9.23.2010

NATE DAY 9/21: My Story

Originally I planned to break my trip to New York into 3 parts due to it being a major milestone in my life.  I took my first plane ride to meet a group of people that have been friends in my computer for over a year!  This was a very special moment for me, but unfortunately, my plans changed and here I am blogging on my feelings on the 9/21 tapping of the show.

 

I received an email saying that I was invited to be a part of the audience that will consist of design bloggers.  I was super excited, but the fact that the email came one week before the taping had me saying that I wasn’t going.  I talked on the phone to another blogger who was invited and told her that I was not going and she said that I definitely should go! Still undecided, I saw a tweet from Janell that said that she had just received the email and was going! OMG, I thought.  Okay so I HAVE to go now, I thought to myself! Seriously, if Janell was going to fly across the country to attend the show, I knew that I could put my fears aside and fly one and a half hours to attend!  So I from there, I called my husband and told him the news and from the jump, he said yeah you have to go.  At this time I’m really siked! I’m excited at the fact that I get to meet Janell AND get to see Nate! Then as the hours and days past, I start to see tweets from EVERYONE saying that that are going and how fun it was going to be! So now I’m SUPER DUPER SIKED!!! Not only will I get to meet Janell, but I will be meeting all of the bloggers that I talk with and in a way look up to because of all the hard work they put into blogging and sharing ideas and inspiring me day to day.  So Janell, blog friends, and Nate, I mean who can pass that up right?  Oh, and not to mention all of the invitations that came poring in like the HGTV luncheon, the Rue Magazine launch party, the Nate Day after party…..This was sure to be a great event!

So I arrive in New York after MY VERY FIRST FLIGHT!

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I originally had planed to stay at the hotel alone my first night there, but Jade from Flip Flops and Pearls asked if it was okay to stay with me and boy was I glad!

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We toured the city together (something I never would have done alone!) on Sunday…

We toured the city again on Monday before we attended the HGTV lunch

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That was not a statue! It was a dude and he scared the heck out of me when he moved!

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The lunch was SO COOL! We shared our ideas on different trends we like/disliked, we told them who our favorite blogs were, AND we met EMILY the latest winner of DESIGN STAR!

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And guess who came over to me BECAUSE THEY KNEW WHO I WAS?????!!!!!!

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THE MOGGIT GIRLS!!!!!!! Yeah, I’m famous!

After that was over, Jade and I walked around a little more where we went back and forth on if we were going to attend the launch party for Rue Magazine.  Long story short I was going, but changed my mind due to blisters on my feet and not having a FAB dress like Jade;-)

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(She FANCY, huh?!?!)

Anywho, she had a great time and I received a lot of tweets from everyone saying that they hope my feet feel better! Thanks Jade!

Later that night, we switched rooms because we were shacking up with Janell (woot)!!! And the next morning we had to wake up extra early because Janell was being featured on the show (double woot)!

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(and just incase you’re wondering, yes she is just as FABULOUS in person as she is on her blog!)

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We are in the green room backstage at The Nate Show!

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okay, so after the first taping was done, we had to line up for the taping that we were invited to!

OMG, we met the most AMAZING group of women (and men)! It was so much fun! And I tell you this, I can never look at a talk show the same again! The audience does a lot of work! 

Okay, to get to the part that everyone have been talking about.  No, Nate did not say that his shows audience consisted of design bloggers.  No the show did not consist of projects from design bloggers.  It was not about blogs at all.  That was a bummer because I did (I think we all did) think that he was going to acknowledge us.  Even if we were not part of the show, I thought we were going to be mentioned.  Am I mad/upset by that? Nope.  Did that change the experience for me? Nope.  Would I do it over again if the same thing happened? YES! Here is the thing, when Create Girl and the Moggit Girls put this entire thing together, the tweeted Nate and said this: “Nate, wouldn’t it be cool to have an audience full of design bloggers?” And he said yes! When they invited us to the show, they NEVER EVER EVER said that we were going to be part of the show.  They NEVER EVER EVER said that it was going to be based on us.  They did say that we were not allowed to bring cell phones and lap tops inside which told me right there that it was going to be an interactive social media type thing.  But I did think that he was going to say that we were there on air.  What he did do was, in between tapings, he told us that he was very thankful for everything that we had done for him.  He said that it was one of the nicest things that he had ever had done for him.  He said that he printed our posts to keep because nothing of that magnitude had ever been done for him.  And with that I smiled because NATE BERKUS TOLD ME THANK YOU! He thanked me and everyone else in the audience for blogging about him.  Isn’t that what we do when someone blogs about us?  We thank them, right? 

To make a long story short, I can understand bitterness of those that flew in only for a day only to realize that the show had nothing to with bloggers.  But to me it did.  Like I said, I MET the most AMAZING women. LAUGHED with the most AMAZING women. STAYED with the most AMAZING women. ATE with the most AMAZING women.  CONNECTED with the most AMAZING group of women! We had a blast! And who do I thank for bring all of us together? NATE BERKUS and his staff!

I just wanted to get this out there.  I do want to talk about my first trip to the big city in another post and all of the fun that I had! I also would like to talk about how I felt on my first plane ride.  But, if you’re sick of hearing about this trip, I certainly understand because I am too to be honest.  I won’t post anymore about it unless you would like to hear it!

 

So, what all have you read?  And what are your thoughts about the different Nate Show opinions?!!!

57 comments:

Chedva @Rooms and Words said...

L, I wish I'd been there to meet you! It does seem like a missed opportunity, though, FOR NATE, not the bloggers. He could have gotten even more free, positive publicity for his show otherwise. So excited for you about your 1st visit to NYC, isn't it one of the greatest cities?

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that you got to go and that it turned out to be a good experience for you. It sounds like it was a blast and, even though I hate to fly, I'm a tish jealous of your trip! :-) I can't give much of an opinion on what went on since I wasn't there, but I think my attitude about it would be the same as yours. A positive life experience that you'll always remember.

SHERRY HART said...

OMG....I love your perspective of the whole shibang! So positive and not "whiney" in the least! I am so proud that you threw down the gauntlet and took off like a wild bird! First plane ride and all.....I am smiling after reading what you had to say.
Go girl!

Unknown said...

So glad you had a good time!! Like everything its about what you make it, and its so great that were able to meet other bloggers from all around!! That its self is sounds like the best part.

I loved when I visited NYC with a GF - its a great city, so much fun --- the shopping skyscrapers etc :)

I for one want to hear more about your trip and 1st plane ride, wasn't so bad huh! :)

BellaLovesPink said...

Sounds like you had a great experience! Thanks for sharing!

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

I think you summed up your experience on the trip perfectly. It was an absolute pleasure to meet you, thanks for keeping me calm in the green room, and I am so proud of you for facing your fears of flying and meeting new people!

I would love to hear more of your trip and how you managed to face your fear of flying...it really has nothing to do with Nate. These event are a really big deal to you, we love hearing about them and that is why people read your blog!

Janell

Rashon Carraway said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Rashon Carraway said...

I was waiting on your response to the Nate Berkus experience. I saw you in so many pictures with so many bloggers that I was wondering where you were.

Someone once told me that opinions are like rear ends (actually they used the other word), everyone has one. With so many same opinions on both sides of the fench, those of us who didnt attend will just have to imagine what it was like.

Honestly, some things do go as planned. I believe everyone should have a do over. There are so many things in life I wish I could go back and redo. Unfortunately life doesnt permit erasers. Only the KING does. And since Im no king, technically speaking...I just proceed with life as is.

The real truth is that no one was made to go. Demanded to go. Forced to go. It was an invite from what I am hearing. An invite to share in the world of Nate. You dont go to someone's party and expect to be the star of the show. Thats a bit rude.

Seems like you had a great time and finally had a pleasant opportunity put a face to so many great bloggers out in blog land.


and couquered you fears...
WAY TO GO IDAHO!!!

Mr. Goodwill Hunting

ABC Dragoo said...

What a really, really nice post.
Well stated.

It was *such* a pleasure to meet you!

And congratulations on your first flight on your own.
Good for you!
xoABCD

stephany said...

I love your attitude! I would have been so happy just to have the experience of being in New York City, meeting fellow bloggers, being at the Nate Berkus Show, and all of the positive energy that would have been flowing at the various events. Good for you for seeing and posting all of the positive things you experienced!

Erica Cook said...

I love your attitude darling! Isn't NYC every bit as fabulous as it looks like it will be?? xo Erica

René said...

You are too, too cute and I am SO very proud of you for taking the high road. What a treat it must have been to spend that time with some many inspiring people. It's like I tell my kids if they complain about coming in tenth place instead of first. Some kids never even get to race at all and simply being there is a gift.

I'm so happy for you.

Cristin // Simplified Bee said...

What a great post! I loved meeting & hanging out with you in NY... meeting you gals was my favorite part.

xo,
cristin

The Broke Socialite said...

Thank you for sharing. I'm so glad you went and truly enjoyed yourself!

Irene Turner said...

Thanks for this post. I LOVE your positive attitude and your outlook on the whole experience. I look forward to reading much more about your first trip to my home town! Yup, born in NYC, citizen of the world and living in norther California.
I did write a Nate blog post...never heard from, nor was invited to the show...and was very sad to read all the tweaked out twitters...So now I can laugh again and am pleased to hear that someone had a fabulous experience. Thanks to abcdesigns for turning me on to your post.

Jennae @ Green Your Decor said...

I just tweeted to Nate about when he was going to do this, never realizing it had already happened. Although the show was not about the bloggers in attendance, I'm really happy that you got something positive out of the experience. In the end, that's all you can really ask for :)

And congrats on your first solo flight!

Emily A. Clark said...

How did I not know this was your first flight!? Way to go, girl!

I feel the same way. Loved all of it! So glad we got to finally meet. And, thanks for letting me sit in your lap in the taxi :)

Hello Lover... said...

Love this! My post was very similar - I know there is a lot of negativity out there in blogland after Tuesday but I had an amazing time and just felt so great to even have the opportunity to go to these things and meet all of you wonderful people.

I cannot wait to hear about your trip - I'm still so impressed at how much you conquered over those few days!

adele {modernemotive} said...

What a truly wonderful post. I have been following along (on Twitter/blogs) with the Nate stuff (I'm not a part of it in anyway) and this is one of most refreshing posts I've seen.

Bravo!

Averill said...

Ack ack ack. So jealous reading about your trip -- but I'm so proud of you (and the rest of the ladies) for just up and going on such short notice! Alas my job had me in LA this week and I'm not that bicoastal....Looks like such a wonderful time!

deliciously organized said...

I really enjoyed meeting you and loved hearing your story about making the trip. So happy to have chatted, but wish we had a bit more time! ~carlee

Yvonne Blacker said...

Never got a chance to say hi to you while we were waiting to watch the Nate Show taping. I remembered your blog because I am a mom of all boys, too (I have four!) Glad you made the trip and enjoyed it as much as I did!

Amber said...

YOU got invited to a luncheon at HGTV? How fun! And how cool that you got meet Emily. I'm glad you enjoyed your NYC experience and your time with all of the other awesome blog women that joined you!

Angela said...

What a good experience! That's right, we have to enjoy and embrace each moment in life even when we are a little dissapointed. It was blessing to be invited and have a great opportunity to meet all of your design blog buddies. New York is still New York!!

P.S. You look like a sweetheart!

Jade @ Flip Flops + Pearls Design said...

Perfectly said girl!!! The Nate Show was fun but it was all the other things that came along with it that made it worth the trip! I have come away with a few more friends...loved staying with you!!!!

xo Jade (the fancy one)

LilPeach (aka Laura) said...

I've read some of the blog posts about the "NB experience" and I thought yours was the best of them all. I'm like you...I believe in seeing the positive of the situation. And I can tell there was SO much more than just a show taping going on. Glad you put on your 'big girl shoes' and got on that plane to NYC.

Tonia Lee Smith said...

I am so happy that you experienced your first flight to MYC of all places and had a great time no doubt meeting other incredible ladies.

LindsB said...

So so happy I got to meet you!! Now when I see you next I cant use the line, "I feel like I know you already" Because I already do!! woohoo!!

Lets do it again and SOON!!

Anonymous said...

May I say that you are da bomb! Love you post and love your perspective.
And I loved meeting you at Nate day. I had no idea that was your first flight. That is so incredibly cool! You have a great attitude and your beautiful personality sparkles right on through from the inside of your heart.
Stay in touch my Twitter friend now IRL!
Catherine

Brandi said...

So glad for you that you had a great time! It's nice to read about positive experiences! That's so awesome that you got to meet those lovely ladies!

Niki McNeill Brown said...

I'm really glad you had a great time L! I knew you would! I for one, can't go to NYC and not have a great time... it's such an amazing place!

Although it seems a lot of people were disappointed, I'm still curious to see how the show actually turns out... you never know how the producers are going to edit it! ;)

A Perfect Gray said...

Yes! Yes! Yes! some of my exact thoughts!

L., it was a pleasure meeting you just before the 2nd show taping. You are a true delight in person, and as I read this post, I see you are also a delight on your blog. I flew to NYC from South Carolina - had a blast - and would do it again, too!

Thanks for validating my feelings in your post!

All the best,
Donna

Wendy said...

so glad you went and enjoyed yourself!!! :)

Amanda said...

My first visit to your blog and I have to say, I ADORE your blog background. Did you have it made somewhere or find it somewhere in particular?

Dayka Robinson said...

congrats to you on taking your first flight! it wasn't as bad as you expected, right?? :)

this was a great wrap up. i've read a few of the one out here in blogland, and i can see both sides of the coin, but i guess it really depends on what a person's initial intentions were in going. there were so many bloggers i would've loved to meet in person, but this time just wasn't for me! glad you had a blast and made new friends--great photos (and your hair look great, too!).

Sing of Singature Style said...

I'm glad you enjoyed your experience. NY is an amazing city full of energy and I can see how that trumped anything that Nate's lil ole show could have done or not done. lol Fun times. I'd love to hear more about your trip by the way.

Unknown said...

Wonderful post and perspective. It sounds pretty clear to me that it was a trip of a lifetime. It was a pleasure to read and I look forward to reading your next post about your other aspects of your adventure!

LivLuvDesign said...

I had so much fun reading your twitter posts about #nateday921. Didn't realize some of the bloggers in attendance expected the show to be all about them. Maybe there was a much bigger and more rewarding reason why Nate Day happened. Sometimes it's all about the ride and not the destination (congrats on your first flight,too). The people you met and the experiences you shared will form a lasting bond and maybe that's what it's all about.

Will @ Bright.Bazaar said...

I did not know it was your first flight! Way to go! What an achievement. Great to meet you at the HGTV lunch, I wish we had more time to chat!

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Love your post & you are just precious! So glad we got to hang out a little bit & catch up. You're special, cause you live in ATL. Keep on being yourself, I love how you described the time up there. I posted mine today too!

Tammy@InStitches said...

Great post. I'm so glad I got to meet you even though we didn't get enough time to hang out. So jealous you got to meet Emily ! My post is up now....

Champagne on Tuesdays said...

I'm so glad you had such fun! It sounds like a fabulous time. And I admire your attitude about the whole thing. Yay, you!

Mary @ RoomPolish said...

Love your outlook on this! I'm so happy you decided to go, you go girl, first flight and everything!!!

TheCatLord said...

i'm new to your blog, and i love it!
i'm sorry you all weren't featured or mentioned, but love that so much good came out of it for you during your trip! i mean really, how can you not enjoy nyc?!! glad you had a good time!

Morgan said...

Lakeitha, I love your positive take on your experience at The Nate Show. Thanks for sharing and congrats on your first trip to The Big Apple. It is such a magical place! I love Home To Three Duncan Boys and all the the tutorials you do!

http://attentiontodetaildesign.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

Yea! You FLEW!!!! That is awesome! So glad you got to see NYC, it's awesome!

Megan // Honey We're Home said...

That is awesome that you had your very first flight! I've been so jealous that you all got to meet up and enjoy each other in person instead of just online. What a great opportunity. Thanks for sharing your experience-it helped me feel a bit included as well:)

nina@themissadventuresofnina said...

I would love to hear your opinion of NYC-mysecond home (hubs is a newyorker), do tell about your flying experience and everything else.

What do I think of the other bloggers being so whiney? A shame and petty. Why not enjoy a time in NYC meeting new people? why only look at the negative? honestly is a big turn off when people only know to complaint.

Ro said...

I am a long time blog reader- new blogger- new fan. This post just solidified it for me.... I do think that NB's production team lost out on an opportunity- I do think that alot of the posts on why people are upset are valid as I would have been had I pulled as many strings as they did to get there.. but your post reminds me of something I try to do all the time- 'always try to find the silver lining'. Lovely post and I look forward to the others about the rest of your trip! I LOVE NY and miss it terribly! I lived there for 10 years!!!

Decorchick! said...

So glad you had a great time!! Loved your post too and seeing everyone. What an experience, and I'm glad you didn't stay in your room the whole time. ;) I will SEE you soon my friend! :)

Mom of 2 Cuties @ Sprinkles of Joy and Laughter said...

You are such a doll and a delight to read. I'm so happy you were able to attend and enjoy the experience for what it was. Joy is found from with in and you have it! Some just don't get it.
Enjoy your weekend!
Maureen

Kasey at Thrifty Little Blog said...

Aww, I like your story the most. Way to see the bright side of everything :).

Michelle (Mick-Mick) said...

Great post! I am very happy that you took your first flight...Solo no less. May this experience lead to more fabulous trips!

I have followed Nate-gate. I can understand the disappointment from some bloggers. I do believe that the producers lost a big opportunity to talk about the influence of social media on design. You guys represent his biggest fans. How awesome is it to have a specialized fan base rearrange their schedule to support someone that they respect? If it was not for you guys, I wouldn't have season passed his show.

I am feeling some sort of way about Nate's show. Is it a design show? Or is it a lifestyle show (a la Martha Stewart Show)?

But I loved that you kept it positive. :)

CLAIRE WATKINS, ASID ALLIED said...

First, I am so happy that you did go, took full advantage of the experience and looks like you had some amazing ones (I was wondering who you were there w/ was being featured, but I didn't want to seem too nosy. haha. I am).

As far as Nate, I couldn't agree more. He invited us, we came and he thanked us for coming. That's it. Besides, I was so happy to be there that I think it would have been near impossible to disappoint me.

Glad you enjoyed yourself and had some time away from family (even though the boys are super, duper cute).

The Inside Stoop said...

Thank you SO much for coming to our lunch! You are totally famous. We are all obsessed with your blog, read it all the time. So great meeting you in person!
xo
Lindsey
www.insidestoop.com

Verdigris Vie said...

Thank you so much for sharing this story - I actually didn't make it because my passport expired.. so i don't know what happened, hwne I heard the disappointment..

Just the same, I hope another opportunity like this one comes around soon

Vitania

Tara said...

That is so awesome you guys got to meet! That is so super cool! I know I owe everyone some pics of my nursery!! We did manage to finish it. I am 37 weeks this week!!! We ordered a new camera so that is what I have been waiting on!! Stay tuned and please do share the rest of your NYC trip.