Ohhhhh do I have news… BIG news!

Someone pinch me because I still feel like I'm dreaming.  Dreaming the most awesome of awesome dreams for any DIY and home blogger.  I am going to burst if I keep this secret in any longer!!!  I have big news, friends, HUGE news!

BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS WAS AT MY HOUSE!

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Yes, MY house.  What in the World were they doing here you ask?  Well, remember my DIY Matchbox Car Garage organization solution for the toy car chaos in my house?  Better Homes and Gardens wants to feature it... and me... and the boys in an upcoming issue!!!  

Better Homes and Gardens has been my most favorite magazine for years.  There are literally piles upon piles of old BHG mags around my house (Andy questions why I hoard them but I have my reasons.)  Every month I look forward to the day when I open up the mailbox and see a bright, new and shiny Better Homes and Gardens issue.  I immediately retreat to my chair in the living room with a cup of coffee and dive into EVERY SINGLE page.  It's my Zen moment.  Some people do Yoga - I do Better Homes and Gardens.  It's the source of inspiration for many of my decorating, entertaining & party ideas, DIY projects and recipes.  So imagine my surprise when I received an email from the Senior Remodeling & Projects Editor at the magazine.  My reaction resembled something like the "Carlton Dance" from Fresh Prince of Bel Air….

The last couple of weeks have been a whirlwind.  Which somewhat explains why I've been MIA.  

Here's the play by play.  

As I mentioned, about two weeks ago I was contacted by the Remodeling & Projects Editor at the magazine.  She told me that they want to feature the DIY Matchbox Car Garage in the I Did It! section of an upcoming issue.  Before I knew it we had a date on the calendar for the Photographer and Stylist to come to the house for the shoot.  And it was in 12 days!  And you know what the state of affairs in the playroom was.  EEK!  

Needless to say, the days leading up to the shoot were filled with donating, purging and organizing toys, painting all the trim in the playroom bright white, vacuuming, dusting and rearranging the playroom to get it in a presentable state.

Next was working on the outfit situation.  The issue will hit magazine stands this Winter so our outfits had to reflect the cold season.  Which is funny because here in Pasadena our "cold" season is sunny and 70.  Here's what I sent the BHG crew as possible wardrobe ideas for me and the boys.  They wanted a casual at home look.  The term "casual at home look" for me is code for slob - i.e. my usual uniform of workout pants and a tank top.  I provided them with pictures of my dressed up look which I assumed was more of the look and feel they wanted me to go for.  LOL!

The morning of the shoot was SO MUCH FUN!  The crew arrived at our house around 9:30 AM to begin their set up process.  The Photographer, Edmund, and his assistance were fast and efficient.  They had a vision and immediately knew how to accomplish it.  They swiftly set up the equipment.  I laughed at my measly little camera and tripod in the corner of the room.  Their gear was far more impressive.  And Laura the Stylist was so warm and friendly.  We worked together to get the cars on the rack in perfect color order.  It was so interesting to see how the Pro's work to get that perfect shot.

The other great thing about the BHG team was that they were so amazing and natural with the boys.  When it came time for shooting the photo we all had so much fun.  Edmund would say to Tyler,  "OK, Ty, now play with the car on the road and go VROOM! VROOOM! VROOOM! like McQueen.  And Benny, smile at your mom for making you such a cool car rack."  It was really cute.

Before you know it, we had a bunch of pics Edmund and Laura thought would work great for the issue.  The boys got to take a sneak peak at a couple of the photo options.

The whole experience was incredibly fascinating.  Thank you to the entire team for making the day an unforgettable one.  I am especially humbled and honored to be a small part of a magazine that is a constant source of creativity and inspiration for me.

Now comes the hard part.  Waiting for the issue to hit the stands!