Sorry to take so long writing this post for you guys! We know lots of you were asking about it ever since we got back this weekend, but in true Petersik fashion we took way too many pics and had to figure out which ones to use and then felt like over-sharing about the whole thing… and thus this giant full-o-pics-and-words post was born. Anyway, the first tour stop for our book in Cincinnati this weekend was, well, kind of nuts. But the good kind of nuts. The kind where it’s like a whirlwind of awesome and can’t-believe-this-is-happening experiences all jammed packed into about 36 hours.
We promise we won’t pour over the details of every single tour stop over the next few months, but we thought checking in every week or two with an update would be a good balance along with all of the usual DIY fare (we’ve always loved sharing travel happenings). And because this was our first stop it was just too novel and exciting to keep our mouths shut… unlike this Instagram photo below from our flight on Friday (where both of our mouths are firmly shut).
We left Richmond behind around noon on Friday and headed to the “Nasty ‘Nati” (as one reader told us it was called – although there’s nothing nasty about it) by way of Philadephia. Clara and Burger stayed back at our house with my parents for the short trip, so it was our first night ever spent away from Clara. It was definitely an adjustment, but it wasn’t as bad as we feared. Most 2.5-year-olds that we know have already had sleepovers with their grandparents or other family members for at least one night, so we figured it was high time that we ripped that band-aid off anyway. And she did great!
Our flight got us in about 90 minutes late. It wouldn’t have been a huge deal had we not arranged to House Crash someone that afternoon (the flight delay meant they had to wait patiently at our hotel for over an hour – eeks!). But they were great sports about the whole thing and their house was gorgeous despite the fact that we lost all natural light by the time we arrived. Thankfully we still got a bunch of awesome shots! You’ll get the full photo tour in a week or two (we’re juggling a few other House Crashings that we’ve secretly done and still have to write up for ya) but here’s a pretty little snippet.
Note: To all of the amazing folks who invited us to house crash, we wish we could’ve visited you all!
Despite the delays of the day, we still made time for some Cincinnati staples on Friday night: Skyline Chili and Graeter’s ice cream. Locals warned us that Skyline might be an acquired taste, but I thoroughly enjoyed my “three way” (chili + spaghetti + cheese mountain) and Sherry’s chili on a potato was equally good (for anyone wondering, she dumped a gallon of hot sauce on it and said she was in love). At Graeter’s (which is famous for their massive chunks of soft chocolate chips) Sherry downed a giant scoop of the popular black raspberry chip and I got cookie dough chip on a cone. It was great, even though it was about 45 degrees outside.
But the real fun started on Saturday at The Books By The Banks Festival. We can’t even begin to articulate how mind-blowing it was to see stacks of a book that we actually wrote for the first time ever (before this event, we had only seen one of them – and there were a lot more boxes of books under that table). So there might’ve even been some tingling sensations. Sherry claimed that her nose went numb. Which might be the only excuse for the series of dork-tastic photos that we took. Like the Home Alone inspired pic that we shared here and the Where’s Waldo one below:
The festival doors opened at 10am so we were able to get our book signing hands warmed up for about 45 minutes before we got whisked away for our 11 o’clock presentation. We had only written our presentation about three days prior and practiced it maybe three times (we both don’t like to over-practice something since it sounds stiff and scripted) and it was a bit intimidating to suddenly find ourselves in front of all of these people. This was just half of the room – my pic of the other half came out too blurry thanks to my jittery hands.
We had some technical difficulties with the slide remote not working (nothing like a rocky start to boost your confidence!) but word on the street is that we weren’t terrible. Phew. A big thanks to Emily for snapping this Instagram picture that makes us looks like we know what we’re doing. Keeping it real fact: we were both nervously bouncing our knees under the table the entire time. #tablecloththankfulness
Speaking of other people’s pictures, we had so much fun snapping photos with those of you who stopped by once we were back at our book signin’ table. So please know that you don’t need to be shy about asking for a photo. In fact, we’re cool if you just hold up your camera and say “Snap snap, yo.” (Thanks Laura for the one below).
And feel free to take advantage of our weirdness by making requests for how we should pose. Annie suggested we do the see no / speak no / hear no evil thing (not sure why I did coy geisha hands) and Natasha requested her favorite: the “what’s going on?” hands pose.
Another heads up to anyone coming to a future tour stop. If you bring your child, Sherry will go into full time fawning mode. The younger the kid, the more intense it will be. Especially on stops like this where Clara isn’t with us. Ok? You’ve been warned.
We also finally got the chance to meet the awesome Dana Miller from HouseTweaking (spoiler alert: she’s actually one of ten guest bloggers that pop up in our book!). This picture was especially entertaining after Katie Bower asked where my other hand was. Oddly enough, I think it was on Dana’s husband’s back (I have quite the wingspan). Oh and if you’re looking for a breakdown of Dana’s experience, she wrote about it here <–complete with who to bring, when to get there, what to wear, and tips for making friends in line
And thanks to the many suggestions from you guys to use the blank dummy copy of our book as a tour “yearbook” (it has blank pages inside), we asked everyone to sign it. We got signatures, some sweet notes, and even some awesome kid drawings. Heck, a few adults even drew us pictures, mostly because Sherry egged people on. Allison drew a portrait of Burger, Bill drew us a castle (at Sherry’s suggestion), and then Mike tried to top everyone with a technicolor unicorn (another Sherry suggestion).
Perhaps the most shrill Sherry-moment of the day was when someone brought a ceramic animal that they wanted her to sign. How awesome is that? I think that was on $herdog’s life list.
If you can’t tell yet – it was a fun day filled with lots of fun people. We could not get over how nice everyone was. Seriously. Everybody was just so kind and happy – even after driving long distances, waiting in line, and even after finding out that we had sold out of books (our publisher only a had a finite amount ready since it was an extra early event, so we signed book plates and took photos with the people who didn’t get one). Some sweet folks even brought gifts. GIFTS people. Who are we to deserve this niceness? Or is this just how midwesterners roll? Thanks for the sweet glass bird, the print for Clara, and the Kentucky horseshoe & grass seed, guys!
One thing’s for sure: Cincy has set the bar really (really really) high, so we can only hope that everyone at our other stops are as understanding, kind, and gosh-darn adorable. That’s right. I’m a dude and I just said gosh-darn adorable. You guys were so amazing to make the drive, survive the wait, and completely understand when the book bounty ran dry. Of course no one wants these things to go more smoothly than the hosts, our publisher, and Sherry & I (we’d have 1,000 books at each event with no line if humanly possible!) but it’s so nice when folks are all laughing and having fun in line together. #giddy&grateful
Laura even thoughtfully gave me a bottle of their favorite local soda – Kentucky’s Ale 8 One ginger ale. But since it’s Aquatober (my month of only drinking water) I just tucked it in my bag to be enjoyed on November 1st. Sadly the TSA official at the airport thwarted my plan. Drat! Forgive me for not having the chance to enjoy your present, Laura! #confiscated
The sweetest moment of the day goes to Riley, the little girl who saw this Charley Harper book at another author’s table and thought “Clara would like this” and gave it to us to bring home to her. Sherry totally cried. As in, she was actively wiping tears from her eyes when the next folks in line came up to us (she’s mortified, but I told her it was cute). And Clara totally loves the book from “her friend Riley.”
Things slowed down for us around late afternoon (we were only supposed to be there until 1, but since the earliest flight home wasn’t until 6 we stayed around to continue meeting people and signing bookplates until right before the festival ended at 4). And on our way out we snuck in some time to enjoy the tail-end of the festival ourselves. For instance, we snagged this pic with Clara’s favorite bear couple to show her when we got home. Berenstain Bears for the win!
And speaking of meeting celebs, we had a chance to meet Bob and Cortney Novogratz since they were at a nearby table signing their new book, Home by Novogratz. We were all so preoccupied with our presentations that our interaction was sadly just a rushed exchanging of signed books before they had to catch a flight home to their seven kids. Though we did sneak in a quick picture too – which started off like this (Sherry likes to say that her default setting is “creepy”)…
… and ended like this:
Both Bob and Cortney were super nice and their book is great. We’re especially loving all the budget breakdowns in there (it correlates with their show, so it’s fun to see how much certain items and projects really cost). And how crazy is it to see an HGTV star holding our book? BANANAS.
In addition to getting a signed copy of the Novogratz book, we also got signatures from Gillian Flynn (author of Gone Girl) and Tad Hills (creator of some of Clara’s favorite books). It was one of those crazy whirlwind days that you almost don’t believe actually happened until you look back at the pictures.
But before we could even begin to absorb all the wacky and wonderful things we had just experienced, it was time to hit the airport for our flights home. Speaking of wacky… I guess a long day of meeting awesome people and skipping lunch to keep up with signing = hyperactive airport hijinks.
As much as we expected to just be dead tired, we were still so energized by all of the love in that room. We even had some fun in the kids’ play area before we had to board our real (and notably less giant) plane home.
We landed in Richmond shortly after 10pm, just over 36 hours since leaving the morning before. We were still riding on that Ohio-induced high, but definitely eager to get home, snuggle Burger, and catch a few winks before waking up Clara with some major hugs the next morning (she was already happily snoozing when we got in).
Thanks again to everyone who took time out of their Saturday to come on down. It made us so excited for our next leg (Manhattan, Wilton CT, and Ridgewood NJ on Nov 1st & 2nd) and everything else beyond that too. But most of all, we’re psyched (and still a bit anxious) that this book is finally in the hands of people besides ourselves and our publisher. That’s probably the craziest part of this whole thing. Two hundred of our babies are out there in circulation. Getting read, and hopefully being enjoyed. Thanks so much to all of you guys for making this possible. #whowouldathought
Chrissy says
I grew up in the Nasty Nati and I wish I could have gone to your book signing! I love that you guys had so much fun in Cincy!
Renee says
I loved reading about your tour! Looks like so much fun. I can’t wait to see you in DC.
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
I love this! Keep the details coming and the pics. You guys are awesome!
Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says
Total random side note – last night I dreamt that you guys crashed my house and you were washing dishes…I just stood there like an idiot staring at you then tried to be all casual and asked “So how’s the tour”. I was mortified by everything that came out of my mouth. Woke up in a panic…..LOL! Totally weird but had to share.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahhhah! So funny!
xo
s
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Gabriella!
xo
s
Laura says
Ummm, I have an embarrassing confession…after reading this post yesterday, I couldn’t stop thinking about John’s delicious pile of 3-way chili – to the point where I actually had to go out and get my own 3-way chili for dinner last night. :) Love love LOVE you both and cannot wait to meet you in DC! I just might cry like a fool. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha- that’s so funny!
xo
s
Kea says
Congratulations! I wish you were making it out to San Diego. – Kea
YoungHouseLove says
We do too! Here’s hoping it gets added!
xo
s
jennT says
oh.my.good.ness. I’m still laughing at sherry freaking out over the Novogratz–that’s totally creeptastified. :) (ps–if you made it to the USVI, that’s totally what my face would look like while in line I’m sure)
Cara D says
It looks like you had so much fun! We are coming to Chicago to see you but the RSVPs have already been closed and we are told it is first come first serve so it looks like you are going to be BUSY in Chi town!
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! So excited! Can’t wait to hopefully meet you!
xo
s
Heather McClure says
I would love for you to come to Pittsburgh too. After reading your post and seeing all the love, I’m kicking myself for not making the 4 hour drive to Cincy. If you nudge your publisher to come to Pittsburgh, there’s a white ceramic animal and soda t-shirt in it for you! ha ha Congratulations on all of your success! I’m so happy for you!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, we’d love to end up out there!
xo
s
Lauren says
The pics of you eating Skyline and Graeter’s made my day. Anytime I’m home visiting my parents I stop for a three way and a scoop of Raspberry Chip!
I know you’re going to be in DC, but I wish you had a Northern VA stop. I just can’t swing the DC traffic with my little one! Oh well, maybe when you write your next book… :)
YoungHouseLove says
Next time for sure!
xo
s
Summer says
I preordered my copy a couple of days ago! I can’t wait to get it in the mail soon!!
Kristi says
I’m a little late to this comment train – but (along with a lot of other posters) I am SO excited to see you in Boston!!! As I’ve told every single person I know I am geekily and nerdily excited about it! I am now thinking I should leave work early just in case the line is ridiculous. I am hoping someone else in line can snap pics for me – since I am going solo! I pre-ordered a book – but will definitely be buying a book there too.
Also I think you should do a little post from each stop on your tour. I know that I would enjoy it!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! So excited to meet you Kristi!
xo
s
Emily says
Skyline and Ale 8- this girl is officially homesick!
So glad that you liked your Skyline- I hope you ate your crackers while you were waiting for your food. They taste best that way :)
Looking forward to your stop in Chicago!!
Briel K. says
I”m glad you had such a blast at your first book event! I hope all of your other stops go just as well!
Libby says
I love reading all your posts, but knowing I was at the Cincy book stop, meet in in person, and have a signed book on my bookshelf makes this post my new favorite! And my hubby’s head is in the background of one of the pictures. :) It was so great to meet you guys! Love, love, love the book!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xoxo,
s
Erin says
Sorry if you already answered this… just curious… had Bob and Cortney heard of YHL? That would be so cool! It looks like it was a success!
YoungHouseLove says
Nah they didn’t know who the heck we were. Haha!
xo,
s
Jenn says
I smell Cape 27!! Can’t wait to get your insight on their home and progress…
Nicole says
Love this recap- this is why we love you!!
Can’t wait to see you in MN and get your book.
Gone Girl is the best book I’ve read all year. Crazy good thriller.
Deanna says
omg omg omg!! I feel like Sherry like when she almost touched Nate’s hand! We were in the same city at once! I’ve lived in the 513 (Cincinnati) my whole entire life and I gotta tell you it’s worth a second trip back!
While skyline is okay… you really gotta try some Montgomery Inn Ribs. Also, in terms of delish ice cream, come back and get the best sundae ever at Aglamesi’s Ice Cream.
Also, also, go to Mount Adam’s for the best view of the city ever.
I’m glad you enjoyed Nasti Nati!
ps. did you know Skyline chili has cocoa powder in it?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, someone told us that! So weird! I tasted the cinnamon but then I hot sauced it up and didn’t anymore. Haha.
xo
s
Aditi says
Congrats..I am reading your blog for along time and I got lots of inspiration from you. Best of luck.
I wish you make a trip to Boston too.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Aditi! We’re coming to Boston! Yay!
xo,
s
MizLottie says
Congrats on your success and it appears you had a great time and lots of positive feedback! I think it’s so endearing for that little girl to give Clara a gift, that’s so considerate and kind! Too bad you’re not making it down to L.A., I would have loved to have met you. Kisses to Clara and Burger!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to end up in LA! Here’s hoping!
xo
s
Michelle krommer says
I’m so upset I just found out you were in cincinnati this weekend! I would have loved to come meet you, well I hope your stay was a good one, looks like you got all the right things with graeters and skyline!! I hope to get your book soon, love the blog!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw,thanks so much Michelle!
xo
s
Liz F says
Love the “fawning over baby” picture!!! I so wish I could come to one of the book signings…the closest one to me is in Tacoma. Something tells me you guys wouldn’t want to do a book signing in Pullman “middle of nowhere,” Washington :/
Chloe says
Hahaha at the coy geisha hands. John looks just like Matt Smith in the spaghetti pic! Congratulations on your book!
Jan C. says
Breaking news: The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County has your book in stock, and 68 people have placed holds on it. We are fighting for a copy over here! But seriously, speaking as a library employee, I have to say that 68 holds is an excellent number for a non-fiction book. You are definitely a hit!
YoungHouseLove says
NO WAY!!!! That’s so exciting. Thanks Jan!
xo
s
Erica says
First of all, I want to say thank you guys for staying in Cincinnati to sign books and bookplates! I realize you guys were only scheduled to be there until 1, and I seriously appreciate you guys staying late to sign everybody’s stuff. I’m sad you guys ran out of books, but it isn’t like I’ve had time to read it anyway! When I finally get it, I hope I’ll have time to enjoy it!
Second of all, I’m glad you enjoyed Skyline and got some Graeters. I’m sorry you missed out on the Ale8 though. It’s awesome stuff.
And lastly, I totally just geeked out because I’m in the back of the pictures of you and Courtney Novogratz! I’m just sad you couldn’t see me and the new friend I made in line putting up bunny ears behind you! :-) That just pretty much made my day.
Glad you had a fun trip! Maybe next time you can visit LaRosa’s and get some yummy pizza?!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- that’s so funny! Sad we missed the bunny ears!
xo
s
JoAnn in NJ says
Hey YHL!
I am really looking forward to the NJ signing on 11/2, but the Frankenstorm is bearing down the east coast about then. If you have to cancel the signing – will it be rescheduled?
Please be safe – I plan to spend my weekend moving things out of my basement (we flood during really storms)
YoungHouseLove says
Eeks! From what we hear the storm hopefully will have passed. If we have to reschedule we’ll definitely keep you guys posted!
xo
s
Johanna says
Your ‘creepy setting’ photo made me snort laugh while riding public transport. I’m not embarrassed, I have no shame anymore. :D
I’d love to be able to order a signed copy of your book as I don’t think you’d be doing a signing in Australia any time soon, although you are definitly welcome! We have ‘Max Brenner’ here in Sydney which is an awesome chocolate place… Have I sweetened the deal yet? Lol
YoungHouseLove says
We wish!!!! That wold be amazing.
xo
s
Erika says
So, I’m sitting at the dentist office paging through this month’s Redbook and I think I recognize your ceramic rhino in the table of contents. Flip to the article and its an article about you guys! And yes, I totally pointed it out to the woman next to me while expressing my love for your blog and why she should check it out. And buy your book. Total fan crush happening right here.
YoungHouseLove says
Awww, thanks Erika! You’re not the first person to have said they spotted the rhino and thought the same thing.
-John
Allie says
It was great to see you guys in person! I wasn’t expecting quite so many people to be in line and I had a friend’s wedding to get to so I didn’t get to meet you… I was in the other half of the presentation audience and you guys did great! Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Allie! So glad you came out :)
xo
s
Jan C. says
Now your book is in the sidebar on the library’s “Hot Titles” page, right about Ina Garten’s latest “Barefoot Contessa” cookbook. Sorry though, John, it just says Young House Love” and Sherry Petersik as the author. The co-author got cut off in the sidebar post. http://www.cincinnatilibrary.org/spotlight/hottitles.asp
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahah! No way!!!
xo
s
Jan C. says
*right above
Niña says
Wow!
Congrats Sherry and John…
I hope I could grab a copy of your book.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Nina! They’re available overseas in most places through amazon or a place called the book depository!
xo
s
Laura says
What an amazing experience! My book is already on it’s way from the Chapters warehouse, hopefully it gets here early – I can’t wait to read it!!
Katie says
baaaa! i so wanted to be there but we had a funereal to attend. sad, yes. but it looks like you all had a great time in cincinasti! so very cool.
YoungHouseLove says
So sorry for you loss Katie! Wish we could have met you!
xo
s
Julia says
I am so upset I had to miss you guys! My husband had law school stuff that day and he always has my car :( I even had gifts. Perhaps another time.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet Julia! Next time for sure.
xo,
s
Michelle says
Im so damn excited about your book coming out! I have been following along with you guys since way back when you got hitched and diyed your own wedding. From that moment on I was hooked and in awe of your enthusiasm and giving everything and anything a go. You have inspired my boyfriend and I go do the same and we are totally transforming our first home inside and out referring back to your blog when we need inspiration!
I just did a gushy post about you guys I would love you to check it out and hope the book hits the stores in Australia this week too :)
http://jarrahjungle.blogspot.com.au/2012/11/young-house-love-book-debut.html
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re so sweet! Thanks so much for the awesome post!!
xo
s
liz says
i recently moved to cincinnati and am really loving it here – glad you loved it too and experienced signature midwestern hospitality!!!
and good choice with the graeter’s raspberry chip!!! :)
Mary says
Okay, if you ever come to Ohio again, be sure to stop by Columbus! You would love all the decorating stores in the Short North district
Barbara Hollick says
God Bless you, you encourage me….Love believes all things. 1Corinthians 2:9
Lauren says
Hi Sherry and John,
As huge fan of yours and book owner, I recommended your book for one of my client’s websites for their monthly digital content, and they selected it!! Their website rotates monthly content around a theme, recommending books, movies, cool gadgets, etc. Your book appears in a collage on the homepage, as well as embedded in some of the different flavor pages as well as the “Life With Flavor/Flavor accents” page. Just wanted you to know you are loved up in the Northeast! Feel free to check it out at http://www.baileyscreamers.com, and keep the projects coming!
Thanks for everything,
Lauren
YoungHouseLove says
NO WAY!!! That’s so sweet of you Lauren. We’re so honored. Thanks for the love! We love you right back :)
xo
s
Lauren says
Hi again!
Thank you for quick your response!! I have another update! We are extending your recognition onto our Facebook page this Sunday with a post on our page (www.facebook.com/BAILEYSCreamers). If there is any specific project that you would especially like to see mentioned, we would be completely open to it, as we were planning on driving to your blog within the post already. No pressure, but in case you had something specific you wanted people to see. :)
Thanks again!
Lauren
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Lauren! Just a link to our main page would be awesome- or if you’d like to link to this post that would be great too! We really appreciate the mention!
xo
s