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!
Curtains can make the room. And pillows, well, you can never have too many (at least according to my pillow obsessed wife). This week someone’s going to win $500 to spend at Martha & Ash, a family business that’s focused on fabric goods with quality and craftsmanship. You can splurge on pillows, dog beds, or score yourself some custom drapes, like a striped or two toned option in your choice of over 25+ colors.
Please use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter (it might take a second to load, but it should eventually pop up below this paragraph). This giveaway is available anywhere in the world!
Charity says
Yup. Get some blog posts on the backlog for days when you’re slammed. Make it simple and happy. I feel like your tone has lost it’s joy for the blog. Still checking in just about every day, but with a lot less anticipation. I use to LOVEEE. 10am mama-break. Toddler on TV and baby napping and IPad YHL time. I miss 10am sherry dates.
Arika says
I agree with a few of the comments above….I love your blog, it’s the first one I check every day….and I’ll take whatever I can get! :) I don’t blame you a bit for scaling back a bit to make time for family…..but as long as you keep writing, I’ll keep coming back!!!
Alison says
Hi Guys! Thanks for asking! First and foremost, I think you’re doing a great job, and so sweet for asking for feedback. My personal faves are the ones that involve color, moving things around, decorating, since that’s the skill level I have with doing things in MY house. I also really like the building posts, but I start to scroll through the details a bit when there’s a lot of them because its not as relevant to me. (Although I am totally going to search for your old how-to-do-a-new-toilet-gum-ring post when I’m feeling brave enough to tackle that at our house). Ultimately I think everyone who reads is at different skill levels and project-foci in their lives, and the common thread is that we love seeing YOU, your personalities, your willingness to share yourselves, the good and the tough, with us.
In terms of your specific question, I’d love a shorter post or family photo in place of nothing, but really, it doensn’t matter because THIS IS A FUN BLOG I GET TO READ FOR FREE!! So thank you for ANYTHING you do:)
Hugs,
Alison
Heather says
Readers have a funny territorial feeling about the writers of their favorite blogs… as if they’re more friends. We were spoiled with daily content, and that’s perhaps what everyone feels. BUT, you started this blog because you wanted the flexibility for your family. Do what is best for you, and add things in as you are able. Show off Clara’s artwork. More photos of Teddy smiling! What are you eating? Perhaps extend more of your Instagram content here. (By the way, that’s why I stopped blogging too. My four girls demand more of me than I could give as a blogging mama.)
Alison says
PS – I totally love the giveaways, especially the photos of the stuff you choose to put up. I’m a sucker for thinking I might win something;)
Dee says
I’ve been reading your blog for a few years now. I’m not a big fan of having so very many giveaways: they feel impersonal and are rarely for something I would want. Although the larger technical blog posts are helpful for folks who want to do those specific projects, they are long and hard to wade through. Perhaps you could consider breaking down some of those longer posts into a few smaller steps and each could be its own blog post? Would love to see some more small blog posts like quick and clever decorating ideas, thrift shop finds, home decor/renovation book reviews, easy DIY crafts, Clara’s Conversations, updates on Teddy, reader renovations/house tours, etc. I also think it could be fun to do some kind of “throwback Thursday” type of post where you share a post that was from a few years ago and we can read that post, plus get your commentary on it now that a few years have passed.
Christy says
I check your blog every morning over my coffee and whatever is there is fun to read! Your blog is for you, and I say you do whatever you want! If you happen to have small posts, awesome!!!! If you’re busy working on something long and informative, sweet! I think blog readers need to accept that they’re not paying for a service so they can’t demand!
I apologize if this has been said but I couldn’t read through everything but have you ever consider guest bloggers? You have such a large readership and I bet there are loads of people who might want to join your team and fill in sometimes. I’m a long time follower of iHeart Organizing and she does that and it’s nice! Her contributors follow her style and lifestyle so it’s nice and fluid.
Just a suggestion! But don’t let people get you down. Unless they want to pay for the service and then you’ll owe them something ;)
nancys says
I miss all of the posts also.
I’m in favor of smaller posts too!
Ashley S says
Definitely small post over no post. A reader redesign, a small craft or even a “look our kitchen table is clean!” (I too have an infant at home so there are days when that in itself seems like a big accomplishment. Or an update on your little ones or how burger is doing. :-)
Oneida says
Longtime reader here and also applaud you guys for scaling back. Seems like everyone reads for slightly different reasons, but I would like to ‘vote’ for some smaller posts! Def would prefer that to updates or no posts at all. I know you guys will find a groove and you are just tweaking as you are going. You guys are such planners so I think this will only be good!!! Thank you for asking us our opinion! Love your blog and I do miss seeing other ‘sides’ of your online life. I personally like seeing organizational things, little crafts, styling, even some things that you are thinking about, etc. yes, I could find that on pinterest, but it wouldn’t be from a family I trust and have built a readership relationship with. That matters! But just want to reiterate like everyone else that I don’t expect a post a day. Thanks and love your blog!!!!
Mary says
You can blog as much as you would like and in any way you would like. It is clear to anybody who has followed you over the years that you no longer blog to make a living. You have enough money coming in based on the popularity that you have built. But isn’t that the goal of any business? to be successful enough to pursue other interests or have more balance?
There was a time when you posted twice a day and worked really, really hard. People work harder when they need income or are working toward a goal (like John quitting his job and blogging FT). The fact that you were able to accomplish that is amazing.
I think the issue is that you need to admit that you want to do as little as possible as far as the blog is concerned and maximize your ROI. I don’t see anything wrong with success. You make enough doing what you are doing (or not doing) to support your family of four. Good for you.
For me, DIY blogland reached it’s peak a few years ago. I think Centsational Girl represents a great balance for a blog. I always walk away from Kate’s blog with ideas and inspiration. But I don’t check in there daily as I used to.
The only thing that I find a bit off as far as your new posting schedule is I find it hard to believe when you signed for a two-book deal that your book proposal sold your platform into what it has become. When you sold your book, you were posting constantly. That resulted in good showings at your signings. Did you tell your publisher AT THAT TIME that your long-term plan was to cut your posts down to three original posts (sometimes) and one advertisement/giveaway prior to the second book coming out? You can say whatever you want to say about your publisher being fine with your change and how supportive they are. But if you are being intellectually honest, you have to know that your publisher would much rather have you posting at the same rate that you were when you sold your project.
Your blog is no longer your passion and it shows. You don’t need feedback from readers if you know in your heart where you are at. Just be honest.
Sarag says
So I agree with the above folks that spending time with your kids is #1 priority! But since you asked… I really appreciate the amount of thought and time you put into your long posts. I learn a TON from them and they are not boring to me! That said, I have a baby and a 3 year old and work full time too, so most of what I’m actually able to accomplish is small stuff. Because of this, I really like the small posts about details- and I definitely learn from them and I incorporate some of that learning when I work on my own home on the weekends!
Jerri says
I have to agree with Luke et al. Smaller projects and updates would be far better than being MIA. Nobody would care if we weren’t so fond of your blog and family…but we are and we do!!!
Teri says
I love that you are still ‘real’. A beautiful growing family, good values and goal oriented. I LOVE that you buy at sales, or spray paint, or get things at consignment. Keep up the good work.
Erin says
I love this blog (I check it right after my email), but I do miss the smaller project posts. I love when you posted things like organizing a closet, tips on cleaning, or re-doing a piece of furniture. I also really enjoy the technical posts because now I know how complicated it is to renovate your laundry room and it should not be taken lightly :)
Jenni says
Little posts would be wonderful!!!!
I understand the scale back, but I too got a little sad when I realized there would only be one post this week and it was a heavier DIY post. While I will definitely bookmark it and come back to it if I do a similar project, I would love to see smaller posts when you are short on time, little things to keep inspiring us all!
art21 says
I don’t think it is the frequency of posts – I think we’ve been reading more about what you’ve bought lately, instead of what you made – which isn’t as easy to relate to as the smaller, simpler posts: ie “check out what I did with this planter that’s been sitting in the attic for weeks!” That, we can do, too. Many of us can’t buy a $1400 outdoor sofa, $500 office shelves the next week, $600 office chairs the next, lights, etc… which has been a more frequent post lately, it seems. It’s the phase you’re in for your home right now, which is absolutely and perfectly fine – job well done for working hard to be able to afford all of these lovelies, it is fun to see what you pick out. So congrats on all of your successes! But most of us can’t make those purchases that frequently – so the smaller, simpler posts are more inspiring and engaging, and make us want to read more – three or five times a week, whatever you want. More ideas, less things. And obviously, we all love the two adorable kiddos!
Frankie says
I agree with this point, while I do not begrudge or judge your ability to spend what you want on whatever you want (and in fact YAY YOU for your success!!) I am struggling to relate more lately and it feels a little uninspiring. Miss you guys!
Sarah says
Couldn’t agree more with this. Good for you that you guys are at a point that you can buy expensive pieces, but most people in the DIY world wouldn’t be DIYing if they could afford to buy nice things like this back to back, they are looking for ideas and inspiration to build/refinish/thrift something affordable!
Megan says
I think little posts are fun too. HEY WE FINALLY HUNG THIS PICTURE AND IT ROCKED OUR WORLD. or STUFF WE ARE LOVING THIS WEEK. Or stuff that you used to have on Young House Life. If your blog is really a reflection of all that you are passionate about, non-DIY stuff is ok too.
VickyC says
I agree with smaller posts, family stuff, insights and Reader Redesigns, and I like the give-aways as well. Like many of the blogs I follow, I’ve noticed the more popular they become and the more the blogger gets noticed and gets more involved in other offers they are presented, the blog gets stale and the posts become more infrequent. Blogging is a great door opener, but sometimes I feel the readers suffer for supporting a great blog by getting less content so the blogger can move up and on to bigger things.
Ashley says
I appreciate what you guys do so much that it is sad to miss a post but I completely respect that you value your family time. Please never let this take away from them! I also appreciate that you want to hear reader feedback and its upsetting to read some other comments on here – maybe a poll widget would keep that to a dull roar? I’m feeling very defensive for you right now :) You offer a tremendously helpful and entertaining blog and open up your personal life to the readers for FREE! This is FREE advice/entertainment for us! And to make demands or offer such harsh criticism is downright rude! And I doubt most would ever be so brazen in person…
All that being said, I would prefer a small, fluffy post as opposed to nothing (answer of any addict, right?). And keep on keepin’ on :)
jo says
My thoughts exactly! never write anything in comments that you wouldn’t be willing to say to a persons face. I too feel really defensive for you guys. People seem to assume that they know how you are feeling (ie that you have lost interest in the blog) It makes me so cross that people feel they can decide what is going on in someone else’s life without actually knowing them and being there.
Scale back on the rudeness people, and be thankful for ANY posts that these guys are willing to share wit us
Michela says
I’ve read a few people make this “free content” argument and I think it’s missing the point: lately it feels like you are neglecting your blog/readership in favor of side projects and opportunities that were offered to you because of your blog and readership. That’s why we feel neglected, and that’s why I think we have a right to voice our opinions- because we are part of what got you here (that plus your talent and voice and go-get-em attitudes). It’s sort of like intellectual property disputes- if someone makes money off your idea but doesn’t include you in the payout, that will feel kind of crappy. You have loyal readers who are so happy to propel you to success because you deserve it, but don’t leave us behind when you get there! We miss your voice. That’s the content I’m here for- your voice. Come back! We miss you.xo
Tori says
Hi guys!
I have no business giving you advice on what sort of content to put on your blog.
However, I will say the more you point out that you’re lacking, the more we, as readers notice. I appreciate a “programmer’s note” that gives me a heads up you’ll be out for a week or more and not to expect posts but your note about the missing Thursday post only brought my attention to it. Instead of coming to your page, seeing the same thing I saw last time I was there and moving on, I was reminded that you “should” have posted and you knew you were letting me down.
This idea also carries into the body of your posts. When you point out that you haven’t included something (a portion of a project or a how-to) it not only alerts me that something is missing (that I never would have known/noticed on my own) but then it also places this weird promise that you’ll get back to it later and I can’t say that you always do.
I just think a little less “behind the curtain” would go a long way as far as the business side of the blog goes. The programming and logistics aren’t for us to think about. Don’t point out your flaws just so you know we’re aware that you want to improve or give us everything and more.
We already know you’re doing your best and we’re happy with the content. We don’t pay a penny for it but adds so much to our life! Keep on doing your thing. Don’t question yourself. And one last piece of unsolicited advice: Thank your readers instead of pleasing your readers. Or in other words, make us feel appreciated rather than heard because you can’t please all of us and you can’t incorporate all of our ideas into YOUR blog. You got this! We’re just along for the ride!
Thanks for all the time and energy you put into this- it make a difference!
Sarah says
Wow what a lot of reading you have to do! Thank you for asking for feedback.
One one hand this is a free blog, where you have the right to post what and when you like, and I COMPLETELY applaud you reevaluating your priorities to spend more quality family time together, that is something you can never get back.
However, while we have the choice to read etc, I think it is hard when we feel invested in you guys – especially when so many things compete for our time and attention these days. I’ve been reading for 5+ years, and I have to confess from a consumer point of view, I feel a little forgotten or left behind. It’s hard to strike the balance between what is normal to feel disappointed about, and what is inappropriate because it is your personal life that we all feel we have a window into! Part of why I read was to get your perspective on daily, frugal and normal living, and how to manage that to ALLOW for the DIY to occur (eg budgeting, product choices, splurge versus save etc) and so to that end I’d love to see smaller, bitesize (but not filler) posts again. I seem to use your thought process as a sounding board for my own sometimes, and things that are now an aside comment like “Oh yeah we bought a new car”, when I loved how much I understood and identified with your reasoning for saving up for the old one, make it hard to relate. Again, these are your personal decisions but given how many people seem to use the phrase “John and Sherry did this because….” it’s definitely something we’re interested in! Someone mentioned being able to imagine you living in your DIY’d house, and it’s the same for me, I feel like I have no idea what “John and Sherry” are up to these days. And that is your prerogative if you are making a conscious decision to be more private, but it does feel a little like being in a relationship where I am invested, but the other party is losing interest.
Michela says
YES TO ALL OF THIS.
Lauren b says
I too usually skim the technical posts and mentally file them away for that one day we might be doing a DIY door install so don’t stop as y’all describe the steps well. Write about what you enjoy as that has always seemed to work for y’all. Don’t force topics just to have something to post. That being said I would love to read any short post that you want to write even if it is just a picture of your kitchen all messy with a short caption about keeping it real but I totally love how you are prioritizing your family and would much rather see fewer posts if it meant you got more down time to just enjoy your kids.
Peggy says
Hello,
I appreciate the technical posts about how you are renovating, updating, etc, your home. I know this is your house and you are living there and you are living with the inconvenience of making improvements. Too many other blogs are simply advertising venues. They may not even need, want or use what they post. I like it real. I would prefer no post than a post about something you are not doing, trying out, or using. I also like the posts of what didn’t work out and what you have learned in the DIY adventure. Keep it real!
Jasmin M says
I kinda agree with Luke that the site has changed tone in the last few months. I am glad you are setting a good example of putting your family first, and I understand you guys are doing a lot more than we see. I would LOVE some updated posts on projects from before, like “Do you guys still use Teddy’s changing table? or does going upstairs seem to much work”. Your posts are littered with juicy tibits and promises to update us….Also loved those posts from long ago about simple stuff you guys were into like Sherry’s non toxic polish or closet look, how you grocery shop. How do you guys feel your rooms function? I check everyday regardless. LOVE YOU GUYS!!!!
Rebecca says
I think it’s great you are spending this special time with your kids.
For many years now, I go to your blog the first chance I get during my lunch break sitting in my corporate office, so I’m really missing that bright part of my day when you don’t post (and now on Wednesdays which are only give-aways).
I’d be happy to read little organizational posts or meanderings about projects you’ve considered doing but haven’t. As a DIYer on my 3rd house, I constantly make decisions based not only on how much money I have for a project, but whether I think that project is worth doing considering my neighborhood & resale value.
Miss you guys!
Laura says
I think it depends on your priorities, and it seems like the blog is taking a backseat to something else. People have families, but still have a 40/50/60 hour work week (at least one parent). The blog content lately makes it obvious that your priorities are elsewhere, so I’m not sure any of our comments are going to change that fact. I think book one really took away from the quality of the blog, then the showhouse, now book 2 and who knows what else. But the blog just isn’t a priority for you now. Just my opinion.
Corinne M says
I miss the daily posts too but completely understand that you need to scale back. All moms get maternity leave and some may have forgot that part that you deserve it too. I really miss the house crashes and the reader redesigns. I always had this hope that one of these days when I got to redocrating it would be my reader redesign on the blog.
Annelise says
First of all, I need to thank both of you for inspiring me to tackle many projects I never would have thought to try in my own. You have a gift for breaking things down into small, doable steps and the humor definitely helps! Your archive is my go-to place for instruction whenever I’m considering tackling something new.
I have sensed a change in the blog, but I think that’s inescapable. You’ve worked your way to professional status. You can’t pretend to be newbies, because you aren’t. Many of the things you work on now are above the level an ordinary person would take on. That’s ok. A lot of your long time readers have probably grown along with you. The rest of us have a huge trove of archives to bring us up to speed someday.
The words “forever house” do scare me a bit because I think there’s a loss to the blog as your posts become less about your family and you branch out and do other things like the show house, etc. I’m not nearly as interested in the projects you do that aren’t part of your family life. I love seeing things like Clara’s closet and being able to picture her playing there and enjoying it, and I think what I could do in my house that would bring that kind of smile to my kids’ faces. I like seeing the dining room become a cool office because I picture a family I feel I know a bit working there, and it makes me think about what I could do to make my own home office function better and look better. You guys are amazingly gracious to share so much of your lives with us, but as your kids get older, you and they may feel less comfortable doing that.
Dara says
I have been reading your blog for a while now and one of the things that is so endearing about it is that it is a true reflection of you and your lives. Life ebbs and flows – you have busy times finishing up a show house design (which as a designer I can appreciate just how much time that takes up all by itself), having a baby, and wrapping up a second book. You also have times that are heavy in projects like the laundry room and times when you are doing more decorating like when you were finishing up Teddy’s nursery. I feel like your blog has been doing that over the past 6 months or so as you have been particularly swamped in other areas of your life and I assume it will continue to do that as your lives continue to change personally and work related. And I look forward to all of it!
Although I would love to see more posts and more content, I would not want more sponsored posts or more content just to have content. I feel like many bloggers feel the need to fill their space with anything and their blogs bore me some days. I think you two know best what balance works for your lives and when you stay true to that, the blog is at its best which makes us readers the most happy!
Thanks for all you do! Your posts are something I look forward to always!
Elaine says
Adding yet more to your reading – sorry…
Just a thought – when I tried to go back through the archives not all the posts were there, especially when you were posting on a different platform. (Apologies if that’s a wrong description – but I’m about as tech savvy as a slug, hopefully you know what I mean…)
What about going ‘right back to the very beginning’ so to speak, once a week and start with the very first post ever and go from there? As someone who regularly archive trawls it would be quite nice to see things ‘side by side’ so to speak, and it might be an easy post when life is busy. It could be on a tab or sidebar maybe, so easy to find.
It would certainly be a nice reminder of your amazing journey for us all.
Going to stop waffling now…
Jen @ Migonis Home says
I adore your blog even if you aren’t able to post a huge life changing post. I love the little things and ADORE ADORE Reader Redesigns. I would be completely happy seeing a few more Reader Redesigns a month if you are feeling stressed.
As for the people who posted not so nice comments, I’m sorry you had to read those. :( You’ve done a great job with every house and I love seeing it.
Jennifer says
I really love that this site is JUST you guys. I would be sad to see posts by other bloggers on here. For the same reason Im not a fan of reader redesigns or house crashing
Abby says
Regarding your question about smaller posts, I’ve always been a fan of Reader Redesigns! But I also know that life happens, and a post a day isn’t always going to happen:) Always will be a huge fan!
Andrea says
I think it is great that you are being more private about the lives of your children and I applaud you for taking the time to focus on your family and new baby – my husband and I both took time off with our daughter and she is 5 and I still don’t work full time. It is important to set priorities. In terms of improving the blog – I just miss variety. A little more variety would be great. :)
Nichole says
OK, so just my opinion. As much as I LOVED the days of the 2x/day posts, it was too much to keep up with. I’m a mom of 2 kids with #3 on the way…I get it! I applaud you for taking the risk, stepping back and doing what is right for your family.
That being said, I would totally read silly filler posts without complaint. My question is: Is doing this going to create more stress for you? If the point of backing down a bit was to have more time for family and the other projects that are coming your way, does adding “filer” posts in hurt that?
As for the current content, I kind of feel like your focus has changed. Where it used to be trying out some relatively simple DIY type things (and admittedly some not so simple like your first bathroom remodel), you’ve now really seemed to focus on more long-term updates that you can live with. We’re on house number 4 for us (we move a lot) and around the same age as you guys and find ourselves doing the same thing. I don’t really see that as a downside, just an evolution of your family and priorities.
Take care!
Keny says
I was relieved when you said you would be posting less. Your “how we spend our day” breakdown posts were crazy to me! I was exhausted just reading them, and quality family time is a completely understandable and important priority. That being said, the thing that hooked me on this blog that I’ve noticed less of lately is variety and a sense that YOU are really enjoying blogging. I like your technical posts because it’s great info for the “someday” when I own a home of my own and it’s fun to see things progress little by little. However I also loved the house crashing, thrifting, small projects, and posts that were just about what was going on with you guys. I get less excited about giveaways just because I know I’ll never win one, but I still usually enter them and check out the sponsor to see what they have. I guess what I’m saying is that personally, it doesn’t matter to me that you have a post every day. I would rather read a “real” post, whether it be technical DIY, a big project like the show house, or a thoughtful small update, less frequently than read filler on a daily basis. Even if you only post once a week, I will still read your blog as long as you keep writing! Best of luck in finding a good balance THAT WORKS FOR YOU and remember that you will never be able to please everyone.
dana says
I recommend taking at least 2 weeks off blogging to think everything through and make your decision about where to go next. Get out from under the pressure of deadlines and reassess!
Stephanie J. says
I LOVE the reader re-designs. I have gotten some great ideas from other people’s projects that you have shared. (As well as yours, of course.)
Cindy says
1. I LOVE your blog. It was the first one I ever bookmarked
2. I still check on Friday just in case you throw us a bone
3. Crazy that there are nearly a thousand of us that have felt led to comment
4. Can you do some reader re-design follow ups? What every happened to the family with the goofy nook they couldn’t figure out or the ones with the big blank wall? I’d love to know if they took anyone’s advice :)
Rebecca says
Yes, I loved those posts! I too would love to see follow-up!
Denise says
I just spent some time reviewing comments and I feel like people need to calm down a bit. You JUST had a baby I mean everyone at every jobs gets some maternity time off so we should be lucky you’ve kept up this well! I do have to say I miss the old days, and I have always hoped that things would pick up a little again once you guys got in to a routine especially when Clara starts school again.
It seems to me what the blog has been missing is more Sherry, don’t get me wrong I love John and I even used his very detailed tutorials to frame some post this week!!! So please don’t stop any of that! I just think Sherry is the goofy one who loves all the little pretty details and it gives the site so much balance and is what sets it apart to have both of you posting regularly. Sherry seems to maybe post once a week if that and some of those have seemed really rushed like 3 quick updates of just random stuff. I however TOTALLY understand you are feeding a new human and probably getting no sleep and going through all of the things new born brings. I just think it’s worth it to say that I think what a lot of people miss is the balance even if they don’t realize it, ya know?
I think even if you keep the lighter schedule people will understand if there is still the same balance, but come on people I can’t believe they have kept this up!
Colleen says
You are so sweet to ask for feedback. I love that you’ve scaled back to meet your family’s needs, but I really miss your smaller posts (in addition to your beefy DIY posts – those are awesome too). I don’t care for the giveaways at all, but I realize others do. I also respect that there are days you can’t post too – life happens! But if you have time for more smaller “lifestyle” posts – I really miss those. Thanks! And keep up the good work – you guys are one of my favorite blogs!
alex says
I don’t mind if someone scales back on their posting if they are running out of content or their personal life is put before the blog but it does seem somewhat disingenuous to say that you guys are SOOOO busy that you have to scale back but then spend the majority of that day commenting on posts. I can respect if you want to spend time with family but if thats your choice, then do it. Even if it only takes “a few quick seconds” to respond to a comment it still means that your children are seeing you attached to some sort of technology the majority of the day in order to answer all those comments.
I really do appreciate when people say “the blog is my business but my family comes first” and they actually take a break. If you worked outside the home and took a vacation or personal day this would be like you glued to your phone/laptop answering work emails all day–sometimes its ok to say you’ll be back the next day and actually step away! It is kinda fun that Sherry responds to so many comments (good or bad) but I think in the long run the readers would ALL understand that you truly took the time to step aside and put your family first.
Sheri Hall says
I love the short posts. Seeing a few photos of something newly arranged in your house is great. I say mix it up! Thanks for asking.
Monica says
The new mom, family girl in me completely understands and respects your new balance. BUT the selfish, love all things YHL reader wants more!
I appulaud you for finding the balance that works for you–and think its fantastic that you have been able to do outside activities (book(s), show houses, Target line…etc) but I miss more everyday stuff!! Maybe the bottom line is that we readers love you guys…and we always want more! And more doesnt translate to just projects–at least personally I love reading about something as simple as a thought process in how you decide what to take one, or cute little projects—reader re-designs are also so fun for me, because we get to peak into other peoples homes (I’m so creepy!)
Kate says
Hey Guys. I am kind of embarrassed to admit I’ve read almost all 13 pages of comments :). I’ve been reading since you were TYH. I’ve always loved your blog, you two as people and as a couple and have just enjoyed your positivity. You are very joyful people and that comes through in your blog. As many other people have said, it’s a great break in the middle of a long, boring work day. Selfishly, I have missed that morning and afternoon break.
I enjoy most of yours posts and really, really appreciate you don’t do sponsored posts (except giveaways but I think those are fun). The thing that has been missing for me has been variety. Some people like longer posts, some shorter – I think that’s besides the point since you’ve always had great variety and obviously you can’t please everyone every day. I just miss that – having a little bit of everything. If something isn’t my fav or isn’t relevant to me, I can scroll over it that day. For example, even thought I think the laundry room project is very interesting and I love the tutorials (even though I am a single renter with one screw driver), it does get a little boring without some more variety.
Anyway – congrats on Teddy. Big life changes are always a transition. I’m sure you guys will figure it out. If anything the volume of comments and the erm, passionate responses both positive and negative only prove how much of an impact this blog has made in peoples lives. Even though I’m sure some of these commentors hurt your feelings, please keep in mind that if people care enough to be REALLY upset that just means you guys have meant something to them. Anyway, best of luck to you. Love the idea of more reader submitted before and afters, little posts, etc.
Beth Midberry says
My vote is definitely for a quick update vs long post less frequent! (I hope this is where I was supposed to answer your question?!) ????
Tamara says
Well since you asked…the short version of my answer is that, yes, I’d still love to see small posts if thats all you have time for.
Now for my long version…I haven’t read all the comments but have read a lot and so many people have expressed my thoughts exactly. I, too, have been a long tome reader, since Clara was little. My comments boil down to just a couple issues. 1) You need to do what’s right for your family, above all else. 2) Yes, I was dismayed when I read of your new posting schedule (how very selfish of me!) but recognized that your family needed more time and attention so I just hoped for the best. 3) I don’t mind the long technical posts even though I’m unlikely to do any of that type of work. But I like your insight and tips & tricks. 4) Finally, and most importantly, what I’m missing most is you. Your family. Your “voice”. Your posts read so differently now than they used to. I don’t hear the enthusiasm and sometimes giddy joy over silly things like I used to. I suspect if you read some of your older posts aloud to each other and compared them to more recent work, you’d see the difference as well. I read posts now and think you’re really not into it anymore and I’m not as excited about checking each day. Ugh, please try to take all our comments in the spirit of kindness and love. Because you made us love you, ya know?
Carly says
Please don’t take offense to this, but your blog is your full-time job. Most people don’t get to skip work because they have other things going on. If it weren’t for your blog posts, you wouldn’t have anyone buying your books and your Target line wouldn’t be as popular. If you aren’t providing interesting content, you’re going to lose blog readers, which means decreased book sales, etc. Many people have full-time jobs and still have responsibilities after their normal work schedule. You are lucky that you work from home, but for those of us who aren’t so lucky, it seems like you take it for granted.
Heather says
Frankly, you guys have been phoning it in for months now. And, I think your readers, myself included, have busy lives and we give our time to selective blogs that are deserving of our time. You both aren’t delivering quality content anymore.
Many of the “projects” in your home simply don’t turn out well, don’t look good and come off as cheap, college apartment quality.
You asked for feedback – I think that you should shutter the blog, enjoy the ton of money you’ve made off of your readers and ride off into the sunset (aka go enjoy your kids while they are young!).
MB says
Hi guys! This is such a great discussion and I’m so glad you seem so open to hearing what your readers want to see. My vote, like most people’s, would be more posts for sure! A lot of the blogs I read regularly seem to be on a 5 day schedule, blogging daily during the week and taking the weekend off. I would love five “real” posts (including reader redesigns, shopping, family stuff, etc.), keeping the giveaway as a bonus “extra” like it used to be. The regular posts certainly don’t need to be long or involved, but checking in every day with YHL after my gym class is such a fun part of my day. Hopefully things will settle a bit in your house now that Teddy is no longer a newborn – I definitely remember how challenging that time was. Something in between what you used to do (7 posts a week I think?) to what you do now (3 plus a giveaway). Hope this helps!