You know what I love to daydream about? Furniture arrangements. And organizing tupperware. You know where I love to shop? Thrift stores. I used to worry this may qualify me as a nerd. But sometimes our geeky obsessions (organizing tupperware) lead us exactly where we need to be: I’m freelancing for TLC!
My fetish for organizing sock drawers and scouring thrift stores landed me a job as assistant to the design host of the TLC show, Home Made Simple. I’ll be helping behind-the-scenes, shopping and decorating and organizing rooms. I’m thrilled to do the things I do on my Saturdays and call it work, and to work with a network crew!
Here are examples of my work I submitted for the job.
Living Room Before/After
The first photo shows a living room of hand-me-downs and the previous owner’s paint color. To transform the room I scoured Craigslist and thrift stores, and painted the walls a contrasting blue. My favorite finds were the three-piece Asian floral panels from Goodwill for $39, the custom couch from Craigslist for $400, and the designer curtains (not shown) from the thrift store for $15 that perfectly match the wall color. The total cost of everything in the “After” photo (aside from the Christmas decor) was $945.
Studio Office
This studio office needed room for sewing, crafting, drawing, animating, organizing bills and two computer stations. I created zones for all these tasks in this 8’x12’ room, and chose a backdrop of a bold, creative orange & blue palette (with a hand-sewn panel curtain to tie it all together). All for $520.
Closet Before/After
And remember my organizing affinity? I could live in this closet. Total cost: $300.
Here’s to a year of pursuing new dreams, and trusting yourself enough to do what you love. Happiest of New Years to you!
18 Comments
3:26 pm
Congratulations on the new gig! Sounds perfect.
3:37 pm
Congratulations, Amy! This is so awesome. I can’t believe I’ve never watched Home Made Simple…setting my DVR and googling now!
Happy New Year!
5:00 pm
Congrats on your job Amy!! I knew you could do it! Can’t wait until you become the new host!!
8:03 am
Good girl! Now get TLC to point a camera at you. Good Luck!
9:21 pm
Congrats Amy !! I see season 5 is going to be done in AUSTIN TEXAS !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It will be great to see you on TV again
7:22 pm
Haha. I’m grinning ear to ear, Francis. Thank you!
7:29 pm
Yeah, I think production crews really like Austin. They come through more than most of us realize. I’m thrilled to be in on this one! Just to clarify, I won’t be on the show, I’m just helping behind-the-scenes. I’m assistant to the design maven, so if you’re in TJ Maxx or Hobby Lobby in the near future, maybe I’ll bump into you.:)
8:51 am
Had to google you to find out what the heck happened to you!! I came home from vacation and you were gone! I sure miss seeing your wonderful smile and sweet personality on the news. My morning coffee just isn’t the same without you and don’t EVEN get me started on no more Amy’s Fit-for-Fridays (Want some cheese with that whine?). But I know bigger and better things await you—-much luck and happiness wherever the road takes you. You deserve the best Miss Amy.
Sincerely,
Susan in South Austin
8:03 pm
Susan – Thank you! I’m sorry I jumped ship on your morning coffee.:) I had a realization this week that I really want my next move to be hosting and producing a show locally. So that’s what I’ll be working toward once my freelance job with TLC is finished. So hopefully I can join you for coffee, or lunch, or dinner, again soon!
10:20 pm
Amy, you are a treasure! I miss you on 8. I imagine they miss you , too. Your personality and style have always put a smile on my face. You are articulate, professional and wonderful to look at. You will go far in the tough business of television. The very best wishes to you.
Sincerely,
Dallas Heenan
8:52 pm
Amy…
big fan who knew you were destined for stardom. congrats on everything and best of luck.
3:13 pm
Thanks MB! I’ll sign my first autograph for you if you turn out to be right! Haha.:)
9:17 pm
Amy, now that I’ve found this website and seen that incredible picture on Facebook, you have to blog more. And video blogs would be even better. Maybe you could set up a request line. I’ll be first: Lots and lots of video blogs please.
10:53 pm
Did my husband put you up to this? Haha… actually, just tonight we were at Mozart’s plotting what my web show should be about. Stay tuned.:)
1:30 pm
OK, it’s almost Valentine’s Day. An “Amy-fix” is requested by all of your fans.
Consider it your treat to us.
3:15 pm
Haha! Well, can’t say no to that! Just posted a new blog, although there’s no video. But I’m working on it! (See post.:))
3:31 pm
Amy, I just read your blog – so now I answered my own question about what you were doing these days – just emailed to you ten minutes ago. Organize away! Hope to see your smiling face in FRONT of the camera soon. I’ll tune in to the show to see your handiwork!
Cheers, Melanie
9:37 pm
you are amazing…. way to pursue your dreams girl. what an inspiration you are!!!!!!!
brit