Ain’t free stuff awesome? If it weren’t, why would Oprah’s audiences blow a gasket on national TV every year when she says “Faaaay-vo-rit thiiiiiings!”
But enough about Ms. Winfrey (Sherry’s perma-smiling over here, because Oprah’s her jam). We’re bringing up freebies because we’re making a swag related declaration. Moving forward, we’re just saying no. We’ll still offer up free house stuff to you guys in the form of our weekly giveaways, but we’re not going to accept products or services for our casa at any special “blogger discount” or for free – even if we genuinely love them.
We have absolutely nothing against other bloggers who do (it’s definitely an obvious perk of the job) but especially since we’re both able to do this full time, we’re appreciative of a few other perks (like working from home with our pooch & our girl by our side). This way it makes it easy to recommend an amazing piece of furniture or a great floor refinisher based on the job that person has done or the item they’ve sold – not based on any special arrangement behind the scenes. We don’t want you guys to ever question our motives for blogging about something. And although we’ve always tried to be totally transparent when we’re writing about an item that was gifted (like this faucet & this lawnmower) and only agreed if it was something we really liked (and always tried to snag a second freebie for a reader, like we did with the faucet & the lawnmower), now no one even has to wonder if we’re endorsing something because we truly love it or because it was free.
Why now? Well, over the next few years, our new house will need lots of stuff. But we want to stalk every single thing down ourselves and buy it (or make it) without any other reason than it’s what we love and it’s actually within our price range. And we don’t want a post about how we need a new dining table to be misconstrued by you guys as “fishing for a freebie” (and we don’t want companies to consider it to be an invitation for them to offer something up in exchange for a post about it). Besides, being constrained by a real budget is when we come up with our most creative ideas.
And although we’re happy to pass on the free stuff from now on, we’ll do our best to pass it onto you guys whenever we can. A lot of our weekly giveaways already come from that technique, so we’ll continue to give away stuff that we think you’ll love. Our little declaration definitely means we’ll be hunting down discounts, sales, and even free stuff on craigslist like it’s our job (oddly enough, it kind of is). As long as it’s a deal that each of you could score too, we’re game (special blogger discounts & freebies are out, but deal hunting in the clearance section & haggling at garage sales are definitely still in).
Oh and this is probably a good time to remind you guys that things in the new home will be happening on a real timeline. No same day 10K makeovers a la HGTV. So we hope you’ll bear with us as we save our pennies and take on Operation New House one project at a time (remember our current house took 4.5 years to get to where it is today!).
Update – Some of the most frequent requests that we get are for info about professionally blogging (how we made our site, how we grew our following, how we make money, etc) so we shared all of the details about how we started a blog, grew our traffic, and turned it into a full time job.
Molly says
You guys are just great. Freebies are great, but as a reader I do appreciate that we’ll get to see how you find great stuff! Also, yeah to taking projects on step by step. 1. can’t wait to see the evolution of your new home and 2. like others have said, it makes me feel better that my house is a work in progress!
April L. says
Breath of fresh air. I have a friend IRL who has taken to posting about things on her blog that she would never spend her own money on (for health reasons). But they pay her to post about it. I still love my friend, but I hate that it has caused me to question her integrity and lose some respect for her. Kudos to you guys for taking the high road!
Oh, and if you didn’t save up and take your time on this new renovation, what would you have to blog about? I think we all love the “in-progress” posts!
Robyn says
I really appreciate the non-tv, non-superfast 10K makeovers. I bought my house 3 years ago, and I personally never had the delusion that I could make it over in a weekend or two. But sometimes HDTV (and the like) can brainwash you into thinking, “Oh, it’s just that simple!” and “Oh, it’s only $1,000. That’s cheap!”, when in reality it’s not that simple and $1,000 is a lot of money when you are having to save it up little by little. Being able to peek in on someone else’s real DIYs is so unbelievably helpful in snapping a single, but handy, girl back to reality.
My Christmas wish list this year consist of home improvement store gift cards, supplies, or labor to fill in part of my garage for a real laundry room. I am so tired of washing my clothes next to the lawnmower! If I don’t raise enough money this Christmas, I will be asking for the same gift in February for my birthday. Some people in my family don’t feel like this is something I should ask for for Christmas. “But I have to get you a real gift! Dry wall is not a Christmas gift” OH YES IT IS!!!!
D says
You’re good people…good people, I tell ya!
I will be in it for the long haul, no worries about that :)
TG says
I always thought this blog and both of you as truly genuine. I appreciate this post and it has been confirmed my thoughts were correct. I look forward to the deals you’ll be looking for on your treasure hunts. With Clara in tow, she’ll be professional at this by age ten. I am excited about the new challenge and your answers to the dilemmas. Thanks for all you do, it is an inspiration.
Ericka says
I just had to echo everyone else’s sentiments and say how impressed I am with your honesty and integrity – it’s a rare thing these days. That’s one of the reasons I keep coming back to this blog.
Kana says
I definitely read your blog for the journey! Seeing you guys tackle a project like your full bathroom reno, and showing us every step of the way (even the failures sometimes!) definitely makes me feel like I could tackle something like that myself (with the help of my husband and dads of course!). In fact, we’re thinking of taking on some large projects in our house next summer and where will I start for ideas and help?? Your site of course! Every time you post a blog during a big project, the suspense builds and I get excited and even giddy when my google reader tells me there’s a new post by YHL! I love you guys for all your hard work and amazing blog posts. Good luck on your move!
If I had a thank you jar, my card would say, “I’m thankful for the Petersiks & YHL!”
Kay says
It’s all been said but I too commend you guys on your integrity-and am sooo looking forward to the move & new renos to come. Be blessed guys!
Jules says
Bravo. :)
hanna says
I literally am so excited for you. No, like literally. Like I can’t contain myself. AHHHH!!! So. excited.
Sheela says
You guys are fantastic, and you have inspired so many of us to make our homes better places. Thanks for all that you do, and I look forward to following your journey at the new casa. Good luck with the closing/moving!
Irina@CanDoGal says
It must be hard to say no to free stuff, but I can totally understand. No reason to jeopardize your relationship with your readers and the integrity of this blog over a free bucket of paint.
And I’m all over the “journey”. Every tiny detail you guys post about is a pleasure to read, especially because of the way you write about it. Your blog has become a daily morning habit for me and I’m glad to see whatever you post :)
Melissa @ PomelyGrove says
Kudos! Not only does this decision show integrity on your part, but it keeps the blog focused on what it’s really about: Tweaking your home on a budget and creative problem solving. That’s what makes your blog so charming and relatable!
Nicole says
I commend you guys for staying on the right track… your track! Will you guys still keep pics of your first house in the archives for referencing? Good Luck on the new House!
YoungHouseLove says
Yup, we’re keeping all the archived posts as well as the tab with this house’s before and afters (which will probably get labeled “first house” and we’ll add another one that says “current house”).
xo,
s
Brittany says
I appreciate that you two are doing this and sticking to a real budget. It will really inspire those of us who are also on a budget to really get creative.
I’m so excited to see the new house! By the way, have you posted about how your improvement costs did on resale or are you waiting until the sale is finalized? I’d definitely understand waiting and not jinxing anything.
YoungHouseLove says
Exaaaactly! We don’t want to jinx anything until closing comes and goes and we have the keys to our new house in our hot little hands. Stay tuned for those details in a week or two!
xo,
s
Jenny says
I love you guys. Your integrity and honesty is a daily inspiration. So excited for you and your new adventure!
carolinahearstrings says
Good job. Stay true to you!
Cristina says
Just to echo all the positive feedback from this post … I really appreciate your hard work and honesty, and it does positively affect the way I view your site and the recommendations that you offer.
I’m so excited for you and can’t wait to see what you do (and what I can do as a result)! Thank you for the continued inspiration.
Alicia says
I’m totally looking forward to the real time makeover, I think that makes it more interesting. And I love reading about how you scored a deal instead of being given a freebie so that’s a good decision on y’all’s part. Thanks!
Kayakgirl73 says
I like this policy. It means we know that you truely either liked or didn’t like something. How do you source items for your giveaways?
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Kayakgirl73,
We’ve spend pretty much all of our time taking on projects, blogging about them, and answering comments- so we don’t really have spare minutes to solicit giveaways. Thankfully there are companies who reach out to us in some capacity (whether they want a product review or to send something our way) and we say “hey- we should team up for a giveaway!” and try to get them on board with that approach. Thankfully a lot of them are game!
xo,
s
Jen @ The Decor Scene says
“Maybe check out spearmintbaby.com and ohdeedoh.com? They’re two of my favorite kids blogs and they both have decals pop up every now and then! Good luck!”
Thanks Sherry!!! I’m going to check these sites out.
Chelsea says
I just discovered your blog on Monday and I am completely obsessed! We live in Richmond as well and just bought an old, old home back in May. It was move in ready but it needs some updating. You’ve already inspired me to make a game plan and I look forward to reading your blog for more inspiration. I love that you are local too!
Oh and to make this related to the topic at hand ;-) I think it’s pretty cool that you are not going to accept gifts and freebies that your readers wouldn’t be able to take advantage of as well. Thanks for keepin’ it real!
Christi says
I love your blog and how you both are down to earth! Your wedding sold me – as a former wedding planner I loved your attitude and creavity on your wedding planning – Sherry’s dress is one of my favorites!
I am so excited for your new house – Oprah excited! :)
Erica says
are you guys going to post pictures of the empty casa during/after the move? that would be so great if you did! i know it won’t be totally empty, but we need some closure over here!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Erica,
Of course! You know we love a good transformation (even if it’s a downgrade). We’re planning to share the chaotic room-full-o-boxes pics soon!
xo,
s
Micha says
I’m prett sure your readership is in for the long haul with you ;o) I certainly am!
Kudos to you for your personal integrity – a rare find in this world!
Witty Wife says
The more I read, the more impressed with you I am.
I love this blog. I am dying to buy a house so I can make some use of it!
You guys are warm, fun, entertaining, and honest. I feel like we’re practically friends. Thanks for keeping up the good work.
Anna says
As a previous poster stated, I never questioned your integrity- I just assumed getting swag was a perk of your job. But good for you!
I love the instant makeover shows but then get frustrated because that is so not my life. I painted the master bedroom over Thanksgiving and my bed is STILL in the middle of the room and none of the furniture has been put back. Or accessories purchased for that matter. But life with 2 kids, a dog, and a traveling hubby gets in the way… (and I wouldn’t trade it for the world :) )
Tamara says
I am so happy to hear this!! I love your blog because it proves that you can make a house look amazing without spending tons of $’s. My husband and I have just bought a house and we are so inspired by all of your projects!
Thanks for keeping it real! :)
Wendy says
This is what I love about ya’ll. You keep it real and I can relate.
You previously mentioned painting paneling….we did that in our current house (built in ’58). We could not afford to replace with sheetrock, plus we didn’t want to destroy the original crown moulding….and it looks fabulous! The only troubles we have found is hanging pictures on the walls.
YoungHouseLove says
Hey Wendy,
We have painted paneling in our current den and we hang pics by just hammering right into the paneling (even using an anchor if we need to). It can easily be spackled and painted when you remove the nail, so have no fear (we just did all the patching and painting around here and the paneling looks seamless- can’t even tell where the nails once were). Hope it helps!
xo,
s
Janel says
I love that you guys are such genuine bloggers. Good luck with the last of packing!
beabee says
I love you guys. We would be friends in real life. Except I would keep trying to kidnap Clara to bring her to live with me, so there is that.
I got my issue of Do It Yourself magazine and saw your “he said, she said” column on page 37 with a picture of your office with a couple of the postcards I sent you! I’m in a magazine! :D
Lauren says
As a person who started reading your blog after most of the renovations were complete, I am excited to follow you guys in real time as you make your new house a home! I can’t believe you are closing in 5 days….looking forward to pics/video of the new place!
Stacy W says
read often but rarely post. just wanted to say ‘thanks!’ for the swag free atmosphere. you have def moved to the top of my daily check in list. i have noticed a huge increase in glowing write-ups by bloggers who are receiving said products for free. while i get the business side of things it’s become a real turn-off to me. i can’t afford stock my closets full of mrs. meyers cleaning products no matter how great the product is! :) and it means little to me when i know those products were recieved in exchange for the glowing review.
thanks for your integrity. i look forward to all the step-by-step reno, creativity and great finds! happy moving!
Catlin Humes says
Keep doin’ what you do. You guys are great! I’ll be buying my first place soon and I cannot wait to see what you guys do with your new place!
Erica says
I know you and your family must be very excited! Good luck with your move!
Bridgit says
Good for you guys for keepin’ it real!
Lesley says
Wow guys- this is great news. Bravo for making a decision to turn away free goodies. I think you already know this, but it will serve you well. I have been turned off my bloggers who only write about the free stuff they get (not that you were doing that before!). This decision will certainly earn you admiration and respect from your readers like me. :)
We close on our house in six days! Don’t tell but I’m taking a “sick” day today so I can pack, pack, pack and bake Christmas cookies. Unlike you two, we didn’t get a tree up this year and our house is feeling a little sad at the moment. Perhaps a few good smells from the kitchen will cheer me up!
Jenny says
Wow. That is awesome. I’m sure it was just a little tough to come to that decision, but I respect you both so much for being real.
I love your blog…and really like the two of you too!
Katy says
I have been groovin’ on your blog for the past 2 years or so. I have always loved you guys, but I love you even more after reading this post! I think it takes a ton of integrity (and self-discipline!) to say no to fabulous freebies. Thanks for keeping it real, YHL!
Brigid says
I, too, stumbled on your blog after a good amount of your renovations were completed so I’m excitied to follow you with your next house from the beginning. Can’t wait to see what cool ideas you cook up. Bower Power just posted their exciting news too – can’t wait for their new journey either!
alissa dixon says
Your self control and real life approach to decorating is so inspiring. Thanks for helping the rest of us to remember that hard work, disciplined saving, and patience are the way to go, even in today’s “get it now” mentality. Love your site!!00000
Claudia says
Good for you. I read that thread on the knot, or the nest, or one of those, and I am glad you guys are going this route now.
Nita says
all i want to say to you John and Sherry is BRAVO!!!!
Kayla says
Where are the photos of your packing progress and the chaos of your current house? =) We all love you guys for all the ways you are just like us. =)
YoungHouseLove says
They’re on the way!
xo,
s
Shannon says
How refreshing! I was enjoying one of the other blogs I read until she started a glowing post about Hunts Tomatos, along with links etc. It just made me not really want to read her anymore. I understand that product blogging is important advertising for companies, but it’s just not why I read blogs. Thanks for your decision to let us know what you really like, regardless of the swag!
KCatGU says
Doing what you feel the is the right thing is always reward in an of itself! So although the freebie’s may land in someone else hands, something even better may be out their for you two. Happy Moving, Kerrie
D Young says
I think your decisions will keep your blog a standout among blogs.
tammylee says
Yes, thanks for keeping it real, and honest! Love your work and your posts. Keep on keeping us motivated!
Kelley says
Bravo, y’all. That’s great. Also, I’m super-excited to start seeing pics of the interior of the new place! Have a blast moving!
Elizabeth says
Good for you! I think this is a smart move for you as bloggers (adds to your credibility, shows your integrity) and good for your readers too, obviously! I live in a house that is a 1970s house and I’m trying to figure out about cabinets and bathroom make-overs on the cheap, until such time as we can afford more substantial changes, so I’m eager to see what ideas you have, what products work.
Congrats on your new move!