Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

| By | | 561 Comments

Blogiversary 5: It’s On Like Donkey Kong

Holy cow, have we really been blogging for half a decade?! Crazytown.

Five Graphic

It feels like just yesterday that we were creating a basic page with a big blue-background so friends and family members could drop in on our first home’s kitchen makeover.

Really Old Wordpress Blog Y

For our fifth blogiversary we wanted to host a parade complete with homeowners marching by waving hammers and paint rollers, but since we couldn’t get that together – and it honestly sounded like someone could lose an eye that way – we decided to go for the next best thing: a week of blogiversary madness and behind the scenes hullabaloo (just like we’ve done for the past few years here, here, and here). And the festivities start right now. So feel free to toss out some chest bumps and fist pumps. It’s about to get blog-a-delic up in here (anybody have a black light?). Here are a few of the things that we have on the agenda for this week:

  • a timeline of how we met, fell in love, started blogging, and ended up here (which is actually right in this post – we didn’t waste any time, haha)
  • a pretty crazy giveaway with a ton of awesome $500 prizes in honor of The Big 5
  • a day in the life post with a bunch of pictures and details about an average day for us
  • a math-tastic rundown of our blog stats, growth, and other numerical goodness along with seven bloggy facts that might just blow your mind (no guarantees, but ours are officially blown)
  • a no-holds-barred Q&A video full of answers to personal questions that hundreds of you guys submitted via Facebook
  • all of our goals for the coming year (and a rundown of how we did on last year’s)
  • a big ol’ list of our favorite/least favorite/hardest/most memorable/weirdest/etc posts over the last five years (there have definitely been some doozies)
  • a warm and fuzzy getting-to-know-you post about you guys (who you are, where you live, what you love – we can’t wait to hear from you!)

Without further ado, here’s a big ol’ timeline that we made in photoshop that dates all the way back to 2004. Holy buckets, was that really almost ten years ago? A lot of the things on this timeline were defining moments for us, either in our personal lives or the life of YHL. And a bunch of them actually make us all misty eyed. Seriously, no one is more surprised than we are to be where we are today, and we couldn’t have done it without all of you amazing folks who take the time to drop in on us and see what we’re up to. You’ve made this entire blog-tastic journey possible for our family, and sometimes I get that embarrassing lower-lip-quiver when I think about it too long. You guys put the love in YHL.

Blogiversary Timeline3

Time flies when you’re having fun (and meeting, moving, marrying, starting a blog, having a baby, writing a book, and otherwise holding on the for ride). Are you guys somewhere you’d never imagine you’d end up five years ago? We’re so thankful that we started this random little blog, and so very humbled that you guys have become a part of our lives and created this completely unexpected way of life for our family. We love you. Truly. Now somebody get me a tissue.

Psst- Itching to learn more about blogging as a business? So are we. Just kidding. Well, I’m half serious since we’re definitely still learning as we go. But here’s a giant collection of posts about how our blog baby grew, how we make money, how we spend our time, how we get sponsors, and a lot of other behind the scenes blogging stuff (like paying quarterly taxes, becoming an LLC, getting our own health insurance, etc).

Comments

  1. Jennifer says

    Yeah! Can’t wait for this weeks blog updates! I love the numbers. One of my favorite pages in Real Simple is “By the numbers”…Geek, I know!
    Honestly, had no idea I would end up where I am, but I can’t complain!

    Reply

  2. Erin says

    Congrats on 5 years! I have loved being a reader and following you along on your journey; both with your houses and life. I’ve also been a reader for almost that long/long enough to know that “Young House Love” was not your original blog name and that the picture of your original blog site is doctored:)

    In the past 5 years I too have had 2 different homes and I have you to thank for all your DIY help and advice. I’ve painted kitchen cabinets, room and furniture, and even broken out a can of ORB. Thanks for doing what you do and helping to make my house better!

    Reply

  3. Renee says

    Congratulations! I tell people about your blog all the time and probably reference in everyday conversation :) You guys are the best – have fun celebrating!!

    Reply

  7. Corie says

    Happy 5 years!!

    Your blog is my favorite. I read a bunch through Google Reader but posts from you always get the first click. You’re… just so easy to read. I bet you’d be easy to talk to in real life. That’s the thing, you guys seem so “real life”. Except your house isn’t messy enough. ;)

    Keep going, can’t wait to “see” what’s next!

    Reply

  8. Brittany says

    Congratulations! I remember finding your blog while Googling how to paint a fireplace! I have been a loyal reader ever since, and actually moved from Charlottesville to Richmond and have started DIYing our own house (I literally reference you guys weekly to my hubby :)) Keep it up – love you guys!!

    Reply

  10. Holly Marie says

    WOW! So many congrats! You two (three… No all four- can’t leave the burgsmeister out) are amazing, inspiring and most of all- so down to earth you make everyone feel like your friend and invited in to your home every time you blog! Thank you for being so dedicated to your work, showing us how to do something we love, and for your FAAAABULOUS puns. I laugh every time (almost… jk jk!) Congrats guys!

    Reply

  12. Yolee says

    Congrats guys! I LOVE YOUR BLOG!!! You guys inspired my diy backyard wedding 3.5 years back and I’ve been hooked ever since! With my crazy work schedule, a new baby, an energetic boston terrier and hubby, you are my sweet escape at the end of the night! Keep up the good work!

    Reply

  13. Chance @ Designed by Chance says

    It was your blog that inspired me to start my own. This year will be two years. I’m so happy for you guys and all the good stuff that has happened. I have always loved your style and think you have a big influence on the recent changes in home decorating as of late.

    Reply

  14. Elizabeth Tavarez says

    Congrats guys!! So happy for you both! You two have inspired me to start my own blog…my husband and I are newlyweds and we just purchased our first home so its seems like the perfect thing to do since I love to DIY and decorate! and its very very basic right now..lol But CONGRATS!!!

    Reply

  15. Shellie says

    OMG, I totally squealed out loud when I saw 2 book deal!

    I have been reading you guys for so long that my husband, boss and friends all roll their eyes at me when I am contantly saying “Ohh, John and Sherry just did this or that” or to my poor husband “Well John didn’t do it that way, he did this….” LOL!

    Thank you guys for being such an amazing inspiration to so many!

    Reply

  16. Maria says

    Happy Blog Anniversary! It might be a good time for my to make a confession – I’ve read every single one of your posts. Yup, I went to the archives and started from day one. Either I don’t have a life or you guys are just that awesome. Pretty sure it’s the latter :)

    Reply

  17. Kristy Swain says

    Congrats! What an amazing story. Such huge accomplishments and exciting changes. Can’t wait for your book. We’re definitely not where we dreamed five years ago – started a design business around that time, a blog 1.5 years ago, moved to AZ and then to TX… crazy changes that you never expect. But, I guess that is what keeps life interesting.

    Reply

  19. Tara says

    This seriously brought tears to my eyes! It’s so amazing to see how little things can shape your life so much! I’ve been reading for around 2 years, completely addicted, and proud to be one of the 2.5 million readers in 2010! Happy Blogiversary! May there be many more!

    Reply

  20. Kyle says

    WOOOHOO Blogiversary week!

    Just an FYI (you don’t have to publish this comment, but I thought you might want to know) you have a couple typos–I know how picky you are about that! In the quiz you have the option for your place “BELOGNS” to my landlord and in the image in 2009 you have “MONHTLY” traffic. I don’t blame you though-it’s all so exciting! I have been around since last December -spent all spring going through archives from the beginning–and I’m so happy to be here for a blogiversary!

    Reply

  21. Cora says

    Congratulation on 5 years! I can’t tell you how you guys have become such a big part of my life (not in a stalker-y way). There have been way too many times when I said to my mom “Well, you know John and Sherry got this vacuum and they really did their research, so that’s why I bought it!” and she would go “Oh the people who’s blog you read?” or I would say “Clara did the cutest thing today, it made my day!” and have random people as why I was talking to them…I kid! Thank you for bringing me ideas (mostly to steal, I have a gray ikea couch, the same sewing machine, and the same vacuum thanks to you guys), your sweet stories, your dorkiness and for sharing so much of yourselves that I really want to be your friend and write run on sentences!!!! Here’s to 5 more years!

    Reply

  22. Lacey says

    Congratulations! I am always so inspired by your blog, and as we are building a new house and I’m starting to decorate it in my mind, I constantly am thinking about your house. I either am totally unoriginal, or absolutely love what you guys do. I think it’s a little of both! :)

    Reply

  23. Ashley W says

    Congratulations on 5 years! I can’t believe I’ve been reading over two years already!

    I’m definitely somewhere where I’d thought I’d never be… Five years ago I was in college, not thinking about marriage or living anywhere else but Tucson. Now I’m graduated and living in Virginia with my husband who’s in the Navy and getting ready to move to Seattle! It’s crazy the path life takes us sometimes and I’m glad you’ve invited all of us into yours.

    Also… I’m looking more forward to your book than J.K. Rowling’s new book… which is saying something because I’m a huge Potter-nerd. I’ve got that baby on pre-order!

    Reply

  24. Suzanne @The Wine{a}be says

    Congrats!! You have accomplished so much in your 5 years! So many amazing things with your blog. I can honestly say you give new bloggers {like me} so much to aspire to! Thanks for setting the bar high and helping to give bloggers a good name. ;) Cheers!

    Reply

  25. Suni says

    You have accomplished so much in these past 5 years, and all of it amazing. From house #1, to house #2, Burger, Clara… everything. I swear, nothing you two put your mind to you can’t do, and do it honestly better than I think most people do! Congrats! Can’t wait for another 5 years. :)

    Reply

  26. tara says

    Ahhhh!!! Happy Blogiversary! I feel like we were just celebrating the 4th one yesterday – can’t believe it’s already been a year! You deserve all the awards and love you get because you really work so hard for it! I love all the posts, whether it be about new flooring in the kitchen and how you dyed/painted fabric for chairs (eek!)…to how you nursed Clara for a year (I’ll be re-reading that post very soon bc I’m due with baby #1 in 4.5 months!) and how you shop for her. Always entertaining and always full of real ideas/thoughts/how-to’s. Love you guys!!
    Cheers to 5 awesome years and so many more!

    Reply

  31. Melissa Mitchell says

    Egads! October will be here SOON!

    Are you two anxiously checking the mailbox for your book to arrive? I’d hope they’d let you have one first… if you haven’t seen it already!
    I bet it is (will be) amazing to see the finished product in your hands!! :)

    Reply

  32. Sarah in Indiana says

    I started reading YHL sometime before I bought my house in August 2008, so I was around for the very first blogiversary. Not sure how early on I stumbled onto your blog, but more than four years later this is still my favorite blog to read.

    Reply

  34. Anne says

    Yeah! What a great timeline, Sherry and John! So cool how this blog has morphed into something full-time and great for your family. I feel like a little part of it. I’ve been reading since somewhere back in 2008, I think? Since I had my son 1-1-08….that’s when I discovered blogging. You were still called This Young House. Now, look at you! 5 million readers, a book (can’t wait for it to arrive), a baby!!, conferences, magazines, a Nate show appearance, and the blog continues to be fresh and inspiring. Congratulations on your anniversary!! :) P.S. 5 years is wood!! Ha. (or silverware or a cruise, you pick!) ;-)

    Reply

  36. Krista @ mk inspired says

    Woo hoo! Congrats and best wishes! It’s funny…I was in Target the other day and saw the Warhol Soup – only I didn’t think of Warhol (or soup)…I thought “hey, look! …it’s the YHL pencil holders!” Cheers to many inspiring blogiversaries ahead!
    Krista @ mk inspired

    Reply

  37. Stephanie says

    Yayyy! Happy 5th Blogiversary. :) This is my first time as a reader seeing your Blogiversary in real-time. I started reading you guys maybe 6 months ago and read the entire blog in about 2 months while nervously awaiting my closing. (Which took FOREVER but that is like an entire blog in and of itself. Seriously.) Now I’m a daily reader AND a homeowner.

    And totally taking as many DIY cues as I can from you two.

    Also… TWO book deal? YAY!

    Reply

  38. Stephanie says

    CONGRATS! I’m so glad I stumbled across your blog when I entered first-time-home-ownership. It was honestly a HUGE help in me figuring out how to do things myself, how to save money, and how not to be afraid of everything in my house (seriously). Can’t wait for you book, I already pre-ordered! :)

    Reply

  39. Sangeetha says

    Hello John and Sherry,

    I am Sangeetha from India.I stumbled upon your blog 2 years ago and have been hooked since. Your blog is the first thing I read as soon as I log in everyday at work :)

    You both are totally adorable and I love your family !

    It’s great you have been blogging for 5 yrs now and I can’t wait to lay my hands on your book !!! :)

    Happy blogiversary !! Rock On !

    Thanks, Sangeetha

    Reply

  41. Ann L. says

    Congrats guys! I love your timeline, there are definitely some “awwww sweet” and some “awwww, sweet!!” moments in there. Can’t wait to see what else you have in store for your blogiversary week!

    PS: I know you are pretty OCD when it comes to typos and so am I, so I feel like it’s my duty to tell you that “monthly” is spelled wrong next to the 1 million hits mark.

    Reply

  42. Allyn says

    I can’t believe I’ve been reading this blog for almost 5 years! SO crazy. I’m just a year or two younger than you guys, and I’m pretty sure that the twenties are the decade for huge changes. These last 5 years have certainly included a ton for me! So excited for all that you’ve done, and can’t wait to see what’s ahead!

    Reply

  43. Alison says

    Yay, big congratulations from London, UK! You guys write your blog so well and keep it real and interesting every day – no mean feat I’m sure. I look forward to my daily read and have been checking in for about 4 of those 5 bloggy years. We Londoners might have had the Olympics this summer but you guys just keep on going!! Thank you.

    Reply

  44. Melanie says

    Yay, Congrats on Five Years! That’s so exciting! That’s like a lifetime in blog land. 5 Million hits a month! That’s crazy awesome! I’ve been reading since 2010. :) First thing I came across was your video on trying to break a glass bottle in half, I’ve been hooked ever since.

    Reply

  46. Jennifer says

    I love that you were both “Mad Men” when you met, and now you’re like Martha/Ty Pennington/my cool “friends” who know how to do and fix all kinds of stuff and look good and have fun while doing it! [I mean all the good things about Martha–not the “perfection-is-attainable” parts ;)]

    Reply

  47. paintergal says

    You two (three? four?) are so friendly and open with us readers that we feel we know you. This is one of the reasons your blog is so successful. You bring us into your home and make us feel welcome. That is a rare gift.

    Reply

  48. Monica Crowder says

    Yay! Blogiversary week!!! I was a new reader last summer and have loved watching you guys totally redo your house to this point. Can’t wait to see more. I just started DIY on our new house. One room at a time. Thanks for the inspiration.

    Monica

    Reply

  49. Lindsay says

    Happy blogiversary!! I started following you guys about 2 years ago (right after I bought my first condo & desperately needed decorating help) and it’s still one of the things I look forward to everyday. You guys rock! Keep up the good work! :)

    Reply

  50. Roger B says

    Congrats!

    Not sure how I found you. I have been reading for about 3-4 years. Not sure how I found your site. Did you post pics of Alaska? We went there and I was web searching for other peoples trips.

    Anyways, love home improvement, can’t do it as aggressively as you guys, but currently planning a basement finishing, a bedroom remodel, and a kitchen update. Just waiting on cash! :)

    Reply

Stuff We Love

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *