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 And if the article has been archived, you can download PDFs of the text here, here and here.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.
Stacy says
YHL history! I am going to line up at B&N the night before your book goes on sale..you know, like an obsessed Harry Potter or Twilight fan….but SO MUCH better. Bring.It On. Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh if you do that I will die. There will be no more blog. My head will just explode.
xo,
s
Lindsay says
Haha, I’m with Stacy!!
Taylor says
Wow! Major congratulations! Can I put myself on a pre – pre-order list at Barnes & Noble? :)
Caroline says
Wow, you guys are never dull! Congratulations on the write-up, book deal and overall success! You will have quite the story to tell Clara and her future siblings in a few years. Good for you turning done your own tv show. Stay true and focused on your family and selves. I am so happy I found your site years ago!
Jamie says
First of all, I’m going out in a few minutes to see if I can find a copy of the Post (I live in KY, but born/raised in DC). Secondly, I can’t wait until your book comes out. I’ll be in line the day the store opens for it. Congratulations you guys!
Laura@JourneyChic says
Well, that’s definitely a book I will pre-order! Congratulations – you guys are so inspirational not only for DIY projects, but for creating and growing a blog as well.
Rachael says
Wow! This has a lot of great news in it! Congrats on the paper spread and the book deal – how exciting!!
I noticed a couple new things in the photos, I have been dying to see how that green rug turned out! :) And I already love the new photo collage in the hallway.
Elizabeth says
Congrats guys! I work at the B&N in Commonwealth Center and it would be great if you all did a signing at the store!! So exciting!! Best wishes!!
Faith says
I’m a new follower but I’m super excited for y’all (Texan for “you”). I cannot wait for the book either…bet y’all are like giddy, knee-butterfly, jumping-on-the-bed kinda happy. Yippee!
Letty says
Wow wow wow! This is all too good! I’m so excited for the book to come out and so happy for the two of you! Like I always say, you’re rockstars!!
Deanna says
congratulations!! that’s awesome!!
Sarah B says
I just got super excited reading that John was from Fairfax County. Yay for fellow Fairfax County Wahoos!
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
woop woop!
Jill says
Congratulations! Please, please, PLEASE let your book cover look exactly like the mock-up. Tea came out my nose when I read it, I laughed/snorted so hard. Am still giggling over “why are we on this boat”.
lani says
I’m picturing a burlap-esque looking cover, along with an entire chapter on white ceramic animals! ;)
Congrats you guys! That’s awesome!
Allykristine says
Is that Gina & Lars on the cover of that bodice-ripper? :)
Wonderful news…many warm congratulations! xox
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yes! It’s totally Gina and Lars, our sexy alter egos.
xo,
s
Nikki T says
A YHL book!!???! SWEET!!
Melinda says
Wow! You guys are so incredible. Seriously. Way to just GO FOR IT (your dreams/goals, that is). Very inspiring. Congrats!
Kristen says
I think you need to blow that cover up and hang it above your bed. Just saying. It’s absolutely hysterical! Congratulations on all of the good news – I read your blog every day and can’t wait to buy your book!
YoungHouseLove says
Of course! This is the art that we’ve been looking for above the bed. How could we not figure that out sooner? Haha.
xo,
s
Elizabeth says
If anything qualifies as ART…that would be it!
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
Way to go!!
Whats up with me? We’re planning our big move to Richmond this summer. I’m trying to get a job and find a rental place to live without even hanging out there much is a challenge. You guys give us inspiration that we’ll love it once we settle in.
julianne7 says
Congratulations! You two give so much free advice and entertainment to your readers everyday, its great to see good things are happening to you in return! Can’t wait for your book!
Manda says
Congratulations! Excited about the book! They also blew up your spot showing the completed picture wall, but I’m looking forward to the how-we-did-it post anyway!
Diane says
Heartiest congratulations!
julie. says
WOW that is seriously awesome! I lived in Charlottesville for 5 years and LOVED the W.Post and the day they did the home section was my favorite day! (food was 2nd!).
Mindy@FindingSilverLinings says
YAY! I’ll be first in line for a signed copy when you do a big shot book tour!!! Congrats guys! You deserve it!
xo
Mindy
Barb says
Congrats……YOU DESERVE IT!!!
Brilliant idea for a book. Can I get an autographed copy…PLEASE?
On your book tour…… :) …………. please come to the NH area.
There will be a book tour, right!!!
Excited for you both with the direction this is all leading you towards!
B.
YoungHouseLove says
Of course Barb! We’d love to come sign your book (or your face) if you’ll let us! Haha. One warning though, we have terribly uninteresting signatures. Not worthy of star status at all. What a letdown that will be. Haha.
xo,
s
Robin @ Our Semi Organic Life says
better practice those signatures!
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t think there’s hope for us. Stamping books with Burger’s paw might be fun though…
xo,
s
Jenn says
Ohmigosh, ya’ll! I am just jumping with excitement for you two (well, four, don’t want to leave C&B out). Seriously, this is much deserved and I can’t wait to see what is next!
Elizabeth says
Totally read that “C&B” as Crate & Barrel. LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh. Our kiddo’s initials are C&B. How did I never realize that?!!
xo,
s
Sheri says
Holy mackerel! You’re in the newspaper!
Holy mackerel! You’re writing a book!
Congratulations!
LC says
OMG you guys are in my hometown newspaper! I didn’t even see it on your blog, just skipped over to Washpo.com and there you were! So exciting.
Jasmeen says
Wow! Congratulations. It’s so nice to see you go through the different phases of life and successes. I’m excited for you guys.
bettijo @ PagingSupermom.com says
I think you should definitely go with that for the cover! LOL!! Congrats!
Amanda- The Nutritionist Reviews says
That is so awesome! Congrats!
stephanie says
That is so cool! Will you let us know when we can pre-order the book?
YoungHouseLove says
Sure! We’ll post that info when we get a little further along. Haha. As in, actually write it and all that stuff. Haha.
xo,
s
Jessica L. says
Congrats guys! I will definately be buying the book when it comes out.
Barbara @ Blogbitten says
Your photoshopped book cover is nothing short of hilarious.
This is certainly BIG news! It’s clear that the two of you have been faithful over the little things and you are being blessed many times over for that good work. I’ve also been wondering why you two weren’t on tv yet but now I know.
Congrats!
Tarcia says
Wow, awesome news! Congratulations!!
Ashley says
SO EXCITED for you guys!!!! I’m going to pick up a paper now!!! :)
Noel says
Congratulations on everything! The article, the book, the chat, wow! You guys are awesome, and totally deserve all the success. I’m not so jealous of that, but just a tiny bit jealous of your adorable family and adorable life (Nate is right!). You are an inspiration to so many people in so many ways, and it’s great to see you recognized for that.
amyks says
Congrats all around, can’t wait for the YHL book. I love your gallery wall…it looks so fabulous on The Washington Post website. You guys truly are amazing!!!
Lauren says
Congrats!! I cannot wait to see you guys like this in The Richmond Times Dispatch!! :)
Laurie says
Stumbled down to make coffee, pulled The Post out of its plastic bag and had to rub my eyes 2 times to be sure I what I was seeing….the Montgomery Living section was right on top, and there you are!
So exciting, you guys. So impressed. And, the author really captured it – exactly how I describe you, your style, the site when I talk about YHL to anyone/everyone who will listen.
Very cool. Congratulations.
( Just a little scary that we all went “Ahhhh, they got the green rug…”)
carole says
quite impressive! be sure to take some time to celebrate, you deserve it!
Angie K says
How exciting! I have a copy of it here from “arlington-alexandria” local living section!! And guess what? If I didn’t read your blog I would have never seen it!! Not sure why that seems a little surreal to me, but it does.
Congratulations, I’m really excited for you guys! You deserve it, you have isnpired me (and I’m sure many others)– I’m glad you are getting the recognition you have earned!
Carrie says
A book! I can’t wait!
The rug! Oh so pretty!
The picture collage! Drool!
I apparently can’t think in complete sentences today.
Barbara says
Looks like one of the pictures kinda blew your surprise post! Oh well, I love it as always.
I was kind of disappointed the article didn’t refer to Burger as “your son”, but only as a chihuahua. We know better.
Bree Leonard says
Congrats on the book!!! Will you come to Colorado for a book signing? ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Would love to! Thanks for the invite!
xo,
s
CourtneyOutLoud says
Holy Shazbot Batman! That is awesome! Congrats!
robin/burlington,nc says
Congrats on your newspaper spread and your book deal. Love your blog!
heather says
I had to make the picture larger to realize how Sherry was sitting. Apparently the leprechauns are playing tricks on me today. First I thought the advertisements on the wall were real art and then I couldn’t figure out why it looked like a fifth leg on the newspaper. Turns out it was the couch after a quick second look.
Thank God, for a minute I thought Sherry suffered a terrible accident and became a pirate peg leg. You’d have to change the cover of that book. Arrrgg…
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I do love pirates..
xo,
s
Shari says
CONGRATULATIONS on the book deal!!! Can’t wait until it comes out! I wouldn’t care if the book was every blog post you’ve ever written word for word, I would still buy the book just to help support the most adorable DIY family ever! You better believe it will be on my coffee table one day :)
Izabela says
You guys definately deserve all this! You’re awsome. What’s new with us? We bought a new car yesterday, selling our old car today, and finally getting our taxes done…yeah, very exciting stuff! LOL
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! Exciting! Good luck on all fronts!
xo,
s
Kristen in Hawaii says
Huge congratulations, you guys! A few years ago I had a “moment” like this when I opened the New York Times and saw myself (also for my blog, which unfortunately I have no time for anymore). What a great feeling!
And an even bigger congratulations on the book deal! No one deserves it more. I can’t wait to display the book on one of my YHL-inspired DIYed furniture pieces…maybe in a stack of design books with a ceramic animal on top, for good measure :)