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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Amy says
First of all, I LOVE your blog. I only discovered it about a year ago and find myself reading through all of the old posts on the days you do not post a new post.
Second, family time first. Always. Yes, you have to find a balance that works for you and that may take some time. I’ll still be here. :)
Finally, sure, shorter in-between posts would be nice to read daily, but I do find myself going back to the technical ones over and over and over when I am gearing up to take on a project of my own. I REALLY appreciate how thorough you are and feel that I will avoid so many mistakes thanks to your instructions, tips, tricks, etc.
You are doing a fantastic job and I can’t wait to hear more about your next book and upcoming projects!
Caty says
I really enjoy your post updates. I think it’s all fine and good when you post about something fantastic and beautiful but I really want to know how someone lives with these ideas or what you’ve changed along the way to make it fit you and your life better. I agree that the small posts are great. I often don’t find myself reading the long involved posts, but just skimming the photos and logging it so I can come back to it when I find myself in a similar situation. But the short posts are manageable to read and brighten my mornings. I honestly come into work and check your blog every morning, it gets me started and makes be think about home.
Thank you for all that you guys do, I hope that all this feedback you’re getting from everyone is helpful and that you guys can find a balance between life and blog. Don’t forget to listen to your hearts and don’t let us greedy readers stop you from getting the most out of every day!
Virginia says
I definitely prefer even a really small/short post and especially a reader-redesign to no post at all. Since so many people enter the giveaways now and the chances of winning are so low, when fab freebies are only post of the day, they seem more like advertisements. Again, I would rather reader redesigns to those or in addition to those as well.
Karly says
Been a daily follower for many years, book owner (and gifter) and YHL product purchaser. Love everything you do, so of course more is always better. Totally understand your personal priorities and just assumed you’d be back with more content when things quieted down for you. BUT if you can manage smaller posts in between the larger projects now, I’d love to see them!
Anne says
Have you guys thought about doing a “Throwback Thursday” type post? I love the smaller posts (styling, craft type projects ect) and often find myself going back to one on days where there is not a new post to get my “YHL fix”. It would be so fun to see these come back around on occassion (im not suggesting an every week thing or anything – but this could be a fun occassional thing for us readers while not taking too much time for you guys!)
As a renter – I love the smaller projects since I can do a lot of these – but building a room is not happening in my house now! That said – its a lot of fun to see these big projects and have a realistic idea for my future home!
I really enjoy reading your blog – thanks for all the hard work – I will always be a loyal reader!
Jessica F. says
It’s all good! I’ll still check the blog 10 times a day even if I know it’s a post day or not. It’s like Christmas when there’s a new post!! :D I’ll take what you give and carry on.
Anna Marie says
I would love smaller posts. On that note, I was wondering what happened to the reader dilemma posts. I thought we would be getting updates with what the reader chose to do. Do we need to tell those reader to “Dude, get on that!” :)
Lauren Bee says
Long time reader, and I used to love you guys…However, I would recommend that you spend less time responding to so many comments, and more time doing stuff in your house in order to create more posts. Not every post will be EVERYONE’S jam, but it will be SOMEONE’S jam! So I say: bring on the decorating posts, the weekly pictures of your kids, recipes, more DIY, more big purchases, more reader redesign, more shopping tips, more eco stuff…just ANYTHING at this point!! Not everyone will like every post, but at least it would make you guys relevant again.
Ashley says
I can’t believe how rude and mean some people are being here. If you don’t like things, just don’t read the blog. This is their life and they can prioritize however they see fit and for what works with their family!
Chill out peeps!
Lauren Bee says
John and Sherry specifically asked for reader feedback in the “update” section of this post. I don’t think giving an honest opinion when asked for one is considered rude.
Kismet says
Ashley, they asked for input. People are just being honest which I am sure J&S appreciate.
Jessie says
Ashley, please remember that this blog is their livelihood and their readers do matter. They asked for reader thoughts, which is a wise thing to do. Readers answering honestly is vital to their livelihood, so don’t discourage it. If you are happy, say so. The people that are unhappy need to say so, as well. Then they can find the balance they need to balance family life and work.
Joanna says
Hey guys! I think the important thing to remember is that Sherry never took a maternity leave like many of us get to when we have a baby. Those first couple of months can be so so hard. And so is reprioritizing, you have to change things around a few times to hit the sweet spot. People need to have more grace at times like these.
I personally love shorter posts, even family ones mixed in. I checkin once a day to see if there is any new content. Multiple times a day seems like way to much for me, its just too much to keep up with, so I like your once a day.
As for people who are leaving the I don’t like your style anymore type of comments, well that is why there are thousands of blogs out there. This is the format you have built your blog and readership on and the reality of many of our lives that we can’t afford to splurge on everything, just a few things. So keep up the good work. And you are brave to continue the conversation and ask for our opinions…I hope you find your sweet spot and that this next year of blogging and family life is one of your favorite yet!!!
Wendy says
Joanna,
My husband and I both work from home. Our first child was born via unplanned and medically needed C-section and our second child (due soon) will likely be born via RCS. In essence, elements of my life are very,similar to John and Sherry’s. (Note my hub and I do not work for the same entity, but we are self employed.)
In preparation for child 1, I prepped a mass amount of acceptable, high-level work. When life (and 2 moves dictated to help family) happened in the first 9 months of her life, I cut back. I noted it, and I stopped producing.
In prep for child 2, I’m prepping a ton again. If I have to step back, I will.
However, for me, the key has always been producing at a high level that achieves excellence. John and Sherry determine their own standards.
To give a “maternity pass” when one chooses to continue to work is hard for me to accept. If one doesn’t want to work, if family is more important, one has other choices.
Lori says
I check in daily to a number of blogs. Some post daily, some weekly and some very sporadically. None of this bothers me as I know what to expect. However, I think the problem some people are having is they are used to your daily posts and now there has been a bit of a shift. A new baby and a preschooler explain this for me. I love your blog!! Short posts, long posts etc. You are doing great!
melinda says
Love your blog; it has been an inspiration for me in so many ways, especially how you show the process of a room/project evolving. It has encouraged me to do a lot around my house, not only on a more realistic timeline, (not expecting it to be ‘done’ in 24 hrs or 1 week), but even more importantly not to freak out when it’s only partly done and looks like it’s going all wrong! A lot of good things have happened around here because of you guys blogging.
Sometimes it’s a bit technical, but even then I think how I might refer back to it someday. Plus, it’s what your blog is about, home improvement. What I do seem to be missing are your slice of life posts… be it a little project, or what you did that weekend, or funny things the kids do.
Thanks for seeking the input; another sign of great blogging! Best wishes as you move forward! It’ll be great.
Jeanice says
Hi Guys,
check out the blog: prettybyhand.com I love reading her blog because it is often times more pics than words, especially when she is busy. But I have also seen her take long absences from her blog (due to her move), which is understandable too. I guess I would rather read, short and sweet, than nothing at all. Thanks for asking.
Marla says
I love reader redesigns!
Amy S says
I just want to say thanks for what you put out into the world. You do your thing, and I’ll keep coming back because I like your content, style, and scope. I think y’all are creative and cool.
I think it’s a lot easier to tear down something fun and wonderful than it is to make something fun and wonderful, so…thanks! I hope too many opinions don’t make you lose sight of the good you share in the world.
Jennifer Stephens says
I love you guys and I love your blog. Sure I miss having something to read everyday, but no biggie. I love that your blog follows how you’re renovating your new home. I like seeing all the planned and unplanned projects as they happen in your lives. That’s real life.
This week you posted on Tuesday that you may not post much this week because of book stuff. That’s all I need. I don’t think you need any posts saying you can’t post. If you had time for a reader redesign those are always fun, but if you didn’t I wouldn’t worry about it.
I don’t understand people complaining about the giveaways. You’re still only doing them once a week like you always have. Which proves, that there is always someone who will complain no matter what you do. So just keep doing your thing!
Rachl says
Woah! Margaret at 11:07am (Sept 5) needs to take a walk or do some yoga. CALM DOWN lady
I think your houses look the same because that’s your style (I know to expect white walls, navy furniture, brass accents and quirky art from Emily Henderson, but I still read her blog too!)
Also, I think your kids are a GREAT reason to cut back on blog posts. Most people lack work/life balance, and it’s something we could all use a good example of in our lives.
I’m looking forward to the smaller styling/ reader re-do blog posts that will inevitable come once the major reno projects are finished in the new house.
Keep up the GOOD work! I still click over everyday and usually follow threads thru to older posts if there’s not new content anyways.
Susan says
I think you guys are doing really amazing, there’s a huge step back and reshifting of priorities after a baby, and I think you’re handling it in a really honest way. I like the technical posts, sort posts, infographics, etc. Pretty much everything you do. I think you used to do more “process” posts (instead of saving it all until the great reveal) and I related to those — .I dip in and out of DIY and could never match the pace that you work at. I used to like the house checklists, too, whether or not you actually hit your schedule. I agree with the people who said that it might just be the stage of house that you’re at. I also suspect that you have crossed the line from newbie DIYer (who gets really excited about a drill bit and is hopelessly intimidated by crown moulding), to expert. It’s still amazing to me to see what you do (the laundry room is a major project and STUNNINGLY cool), but I feel like you guys are pros at this point instead of merely more motivated than I am, if that makes sense. I wonder it that’s part of the disconnect some people are feeling?
Mila says
My two cents: my hubby and I are the same age-ish as you guys and we pretty much had our kids at around the same time you guys did. As a mom of kids relatively the same age, who also decided to quit her job to stay home while the kids are little, I applaud you guys for even making the attempt to keep things running smoothly. For me, I felt like I had just finally gotten into a rhythm with kiddo #1 when kiddo#2 came along…2.5 years later and I’m still trying to find a rhythm. Having kids is hard no matter how you slice it. In the end, what I had to finally realize is that DIY projects and internet posts and all that other stuff will be there later, but my kids’ childhood is so fleeting. In the end, you guys have to do what is best for YOU, not for the “us.” I get though that this is your livelihood, but if at this point in you lives your books, sponsor posts and projects outside of the blog are what give you the best bang for your buck and make the most sense for your family, then who cares what the naysayers say. Yes, we are your audience and yes many of us have been “with” you guys for years, but exactly for that reason, many of us are happy for your success and are proud to see you move on. It’s like when your BFF moves away to start an amazing new chapter in their lives. Of course you hate to see them go, but if you are a true friend, you encourage them to do the maybe-scary thing and go. Ugh! Sorry if this sounds sappy! It’s been that kind of week!
Willa says
Do what works for YOU. I have fond memories of nursing my babies, and I could never have nursed and done all the stuff you do (I’ve always envied your energy levels, therefore I can respect that you might not have as much these days). When you said “fewer posts” it made sense to me, and I’m waiting for the days when there will be more, in the natural flow of life with kids. Hurried “fillers” might be worse than none, ‘tho peeking at your creativity is always interesting. Your blog is still the only one I read regularly.
V says
I think you should do 1-2 long posts each week and 1-2 short posts. I’m not a fan of the giveaways, but I understand that others are.
Since you’re so busy, it might be easiest for you to make a schedule (i.e., Monday is a long post day, Tuesday is a family post day, Wednesday is giveaway day, Thursday is another short or long post, depending on your projects). That gives you some structure while also allowing some variety. I know that I need structure to my day, with both of us having full time jobs and 3 kids! GL!
Maureen @Altes Haus says
I agree, small post over no post is definitely the way to !
Pam Fisher says
John and Sherry
I am a true fan of your blog and fully support whatever decisions you make concerning your life. I love coming here everyday but would rather not have anything to read than you being over stressed because you feel you must post.
If there is time, sure post small posts. We love anything you share.
But if not-all is good.
I truly respect how you have evaluated and see the need to slow down. Because you see the importance of relationship with your family.
Thank you for bringing fun into our week!!
Pam
Liz says
I would love to see more small posts like Reader Redesigns! I found a lot of inspiration in those posts for my own homes since all different types of homes were featured and I loved seeing smaller homes like mine that I can relate to. I also loved reading about your cleaning and organizing tips and I would like to see more posts about your life in general.
Liliane says
Hi,
Im also a daily viewer and love your blog!
I am interested in smaller posts as well as big ones (as long as they dont take away too much of your time from projects hehe) , but i think it would be great to always include a small paragraph of updates on the bigger projects as well. I think part of why i love the blog is being included in project updates.
thanks, and keep up the great work.
Carla says
I’ve been reading your blog for years now. There are only a handful I follow, and yours tops the list.
I feel that even before your adorable arrived, your blog content was shifting away from something warm and simple to more technical how-to posts and tons of giveaways.
John does such excellent work and has really high standards that I do appreciate those posts. I tend to skim them, though, and just focus on the photos. But should I ever need instructions on how to do one of those projects, I know where to find them.
The gorgeous patio at your last house is one example. I keep telling my husband I’m going to follow what you did to the T when we can someday afford to buy the supplies. So I’m really glad he writes those posts.
Those are John’s contributions. It’s his thing. And I look forward to seeing more detailed project posts from him.
But I do feel you guys go overboard on really long and action packed content. I’d much rather see posts throughout the week, minus tons of giveaways, than have any gaps in not seeing new content from you.
Your blog really brightens my day. I love your little family, your new home, and your very warm and down to earth personalities. I truly enjoy coming here every day to see what’s new.
It’s always a good idea to end blog posts with questions, as you do, to encourage comments. So maybe just snap some photos of the changing colors in your yard with a quick writeup and a question.
Schedule out some of these simpler posts as filler for those days when you would prefer not to be online, pounding out new content. And since you have such a huge following, maybe the giveaways can be siphoned out of the main content and appear in the sidebar as an update.
Or tuck the giveaways below one of the shorter posts, as a “by the way” instead of something that dominates your entire above-the-fold area.
And back to John, I haven’t checked, but do you have a special tab or link on the front page where you can feature his technical posts? I would consider doing that! He’s kind of the Ana White of your blogdom. Make it more intentional than letting his posts show up as just another blog update. Give the man some sidebar action with a link to his own archive page with short excerpts and featured images.
As for ideas on the ‘simple posts’ content, don’t forget how much we enjoy quick and easy updates on past projects you’ve done. I know you did a roundup recently, but there you go again, always feeling like you need to pack tons of content into one post.
Those posts are fun, but I do tend to favor frequent quickies over waiting for long write-ups like that.
Reader redesigns; What would you do? posts where we can chime in on reader design stuckness (I’ve got one for you!); and bring over some of the community forum content; etc.
And as a total aside (only because I just now noticed!), WordPress in your footer needs a capitalized P. I always misspell it and recently made a decision to get this right.
So there you go!
:o)
Nicole F. says
Thoughts on the thread about heavy DIY and dull blogging lately: My opinion is this. I like the big stuff from time to time. It’s nice to see a novice can D.I.Y. bigger items and your explanations are great (particularly with the built-ins in Teddy’s room). However, I sort of agree that there is less and less of the little stuff (decorating, paint colors, shopping/deals, product trials, etc.). I think the reason is that most people reading your blog work. Those smaller projects are more inspiring and do-able for people with less time. Don’t get me wrong – I would miss the occasional big how-to (console table, hanging cabinets). I also really like the (what I call…)the medium projects (Clara’s kitchen & doll-house, tiling, de-wall papering).
On another note, I completely agree with the thread in that I too applaud you in balancing home life and work.
Keep up the great job. I look forward to reading the comments and to your decisions.
Rachel says
I agree with many of the comments here. I’ve been reading this blog since Clara was born and have gotten so many wonderful ideas for our home. I love you guys and love your first book.
That being said, the content has been boring lately (at least for the last couple months, probably longer) and missing your usual spark. I loved a bunch of the little posts you did in 2010/2011. It feels like lately the blog doesn’t mean much to you, which is a bummer for those of us who have been reading it religiously. I’ve had to move on to other blogs and have found myself visiting yours much less often. Which sucks, because you guys have awesome taste and I really love seeing your ideas!
Amy says
Love your small posts about quick things to do around the house. Find myself digging through your archives. I’m not in the mindset of doing any major renovations to my place so some of the stuff recently hasn’t been too relevant.
Jillbert says
I have to admit I’m getting bored with your site. Everything has a season and maybe this one has passed? I will be clicking much less often — maybe check in every two or three weeks. If you don’t have content, then fake content (reader redesigns, give aways, dumb stuff) doesn’t make up for it. I read blogs as a mini escape and for inspiration. I like what you’re doing generally (fixing up house and frugality) but, eh, it’s just not doing it enough to keep my attention. Sorry if this sounds negative but, well, you asked…..
Nathan says
This is one of those, sort of creepy, but really benign fan reader comments. My wife and I used to say everyday after dinner “did you see what YHL posted today?!” It’s been something we’ve missed talking about.
As a young couple, married two years, family hopefully in the future, and renovating our first house, we love watching your choices, critiques for products, styling and overall commentary on DIY.
If you posted 7 days a week, we would be there to read, but wish you could post more than you do. To be honest, we’ve had to go way back (from your first-ever post) to read your blog from the literal beginning to get our fix. It’s not the same, obviously, as your posts today. But, we’ll soon catch up to where we started to follow you a few years ago.
Thanks for being entertainment and a guide to some of our DIY decisions!
Katie says
I just love to hear your voice! I don’t care if it is about something simple. Obviously we all love to see huge updates but there is this thing called real life that we are ALL trying to balance. You are not excused. I have been reading for forever and feel like your family is now just a part of my lifestyle. For the people who are bored with your house/content/whatever, I’m sorry they feel that way. There are still plenty of us out there that just love to hear from you and are so thankful that you are willing to make yourselves vulnerable and share.
Sheila says
Think it would be great if you did smaller posts like reader redesign or something that you did for the kids/kids rooms- I don’t have kids and respect your decision to scale back the blog- good for you! But I think if you could write some things ahead and have them ready to post if something doesn’t work out as planned- some of the fun seems to be missing from the blog. I liked the fact that you are 2 very practical people and more seems to be being purchased new as well and becomes a post vs. a cool vintage find! Those are some of what make the blog fun! I miss the older blogging!
C. O. says
I like the little posts… My husband and I aren’t in a position to do renovations, but we can organize and get tips on kids (we are getting ready to start trying) Also an Ikea is finally opening near us and I’d love a post on what is great from Ikea and what is crap! Thanks!
Evelina says
I’ve read through a bunch of the comments and it’s clear that you’re not going to be able to please everyone. I think what’s most important is that you please YOU. I know that this blog is, along with other things, your livelihood. I know you want to please the readers so they keep coming back. But do what’s right for you and your family. If it stresses you out to write big long posts about heavy content, then that’s not good. If it stresses you out to write shorter ones more often, that’s not good either.
That said, you asked for our feedback. Personally, I’m on the short updates side of the discussion. Someone commented that you guys are like our friends and we like hearing from our friends even if it’s just a quick hello. I obviously love and admire your huge DIY projects but I think it’s the shorter life posts that create the connection between YHL and your fans. Posts like budget blooms, clara conversations, table scapes, etc are so fun. I’d also love to hear more about Teddy and his milestones. I know you’re SUPER busy but I remember loving the frequent Clara updates when she was just born. Even the Hamburger House posts were awesome! A short couple-sentences-long post would make this girl smile.
Anyhoo, YHL is my favourite blog and, in my opinion, the greenest pasture there is. No matter what you post because you guys are awesome! It’s what keeps me going at work throughout the day. I’ll be here daily. Promise.
PS – Sorry about the essay-long reply.
Brittany M says
It’s your life, no one else’s but yours. You do what is best for you and your family. If you need to cut back then do it. If the income is getting significantly lower than expected and you need to spice it up then go for it. It’s all about balance. Don’t worry about us, we’ll come and go and you’ll get new and old readers all the time. Maybe you need to ask yourselves what would make you happy?
Do I love to read about Teddy and Clara, reader re-designs and organizational blurbs along with full posts, sure. But I also understand having a life outside of work is very important.
You posted months ago about losing income and readers due to cutting back, it was a calculated risk and I respect that as should others.
Have a wonderful weekend and don’t let others run YOUR life.
<3 Brittany M
Laura says
Hey, Petersiks! I love your blog. I’ve been a reader since Sherry was pregnant with Clara and y’all were in your first house. So, you know, in MY mind we are BFF’s. :) I enjoy all types of posts, but I do miss smaller ones occasionally. Things that don’t involve a home reno. Things that can be done in a few hours or a day. I miss those posts, but I do love seeing your decorating posts! I very often use the search feature on your blog to help me in decorating. :)
Jennifer R. says
I am the minority in that I actually enjoy your blog more now. I love and respect that you scaled back to meet the new demands of your growing family. You will never get back this precious time with your baby, and working from home as got to be a challenge when there is always a sweet infant to cuddle. Maybe that is just my pregnancy hormones talking!
I would love to see more family centered posts. It seems most posts are John’s writing which is fine but I really enjoy Sherry’s writing. I am interested in how things are going with Teddy, differences between baby #1 & #2, and design adjustments when you have an infant join your family. Small quickie posts would be great. Really any topic – cleaning routines, family outings, pinterest favorites for laundry rooms, reader redesigns. I would love some updates on the few posts a while back that Sherry helped people with design delimmas. What did they choose and how is it working for them?
Things will eventually settle into a new normal no matter what all you have on your plate. Maybe you guys are ready to not be blogging anymore and that’s cool too. It’s your life and I’m just happy you have shared as much as you have so far.
Nichole says
I agree that I would love to see more of what you are doing in your life! I miss the smaller posts mixed in with the large ones! Would love to see little tweaks you are making on a day to day basis, little projects you are doing that you may not feel are blog worthy, family stuff, etc. I also agree that maybe you should mix stuff up. Don’t have a dedicated giveaway day, bc honestly I don’t visit your blog on that day, so if you mixed it up I would have to visit every day. I read your blog because over the years I have started to feel like y’all are my friend! So regardless of the content I would love to hear from you daily!
Oona says
I guess blogs are/can be big business now, but it’s the home touch that entertains me. Yes, you’re doing more upscale things now than in earlier times, but I for one appreciate your eye on the budget and your willingness to buy lower cost items even if you don’t have to. Thrift is not a vice, people! Not only that, but it means your home is more interesting because it’s more creative. Anyone can just go out and buy stuff, but it takes creative spark to make something new and interesting from a budget starting point. Sure, small projects are nice, but I’m with the readers who would rather you take your time and come up with posts that satisfy you – and leave room for your family to thrive, too.
Andrea says
John and Sherry,
I think it’s selfish of me to want you to post everyday, but I do!!
I miss reader-redesigns and house crashing. I don’t mind the longer technical posts- I might not read the whole thing, but I still like the photos :)
I even like the small posts about spray painting! Or what you found shopping.
Like everyone else has said, it’s got to be hard with two kids, books, side jobs, etc… but I LOVE you guys – and your blog is the one I read when I take a break from work.
Maybe you could try letting your fav bloggers guest post. Or take a bunch of reader questions and answer them one at a time for quick posts.
Keep blogging!!
Andrea
Theresa says
I love love love your blog! I’ve been a reader since house #1 and pre-Clara days! I think Blogging is like life, it ebbs and flows. I loved that you scaled back when Teddy was born, taking care of family and enjoying this time when the kids are young is #1. And while I do see where people are coming from about giveaways and technical posts, I think it’s also amazing to see how far you’ve come. John is becoming quite the woodworker/carpenter! I may skim the technical posts a little (because it goes over my head) but I love seeing the pictures and the progress for each project you tackle, start to finish. It think it’s all part of what makes your blog great. Variety. I would love reading more small/simple posts if you have time to get them up. Sometimes those are my favorite. And of course, family posts! Basically, yours is still the first blog I check each day and it will continue to be. Do you!
danica says
I was just thinking this past week that I miss Reader Redesigns, budget blooms and other little things you are doing around the house (even if it’s a little shelf rearrange or some order you brought to the pantry). However, little children are only little once so don’t sacrifice those precious family moments for anything. :) You guys seem wise and humble and I’m sure you will make a great choice about how your blog should look. Ahd after all, it is yours!
Ashlee says
Yeah, I’ve been really disappointed the past year or so. I guess I’m just over it. I liked the steady posting stream of your early days, or for something different, maybe go totally Manhattan Nest’s style, with sporadic but fabulous ones? Also, I do agree with the defensive, know it all vibe that others have pointed out. Can’t quite put my finger on it. And I used to think you guys were everything! It kind of makes me sad.
Lisi says
Hello J&S,
I am long time daily reader (blog had a different name TYH!!), however I rarely comment on anything here.
Yes, the content has changed. BUT, your family has increased and priorities have changed as well.
Do what is important to you and your family. Trying to find balance and please most of your readers is not an easy task.
I appreciate that there no sponsored posts!
You are doing a great job.
Big hug.
Peggy McKee says
Personally, I prefer fewer, but longer and more informative posts on how you actually do things and how they turn out. I personally am not much interested in Reader Redesign.
My advice: whatever you do, keep it honest. That’s one thing I really like about your site.
Good luck and stay strong!
Lea says
“We hoped to have a Thursday post for you guys but this week didn’t go as planned. So sorry!” just seemed so unprofessional. That’d be ok for some tiny blog that made allowance income, but not one that’s been featured in magazines, tv shows, has multiple books, and financially supports a family of four in a cushy manner. I see some people scold readers for not giving you “sick days” but you already have regular 3 day weekends and can create any schedule you want so long as you do your homework and have a couple posts ready to go at will.
The frequency of your posting really depends on whether this blog is one full time job, two full time jobs, two part-time jobs, or whatever combination of work effort. If one of y’all is acting like a stay at home parent then actually your frequency is great. If both of you though are “full time” bloggers, then it sucks. It’s all about perception for us readers, and you control that.
NancyB says
I will also agree with most comments…I think you are heading for greener pastures and slowly fading out OHL.
ALSO
Maybe I don’t know where to check…but does ANYONE ever win the “Fab Freebies”???? I never see a congratulations from you to the winner or any kind of response from the winner! I pretty much ignore the freebie posts these days.
leiann says
Hi! I like so many have been a long time reader. While I appreciate the fact you wanted to scale back your posts after Teddy arrived, I am missing the content of the ‘old’ blog. I miss the smaller, more personal posts like Clara conversations, what you did with family over the weekend, etc. I kind of feel like the personal touch is going away a bit. I would rather see those than a giveaway. I also REALLY miss the reader redesigns. I looked forward to those every week!
In saying this, I’m still an avid reader and will always be! I also know how time consuming a blog is so I totally get it! :)
Jen says
Would you guys consider a feature where readers can submit a photo of their room/home/yard and you make a few suggestions for improvements? Like photoshopping the image with improved design ideas? Would be so cool to see how you would address our challenges!! BTW, I found your site n March & love it.