It’s kind of unbelievable to us that it was four whole years ago that we started this little ol’ blog (just for friends and family members to drop in on our first home’s kitchen makeover).
In the words of Gwen Stefani, that shhhh is bananas. So much has happened since then. And since we’re nothing but creatures of habit, we’re psyched to celebrate a week of blogiversary madness and behind the scenes hullabaloo as usual. Starting right now. Well tomorrow (Monday) to be exact. So raise the roof, y’all. It’s about to get festive up in here. These are a few of the things that we have on the agenda for this week:
- a day in the life post from both of our perspectives (Burger & Clara will get in there too)
- a whopper of a giveaway: a $500 (holla!) shopping spree to one of our favorite places
- a giant post full of pie charts that detail exactly how we make money doing this
- a numbers post full of stats about traffic, comments, and John’s soda-themed wardrobe
- a big ol’ Q&A (we answered the personal q’s on video & added bonus business info)
- our annual “who-reads-this-blog-anyway?” survey (we love hearing about you guys)
- our yearly five blogiversary goals (and a recap on how we did with last year’s)
- the anatomy of a post, from start to finish (it can actually be quite the process)
- the post full of hosting/coding info than many of you have requested
- ten things we’ve learned about blogging over the past four years (holy cow, has it really been four years?!)
So that means we’ll be serving up two posts a day for the next five days in a row (oh yeah, we know how to cram stuff in there). We went into this week thinking about how we could share even more behind the scenes and real-life stuff with you and came up with the idea of just chatting about all the info we would talk about if we were ever to do one of those blogging seminars or web classes (you know, in our spare time). So we’re excited to put it all out there. I mean we’ve always loved over-sharing the goods with you guys. Is it Monday yet?
Pssst- The framed number four pictured above was a gift from sweet Katie B. She actually looped our names: “JohnSherryClaraBurger” to make up the number four (which represents our little family of four – and is perfect for our blogiversary too).
Emily J says
4 Years! Congratulations!
I’m hoping you’ll throw a little info about your photography into the posts. Who takes all the lovely pictures for your blog? How do you get the angles/composition all right? Do you have a recommendation of a camera that you love?
Ready to drink it up tomorrow!
YoungHouseLove says
We both take photos (although I think John’s better- he’s a faster learner than I am in general, haha). We just take a lot of angles and shots and see what we like best when we upload them. And as for our favorite camera, it’s a Nikon D3000. Here’s a post about buying that. And here’s another post in general about how we take our photos in general (from back before we got the DSLR). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
gayla says
bring it on!!!
Lauren says
Congratulations!
I’m actually in the process of trying to find the best vacuum cleaner for pet hair and hardwoods with the option of working on rugs or carpets. Can you recommend the best tool for the job? I’m a product designer, and definitely would love a Dyson just because it’s such a great product – but spending $450… I’m not sure it’s worth it. Can you suggest or help?
YoungHouseLove says
Hmm, anyone have any recommendations? We have this one from a while back and like it a lot: https://www.younghouselove.com/2010/02/this-vacuum-sucks-part-two/
xo,
s
Gwenalyn says
My husband and I were looking at a Dyson, too. They were on sale at Sears when we were looking, but I still didn’t want to spend over $400 on a vacuum! We ended up with a Shark, and I love it! http://www.target.com/p/Shark-Navigator-Lift-Away-Lavender/-/A-13398056#?ref=tgt_adv_XSG10001&AFID=Google_PLA_df&LNM=%7C13398056&CPNG=appliances&ci_sku=13398056&ci_gpa=pla&ci_kw=
It lifts up cat and dog hair like nobody’s business, and I didn’t go broke buying it. It works great on the bare floor (the brush doesn’t spin on that setting, so no dirt/debris goes flying everywhere), and it works really well on carpet and rugs. I hope that info helps, good luck with your search! :)
Nikki says
Love. My. Dyson. It was worth every penny and that’s me speaking after 5 years of owning it with no problems and lots of clean floors. We have hardwoods and rugs. My parents also have one and have carpet and love theirs too. My mom wasn’t exactly convinced at first but she eventually admitted that it’s better than any other vacuum she ever owned. Maybe you can save up some rewards points from a card or if you have gift certificates? I got mine at Sears and they had an amazing rep there that gave me a demonstration of all the features (some of which I would’ve never known about). Love love love my Dyson!
Elizabeth says
Congrats on the first four years and look forward to many more to come!!
Kudos to Katie B on the fun and thoughtful gift : )
Elizabeth says
Yay, these are some of my favourite posts from you guys!
Rachel says
Yay! Can’t wait to hear what ya’ll have to share, as always!
Jadie says
B-A-N-A-N-A-S! Can’t tell you how excited this makes me. Honestly a little embarrassed I am this giddy over your blogiversary! I also am parcial to the number four this year, as we are little family unit of 4 (two babes, no pups…yet) and just celebrated my 4th anniversary with the hubs. Just have to take an opportunity to say this is by far my favorite blog…such a sunny spot in my day. Thank you, John & Sherry (and Clara and Burger for sharing your rents with us)!
YoungHouseLove says
Jadie, you’re a sunny spot in our day. Thanks for the sweet words and for reading. You guys are all the best readers ever. We’re all warm and fuzzy over here.
xo,
s
Jadie says
oops totally meant partial… but sometimes typing a quick note with a baby on your lap = many spelling errors and type-os :)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, I can totally relate to that! No worries!
xo,
s
cristina s says
I couldn’t be happier for you two. You have not only inspired me & many others to take pride in our homes, but you have provided the confidence to tackle it ourselves!
I am so happy to be a longtime fan & continue to watch you become homeowners (again) & proud parents. To many many more years of blogging & a week long celebration :)
Congrats again John & Sherry!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Cristina! You guys are all so sweet. Big wet blogger kisses to you!
xo,
s
jenn says
YEA!!! I requested the hosting/coding info, so I am thrilled to see more about that.
Congrats! I love your blog and hope I can continue my own for that long.
Ronda says
I really love your blog; I feel we need a drinking game for the phrase “over-share” because I think you use it DAILY!
It is fun to see what’s going on at the Petersik house! Do you ever worry you share TOO much?
I have to admit I sometimes just speedread through some of the posts; I don’t ALWAYS have time to enjoy the hilarious play-by-play. Thank you so much for this blog, it’s good free entertainment! I am so jealous; it must be a dream come true to do this for a living, so much “family time.”
Keep up the good work!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, we do need to drink to that! Also, whenever we saw “woot” or “woo to the hoo” or “pinterest.” Haha. As for if we worry we share too much, not really actually. We just think of you guys as good friends, so if we’d talk about it with good friends (ex: my adventures in breastfeeding) it’s fair game. If it’s something we wouldn’t talk about with close friends or family, we usually know that’s a good sign that we shouldn’t talk to the whole internet about it. Haha. So that’s how we know when to zip the lips.
xo,
s
vfa says
Congratulations! Where is the pencil holder from? I’ve been looking for one just like that. Thanks!
YoungHouseLove says
Target a while back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
Congratulations! I’m excited about reading more about what goes on ‘behind the scenes’. I’ve been following your blog for a good year and a half now and I really like your design aesthetic. I actually found you from your wedding of all things.
As much as I love reading your blog it’s about to become 100% more relevant because my husband and I just bought a house: with inside brick, wood paneling, vinyl floors, wallpaper bathrooms, and mauve carpet in all their glory. If it wasn’t for your blog, I might’ve ran screaming from the place. But I know what it can look like and was able to see past the dated decor to it’s awesome potential.
I do have a quick question on paint. I’ve starting researching it (we have a lot of painting to do), and have run into big box store vs expensive paint debates online (with much gnashing of teeth). Is BM worth the hype? I love the colors, but not so much the price. How is the Olympic paint holding up?
YoungHouseLove says
We love Olympic no-VOC paint (it’s called Olympic Premium). It holds up well, has zero smell, etc. We just love it for walls. So if you’re just painting walls I would say that Olympic can do the trick if you’re too cheap for BM (like us, haha). I did love using Benjamin Moore’s Advance paint for my office cabinets (and will use it to paint the kitchen cabinets too), so maybe for furniture painting and cabinet painting the extra $25 is worth it since good paint can be a lot more durable on things you use all the time (cabs and tables, etc). Good luck!
xo,
s
Lindsey says
Thanks!
Blair says
Congratulations! I feel like this is the same amount of excitement as find out you are pregnant, instead you thrived in yet another year! Can’t wait to see all the blog posts, maybe it will inspire me more!
~Blair
Elizabeth says
so excited, thanks for the teaser! :)
Amy says
Really looking forward to the posts this week. I’ve just started my little blog and have wondered how you guys have found such success (aside from sheer awesomeness, durh.)
Hope you guys are celebrating appropriately (ie. not thinking about the blog tonight and just relishing your success!)
ashlee says
how fun! i can’t wait to read more.
Allison says
I can’t wait, I can’t wait! It’s kinda a crazy mystery why I’d have this much anticipation for each of your blog posts. I really don’t understand it, but I know I love it! And keep coming back for more and more and more. You guys are good! I’m excited for another blogiversary week! Congrats!
Marilyn says
Hurray! Can’t wait for the festivities to start!
Shunta says
super exciting!! Ever since I found this blog two years ago I have been hooked. My friends and family can tell you I talk about “John and Sherry” like you guys are old friends. I’ve even had someone ask, hold on, where’d you meet them? B/c I say things like “oh John and Sherry did a project like that!” or “Clara has that dress!” Love you guys and super excited to hear some details this week!!
Kath says
Congrats guys!!!
Natalie says
Happy blogiversary!
Question: where is the white pencil holder from?? I love it!
YoungHouseLove says
That’s from Target a while back. Hope it helps!
xo,
s
cali says
My excitment about this is only appropriate between a tween and a boy band!
Hillary says
Happy, happy anniversary to you both. What a great accomplishment—you’ve set the bar VERY high for all the other bloggers out there!
Karli says
Congrats on year 4! I just finished reading your blog from the beginning about 2 minutes ago! It took several weeks but it was so fun to see how much things have changed for you guys over the past 4 years. Best of luck in the years to come!
Lindsay says
I started reading your blog last year just after your blogiversary, so I cannot tell you how excited I am to (sorta) be apart of it real time this year! You guys helped me realize that my dream of going freelance for what I went to school for is actually possible (web design),and the type of information you share this time of year is a huge help! I’m working on my portfolio as we speak/type…well, ok, I took a break and saw an update in my Google Reader…shhhhh, don’t tell anyone.
mallory says
I actually used “ORB” as a real word, in real life today. Quite funny explaining to my friend what exactly I was talking about.
“This would look great after I orb it.”
HAHAHA!
YoungHouseLove says
Haha – love it. Spread the ORB word!
xo,
s
Heather says
Congratulations on your 4 year milestone! I have only been following for a couple of months, but I love the over sharing, please don’t stop :)
You’ve definitely inspired some DIY and reorganization projects at my place. I especially love all the house tours, who doesn’t love to see how people decorate their place!
Ami says
Congratulations!! And that 4 is completely adorable! What a thoughtful gift! *writes that down on my thoughtful gift list*
Lucy says
Ooooh, I can’t wait! :)
Ashley Bird says
Yay! I’m so excited for you guys! I’m in my first year of my blog and anxious to read all about your journey! Congrats!
Lisa G. says
Congrats on 4 years-so awesome! Excited about the great posts coming up this week.
seriouslysassymama says
I am excited!
Sara says
I just got pumped for the Sunday post and now I am even more pumped for Blogiversary week! Happy 4th Petersiks and can’t wait to read all the good stuff you have planned this week!
Jana Pfefferkorn says
I’m so excited about all of your upcomng posts. I would really love to hear all the details and behind the scenes stuff. I toss around the idea of starting a blog. I will read every word with pen an paper taking notes. hahaha
Thanks and I love the things ya’ll come up with. So encouraging.
– Jana Pfefferkorn
sarah (sarah learns) says
congrats on 4 years of blogging – that’s so great! :) i love every single post from you guys, so i’m excited for this week packed full of yhl goodness! :)
Gina @ Running to the Kitchen says
Ohhh, so many posts to look forward to this week. Can’t wait :) Happy 4 years!
Hanna says
Congrats on four years!!! And I just saw Clara’s 16 month pic. OMG! Sooooooo cute. Flash forward to her as a teenager. “Mom, are you taking ANOTHER picture?” *eye-roll*
Adorable!
Lan says
Wow! YHL is the first blog I check each morning and this week, I really can’t wait to read all about the behind-the-scenes stuff. Gotta love Blogiversary!!! Now to go back and reread the previous years’ Blogiversaries. Congratulations on reaching another milestone!
Emily @ Comfortable Home Life says
Pretty sure you guys are two of the only people who look forward to Monday! :) Seriously though, congratulations on four years! Y’all have definitely earned your “degree” in hilarious, helpful and fun blogging. Looking forward to this week (especially how y’all make money doing this!).
nerr says
you guys are the most generous bloggers i’ve ever… read. it’s so awesome. what you give(away) you’ll get twice back. bless your kind hearts.
Angela says
Happy blogiversary! I do so enjoy this blog. Thanks for sharing!
Theresa says
2 posts a day?!? woohoo!!!!!!! so excited for this week, congrats on 4 years! you guys are my favorite blog to read, i check in every day. :) ps love these surprise weekends posts too.
Beth says
I thought you were going to link to a how-to from Katie B on the #4!! Shoot! I have to get an anniversary gift for someone this week and was going to copy it… Any idea how she did it?!
YoungHouseLove says
No ideas- maybe she just used photoshop to make a big 4 and then just placed the names over and over again (cutting them off when they went over the lines of the 4?).
xo,
s
Beth says
Oh and P.S. Congrats! Can’t wait for all the great info!!
Lindsay says
so so so so so so so so so so so so so SO excited! Will I get anything done at work this week? I think, not much.
Jessie says
Many congratulations on 4 years!! I can’t wait to see what’s in store this week. I stumbled upon your blog about a year ago, and I’m so glad I did. You guys crack me up daily (seriously, I’d try to be your BFF if I lived near you), and you’ve inspired me in so many ways. You guys rock, for real. Oh, and total sidebar, but were you guys blown away by the True Blod finale?!? O.M.G.
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh- didn’t see it yet! We Netflix it after it comes out there. Can’t wait! No spoilers!
xo,
s
Crystal says
Can I just say, as a johnny-come-lately to this blog, I am MAJORLY excited to experience a YHL blogiversary live, rather than back tracking through old posts like the blawker (AKA – blog stalker) that I am.
Can’t wait! And congrats on 4 years, looking forward to many more
Becky says
wow. congrats on four amazing blogging years!!
http://www.preapringforpeanut.com
Jessica says
I can’t believe it’s been that long! I remember reading your blog when you first won that competition (I can’t remember what it was, it was like a $5000 prize and you guys photo-shopped yourselves hehe) I’ve enjoyed reading about your home improvements and general lifestyle for the past few years. Thank you for letting me and the rest of the audience into your lives. I feel like in-a-non-stalkerish-way that I know you both which makes reading your blog that much more enjoyable.
Can’t wait for tomorrow!
YoungHouseLove says
Oh my gosh that was so long ago! You were basically here from the very beginning! I think that was like four months into blogging- can’t believe it’s been four years! Thanks so much for the kind words! You guys are all so sweet. We love ya.
xo,
s
Amanda says
I was thinking that myself! I originally found you on google (I don’t remember what I googled) I believe I started reading prior, but I remember when you two announced that Home Depot patio competition, and I was so thrilled when you two won (after voting and voting every day! haha)
YoungHouseLove says
Aw that’s a sweet memory Amanda! We actually came in second behind Making It Lovely for the Home Depot porch challenge, but we couldn’t be more honored to be among such awesome fellow bloggers! She was nine months prego and painting her porch at the time – she totally deserved the win!
xo,
s
Amanda says
Oh darn! I was wondering if I actually remembered that correctly. Apparently not.
I believe that’s when I started reading Nicole’s blog and I was torn between you two (because as you said she did an amazing job! And that hand painted porch is gorgeous)
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, yeah she did amazing things! So inspiring. We’re such big fans of hers.
xo,
s
Trina says
WOW!!! I’m so excited to have found you guys just in time for your 4 year blogiversary!! Can’t wait to see all the weeks posts & enter in the giveaways. You guys are AMAZING & I’ve enjoyed catching up on the past 4 years of YHL!