And just like that, the final chapter of our whirlwind book tour closes. It feels almost unbelievable to write, but this is indeed our very last book tour recap post. All scheduled stops have officially wrapped, leaving us with these incredible memories from three vibrant cities to share: New York, Charlotte, and Atlanta. For those who’ve been following along, you can find links to all our previous recaps on this dedicated page. True to form, this post is just as extensive as the others, packed with anecdotes and photos. But trust us when we say, our unforgettable (and hilariously awkward) conversation with the one and only Mark McGrath makes this entire read absolutely essential.
New York City: A Rescheduled Reunion and Unexpected Encounters
Our journey to New York City was originally envisioned as a grand kickoff event back in November. However, fate had other plans in the form of Hurricane Sandy, necessitating a reschedule to the very end of January. So, it was with a sense of homecoming that we finally returned to our old stomping grounds. The crisp January air felt familiar as we strolled past the midtown office building where our paths first crossed, a nostalgic reminder of where it all began. This return to the city that holds so many personal memories set a uniquely reflective tone for this leg of our DIY book tour.
Despite the brevity of our trip and a series of flight delays that bookended our stay, we managed to weave in a few cherished extracurricular activities. One significant highlight was finally meeting our amazing book agent, Rachel, face-to-face over lunch at Dos Caminos, one of Sherry’s favorite Manhattan restaurants. We’d collaborated with her for over three years, nurturing this “book baby” of ours from conception to birth, yet this was our first in-person meeting. And in true Petersik fashion, we completely failed to capture the moment with a single photo. Our apologies, Rachel, but a massive shout-out to you! You made this entire publishing journey possible, and at this point, we consider you family. It’s truly incredible how strong connections can be forged over years of emails and phone calls, making the eventual in-person meeting feel like reuniting with an old friend.
Our photographic lapses continued, as we also missed a picture of our quick pre-signing dinner with Roo from SemiProper. We first connected with Roo at our Connecticut signing the previous fall, and since then, Sherry and Roo have become fast text-friends, bonding over a shared love for burritos and hip hop (I was mostly a charming third wheel during dinner, observing their instant camaraderie). Thankfully, Roo saved the day by Instagramming this totally-not-Photoshopped snapshot of our enjoyable encounter, capturing the essence of our casual, fun meal.
Soho Signing & Photobooth Shenanigans
Before we knew it, it was time for the main event: the New York City book signing! This author event was hosted at a chic FLOR store in the trendy Soho district, echoing the successful setup of our DC event. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement, and a fantastic addition was the photobooth, from which we practically had to be pried away as the eager crowd lined up to enter. It’s safe to say we embraced the photobooth experience with gusto, finding it a perfect way to capture the fun and spontaneity of meeting so many incredible readers.
For those curious to delve deeper into the photographic archives of that memorable night – perhaps to count our many photobooth appearances, spot a doppelganger in the crowd, or just relive the vibrant energy – a comprehensive gallery of pictures is available here. You might even catch the heartwarming pregnancy announcement from John & Lisa, complete with a joyful cameo from their friend Kristen. These moments are what make book tour events so incredibly special – it’s not just about signing books, but about sharing life’s big news and creating lasting memories.
The night, much like the many successful events preceding it, was a wonderful mix of engaging conversations, intriguing personal stories, and delightfully whimsical photo opportunities. We were particularly charmed by these lovely ladies (whose names, to my regret, I didn’t jot down!) who arrived sporting their finest “Sherry-wear.” Black blazer? Check. Bird shirt that remarkably resembled turkey legs? Double-check! Their dedication to themed attire truly made our evening, showcasing the fun and creative spirit of our DIY community.
Adding to the lighthearted nature of many of our snapshots was Michelle, who thoughtfully brought an array of paper mustaches for us to use as props. She initially planned to leave them with us, but we (still very much in photobooth mode, clearly) suggested she contribute them to the photobooth for other attendees to enjoy. She graciously obliged, so if you donned a paper mustache that night, you have Michelle to thank! It’s these small, spontaneous acts of creativity from our readers that truly make each author event unique and memorable. You can read more about her experience on her blog post.
While the exact story behind this particular photo escapes my memory, Goldie and her friend presented us with personalized latex gloves. I believe it was a clever nod to keeping paint or stain off one’s hands during DIY projects – a very practical and thoughtful gift for home decor enthusiasts! However, after slipping them onto my fingers for the picture, my mind immediately drifted to a certain, ahem, medical examination. My peace sign in the photo certainly does little to dispel that humorous, albeit slightly unsettling, image from my thoughts. It’s these quirky interactions that stand out long after the last book is signed.
Being back in our former city meant a delightful series of unexpected reunions. We bumped into Vidya, a cherished friend from my high school and college days (apologies for the blurry picture, Vidya!), and our old coworker Megan. (Chelsea, you remind us so much of Megan!). Megan and I started as interns together at the same advertising agency, later getting hired on the very same day, occupying neighboring cubicles. We often joke that we wouldn’t have survived those demanding entry-level advertising jobs without each other. We hadn’t seen her in almost seven years since leaving the city, making our reunion far too brief but incredibly sweet. These chance encounters add such a personal layer to the book tour experience, reminding us of the journey that led us here.
Speaking of heartwarming reunions, we also reconnected with my college friend Marisa. We once shared a rather “lacking” apartment in Astoria, Queens, right after graduation, when neither of us could afford the nicer places we’d eyed. She was my comrade in arms during a memorable bed bug infestation, which perfectly explains the thoughtful (and slightly cheeky) present she brought for Clara. It’s amazing how certain shared experiences, even the challenging ones, forge bonds that last a lifetime, and it’s always a joy to reconnect with those who’ve been part of our personal history.
Behind the Scenes: TV Appearances & Celebrity Surprises
Even though our book signing concluded on Wednesday night, a packed Thursday still lay ahead. Since we were already in the city, our publisher had arranged several meetings and appearances. Our day commenced with a taping for The Better Show, a syndicated morning program spun off from Better Homes & Gardens magazine. The live TV environment is always a unique challenge, balancing natural enthusiasm with the need for concise, camera-ready demonstrations. Below is our clip, where you can witness my slightly exaggerated, “crazy-over-simplified TV version” demonstration of the very first project featured in our DIY book.
However, the real unfolding drama of that morning wasn’t captured by any camera; it transpired backstage in the green room. Picture this: Sherry, completely engrossed in her iPhone, was furiously attempting to publish that morning’s blog post before our segment. I, meanwhile, was striving to maintain an air of composure when two boisterous guys entered, loudly ragging on each other, clearly seeking an audience. One of them kept glancing my way, but I stubbornly refused to be drawn into their playful banter about who was more annoying. As I tried to discreetly figure out what band they might be in, Sherry finally looked up, her eyes widening, and exclaimed, “Hey, I know you guys! You’re from Vanderpump Rules!” The sudden recognition and her subsequent excitement were truly priceless.
While I do indulge in a fair amount of reality TV with Sherry, the Bravo show Vanderpump Rules happens to be where I’ve drawn the line. Yet, Sherry was suddenly overflowing with excitement at the appearance of Jax and Tom. She seized the opportunity to pepper them with classic gossipy questions like, “Are you and Stassi still together??” Tom happily chatted away with Sherry, confirming they’d just hung out the previous night, while Jax remained conspicuously silent, playing it ultra-cool. So cool, in fact, that Sherry almost disinvited him from our group photo (“You don’t have to, if you’re not into it, Jax”). But in the end, he relented and joined in, though not quite as closely as Tom. Seriously, Tom, keep your mitts off my girl! This unexpected brush with reality TV stardom was certainly a memorable highlight for Sherry.
For me, however, it was our *other* green room encounter that provided fodder for conversation with our book publicist, Molly, for the rest of the day. The scene unfolded like this: the three of us were discussing a particular DIY tip in our book whose title, to our unintentional oversight, carried a rather suggestive second meaning. Molly had yet to hear this revelation:
SHERRY: You know how the book has those recurring tips of some item presented “3 ways”? Like “one bed, three ways” or “one couch, three ways.”
JOHN: Well, a reader shrewdly pointed out afterward that one specific title is especially – uh – suggestive, because “one nightstand, three ways” can easily be misread as “one night stand, threesome.”
MOLLY: (giggling, a hand clapped over her mouth) Oh my gosh, how on earth did everyone miss that during editing?
SHERRY: (also giggling, delighted by the absurdity) It’s like an accidental, unintentional double double-entendre!
MARK McGRATH: (a smooth, deep voice interjecting) Sounds like my kind of book!
Yes, you read that right. Mark McGrath, the legendary frontman of Sugar Ray himself, chose that precise moment, upon hearing the phrase “three ways,” to jump into our conversation. After I (somewhat awkwardly) burst his bubble by explaining it was, in fact, a book about DIY home projects and the entry specifically concerned nightstands, he still, with expert politeness, feigned genuine interest. This picture was snapped just moments before a producer whisked us into the studio. So, picture the lyrics to “I Just Wanna Fly” echoing endlessly in my head throughout our entire segment on the show. Meeting such an iconic figure in such a delightfully unexpected way was definitely a tour highlight, proving that even mundane green rooms can hold exciting surprises.
Culinary Delights & Unexpected Photobooths
With our celebrity encounters temporarily concluded for the trip, we proceeded to a few more meetings. Our thoughtful publisher then treated us to a delightful lunch at a chic midtown establishment called The Smith. The entire restaurant boasted an impressive aesthetic, but my gaze was irresistibly drawn to the bowls of cheese-covered potato chips that were delivered to our table instead of the customary bread basket. Words simply cannot convey the exquisite deliciousness of these chips, nor the sheer number of bowls I could have easily devoured. It was a culinary revelation, a small, unexpected joy amidst the busy schedule of an author tour.
Once the last of those magnificent chips had vanished and my momentary culinary bliss had ended, I made my way to the restrooms. To my utter surprise, I discovered it was one large, communal unisex restroom… complete with a photobooth! Truly, only in New York, right? This quirky feature perfectly encapsulates the city’s unique charm and ability to surprise even long-time visitors.
Being perpetual enthusiasts of a good photobooth, I immediately returned to our table and, with a mischievous grin, informed our publishers that I needed to “steal my wife away to the bathroom for a moment.” I quickly reassured them it was merely for a photobooth adventure, though I’m fairly certain I still elicited an eyebrow raise or two. The allure of a hidden photobooth is simply too strong for us to resist!
Waiting three minutes in a busy unisex bathroom for your photostrip to print is undeniably a unique experience! Fortunately, we eventually retrieved our photographic evidence, proving to our publishers that yes, there truly was a photobooth in the restroom. Plus, they were already well aware of our photobooth obsession, having joined us for a few snaps the previous night at FLOR. That’s Judy, in green, and Molly beside her. Judy was instrumental in bringing the book to life, while Molly (along with Allison, who isn’t pictured) was the driving force behind making the entire tour a reality. And yes, this was our first time meeting them face-to-face as well, making these shared photobooth moments even more special and a fantastic way to bond with the team that made it all happen.
With our day of meetings finally concluded, we endured an excessively long wait at LaGuardia airport before embarking on our final two flights home (the very last of the tour!). We were beyond eager to reunite with Clara and our beloved Burger, whose faces we couldn’t wait to see. The bittersweet feeling of the tour ending was heavily outweighed by the excitement of returning to our familiar comforts and the loved ones who patiently supported us from afar.
Southern Charm: Charlotte & Atlanta Adventures on the DIY Book Tour
After a much-needed four-day respite at home following our New York excursion, we packed our bags once more, this time with Clara happily in tow, for our next two stops: Charlotte, North Carolina, and Atlanta, Georgia. Opting for a road trip due to their proximity (a scenic five-hour drive to Charlotte, followed by another three to Atlanta), we braced ourselves for more adventure and the unique hospitality of the South. Throughout the tour, we had stayed in numerous cool and unique accommodations, typically ranging from $100 to $150 a night. However, Charlotte unequivocally claimed the prize for the most luxurious and posh-looking stay. Allow us to introduce you to the magnificent Duke Mansion, a true gem of Southern elegance and a perfect retreat for weary travelers.
Our stay in such an incredible inn was, in fact, the very reason for our presence in Charlotte. We had received an invitation to speak at a private blogger event being held there, which serendipitously led to the addition of book signings in Charlotte and Atlanta to our tour itinerary. When we informed Molly we’d be in North Carolina, she, with her usual efficiency, swiftly added these events for all of you wonderful readers eager to meet us and discuss home decor inspiration. And because we saved the publisher flight expenses by driving, they pleasantly surprised us by arranging our stay at this beautiful, non-hotel location, which also conveniently served as the venue for the blogger chat. It was a win-win situation, allowing us to experience unparalleled Southern comfort and connect with the local blogging community.
Just gazing at that opulent room again transports me. It almost makes me want to adopt a refined British accent and imagine ourselves as characters in an episode of Downton Abbey, sipping tea and discussing grand estate renovations. Though, considering the absolutely amazing sunporch attached to our room, perhaps practicing a charming Southern accent would be more fitting as we soak up the sun and enjoy the tranquil surroundings! The mansion truly felt like a step back in time, offering a unique contrast to the modern hustle of book tour travel.
As you might have noticed, Clara joined us on this leg of the trip. This meant we had to navigate the slightly nerve-wracking experience of hiring our first non-family babysitter to watch her during our events. Thankfully, thanks to excellent recommendations from a local friend (and a “house crash” alum!), Clara was incredibly well cared for and had an absolutely wonderful time. This peace of mind allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in enjoying the evening with all of you at the UNC-Charlotte bookstore, making the experience even more special and less stressful. Traveling with a toddler certainly adds an extra layer of planning to any book tour!
We somehow completely missed the memo that this particular event included a speech. So, upon arriving to find a podium and a seated, expectant crowd, we had a brief, comical scramble to recall the talks we’d previously delivered in Austin and Florida. Thankfully, it all came back to us, and we had a fantastic time with the Q&A session, as usual – even accommodating a question from Susan via Facetime! It’s moments like these, adapting on the fly and connecting with readers in diverse ways, that make the book tour so dynamic and engaging for us.
As we’d anticipated, the South extended its legendary hospitality, and we thoroughly enjoyed chatting with everyone who came out. Among them were Ashley and her friend, who were hilariously running late for their friend’s surprise engagement party. Good news: they made it! Even better news: the future fiancée said yes! We love a happy ending, especially one that combines attending a book signing with such a significant personal milestone. It’s a testament to the dedication of our readers!
And feast your eyes on these utterly mind-blowing cookies from Brittanie and Wendy! I still cannot fathom the immense amount of time and intricate detail that must have gone into crafting each one. No two were alike, they were absolutely delicious, and to top it all off, they were presented in a charming paint can. Talk about a triple win for creativity, taste, and presentation! These personalized gifts from readers are always a cherished part of our author events, showcasing the incredible talent within our community.
Since this was our sole signing event held at a college, it felt particularly fitting when someone approached us asking to sign some research for their thesis, hoping it would provide motivation. Neither of us had the slightest clue what the title of that paper meant (“latent variable whaaaa?”), so we collectively mustered the best generic advice we could manage in the face of such formidable, mathematical terminology. It was a humorous reminder that while our expertise lies in DIY and home decor, our readers come from all walks of life and academic pursuits!
How’s this for a truly creative approach to a fan photo? When I playfully asked if they drew straws to determine which lovely lady would be “stuck” being me and Burger, they explained it was far simpler: their family already had a “Sherry” and a “Clara” (albeit spelled Sherri and Klaira). What are the incredible odds of that coincidence? It was a delightful surprise and made for a wonderfully personal connection, truly showcasing the small world we live in.
I thought this delightful family deserved to have their real faces shown too, so here’s the whole charming gaggle of them, sans masks, showcasing their wonderful smiles. It’s fantastic to see the genuine joy and effort our readers put into making these events so special and memorable for us.
To our utter surprise, they weren’t the only quartet who playfully impersonated us that night! Shortly after, another group strolled up, proudly displaying our names on their nametags. Of course, it didn’t take long to figure out who was who in their creative ensemble. We were absolutely flattered – and quite relieved to finally understand the context of the ears and tutus some people were wearing! The Chihuahua shirt for the win, undoubtedly! These imaginative costumes are such a highlight of any book signing and truly make us feel appreciated by our dedicated community.
Charlotte proved to be just as awesome and welcoming as we had hoped. You can explore a few more delightful pictures from the evening on Emily’s blog. Fortuitously, our private speaking engagement the following night afforded us a full extra day in the “Queen City” to enjoy some precious family time. This included a memorable trip to their fantastic children’s museum, Discovery Place, where Clara literally had a ball, soaking up all the interactive fun. Balancing work with family moments is crucial on a long book tour, and this day was a perfect example of making the most of our travel.
Clara even had the unique opportunity to meet (and gently touch!) a fascinating snake named Princess, a truly memorable moment for our adventurous little one. It’s always a joy to see her discover new things and have these exciting experiences on the road.
I, on the other hand, decided to test my courage and tried my hand at laying on a bed of nails. Take that, David Blaine! It was a surprisingly comfortable, yet mentally challenging, experience, and a fun way to engage with the scientific exhibits at Discovery Place. These small, personal adventures make the intense travel schedule all the more worthwhile.
The next morning, after packing our belongings and bidding farewell to our gorgeous accommodations (where Clara, apparently, wasn’t a fan of sleeping – our nights there weren’t particularly peaceful), we embarked on the rainy, three-hour drive to the Atlanta area. We were heading towards what promised to be our most anticipated lodging arrangement of the entire tour: staying at Katie Bower’s house! En route, we were delighted to catch a glimpse of our favorite quirky roadside attraction, the colossal giant peach in Gaffney, South Carolina, a true symbol of Southern Americana and a fun photo op on any road trip.
Atlanta: The Grand Finale of Our Book Tour Journey
Our wonderful time with the Bower family in Atlanta, which included exciting secondhand shopping, creative crafting, and some engaging videotaping, was so eventful that we’ve decided to dedicate a separate post to those specific adventures. Upon our arrival at “Chez Bower,” after unpacking, freshening up, and thoroughly oohing and aahing over baby Weston, we quickly provided Katie’s mom with some essential babysitting instructions (she had generously offered to watch Clara and Will for the evening). The rest of us then ventured downtown for that night’s much-anticipated FLOR event. And what better way to culminate a book tour where inclement weather often played a starring role than with a remarkably cold and rainy night in Atlanta? It truly felt par for the course, folks. Heck, we even managed to bring a nor’easter with us to Boston a few months prior! Despite the weather, the warmth of the Atlanta community shone through, making this final author event truly special.
So, a heartfelt thank you, once again, to every single person who braved the chill and the rain, yet still managed to greet us with a warm smile (or playfully place a crown on Sherry’s head!) when they arrived at our signing table. Since I already had the distinct pleasure of wearing Miss District of Columbia’s crown earlier in the tour, I happily let Pearl – who once competed for Miss Georgia – bestow this beautiful crown upon my lovely wife, a truly fitting gesture for our DIY queen. These moments of connection and shared fun are what make the entire book tour experience so profoundly rewarding.
And how could I possibly leave out a photograph of this hilarious group who crafted t-shirts adorned with comical nose-picking references? If only I could unearth the picture we took with our fingers playfully up our noses… (For those whose books we touched immediately after this photo, I assure you, it was merely a fantastic act; no actual nose-picking occurred!). Their creativity and humor were a highlight, demonstrating the playful spirit of our readers and their unique ways of engaging with our content and our family.
While we hadn’t anticipated seeing many family members or familiar faces in Atlanta (though Sherry harbored a secret hope that Nene Leakes might make an appearance, given how the Vanderpump Rules sighting had delightfully distorted her sense of reality), we did have a wonderful encounter with Johanna (on the right). She is, surprisingly, related to us! Her cousin Kevin married our cousin Casey (we actually caught up with them during our Boston stop), and we even attended their wedding together back in 2009. What a small world! These unexpected family connections are always a heartwarming reminder of the interconnectedness of our lives.
We also finally had the pleasure of meeting our dear blog friend Maria Fé from Layers of Meaning, and Helen from Eleni Creative, who crafted that adorable felt Burger I commissioned for Sherry as a pregnancy gift many years ago. Helen even presented us with another charming felt creation, which isn’t clearly visible here, but we promise it will definitely make an appearance in an upcoming DIY project very soon… It’s incredibly special to connect with the talented individuals who have supported our blog and our creative endeavors over the years.
In addition to reuniting with familiar-ish faces, Atlanta also delivered some truly memorable and wonderfully weird-faced photos! These ladies, for instance, noticed we had been watching the new, admittedly creepy Fox show, “The Following.” Their photo prompt was brilliantly specific: “React to the scene where the girl stabs herself in the eye.” (Did I mention the show was creepy? Their expressions were spot-on!) These unique and playful photo requests truly showcase the diverse interests and senses of humor of our amazing readers.
I’m not entirely sure if there was a specific directive for this fantastic funny-face photo featuring Sarah, Jillian, Brittany, Annie, Jennifer, Jamie, and Suzanne (not necessarily in that order), but I unequivocally declare it a masterpiece of spontaneous joy and camaraderie! These large group photos, filled with laughter and silly expressions, are a perfect embodiment of the fun and welcoming atmosphere at our book tour stops.
Fortunately, the wonderful people of Atlanta are very blog-savvy and enthusiastic, so you can delve even deeper into the details of that vibrant night by checking out posts from Sarah (who brilliantly co-hosted a Pinterest Challenge with us last fall), Emily (whom many of you may recognize from this amazing reader redesign), Nina, Katie, and another wonderful Katie. It’s truly inspiring to see how our community supports each other and shares their own experiences.
And speaking of Katies, those who attended our Atlanta signing received an extra special bonus: a spontaneous blogger meet-and-greet with Katie Bower herself! She, Jeremy, and adorable baby Weston had initially planned to stay only for the very beginning of the event. However, they quickly found themselves greeted by a line of eager folks waiting specifically to chat with them too! They graciously remained for the entire duration (props to 2.5-month-old Weston for enduring a four-hour event, and to Jeremy for holding him so patiently!). We know they had an absolute blast connecting with everyone. It was truly a fun and fitting way to cap off the entire book tour, bringing together so many facets of our online and offline community.
A Bittersweet Farewell to the Road: Reflections on Our Book Tour
The entire book tour has been an absolute blast – truly an experience of a lifetime, for which we are profoundly and wildly grateful. It was an incredible privilege to connect with so many of you, share our passion for DIY, home decor, and simple living, and create unforgettable memories across the country. Each city, each conversation, and each smiling face added a unique layer to this incredible journey. We truly poured our hearts into this book, and seeing it embraced by so many of you made every moment on the road worthwhile.
Yet, amidst the whirlwind of travel and excitement, there was also a distinct thrill in the thought that we could finally unpack our suitcases, settle back into the comforting routines of home, and simply *be* again. The rhythm of our everyday life, with Clara and Burger, was calling us back. As the saying goes, all good things must eventually come to an end, and while the tour’s conclusion was bittersweet, it also brought with it the promise of cherished time at home.
Our deepest and most sincere thanks go out to every last person who came out to see us on this crazy, exhilarating tour. Your presence, your stories, your enthusiasm – it all meant (and still means) the absolute world to us. Seriously, we are extremely thankful for each of you taking the time, braving the weather, and making the effort to come out and have fun with us at each of our stops. You transformed what could have been a series of impersonal events into vibrant, memorable gatherings filled with laughter and genuine connection. Plus, now that we’ve actually met face-to-face, we’re officially “real friends” instead of just “internet friends,” right? Sounds absolutely perfect to us. Thank you for making our book tour an unforgettable chapter in our lives and in the story of Young House Love.