somebody pinch me!

Ever laid your eyes on this hottie?

We've been in love with him since his first appearance on the Oprah Show in 2002.  The {first make-over} Nate ever did on Oprah was the transformation of a tiny 319 square foot studio into a real home.  We must have watched that show 25 times in amazement!  No wonder he became Oprah's "go-to guy".

To make a very long story short, Mia emailed what I'm sure was a compelling letter into the Nate Berkus Show about our very own {Club Project}.  The next morning, she got a call from one of the producers of the show.  She worked, undercover, with them for six long weeks.....sending emails, pictures and information, never divulging her secret operation to any of us.

We very innocently showed up last Friday at Mia's for our project day at the appointed hour. She answered the door with glossy lips and flip camera in hand, which was certainly out of the ordinary.    Then she sat us all down on the couch, recited her love for each of us and our group.  She said a little something about how she wanted to create a memory for us, then screamed at the top of her lungs, "The Nate Berkus Show is here!!"  The few minutes that followed her announcement will be etched in my mind forever and ever.  If there is ever a time when I can't recall that surprise, it will have to be because I'm not breathing anymore.  Her family room was flooded with 7 men equipped with cameras, lights, microphones, and who knows what else!

As soon as we stopped squealing and caught our breath, the amazing Jesse validated what Mia had said, and introduced himself and his crew.  They were the nicest and most professional group of guys, and played along with our game of 20 questions all day long.  They lead crazy, busy lives as Field Producers and we were astounded by their rigorous schedules.

I felt so official wearing a microphone pack all day!  You can tell Cara thinks I'm crazy.

 

We even enlisted the muscles of some of the crew a few times during the day. 

Lettie, Candice, and G working on the drawers for the new zinc nightstand.

Of course Mia knew we would all be famished by noon, so she put together this amazing salad with greens, fresh roasted vegetables, sun-dried tomatoes (that she made herself), grilled chicken, feta cheese, and fresh basil she went and snipped from her herb garden out back.  The Production Assistant ran and picked up gourmet pizza from The Deli for the ladies, and In-N-Out Burger for the guys since they don't have them in New York.

Mia is going to finish detailing the rest of our day on Friday's post, including when our show will air, and maybe a little bit about her personal interview with them the day before.  There is still so much left to tell, you just won't believe it!

But let me take this opportunity to say how dear Mia is to me.  Not only does she pull off amazing surprises like this, but she is the best friend a girl could have.  She is grounded, witty, beautiful, talented, driven, and kind.  We have never, ever run out of things to talk about in over 10 years, and I can promise you we never will!  We have laughed and cried together too many times to count, and I always, always feel indebted to her.  I have no idea how I'm going to repay her for this one!   She is amazing, and I am grateful every day that she is a big part of my life.  I love you Mia!!

I'd also like to say what I really wanted to say about Nate when the camera was in front of my face, but was too flustered to do it.  I adore Nate Berkus.  He is definitely at the top of my list of people I'd love to meet someday.  He is so kind and compassionate.  He relates to people of all walks of life and finds great joy in helping and serving others.  His design ideas are superb, and his application is flawless.  He is inspirational to me because of his passion in doing what he loves.  I'm so thrilled that he has made a name for himself in the design world.  He certainly deserves it. 

Thank you so much to Mia and the Nate Berkus Show for making a dream of mine come true.  Thanks to all the ladies of Club Project.  We are so lucky to have each other!  Stay tuned for Friday's exciting  post from Mia.......