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.
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Sally says
I’ve got to say, if this whole post and comment thread doesn’t make you sit back and really listen to what your readers are saying, nothing will.
My opinion has been summarized well by many others, so I’ll keep it brief. This is your job. Many long-time readers (myself included) have been putting up with fairly stagnant content for a long time now, in which it’s become increasingly obvious that you both are feeling like you should be able to do less and less work. The flippant attitude towards “if we lose readers, so be it!” is insulting and naive, and the only reason I’ve kept coming back is because I remember how you used to be.
Your skills haven’t developed. Your tone has become whiny and grating. Please, do yourselves and your readers a favor and take a nice long break while you figure out what you want to do next. Maybe then you’ll remember how good you actually have it, even when you think you’re OMGSOBUSY.
Bob says
Strong agreement with Sally. It’s your blog so do your thing. But – it gets tiresome hearing the whiny tone. My wife and I had 4 kids, all 16-18 months apart, both worked full time and re-did 2 houses. You don’t work outside of the home and you don’t come across as grateful for what you have. You have lost your humbleness and have become boring. Your decorating has become stagnant with 50 shades of white. Please stop with the “y’all”, “dawg”, “Wut up” and act your ages. Please stop the ridiculous giveaways. The people that could relate to you in the past can no longer as each house gets bigger and fancier.
Marissa says
Wow, you had some serious comments there!!! Yikes! I have read your blog since Clara was a baby. Keep doing what your doing! You guys are the most detailed and helpful blog I have ever come across. I think it’s awesome that you choose family over more money. Your kids are only little for so long. Soak them up and enjoy every second of it.
Also I have always really liked the readers redesign and the small quick posts about random stuff. Wishing you all the best!
Geri says
I love your houses. I love your stuff. I love the fact that I am on a budget but can find a blog that helps me to work out how to make small changes that I can afford. You’re fab.
Take some time off to be with family. Work on your book. Be whoever, do whatever, sand whatever, paint whatever makes you feel good. Some of this is business, but all of it is your life. So protect it and do whatever makes you feel happy. We only live once xx
Chris says
Interesting comments. I don’t have much to say other than I don’t think you are much different than other “big blogs” right now (other than you actually asked for your readers’ opinions). So many bloggers seem to have taken the summer off, doing minimal work. That makes me wonder more about the state of the blog than about any one blogger in particular. Why is everyone experiencing burn-out at the same time? Did the payout from sponsors go down?
Beck says
Hi Guys! Just wanted to say I’ve been reading your blog since Clara was a new born and I somehow clicked my way to a post of a time lapse video of you putting your lounge together. From then on I was hooked! I think of blogs as magazines, and blogs, like magazine don’t always have the content that I am looking for. As an adult I know how to skip pages, or in a blogs case keep scrolling! In saying that, I hardly every quick scroll through YHL. I say keep doing what you’re doing!!!
Lisa says
You need to do what works best for your family so I respect whatever decision you make. I thought with the reduced postings I’d lose interest but I that has not happened. Balancing family and work is hard, I’m 15 years ahead of you and still looking for balance.
I’ve done too shorter blogs, one for our addition/whole house renovation and one for our 2 weeks in traveling. Both were to keep family and friends updated, but it’s a lot of work. YHL was the inspiration, and the bar is incredibly high.
.
Sara Jean says
J&S, I’m so sorry that you’re being slammed with a lot of mean-spirited comments. Holy Schnikes, people can be cruel! I am so glad that my job isn’t under the microscope like yours. I’d be a basketcase!
Anyway, you guys are doing an amazing job with balancing your family, your blog, your books, the showhouse, and Lord knows what else. I think it’s amazing that you still make an effort to read and respond to readers on a regular basis. I’m appalled that people think you owe it to them to document when you eat, breathe, sleep, and you know what….
I love your style. I love being able to daydream about the luxuries in the showhouse. But I love even more when you show a detailed post on how I can DIY something for myself. Sista-girl is broke. :) I love the cost breakdowns you guys provide (the laundry room was a PERFECT example). My fiancé and I are fixing up our home so it’s been great having you guys weigh the pros and cons of hiring out or DIYing. Seriously, can’t thank you enough on that one.
I also don’t understand Margaret’s comments about your houses looking the same. Yes, they have similar styles BECAUSE IT IS YOUR STYLE. I love watching how your style has evolved but remained consistent. I don’t know what I’d do if you started wallpapering every room in animal print or something. Maybe you can dig up a Reader Redesign for Margaret, “DIY your living room into an eclectic rave chapel on a massive budget”. Ugh, now I’m being mean. Sorry. But seriously, you guys rock so hard. Love the old posts, love the new posts. Keep on keeping on!
One last thing, bring back the Clara Convos! That girl is a straight up hoot! Love those!
Heather says
Content: I love the technical posts, but maybe you could cut down on the wordiness and spend less time commenting unnecessarily on them. I’m not a fan of the Clara Conversations (what kid doesn’t say cute things) but I’d love to see some other smaller updates on the blog. Get rid of the giveaways – those are better suited for a smaller blog that needs to build a fan base, not a blog that has a large following already.
Blog in general: You guys always fall back on ‘this is what got us here’ but I think you’re realizing (hopefully from all the comments above) that what got you here isn’t working anymore. Your blog should evolve and grow up as you do but it seems like your design, attitude and voice are all still applicable to someone in their 20s – not 30 somethings with two kids. I loved house one but honestly haven’t connected with anything in house three. You said you would purchase items that would be in the house for the long run/higher quality items but it is still the same Target/Homegoods/IKEA stuff that we’ve seen in the past two houses with white walls and pops of green, yellow, blue and red. I’m a few years older than you guys and my style has changed drastically in the past two years so I struggle to continue to read a blog that hasn’t grown as I have. I’ve also noticed the tone has changed – you seem defensive in the comments, the $herdog and J-Boom talk is tiring and if I read one more sentence where something is ‘ish’ I’ll scream (white-ish, nice-ish, etc.).
Helen says
This is your blog guys, you’ve got to do what is right for you right now. All of the posts are interesting and, like many of your readers, some of the bigger things I simply file away for later (I love the chevron tile btw, that’s going to show up in my house sometime for sure!), the small posts may incite crazy moments of inspiration in my own home/life or simple awe at the great things you come up with. You’re in a new house – the first bits were always going to be more structural … it’s just how it is (I love the sharing of the decision making process). I think you’ve got to live somewhere for a bit before you know how the little things will fit together. I say keep it all coming … whatever it is … I’ll be reading! Thanks H xxxx
Helen says
This is your blog guys, you’ve got to do what is right for you right now. All of the posts are interesting and, like many of your readers, some of the bigger things I simply file away for later (I love the chevron tile btw, that’s going to show up in my house sometime for sure!), the small posts may incite crazy moments of inspiration in my own home/life or simple awe at the great things you come up with. You’re in a new house – the first bits were always going to be more structural … it’s just how it is (I love the sharing of the decision making process). I think you’ve got to live somewhere for a bit before you know how the little things will fit together. I say keep it all coming … whatever it is … I’ll be reading! Thanks H xxxx
Read more at https://www.younghouselove.com/2014/09/fab-freebie-its-curtains-for-you/#A2GUdecp0upySyM4.99
Cara Jeanne says
In response to the thread, whenever I see there’s not a new post for the day, I think “oh, something came up.” – a house problem, family, illness, etc. everyone takes off work for some reason now and then. I basically think of those times as John and Sherry’s’ sick leave or personal days. Whether or not they’re making enough money to post less isnt really anybody’s business, if I could spend more time with my family, work less, and still be financially sound, I’d do it!! I was actually a little relieved when they posted that. I would much rather have a few posts a week than stupidly short posts (a recent “oh were moving our tv downstairs” post from another blogger comes to mind). And no sponsored stuff that honestly readers don’t care about, or gimmicks with giveaways to get more followed on IG, FB, Pinterest, etc. And I totally agree with another commenter -PB office chairs are a splurge for some people! I don’t think when J and S said they were going more high end, they meant $3,000 lamps or a chair for a living room or anything like that. That’s not their style, or the aim of this blog.
Kevin says
Just dropping in to say that I appreciate your blog. Keep up the good work.
Shaina says
I am a long-time reader and this post is a crucial milestone in your blog and it is some time for a little tough love. Things have changed, and not for the better as far as blog content goes.
“Whatever you are, be a good one”. Are you the best bloggers you can be right now?
If blogging was a priority for you, things would be different. Outsource some of your tasks and focus on developing content. Stop moderating comments, it is such a waste of time.
I’m also a parent with little ones and I have decided to be a work at home mom. I own that decision. That means that I arrange childcare of my kids while I am working between 8am-5pm. I would never feel right about having my kids around during working hours because it is not fair to my kids and it is not fair to the people I work with. At 5pm, I shut down for the day and focus on my kids. After they go to bed at 8pm, I can check in on work if I feel like it, if not then I pick it up again in the morning.
Decide what you want to be, and then go for it and stop half-assing everything. Do you want to be bloggers? Stay at home parents? Authors? Designers? Just decide and try to be good at one thing, stop dragging everyone else along for the ride- the readers, colleagues, and most importantly your kids.
Elisa says
Hi! I usually don’t comment, but just couldn’t help myself after reading what others have posted. To answer your question – some smaller posts would be nice. It doesn’t have to feel like “filler” content if they’re still well thought out. You can definitely stock pile on some reader re-designs and some smaller craft or organizing posts and plan to work them. As far as sharing more about the kids, I think you have to be really careful about over-sharing and compromising their privacy. It would definitely be great to see some kids-related posts, like your Halloween crafts (I always enjoy seeing what you do with Clara every year) or toy organizing, for example. Most of us who are parents did take some time off when our kids were born. I had 6 weeks maternity (not all was paid), but I think it’s unrealistic to expect that you can or should keep up with the same level of posting as before. However, I hope that at some point you will be back to a level of more regular posting, because I definitely miss seeing updated content on your site. Let’s take it back to music – to everything there’s a season – and right now your priority is family. Totally understandable! Ok, enough rambling! :-)
Martha says
This has probably been said several times, but you do what you want to do, what gives you joy, what you have time to do in this season. Your true voices will come through then. The few comments I scanned just proves the point that you can’t please everyone. Don’t try!
You may also want to consider cutting back on your involvement in comments. I know that must take a lot of time! If something strikes your fancy, use that as fodder for a quick post.
erin says
some people are ridiculous.
here’s what’s funny, when you were still in house 2….I was kind of like Ok what are they gonna do when they actually run out of stuff to do. then you guys ended up buying house 3! I was like well, now they’ve got a whole ‘nother house to do. and the readers were outraged that you kept this a secret. I didn’t mind at all because you had to make sure it went through!
and when you started house 3… you were pretty upfront on saying that the number of posts will go down… but the ones that go up will be full of quality stuff. and it was. Then you announced you were pregnant… and then you are working on book number 2! so content did go down. but you know, I absolutely, wholly respect that because there’s gotta be a balance between spending time with each other just as you are….and with your 2 kiddos! and yes the blog, the book, is your life and your job. But there’s a fine line for balance!
I think the number of posts went down because well… life does get in the way! and it’s completely different when you have a kid and a baby….and not having an arsenal of posts ready to go, oh WELL! and you also didn’t have a book ready to go out! I, for one, am EXCITED to see what you have for book 2!
I’ll call a lot of bloggers out on their filler posts, and sponsored (I REALLY DESPISE SPONSORED posts!). But i do love these: “Dude, Get on That,” “Clara Convos, I also love craft posts and even more so when Clara is involved. because it gives me ideas of what i can do with my nieces!
Keep doing your thing! <3 <3 <3
~erin~
Melissa says
Wow. Here’s a thought…do what you want, how you want, when you want…it’s YOUR blog. Obviously, this is your career, and it’s awesome. I’m in awe of your talent and abilities. Not to mention, I wish I could devote the time to my house that y’all are able to give to yours.
The only thing I miss are the random decorating/thrifting
posts. I LOVED the show house posts because that’s my jam. However, I’ve filed back things like paint colors to use down the road.
As for most of these fans, take it with a grain of salt. There are a lot of armchair quarterbacks, but y’all are the ones who have made this successful by being you and doing what you love.
Good luck, and when I get bored…I dig through the archives!
Em says
As a long time reader, one of the biggest differences I see is your “zest” for the blog. A few years ago when I would read your blog (and when I look through your archives) I feel like you’re posting from the standpoint of “we did this amazing project that I can’t wait to tell you guys about!!!” and now the tone kind of feels like “ugh…we have to frame out and dry wall this laundry room.”
Of course, that’s how it feels to me, that doesn’t mean that’s really how it is. But I hope I can feel your “zest” for projects and blogging again back soon!
Rachel says
I agree with what Luke originally said, too. You two have an AMAZING eye for style. I will remain a faithful reader hoping to gain (i.e. steal) a glimmer of your ability!!
Christine says
Is blogging still your #1 source of income? If so, make this blog more of a priority (like it seemingly used to be). If this is your livelihood, I can’t imagine you want to lose readers due to a significantly smaller number of posts and changing content. Family definitely comes first BUT put it this way- family comes first for my husband too, but he still has to work 60+ hours a week.
I love your blog and will probably keep reading regardless of what you do content/frequency wise. But keep in mind that if you are relying on this blog for income and financial security, the “do-what-you-want-it’s-your-blog” mentality that some commenters are suggesting might not be such a hot idea.
Laura B. says
Dear Sherri and John,
I understand the business of children. I have 5 and homeschool. Fortunately my husband has a full time job. Because of the economy and looming college bills ;) he is working now more than ever. We are always torn between the desire to be with family more and the reality of making a living. You are probably in that place now.
Obviously your blog is not as interesting now. That takes time and a tremendous amount of effort. If you are making another book, that spreads you even thinner. Balance is hard. Best of luck to you.
As far as the blog goes, I do not care for the give aways. The reader redesigns were interesting and would add some variety to your blog again. I like the technical stuff but not every single day. House tours were fun as well.
Good luck.
Estrella says
I agree with Robin W and also think that small posts like the ones OBH mentioned would be nice. I actually prefer somewhat short over very long posts (though I understand that installing a door can’t be properly explained with a couple of words!).
Virginia says
I really respect your decision to step back and start posting less,however, it would be great to have those lighter posts with before and afters (love those!), decor tips or Clara’s conversations.
All started here, in this blog, so, I suppose, as a business it is very important for you to keep it a priority (not over your family, just over your other businesses). But that it is just me meddling, sorry about that! ;P
Oh, about the giveaways, maybe once a month?! Or every other week?
Anyway, I check in everyday and read everything! :)
Amanda says
I almost feel like a jerk posting, after you’ve recieved SO MANY comments – but I wanted to chime in (hopefully less harsh than some of the previous commenters?)
I think where you got yourself in a bind is by being so predictable. I love knowing that around 10am m-th, there will be a post from you. So on any given m-th around 10am, if there isn’t a post – I feel a little let down. I don’t by any means think you are obligated to post 4x a week on a set schedule…but humans like routine, and they really dislike changes in routine. Maybe by veering away from such a predictable schedule (that so many readers like, but so few other bloggers actually do), you’ll lose some of that “let-down” factor.
Also, someone phrased it as “i like the long and technical posts, but also the short and fun posts”. I think maybe yo usometimes feel you need to post very long, wordy, picture heavy posts – but sometimes I refer the short and sweet ones – a small craft, a “young house life” post, somewhere fun you went over the weekend, maybe some travel posts?, reader redesign, etc, blah, blah, blah
Anyways, my basic point is, I love your blog, but don’t let it feel like shackles! Posts don’t have to be on a set schedule, they don’t have to be wordy by any means, and they don’t have to always be diy – share other things you love!
Lauren says
I also am voicing my support for smaller posts instead of no posts, when that’s an option. :)
Kim says
Hey, guys, I still love your blog. The fact that you’re keeping it up while you have a newborn is great. I would much prefer something small to nothing. Also, maybe an update on who won on the giveaways would be nice. (I haven’t won yet, as far as I know.)
I thought your putting in a new ROOM by yourself project was great. I would stop in every day or so to see how it’s coming.
Also, I think some people who like to spend tons of $$ on a piece for their house is great. You’ve spent more $$ on some pieces (rugs, etc) than I would have, so to each their own. I do like the kid updates, but understand if you’ve decided not to do those.
(I also LOVE reader redesigns.)
Nicole says
I have always enjoyed the variety of posts you posted in the past – tech DIY, large projects, small projects, family life, etc. Now, it seems you need to find a new balance and set expectations for readers (if you plan to do a weekly Wed. family post, Tues large DIY, Friday giveaway, etc. that way you are not ‘letting people down’ as it appears in the comments.
As a full-time working Mom of 3 kids (8,4, 14 mo.) I am busy. I work hard and I love hard. I understand it is difficult to get in a rhythm when family evolves, but you just need to make some decisions and communicate them. For example, if you plan to work 30 hrs per week and focus only on your book and one large project, then tell us that. Similarly, if you plan to work 42 hrs per week and find a daycare/nanny but still only plan to work ‘behind the scenes’ on book and other developments, tell us that.
In the end, I would LOVE to hear more about your life with kids – how it relates to products, home changes, planning for vacations, memory building or keeping, etc.
Lisa says
I know I’m late the the game in commenting, but I was really affected by some of the comments above, and wanted to lend my support to you and all you do. You guys are so very admirable for how you run your business and balance your family.
I live vicariously through what you do. I’m excited to buy a house in the future and revisit your long technical blogs when I start redoing my own house. The work that you are doing on the technical posts is no joke, and they’ll come in handy for thousands of people down the road when they google “laundry room renovation.”
That being said, like many other people, I miss the family updates, and I love flipping through the photos of reader redesigns and house crashings. Smaller posts would be okay by me, even if it’s just a photo journal entry without words (i know those can be equally as much work).
I honestly also check out instagram to get more YHL. I’d be okay with phone photos of every day life similar to instagram.
valerie says
I didn’t see your “update 2” until today.
Honestly I miss seeing 5 posts… but I understand with two kids, a book, and all the secret projects you do I totally understand that you need to scale back. One blog I followed that posted 5 days a week had three people working for the blog full time and were not doing construction too.
I’m assuming you guys are partly following the money (book deals/side project) but are remaining true to your original platform of the blog. I doubt you guys scaled back to 40 hrs a week only because I can tell you guys are kind of like me and get excited on stuff and figure out a way to get it done instead of keeping to a 40 hr schedule. I’m not upset by this as you guys have a mortgage to pay, health insurance, college funds and what not.
I do miss crashing posts… to diversify styles because you guys do have a set style (which I love) but is cool to see what others do. I also miss hearing about the Clara’s birthday and blogaversiry posts. I miss the “life” portion.
That being said I still appreciate whatever you do.
Carole says
I have NEVER left a comment before but after reading many of the comments here I appreciated they motivated me to analyze my feelings about the blog and why they have changed. I can pinpoint it to the show house- that was when I felt this was no longer something that you did because you enjoyed it but rather it was a job that had to get done and the tone seemed to change for me. I also felt it was this massive house that needed to be filled up with “stuff”- something I personally can’t relate to. It has been very informative recently with all the detailed DIY posts but the “people” part seems to be gone. I do hope all is well in your family and it was just an unexpected glitch that came up last week.
Michele says
Hi Guys, I’ve been a reader since nearly the beginning and I was in awe of your blog, your style and your DIY projects. However, things started to decline for me after house 2, when your style shifted so dramatically. I know you said that you wanted to embrace a more playful, youthful style, but change should happen organically or it seems inauthentic. Maybe you wanted to add more color and rely less on texture and neutrals, but tossing out house 1’s decor overnight in favor of bright color schemes that, to me, never seemed to flow well and cheaper furnishings just took took things in a whole new direction. I enjoyed the mix of high and low and the mix of diy with professional upgrades and that’s totally missing now. And I think a good mix of old and new, high-end and low-end is what keeps things interesting. Meaning the occasional Ikea and Target piece, not a reliance on cheaper things. You guys live in a area with amazing thrift stores and Craig List steals and I miss these pieces in your gone, too. I know you weren’t necessarily asking why I don’t read any more, but it seemed to be the time to air dissatisfactions and I thought you might be interested to know why you’ve lost some of your original readership. Please don’t read this as your style just doesn’t appeal to me anymore. Styles change and tastes change, bit yours hasn’t evolved naturally not has it matured. It just seems sort of thrown together without much thought or care. You used to create design boards and I think going back to that would help tremendously. Thanks for the many, many hours if good reading and great DIYs. You guys were my first home decor blog obsession and I wish you and your darling family the very best no matter where the future takes you!
Angela says
I love this blog!! I don’t think that their decor or furniture is cheap. Most people have a mix of high-low furniture and things in their homes. I know I do. I get compliments on my home all the time. We keep it real around here! Keep doing what you do.
Jenn says
Wow, some people are seriously cruel. Personally I miss the extra posts because I love what you guys do but I would say the same if you went from 20 per week to 10. I totally respect the fact that you both decided to work less and spend more time raising your beautiful children. These are the days you will never get back and you are giving Clara and Teddy precious memories. I’m pretty sure that nobody has reached the age of 65, looked back on their life and said “Gee I wish I had worked more and spent less time with my family”. Anyone who comments saying that this is your job etc is forgetting that parenting is also your job and WAY MORE IMPORTANT!!! Please ignore the haters who are probably just jealous that you made life choices which have you the opportunity to raise your kids yourselves. The vast majority of your readers completely understand a respect your choice to put you children first. If there were more parents like the two of you, this world would be a way better place. Keep doing what you are doing Sherry and John, you have a loyal reader base that gets you!!!
Britiney says
^^Yep^^
Miranda says
Well, I didn’t know this conversation was going on, but as you’ve solicited feedback, I’ll just throw in: what I miss the most are the mood boards (your ideas for people with other styles), the reader redesigns (what others did) and house crashing (virtual or otherwise). I like your style, but it’s pretty much the same throughout and hasn’t changed all that much (reader since first house, here). As much as I like what you guys do in your own home, it’s not quite a style I’d mimic (parts, of course, and ideas)…that’s why I like seeing what you’d do through the lens of what others are working with/their styles and what others with different styles have done. If you could bring those back or elements of those more frequently, while maintaining balance with the family…I think that’d be fantastic!
Oriah says
I always like the reader redesigns and house crashing too.
Kate W says
Wow. I read comment page 1 and then page 21 and I’m sure there’s a lot in there that I don’t want to read. The anonymity of the internet sure makes people feel free to be nasty, doesn’t it? Anyway, I’m your average lawyer-stuck-in-front-of-computer-12-hrs-a-day looking for some pleasant distraction, which I have found through your blog since Clara was around 2 years old. I was just thinking last week about how amazed I am that you guys tackle such complicated projects as building a deck and putting together your own laundry room. Mind-boggling to me. I enjoy reading your blog and will continue to do so for as long as you want to keep going.
I agree that you can probably spend less time engaging with the comments. Personally, I never read them – only did this time because your post from today specifically referenced them. Also, I do like Reader Redesigns!
Sandra says
The very rude comments are insane! It’s a design blog people! Get a life! So because they choose to not work 80 hours a week between them you bash them for it! I see, guess they need to be miserable at their jobs like you, will that make you happy? They are a success in so many ways. Well rounded, balanced people that know what they want in life. I love how John and Sherrys success affords them the luxury to cut down on work and focus on themselves and family. This is so rare for most people who live to work and are in debt up to their eyeballs, they can’t even imagine doing what John and Sherry have done.
I’ve learned so much from this blog and my house looks great because of it. To answer the question, I’d like a small post versus nothing at all. I feel for you John and Sherry. These posts are hard for me to read. Keep your heads up!
Cf Betcher says
I wish we were real life friends, so I could invite you over and say, DO WHAT YOU WANT! I would tell you I knew something was up when you scaled back– another book or possible a design company of your own. This blog was started to let people know about your kitchen remodel, right? It grew into a business and your lucky for that. But no business owner owes anyone anything. Everyone has a business model that works for them, full stop. If we were friends and you were sitting in my kitchen I would say, forget the nay-sayers– except I wouldn’t use those words ;)
And PS I have seen a huge difference in your design sense over the years. It has matured, and you have been investing higher quality things, as we all do as we get older.
jeannette says
maybe it’s time for an intern, to do the smaller posts?
Britiney says
You guys are bloggers, yes. But you’re people. With lives. And a brand new baby. I’m a SAHM with 3 boys who are in school all day and I haven’t updated my blog in almost 2 years! Do what you can. I know you make a living from this, so maybe do what you need to. I’ll be here on the edge of my seat no matter how often you post or how long the posts are. Love you guys! <3
Lauren says
I enjoy the heavy DIY posts, but I do miss the more personal feeling posts. I loved your craft posts, and anything about the kiddos. I have always enjoyed the shorter posts that give fun tips, crafty ideas, or thrift store finds. I agree that a shorter post with a quick idea is more satisfying than no post at all.
Emily says
Hi guys! Thanks for asking about for our feedback. I am a daily reader, and really do miss the shorter posts on decorating, your lives, little things. I know you’ve said before that the giveaways are a big time commitment so my suggestion is – skip them! I’d much rather here from you, and only one person really benefits from the giveaway while all of us benefit from reading a post. I don’t have any issue with you taking days off (far from it) so no preference on what you should do when a day isn’t working out. But as far as overall content, I’d really like a shift back to the traditional “grab bag” you guys did before. Love you either way!!
Stephanie M says
I love your blog and I wouldn’t change anything about it. It’s a shame to see so many people trying to tell you guys how to run the very thing you created. I started reading in the first place because I loved the content and your honesty and I don’t feel like that has changed. Obviously not every post will appeal to everyone, so I take what I like and leave the rest (but the vast majority I like).
To offer an opinion on the question you posed, I do enjoy the smaller posts if you don’t have an update on a big project. I always love the reader redesigns and I like the family stuff also (I made the decision to go with cloth diapers after reading over all the baby posts!) But I also don’t feel slighted when you don’t post for a day or two. Personally, I don’t expect you have enough content for huge, daily posts. There are only two of you! And enjoy all the time with those little ones, your readers will still be here!
Katie says
I’ve been reading your blog for many years now but I think this might be my first comment! Just wanted to thank you both for always seeking feedback from your readers. I think this is one of the most endearing things about your blog and keeps us coming back time and time again. What I also admire is how you seem to balance it with what is best for your family.
It seems there have been a handful of times over the years that you have reassessed what is best for you, the blog, and your readers. I know you will find the the middle ground once again because you always have in the past. (and I will keep coming back!)
So to put it simply: thank you.
Kathleen says
I love your posts, they reflect exactly what a home owner faces: small frugal rewarding quick projects that make you smack your head and say why didn’t I do that ages ago, balanced with the big intensive (labor/money/stress) projects. We have all had a project heavy on technical stuff where the finish line seems so far away, but they have to be done too. I’m glad to see both, because it is a true reflection of reality, especially when you throw in life’s other enjoyments/commitments. But I must admit I would like to have my coffee with you everyday, can you clone yourselves?
Amelia says
I think your amount and content of posts is fine. I like the technical things, and particularly projects that cost <$50 to implement.
What I personally don't like (in general, not just in the case of your blog) is apologizing for blog quality. I read about 100 blogs and many bloggers will apologize "sorry this is short guys!" or will even post "no post today, sorry!" Of course, even a post saying "no post" or "sorry" is itself a post, and usually a tiresome one at that. I am always happy to read a short post, but if it starts with "sorry this isn't a good blog post" I am less inclined to enjoy it and think that it is a good blog post.
What I'm saying is, you run a great blog. You are churning out a lot of content. If I ran the show, I would tell you keep up the good work, and don't undermine your own blog by labeling some of it as worse than other parts. As my 4'11" roomate would say, "Ain't nothin' wrong with short!"
Good luck with everything! enjoy that new laundry room.
rachel says
I have to be honest, I feel a little sick reading these comments. The thing that makes yhl special is that John and sherry make you feel like you know them, like they’re your actual friends. I read other blogs that decorate more ‘my style’ but am the most excited to read yhl every day because I feel like I’m getting an update from my super diy crafty friends. I trust these people, I buy stuff they say they like because I trust what they say. When my friend has a new baby their life haults a little and I expect it. Many people take maternity leave and many people need more than 3 Mon. They have a very special different and friendly blog, they are down to earth and real. I hope they don’t take any of the critisisms too seriously and know that they are a great example to other families out there (and yes I mean slowing down when you have little ones that will be big too soon.) btw I love when you add in Smaller projects that I can copy in a wknd afternoon :-)
Christina @ Operation Home says
I just love you guys and completely disagree with all of the negative comments. Sure, people are entitled to their opinions, but outright meanness is never warranted. I love your style and look forward to reading your posts no matter how frequent they are. I’ve even got my husband reading now (score!). The thrifty, creative ideas you guys come up with are a large part of why I started reading YHL to begin with. And although adding higher end items every so often is nice, I think it’s more important to stay true to yourselves and do what feels right. So, keep up the good work! I’ll keep reading! P.S. I’m all for smaller posts blended in there if need be. The little stuff can trigger inspiration just as easily as the larger reno posts. :)
Shunta says
I feel the need to just chime in to say that I read YHL every day. Have every M-F when you post for over 3 years now. I love you all! Like, for real. I’m still trying to figure out how we can meet at Mary Jos when ya’ll are closer to my neck of the woods! Please know that despite the “not so nice” comments and “feedback” you all should stay true to yourselves and your family. Because you don’t bend to do what you think your readers want to see, you all remain authentic and genuine and that’s why there is no other blog anywhere like YHL. Look at the many doors that have opened for you all. That won’t cease. Be encouraged and know that some of us are here for the long haul. If you make plans to focus on your family, do that. People do it every day by taking maternity/paternity leave, part time schedules, vacations, off days, etc… You are no less for making the choice to put your family first. And for those who don’t, God bless you. I love you all! And I hope you find the sweet words of encouragement far more satisfying than comments made out of evil, spite, and ignorance. Love ya’ll, keep it up. Post once a week for all I care, I’ll still come here everyday at 10:02 and if there’s no new post I’ll just read one from the past! :-)
Amy says
Hi Guys! I love your blog and your style, so I wanted to add my 2 cents!
I know what it’s like to be a busy, working mom, but I must say I reeeeaaallly miss your daily posts! They really are a bright spot in my day and I do draw a lot of inspiration from them. I only started reading your blog just after you moved into your current home. I have slowly been reading all of your old posts from your previous 2 houses when I have down time on the weekends (currently I’m pre-kitchen reno on your second house). I really do enjoy reading your older, short and basic posts, like re-styling a side table, fab finds from your recent shopping trip, budget blooms, painting a basket, etc. These little projects are the things that a lot of your less handy readers can use for inspiration to quickly spruce up our homes. Reading some of your old posts recently inspired me to place some succulents around my home which I am loving! I love reading about all of your projects, big and small, and I would LOVE to see daily posts that were filled in with some smaller projects as well as updates about your family. Thanks for eliciting feedback and for listening!
Marie says
I am surprised and yet not surprised at how entitled people feel to blog content. This blog is free for you to read. It is not a paid subscription. On days they don’t post, there are OTHER things to read on the internet. Or better yet use the time you would have been reading to cross something off your own DIY to do list.