This may sound hard to believe – but this is our very last book tour recap post. Yup, all of our scheduled tour stops have officially wrapped up so we’ve just got these last three cities to share our adventures from: New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta. If you want to see our previous recaps, they’re all linked up on this page. And like all the other recaps, this guy is just as long. But I personally think our insane conversation with Mark McGrath (!!!) makes this whole post worth reading.
New York City was actually supposed to be sort of our big kick off event back in November. But then Sandy happened and the date had to be rescheduled for the very end of January. So it was awesome to finally get back to our old stomping grounds, including a stroll past the midtown office building where we met.
Even though the trip was quick – and we had some flight delays on both ends – we managed to squeeze in a few extracurriculars. Like getting lunch with our book agent at one of Sherry’s favorite Manhattan restaurants (Dos Caminos) which marked the first time we’d met her face-to-face, even though we’ve been working with her for over three years to birth this book baby of ours. And like the true professionals that we are, we failed to get a single photo. Nice work Petersiks. But a huge shout out goes to Rachel, who made this entire thing possible. We love her like family at this point.
We also failed to get a photo of the quick pre-signing meal that we grabbed with Roo of SemiProper. We first met Roo at our Connecticut signing last fall and Sherry has become fast text-friends with Roo (I was pretty much the third wheel during dinner). They bond over things like loving burritos and hip hop. Luckily Roo instagrammed this totally-not-Photoshopped pic of our encounter.
But before we knew it, it was book signing time. It was held at a FLOR store (like our DC event) but this time it was in Soho. Oh and there was a photobooth, which they basically had to pry us away from because it was time to let the line in.
If you want to browse more of the pics from that night – you know, to count how many times we stuck our faces in the fame, hunt for your doppelganger, whatever – they’ve got ’em all posted here. You might even see the pregnancy announcement from John & Lisa (cameo by their friend Kristen).
The night, like many others before, was filled with fun people, interesting stories and not-so-serious photo ops. Like these lovely ladies (sorry I didn’t write down your names!) who were sporting their best Sherry-wear. Black blazer? Check. Bird shirt that looks like turkey legs? Check.
Helping with the not-so-serious nature of several of the photos was Michelle, who brought these paper mustaches for our snapshot. She was going to leave them with us but we suggested that she drop them down at the photobooth (can you tell we were still thinking about it?) for others to use as a prop and she kindly obliged. So if you wore a mustache that night – thank Michelle. Oh, and here’s her blog post about the night.
I’ll admit I don’t remember the full story behind this photo, but Goldie and her friend brought us personalized latex gloves. I think it was a reference to keeping paint or stain off your hands but after snapping them on my fingers for the picture all I could think of was a certain, um, medical exam. My peace sign below certainly isn’t helping that image escape my mind.
Being in our former city meant bumping into some familiar faces, like my high school/college friend Vidya (urgh, blurry picture!) and our old coworker Megan. (Chelsea, this is who you remind us of). Megan and I were interns together at the ad agency where we later both got hired (started same day, in neighboring cubicles) and would’ve have survived entry level advertising jobs without one another. We hadn’t seen her since leaving the city nearly 7 years prior, so it was waaaay too short of a reunion.
And speaking of reunions, we also saw my college friend Marisa who shared a somewhat lacking apartment with me in Astoria, Queens after we both graduated and couldn’t afford to live in any of the nicer places that we looked at. She’s the person I suffered through a bed bug infestation with, hence the present she brought for Clara.
Even though our signing was done Wednesday night, we still had a fairly full Thursday ahead of us. And since we were in the city our publisher scheduled a few meetings, so the day started with a taping of The Better Show, a syndicated morning show that has spun-off from Better Homes & Gardens magazine. Here’s our clip below where you can see me demonstrate the crazy-over-simplified TV version of the first project in the book.
But the real story of that morning was not caught on film, because it happened in the green room. I’ll set the stage. Sherry’s got iPhone blinders on as she furiously tries to get that morning’s post up before we go on the show. I’m just trying to play it cool when two guys walk in and are so loudly ragging on one another that they clearly want everyone in the room involved. One of them keeps looking my way, but I refuse to be baited into the discussion of who is more annoying to whom. As I do my best to figure out what band they’re in, Sherry finally looks up and says “Hey, I know you guys! You’re from Vanderpump Rules!”
I watch a fair amount of reality TV with Sherry, but this Bravo show is one I’ve drawn the line at. However Sherry was suddenly very excited by the appearance of Jax and Tom because she got to ask gossipy questions like “Are you and Stassi still together??” (Tom said they had just hung out the night before – Jax said nothing). In other words, Tom was chatting away happily with Sherry. Jax played it cool – so cool that Sherry practically disinvited him from taking a photo together (“You don’t have to, if you’re not into it Jax”). But in the end he got in there. Not quite as close as Tom though. Dude, mitts off my girl.
Personally, it was our other green room encounter that had me (and our book publicist Molly) talking the rest of the day. Here’s the set up. The three of us were talking about a certain tip in the book whose title carries a second meaning that we didn’t intend, which Molly hadn’t heard about yet:
SHERRY: You know how the book has those recurring tips of some item 3 ways? Like “one bed, three ways” or “one couch, three ways.”
JOHN: Well, a reader pointed out afterwards that one is especially – uh – suggestive, because “one nightstand, three ways” can be read as “one night stand threeways.”
MOLLY: (giggling) Oh my gosh, how did everyone miss that during editing?
SHERRY: (also giggling) It’s like an accidental double double-entendre.
MARK McGRATH: Sounds like my kind of book!
Yup, Mr. Sugar Ray himself was there and chose the mention of three ways to jump into our conversation. After I burst his bubble that it was a book about DIY and the entry was actually about nightstands, he still (expertly) feigned interest. This pic happened right before a producer pulled us into the studio, so picture the lyrics to “I just wanna fly” running through my head the entire time we filmed our clip on the show.
With our famous people encounters out of the way for the trip, we hit up a few more meetings and our publisher even took us out to lunch at a cool midtown spot called The Smith. The whole place was awesome to look at, but mostly I just stared at the cheese covered potato chips they delivered to our table instead of the usual bread basket. I can not explain in words how good these were and how many bowls I could’ve devoured.
Once the chips were gone and my life was over, I hit the restrooms to discover that it was just one big unisex restroom… with a photobooth in it. Only in New York, right?
But we’re never ones to turn down a photobooth, I went back to our table and told our publishers that I needed to steal my wife away to the bathroom for a moment. I promised them it was just for a photobooth, but I think I still got a raised eyebrow or two.
You know how weird it is to wait three minutes in a unisex bathroom for your photostrip to print? Fortunately we eventually retrieved our proof to our publishers that there was in fact a photobooth in the bathroom. Plus, they knew we were cuckoo for photobooths already, since we stole a few shots with them the night before at FLOR. That’s Judy in green and Molly next to her. Judy basically made the book happen and Molly (along with Allison, not pictured) basically made the tour happen. And yes, this was our first time meeting them face-to-face too.
Once our day of meetings was over, we spent entirely too long at LaGuardia airport and eventually hopped two flights home (the last of the tour!) to Clara and Burger, who we couldn’t wait to see.
After returning from New York, we had four days at home to breathe and then we were packing our bags (with Clara in tow) for our next two stops: Charlotte, NC and Atlanta, GA. We drove to these since they were so close (5 hours to Charlotte, another 3 to Atlanta) and despite all of the cool places we’ve stayed in throughout the tour (which were all around $100 to $150 a night, but many of which were unique and quirky one-of-a-kind places), Charlotte definitely wins for the most posh-looking. Hello Duke Mansion.
The reason we stayed in such an incredible inn was actually the reason that we were in Charlotte in the first place. We had been invited to speak at a private blogger event happening there, which is actually how the book signings got added in the first place (we told Molly we were going to be in NC and voila, book events in Charlotte and Atlanta got added to the tour for you guys). And since we saved them flight money by driving, they surprised us by putting us up in a nice, non-hotel location for our stay (it was also the location of the blogger chat so it was nice and convenient).
Just looking at that room again makes me want to break out a British accent and pretend we’re on an episode of Downton Abbey. Although considering the amazing sunporch that was attached to our room, maybe I should be working on my Southern accent instead.
Clara came with us on this trip (as you hopefully noticed) so we had to hire a babysitter to watch her while we were at the events. It was our first time hiring a non-family-member to watch Clara (nerve-wracking!) but thanks to recommendations from a local friend (and house crash alum), Clara was well cared for and had a great time. Which made enjoying our night with all of you guys at the UNC-Charlotte bookstore that much easier.
We somehow missed the memo that this event included a speech, so when we showed up to a podium and a seated crowded we scrambled to remember the talk we’d given previously in Austin and Florida. Thankfully it came right back to us and we had a fun time with Q&A as usual – including a question from Susan via Facetime.
As anticipated, the South extended lots of hospitality and we had an awesome time chatting with everyone. Like Ashley and her friend who were late for their friend’s surprise engagement party. Good news: they made it. Better news: the fiancee-to-be said yes.
And just check out these mind-blowing cookies from Brittanie and Wendy. I still can’t fathom how much time it must’ve taken to make them. No two were alike and they were delicious. And they were delivered in a paint can. Win-win-win.
And since it was our only signing at a college, it was fitting that someone asked us to sign some research for their thesis to help them get motivated. Neither of us had any clue what the title of that paper meant (latent variable whaaaa?), so we mustered up the best generic advice we could manage in the face of big scary math words.
How’s this for a creative approach? When I asked if they drew straws for which lovely lady was stuck being me and Burger, they said it was easy because their family has a Sherry and a Clara (spelled Sherri and a Klaira) too. What are the odds?
I figured this family deserved to have their real faces shown too, so here’s the whole gaggle of ’em sans masks.
To our surprise, they weren’t the only quartet who impersonated us for the night. Shortly behind them, this group strolled up with our names on their nametags – but of course it didn’t take long to figure out who was who. We were totally flattered – and relieved to finally understand who people were wearing ears and tutus). Chihuahua shirt for the win!
Charlotte was just as awesome as we had hoped and you can see a few more pics from the evening on Emily’s blog. Lucky for us, since we had our private speaking event the following night, it bought us a full day in the Queen City to have some family time – including a trip to their children’s museum, Discovery Place. Where Clara literally had a ball.
Clara even to meet (and touch!) a snake named Princess.
I, on the other hand, tried my hand at laying on a bed of nails. Eat your heart out David Blaine.
The next morning we packed up our things, waved goodbye to our beautiful accommodations (which Clara was apparently opposed to sleeping in – we didn’t have very peaceful nights there) and made the rainy three hour drive to the Atlanta area where headed for our most anticipated lodging arrangement of the tour: Katie Bower’s house! And on the way, we got a glimpse of our favorite roadside attraction, the giant peach in Gaffney, SC.
As for our time with the Bowers, we’ll post about that part of our visit separately – since there was some secondhand shopping, crafting, and videotaping involved. And after arriving at Chez Bower, unpacking, freshening up a bit, and oogling baby Weston – we gave Katie’s mom some quick babysitting instructions (she had generously offered to watch Clara and Will that night) and the rest of us headed downtown to that night’s FLOR event. And what better way to wrap up a tour where bad weather has been a constant companion than with a remarkably cold and rainy night in Atlanta? Par for the course guys. Heck we brought a nor’easter to Boston with us a few months ago…
So thanks again to everyone who braved the chill, yet still managed to put a smile on our face (or a crown on our head!) when they arrived at our signing table. Since I already got to wear Miss District of Columbia’s crown, I let Pearl – who competed for Miss Georgia – give this one to my lady-wife.
And how could I not include a photo of this group who made t-shirts with nose-picking references on them? If only I could dig up the picture we took with our fingers up our noses… (for those whose books we touched after this photo, I promise it wasn’t a real up-nose finger shot – we just did a good job faking it).
We didn’t expect to see a lot of family or familiar faces in Atlanta (though Sherry was secretly hoping Nene would show up since that Vanderpump Rules sighting distorted her sense of reality), we did meet Johanna (on the right) who’s apparently related to us. Her cousin Kevin married our cousin Casey (we met up with them during our Boston stop) and we even were at their wedding together back in 2009. Small world!
We also finally got to meet our blog friend Maria Fé from Layers of Meaning and Helen from Eleni Creative who made this felt Burger I ordered for Sherry as a pregnancy gift back in the day. Helen made us another felt creation which you can’t see very well here, but it’ll definitely show up in a project soon…
In addition to familiar-ish faces, there were some pretty good weird-faced-photos in Atlanta too. These ladies noticed we were watching the new creepy Fox show The Following, so their picture prompt was: “React to the scene where the girl stabs herself in the eye” (did I mention the show was creepy?).
I’m not sure there was a specific direction for this funny face photo with Sarah, Jillian, Brittany, Annie, Jennifer, Jamie and Suzanne (not necessarily in that order) but I think it’s a masterpiece.
Fortunately the people of Atlanta are very blog-happy, so you can read more about that night by checking out posts from Sarah (who cohosted a Pinterest Challenge with us last fall), Emily (who you may know from this awesome reader redesign), Nina, Katie and another Katie.
And speaking of Katies, those who came to our Atlanta signing got a bonus blogger meet-and-greet with Katie Bower. She, Jeremy, and baby Weston had just planned to stay for the very start of the event, but quickly found a line of folks waiting to talk to them too. They graciously stayed the whole time (props to 2.5-month old Weston for lasting four hours, and to Jeremy who held him that long) and I know they had a blast talking with everyone too. Such a fun way to cap off the tour.
The book tour has been a blast – an experience of a lifetime and something that we are so wildly grateful for. But it was also thrilling to think that we could unpack our suitcases and settle in at home again. All good things must come to an end.
Thanks to every last person who came out to see us on this crazy tour of ours. It means so much to us. Seriously, we’re extremely thankful for you guys for taking the time to come out and have fun with us at each of our stops. Plus now we’ve actually met so we’re “real friends” instead of “internet friends” right? Sounds good to me.
Maggie says
Ahh! The Duke Mansion! Isn’t it incredible? My husband’s cousin got married in Charlotte and had her post-wedding brunch there, and my in-laws stayed there. LOVED those screened-in porches with the swing! So much old-world southern charm. So glad you got to stay there!
YoungHouseLove says
Yes, it’s gorgeous! We didn’t want to leave!
xo
s
Steph says
It was so much fun to get to the book signing in Charlotte; totally worth the drive from Roanoke. As soon as I left the table I thought of a million things I wanted to comment on/ask you/or just generally say how much I love your blog. Seriously, even though I subscribe to well over 100 yours is the only one I don’t skim. Anyway…thanks for the great book. Maybe I won’t get so tongue-tied next time!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw you’re so sweet, thanks Steph! It was awesome to meet you!
xo
s
Brandy says
It was so much fun meeting you guys in Atlanta and chatting with Katie and meeting Jeremy and Weston. I can see why you and Katie are friends…both of you are so sweet and very easy to talk to. I was all “hey, my name is awkward and I’m going to stand awkwardly while you sign my book haha” Of course I wasn’t awkward enough to actually say that, but you made easy conversation. It doesn’t surprise me though because you and John are just as genuine in person as on the blog. Anyhoo, thanks for coming to Atlanta and meeting all of us readers!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Brandy! We loved hanging out with you guys! Thanks for coming out!
xo
s
Mary | lemongroveblog says
That Inn in Charlotte is so nice looking! All these southern local pictures have got me craving some warm temps here in the mitten! Looks like a very nice way to cap off the tour :)
Iulia says
I was so excited to meet you two in NYC!! and almost had the best how-we-met story that never was: was in line at Flor when this cute guy gets in line behind me. Emboldened by a couple of sips of wine, I start to chat him up. You know, about YHL and all… without much luck. It soon became clear this “friend” he was getting your book signed for was more like his lady friend. Alas, I would have been thrilled to include you guys as the reason “we” met!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw man, that would be the cutest story ever! Maybe book two will make it happen someday! Hahah!
xo
s
Brittanie says
Wow!!! My cookies are on your blog! Color me tickled pink :]
It was fantastic to meet you two! I’m so happy I was able to make it down to NC, it was a beautiful drive. Congratulations again on being the authors of an absolutely inspiring book-I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
Thank you again for the AMAZING cookies. Seriously. I can’t stop thinking about how intricate they were and how much time you must’ve spent. We’re so so so flattered.
-John
Alisa D. says
“I watch a fair amount of reality TV with Sherry, but this Bravo show is one I’ve drawn the line at.” This is why I love you guys! (P.S. I do watch it but I completely get what your saying.)
Emily @ LaForce Be With You says
Love love the recap! Thanks for the Charlotte shoutout! Now apparently I should write a post titled “the day young house love mentioned me on their blog!” haha :)
YoungHouseLove says
You’re most welcome, Emily. Thanks again for coming!
-John
Dallas Landrum says
Can’t believe I missed you in Charlotte but there’s always the next book ;) I hope Clara had a blast at the water table at Discovery Place, I can’t tear my son away from it!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, she was pretty much soaked by the time we left.
-John
Karli-Rae says
Hey there Petersilk family! I recently found your blog and it’s been inspirational, to say the least! My husband and I have been married for a year and we just moved into our first house (a rental, though) which needs a ton of work! Luckily, our landlord is giving us credit toward our rent for the renovations/home improvements we do. Though we can’t do anything crazy (as much as I want to replace the indented, cracked, and stained linoleum kitchen floor, our landlord drew the line there) – it’s nice to get some practice on an OLD (built in the 1860’s) house.
I have a quick question – if I have a question regarding one of your previous entries would it be better for me to post it on the most recent entry and link back to the post? Or should I just comment on the post itself? Also, if you guys happen to respond back to me will I get an alert via email or do I just have to search through however many hundreds of comments to see if you have responded?
I have several questions regarding various posts and I wanted to make it as easy as possible for you to answer them. :-)
For example – you had posted about saving money for different projects. Do you that physically, such as with separate envelopes? Or with separate savings accounts? Or is the allocation of funds just all just on paper but the money actually stays in the same account? I ask because my husband and I are trying to save up for some big purchases (a car, for example) but are having a hard time figuring out the best way to go about that. I don’t like the idea of having 5 different savings accounts because banks come out of nowhere with their service fees for the most random reasons. And then obviously the envelope system isn’t the safest way to save money. So, I am interested, what is your method for keeping track of how much you’ve saved for what project?
Thanks!
Karli-Rae
YoungHouseLove says
Feel free to ask your questions on the post that relates to. We get notified of all new comments, so we’ll see it even if it’s on something from 5 years ago.
And as for this question, we personally don’t keep the “fund” for a particular project in a separate envelope or savings account. It’s more of a mental note that we know we need about X amount before we’re comfortable starting a project and we wait until our savings account feels like we’ve got that cushion built up.
-John
jill says
Ohmygosh, I busted up laughing when Sherry mentioned pickle jars in the TV clip. Reminded me of the Nate Berkus appearance. Girl’s got a thing for pickle jars.
Oh, and I kinda want to make out with the Duke Mansion photos. So dreamy.
YoungHouseLove says
She does, doesn’t she? I hadn’t noticed that.
-John
Cathy says
We absolute love seeing the Gaffney peach every time we head north. We live in Greenville, SC, so it’s not far at all. Ditto to the comment about visiting Charleston. It’s a great city. But I really wanted to comment on Discovery Place. So glad you guys got to take Clara there. I went two years ago with my 6th grader on a field trip. It was so much fun for that age, too. Okay, I’ll admit it, it was fun for me, too! Best part — I get to go again with my next 6th grader in 2 weeks! :-)
Krista says
When you make your way to Toronto again (you know…on the tour for your next best-seller:), you’ll have to hit up The Coach & Lantern in Hamilton (about an hour outside of Toronto). They make NACHOS with those style of potato chips. It’s pure heaven.
YoungHouseLove says
NOTED!
-John
E says
I live in Hamilton (sadly missed the YHL in Toronto *sob*) but I am going to for sure check out Coach and Lantern! I’m a usual Brassie-goer. Thanks for the tip, Krista! Hammertownn!!!!!!
Krista says
Hey E! I missed the tour stop too (I blame having to earn a paycheque….boo!!!). I used to swear by Brassie nachos, but the Irish Nachos at the Coach are soooooo good. I hope you like them as much as I do!
Erin@Managing the Manor says
Oh yes, the Big Peach. It certainly puts Gaffney, SC on the map! I’m still waiting on a trip to Greenville, SC. Our Downtown area is incredible, and you would have a blast here!!
YoungHouseLove says
We hear great things! Our cousin lives there and she’s due with her first July, so maybe there will be a trip… ?
-John
Erin@Managing the Manor says
Ahhh!! That would be awesome! Congrats to your cousin! And if you feel the urge to house crash, we’d be happy to oblige :)
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
Aww this is a bittersweet post. I loved hearing about your journeys and actually getting to meet you in Richmond. How fun you got to finish it out with the Bowers!
Rebecca @ the lil house that could says
This made me (still) so sad that we couldn’t make any of the stops because Sandy ruined our Connecticut plans. We will cross paths someday!
Valarie says
OMG! I just yelled out loud to my family that I’m single handedly responsible for my favorite bloggers meeting Mark McGrath, since I’m the “Bevis” type goober that pointed out your “one night stand three ways” in your book. (I tend to go “Big Fish” when I’m telling stories I’m excited about). Ok, I’m not single-handedly responsible, but it sure made my day to know I was THE commenter. So happy for you and your wonderful book and blogs. I just wanna fly!
YoungHouseLove says
No, you totally get credit for that! And thanks again for pointing it out. It makes us laugh all the time.
-John
Chelsea @ two twenty one says
Woot! My doppelgänger! I hope you told Megan about me since we’re basically twins separated at birth.
Totally jealous you guys got to meet Mark McGrath AND eat cheese covered potato chips in the same day.
YoungHouseLove says
We did! And now we’ll have to arrange a meeting between the two of you (btw, the resemblance would’ve been closer had Megan been wearing her natural curls). And yes, it was a pretty big day for us. Mmmmm Cheese Chips McGrath….
-John
Sammy says
So cool you got to do this!
GreenInOC says
I might start commenting under the name of “1NightStand3Ways”!
Who knew the peach on House of Cards was REAL!!!
I scoffed and rolled my eyes so hard when I heard about Vanderpump Rules. I rolled them back to vision level for a minute to watch the first episode. I’m totally caught up now and addicted!
One thing that I really want to commend you both on is in every video and all these pictures you still are the same John and Sherry that you are here. I know how easy it would be to feel the pressure to dress differently (you always look cute btw it would just be so easy to present a different version of yourself) for the camera but I just think it’s lovely that you are who you are and the world at large gets a chance to see your same naturally beautiful, effervescent and fun selves we are privy to over here on YHL.
YoungHouseLove says
Awww, thanks 1NightStand3Ways! You’re too kind. It’s easy to be ourselves around you guys because you all make us feel so welcome, so I think it’s really a testament to this “community” as a whole.
-John
LC says
OMG! I read the title of that article and thought I had flipped over to one of the journal articles I have open in another tab. Yayyy latent variable modeling (which is how you can connect things like health outcomes to abstract theoretical constructs like depression that can only be measured using imperfect scales)! (Okay, I might be a giant statistics nerd.) But if that person is still looking for motivation: hurry up and finish your thesis, ’cause I would totally read it!
Krysti says
Hey, LC… I’m that geeky girl with the latent variable article and I’m a giant statistics nerd too. Thanks for the motivation! Hoping someday soon I’ll have a paper for you to read. :) Stats+YHL=Cool girls.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! I love it!
xo
s
Ashley@AttemptsAtDomestication says
IIIIIIII just wanna fly! Thanks now that song is stuck in my head.
Looks like you guys had a wonderful tour! And what a perfect ending by hanging out with your BFF at the last stop!
Sarah @ The Ugly Duckling House says
Thanks for the shout-out guys! Maybe someday I won’t be such a dork when I run into you (but I’m not going to hold my breath). I don’t get much leisure reading time these days, but your book is going to be in my suitcase for my next beach trip (and man, after this semester, I am counting the days).
I’ve noticed in all of these recaps you both have a lot of energy meeting the swarms of fans at each stop. Gotta hand it to you, to stay that enthusiastic and friendly to every person you meet is incredible. Congrats on a well-deserved accomplishment!
YoungHouseLove says
So great meeting you Sarah! Hope you and the book get to enjoy some nice beach time together soon. The beach sound pretty awesome right about now…
-John
Quiana says
Fantastic meeting you both at the NYC event and I’m excited to have won the FLOR tiles! Hoping to share pics and my recap post soon and Sherri, hope you like the SHE (Sustainable Health Enterprises) earrings =)
YoungHouseLove says
Congrats on the rug, Quiana! And thanks again for the earrings! They’re beautiful.
xo,
s
Tirsa says
It was so much fun to read about all your book tour stops. I am still bummed that I was unable to go meet you in D.C. but DS was just getting over a cold with a cough and I could not risk having him stand in the cold while we waited in line.
Thanks for letting your readers enjoy the tour vicariously with all these posts.
Kari says
Congrats on a successful book tour Petersiks! Do you have an estimate of how many books ya’ll signed? Just curious
YoungHouseLove says
Oh man, that would be a fun number to know! We didn’t really keep track and this point it’d be hard to guess since, although our publisher knows how many books were sold at each event, some people brought books they already had. But we do have a fun stat about signings that we’re gonna share in our wrap-up/travel tip post!
-John
Meredith says
My husband is from near Greenville SC and that Gaffney peach earned the nickname “big daddy’s butt.” (named for a favorite foreman from
A summer construction job. Charming.) the next best thing about the peach is that it’s by the PB outlet! I’ve been going to SC from
Arizona for years and had yet to go there. Well my dream came true. I went this past Monday. We don’t have a PB outlet close to us. :-( and I was flying so space was limited. I bought sheets.
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah, we definitely made a stop at the PB outlet on the way home. We even turned around after seeing the peach and realizing we missed it!
-John
Jen says
Finallllllly got my copy of your book today — so excited!!! — so I guess it’s fitting that it arrived on the day of your last book tour recap post. :)
I’ve been a daily reader of your blog for going on 2+ years, and even my husband knows you by a first-name basis now. Because I regularly shout out things like, “OMG, you have to see this video of Clara!” or “John and Sherry have their own lamp series, check it out!”
I anticipate even more of this while going through your book! :D
Sarah Belcher says
I’m so glad you guys came to Atlanta! It was a pleasure to meet you. I love having faces and not-video-voices to names/blog posts now! (Btw, you guys sound really different in video vs. real life. Not bad, just different!)
Sarah F. says
I love all the 2-for-1 bloggers at your signings! Roo in Wilton! Katie Bower in Atlanta! Such a bonus for everyone. I discovered both of them from your blog and now am a faithful reader to all. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sarah!
xo
s
E says
I’m especially excited for this blog post of yours because Hubs and I are planning a trip to the Big Apple in the summer! And we desperately need restaurant recommendations. I added Dos Caminos and The Smith (so excited for the photobooth!) to our dining list. Do you have any other favourites?
YoungHouseLove says
Those are the two best ones! There used to be a hotdog place called F&B’s but it’s closed now. So sad. I loved their sweet potato fries!
xo
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Marissa says
I’m so sad I missed you guys when you came to NY! I would have died if I met you and Katie Bower in the same night! So jealous!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, so sorry to miss you!
xo
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Kris says
ahh…did you miss the peephole at The Smith. It’s infamous!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yeah I saw that! So much fun!
xo
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Kerri says
You guys, I love that giant peach, which to me looks like a giant butt. I have rode past that thing many a times and always giggle because I just see a giant butt.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I think lots of people do!
xo
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Reenie says
Congrats to a wonderful book tour!!
I wondered how Jax was IRL… full of himself ~ just as he portrays on the show. HA!!
Those chips look good :)
Sabrina says
Ahh, the Gaffney Peach! How I miss that peach. When I used to live in Atlanta, we would drive by that every summer we took our road trip to New England. Now we live in Savannah so passing it is out of the way. LOL!!! We have many pictures of that water tower.
Sounds like the south treated you well. My sister was bummed she couldn’t make it out to the Atlanta signing. The best sister ever gave her a “DIY Saturday” gift for Christmas that included your book and a giftcard for supplies. ;)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw that’s sweet! Hope she loves it!
xo
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Sara D. says
Ahhhhhh I have nightmares about unisex bathrooms! I’ll probably have one tonight now that I read this!!
Maria Fe says
Thanks for the shout out! I’m so glad I got to meet you both. Next time, we need to plan something together!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes we’d love that Maria Fe!
xo
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Kristin says
Every time I see your posts about your book tour I get sad that I didnt get a chance to see you guys in the flesh! Coming to iowa anytime soon, hehehehe
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we’d love to end up there!
xo
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Olivia says
Sometime I’d be curious to hear about the FLOR pattern that you designed, if that ended up happening. Congrats on finishing up the tour!
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Olivia! They just asked us to use the rug designing software on their site (it’s free for everyone to use) to map out a fun 5 x 7′ rug, which they auctioned off to one attendee of each signing. It was lots of fun! Wish I took a picture of it, but it wasn’t like we created the design, we just used their software to mix & match squares :)
xo
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Olivia says
Oh, gotcha! What a variety of experiences you’ve had recently. You guys deserve a break! I think your idea of making a list for the day and not doing more than that is a great one. It’s ok to spend some time not being productive! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Olivia! We’re definitely looking forward to slowing down now that we’re back from the tour!
xo
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Kaitlin says
Definitely watch “The House of Cards” on Netflix…though you will never see that peach the same way again haha
YoungHouseLove says
Sounds good!
xo
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Rachel says
Awww I’m going to miss the tour posts…John you did a great job writing them. They were always interesting and funny.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks Rachel!
-John
Cassie says
I am so positively disturbed by John’s bed bug story I’ve got the heebyjeebies right now! I’ve heard of bed bug stories on tv before but I am horrified that it actually happened to someone I “know” (albeit through Internet land, it feels like this happened to a real friend! Haha). Do you guys take any precautions when staying in all of these hotels to ensure that you don’t bring any bed bugs home?
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, John’s like a bloodhound. He looks at mattresses and bedding and everything. Thankfully bedbugs are visible to the naked eye (and leave visible signs even if they’re hiding) and I’m happy to report that we haven’t seen (or caught) anything in all of our months of traveling. Thank goodness!
xo
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Maria G. says
Looking at the pictures, y’all really had a great time. I think Duke Mansion looks pretty inside and out. I love the bed and the rocking chair. It gives you a taste of how it would feel like to live in a mansion as pretty as that. Good thing Clara did not freak out meeting “Princess”. I am so afraid of snakes and no matter how the snake is named “Princess”, “Fairy” and all the good names out there, I don’t think I would ever go near one.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha! It’s true. I couldn’t believe she touched it!
xo
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Christine says
Will you be doing any more signings in Richmond? Since it doesn’t require travel and all? I missed the one in Carytown :-(
YoungHouseLove says
We’d love to! There’s talk of setting one up at a local Barnes & Noble for Mother’s Day! Will keep you posted if they finalize it!
xo
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lyndsay says
woah — yhl meets bravo. my worlds are colliding!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha!
xo
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Dani says
Next stop: Melbourne?
:D
YoungHouseLove says
Wahoo! We’d love that!
xo
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Amber says
I’m not going to lie–I was scrolling down very slowly as I was reading, and as the giant peach appeared my eyes totally mistook for a very large (very BARE!) rear end!! I was almost afraid to keep going! LOL. Glad you guys made it hoem safe and sound from so many tours!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, thanks Amber!
xo
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Rachael says
Hey Sherry! I hadn’t heard of vanderpump rules before your post but lucky for me I caught the marathon Bravo had on Friday :) I really don’t need another tv show but I go hooked! Like your husband-mine draws the line at that show :) crazy that you met Tom & Jax!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, it’s addicting, right? Apparently not to guys though. Ha!
xo
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Erin @ The Great Indoors says
We Georgians are indeed blog happy! I wrote a post about the signing, too:
http://www.tatumgreatindoors.blogspot.com/2013/02/yhl-in-atl-young-house-love-book-signing.html
It was so great to have y’all in Georgia! Thanks again for tacking us on the end of a long tour.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Erin! Thanks so much for coming out! We had the best time :)
xo
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