Psst- Thanks SO MUCH for the love with our little announcement this morning guys. You rock our socks. For reals.
Well, we aren’t going to make 2,013 resolutions, but here are five of them. You guys know that every year we like to broadcast them to the world to light a fire under our arse in the hopes of accomplishing them (you can check out last year’s here, 2011’s here, and 2010’s here). So let’s get cracking…
#1. Hold On. Let’s just say that for anyone who worries we’ll run out of things to do or rooms to makeover or projects to tackle… this is going to be our busiest year yet. Chock fulla new DIY undertakings. We can’t reveal everything yet (there are some pretty big cats in some pretty big bags) but we can’t wait to free the kitties! So beyond having a ton of untouched spaces to tend to here (like Clara’s big girl room, the front porch, the carport, the guest bathroom, etc) let’s just say we’re not going to stop there. We have some other MAJOR things, and we can’t wait to over-share every detail with you guys. And no Mom, I’m not pregnant.
#2. Chat Things Up. Without a doubt, you guys put the “you” in Young House Love, and we’ve mentioned that we’d like to work more of “you” into our little DIY diary. We’ve actually heard from a lot of you who’d love to see forums over here as a friendly and helpful way to share photos, advice, ideas, inspiration, and all that good stuff. So we’ve been researching how to get those going without crashing our site or spending hours each day maintaining them. We’d really love to give it a try, so our goal is to focus even more on making that happen in the spring (after we’re done with book tour craziness). Cross your fingers and whisper “no crashies, no crashies, no crashies” (that’s our equivalent to “no whammies”).
#3. Be Realistic. As much as we like to avoid blog stage fright by pretending that we’re just talking to 10 readers, the truth is that there are a lot more people dropping in. And most sites with over 5 million hits a month tend to be coded, written, and run by a team of people. Meanwhile, we’re just a guy and a gal with a toddler running around who are juggling DIY projects, post writing, an in-progress book tour, site coding, and a bunch of secret-project balls (wait, that sounds wrong). So this resolution is just about reminding ourselves that we’re only two people. Two highly dedicated folks who love what we do, but two people who can’t do the work of ten people, no matter how hard we try. And this year we’re gonna stop beating ourselves up about it.
Since we like our grass roots approach (we have no desire to hire people to answer comments, write posts, or program the site) that means that we need to be as efficient and realistic as possible and stop pressuring ourselves. We’re not HGTV or BHG, we’re John and Sherry from the block blog. And amazingly, you guys tell us that’s a big reason that you like YHL, so it’s about time we embraced it.
#4. Reclaim Our Lives. This sort of connects to resolution #3, but we’ve publicly struggled with finding balance for a few years now (here, here, here, and here) and answered “how do you do it all?” questions with “we just don’t sleep – maybe we’ll sleep next year.” Well, it’s officially next year, so it would be nice not to be up until 1am finishing projects and writing posts and juggling book stuff along with keeping up with normal things like laundry and cleaning and grocery shopping. We never aspired to be people who work on nights, weekends, and even on vacation (in fact we moved from NYC to Virginia back in 2005 to escape that lifestyle) so the irony isn’t lost on us.
But although many of you chimed in during our blogiversary to say that you’d be happy with one post a day, we aren’t quite ready to scale things back that much, so we’ve decided to go from 8 posts a week down to 7 posts a week (along with 2 more over on Young House Life as usual of course). At the end of the month whenever we glance back at our monthly roundups we’re always surprised at how much we’ve done, and this change shouldn’t affect that very much at all. It mostly means we’ll space out posts like Window Shoppings, House Crashings, Budget Blooms, or Reader Redesigns a bit more so there’s one less of those posts to write, photograph, edit, proofread, and answer questions about each week.
Hopefully you won’t notice the shift very much (we think we’ll post twice on Monday, once on Tuesday, twice on Wednesday, once on Thursday, and once on Friday along with two more posts each week over on Young House Life). And that pace will allow us to spend more time brainstorming ideas, actually doing projects, and recharging with the family – three things that add up to happier bloggers, which will hopefully lead to even more thought-out projects and creative ideas. It also means we’re less likely to throw in the blogging towel. We definitely want to play the long game and not burn out since we truly love this strange little career we’ve built, especially when we’re balanced and smart about how we run this little two person ship of ours.
#5. Be Free. You guys never fail to surprise us by responding to the most random of posts (like this one I wrote about breast feeding and this one John wrote about running). They both got hundreds of comments more than any other DIY related post around it, and they remind us that sharing more than just painting and sawing and gluing and sanding is as fun for you guys as it is for us. Heck, even a random Friday post like this one about five weird things about me elicited over 1,000 comments – and they’re without a doubt the funniest comments on our entire site. Seriously, take ten minutes to scroll through a page or two and I guarantee you’ll be giggling. This blog is our happy place and these spontaneous posts keep it light and fun. And we think blogs that are more stream-of-consciousness than polished-and-perfect are the most fun to read anyway.
So those are our five putting-them-out-there resolutions for the coming year. What are you guys resolving? Any personal ones? Personally I’m resolving to simplify things like crazy (something I’ve said before, but I’m feeling even more determined to master it this year). I have too many gadgets and decorative objects and pillows and gift bags and pens and about a million other things that add up to a whole lotta clutter, so I can’t wait to pare down and attempt to live as simply as John and I did back in NYC when we each had tiny studios without attics and basements to hoard clutter. Less really is more, in so many ways.
EHS says
You forgot #6: Learn to drive!
I bet it would help with efficiency. I can’t imagine not being able to run an errand by myself. (and I’m sure I’m only the one millionth person to say that)
YoungHouseLove says
Oh yes, I can drive I just don’t do it a lot. But I have my license and can do it!
xo,
s
Ryan says
Scaling back on work is also something I struggle with. I’m a perfectionist and very driven when it comes to my career, so it’s easy to work 24/7.
That’s part of my resolution as well – to find a better balance. My partner and I have a son right about Clara’s age and I feel like I haven’t always given him 100% of my focus, or at least as much as I could. In 20 years, I won’t remember the work I was doing but I will remember the memories I made with my family. So, it’s time to get real on this resolution stuff.
Other than that, my resolution is to stop performing “The Humpty Dance” in public every time I get a little tipsy with friends. It’ll be hard, since I spent so much time choreographing such an intricate routine. And I feel like it will make the world a little less awesome. But my dignity is calling for it.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha!
xo,
s
Morgan says
Love you guys and love all of the side projects you guys are taking on!! I have to admit that Reader Redesigns and House Crashings are a few of my FAVorite ‘contributor-type’ posts, :) I’m sure you’re not planning on getting rid of ’em but wanted to cast my vote. You guys rock.
YoungHouseLove says
They’re not going anywhere, not to worry! You know we love a smorgasbord!
xo,
s
Morgan says
Haha, I’m SURE you didn’t realize the play on words but ‘smorgasborg’ was a total play on my name that all the family loved back in the day. Well chosen vernacular!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah!
xo
s
Thuy says
Love the resolutions and congrats on everything. This is such an incredibly crafted, well-written, and relatable blog, you deserve every ounce of success!
I second getting an intern, definitely my first thought. Maybe someone to even just proof-read your posts and filter comments. We wouldn’t even have to know….. ;)
Brianne says
I love your blog. I always read it last when perusing my blog list because I like to “save the best for last.” And you guys never disappoint. But please don’t phase the house crashing out completely, It’s one of my favs. You guys are awesome and I admire what you do and what great parents you are.
YoungHouseLove says
Don’t worry we love them too! We’ll never get rid of them! Maybe just one a week (of one or the other) instead of one of both in one week :)
xo,
s
Ruth says
I’m rooting for you guys on the resolutions! THIS is gonna be the year in which you find balance. :)
$herdog, decorations, pillows, pens, and gift bags? Is that the best you can do? You aren’t a true hoarder until you start collecting… well, garbage. Pinterest can probably help you out with that – I have a whole stash of toilet paper rolls now thanks to a bunch of DIY wall art projects that I saw at one point.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha!
xo,
s
Heidi P. says
Hahaha! I totally do too!!
Mary says
So excited to see all the projects y’all have up your sleeve this year! Gotta tell ya, totally love the editing on your photos for this post – especially the kitchen shot – tres chic :)
Briel K. says
Great goals guys! I think it’s good that you are going to try to reclaim your lives and be realistic with what you can manage. I for one would hate to see you burn out! I’d rather have less posts and whatnot than nothing at all! I’m super excited for you to let the kitties out of the bag on what you are secretly working on. I love cats, both literal and figurative! I mean, have you seen my instagram feed? haha
Sherry, do you ever get annoyed or weirded out by all the pregnancy interest you get from your readers? I have a feeling you’ll say no. You are way more gracious than I’d be! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we just think it’s funny. John jokes we would have ten kids if I was actually pregnant during each wave of pregnancy rumors. I just hope they’re not brought about because people think I look especially… puffy. That would be embarrassing since I’m not prego. Haha!
xo
s
katie says
y’all deserve some non blogging time, enjoy it!
Ann says
Have you ever considered doing a post about blog related burn-out? It seems that you mention it a lot and I would think (if its common–I don’t know much about it myself), it would be an interesting discussion about ways to avoid it… like self-care tips etc. Just wondering!
YoungHouseLove says
That would be a fun post! I wish we had the answers, it would more be us soliciting suggestions :)
xo
s
Carrie says
I think “balance” and being “caught up” are the grown-up version of fairy tales. And yet I will never cease striving for it. :)
I also think that this blog for most of us is more than design and DIY. We think of you as friends and we want you to be happy and content! Slow down and enjoy life, we will still be here with you! And maybe you will inspire us to do the same!
And I love the random posts. Since you are friends and all we want to know more about you!
Leah says
I love your website- this year we bought our first house and have been renovating it since June whilst trying to plan our wedding. This blog has been so inspirational (our hallway is about to be adorned with LOTS of white frames!) – I ordered your book and it’s being delivered tomorrow! Very excited to receive it and use the inspiration to start on the downstairs of the house! Leah xx
Shelley @ Green Eggs and Hamlet says
Great resolutions and on a side note, I am totally digging the washed-out/de-saturated/I don’t know what to call it effect that you did on the photos in this post.
My two resolutions are to organize our home (the husband and I started in the last week of December with some new shelving and a magnetic chalkboard wall in the kitchen) and to get in shape, for realsies. It’s not so much about vanity on the latter resolution as it is about health and fitness.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Shelley! That was all John on the pics. He got artsy with them and we loved it :)
xo
s
Kim S says
I cracked up at “We’re not HGTV or BHG, we’re John and Sherry from the block blog.” That kind of humor is exactly why we’re all so glad you’re NOT HGTV or BHG. And honestly, even if it is just the two of you instead of a team of ten, I think your site is easier to navigate, more well-organized, and LOADS more fun than any of those big guys anyway!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kim, you’re sweet.
xo
s
MrsPaetz says
I totally hear you on reclaiming your life and finding balance. My husband and I run our own business, and last year, we finally came to terms with outsourcing certain things. For example, maintaining/coding your website is something that you can have someone else deal with, without compromising on the personality of your blog, but at the same time, also frees up so much more time for creativity, recreation, and well, Clara!
In our case, we realized that while we would love to be hands-on and do everything ourselves, our time is worth much more than that, and yes, precisely why we gave up corporate jobs, was to be in better control of our time & lives.
It’s not easy to let go, but I think you will find that it’s well worth it, just like how you had your French door professional installed.
Good luck, stay sane, and know that you have legions of readers who love you so much and want you to have a happy, balanced life!
Allie says
Your blog is my daily read (and I finished reading your book within 3 days of being given it so it’s pretty clear I love the work your produce), but I totally support you scaling back! I think I can say for everyone that we really appreciate the hard work you put in to provide us an entertaining, helpful (& free) resource! Your readers would never want to see you burnt out or to think your lives struggle because of this. Also, thanks for the resolutions that the rest of us can take a tip from for our lives.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Allie!
xo
s
Heidi P. says
Ohmygosh. You’re killing me! You have MORE big secrets going on?!?! Who ARE you people?! ;D
And going from 8 to 7 posts a week sounds like a fantastic way to fit in a little more sleep… hopefully :).
You guys are wonderful! Merry late Christmas and happy late New Year!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Heidi!
xo
s
Ofelia, México City says
I love Young House Life posts, specially Clara conversations. They always put a smile on my face. Two posts about your life a week are always great! Take a low but intense pace is one of my resolutions for this year…
Morgan says
Contributing to the thousands of comments since 2011. Thank you guys for inspiring kids like me who are out in the middle of nowhere to try new things everyday, especially when it comes to the home. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Morgan! You guys inspire us right back!
xo
s
Jennifer Laura says
Love you guys and love these resolutions! Can’t wait to see all the MAJOR cats you have in the proverbial bag. Did you just picture cats dressed in army uniforms? Because I did.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah! Nice.
xo
s
mp says
I’m not a New Year’s resolution-maker (I feel like every day is a new start), but for a while now the out-of-control state of my home has been depressing me, so I’ve resolved (yessss … that word … at this time of year …) to get it clean and organized. You’d think that wouldn’t be hard for one middle-aged woman, but factor in six rescue chihuahuas, who are all individually housetrained but tend, en masse, to forget that, and things can get QUITE messy.
I also bought a lot of cookbooks with my Christmas money and am looking forward to reducing my already-low consumption of professionally prepared food. I love them all, but am especially excited by Diane Yuan’s Chinese Takeout Cookbook.
Chrissie says
I don’t normally do resolutions, but this year something seems to have lit a fire under my bum *cough*possiblyanewadditionontheway*cough*.
I am focused on simplifying, and on learning to live more in the moment. I want to let go of worries more and just focus on making our home beautiful to us, rather than stressing about what I “should” be doing design wise.
Oh, and clearing out the spare room of junk – that’s definitely on the list haha!
Jennie says
This was a great post and a great reminder about priorities, etc. You guys are a powerhouse, and so, so impressive! I love all of your posts about your home, your life, and yourselves.
The personal factor on your site is my favorite aspect about it. I love the posts that deviate from the norm … Never let anyone tell you what your blog is “supposed” to be about … the blend of topics you throw out there is gold! have been reading for years now (4, I think?) and yours is the only blog I check every day. I know it won’t sound weird, because you hear it a lot in the comments, but I feel like I know you after all these years! You are on a first name basis in our house!
Congrats on all of your successes … I love when good things come to good people. You work so hard and deserve all of the rewards! I can’t wait to see what is in store for 2013!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much Jennie! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
Richy Mc Cusker says
ha ha…i like that you used the word “arse” in this post…!!! v funny…!!! have either of you ever watched Father Ted??? And also…congrats on the lighting launch!!!
YoungHouseLove says
Never seen it! Will have to add it to our Netflix list!
xo
s
Chrissie says
I loved that too! So many people use “ass”, and I’ve never understood why donkeys get such a bad rap.
keisha says
Good luck with the resolutions and congrats on the “shady business” – love, love, love what you do!!
Ashlie F says
John & Sherry, you guys are the bee’s knees!
I feel like we are in some weird way long distance bffs. I call my boyfriend over to watch the latest Clara video and he knows you two by name (“Oh, what are John & Sherry up to today?).
I look forward to reading your blog because you are so realistic and personal. Your ideas and adventures never cease to grab my full attention, and what I love best, is that you don’t have a staff. The fact that you guys manage everything is what keeps readers like myself (& Im sure many others) coming back.
So, cheers to the Petersiks! May you have an amazing, adventurous, more restful year!
Cassie B says
LOVE this post!! I just began training to run my first marathon and I’m super excited/nervous for it. So I call that my resolution.
And I just want to say that I’m one of the ones who wouldn’t mind just a post a day .. don’t get me wrong, I’d love it if you posted 20 times a day too! While it’s less of you, it makes each post a bit more special, too, if that makes sense. And I also am like the others who agree that you guys running the whole show are what makes us love you four so much! I feel like we’re besties and you have no idea who I am. #embarrassingovershare#swearI’mnotastalker#lovetousehashtagsininappropriatesocialmedias
Erm anyway, cheers to your resolutions! :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, you’re hilarious and awesome and we love you right back Cassie.
xo
s
Jen says
Just wanted to let you know that you guys are my “dessert” blog each day. I stop myself from checking the site for new posts until I know I definitely need a pick me up. You are the blog equivalent of my chocolate fix! Unrelated, and not sure if it has been said already on the previous lighting post, but that pink shade looks AMAZING over your sink!!! I’m voting that it gets permanently installed!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jen. You’re awesome and we love you.
xo
s
Kim says
You guys astound me with how committed you are to this blog and I’m so impressed by how much time and love your pour into it! I totally understand your need to find more balance. Never underestimate the power of balance. I got so off balance in 2011 and 2012 that my health kind of fell apart. I would hate to see that happen to you, Sherry and John. Please take care of yourselves and do what you need to do to stay healthy and sane.
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks so much Kim! Hope you’re feeling better! We have definitely been more focused than ever on slowing down and taking the time we need to stay healthy and sane. Here’s hoping 2013 is the year we finally master it :)
xo
s
Emily says
Happy new year Petersiks! I’m guessing you are closing on a Smith Mountain Lake house! Hope so anyway!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, that would be awesome!
xo
s
Meredith Jones says
I’m lovin your resolutions! I was thinking today (while reading your post about your LIGHTS!!!) how impressed I am with how you guys run your blog, which I can only imagine just keeps getting bigger and crazier with each of these new projects/ tv segments / book tour stops / etc you keep doing… but I’m just glad you’re keeping it the SAME and not having other people respond to comments and things like that. The reason we all “LOVE” you guys is that you are actually YOU and not staged like so many other things are these days. Thanks for continuing being the Real Slim Shady guys!!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, but of course! Thanks for the love Meredith!
xo
Slim Shady, I mean $herdog
Jill in Colorado says
I just have to say that you guys are like “The Incedibles” – super heroes ( and sheroes). I’m sure we could think of superhero names for all in you, including Burger. Between the book, the blog, the Shades of Light! I’m not sure what you don’t do. Just please don’t overdo and burn out. This is said with my 50 year old perspective; I’ve burned out a time or two. I’ve also noticed some blogs I used to read suddenly had a lot less posts and disclaimers about needing a break. Selfishly, I rely on you guys. Take care of yourselves and each other.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Jill! Will do!
xo
s
Anika says
Do what you need to do to keep the joy (we really don’t want you guys burning out and leaving us!). These sound like awesome and much-needed goals, and I wish you guys the very best of luck as you strive for greater balance between your work and family life.
Sydney says
Congrats to you both–can’t wait to shop for some new lighting!
Totally off subject–we’re you devastated to hear about your homegirl Betheny getting a divorce? (Did not think I needed to mention that this is directed towards Sherry)
YoungHouseLove says
Caught me totally off guard. Very sad indeed.
xo
s
Anne says
Well, you sure have me curious about these secret projects now!! :-D But you sure did well keeping Shades of Light under wraps. Dang! :) What could it be….hmmm…..designing for Bed, Bath, and Beyond? A second book already? No, you said not yet on that interview….hmmm…can’t be tv….you already got offered that, I think and didn’t want to do it….hmmm….I dunno but whatever it is, I’m sure it will be great and you sound very happy and excited about it!
My resolutions include: 5 minutes a day of ab work for 21 days straight to see if I can flatten my abs (mommy tummy!), memorize some new prayers, create 5 go-to outfits, master 5 go-to dinners, have family participate in at least 3 run/walk races, and I’m forgetting something.
Happy New Year!
YoungHouseLove says
Hah, love all the guesses! And as for mommy tummy, I found that 30 pushups a day (I did them before bed every night for about a month straight, no exceptions) worked wonders! I think it does “core” stuff, so maybe that’s why they helped so much?!
xo
s
Hannah says
You guys could totally pull off incorporating more guest posts, as well. For instance, a Favorite DIY of the week. Similar to Reader Redesign but instead of DIY rooms it could be DIY furniture/items/etc. I’m sure other bloggers would appreciate the publicity, and it would give you and john one less blog post to write. Maybe even guest Window Shopping? :)
Just a thought!
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh a guest window shopping could be fun every once in a while! Thanks for the idea!
xo
s
sally says
Good for you! Sometimes, I feel like your readers (me, too, maybe) are YHL addicts; we can’t get enough of John and Sherry, Clara and Burger. This particularly struck me over Christmas, when several people I know were “mad” that you didn’t show Clara on video opening her new refrigerator! It made me realize that, to be a very successful blogger must mean that your life is not your own; every little thing must be posted or the over 5 million people feel cheated; that frankly, you have no life of your own now. I think that taking a step back is warranted, and I hope that it doesn’t affect the charm that is your website. Another famous blogger who has her own cooking show now on Food Network seemed to lose her edge after awhile. Still, now that she is so busy with her family, TV show, writing cookbooks, etc., her blog has suffered. Don’t let this happen to you! You can’t turn back the clock, and you wouldn’t want to, but really, its your life, your family, and even though you graciously let us live it with you, I think that your readers will understand the need to be realistic and reclaim your lives.
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sally! Funny you should say that about a video of Clara seeing her fridge- it’s on the docket for tomorrow. Just needed time to upload it, edit it, and write the post about what we all got each other :)
xo
s
Janetl says
2012 was the year of the purge for me. I went through so much stuff that I was able to pass along to good homes, donate or trash. It feels great. Good luck with your paring down!
Elizabeth says
All great resolutions! You two deserve the very best. You bring a lot of joy to a lot of people. Time for you is important too. XOXO
Megan @ Rappsody in Rooms says
I’ve often wondered how you kept up to the two posts a day thing! No other blog I have seen has ever done this. But I think you know that your fans love you so much that it’s okay to cool it on the twice a day posts…especially when you release books and lighting lines! That’s just too cool…
Katharine says
You are only downsizing by ONE post a week. . . c’mon guys!!!!! You can do better than that. You NEED to do better than that.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! Who knows… maybe if we get into another big project (or have another kiddo sometime) we’ll scale back a little more. Slow and steady wins the race ;)
xo
s
Paige @ Little Nostalgia says
I’m always so blown away when you guys post about your daily schedules. I don’t know how you’ve kept up with that pace for so long! As readers I think we would feel bad if you got burned out trying to keep churning out content for us, so I’m glad to hear you’re going to chillax more. Don’t worry, we’ll still be here if you want to take a real vacation once in a while! :-)
Devin says
Great goals for 2013! I’m with you guys on reclaiming your life this year and can totally relate to the irony of leaving NYC only to find yourselves just as busy. I recently left a cray cray job in the city for the sole purpose of slowing down and smelling the roses, only to find myself busier than ever finding new hobbies and projects to fill up all my new free time! I just blogged my 2013 goals @ http://pennyheavenpress.blogspot.com/2013/01/resolved.html and at the top is being more intentional about my time and energy in 2013. So encouraging to know I’m not alone in the struggle. Thanks for sharing!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s perfect wording! Here’s to being more intentional about our time and energy in 2013!
xo
s
SarahT says
I have been reading this blog for years but never commented before now. Just wanted to say that you produce so much excellent content every week, it’s sometimes just too much for me to keep up with *as a reader*(can’t imagine how you keep up with generating it). I like the idea of scaling back a bit, not only because I imagine it will be good for your schedules, but also because it would give me a little more time to spend with each post (including comments and links) before I’m distracted with the next one. I’d absorb more, and feel better informed when tackling my own home projects.
Love you guys, keep up the great work!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks so much SarahT! Great to hear!
xo
s
Mary@TwoHappyLambs says
I loved these resolutions, they reflect a really good read on your fans. You know we care about you and support you. The book is flying off the shelves. I mean, when the shelves aren’t empty. We support you in your search for balance. I can barely keep up with all your posts as it is for crying out loud! I have friends that read who are renters in one bedroom apartments, whose biggest DIY has been setting the table. I mean, what IS that fanbase about? Insanity. They are willing to just live vicariously :)
I’ve been blogging for over two years now, just for myself, and my little readership, nothing fancy. But I think everyone is echoing the same urge- quality not quantity, be free to be yourself, take care of yourself. We all need more of that, every year.
My resolutions: to quit facebook for a whole year (did it!) and explore different arms of social media.
take that new time and put it into phone calls and letters to my friends.
get back to taking better photos and pretending that no one reads my blog. ;)
Happy New Year!
YoungHouseLove says
Love those! Thanks Mary, you’re so sweet!
xo
s
priscilla says
I am so glad you are slowing down some; we all love your work but don’t want you to burn out. Also, I know it seems like Clara will be there forever, but believe me, one day you will turn around and she will be heading to college, and you will long for these days again.
So don’t miss this special time; all of your readers will cheer you on in your search for balance!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Priscilla!
xo
s
Jess S says
I decided that this year I’m not doing resolutions. I’m horrible with the follow through , and honestly I feel obligated to do the whole stereotypical “eat healthy, workout”…blah blah. I mean of course I need to do those things, but I want to have a new year of new focuses. Bigger than resolutions, life changes to make me stop, breathe and enjoy what’s around me.
Oh yea, and I’m also focusing more on my blog this year too…it would totally turn me into a giggly gigglemonster if you would check it out.
Seriously John (Lars) and Sherdog this is my slim shady moment
http://randomblogdrama.blogspot.com/2013/01/let-it-go-2012-let-it-go.html
YoungHouseLove says
Love it! Your writing is awesome. Sucked me right in. Happy blogging!
xo
s
Krista says
This post is for John only! ($herdog, stop reading!!)
I couldn’t find a way to contact you without it showing up for all to see……so here goes. :) #thissoundsshady
I saw this and thought that $herdog might like it.
http://www.juicycouture.com/Chihuahua-Mini-Critter-Necklace/YJRU6332,default,pd.html?dwvar_YJRU6332_color=710&start=3&cgid=sale-jewelry-necklaces
It’s on sale for $20 until the 9th, and thought it reminded me of your pup.
Cheers!
Krista
YoungHouseLove says
Thanks for the idea, Krista!
-John
Cassondra says
Love the resolutions! I’m a big resolution maker – typically I make a yearly list of goals and then monthly breakdowns to try and make them doable by saying what I’d need to do each month to accomplish them. Still fine-tuning for 2013 but I’m getting there!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s a smart strategy!
xo
s
Donna Jean says
those are some wonderful resolutions!
here are my goals for this year:
*lose weight/exercise more – not so i can be all skinny and whatnot, but so that i can be more healthy (and i’ve already been seriously working on this for almost a month)
*become a doula – well, at least be working towards becoming a doula – i’m super excited about this one!!
*find fun free/cheap things to do with the kiddos – we need to get out of the house way more than we do and we need to have some fun and make great memories
*be better about finding time for me and my husband
*be more willing to accept the “me-time” that my husband so graciously tries to give me
i hope that you guys are successful in your resolutions for 2013!! (also, i live in rva, so any suggestions you have for the fun free/cheap things to do with the kids would be great!)
YoungHouseLove says
Ooh we love Maymont! It’s free and they have an awesome petting zoo/animal area and lots of places for picnics. We also love going to Barnes & Noble and just reading while Clara plays with the train table (or reads with us). Also just walks in fun places (like along the river at Pony Pasture) are lots of fun when the weather is nice.
xo
s
Donna Jean says
thanks for the suggestions – i always forget about b&n – my son LOVES the train table there, too, and that is a great rainy day activity.