Young House Love

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October Superlatives: Better Late Than Never…

We’re nearly a week away from December, which makes rewinding all the way back to the beginning of October a little strange, but since a few book tour stops threw our productivity for a loop this month, our usual wrap-up of the previous month (in yearbook-style superlatives) is coming to you a bit late (ok, way late) in the middle of Thanksgiving break. As always you can read back through January of 2011 right here in just 21 posts instead of 700. Oh yeah, and we’ve also snuck in a clue about Monday’s giveaway at the bottom. Hope you guys are having a great Thanksgiving weekend with the fam!

Most Adventurous: Sherry, for braving our overgrown butterfly bush to get this picture before we started cutting away at it. I know what you’re thinking. What’s so brave about going into a bush for butterflies? Well, we found a snake in it later…

Yard Before2

Simplest: This quick little key art project that Sherry whipped up, which represents the four Petersiks from left to right: me, Sherry, Clara and Burger (since he doesn’t stand upright like the rest of us).

Key Family Reveal

Biggest Eyesore: The trash-filled Bagster that sat at the end of our driveway for a couple of days before it was hauled off. But the temporarily ugliness was all in the name of creating some long-lasting pretty-ness in our basement. #worthit

Bagster 10 In Front Of House

Hottest: According to this mood board Sherry whipped up, School Nostalgia gets this award (which is perhaps a subliminal reason why we do these yearbook-style superlatives?). It was our first shot at a round-up mood board like this, but there will be more down the road since you guys seemed to like it.

School Nostalgia

The Hand-Me-Down / Hang-Me-Up Award: Our old bedroom sconces. They never quite found a spot here in the new house, so we gave them to our cousins and even hung them up on a recent trip to their home outside of Washington DC.

DC 13 Mantle John Hanging

Most Asked: “How do you know when to DIY something versus when to hire it out?” Since that was such a popular question, we finally dedicated a post to answering it using our french door non-DIY as an example.

Grave Stone French Door

Most Coveted: Some of the items spotted on a run through Target last month for one of our occasional Window Shopping posts. Arrowhead notebook, anyone?

Target Cute Notebook

Most Open: The oh-so-wide access to our deck, as demonstrated by this “after” photo from our french door installation.

French Doors14

 Fastest: Sherry’s fall mantle decorating, thanks to the little time lapse effect that we applied to the process. Because who wants to watch her futz around for 30 minutes?

Most Satisfying: Finally, finally, finally hosting a yard sale to get rid of some of the “overflow” items that we’ve been accumulating around here – including things from the last house that after nearly two years have yet to find a home (and some things for my sister so we could put “multi-family” on the signs).

Yard Sale 3 John Walking

Most Satisfying (Runner-Up): Finally, finally, finally getting rid of some of the insane amount of liriope in our backyard… and discovering that our brick pathways are wider and more charming than we originally thought!

Bef After7

Oddest: This moose lamp found at a moving sale in West Virginia. But once it was sprayed white (and reimagined with a colorful shade thanks to Photoshop since we couldn’t reveal the real secret-book-project one) it went from odd to oddly awesome. At least for nature geeks like us.

Moose 10

Most Nerve-Wracking: Our book finally coming out. Sherry laid out all of our fears and anxieties about it finally being born in this post, with Burger capturing our sometimes-want-to-hide-under-the-covers feeling pretty perfectly.

DayLife 25 Burger In Bed

Cuddliest: This baby squirrel? Admittedly we didn’t attempt to cuddle it, but Sherry really really wanted to. Thankfully it ran off and we could get back to more bushwhacking in the backyard.

2 Baby Squirrel

Most Boring: I say this in the sense that it’s the project that required that I bore lots of holes… in pumpkins. There was something sickeningly awesome about drilling into a pumpkin and having all of its orange guts spill out (all so that Sherry could later weave fake snakes through them).

Pumpkin4

Manliest: Well, maybe “manliest” is a stretch – but this rundown on guy-friendly fabrics (at least, in my humble opinion) even included tips for honing in on a few not-insanely-girly florals…

Fabric Florals2

Most Historic: Some of the items uncovered while cleaning up my basement workshop. My favorite is the fire extinguisher that was last inspected when we were about Clara’s age.

BaseOne Old Stuff Found

Creepiest: Sherry, in this Halloween photo from 1994 that she used to announce this season’s Pinterest Challenge. For the record, she was supposed to be a ??????.

Pinterest5

Most Polarizing: This fast and free duck makeover that was a big hit with some of you and not quite as lovely to other folks. It was admittedly a bit quirky, but it only has to live in our house so… no harm, no fowl? #duckpunforthewin

Duck Afterclose

Nerdiest: Both of us – well, especially Sherry – during our first book tour stop in Cincinnati last month. Among embarrassing photos like geeking out over seeing stacks of our book for the first time, overdramatic cooing for babies, stuffing chili into our chili-holes, and this photobomb near Cortney Novogratz, we had a grand ol’ time in the O.H.I.O.

Cincy Novogratz Bomb

Most Improved: I’m giving this award to our backyard, which is looking worlds better after finally getting those overgrown bushes out of the way and making room for some grassy open areas. We can’t believe it’s the same place and it only took a few phases of digging, leveling, and seeding.

Grass After 4

 Most Obsessed: Sherry, particularly when it comes to Nate Berkus. Which is why we drove to four Targets before finding some new stuff from his collection to bring home.

Urchin Mantel

Spottiest: This kid-friendly pumpkin project that we tackled with Clara this year (since she’s not yet old enough to get her carve on). The tissue paper polka dots were right up our little sticker-lover’s alley.

Biggest Flirt: Me, at least when I’m in the presence of my basement pegboard. Seeing my tools all organized neatly gets me so hot under the collar that I’m like this Kristen Wiig character named Shana around it. Side note: this post’s title (“Classic Peg”) was one of two SNL Justin Timberlake references of the month.

BaseTwo 3 Pegboard Done

Most Pinteresting: Our project for this fall’s Pinterest Challenge. A scrap piece of plywood + some cheap framing lumber + stain + chalkboard paint = this rustic, oversized chalkboard for our living room. Plus we added some already-owned magnet paint to make it magnetic too.

Chalk 14 Clara Coloring1

Most Pencil-tastic: What? Your high school didn’t have this superlative? If it did, it would probably go to something like this shadowbox which we made to commemorate meaningful items from our book writing process – like the many pencils that we ground down while going through rounds and rounds of editing.

Book Shadowbox3

Most Adorable: We gotta give that award to Clara, er, Jessie for her homemade, Toy Story-inspired Halloween costume that Sherry whipped up. Oh yeah, and Burger’s Slinky Dog costume should get the “Most Likely To Require An Explanation” award.

Halloween 1 Greeting

Most Likely To Give You $200: Monday’s giveaway, which is coming from one of our favorite stores. And to make you work a bit to figure it out, just test yourself with this anagram below (i.e. rearrange the letters to form the answer). Hint: the answer doesn’t follow the same letter-per-word count.

Woo Slim Animals

So how was your October? Did you get anything major or minor checked off? Can you even think back that far now that it’s almost December?

Comments

    • Niki says

      I realize you are late… I just thought it was funny. So happy for the two of you to be so busy. Hoping for continued success in your future!

  6. Ronica says

    This has nothing specific to do with this post, but I guess it does because–you know, white ceramic moose? Meet white ceramic fox.

    http://www.target.com/p/threshold-figural-fox-decor/-/A-14190496#prodSlot=medium_1_8&term=fox

    I bought him a while ago and his jaunty little head tilt makes me so happy. Considering spray painting him either traditional bronzy orange or maybe silver (because I have that already and then he’d make me think of Roger on Mad Men.)

    Anyway, had to share. :)

    Reply

  9. Kara says

    Yeah, I don’t think I can remember specifically back to October anymore! But I did get some of my house-loving projects completed within the last few weeks: table refinishing-painting, knobs repainting, carpets shampooed, two new animal figurines adopted (Hoot the Owl and Prince Charming, the frog prince!), meeting two awesome geeks, furniture rearranged, tray repainting was at least started, and even got my friends to come over and help them start on their projects too! I am dying to change up my color scheme in my kitchen now… *eyes Black Friday deals* Ooooh, and it’s Christmas decor time! YES!

    Reply

  10. Kristin says

    I’ll have you guys know that I couldn’t do anything else until I solved your puzzle! Luckily, it took me only about 4 minutes of concentrated effort. Whew! Can’t wait to see what goodies you’ll be giving away!
    Have a great weekend!

    Reply

  11. Olivia says

    William Sonoma!!!!! I’m a genius, I’m a genius, doin a jig because I’m a genius! :) LOL I’m on allergy meds, please forgive me.

    PS: I love ya’ll and your book!

    Reply

  13. JebberA says

    I <3 Burger's craz/wierdiness. :D

    Another superlative month. I think you guys are holding out on us and actually have a team of 80 workers behind the scenes. You simultaneously inspire and depress me.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, you’re so sweet! We’re just crazy. As in, when we got off our last flight in a string of ten the first thing we wanted to do was DIY something! Haha. We missed our hammers and paint brushes as much as we missed sleeping in our own bed!

      xo
      s

    • Jeanie says

      Sam, you’re really right saying it’s really good to look at everything you’ve accomplished over the month. It might be helpful for some of us to do that once in a while in OUR home lives…..I’m a stay at home mom with our 4-year-old so I don’t usually stop and measure the progress, but I should! I get lots and lots done but it never seems like ENOUGH!

      Maybe I need a superlatives of my own….I’ll add it to the list. *wink

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Amen! Listing any accomplishments (schooling, kid-related, house-related, etc) always feels so good- especially since over a month’s time you’ve probably done more than you remember and it’s awesome to see it all laid out!

      xo
      s

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Oh yeah, I tried and tried to find a spot for it and after a year I just gave up the ghost. Haha. It’s happy in a home that has a spot for it now, and we sold it for what we paid, so all is right with the world.

      xo
      s

  19. Heather says

    Much of our October was spent in our garage. Cleaning it out and making space to paint all the new doors in our house and eventually house the car, haha! Although after seeing John’s pegboard my husband is envious! #pegboardenvy

    Reply

  21. Lauren L says

    Haha I’m catching up on posts I didn’t read over the last week and a half and I see you guys have a new love for hash tags! #betterlatethannever ;D

    Reply

  24. Elizabeth says

    so not for nothing, but I notice you’ve taken to qualifying a lot of your projects as of late, i.e. “maybe just we like this”, or “because we are nature nerds”. We’re here because we like your stuff and you don’t have to qualify or defend yourself against anyone. You did it, you like it, bam — done. Sorry, it’s the social worker in me telling you to accept yourselves!!!!!!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We totally accept ourselves… it’s why we don’t mind calling ourselves nerds. Haha! We just like to be self deprecating over-sharers. We’ve been like that since day one, I promise ;)

      xo,
      s

  27. rani says

    Ok! So I cheated and looked through the comments, cause I really am not very good at them! But so excited to find your site…through Amazon…I was searching for diy books and of course came across yours!!!! And now your website…which is just overflowing with good stuff to make….and I can actually make them!!!! Now I just need to get started!!!!

    Reply

  28. lee says

    THANKS for all the inspiration! Youth isn’t on my side, i think the old adage is “time’s on my side”…what they say about retirement BUT they forgot the older one gets the slower one moves and the faster time goes racing the clock.

    Hoping i have one more little house to pull off. Forgive the cliches but starting to see the light at the tunnel’s end.

    When i’ve had time there’s those cute YHL emails right in the inbox …bright spot every day.

    Reply

  29. Heiðdís Björk says

    HI:)I have been reading your blogg for a year and a half but this is the first time I leave a comment. Thanks for all the great ideas and the giggles your writing gives me.
    Best wishes from Iceland:)

    Ps. YHL has reached international fame.. http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/9423a56b#/9423a56b/96

    Well or at least in Iceland:) This is a article in a fancy design magazine about how to combine colors and texture in the bedroom.

    Reply

  30. Sharee A says

    The sacrafices you made in being away from home and the kids (Burger & Clara) while on the book tour, are really paying off. Just looked up the book on Amazon and….IT’S #1 in the HOME REMODELING AND RENOVATION category. You’re beating the pants off the “professionals”. wooo hooo! Congrats once again guys. Off to Hobby Lobby to get vintage looking keys for a Santa Key project for the kiddies in my life.

    Reply

  31. Staci @ My Friend Staci says

    What a great month for you. None of us will hold it against you for just now posting the superlatives… I feel like Halloween just happened!
    I’m also over here doing a little happy dance since I have that “People for Peace” poster you listed in your “we’re digging” sidebar. Love the nod to The Beatles while still being visually pleasing from a graphic design perspective!
    Here it is in our gallery wall… http://myfriendstaci.com/2012/10/23/our-gallery-wall/

    Reply

  34. Nicoya says

    Hi! Great post! You guys are brave for tackling the butterfly bush!! Are you guys both afraid of snakes? Do you get many in your yard because it’s wooded and has that hindered you from doing any outside work?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We have a healthy fear of not putting our hands or faces right in front of a snake, but they generally slither away from you as soon as they see you, so it doesn’t hinder us from working in the yard. We just try to be careful and not bang them with our shovels or anything!

      xo
      s

  35. Chelsea @ Riding Escalators says

    October was a productive month! Must have been the nice weather! I finally got around to painting our front door (which was NOT as easy as it should have been!): http://ridingescalators.blogspot.com/2012/10/roses-are-red.html

    And finished up my sofa table project (also my Pinterest Challenge!): http://ridingescalators.blogspot.com/2012/10/ikea-rast-hack-sofa-table-style.html

    I’m getting stoked to meet you guys in DC! I apologize if I go all weird/nerdy/awkward (ala Nora Roberts ridingescalators.blogspot.com/2012/11/and-then-i-met-nora-roberts.html).

    It’s a nervous thing. I think. Or overly excited thing. I may start talking about peanut butter and chocolate. Who knows. You’ve been warned. :)

    Reply

  37. mp says

    I bought my copy at Barnes & Noble on Hull Street, across from Target in Commonwealth Center, and they’d already sold so many of your books they’d had to order another shipment!

    Reply

  39. P says

    OK, random question (and I apologize if this sounds totally high-maintenance) – but do you guys know how long the line usually is at the book signings? I’m going to the one at Flor (so excited!) but I have a medical condition that prevents me from standing up for long periods of time… I tend to faint. :) Any idea if there will be any seating so I can step out of line and sit down if needed? :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw you’re so sweet and we definitely don’t want you fainting! I would definitely call Flor directly and try to talk to a manager to see how it’ll be run! Every event is different but at West Elm they had sofas and stuff around (since it’s a home store!) where extremely prego gals could sit for a little while so they didn’t have to stand the whole time. The line does tend to be really long- maybe 2-4 hours at busy events like DC? I always think coming with a full tummy and chatting up folks in the line (so many friends had made “line friends” by the time we got to chat them up) makes it the most fun. Hope it helps!

      xo
      s

    • P says

      Great idea, thanks so much! I figure I just really want you guys to remember me – you know, nothing says “I love John & Sherry” like collapsing while waiting in line to get my book signed. ;)

  40. Gabriella @ Our Life In Action says

    Holy cow – this year is just flying by isn’t it. So I believe a DIY chalkboard is in my future, I took out a teeny tiny little chirstmas countdown chalk board (I mean so tiny that you can barely write numbers on it) and my little man spent about half an hour trying to draw on it.

    P.S. – Funny little side note…I was reading your blog one night (it’s like a great magazine that you just keep going back to and re-reading when you don’t want to watch tv) and my little man saw Clara. I showed him some of her videos (her dancing or talking with burger) and he absolutley refused to call her Clara. Kept saying – why is Abby doing that? Is Abby your friend? Next day…he went to my laptop and said “Can we see what Abby is doing today?” :-) He’s hooked!

    Reply

  43. Jen E. says

    Woohoo, can’t wait to hear today’s giveaway. I have my fingers crossed for “Salami Limos Now!” (although I suppose “Williams Sonoma” does sound more logical…)

    Reply

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