Design TV Update – Focus Group

Just wanted to share a quick, design TV-related update here since we finally heard a little bit about what’s going on with that right now.

Apparently, somewhere in Atlanta, a group of randomly-selected folks (called a “focus group”) will be viewing/critiquing our pilot episode today. We have no idea how the whole thing works, but we’re hoping it goes down something like this…

LOL!

It’s been about a year and a half since we started this totally-new-to-us process, and we’re anxious to finally hear a yay or nay from the folks at HGTV sometime this month. Who knows how things will turn out. Either way, the experience has been a blessing and we’re so thankful that we had our family and our inspiring blog friends with us along the way!

It’s good to have an end to journey towards, but it’s the journey that matters in the end. -LeGuin

You’ve made this adventure more fun (and less nerve-wracking!) and we appreciate you so much!

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113 Responses to Design TV Update – Focus Group

1. Chrissy Floyd says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 12:20 am

   I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you! Would love to see your show on air someday.

   

   Reply
2. nicolette @ momnivore's dilemma says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 12:28 am

   good vibes to you both.

   

   

   Reply
3. Maureen says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 12:35 am

   I can’t imagine a more interesting and talented couple to do that kind of show. Sending you good “break a leg” vibes!

   

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4. Funky Junk Interiors says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 12:37 am

   Thousands of us are holding our breath along with you Layla… may all your dreams come true very soon!

   Donna

   

   Reply
5. Shari @ Turnstyle Vogue says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 1:27 am

   I’ve been following along since the beginning so I can appreciate the anticipation. Good luck!

   Shari

   

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6. Laurie McLeroy says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 4:12 am

   Best of luck to both of you on this journey.

   

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7. Lynn from For Love or Funny says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 5:22 am

   I really hope to see your show on TV someday…

   

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8. Heidi @ Decor & More says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 5:47 am

   Fingers crossed, Layla!! Keep us posted!

   

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9. kelly in georgia says:

   Feb 8, 2012 at 6:04 am

   key up the music….I gotta a feeling that today’s gonna be a good good day!
   keeping you all in my thoughts today as you wait in the crossroads of this journey.

   

   Reply
10. Rebekah says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 6:18 am

    so excited for you and kev and all the possibilities the future holds!

    also, i noticed the le guin quote and immediately thought, “ursula le guin? left hand of darkness?” it’s a quote from the jane austen book club. she’s mentioned there and i have never heard her mentioned anywhere else and it was just weird for my pop culture worlds to meet, so to speak. love that quote though!

    

    

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11. The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 6:28 am

    My Mr has been part of focus groups before and half the people are there for free food and the other half give constructive criticism if necessary. I don’t think you’ll have a proble at all! Looking forward to adding you guys to the DVR!

    

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12. Itsa says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 6:29 am

    I hope they pick it up! I am getting tired of seeing back to back to back episodes of house hunters international! I want to see how real people live!

    

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    • Heather Parrish says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 8:56 am

      Say it! I whole heatedly agree:-)

      

      Reply
13. skye @ neathering our fest says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 6:40 am

    You guys are so beautiful! HGTV would be outside their minds to say no to you but you never know what they think people will want to see! I really hope it works out for yall!! xoxo

    

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14. Melisa says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:18 am

    Good luck to you all! I’d be so excited to follow`the show!

    

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15. Kathy says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:21 am

    Good Luck I hope it happens! I love HGTV and think your show would be a great addition! I’d watch for sure!

    

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16. Danielle says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:29 am

    Wishing you lots of luck! I really hope this works out for you! We’ll be waiting to hear!

    

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17. Lisa says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:33 am

    I can’t imagine anyone NOT liking it!! Best of luck to you

    

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18. Ter'e Crow Lindsay says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:45 am

    Doncha know……….it’s you and Kev who bless us?
    I’ll be singing thru the house today – thinking nothing but very positive thoughts that we all get to enjoy you on HGTV soon! One thing about it – y’all come with one heck of a following.
    Proud of you both – regardless. A show would just be ICING on our cake.
    xoxoxoxoxox

    

    Reply
19. Lynda says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:46 am

    Best wishes to you! I’m thinking you should have no worries!!!

    

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20. Lindsey says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:50 am

    good luck! I’m sure they’ll love it.

    

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21. Susan says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:11 am

    Praying it all turns out just the way it should!

    

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22. Kathleen @ Miss Hannah B. says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:12 am

    You guys “rock”! I know things will turn out just the way the are supposed to!!! Love you and your blog…

    

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23. Kim says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:16 am

    I’m so behind, I didn’t realize that a TV show was in the works! I’m so happy for the two of you & can’t think of a more talented and personable couple to share their talents on television. Keep us updated so that we will know when to tune in!

    

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24. Linda @nothing-but-blue-skyes says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:40 am

    It WILL BE my favorite show!

    

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25. Hanna says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:41 am

    So hope it goes well. HGTV needs more design type shows and less House Hunters. Good luck.

    

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26. Michael - Innkeeper says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:50 am

    wishing you all the best! i know it’s going to be a smash!! i’ll be watching!

    

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27. Gloria @Potentially Beautiful says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:51 am

    Keeping my fingers crossed and good thought being sent to Atlanta!

    

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28. gertie @ The Old Block House says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:55 am

    I hope this goes well! HGTV certainly needs someone new and fresh to brighten up their network.

    

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29. Antoinette Seminario-Skinner says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:57 am

    I hope with all my heart that your show is picked up. Your blog posts, projects, videos and everything else really brighten my day. I wish you all the best, and saying a little prayer!! Much love and continued success to you!!

    

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30. Gena in Texas says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:57 am

    Can’t imagine why they wouldn’t say a BIG YES! I’m ready to hit record on my DVR. Ya’ll are the cutest couple and have been such a blessing to everyone who reads your blog – I know you have been to me! So creative and LOVE your style of decorating!
    May God Bless You Both!

    

    Reply
31. Susan Sykes says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:58 am

    So excited!! Can’t wait to hear how much they LOVED it!! Keep us posted!

    

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32. Shannon Fox says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 8:58 am

    Fingers Crossed! Hope to see you on HGTV soon =)

    

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33. Dana says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:02 am

    I’ve been on the giving end of focus group before, not for a tv show but for retirement plans, and it does sorta go something like that! lol! Good Luck! I hope your show will air soon! I am gonna watch every episode!

    

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34. Mendy A. says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:02 am

    Yay – so exited for y’all! Hoping for the best, and I have to agree with others here, HGTV needs fresh stuff – and I can’t think of anything I’d rather see than the two of you! Blessings!

    

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35. Heather says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:07 am

    Such an exciting day! Keeping my fingers crossed for you both!

    

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36. Julie says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:13 am

    Will surely get my cable works(subscription)) once I hear your Yay! Goodluck and I am sure you gonna make it.

    

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37. Shana says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:21 am

    Fingers crossed! I’d love to see more of you guys! Hopefully the focus group loves you as much as your webbies do.

    

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38. Lisa says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:22 am

    Was wondering when the decision was due. I’m 110% yes for you!!! Can’t wait to hear.

    

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39. Lisa Brown says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:40 am

    Best wishes! Praying that all goes well for you guys!

    

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40. Alicia says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:42 am

    I’ve already claimed this one for you….Congratulations!! I’m so very excited for you!!

    

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41. erin says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:44 am

    Praying for you guys!! God has a wonderful plan!

    

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42. Jennifer says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:46 am

    I am so hoping you get it! I would love to watch it!!! Fingers crossed.

    

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43. Nathalie says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:49 am

    I wish I was one of those Atlanta focus group members… cause I would give you a big thumbs up…

    

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44. kim shapiro says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:49 am

    OOOOOO HOW EXCITING! good luck to the both of you!

    

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45. Sharon says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:50 am

    Here’s hoping to the focus group loves you like all your blog followers do and you get a show. If so, I hope I can watch it online because I’m in Canada and our HGTV doesn’t get all the good shows the U.S. gets. I love your style of decorating and would absolutely love to see the two of you on your own decorating show.

    

    Reply
46. Becky Neville says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:54 am

    I love the photo of the two of you! You bring sunshine to the blogosphere! TY

    

    Reply
47. Joy says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:54 am

    Hey Layla! I just wanted to say I love your website and how you share your life so openly with us! I hope the focus groups go well, I know I’d love to see that show. I know that you may never see this comment, but I just wanted to ask where you guys are in the adoption process now? I know it can be a heart wrenching and emotional process, so I understand if you are protecting that process and sharing it mostly within your family. I was just curious to see where you all are at and any tips you may have for people who will be starting this process in the future? God bless!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 4:01 pm

      Hi Joy!
      Thank you for checking in with us!
      We’re actually still in the process of tying some things up before we begin the adoption process, and things are so up in the air career-wise right now, we thought we’d better wait to see where we’re going to land before we took another big, new leap! We definitely look forward to documenting our adoption adventures here on our blog as soon as they begin though!

      

      Reply
      • Joy says:

        Feb 8, 2012 at 9:33 pm

        Thanks for the update Layla! I appreciate you responding to me. I’ll be praying for you all in that journey!

        

        Reply
48. Brittany says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:55 am

    Good luck! May the force of HGTV awesomeness be with you!

    

    Reply
49. Shawn says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:59 am

    I hope you get ALL thumbs up! Congrats and hope to hear the good news soon!

    

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50. Melinda says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Best wishes! Would love to see both your sweet faces on HGTV soon : )

    

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51. Meg says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Hoping, hoping, hoping and wishing, wishing, wishing for you both! HGTV can definitely use a couple that’s as genuinely sweet, down-to-earth AND talented as you guys!!!

    

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52. Sherry Ann says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Thinking happy thoughts!

    

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53. Kim says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Good luck! If the pilot episode is anything like your blog, it will be a hit!

    

    Reply
54. debbie rodriguez says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Miss Layla, there are those of us who don’t have blogs that follow you so you also help non bloggers learn things!! A few years back i was part of one of these groups and was asked to watch a show with Tom Arnold and to give my feedback. I don’t know how they did it but it was on a different tv channel and was raw footage. No background music etc. I wish you the best and hope to see you guys on air soon!!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 12:04 pm

      Hi Debbie!
      Thanks for the info on the focus group…that sounds pretty interesting!
      And I hope you know that I meant ALL of our blog friends…readers AND writers!

      

      Reply
55. Jen Gilday says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Oooh – so excited to hear what happens!!
    Jen
    athomeinthenorthwestblog.com

    

    Reply
56. Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:54 am

    Here is hoping it’s a big fat YAY! I would love to see a show like that! would be setting that to record for sure.

    

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57. Jordan Ritchie says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:54 am

    COME TO MICHIGAN!–and let me know when you do! I will provide you with a house and back yard that need someone to give it some tlc My husband and I are first time home buyers, and we bought a house based on our budget. Needless to say, we have quite the little project on our hands–AKA, we purchased a lemon!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 12:05 pm

      Time to make some lemonade, Jordan!

      

      Reply
58. Ronnie Gunn Tucker says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 11:24 am

    LOTS of luck coming your way from Coastal Georgia! Can’t wait to put you on my Tivo list!!! XO

    

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59. Lisa W. says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 11:31 am

    Fingers crossed TOO!!! You both so deserve this. You have done some amazing decorating for others and your home…NICE very nice. AND if it not this time…YOU’RE out there, good things are SURE to come!!! Blessings!!!

    

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60. Miss Charming says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 11:34 am

    Best of luck! Would love to see your new show.

    

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61. Ellie says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 11:45 am

    I’ve been in so many tv focus groups…..why not this one…..darn!

    

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62. kathy h says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 12:14 pm

    I’m just going to say it….They would be idiots not to pick up your pilot. Seriously. You two have something special. That quirky, down-to-earth sense of humor makes you both quite likable and fun to watch.

    I wouldn’t worry, if they don’t pick you up, someone else will along the way!

    

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63. hello haha narf says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 12:15 pm

    i did a focus group thingy in vegas once. man, i would have loved your show!

    

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    • Layla says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 12:23 pm

      Ooh! Tell us about it! How did it work? Give us all the dirt!

      

      Reply
      • hello haha narf says:

        Feb 10, 2012 at 10:46 am

        not really much dirt to give. they pretty much grabbed strangers and asked us to participate in a focus group for new shows. we had no idea what to except, but i was sick and the guy i was wandering around vegas with thought it would give me a nice break to sit for a while. there were about 30 or 40 people in a room with a computer for each. our directions were to watch snippets of different shows and answer at our own pace the questions that followed each. once all clips were viewed we then watched an entire pilot episode of a sitcom. more questions. then they walked us out and fed us popcorn talking to us about television before giving us each a $2 bill and lots of thanks. silly, great fun. easy and painless!

        

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64. Jane H says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 12:37 pm

    Sending good vibes your way – I would love to watch your show! You are such a great team, and so loved by everyone in the blog community – fingers crossed!

    

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65. Courtney says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 12:49 pm

    So exciting!! I hope you hear great feedback!

    

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66. SuzyMcQ says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 1:03 pm

    Of course you’re gonna get the show! HGTV needs some fresh new faces, some fun, and clean, practical design and, guess what? You two fit the bill to a “T”. As always, wishing you both the best and thanks so much for giving your hearts and souls and great decorating and renovation advice to your loyal followers.

    

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67. Sue Groff says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 1:07 pm

    Wishing the best for you and your project with HGTV.

    

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68. Krystle @ Color Transformed Family says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 1:11 pm

    Thanks for keeping us updated… I had been wondering how things were going. I don’t have cable or satalite but would definitely watch it on Hulu.

    

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69. Bethanie says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 1:12 pm

    Im going to check as soon as I get home…we are in the burbs of ATL so hopefully we can see you!! Excited!

    

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70. Bri says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 1:26 pm

    I’ve got my fingers crossed for you two (not that you need it, I’m sure the pilot it fabulous!). Love you guys!

    

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71. Sue says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    Layla, they would be crazy not to select you. I love how you and Kevin work together and make everything so fun. That’s what TV and America need more of – shows that feature real people working on a budget and less of Selling New York or Selling LA. The average person would much rather see your ideas I think. Best of luck. I will be pulling for you. I’ve been excited about it since you first blogged about it. It will their loss and America’s if they don’t choose you both!
    Sue in FL.

    

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72. yby5 says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 2:27 pm

    How fantastic…best of luck and can’t wait to hear the results!

    

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73. Kristy says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    Awesome! I am confident that all will go well!!

    

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74. Dana @ Cooking At Cafe D says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 3:09 pm

    Fingers-Crossed!

    

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75. Rachel says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 4:13 pm

    Hope they enjoy what you all do as much as we do!

    

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76. Betsy Derr says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 4:24 pm

    I smell an Emmy in your future!

    

    Reply
    • Layla says:

      Feb 8, 2012 at 5:04 pm

      Ha! Thanks, Betsy! I don’t know about an Emmy, but hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to get our hands dirty and make over some rooms with folks this year!

      

      Reply
77. Danielle says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 4:36 pm

    I’ll keep my fingers crossed that the focus group goes well. Wishing you guys loads of luck!

    

    Reply
78. Louise says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 5:04 pm

    Best of luck to you both. You SO deserve to get this opportunity!

    

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79. Rachel says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 5:09 pm

    Awesome!!! So excited for you guys!!!

    

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80. Andrea says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 5:34 pm

    You totally deserve it! I’m rooting for you!

    

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81. tracyo says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 7:52 pm

    Looking forward to your show! I’ve got my fingers crossed for you!

    

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82. Geri says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 9:20 pm

    That “group”will be so “”focused” on your amazingly cute, talented,
    Vivacious,funny, sensitive you.
    Prayers and cheers for focus groups.
    Love Geri.

    

    Reply
83. Cheri says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    I hope, I hope, I hope, I hope the focus group gives you a thumbs up .. because all us readers sure do!

    

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84. ava says:

    Feb 8, 2012 at 10:02 pm

    I would love to see your show! Good luck!

    

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85. Sylvia says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 6:36 am

    Happy thoughts and prayers for you from the Pacific Northwest! Your show would be awesome.

    

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86. Aunt Chriss says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 7:19 am

    I can’t wait to hear all of their wonderful comments about your show!! They will love it!

    Love you <3

    

    Reply
87. Richella @ Imparting Grace says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 8:53 am

    I don’t watch much TV, but I would be the first one to tune in to see you two! Oh, I hope every member of this focus group gives you an enthusiastic “two thumbs up”! We’ll all be so excited to hear the news.

    

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88. Becky says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 9:09 am

    HGTV – are you listening??!! The hottest decorating/how-to blog and you still need a focus group to tell you YES??

    I too am disappointed in the last couple of years in HGTV. We are all trying to make the most out of every spare decorating dollar and yet, they continue to focus on vacation homes, selling real estate. We want real people, doing real projects, doing real projects with minimal amount of money.

    Kevin & Layla,
    As everyone has told you, you guys ROCK. Whether HGTV picks up your series, you have already established yourselves. I say GOOD JOB!

    

    Reply
89. Kelly (Seaux Southern) says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 10:44 am

    How exciting!! Can’t wait to hear what HGTV decides!!

    

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90. Barbara says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 11:22 am

    Good Luck! My fingers are crossed for you both! You deserve a great HGTV show! I, for one, will be tuning in!

    

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91. Deneen says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 11:53 am

    That picture still cracks me up! I am so exited for you guys! It was soo much fun to do. I have my fingers crossed that this focus group will see how great this is! HGTV needs you!!!!

    

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92. Jody says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 12:09 pm

    SO excited for you both! It looks like I may have to get cable after all

    

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93. Susan says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 2:40 pm

    Good Luck Layla and Kevin! Can’t wait to watch the show!
    Susan

    

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94. Ruby L says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 5:00 pm

    How could they not love it? Best wishes!

    

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95. marni says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 6:05 pm

    wow! so exciting!!! my hopes are up, hope it all goes your way!

    

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96. Shirley@Housepitalitydesigns says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 7:27 pm

    I am sure that good things are coming your way!!!

    

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97. Julie tiounoff says:

    Feb 9, 2012 at 8:23 pm

    Good luck..love your blog!

    

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98. Joni Webb says:

    Feb 10, 2012 at 9:23 am

    Layla – I hope they love it!!! something tells me they will. I predicted you would be a tv star years ago – I’m usually right, rarely wrong. haha!!! Seriously – I can’t wait to watch your new show. I have the faith!!!!!!
    Joni

    

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99. lucy says:

    Feb 10, 2012 at 11:18 am

    Just thinking about this yesterday! I’m crossing my fingers and toes!

    

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100. Missy says:

     Feb 11, 2012 at 11:31 am

     Anxious right along with you!! I’ve got my fingers crossed!
     Love ya girlie!

     

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101. Rhonda says:

     Feb 11, 2012 at 11:33 pm

     Oh gosh.. well I’m sure the focus group is going to see the goodness as well all see it.. I mean really what’s not to love and be inspired by? Blessings to you both!

     

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102. jessica@fourgenerationsoneroof says:

     Feb 12, 2012 at 9:55 am

     Fingers crossed!

     

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103. Melanie says:

     Feb 13, 2012 at 2:00 pm

     Eyes closed and hands clasped praying for your passions to reach many and continue to unfold!

     

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104. Elisabeth says:

     Feb 15, 2012 at 2:40 pm

     I bet you’re on edge with anticipation. What an interesting experience for you both!

     I just had to comment and tell you that your little cartoon characters of the two of you are adorable. Really cute!

     

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105. JEROLYN says:

     Mar 13, 2012 at 4:38 pm

     Can we see more designing and less house hunting
     Thank You
     Jerl from

     MEMPHIS,TN

     

     Reply