Also known as: our 23 minutes of fame.
Back in those innocent days before I knew what an NG tube is, my husband and I were on an episode of HGTV’s home improvement show Rip + Renew. It was a half-hour long show that ran for three seasons, starring James Lunday (carpenter) and Michelle Carrano (interior designer). I get lots of questions about our experience, the most popular being “how did you got on the show?” and “did it cost you anything?” With that in mind, here’s a rundown of our brush with semi-fame, and all about our experience filming an episode of a television show while also being 8 months pregnant.
Note to self: appearing that large on t.v. was perhaps not the best way to boost my self-esteem. Even if I did have a good excuse.
So, how DID you get to be on HGTV?
One chilly winter night I was browsing nursery ideas on the HGTV website when I spotted the “Be on HGTV!” link. Curiosity got the best of me and before I knew it I was filling out an application for a show filming in our area. I hated my living room and hoped it would be enough of a draw that they’d want to take a look. I mean, who could resist that dark brick and terrible floorplan?
Amazingly, I got a call the next day. I thought it might be a joke, but I hadn’t told any of my friends that I’d applied so I realized it had to be legit. A week later a producer was scouting out our house. The bad news? They didn’t want to touch our living room. The good news? They noticed our blank canvas of a sunroom and thought our story (I was very pregnant and planning to work from home) plus the empty room would make a great show. After a little bit of discussion, we decided to go for it. Two weeks after I applied we signed the contract to be on the show!
Why did they choose the sunroom?
Here’s what the room looked like before:
Wait, let’s back up a minute. Here’s the BEFORE the BEFORE, when we bought the house:
So our all-white room (our attempt at trying to brighten the adjacent living room by keeping it light in the sunroom) was actually an improvement. The problem was it didn’t have any function. No comfy seating, so workspace, and although the white paint and carpet made it look big it also made it appear endless– there was no definition of space whatsoever. Oh, and did I mention our leaking skylights? We had the skylights replace professionally, but the water damage on the ceiling was still there.
Okay, so did it cost anything?
The short answer: yes. We paid a little bit for materials. We knew we’d increase our home’s value for turning unused space into usable space, PLUS we doubled the investment by not having to pay a cent for labor. Add in the advice of an expert carpenter and home designer, and the price we paid was pennies on the dollar for our return.
lights, camera, action! Filming the HGTV show
How to get on HGTV in 5 easy steps
Natalie Jane says
Yea. That does suck. She’ll get there eventually. Better not to rush it right?
Jen says
So sorry for Noodle’s (and your) horrible school experience! I understand how important it is to feel normal after overcoming such difficult obstacles. She’ll get better with time, and until then she has the best teacher ever – YOU! I’m looking forward to reading some of your preschooling ideas for home!
Life in Rehab says
You know those teenagers that chime in on my blog’s projects? The two boys are autistic. The oldest graduated high school with straight A’s and is in college. The 17 year old still talks like Elmer Fudd, but he designs video games, runs his own website, and he’ll be graduating with honors this year too; not bad considering I was told he’d never speak or be potty trained when he was 3.
I like to say my boys aren’t challenged, I am. Special needs kids are limited only by method, not result. Don’t give up, don’t think you’re alone, and don’t think for a moment everything isn’t going to get easier. It is.
Life in Rehab says
On a side note, I could totally eat your children, they’re simply scrumptious!
Chelsea Rosenlieb Stillwell says
As a parent that must be super tough…and as a preschool teacher I have seen this before its disappointing for the parent, child, and the teacher. Just remember some children are to young to start school and need that extra year at home. You are an awesome mom, and its wonderful that you are starting school at home, how fun and what a great experience. And lucky that the web has tons of great blogs about toddler preschools. Good luck, Be Blessed, and Stayed Blessed. 🙂
Mama Rockwell says
I’m sorry you and Noddle had such a hard experience but maybe waiting a year is just what she needs. Plus you teaching her at home is a wonderful gift you’re giving her. On a side note, how do you like EI? I’m an EI Service Coordinator.
mousee23 says
All three of my girls never attended preschool.When I was little(I’m 40) my mom and grandma taught me my colors and ABCs.How to count was learned in the grocery store.As I got older the store was also how to learn adding,subtracting and difference in price amoung other things.Same things I did with mine.Hold your head up girl.You guys are great.
Randi says
My oldest daughter had panic attacks when we tried enrolling her into school the first handful of times. She would cry until she threw up and couldn’t catch her breath. (I know that this isn’t the same as Noodle’s situation) We decided that it wasn’t the right time, and I taught her at home for both pre k and kinder. She was very happy to start 1st grade, and I received so many compliments from her teacher about how much knew. There are TONS of wonderful resources out there now so don’t worry about a thing, YOU’LL DO GREAT! As you know teaching is a fantastic thing, and it’s even better when it’s your own little ball of playdough your molding.:)
Jessica Barrett says
Your story is such an inspiration. You are so blessed. Thanks for your blog. Hang in there, just remember they won’t be little forever and some day we’ll wish for these days back. I totally understand wanting to get to that milestone of going to preschool, but she’ll get there:)
Joanne says
Wow. That’s a lot to deal with on a day to day basis, but you’re such a strong woman and wonderful Mom – and Noodle is so blessed to have you. I loved the reality of this post – and love that you “got the sad out” and are moving on. Hang in there – you’re both doing great.
Meg says
No tips, just encouragement. You rock. Just thought you should know. 🙂
Life with Kaishon says
It sounds like you have a wonderful outlook : ) That’s great. I am so sorry you had that terrible experience. She is just as cute as can be. I hope she will feel better soon.
I am part of the Philly Social Mom’s Network as well. Nice to meet you : ) Have fun at Please Touch.