Considering that delivering The Washington Post was my first real job (because what 6th grader doesn’t like getting up at 5am everyday?), it’s kind of an “is this real life?” full circle moment for me that my current gig (this blog) has landed us in the pages of that very same newspaper. My dad (a.k.a. my newspaper delivery partner) has never been more proud. We had no idea it would be such a big write up (with a giant cover picture in the Local Living section, but after we got over our vanity (is my hair weird? does Clara look cute?) we couldn’t believe how awesome it was. Who are we and what did we do to deserve this? But enough blabbering. I gush when I’m excited.
Here are a few shots of the paper for ya (click ’em to enlarge) and of course you can see them in the flesh if you get The Washington Post. And you can read most of the article online here, here, and here (there are three parts to the story, but some of the pics are different than the ones in the actual newspaper article). And if the article has been archived, you can download PDFs of the text here, here and here.
We especially loved this cool call-out thing they did with our old den about where we got stuff/what we paid for it:
As for the pics, the Washington Post scooped us on a few things. Haha. It takes us a few days for us to do projects, take pics, and write posts – so they slipped through and snapped photos of things we’ll be sharing in the next few days. Should be fun…
Anyway, thanks to Terri Sapienza for the write up (us? really?) and for coming down to our house to hang out for the interview (which couldn’t have been less scary even though it sounded crazy intimidating when we first heard that she wanted to do it). She was a blast to have over and we realized that her husband and I lead eerily similar lives (beyond being married to women with rhyming names).
Oh and how insane is it that they actually called Nate Berkus for a quote about us (remember when we met him here)? Sherry just about died when she saw that. There were no words for about ten minutes, which is a total record for her. Consider us flattered (or too giddy for our own good if you’re Sherry- really she’s doing that uncontrollable giggle thing over here). Here’s his quote:
“First of all, they’re adorable,” says talk show host and designer Nate Berkus. In the fall, the Petersiks appeared on “The Nate Berkus Show” as DIY experts and judges for a design challenge. “Their delivery is particularly charming and endearing, and their information is delivered in a smart way,” Berkus says. “ . . . I think Young House Love could easily transition into a TV program.”
How crazy is that? Seeing the paper this morning was like an out of body experience for both of us. We also think it’s hilarious that Nate thinks YHL could be a TV show, because we’ve actually been approached a few times about that over the past few years but are always quick to decline. We’re definitely TV people (I mean we like to watch it) but we don’t want to actually be TV people (as in, be on it). We’re much more comfortable hiding behind the safety of our computer screens. And as Sherry likes to say “we don’t wanna Jon & Kate ourselves, ya know?!” Besides, putting the blog on hold for weeks of filming might leave us with a serious case of withdrawal.
Side tangent officially over. Anyway, you may have noticed some other paper-related news revealed in the article: we’re in the very early stages of writing a book! Like a real one. That they’d actually have in Barnes & Noble. How crazy is that? When a few book agents and publishers approached us over a year ago, we figured that with all of the writing that we’ve done online each day over the past 3.5 years (over 1,752 posts and 891,000 words published) perhaps writing something offline could be a natural side project for us – especially if the topic is DIY and home stuff. Because you know that does it for us. But don’t worry, the blog will still be priority numero uno. After all it’s our first baby (well second, the birth order goes: Burger, YHL, Clara).
So after over a year of fine tuning our book proposal (yeah, it took forever, and ended up being 150+ pages long) we sent it out, held our breath, and were shocked and awed to be signed by Artisan/Workman. For a few weeks we were scared they would come to their senses, realize we’re dorks, and say nevermind – but holy bananas, it’s a done deal. And the process was kind of crazy and interesting, so for anyone else out there who’s looking to write a book proposal (and eventually a book), we’re planning a post about how it all went down and what that experience has been like for us.
There’s still an entire manuscript to be written, so it would be premature to say exactly what the book will be about, but we do know that it’s not going to be some fancy interior design coffee table book or a sordid behind-the-scenes tell-all novel with shirtless Fabio (or shirtless me) on the cover.
We’re aiming to capture the don’t-take-yourself-too-seriously DIY spirit of our site without regurgitating a lot of stuff that you’ve already seen slash read here (we want it to feel fresh and new). And of course it’ll have budget friendly ideas along with fast & easy projects that anyone can do (except if you’re tied to a pole). Since publishing a book takes much longer than publishing a blog post, we’re scheduled for a fall 2012 release – and we’re mucho excited. We couldn’t wait to spill the beans to you guys after lots of months spent biting our tongues and keeping cats in bags.
So that’s the news up our sleeve at the moment. I guess it’s only polite to ask – what’s new with you these days?
UPDATE: Check out this more recent post about the book-writing process.
Jennie Gift says
I have been a long time follower and never really comment. I found your blog because of your DIY wedding and the funny part is I was already married. I have since followed you on FB and here daily. Love your Blog and couldn’t be happier for your and the fact that your in Richmond keeps it local for me too. Congrats on the book deal!
Jacqui says
Wow – I fall one day behind on blog reading and you guys end up in my newspaper. Congrats John and Sherry! You never fail to inspire, especially those of us who are not natural decorators.
Kara says
Oh, WOW- CONGRATULATIONS!!! :D Can’t wait to read the post about the process!
Jill Stigs says
Awesome news…..congrats on your success!
Donna says
Congratulations!!!!! Wow, your newspaper spread covered several pages. And, it was very nicely done. Can’t wait to buy your book. Also, I’d love to know how many additional hits you get after the newspaper article. Way to go!
Donna
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Donna! We had our best day ever yesterday (with over 200,000 page views) so things are pretty crazy but we’re over the moon!
xo,
s
Kristen says
Very nice! This book cover part has me laughing out loud while I sit at the gate waiting for my not-on-time plane to arrive. People are watching me/judging me. Worth it.
liz says
Wow!! That’s some really big news all jam-packed into one post! Please do share the book proposal process. I’m definitely curious to hear how all of that works.
ChristinaD says
Ahhhh!!! I’m SO excited for you guys (and myself for getting to read your book next year!!)! I’m such a huge fan of you and your site – you crack me up and inspire me to want to re-do my entire house – again! :) Love, love, love!
Melody says
This is the only blog I read EVERDAY. You are THAT good! I can’t wait for the book!!!! (BTW, that hilarious cover art would be fun to have framed somewhere on a random shelf. See if anyone notices. HAHA!)
Kristi says
Congratulations on the Post write-up and your new book. I have been following your blog since purchasing my second home last year, but I think this is the first time I’ve commented! As a single mom, I really appreciate your design ideas on a budget. You’ve given me some great ideas to tackle this spring and summer. Thanks to you both!
Ruth says
As a former DC resident, I somehow feel personally super-proud about your WaPo appearance! I’m imagining a great alternate reality in which every newspaper that’s personally significant to me does a feature on you guys. Sooo, I hope you’re okay with spreads in papers like Newsday (I’m a Long Island girl) and The Berkshire Eagle (as in Berkshire County, Massachusetts).
Kidding aside, your blog is entertaining, inspiring, and genuine, and you guys deserve all the laurels coming your way.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love it. Maybe we should send a love note to The Berkshire Eagle. Haha.
xo,
s
foo says
Congrats, kids! That’s great about the newspaper and even better about the book!!
And I, too, am impressed with your choice not to do the TV thing. Although, I think you’d do a great job, it’s just nice to know that not everyone wants or needs that kind of attention. I don’t blame you one bit. And who knows, things could change in the future. You just never know where life will take you. Enjoy!
jenn says
omg thats crazy and amazing! i cant wait to buy itttt!
what kind of offers on tv shows have you gotten? reality shows as in your day to day living or a show of you guys teaching DIY projects OR you guys making over rooms on a budget? the last two would be cool. you guys basically already do teaching DIY in videos, this would probably just have a script.
haha so strange for you guys i bet. feels strange to me and im just living vicariously through you two!
YoungHouseLove says
Our favorite proposed show was a sexy one with John taking his shirt off and cutting wood. Hilarious. We giggled about it for days. But yeah, most networks want something either reality shows or budget makeover-ish ones. Both of which we love to watch, but neither of which we’d enjoy actually being “in.” Haha.
xo,
s
Katie says
So, yesterday I e-mailed my hubby from work asking him to save this section of the paper for me since I didn’t see it before I saw your post. When I got home, he says to me, “Here’s the section of the paper you wanted, and check out that cute bald girl baby and dog on the front.” (He didn’t realize that was the reason I wanted him to save the section!) And we both use the “bald” description totally lovingly, as I was pretty much completely hairless until I was 2 years old, yet grew up to essentially have the thickest hair known to man… constantly breaking vacuum cleaners! Just wanted to share! Congrats on the feature in the paper and the upcoming book!
P.S. I love days when John gets in on the comment replying!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, love it! Bald is beautiful! Haha.
xo,
s
candace @ thecandace.com says
What wonderfully exciting news! I wish you all the best – your hard work is paying off!
Ashley says
Congratulations on all of it!! You guys are the best. : )
Erin says
Yay! Congratulations guys! I can’t wait to read your book! You two are just so inspiring.
As for new stuff going on, my hubs and I are closing on our first home today! It’s been an extremely hard road to get here, but we are finally here. Due to ridiculous slats at the bank, we have a total of a week and a half to move out of our rental. Yikes! Luckily the hubs is a teacher and it happens to be spring break, so that helps. Unfortunately though, because of the delays we aren’t able to do some of the things we wanted to get done before moving in, like refinishing the hardwood floors. I also wanted to at least paint the horrid faux wood paneling in the living room, since trying to do it with an 18 month old running around will be quite difficult! Oh well, it’ll all get done in time I suppose! Good luck with your book!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! What a crazy but exciting time for you! Congrats on your first house, and have so much fun with it!
xo,
s
justine @ you're so martha says
wow, how exciting. congrats!!
Kara says
I meant to post this yesterday (work got away from me), but I am continually insprired by your home(s)!
My husband is a professional handyman/carpenter and remodels homes, but we both still come to this site on a weekly basis to get ideas.
You rock. Plain and simple.
-Kara,Charlotte, NC
Terese says
Congrats! I only have one concern: do you really work 8am-9pm and work on weekends and vacations? You deserve a break!! Although I’m not sure us readers could handle it… ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, well we love what we do so only some of it feels like work (mostly the coding stuff and the sponsor & giveaway management). The projects, picture taking, and post writing is pure fun!
xo,
s
Beth says
Congratulations to you! I have been following your blog for a few months now and I am so happy and jealous! My husband, three year old daughter, myself and our cat, Pinecone live in Bethesda, MD and get the Post. I am a preschool teacher and have been recently obsessed with DIY projects, interior design, etc. However, we rent and its so difficult to do what you really want in a rental. We are saving for a house but the prices are pretty high in this area but love it too much to live anywhere else. Do you have any recommendations to brighten up a rental?
Congrats again!
YoungHouseLove says
We actually have a whole section on our Projects page devoted to ideas for dorms and rentals so maybe that’ll help? Good luck with everything! And hi to your daughter and Pinecone from Clara and Burger!
xo,
s
Minda says
Eeeeeeeeek! I just got a little misty-eyed with pride…you both brighten my every morning with your endless creativity and goofy wit. There isn’t anyone I can think of more deserving than you, and I wish you all the best in your continued success! And Sherry, I like the ‘do in the Post pic…I’ve been rockin’ the side pony quite often myself lately :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yeah I tried to switch up my boring ponytail look by pulling it over one shoulder. Haha.
xo,
s
Aron says
Congrats! And kudos to you for not jumping on the TV show bandwagon. Never seems to work out great for the family.
Holly Hampsch says
Just when I think I can’t be any more obsessed with YHL, you go and write a book (well soon anyway). Yay! So excited for you both and myself. Can’t wait to buy it!! Waiting over a year…totally worth it!
Congrats!
threadbndr says
Congratulations, to you both – on the Post article and on the book deal. Looking forward to reading it. And I giggled at the “proposed book cover”.
You all keep it so real and I love that you consider budget for those of us that don’t have unlimited funds to sink into our houses, but still want lovely homes.
Colene says
This is so awesome! Congrats to you both!
Mindy says
Wow, that’s awesome! I can’t wait! :) I just recently read Orangette’s book, and loved it; can’t wait to have yours on our bookshelf, and to give as gifts :D Because by now, most people I know have heard of you through my constant ranting of your site, haha. And the romance cover made me laugh outloud.
Nikki says
Just to let you know, the Washington Post article was picked up by the Charleston (WV) Daily Mail today. I read it online yesterday but it was great to see it in print today. Good job!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoooo! That’s so exciting!
xo,
s
Dwana says
Wow! I’m so excited for you guys! You deserve it all. Yours is the first blog that I ever followed . . . and I have to say it is the best. Your blog is so well organized, easy to follow and visually appealing. And you guys are hilarious! And of course talented too…Congrats!
Nan says
Congrats… I have had this on my desk since Wednesday. I’m looking forward to finally having time this weekend to read the whole article. I have showed everyone at work, “You have to look at this – it is MY Richmond Bloggers”. :-)
Megan says
Congratulations, that’s so exciting! I wish I’d known sooner – would have picked up a copy of the WSJ yesterday. Guess I’ll just have to wait with baited breath for the book. I normally find most decorating books somewhat unhelpful but yours I will buy for sure. Your blog is one of my go-to decorating resources so I know it’ll be chock full of helpful hints and inspirational pics.
KatieQ says
Maybe there could be a compromise in your future. I think a once a week segment on one of the morning shows (Today, GMA, etc.) would satisfy my needs for a YHL fix.
Iris says
I came across the Post’s profile of you guys yesterday and became an instant fan! I’ve been glued to the computer screen since then reading your blog! We bought a house less than a year ago and haven’t really put in any effort. Your blog is such an inspiration and motivates me to get my act together :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Iris. So glad you found us. Good luck with your house!
xo,
s
Katie Truelove says
Very very exciting stuff:) I do love your guys’ down-to-earth approach to your blog (and I’m assuming life in general;)– so refreshing and fun to read about your adventures, ideas, and creativity. Congrats!
Abby says
I see the new rug!!! It looks great! :]
Ana Silva says
Congrats!! You guys are really doing it big. I will definetly be buying your book, can’t wait till it comes out. Good luck with everything!
Taylor says
Look at you cutie patooties in our Denver Post today! Just a recap of your Wash Post article, but still fun to see you smiling back at me from my very own kitchen table. Question, your glass light about the cafe table in the living room seems less blue. Did you go back to the original clear or is it just the lighting in the photo?
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, it was messing with photos (causing a blue tint in that corner of the room) so I wiped it down with a wet cloth to bring it back to clear. Good thing it was so easily reversible!
xo,
s
Angela says
I’m dying after seeing the pic of “you” on the boat! So funny! OMG! You guys are the bomb! The newspaper! A book! Amigos with Nate! I’m happy for you!
And since you asked…well, I’ve been working on my own collage of pics and it’s looking good! Aaahh, you guys inspire me!
YoungHouseLove says
Sweet! Post pics of your frame collage on Facebook so we can peep it! Thanks so much for the kind words.
xoxo,
s
MelissaOklahoma says
Congrats you guys! I will for sure buy your book when it comes out.
eileen marie says
WOW! Congratulations and congratulations again!! I can’t wait for the book. :) My husband quipped that maybe you’ll do a book signing in Chicago!
Kelly says
CONGRATS! Such exciting news. (and yes I’m late to the party since I’ve been head down in my own blog and DIY projects). I couldn’t think of a more deserving blog-to-book deal! I’m considering lining up now to get my book signed-think it’s too early? ;)
Can not wait to read the behind the scenes on how you put together the book deal because I have a not-so-secret desire to write a book as well.
You guys are just awesomesauce.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw shucks, you’re sweet. And awesomesauce is hilarious. Gotta start working that in.
xo,
s
Julia @ Hooked on Houses says
Wow! So much exciting news in one post! I’m thrilled for you guys and your continued (much deserved) success. Congrats!! :)
Karyn says
Congratulations on the book deal…super exciting times for your little family! You guys saved me during my cloth diaper search…and generally rock!
Karyn
erica says
That’s a great article! And a book! I’ll buy it probably online. All of our bookstores seem to be going out of business around here (I live in CT) it’s so sad. I will miss browsing in a bookstore. Off to the library I guess. But there’s something about bringing a library book into bed to read that just doesn’t appeal to me. Too many people have used it before, I hate seeing someone else’s coffee rings on a page! So, I’ll buy yours so I can read it wherever I want! WIth no foreign coffee rings.
Thanks for asking. I’m sitting here with my new baby Stella sleeping in my lap just finished writing a blog post at http://www.lamamomma.blogspot.com That’s Lama with and L:)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! New baby Stella sounds like the perfect way to spend an afternoon. Sleeping babies are especially adorable!
xo,
s
kitliz @ DIYdiva says
Congrats Youngsters! Couldn’t have happened to better people, and it’s so great to see DIYers out there writing books. And here I thought we were only good for building stuff.
Bridgette says
woooohooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
You guys deserve this. You are both so humble and always put ” for real” ” is this us” etc etc. But it is all because you are loveable, working hard people that have earned the success and deserve every bit of it. You are dedicated to this blog and have amazing tips on affordable and cute decorating and remodels. Soak it all up. I will be buying that book or downloading to my Kindle come 2012!!!!!
Bromeliad says
Congrats. Now make some big money on that book and buy the Mrs. a new ceramic dog – full price.
The Nester, Meagan says
A book?!? A book?!? What’s next? Taking over the world! Opening a University? Solving world hunger? You guys are unstoppable!
Congrats times a million,
Meagan
The Row House Nest
http://www.rowhousenest.com
Ling says
Holy crap, I am away from the interwebs for over a week and this is what i miss?! Congratulations on the Post article, the book deal, the tv offers (lord would I watch that show but I completely understand not wanting to do it) and of course the romance novel. LOVE. THAT. Seriously I can’t think of two more deserving people and it shows if you work hard, play nice, and are passionate, good things will come. Yay!!!
Jamie says
Any updates on the book writing project? Katie Bower put the YHL book bug in my head with her most recent post!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, Katie’s crazy. In that good way that I totally relate to. As for the book, we’re still working away on the manuscript which is due in a few months and then it takes a million years to shoot photos and print a book so it’ll be out in fall of 2012 (according to our latest update from the publisher). Thank goodness blogging is such instant gratification. Haha. But honestly, we can hardly wait! Is it next fall yet?
xo,
s