October is officially here, but before we dive into another month of projects, it always helps us keep the ol’ momentum up to take an appreciative look back on all of our happenings from last month – everything from making over Granny’s bathroom and building a train board to making some tables into ottomans and celebrating our 5th blogging anniversary. And since we love to throw in something never-before-seen, we’re actually revealing the first stop on our book tour below. So here’s everything in our usual weird yearbook-superlative-style that definitely inspires us to keep plugging away (plus it makes browsing our archives a lot easier – you can read back through January of 2011 right here in just 20 posts instead of 700). Hootie hoo for September in review.
Most Surprising: Considering how much we loved the blue metal stools in our kitchen, it was surprising (even to us) when these craigslist finds wormed their way into our lives. Thankfully we’ve got a plan for the blue stools (involving our sunroom) since these swiveling guys are our new favorite things.
Biggest / Most Gradual Transformation: Our bedroom, which has come a long way since we first moved in. But it took a while to get there, which is why we documented its evolution in this picture-filled post for ya. The lesson? Don’t despair if things aren’t done the first week, month, or even year that you move in.
Biggest Missed Opportunity to Make A Quad City DJs Reference: This post about building a train board for Clara (that the music-fueled Sherry somehow failed to entitle “C’mon Ride The Train”). It’s like I don’t even know her anymore…
Video Killed The Comment Section: Despite some requests for a post about how we make our videos, this lengthy post might have had ten comments in the first hour. Perhaps I overestimated how geeky our readers were. What? You don’t want to hear about my high school obsession with a camcorder?
Creepiest Project: It’s not even Halloween yet, but we’re already decorating with dead things. At least it was a pretty dead thing: this butterfly that Sherry (and Clara) found in our yard – which found a place on our bookshelf. Update: it’s still going strong and looks the same – although we’ve been meaning to add a glass dome over it just to protect it a little more.
Toughest Decision: Finally giving up on our craigslist dining room chairs and getting some deeply discounted new chairs to take their place. We love the new look, but it was kind of a bummer to not be able to make the other ones work. Ah well, live and learn.
Biggest Oops: Breaking our camera when it fell off of a board I was sawing. That’s the bad news. The good news is that it gave us an excuse to get a new camera which also does HD video. Speaking of which…
Oddest Couple: Me and Sherry, who shot this latest house tour video with our new camera as a two-some. I held the camera (since Sherry is Miss Shakes-A-Lot when it comes to video) and she narrated behind me. Yep, this is a fancy operation over here.
Biggest Relief: Finally being able to unveil this promo video for our book, which we shot back in March (but then had to keep our lips sealed for months). Even better, we finally got to reveal some of the secret book projects that we did back in January…
Most Burger Approved: This little ottoman upgrade in our bedroom where we repurposed some old X-based side tables to create new stools at the end of our bed (they’re our version of doggy steps so Burger can climb into bed).
Most Likely To Require Eating Lots of Tomato Soup: This project, using the special edition Warhol Campbell’s Soup cans at Target. A little cork board to soften the metal edges, some colored pencils, and voila! Update: we did successfully consume all of the soup. Woot.
Most Uplifting: Our visit to my Granny’s house in West Virginia, where we spent a work-filled weekend updating her downstairs powder room. It was a bit tiring, but we left feeling nothing but elated.
Biggest 24 Hour Improvement: Granny’s bathroom, which was already looking worlds better by the end of day #2 (thanks to some paint, a new floor, and tidying up a lot of rough spots in the room).
Breakout Star: This has to go to Granny herself, who seemed to earn herself quite a few new fans when we revealed her new bathroom to her (on video). And I can’t tell you how happy it makes me that you guys saw exactly why we love her so much.
Most Academic Shopper: Sherry, who wrote this post about how she finds deals on clothes and keeps her wardrobe in check (you guys seemed to really like the idea of giving your clothing a grade, btw). Closet GPA, for the win.
Biggest Rivalry: We did a fun little side-by-side comparison of the rooms in our first house and their counterparts in this house. And yep, we even chose winners. The final tally of wins may be closer than you’d expect…
Littlest Updates: We made four small changes around the house – like installing another dual-flusher in the guest bathroom and creating a hidden spot for our shredder (below).
Longest Graphic: The images in our posts are usually less than 400 or 500 pixels tall, but we made an extreme exception when we created a graphic timeline depicting our history from 2004 as a way to kick off our 5th blogivesary. That thing clocked in at over 4100 pixels long!
Most Ordinary: The day we shared as our usual blogiversary “day in the life” post. It might not be everybody’s normal, but it’s a pretty regular weekday around these parts.
Biggest Conspiracy Theory: People became quite curious about the “tragic event” that robbed poor Olivia the pig of one of her ears (which we mentioned in this blogiversary post about some YHL facts and figures). The story? Clara just bent it back and forth until it snapped off. Oh the humanity.
Most Scene-Stealing: Clara & Burger, who got their own little Blogiversary Q&A video this year, which had folks just as captivated (if not more so) than the video of me and Sherry answering personal questions that you guys asked.
Most Nostalgic: Going back through our archives and plucking out some favorites (and least favorites – like this image that won for “Worst Photo”).
Most Ambitious: Stating our goals for our next year of blogging – which we do every blogiversary, sometimes with limited success. This year we’re hoping to embrace the crazy, mix up our posting style, write shorter posts among those beefier long ones, and incorporate you guys more. Let’s see how we do…
Most Graphic: This blogiversary post showing the results of our little reader survey. I had some fun making the infographics, and I believe the consensus was that Beyonce makes any chart better.
Most Likely To Make Pigs Fly: The first stop of our book tour (which kicks off in less than 3 weeks!) in the city of the flying pig: Cincinnati, Ohio. We’re so pumped to reveal the full 17-city list tomorrow morning!
How did September shape up for you? Did you get any major projects completed? Try your hand at a makeover for someone else? Celebrate any special anniversaries/milestones? Or just have fun photoshopping your head onto things like a foosball table?
Caity says
OMG!!!!!!!!!! I cannot even contain my excitement!!!!! I live about a hour away from Cincy and I didn’t think you’d come anywhere near us for your tour!!! I AM THERE! :) Can’t wait to meet you guys. Warning: I’ll probably geek out and be super awkward about it. But it’s just because I love you :)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, I’ll be weirder. That’s a promise.
xo
s
Elaine says
Video killed the radio star!
Shannon says
Fingers crossed that Seattle is on your book tour! My husband and I are DIYs (on our second house remodel) and would be there in a second for a book signing, if you make it up to our neck of the woods!
Sarah Mc says
Looks like Boston’s getting a visit (though they think it’s your first stop)! http://calendar.boston.com/boston_ma/events/show/282167405-young-house-love-book-signing#
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that’s funny – I wonder why they think that’s first? Can’t wait to reveal all the stops!
xo
s
Kelsey says
Don’t feel bad about lack of comments. I read every post but a lot of times I don’t comment because I know you guys approve every single one and I don’t want to cause you extra work!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re sweet Kelsey.
xo
s
Jocelyn says
I’m so excited you’ll be stopping in the Queen City first! The waiting for the book and NOW your visit will (almost) be too much! I can hardly contain myself. Thanks for all the advice and inspiration.
Christy says
Offering my support to let go of the dining room chair fail. You have still saved a ton by taking risks on discounted furniture overall! Be free of that disappointment!
I keep invested further in trying to make my bedding work. and it just isn’t. so maybe I am trying to talk myself up here!
and crossing my fingers for Dallas!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Christy! You’re sweet!
xo
s
Sarah says
I’ve been so hoping Cincinnati would be one of your stops!!! We have a great book culture here so I was trying not to get my hopes up too much. I sleuthed around a bit and came across Books by the Banks (which I’ve been meaning to go to for a couple years now). An obvious, great choice to kick off a book tour! And the best part for me is that you’ll be here the day before we leave on vacation! I’ve been reading your blog since sometime in 2008 – can’t wait to meet you!
BTW, people who say nothing ever happens here have not lived in smaller, more boring towns. :) Cincinnati is great. Don’t know how much time you’ll have to explore the Queen City, but there’s lots here you guys would like. You could easily combine a trip to Findlay Market (don’t miss the Belgian waffles or Dojo Gelato) and a visit to HighStreet Design. Oakley Square is a great family stop with Blue Manatee Children’s Bookstore, King Arthur’s Court Toys, and Aglamesis Brothers (just as good as Graeter’s–minus the giant chocolate chunks–plus a cool antique ice cream parlor feel) all in a row. Clara would enjoy the children’s museum as well or a trip to the suburbs for EnterTRAINment Junction since she’s so into trains these days.
Melt Eclectic Deli in Northside is easily a top pick for food. If you can only go to one restaurant, that should be it. And yes, I did mention three different places to get ice cream (all of them amazing). Cincinnati is an ice cream mecca, haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! Sounds awesome!
xo
s
Paige P @ LPD says
seconding the fact that cincinnati’s is awesome. Aglamesis is not only amazing tasting, it’s one of the cutest ice cream parlors ever!
http://distilleryimage4.s3.amazonaws.com/87d9db8a722911e18bb812313804a181_7.jpg
Frances says
I just moved to NYC from Cincinnati last year :( I hope you guys make a stop in NYC!
YoungHouseLove says
It is our old stomping ground…
xo
s
Mrs.M in MI says
If you are fans of BBQ at all, you MUST go to my friend Jim Dandy’s BBQ on Sharon Road (Exit #15 on I-75). My husband and I have taken vacations for the sole purpose of eating BBQ, but our favorite is still Jim’s.
My other most favorite restaurant in the whole world in The Grand Finale at Sharon Road and Congress Ave in Glendale. Everything is perfectly delicious, but my last meal will be their cheesecake. (You can also walk down the street and look at the house I grew up in.)
Skyline is an acquired taste, so don’t feel bad if you don’t “get it” at first. It took my Michigander husband a couple years. You seriously can’t hate Graeter’s, though.
I don’t live in da ‘Nati anymore, but my family takes trips back to our hometown just to eat. Can you tell?
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for all the tips everyone!
xo
s
Kate says
Come on Buffalo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Monica Crowder says
Here’s to hoping Tenneessee is on the list. I really want my book signed by you guys!!!
Kelly says
Ack! I am in Ohio, but I am up in Cleveland. So cool that you’re stopping in our state and heres hoping there’s a stop in Cleveland posted tomorrow :-)
Sarah C says
I’m just wondering a little how book tours work… it seems your first stop in Cincy is on Oct 20th which is more than two weeks before the book is released. I know I’ve already pre-ordered my book which means I wouldn’t be able to bring it to be signed (hypothetically, I don’t actually live in Ohio). Wouldn’t it make more sense to tour after people have your book? Or are some of these events solely appearances? I understand that the host stores may want to sell their own copies but even though I love younghouselove I’m not sure I’d buy an extra copy for myself at an event.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, ideally there would be a full tour after the book is out, but since it comes out a week into Nov and then no one wants to host anything in December (Christmas is too busy for anyone, so we literally have everyone trying to schedule for Nov) we had to start some of the tour before the book is out – which means those lucky folks get their hands on a not-out-yet copy if they’re inclined to buy it at the event (no pressure if they don’t want to though). There will be info on that in tomorrow’s post for ya! We’re still leaning about this stuff too, so we basically had the same questions! Haha!
xo
s
Emily @ twopurplecouches says
you’re coming to my city!!!!! yay cincy!!! yay YHL!!!
Megan says
Fingers crossed for the Twin Cities. I have a mental list of places you need to check out, the lighting outlet, Hunt & Gather, Room and Board Outlet – I guess it isn’t a mental list anymore . . .
I loved the infographics, they were my favorite part of the week-long extravaganza!
Sarah says
Loving your kitchen and those timber stools make my eye twitch…in a totally good way! Mmm if you ever stumble upon three more of those, let me know…I’m sure postage to Australia will be super reasonable ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah! Will do!
xo
s
Natalie says
Please oh please say Philly is on your book tour list! :)
Natalie says
P.S. My big project of September was turning 30! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Congrats Natalie!
xo
s
Lynn @ Our Useful Hands says
It’s like you guys have 31 hours in your day. :o) I did a few bits here and there, but mostly pushed stuff around while looking annoyed just to look busy. I learned that from George Costanza. Just kidding. I’ve been hauling tail all over this house to get it in presentable enough shape for it’s official housewarming shindig. Our new motto: “We can do it, we can do it!” but to the tune of this old Postal Service commercial of “We deliver, we deliver.” Please tell me you guys remember this…http://youtu.be/OIaWdEoqdzM
My best, Lynn
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I didn’t until I saw it and then I remembered!
xo
s
Katie says
I’m so so excited to see the finalized list tomorrow! I REALLY hope somewhere in California makes it! Preferably SoCal! I’m crossing my fingers!!! I will simply faint with joy if you make your way out west. There are so many things out here to entice you! Hollywood…Santa Monica beach…Disneyland…In-n-Out Burger…is it working? Haha.
YoungHouseLove says
Mmm, In-N-Out Burger!
xo
s
kirstie says
Hello!
I was wondering if you could give us an update on karl. Ive been considering purchasing him myself and I was curious how he has held for you with kid and burger afoot. Thanks and keep up the great work, you guys are the first blog I check in the morning : )
YoungHouseLove says
Love him! Still going strong with a kid and a dog all over it!
xo
s
Annie says
You’re coming to Cinci!! Mini road trip here we come. Hecks yeah!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Road trip!
xo
s
S'Mo says
Quad City DJs FTW!!!
JoAnn says
Hi there – have the book on preorder!! I bet your book tour doesn’t include Canada…. sigh, oh well!! Have a great tour, I can’t wait until I get the book~~ another reason why I don’t get any of my quilting done, I spend too much time reading blogs :(
YoungHouseLove says
You never know… we actually leave the US twice…
xo
s
Sara says
John & Sherry may be coming to a city near me?!?! OMG Be still my heart!!!!!!!!! XOXO
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh! Now I’m all nervous! Hahah!
xo
s
corinne says
so excited for you to come to cincy! i live across the river in KY as well! I really hope i can meet you guys, i love love love reading your blog! i check it everyday while my students are at lunch!! i might have to get a sub for that day if its not a weekend:)
Jess says
cannot wait for the rest of the tour cities to be released! so excited for you guys, (and for me, hopefully getting to meet you… BOSTON, please!!) :)
Carolyn L says
Those videos and the book anticipation and this whole stinkin post just made my day go from mostly cloudy to partly sunny. I love that I can come here to laugh and feel all warm and fuzzy about burgers and books and Claras. :) keep being awesome!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Carolyn! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Melanie says
Boo hoo! :( The weekend that kicks off your book tour in Cincy (my hometown), I am running a half marathon in Columbus. :( Wanna take a side trip to cheer me on?
YoungHouseLove says
Wahooo! Go Melanie, go!
xo
s
Carey says
I’ve been following your blog since 2008 and read it every weekday! Cincinnati…what a shock…my hometown! Based on the comments, it seems like you guys have a lot of fans here! I’ll definitely be stopping by to have a copy of your book signed!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Can’t wait to see you there!
xo
s
Rachel says
Oh man I am GEEKING out over your announcement here! How did us Cincinnatians get so lucky?? From the looks of it there is going to be one major line to meet you guys! SO SO SO excited! Also, you’re there the same day as the Novogratz peeps from HGTV, so that is pretty cool. DIY plus HGTV royalty!!! Can’t wait to meet you guys and have us all act nervous, dorky and sweaty together! ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Really? That’s so exciting! Now I’m going to be even more nervous and sweaty. HAha.
xo
s
Sommer says
Cincinnati?!? I am so pumped! My birthday is in 3 weeks so this will be the best birthday gift ever!!!!!
You guys are so inspiring!
Ellen says
So cool you guys are coming to Cincinnati! I’ve been a fan ever since you tried to make drinking glasses out of glass bottles. (I tried but couldn’t get it to work either.)
I know its not for a few more weeks, but it is not that cold out – I wonder if I should go downtown and get in line since I’m sure you guys will draw a wild crowd!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re so funny Ellen!
xo
s
Jen says
I really hope you guys are making it to Seattle! Is it tomorrow yet?
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! Can’t wait!
xo
s
Jen says
Any chance that the tomorrow’s post with all the tour dates will include some info on how the locations were chosen? It’s mostly just a geeky curiosity of mine – what demographics or other data you and/or the publisher take into account when scheduling something like this. Like, is there a way to track the general geographic locations of your readers, and do you try to schedule stops in places where readership is higher, etc.? I think it would be really interesting to know some of the behind-the-scenes mechanics…if you’re allowed to share that kind of stuff, that is!
YoungHouseLove says
The publisher really use any sort of data for scheduling, they usually just wait for places to invite us (ex: if a lot of people in Cincinnati preorder our book from the same place, that book store might call our publisher and say they’d like to have us out). There were a few places that wanted to host parts of the tour, so wherever they were located ended up being where we’re sent. It all seems extremely complicated for them to manage (getting us in and out for a bunch of back to back events) so we’re so grateful they’re handling it all!
xo
s
Jen says
Oh wow, it never occurred to me that it would be the book/home stores that invited you rather than the publisher asking if they could have an event at certain places! It’s always fascinating to get a little glimpse into things like this that I otherwise wouldn’t have any exposure to. Anyways, can’t wait to see the list tomorrow. If you have an event near me, the date will go straight into iCal : )
Monique says
I can’t wait to see what other cities you have on your book tour!
Meghan says
Ooooh it’s like Christmas Eve!!! I’ll be the one hitting the refresh button on my iPhone over and over starting at about 9:45 tomorrow.
Two outside the country!? Do you have passports already? Are you going across the pond? (I assume it’s Canada, but maybe not…) Will you meet the other Clara? The possibilities!!
Side note- I just found the smiley face coded all the way down at the bottom of the page. Awesome.
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh- yes, we have our passports all ready. So excited.
xo
s
Katie says
I am so excited that you are coming to Cincinnati first! My home town, yay! I will definitely be out there to see you! I also agree with the previous suggestions that you stop by Graeter’s and Skyline! That’s a lot of exclamation points in one comment, but I am very excited!
Crystal @ 29 Rue House says
I can’t wait to see your schedule tomorrow!!! I have to admit though even if you do come to my area I’d be super nervous to meet you! So excited for you guys and glad you posted your house tour video again because I forgot to watch after work on the day of.
YoungHouseLove says
I promise I’ll be more nervous than you!
xo
s
Cara Concannon says
I CANNOT WAIT FOR YOU TO COME TO CINCINNATI!!! I have a friend and relative who will be sharing their books at the same location too– but you’re first on my list for sure! So exciting!
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo!
xo,
s
Joanna says
So what do you do when you’re finally ready to let something go? Craigslist? Do you have an auction? Just wondering.
YoungHouseLove says
OH yes, we’re chronic craigslisters. And we use freecycle and host yard sales too!
xo
s
Emily says
Ohhhh man!! I live in Cinci, too, but will be at City Flea the whole time.
Bonus for you guys, this is an awesome event & you’d love it: http://www.thecityflea.com/ Kind of like some of the homemade events you’ve hit at home. Come say hi if you can!
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds so awesome!
xo
s
LeAnne Maready says
OMG I love love love your book promo! Makes me want to
Jump on my bed and cheer!!! Well done you guys!
Xoxo,
LeAnne
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks LeAnne!
xo
s
Ann says
I can’t wait for the tour release! I am really hoping Nashville is on the list. Although I might be convinced to make the drive to Atlanta if you guys stop there…been dying to go to the Ikea there ever since we moved from the VA area.
thiet ke noi that says
you are my wonderful distraction from work a few times a day and we are just starting construction on our dream home so I need your book.
thanks you!
Kel says
I can’t wait to get my book delivered down here on the island of Tasmania in Australia!!!! x
Mel says
Sydney Australia is beautiful at this time of year, I know it is a slim chance but I still have my fingers crossed :)
Linda says
Totally random comment…but I just noticed you changed your Clara & Burger photo in your header. That video was great! When did you change the photo? Just curious to see how delayed my observation skills have become. :)
YoungHouseLove says
We changed it on Sunday night, so you’re pretty quick to notice it!
-John
indigorchid says
Ahhh! That video is ADORABLE! Even more so when I picture you guys sitting in the closet recording! And, it totally works as a marketing tool, because I desperately want that book now. I really do.
Also? Beyoncè in the infographic made me watch the Single Ladies video. Late one night. On mute. As to not give the boyfriend any funny ideas (Ideas? I mean pressure. I’m totally for ideas!) And Single Ladies on mute is pretty awesome in a whole different way. I have to go watch it not on mute now. Ok!