Better Homes and Gardens Photo Shoot – Part 2

READ PART 1 HERE

I was about as excited for this  once in a lifetime photo shoot as I was for 2 days of kid-free  adult time. I didn't have to worry about making sure people peed and had their naps on time...I just had to worry about me. I went to Whole Foods and stocked up on lots of yummy goodies and a big lunch for our long day on Friday. Thursday, the photo stylist Stacey, from Des Moines and the photographer Edmund, from L.A. were coming to scope out the scene, drop off equipment, and begin staging.

Stacey, showed up with a live tree shipped straight from Oregon and my house instantly smelled like Christmas. We weren't sure where Edmund wanted the tree to go so we had some time to sip iced tea and get to know each other, and I just couldn't believe how down to earth and friendly Stacey was. I had no reason to be nervous at all!

I really didn't have any idea how difficult my house can be. It took 1.5 hours to figure out where the tree should go...seriously 1.5 hours.When the tree finally found a home in the corner of my dining room, the chandelier had to be tied up...told you my house was uncooperative!

Just for a bit of added excitement our local television station came by to capture some of the action. Apparently, not much goes on around here and Better Homes and Gardens was more enticing than the city council meeting!

HaHa, Edmund was super excited when Stacey threw him under the bus and told the crew he would be a great interview! HeHe I just made silly faces at him and giggled while he tried to seriously answer all of their questions about being a big time photographer.

Thursday afternoon was so easy and fun getting to know these guys and when they left, I knew Friday would bring an awesome day! I seriously passed out at 8:20. Apparently all the prep and stress leading up to this gigantic event wore me out.

Then Friday morning hit and well...

I was really glad I had gone to bed at 8:20. Luckily, my friend Jess came over to keep me company and give moral support during all of this-because there really wasn't much for me to do.  We did a lot of this,

and this too,

Finally at like 11 Stacey came with me to check out wardrobe options. I had found tons of hip and cool clothing at the mall and she didn't like any of it! Well, not so much she didn't like my choices, I just chose things that aren't great in a magazine, too many layers, too busy, too many stripes, etc.  Want to know what I wore? Last year's jeans and a 2 year old sweater!  Whatevs... I trust Stacey, she knows what she's doing and Edmund and I made a deal that he can take any measures necessary to make me look good in the final shot!

Then I came downstairs and took in the disarray that was my formerly pristine home.

While test shots were sent over to the big guys we relaxed and ate lunch. It was so fun to get to know each other and hear all of their behind the scenes magazine stories and find out how fun their jobs can be. Finally, around 1 we got the go ahead and actually started shooting some pictures!

It was so funny, and I felt so stiff, and I am still wearing my lame fake tooth and am so self conscious about my smile. But Stacey primped me and made me feel great!

"tilt your head a smeesh to the left"

"lean your hip in more, forward, off center"

"flip your hair behind your shoulder, wait...pull it around"

"part your lips, open your teeth, now smile with your lips closed"

Then I stood there and they would all stick their heads in this and quietly discuss.

Then more photos and witty comments from Edmund

"every dentists office in America"

"hey America, I'll decorate YOUR tree"

and more discussions, till I couldn't take it and ran over to see what they were looking at. While I pointed out every imperfection, I reminded Edmund of my full permission to touch and  retouch away. At one point, I really did get in my head and mentally pinch myself that this was actually happening.  Then I went outside for a breath of fresh air and saw this

and came back in and saw this on my entry table and realized THIS IS REALLY HAPPENING!

After my photos were done, they really went to work on the close up and detail shots....for like 2 hours. Better Homes and Gardens is serious business folks! My work has never looked so lovely and I can't wait for you to see everything.

Honestly, this was the most exciting experience of my life and I am so grateful and honored that I will be included in such an iconic and classic magazine, which I adore to pieces. I am just like all of you crafty bloggers- and if I can end up in BH&G, ANYONE can!