Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Blogiversary 5: Since You Asked…

…we did our best to not be completely and utterly awkward beyond belief. Did we succeed? You be the judge. Just like in past blogiversary weeks, we invited you guys to ask us some personal (i.e. non-decorating) questions over on our Facebook page last week. And after over two hundred questions came rolling in, Sherry and I sat down and answered as many as we could while Clara napped one afternoon – and then culled it down into this 20 minute video. Among all of our shocking and jaw-dropping revelations (note the sarcasm) you’ll learn:

  • If there’s a bun in Sherry’s oven
  • What kind of money we’re earning for our book
  • How working together has affected our marriage
  • How many readers have knocked on our door asking for a tour
  • If we fear stalkers
  • If Clara will be home-schooled
  • How many bras Sherry owns
  • When we’re moving again
  • If we’ll ever get started on the playroom
  • If Sherry’s dad is invisible
  • What we’d change about our old house’s style
  • Why we try not to pick our noses in public
  • What we hate most about our job
  • What we each find romantic about each other
  • How Sherry plans to bribe me into seeing the new Twilight movie
  • Who we’d want to play us in a hypothetical YHL movie
  • Sherry’s thoughts on Ramona from the Real Housewives of New York City
  • What part of DIYing we like the least
  • If Sherry feels competitive with Katie Bower
  • How long it takes for a project to get posted about
  • How Clara acts like a toddler

So now that your appetite is sufficiently whetted, here goes nothing…

A few notes:

  • Sherry’s insanely embarrassed that she leans in towards the camera the whole time. We didn’t realize this was happening until we were done with the whole video and watched it back, so there you have it: my fidgety wife.
  • You might notice the lighting/focus changes towards the end of the video. The camera actually fell asleep and shut off, so we had to tape the end part in a second take. Yup, we actually chatted long enough to bore the camera to sleep. High five.
  • Clara (and Burger apparently) were napping, hence their non-appearances, but we decided to do a little bonus Q&A video featuring the real stars of this show – Clara and Burger. Since this is the first blogiversary where Clara can actually string words together into something semi coherent, we thought it’d be fun to let her take a turn in the hot seat. And by hot seat, we mean handling questions like “what’s your favorite number?” – oh yeah, we’re grilling her.

So there you have it folks have it – nearly 25 minutes of us blathering on about all things personal and not much home stuff (which feels weird and fun at the same time). Did you learn anything that surprised you? Or hear something that sparked another question in your brain? We can’t promise we can get to every answer in the comments of this post, but feel free to ask away as potential fodder for next year’s video…

Psst- Speaking of other years, here are the Q&A posts for 2011, 2010 and 2009 (and 2009: part 2).

Comments

  2. Amanda K says

    ah – i remembered a question i meant to ask.

    with a growing blog, and (potentially) growing family, do you think y’all will ever hire an assistant? maybe someone to help with photo editing!?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We’ve thought about it a few times but maybe just because we’re such DIY lovers we love to do it all ourselves. We’re a grass roots operation, haha. I’m an overexplainer, so I think by the time I explain to someone what I’d love for them to do I could probably have just done it myself twice…

      xo
      s

  3. brett says

    hey john,

    your camera probably didn’t go to sleep like you mention… with your new Nikon there is a 4 GB single-file size limit on the FAT32 formatted card. Which means you can only record about 12 minutes of video at a time before it shuts off and you have to start a new video file.

    hope that helps in case you didn’t know yet…
    cheers,
    -b

    Reply

  4. Suni says

    So now that we know you only own one bra… I am curious about 2 things, if and when you have the time to answer them!

    When you were working in an office, what was your closet like, since your closet now is pretty minimal? I would really like to clean stuff out, and I work in an office, so I’m having a hard time!

    Also, you said you use organic tampons… would love to know what kind. :) Girls….

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I lived in NYC, so I had a tinyyyyyy closet, so even when I worked at an office I had a few blazers, maybe ten different nice tops, a few cardigans, and maybe three pairs of pants/skirts. I just mixed and matched, but it was minimal! As for the tampons, they sell them at eco stores like Whole Foods (mine are just the store brand).

      xo
      s

  5. Kasey Befeler says

    Love the videos, guys – thanks for sharing! Especially like the new after-the-credits bit (classic) and your music choice (always). Great job editing, John!

    Reply

  10. Erin says

    LOVED the video – you guys crack me up! I vote that next year’s video is done from the couch!

    As for celebrity look-a-likes, I get “you look like the Super Nanny” ALL THE TIME. In what world is this a compliment? I’ll take your Natalie Portman any day!

    Reply

  13. Jamie says

    So do you guys actually get dressed every day, or do you hang out in your pjs? I’m a SAHM but I have to get dressed to take my kiddos to school. When they were toddlers/infants, there were quite a few days when I didn’t bother to get dressed. I think I am in an overall better mood if I do take the time to make myself presentable, even if I’m not going anywhere.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We both make ourselves get dressed. We try to have a “by 10am rule” since invariably a neighbor or the UPS guy catches us in our PJs and it’s super embarrassing. And you’re right about feeling pulled together and more prepared when you’re dressed. Only exception is if one of us is sick. Then it’s pjs on the couch under a blanket that day.

      xo
      s

  14. aaroohii says

    Did sherry just say ” we wanna make sure those things stick” ( describing the sticking of fetus to the uterus) sherry’s words are hilarious!

    Reply

  15. Morgan says

    Loved the videos! Thanks for sharing! =) Best of luck for the continued success of your blog and the health and happiness of your family! Morgan

    Reply

  17. Kristin says

    Loved the videos, of course. “Reupholster” at the end just about threw mw over the edge.

    And I’d like to let you know that I would be HAPPY to go see Breaking Dawn Part 2 with you. (I’m sure that if John read the comments, he’d support the plan!)
    Full disclosure, though… I was kinda Team Jacob. :)

    Reply

  18. Chelsea @ two twenty one says

    Hah! Loved this. I’m glad someone else thinks Heather’s “holla!” during the RHONYC is weird… and unnecessary. And I seriously wanted to beat Aviva with her own leg during the St. Barts episode. I should have played a drinking game with myself where every time she told another woman to thank Reid I’d have to drink. Moving on… Clara is hilarious. I love how she said her favorite number is 1. It would have been ah-mazing if she followed it up with “son”.

    Reply

  19. Melanie (melarse) says

    Since you mentioned it in the video….I would looooove to see a post about what you would do to your old house with your newly refined style. So many of us met you and fell in love with you and your home at that time, and feel like we knew it so well too. It would be so much fun to revisit with your current perspective. Don’t you think?

    Reply

  20. Michelle says

    Awesome video and congrats on your 5th Blogiversary! That’s such a huge milestone!

    I would love to see a post on how to choose an alarm system. It’s one of those things that I want to do in my house soon because I have a little one on the way but really have no idea where to start.

    Reply

  21. Ellen says

    Seriously loved these 2 videos. Y’all are adorable. I thought it was ridiculous that someone would ask you (Sherry, not John!) about your bra count… yet I now find myself wondering… “HOW does she manage with just one?” Yep, you’re turning each of us into obsessive, nosy stalkers! ;) Good job!

    Reply

  22. annie says

    Yes, you guys are smart and funny and creative, your daughter is so sweet, your dog is adorable, your house is gorgeous, but… SHERRY, YOU ROCKED SO HARD WITH YOUR TEENAGE EMINEM INTERVIEW!!!!! WAY TO HOLD YOUR OWN WITH THE LEGEND!!!

    And John, I know you love your wife but I wouldn’t be surprised if Eminem showed up at that funky yellow door one day looking for her. I’m just saying…like, if you ever listen to his lyrics there are A LOT of home design references…”huffing paint…window pane”. I don’t think he ever forget her…I really don’t.

    Congrats on a great blog that has touched so many people with your skills, style and humor!

    :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha- the funny thing is a few years later he tossed out a Fanatic reference in a freestyle rap and I nearly died. I was like “ohemgee, he remembers me” – until my friends were like “or it was just a good word that rhymed with attic.” Quite possible…

      xo
      s

  23. Tia says

    This was awesome! Loved it!
    Here’s to another 5 years, and another 5 years…

    PS – Have you changed how you post pics recently? I can’t seem to view them at work any more :( Just see a big red X. Very, very occasionally I see a photo and on really old posts I can sometimes view them. I’ve checked all my settings, but no luck.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry! Sometimes when people view from a work computer and the spyware or virus software of the computer is randomly updated it doesn’t load our pics for a few days and then once it realizes we’re not a spammy site they come back. Hope they pop up soon!

      xo
      s

  27. Jill says

    I absolutely adored the Fall 2012 video tour of your home. You guys have accomplished so much in the span of time since purchasing this home. One surprising thing that I learned from the house tour (I actually laughed at it) is that you have a ceiling fan in the guest room. For some reason I thought that with any room remodel the ceiling fan was always the first thing to go with you guys (I live in TX, ceiling fans are a MUST). Again, great video. I can’t wait to see what project you tackle next.

    Reply

  28. Leah says

    This totally might be an overshare, but I mention it because you are into environmentally friendly stuff. Plus, you never again have to be seen buying tampons at the store. Have you ever looked into using a cup? I like the diva cup. It has seriously changed my life in awesome ways (not the least of which is that I’m a teacher who doesn’t get a lot of bathroom breaks, and it lasts longer than a tampon or pad).

    Anyway, sorry for the weird bloggy overshare. It just occurred to me as I was watching.

    Love the video, and thanks for being so open. You two inspire me all the time! I am even thinking of repainting (we hate the paint color that was here when we moved in) despite all the crazy crown molding and fancy, big door molding we have. If you have any tips for painting already existing molding that’s got grooves and details and stuff, I’d love to hear them. It’s the trim that keeps us from repainting, but the people before us didn’t cut in well and got color on the trim, so we can’t leave it alone if we redo the walls.

    Reply

    • Leah says

      Once I finally tried it, I was so bummed I had procrastinated on making the leap. I have saved lots of $$ and time with it. Key parts are to remember to boil between cycles (to clean the cup) and to be patient. It does take a few cycles to get the hang of it. But definitely worth it!

    • Ashley C. says

      *Oversharing Alert*

      I’d been wanting to try those, too, but I was leery of spending $30 or $40 on a Diva Cup only to have it not work out for me. So I did some looking around and found a much cheaper, disposable version so I could just try it out without much investment. They’re called Instead Softcups, and I found them on Drugstore.com. They seem to work really well, so I think I’ll be investing in a Diva Cup once I run out of them! :-)

  29. Kate says

    Having a solo kid myself, and being asked all the time it seems like, I often feel slightly under pressure when asked when I plan to have the next one. Do you ever feel pressured by others because of the number times you are asked about pregnancy?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah, definitely. A lot of my friends and I talk about how it’s just a question we get so much. Sometimes from total strangers. They see that Clara’s a certain age and they just say things like “oh you don’t want them too far apart, maybe you should start now” – but it seems to be normal for everyone (my BFF has two and she says folks still ask when the third is coming all the time as if it’s definite, haha).

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah, definitely. A lot of my friends and I talk about how it’s just a question we get so much. Sometimes from total strangers. They see that Clara’s a certain age and they just say things like “oh you don’t want them too far apart, maybe you should start now” – but it seems to be normal for everyone (my BFF has two and she says folks still ask when the third is coming all the time as if it’s definite, haha).

      xo
      s

  31. Jodie says

    Totally with you on Ramona! She is hilarious! Ramona’s reaction to the Aviva meltdown about Reed delivering her to St. Barth’s was awesome! “Geez what do I have to do, write ‘thank you Reed’ across my chest?!” Loved it! Such a riot!
    Thanks for the fun video! The song was good too!

    Reply

  32. Heather says

    So glad I took the time to watch the video! I love that you two are so down to earth and willing to open up to all of us! I hope that baby #2 comes with ease! I also loved seeing John poke fun at Sherry with the “least favorite part of your job”, Sherry didn’t even seem offended! Just shows how genuine you guys are and that things aren’t always rainbows and cupcakes!

    Reply

  33. Anna says

    I just watched the video of Clara being interviewed. She is SO darn cute! I was cracking up watching her eating that Popsicle. Is she actually biting into it? I’ve never seen a kid eat one that way! Made my sensitive teeth hurt just watching it! Loved the way she talked to Burger. Cutest little voice!

    Reply

  36. Renee says

    Finally got a chance to watch your video this morning! LOVE! You guys crack me up – I couldn’t stop laughing regarding Red Robin, haha. Was so fun to watch :)

    Reply

  37. Meredith K A says

    The Clara & Burger video! I am smiling from ear to ear. So cute. I love how sincerely happy & hard-working you guys are. Thanks for another great year, and I know many more to come!!

    Reply

  41. Anne says

    Super cute! One suggestion: during your answer about stalkers and home security you totally should have had someone peek through the window :-)

    Reply

  42. Corrie says

    In the future-possibly-never YHL movie, I’m going to put in my vote for Mila Kunis as Sherry (you guys sound exactly alike and actually look kind of similar). I can’t pinpoint someone for John, but maybe Ryan Reynolds?

    Love the videos! Especially Clara’s upholstery outtake :o)

    Reply

  43. Ashley C. says

    You guys are adorable! And I love the Clara and Burger video.

    While you guys were talking about the painters you saw at your neighbors’ houses, and how cool it would be to go to work for the day and come home to a repainted room, I was just having visions of you guys doing your own “While You Were Out”-style redecorating show. That would be so awesome!

    I’ve also determined that if I ever need to write dialogue for a crazy person, I’m just going to go to some totally sane video on YouTube, turning on the captions, and writing down whatever it says. Because that stuff is CRAZY. :-)

    Reply

  45. Ashley L. says

    Thanks for sharing! I just had to comment that Sherry really does sound like Natalie Portman, which is a good thing! Also, Clara could not be any cuter.

    Reply

  46. Jessica says

    You’re killing me with the cute in that Clara video! I LOVE Enchanted, too, and that song! She’s so adorable, and so articulate for two!

    Reply

  47. Robyn in Chicago says

    Is Clara eating a Popsicle in her interview? I got the shivers every time she took a bite :)
    Also, Sherry, your make up looks great in this video-pretty!
    And finally, now I’m curious about organic tampons….off to do a little research!

    Reply

  48. Amanda says

    Hahah Burger is cracking me up at the end there!!

    I have a little 6 month old boy so I love seeing Clara and getting a glimpse of what my future holds :) So cute!

    And of course your all’s video was great too :) Very interesting about the book deal. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

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