Along our chosen path we may make a sharp right, or a sharp left. Sometimes, we just keep going straight, nice and steady. Some of us veer off, and get back on. Then there’s even those that stop right in the middle and never move.
Life is too short not to take turns and explore. 4 years ago this March I made a sharp right and possibly even a few sharp lefts. I now know it was one of the best decisions of my life.
If you haven’t figured it out yet…I’m referring to this blog. redheadcandecorate.com has allowed me to express my creative ideas in unlimited avenues, to thousands of people. It has also presented many, many opportunities that may otherwise never have existed if I hadn’t taken the risk, or taken on the challenge of creating this career.
Most certainly, my dream would have never had the opportunity to exist or come to fruition. I am so grateful for this amazing day.
Here’s a fun sneak peek into our first “Home Tour Magazine Photo Shoot”.
9:00pm Tuesday night 1 week before the big day:
I was in bed eating triscuits and cheese watching Housewives when I received the e-mail on my phone from the magazine’s editor. My eyes get a little fuzzy at the end of the day, so I took off my glasses, rubbed my eyes, and read it a few times before it all sunk in. Then I panicked because the request wasn’t an easy one. She was asking if I was up for a “Fall Home Tour”.
{insert 46 year old screaming redhead here}
You see…I had just thrown out all of our dead Fall flowers, and taken down all of my Fall decor. After all…Thanksgiving was in 9 days and I was hosting. I had turkey and my Christmas tree on my brain…not mums and candy apples. How would I ever get all of this done?
After a long talk with with my husband…I knew I had to do it. Turkey or no turkey.
So, I put on my big girl Fall overalls, and wrote out a schedule of every task I had to complete in order for this Fall Home Tour Magazine Shoot to happen. That included salvaging our pumpkins in the trash, cleaning like my Mom is coming over, painting everything, rearranging, decorating, styling, panicking, remembering to breathe, picking up the kiddos at school, and letting everything else go. Even food. Dr. appointments? Don’t need him. Mail? Don’t care.
10:00am Saturday morning 3 days before the big day:
So, there we were gulping our caffein, discussing where to get everything we need all in 1 day. From mums to caramel apples that the editor said she really liked in my Rustic Hutch Makeover. Did I mention this wonderful gal asked me to re-create several of my previous photos? Yah. Sounds easy…but, this can be a challenge because of the time it takes, lighting, flowers, etc. I just had to suck it up and do the best I could do. Rick and I worked on the staging the next 3 days non-stop. I couldn’t have done it with out him. The kiddos helped, too. My youngest even polished apples with olive oil.
Oh, so the plan for Saturday. Turns out finding Mums in a snow storm is totally do-able. It may take 4 hours, but totally worth it.
Careful now…it’s slippery.
8:30am Tuesday the “Big Day”:
I think I was less nervous on my wedding day. I felt like Martha Stewart herself was coming to the house and it was like an out of body experience. I was no longer Julie…I was a decorator, a stylist, a blogger. Oh wait, that is Julie. Oh well, you know what I mean. Who was this photographer guy, anyway? Would he be loud and obnoxious? Would he wear a headband, crack a whip, and tell me to make him breakfast? I mean seriously…you name it, it was going through my redheaded head.
David rang the doorbell. He was spot-on time. I mean by the millisecond. He even brought slippers.
And really cool lights that go off by touching his iPad.
David was one of nicest people I’ve ever met. I am positive he figured out quickly how high strung I was, especially in this situation, but he didn’t flinch. He was still very kind, and completely understanding and helpful.
We were in the kitchen the longest. Almost until 2pm. I became worried because we still had many rooms to do before it became dark. Somehow, some way, we got it done. By the end of the photo shoot, I felt like a professional magazine stylist that had just completed a 10 hour shift. I have gained a tremendous amount of confidence from this experience. I also learned a ton about lighting, and of course myself.
I’ve had the privilege of viewing some of the photos and I can tell you that they are stunningly gorgeous. David and I made a great team and somehow, across the miles, the talented editor knew our partnership would work. She was absolutely wonderful, helping us every step of the way and allowing me to experiment with ideas that came to mind. Like that new rug that came the day before.
You can also find the chevron rug HERE.
*** Some of the links in this post may contain affiliate links for your convenience. Read full disclosure policy here.
I can’t tell you what magazine the full spread will be in, but I can tell you that it will be published Fall 2016 and I will be screaming it from our roof announcing it when it hits stands. I can also tell you that Sylvia may have made one of the shots.
Sylvia will be so honored, just like me.
Tags: Fall Home Tour Photo Shoot Posted by
OMG!!! How awesome is this?! First, big CONGRATULATIONS,Julie!!! Ahh, & the fall decor in your home is gorgeous!! I mean your home alone is so unique & full of charm { It’s my fav } !! Happy weekend friend & again congrats!!!! I may be screaming for you hhehehe 😉
Paige.Rose
from
http://www.TheQuaintSanctuary.blogspot.com
Thank you, Paige!! <3
I could not have pulled that together, no way no how. When they arrived I would of still been writing my to do list!
It was crazy, Bliss. Absolutely NUTZ.
Congratulations! you are awesome!
Debbie
Your house has always been one of my favorites and I’m so happy for you. Congratulations Julie!
Thank you, Karen! XO
I cannot wait to see it! I am seriously thinking of painting my cabinets black ….. LOVE your blog. It is one of top 3 – but I have to say, your decorating style is closest to my own. Thanks for sharing your lovely home. 🙂
Congratulations. You definitely deserve it. Great taste.
Wow! Congrats! I love your blog and WILL buy your magazine in the upcoming issue! You are TOO FUNNY! Love your depiction of events unfolding , ha! Take care!
Oh how COOL is this? A magazine article in YOUR house?! I would have been so frazzled but you pulled it off with plume & grace! ~ when I see unique pieces u have in your home, I try to find them in my No. Cal area! It is just fun to be able to share with each other our style & tastes in the eclectic life we each have chosen! ….would like to know where u purchased the wood & metal round coffee table on top of the black & white chevron rug? Perfect size for what I have been looking for!
Thank you, Becky! Home Decorators Collection…Here’s my post on it, and here’s a link to it.
Congratulations! I love reading your blog and enjoy the your photos of your home. And I know exactly how you feel, a couple of years ago HGTV published something from my home in one of their issues and it was so exciting and I did let everyone know about it! Just let us know which magazine and when and I will be out to get a copy! Again… enjoy the anticipation and your home. Laura
You are right, Laura…the anticipation is so exciting. Congrats on your feature as well! HGTV is so awesome.
Julie this is so awesome; I can’t wait for it to hit the stands either!! You and Sylvia will be an absolute hit!!!!! I’m excited; can’t imagine how you have been feeling since ‘the phone call’!
Shocked, lol. Sylvia will be shocked too, when she finds out!! 😉
I am completely smitten with the remodel you did in your kitchen. And I have to say it more than deserves a magazine feature spread as it is awesome! Congratulations! You are a very talented lady.
Thank you Peggy…what a nice comment!! 🙂 Made my afternoon!