I’m back from the wild and wonderful world that is NYC!
It was a fast paced trip and since this really was my first time to stay in the city and I was the NYC newbie of my group, I was a wide-eyed tourist for sure. Now, mind you, I’ve been to many big cities in the world: Rome, Paris, LA, and San Francisco, but NYC certainly has a vibe all its own.
Traffic speeding by, a trip in a NYC taxi is like a crazy ride at Disney World. Scary, harried, fast and slow all at the same time.
(Me, Beth, Sarah in Central Park) Insert theme from “Friends” here
We met up with Beth from The Stories of A2Z (click over to read her post about the show) the morning of the Nate Show. She and a friend had taken the train into the city to meet us. We walked over to Central Park before breakfast and got a glimpse of that big green spot in the city. It’s huge and we barely saw a fraction of it. Beth is just a doll, loved meeting her in person after being friends online. I’m always amazed at how someone is just the way you picture them to be. Love her!
Staying with my friends was such a highlight and getting to hang out with them all for a couple of days was amazing. Sarah (Thrifty Decor Chick, as if you don’t know) and I, along with Emily Clark and her best friend, Katie, from Charlotte, all stayed in a hotel room together. We had a blast! I love all of those girls. I had already had the pleasure of getting to know Sarah from the Blissdom conference earlier this year and she’s so much fun. Emily and Katie were a joy to be around too, with their Southern sweet and sassy selves.
I met up with sweet friend, Centsational Girl Kate who I also got to know earlier at Blissdom and new friend Cristin, from Simplified Bee, both from California, the first day I got there and had dinner with them. I’ll share more on the city and all of our adventures later on, but for the time being, we’ll get on to the Nate Show. (Megan from Modern Bird Studios, me, Sarah and Kate).
Loved hanging with these girls!!  After a quick breakfast, we headed over to the studio to stand in line. And here’s what awaited us. A little time in the outside line, waiting to get in the studio. It was hurry up and wait, which I suspect is always the case with a studio taping. Friends outside meeting and chatting it up.  That’s Kate to the left and Cristin to the right. Once we got inside, we were directed to go either right or left to a waiting area that had chairs, snacks and coffee. We were in here probably 2 hours, waiting for the cue that it was time to go into the studio. Sarah and I were a little bummed that ALL our friends were in the other room, while we were in this one with more people that we didn’t know. But, we did get to meet up with a few folks in here from blogworld. That was fun!  There were several people in here that were not bloggers, so I’m sure they all thought we were crazy.
A shout-out to Lindsay at The Design Story, Diane at In My Own Style and Marcy from Pine Creek Cottage. Great to meet all of these ladies at the show!
So, our room finally got to go in and much to our surprise, most of the studio was already filled. Sarah and I ended up on the far right section, back row, much to our disappointment. Oh well, that’s the way it goes. We looked around to see all our friends in the middle section, some on the front row Ahem, lucky Beth! 🙂  The studio seats are SO uncomfortable. The backs almost pitch you forward, worse than an airline seat sitting straight up. It has to be to keep everyone in a good posture. You don’t have any choice with seats like that. One of the tricks of a studio, I suppose.
No picture taking was allowed in the studio, so we had them put away in our bags, along with silent cellphones. The taping lasted probably for an hour and 1/2 or more. We were given instructions from this lady on how to behave and what we were to do. Lots of applause happened, loud cheering and excited pandemonium was the behavior of the day. We all know that applause and laughter are part of what is added to a show to energize the audience and enhance the live performance. Between segments we sat and waited with the show producer talking us through it.
There have been a lot of negative blog posts written about the show, but I’m not going to be one of them. I was grateful to be asked to attend the show and I didn’t have high expectation of what it would be like. It was fun to be a part of it and I’m so glad I went. The best part was getting to meet new and old friends and to hang out with them. The show was just the icing on the cake.
The show began with Design Star, Emily Henderson, helping a couple declutter their house and she went in and gave them a makeover. It was definitely needed and she did a great job of it. Wish he had talked to Emily a little more about her blog and the fact that she is getting her own show on HGTV too.
One of the negatives that has been mentioned is that Nate didn’t acknowledge that the audience was mostly full of design bloggers that day. It would have definitely been a great opportunity for him to say something about the fact that we all blogged about his new show and that we were all there to support him. That didn’t happen on the air (just off camera), which many were disappointed about and voiced it very vocally on blogs. I do think that was an oversight on their part and that could have been a very positive thing if they had mentioned it on-air. Don’t know what the reason for not doing that would be, but hopefully they will remedy it next time. I’m not going to use this post to bash the Nate Show. I love Nate and wish him the best with his new show. So far, I’m really enjoying it. Hopefully, he will get into his groove and we’ll see even more of his fabulous decorating style, since that is what most of us want to see anyway. I’m sure since the show is so new, they are still working out the kinks. But, I’m going to be a fan. This didn’t turn me off to Nate at all. After the taping was finished, Nate came out and took questions from the audience. Some of my buddies got to ask a question. I don’t think any of those will be on-air, but it was fun to listen in and get Nate’s input. He’s just a cutie-pie in person and looked exactly like I expected him to. I’m still a HUGE Nate fan.  That’s my roomie, Emily looking to the left above on the front row.  People started taking out cameras and taking pics, so I guess there was a cue given that it was OK, so I got my camera out too and snapped a few.
Nate was very warm and charming in the Q&A part. Could the show have been better? Our particular episode wasn’t exactly riveting and I’ve seen some of the other shows with better topics, but I think Nate will find just the right balance with it all eventually.  But really, as I said, I was happy to be there and getting to hang out with friends in NY was the best. Love you, Nate!! I’m especially enjoying his feature with that Design 3-D gadget he has, showing a room from all angles and how it can be arranged and decorated. That’s a fun tool!Here’s a flower arrangement at the end of our row. The studio is gorgeous, all decked out with pretty pieces and lots of neat lighting. This was my first time in a studio like that, so I was all eyes. Studios are much smaller in person than they look on TV.This rug I have coveted from the very first show. I know it can be purchased online. Love! I did a search and found that Nate’s dhurrie rug can be found at HSN.com, so click there if you’d like to see it. I’m loving this rug, now where could I put one? The famous wall of green that is shown at the beginning of the show, along with some studio props. We all left the show and got a gift bag with an accessory (I got sunglasses) and a giftcard from Payless. One of the segments was a fashion segment and Payless was mentioned, so I guess they were a sponsor for this show. I haven’t shopped at Payless for years, but will have to check them out. Not a really exciting prize, but I guess it was the thought that counts. Kate, Sarah, Cristin, and I headed down the street to a pizza place. We were all starving, since we hadn’t had anything substantial to eat all afternoon. I had been eyeing the pizza in these little joints all along the streets and we went in to indulge. It was very good! I was so hungry, I got 2 slices. If I had more time in the city, I would have eaten a lot more. I got a taste of Kate’s cheesecake and would have loved to have had even more time for grazing my way through the restaurants. We did manage to get to Little Italy, but I was a little disappointed in that meal. I had Italian my very first visit to the city 15 years ago that was fantastic. This one, not so much.
All in all, it was a fantastic time that I’ll cherish the memories of forever. I loved it and would enjoy going back one of these days to take in a Broadway show, do a little shopping and eat my way through a few of those restaurants.
I’ll be back with lots more posts about the city. We saw a lot and I took a ton of pics. Our last outing before we all left was a trip to ABC Carpet and Design and it was a fun place to visit! I got lots to share from there too.
Speaking of NY, I never got the chance to share this, but my hubby’s youngest child, his 22-yr. old son, just moved back home with us about a month ago from NYC, where he’s been living for the last 3 1/2 years. We never got the chance to go up and visit, he just seemed busy all the time, but I’m glad I got to go anyway. He graduated in 2007 from the French Culinary Institute in NYC and loved the city so much, he stayed up there and worked for several restaurants during that time. But, I think he found out how hard it is to make it in that city and decided to come back here and go to work for one of the top chefs in Birmingham, at Hot and Hot Fish Club. And he’s doing well there. If you go in there, look for a tall redhead in the kitchen. 🙂
Be back soon!
Jo Anne says
You’re soooo lucky. I love Nate Berkus’s new show. Isn’t he adorable and creative. I envy your NY trip. I heart NY.
Lorie says
I am glad you enjoyed your time. I think it was great that they invited bloggers and, and although I think it would have been neat if they had mentioned that the audience was full of bloggers, I think some people expected a little too much from the event. It was nice to read a review (like Beth’s) that wasn’t flaming Nate. I think he did miss an opportunity, but I think those bloggers were hoping it would be an opportunity for them.
I enjoy seeing all of the beautiful pictures of you and Sarah! What a great time the two of you must have had together!
Nancy Thomas says
I’m glad to hear you liked NYC. I lived and worked there for 5 months on a work assignment and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Of course, that was with the knowledge that eventually I would be coming back home to Hoover so that may have skewed my opinion somewhat. Like you, my husband is not interested in going back so who knows if I will ever have another opportunity! As far as The NB show, I am struggling with it a bit – I’m hoping it improves over time. He is such a cutie pie, it’s hard not to like him!
Denise says
I am loving the Nate Show! You are such a lucky girl to have been able to go to his taping.
I’m hoping he loosens up a bit- but I too love it and watch it everyday. Thanks for the post- fun to see some of the behind the scenes stuff.
And you are DOUBLE lucky for getting to go to the show with Emily!!!
woo hoo! A fellow NW girl! 🙂 Love her show, can’t wait for it to be on regularly.
FairfieldHouse says
Rhoda,
So glad you enjoyed yourself! Seriously, you have to work pretty hard at it ,not to enjoy yourself in Manhattan. I will be there next time and take you into the good places in Little Italy (Ferrara’s bakery for one) to a play and shopping!
I haven’t come across any negative posts so far. Oh well, you can’t please everyone. It is called The Nate Show after all and not Bloggers of America.
Your Friend,
Deborah
Centsational Girl says
Oh Rhoda, what a wonderful post on our trip! I love seeing it all again through your eyes. You are such a delight and a treasured friend. I simply cannot wait to see you again! What fun we had eating pizza, sharing stories, riding in taxis, visiting ABC! Loved every moment with you.
Big hugs
Kate
Teacup Lane says
Nice writeup on your trip to NYC and the Nate Show! I must admit I never heard of Nate…I must be out of the designer loop. LOL! I made some business trips to NYC back in the 1980s and the highlight of my trips was attending three Broadway shows! One had Richard Chamberlain in it but I can’t remember the name of the show. I saw The King and I with the late great Yul Brynner. He passed away not long after I saw him on Broadway.
Allison says
I enjoyed your beautifully witten post, Rhoda and your photos of NYC. Isn’t it a fun city! I had my first experience there a few years ago when my husband’s job took him to NYC for a 4 years. I was like a fish out of water at first since the only city I’d really known was San Francisco. We had a ball living there. Your trip sounds fun… the Nate show and especially meeting and hanging out with the other girls. What a wonderful opportunity! I’m curious where you stayed?
Rhoda says
Allison, we stayed at the Hampton Inn Manhattan Times Square North, really a great location & within walking distance to a lot. We did a LOT of walking too!
Tara G. says
What a fun trip!! So much more so with the girls! Rhoda, you’d think NYC taxis were tame if you rode in one over here. And Cairo is worse!
Erin says
What a great post. Thanks for taking us along, virtuallly, to this fun experience.
OK … so you must tell me where online one finds that awesome rug (if you know).
Thanks for taking a more positive spin on this.
Rhoda says
Erin, I added a link up in my post, but Nate sells those rugs on HSN.com:
http://home-decor.hsn.com/nate-berkus-dhurrie-rug_m-10050517_xp.aspx?webp_id=5840850&web_id=5840850&sf=hd&dept=hd0001&attr=5936&ocm=hd|hd0001|5936&prev=hp!sf!5936&ccm=hd|hd0001|5936
I’m loving that rug!
Life with Kaishon says
I have never seen the show, but it sounds like it was a very fun time! : ) Payless isn’t the most exciting place in the world, but free is free : ) and I am sure you can find something in there you like! Crossing my fingers for you! I sounds like you have a great attitude about your experience. I LOVE THAT!
Lindsay says
Rhoda~
Thank you so much for the shout out! I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you in person! I think my husband mentioned to you that I talk so highly about you all the time… like I “know” you! Thanks for being so sweet!!
Lindsay @ A Design Story
Pamela @ Atmosphere ID says
So glad to hear that you had a great time and are glad that you went.
Morgan says
Rhoda-
You. Are. Amazing.
The End.
Lindy says
So glad you had a good time. Sorry to hear that some are negative. This all sounds FABULOUS to those of us stuck at home! Don’t knock the Payless card. I was on a business trip to rural Iowa and ventured into a Payless for the first time where I bought one of my favorite pairs of shoes. And I’m all about expensive shoes.
Kathy :) says
Love that you kept it positive Rhoda….I am a HUGE fan of his and hope his show does well…..he’ll find his way.
Great pics………love Beth she is such a doll.
I love the city……..my daughter went to college in Connecticut so we’d pop into the city now and again. Too bad there is no more Tavern on the Green that place was really something. And Christmas time it is so pretty.
Thanks for the recap, have a wonderful week-end.
Kathy 🙂
Lana Austin says
Rhoda!!!! You world traveler you! What an awesome trip! Your photos are great, too! What an experience!
I think it’s really classy of you to not bash anyone in your blog. I think others are innocently being negative because they believe they should, as bloggers, tell the truth of their experience, but, perhaps it comes across more harshly in black and white type than they intend it to be…there are different ways to get the truth out and I think yours was really balanced. I think your appraisal of the situation was kind and fair…it is sad that they invited all of you there and then didn’t mention it at all during the show, but the way they order those shows/the editors/segments they have to cram in…well, sometimes I think it’s an accidental oversight. As for the show itself not being as “twinkling” of an event as was hoped for….I’m sure he’ll find his groove. The fact that you talk so kindly of the trip as a totality is really what’s nice for us readers who didn’t go. I truly applaud you continuing to stay classy and positive.
Hugs,
Lana
sherry hart says
Rhoda…it seems like everyone has a different perspective on their experience! No matter what….I am sure it was a very memorable experience for all whether Nate acknowledged them or not. And….just to get to meet so many other bloggers and make friends is so worth the time and energy of the trip. I am glad you had fun, and thanks for sharing your trip with us.
Tim says
Rhoda – you get about a bit, don’t you? World traveller that you are.
This looks great and I think it’s a really cool idea that a load of bloggers were invited to the Nate Show. It’s really nice to see all of the pictures. It looks you had a fab time!
[email protected] says
Hi Rhoda, love that you blogged about going to the Nate Show. I was wondering how it was. Sounds like it was a fun experience. I LOVE New York City, it’s soooo much fun and really different than any other big city I’ve visited.