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Young House Love » Road Trips & Travel » NYT, RVA, Chi-town & the T-Dot

| By John Petersik | November 16, 2012 | 789 Comments

NYT, RVA, Chi-town & the T-Dot

Quick note: Tomorrow (Saturday) we’ll be in Dallas at 11am at the West Elm on 5307 East Mockingbird Lane for cookies, cocoa and a book signing (more info here). We’d love to see ya there!

We’re back with a little book/life/tour update (#warning it’s long). Admittedly, it’s sooner than we had originally planned (our last one was a week ago), but lots has happened and we’re just brimming with news and pictures so we’ve basically overflowed. Somebody get a mop. Or maybe a tissue. Because we’ve gotta start with some crazy awesome / amazingly humbling news. We just learned that our book has become an instant New York Times bestseller. I can’t believe I just typed those words. It’ll actually be printed in the paper on 11/25, but this is a sneak peek image that we got. And yes, we totally called our parents and Sherry had a good cry (and I got something in my eye, but no sir I wasn’t crying). Then we laughed for at least three minutes about book #10’s title. #catpoetryforthewin

NYTimes

Sherry and I are still new enough to this publishing world that we don’t fully comprehend how these lists are crafted and what exactly it means. Though we’re certain it means one thing: we have the best readers ever. Because this was all thanks to you guys. Whether you’ve purchased a copy, shown up for a signing, or even just left an encouraging comment back when we were starting this whole adventure – we owe you a giant fist bump for showing so much love and support. We couldn’t have done it without you. Seriously. And if we’re being honest, we still think this might be a long and elaborate dream sequence…

Speaking of signings, we figured we should catch up up on some of our latest stops (or are we just dreaming about them?) since happenings from yesterday are already starting to get blurry in our cookie-and-cocoa-riddled minds. So let’s pick up where we left off here. We flew back from Boston to Richmond last Thursday, caught our breath, and before we knew it found ourselves at our first hometown event in Richmond called “R for the Holidays.” R.Home is a local shelter mag and we were completely surprised when they asked us to be on the cover of their Nov/Dec issue (and even more taken aback to see it blown up so big at the event)… let’s just say we both made faces like this:

RVA 1 Cover Shot

Back in the day we wrote a DIY column for them and we’ve actually attended every R.Home for the Holidays event since its inception just as guests, so it was completely surreal to be speakers for the night. Oh, and how cute is beansie on that cover picture? We couldn’t wrangle both Burger and Clara simultaneously, so Burger ended up being represented by the sparkly chihuahua ornament in the green bowl that Clara’s actually reaching for in the photo. You can read a snippet of the article and watch a quick behind-the-scenes video here (and see a bigger picture of the cover, to get a glance of Faux Burger here).

RVA 2 Cover Shoot Living Room

Oh and Sherry wants me to tell you that when we shot the “Clara reaching photo” back in late October (here’s another Clara reaching pic, just because it seems to be her theme) she had waaay too much fun decorating those built-ins behind us for Christmas (they called to request that we do that since it was for the Nov/Dec cover). So they still mostly look like that and when we get back from this tour she’ll probably just “add even more Christmas.” #imarriedachristmaself

Anyways, back to the event. You may have heard that this is where we auctioned off some of the projects in the book. It was a great way for us to put some of those DIYed furniture and accessories to good use while also supporting a local cause (The School of Richmond’s Ballet which gives dance lessons to children who otherwise couldn’t afford them). We put a bunch of items up for auction (among them were two desks, two chairs, a bookshelf, a mirror, and a rug) and as we mentioned here, we later found out that our little auction raised $500 for local kids. Woot! Here’s Sherry making sure there aren’t any bugs hiding in the drawers before the auction. #keepingitreal

RVA 3 Auction Items

The evening started with a talk by Adam Roberts who turned his blog, The Amateur Gourmet, into a seriously beautiful cookbook called Secrets of the Best Chefs. In short: he was brilliant, inspiring, and hilarious. Then we went on and chatted with everyone about seven DIY lessons we’ve learned (many of them, the hard way). We definitely hope to link to a video of our chat when it’s up on R Home’s website, so we’ll keep you posted. In the meantime, here’s the synopsis: we were nerdlings, we over-shared, and the crowd was awesomely smiley. #bestmustacheever

RVA 4 Talk To Crowd

With both talks wrapped up, we turned to the signing portion of the night – which is quickly becoming our favorite part of these things. We get to talk to people, take funny photos, and have conversations like: “Did Katie Bower have her baby yet!” “Nope, not yet – we just talked to her an hour ago!”

RVA 5 Signing Table

Amidst many familiar Richmond faces, we got to meet tons of new friends – like Hallie, who won our “trip to Richmond” giveaway last month. If any part of you wants to spew bile in her direction for winning, know this: she was sweet and bubbly and genuine and a thousand other nice words. She invited her mom along for a whirlwind weekend in RVA (Hallie was flown in from St. Louis and her mom was flown from Jacksonville). Sadly our hang out time clocked all of five minutes, but we later heard that they had a blast doing all sorts of RVA activities around town.

RVA 6 Trip Winner

This woman gracefully accepted Sherry’s blurting compliment of “You look just like Meryl Streep!” She said she gets it a lot and even has a Meryl reference on her license plate. So Sherry insisted that we get a photo so we can pretend that we really met the star of classics like 1994’s The River Wild (arguably her best rafting-themed movie to date).

RVA 7 Meryl Streep

Along with a smattering of ceramic animal signing requests, we got funny invitations like this one, which was: “please sign a onesie for my baby.” Sherry opted to put a baby-sized hammer near the hand hole. Naturally.

RVA 8 DIY Baby Onesie

And once again we enjoyed the kindness / craftiness / general awesomeness of our readers, who brought fun things like this Justin Timberlake bobblehead (there’s something in the box, if you know what I’m saying). It’s an inside joke at their office, apparently – and they wanted to pass him along to us because, well, he’s small and ceramic. And check out the awesome sugar cookies that arrived sporting Burger’s likeness.

RVA Justin Timberlake Cookies

When Richmond wrapped up, we hit the hay and about 12 hours later on Friday afternoon we found ourselves flying over the fair city of Chicago!

Chicago 1 From Plane

In Chicago we crammed in a little blog activity before our West Elm event the following day. We actually crashed a familiar home that you may know from a certain blog named Making It Lovely. There’s a full House Crashing post to come, but let’s just say that it was incredibly cool to finally meet Nicole and her family, but incredibly nerve-wracking to photograph the same spaces that Nicole captures so beautifully herself. But we hope you guys enjoy seeing some different angles of a house that so many of you already know and love.

Chicago 2 Nicole's House

Before our event the next afternoon at West Elm, we darted out to take a tourist-tastic photo in front of Chicago’s famous shiny bean. Sherry loves shiny things and we both have a fondness for a good bean, so it felt like a no-brainer.

Chicago 3 Bean

Little did we know, while we were out squeezing in a sight or two, the line was already forming over in Lincoln Park. Christina takes the cake for most prepared. She drove overnight from St. Louis and camped out starting at 5:30am (for a 1pm start time). She retells her travels much more hilariously than we ever could on her blog. We were just happy to know that after all that waiting she wasn’t disappointed when she learned that we weren’t an iPhone or Harry Potter movie. Thanks again Christina!

Chicago First In Line

The Chicago folks rocked our socks – both the West Elmers (or “Elmers” as we’re learning they’re called) and the readers. Even with a freak thunderstorm (a theme of our tour = weather events) thankfully most folks stayed dry and enjoyed toasty warm cocoa and cookies. There are too many good stories from the stop to cram in here, but we’ll share a few highlights. There was this bride who sent a virtual greeting from her hairdresser as she got ready for her wedding that day…

Chicago 9 Wedding Girl

… and these sweet DIYed items, like a sparkly Burger portrait and a homemade horse puzzle (it was made by the fella in orange who’s a high school shop teacher). Clara and I have already had some good times putting that horse together, btw.

Chicago 4 Gifts

And sadly this picture doesn’t do this gift justice. It’s a beautiful handbound book featuring all of Clara’s photo project – from Week 1 all the way up to Month 29! So thoughtful. #yessherrycried

Chicago 5 Clara Book

And how’s this for a cute story? Before coming to the event this gentleman surprised his girlfriend with our book at the shiny bean and inside the front he wrote – wait for it – a proposal! Yep, these lovebirds got engaged that day and our little book got to be part of it! Then they came to our signing and told us their story. Amazing.

Chicago 6 Engaged Couple

Amongst many fun photos, there were ceramic animal milestones like reuniting with dearly departed Ramsey‘s twin.

Chicago Ramsey

And this group that requested a crazy picture. I think we achieved it, right?

Chicago 7 Crazy Photo

And it’s starting to become a tradition of sorts to get an “End of the Line” group picture, to celebrate the people who were über patient. We love you guys!

Chicago 8 End Of The Line

The event wrapped up just in time for us to race to O’Hare and catch a flight that would get us back to Richmond late on Saturday night. While we waited at the gate, I took care of a little business  – writing Granny a postcard from each of our stops. To date we’ve sent her eight from each of our out of state events (she receives one every other day or so).

Chicago 10 John Writing Postcard

Sunday was a “rest day” that we begged our publisher to put into our schedule (didn’t want to be away from Clara & Burger for too long) but it turned into more of a catch up on laundry, cleaning, and grocery shopping day. But since Richmond was nice enough to be 70 degrees, we were sure to sneak in some quality Clara and Burger time since they’ve been holding down the fort (with the help of my parents) while we were away. So there was some fun at the park and we went on a nice walk and even unpacked our suitcases just in time to pack them again for the next day. Yup, Monday morning brought another early morning departure through Richmond International Airport. And this time we were putting the “International” part to use and heading to our stop in Toronto, Canada. Hello CN Tower! My, what a tall antenna you have.

Toronto 1 CN Tower

We didn’t actually make it up the tower (Sherry had been before and we’re both somewhat heights-averse enough to agree on admiring it from below) but we did have fun with some moose friends (or enemies) in the gift shop. The mountie moose was much less aggressive, fyi. #lookatthatsmile

Toronto 3 Moose

We also enjoyed some simple pleasures like this. Yup, I’m still ten at heart, posing under a sign with my name.

Toronto 1 5 John Street

Our Toronto hotel was pretty awesome (maybe they’re all amazing and non-chain-y up there?). In fact it was so awesome that between it and a cool restaurant that we stumbled upon, we’re actually going to crash them in a future post for you guys (Hotel Crashing? Restaurant Crashing?). But since we know you love a preview, here’s the double-sided glass shower in the middle of the room. It actually had blinds that you could close for more modest showering if you wanted to… #didweordidntwe

Toronto 2 Hotel Room

By evening it was raining (which didn’t surprise us at this point) and we hit up the Toronto West Elm for that night’s signing. The Canadians that we met (along with some Americans that drove up from NY) proved that friendliness and generosity don’t just live on this side of the border. Folks brought wonderful stuff like maple donuts (my FAVORITE) and this beautiful worm watercolor for Clara. Can’t wait to see the look on her face when we give it to her this Sunday.

Toronto 4 Gifts

We even had our very first FaceTime “guest” in Toronto (it’s a fun surprise when a face on a phone starts smiling and talking to you out of nowhere). We took a picture holding the phone and had fun posting “together.” Good times.

Toronto 5 Face Time

Oh and Sherry met her Canadian twin. Maybe not so much in the hair / height department, but in the blazer / striped shirt / skinny jeans area they’re practically born from the same egg.

Toronto 6 Twins

Speaking of born… this was perhaps our favorite photo of the night. This mom-to-be supplied the signs so that Sherry could help squash any pregnancy rumors for good (and so she could announce her own exciting news).

Toronto 7 Not Pregnant

And speaking of sherry’s blazer, she has been meaning to tell you guys that yes, it’s the same one for every signing (and yes, it’s from Target). Her philosophy is that it’s like when someone wears the same jersey for every game. Her blazer gets to travel the country and she changes her earrings, shoes, and the shirt underneath. So there you have it. #mywifeisweirdbutiloveheranyway

A funny thing happened in Toronto where folks in line somehow received the instruction to outline their own message in the book in addition to the post-it that spells their name for us (the usual drill is that folks spell their name for us, but we write the dedication ourselves). This accidental self-imposed “tell us what you want us to say to you” method created a few awkward moments, but more often than not people had fun with it. Like Kaylee and Mike who suggested a Mad Lib style entry for Sherry to fill in. I believe someone also tricked us into inviting them for Christmas dinner and another couple had us proclaim them to be our BFFs for life.

Toronto 8 Mad Libs

When the event finally wound down (and the rain stopped!) we were sufficiently pooped for the day and couldn’t muster the energy to go sit in a restaurant for dinner. Fortunately we had saved up our daily food allowance and our hotel had room service that included the $9 Canadian staple poutine (french fries + gravy + cheese). It was awesome. And I ate entirely too much of it. It was actually only our second time ever getting room service, so it was a pretty memorable night – even if it was just nine bucks worth of fries covered in cheesy gravy.

Toronto 9 Poutine

The West Elem signing wasn’t our last stop in Toronto though. We’d been invited to do a short segment on Global TV’s The Morning Show with about 20 hours notice. I’ll admit I hadn’t heard of it being from the states, but it felt roughly the equivalent of Good Morning America or The Today Show. Let’s just say, equivalent enough that I required make-up and we both got skittish and clammy (kinda like how Burger gets around cats).

Toronto 10 John Makeup

We’ve never done a big show like that LIVE so we were admittedly quite nervous that we’d screw it up and immediately be asked to leave their country. Add to that equation that the props we had shipped didn’t arrive as planned so we had to improvise with about 10 hours notice. The hurricanes that you see below were borrowed from West Elm the night before at the very end of our signing and we scrambled to cobble together some filler with things from the grocery store (lemons, limes, pistachios, apples, etc). It was all assembled backstage moments before we went on…

So now that we’ve concluded our whirlwind week, we’ll leave you to enjoy your weekend. But wait. We still want to pucker up and say “thanks! we love you!” one more time. Without you guys there would be no book. There would be no signings. And our names certainly wouldn’t be on that crazy list at the start of this post. So yeah. Rock on you lovely people. Words can’t express our gratitude (or how surreal this entire ride really has been).

Anyway, we’re wrapping up our biggest week of tour stops tomorrow in Dallas, TX which means we’ll have another update for you about our stops there as well as in Minneapolis and Houston in another week or two. We’re having such a blast meeting you guys and have definitely done our darndest to keep the blog up and running while we’re gone, so thanks again to everyone for bearing with us and saying such kind things and otherwise being a huge part of making this all happen. #seriouslyarewedreaming #ifwearedontwakeusup

Psst- Some people have asked how they can get signed copies of our book if they don’t live near a signing stop, and now an awesome local book store here in Richmond called Fountain Books is shipping them to anyone who’d like one, so here’s that link for ya.

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Filed Under: Book Tour, Our Books, Road Trips & Travel

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Comments

  1. annabelvita says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:07 am

    Congratulations guys! You deserve it (all of it!)

    Reply
    • Chelsea @ Riding Escalators says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

      I totally second Anna! Congratulations!

    • annabelvita says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

      PS. I also think you REALLY deserve the day off on Monday!! Or at least to only post the giveaway like on a public holiday!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

      Haha you’re so sweet!

      xo,
      s

  2. michele says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:08 am

    YOU GUYS!

    congratulations on the NYT list!!!! huzzzahhhhh!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:12 am

      Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

      xo,
      s

  3. Michelle N says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:12 am

    Wow!! Congrats guys! You guys deserve it. That’s gotta be so exciting!

    Reply
  4. Sarah | The Accidental Okie says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I’m glad that we are all such devoted groupies. Y’all rock!

    Reply
  5. Rebecca @ the lil house that could says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I am not at all surprised, I knew you’d have a NYT best seller! People are waiting in line for hours to see you, you’re kinda a big deal :) Congrats, so well deserved!

    Reply
  6. SingleMama says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:13 am

    I am amazed at all the items people are making you guys, they have some serious talent!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

      Amen!

      xo,
      s

  7. Rebecca @This Nest is Best says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:14 am

    It was SOOO great meeting you in Chicago (even if my friends are still making fun of my uber huge smile on my blog post!). You’ve created a great community through this blog!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:21 am

      It was awesome to meet you too Rebecca! Thanks so much for coming!

      xo,
      s

  8. Elisabeth A. says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:16 am

    Oh yay for you awesome guys! I can’t wait to see you in Charlotte!

    Reply
  9. Tracie@MiddleClassMod says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:16 am

    That’s amazing about the NYT list!

    You guys were awesome on Good Morning, Canada!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:20 am

      Aw thanks Tracie! We were so nervous. I talked way too fast.

      xo,
      s

  10. Natalie In Oklahoma says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:16 am

    OMG, WOW!!
    Great to see the best sellers list…as well as all the fun you all must be having on your tour.

    I CAN’T believe I get to meet you TOMORROW!!
    Leaving tonight, little overnight getaway with my hubs… Just so excited.
    See you in the “BIG D!!”

    with crazy giddiness,
    Natalie In Oklahoma

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

      Wahoo, so excited to meet you Natalie!

      xo,
      s

  11. Caroline says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:17 am

    WOWOWOW!!! Fantastic! Congrats, John & Sherry, I can’t wait to get the book :-D

    Reply
  12. Cori says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:17 am

    AAAAAAAAAAAAAA, that is SO awesome, I’m so happy for you guys! I’m seriously trying not to get all teary-eyed here at work! YIPPEE!!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:18 am

      Aw thanks Cori! You guys are the best. It’s all because of you!

      xo,
      s

  13. Jill says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

    Can’t wait to meet you guys in Dallas tomorrow! And thanks for the update on Katie Bower – I was definitely planning on asking that at the book signing.

    Reply
  14. Carli says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:19 am

    You guys!??!?! The New York Times best sellers list?? I literally teared up when I saw that. What an absolute dream come true! So, so, so, so happy for you two! You deserve this :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:32 am

      Aw thanks Carli. Sniffle.

      xo,
      s

  15. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:20 am

    Congrats Mr and Mrs NYT Best Sellers!! *Raise da roof* (I know…no one says that anymore)

    I was so bummed I couldn’t make it to the Chicago signing. Love me some bean action (and the skating rink opens today I think!) I love reading about your adventures and your fans make some awesome projects!

    Reply
  16. Christina @ Homemade Ocean says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:20 am

    CONGRATS ON THE NYT….I had no doubts you will be movin on up!!!

    THANK YOU for the shout out, you are simply the best!!! Better than all the rest :)

    I love seeing my fellow St. Louisan’s (the shop teacher and wife)

    What a great post!!!!!! I will be framing this (hi I am a mega dork)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:31 am

      Hahaha! We love you.

      xo,
      s

  17. Beth says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:21 am

    HOLY COW! That’s so amazing, you guys, I am actually kind of brimming with pride myself, since I’ve told a few friends (and my mom!) about your blog and now they are readers, too. In fact, I am NOT AT ALL SURPRISED that you two are BESTSELLERS! Congratulations, I don’t know of anyone who deserves it more. :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:31 am

      Aw you’re the best! Thanks for spreading the word about our blog.

      xo,
      s

  18. Caroline says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:21 am

    Congratulations on the NYTimes bestseller list!! Woot! And I admit I just got some serious giggles imagining you guys ORBig that Justin Timberlake.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:33 am

      Hahahahah!

      xo,
      s

  19. Stephanie says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

    TOTALLY – the “write what you want them to say to you” post it note was a bit awkward! Wish I could have come up with something witty and/or proclaimed that we were bff’s for life and/or gotten invited for Christmas dinner, however I loved my inscription that came entirely from you!! Thanks for stopping by in Toronto!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

      Aw thanks Stephanie! We loved meeting you!

      xo,
      s

    • Nicole says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:40 am

      Haha, Yes, I totally agree! I had no idea what to write at the time, but of course now I can think of a million witty blurbs.

      P.S: Congratulations! I’m not at all surprised YHL is a best seller; you two are amazing! And you deserve it :0)

  20. Jen @ Migonis Home says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

    WHAT AN ENORMOUS HONOR!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHH!!!!!
    CONGRATS!!!!

    Reply
    • Sarah | The Accidental Okie says

      November 16, 2012 at 3:03 pm

      Double blog stalking – Jen on YHL!

  21. Anne says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

    When I read that you guys had reached the NY Bestsellers List, my eyes filled with tears. I’ll blame it on pregnancy hormones but in all honestly it’s been fun watching your journey all these years, and I am just happy for you both. It’s an odd thing as we are strangers but I am glad your hard work has paid off!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:33 am

      Aw thanks so much Anne. You guys are amazing. Wouldn’t be anywhere without you.

      xo,
      s

  22. Paige says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

    You guys rock! Awesome video. When are you coming to New York????

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

      We can’t wait to hear that finalized date! We’ll post as soon as we know!

      xo,
      s

    • Paige says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:34 am

      Thanks. I’m waiting so patiently {NOT!} to get your book and meet you guys!!! xo Paige

  23. Brittany says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:22 am

    So bummed I couldn’t make it to the Toronto stop, but I did watch you on The Morning Show!! I thought you guys did great and I had no idea that the props were so last minute!!

    Congrats on #6!!!!!!!! That is so crazy exciting!!!!!
    Hope you guys have an awesome weekend! (and maybe a quiet day or two between all the signings? haha) xo

    Reply
  24. Kerry says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:23 am

    John, Sherry, Miss Clara and the Burgs — I am here shedding a tear for you and your huge success! You are the real deal and I admire your passion and determination. You’ve put home DIY on the map in an approachable and FUN way. Congratulations — you deserve every wonderful thing that comes your way. I hope you get to relax for the holidays, although … I can’t wait to see what you cook up next! All my best to you!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:28 am

      Aw thanks so much Kerry! You guys are making me cry again. Haha!

      xo,
      s

  25. Meagan {Green Motherhood} says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:23 am

    Oh my gosh, I got teary eyed just reading about all the amazing and sweet things your readers are bringing you! What a wonderful and memorable adventure.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:27 am

      Aw thanks Meagan. We are so grateful and honored to have you guys as readers. Sniffle.

      xo,
      s

  26. Katy says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

    We are experiencing crisp fall bluebird days here in Dallas, so HOPEFULLY you guys will have some nice weather for tomorrow’s signing. For once. =) Might even be a little warm for hot chocolate!

    The non-profit I work for, Dallas CASA, is celebrating National Adoption Day tomorrow, so I don’t know if I’ll make it to your signing, but I’m gonna try! And if not, welp, more than 50 kids are leaving foster care and being adopted by loving families tomorrow in Dallas County. So it’ll still be a great day!

    Welcome to Texas, y’all!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:34 am

      That’s amazing Katy! Thanks for all that you do!

      xo,
      s

  27. Jen M says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

    Aw, you guys are so sweet! This amazing adventure you’re on couldnt have happened to two better people!

    Reply
  28. Caity says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

    Wow!! Congratulations!! I have no trouble grasping that, though…your book is amazing, just like you guys are!!! Hope you’re able to get some rest and really enjoy every minute of your tour :)

    Reply
  29. Sarah says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:24 am

    So great…seeing you smiling with all of your goofy readers is just fantastic! Congrats on the NYT – that’s just icing on the cake!

    Reply
  30. Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Instant NY Times bestseller?!

    Niiiice! :-D

    Katy

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:26 am

      Aghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!

      xo,
      s

  31. Jess @ Little House. Big Heart. says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:25 am

    Congrats!

    Enjoy Dallas!!

    Reply
  32. Crystal @ 29 Rue House says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:25 am

    WOW!!!! That must be so surreal. You guys deserve it for all your hard work (thank you!) There is a reason why everyone wants your book and I, like so many many other readers, love that you keep the blog up. You guys are the bees knees!

    Reply
  33. Susanna says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Congratulations on making the NYT list!!! Absolutely deserved!

    Reply
  34. Brenda says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:26 am

    That’s so amazing!!! I’m not surprised, though. I’ve been telling everyone how gorgeous and fabulous the book is, because, well, it is! Love hearing about all your travels.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:43 am

      Aw thanks for spreading the word Brenda!

      xo
      s

  35. Janelle says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:26 am

    Best sellers, holla! Congrats to both of you. I’m glad Canada was kind to you and that you enjoyed your poutine. If I would have been able to get to Toronto I would have brought my family’s homemade meatpie and it would have blown your mind. Haha. French people make the best food!

    Reply
  36. Cora says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:26 am

    The sense of pride and joy I feel for you guys is so big! Kep on keepin’ on!

    Reply
  37. Lindsay says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:27 am

    Ah, I totally didn’t realize John got myself and my husband in the shot with the clydesdale puzzle! Total dork alert! He had so much fun making it for Clara and I’m so glad she likes it! Since your book tour isn’t going to St. Louis, we thought STL needed to represent! Thanks again for the inspiration and I’m so glad I got to meet my favorite bloggers turned authors!

    Lindsay & Josh Luebbehusen

    Reply
    • Lindsay says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:45 am

      I should add it was my idea for the puzzle, but handy hubby was awesome and took the idea and ran with it! We hope to make and buy wooden toys for our future kiddos, so making it for clara was an experiement with 1) Can we make something cute, and 2) Can we make something durable but easy enough to put together for toddler fingers. Thanks again!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:42 am

      That’s amazing! You guys should totally pursue it. It’s amazing and Clara loves it.

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:58 am

      Haha I love it!

      xo,
      s

    • Christina @ Homemade Ocean says

      November 16, 2012 at 3:50 pm

      HI LINDSAY! That puzzle was super cute…so glad I got to meet you :)

      Holla for STL

    • Kari says

      November 16, 2012 at 5:15 pm

      Lindsay and Josh — It was great hanging out with you guys in line all day last Saturday. My cousin Tina and I loved talking DIY and sharing our mutual excitement for YHL!

      Congrats on your blog appearance! That horse deserved a shout out ;)

  38. Amy L. says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:27 am

    In Canada the may be called poutine, but in Jersey, we call them disco fries. :) Congrats on the NYT listing. :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:44 am

      Hahahah! Love it.

      xo
      s

  39. jeannette says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:28 am

    though many with smaller hearts and less talent have been as successful as you, no one with bigger ones and more talent has worked harder than you two for this wonderful success. god bless you. xxx

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:42 am

      Oh Jeannette (sob sob). You guys are the best.

      xo,
      s

  40. AmberGale says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:28 am

    Please tell us more about that awesome multicolored table at your West Elm signing! Was it wrapped with something, or just painted in stripes?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:43 am

      Wrapped in colorful string! So great!

      xo,
      s

  41. Linda says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:28 am

    Thank you for sharing your “#6 on the New York Time’s Best Sellers List” news!

    Thank you for keeping us updated on your book signings.

    Thank you for staying humble and sweet and making me feel SO HAPPY for you guys!

    Note: You may be oversharers ~ I’m an overthanker! Thanks and Congratulations! Love you guys!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:43 am

      Aw thanks Linda!

      xo,
      s

  42. Sloane says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

    Congrats on the NYT Best Seller List! I’ve been looking forward to meeting ya’ll at the book signing in Dallas tomorrow for quite a while, but then found out that the baby shower I am hosting falls at the exact same time, boo. Last night I had a dream that I skipped the baby shower and went to West Elm instead…I guess I’m more disappointed than I thought! Anyway, have fun in Dallas and maybe I’ll catch ya’ll at another nearby book signing on your NEXT best selling book :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:40 am

      Aw we’ll see you next time Sloane! Have fun!

      xo,
      s

    • Amanda says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:59 am

      Same thing happened to me too Sloane! I have been Pumped, Excited, Counting down the days like a kid counts down to Christmas! Until I realized… my own cousin’s wedding is at noon. Smack dab in the middle of John and Sherry’s book signing tomorrow. I was pretty disappointed. (Which is hilarious because I want to see 2 bloggers sign a book more than 2 people profess their love for each other. lol) But I’m so determined, I’ll make it to the Austin signing even if it kills me. Ok, I really need to stop being so melodramatic. lol

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 12:13 pm

      Haha can’t wait to meet you!

      xo,
      s

  43. michele says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

    okayyyy. the bride? amazing? the proposal and pregnancy announcement photo? i might have cried just a little bit here. (blame my own pregnancy hormones.)

    i love that your tour is treating you so fantastically!

    Reply
  44. Amy says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

    There’s a reason your book is in the top 10: because you guys are awesome and as genuine in person as you seem on the blog! It was so great to meet you in Chicago!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:39 am

      Aw thanks Amy! We loved meeting you!

      xo,
      s

  45. Julia @ Chris Loves Julia says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:29 am

    R Home got it right on their cover, you have “created a DIY empire.” Also, signed books for us not-so-luck-to-actually-meet-you? I’m all teary-eyed. How awesome!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:38 am

      Aw you’re so sweet Julia. John actually spit the water he was drinking out when he saw the word empire. Crazytown.

      xo,
      s

  46. Susan says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Ahhhh! I am not surprised that you’re a best seller! So excited for you!
    And I have to admit seeing the hilarious picture of our group on your blog just made my year. You guys were so sweet and it was really fun hanging out with all the other fans!

    Reply
  47. Lauren says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

    I work at a magazine in NYC and was looking through Redbook at work and saw you guys!! Congrats :) When is the NYC book signing re-scheduled for?? Happy weekend!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 10:38 am

      Can’t wait to hear back and find out!

      xo,
      s

    • NYer says

      November 16, 2012 at 11:56 am

      Yes, congratulations on the NYT bestseller list! You both are so deserving! (and I’m embarrassed to admit that when I saw the “NY” and other cities in the post title, I frantically scrolled through the post as fast as I could, thinking you were listing the rescheduled date for NYC and wanting to make sure I got a place on the rsvp list! umm, yes, you have so many fans, and we’re bonkers!)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 12:11 pm

      Hahah you’re so sweet! Can’t wait to reschedule that!

      xo,
      s

  48. meganleiann says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Congratulations! Well done!
    Now that you’re on the NY Times Bestseller list, maybe you could get a food allowance of more than $9. :)

    Reply
  49. Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

    This is all so amazing!! I’m so glad everything is going so well for you guys on this tour! We all love you guys too! :)

    Reply
  50. Amy says

    November 16, 2012 at 10:30 am

    Congratulations! What fantastic news! You guys deserve it.

    And “DIY Empire”? Holy Toledo!

    Reply
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John and Sherry Sitting On Woven ChairHey, we’re John & Sherry. We’ve fixed up 7 homes, written books, designed products, started a podcast, and then downsized & moved to the beach! Here you’ll find over 3,000 DIY projects & home updates. More about us…
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