Back when we did this post full of fun charts and graphs (concocted from the results of our 2012 reader survey) we learned that you guys are just as into infographics as I am. So in that spirit, I tabulated and illustrated a bunch of random facts and figures that we never want to forget from our recent book tour. Sort of like an info-scrapbook that encapsulates that crazy time in our lives (in under 100 words) so we can always look back on it. So without further ado, here are all the places we went, the adventures we had, and even the pounds that we put on along the way. Enjoy!
* Each of the infograhics above were made in photoshop and the fonts that we used are: Ostrich Sans (free) , Fyra (free), and The Only Exception (we donated).
Oh but one thing that we couldn’t quantify or illustrate was how many fun, kind, and wonderful people we met along the way. We can’t say thank you enough to everyone who took time out of their busy lives to come welcome us to their city. It really means a lot. You made this whole wacky adventure (and all of those hours spent sitting in cars, taxis, and planes) completely worth it and then some.
How do you guys travel? Do you keep track of any stats, like a count of how many countries or states you’ve visited? My mom has a goal of seeing every state capitol in the US (I think she’s over 70% there). What’s the longest flight you’ve ever enjoyed / suffered through? Ever wear the same Target blazer to 22 events? I know some people wouldn’t brag about that, but as a husband I can’t tell you how much I love my lady for it.
Psst- We picked this week’s giveaway winners. Click here to see if you’re one of them.
Linda Bernstein says
Please, please tell me that there was no sound involved with the freezing of “Gangnam Style” on the screens. O_O
I’m just picturing, “Oppa Gan Oppa Gan Oppa Gan Oppa Gan Oppa Gan….”
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thankfully it was on mute.
xo
s
Julia says
LOL!! That was my thought at first. Talk about miserable flight!! Then I thought, we would have heard something about that on the news – because you know some passenger would have done something redonkulous as a result of having to listen to Gangnam Style on repeat over.and.over!!! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thankfully nobody fully lost their mind on that flight. With audio, we might have.
xo
s
Christy says
Oh man! I was scrolling through and got to the bottom fact and read… “one larger womb” !!! then I realized the picture of your blazer probably wouldn’t be representing a bun in the oven. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, nope! I’m not prego :)
xo
s
danielle says
wow you guys get this comment daily. that sucks :(
Ashlie says
I agree. Maybe people should re-read Clara’s birth story before asking if they’re pregnant again. They’ll tell us when they’re ready, give them a break.
MK says
Sherry, I just have to say — I am SO sorry that you get this question pretty much every day. As a public service announcement to everyone — getting pregnant is something that is so incredibly personal and really, is just plan rude to ask of someone.
Maybe you should all go back and re-read Clara’s birth story and you’ll realize that whether Sherry is or isn’t ready to get pregnant — she’s going to be SCARED and rightfully so… and probably doesn’t want to share it with her million closest fans. From someone that has tried to get pregnant for the last year, I can personally tell you that getting pregnant can be really, really difficult for some people. And if people asked me EVERY day if I was pregnant after dealing with month after month of disappointment — I would probably openly cry everytime someone asked me. None of you have any idea if she’s been dealing with losses or is just not ready! Can you imagine (God forbid) that she’s had an issue over the last year and the very next day someone asked her is she’s pregnant. Leave it alone, people.
Again — so sorry Sherry for everyone’s awful comments. And no need to blow it off like it’s no big deal.
Kelly says
Yeah, sorry you get these so often, Sherry, I think they’re creepy and very rude. Aside from it being a totally private matter, you’ve made your feelings on the subject (especially with Clara’s birth story) abundantly clear to all readers. Not sure why these kind of quips keep coming in.
holly says
even for people who live their lives publicly, some things still deserve to stay private. the contents of sherry’s ladybits is just one of these things.
one of the best tips for life that i ever heard was that you should not ask someone if they are pregnant unless you can see a baby coming out of their you-know-what.
Allison says
As someone who has been trying to get pregnant for 2 yrs and about to start IVF, I totally agree with the replies here. I ruins my day when people jokingly ask me if I’m pregnant. BUT, there’s no need to be so harsh on the commenter. No body has ever said anything with the intent on being mean. They are just ignorant about infertility and obviously haven’t been through it, or a loss, themselves and are somewhat unaware it exists. IF Sherry is feeling the same way as I do, then it does suck to have these comments daily, but they don’t mean to be hurtful. People just need to learn to be aware and sensitive about very private and emotional issues.
Chrissie says
I agree that these types of comments are inappropriate. It’s also creepy for people to spend so much time thinking about the status of someone else’s womb. Is nothing sacred?
Lisa says
I completely agree with the comments. I just found out this week that I am pregnant for the second time, and the day after the test, a coworker asked whether I wanted a second child soon. I had cried all night the night before because no I did not want this so fast. My son is 18 months. Now I was forced to think about it at work and keep it together and lie. No pregnant or not pregnant woman should be forced to lie about a pregnancy or admit something when she is not ready to tell or talk about the matter. I do not get why this is such a big deal. How is asking a stranger or someone who is not a VERY VERY CLOSE FRIEND not considered rude by everyone? How is pregnancy not a medical issue that you only talk about when someone voluntarily tells you? Would you ask a fat person whether they were already trying to lose weight? It makes me really mad on Sherry’s behalf. It must be horrible to have thousands of readers who feel they know everything about you and basically want to sit in the bathroom with you when you take a pregnancy test.
Anne @ Planting Sequoias says
Love these! Wish Michigan was one of those 17 “states” but I guess we’ll just have to wait until book numero dos, eh? :)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to end up there!
xo
s
JebberA says
And which of those 17 books were highest on your list?
I love that you had one blazer and three small pieces of luggage. Superb.
:o)
YoungHouseLove says
We both really liked Room and Gone Girl (they were dark but we thought about and talked about them a lot – even weeks later). And the Mindy Kaling book was hilarious and fun to read in one sitting.
xo
s
Janelle @ Two Cups of Happy says
This is kind of random/personal… but do you guys read to eachother or do you read it and then give it to John or vice versa? I ask because I want to read to/with my man but he can’t sit still while I drone on and on and I’m not an auditory learner, so I have to read the words myself. Just being nosy!
YoungHouseLove says
In the case of reading books in flight, we just read them and exchange books when we’re done. But at home, ever since the good ol’ days of DIYing in our first house we realized that when someone’s doing a one-person job that’s tedious (like me painting the sunroom floor with a roller and painting my way out of the room) it helps the time go by if John reads to me. And although John has less of an attention span, it can work the other way around too. Mostly it’s John reading to me since I think it captures his attention more when he’s the reader. And that’s fine with me too since I sit there and gaze at him lovingly (or paint my nails, haha).
xo
s
Kate in AK says
Oh my goodness! I just finished Room last week and can’t stop talking about it, even though no one else I know has even heard of it. Fun to see it was in your collection and on the top of your list too!
Alex says
I LOVE when my dude reads to me when I’m doing something (like painting or weaving) that takes my hands but not my attention. It is so sweet. We read in bed a lot, too, but if he’s not the one reading he falls asleep in 5 minutes, so we don’t do that as often! :) We’ll have to amp up the book excitement, like with some Anne Rice or Gillian Flynn. :)
Joanna says
This is a very nice way to remember travels. You can even put them in these books you print every year.
YoungHouseLove says
Totally! As soon as John made them I was like “these get their own page in our yearbook!”
xo
s
Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says
I LOOOVE this post!! I’m a stats girl and visual too so this is right up my alley. I love the keychain collection, postcards to granny and the weight gained because it makes me feel less bad about myself when I travel! HA!
I used to collect shot glasses from places but realized that was stupid for someone who isn’t a drinker. Now, I collect those pennies you brand with the crank at different places. I saw on Pinterest you can make them into a cool charm bracelet and I’d like to do that someday!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s fun!
xo
s
Kelli @ Little Cottage of Mine says
That’s an awesome post John. I heart you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
We heart you right back.
xo
s
Kate says
I loved seeing you guys on tour!! ..in RidgeWOOD, not “Ridgefield”. Just an FYI ;) (I know, its been a LONG tour!)
YoungHouseLove says
Argh, of course! How could a Jersey girl like me not catch that in editing?!
xo
s
Brittany D says
Wow! Reading all the stats made me realize that waiting outside in the wind tunnel outside of FLOR (Atlanta signing) was not that bad! Seriously though, it was an honor to meet you guys because I became a DIYer after finding your blog. PS – I’m still working on convincing my husband to make that fabric headboard. Your note in my book made him laugh and say “we’ll see.”
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so funny Brittany! Thanks so much for coming out to see us. We had the best time with you guys!
xo
s
Anne says
Well, my husband’s family drove all around while he was growing up, so once we hit up Hawaii on our honeymoon, he has now been to all 50 states!! (Yup, even Alaska)
Roo // NiceGirlNotes says
Dang, son, you’ve got some infographic creation skillz! Ridin’ nerdy. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Ha! Thanks Roo. I can’t cartoon like you can though…
-John
Jennifer says
I want to know what books you read!!?? I think we would have similar taste, and I am currently on a reading binge…Tell us!! Maybe over on Young House Life?
Thanks!! Awesome job with the tour guys, you worked hard!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah that would be fun!
xo
s
rachael says
ME TOO!!! I would love to know! I’m always looking for new books to read, or even if they just have pretty pictures, haha!
maura says
a book round-up would be great! i finished “heads in beds” not too long ago and after a summer of hospitality work i could relate to some of what tomsky wrote about but some stuff…was a little too crazy!
Courtney Madden says
Wish I hadn’t had to work when you were in GA! My longest flight was Detroit > Los Angeles > Cape Town (emergency stop!) > Sydney: more than 24 hours in flight! But my longest time in the airport was January when we were stuck in the Honolulu airport for FOUR days!
YoungHouseLove says
Woah, that’s a long time!
xo
s
Chrissie says
I hope, after all that flying, that you had a really good time in Australia!
Wendy @ New Moms Talk says
As a quantifying traveler, I love this post! The visuals are extra sweet, too!
Due to family being all over and my husband’s travel for school and work, I’ve got a little DIY electronic travel thingy in my fingertips ready to be made for our daughter.
The hub and I figure she will have at least 10 states and 2 countries before 11 months of age. We had to scale back a trip overseas as it wasn’t best this year.
I cannot tell you how happy it makes me that Susanna is living this life, as the hub and I are both Navy brats. We are not active military, but that she gets the same life that we had is a blessing and a joy to us!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet Wendy!
xo
s
mandy pierce says
Of the 17 books, which was your favorite??
YoungHouseLove says
We both really liked Gone Girl and Room. Both very dark, but we talked about them a lot afterwards. Oh and Mindy Kaling’s book is hilarious.
xo
s
Christina P (NS) says
FUN! Definitely wish Nova Scotia was one of the provinces visited but maybe next time!
If we ever did a knock-down, fall-out tour like this then yes, I would probably keep stats of some sort but for our regular travels we do not.
Our longest flight was 6 hrs from Toronto to Barcelona then if you add in the leg from Halifax to Toronto that adds on another 2 hrs, but it was overnight so a couple meals, a movie and a good solid nap and we were there!!
That trip we travelled across Spain by train then up to France, through the south of France via car, flew from Nice to Paris and then back to Canada from there so that was definitely our most extensive travels to date!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like an awesome trip!
xo
s
Amanda says
Ohh another Nova Scotia girl! I just thought I’d stop in and say hi to a friendly neighbour :)
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Oh infographics how you make life so much easier. And fun! It is quite the impressive set of facts you have there. Now take a vacation!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Megan!
xo
s
Kristen | Popcorn on the Stove says
I love infographics – it makes learning so much more fun. That first graphic would look great framed on the wall.
PS – Does that mean you had a flight where the entire time, the TV was frozen on gangnam style?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it was more like for about 45 minutes. Let’s just say we got to know Psy’s face very very well.
xo
s
Fran Siefert says
AWESOME!
laura says
These post are some of my favorites! I love charts/graphs…AND maps/states- so clearly you combined my two loves! My boyfriend and I buy the quirkiest magnet we can possibly find for every state we go to together & have them all on a magnetic IKEA board in our kitchen. (we’ve been to 33 together so far!) My dad did the pinboard map growing up since he was a buyer for Target- and would buy us the license plate keychains everywhere he went- i STILL have that collection. So great you guys are starting the same collection for Clara!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s so sweet! I love the magnet board idea!
xo
s
John says
I’m exhausted reading that. Perhaps the keychains could be hung from the birdcages. Yes, but still one bra!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
Haha! Love this! What a great way to put together everything that you guys crammed into the tour! That’s quite a few hours!
Kearney says
i did not see the decimal point at first in the scale infographic and immediately thought, dang, he was looking good when i saw him here in charlotte. i’m not mackin’ on your man or anything. besides, i’m old enough to be his…older sister! you both are super cute and i appreciate all the time & effort you put in to your tour, book and blog.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Kearney!
xo
s
Meredith says
Love these infograph posts!! Have you guys ever seen Nicholas Felton’s Personal Annual Reports? They’re BANANAS! See them here: http://feltron.com (and I’d suggest viewing on the computer, you’ll appreciate them more!)
YoungHouseLove says
Holy cow, those are gorgeous and mind-blowing!
xo
s
Shannon says
I honestly thought that scale said 80lbs gained by John. And my jaw dropped. But then I noticed the . and everything was ok again! Haha
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo
s
Hill says
Those graphics are so fun, and will be great to look back on!
You guys have to fill up those Rocky Mountain states with some pins though…Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, Santa Fe, maybe next time you could bring the love to Colorado!!
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to end up out there!
xo
s
Kirsten @ Through the Front Door says
I think it is so fun looking back at stats & infographics from trips/just the year in general. We just got married this year, so we felt we were still “too young” to do a traditional Christmas card with a whole letter, but we wanted to do something fun that gave everyone a peek into our busy year. We ended up doing a double sided postcard that included a bunch of infographics on the back. We listed everything from the number of flights we took, to how many gondola rides we took together, to how many letters were in my new name. The list goes on, but it was so fun to showcase those quirky facts. It was definitely “us,” and I think we’ll do it again this year.
YoungHouseLove says
LOVE THAT!
xo
s
Cati says
You flew over my state, Tennessee, three times (six possibly if round trip?), but no visit. :(
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to end up there Cati!
xo
s
Rebecca @This Nest is Best says
We’re just starting to commemorate our travels on our new map pin board (Pinterest challenge! #pinsomethingineedamarshmallow). But we also get Christmas ornaments when we travel. Love the memories we relive when putting up the tree!
http://thisnestisbest.com/2013/02/27/pinterest-challenge-diy-map-art/
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahah! Way to keep #ineedamarshmallow alive!
xo
s
Brenda says
I love the visuals! I don’t travel much, but maybe once I get married and have kids I’ll keep track of family travels. I love the pin board idea!
Erin {Home Everyday} says
First off, you guys are amazing! Secondly, I was so happy to meet you when you were in Chicago. I just have one question: How many signatures did you get in your blank Young House Love book? Also, when are you heading to the windy city again? (ok I guess that is two questions). I am convinced our kids would love playing together.
YoungHouseLove says
Well, that book actually turned into three books. Can you believe it!?! So it’s totally just a guess, but we had around 500 as an average number at each signing, so maybe around 11,000 signatures?! We read through them on the sofa sometimes. You guys are all sweet and hilarious. As for coming back to the windy city, we have no idea when we’ll be back but we’d love to. Fun fact: we’re 90% sure you guys are the city that had the most people- there were 750+ folks at that signing. Isn’t that crazy?!
xo
s
Nora says
So I’m gonna put on my sad-fan hat and tell you that I saw how many people rsvp’d on Facebook for Chicago, and then I saw it was a Saturday on the northside, and then I punked out and didn’t go. Whaaaat? I know you totally expected me to be there. I can pretend I carried your book around that whole day as a tribute, but I didn’t. I did read and love it though, so hopefully that’ll be enough to get you to come back to Chicago so I can high five you in person (not just your small pictures on the cover).
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Nora, you’re so sweet! You were totally there in spirit!
xo
s
Melanie Kostrzewa says
this is great. you guys are so clever. i enjoy reading this blog on the daily. thanks for given this mamma a break during the day!
YoungHouseLove says
You’re welcome Melanie! Thanks for dropping in.
xo
s
Melissa @ Loving Here says
Love this! What wonderful memories you guys have here.
Can you spill the beans on your map pinboard? I want to know how you started it. When you were dating? Only places you visited after you were married? Is it actually on a corkboard behind the map?
I want to start one but we’ve been married for almost 2 years already and I’m not sure I’ll remember everywhere we’ve already been! Yikes!
I’m sure there’s a post about it somewhere probably, so sorry to ask if you’ve already said all this…
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, here’s a post about it. We started it when we were engaged I think. And there’s actually just cork behind a map from ebay in an Ikea frame without the glass :)
xo
s
Charlotte @ Ciburbanity says
What a treat to see you guys in Wilton (a little hazy from our hurricane clean up), but SUCH a breath of fresh air. :)
We collect Xmas ornaments from every place we visit (http://ciburbanity.com/2012/12/21/day-5-christmas-souvenirs/), but I’m loving the keychains… probably more fun for the kids!
And my photoshop envy continues with you people. Must. Learn.
xo
YoungHouseLove says
That’s really sweet about the Christmas ornaments!
xo
s
New Homes in Charlotte says
haha wow these pictures are incredible….it really drew me in, I was going to just breeze over this post but each new picture made me more intrigued :) looks like you guys had an incredible trip touring America! :)
Emily says
The Cincinnati airport is in Kentucky, so technically you have another state you could add. :)
– A Northern Kentucky native
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! You’re right!
xo
s
Katie says
This was great! I’m such a nerd, but would love a list of the 17 books!(unless it’s the 12 shown and you two shared a couple) I can’t wait to read Gone girl, the wait list at the library is so long, so I may just bit the bullet and pick it up on amazon!
Good for you Sherry for pleading the fifth! :) haha and I’m sure John will work off the 8 lbs no prob with the morning runs!
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah, the ones shown are pretty much the list, but some of them we both read. But maybe we’ll still do a post on it at some point!
-John
Linda says
Off topic – but another YHL mention in the Chicago Tribune’s Chicago Homes section (picked up from Washington Post) – an article on lighting – with a huge picture of your Large Wire Globe Lantern, and a quote that it’s a “good eye-catching complement for traditional or modern lines” – bet Shades of Light gets a few more inquiries!
Yay you! And for me, one key to why I follow your blog is your no-swag policy – up to and including not even getting your own line of lighting for free from the Shades of Light. That’s why when you say something has worked for you, I totally believe it.
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! No way! We didn’t even know about that. Wow! Hope we get to see it somehow! And thanks for the sweet words about our policy, it’s just nice and easy to keep it real and pay for everything just like you guys would :)
xo
s
Heather says
Agreed. I read another blog where she gets a lot of free stuff, but she is quite open about what it is she’s gotten and that she only accepts if she can give a REAL honest review. I’m all for no swag, but I’m not sure I could pass up a free set of kitchen appliances just to keep a no swag policy.
Different focuses though, and I think the DIY focus lends itself better to the no swag policy. Ultimately I appreciate the decisions more because I know you actually had to budget and plan for them.
sophie says
haha – when we do big things I keep track. like our summer family vacation last year:
6000km
six provinces
23 nights
four ferries
one car
six beaches (in three provinces)
two languages
two rainy days
too much icecream :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that!
xo
s
Lila says
Would love to see a post on your favorite books you’ve read/are looking forward to reading. I’m always looking for new books to pick up.
YoungHouseLove says
A bunch of other people have requested that, so it would definitely be fun!
xo
s
Christina says
Ok- Gangnam style made me laugh. I love Jet Blue, but can imagine how crazy that was!
My longest flight- Atlanta, GA to Johannesburg, South Africa. Just under 17 hours. I will NEVER complain about layovers for the rest of my life because of it, and now actually enjoy them more. Layovers > swollen legs.
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, I actually got a swollen face (I’m a swelly girl) so in some stops of the tour my face looks rounder than others! Isn’t that funny?! Got back home and it deflated thankfully. Haha!
xo
s
Ashley says
My husband wants to visit/see a game at every major league baseball stadium. He’s currently only at 4, I think (and I’m at 2). I’m probably going to adapt the map pin board idea for him so that he can keep track and keep motivated!!
Sara V says
GONE GIRL!Such a crazy book! What did you think of the ending?? I just finished it last night and..I’m not sure what to think, really.
YoungHouseLove says
After a lot of reflection back and forth we’re cool with the ending (I think initially it’s very hard to like the ending, but when you think about it more it does seem pretty true to their character and there’s probably not any ending that could make everyone excited about it – it’s one of those simmer-on-it endings). But I know lots of folks who still hate it, so it might not grow on you. Haha!
xo
s
Avigail says
I’m amazed that you’ve been to Arkansas (my home state) and it even looks like you were in Hot Springs, which is where I went to boarding school! Yay for the Natural State!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! We drove through there on our way to Texas for a wedding! That was a crazy-fun road trip!
xo
s
Lauren says
Love this post! Now the real question is – what are you guys going to do with all those frequent flyer miles from your 29 flights?? :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, the challenge is going to be to convince us to sit on a flight again. Haha! I think we’re just happy to be home for a while ;)
xo
s
Jas says
How cute are all the keychains?!
I read “Room” a few months ago, and it’s the most disturbing thing I’ve ever read. It was so gripping and terrifying at the same time…
YoungHouseLove says
Amen! John and I still talk about it and we read it back in December.
xo
s
erin says
absolutely boat load of fun!!! and i know everyone truly enjoyed meeting ya both! and rock on for wearing the same blazer!!
Helen says
What an exciting adventure for you guys! I’ve loved watching you get more and more successful with each passing year. You are so sweet, so it’s absolutely well deserved. I’m thankful I finally got to meet you on the last leg of your trip. I hope we get to meet up again. Congratulations on all your success!!
Felt 4EVA,
Helen
PS – Is an app up next? Maybe?
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Helen! You’re so sweet! And we’d love to figure out an app someday :)
xo
s
Amyoliver says
Hey, Ontario is a province, not a state. You guys can’t have it! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha- we labeled that graphic with quotes and a little disclaimer about DC and Ontario just for that reason ;)
xo
s
Lisa says
Love the summary – I have the same suitcase. My favorite piece for short trips.