Update: We hoped to have a Thursday post for you guys but this week didn’t go as planned. So sorry!
Update #2: We’d love your thoughts on this thread that popped up on this post. What are your opinions about smaller posts when we can’t write something juicy? Skip them and just own that we can’t post that day with a little update like this one, or would you rather see something small instead of nothing (like a quick organizing update, a Reader Redesign, a dilemma we’re debating, etc)? Thanks for the feedback!
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Allyson says
I’d love to chime in on the thread here! I check the blog daily and it’s still one of my absolute favorites although I have felt the shift in content. I was 100% on board when you decided to scale back for Teddy and Clara, but posting a giveaway every week seems disproportionate to the posts about the good stuff that we all love. I don’t mind the technical projects – I understand that when you’re updating a home, there will be weeks and months that are more technical and there will be ones that are more “fun” so I’ll bear with that as I’m sure it’s really helpful for some! Thanks for what you do :)
Jill says
In terms of content suggestions, I would like to see more pictures of Teddy’s wrists. thankyouverymuch.
Jill
Melissa F. says
If you really want to gauge what everyone’s favorites are, why not have John do a quick survey and post a pie chart?
Lindsey says
I’ve been reading through these and I don’t know how you both stay sane. The comments are all slightly different, aren’t they? Some want more, some less, some say “do what you love, when you want.”
You might be best off doing a survey, then deciding as a couple what you want to do. I was pretty sure you had already done that, though, with your ‘let’s scale down’ post, and even now I am totally prepared to live with your decision, because I like to read what you write, big, small, give-a-way, etc. It’s really sweet that you want to people-please, but we’re all over the place in these comments, and I’m not sure how that will help you. Just know I will always be reading, no matter what. :)
Nora says
Phew. Reading all these comments I see that everyone has such different ideas. I feel a reader poll coming on to sort this all out.
First – I love everything you do! I check in everyday. I love the technical stuff, the rapper references, the crafty projects, the kid updates…and on.
Second – I understand the shorter posting week (although I miss you on Friday).
Third – My feeling is this is your blog and you can express yourself anyway you want to. We can tune in and enjoy your thoughts and ideas or not. That is the reality of the blogger universe (or any endeavor). So, do I like all your posts? Sadly somedays (rarely) I do not. But I don’t expect to. That’s impossible. But I still come back because most of the time I leave your site laughing and inspired.
Oh yeah. And since you asked. Smaller posts are great.
Diana says
I think it’s great that you guys are honest and realistic about what you have time to post, taking into consideration how many other things you have on your plates. If you kept going at the rate you were at before you would: A) be looking for a new house again in a year or so because you would have finished renovating it, and B) not be spending a wink of time with your kids. Do what works best for you. I’ll keep checking in regardless!
Crystal says
I am totally happy that you guys are doing whats best for your family in regards to number of posts a week. I have been reading you since my first pregnancy in 2009. I back read every single post and I am pretty sure I have read everything you wrote since then. So selfishly I am sad for a week with so little posts and would love any little post instead of a red update saying you couldn’t get to it. Just a picture, even an instagram one of the kids or you two.. or even “this old post from back when is a fav” or just this is something I have been reading or thinking about lately. ANYTHING over red update. The red update I am beginning to hate. I personally don’t usually enter the giveaway posts or read them very often.
I love you guys and I love your book and can’t wait for the next book. I love all the DIY you do and how much you two have grown. Makes me feel like I can do all you guys do if I tried!
Best of luck on deciding how to solve this little dilemma! I vote for anything over nothing for sure. For those who would rather not have that, they just don’t have to read that day! The rest of us would love any little update you guys have to share! Maybe even silly things from Clara as a little post?!
Erin Stewart says
I would love to see smaller posts return! I used to love your family budgeting and green living tips and what you like for groceries, toiletries, cleaning products, baby products, etc. I used to think of this as much as a lifestyle blog as a home improvement blog and would love to see small tips like that return. Also LOVE reader redesigns and virtual house crashing.
Melanie says
completely agree — a LIFESTYLE blog.
Karen says
Yeah, I think if they rebranded as a lifestyle blog, it would solve a lot of their problems. Their hearts don’t seem to be in the DIY so much anymore.
Joanna says
I love decorating and projects, so thats why I read your blog, but most of all I understand what it is like to run a business and take care of a family. One thing I have learned in my life is that “There is a time and season for all things”. You have to be willing to adjust plans as life changes.
Is readership and pleasing readers very important to you right now? Or is what you are doing with your family and work enough? When your business and your family are totally intertwined life can get confusing. I wish you luck in your endeavors.
Amanda says
I agree with the previous commenters who have been a bit disappointed with content lately. I think there have been way too many giveaways lately… and I know they’re time-consuming for you guys to arrange, so maybe cut back a bit? I’d much, much rather see a shorter post about a quick and easy project, or even a little “day-in-the-life” update about Teddy and Clara, than another giveaway.
Sarah Lithgow says
Long time reader here as well (rare commenter). I’d say the overly technical posts aren’t as exciting to me as well, but that’s only because I’m not doing a project like that right now. If/when I do, I’d definitely come back for it, so I think it’s important to share these projects that you’re actually doing. I know plenty of people will benefit! I would like a littler post though than nothing. I check every day (even on Fridays lol…I’m getting used to the new schedule!). Much love to all you Petersiks. Keep on keepin on!
Erin says
Since you asked… First ditto to all the posts that say what a great job you guys do and congrats on taking the time to focus on your own priorities. Personally, I love the technical posts (home ownership is near on the horizon, so the tutorials will be very handy). But also ditto to adding in short, “unfinished” or lightly worded posts. I’d love to see what you guys are noticing as trends generally (not just what you’d pick for your own home), as well as links to other blogs you follow. Keep up all the good work – you have a huge fan club cheering you on!
Mary says
I wanted to let you know that I prefer a small filler post to nothing at all. Apparently I’m a rare person who enjoys both the decorating (because I have zero skill) and the home repair posts (since I’ve done very extensive renovations myself and it’s interesting to see what and how you do).
It’s not an easy balance since there are obviously so many opinions, so Good Luck!
Ann Firth says
Every post requires your time, even a Reader Redesign. If you feel you have the time create one that is up to your standards, then go for it. This is your life, your business. You have to do what works for you. I’ll always have your site bookmarked, and check it whenever I can (just like you can’t post every day, I can’t check my favourite sites every day :). Thanks for your site!
Martha says
J&S-
Thank you for asking! I love tuning in and appreciate any type or post…big or small! I think very “simple” posts are sometimes the most informative and helpful for readers in everyday life. The biggest takeaway I get from reading home/DIY blogs is seeing how something (product, furniture, item, household goods, etc) actually is used/works/looks with a source of where it came from. These posts can be inspiring and make me take the plunge to purchase them! Sometimes post after post of every single step of an update/makeover is not as interesting vs mixing topics up. That’s what keeps me coming back for more! <3
Side note: Really hope a 2nd book tour is in the works!
Alice says
I know you guys are super busy, but I visit your blog daily and not seeing a new post makes me so so sad. So selfishly, I would love to see a Reader Redesign instead of nothing! And I especially love the Reader Redesigns. Thanks!
Nancie says
I would like more posts of any kind. This is my favorite blog and it is sometimes the highlight of my morning to see what’s new from you guys. The scaled back posting has been a bummer to me. All that being said, you won’t lose my readership over it….
Courtney L says
I also have been skimming more than I used to, but I also applaud your desire to scale back and devote more time to the family. My two cents, since you asked, would be for a few smaller posts in between the big ones. I don’t normally read the comments on posts, I’d love a Q & A post of things that people have been asking in the comments. They could be arranged by project, personal/family, book, etc… I also loved the posts you used to do about saving money, I found them really motivating. I love your site and wish you nothing but the best with whatever you do!
Sarah says
J&S,
1. I’d love a short post, a la Iheartorganizing.com or emilyaclark.com.
2. I love the big DIY and the small projects – During Teddy’s nursery I thought you could have pulled some more content out of the smaller things – like favorite Etsy shops for things like the changing table cover. I work full time (formerly 12-hour rotating shifts) and have a 2-yr old and a 5-yr old – I love posts that give me realistic ideas for organizing/decorating without that “I’ve furnished my house in IKEA/Target” vibe.
3. I love the family posts – but I agree with some that maybe they could be more general – ideas for kids and how you do things like handle dinner, homework, etc vs. details of Teddy and Clara’s lives, they’re entitled to some privacy, too.
4. I love the posts on ideas you’re thinking of and rejected (keep me from making a mistake) or directions you like to go, as well as posts on how things are holding up, what worked/what didn’t, product reviews, processes, etc.
5. I completely understand needing family and balance, but we need to hear your voice, trust your style, and continue to feel you guys in order to want to buy into your brand, books, support your other enterprises…
Ashlie E says
One thing that the commenter above don’t understand is when you move into a new house, you (and i) start all over. Which require re-doing ‘big projects.’ Making lists, discovering, trying, and diving it. But what i love is how much you’ve learned, and applied those learned tools, techniques, and skills to the next project, which I learn too. I love when you walk into Home Depot and talk about the tools, and steps taken. There are thousands of blogs out there that focus on ‘the little things.’ Your not on the ‘little stuff’ right now cause the bigger stuff that overpowers everything. Ironically, i moved into a new house about the same time you moved into your now house. I only wish that i could keep up a schedule like yours. Plus, add a Baby, products, and books, etc … fewww … i enjoy a little update saying … working on this or working on that. I enjoy the contests. I enjoy the big projects. I enjoy the ‘visiting other peoples houses.’ And sometime i skim the ‘little projects.’ Your blog is one of the first that i click on daily!! Keep up the great work! I appreciate and love the time spent on teaching and allowing us to grow with you.
Kate M says
Hey guys! I’ve been a reader of yours for years now—I can’t remember when exactly I started, but it was definitely some time in the first house, before Clara was born. I don’t comment much, but I read every post.
Back when you guys posted twice a day, I checked the blog twice a day, almost religiously—it was my little morning and afternoon break. I enjoyed it, but I honestly worried about you guys. When you posted your “day in the life” things, and showed your schedule, I could not believe how you kept up with it. I was sort of relieved on your behalf when you cut it down to one a day, even though it meant less posts for me!
Someone above said you’re never going to please everyone, and they’re probably right—because, for example, someone suggested filling time with posts about kids’ clothes, toys, etc. As someone who LOVES working on the house, but doesn’t plan on having children ever (though yours are adorable! I love seeing the two of them, don’t get me wrong!) I would rather see a really detailed post a couple times a week about DIY than a bunch of posts a week about shopping for children. BUT—it’s your blog, your life, and you should write about what speaks to YOU.
Ultimately, you know what your blog is about—you’ve written many times about your goal of “keepin’ it real.” I think that’s exactly what you should do. Talk about what you’re doing and what is interesting to you, and don’t try to force a bunch of filler that isn’t relevant to your life. I can always learn to style a bookshelf on Pinterest; I learned how to tile a backsplash, how to build in a bookcase, and how to stencil a wall from YOU.
Keep it real, Petersiks.
P.S. I did really love Reader Redesigns, and if you do feel like posting some other stuff, would love to see more of those :)
Stephanie says
I have been reading your blog for about 2 years. While I skim the more technical blogs, I do mentally make note of them, should I ever tackle such a project. I would love to see more design and styling. Or little DIY projects, I copied your magnet to-do board and love it, never would have thought of something like that on my own. I am all for smaller more filler posts, but would rather you not post something for the day, then a substandard filler post. I miss some of the Young House Life posts like Clara’s Convos. But I more than understand that your life has changed as it should. I will still be a faithful reader and check the blog daily.
Donna says
I think you both are so very brave opening this up for input – I had to stop reading the comments before my mama bear instincts got the better of me! The right answers are the quiet, peaceful, yet persistent ones – you’ll know. xo
Elaine says
You’re so right about the quiet, peaceful, persistent answers Donna -on so many levels. I wish I was as wise. Thank you – from my life to yours for reminding me x
Gilly says
WORD I’m with Donna. You guys are successful, your kids seem happy. Not sure why you decided to ask for this input, but I hope you filter out the unkind comments. So many of us value your instincts and advice.
Reenie says
WOW!! It always baffles me when readers try to tell bloggers what to post about. I personally love that you guys have stepped back and put your family first…. because that’s what life is all about family. Bottom line ~ ~ it’s your blog ~ post what you want. ~ just my opinion ~ <3
If I don't like what I'm reading, on a particular day, on any blog, I simply don't read it. Ha!! Seems logical to me.
Keep up the good work….. and more pics of Teddy, Clara & Burger. (sorry I don't do Instagram or Tweet!)
April M. says
How about this…why not do a #tbt on here? I know there are a ton of people who maybe haven’t been around forever and don’t have the time to stalk your old thread posts like some of us do (guilty!). Why not re-post something from your days of old? I think it would be awesome to see the difference in how you write and how far you’ve come in your DIY skills. Love you guys!!
rebecca says
Hey guys. I have to agree that the small posts like “Dude, get on that” and “Reader Redesign” are missed. They helped your blog feel light and fun. Also, as someone who lives in an apartment and not a house, I related more to those types of posts. I am not going to be hanging doors or even purchasing appliances in my current home. Checking your blog has been a part of my morning routine for years and I want nothing but success for you all. I applaud your shift to focus on your family. I have two the same ages as yours and this time is so fleeting.
megan says
Yes, small posts are lovely! Personally, I’m not doing giant diy projects like building a laundry room, so while it’s interesting to stay posted on your life and house (and to know where to look if I did take on something big), it’s way more relevant to me to have little posts about organizing, house chores, little decorating or craft projects, etc. It seems like a variety of projects inspired by your own house is really a sweet spot for your readers–including me! I’ll echo what’s been said before: I follow your blog more faithfully and with more appreciation than any other. You’re great!
Cassi says
John and Sherry,
I will start out with saying; QUALITY is better than quantity. Any day!
On days that you don’t post, I love going back to the beginning of your blog and reading from back to front and enjoying all of your accomplishments all over again. I actually bookmark which page I’m on every day and am currently re-reading all of the fun stuff about your kitchen renovation at the second house! It’s SO cool to look back and see how far you have come! I was also scared to DIY things in my house when those posts were originally published. Now that I’ve built up my courage, I have gotten some spectacular ideas from your old posts!
At this point in time you are doing structural stuff like building the new laundry room. The stuff that comes with the beginnings of any new house/project! You have never built a whole new room! I can’t believe other readers aren’t happy for the fact that they’re reading about never-before-seen projects! Oh my goodness, you *had* to post about hanging a door… I found that immensely helpful in the fact that we’re getting ready to redo some shoddy doors in our house. But I guess the squeaky wheel always gets the most grease, eh?
Ultimately, like you guys have said ALL along. THIS is YOUR blog. It’s also your house and your family! Do what makes you happy!
You guys are doing an fantastic job! Keep up the amazing work!
Hilary says
I agree with others posting, since you asked for feedback. The little, quirky posts are my favs since I can’t redesign my house right now (rental). So the little design posts that I can do to spruce up or energize or cute-ize a corner in my house are my favorites. I also love when you do reader redesigns!! The beautiful part of having a little bit of everything is you keep me interested, but you also give quality hints on tech/DIY heavy installs, etc. for those that need them, everybody wins! Chins up! You guys are doing wonderful trying to juggle everything and a new little one. Aaaand you have awesome readers because they are actually giving you construuuctive criticism. I loved reading some of what they had to say. xoxo
Emily says
I agree with Jacyln, from way way up above in the comments.
“In my opinion, the main reason I love YHL is exactly because of the DIY/technical posts. It’s sort of the whole reason you all started the blog so that’s what draws me in time and again.
Anyone can skim through Pinterest to find out how to style a bookshelf or how to set a seasonal dinner table. Those posts are a dime a dozen on the internet and honestly, I think the two of you are above that at this point in the blogger-game.
Also, I’m not sure the people complaining actually realize just how labor-intensive the technical posts are. I wrote a blog for a hot minute and I give you so much credit for doing such a good job breaking down each project.
It seems like lots of people are putting the blame for recent blog content solely on the two-kiddo situation but that’s not how I’ve been seeing it. It has seemed to me that in the ebb and flow of home improvement you are just in a more technical phase of renovation.
PS. You guys are doing it right and I am one who will NEVER move on to greener pastures.”
I couldn’t agree with her more. I like your style and your designing, but honestly, that’s not what I come here for. I come for the “meat” of your blog. If people just want “more” then they can add some other style blogs to their feed so they have more content on a daily basis.
I think your time is too VALUABLE and far too skilled to be filled with busy work. Which is exactly what I think the smaller filler-content posts are.
Debbie says
In my opinion – some is better than none. Short posts are just fine with me. I love them all!
Laura says
I have to say, do whatever works for you. You have noted that since the birth of Teddy, the posts would be less frequent. You said that you were okay with the lower frequency of visitors. I think that if you have a busy day, and you would rather not post – don’t post. Even a short post will garner hundreds of comments to respond too, which takes time that you clearly were already short on that day. But if it’s just that there isn’t anything big to share going on in the house, I think a short post is fine. I think everyone recognizes that something earth shattering doesn’t happen every day. You would have to be wonder woman and superman to achieve that feat. SO I guess what I’m saying is post whatever works for you. Everyone will still be here and love your site just the same :) HUGS.
Lysh says
hi guys!
I would have to agree that I miss the smaller posts & even some of the family related ones (hello clara conversations!). I would say that something small – even a minor update is better than nothing. Overall I read your blog, cause i am interested in how you attack family decisions/child issues (prego with my first kid and I am so excited to do a picture project) as well as decorating projects. The big projects are also great – but i think overall I enjoy a mix. At one point I had enough time to read quite a few blogs, now my time is limited and the only blog I am dedicated to reading is yours – I hope you add some smaller projects (craft ideas from sherry, how to pick out paint colors, etc). Good luck with the decision. Maybe you should have a vote option for this big question!?!?
mags says
I think part of this might be that you’re struggling with your brand. It’s impossible to be both chummy, friends next door diy amateurs and to also be respected industry professionals. You’re trying so hard to fit into both categories that I think you’re losing a lot of readers in between. For example, if you’re going to go with the ‘diy dork’ brand, then dont use your method as the end-all, be-all- just show us that it worked for you and there are other methods that might work for other people. However, if you’re going to go with being professional experts, then please step up the quality and stop cutting corners. The tile peeking out under the laundry room door would be unacceptable for most professional jobs.
I get that this is your personal house- I do. But I also think that if it’s the full time job for two people, it should look a heck of a lot better than the house I’m doing by myself with a full time job, sometimes with the help of brothers and friends.
Similarly, don’t post a “NO ASKING ABOUT THE STATE OF THE UTERUS” and then post pregnancy updates and a birth story (and link back to Clara’s). Again, spend some time thinking about your brand, draw clear lines, and be consistent.
One more thing: I am totally on board with the recent decrease in kid-content. You shared WAY too much of Clara’s first four years, and I am generally concerned about the safety and privacy of many blog-kids for this reason. I love a quick pic in the context of house-related content, or hearing about the evolution of kid rooms!
Katy says
I miss Reader Redesigns! They were always some of my favorites! Please please, please (!!) bring them back!
Amy J says
I wonder whether the shift away from more family-centered posts that so many readers mention was conscious, or just comes with the bleariness of having a baby and a preschooler that is inevitable?
I was just thinking I missed Clara Convos. I have been going back into archives and hour tours to get my fixes on kitchen tutorials, etc. I LOVE the laundry posts, but think smaller posts might take some pressure off you guys. Even doing some projects and delaying posting to give some wiggle room would be understandable (with all that free time you have to do that, obviously ;)). I’ll be a faithful reader, but definitely miss the posts. I figure I can wait until Teddy is older. Good luck in your decision, whatever it may be.
Midwesterner says
I like the idea of smaller posts. I really need short distractions at work.
Jenna says
Hi J&S,
So thrilled to be a long-time reader – you guys have such a great mix of practical/interesting and fun/quirky. I love the detailed posts (even though I’m not doing a reno myself I love learning about the process). I do miss some of the smaller posts – reader redesign, dude get on that, etc. They were a nice mental break to the awesome in-depth posts and you can often get some great ideas from the smaller posts no matter what your space is. Do what feels right for you! I’m so happy for your success and that you take time to do what is best for you and your family.
Brent says
Hey Petersiks,
Although I am sure you likely will not read this (as the replies and comments have been overwhelming), I decided to share an opinion after your prompt.
I have been reading for years, but I believe this is my first comment. Unfortunately, I echo the opinions of those who have lost a lot of interest in this blog recently. One of the most prevalent comments I am reading is, “this is your job” – I do not understand why you constantly seem to feel the need for congratulations, “head pats”, or feel as though it’s acceptable to have a very scattered posting schedule and your readers – who are essentially responsible for all of the money you have made from this site, book, projects – are just supposed to shrug and say, “oh okay.”
We understand that you have children. Many, if not most, of your readers likely do as well. In my opinion, children are not a replacement for content, or an excuse for not following through with posts and responsibilities. I don’t believe many of us with children call their employers and say, “oh I had a busy week, sorry, can’t come in.” More and more, I feel like it’s almost disrespectful to your readers to “lead them on” and butter them up with excuses… if you hearts are no longer in it, you simply need to shut down shop. No more excuses.
Carmen says
Yes! I would rather have something (anything!) than nothing at all…. You guys are the reason I get out of bed (and coffee of course) :)
xx
Bill says
Sherry and John, check out your post from January 27, 2012. It might be helpful.
Danielle says
I think as popular bloggers and people who do this for a living you should make the choice on how to run your own business. You know you are going to get varied responses to not sure why you are even asking the questions. I don’t see many other popular bloggers making surveys and asking others what they should do with their business so that seems a bit silly to me. You guys obviously have a ton of readers and you probably know if the numbers have dropped since you have scaled back so you can determine for yourselves if it’s a wise business move to post more frequent to maintain those readers or if this isn’t your main business focus anymore. I am typically a daily clicker but finding myself very bored and disinterested in the blog. I guess I’m growing up though and like others have said I’m in my forever home and want to get away from cheap hacks and ikea junk, but I am also thrifty to a degree so I struggle in finding the balance on what looks good and “rich” without breaking the bank. the laundry reno seemed exciting when it was starting but it’s dragging out and i don’t even read the posts, although i am sure others are hanging on to every work you type. I like blogs where i know there is consistency in posting and spark maybe one creative idea. i tend to have gotten more out of your reader redesigns or house crashing posts b/c you show a whole picture where your posts tend to drag out – one door up today, one wall painted today, one shelf put up today. just my 2 cents.
Alicia says
I will read no matter what you put up…..well within reason. Sometimes it applies to my life and sometimes it doesn’t. My favorite posts are the ones where you style a room or bookcase or wall and when you show great deals/potential of an item. While the heavy DIY may not apply to me, I still like to see which tile or flooring or colors or cabinets you picked.
Maria B says
I stumbled onto this blog because I was looking to dye a wedding dress, which lead me to your wedding posts, and since I was planning my own backyard wedding, of course I got hooked! I think you mentioned at some point that the most popular posts are about your simplified household/cleaning supplies, Clara’s birth story, and maybe even the one about cloth diapers? So those posts (not that they are much shorter) are very well received, right? I don’t have kids, nor am I going to be framing a door, but I still enjoy them all. I am thrilled for your success (how excited was I when I heard you on the BBC?!) but I did wonder if the reduction in posts would have an unintended negative effect… like not just the revenue, but less followers. Sure you may be working on the book (and taking care of an infant), but maybe the book won’t sell as well because down the road you will have less readers. I know I definitely don’t check in as much as I used to. I almost wondered if an option could have been reduced posts for a certain period of time as a sort of “maternity/paternity leave” which would be completely reasonable and understandable, but I am sure you made the decision with as much thought as you do with all of your projects… It’s true you are a trusted brand for me (love the no swag policy) – I now buy Dr. Bronner’s Soap, and Physician’s Formula mascara, just as small examples, but I also trust your research on bigger projects, like cleaning grout and painting a refrigerator. Smaller posts for when you are busy sound great, but they take time too, and since you don’t have any “ready,” to stockpile them now seems to bring us right back to the fact that you don’t have the time… I guess what I’m saying is, don’t forget about us too much, but do what you think is best! So far, you have been doing great!
Melissa says
Since you guys asked…
It is disappointing that you are posting less, only because it was something for me to look forward to on a work day (and even more so on one of those tough days). Why your posting less is completely understandable however – family always comes first but I have noticed some of your posts are a little drier than they used to be (just to be honest, but perhaps that’s just the stage of renovation your house is in right now).
To supplement the lack of posts, I think it would be cool to have some contributors or reader redesigns etc. You guys are ‘big-time’ bloggers so i am sure many other bloggers would LOVE to be featured on your site plus it would give your readers some extra eye candy. Even more personal, family posts would be nice too :). I hope this comes off as strictly constructive cause i think you guys are so genuine and all around awesome.
Kate says
We live in a large studio apartment and custom ordered Martha & Ash colorblock drapes to use as a room divider for our bedroom. They are amazing. So well-made and block the light really well. Don’t wrinkle either. Love them!
Jenna says
I’d rather have something small because I love reading your blog.
That said, I totally get that this week through you a curveball, you have two kids, and you’re trying to spend more time as a family. Sometimes a small typed update-there’s-no-post-today is just fine. We all have those moments and I’m happy to roll with that. What if you posted but closed comments/waited to moderate them until a different day? I think we could understand that.
I like reader redesigns but I also really love the lifestyle posts. Hearing how you guys are doing or Clara’s first day back at preschool pictures etc. I miss hearing how you guys are juggling life… that was kind of what is most inspiring to me about your blog.
Great pictures, cool projects, and excellent tutorials are always awesome. Sometimes what makes you all stand out is that you’re doing all of this and being a young family trying to have fun and build memories.
I think you have such a great blog. I’ll always miss you not posting daily and sometimes 2x daily but I totally agree that you’re making the right choices. You guys rock!
ALEJANDRA S. WEGAN says
TAKE YOUR TIME! THERE IS NO NEED TO POST DAILY, ALTHOUGH THE IDEA IS WONDERFUL, YOU HAVE TWO LOVELY KIDS.
MAYBE A PHOTO ON INSTAGRAM COULD CALM MY ANXIETY TO KNOW FROM YOU EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!
XOXO
Erin says
Everybody’s got an opinion, and there’s no way to keep everybody happy. I completely respect that you’ve decided to scale back (I’m a working mom with a toddler and an infant – trust me, I COMPLETELY respect this). I also imagine that blogging at your level has to feel sometimes like feeding a bunch of hungry piranhas.
For myself, I read your blog for the interesting stuff you do, DIY, decor, etc., but also just because you seem like really nice people and I can’t help but cheer you on. So if you run into a snag and want to just let us know what’s going on, I like that. If you did something fun with the kids, cool! I’d love to hear about that. If you’re thinking out a design question but don’t have an “answer” yet, that’s great – would love to hear about it. (I care less about the DIY stuff because I don’t have time to do it myself, but that’s cool. I know a lot of your readers love it.)
The horrible thing about blogs – it seems to me, as somebody who has never blogged – is that not everything we do for work (blogs included) is fun all the time, and when blogging isn’t fun, readers can tell just about instantly. So how to get around the inevitable lumps and bumps? I have no idea, but I heard something lately that struck a chord with me as a chronic type-A overachiever type, although it may or may not be relevant to you. Somebody very wise suggested aiming for 60% instead of 100%. Sometimes steady and consistent with a little of the lightness that comes from taking a more relaxed approach can beat out super-human effort in fits and starts. Do I have the foggiest idea what that means in terms of blogging? Nope. Nonetheless, it’s been feeling useful to me in my work lately, so there it is.
Hope the work on the new book is going great. Hope the kids are grand and you guys are getting some sleep. Have a great weekend! I will totally be back next week :)
Elizabeth M says
I miss the small simple posts SO much! I sometimes feel really overwhelmed by the giveaways each week instead of little random updates.