Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Blogiversary 5: Goal Tending

It’s time for some annual goal declaring (because nothing lights a fire under your keister like a big ol’ public proclamation). Let’s do this thang.

Goal Tending Foosball

Goal #1: Embrace The Crazy (aka Be Flexible): After five years of blogging and over two years of both of us doing it full time, we’ve learned that no two days are ever the same. But this upcoming year is about to get crazier than anything we’ve ever experienced. Between the release of our book on Nov 6th and a 15 city+ book tour along with some secret side projects that we can’t wait to reveal to you guys (no mom, that’s not a we’re pregnant euphemism) the next 365 days are guaranteed to be like no other. So our goal is just to be flexible and resist the futile attempt to cling to any sense of “normal.” We figure the less we stress about it, the more we’ll be able to enjoy what’s in store for us. And you know we’ll share every last crazy detail as it all goes down.

Goal #2: Smorgasbord it up. Looking back in our archives – especially as demonstrated in this morning’s post – we realize there used to be more variety in our posts (we blame the change on our Type A personalities, which make us quick to fall into a routine). So somehow we’ve lost that sense of mixing it up and a smidge of the spur of the moment randomness that we had in the beginning of the little ol’ blog of ours. So in addition to our usual routine of projects, giveaways, and reader redesigns, we’re hoping to add more of these ingredients to the proverbial YHL pot:

  • House Crashings
  • Window Shopping
  • Budget Blooms
  • Fast and Free Upgrades
  • Advice-Seeking (from you guys for ourselves or even for other readers)
  • Table Setting
  • Holiday Decorating
  • Mood Boards
  • Using/Tweaking What We Have
  • Round-Ups & Top Ten Lists
  • Road Trips (or other travel-related adventures)
  • Random Off-Topic Chitchat (looking back, these usually end up being some of our favorites)

We feel like this mix will be a truer reflection of our real life (since we’re definitely not doing projects 24/7 around here). Sharing two or three projects a week has always been a pace that works best for us (it’s amazing how much you can accomplish when you look back, as seen in our monthly recaps) and that pace also helps us avoid burn-out and keeps us from busting our budget. So we’re recommitting to bringing back some old stuff, trying new things, and generally smorgasbording it up along with those two to three project-related posts per week – which is definitely what got us here in the first place.

Hoohat

Goal #3: Less Typey-Typey, More Lifey-Lifey: Finding balance and not writing such wordy posts probably go hand in hand, and both have been goals from past years that we haven’t quite mastered. So while we’ll still probably work a few nights and weekends and ramble on from time to time, some of our favorite posts in our archives don’t have 2,000 words, and many other blogs that we love are less long-winded. So this is our commitment to keep working on it. Here’s hoping the third time’s the charm, and that you guys are down with short & sweet along with the long juicy stuff that we serve up on the regular.

Chihuahua Mascot Bloggin Do

Goal #4: More Of You. We’re not fully sure how we plan to do this, but we want more of you guys on our blog. So from crashing more of your houses to getting your take on how you like to live in your home, and just working harder to create a sweet little community over here, we’d love to work you guys in even more. Our casa is su casa. Come on in and get cozy. I might be found inside posing like this, but it’s all good.

Deck Furn0

So there they are. Four probably-won’t-all-be-accomplished-but-we’ll-try-our-darndest goals for year six of blogging our pants off (figuratively speaking). While we’re on the goal tending topic, we also like to annually revisit the prior year’s goals to see how we did. You can read them a bit more in depth right here, but we thought we’d just summarize the ones from last year to evaluate our progress:

Last Year’s Goal #1: Find Balance: As we mentioned above, we’ve been working on this goal for a few years (we actually mentioned it during this 2011 resolutions post). We said we wanted to avoid the trap of putting all of our time, money, and energy into the house to the point that we have no life, no savings, and Clara doesn’t see the light of day. Since the internet is 24/7, we’re still plugged in on nights, weekends, vacations, and even holidays. So one reason that we started Young House Life was to remind ourselves to take a minute to have fun, be spontaneous, and step. away. from. the. laptop. The verdict: Blerg, still working on it (see Goal #3 of this year), but we’re getting a little better I think. After all, we did take our first ever break from blogging this year.

HI Beach J C Sitting In Wat

Goal #2: Not drone on in every post. We noted that this actually might be the key to accomplishing more of the balance that we craved in our first goal, which is why we worked it in again this year. The verdict: Oops, still working on this too.

Goal #3: Bring back before & after inspiration. Back in 2010, we phased out our Reader Redesigns and invited folks to share their makeovers on our Facebook page instead. But after a year of missing them dearly, we decided to bring them back. There’s just too much amazing stuff that can leave us all inspired/encouraged and you know we love to share the love. The verdict: Wahoo, mission accomplished! So glad they’re back.

Goal #4: Be Secure In Our Own Bloghood. This was about how we’d love for every single person to love every single post, but we’d also love a goose chihuahua that lays golden eggs. The truth is we just have to be ok with not everyone loving everything, or even anything. And in turn everyone reading will hopefully understand that projects, decor choices, and post-writing is as subjective as favorite foods and hairstyles. We vowed to remember that and blog more fearlessly and confidently. The verdict: We’re finally in a just-doing-our-thang groove these days (it only took five years, haha). And there’s a little more on this topic in this post and this post if you’re a fellow blogger who is struggling with it.

Goal #5: Be Grateful. This goal was about how sometimes the stress of a project or a long blog to-do list can make us momentarily forget that this is a dream job. So this goal was more of a mental shift than anything else. In those oh-crap-we’re-stressing moments we just wanted to stop, breathe, and remember how geeky giddy we are over this amazing opportunity. The verdict: We definitely took this to heart, and whenever we felt crazy-overwhelmed by book stuff, life stuff, and all of that project/blog stuff, we tried to take a breath and smile. Life is good, even when it’s full of chaos.

Goal #6: Try New Things. We wanted to have an open mind about some weird half-baked decorating idea that might pop into our heads or some other new adventure, like what writing a book might have in store for us. So we just wanted to be open to those new things – and try not to dread them or turn into a big ol’ ball of stress. The verdict: We wrote a few awesomely random and spontaneous posts, we shot book photography for three solid weeks in our house without killing each other, and we have just generally tried to be more open when it comes to spontaneous post/life/project ideas. Hopefully there’s even more of that to come this year!

John And Sherry Petersik Go

Now it’s time for us to change out of our hockey uniforms and slip on some grass skirts to do a little love hula for you. Oh yeah, these swaying hips mean that we love you more than words can say. Without you guys our goal would be: get back into advertising because we’d be out of a job. Haha. So just know how much we appreciate you. Not in that “thanks for holding the door for me” way that you toss out five times a day to strangers. More in that genuine “thanks for making our life possible” way. And speaking of meeting you guys, we just heard that next week we’ll have all of our book tour dates nailed down, so we can finally announce them! Here’s hoping we can meet some of you and sincerely thank you for dropping in on our life. You guys are not only the reason we can do this for a living, but you’re also the reason that we love doing this (you encourage us and make us laugh in ways you’ll never know). In short: you guys make our day every day. How’s that for a lovefest?

Psst- First image found here and last image found here (without our heads on them of course, we added those).

Psst – We announced this week’s big giveaway winner. Click here to see if it’s you.

Comments

  1. Fi says

    I just love you guys. And this blog gives me such inspiration. If only you lived next door so we could be friends and I could Clara/Burger sit in exchange for design help… that would be awesome!! lol Congratulations on five years and I can’t WAIT for your book to be out! Come to Houston and I can take you to get some great Mexican food. :)

    Reply

  2. tamara says

    Super excited for book tour reveal! Yeeaaaa! And best of luck on meeting your goals. i TOTALLY vote for more work-life balance for you two. i read your blog every day & totally lurve it with cherries on top, but the reality is, I will STILL love it (a lot) even if you only post once a day, or even just 4 times a week. And i think EVERYONE in the YHL community probably feels this way. i’d rather have a little less YHL and *know* you guys are going out on more dates, traveling more (just the two of you! plus other adventures with C!), or just freaking sitting on the deck drinking a bottle of wine. Shoo. I feel like at the end of my life I am going to savor the romantic trips I took with my husband, the days I spent running in the woods with my kid, etc., waaaaay more than I will even my most proud and noteable career accomplishments (and i too have a pretty amazing job . . . environmental prosecutor saving the planet, holla!). You know what I mean? Your joy in YHL is apparent, but I dunno – life is short! Even your groovy job is still a “job.” Work less, Team P. PLAY MORE! We happy readers aren’t going anywhere. :)

    Reply

  4. sara says

    The Calgary Flames hockey jerseys! haha That team is pretty far away from you guys!
    It’s been really interesting reading your Blogivesary posts. I remember reading them last year too, wow.
    Congratulations on 5 years!

    Reply

  5. Rachel says

    Great goals! I think many people can probably relate to the be flexible and find better life-work balance ones. I know I can! Honestly, sometimes I get overwhelmed for you. You guys just seem to pack so much in. I think to myself “they could totally just do one post a day and give themselves a little break!” :).

    Looking forward to the new/recycled post topics, especially the advice one. I feel like there is so much to learn from you guys and this community–that one type of post could go a far way in accomplishing goal #4.

    Reply

  6. Jenn says

    I love your blog. I was a little confused by the Calgary Flames jerseys because I thought you would pick a team closer to your city. Anyway, what I wanted to say was this:

    My mom refinished her kitchen cabinets this summer. She bought a new fridge which was bigger than her old fridge and so she had to cut the doors above the fridge down to make it fit right. I emailed her the link of when John cut the door in half and then glued it back together. Worked perfectly!!

    Looking forward to the book!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Love that! So smart! As for the hockey pic, you’d be amazed how hard it is to find two people with their faces showing in a pic with a goal. Seriously, you take whetever you can get!

      xo
      s

  7. Amanda says

    Oh my gosh, in the measly little one year that I’ve been a follower of your blog, the book tour announcement has got to be THE MOST ANTICIPATED POST for me EVER! Can’t wait. Oh my gosh, I Can…not…wait! lol

    Reply

  8. Jenny says

    Hi guys, I’m waiting for my dad to get out of surgery and just opened my daily dose of young house love. Your awesome foosball players – gave me a much needed chuckle..Burger…what a hoot! love your blog…hope to see you on your tour!

    Reply

  9. Cady says

    For goal #4 you could do something clever like “Bloggers DIY better” – some sort of challenge to paint a room, build a new piece of furniture, or re-do granny’s bathroom in a weekend. Other bloggers could link to your website and then we could all see what other bloggers are doing. That way you don’t have to deal with a million submissions, rather bloggers who complete the challenge can put their link on your post that day and we can all virtually see what other people did for their challenge. (Ali Edwards is doing a link post like this today but her site crashes my computer. So you can access it from my blog or google her. Ali’s post isn’t about DIY, rather it’s about what is happening currently in bloggers lives but it would give you the idea.)

    Reply

  10. Chaney says

    I know this has already been said many times, but I nearly (nearly only because I’m at work) busted out laughing at the first foosball photoshopped photo! Y’all are great – I have LOVED all the posts you’ve done this week! Keep up the good work.

    Reply

  11. Keena Zitkovich says

    I’m so very excited for the book tour! I live in Richmond, so I’m assuming there will be one here :) Are you guys prepared for the massive amount of people who are going to show up? I truly believe there will be lines forming well in advance.

    Best of luck!

    Reply

  12. Skeeter says

    so excited for another year of awesomeness! While I was reading goal # 4 I was selfishing thinking, maybe by more “us” I can have John and Sherry come by and tell me what I should do with my crazy house…a girl can dream lol. Also so excited for the book!

    Reply

  13. Meredith says

    Love it! Congrats on your blogiversary guys! Can’t wait to see the tour dates and hopefully meet you. If you are in NYC, would love for you to do an “apartment” crash. Love reading everyday.

    Reply

  14. Valerie says

    I totally have a question if you want one for the askin reagders what they think x, y, z randomness

    painting kitchen cabinets: white or expresso? your two cents welcomed!

    Reply

  18. Brooke says

    Opening up your blog and being faced with the first picture (the foos?? sp? ball table) is in my top five favorite things that happened to me today. On second thought, top three, hands down. Awesome.

    Reply

  19. Jayme says

    Oh.my.gawd.

    Clara’s hat…I wants one! Please tell me it’s from a store that still makes similar hats?!

    I’m obsessed with Clara’s clothes, she should have a fashion segment!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      That was actually a gift from her aunt in West Virginia. Clara once famously called it her “Hoo Hat” since she was learning animal sounds (owls say hoo, so why wouldn’t it be her hoo hat? hahah!).

      xo
      s

  20. Kate says

    Well, you could certainly help some of us in rentals! We are here for two to three more years and its adorable, but still finding our style and nothing ever feels quite “right”, y’know?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      We love rentals! We remember them well after years of city living in them! A lot of the projects that we have on our Projects page can work in rentals (painting furniture, reupholstering, making DIY art, etc) and a ton of the book projects that we did are perfect for rentals and regular old casas alike! If only we could make house calls to everyone too!

      xo
      s

  21. AngieJ says

    Hi there!
    I will start by saying that I love reading your blog and you have given me lots of ideas for DIY things at my house….next project is the kitchen!
    But I really wanted to say that I love, love, love that you picked the Calgary Flames goalies as your last picture in your photoshop! I am a huge Flames fan, and Kipper is the best goalie in the world. And yes, I am a girl who likes hockey….teehee!
    Anyway, thanks for making me laugh, cry and giggle out loud at my desk by myself! :)

    Reply

  23. Cheryl says

    The “be grateful” one can be hard to do. But I’ve made a habit of answering “how are you doing?” with “it’s a wonderful life” and a smile and it somehow makes a difference.

    It makes me remember that I really do have it good – the family & I are all healthy, most of us are working, and we have more than enough stuff. And it makes other people smile when they hear it. They oftenl comment about the movie or just with “you’re right”.

    Occasionally someone wants to argue that life isn’t wonderful and I just remind them that we’re vertical and breathing – everything else is details.

    It is somewhat an automatic response for me now but I think the repetition has an effect. Hearing positive things (even if I’m saying them) helps me keep a positive attitude.

    Thanks for sharing all you do!

    Reply

  24. Steph says

    Don’t work too hard! I’m going to say…you should definitely step away from the blog for a few days from time to time. You’d be surprised. Sometimes you come back even more inspired and refreshed!

    But I have to say, I’m a big fan of the budget blooms myself….and any other tips for using/decorating with what you have. My budget doesn’t always allow for new purchases, but it’s fun to see how you guys shift things in your own home.

    Reply

  26. Ruth says

    1. I love your blog already and work on reading all the posts but only started a month ago…
    2. Please stay wordy! It amazes me how you can write so much (in a good way!) about also “small” things while still being so entertaining. What is your secret?
    3. Please, please, please come to Vienna (europe) on your book tour! I want to meet you personally to get a signature for my pre-ordered copy of your book!

    Reply

  27. CB says

    I think my fav is the whole breakdown of your wedding. That’s how i originally stumbled upon your blog (back in 2008 I think) and I totally fell in love with your positive do-it-together attitude and smart projects. I’ve been a daily reader ever since!

    Reply

  28. Mary Ellen says

    I love you guys, and even thought spontaneity is great, I love the fact that I know there will a new post by 10 everyone morning, its like my morning coffee break to see what you are up to.. Then when I am at the end of the day and stressed knowing I might have to work late, I take a break and read the second post (like right now). I pre-ordered your book and can’t wait to get it. I know you hear this all the time but I feel like you are my neighbors. Congratulations on 5 years!

    Reply

  29. Madeline says

    Congratulations on 5 years and keep following your own instincts. The rest of us will follow wherever that leads you!

    Seriously, I think I owe you both a percentage of the money that you’ve saved me by inspiring me to just try it myself. :)

    Reply

  30. Hannah C. says

    Am I the only one excited about mood boards coming back?? Oh, and I love how both the names for your & Katie’s blog have changed since you guys did your first video together :)

    Reply

  31. Alison says

    Re: creating a little community, I was reflecting the other day after another blog I read had some comment-generated controversy that you guys have done such a nice job of creating a polite, friendly and supportive community around here. Clearly, comment moderation and comment replying is a huge HUGE part of your work time and so I just thought I’d say that it’s appreciated and you’re well on your way to real lovey dovey community building.

    Reply

  32. Jenny says

    I love this post! You guys are the best, keep doing what you’re doing–puns and all. And ps sign me up for that bumper sticker! I’m in 2011 now haha, I don’t know when I started but I joked to my hubby the other day: what am I going to do with only 2 posts a day once I’m caught up? He said, “they post twice a day?! That’s a lot!” You guys rule! xox

    Reply

  34. Meredith Jones says

    First thing’s first, I get the -so when are you having a baby – question at least three times a week, more if we’re around family alot. I’ve been using the “oh.. in a couple years…” excuse for, well, a couple years now. LOL… soon people, SOON! :)
    Secondly, I HOPE you’ll be coming to SEATTLE! I’ve never been to a book signing, mainly because none have interested me quite enough, but I’m SO excited for your book to come out. YEY I tell ya!

    Reply

  36. Ali says

    Fun! I love goals. Well, I don’t like making them, but I like reading other people’s goals. Maybe I’ll make some too. :)

    Heard you did some house crashing today at the G’s house! Can’t wait to read it and see the pics.

    Reply

  38. Carly says

    I have been following your blog for a few years now, all the way from Port Hardy, BC CANADA! Check out the map, I’m located on the Northern Tip of Vancouver Island, BC. I don’t think we could be any further apart if we tried! You guys are inspiring and have influenced me and my partner in crime to revamp our little casa.. You guys should make the trip and crash our place! :) Just sayin.. :)

    Reply

  39. Alison says

    Definitely agree with number two, I chalked it up to you being so busy with your book. I wonder how you will manage this blog and travel for the book. Alot of the things on your list are good ones, I have always missed the moodboards which is what made me come back. #3 is also true and it would be good to practice. Frankly I am surprised you don’t go stir crazy with the life that you described in the day in the life. Your freedom is so limited. Sounded unhealthy actually for all of you. They all sound good, I hope you practice them and get good at it!

    Reply

  40. Kim says

    OOh I hope the DFW area is on your list. I told the fiance the other night you were going on a book tour, and we were going.

    He responded,”Is that your little blog family you love on the internet?”

    I said, “Yes, yes it is.”

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, don’t worry Gigi! We will definitely still have some long detailed posts, we just want to go back to more of a balance. Sometimes something short and sweet is like dessert. There’s no reason every post has to be a giant Thanksgiving dinner one (you know, the ones with 2,000+ words?) – haha.

      xo
      s

  43. Caitlin says

    I just have to chime in to say, I really loved your organizing week and would love if you made it a yearly feature. Or, hey, even more often!

    Reply

  44. Wendy says

    Sometimes when I find myself getting a bit wordy, I’ll ask myself, “if I had to say this in a text with normal spelling, what would I say and how would I say it?”

    Perhaps you could do a post that is text or twitter based (just for something fun and random). Budget blooms, simple projects (the soup cans), Clara’s monthly photo, etc. might work well with this. It might also be better on Young House Life.

    Who knows what is best for you. Just an idea. :-)

    (Thanks for all that you do!)

    Reply

  46. Wendy says

    PS To clarify (in case it wasn’t) it’s understood that multiple texts or tweets would needed for a post. 160 or 140 character post? Hmm… there’s a challenge :-)

    Reply

  47. Krista says

    Love this, and every post. Good to put things into perspective.

    Also — nice Calgary Flames jerseys in your last image…you’re representing my city (target demographic: hit!) ;-) Haha.

    Reply

  48. Hannah says

    Really hope y’all come to the South on your book tour! You know how fanboys (and girls!) dress up like Darth Vader for Star Wars premiers? I’m totally wracking my brain for who I can dress up like at your book signing. Burger? Clara? That’s all I’ve got.

    Reply

  49. Joanna Banana says

    I Really hope you come to Philly! I love your house crashing tours! I want you to have free time (and I’m not sure how you have sooooo much motivation and energy to basically work around the clOck) but your writing style is fun and easy to read so I enjoy the long windedness!

    Reply

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