Hey there Monday!
I’m sharing a few behind the scenes pics from my time on Today last week. It was a quick trip…but SO MUCH FUN!
I took a picture of my TV before I left on Wednesday morning :).
I got my kids ready for school and then headed to the airport. Me, a VERY good book, my Mac and coffee…it’s my version of a little vacation. I read two books on this trip and loved them both! November is off to a great start in my book world.
So, I arrived in NYC, walked over to Rockefeller Center and went over everything for the next day (checked the food, went over presentation, etc). After that, I did something amazing…I went back to my room, ordered room service, watched One Tree Hill and went to sleep early. Because…in my world, that doesn’t happen often and it was DELIGHTFUL.
My view the next morning. I just love waking up in NYC!
I’ve told you guys this before, but I read about the Glam Squad app in a magazine about a year ago and that’s who I use every time I travel and need my hair and makeup done. It’s so easy, they are so nice and I’m always so pleased with the results! These two sweet ladies showed up at 7:00 to do my hair and makeup.
At 9:00, it was time to go. I bought this dress and these shoes for the occasion. Both were extremely comfy. The shoes come in three colors and are probably the comfiest heels I own now.
The hotel lighting was not great, but I wanted you to see the zipper in the back of the dress.
The lipstick she used on me was MAC’s Pink Plaid.
In the car on the way over, Andrew texted me this note. Love my kiddos so much!
So…I don’t have any green room pics for several reasons, I didn’t have my phone (someone was holding it for me), it was all happening so fast, and I was SO STAR STRUCK! I’m not one of those people who says she doesn’t get star struck, I basically get hit by lightening. As I waited in the green room, here is what was happening around me:
Kevin James was in there getting his hair and makeup done. Kevin. James. I am a HUGE fan. I wanted to tell him that I watch at least one episode of The King of Queens every day while I’m getting ready or before I go to sleep. I am mad for him!
Heather Graham walked past me to get to hair and makeup. She looked like a super model.
And when it was time for me to go upstairs, had to walk in between these two guys because they were standing in front of the door having a conversation and I needed to exit. I walked in between…
ANDY GARCIA and
OLIVER PLATT!
Eeeeeeks! I love them both! When I texted Andrew, he wanted me to make some sort of Terry Benedict comment to Andy Garcia but I wanted to tell him that his performance in When a Man Loves a Woman makes me cry EVERY SINGLE TIME. So, needless to say, my star struck head was a spinnin’ when I went upstairs to studio 1A.
And then…I got to make some stuff with this guy…
…Chef John Besh. Who by the way, we can officially call the nicest person I’ve ever met. He was there with his beautiful wife and they too have four kiddos. We bonded quickly over so many things. I absolutely loved working with him!
After we looked over the kitchen and made sure everything was okay, we watched Nick Lachey co-host the nine o’clock hour. I didn’t get a pic with him, but I have things to note: he was extremely nice (just like he appears on TV), he has a killer smile, and I wanted to tell him that when he and Jessica Simpson announced their divorce, I was devastated. I remember exactly where I was (my in-law’s living room) when I heard the news. I loved Nick and Jessica. Just sayin’. They broke my heart ;).
I waited for a minute in the hall…otherwise known as in front of Matt Lauer’s office. And then it was time to get ready…
…in the kitchen looking over my ingredients.
Listening to our producer give us some quick info.
These ladies that run the Today kitchen are AMAZING. You should see all that they do to get the food ready for every segment between 7:00 and 11:00.
And here we are about to go live. Kathie Lee and Hoda were so sweet and gracious to us all morning long. They are funny, genuine, sweet and say things like “God bless you” over and over again.
They had me in stitches the whole morning!
John made his soup first and then it was time to move from savory to sweet.
The best part was when the beaters weren’t in the hand mixer and they fell in the bowl :).
When I grow up, I want to be like Kathie Lee Gifford. She is amazing both inside and out.
Everything was fantastic! It was such a blessing to get to spend my morning with these three.
If you missed my segment, you can see it HERE.
Thank you Today!
Leslie Z. says
How amazing of an experience! I don’t know that I would have been able to continue on being a normal human being with all of those celebs around! I would have been a jumbled mess, but you rocked it!
http://www.withlovefromgablog.blogspot.com
MB says
Thinking this will be the Pie for Thanksgiving!
Would love your thoughts, considering making this in a 9in. Springform Pan vs. traditional pie dish?
Mix and Match Mama says
I think this one calls for a traditional pie plate. It just seems more “Thanksgiving” to me as far as presentation goes :).
Samantha says
You were fantastic and never looked better. One hundred summers is one of my favorite books! You will love everything by that author!
Francie says
You look awesome, Shay! What an awesome opportunity it was to see Kevin James!!!! My husband and I have watch every last episode of Kings of Queen, also. http://www.supersimpleways.com
Kelly stamps says
Love this!! I was hoping you met Nick Lachey! I would have died!!!!! You did great!
Erin says
I have all seasons of the Newlyweds for the very same reason! The pie will now be on my priority baking list!
Sarah says
HOW FUN!!!! I’m about to watch the segment right now 🙂 I’m sure you did fantastic and you look absolutely gorgeous!!!
Kensington is such a sweetie!! Love the note 🙂
Hope you have a fantastic day!!
-Sarah http://www.thefrugalmillionaireblog.com
Regine Karpel says
Love.
http://www.rsrue.blogspot.com
Karen krieger says
You were amazing ! Did You notice that Hoda kept calling you Shay Shull over and over again. She loved saying your WHOLE name!
Mary Jorgensen says
This was my favorite too! I am known for calling people by their first and last name all of the time so this jut made me giggle. That and Shay Shull just has a ring to it!
Sarah Shaneyfelt says
I was so upset about Nick and Jessica divorcing, too, because I used to watch Newlyweds all the time and own all of the DVDs! I loved your segment and I think Kathy Lee and Hoda have to be the nicest people ever!
MeetTheShaneyfelts
jamie allen says
a few things: drives me silly in my brain when my library doesn’t have a book you suggest aka the one in this post, it’s crazy how you have a super fun relaxing quick trip {how do you read two books that quickly} and then are in a cooking segment for 60 seconds??!? and OH MY GOSH you simply mentioning {when a man loves a woman} made my heart break and i felt all the feelings. i love that movie so very much…
emily @ a little bit of emily says
Sounds like another great trip to the Today show!!! You did such a great job and I love that dress!
Sheaffer says
I get soooo star struck too! You did awesome, and I’m already ready for them to have you back again! So proud of you!
Narci says
You were precious and so good! Loved watching you! Also, you are right on about Nick and Jessica!! I’m still recovering from that! 😉
Amy says
How fun! Love the behind the scenes pictures.
Connie says
You were great on Today! I love Nick and Andy! When a Man Loves a Woman is one of my favorite movies ever!! I cry too! Love it!! How lucky you are! 🙂
Tammy says
So much fun watching you on Today !! Love all your recipes 🙂
Lynn D says
You did SO well and I loved watching feeling like I know her!!! I lost count how many times they said ShayShull together!! ????
kathy says
Awesome!!
Holly Hopkind says
You rocked it. I would not have a voice around anyone famous just awkwardly stare and probably make them uncomfortable. Haha. Great job! LOVE the dress. Looked great on tv.
Valerie Cox says
I watch KLG and Hoda every day, and I loved seeing you on there. Your pumpkin pie sounds delicious! Next time, you should bring Kensington along as your sous chef! 🙂 Great job, Shay!
Melissa says
You are so right about Nick and Jessica…they announced their divorce on Thanksgiving weekend so I totally remember where I was too. You looked adorable and the glam squad sounds like perfection!
Brooke Richardson says
I would of probably peed myself if I saw Kevin James!!! Holy heck and so many other great actors too! So much fun! You did awesome!
Tracee Langenfeld says
You were great on the show and I loved the part where the beaters fell out of the mixer too. Your pie recipe is delicious. I made it for a family get together last weekend and now they want me to bring it to Thanksgiving.
Taylor Hall says
You & Kathie Lee look like you could be related!!
Laci Murray says
I would have been instantly star struck by Nick Lachey!! I am with you, totally broke my heart when they divorced. How fun to hang out with Kathie Lee and Hoda all morning. You were fabulous!!
Lauren says
You did amazing! I loved how Hoda loved saying your name over and over again. Too funny!
Lizzie @ This Happy Life says
Seriously how freaking awesome!! I’m so happy for you!! You were amazing! I’m going to make this pie for our Thanksgiving, I know it will be a hit!
Katherine says
You were great! You handled the ‘beater’ incident like a pro, and that pie looked delicious! Can’t wait to try it! Glad you had a great time!
Anna says
Oh my goodness, you have to move quick on the food segment. Props to you for getting through all of it! Do you make your own pie crust or do you use store bought?
Mix and Match Mama says
I typically use store bought. Sometimes for holidays, I’ll make my own.
Karen says
Congratulations on a GREAT SEGMENT!!! WAHOO!!! 🙂
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Your segment was so fun! It’s nice to hear Kathie Lee and Hoda are just as nice as they seem. I can’t wait for your next appearance! I will be making that pie for Thanksgiving 🙂
Angela Ellingson says
Love, love, love! You did so good! Hilarious when the beaters fell out. 🙂 Can’t wait to try your recipe!
Melanie says
So so cool, Shay! You should be very proud!
KimW says
You did a nice job on Today! The segment seemed rushed when they featured you and Chef John! I wish it would have been a little longer 🙂 I just checked that book out of my library so I am glad to hear that it is good!
Debbie says
Congratulations! So happy for you!
Andrea says
I was dying laughing when they kept saying Shay Shull over and over again! ????????????
Libby says
Shay! You did amazing, so glad you posted a link! I wasn’t able to watch last Thursday. I’m going to make it for Thanksgiving. You inspire me to follow my dreams!
cassie {hi sugarplum} says
You looked absolutely stunning…your beautiful positively glows from within!! So grateful to know you, friend!! And I couldn’t be more thrilled for your successes!!! xoxox
Karen says
So fun watching you!! I wish they wouldn’t have rushed the cooking segment…….????All those stars…..I would have been a puddle. I would love to meet Kathie Lee ~ I’ve loved her since way back when…. in the 70s ~ I came to Jesus because of her and her first book in 1992 ????????
Lindsay D. says
Loved watching the show!! I’m so happy for you!! 🙂 What polish are you wearing in the photos?
Lindsay @ Lindsay's Sweet World says
You were so great, Shay! And I would have been completely star struck over Kevin James, too!!
Jackie says
Congrats, Shay! Looks like so much fun and you did so great!
Julie Clark says
I just watched it from your link! Thank you for that! You don’t miss a beat! So adorable!!
Erica Marchelle says
This is so exciting. I’m always rooting for you! When I grow up I want to be like Shay Shull! 🙂
Catherine Prell says
I felt so proud of you on there — like “That’s OUR ‘Shay Shull’ you’ve got there, Hoda!” (whoever started the #shayshull hashtag on Instagram cracked me UP)
I agree with whoever said you and Kathie Lee look like you could be related! You did amazing and looked like you had so much fun. Your accent is adorable! You looked gorgeous as always!
Erin Port says
You were darling with your sweet smile! They loved saying your name! And the beaters, what a hoot. You handled it like a champ. Thanks for sharing the behind the scenes with us.
Megan Butler says
Oh my goodness. You are living my dream!! I have watched the Today show almost every morning since forever! You looked gorgeous (always!) and I want to be Kathie Lee too! She is amazing.
Fay says
I’m with you on When a Man Loves a Woman. Crushes me every time!
Hayli says
I love reading your blog and I love you even more watching you on tv. It’s different to hear your voice ha! Makes me like you all the more! You did fantastic & looked amazing! Maybe it’s just me from not watching H&KL frequently or living on a quiet farm in the middle of nowhere with just my baby most of the time, but they were so overstimulating! Rushed & loud & all over the place! But you handled it like the pro that you are! I would have been so starstruck as well! Hope to see you on tv lots more in the near future!
Rachel says
You did such a good job on Today!! You are a natural at being on tv!! You looked beautiful and enjoyed watching!
Anna says
Shay – I was hoping someone else would ask you this so I didn’t have to bug you, but what nail color are you wearing? It looks so good on you! Hoping it will on me too 🙂
Mix and Match Mama says
It’s from OPI’s Hello Kitty line. It’s called Let’s Be Friends :).
Sheri R says
You’re a natural, Shay! You make it all look and sound so easy – and I know it can’t be. I would have DIED to see Andy Garcia! That face, that movie, that face…….!!!!! Congratulations on another amazing adventure!
Morgan says
I was (still kinda am!) obsessed with Nick Lachey back in the Jessica days. They were my favorite couple and the divorce broke my heart, too! I have all the ‘Newlyweds’ DVDs if you wanna borrow..just sayin 🙂 I met him years ago, super nice!!
Amanda says
So fun seeing behind the scenes. And Andy Garcia!?!?! OMG!!!
I’ll have to check out Glam Squad….people who come to your door for hair and makeup sounds like a dream!
Congrats on this fun appearance and your new cookbook.
P.S. Are you a super fast reader?!
Mix and Match Mama says
I had a lot of time! Between both flights (and the time leading up), I had plenty of time to read a book each way.
Jaren says
I’m just getting around to watching you on Today. You did so great!! That pie looks amazing and may be making an appearance at our Thanksgiving this week!