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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. Lisa in Seattle says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:42 pm

    What a nice birthday present for you, John! I had been surreptitiously checking the NYTBL for a while now, but your announcement beat me to the punch today. This is an amazing accomplishment that will follow you around forever – “New York Times Bestselling Author” like “Academy Award Winner” or “Former President of the United States.” Not to take anything away from wheat diet guy, cool story bro, but I think we can easily get you guys to the #3 spot.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:14 pm

      Ahhhhhh, we definitely think its beginner’s luck. But one week anywhere on the list = life changing (and brain combusting).

      xo,
      s

  2. jbhat says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:43 pm

    Hi! I loved this post and am thrilled that you are on the NYT list. I’m betting that you are going to be a cross-over hit soon too–maybe just plain old Non-Fiction chart toppers.

    I cannot WAIT for Friday, 1/25–which is when I will see you, with my YHL book in hand, in Tacoma, WA (which is as close as you’ll be to me here in Seattle).

    But now–to think up something sweet and memorable to do for you at the event. These YHL fans are setting the bar high! People are so sweet–it’s so nice to read about.

    Congrats, Youngsters!

    jbhat

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 1:45 pm

      So excited to see you there Jbhat!

      xo,
      s

  3. sarah says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Congratulations! I live in Portland and I am forcing myself to wait for your signing to buy the book! I can hardly wait! You have many more sales to come!!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      You’re so sweet Sarah! Thanks!

      xo,
      s

  4. K.E. says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:44 pm

    Holy crap, that’s one busy week!! CONGRATS on the NYT Bestseller list! You guys deserve it, and all of your loyal fans have had such a blast watching it all unfold!

    Reply
  5. Jules says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    I knew it, knew it, knew it!!!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      Aw thanks Jules!!

      xo,
      s

  6. Elizabeth says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:47 pm

    Congrats on being on the New York Times best selling list! Super exciting. You know, I’ve lived in Canada my whole life and I’ve never once seen a moose, especially not in Toronto! LOL

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:12 pm

      Hahahaha!

      xo,
      s

  7. Lesley says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:51 pm

    The ‘ranger’ moose….? Dude, up here we call them Mounties!

    Glad you got some poutine as well as the ketchup chips.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm

      Haha, we’re learning new Canadian things all the time!

      xo,
      s

  8. Hannah says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:55 pm

    WAHOO! Congratulations Petersiks!

    That must have been such a huge moment of recognition for all your hours of hard work seeing your names in the NYT Bestsellers! Gee. I bet your parents also found things in their eyes.. Clara is blessed to have such inspiring, hard working, fun parents.

    Hope you can enjoy some quality time in amongst the busyness!

    I might just have to try and persuade a UK bookshop to fly you over..

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:21 pm

      Um, that would be AWESOME!

      xo,
      s

  9. Elaine says

    November 16, 2012 at 1:58 pm

    Very impressed with the TOP 6!! Top 10–cracked me up too. Really love that you share so much with us! Thank you! (PS: Is Bean upset when you leave now? How is she handling it?)
    e

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:11 pm

      She is having the time of her life with the grandparents (who send us pics and Skype with us often). So glad she’s so cool about it. She’s all smiles (meanwhile I’m crying after we say goodbye, haha).

      xo,
      s

  10. Jennifer Scott says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:00 pm

    Congratulations, what an amazing achievement! Reading the things you write/say make me smile….and makes me feel sprinkled with diy magic fairy dust!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:10 pm

      Aw you’re so sweet Jennifer!

      xo,
      s

  11. Karo says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:03 pm

    NYT Bestseller List–and instantly no less. A hearfelt congratulations to both of you. I think you really deserve this–and I haven’t even seen the book yet! I’m holding off till Hubby Santa ponies it up for Christmas–I haven’t counted down the days til Christmas morning like this since I was a little kid! I. can’t. wait.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Aw, we hope you love it!

      xo,
      s

  12. amanda says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    Looks like so much fun. The only bummer is having so little time in each city to tour. I really wanna visit Chicago and Canada! I got your picture beat, I have a pic of me in San Francisco running toward a sign that says “chocolate”.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:09 pm

      Hahah! Nice.

      xo
      s

  13. Sarah says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:11 pm

    I am so incredibly happy for you guys! I pre-ordered your book RIGHT away, and was stoked to receive it this week. Keep up the great work. You seem like an amazing family and your blog brings me smiles everyday! and now I have a tangible item for my coffee table from you guys for years to come! Take care!!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm

      Thanks so much Sarah!

      xo,
      s

  14. Kim says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Congratulations!! Awesome, but not surprising news!

    The Toronto instructions really were odd! At first I only put my name down, but then everyone around me seemed to be writing a lot so I felt pressured to do the same! But then I ended up just writing that you should write whatever you want lol.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:26 pm

      Haha thanks Kim! It was awesome to meet you!

      xo,
      s

  15. Kelly says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:14 pm

    EEK! My phone and my bestie on her wedding day made your blog! Consider my month made! :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      Hahah you’re so sweet! We had so much fun!

      xo,
      s

  16. Katie says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:15 pm

    Congratulations on all of your accomplishments! You guys work so hard and definitely deserve every bit of your success. Love reading your blog every day and also love that you not only post every day, but twice! Safe travels on the rest of your signings :)

    Reply
  17. Carly says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    So happy for you guys!!! It was so great to meet you yesterday. You talk about surreal but it was for me too. Especially after following for like 4 years and feeling like I know you.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:25 pm

      You’re so sweet Carly! Thanks for coming!!

      xo,
      s

  18. Laura says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:16 pm

    Congratulations on making the NYT Bestseller List! That is awesome and I can’t think of anyone more deserving than you two. :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:24 pm

      Thanks so much Laura! That’s so kind of you to say.

      xo,
      s

  19. Janel says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:17 pm

    Congratulations!!! You certainly deserve it! I absolutely love the book.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:24 pm

      Yay! So glad!

      xo,
      s

  20. Sarah says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    That first graphic needs an abruptly-halted-record-scratch sound effect (lol). You guys make my every Monday-Friday. Congrats on the major achievement!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:23 pm

      Hahaha you’re a so sweet Sarah! #welovesoundeffects

      xo,
      s

  21. paintergal says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:23 pm

    Whoa- that is so totally cool! Congrats, guys!
    By the way, the interviewer pronounced your name “Pettersik” rather than “Peetersik”. Yay or nay?

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:41 pm

      It’s Peter + sick. But most people think it has to be more complicated than that, so we get Petersilk, Petersnik, Peterrisk, and Petttersik. It happens :)

      xo,
      s

  22. Mary Beth says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:25 pm

    Congratulations on all of your success! I feel I’ve been along for the ride and it’s great to see you getting so much recognition.
    And you did great on the tv morning show, you would never know you hadn’t done it 1000x before!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:42 pm

      Ahhh you’re sweet. I think I talked way too fast and can’t believe I said “just throw coffee beans everywhere and your house will smell good.” Insane.

      xo,
      s

  23. Katie says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Congratulations on coming in ahead of the book about cats peeing on things ;-)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:38 pm

      Next week I’m sure it’ll beat us out, but at least it happened once! Hahaha!

      xo,
      s

  24. Steph says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    Random follow up comment. That picture of John under the sign is awesome. I understand the need to do that. I have a picture of me in Italy standing under a restaurant sign. My last name is Vita and the restaurant was “La Dolce Vita.”

    Had. to. happen.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:39 pm

      Hahaha!

      xo
      s

  25. KateA says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:28 pm

    oh my goodness it was so great to meet you guys in Toronto!
    also, pretty funny to hear that you didn’t actually want us to write a full message on our post-its! We thought it seemed a little silly/strange!!

    also, Sherry you made my day when you said that I looked great for having 2 kids :)

    thanks again!

    Kate

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:37 pm

      You do look great! And it was so nice to meet you!! Thanks for coming out!

      xo,
      s

  26. Megan B says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:30 pm

    The bobblehead!! That was my costume last year for Halloween. I might need to get my hands on one soon. I’m so happy for you both. It looks like an amazing ride, and I think it’s awesome that you both enjoy the ‘getting to know the people in line’ part the best. I’ve been to a few book signings where the person barely looks up at you as he/she signs the book, so good for you guys! Your book is on my Christmas list, and you better believe I’ll be in line if you ever make it to Michigan!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:37 pm

      Aw thanks Megan!

      xo,
      s

  27. Megan B says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:32 pm

    P.S. I saw a bag of ketchup chips at my local Marshall’s today so they may be closer than you think. Although I often wonder how fresh the food at Marshall’s is…..

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm

      Too funny!

      xo,
      s

  28. Abby says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:36 pm

    I just completed two FREE projects all due to your book! Rearrange your living room and collage a wall. LOVE it (and so does my hubby)! Thanks for inspiring us!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      Wahoo! So glad Abby! We love that!

      xo,
      s

  29. Lindsey says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:41 pm

    LOVE! Thanks for sharing :)

    Reply
  30. Chantelle says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:42 pm

    Congrats guys…
    You need to come to CALGARY ALBERTA CANADA for a book signing… would love to meet you:)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 2:44 pm

      We’d love that!

      xo,
      s

    • megan says

      November 16, 2012 at 4:44 pm

      Oh man, the best thing about you guys is how authentic and down-to-earth you are, and how you still magically finding time to read every comment… meanwhile you are New York Times bestselling authors, featured in major magazines and TV programs, etc. Humble but hugely successful, what awesome role models for Clara.

    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 6:09 pm

      Oh Megan, you’re so sweet. You guys are the reason we’re here!

      xo,
      s

  31. Viviana says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:45 pm

    I LOL’d at the face time. So cool how technology is now.

    Reply
  32. renee says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:50 pm

    wooo hoooo! I was in Rehoboth (Delaware) last weekend and saw your book in Bella Luna, a boutique store. So exciting! Congrats & continued success!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      No way! Love that!!

      xo
      s

  33. Robin O says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:53 pm

    Wow. Amazing news and you guys TOTALLY deserve it! Congrats to you both. I’ve been following your blog for the last 3 years and I LOVE seeing the growth and accolades you’ve received! You’ve inspired so many with your fun, honest, goofy and no-holds-barred approach to sharing and teaching others how to beautify our homes. So thanks!! And I can’t wait to congratulate you in person tomorrow at the Dallas signing!

    p.s. Your segment on The Morning Show was awesome! I would have been a bundle of nerves but you guys rocked it!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      Aw thanks Robin! I think I talked way too fast. Haha.

      xo
      s

  34. Michelle M. says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:57 pm

    So sad I couldnt come see you guys in Chicago! I was off at our IKEA getting stuff together for my first downtown apartment! I was definitely caught in that freak thunderstorm though – how freaky was that?! It was a like a summer storm in the winter… and it was hailing… crazy. Glad you enjoyed Chicago, or at least the bit of it you got to see :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      Yes, so crazy! That thing came out of nowhere!

      xo
      s

  35. Jes-ka says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Dude! Congrats on #6 and on being an instant hit!!!!

    Also, I am cracking up about #10 because I bought it the same day I pre-ordered your book. Trust me, it does not disappoint.

    I wish you many more awesome adventures on your tour! And great job on that morning show, you guys did really well. :]

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:18 pm

      Haha, thanks Jes-ka!

      xo
      s

  36. Gretchen @ BoxyColonial says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    wow–congratulations! I remember the first time I was on the bestseller list….oh, wait–that didn’t actually happen to me. I am TRYING to wait and keep the book on my Christmas list, but I’m having a harder time holding out every time I read one of these posts :)

    Reply
  37. Kate says

    November 16, 2012 at 2:59 pm

    Way to go!!! I’m totally not surprised at the NYT! You’ve worked so hard and made your blog so personable.

    I was first in line in Minneapolis… they were also telling us to write a message that we wanted you to write…on the post-it. It seemed a bit awkward, so we were glad that once we got in, we heard that we could just put our names on the post-it. I’m so curious about how long it took the line to get through in Minneapolis!!??

    Savor this time in your lives!!! :)

    Kate <3

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm

      No way! They were doing it there too? So funny! I wonder how those wires got so crossed. So glad you guys didn’t end up doing it!

      xo
      s

  38. Vanessa says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:00 pm

    Team No. 6!!!! I can’t wait for the signing tomorrow, yay!!!!

    Reply
  39. Ellen says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    Am I the only one obsessed with Sherry’s (around the world in 80 days) blazer!? Ha ha. I’m the one who asked about it on Instagram. (FlushedFace) When you finally come to Portland I am going to wear MY black blazer so you can SIGN IT… and so I can get a matchy/matchy shot with Sherry too! Congrats on the NYT list!

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:12 pm

      Hahahah- matchy matchy blazer girls! Let’s do it!

      xo
      s

  40. Tracie says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:04 pm

    At first I thought…wait John and Sherry wrote ANOTHER book…Crazy Sexy Kitchen….at it’s on the BEST SELLERS list at number 9….but then No…I look closer and say out LOUD …WHOOOOHOOO no way…they are at number 6 with the most fabulous DIY book ever! (btw, my 12 year old boy has been reading it….and he loathes reading..so thanks :)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:16 pm

      Hahahahahaha, so funny!

      xo
      s

  41. Jessica says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:05 pm

    Congrats! That is amazing news. So exciting.

    Reply
  42. Lisa says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:11 pm

    Awesome, but I have to say, I’m not surprised in the least! You guys are the bee’s knees. Congratulations!!

    Reply
  43. Nicky says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:22 pm

    Congratulations on all of it! I’m sending a friend of mine a copy of your book for Christmas and I actually sent her “I Could Pee On This” for her birthday a couple of weeks ago.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 6:16 pm

      Hahah! So funny!

      xo,
      s

  44. Robin says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:25 pm

    You have worked SO HARD – I have been following from the early days. It is so nice to come along for the ride. I am loving these posts about the book tour. What energy you have (but I bet you are exhausted, too!!!)
    All the best!!

    Reply
  45. Ally says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:28 pm

    I love these tour updates! It’s so fun to see your travels and all your fans :)

    Just watched the video. As a fellow Canuck, I had to laugh at the male anchor from Global T-dot. At the beginning of your interview, get a load of the pained expression on his mug…it looks as if he’s about to undergo a colonoscopy! Lighten up, dude…it’s $herdog and J-Boom :)

    xox

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:17 pm

      Haha, I missed that! We’ll have to rewatch it! We did go on after legitimate people (an interview with the 50 most influential people in Canada maybe?) so we joked that we’re just “the fluff” story for them.

      xo
      s

  46. Jenn says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Wow! Congratulations to both of you! That is super incredible!

    BTW, you guys were so much fun to see at the R Home for the Holidays event. And Sherry, not to sound creepy…but you are stunning! I mean, there’s all of these pictures of you here on your blog, but they don’t do you justice, girl. I kept saying that to my husband on the way home. He was probably creeped out, hahaha. Oh! And I’m pretty darn sure that my husband was inspired by John’s haircut. He’s growing his hair out now from his buzz cut that he’s had for the 10 years that I’ve known him. Weird, right? I guess you guys are trendsetters.

    Anywho – I’m the one in the instagram picture in the leopard shirt/purple scarf behind the awesome mustache guy. I asked you two a question during the Q&A part and felt so nervous, LOL!

    Alright my rant is over – but I just had to say congrats and thank you sooo much for your book signing. Hubby and I drove an hour to get there and had a super fun time getting to see and meet you guys.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:26 pm

      Ahhh, you’re so sweet Jenn. You’re making me blush! And I’ll have to tell John about his accidental hair-spiration! Haha. It was so great to meet you guys and we’re so honored that you came :)

      xo
      s

  47. Jill says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:33 pm

    Congratulations! It is well deserved.

    Safe travels.

    Reply
  48. Jenn says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:34 pm

    P.S. Sherry, thanks for saying I was the cutest girl you’ve ever seen that does improv comedy, LOL. That made my night, hahahaha.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 6:15 pm

      Hahaha! Thanks for coming!

      xo,
      s

  49. Wendy says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:35 pm

    Congratulations on NYT! Such amazing news.

    I haven’t scrolled through all of the notes people have left you, but in case no one has… “best mustache ever” guy is a wonderful man who works at Sweet Spot Candy Shop in the West Broad Village area in the West End.

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:19 pm

      Oh yes, he’s our friend Matt! He loves to sell John fancy sodas there. Hahah!

      xo
      s

  50. Carissa says

    November 16, 2012 at 3:36 pm

    Just wanted to say, I’m so happy that you made the NY Times best seller list!! I LOVE the book – couldn’t resist buying two copies (one for a friend) – and in the spirit of your hashtag riddled post, #hadtotalkmyselfdownfrombuyingmore Wish you were coming to Vancouver, BC ;)

    Reply
    • YoungHouseLove says

      November 16, 2012 at 7:19 pm

      Aw thanks Carissa! You’re so sweet! And we’d love to end up in Vancouver BC someday!

      xo
      s

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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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