulous, and can't wait for it to air!
Wow – what an amazing experience! Can't wait to see more!
-Shelley
Oh, such great behind the scenes photos. I wish I had taken more. You made me tear up as well. It all comes rushing back. Such a week and would not have wanted to be there with anyone else. Come over to my house when it airs?! 😉
You have a southern accent?? 🙂 Yay you for facing so many of your fears. Sounds like an incredible experience.
So excited for you!
What an amazing experience! So excited to see the space! I bet you and it were perfection!!
How fun. I had a similar experience last year filming TLC's version of house hunters where I was the designer/friend and blogged about it hen. It was a whirlwind week that was so much fun but we didnt have a makeup artist and that really showed when it aired! But what a fun experience and I cant wait to see your show.
How exciting!!!! What an incredible opportunity Rene, they certainly picked the right girl for the show! Can't wait to see your work… on TV no less!!!! YAY!
What a cool experience!
How exciting! I can't wait to see it air in December. I loved how you shared it was out of your comfort zone to do this project. I think I would feel the same way- but that is how we grow. I'm so impressed and excited for you!
Thanks so much for all the sweet comments! I'm so happy that I took the chance, learned, and grew last week. Hopefully you will all still like me after you see what a goofball I really am :).
Congrats! It seems like you are growing with your blog and new opportunities are coming your way based on your hard work. What a great example for your children. Hugs from Winston Salem!
What an exciting opportunity, I am so glad you decided to go for it!! I can't wait to see the finished product!
You are the absolute cutest!!!! Seriously, you were made for the camera, and I just know your accent made you that much more endearing! And I'm so jealous Court got to meet you!!! Can't wait to see your room and video!
Congrats! This looks like so much fun – especially having your makeup done!! I'm sure your space looked awesome!
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WOW!! That is awesome!! Can we see it or is it just in Arizona? I bet it will be fantastic!
Good luck, Karolyn
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Very cool Rene! Can't wait to see the show…congrats!
Wow Rene'! What an amazing opportunity! Looking forward to seeing the show.
What an amazing experience! I can't imagine getting up in front of cameras and designing a room. Way to go, you are truly fearless now.
How cool that you and Courtney got to do this together!! It was meant to be!!! I'm dying to watch the episode and see you on camera so I can hear your accent and know you more! What a great experience and YOU ROCK for conquering your fear. Just so cool!!
SO excited for you, Rene! What an awesome opportunity and so well-deserved! Of course I will be dying to see the show. Make sure to keep us posted on when/where/how!