JPF Home Page Forums General Messages General Message Forum "Trading Spaces" is taping

Hey all,
Sorry I've been away so much lately. My husband and I lost his singing partner, moved a counseling center out of our home and into a new space and then had to get our place fixed up because we are doing that "Trading Spaces" show. They start taping tomorrow. I'll let you know when it airs.

Meanwhile, I hope you are all doing well and that you are enjoying the spirit of the holiday!

Take care.

Heidi

I am so jealous! Have a wonderful time!

charlann

Hey Heidi:

I used to watch that show all the time! You're a perfect fit for it

Very cool - yes, let us know when it will be on!

Scott

Hi Heidi
Glad to see you are starting to get back to a normal life after such a tragic loss.
Good luck on the show. Have a great time doing it.
And as they say
Break a leg.

Is that where you redecorate each others houses or rooms?

Brian

Sweetheart, I hope that all goes well for you from now on, and that the sunshine will offset the painful memories.....

Love to you and yours....

Are you gonna get a chance to "do" any music in the course of the recordings?

Hi guys,
We did our first day of taping today. What a trip! We have a huge tent with catering and twenty trucks in our driveway and on the vacant lot next door. Our home is overrun with equipment and I'm not liking that part of it. It will be a bear to clean once they have all gone!

The show has started a competitive theme this season and so they asked me to do my "Cher" impersonation and trade spaces with the top "Elvis."

They are trying to get us to rag on each other but we are such great friends and are having a bit of a hard time trying to find a playful way to put some competition in the mix.

My husband and I did some interviews in our home and then we went to "swap the keys" on the stage at the Imperial Palace Hotel where the long-running show "Legends in Concert" is performed nightly. I was in that show for 13 years and "Elvis" is in it now. They had us in full costume with showgirls behind us. The designers also came out to meet us on the stage.

From what I understand, the designer who is working with Elvis and his wife on my office is a bit eccentric and has made homeowners cry in the past. So, I'm a little nervous. However, I am only doing this show to promote a new stage show I am producing called The WOWgirls. So, even if my office turns out horribly, it's national promotion for my show.

The designer working with my husband and myself on the office of "Elvis" seems very nice. We start taping tomorrow at 7am. They make us wear these horrible shirts that look like bowling shirts with the show logo on them. Yikes!

I have some photos I'll post after Sunday. Wish us luck! I hope it all turns out great and that my WOWgirls show gets some good PR! Take care and thanks for tuning in!

Heidi

"From what I understand, the designer who is working with Elvis and his wife on my office is a bit eccentric and has made homeowners cry in the past. So, I'm a little nervous."

Heidi, you cannot just let these characters do whatever they want to........You are not ANYONE'S personal property, so look him straight in the eye and let him know, in a nice way, that you won't take it.

As for the cumulative effort in and of itself? I wish you all the best of everything.

When you have the time, write me a PM, tell me how it REALLY feels to be doing this.....

Hey Sam and all,
Well, just in case you might not know how this show works, Elvis and his wife are staying at my house, and my husband and I are staying at his house. We each have been assigned a designer and we hslp that designer execute their design for our respective rooms.

Today, I was amazed at what the designer did to my friend's office. I felt it was not something that my friends would like and I also felt it was not functional for a family with two young children.

I had to tell the designer that on camera and she didn't seem to agree with me. So, the producer had me do some really funny solo takes to the camera in private where I basically made antagonistic remarks about the part of the room I felt was very out of touch with the family. I'll fill you in on the details after the show is over.

Tomorrow is the last day and we have to complete the rooms by the end of the day. Then, tomorrow night, we get to see our redecorated rooms and the reactions. I'm worried that my friends won't like the room, but my husband and I will certainly fix it for them if they don't.

The good news is that the producer is promoting my new show very well and that's why I did this in the first place. A room can always be changed or fixed but the PR is priceless!

Take care,
Heidi

Post deleted by Heidi Thompson

HI Heidi. Any publicity is good publicity. So milk it girl.
We have a similar program in the UK. Some of these designers are from a different planet. I remember one woman bursting into tears after she saw the mess a particular designer made of her beatiful room. They showed a before and after film. The before was a lovely modern bright room whilst the after was a horrible dark purple mess with modern art paint splodges everywhere. It seemingly cost a fortune to create this mess and the woman through the tears tore the designer off. Even the celebrity presenter seemed ashamed of what had been done. It made great TV.
As you say it can all be put right after the cameras have left.
But I wonder how some of these so called designers can justify themselves and have any credibility.

What a great opportunity Heidi!

Your home gets a redesign and your show gets a headline!

Hope both ventures turn out the way you want!

Best,
Lynn

Hello guys!
Today was the last day of taping. My friends were the first ones to see their room. My husband and I were very nervous because the designer did not take their taste into much consideration. In fact, you will have to see the episode (not sure when it will air yet) to believe what she did. She actually painted white primer over my friend's beloved green walls and then smeared a thick layer of wallpaper glue and plastered tiny pieces of shredded paper all over the walls. It wasn't even decorative paper. It was all types of paper including newspaper and old letters, etc. Anyway, I felt that the walls would not meet with much approval even though they were very creative. I was very worried how our friends would react. There were some great things about the room as well, but since we found out that the designer was all about pleasing herself more than pleasing the homeowner, we just figured our room would be more of the same.

Okay, so in my office, I wanted to blend the energy of my classic, Italian taste with the bling of my WOWgirls show. I never in a million years thought that it could be done in a way that I would even like it. They only have two days and $1,000 to do the entire job. However, when we saw our office for the first time, I was very surprised to see a perfect blend of everything I could have hoped for and more!

I will post some pictures tomorrow. Got to get some sleep!

Take care.

Heidi

Hi, Heidi!

Congratulations on the show! WOW!!!

Can't wait to see it. Please kepp us posted

Emily

Wow Heidi! I had no idea you were doing this show. How fun! I would love to see the show. Please let us know when it airs! I may have to hook up cable before it is on. I am sure it's not on regular TV is it? Way to go!!

Tammy

www.tammyedwards.com
www.myspace.com/tammyedwards2

Hi again,
So, I am not sure when the show will air but will let you know as soon as I hear. It's on the TLC channel.

Heidi

Hi, I'm happy to hear that things are taking shape for you, even if it isn't QUITE what you may have wanted......

I seem to recall (a few years ago) keeping up with another of our own, Priscilla Hernandez, during her own rise to prominence and popularity.....Which she did indeed work hard to achieve, even if it is just in Europe (for right now?).

I want to say that I sincerely hope that as you follow your path, that it will lead you upward and onward to the goals that we talked about not so long ago.....
Also that your path will be easy enough to walk down without getting hurt (too badly?), but tough enough that you learn from it and never forget.

Love to you, always.

Hi again!
So, I just found out that the episode will air in March. There was a full page photo and article about our episode in our local paper this weekend to help kick-off the new season.

I have to share a funny bit about the taping. During the show, I was being very courteous of the designer, even when she didn't listen to any suggestions given to her by the couple whose room she was designing. Then, after she had us paste shredded paper upon the walls, I decided to have a little talk with her. The producer made me do it on camera.

I tried to speak to her about the down side of having a room with tiny pieces of paper sticking out of the walls when you have two little children ages 3 and 5. I mentioned that the kids may pick the pieces of paper off the wall and possibly eat it.

Well, she went a little nutty and said that kids do what they are told, etc. So, I just backed off and tried to be nice. The producer wanted me to stop being so conservative and let her have it. I tried to be respectful of her as an artist but still try to protect my friends' home.

Anyway, my husband and I had to stain about 22 pieces of wood one night and it was too cold to open the windows. I got very high off the stain. The producer saw this and immediately asked me on camera to remark about the paper on the wall in some of my character voices. Well..............let's just say that 40 minutes later I had done a entire comedy performance which ragged on the idea of kids eating the paper off the walls! Man, I hope they use those takes sparingly!

I told the designer that I had ragged on the paper but not on her as an artist. The producer was so happy that I was being more of an entertainer and less politically correct.

We'll see how they edit it! It should be interesting! At least I got some great PR for my new WOWgirls show and have already booked some of my dancers!!!!

It took my friends five days to get the shredded paper off their walls. The designer even wanted to PAINT the tiles on the floor! OMG! They have wall-to-wall large tiles in their home! It would have ruined the tile and would have been so expensive to replace, even if they could match it! I lied to the designer and told her that they were renting their house!!! She didn't like that and tried to check it out. At least I saved their floor!

My office needs some work but it's fine. I'll let you know when I find out the air date.

Heidi

Hey Heidi,
If I had a TV, I'd watch it for sure.

Tom,
No TV? Wow! I guess you'll have to watch the DVD when I tape it and send you a copy!

Heidi

None of what you have said about how this TV show's people acted towards you and your friends sounds very nice, nor does it sound very legal.
The crew is NOT required to clean up after themselves?
I don't think that you, nor any of your friends, were paid NEARLY enough.

Might be good advice for anyone else to leave this thing alone in the future.....

On the upside, Heidi.....I'm glad to hear that this adventure is all over for you, and that it's all put to rest now, so people can get on with their lives.
Happy to hear that your office turned out halfway cool, sorry to hear about your friends' frightful cleaning adventures...

All in all, I hope that everyone learned something about how the media tries to control us, and how we, as a country, let 'em.

Sam,
We knew what we were getting into when we signed the release forms, so it wasn't as bad as you may be taking it. WE USED the media in this case to promote my WOWgirls show as well as our impersonator acts and that was WELL WORTH any discomfort we had to experience.

The crews were very cool and the "clean-up" to which I was referring was the pealing off of all the shredded paper on the walls. Actually, the show was "good TV" and they did a great job in that respect. The designer that did my friends' room is infamous for her crazy ideas and has put moss and hay on walls and has even hung furniture from the ceiling. I guess they have had her on the shows all these years because of her strange ideas. So, if you want to play THEIR game, you have to be willing to reap the results.


However, if someone does not need to promote anything, then I would not recommend doing a show of this type as the exchange may not be of benefit.

Thanks for your passion, though. It is always admired!

Hey Heidi:

If it's not too much trouble, let us know when you have a date for when the episode airs. Looking forward to seeing it - particularly your stain-induced improv!

Scott

Hi, Heidi. First of all, I'm sorry to hear about your husband's partner.

Secondly, I had NO idea you were a celebrity. That's so cool. Please let me know when the show will air. I can't wait to sit in my living room with the television on and shriek, "Honey, I KNOW her!"

Hey Tricia,
Thanks for the thoughts on my husband's partner. It was a huge loss.

As for my being a celebrity, I really don't consider being a Las Vegas performer much of a celebrity. I've got to do some real fun things though, like a few TV shows. It's just something I am doing to support myself while I sweat to become an actual celebrity in the writing/producing field. Hey, at least I'm working in the entertainment business with "Cher" and our recording studio!

But, it's been a two-edged sword to do the impersonation. Hopefully, 2008 will be the year I finally get to burn the symbolic "Cher" wig! How have you been doing health-wise?


Heidi

This is so Cool, Heidi... I've watched the show and thought it would be a lot of fun...Congratulations!!!!!!...I .Can't wait to see this on TV......Here's to a lovely and fulfilling 2008 for you.

Hugs,
Kaley

Hey Heidi!!

How crazy and fun and adventurous!! I used to be a die-hard fan of the show....from the way you are describing your designer, me thinks you are talking about Hildi...am I right? Who was the other designer, I'm curious?

Also, was Paige back as the host? They've really been playing up that she was back this season.

I do know that some of the more creative-yet-listening-to-the-homeowner designers have left to do shows on their own. Vern was awesome, I loved Laurie the best...don't know if she's still there...she was all about FABRIC.

Anyway, I cannot WAIT to see it....how cool!!

In the meantime, please accept my condolences at the loss of your hubby's partner. I didn't realize so much has been going on behind the scenes. Hopefully, this gave you the lift you so heartily deserve.

Ciao for now,
Beth

P.S. I have always wanted to do this show, but my neighbors were always too chicken. 'Course, having been on crutches for going on 11 months now, it's probably just as well we didn't send in a request!!

Hello Kaley,
It is always so nice to hear from you! Yes, this should prove to be a good year.

Hey Beth,
Wow! You nailed it. Yes, it was Hildi. Here's a link to a newspaper article if you want to read about Paige and about the other designer:

http://www.lvrj.com/furniture_and_design/14451087.html

Perhaps when you are all healed up you can get on the show! Hope you are back to battery very soon.

Thanks for asking, Heidi. Had my mammogram last week. No news of a call back is very good news.

I do hope very much that '08 will bring you opportunities. You're prettier than Cher. Who needs a wig?

Tricia,
Yes, no news is good news in this instance. Please let us all know what happens, okay? You've been going through this mystery for quite some time.

Thanks for the "wig" comment! Perhaps I can burn the symbolic wig at Pineyfest? That would be a riot.

Heidi

Heidi,

WOW, the other designer was DOUG! How groovy is that? Yall got to work with the two real "character" designers! While Hildi has a "holier than thou" persona, Doug is all about sarcasm.

Now I REALLY look forward to seeing it...and I'm glad I saw the newspaper article...otherwise I wouldn't have recognized you. YOU ROCK!

Yes, I would love to do Trading Spaces...but also wouldn't mind getting the "Extreme Home Makeover" -- but I think probably the whole family would have to be on crutches to qualify for that one!

Ciao for now,
Beth

Just carin' for ya babe, that's all...this whole media thing is too much ain't it?

Britney can tell ya all about it...

Hey Beth,
Yes, you really do know the designers! Hildi was a real trip! My friends said that Doug was wonderful to work with and they had a great time.

Right now, they say the air date is March 22nd. I'll post it when it gets closer.

Hey Sam,
Yes, the media certainly is its own planet! But, if you USE it instead of it USING you, then it's great.

Love you,
Heidi

Hey Heidi!

Accidentally bumped into the season premiere of "Trading Spaces" last night!! They showed some teasers from future episodes, but didn't see you anywhere....so now I EXTRA can't wait.

Please let us know if the 3/22 air date gets changed....

Until then, hope you're enjoying your revamped digs!

Cheers,
Beth

Oh my goodness Heidi!!! How did I ever miss THIS one??? I must be blind as well as blonde!! I knew you were redoing your office...but this is way cool. I may even get to watch it as I am FINALLY having my tv hooked up tomorrow. Will see what channels I get to watch. I am so used to NOT watching TV I will probably just veg out in front of it for months and NO one will hear from me again!!!

Love you babe!!! You ROCK..what awesome PR for WOWgirls!!! I can't wait to see this episode.

Hugs,
Bobbie

what fun
hope it turns out great

I think you should take the wig to Pineyfest and have a "Who else can do a Cher" contest.
If I had a nose and a moustache, I'd wear the wig and sing, "I got you babe" just like Sonny

Beth,
I loved doing the show for the PR for the WOWgirls project but I do know it'll take a bit of work and money to get my office up to snuff. It was fun, though. I'll let you know about the date.

Bobbie,
I'm afraid of how the editing will turn out! Yikes! I may turn out to look like the crazy woman that I am!

Ande,
Oh, the things we do to promote! LOL!

Tom,
I can bring a Sonny nose and wig to Pineyfest for you!

Heidi,

March 22nd is my birthday...what a present!

Al

Hey Heidi,

As the original air-date is fast-approaching (3/22), just wondering if it's still on! I've seen a few episodes, but no sign of Cher ANYWHERE!!

Let us know....

xoxo,
Beth

Hey Heidi How do I get to see this show in the UK? I would really like to see it.

Ya update us Heidi, it'll be fun to see you on TV !

saw the show and figured I'd bump this thread. Great job Heidi! Was nice to see you in person . You do an awesome Cher .

Hey Derek,
So glad you saw the show! Thanks for the bump!

Heidi

Hi Heidi

You were great on the show! I though your personality came across as very sweet and maybe just a little concerned lol. I had one question though, did you really like what they did to your fruit wood table? Or did you take that table cloth thing off right after they left? My wife wanted to know thanks!
Derek

Oh, NOOOOOOOOOOO!! I missed it!!! I really, really wanted to see it.

Don't worry Tricia it will be on again this next weekend! Oh and again tonight I think from what Heidi said
Derek

Somebody email me the date and time, PLEASE???? I definitely want to see it. I can't believe I didn't notice Charlann's post yesterday when I logged on here for a minute. I was redoing my front bathroom and taking a little break from it.

Actually that was Beth, but I'm sure she won't be offended. I'll look up TLC and see what time it's on tonight.
Derek