My What Not To Wear Experience

Update!!

2010-01-29T19:33:00.000-08:00

The picture is of us on July 30, 2009. Wayne and I renewed our vows for our 10 year Anniversary.

So much has changed with us. I had Cayden on November 20, 2008. We ended up moving from Virginia to Washington (the state) over the summer (2009) and what a drive that was! We split the kids up so I had 4 and Wayne took 2. It took 7 days to arrive! And we love it here!! We also adopted a puppy and his name is Chevy. He’s a Dalmatian mix and a cutie!

In June, just before we moved I was diagnosed with COP/BOOP and was put on 40 mg of prednisone. I have gained close to 40 pounds since and am 1 week from being completely weaned off this hideous drug. I’m looking forward to March so I can get a new hair cut and wardrobe. I ended up having to purchase larger fitting clothes as the ones I had were too small.

I was also diagnosed with CVID. I’m receiving IgG infusions once a month through an IV. Takes 5 hours for each one, but that’s OK because I get to nap and catch up on homework without being bothered. Speaking of homework, I’ve returned to school. I made the Dean’s List with a GPA 3.95. I’m majoring in Social Science.

Almost a year

2008-11-17T06:11:00.000-08:00

A year ago, I was in New York for my makeover. And while I've tried very hard to keep up with the look, now that I'm 2 weeks from my due date, I'm finding myself staying comfy is more important! And so is resting! I don't wear sweats out or anything, actually have a few pair of pants that I rotate with some nice tops. I ended up having to give away most of my maternity, since it didn't fit the "style" I was given. I purchased a few items to replace the ones I gave away.

After Cayden's birth, I'm going to have a new hair cut and style and will be replacing my glasses. My youngest son broke my red glasses and I couldn't replace them as there was no way to get the prescription from the eye doctor I saw in NY. I don't even remember the name of the place we went to. I'm in need of another eye exam anyway and doctors recommend buying new glasses after the baby is born, because eye sight changes during pregnancy and after delivery.

The make-up is hard to keep up with since my darling daughters like to play with it. I told Wayne he needs to buy me a Craftman's tool box with a lock. Replacing that stuff is EXPENSIVE!

Oh, and sorry Carmindy, I just couldn't keep up with plucking. I wax my brows. 15 minutes a month, and it's MY TIME! :)

Night Before and Homecoming Pictures

2008-02-18T12:19:00.001-08:00

Night Before and Homecoming Pictures! I hope you enjoy!

On the carousel in Newport News, VA

Eating Breakfast before the ship arrives *David and Timmy*

Eating Breakfast before the ship arrives *MaryEllen and Katie*

Interviewing for the show! MaryEllen, Katie, and David

Interviewing on the pier

Trying to stay warm!

Reunited!

Another embrace!

We Missed Daddy!

Holding Gwenivere for the first time!

Becoming of age

2008-02-17T15:29:00.000-08:00

Becoming of age
"What Not to Wear" teaches Hampton Navy wife and mom to leave kids' clothes behind and dress like a woman
By LISA B. DEADERICK 247-4733
February 16, 2008

When Rosemary King answered the door to her home last weekend, she was different. It was more than the haircut, new glasses and the updated ensemble courtesy of her time spent with Clinton Kelly and Stacy London of TLC's "What Not to Wear." She felt different, more than she had months or even years before."I think (my personality's) shifted back to where it was when I was a teenager," she said, dressed in skinny jeans, cinnamon colored Ralph Lauren boots and a deep purple, V-neck shirt. "More perky and outgoing.""Yeah, definitely," said her husband of eight years, Wayne. "Like she was when we first met. Before we had our first kid."
(Most people first watched this fashion shift when her episode aired Friday night, but a repeat is on at 2 p.m. today on TLC, Cox channel 30.) Her whole transformation was sort of an accident. As a Navy wife, she'd signed up for the newsletters e-mailed by the enlisted spouses family readiness group. It usually just lists new people and new messages."I meant to delete that message and instead I opened it up," she said.There was an item about an extended deadline for the show's military homecoming series for spouses who were returning home between December and January. That was in early October. So she took some pictures and sent them in, nominating herself. The couple lives in Hampton with their five children, who range in age from 7 years to 5 months. Rosemary, 28, home-schools the kids. Wayne, 29, is an ensign on the USS Enterprise in Norfolk where he works as a main propulsion technical assistant. Before coming home in December, Wayne had been gone for more than five months in the Middle East.Rosemary would send Wayne e-mails, telling him he was in for a big surprise when he got home. She'd drop hints about chopping off her hair (which he doubted she'd do) and telling him she didn't want him to be upset with how different she'd look. He assured her he wouldn't."I was wearing clothes from the children's department, and I would wear his big sweaters with blue jeans," she said in December, when the camera crew was in town and shooting some scenes of the couple at 99 Main, a restaurant in Newport News' Hilton Village.Yes, she can wear clothes from the children's department because even after giving birth to five children, she's blessed with a size 0 figure. And Wayne wasn't sad to see the sweaters go either. Those were his big, hooded sweat shirts, which he'd tease her about saying she looked like the Unabomber. Clinton and Stacy, the fashion pros from the show, had their work cut out for them."They were not impressed with my clothes at all," she said. They made fun of the fact that her kids had a better sense of style and fashion than she seemed to. And they made fun of her "old lady church shoes," saying they looked like they belonged in a scene from the movie "Steel Magnolias.""I'm glad they got rid of those old, square-toed granny shoes," Wayne said at their home last weekend. "I thought they looked cute because I wore them with a dress to his commissioning," she said."She wore them with everything!" he called from the kitchen, as she laughed.Clinton and Stacy told her to stop shopping in the kids section. To buy petite sizes instead and have them tailored to fit, which is what Wayne had been telling her for some time. They pointed her toward wrap dresses because those accentuate the curves on her small frame. They told her to wear flats with shorter length jeans and heels with longer ones — something she was able to point out to a visitor who had the look reversed. While a $5,000 shopping spree withstylists in New York City should be all fun, it had its difficult moments. Like the "dreaded 360-degree mirror.""Oh, it was horrible! It is dreaded!" she said. "They should send one of those to President Bush and he could use it on the terrorists as a torture chamber." Looking in it was a reality check for her because before that, she really didn't think she looked that bad. But in the mirror she saw that everything they'd been telling her was true.It was also tough because she's the type of person who's more concerned about other people than herself. That frustrates Wayne because he wants her to take care of herself, too, especially while he's away for months at a time. Even one of the associate producers on the show noticed her attention toward others. When they were first taping her in the stores, she was kind of hunched over and seemed really uncomfortable spending all of that money on herself. When the crew was walking around shooting footage and carrying her stuff, she kept asking to help them. When she's at the store with her family, she may see something she likes, but by the time they're at the register she's slipped it out of the pile and put it back. Wayne usually has to sneak and buy it for her while she's distracted with the kids.She did finally get into a groove in New York. A bargain shopper by nature, she found stuff she liked at H&M, Basic Basic, BCBG and a 50 percent discount at Miguelina. Now she could look more like her fashion ideal, Jackie O, and less like an extra from "Steel Magnolias." "It's nice seeing her in new outfits because she has an old-fashioned, classy personality and now her clothes match her personality," said Wayne."I had a really good time. It was challenging and there were a couple of times I didn't want to do it anymore," she said. It really pushed her to shift out of her old self-image, to see and think of herself differently. "It's not just a fashion thing, it's about your self-esteem," she said with a satisfied grin.

News to useWhat: A Hampton wife and mother, Rosemary King, gets a makeover courtesy of TLC's "What Not to Wear." When: 2 p.m. todayWhere: TLC, Cox channel 30More info: www.tlc.discovery.com/whatnottowear

http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_whatnottowear_0216feb16,0,3584083.story

Sailor's wife welcomed him with a new look

2008-02-17T15:25:00.000-08:00

Sailor's wife welcomed him with new look
A Hampton woman gets a makeover on an episode of "What Not to Wear."
By LISA B. DEADERICK 247-4733
February 14, 2008

Rosemary King was forced to give up shopping in the children's department, her old lady shoes and her husband's big, hooded sweat shirts that made her look like the Unabomber.King, 28, is a Hampton wife and mother being featured on an episode of TLC's makeover show, "What Not to Wear" at 9 and 11 p.m. Friday on Cox Channel 30.Usually, the subjects of the show are nominated by friends or family. King, a mother of five and a diminutive size 0, wanted help with her whole look for a special military homecoming episode, so she nominated herself. Her husband, Wayne King, is an ensign in the Navy on the carrier Enterprise and first saw his wife when the ship returned to Norfolk in December.
"I was nervous about (his reaction), but I was excited, too," she said back then."I was like, 'She looks real nice,' " he'd said. Now, he's happy to see her in her new outfits because they're a better match for her personality.A couple of months later, she's keeping up with the new look, dressed in designer jeans and boots with a deep purple top. It's classy, not kiddie, and she talks about the experience in a story here on Saturday. She did get to keep a favorite shirt from her old wardrobe, though. It's a green T-shirt with Snoopy eating a cookie that says, "It's all about the cookies.""I love my Snoopy shirt," she said.
News to Use What: A Hampton wife and mother, Rosemary King, gets a makeover courtesy of TLC's "What Not to Wear." She talks about the experience in a story Saturday on page D1.When: 9 and 11 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. SaturdayWhere: TLC, Cox Channel 30More info:www.tlc.discovery.com/whatnottowearIn her own words: Rosemary has a blog about her experience on the show at www.mywhatnottowearexperience.blogspot.com

http://www.dailypress.com/features/dp-life_whatnottowear_0214feb14,0,2666575.story

The Daily Press January 10, 2008

2008-02-13T08:58:00.000-08:00

Here's another mention in the paper.

'What Not to Wear' filmed in Hampton to air Feb. 15

2:06 PM EST, January 10, 2008
HAMPTON - A cable reality show, "What Not to Wear," filmed in Hampton last month and the show will air Feb. 15. Producers and audiovisual staff for the popular show on The Learning Channel, TLC, filmed on Dec. 18, 2007, at Magnolia House Bed & Breakfast, Hampton Carousel and the downtown waterfront. The production staff was hosted by Hampton Convention & Visitor Bureau's media relations team.

The program, "Homecoming Rosemary," which features the makeover of a local woman, will air Feb. 15.

"What Not to Wear" is a fashion-related program and a spin-off of a popular British program. A participant is usually nominated to receive a makeover by a friend or relative.

Stacy London and Clinton Kelly are the hosts of "What Not to Wear." The show is viewed by about 1.2 million households during its Friday night airing. Reruns air throughout the week.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/hampton/dp-now-whatnotwear.0110,0,6248086.story?coll=hr_tab01_layout

The Daily Press, December 20, 2007

2008-02-13T08:49:00.000-08:00

Here's the article from the Daily Press, the local newspaper in Hampton/Newport News

Makeover a result of TLC

December 20, 2007

As if returning home to see his family (and newborn) wasn't enough, Ensign Wayne King got an extra surprise Wednesday, when the carrier Enterprise returned to Norfolk and he saw his wife, Rosemary — and the camera crew. She had volunteered for the TLC makeover show "What Not to Wear." "I was, like, 'She looks real nice,'" he said, a few hours after the taping of the "big reveal" scene, which took place at the pier.

Usually, the subjects of the show are nominated by friends or family. King, a mother of five and a diminutive size 0, wanted help with her whole look for a special military-homecoming episode.

"I was wearing clothes that were from the children's department, and I would wear his big sweaters with blue jeans," she said Wednesday as she and her husband taped scenes at 99 Main, a restaurant in Newport News' Hilton area. "I was nervous about (his reaction), but I was excited, too."

Her episode airs Feb. 15 on TLC, Cox channel 30.

http://www.dailypress.com/news/local/hampton/dp-news_homecomingside_1220dec20,0,7735876.story

The Kids (December 6th)

2008-02-13T08:43:00.000-08:00

The kids came home today. It was so great having them back home and I was able to get the painting done, and Christmas Decorations up. My mom is staying with us until Wayne comes home. The kids really like the new look and Timmy wasn't hesitant in coming to me either. I was afraid that the new look was going to scare him and he wouldn't recognize me. But all is well! Wayne comes home in less than 2 weeks and I can't wait!

Hair, Makeup and Clothes (November 29, 2007)

2008-02-11T10:29:00.000-08:00

Today is hair, makeup, and clothes. I woke up around 7ish and got to the studio with Sandra around 8AM. They're not ready and so I just sit around for awhile. It's the LAST day in my OLD clothes. All of them will be donated and I don't bring anything home except my new clothes.

We finally got started after 9:30. And I don't remember the exact questions, but I know, I said I wanted my hair cut short, so I can donate it to Locks of Love. I also remember asking to make sure it's manageable. Other than that, I told Nick that I trusted his judgment. He did a fantastic job on my hair and I LOVE IT! He is also very funny, and was a joy to be around. I was even given a sample of his hair cream he used on me.

Dean, one of the Executive Producers, was making fun of my hair, saying that Nick dyed it green. What a joker! It was a really fun and relaxing day on set. Today was MUCH better than Monday.

Carmindy was next and she was so sweet! My eyebrows were in desperate need of a makeover themselves! LOL! I think the whole plucking part took over a half an hour, maybe longer. With many short breaks in between. But in the end, it was worth it. She did an amazing job. And I'm not sure, how I'll be able to keep up with the plucking at home. She said, no waxing, but I just don't see myself plucking. LOL!

The makeup part was fun too. She made me look like Snow White. All I needed was the little red bow on my head. Maybe I'll shot for SW for Halloween next year! She too gave me a sample of one of her products. It was a lip gloss, Pretty Pink.

I later learned that Nick and Carmindy don't hand samples out to just anyone, so it was very sweet of them to give me something.

Between breaks, I had to hide out. Stacy and Clinton are not allowed to see me until the reveal on camera in studio. Even I wasn't able to see myself with the new clothes and makeup together until the reveal. The studio goes through great lengths in making sure I didn't see my new look, by covering all the mirrors. But, Stacy did catch a glimpse as we were walking down the hall, and she said, "H**y S**t!" And put her hand up to cover her face so she wouldn't see anymore.

Janice, one of the Executive Producers, didn't even recognize me. She thought she hired a new girl. It was so funny, she was like, "Who are you?" She was very surprised at how I looked.

I don't know when we started to shoot with the final reveal. But it was played out that S&C would hand me my glasses (b/c they "picked" them out). And I had to go out in my new clothes! They loved the new look! And so did I (though the glasses will take some getting used to).

Sandra, had an awesome idea, that I give Stacy and Clinton a large Mrs. Field's chocolate chip cookie! It was sooooooooooooooooo good! So, I gave that to them, on set, it took 3 takes to get the perfect outcome.

We finished taping, and hung out in the studio eating this massive cookie!

Afterward, I went through the clothes, and were getting everything that was wool aside, so I could exchange it for something that wasn't. That was a PITA. And I didn't plan on it, but the more I thought about my allergies, the more uncomfortable I felt keeping those pieces. My sisters have allergies to wool too, so it makes sense that I do too.
We're off to shopping again, to spend the remainder of my $5000. We were out until 11 PM and I think I spent EVERYTHING! Susan was keeping track of it all, and it seemed like I spent all of it. We went back to Max Brenner for dinner and it was a nice way to end the day. They have really great food there.

In the morning I have to wake up at 4:30 to make my 7AM flight back to Norfolk. Let's hope I have a good flight!

Day 3, Shopping Day 2 (November 28, 2007)

2008-01-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

My morning started off well, I got to the store, on time, but the crew wasn't ready for me, so I spent almost 2 hours with Sandra at Starbucks. When they were ready, it was close to 10AM. We were at a cute boutique Miguelina. It was a really nice store.

I WON the challenge from yesterday and got my cookie! And we began our "shopping" for the dress. I tried on a red one, black one, and a purple one.

I also found my homecoming dress! It's BEAUTIFUL! It was 50% off too! They were so nice and let us stay for the day to get my tailoring done.

After we were done filming the dress, we went to see Nick. His salon was really nice and I had a short 5 minute consultation. He ran his hands through my hair, and asked what I wanted. I said I wanted it short, to donate. He said OK, and that we would discuss it further tomorrow.

We were actually able to finish at 6 today after a 2 hour LATE start in the one store today! I was very happy (and so were the Associate producers and my stylist). The producers said this was the fastest they've ever finished; b/c S&C liked everything I purchased yesterday!!!! WHOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And therefore, we didn't have to return ANYTHING! But I did. I exchanged a pant and a tank, a sparkle top and a sweater. I didn't love the pieces and wanted something else.

And you'll have to watch the show to see the final reveal! LOL! Tomorrow is hair and makeup. Nick didn't say much, just ran his hands though my hair a few times and was done with me. I still have to bathe do my video diary and think of 4 questions for Nick and Carmendy. So, I'm going to go, even though it's 8:30, I'm tired and want to go to bed by 10.

Day 2, Shopping Day 1 (November 27, 2007)

2008-01-18T17:30:00.000-08:00

So, it is DAY 2 and shopping was a lot of FUN! The hardest part was finding things that I liked/didn't like and then setting up cameras to catch me saying what I thought. We had a lot of takes, b/c the stores are actually open for business when they're filming, so it was loud and we had to keep starting over when ppl would come in/out of the stores. But I had fun.

The first store, H&M, I got some great pieces, thinking I want to return a pant, b/c it's not very fitted and I found a second pair I liked a lot better (off camera, so technically, they don't exist yet). I found pretty much everything S&C had for my rules, except the homecoming dress. I did buy about $1000 in clothes and shoes off camera tonight we finished shopping around 9 PM.

The clothes I got off camera were more for church, and meetings, and when I sub/volunteer. The ones I got earlier in the day were more that I would wear around the kids. I also got 2 pairs of shoes, my dress heel and a brown boot. LOVE the boots! On camera I spent around, $1400, I think I've spent $3000 total today, but I'm not sure. My glasses were about $400/$500. I got 3 pairs of jeans, one from H&M and 2 from AG Jeans! Love those. I had a game I had to play. Figure out if I paid attention to the rules, for the jeans. So, I had to choose between 5 pairs, and I think I picked the correct pair, I'll find out tomorrow. I told S&C if I'm correct, then they owe me a cookie! I also got 2 corduroy pants, a white button down blouse and a jean jacket. I spent over $1200 there. And was really happy with everything I got.

The third on camera store was Basic Basic, a store with general shirts. This place was a waste of time and money, IMO. Most undershirts were around $60. I mean, you can go to Wal-mart or Target and get 5-10 shirts for that amount! On camera I bought a top and off camera, I return the top and purchased a couple of different tops.

My off camera store I went to was BCBG. I bought a few shirts, a pant, 2 dresses, and a pair of shoes.

Tomorrow we're shopping for my homecoming dress, a few more layering pieces, and the accessories. So, I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. I think I did pretty well. Who knows? I have to be up at 7:30 b/c I need to do the video diary tomorrow morning.

Day 1 (November 26, 2007)

2008-01-18T16:59:00.000-08:00

So, today started well. I got in NY yesterday by plane from FL and it was a nice flight. Sandra and I went out to dinner and dessert before calling it a night. Wayne thinks I'm in CA having a boob job! Or Las Vegas, he doesn't know. And he's just being silly trying to figure this out.

Anyway, today was my first day filming and it started off pretty well, I was very optimistic. I got my eye exam done at 9 AM and picked out my glasses they'll be ready tomorrow. They're super cute, red frames, kind of 1950s vintage. If I ever find a picture, I'll post. After the eye exam, we got to the studio and sat around for over an hour. I should have brought a BOOK, I was super bored! When we did start filming, we started with the 360 degree mirror. That thing is HORRIBLE and a total self-esteem crusher! I was almost in tears by the end of the day. You'll see it all on TV, I wasn't talking much, I was just sad and depressed at how I looked. I mean, I felt so childish and not at all like what I normally feel like (happy-and chipper). We don't own a full length mirror at home, so I didn't see how bad I looked, only from the chest up. Anyway, my clothes really are shit. I felt even more insecure and sad, that all I wanted to do after the first outfit, was hid in a corner and just cry and tell them, they WON, they can have my clothes, BURN THEM IN HELL FOR ETERNITY, I didn't want to go back 2 more times. I was so upset. I understand now, the reason, S&C put you in that mirror, it MAKES you look at yourself, in ALL WAYS and really shows how badly dressed you really are. And, I hope this doesn't sound vain, or anything, b/c I think it's more than that. I literally felt childish in box. (and BTW, it's a 2 way mirror that you're looking at- I always wondered how ppl could tell and how they did it. Now I know!) Anyway, the rest of the afternoon went downhill from there. That thing is not to be desired by ANY SANE PERSON! The other 2 outfits were just as bad, and it's hard not to look at the outfit, b/c it's staring you in the face, and you can't hide from it. I'm just glad that's over. And during takes, you could hear the crickets chirp. It was THAT BAD! I wonder if it's always like that.

My 3 outfits are so trendy! My first outfit is dark jeans, with a dark blouse with flowers on it (a tank under it) and a tailored red jacket, with high brown boots. The boot tip, looked masculine to me, but I loved the color! There was also an over-sized black purse and had necklaces with it.

Outfit 2, was brown pants (I swear they look olive!), and a bright pink (and maybe orange mixed in) sweater, cardigan with a plain LS shirt under. And a leopard print flat shoe. There was a scarf with this outfit as the accessory.

Outfit 3 was the homecoming dress. Very pretty, very 1950's flared bottom. It was retro, sparkly and just fun. I loved that outfit the best. It was silver sequence at the top, and black at the bottom with black sequenced roses at the bottom. It looked like a skirt, but it was a dress. The accessorized it with a large crystal like necklace. And a black fitted coat. Very much Jacky-O the style I've been after. The shoes however were open toe and no back, so, I would make sure I get something with a closed toe, b/c that pier will be VERY COLD!

SO that pretty much was my day. I did an interview and headed back to the hotel for dinner (again with Sandra-it's nice to have someone to talk to)
I'm here, and missed 2 calls from Wayne and will write him before going to bed. Right now, I need a nice long bubble bath.

I'll write again tomorrow night. It's DAY ONE of SHOPPING! :)

Throwing clothes away (November 19, 2007)

2008-01-18T16:13:00.000-08:00

Well, not no more, but very little. I have 2 jeans, and a brown pair of pants. And t-shirts with one sweater on the hanger and the one I'm wearing. They got rid of pretty much every thing else! It was FUN and LIBERATING! LOL! I do still have my maternity though. That was nice.
They were here for 6 hours. My day started at 8 and got out of the house late, b/c MaryEllen had toothpaste in her hair, so she got a bath before we left. I bought the crew (about 15) Krispy Kreme donuts and all the guys were soooooooooooooooooooooooo happy for them. LOL! The ladies were all "watching their diets" LOL! But the 2 doz I bought were GONE! I met more of the crew that will be in NYC, and they're so nice.

Ok, so they spent about 45 minutes setting up camera, and lights, all over the lawn and my house! They even re-designed my furniture. LOL

They brought in a flat screen TV for the viewing of my "secret" footage. It was fun, not as bad as I thought it would be. LOL! Clinton did say something so funny about how I don't have trouble having kids looking like "that" the 2 of us were just cracking up. Stacy and everyone else was like, ok, it was funny but that funny. It really was that funny. It took the 2 of us a couple of minutes to recompose. LMAO! I don't know if they'll air that or not though.

After the secret footage stuff, we headed up to the bedroom to clean out the closet. They tried taking some of Wayne's clothes, b/c he has more space in the closet than I do. LOL! We had to restart a couple of times b/c of that. And they do take your clothes, and donate them to charity. Mine are going to Good Will. It was fun cleaning out the closet and funny too. I didn't say much, b/c I was laughing so much. Helen had to keep prompting me to say something.

Oh and they're taking me to get new glasses (possibly contacts, ladies convince me!). I've passed out at the optometrist office when I was in HS when they were checking for that eye disease, with the puff thing. I've also passed out with putting on my earrings, but got over that in a week. So, I was thinking, if I "practice" for a few hours, to get comfortable with it. I don't know though. HELP! I'll discuss it with the doctor and ask what s/he thinks.

And they've offered to pay for a cleaning crew to come in and clean the house, b/c they were in the house and made a "mess". NICE and I didn't have to pay for the sitter again.
I leave Friday, and my flight is for Sunday.

My surprise from Stacy and Clinton (November 18, 2007)

2008-01-18T16:02:00.000-08:00

OK, so here's how they did it.

Friday night they were trying to get some footage of us, but didn't have time and came by Saturday morning, to get some more footage, before sending "it all back to NY" for the "final" selection.

I woke late around 8 am and proceeded to get the kids ready for the sitters (I had a luncheon that afternoon and had to drop the kids off at the sitters around 11). Everyone eats and gets dressed and after I'm done bathing Timmy, I need to bathe Gwen, and that's when the producer, Natalia came with one of the Executive Producers (I've been working with the associate producers).

Anyway, the EP, Jeanie, wanted to interview me in the kitchen, while Natalia kept the kids busy in the living room. We get maybe 15 minutes into it and I hear sirens. Like a fire truck. So, I keep talking, and trying to finish up the interview. Then David and MaryEllen and Katie tell me "Stacy and Clinton are here!" To which I reply, "No, it's just a fire truck, no one is here!" Lo and Behold, I go to the front door and there they are with my family, some friends and a HUGE camera crew standing on my front lawn! Oh AND they got the NAVY color Guard there too and the band (which is what I thought was the siren) I was and still am in complete and utter shock! OH and the CLOTHES: I was wearing a brown pair of pants, a cream sweater with cream shoes. Natalia said I should change and look less put together. So, I threw a XL (in men's) green sweater and my flip-flops on. She said much better. My hair was down (b/c I only wear it down when I'm not going to be with the kids) but I had it pulled back loosely with a hair tie. By the time they're filming my reaction, my hair is all over the place. I can only imagine how bad I looked. LOL!

When I walked out of the house, I don't remember what I said, but walked out to S&C and handed Stacy Gwen. I was shaking so badly, I didn't want to drop her. Stacy was unsure about her, but again, I didn't want to drop Gwen and I could barely hold her. Stacy did well with her, and Gwen didn't make a peep. They said some lines, I really can't remember, it's so surreal. We talked about them going through my stuff here in Norfolk before NY, so I wouldn't have to lug it around. They're going to go through my maternity too. I have NO clue where or WHAT the kids were doing. But I suspect they were with my parents. WHO knew about it for a WEEK!

Anyway, we wrap up with, let's go inside and watch some secret footage, but we didn't we're doing that tomorrow. And that was that. The neighbors came out to see what was going on too.

S&C are so great. The kids, MaryEllen, especially took a liking to both of them Unfortunately I HAVE NO PICTURES. But will get some tomorrow. Actually I'm thinking of buying a cheap $50 or so digital and taking pictures with that. IDK. I didn't have my camera ready, and after the "surprise", I had to do another interview. The luncheon, I found out was canceled (though I suspect they (EOFO members) told me that, so I wouldn't go. If that's the case, I'm going to be pissed). We also saw them again when we went to the hotel my parents were staying. And talked to them a little more, again no camera. I usually keep a spare disposable in the van but I didn't have any.
I will say this. Clinton is SO TALL! Stacy is slightly taller than me. But Clinton, is SO tall! I didn't realize how tall until I saw them yesterday.

I met some of the other producers and directors of the show. Dean, one of the head executives was telling me how Wayne won't even recognize me. So, we'll see. I'll try to get some before and after pictures to show off.

Tomorrow, I have NO clue what we're doing, but they'll be here at 9 AM. I have to either find a sitter or something. I still don't know. And I leave for NYC next Monday, but I don't know where. I need to take the kids to FL first. And I want to fly home before gettig the kids back, so I can clean the house and get it ready for homecoming.

An interview (November 9, 2007)

2008-01-18T15:48:00.000-08:00

I had my interview November 9th and it went well. It took 4 hours. They spent over 30 minutes just REARRANGING furniture! We got started around 11 and finished up around 1. They got a lot of footage, b/c we went through 2 tapes! I don't know what the interview will be used for. I was however given $40 for the sitter, so I didn't have to pay that :)

We looked at photos and the one producer's was trying to get me to cry, but I was holding off the tears though....whoops? LOL! I did say something that would probably make everyone blush and I don't even know if they can air it. They wanted to know how we were going to "find" each other the day of homecoming and I was telling them that last year Wayne was going to get a surgical glove, have it blown up with a sign that said, "Cocked and ready to GO!" LOL! The kids and I ended up just making him a sign b/c we're not allowed balloons on the pier, though...

We talked about my typical day and lost track of things a lot b/c it's trash day, so we had to wait a while for the trash, recycling, and yard collection trucks to go through the neighborhood. I also talked about why I wanted the makeover, and even if I'm not chosen, I would still go and get my hair done and get a new outfit.

On the 10th, Sandra followed us around when MaryEllen's Girl Scout troop is at the beach for clean up. It was canceled, so we got shots of the kids on the sand hills instead. The director (Helen) and Sandra asked if I've ever been to NYC, and I said yes, in High school I went there. Then some really odd questions and requests came. They asked for my emergency contact info and where the kids would go if I go to NY. And wanted to know how much time I needed to give notice to send the kids to my parents. I said my dad needed at least a week, so he can take off of work. He has a lot of vacation time and was going to drive up in an SUV or something, and drive down to FL and I would fly from Orland or Tampa. They were also asking if the kids would recognize Stacy and Clinton. I said they would and probably would run up to them and give them a hug. LOL! I told them how MaryEllen has been saying, "It screams I'm Crazy!" from the promo on TV that Clinton says. LOL!

They were also telling me that they would be filming in NY around the 1-3 week of December. I said the 3rd week was too late, he's coming home, and I wouldn't go if that's when they would get me up there. Was told definitely would be before homecoming, though. AND they would be there the day of homecoming to get the reaction from Wayne. BUT I HAVEN'T GOTTEN ANYTHING OFFICIAL saying that I'm going. I just wish I had known already, b/c I had so many commitments, If I'm unable to do them, I wanted to be able to get them set up so all someone has to do is follow up on it. You know? I was going CRAZY!

Top 3 Finalist (November 7th)

2008-01-04T18:14:00.000-08:00

They've been doing a lot of "secret" footage filming this month and I had to do an interview. Sandra (one of the producer’s that has been doing most of my footage) told me that they haven't figured out how they're going to choose, thus the interview. They may want the 3 of us to meet Stacy and Clinton before deciding, so that's all I knew what was going on at that time.

Top 10 Finalist and closet raid (November 2)

2008-01-04T18:11:00.000-08:00

So, I found out I was a top 10 FINALIST! I got to go and raid my own clothes!!!!! That took about 2 hours to do! My kids were pretty good for the most part and I pulled out ALL my kids' clothes to show off. A 10/12 top/skirt combo that I wear to church and (swear) that a 10 yo girl wore the SAME thing, in Blue! Mine's Orange. LOL! And I showed them the hooded sweater I wear a lot that Wayne calls me the uni-bomber in. LOL! I also showed them 2 of my jackets. A blue hooded one with lipstick stains my dd's put on and my leather one with breast milk, formula, and spit up stains. It's my most formal coat (seriously it is) which I mentioned and proceeded to point out the stains. I showed my ugly shoes, and my Snoopy shirt (b/c I know how much S&C LOVE character shirts). I also explained that I get ppl telling me I look more like I'm 17, than 27 and I get ID'ed for a lot. Movies, drinks.... I had a lot of fun. I also pleaded with S&C that it's not me that thinks I need a makeover. Wayne does. So, it's my gift to him.

Second Call Back (October 26th)

2008-01-04T18:03:00.000-08:00

I got a second call from What Not to Wear, Casting Director! Only this one wasn't as exciting as my first one. They just need 5 or 6 references. So, had to get those prepared and out by the weekend! And, was told if I was "chosen", I would be notified sometime after the first week of December!

First Call Back (October 15th)

2008-01-04T17:33:00.000-08:00

I got my first call back from Laura, the Casting Director, on October 15th, 2007. I was asked to do an interview with 2 producers the next day.

The interview went well, and I cried! AUGH! But it was when I was talking about our anniversary in 2005; (and I think I mis-spoke and said 2006) opps.... when we went to Dollywood. We took a picture in Civil War wedding attire and they used that picture to see the 2 of us together. And I cried... I'm got very depressed .... They asked me a lot of the questions that were on the application, and then a few other stuff. I got to "strut" my stuff too. LOL! I'll know something in December, maybe earlier. My kids gave them bottle water and they really appreciated it. (I had sitting out in the living room- but they did the interview in my back yard. In my messy back yard. LOL!)

Before Photo's

2007-12-23T18:48:00.000-08:00

My Application (October 12th)

2007-12-23T18:31:00.001-08:00

Here's a copy of my application.

Your Name: Rosemary E. King
Age: 27
Size: 0-2 (sometimes 12-16 in girls)
Height: 5ft 5in

Location:
Occupation: First and foremost I'm a mother to 5 beautiful and energetic children. My job, however doesn't end there. I home school second grade, kindergarten, and preschool for my three oldest children. I also give of myself and my talents where they're needed with the following groups and organizations:
The Co-Chair to the Hospitality and Welcoming Committee with the EOFO (Enterprise Officer Family Organization)
The Chair to the EOFO's Children's Halloween Party Committee
On the Homecoming Committee assisting in the following areas:

Children's Holiday Party
First Hug and First Kiss Ticket Sales
New Moms

Adult volunteer with Boy and Girl Scouts for my son and daughter
A Substitute teacher at my church for Religious Education
A Mediator for 2 message boards for an online parenting site
As a paying gig, I have a few of my own shops with Cafepress.com

Your contact info:
Email:
Cell phone:
Home phone:
Complete address:
Do you live on or off a military base? Off
How long have you been married? 8 years
Anniversary Date? July 30, 1999
Do you have any children? Yes
If so, what are their names, how old are they?
David 7- April 25, 2000
MaryEllen 5- September 16, 2002
Kathleen (Katie) 3- January 18, 2004
Timothy (Timmy) 1- May 13, 2006
Gwenivere (Gwen) 5 weeks- September 3, 2007

What is your husband's name, rank, unit, job description and where is he now? Ensign (O1E) David Wayne King, USS ENTERPRISE (CVN 65), MPTA- Main Propulsion Technical Assistant. He is currently deployed with the ship in the Middle East.
His Job Description:
To know all of the technical requirements for operating and repairing any machinery equipment (Main Engines, pumps, valves, pipes, Turbine powered electric generators, tanks, potable (drinking) water, lubricating oil, etc.). His job is to engineer correct solutions to any problem that the ship may have, or find the right engineers to assist him in making that decision. On the side, he ensures that inspections and maintenance of all equipment is occurring properly, and that all mechanics are trained properly. As an LDO (Limited Duty Officer) he is basically put on the ship to ensure that the proper procedures and guidelines are followed and that miniscule details are not missed in the process.
He is also going to the Bridge to qualify for Officer of the Deck and to eventually go to Rhode Island to get his SWO's (Surface Warfare Officer) pin.

How long has your husband been away? Since July 7th, 2007
When do you expect your husband to return home? Mid-December

Describe your personality: I have a playful, sometimes quirky, and old-fashioned personality. I'm a dreamer, and very affectionate. I'm also dependable and family oriented.

Style: Here tell us what your style is, tell us your worst fashion blunders. Why do you need our help??!
I wear a lot of children's sized clothes, because that's what seems to fit the best. Some size 0 are too big. I'd like to be able to stop having to shop in the girls department for myself. I have a very busy schedule and hardly have time to plan what to wear and usually are in jeans and a shirt. It's my signature outfit when I'm out with the kids. When it's cold, I add a hooded sweater. I also have a pair of sandals/slippers that I wear around the house and when I'm too lazy to change shoes, I'll wear them out and about.

Help us visualize what is inside your closet! – Briefly describe what clothes you have in your closet. What fabrics? Colors/patterns?
Not many since my husband takes up ¾ of the space for his clothes and uniforms. I also have two bags of clothes, my maternity are now in one and the other has all the clothes that I wore before I got pregnant. I wear a lot of polyester/cotton blends. I have 2 pink dresses and 2 black ones (but one was for the funeral of my FIL last April). I have black pants (2), khaki pants (1) and a pair of jeans that I wear almost every day. A few striped blouses (one yellow, one brown and one pink). A few multi-colored dress shirts. The rest of it, I can't fit at this time, because I wore it before I got pregnant. My shirts are mostly from my cross-country days from High School and Navy shirts my husband brings home.

Tell us about your make-up: Almost non-existent. I use a face wash, moisturizer and sometimes, a Microdermabrasion set. I usually only wear make-up if I'm going out without the kids.

Tell us about your hair: Dark in color with old highlights from March of 2006. It's long, but almost always in a bun, or pulled back in a pony tail.

Why are you applying for the What Not to Wear Homecoming special? I would like to do something different with the look that I have now. Wayne has really only seen me in this style and I would love to have an updated look for him when he comes home. Also, since having children for the past 8 years, I haven't had much time to really focus on a good wardrobe. Since becoming an officer's wife, in the past year and a half, I'd like to look the part a bit more. I love the style of Jackie O, but haven't any idea on how to put something like that together for myself, I'm not afraid of color or something different, but fashion isn't something I am knowledgeable on.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please include your full name (in the subject line of the e-mail and in the text), and where you are located. Please send pictures in a variety of outfits. E-mail RECENT, full body pictures that illustrate your style!DO NOT SEND PHOTOS AND ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS IN SEPARATE E-MAILS, AND ALSO DO NOT SEND THE ANSWERS TO THE QUESTIONS BACK WITHOUT THE PHOTOS. It is crucial that you keep this nomination secret from your spouse. Otherwise we can't consider you!Thank you!

How I heard about the show accepting applications

2007-12-23T18:14:00.000-08:00

I was checking my email, on October 8th and accidently clicked on the update from an MSN group for the EEFRG's website updates. In the update, they post new members, and messages posted on the site. One of the messages was that the show was extending the applications for their Homecoming special. Here's the actual email from BBC forwarded to be posted on the website:

TLC’s What Not to Wear is currently seeking self-nominations for a What Not to Wear Homecoming special! We will select one military wife (civilian or military) and bring her to New York for a fashion transformation as a surprise for her spouse prior to the family reuniting!!! She will receive $5000.00 for shopping in New York, a trip to NYC, hair, makeup and fashion consultations!

If your spouse is away and expected to return home in December or the beginning of January – we would like to hear from you today!

Please fill out the information below, attach several photos of you and your family and email us at: homecoming@bbcnyproduction.com

It is crucial that your nomination remains a secret from your husband who is away – so your transformation will be a complete surprise upon his return!

Thank you! And we look forward to receiving your information and photos!
Casting Department

What Not to Wear/BBC NY Production

So, I asked friends if I should apply and they said yes. I took pictures so they would be developed before Friday and I could send some with the application. I filled out the application on October 12th, and sent it out around 5PM.