Emily arriving at the viewing party.

Comments were made about the “crazy stalker” fan but I don’t care. I don’t stalk anyone. I might think they’re great but no one is worthy of stalking with the exception of Matt Locke and Dan Faires and I wouldn’t/don’t even stalk them. I can say that Casey was super nice and agreed to take photos. Darcy was a little shy. So, I had no problem running up to all of them and asking them to take a photo with her. Everyone obliged. Casey even had PURPLE in her dress. Ok, I ♥ purple. We know this.

MATT LOCKE! OMG HE WAS REALLY THERE FOR REAL!

Now keep in mind I had way too much tequila and I was there before anyone else arrived. Yep, that’d be me. All to eager to meet the Design Star that I watch on a weekly basis, read her blog for inspiration (since January thank you very much), and according to some stalk. Again, I’m ok with that word because I know I’m no stalker. I’m a HUGE FAN though and will proudly admit it.

Some Season 4 Design Star’s were there but that was my least favorite season. No offense. I called Nate, Paul. Lonni’s last name is Paul. There was a Paul in Season 3. Sorry Nate. It was Nate and once Casey told me his name I automatically remembered. Oops. Again I was just way too excited and happy. He was out in the 4th episode like Dan so I didn’t see him much on the last season. So, Nate as my apology to you here is a link to your Facebook.

MATT LOCKE ROCKS MY SOCKS!

When I drink my defenses are down and the sweet, bubbly chubby girl is just who she is and nothing more. A song words me perfectly. “What I am is what I am. Are you what you are or what? I’m not aware of too many things. I know what I know, if you know what I mean.” Bonus points if you know who sings it.

I had a blast. Regardless of the statement that was made that was negative in regards to “crazy stalker fans” who are way more than a fan it was great. A little note to all of you reality show celebrities out there. The crazy fans are what keep your shows from being canceled. Why don’t you ask the last Season 2 & Season 3 Design Star winners where they are at? You might be asking the Season 4  winner that too if that kind of attitude prevails. Fans are what make you who you are. At least, Emily is humble and happy to oblige her fans even if it they are an annoyingly hyper crazy blond chick that makes a cake for your viewing party.

I met some truly awesome people.

Did I tell you the guy from Dollhouse was there? I so stared for like 45 minutes wondering if it was him. I asked my husband who watched Dollhouse with me. Hello when the creator of Buffy produces a show you watch it. Period. End of discussion. He went to grad school with Emily’s husband. He was super nice. Enver Gjokaj needs a new show. I squealed like a school girl and probably broke his ear drums along with his girlfriend’s. My apologies. I just knew it was him. It was him. I was right. Gotta love that.

You would think after living in Los Angeles for three years that the celebrity sitings would totally wear off. Well, I’m here to tell you, that is SO not the case. I watch Matt Locke’s tips on Johnson & Johnson all the time. If it weren’t for Matt I would never even go to Walmart. Gotta love that guy. So down to earth and more than happy to offer inspiration for me to fix my builders paint, bare bones, blank slate of a home. All in all, a great night.

A special shout out to Hour & Lam for driving in from Orange County and sharing the night with us. It was great to catch up and see you guys.

I’ll be back soon with a post of my mood board. Much debate as to what color to go with and Dan Faires would go and say Burlap is super affordable and stylish with purple accents and now my whole concept has changed. Awww, the life of someone that can follow directions and build but is clueless with design. Fun, Fun.
Until next time.

♥O♥O♥O,

FaVeCalGirl

Carpool Lane or Traffic Jam

Every morning I awake to traffic jams. I guess when LJ has over 1300 kids her school and EB has over 800 that it should be expected. Well, I hate to sound like a whiny baby but trust when I say it isn’t expected nor liked that I mean it. It has been 100° plus. If you don’t leave your home which keep in mind is less than a mile away you’ll wait in line for over 30 minutes & that is fine for a mother in air conditioning but not for her poor babies waiting outside in the heat.

I don’t like leaving 30 minutes early at minimum to pick up my children because I work during the day. This means taking the laptop to work on while away and hoping the connection is strong enough to work efficiently. My daughter already has to walk from her school toward the parking lot area to meet me. She is always red faced from the heat. It just frustrates me that they don’t stagger the dismissal times. Honestly, if they would stagger the grades dismissal times by 5 minutes then things wouldn’t be so difficult.

LJ Dan Faires Shirt

LJ handles the walking well and doesn’t complain about it. I however, hate the fact that she is a sweaty mess by the time she reaches the car. My husband, Ray, decided that he would pick them up from school on Friday. Not only did he make this decision he decided to walk since it is less than 2 miles there and back with EACH CHILD! It was again 100° plus and my little babies were entirely red faced when they returned.

EB & LJ at the Park

As you can see they are really pale & when they are hot it shows. LJ actually walked from her school, to EB’s school & back. She wasn’t complaining but I certainly wasn’t happen when I saw how red her face was when she returned. Taking Ice Water doesn’t even really help. It is just too hot and the lines are unreal.

Well, we survived it. I had a birthday during their first full week. My boss even happily red lined my birthday balloon that the lovely BEM bought me. Initials are my thing. What can I say? It adds to the mystery and yet is very personal at the same time.

Red Lined Birthday Balloon

Everyone else signed with a regular black marker but if you know my boss you’d laugh at him red lining the balloon. He wouldn’t let anyone else sign in red. HAHA That’s his signature mark like mine is purple. If it is purple they know I signed it. BTDubs I LOVE PURPLE! I stole that from the lovely Emily at The Brass Petal.

Signatures from the Office Staff

My husband bought me a lovely Vera Bradley purse. He bought me the Alice in Sittin’ in a Tree by Vera Bradley. I know that people call them Grandma bags but I really love them.They look old timey or old-fashioned or something and I love them. He bought me the Pencil Box to match and the binder clips. It was super sweet of him.

Alice in Sittin' in a Tree by Vera Bradley

Pencil Box in Sittin' in a Tree

He bought me a nice apron from Williams-Sonoma since I’m always cooking something these days or baking. He’s home for a little while so I’m going to enjoy it while it lasts. His schedule is crazy.

Sunday we’re heading to the viewing party for the HGTV Design Party Finale between Emily Henderson @thebrasspetal and Michael whom I don’t follow on twitter because I just don’t care for his designs. As you all know I’ve adored Emily & Dan Faires since the very beginning.

Emily doesn’t like people making a fuss over her. She won’t let me bake a cake, or cookies, or brownies. BOO! My design talent is definitely not in the shape of homes and awesome looking rooms. It comes in the form of food. HAHA

My daughter is now in middle school. She loves it. I’m so happy she has found her place in this town. She fits in and people like her. They genuinely want to hang out with her. Well, not to worry I’ll post more later. Right now we’re heading to a movie.

When @roomfu interviewed her she made this statement.

You’ve written bad things about Emily Henderson.

I wrote nothing bad about Emily.

You posted a comment about her on Design Blahg.

Oh, that was in defense, because Emily has written a lot of bad things about me onher blog.  In her interviews, she’s literally called me a bitch, as well as written on other people’s blogs negative things about me and for me, that was one too many.  What I wrote was, “Emily is not nice.  She’s not cute.  She’s actually very annoying to work with.”  That’s what I wrote.  It wasn’t a nasty thing.  It was a comment in response.  It was a reaction to her action.

1830: You ornary fellow! do you pretend to call me to account for my language? Massachusetts Spy, May 28. You see that right there pulled from the Massachusetts Spy, on May 28, 1830. Ornary is a euphemism for MEAN. That is EXACTLY what I would say if I were Emily. The very first episode she tells the other designers she wouldn’t want to work with Emily. Not to mention Stacey said the same thing and was more aggressive toward Nina and she doesn’t even mention her. Why is that I wonder?

Anyone who knows anything about me knows that I use euphemisms like no tomorrow. They are basically the nice way of saying something without being too blunt. Keep in mind that I can be very direct and blunt but that isn’t appropriate behavior for a Southern Belle even if I have been transplanted to California for quite some time. I’m keeping this as PG as possible without voicing my true opinions of this educated designer; that makes at home designers with no education look far superior.

Nina thinks the sun comes up just to hear her crow. I’ve got news for her. She’s acting crazier than a sprayed cockroach! Now when I first read what she wrote about people from Oregon and Arkansas being a very different breed it was aggravating. Things were all hunkey dorey until I kept on reading and saw this. I wanted to put an Arkansas toothpick to use lickety split. Not really, but I was as mad as a mule chewing on bumblebees! I resorted to pirate phrases ARGH and bear phrases GRRR.

See what she said below or read the article yourself. http://roomfu.com/2010/07/hgtv-design-star-season-5-interview-with-castoff-nina-ferrer/

You said that you were “on The Nina Show.”  Tell me about that…why would you say that?

Out of twelve people, I’m the person that everyone remembers.  I’m the person that everybody is talking about.  I’m getting the most recognition when I’m walking outside.  People know who I am.  I would think that in some way, shape or form, that’s a success.  It’s something to be noticeable.

NINA YOU’RE LYIN’ LIKE A NO-LEGGED DOG! I would explain that to you but I doubt you would understand. You have issues. Serious issues. First of all, you are not the person that everyone remembers after five episodes. Dan has a massive amount of followers and the votes show it. Julie has a huge about of fan votes. Last I checked your fan votes were at 0%. Out of 12 people you were the one everyone was thrilled to see go home. The only success was the judges waking up from the stupor.

When Nina kicked the bucket on Design Star we were all thrilled. Not sad. GOOD RIDDANCE! Excuses are like backsides. Everybody’s got one and they all stink. She can’t cop to one thing that she did wrong or said wrong. She can’t phase Dan Faires but boy that girl could make a Saint cuss! Heck, she could even depress the DEVIL! She is literally one of those people that could argue with a brick wall and start an argument with no one home.

Nina smiles like a goat in a briarpatch. She was a manipulator from the start. She never said she was bohemian chic and never proved it either. Yet she threw Courtland under the bus in the very first episode. She was about as useful as a pogo stick in quicksand on Design Star! I don’t say mean things but have strongly considered telling her to take a long walk off a short pier.

So, in ode to Trudy the most adorable pig ever, you can tie me to a pig and roll me in the mud, Vern (along with the other judges) were annoyed with Nina’s lacking design capabilities and they sent her packing. She needs to stop acting like a two year old. Stop insulting others and work on herself. Apparently she has several insecurities of her own. In the mean time, I’m going to try not to find that Arkansas toothpick and put it to good use.

I’ve kept this blog private for a long time. You needed a password to access most of my material. I just didn’t feel that anyone would want to read my ramblings. I’m just your every day mother living a normal every day life. As normal as life can get for a wife, mother, friend, sister and employee. With moving comes a lot of standard things. You have to call and get your phone, power, gas, trash service, water, internet & cable turned on. Not necessarily in that order but you catch my drift.

I have so many things that I want to work on when it comes to the house. My house as Dan Faires refers to it is a big BLANK canvas. That scares the DICKENS out of me. I’ve learned to explain my euphemisms as not everyone understands the southern things I say. “Dickens” is a euphemism that means devil. The phrase is found in Shakespeare’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” for those that are interested. Contrary to public opinion the expression was very common years before Charles Dickens was born.

Dan Faires of CapsuleFurniture.com had some great ideas for my guest bathroom. That stuff on the walls is gone it was staged poorly in my opinion. He recommended enclosing the mirror with a custom frame, painting the walls and buying some nice accessories. The kicker is that my husband doesn’t really know much about fixing up a house or painting. His parents never did it and therefore he wasn’t subjected to DIY projects like me.

Guest Bathroom

Now I’m going to have to tackle a lot more than the guest bathroom. My kitchen drives me crazy. I call it the white bathroom tile kitchen. Not a fan of the tile counters. I want those gone. Another DIY project that’ll be rather heavy. I want slate, granite, marble or something. Not thrilled with the tile counters at all.

Bathroom Tile Kitchen HAHA

However, Dan Faires and my husband agree that my yard has the most potential along with Dan Faires buddy Gary Kirby. Then again if I were Dan and I knew that if I won the fan vote I had to fix something in this house I’d choose the yard too. HAHA

Backyard or Dirt lot?

I totally love my new house but there are a few things that need work. What are your opinions? What would you fix first? What DIY project would you tackle? Would you watch the DIY Network or HGTV for design inspiration. We already know that Dan Faires is the Design Star of choice that I would have fix my house with Emily Henderson running in a close second. Casey Noble is on that list too.

and Stacey and well, I would like to see Emily or Casey win it now. Dan Faires is my man to win it for the fan vote. I’m voting daily and you should too. http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-design-star-vote-for-your-favorite-designer-results/package/index.html

Now I totally was digging Casey’s silhouette MURAL. Nina take note. What Casey did is a mural, what you do is NOT! What Casey did was AWESOME and ART what you do is CRAPart and I have coined that word. It is so going into Webster. I’m glad that the judges finally recognized that as well.

Now I’m not going to say anything else mean because that isn’t my nature. However, I will say that it was nice to see the dolphin get creative and kill that shark. “In the case of a shark attack, dolphins will defend themselves. What they lack in speed they make up for in maneuverability. Between the whip of their tail and the ram of their rostrum, dolphins can be a force to reckon with. An open mouth full of sharp, conical teeth can also prove a deadly weapon.” The dolphins got creative and maneuvered beautifully and killed that shark. Oh yes. ! It was nice to see.

I will say that I found it completely hilarious that when it came time for construction projects Dan was certainly missed. Emily did well considering what she had to work with and Alex really stepped it up. I think someone owes him an apology. Michael shooting himself with a nail gun? Dan WOULD never have done that.

What does everyone else think? I miss Dan and he would have brought a lot to that space.

So, last night I’m downstairs working on something for work the next day. I work from home and I’m a remote employee. However, I was planning on going into the office today. I had several things to work on including helping people learn how to use Time Matters more efficiently. As I’m working on searches and quick tabs I hear a bloodcurdling cry from upstairs.

Any mother will verify that you can distinguish between different cries. I use to be the nanny to triplets and a six year old and each one of them had a very distinct and individual cry. I knew immediately it was my son EB, and I knew immediately that my princess LJ had probably done SOMETHING.

I run upstairs to find out what is going on. Apparently, LJ wanted EB out of her room. So, she kicked him.

Me: LJ why did you kick your brother?

LJ: Because he was BUGGING ME!

EB: I was not, (LOUD CRY, SCREAM, YELL) she was being MEAN to me.

Me: STOP IT! I can’t hear what you are both saying when you’re talking over each other.

EB: Still yelling (runs to the bathroom puts tissue on his mouth) SHE KNOCKED MY TOOTH OUT!

LJ: I barely kicked him and he fell and it POPPED OUT! I didn’t do it mom.

Me: Ok, (hands from hips to in the air) where’s his tooth?

LJ & EB: I don’t know.

We searched high and low for EB’s tooth so that the tooth fairy would come. Ok, we all know Tooth Fairies come with or without the tooth.

Before you ask, we still haven’t found his tooth. However, I know that all he’ll want for Christmas is he two front teeth, his two front teeth. Off to sing elsewhere. LOL

The shirts are actually darker than this. Different shade of brown. I have the pantome colors but no one would know what they are anyway. HAHA

My inspiration was that his designs are rustic and generally have some type of wooden element in them. So, I took John’s font ideas and said I wanted the Vote and check mark but just in case earlier suspicions of him being voted off for being nice happens I want the @DANFAIRES and twitter on there so that they could find him online. We put the HGTV Design Star logo and matched it to our design. We think they’re pretty neat.

We’re going to get them printed up. If no one else wears them that is ok. I’ll wear mine and spread the word. We have a deal. If he wins the online show then Dan Faires will redo my kitchen.

So, who are your favorites? By the way, I don’t care if Emily’s table was disproportional Nina you’re still ugly and you’re still a bad designer. So, there I said it.

You can check out Emily’s blog at http://www.thebrasspetal.blogspot.com and my children love her almost as much as they love Dan Faires. Almost.

My opinions on the designers are below. In the order they’re listed on www.hgtv.com.

Alex Sanchez – He graduated from a University in lovely NC. He’s young but seems motivated and talented for his age. He has a degree in architectural engineering. People shouldn’t underestimate him.

Casey Noble – I’ve said it all along. She’s cute. She’s charming and she’s the green horse. She’ll come out shining. She looks like Reese Witherspoon and she doesn’t get into the conflicts. Watch out for this one. She’s a star.

Courtland Bascon – I know he’s straight & I get the feeling that him trying to convince others that he is straight is going to grow tiresome. The man cleavage irks me like no other. When his paint color is on the mark it is brilliant. When it is off, it is WAY OFF! He’s from LA so, I like him what can I say.

Dan Faires – His rustic charm designs totally capture my heart. I love this table and those chairs are just charming.

Dan will get voted off because he is a true Southern Gentleman. When he needs to tell someone to do it themselves or just flat out say no he won’t. I don’t think it is in his nature to be mean. Which means everyone will be singing praises to his parents for doing such a great job in raising him. He’s my favorite. If he doesn’t win the outright show, I’ll vote for him daily http://www.hgtv.com/hgtv-design-star-vote-for-your-favorite-designer/package/index.html because I would totally watch his online show. If I had an extra 2,000 to blow I’d buy one of his tables from www.capsulefurniture.com but well, I just bought a house.

Emily Henderson – She’s a doll. “A dolphin will eat a shark.” My dear Emily no Nina can’t touch you. You’re far more creative. Your designs are far superior and you’re a true sweetheart. My children are total Dan Faires fans but they pull for you & Stacey too. I might be pulling for Dan, you & Casey but children have a mind all of their own. Do great work and you will go far in the competition. Any woman that can say my design isn’t up to par and correct it is a true woman in my book. That and you throw down the law on the YELLOW WALL! Emily rocks my socks.

Julie Khuu – you put feathers on the floor. Your dominance in the fan vote scares me.

Michael Moeller – I’m not sure what to make of this guy yet. His designs that won him a spot on the show are very urban and edgy. I like it but I’m not sure what I think about him just yet.

Nina Ferrer – Right out of the gate from the very first episode I didn’t like Nina. That’s ok because unlike most viewers I don’t like her designs anymore than I like her personality. Enough said.

Stacey Cohen – She seems to be my children’s favorite next to Emily & Dan. She said Nina was a bleep and argues with her. Can’t disagree but she seems to have a manipulative side to her as well. Her designs are good but, I don’t feel you need a degree to call yourself a designer. Anyone can obtain a degree. I have an Art Degree and I’m not out designing.

Tera Hampton – Although your gone I honestly think you did nice work. You seemed to be pals with Nina which is a huge mistake but to each his own. Your Texas sized personality and charm will take you far outside of this competition. I don’t think the yellow wall was the worst part of the room. I think Nina’s kindergarten mural was with the butterfly that looked more like a dragonfly.

Tom Vecchione – You know I like Tom and I like his designs. I don’t like men with attitudes toward each other. I hope that stops soon. His first bedroom design I thought was spectacular and I really couldn’t believe he was in the bottom.

Trent Hultgren – Same thing with Dan with this guy. He does great work but will get walked all over. I’m hoping that being from California he might be able to step it up and put his foot down. We’ll see. The competition is early still.

Who are you guys pulling for now that Julie & Tera are gone? What are your thoughts on the remaining contestants.