Wow, so yesterday was a fun little whirlwind. We spent pretty much the whole day romping around the Portland Home & Garden Show (minus a break to scarf down some much-recommended Voodoo Donuts – and yes we tried maple bacon – mmmm). The Expo Center here is stuffed with gorgeous gardens, cool green living ideas, and tons of friendly Portlanders. Or Portlandians? Portlandites? Whatever they’re called, the people here are crazy nice. We’ll give you an actual Portland shopping/stuff we did/house-crashing trip roundup once it’s actually complete (today’s our Explore-The-City day) but for now we’d at least tell you about our time at the show yesterday.
It kicked off early with some interviews with the local TV stations at 7:30 am. Despite having been up since 4 (we were still on East Coast time), it was a miracle that we managed to be coherent.
Our home base at the show was the Smart Home, a mini-house within the convention center that their crew constructed in about 48 hours (!) that showcases lots of sustainable and green design. Within the solar paneled roof and energy efficient windows & walls, there was also a pretty sweet house full of cool stuff that we wanted to take home. Like this universally designed kitchen (crafted by local cabinet makers) which was anchored by this stellar table (also handmade by local artisans).
Speaking of tables, the living space had another cool one – it’s sort of a quatrefoil made from wood cross-sections. If it would’ve fit on the plane’s carry on bin, we might’ve attempted to sneak that baby off in our backpack.
We also drooled over these pillows that were adorned with polished cork-like wood disks and colorful thread (they were surprisingly comfortable, actually).
We also really loved this display wall, which was made completely from locally reclaimed wood. It totally inspires me to save all of our scrap wood in the basement until we can use it for something this cool.
This Smart Home was just the beginning of the awesome stuff that was constructed in the midst of an otherwise ordinary convention space. One thing that immediately caught our eye was all of the landscaping and greenery. Partially because we’re on the verge of having the spring landscaping bug and partially because, well, it was pretty.
Can our backyard please look like this? Wouldn’t you swear this shot was taken outside? Nope, it’s in the middle of the convention center where they have mood lighting, gorgeous landscaping, and even brick walls and wood pergolas that were build by local vendors and artisans. We loved the big bulb string lights in the shot below, and also really liked that all the chairs at the table were casually mismatched.
Nestled amongst the landscaping displays was this crazy cool prefab home from Ideabox. Our pics totally don’t do it justice, but Sherry and I were about to move in, right there in the middle of the Expo Center.
Of course it didn’t hurt that the whole thing was furnished by Ikea (so a certain light fixture – also in the bedroom! – was already making it feel like home)
The kitchen was punctuated with a few bright green cabinets which added just enough color and fun without feeling like too much (everyone who slipped through with us was going crazy over it).
We were on our own for most of the day (i.e. Clara was exploring the city with my parents, who traveled with us to PDX) but she did join us at the show for a little while. She too was quite captivated by all the sights. Here she is playing landscaper.
And resting on a bed from the Smart Home.
And crowning me as DIY Daddy of the Day.
And taking a faux shower.
Oddly enough, this is not the only Petersik-in-a-shower-at-the-Portland-Home-and-Garden-Show picture of the day. In fact, there are two more.
Sherry update: I’m not prego! Since a few folks have guessed my trench was hiding something: it isn’t. Portland is just cold and rainy. Haha. And apparently my coat isn’t as flattering as I thought.
Yes people, we have no shame. Speaking of which – the weirdness and semi-coherent rambling continued into the afternoon when our blogging seminar started. The organizers of the event invited a few dozen local bloggers so that we could share some of our thoughts on “taking your blog to the next level.” It looked something like this (and yes, that’s a picture of a teenage Sherry’s airbrushed jeans with winking eyes on the buns and me on the toilet). No shame I tell you.
Remember when I said that we blurted out a few ridiculous things? Well, that was all Sherry. Somehow during a little mention of not blogging about things just because they’re “trendy” or “in” – the examples that Sherry pulled out of thin air were “you know, don’t start a blog about being green just because you think it’s a trend if it’s not really something you love and are passionate about – or you know, just because something like being… lactose intolerant might be popular, don’t just start a blog about that.”
Then there was a nice long pause while we laughed about the idea that lactose intolerance was randomly referenced as a hot topic. Other strange suggestions that worked their way in there were “insert Ninja Turtle references” and at some point Sherry said “a pile of crap” while not meaning to refer to dung (she said it in regards to the piles of stuff that we have hoarded in our playroom). But amidst all the weirdness, I think we actually gave some real advice that was helpful. And at the end of the hour we got to meet everyone and chat a little. Once again we learned that Portlandanians are nice folk.
We also got a chance to chat with some of our fellow bloggers afterwards. We even got a sweet “Welcome to Portland” print from these lovely ladies. In true Portland fashion, they put a bird on it.
In addition to being mighty friendly, this city is mighty green too – and, if I may get all Jack Nicholson on you for a moment, it kinda makes me want to be a better greener man. Like that this guy for instance. He’s Jim of Northwest Cedar Specialties and he rescues scrap wood by dumpster diving at construction sites, home remodels, or wherever (like in the picture he’s holding below) with the construction-folks’ blessing, since a ton of stuff actually gets thrown away. Then he constructs cedar planters from the scrap wood. And how can you not like a guy whose flyer says his reclaimed materials come with “a lot of respect and loving care.”
I was also really into (like kinda too much so) these living walls from Seventh Wonder Gardens. Makes me wish we had a huge sun-filled atrium somewhere in our house that I could blanket with these guys. There’s also a cool time lapse of one of them growing in on their website.
As much as I was charmed by a wall of plants, Sherry was all over this chicken coop. Until we remembered that Richmond isn’t quite as progressive as places like Portland and owning chickens isn’t allowed in our county (unless we have about 4 times as much land as we do). Boo. Maybe someday…
We got a break for dinner (and to upload some pictures from the day) before we had a fun little meet and greet in the evening. I promised Sherry I’d include this photo of me looking exceptionally nerdy. Who walks around a convention with a giant backpack, open laptop, and a giant camera around their neck? Yep, this sexy blogger does.
That’s pretty much the last picture we snapped of the day (great way to conclude, right?) because all of the pics that we took at the meet and greet were taken by the show’s official photographer (they’ll be posted on their Facebook page sometime today) or by the lovely people that we got to both meet AND greet. Fortunately some are popping up on Twitter, like this one from Katy at The Non-Consumer Advocate who helped “Keep Portland Weird” (apparently that’s a popular bumper sticker around here) by asking us to pose next to a bed instead of in the courtyard where we were meeting and greeting. Since weird is practically our middle name, well, this happened:
Seriously though, this was probably the most fun part of the day because we got to chat with some of you guys – and even put some faces to commenter names that we’ve seen time and time again. We were very flattered that any of you cared enough to come see us. It made us even more excited to tour with our book in the fall, which means that we’ll get to see you guys in some other cities too… and maybe even come back to Portland (it’s all up to our publishers where we go, but we’ll keep you posted!). It’s fun here. And actually not as rainy as we expected.
Has anyone hit up a home and garden show lately? Or been to one in the past that they especially enjoyed? If you’re here in the Portland area you can still catch this show through Sunday. And anyone in the mood for another home and garden show can take a look back at what we spotted at our local Richmond show waaay back in 2008.
Alexis Gradwohl says
When I heard you were coming to Portland, I emailed my friends who live there and said you have to go and see them! I have been following you guys for over two years and love your blog. I live in Seattle and wish I would have known earlier because I would have drove down there! There are some amazing places in Portland I hope you were able to see them.
Andrea @ the yellow cottage says
I spotted my own living room rug – weird. Its the brown one in the fake living room from World Market: http://www.worldmarket.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3897861
YoungHouseLove says
Not 100% sure but it looks like it!!
xo,
s
Ashley C says
I was just about to ask if anybody knew where I could get that rug! Thank you!! :-D
Pam says
Ugh!! So glad you guys are getting to enjoy Portland – but so not happy that I couldn’t have been there! Hope you guys enjoy the rest of the trip! Today is going to be a pretty day here – yeah for no rain! =)
Jennifer says
So happy to hear you’re having fun in Portland! I couldn’t make it to the convention center to see y’all in person (I’m a Texan transplant to Portland, and I LOVE LOVE LOVE this city) but hope you have an even better time exploring the city today. Looks like the weather should cooperate… and when you come up to the Pacific Northwest next time — there will be a next time, right? — try to make it in summer. It is breathtakingly beautiful all year round, but the roses come out in summer. :)
Kris says
I’m a native Portlander – my family moved here in 1878 – and your visit is looking as good, complete, and non-exhausting as possible. Reclaiming wood happens all the time here, and that’s good since lumber was the foundation of the economy for generations. Now, doing something unexpected with the wood makes sense since we’re all about original twists. Enjoy the rest of your visit!
Anna says
So great to meet you guys yesterday! I came from work and felt all flustered and unprepared. I didn’t think to ask you any questions or anything, although I managed to act like a royal doofus in front of you guys. My husband (the “John Cherry” guy) was like, “you gave them a peace sign when we left! You are so ridiculous!” Basically you saw me at my finest :)
Have a lovely day today! I think it’s going to be sunny! Are you ready to move to Portland yet? (Or perhaps I scared you off.)
YoungHouseLove says
That was the best. I said to John, “she just gave us the peace sign” – it was awesome.
xo,
s
Sarah says
You two crack me up so bad! And it looks like Clara was having fun in Portland too! Looks like lots of fun.
Aimee says
This looks like such a fun day. I now want to go to Portland. But I also REALLY hope your tour comes through New Mexico :)
The Mrs @ Success Along the Weigh says
Looks like you guys had a great time…”pile of crap” or not! HA!
Madeline says
Not sure if you’re fans of weird beers or not but just in case, Rogue Brewery makes a Voodoo Maple Bacon beer in conjunction with Voodoo Doughnuts…I got a couple bottles for christmas (cause I enjoy a really random beer) and while I wouldn’t drink it in bulk, it’s worth trying! Plus it comes in a super awesome pink bottle…
http://rogue.com/beers/voodoo-bacon-maple.php
Kirsten says
I am totally kicking myself for not taking time off work and going to the show yesterday. ::Sigh:: You guys are so stinkin’ cute. I hope you have tons of fun on your day exploring Portland.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kirsten!
xo,
s
maria says
Looks like so much fun! It really makes me want to visit the next home and garden show in our city, we always mean to go and never actually go.
Heidi says
Love the picture of John being nerdy. This is pretty much my husband whenever we go on vacation anywhere.
Everywhere we go I get a picture of him on his laptop.
GreenInOC says
I’m glad you had a good experience at VooDoo – ours was the exact opposite, bummer!
John, you could use that display wall as inspiration for your entertainment center!
Oregon is a pretty amazing state isn’t it? I want to live there some day!!
Jen H says
Looks like you are having fun :) I would have loved to have gone to the show but sick kids and a 1month old baby stopped me. Enjoy your day!! You should try Burgerville… Yummy local fast food.. May I suggest the Tillamook cheeseburger?
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, sounds great!
xo,
s
Melanie says
If you can make it to the Pearl District you have to check out Perch Furniture (10th and Lovejoy). I think it’s right up your guys’ alley! And the Lovejoy Bakery next door has mighty-fine sandwiches if you happen to need lunch if you’re in the neighborhood! Have a blast!
Christine says
Okay, that reclaimed wood display wall would be super cool as a back to a media center that John is going to make! I could see a very nice TV mounted on that!
YoungHouseLove says
Fun!!
xo,
s
jess hogue says
FYI… just saw on Apartment Therapy that they were featuring a reclaimed wood wall how-to: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-create-a-reclaimed-wood-wall-165857
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo
s
abbie says
i would LOVE to just wander aimlessly through a place like this and probably could get lost in there for hours. :) i was in target today and saw a pair of ceramic horses (just the head part) and immediately thought “sherry would love these!” haha.
Susan says
I would DIE for any of these back yards. Looks like you had lots of fun!
Teresa @ wherelovemeetslife says
Looks like a great time! What an awesome home show… I wish Roanoke’s was even a qtr as nice… :)
Alex says
Come to Canadaaaaaaa!! Toronto, or better yet, OTTAWA!
James Olsen says
Looks like you guys had a blast! I am totally digging that wall of wood for display, I might have to yank that for my basement office buildout, I wonder how one would attach it?
YoungHouseLove says
Just screws I think? Anyone have other ideas?
xo,
s
Stefanie says
I would think just screws but maybe ask Katie Bower how she did it in Will’s old nursery?
James Olsen says
Thanks for the ideas, I will go and look at Katies and see if I can get in touch with her on that one. Its just such a unique touch that would look great in my office
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
I guess it’s nice to live in a city where “Keeping Weird” can be seen as a positive trait!
Did you see the wooden round table and chairs from “The Joinery” in the Green house setup? I was having some serious chair love. You *have* to take a minute to drool over them. They have a subtle Japanese aesthetic and the wood is like chocolate and “The Giving Tree” had a baby.
Yup, they’re that gorgeous!
You mentioned “Pine Street Biscuits” yesterday, which is on Belmont. If you do make it there, you should also hop on over to Hawthorne Blvd, which is only a few blocks south and check out the “Powells Books for Home and Gardens” shop. They sell seriously adorable stuff.
Here’s a link:
http://www.powells.com/locations/powells-books-for-home-and-garden/
Hawthorne Blvd. has black after block of great locally owned shops, including a number of vintage home decor places. Sadly, this includes a “Boutique” Goodwill. Overpriced, but still kind of fun. Also, lots of restaurants. If all you want is a quick slice of pizza, the Oasis Cafe is very good, (at 37th & Hawthorne)
Anyway, it was nice to meet you yesterday. I hope you continue to enjoy your trip to Portland.
Sorry for such a long comment. May you enjoy many sunshine breaks!
Katy
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the Portland ideas everyone!
xo,
s
Katy @ The Non-Consumer Advocate says
Also no thrifty couple’s visit to Portland would be complete without a tour of Portland area Goodwills. The main Goodwill on S.E. Grand is huge and hardly ever fails to provide.
Katy
Brittany O says
So glad you gusy are touring Portland today and not yesterday, much better chance of being sunny for more than 10 minutes! Have a blast and check out the Crafty Wonderland Shop at 808 SW 10th it has so many handmade items for sale plus my hubby has some woodblock prints that resemble the bike art John got from Gap (at least I think it was Gap). Have fun!!!
Janie says
Please tour in Boston!
Molly says
I read your blog everyday but never commented. I am in love with the Pacific Northwest… I lived there for just a year, ah I miss it. PLEASE GO TO MULTNOMAH FALLS! It’s 35 miles from Portland and so worth the trip. Enjoy Portland!
Lesley says
Funny you mention Jack Nickolson in this post. Did you know part of The Shining was filmed at The timberline Lodge at Mt Hood ?
YoungHouseLove says
No way!
xo,
s
tracy a says
Ah, Portland. Love that city (and the whole Northwest, which I call home) and it looks like you’re having a great time! Enjoy the rest of the trip. If you have time, check out a strange little restaurant called The Montage. It is a Portland experience in my mind!!
Anna says
Great suggestion. Love Bistro Montage! Their mac ‘n cheese is to die for. (It’s underneath the Morrison Bridge on the east side.)
Sarah says
Looks amazing!!
In YHL dream news….
I had this dream last night where I was browsing Facebook and I clicked on a friends profile. They had a YHL link on their page with a comment saying, “My house is in the background!”. So I click on the link and it starts playing a video that you guys created called “A day in the life…” This wasn’t a normal house tour video, or family video, this was a full blown MUSIC VIDEO! And my dang alarm went off in the middle of it haha…all I remember is it began outside your house, music playing (I don’t know what song), there were kids running around and then it took off to the streets of Richmond, Sherry was on a bus with someone wearing a tutu that changed colors…and then I woke up. What does this mean?! LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha. I love it. And I would totally wear it!
xo,
s
Amy says
Ah, Petersiks in Portland…what a fabulous thing! So glad that we got to come out and see/hear/meet you both yesterday. I am not a “starstruck” person, but “blogstruck,” heck yes! Oh, and I have a confession, my friends and I were not invited to your presentation. We came, we lurked, we hovered, and then when no one kicked us out we settled in…hee hee! Seeing my face in the group pic with you guys on here makes me so happy…but I felt like such a rebel at the time! Thanks so much for being exactly who you are! {Oh, and I meant it, I’ll overnight you VooDoo maple bacon upon request!}
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I love that you snuck in!
xo,
s
Lauren says
I insist you come to Chicago on your book tour. INSIST.
Or you know, if you can’t make it, that’s fine too. I’m not like the boss of book tours or anything…yet.
But seriously, Chicago-style pizza and Lake Michigan and Wrigley Field and you could take your bean to meet THE Bean in Millennium Park.
I would even offer to be your tour guide since I’ve lived here my entire life, but that is creepy, so I wont.
So find your own tour guide. But still come.
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds like fun! We’d love to!
xo,
s
seriously sassy mama says
Looks like much fun is being had! I love Oregon.
Beth says
I’m loving this mega-post. Lots of great photos and commentary. The photo of Sherry in the shower is the cutest one, because it’s funny to wear clothes in a shower, obviously, and because she looks like a doll in a doll house. How high up is that shower head?!? It looks about 5 feet from the top of her head!
YoungHouseLove says
It was super high! Maybe ten feet?
xo,
s
Sarah Snitker says
This is a weird question… But I bought a house in Dallas, Texas and I’m kind of at a lose for design ideas, I have a lot of them, but don’t know where to start or where to get good furniture or to be more modern or traditional?!? Do you know any interior designers in the Dallas area with your similar style? I just would like ideas and maybe to take it thru with a professional! ;) Thank you for your time!
YoungHouseLove says
We don’t know anyone out there. Anyone have a recommendation for Sarah?
xo,
s
Ali says
Where is that beige sectional in the first set of pictures (with the cute pillows!) from? I love it and it looks so comfy!
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe ask on the Portland Home and Garden Facebook page?
xo,
s
B says
I’m gonna call you out on the coat…I remember that trick…another mini P perhaps?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope, just cold and rainy in Portland. After my hard birth with Clara we’re just not ready yet. But we sure will announce it when we’re expecting down the road!
xo,
s
Megan says
We went to the Des Moines Home and Garden Show earlier this month, and was midly disappointed. I was hoping for more of what you guys got in Portland – some real rooms for inspiration. Mostly there were vendors hounding us asking if we needed new windows or a new roof. We did enjoy spending some time indoors on a chilly Saturday though, so it wasn’t a total loss. Really enjoy your blog, thanks for sharing your adventures!
Danielle says
Just wondering if the bedding was supplied by Ikea? I checked their website but can’t seem to find it.
Thanks
YoungHouseLove says
Maybe it’s just in stores? I think almost everything hailed from there!
xo,
s
Stefanie says
That bedding is featured in stores. I saw it in an in store display just last week.
Audrey says
Along with OMSI, Clara would probably love the Children’s Museum up near the Zoo. And I think you guys should check out the Pittock Mansion. It’s a beautiful house and it has an amazing view of the whole city.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all of the Portland suggestions everyone!
xo,
s
Jessica @ Quirky Bookworm says
I’ve never been to a home & garden show…but that looks pretty fun! I’ll have to check it out the next time one comes to Tucson.
Love the fake shower pics. :)
Jessie says
Looks like it was a lot of fun! And I didn’t realize you guys were going to do a book tour. Can I put in a vote for Orlando, or West Palm Beach? Pleeeease! :-)
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to come! Will keep you guys posted!
xo,
s
Michelle says
Yes! please come to South Florida!
Lindsay @ Me, Ed and Pea says
Great post – looks like you guys are having fun!! I laughed out loud at lactose intolerant. Awesome.
Stephanie W. says
I hope you guys all have a great day exploring our fair city :) And if your publisher lets you come back for a book signing, make sure it’s in the middle of the summer when it’s clear and sunny so you get the full Portland experience!
Megan says
You should totally do the reclaimed wood wall look on the peninsula is your kitchen.
P.S. – I think you have a typo. “Other strange suggestions that worked their was in there were “insert Ninja Turtle references” …” I think that should be “worked their WAY in there”.
YoungHouseLove says
You’re right!
xo,
s
Meg@ Green Motherhood says
I love that this was a nice family outing for you as well. I hope y’all are enjoying yourselves and (maybe) doing some relaxing.
I am totally with you on the chicken coup! Wanting me some chickens! But, alas, living in a gated community, they will not allow it. Maybe one day.
Chelsea Gale says
It was nice to meet you both yesterday! Thanks for “jazzing” up our group picture and for the bedroom time. You two are fun.
Before the organizers of the event handcuffed and pulled Katy and I away, I was telling you that Laurelhurst Park and Mt. Tabor are some of my fav outdoor spots. When I moved here from NYC, I went for a nice, neighborhood walk and found myself on top of an extinct volcano, kinda wicked cool. If you go to Pine State Biscuits, don’t skip the shitake mushroom gravy and get there before 10. Or there will be lines. And low blood sugar.
I think this is my first comment on YHL – day to celebrate!
Welcome to Portland, have fun out there!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Chelsea! So fun to meet you!
xo,
s
Jane {In the Pink and Green} says
My husband is from Portland and we were just there visiting his family this past weekend and I saw a billboard for the show, and now I’m so wishing we would have checked it out! Looks like you guys had a great time, Portland is an awesome city (and Voodoo Donuts are soo good!)
bruns says
So happy you guys are getting some nice weather while you’re here. Definitely not typical for February. Hope you all have a great time in the best city ever!
Elisabeth@SimpleGreenishLiving says
So fun to attend the blogging seminar yesterday, thank you! In my true socially awkward form, I got totally nervous when it was my chance to meet you. I would have loved to chat with you guys for a second about about a million different things but instead said something weird about worrying I was going to get sick and not be able to attend the seminar, not to be outdone by also handing over my incredibly nerdy homemade-the-night-before business card. Wow, I really outdid myself making such a fabulous first impression! Lol, thank you for being so gracious and friendly despite my weird starstruckness. I really admire you guys and it was such a joy to meet you!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it was so great to meet you! We love your little business card! You’re much more put together than we are (we don’t have any!).
xo,
s
jeannette says
all the portlanders i know are charming people who say PILE OF S*** every five minutes. it’s what makes portland so green.
xxx
Samanta C says
hahaha so true! as a newbie to this part of the country (moved from Michigan) I think it is a Pacific NW thing, Seattle is the same way :) Gotta love it though, the people, the outdoors, the overall chill/weird attitude… and I find that our amazing sunny days are worth dealing with rainy winters!
J&S, glad to see you are enjoying this coast!