Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 758 Comments

We Made The Washington Post!

Considering that delivering The Washington Post was my first real job (because what 6th grader doesn’t like getting up at 5am everyday?), it’s kind of an “is this real life?” full circle moment for me that my current gig (this blog) has landed us in the pages of that very same newspaper. My dad (a.k.a. my newspaper delivery partner) has never been more proud. We had no idea it would be such a big write up (with a giant cover picture in the Local Living section, but after we got over our vanity (is my hair weird? does Clara look cute?) we couldn’t believe how awesome it was. Who are we and what did we do to deserve this? But enough blabbering. I gush when I’m excited.

Here are a few shots of the paper for ya (click ’em to enlarge) and of course you can see them in the flesh if you get The Washington Post. And you can read most of the article online here, here, and here (there are three parts to the story, but some of the pics are different than the ones in the actual newspaper article). And if the article has been archived, you can download PDFs of the text here, here and here.

WPost Cover Small

We especially loved this cool call-out thing they did with our old den about where we got stuff/what we paid for it:

As for the pics, the Washington Post scooped us on a few things. Haha. It takes us a few days for us to do projects, take pics, and write posts – so they slipped through and snapped photos of things we’ll be sharing in the next few days. Should be fun…

Anyway, thanks to Terri Sapienza for the write up (us? really?) and for coming down to our house to hang out for the interview (which couldn’t have been less scary even though it sounded crazy intimidating when we first heard that she wanted to do it). She was a blast to have over and we realized that her husband and I lead eerily similar lives (beyond being married to women with rhyming names).

Oh and how insane is it that they actually called Nate Berkus for a quote about us (remember when we met him here)? Sherry just about died when she saw that. There were no words for about ten minutes, which is a total record for her. Consider us flattered (or too giddy for our own good if you’re Sherry- really she’s doing that uncontrollable giggle thing over here). Here’s his quote:

“First of all, they’re adorable,” says talk show host and designer Nate Berkus. In the fall, the Petersiks appeared on “The Nate Berkus Show” as DIY experts and judges for a design challenge. “Their delivery is particularly charming and endearing, and their information is delivered in a smart way,” Berkus says.  “ . . . I think Young House Love could easily transition into a TV program.”

How crazy is that? Seeing the paper this morning was like an out of body experience for both of us. We also think it’s hilarious that Nate thinks YHL could be a TV show, because we’ve actually been approached a few times about that over the past few years but are always quick to decline. We’re definitely TV people (I mean we like to watch it) but we don’t want to actually be TV people (as in, be on it). We’re much more comfortable hiding behind the safety of our computer screens. And as Sherry likes to say “we don’t wanna Jon & Kate ourselves, ya know?!” Besides, putting the blog on hold for weeks of filming might leave us with a serious case of withdrawal.

Side tangent officially over. Anyway, you may have noticed some other paper-related news revealed in the article: we’re in the very early stages of writing a book! Like a real one. That they’d actually have in Barnes & Noble. How crazy is that? When a few book agents and publishers approached us over a year ago, we figured that with all of the writing that we’ve done online each day over the past 3.5 years (over 1,752 posts and 891,000 words published) perhaps writing something offline could be a natural side project for us – especially if the topic is DIY and home stuff. Because you know that does it for us. But don’t worry, the blog will still be priority numero uno. After all it’s our first baby (well second, the birth order goes: Burger, YHL, Clara).

So after over a year of fine tuning our book proposal (yeah, it took forever, and ended up being 150+ pages long) we sent it out, held our breath, and were shocked and awed to be signed by Artisan/Workman. For a few weeks we were scared they would come to their senses, realize we’re dorks, and say nevermind – but holy bananas, it’s a done deal. And the process was kind of crazy and interesting, so for anyone else out there who’s looking to write a book proposal (and eventually a book), we’re planning a post about how it all went down and what that experience has been like for us.

There’s still an entire manuscript to be written, so it would be premature to say exactly what the book will be about, but we do know that it’s not going to be some fancy interior design coffee table book or a sordid behind-the-scenes tell-all novel with shirtless Fabio (or shirtless me) on the cover.

We’re aiming to capture the don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously DIY spirit of our site without regurgitating a lot of stuff that you’ve already seen slash read here (we want it to feel fresh and new). And of course it’ll have budget friendly ideas along with fast & easy projects that anyone can do (except if you’re tied to a pole). Since publishing a book takes much longer than publishing a blog post, we’re scheduled for a fall 2012 release – and we’re mucho excited. We couldn’t wait to spill the beans to you guys after lots of months spent biting our tongues and keeping cats in bags.

So that’s the news up our sleeve at the moment. I guess it’s only polite to ask – what’s new with you these days?

UPDATE: Check out this more recent post about the book-writing process.

Comments

  1. ruth says

    Great news on the book… BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY…. I can see the green rug in the newspaper photo!!! Which means it’s already on your floor… TIME TO SHARE ;)

    Reply

  3. bria leeann says

    i am so happy and proud of you two! I started reading when i researched “backyard weddings” before mine the summer of 2008. it ws the only blog i’d ever read and i was addicted! Soon after the wedding we bought our first house and YHL helped me find confidence in my decorating voice. following your stories and successes has been a pleasure & an inspiration.

    couldn’t happen to nicer people! enjoy!!!

    Reply

  5. Daphne Rhode says

    John & Sherry~

    Why would a television show end up like a John and Kate fiasco? I think your personalities would carry over charmingly into a 30 min/week format of you both showing us how to do certain things, in your house, or in a house the show buys just for the DIY opportunities, but not in a real time time format. Think of the masses and their attention spans-they want to see something wrapped up in a 30 minute segment! I remember a show in the early 80s which aired in Canada about a DIY woman showing projects and using power tools. What she did was interesting but as she was on her own, there was no interesting back and forth dialogue like you would have (and no guest spots by Burger and Clara) When you mentioned tv, that’s immediately what I saw you doing, not some reality show nightmare. Your show could leave the house as well, taking trips to your favorite stores, showing how you select an item, how you modify it to suit your purpose, and once altered, where it ends up. (maybe after the book, you’ll be approached again : )

    I was raised by house flippers, but before it was ever cool, common or lucrative. We lived in each house as it was being transformed and by the time I graduated from high school, I had lived in 10 houses. We always had people coming through our houses and were very curious about how projects were done. My parents were thrifty, (as an example, a room with parquet wood squares was not where they wanted it to be, so my sister and I chiseled up the thousands of little rectangles of wood, sanded the glue off all the edges and my parents put the floor back down on the other side of the house…)

    Congratulations on all your accomplishments.

    Daphne

    ps Uhm, I’ve been reluctant to bring this up, however as Clara grows you might want to consider wearing closed toe footwear while you do some of your projects. I notice ‘toes’ in your photos and it worries me that an injury is just around the corner. I’ve never broken a toe, however speaking to adults who have, it takes months to recover from and is most unpleasant and limiting. Just want to make sure you both stay on your feet, your intact feet and keep safe. : )

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      All good points, Daphne. Perhaps there’s the right show lurking out there for us down the line, but for now we’re happy to not venturing into that territory. Writing, designing and parenting makes us plenty happy (and busy!) these days so we’re not looking to add to the madness at the moment.

      Thanks for the shoe reminder too. We try to keep them off in the house for the most part (since it’s a quick way to track in lots of dirt) but when the project calls for it, we’re quick to cover our toes! I’ve had a broken little toe before and you’re right that it’s not fun. Especially when you’re a runner!

      -John

  7. Ames says

    Congrats on the book! I will be first in line!

    Also, can I just say how much more I LOVE you guys for saying no to a TV show??? There are a few blogs I used to love, I felt like they really went downhill when the blogger moved to TV. I just love that you want to stay true to your blog. I can’t wait to see what is coming up next!!!

    Reply

  10. Among says

    what’s up with me? looking for a travel writing job and then perhaps, someday a book deal haha..Seriously you guys are an inspiration! Congratulations!

    Reply

  11. karen @ our slo house says

    Holy bananas is right! Congratulations, you guys!
    That’s so cool and exciting. I love that you guys are in this together.

    BTW, birth order doesn’t mean priority, right? I’m guessing and hoping that Clara is Numero Uno when it comes to dog/blog/baby priority.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Of course, Karen! By no means does birth order equal priority (though please don’t tell Burger he’s not our one and only love these days). :)

      -John

  12. NaomiL says

    What a wonderful and exciting post:) I’m super excited for you guys! Can’t wait for the book. You guys truly deserve it!

    Reply

  14. Corinne says

    Eeeek, that’s so cool that you were in my favorite newspaper! Which day’s edition was it? I totally can’t wait for your book. If the publisher does anything with Amazon Kindle, PLEEEEEEEEEEEASE ask them to make it available as an e-book on there!

    Nothing new over in my neck of the woods that’s of any interest, but if you want a good laugh about my ideas for my kitchen, go to my blog and read the posts titled “Mismatched” and “Bring It On.” There’s a picture of a supper cute puppy in it for you!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We get the Fairfax edition here in Richmond, Corinne (not sure why) but hopefully you can find it in others. And don’t worry, our publisher has already mentioned an e-book version a few times so sounds like we’ll have you covered. Off to check out your cute puppy!

      -John

    • Corinne says

      Ooooh, you got a good publisher then if they’re already talking about an e-book version!

      I just noticed my typo about the “supper” cute puppy. I’d like to say that I would never eat the adorable little Chloe bug for a meal! She loves the Burger videos whenever I play them, so keep posting those!

  18. Mary says

    WOW! It’s just keeps getting better and better with you guys!!! In a world where I hear lots and lots of bad news everyday (natural disasters, friends and family loosing their jobs, etc. etc.) it’s SO nice to hear good news from you guys!!!! You two are seriously some of my favorite people (is it weird I considered sending you a Christmas card?! Ha!) and we’ve never even met (but I am guessing you get that a lot!) Congrats on your great news, I’m super excited for you!

    Reply

  25. Hanna says

    Ohmigosh!!! CONGRATS! So much exciting news in one post!

    Hmmmm… sneaky Nate Berkus trying to poach you for TV land. Hands off, Nate!

    Reply

  26. Janel says

    Congrats guys! That is such amazing news and I already cannot to buy and read your book. Don’t have a house yet but I file away your blog posts for future DIY ideas (and have done some for the apartment). A book will be a great resource and great housewarming gift for friends! SO happy for you!

    Reply

  29. karen says

    WOW! What great news! It’s really nice to see when good things happen to good people!!
    Hmmm..i think that hair is working for you John.

    Since you asked…my hubs, and kids and some friends of ours are planning to take a road trip to Virginia this summer (partly because of your post a while back)!
    Hope that goes smoothly traveling with a 3 year old and a baby all the way from Toronto!!

    Reply

  31. Julie says

    A rollercoaster of emotions for you:
    1. Yay! The print media shows good taste in the uber-cool John and Sherry again!
    2. Oh no! The photos in the article won’t have their awesome new rug in them!
    3. But wait! The new rug IS in the photo!
    4. Hey! I want to see more rug photos!
    I see the photos are coming this afternoon.
    And congratulations!
    And special kudos to you for how you dealt with the . . . ahem . . . interesting comments from yesterday.

    Reply

  34. Katy says

    How awesome is this! Congrats! You guys are awesome and reading your blog posts are definitely one of the highlights of my day. I am BEYOND excited for your book!

    Have a great day,

    Katy

    Reply

  35. Ashlee says

    I got all excited to comment that I didn’t read the post closely… you two aren’t into the TV thing! Totally understand not wanting to Jon and Kate yourselves. haha Can’t wait for the book!

    Reply

  37. Shelley says

    Congrats – great news all around, and CAN’T WAIT to buy the book.

    And, laughed so hard (out loud, at work even) at that book cover parody. HILARIOUS!

    Reply

  39. Anna Seek says

    OMG!!!!!!!!!!

    So I’m on vacation this week because my daughter and 6 month old grandson (Matthew) are visiting. I’m getting ready to do a little sewing and am cleaning off the table and sorting through the newspaper (recycle colors, like ads, and keep regular) and I come across the Maryland Home section of the Washington Post. I’m jumping up and down and (silently – cuz lil man is napping) yelling “Holy Hanna! I read their blog EVERY DAY”!.

    I was a tad excited!

    LOVE the article!

    Congrats!

    Reply

  40. Christa says

    hahahahaha!!! that post made me lol!! (well, in all honesty, I didn’t really. But part of that is due to the fact that my baby is sleeping) hilarious!! so happy for you guys, and yeah, I would def agree with the non-tv thing, but that’s more because I don’t want to lose your bloggy selves. :)

    Reply

  41. Rae says

    Congrats on the news! It’s absolutely wonderful how you guys could take a blog for fun and turn it into such an inspiring and successful business with an amazing following! From one blogger to another – Kudos! Can’t wait to add the book to my collection. P.S. I see that the new o.co rug turned out awesome! ;)

    Reply

  42. Kristen says

    Congratulations! I am so happy for you guys. I think most of your readers would agree that it feels like we’re celebrating the success of good friends!
    The fact that you have turned down TV deals in the past is a testament to how down-to-earth you are. There’s no way you could be anything like the Jon and Kate train wreck.
    I look forward to buying your book….can’t wait to see what ideas you have up your sleeve! Congrats again!

    Reply

  44. Lesley says

    This makes me so excited for you guys! Also fun to see a little sneak peek of projects you haven’t posted here yet.
    Your book is going to be great!

    Reply

  45. Jazmin says

    I get so excited when you guys make it into the media. I’ve been reading this blog so long, that as a reader, I’ve seen you grow in knowledge skill and size (in reference to expanding your family with Clara). I feel so proud that you guys have created your own success, and I also feel proud to call myself a long-time reader!

    Reply

  46. Jennifer Darling says

    How awesome is that????!!!!!!
    I LOVE reading your blog and book is just icing on the cake!
    Congratulations!!

    Jenn

    Reply

  47. jodi says

    WOW!!! absolutely fantastic news all around! congrats you guys. so well deserved. and seriously? that quote from nate berkus? i would have passed out.

    as for me? well, i’m having my first gallery show next month! it’s a group of artists with all polaroids on display. and it’s in d.c., so you guys should totally go. ;)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      OOoooh congrats! That’s big! Feel free to post the deets on our Facebook page or via email and we’ll try to make it if we’ll be in the area (John’s parents live there so we go more than you’d think!).

      xo,
      s

  49. Gina S. says

    I was very excited to pick up the paper this morning and see the 4 of you looking back. It was a great article. Congratulations to you all.

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *