Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 628 Comments

Blogiversary 6: You Asked, We Answered

Get ready to cringe! It’s time for our annual (and always amazingly awkward) Q&A video. Just like in past blogiversary weeks, we invited you guys to ask us some personal (i.e. non-decorating) questions over on our Facebook page last week. And after over 150 questions came rolling in, we sat down and answered as many as we could while Clara napped one afternoon – and then culled it down into this 20 minute video. Among all of our mind-blowing, no-holds-barred revelations (note the sensationalism) you’ll learn:

  • If we’d ever let readers vote on the decorating choices we make
  • What blog post we regret writing
  • Our thoughts on snarky message boards
  • If we ever think about reversing our no-swag policy
  • If we won the lottery, what we’d change about our lives
  • What our neighbors think of the blog
  • If we regret choosing our blog name
  • What ceramic animal I’d save if our house was under a zombie attack
  • How we keep the blog from consuming our lives
  • If our marriage is perfect (spoiler alert: nope!)
  • Why I’ll probably never cut my hair super short again
  • If I still own just one bra
  • THE MUCH ANTICIPATED POSSUM-IN-THE-BASEMENT STORY!!!

So now that you’re most likely on the edge of your seat (… or not) here goes nothing:

So there you have it, another year of us blathering on about personal stuff and mythical horse sized ducks and mysterious mammals in our crawl space. Did anything surprise you? Or spark another question in your brain? We can’t promise we can answer every one of them in the comments here, but feel free to ask away as potential future fodder for next year…

Psst- Want more awkward? Here are the Q&A posts for 2012, 2011, 2010 & 2009: Part 1 + Part 2.

_______________________________________

Oh but before we go, let’s talk about you guys for a second. Each year we love finding out who the heck you guys are, and then on Friday John can make a nerd-tastic infographic all about it (last year’s had Beyonce in it, so it might be hard to top that).

Comments

  1. Priscilla says

    For John: Your local kayak club is the Coastals
    http://www.coastals.org/

    Lots of good people. Learn to roll over the winter, buy a boat in the fall (best time to buy a boat). The only problem I see is that you work so hard, you will not have enough time to actually go kayaking and get better.

    Reply

    • Heather {A Fire Pole in the Dining Room} says

      (Couldn’t figure out how to reply to your reply so I’m replying to myself. If it’s exceedingly obvious how to reply and I missed it, can I blame the post-lunch afternoon slump?)

      That would be awesome on so many levels. Hopefully John would be quick enough to film your interaction. I think I’d have a similar reaction to meeting an idol. Or I would stand there, shocked and not be able to say anything. Either way, I’d come off really great. ;)

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Haha, it would be a hot mess. And I bet John would catch it all and Instagram it or something. And as for replying, you totally did it right. For some reason you have to go to the first comment in the thread and reply to that since there’s no reply button under other comments, but then when the comment posts it nests it there for ya.

      xo
      s

  4. Elaine K says

    Loved the oppossom story! My first trip to the shed at our first home was interrupted by a opposom. My husband died laughing and said he had never seen me run so fast! Fortunately he was scared, too, and never came back.

    Reply

  5. Ashley says

    Your videos are always cute, but loved the frankness on this one too about things like the potty training post/snarky sites. I think those questions were handled honestly and with a lot of class.

    P.S. my husband thinks I’m crazy, but I’m totally with you on the lottery being mo’ money mo’ problems!

    Reply

  6. Jillian@TheHumbleGourmet says

    Okay, two things:
    1. I totally vote for a painting a month post. The few art projects you’ve done on the blog I’ve absolutely loved, so…paint for me!
    2. That kid of yours is so incredibly bright and well-spoken for her age. Kudos! (Also, I am super impressed that she can spell her name. I couldn’t spell my middle name ’til I was about 9 TRUE STORY).

    Reply

  8. Ann says

    I love these videos because of how genuine you both are–which is I think a thing that can get lost in text (maybe that’s why people sometimes misinterpret/take offense to blog posts in general). I still think you should branch out into relationship advice, though, because you guys really seem to have a genuinely balanced/respectful/loving relationship, which must be even harder in ways being in a business together!

    Reply

  9. Victoria says

    Loved both videos. I adore your sense of humor and also how “classy” you keep things. Clara and Burger were too wonderful for words – I laughed and (almost) cried at the sweet smartness.
    As for “snarky”, I re-read some of my comments to you, and (red face here) some may have seemed snarky. E-mail is awesome but sometimes the tone of a comment doesn’t translate well. My intention was to comment with respect even if I disagree with you so I apologize.
    Love you guys and hold you in high esteem.

    Reply

  11. Lindsey says

    1. What makes videos like these (of you both) so great is the palatable love between you two. I have no doubt your relationship is as normal as the rest, but you don’t flaunt your dirty laundry. It’s like over-sharing – with beauty and tact – and you two do it well. Also, you’re both hilarious.
    2. Sherry, what you call “flailing” I call expressive.
    3. John, that “silver fox” streak is very stylish.
    4. I consider you both masterful at blogging. Not that everyone is cut out or “should” do it the way you do, but what you’ve put together works so well without sacrificing who YOU are as a couple and as individuals. Happy Blogiversary!

    Reply

  12. Ofelia, from Mexico City says

    Ok, the finale of Clara and Burguer video, when Burguer hears the ring and runs barking? was so funny! Thanks for sharing this. On the other side. The side bar in my screen, there is some empty space between the facebook-pinterest-you tube-twitter- line and the search-archives-category-blog roll line. Just nothing, nada, just a grey square. Is this ok or my Mac computer screen got something wrong? Congratulation for you 6 blogiversary! I can wait for the many projects to come in the future!

    Reply

  14. Bonnie says

    My 5 year old saw me watching this, and he asked, “Are those people famous rock stars?” I explained what you do, and he asked, “well, can they come do that to our house?”
    haha! Thanks for all you do, I enjoy reading!

    Reply

  15. erin says

    another deaf person here — i tend to skip videos because i feel like it’s pointless and I’ll miss all the funny quirky parts. which is the whole thing. =(

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      So sorry Erin! We’re going to look into some sort of software that might allow us to caption the videos, since we figure that’s more fun than a transcript (since you’ll see us flapping around at the same time). You know, we’re smooth.

      xo
      s

  16. Ashley says

    That Clara. *sigh* She’s turning into such a little girl–I loved how articulate she’s becoming. When she spelled out her name, I actually squealed with pride! That’s what happens when you’ve been reading for two (OH MY GOSH TWO!) years–I go kind of aunt-y on all these precious chilluns I read about! (No creepiness, I promise :D ) You must be so proud of her. Also–Sherry you’re so gorgeous. Your “cartoon” features are nothing to be ashamed of!

    Reply

  17. Alice H says

    You know what song is stuck in my head again because you asked the question if a song was stuck in my head…it’s that stupid WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY song and I am so mad at my teenage kids for showing me it. LOL!

    Sherry, you remind me of myself. We are talkers!! (And I am NOT trying to be rude by saying this.) But John barely gets a word in. Same way with me and my guy. LOL!

    Reply

  19. Lisa says

    Hey! I just have to share my parents opossum story! They had a opossum in their kitchen CABINET. Somehow it got into the house (I have no idea how!) and they kept hearing this sound coming from a cabinet and my dad opened the drawer and BAM.. OPOSSUM! He quickly shut it and they called animal control.

    Reply

  20. Cait B says

    OMG! Probably been said a million times but I can’t get over how big and grown up Clara is!!! She talks like such a big girl! It’s crazy to think that just last year she was a babbling fool (yeah those videos get re-watched because they make me want a lil one that cute)

    Reply

  21. Megan says

    I got to the end of the survey, read “Feel like I’m – losing my religion” clicked it and went back up and clicked “I’ve got – a song stuck in my head.” haha! I loved Burger being a barky dog at the end! That dang doorbell gets my two barky dogs too! (By the way, Rocky (olde English bulldogge)and Bo (boxer/bulldog mix) say hello to Burger!) Cheers to *hopefully* many more YHL years!

    Reply

  22. Lilian Garcia says

    This was grrrrrreat! Thanks for all the laughing and loving! You guys rock and I really think you should have a tv program. Please?

    Reply

  23. CE says

    I seriously almost cried laughing at the end… “Hollywooooood”. You guys should have your own traveling stand-up routine. Young Joke Love.

    Reply

  24. Laurie says

    Thank you for those charming videos! You are so natural and so fun–you feel like neighbours! I especially appreciated Burger’s input as I have 2 little barkers at home. Often when we are watching tv, a phone will ring on the show and off go my girls to bark at nothing with great gusto. Does Burger do that?
    And Sherry, two things: you should totally paint again–you have this great audience who would probably want to buy anything you did, and also, maybe more important, where did you get those groovy green earrings? Too cute!
    Keep on keeping on and keep in real, y’all! I just love this blog!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Thanks Laurie! You guys have been so sweet about the painting thing I’m completely inspired to break out the watercolors tonight! As for the earrings, they’re from towneandreese.com (they sell such great earrings, I’m addicted).

      xo
      s

  25. Amber V. says

    Most endearing blogiversary Q&A yet!

    How do you all reconcile your no swag policy with your new found love of Benjamin Moore Paint that seemed to coincide with your paint line?

    (Comment clarification: I’m NOT criticizing. I’d be supporting my new business partners as well!)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That’s a totally valid question! It’s actually not a new-found love. We’ve preferred their colors since around 2010 (although we used to get them color matched) and we started using their paint in our second house back in 2011 when we painted our office built-ins – far before they approached us to work with them in 2012. So we heard through commenters how great BM paint was, finally tried it, loved it, and then after using it for a while they approached us the following year to ask if we’d pick a color collection for them. We’re not required or even encouraged to use their paint for any of our projects (and sometimes we don’t if we think something cheaper will do for a small job) so if we do use BM paint in a post it’s because we bought it with our own money because we think it’s the best thing for that job (just like we did before the partnership). We’re also always quick to clearly point out that our color collection is a paying side gig when we post about it each year, just to make sure we’re 100% transparent with you guys!

      xo
      s

  26. Jenna says

    My lunch hour was almost over when I discovered that you guys had posted the Q&A video. I got to watch about 3/4 of it before I had to leave my house and go back to work. Luckily I was watching it on my phone so I brought it with me in the car. By the way, I don’t recommend that because I had to keep looking down to see what the questions were! You guys crack me up as usual though!

    Reply

  27. Reba says

    You all are a beautiful family!

    Also, Sherry, I was mesmerized by your earrings the whole 20 minutes. I read thru every comment thinking someone else HAD to have been as curious about them as me. Do you mind spillin’ the beans on where they came from?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw thanks Reba! They’re from a little site called towneandreese.com. I met the owners and they’re so charming and of course I love dangle earrings, so… SOLD!

      xo
      s

  29. Kelly says

    This was really fun to watch. I would love to see more videos like this (where you talk about things together, as opposed to house tour type videos which are great in a different way). And OMG how cute is Clara. She is so mature; she loves Macklemore and the bookstore!

    Reply

  30. Judy W. says

    Thank you SO MUCH for asking what restroom we use rather than what sex or gender we are. I have several transgender and gender-queer friends whose physical appearance doesn’t necessarily match the sign on the restroom door. This is actually a HUGE and sensitive issue for a lot more people than we might realize at first glance, and I really appreciate your approach.

    My favorite school has signs on the restroom doors that say “Men and Transgender” and “Women and Transgender.” There’s a new world waiting…

    Reply

  31. Amanda says

    Have you heard of “ShamelessMaya” on youtube? She recently added captions so that her hearing impaired subscribers could enjoy her videos. I forgot what service she said she used, but you could prob find the info on her channel or send her a message.

    Reply

  32. Rachel says

    Ok. This video just made me love you guys even more! And can we please talk about how adorable Clara is? She’s so professional! I had so much fun watching. Love the honestly, authenticity and general hilarious-ness that is the Petersiks. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply

  33. Lisa says

    The pop culture references in that survey were awesome!!! I wanted to check that I lived in a van down by the river but I wanted you guys to get honest feedback for your info gathering. Haha!

    Reply

  34. Nikki says

    You two are so cute! Loved the bit about the “daddy rhino”
    And your day of luxury sounds about right. It’s all about spending time with your loved ones. :)

    Reply

  35. Katie says

    Sherry, when you talked about the potty-training post on your bday it made me cry. No Mama should ever be criticised like that. Your family is beautiful, your home is beautiful, your work is beautiful. As parents we all do the best that we know how and pray that God will fill in the gaps. Breathe deep and let it go; hateful comments are a reflection of the speaker’s heart, not the recipient’s.
    Love what y’all do, keep it up!

    Reply

  36. Lauren says

    You guys are absolutely adorable! I love the videos…the Clara and burger hot seat is a excellent addition! Happy Blogiversary you two!! And since I can’t get the GEICO commercial out of my head either… Happy hump day! (Haha I love that commercial)

    Wishing you many more years of success, love and happiness! You rock!! :)

    Reply

  37. alisa says

    1) Can I be your best friend so you can fly me up and we can have starbucks, get a foot massage, and then a pedicure? You have been to the foot massage places, right? (Don’t be confused with the ones that have the curtains closed and are open all night)
    2) Olivia (my 4 year old) wants to watch Clara’s video over and over again. I had to tell her enough.
    3) She thinks Burger needs a “sparky” a.k.a. a bark collar. She often tells Thor (our yorkie mix) I’m going to get sparky! And that seems to quiet him down.
    4)Thanks for the fun posts every day, you are very inspiring.

    Reply

  38. magali says

    I remember watching your video and responding to your questionnaire last year. I had just found out I was pregnant again after a devastating miscarriage. I checked to box “bun in the oven” because I was just so hopeful. Now this year I checked “kids” because my baby girl was born a few months ago :) Thanks for the great blog and for being so true to yourself. Don’t let the haters get to you. Your guys rock and always put a smile on my face at 10 am.

    Reply

  40. Amanda says

    I loved watching! In your next Q&A would you consider reading the questions so I could just have the video minimized while I “listen to music” at work ;) It was hard to keep clicking back to see what was asked! Love yall and cheers to another 6x6x6 years!!

    Reply

  41. Kathi says

    You two have the best chemistry! Love the way you interact with each other. Clara and Burger are priceless. Thanks for all the time you devote to our entertainment.

    Reply

  42. Laura says

    Thanks for doing these types of posts. I really enjoy them. It makes me think I should interview my 2 year old, just to have something like that to look back on.
    I just had to tell you I laughed out loud when I saw Burger’s interview, and let me tell you, I’m not the type of person who normally laughs out loud.

    Reply

  43. Jamie says

    I’m impressed with Clara’s articulation skills – really coming along. Especially good to see such a strong /r/ sound at her age. You guys got a good one.

    Reply

  44. Rebecca says

    Always love your interview videos because they feel like we’re getting a clearer sense of your personalities, so thanks for posting. Also, obviously not a newsflash to anyone but man is Clara getting big and speaking clearly! Go girl!

    Reply

  45. Ginger says

    Is it ok to admit that I kind of have a girl crush on Sherry??? In a non weird, non threatening way…..

    Well, maybe it is a little weird…..

    :)
    Ginger

    Reply

  48. cappy says

    If I could not love you all more! Clara melts my heart-what a sweetie!!! BTW-I am so hoping second book is along the lines of a comment I wrote in the way past regarding kids. :0)

    Reply

  49. Christine says

    Okay, so I have never watched one of your videos before (I’m fairly new to your blog) and I must say that your voices surprised me! Not in a bad way – this sounds weird, I’m sorry – but in my head I had given you both almost comical southern accents. So I was surprised to hear your real voices and find out that you do not sound like Rhett and Scarlett from “Gone With the Wind”. Again, I know this sounds strange, but I promise it comes a place of love! I adore your blog and the video of Clara and Burger made me laugh as well. Keep up the great work and thank you for sharing your lives with us! Oh, and I just got your book and have been enjoying it – cannot wait for the next one!

    Reply

    • Jessica says

      I thought the same thing the first time I watched a video of theirs!!! Sherry totally sounds like Mila Kunis, who is my fav.

  50. Carrie says

    I am so happy you wrote the potty training post! It was the advice I used for my daughter and it was what worked the best! Three days later she was a potty champ. I didn’t read through all the comments of the original post though so I may be missing out on a lot of fun. ;)

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

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