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 And if the article has been archived, you can download PDFs of the text here, here and here.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.
Ilana says
Would you say between the two of you, blogging is more or less than a traditional full time job? The article says one of you is working 13 hours a day, while the other looks after Clara. Does that mean you average 6.5 hours a day each?
YoungHouseLove says
That’s actually sort of a simplified schedule. See we both work while Clara is napping (which she does twice a day for around 2.5 hours total). Which would mean we each work for at least 9 hours a day. Plus we also both work again when she goes to bed for the night at 7:30 for at least for two more hours (bringing it up to 11 hours a day each). And about two nights a week we do projects well into the early morning (sometimes putting down the paintbrush at 1am). We really need to slow down and find balance so it’s something we’re working on. But there just aren’t enough hours in the day! As anyone with a baby knows, you gotta work hard when they’re sleeping. Haha.
We also work on the weekends and on vacation (which most other traditional full time jobs don’t require). So it’s definitely much more demanding than any other full time job we’ve ever had. As any small business owner will probably agree, when you work for yourself you just can’t slack off. Because the only person you hurt is yourself! But there’s nothing we’d rather be doing. Fo sho.
xo,
s
Beatrice says
I worry you will burn out. (no this isn’t your mother). You may think you are super hero like Kenny on SouthPark, but you’ll get mowed down one time to many, and won’t be able to get back up. Time to find some reliable child care, for a few hours a week.
YoungHouseLove says
Well the timing is actually great because John’s parents will be moving to Richmond soon and they can come over and play with Clara while we both work for a few more hours together (which is how we’re most productive). We also just love projects, so sometimes doing them until the wee hours a few nights a week actually feels like “date night” – haha. They’re a great way to not burn out and blow off steam from all that laptop time we log! Haha.
xo,
s
Alicia says
Wow and congrats. I will definitly Pre-order that book. That’s saying a lot since I usually wait for the 40% off Borders coupons. What’s new with me… We just bought a new (new to us) car that can accomidate baby number 2! Oh a side note, on the ‘We’re Digging…” side bar have you actually purchased that Boon sippy cup? I thought it was AH-dorable and snagged one myself a while back and it leaked, as in big time. I though it was maybe a freak thing and bought another one and it did the same. Maybe it was just me because I was so excited but now I totally do-not Dig it. Just a heads up if your are transitioning to sippy cup world.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh no! We have one (from a little green baby boutique here in Richmond) and we love it. It doesn’t really travel with us though (just sits at the table where Clara drinks from her highchair) so we’ll have to see if it leaks. Thanks for the heads up!
xo,
s
Alicia says
I got mine at Target… Perhaps two bad ones in a row. I even tried two different colors because it’s so cute. My daughter is older though so maybe that’s why… She can drop and knock things over.
Lara V. says
WOW!! Lots of exciting news for you guys! I think it’s awesome
that you are doing what you love…..from home…..spending time as a family!!
Every morning….before my kiddos wake…..I’m checking to see if you have a new blog post! I’m addicted. Can’t wait to see how you transform your house!!
Amanda says
I live in Northern VA, it was a surprise to open up the paper this morning & see you guys! I have been reading for years & never commented, so I just wanted to say congrats on all your accomplishments and success and hope there are more great things in store for you guys! Good luck with the book!
Ashlee says
John & Sherry for President!
Would love to see what you could do to update the White House.
From a daily reader since early 2008, Congrats!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that just made me snort. Burger could be our campaign manager!
xo,
s
Christa M says
Congrats you guys! You deserve every bit of success that comes your way!! I actually teared up reading this! I think the appeal (besides all of the great projects, the cutest Chihuahua and the lovely Miss Clara) is that you keep it real and personal, you make us all feel like a part of your world, that we can all be at peace with our own geekiness and the projects that you do are reachable for the average inexperienced DIYer on a budget!
Rock on!
And am I the only one who was disappointed to see the new rug and gallery wall before the official post? I feel like someone told me the outcome of a TV show or movie….wahhh
Celise says
Congratulations on the book! For a second I thought you’d announce that baby 2 was on the way. (Did you two just quickly look at each other like – “uh oh, they are suspecting it already!”?) Anyways, we are in the process of building a new house for ourselves but we’re struggling with pulling permits. Something about requiring a drainage plan. Oh – and my husband and I like to work with wood and we were weaving the seat for his latest bench. Check out the beginning of the frame itself on the website (above).
Kate says
So so so so excited for you guys!! I can’t wait to buy your book!
*insert virtual fist bump here*
What fun St. Patty’s day news!
Sara @ House Bella says
Congratulations you two!
Heathyr says
Sneaky Sneaky! So when do we get a formal intro to Mr. Green rug!!! Did you think we wouldn’t notice! lol
YoungHouseLove says
Yeah the Post scooped us! They work fast! Haha. Pics this afternoon!
xo,
s
Andrea B says
Oh wow! I’m so excited for you. That’s two bouts of AMAZING news.
What’s new with us? Hmmm. Well, we bought paint. And didn’t like it. And bought more paint. This time samples … I followed your advice a little late and now there are crazy swatches on three walls with three different lighting intensities. I hope one of them works. I’m going to be paying as much for samples as I do for the paint we choose!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh good luck! May the paint gods smile on you!
xo,
s
Carolyn H. says
I read your blog every day and it just tickles me that you are becoming so successful! I agree with Nate….you are adorable. People my age (53) want to adopt you and folks your own age want to be like you! If you don’t do a tv show, perhaps when you finish this house and Clara is older, you can travel cross-country and help others fix up their houses! I will volunteer my Kansas house! You have fresh and fun ideas! Congratulations.
fd says
I love the crescendo of this post! Look, we’re in the paper! Look, we’re getting a book published! Look, we’re DIYing, THE BEST COVER EVER! I second the proposal that you make that into your over-the-bed poster art. In all seriousness though, you guys deserve all this, you work so hard and are so good at what you do.
I’m going to be giggling about that book cover all day. Thank you!
Caitlin @ Desert Domicile says
Congratulations you two!!! Your new book is going to make GREAT Christmas gifts for everyone on my 2012 list :)
Jodie says
Congrats!!!!!! You both deserve it!!!!!! LOVE YHL so much, sometimes my husband gets jealous of the time I spend with you guys :)
Julie says
I agree with the quote from Nate – you two are adorable! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait for the book …
Mandy says
AHHHH! Imagine my shock as I walk into our work break room and see you guys in the Post local section! AWESOME!!!! Great article and I love the sneak peak pictures of the green rug and the gallery wall (which looks GORGEOUS).
Please let us know when your book is getting close to coming out- I wanna preorder that sucker!
Angela says
Hilarious book cover. That should be framed and hung in the vestibule! Ya’ll are such a cute family. Congrats on everything!
Emily says
You guys rock. Congratulations!
andrea worley says
How exciting! Congrats!
Sara Lang says
I have a copy at my desk! I also definitely just bragged to my coworkers that since I have a mutual friend with you two, I’m cooler by comparison (although I’m not sure they bought it!)
Congrats!
Jessica says
I loved seeing your smiling faces (and Clara’s and Burger’s) staring up at me from my paper when I opened it this morning. Great story, well-deserved!
Elaine says
Congratulations! I love the sneak peak of the gallery wall in the Post photos. Can’t wait to see the whole thing.
Jennifer says
Awesome! So proud of you two!
You know that picture of the two lovers on the ship is pretty epic romantic (even though it’s hard for me to think of romance and death, always too sad for me. But in this case, they are still framed for eternity and won’t drown :D )
Although, if that were me on the ship, I am pretty sure I would go frantic looking for something to cut the rope…there’s got to be something in the lower deck or in the kitchen (assuming she had enough time to look before water started to pile in….)
..am I thinking to much? :D Told you I don’t like sad romantic stories!
Anyways, congrats again! Really good for you both. It’ll be exciting to see where this blog ends up going!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I would frantically try to chew through that rope like a gopher! Haha.
xo,
s
Amanda Gail says
Hot diggity dog! Happy for you guys – and looking forward to the book!
Sami says
Nice seeing John in the comments section (not I don’t like your replies Sherry) Also totally getting YHL overload today (in a good way) With the Blog posts and the Washington posts (haha – see what I did there) I’m not getting any actual work done – at work. eek!
Also…please go on a book tour! That would a-mazing!!!!
Paige says
ooooooooooo book tour. I totally agree.
Candice says
Congratulations on the big write up and the book!! Can’t wait till I can preorder it! :) I have to tell you that I absolutely LOVE reading your blog. It’s as addictive as Chipotle to me (FYI, that’s at the top of the addiction scale). Also, I’d love to hear how the baby led weaning is going. I’m a new mom as of 11/16/10 and I’ve just ordered the book. If you’ve blogged about that somewhere I’d love to read it.
P.S. If I ever run into you two at the Northern VA Ikea please don’t think I’m a stalker but I’d totally have to say “hi”. :)
YoungHouseLove says
It’s going so well! We love it! One of the places we actually ended up chatting about it was on flickr of all places. Here’s that link for ya: http://www.flickr.com/photos/younghouselove/5302076596/in/set-72157624133612792/
xo,
s
Lisa says
Congratulations on a great article! The W.Post article and a book in the works makes for GREAT paper related news. Good for you!
Mellissa says
Congratulations on the news article! I’m so excited for the book!
Paige says
yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahoo! congrats on everything. I can’t wait to hear more about your book. that will definitely be on my 2012 books-to-buy list.
I’ve totally said to myself hundreds of times that you guys could make a bangin’ TV show…but I do understand why you would shy away from that. I much prefer being “behind the scenes” too…buuuuuuuut…I can see you guys doing it someday…and if you do, then I’ll get cable again! Or I’d just wait for the eps to go on hulu.
But I’m so excited for you guys.
oh oh oh…and I’m really excited to read the post about your book proposal. Ever since I was little, I’ve wanted to write and publish a book, so I’m anxious to hear about your personal process. Just wondering, do you have a guesstimated time frame for when you’ll post that post?
YoungHouseLove says
We’re thinking we should wait to get a bit further into the manuscript writing process to share those details, so maybe in a month or two?
xo,
s
Melissa says
That’s super fantastical!
carolinaheartstrings says
That is so wonderful. Congratulations. Great Picture.
Amz says
Holy pygmy puffs!! (I’m a Harry Potter nerd, cow just doesn’t cut it anymore) Congratulations on both counts! I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with.
Although I have to admit “Why Are We on This Boat?” is a captivating title – why? how? when? and how exactly does the gold arm cuff relate to the plot? Cursed aztec gold? Ancient heirloom? DIY Power source? Hairgrowth stimulator?
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Comment of the day for sure! 5000 points to Amz!
xo,
s
COLLEEN says
WOW! Congrats I can’t imagine all the work you do to keep up with your blog! Thank you for all the inspiration:) You deserve all this!! I will be getting that book as soon as it comes out!!! Maybe a book signing in MInnesota someday!
Kristen Dalton says
I’m so very excited for you guys! Can’t wait to pick up the Post on my lunch break. And I’m anxiously awaiting the book :)
Brenna says
Congratulations! As a daily reader and infrequent commenter, I just want to thank you for all of the great information. Our house is really coming together primarily as a result of your blog. I so appreciate your thrifty and relaxed approach that helps me gain confidence in just trying things. Our gray-on-gray rug/couch combo… not sure it works. But it’s our risk, in our house. It didn’t break the bank. And it doesn’t have to be forever.
Love the potential book cover.
Christi says
So AWESOME!!!
I was just thinking that if you had a show, I would TIVO it! Congrats on the book deal, that’s an amazing deal!
CONGRATS!
Stephanie R. says
Hey guys! I’ve been following your site for a couple of months now and I’ve never left a real comment before but I just wanted to congratulate you on the book deal! You guys deserve it!!
Amy says
Very cool! Checked out the article online at the Washington Post! Nice pictures!
Elizabeth says
Upon second perusal I really think you should have put John’s UVA hat on his doomed pirate self.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s true. Where was his beloved UVA hat when he needed it most?
xo,
s
Lori @ Richmond, BABY! says
Congrats on the article guys! While reading it, I felt like an excited friend for you grinning with pride, haha (cause we know each other so well!) Can’t wait to see what is in store with your book. Congrats again and I hope you go celebrate somewhere tonight!!!
JasonMojica says
ZOMG!! I’m reading this right NOW and I just had to say something! I was so excited that I leaped on top of our table and knocking off my co worker’s lunch in the process. Fail =[ but regardless congratulations!! My girlfriend and I are THE BIGGEST FAN and she’s actually going through the same process with you guys and you guys have served as a HUGE inspiration for us. I’m so excited that I don’t evn know what I’m saying anymore. Anyways, now I have to go back to the “crap”-eteria at Inova Hospital to buy my co worker’s lunch.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man so sorry Jason. Does it make you feel any better that I flipped my laptop onto the floor with excitement this morning. Total spaz moment.
xo,
s
Jessie says
A big congratulations to you both for the book deal! I am so happy for you guys. Not to mention the cool newspaper article. The novel cover, it’s just too hilarious!
Allison says
I saw the headline this morning on the WaPo mobile app and KNEW it had to be you guys! I stayed in bed an extra 20 minutes to read the article.It drove me to comment, which I rarely do because then I see how many fans you have and no longer feel like one of the special few people getting all these cool tips :) Congratulations!
YoungHouseLove says
You are special Allison! Thanks for the sweet comment!
xo,
s
Tash says
Congrats!!!
T.D. says
First off, you guys are absolutely amazing. Kudos on all of the amazing accomplishments.
I’m sure it may have been a bit of a disappointment to see the newspaper jump the gun on some of the items you guys were planning to post, but it’s always an honor. I’m glad you don’t feel pressured to push everything out quickly- as I love to read all the details and charming tales behind them. **Don’t worry many of us readers are patient as well (speaking for myself of course).**
Besides, who would want you to post everything so quickly and have your house done in a month? Admittedly, it would be nice, but then we wouldn’t have an extraordinary blog to follow. Plus quality over quantity is a nice rule of thumb (you guys seem to master).
You guys are very inspirational, enough to start my own blog. My husband and I are in the process of purchasing a home, so it will also be nice to have a little journal of our progress. Obviously we don’t expect to see the success you guys have, but one can dream. With various set backs such as no internet at our current residences and the huge fact that my husband is across the country (he’s military), we will have much slower progress. But nonetheless it should be fun/interesting/exciting.
I did have one question, how much editing do you guys do on a typical post—writing wise? I know you guys both have writing backgrounds… but it would be another interesting detail.
Sorry for the long comment, but I don’t leave one often enough.
YoungHouseLove says
You might think I’m crazy when I tell you about my little type A editing ritual. I typically read a post at least five times before posting it (making small tweaks each time) and then twice after publishing it. Just to be sure. It takes me about an hour per post. I’m a crazy lady. And somehow I still have typos sometimes! Haha.
xo,
s
Noel says
Ahhh I do that too! With everything- emails, lesson plans (I’m a typical type A teacher), even text messages. So glad I’m not the only “crazy lady” out there! I love having so much in common with you, haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Only you guys can make me feel normal for being so crazy. Haha.
xo,
s
samantha owens says
I should probably start doing that with my texts! my auto correct recently corrected ‘oooo la la’ to ‘poop la la’
maggie says
WOW! Thats so freaking awesome! I am really happy for you guys. I cant wait to buy a copy of your book when it come out next year. I have been reading your blog for over 2 years now and I has been really amazing to watch it grow. I read it everyday and love everything YHL. Great job guys!
Did you take off the blueish green paint from the light fixture beside your couch?
YoungHouseLove says
Yes- sadly it was making photos of that room have a blueish cast, but happily it only took about two second to undo with a wet cloth!
xo,
s
Nancy says
Holy home improvement, Batman! That’s awesome!!
D says
Yay!! That is so awesome and you’re such a deserving little family.
Kyley says
Exciting! I can’t wait for the “book publishing” post, as I have been planning to write something myself, but wasn’t quite sure where to start.