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| By John Petersik | March 10, 2011 | 239 Comments

Bringing Stodgy Back

Get this. Apparently someone thinks we’re sexy. Well, technically they think we’re “stodgy.” But since they’re filming a series of short video profiles entitled Stodgy is Sexy, we’re gonna claim the sexy compliment as well… thanks to the transitive property of, um, compliments. Yeah, I just broke out “transitive property.” Guess I can’t stop the sexiness once it’s unleashed.

Here’s the scoop, back in January we were contacted by a documentary filmmaker out of NYC who was creating three minute video profiles of people who embodied a trend of folks returning to old school values like thrift and simplicity (aka, stodginess). They thought we fit the bill, so we accepted the invitation and soon we found them setting up shop in our future dining room for an afternoon. It didn’t even feel real. And four hours later they were gone without leaving a trace of evidence they had ever arrived. We almost thought we made it up, except for a few pictures like this on our camera:

It felt especially surreal since our brains were still scrambled from the move. We’d only lived here about a month (hence no dining table yet) so we’re sure the neighbors were wondering who the heck moved into their ‘hood with things like this hanging out on our front porch. What a letdown it’s gonna be for them when they meet us and we’re nobody interesting.

The crew was really nice and a good time was had by all. It was especially fun exposing Clara to some of the craziness that somehow finds its way into our house every once and a while. A window into her brain: Cameras and lights? Who cares. But blocks. Now those are exciting!

How do you answer questions on camera with a vocal baby singing in the background? We didn’t really think that through until they “landed.” Good thing the producer has a son about Clara’s age, so she was great at keeping our little bean busy while we blabbed our faces off to the cameras. Cheerios helped too. And here’s how they boiled down our afternoon into less than three minutes of stodginess sexiness:

You can also read more about the project as a whole and watch some of the other (under three minute) profiles by visiting their site. Or you can check out this teaser video about the whole project that they cobbled together with fellow Stodgies, like Chip Kidd, a book designer we’ve both admired for years (I even got his book from Sherry two birthdays ago). We’re honored just to share a one minute clip with him and the other greats of the group.

And for those of you who have a little stodgy in you (if you’ve got it, flaunt it), here’s how you could come to find a giant spotlight on your porch. The site is also welcoming entries to be part of their series, so if you think you fit the “stodgy” bill, join in on the fun. I mean who doesn’t want to be on a site that says “We Are The Revolution. We Are Boring.” in bold letters across the top? Amazing.

PS: Even though the Stodgy is Sexy project is sponsored, we’re not affiliated with their sponsors and weren’t compensated for our participation. We just did it to feel sexy.

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Filed Under: Press, Random, Videos

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Comments

  1. karen @ our slo house says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:29 am

    By rules of the game, Six Degrees of Separation from Kevin Bacon, you’re totally sexy. Heck ya!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:43 am

      That’s totally how it works.

      xo,
      s

  2. erin says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:30 am

    Aww, makes me love you guys even more! Thanks for being such an inspiration on my own home projects and celebrating the Richmond community.

    Reply
  3. jessica says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Congrats guys! Looks like its going to be a great video!

    Reply
  4. Leilani says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:31 am

    I love your site and the fact that you started it just as a blog to update your family and you turned up on the Nate Berkus show!

    Reply
  5. Elisa says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:32 am

    Love the videos! This interview (and entire concept!) is right up your alley, and the Stody is Sexy trailer is very well made. Did you have neighbors trying to peak into your windows for days afterwards? Hah!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:43 am

      Haha, we actually don’t think anyone even noticed since it was a weekday afternoon in the winter (and we have a huge tree blocking half of our house from the street).

      xo,
      s

    • Elisa says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:59 am

      Hah, that’s good!

      And my inability to proofread is borderline impressive!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:01 am

      Haha, borderline impressive. You crack me up.

      xo,
      s

  6. Mari-Anne says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:35 am

    You guys ROCK! Congrats..

    Reply
  7. amber says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:35 am

    That was a fun little treat! I enjoyed watching! I agree though. If you can learn to do something to benefit from (and have fun doing it) why not?

    Reply
    • Elisa says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:11 am

      Hear hear! That’s our motto too. And who knows, you could even find a hidden talent!

  8. Bethany Annechino says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Stodgy is totally sexy. This is such a great little clip to show some of what makes you guys so loved by your fans.

    As for the neighbors being disappointed? I doubt it. Once they find out it is you guys, they may even be pounding on the door to beg you to makeover their homes. ;) Normal neighbors don’t have a few million people checking in on them monthly. You’re special little snowflakes, darn it!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

      Haha, the whole “special little snowflakes, darn it” thing has us laughing over here. You’re sweet.

      xo,
      s

    • Amy Wolff says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:50 am

      I totally agree…. I wish you or Katie Bower lived next to me. I always think what it would be like to be related to you guys….. I would drive you both nuts!

  9. annabelvita says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:36 am

    Y’all are awesome. So enthusiastic and thoughtful. Although I love your house and ideas (and baby!) I think it’s the LOVE in young house love that keeps me coming back – it’s just so obvious that you love each other, you love clara, you love your house, you love what you do and, (going out on a limb here) you love us!
    Also – is this why those shelve backs got painted so early?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 9:41 am

      We do love you guys! And as for those shelves, we had no idea they were coming when we painted them, but when they walked around our house, every room was a wreck except for that angle, so they said “we’ll film you in front of these” – hahahahaah.

      xo,
      s

  10. bridget b. says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:36 am

    first?

    cute! and i love the expression on Clara’s face in the video still.

    Reply
  11. Joya says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:36 am

    I’m mostly commenting since I wanted the fun of being your first comment on a post ;) But this was pretty neat that you got featured! Yay YHL!

    Reply
  12. Amy says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:37 am

    Young House Love gives me so much inspiration for my boyfriend and I who are just diving into our first home remodel. What you guys are doing is just simply amazing!

    Reply
  13. Danielle says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:38 am

    Awesome! Congrats on continuing to do something that you love – and getting recognition for it, too! :)

    Reply
  14. Melody says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:39 am

    Wow! That film looks like it’s going to be really good! Congratulations!

    Reply
  15. Vicki S says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:40 am

    I adore the look on Clara’s face as she is looking at the camera and you guys are holding her… she looks very mistrustful and has that eyebrow up look like, “Who are you to be in my house talking to my mom and dad? Who are you?”

    Hysterical. Congrats on being Stodgy…er…sexy.

    Reply
  16. Care says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:40 am

    You guys did great! Awesome video!

    Reply
  17. carole says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:41 am

    nicely done!

    i remember when people around us used to tease us about being frugal (okay, maybe they said stingy :) times have changed, and we’re “on trend”, probably for the only time in our geeky lives!

    Reply
  18. Cait @ Hernando House says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:41 am

    I love seeing angles of your house that you rarely show in this post, like the front porch!

    Reply
  19. Lindsey says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Great video guys!

    Reply
  20. Joanna says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:42 am

    Sherry – I noticed you are the only female they have highlighted so far. I wonder, what is the ratio of male versus female stodges (what is the word for multiple stodge?). I feel women in American society are so often pressured to have the latest shoes/purses/clothes/kitchen gadgets, that it hinders them from being frugal and thrifty. Your wardrobe alone is an inspiration to the budget-minded woman out there! Keep on, keepin’ on!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Haha, it’s true! So far I’m a lone female stodgy wolf. I bet as the project continues more gals will step up to claim stodgy as the new black! Here’s hoping at least. Haha. Until then I’ll be found with paint in my hair proudly wearing something on sale from Target. I guess I’m ready to own it. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  21. Meredith says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:45 am

    I am pretty famous for always having paint in my hair too – go Sexy Petersiks’s!! You guys are fantastic!

    Reply
  22. Jessica K says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:47 am

    Fantastic! I absolutely loved the video :)

    Reply
  23. jenn says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:48 am

    i was listening to this really quietly. i dont think i caught the end right… did john say you have a little man in the back of your head?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:03 am

      Hahahahahaah. Close. He said I had some paint in the back of my head. That’s the story of my life actually.

      xo,
      s

  24. Jenn L says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:50 am

    Hehehe congrats! I’m totally singing along with your post title now. Cara is growing up so fast… THAT is surreal! ohmygosh! <3 such a cutie!

    xoXOxo
    Jenn @ Peas & Crayons

    Reply
  25. Barb says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:50 am

    This post just proves that you are both doing great things in house decorating for all of us out there. Your style caters to all ages and just know that on a daily basis….you touch our hearts (YOUNG HEART LOVE) and your skills in both DIY and blogging are so appreciated!!! In other words…..You are definitely doing a GOOD THING!!!

    You’ve got a good thing going, don’t you think?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:02 am

      Amen. We keep looking around and asking “how on earth did this happen?”

      So lucky.

      xo,
      s

    • KathyG says

      March 12, 2011 at 9:51 am

      Impressive stats! You guys plan/hope/want to grow this to Apartment Therapy type of size? I think he started pretty much like you two. It’s really pretty amazing you’re doing this much on your own. Don’t let it wear you out.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 12, 2011 at 10:34 am

      We LOVE Apartment Therapy but we have no aspirations to hire a staff or ever get that big! We’re too simple minded for that. Haha. We just love writing our little home improvement “diary” of sorts (and keeping it mostly focused on things that go on around our house). Sure, it might limit us from growing into some 50+ person “company,” but since it’s just the two of us (and we actually like it that way) it might be a good thing. Haha. But we have met Maxwell from Apartment Therapy and he’s awesome. Just so humble and nice. And they’re a super inspirational site fo sho!

      xo,
      s

  26. Colleen says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:52 am

    ..and sexy you should feel!! :) congrats!

    Reply
  27. chelsea says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:52 am

    How cool! Congratulations, I think what you all are able to do-working together as a family to creat something and make ends meet, enjoying your child and the good things in life…is wonderful. The American Dream, anyone?

    Reply
  28. Martha says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:54 am

    How cool! I love that you guys are getting such positive exposure. Your blog is a true inspiration for me:)

    Reply
  29. Michelle from The Cooking Life says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:55 am

    Just watched your video – congratulations! Thanks for being a real inspiration to all of us ;)

    Reply
  30. Krysta says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:55 am

    These clips were so awesome and just made my morning!! You all are such an inspiration to me and so many other people. Thanks for doing what your doing.

    Reply
  31. Lyndsay @ Mr & Mrs says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:56 am

    I <3 this video! You guys just look like such a happy family :)! I also laughed when I saw your shots of what the house looked like when they came and then when they chose to film you in front of the shelves…love it!

    Reply
  32. Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:57 am

    You guys are such an inspiration to me and everyone. I think that I live my life, run my blog, create projects & budgets that I think back to you and go, they can do it – so can I! And it makes me happy to read your blog every day. So thank you.

    Reply
    • Lyndsay @ Mr & Mrs says

      March 10, 2011 at 11:53 am

      I totally agree :)

  33. D'vine Living says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:58 am

    You guys totally rock my South African world!!

    Reply
  34. Nicole says

    March 10, 2011 at 9:58 am

    Y’all are amazing!

    I definitely did a stodgy thing yesterday and I can’t stop bragging about it. I got a dress for $69 bucks that was originally $372! Gah I love the internet and the websites that are out there now.

    Reply
  35. Lindsey says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:00 am

    Hmmm, as a grammar and word nut, I don’t think the word stodgy means what they think it means. It means dull, uniteresting, uninspired, stuffy, formal. I wouldn’t say that’s what you guys are (inspired, casual, fun). Is there some thrift movement that I’m not aware of called “stodginess?” I know you guys didn’t name the doc, but it’s just very curious!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:05 am

      Haha, well the top of the site says: “We are the revolution. And we’re boring.” So maybe they think we’re old school and yawn inducing instead of flashy and fancy. Which is actually dead on. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Liz says

      March 10, 2011 at 11:45 am

      I kinda feel like stodgy isn’t the right word either, but whatever, I like the video!

  36. Claudia says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:01 am

    that’s awesome. we were doing the front yard last night and it’s such a great feeling, isn’t it? except i was too girly to fling the snails off the garden edging.

    Reply
  37. Ashley says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:02 am

    I read your blog every day and am inspired EVERY DAY! Thanks for continuing to post :)

    Reply
  38. liz says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Awww you guys are adorable! Love it! Now I’m feeling inspired to go create something.

    Reply
  39. Maya says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:03 am

    Great interview! Very sincere. And the shelves look awesome. :)

    hahahaha… I just wanted to say, btw, let’s hear it for your foreign readers. I bet we’re usually the first to comment on your first post of the day! (I’m from Israel)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:06 am

      Wooot! Go Israel! Love you guys.

      xo,
      s

  40. Ling says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:04 am

    We are stodgy, but I’m super leery of being on camera, especially with my baby. I don’t even put pictures of him on my blog. I’m very new to all this, though, so perhaps I’m being paranoid. Have you guys ever had stalkers or people post creepy reactions to photos or videos of Clara?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:12 am

      Great question! Everyone has a different level of comfort when it comes to things like that. We love sharing pics and video of Clara because we’re so darn obsessed with her (she’s our little miracle baby) and we just can’t stop filming/photographing every cute thing that she does and putting it up on places like our blog and Flickr (which is also a public forum) for the grandparents (which we’d do with or without the blog). I guess we’re more concerned with her actual physical safety (in-person stuff, like keeping our address private and having an insane Matrix-like whole house alarm system) so sharing photos and video our our sweet girl isn’t really a big thing for us. And so far people haven’t been creepy at all! I mean people say they wanna squeeze her cheeks and stuff like that, but who wouldn’t? Haha.

      xo,
      s

  41. ann @ my life as prose. says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:05 am

    TRANSITIVE PROPERTY!!! as a former 11th grade geometry [read: proof] teacher, i LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE that you referenced the transitive property… and [wait for it…] did it ACCURATELY!!

    my little math teacher heart just melted a little.

    Reply
  42. samantha says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:06 am

    congratulations! it IS very rewarding to get paint in your hair & do a happy dance when a project you worked so hard on comes together, so excited for ya’ll!

    Reply
  43. Jen @ The Decor Scene says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:12 am

    I can’t wait to view this from home. Can’t see it in either place from work. Boo!!!

    Reply
  44. kristen says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:12 am

    That’s a lot of fun! Congratulations.

    Reply
  45. Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:13 am

    Awh, great video guys! Congratulations! And beyond all your great house projects, I’m also always amazed at how you read all the comments! That is a feat in itself. :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:15 am

      Aw thanks Lori! We love you guys. How could we not “listen” to what you’ve got to say?!

      xo,
      s

  46. cristina s says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:14 am

    & when is Clara receiving her star on Hollywood?

    :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:15 am

      I know right? I keep waiting for the phone to ring…

      xo,
      s

  47. Pamela says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:16 am

    You guys and this blog have grown on me so much that you have officially become the FIRST blog I check in with on a daily basis (and I read a lot)! I would say that makes you VERY interesting, indeed! Congrats and keep up the snooze-inducing work!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:36 am

      Haha, will do! Snooze inducing work is hilarious.

      xo,
      s

  48. Lindsey says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:17 am

    I have that same blue shirt.

    Reply
  49. Sara B. says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Super cool, Petersiks!

    Reply
  50. Aimee says

    March 10, 2011 at 10:18 am

    Love it! And, during the small clip in your new kitchen I couldn’t help by think “An Eye!” when I saw the cupboard door pull. Hahaha. On a side note, (read: please don’t think I am freaky follower) the other day I breakfast I was staring at the cereal box and my mind kept going thinking about you, Sherry. Weird, I know. Then I realized why – there was a uncanny resemblance to you on the back of the Fiber One box. Have you taken up modeling for cartoon figures? ;) You can see another rendition here, but I like the Fiber One box the best: http://www.hungry-girl.com/who-is-hungry-girl

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 10:47 am

      Oh my gosh. That’s hysterical. I actually see the resemblance, which is hilarious since I don’t EVER see it when people say I look like actual people (Rachel McAdams, Amanda Peet, Mila Kunis, etc). But the cartoon character, I totally get. How weird is that?

      xo,
      s

    • Constance says

      March 10, 2011 at 11:33 am

      Oh my goodnes, I’m so glad someone else brought this up abot Hungry Girl – I thought the very same thing last week when we used Fiber One to make muffins. Crazy and adorable.

      And – a HUGE, well-deserved congratulations! I have always found thiftiness/stoginess very sexy as my husband will tell anyone when he asks what I want for a present and I say things like “Target giftcards” which he knows I will happily plop down the next time we do our general shopping there and not spend it on anything that we normally don’t buy. It feels like getting it for free which makes so GIDDY. Go YHL!

    • Heather says

      March 10, 2011 at 11:46 am

      Hahahah most definitely a more adorable Amanda Peet. I was trying to figure out while watching the video who the heck you reminded me of physically. Binnggoo.

      I hear you on the “wtf are you talking about?” resemblances. I get Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba & Julia Roberts. Wait, what? None of those ladies even look alike but heck, I’ll take it!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 11:49 am

      Ooh those are good ones! I’d take them. Haha.

      xo,
      s

    • Chaucea says

      March 10, 2011 at 6:13 pm

      Hehe, yah, definitely the Hungry Girl. That’s so cool!

      I used to live in Norway for a few years and John REALLY, REALLY looks Norwegian! He’s like… Poster Boy material for “This Is How A Norwegian Guy Looks”!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      March 10, 2011 at 6:15 pm

      Haha, you guys crack me up. I guess I love me a Norwegian guy and John loves him a cartoon wife. Haha.

      xo,
      s

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