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.
Megan E. says
SO great to get to meet you last night at the Meet & Greet. I love reading your blog every day. I mentioned a kitchen project that I just finished and I thought I would share it with you– YAY for the cabinet-painting part being completely done!
http://megeletto.wordpress.com/2012/02/22/total-kitchen-makeover-550/
YoungHouseLove says
Yay! So great to meet you too. Love it!
xo,
s
Julia says
Looks like you guys had a blast!! Not to pry, but given your history of wearing coats and bulky sweaters indoors to hide a baby bump, I’ve gotta ask. Is Petersik baby #2 on the way?
YoungHouseLove says
Nope but you’re the second one to ask. Hmm, maybe my trench coat isn’t as flattering as I thought. Haha. It’s just cold and rainy in Portland, hence the coat. John and I aren’t ready for another one quite yet (Clara’s birth still haunts me) but when/if we’re expecting down the line of course we’ll share the big news down the line!
xo,
s
Anna says
I love your coat Sherry! I love its flared shape and think its flattering for sure!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Anna!
xo,
s
partyofsix says
Can’t wait til you make it out to Seattle someday! You’d love Fremont & Ballard. That’s after you eat your way through downtown and ‘do’ Pike Street Market.
While you’re in Portland, have your folks take Clara out for a day trip to Multnomah Falls and Bonneville Dam…Clara will love looking for sturgeon and salmon bigger than she is at the viewing windows at the dam. Or there is always OMSI in town to keep her busy.
BeccaK says
Wish I could have made it up to the Expo Center to see you guys – but if you’re looking for a fun place for lunch/dinner before you leave, check out Fire on the Mountain. They have three locations, I think (the one on Interstate is super-close to the MAX line), and they serve, hands down, the BEST BUFFALO WINGS EVER. Ever. Try the Jamaican Jerk flavor; it will knock your socks off. And if you’re not so much into the whole eating of the animals, their stuffed and fried mushrooms and pickles are also TO DIE FOR. It’s the place I coerce my husband to taking me every year for our anniversary; seriously, it’s that good :) Just a suggestion, and welcome to the Portland-Vancouver Metropolitan area!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the Portland suggestions everyone!
xo,
s
Smith@Kitchen and Bath Remodelers says
It seems you people had a great time here. From the snaps, one can imagine how much you enjoyed there. Great show Portland..keep it up!
Savannah says
I’ve been reading your post for a while now and when I heard you were coming to Portland I was syked! The only problem was my husband and I couldn’t make it out on a Wednesday. But I hope you enjoyed your time in Portland! Maybe we will catch you the next time around :)
Savannah says
I just reread that and of course I meant to say Blog not post ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Of course!
xo,
s
Erin says
you will need lunch…..
Jade Teahouse & Patisserie
7912 SE 13th Avenue, Portland, OR 97202 ·
Phone 503.477.8985
Claire says
Looks like you guys had fun!!
I’ve been scouring Pinterest for pergola ideas & I love the one that you took!! In fact, I’m going to pin it! Could you tell what exactly they used for the top of it? Is that some type of netting or wires with vines? I can’t tell from the pic…
YoungHouseLove says
It looked like twigs and vines or branches sort of clustered. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Claire says
Thanks! I’ve already had 4 people repin the pic of it!
Lindsay says
Gah! I wish you guys would come to Pittsburgh to our Home & Garden show. These pics made me miss working at the convention center & getting the behind the scenes peeks at the house (& whole convention) being put together.
On a side note, please beg your publishers to come here on your book tour. We have maple bacon donuts & I’m sure they’re better than what you had in Portland.
Safe travels home!
Tamsen says
Hi! I’m so glad Alisha and I were able to meet you guys last night, I feel like less of a stalker now :)Thank you so much for coming out and visiting Portland. I’m glad you go to try out my favorite little ice cream shop, Salt and Straw, and sign our little DIY frames that will soon hold our photo! Come back soon!
YoungHouseLove says
Loved meeting you! And those DIY frames were awesome!
xo,
s
Lauren says
Can’t wait until you guys come to Atlanta! :) safe travels!
P.S. Sherry, your coat IS flattering… and super cute! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Lauren!
xo,
s
Brittney Saffell says
Looks like fun!! Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the rest of your trip :)
michelle says
That Ideabox Prefab home is so beautiful! It’s a shame Portland is at the complete other side of the country. I am from Richmond, too, do you know of any companies around here that make homes like those? Glad to hear you all are enjoying yourselves!
YoungHouseLove says
Anyone know? We’re sure there are, just don’t know them! Anyone?
xo,
s
Jane says
Dude , you guys have to do a NJ book tour..being that Sherry has Jersey roots and clara is beginning to show some Jersey signs. :p I told my husband this weekend about your book and told him that I would be the first one to come see you guys…eee..cant wait ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, here’s hoping!
xo,
s
Skooks says
I have only one burning question that this post didn’t address: Was the dream of the 90s REALLY alive in Portland?
YoungHouseLove says
I don’t get it. We’re missing something! Anyone?
xo,
s
Megan E. says
It’s a Portlandia reference. See season 1 episode 1, I think.
YoungHouseLove says
Sweet! Off to watch it!
xo,
s
BeccaK says
Why it’s a Portlandia reference, of course :)
Liz F says
Oh Portland… :) Guys, it’s not THAT cold. :P
HK says
Sherry! The trench looks adorable on you, and it IS flattering. Don’t let the crazed bump-watchers deter you from wearing it!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks HK!
xo,
s
KC says
You guys are such naturals and look great in front of the camera. I loved watching the clip. GREAT JOB!! :)
ashley b says
that bed with the ikea lamp and bedspread is cute-i have the same duvet cover, only it’s in a greenish color instead of purple. it’s great!
the show looks like a lot of fun-hope you guys are having a good time exploring portland!
alg at rental house rules says
Hi, guys! Aren’t convention-center-shows fun?!? Who’da thunk it? I’ve gone to many over the years to get interviews/photos for my journalistic pursuits & always walk away SO impressed & inspired, whether it’s a gem show, bridal expo or home show. (Even got to ask Vern Yip an embarassingly unfocused question once! What? He’s VERN. I was nervous…)
Anyhoo — unrelated question. (Feel free to wait to answer it until you’re home & settled back in, but I want to ask now before I forget… again…)
As you well know, my 4-year-old daughter Sonia LOVES your pooch Burger. She makes us watch the ‘Chihuahua house tour’ video, like, 10 times per week.
There’s one cut where Burger turns out of the frame hallway and into — I think — the kitchen. (It’s hard to tell — that dog can really move!) In the very corner by the floor is a big, square “hole” in the wall.
Sonia, who is mildly autistic & seriously obsessive, MUST know what that hole is all about. Seriously, yo — she’s driving me to drink asking about it.
If you guys wouldn’t mind — at some point, when you have a minute, SO not demanding immediate gratification here — letting us know what the heck that hole is, I would be ETERNALLY grateful.
Sonia’s just not accepting my brush-offs anymore & has convinced herself that Burger is “in danger.”
Kids, huh???
Hope you’re having fun in Portland. And thanks!!!! :) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, we just watched it a few times and the only thing we can think that it could be is the fireplace in the kitchen! In one part he scoots down the hallway and you see a big square black box in the wall but it’s not a hole, just the sealed off fireplace that we painted charcoal. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
alg at rental house rules says
That’s exactly what it was. Mystery solved!
Now Sonia points to it & says, “Fireplace! Nothin’ be scared of, Burger!”
That kid cracks me up more every day.
Thanks so much :) :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, so glad!
xo,
s
Keelin says
Hey! Saw this on apartment therapy and thought it was perfect for you guys considering the photo of the reclaimed wood wall you posted! http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-to-create-a-reclaimed-wood-wall-165857
YoungHouseLove says
Love it!
xo,
s
Corrie says
Can’t wait for the book tour! I know it’s ultimately up to your publisher, but may I suggest Clevelamd, Ohio? ;o) Ohio was just rated the most frugal state in the country, with Cleveland being #6 on the list of cities…so I imagine you would have quite a DIY following here :o)
…At least I figured I would try to persuade you with some *real* reasons as a way to justify my excuse for needing to meet you in person and buy copies your book for everyone I know. :o)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’d love to come! Here’s hoping!
xo,
s
Steph says
Hah, had to laugh because I saw that picture of you in the trench coat and actually thought how skinny you looked in it! That was before I saw what you wrote so I’m not just saying that, either :) Loved the recap! I hope you guys get to come to NJ or the Philly area during your book tour!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Steph!
xo,
s
Heidi P. says
I love vertical gardens!! You should totally work one into your sunroom. :)
Have fun today!!
Lindsay H says
Love that you noticed the “Keep Portland Weird” bumper stickers (among other items). I live across the river in Vancouver and we have a few folks sporting bumper stickers that say “Keep Vancouver Normal” LOL!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha. Too funny.
xo,
s
Sam Power says
I love the tables!
And I’m really sad for you guys that you cant keep chickens. Surely you must be on 1/4 of an acre? Here in Melb, Australia, we don’t have restrictions like that… People down the road even have peacocks!
And… I think you should go on a book tour to Australia :P
YoungHouseLove says
We’re on almost a full acre, but you need three here. Boo! Some neighbors of ours actually had them and got caught and had to get rid of them. So sad!
xo,
s
Dana says
Love the string bulb lights on the pergola. We have been looking but can’t find anything like that (or in general) that is EL rated for WET. Our pergola has sun fabric and vines but technically can still get pretty wet if it rains hard enough. Thoughts? Anyone? HELP :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, we got some outdoor string bulbs from Target a while back that we’re ok to get wet (we used them for our wedding and kept them up a few weeks afterwards).
xo,
s
Ginger says
We live in Seattle and are heading to the show on Saturday! We wanted to meet you guys, but we couldn’t take off work in the middle of the week. I am so excited that you posted about Seventh Wonder Gardens! My very close friend Christian is the mastermind behind them (we are going to the show mostly to support him!). =)
YoungHouseLove says
I think we met him! He was really nice!
xo,
s
Beth says
Thanks again for coming and sharing your insights and ideas with us. I walked away inspired, and fired up to BLOG!! Have safe travels in the NW, and enjoy the rest of your trip!!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much for coming Beth! So happy to hear it was helpful!
-John
Shaina says
John & Sherry,
We all loved spending time with you yesterday! I think I can clarify a few comments on your post. The Island in the SmartHome was made by local Portland company called Endurawood http://www.endurawood.com- it was designed specifically for this home to help this small space perform big!
We hope too see more PORTLANDERS at the show this weekend!
Enjoy PDX today!
S.S.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Shaina! Tell Dexter we say “Hi!”
-John
Amy says
Blame it on my dirty mind but I cracked when the newscaster questioned the parquet flooring and sherry said with such certainty and exuberance “we love wood!”….haha, love you guys!
YoungHouseLove says
If it makes you feel better, I had to stifle a snicker at that moment.
-John
shana says
Hey Guys, I’m so excited that you’re there, even though I live no where near Portland. Just Googled the page for the show and saw the big fat feature of you. Sheesh, it brought tears to my eyes! Reading you guys everyday is as important as reading my bible. Ha ha! So happy for you all. xo
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Shana!
xo,
s
Nicole says
Love the pics! Looks like so much fun.
Trude says
Congrats on a successful trip! Hope you have fun with your “day off” tomorrow. :) I’ve always wanted to go to Portland, love that they try to keep it weird, I’d fit right in!
Jennifer says
We can have chickens now in Nashville. Just thought I’d mention it. :)
My friend and I are going on a trip this summer…I’m trying to talk her into Portland. Can’t wait to hear about all the fun around town stuff!
Samantha says
Glad you guys had fun – and Sherry, you totally don’t look prego in that jacket. Also, did you guys know that Target is selling containers of wine corks as ‘Vase Filler’ now? Thought you might get a kick out of that and keep them in mind if you ever suffer cork carnage!
YoungHouseLove says
No way! Love it!
xo,
s
Mindy says
I’m so glad you guys are enjoying your time in Portland and are able to roam around! I wish I was able to meet you guys yesterday. The show looks really cool. I might check it out! We just got an offer accepted on a house so we will need some ideas for inspiration. And I’m sure I will be referencing a lot of your projects while we renovate the house. Have a good trip and I hope you come back for your book tour! Maybe when the weather is more enjoyable. :)
Emily says
Sherry – I never comment but had to say that you DO NOT look prego and your cute little trench is indeed flattering! Well-meaning but shameless bump watchers just can’t cool their jets:)! And bite sizers like you are the best bait because any shirt wrinkle or shadow can be more noticeable. Wear your trench proud, girlie!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha, thanks Emily!
xo,
sO
Alison says
You don’t look one bit pregnant! Everyone who reads your blog is on bump alert, please excuse our rudeness. You look like a trenchy delectable morsel of fashion and function. Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go start rampant rumors that John is pregnant, that saucy minx.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, thanks Alison!
xo,
s
Kelly says
@John, in the nerdy pic – way to carry around a plastic water bottle in the eco-friendly model home. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, they gave it to us (the eco hosts). But there were recycling and compost bins everywhere! Whew.
xo,
s
Robyn in Chicago says
Sherry, your coat is totally flattering and so adorable! It’s the first thing I thought when I saw that pic. Also, my fingers and toes are crossed that your book tour brings you to Chicago!!
Wendy says
Hey, congratulations you guys! Looks like an awesome event!
Larissa says
Oh the life of a celebrity blogger – having to justify wearing a coat! :) Glad you guys are having a good time. How awesome is it going to be going home to your new kitchen?!
YoungHouseLove says
We can’t wait! Here’s hoping Burger and our house sitter laid those cork floors for us! Haha.
xo,
s
Elements International says
We are so happy to hear you enjoyed your visit to the 2012 Portland Home + Garden show where many of our products are featured in your recent blog post for the Idea House/J. Meyers Interior Design. Some of our products featured include an inspired glass terrarium with air filtering selenite crystal and of course, a wooden mushroom (so NW) plus a designed live orchid + plant + lichen wood custom metal modern black trough (sitting on that beautiful kitchen table).
Though our website is under reconstruction…you can find some of our inspiring designs on our Facebook Page for “Elements International”. If you should find yourself in Portland again (we hope), please take the time to visit our showroom…you will enjoy our tropical inspired environment and just might have to take something home!
Audrey says
First, I love Portland. Second, I love Portlandia. Third, my friend sent me this sad/funny story lately about how you can’t really “put a bird on it.” You’ve probably already seen it, but I thought I’d share in case you haven’t! http://thebloggess.com/2011/09/dear-portlandia-really/
Fourth, I totally “put a bird on” a pillow, and it makes me laugh every time I see it on my sofa.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes that was hilarious that Fred reached out to her personally!
xo,
s
KJ says
The wooden pergola with the lights – what was the woven part with the lights made out of? Could you tell? I’m not quite sure from looking at your picture but very curious!
Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
We think it was branches or vines or something, sort of woven to create a screen-like effect.
xo
s
Rachael says
On one of the most recent episodes of “Dear Genevieve” she did a living wall! It was for a couple living in New York on their roof top deck. It looked really good and easy-ish to do! Gen also took the couple to a hotel in New York (I believe the Four Seasons but don’t quote me on that) where they have 2 gigantic living walls.
Glad you’re enjoying Portland!
Angela says
I love “sexy blogger”! And “wish we had a huge sun-filled atrium”…what about the sunroom, is there somewhere there that a vertical planting wall would work? These really are the latest space saving garden idea, they are popping up in alot of places. Finally, I would like your publisher to know that a trip to Australia as part of the book tour WOULD NOT be a wasted journey – just sayin’. Really enjoyed this post!
YoungHouseLove says
We would love to make it work in our sunroom, but since it’s not temperature controlled like the rest of the house we’ll probably have to get really creative about what plants we use! As for coming to Australia, it’s totally on our bucket list! Sign us up!
xo,
s
Kristy says
Just wanted to say ‘Thank You’ so much for your blog seminar in Portland. I had such a great time, and I loved getting to know you better. I loved it when you called yourselves ‘dorks’, because I’m one too. Hope you had a great time, and come back and visit anytime.
Kristy
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kristy! We had a great time here in Portland and would love to come back someday!
xo,
s
Stephanie says
SO glad you are having a good time in Portland! It was fun meeting you, and so interesting to sit in on your blogging seminar. I was raving to my students today about John’s Keynote presentation (I teach public speaking, so I witness many unfabulous PowerPoint presentations). It just makes my heart happy to see slideware done well! I suppose not too many people say you’ve inspired them in *that* area, but there’s a first for everything, right? :)
Safe travels home!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, John’s chest puffed up with pride when I read this to him. Thanks Stephanie! So great to meet you!
xo,
s