Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 675 Comments

Guess Where We Are?!

Last Monday, a surprise snowstorm (in the middle of a super mild winter) made for this picture out of our living room widow:

  Last Monday Window

And Clara went outside and had fun doing this:

  Last Monday Clara

Fast forward about a week, and our view looks more like this:

  This Monday Window

And Clara’s sporting a different kind of outfit:

  This Monday Clara

Yup, true to our anniversary resolution, we snuck off to Maui, Hawaii to celebrate finishing our book, our impending five year anniversary (in July), turning 30 (I will in March and John already checked that box in November), and any other celebration-worthy excuse that we could think of (Clara’s first four syllable words: escalator, helicopter, and anemone!). It’s actually the first time we’ve flown somewhere on a real vacation since our honeymoon to Alaska back in 2007, and it’s the first time we have ever announced that we’re taking a week off from blogging in the entire 4.5 years since we started this whole shebang.

We know – gasp!

We do plan to post a pic or a quick note here or there throughout the week about our little island adventures (and a few things that we wrote up to share before we left, like some small kitchen progress). And we lined up a pretty sweet giveaway (valued at nearly $500!) for you guys, which will go up sometime tomorrow (Monday) – although not necessarily at 10 or 2 (we’re 5 hours behind our normal schedule here in HI). But our main goal is to relax, unplug, show Clara a great time, and just generally seize the week that we’re here.

This Monday Flower

So we’ll return to our regularly scheduled home improvement programming next Monday and will just be popping in every once in a while until then (so please forgive us if we’re not actively answering comments). We can’t wait to come back refreshed, inspired, and ready to tackle everything from the cork floors in the kitchen to the three untouched bathrooms, the walk-out deck we want to build, our big carport-to-garage conversion, the crown molding and wainscoting we’re planning to add, a complete sunroom makeover, a total playroom makeover, and all of the other major projects mentioned at the bottom of this post that we chatter endlessly about when we lay in bed at night (yes, even here in Maui).

This Monday Ocean

Oh and since Clara’s here with us we’ll have to share all the how-she-traveled and how-she-adjusted-to-the-time-difference details soon (maybe next week on Young House Life). Due to quarantine regulations, we couldn’t bring Burger, which is why he’s at home snuggled up to our house sitters (we have some friends and family members who are taking turns moving in to hang with him the whole time we’re gone). You know we call him and talk through the phone at least twice a day though, right? Heck, maybe he can somehow inspire our house guests to lay some cork flooring while they’re there (he’s a pretty persuasive chihuahua). Here’s hoping!

To any Maui natives or fellow vacationers: you better say hi if you see us out doing the whole dorky tourist thing! Just look for the girl whose legs are so pasty white that they actually look blue and there I’ll be.

This Monday Legs

And yes, my skirt is twisted about three inches too far to the right. I can’t be the only one who fights skirt-spin, can I?

Comments

  1. naiad says

    Its probably the silliest question you’ve heard on your blog but haven’t you guys thought of traveling outside the USA? Other than the USA, there are a 193 countries out there with different cultures, cuisines, people, language, color, race and lifestyle.. Being from the asian subcontinent I have already been to 7 different countries and I am still just 24 yrs old. It surprises me when most vacations for Americans are within America.. Not being snarky.. Genuine curiosity. Is it because travel is expensive or you dont get holidays (I get 30 paid days off per year and its still too less) or you just are comfortable with your lifestyle and dont want to get out or worried about safety? Btw have fun! You deserve it so very much!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Yes! John has been to England and I have been to Mexico and Jamaica. Getting out there and seeing more of the world is definitely on our bucket list! John had just been to Hawaii after college and wanted to take me and Clara so we didn’t argue. Haha.

      xo,
      s

  5. Briel K. says

    Yay Hawaii! I was just telling some friends tonight that the only time that I’ve been is to Oahu and that was almost 20 years ago when I was 13 (WOW, time flies!). I really want to go to Maui so I look forward to hearing more about your trip!

    You guys deserve a vacation!! Can’t you pre-schedule your blog entries to go up at a set time/date so you don’t have to worry about posting them while on vacation?

    Have FUNNNN! :)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We could set posts to go up automatically, but since we manually approve comments (to keep spam out and make sure we don’t miss questions) we like to be “signed on” just for a bit once the post goes up.

      xo,
      s

  6. Jessica F. says

    Happy dance time!!! Oh yea!!! Doing the happy dance :D
    Maui wowie!!!
    If you make it to Lahaina, check out Cheeseburger Paradise and Moose McGillycuddy’s on Front St. (Note: not sure if Moose lets kids in, but they have great happy hour! Their adult drink Hawaiian Punch is to die for!)
    Enjoy, relax, and see you when you get back :)

    Reply

  8. katrina says

    aw man have a great vacation! you guys really deserve a break, it seems like lately you have been working extremely hard. glad to see you’re off doing something fun for yourselves! eat some shaved ice for me!

    Reply

  9. Elaine says

    I feel bad leaving a comment as it’s just one more thing for you to read and approve when you should be relaxing but I just wanted to say have a fantastic trip! And don’t worry, get as much R&R as you can and don’t feel like you have to post a thing! Just enjoy your vacation! :)

    Reply

  11. Sarah K says

    Was that Baby Beach I spotted? Such a great place for a kiddo Clara’s age. My in-laws own a house on that beach and our two boys have to be peeled out of the water every day! Enjoy your vacation!!

    Reply

  13. JessiBee says

    Good for you!!! Sherdog & J-Boom’s Great Hawaiian Vacation…just please don’t pick up any cursed tiki statues like those dopey Brady Bunch kids did :(

    Reply

  15. Casey says

    So wait. In a four week span you maintained a regular blog schedule (no small feat in itself), hosted a heavy photo shoot (which meant finishing projects in the interim so you could get ‘before’ shots), prepped for a large presentation at a conference, wrote extra entries in the hopper for while you were at the conference, raised a baby, planned for a vacation (which meant packing for two climates) AND did it while incredibly ill? Baby girl there is no need to justify your need for R&R. Getchu a strong drink in a cup that grows from a tree, post up in a recliner, breath in the ocean air and sleeeeeeeeeep.

    Reply

  17. Kirsten says

    The first thing I thought of was, “OH they had to leave Burger at home!” I’ve been to Maui and had to leave my little doxie at home too… it was quite sad. It did help that she was staying with friends and I would receive picture messages of her throughout the day. I hope you enjoy your time in Maui!

    Reply

  21. Gilli says

    Enjoy your vacay…be sure to hit banyan tree park in lahaina, it’s a great place to see the sunset. The best part is that “the trees” in the park all are part of one banyan tree in the middle. The upcountry is great too, there is a lavender farm up there too if you are headed up to haleakala (house of the sun). I almost feel guilty writing a comment because I want you all to relax :)

    Reply

    • Carrie E says

      I second the Upcountry recommendation! The views are truly breathtaking! My husband was really just going along with a visit to the lavender farm for my benefit but was so glad that we took time to check it out. The Ulupalakua Ranch is not too far from the lavender farm and has lots of history and a winery. I see why Oprah chose a ranch in the area! It felt so peaceful and helped recharge our batteries.

  22. Pati says

    Wow! I am so happy for you, guys! After the crazy secret projects and photoshooting for the book and still blogging everyday you totally deserve it! I cannot wait to see more photos from Maui next week, when you are back! Enjoy every moment! :)

    Reply

  23. MelissaG says

    So happy for you, and yes, a little jealous! It’s in the 20’s here…yuck! You deserve a break, enjoy the sunshine! And congrats!

    Reply

  25. Coreen says

    Have fun!! If you’re around Lahaina I highly recommend checking out the Lahaina Arts Society by the banyan tree, they showcase a lot of great stuff by local artists. Also, local underwater photographers (if you’re looking for more art for home) that I’m fond of are the Cesere brothers John & Dan (www.c3submerged.com). Amazing work & really nice guys!

    Reply

  26. jennT says

    RAaaARGH at skirt spin!

    have tons of fun away but next time you ought to stay in the atlantic and visit St. Croix! :)

    Reply

  28. L says

    You’ve earned a vacay for sure, so enjoy the heck out of it!

    No need to reply to this comment, but I am curious: what are all your home improvements doing to your property value, and does your neighborhood support that? In other words, will your blood, sweat, tears, paint, flooring, etc. actually add to the monetary value of your house, should you decide to, ah, sell it and move to Hawaii? Or will they just make it easier to find a buyer for a price that reflects the “going rate” in the neighborhood?

    Nosy, I know — but your shining example has me contemplating more stuff around here, and makes me wonder.

    Happy splashing!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We would love to get the realtor who sold us our house to walk through and re-price it after we finish the kitchen – just to hear what she’d sell it for now. We do everything on such a budget (ex: adding a 10K patio – according to pro estimates – for $1,300) and redoing our kitchen while using the same cabinets and even craigslisting old appliances and getting things from thrift stores) so we’re expecting it’ll “appraise” for a good amount more than we’ve spent. We live in a great neighborhood with some of the best schools in Richmond and don’t plan to sell for a while if ever (so the economy can recover since we bought out house during “low” times).
      xo,
      s

  29. Heidi says

    Wow, that’s wonderful! I’m so excited for you all. Can’t wait to see all of your pictures and hear all the details. You two certainly deserve the break!

    Reply

  32. Toni says

    I am so excited that you guys are taking a much deserved break. Great job meeting your blog resolutions. Next up-time away with just the two of you, even a weekend would be so great for the two of you. Enjoy your break and stay off the blog! Yes you sherry.

    Reply

  33. Gina says

    I’m so envious! Two years go in February my husband and I went to Maui for our first time and it was unbelievable! The whales were everywhere, we could see them from our balcony. I’d love to go back!! Enjoy your time there!

    Reply

  34. Melissa @ Renovations and Relationships says

    I can’t believe you’ve never taken time off from your blog in over four years! As you can see from the comments, we readers more than understand that you need (and deserve) a break. Don’t worry about keeping us posted while you’re gone, just fill us in when you get back!

    Reply

  35. Krystle Clark says

    I am so excited that you are getting a much deserved vacation! The beaches look beautiful – wish I could be basking in the sun too. Congrats on finishing the book, your anniversaries, birthdays, and Clara’s added vocab :-) A lot to celebrate! By the way… you crack me up! Love the description of your pale “blue” legs and twisted skirt. Hilarious! Enjoy your time off!!

    Reply

  38. Laura says

    Good for you! Enjoy and relax and take it all in….not saying I won’t miss checking in each day, I will, but you need the break! Lots to celebrate….hope you get some full nights of sleep!

    Reply

  39. Karen T. says

    Holy crap! You sneaky little nuggets! I hope you have a blast! You deserve every moment of rest, sunshine, sand and surf you get. Please don’t check in on this blog too often. Truly take a VACAY! Hang loose!

    Reply

  40. Katie says

    Have a great great trip – you deserve every minute of relaxation! If you have a chance, my top recommendation for a restaurant is Aloha Mixed Plate – “Paper plate meets million dollar view.” The food is fantastic and each time I’ve been to Maui I’ve gone there for multiple meals it’s so good! Personally I’d skip Mama’s Fish House (too expensive) in favor of Merriman’s or Roy’s. Have fun! I’m jealous!

    Reply

  44. RVA Born and Raised says

    Sherry, you are the only Jersey girl I know who doesn’t embrace the spray tan. LOL, and that is a good thing.

    Reply

  46. Barb says

    Have a wonderful time!
    Take it all in!
    You deserve this!
    Now is your family time!
    It is show-time for the Petersiks!!
    Enjoy!!!

    B.

    Reply

  49. Robin says

    First of all if you do not post once this week I must say I vow not to be disappointed at all. Not one bit. I love your blog (it is the highlight of my day at work normally) BUT ENJOY YOUR FAMILY VACATION! I’m so happy for you! :)

    Reply

  50. Kim S says

    Wow, enjoy your vacation! I’m looking forward to seeing some more of those tropical photos… when you get back. Unplugging is good for you every now and again.

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

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