There’s something about having a magazine coming to photograph a room in your home that makes you a little crazy. I did a ton of cleaning last week, down to polishing pots and pans, washing slipcovers and scrubbing my ice dispenser with a scour stick. I do become a little difficult to live with for a couple of days, I will admit, and practically chase my family around with a vacuum and sponge. It’s not really that bad, but it’s hard to not put pressure on myself to make everything perfect, even though I know it doesn’t have to be.
This is the fourth magazine photo shoot in my home and one thing I’ve come to expect is that the stylist and photographer will change things around to make everything work for the photo composition, the specific magazine, the issue, etc. They’re not trying to step on your decorating toes, they are trying to make your space look the very best and work for their client – the magazine. You just have to roll with it and I honestly think that’s part of the fun! I have some experts in my home, moving things around in fresh ways and it’s always inspiring.
As I was getting ready for the shoot, I wasn’t sure what they wanted on my chalkboard wall, so I came up with this…
I knew as I was doing it, that it probably wasn’t what they wanted (and it wasn’t, they wanted a grocery list), but I enjoyed putting that finishing touch on my sparkling kitchen and I’m going to draw it again when I have a few minutes.
Another thing I’ve learned is that they bring a lot of gear! It makes the rabid house cleaning seem silly and it makes me feel not-so-bad about my own photography, which I know has improved a lot, but there is still so much that is over my head.
I watched the photographer tweak the lighting on a beautiful shot of my counter and cabinets for about 45 minutes. He had flashes and black boards and reflectors and all sorts of things going on to make it a brilliant photo. I wish I could’ve just tapped into his mind and hit the download button for a few minutes to see why he was making the changes he was.
Maybe one day I’ll get there. Or a little closer, anyway. I did hook up my camera to my computer tonight to try shooting tethered (with the camera linked to the computer, so I can see the images as they’re taken.) I’m excited to play around with that a bit more as well as play around more with controlling the light.
Some of my new flatware from Pottery Barn got into the photo shoot. I got it all unpacked just before they came.
Just some random things…my oldest boy (6) has gotten into picking flowers for me. It’s so sweet.
…and lastly, we haven’t done very much work to the outside of our house. We’ve been a little busy with the inside! We’re finally getting the biggest eyesore fixed – the driveway.
When the addition was put on the back of our 1940’s house (about 5 years before we bought it), the backhoe used to dig the basement was parked on the back of the driveway and it made the driveway sink. The owners of the home simply dumped gravel, sand a dirt on it and then built a sidewalk to the side door. Well, weeds love the gravel and sand and it’s a constant battle. The sidewalk sank at least a foot, so we had to stack pavers to make a “temporary” step that has been there for almost 7 years. Tomorrow, it’s all going to get ripped out and a brand new driveway will be going in. It’ll go all the way up to the house and all the way to the back. I am so excited about it. I know it’s a driveway and that’s not very exciting, but I think it will be a good motivator for me to mulch and weed and put some flowers in the window boxes…maybe.
I’ll keep you updated.
We went back-to-school clothes shopping for the boys this weekend and now it’s my turn to do a bit of shopping. My weight and inches lost have left me with a nice problem – clothes that are baggy! So, I need to get a few things to wear to Haven, Becoming and our upcoming vacation. I can’t go too nuts, though, because I still have some weight and inches to lose…
23 Responses
Gorgeous pics! Everything looks lovely.
Let us know when the magazine comes out! That is so exciting!
Having a magazine come photograph your home sounds so fun! And I’m sure it would turn me into a cleaning, fluffing maniac! Not that I think my house is going to get picked for that when there are so many other better ones out there! I love your chalk board art, and isn’t it the best when your kids bring your flowers?! My youngest daughter (7) likes to do that too.
Love your chalkboard saying…precious.
I have dreamed about having someone come and shoot something at our house, but also been terrified by the thought! I think I would feel like I needed to send our dog and kids (and husband 🙂 ) away for a few days prior. Ha!
I love your chalk drawing and I can’t wait to here more about the photo shoot. I’m sure there was a lot to soak in and learn.
Congrats on your shrinking and I hope you have a lovely time at Haven and Becoming!
Dear Marian –
What is a scour stick?
Thank you,
Breida
I loved the verse & drawing you had on the chalkboard! 🙂
Glad you survived the cleaning frenzy and photo shoot invasion! Look forward to seeing what they did!
love the chalkboard. Looking forward to hearing you at Becoming!
I can imagine your nerves and excitement were all crisscrossed…mine would be! I would be excited about a driveway too! We have a double-wide concrete driveway, and my kids love it for chalk drawing, bikes, etc. Your boys will love it!! :o)
That is great to have someone come to your house for a photo shoot! I know it must be stressful but in a good way. Well I can not wait until you share how is all came out. Have a blessed day! 🙂
The exterior of your house is so cute – I’m sure the new driveway will make such a difference outside.
Congratulations on the photo shoot!
Congrats on the photo shoot! Just for the record I would welcome the chalkboard and it’s beautiful saying into my home anytime!!
Thank you for always providing a peaceful, safe place to come and visit. I never worry that you will do or say something potentially offensive…….what a blessing and light you are Miss Marian!!
So excited to see your home featured again! But even MORE excited to see you at Haven in just a few days!!! Safe travels my friend! 🙂
I just experienced my first magazine shoot two weeks ago (BHG) and it was everything you explained – busy, exciting, fascinating, wonderful, and sent me into a cleaning tailspin the week prior! I was scrubbing room corners that haven’t been touched in years 🙂 Can’t wait to see your latest feature.
Love your chalkboard sign!
I just painted one of my pantry closet doors with black chalkboard paint and was actually planning to use it for keeping a running grocery list on there. Funny!
Wow! Your little one apparently knows his mommy likes blue. Just to think he picked flowers for you that go well with your home decor color scheme… 🙂
Love the pictures. I am a mom to three boys and there is nothing better than flowers picked by a child. You should check out the poem “The Dandelion Vase” by Jennifer Holte (not me!). Very Sweet. A copy of the poem and a tiny vase make a great first Mother’s Day gift.
Yeah for new clothes!
Congrats on the weight loss.
I love the chalkboard saying!!!!! I love the flatware too! I can’t wait to see the rest of the pictures?
I’d appreciate a tutorial on blackboard lettering. Please, please don’t suggest free form writing, as this is not one of my God given gifts. I also don’t own an overhead projector. Your generous spirit is appreciated.
I see OD on the camper – wonder if you have a Wildwood? That’s what we have, we love it. Congrats on the magazine feature, wow!
Marion,
Because of you I have joined Decor steals and Pottery Barn, I just ordered the silverware too !! I adore both sights, My husbands pocket book, not so much….lol …… I am in L.O.V.E love with your style and follow you on your page daily almost to the point if I didnt know better I would be a stalker…..lo l!! Thank you for sharing and being real with your posts. You have taught me so much through your blog !! You truly are a life saver when it comes to rainy days and wasted time 🙂 I am a procrastinator, so you have inspired me ….lol
Keep all the good stuff coming !! LOVE IT !!
Rhonda from WI.
Hi, Marion,
Just wondering if you have ever painted a stairway handrail with milk paint? I saw a photo of one that was black with lots of wear, and it would be so much nicer in my house than the bright, modern, maple-y color we have from 1990. What do you think?
Oh, and we also have those ” cross and bible” style white hollow doors, too. Do you think the milk paint would work on them too? I really would love a dark black-ish reddish color, sort of mahogany? My husband is not too visual, so I am having a hard time convincing him of this one.
Thanks for your input!
I can’t even imagine a magazine shoot in our housel! LOL it would turn into a reality series…with my hubby and I both working retail, me with 2 antique/consignment stores, 5 kids, 3 dogs, 3 cats, a ferret and a turtle…not to mention the chaos of normal family life!
Thanks for all of your updates! I love it that you are so grounded amidst the chaos..makes me feel like I can Move Mountains!