Anxiety attack, but nothing that the Rose Bowl can't remedy.
Monday, Feb 14, 2011
35 Comments So we finished the 9th episode saturday afternoon, and we have a week down to prep. I celebrated with a couple mimosas and a slight nervous breakdown. One of those crying-at-dinner-for-no-real-reason episodes, which is awesome. fake lashes falling off my face, husband just really confused, celebratory hamburger sitting cold. I think i'm getting nervous about the premiere and the expectations surrounding it. What Brian keeps reminding me is that i'm too close to it and that people will understand that its my first episode and forgive whatever mistakes they feel i've made - or not even notice them. My self-criticism was beyond out of control.
But then i realized that i had worked 40 days in a row and probably was just very very tired. I love it so much and i forget that while its incredibly enjoyable and probably what i would be doing sans tv crew anyway, it is technically very demanding. We shoot four weeks in a row, 6 day weeks and shop on sundays. Then we get a week of prep. So while i considered taking yesterday off to give my body a break, the rose bowl called, i answered and it reminded me that its actually my favorite thing to do and that the happiness it brings me is far beyond 'healthy', so 'work' it is not.
So with Orlando and Chris and a massive truck, i did some serious damage and got some stuff that i'm already having withdrawals from.
Brass morroccan coffee table:
A pair of these boys: you all know i own one already that we are using in my studio, but having a pair of matching ones is kinda priceless. i'm currently babysitting these in my apartment until their episode is up. It's like i'm their foster mommy, and until their permanent mommy is ready, i'll love and appreciate the heck out of them, more than my permanent furniture actually.

Art Deco chair in PERFECT condition:

sorry, the sun was so bright this morning. But I think its really beautiful. The fabric is chinese hot pink and green with roosters. Original upholstery they said, but i don't care. i'm in love. it might go into my new 'studio' set or the art deco meets 70's glam episode might get it. cockadooodledoo.
2 lucite and brass tray tables. amazing condition.
adorbes little regency slippers. both for $225, and with my reupholsterers magic they are gonna be amazing.
VINTAGE LAZY BOY RECLINER!!!!

what??? i know, i know. But i bought a set of them, and let me tell you something all ye lazyboy haters: these things were invented for a reason. they be crazy comfy and functional. these are from the late 70's and i kinda love the shape of the arms. They aren't for everyone, but i have so many dudes who would love them. And the upholstery is slightly dusty, but nothing that a good trip to the cleaners won't solve.
And don't worry, not every episode style is gonna be regency or 70's, these are just my favorite things to show. I also got this for a dude i have coming up who got terrified when i asked him if he liked vintage, but i think i can slip this in there and he'll love it (and at $300 i saved a fortune on a leather club chair).

The picture is bad, but the leather on it is perfectly worn.
OH and i bought this guy from Morgan aka The Brick House:

I know, she was crazy to sell it to me. When i was out in the desert a while ago i bought some stuff from her and i told her if she ever wanted to part with it, she's got a buyer. And turns out she has style ADD like me and she's over it, while i am still way way under it. It's going in my 'studio' set, and is gonna look dizope.











Reader Comments (35)
Sounds like you just need a day off. Going and spending a day at the spa would probably be a good idea.
The show is going to be great. Watching you through Design Star, we're all on the journey with you. No need to worry. We all feel like we know you as a person and not a "celebrity."
We like you. You sold us on yourself. As long as your show has you and your viewpoint in it, we're going to like it. For me, the HGTV shows that I like the most are those that I like the designer.
I'm sure you'll have a few nerves, but don't worry. You and your show are going to be exactly what we're waiting for!
I would watch a show where you just show furniture you find at flea markets so any sort of plot/resolutions are just a bonus.
BTW isn't freaking out normal? It's like the 30 Rock where Liz Lemon gets her own show.
I love the brass coffee table! I wish I could put that one in my own home. I gave you a shout out in my blog today. Good luck with everything for the show! I can't believe you've been working that hard. I had no idea that it was that intense. XOXO
OMG! I can totally relate. My hubby has learned by now to just quietly rub my back when I have an over-worked induced melt down! And ps...I'm super jealous that you got those shelves!! SOSO perfect!
I just have to say that I am STOKED that you're digging 'vintage' la-z-boys!! I made a prediction (somewhere in the comments over at TBH) a while back that they would make a big comeback one of these days. If you end up being the la-z-boy heroine who manages to make them look awesome then I will worship you forever (or at least until some other thing comes along). I secretly want a pair to sit in beside my fire and just don't have the balls...at least not yet...
The show is going to be great. There will be haters, as there always are, but it is a great concept and it will come out beautifully, I promise.
Have you gotten to see any final cuts?
Take a day off for movies and nothingness. It's so needed sometimes and those days are even better if it's rainy. Can't wait for the show. I know you're probably so tired of hearing it, but how I wish you could come to Central CA.
p.s.- Love the art deco chair, especially the fabric!
Don't be so hard on yourself. I know that I, as well as tons of your fans, were rooting for you the whole time through Design Star, and you know that we're going to love everything you do!
That being said, I'm planning a move back to LA and will have no furniture... wanna help a girl out and do some thrifting with me? ;)
I wish I lived closer to the Rose Bowl flea market!! I did when I was in jr. high, but what 12 year old can appreciate such wonders? I'm so excited for your show to premiere, and if I hear anyone say anything bad about it I'll beat them up for you. It's going to be fantastic. No more tears!
The other day my daughter and I were watching hgtv and your commercial came on. We got super excited and it was just the commercial! The show is going to be amazing mostly because it's staring you! At the end of the day what matters is that you have done your best and that is ALWAYS enough. I to am learning the importance of self care. Taking time for yourself is so important. Oftentimes a challenge but necessary. As for the breakdown - at least you let it out right?! So back to self care :) if you aren't well how are you going to have any energy left to really do what you love (and so well!) and spend time with the people who mean the most.
Now for my final thought: You know you rock and seems your husband does too so really who else matters? (I'm also pretty sure HGTV thinks you rock too) AND just in case you were wondering the Briscoe's also think you rock :)
Take care of yourself!!
Emily, you are amazing. Can hardly wait for your first episode. I know it will be so much fun. You deserved a melt down. But don't be so hard on your self.
I anxiously wait for your blog. We love you and will watch your show from South Dakota.
Arla
woah, I have two of those woven fold up chairs from my grandmother! glad to see there are others out there in loving foster homes.
Nice finds! I totally saw you at the flea, but I didn't want to bug you. Anyway, I know the show is going to ROCK and I'm so excited to see it!
I am digging the 2 lucite and brass tray tables. Great post of your treasures
I dearly wish I lived in your neck of the woods so I could figure out a way to be on the show and get those lucite tray tables.
We all need a good cry now and then, and remember that there are a lot of people* out here that you don't know who are rooting for you. I can't wait for the premiere!
*At first I wrote faceless people, but realized it sounded creep+e.
stop bugging, the show looks dope. everyone's gonna love it, you're the design star. own it. also, mimosas are depressants, stick with straight patron and never skip a good shopping trip or let a celebratory hamburger go uneaten.
xoL
Oh, i love that art deco chair. I want it. It's so amazing.
Emily, you are so great! I can't freaking wait for your first episode (I don't know how I'm gonna watch it considering my tiny design school budget has no room for cable, but I am determined to find a way). I love everything you post. We are style twins, seriously! I know you are going to be awesome. Much love-all the way from Alabama!
1. So many of us just love your eye, don't worry. I second the post that said we'd happily watch a show of your flea market purchases! You are brill - so chill.
2. I passed up a Moroccan tray table like that at the world's longest yardsale somewhere in rural Georgia last year and the other night when I couldn't sleep I decided that I was going to try and find the vendor this year and see if he still had it. Crazy hopeful insomniac. Lesson = buy it and find a place for it later, you can always resell it if not.
3. Counting down till the premiere I am so excited...
The thing that my husband and I kept saying during the competition was that we loved how REAL you are and how much you made us feel like we were sitting chit chatting with a friend about design. I think you are amazing and your show is going to be awesome!! Hopefully you can find a few minutes to pull away and rest as you finish up. Best wishes and hugs!
First shows are special for exactly the reasons scaring you now. Based on the abilities you showed on Design Star and the preview episode, you have nothing to worry about! We're all still going to watch.
Mucho jealousy over the Brick House shelving system. That's been tucked in my inspiration folder since I first spotted it - way to GO!
Love everything else, too!
I know you've heard it before, but everyone here is correct! Take a massage hour, hug your man, buy some nice sheets and take a nap :)
Your show has more 'meat' to it than any HGTV show I've seen in years. You're perfect already! That schedule sounds brutal, be nice to yourself and ride the rollercoaster - once this thing airs you will have a whole NEW rollercoaster of excitement - it's going to be BIG!
Good for you on snagging the Brick House shelving. I wanted that! Can't believe they let it go, but it'll be a nice feather in her cap for it to show up on your show :)
Rose Bowl was great this week. Keep going where you feel happy and you'll make it!
x
(((HUG)))