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!
Janella says
Oh wow….just saw their last post and the feeds. I too read their blog everyday. I’m so disappointed that they are taking a break. I look forward to their post and pics and DIY projects. Hope ya’ll plan on coming back in whatever that capacity may be. In the meantime….enjoy your break and do you!!!!
Laura says
I can’t believe what I just read in some of the above posts! I am literally crying:( John and Sherry, I came across your blog last year and the first one I read was about your wedding. What kept me coming back wasn’t just the home improvement ideas but the love you shared with each other and your readers. You have set a wonderful example of a loving American family. I wish the very best for you and your family!
Tricia says
My guess is you overextended yourselves with the house and , due to the second baby and no sitter, can’t get it all done. Either sell the house and downsize, becoming instantly more relatable, or just do twitter and keep expanding the product business.
Elizabeth says
I love the small posts. Honestly the small posts are often my favorite. I read your blog b/c I like the design ideas & the small DIY projects that anyone (aka me) can tackle. Have loved your blog. Thank you for all you do.
Lindy J says
Forget what the readers think….do what you have to do! And you have ALWAYS done the best you could! Thanks for all you have done!
Adrienne says
You guys are awesome. I’m so happy that you guys expressed the need to put your family first and that you have followed through with that. My husband was a pastor for a while and I considered that a very public life. I can’t imagine how public your life is and what you all experience with people’s opinions on how you should live your life. Don’t worry about us. Do what you know is best for you and the wonderful little lives that have been given to you to love and care for. If worse came to worse (for your readers) and you decided to call it quits we would miss you dearly but life will go on. We would think of you fondly and nobody who has a good head on their shoulders would judge you harshly for putting your family first. Again, you guys are awesome. Nothing will change that. Sincerely, one of your biggest fans! Ps. My husband always makes fun of me for my huge friend crush on you guys!!
Laurie says
When are mothers/women going to stop the time immemorial game of one-upmanship? My mother had 10 (TEN) children and she was a journalist (as am I) and I would never and have never heard her say the terrible invalidating things that I have seen on this thread. (I have a husband, kids, a dog, adopted giraffe at the zoo etc etc and I still grow all my own food, sew all my own clothes and run the world from my iPhone while buying only the finest quality furnishings from around the world) Get over yourselves. I would love to walk into the house of any of these critics any day, any time and get a real taste of what they call home. Hypocrites. Not to mention your freedom to check out other outlets. Honestly, I would have pulled the plug on this blog too.
Cheryl says
You are my new hero! Thank you Laurie for saying this! I’m older than most of you and quite frankly ashamed of the generation(s) after me who are so competitive and ‘perfect’ and constantly comparing and one-upping each other. I want to puke. My mothers generation didn’t do this and most of mine don’t either. We are supporters of each other from the poorest to the richest, the prettiest to the plainest, the thinnest to the heaviest. We don’t compare, we don’t one up, we share, and we support. And if we do grow our own vegetables we’re the first to take them to a neighbors and the last to brag about it. If you work and I stay home I don’t make you feel bad about it. I offer to pick your kids up from school. If I home school and you don’t, I don’t look at you safely thinking I’m the better mom. Just stop it. I’m glad J&S asked for honest feedback and there were some great suggestions, but as for the other comments from the know it alls…shamefull!
Cindy says
I’m late to the game, but I personally like the frugal DIY things and reader redesigns. i do not have a huge budget, and I click right out of blogs that require huge amounts of $$ to acquire the same outcome–whether it’s decor or furniture or additions. I’m all about thrifting and spray paint, and I loved your fresh ideas!
I like honest opinions of products, but I click right out of blogs that are continually endorsing products (975 posts on how to use painters’ tape…)
I’ve always enjoyed your blog because it was fresh and genuine, and written so I felt like I “knew” you. It got “off” when you were endorsing your book, and I’m hopeful you can find your place again:)
katherine says
Wow must be nice to basically quit your job to focus on your family!
happybidr says
A lot of people do it, Katherine. Sometimes every year! It’s called vacation. Also parental leave.
Most everyone does it, one way or another. (Except my family; we SUCK at time off, to be honest. We have no idea what to do with ourselves. Lol. We need to work on that, too, lol.)
My guess is they’re still working, on one thing or another. And if they did manage to actually take real time off (what parent of two little kids does?), I wish they’d post about that, lol.
NoVA Mom says
Wow! I come across this site years ago when trying to find crafty ways to fix up my apartment.. then my house.. then my next house. We are at about the same “stage” in our lives with kids and family. I just happened to come back again today when Googling around looking for stacked washer and dryer dimensions.
I just read some of the comments about your hiatus. (The negative ones get people all fired up! haha) Ignore them.
You guys are so talented and to keep it going for this long is impressive! I just wanted to say congratulations on making a fun blog a launching point for a career and doing something you love and teaching others how to do what you love! :)
Enjoy the break from the blogging grind where you feel like you have to apologize to someone if you don’t make a new post every week or whenever it was. Two kids are exponentially more work and more amazing fun!
Next you can start a blog about crafty kid things.. how to make costumes out of leftover fabric from drapes (Carol Burnett style).. .. maybe you are already doing that. :)
Jenn says
So, after all the fuss… Just seeing all this after following a link from a local (u local) article about your hiatus. They said a month, which makes me hopeful. Have followed you for a few years, never won a thing, don’t think I have even really DIY’d– just love reading your blog. Just wanted you to know I keep checking… Hope to see you soon, in some way, little posts, whatever. Soon!!, you are missed!
Alissa says
I seem to be a bit late to the party, but I figured that there was a chance that you may still come and read the comments… So I am chiming in.
I rarely have participated in the giveaways…
I don’t care how often a post goes up…
Or if there is a schedule for posting…
Or a particular type of post…
Or a certain amount of content or words used…
I’m not looking to be entertained…
Or impressed by the presentation of perfection…
Or for participating in bad commenting behavior…
I totally get that you guys are people.
REAL people.
With real lives…
And emotions…
Thoughts…
And ups and downs…
I just liked stopping by to check in on someone else’s journey…
During those moments when I felt like taking a little break from mine.
I appreciated the very real voice behind the posts that seemed so genuine…
I enjoyed thinking that if you ever came (back) to my little corner of the world that I would feel totally comfortable inviting you into my home for a cup of tea and conversation…
(Which is not an offer I would extend to just aaaaanybody…)
And of course, I have always liked looking at the transformation of the house(s).
In the way that is is with people our age- (25-45? 18-35? 28-40? Whatever span they happen to be using these days…) we have been traveling similar paths…
Stopping by your blog has been sort of like getting a glimpse through the trees at your path as I travel along mine…
It’s kinda cool.
But really, we are all on our own path…
And only you can pick the direction you take.
For the times that ours have crossed…
Even if was just one-sided, or virtual…
Thank you.
And if/when they cross again,
(because this planet is surprisingly tiny, and you just never know what to expect, or where life will take you next…)
Awesome!
Michael says
Hello, S&J –
I remember literally stumbling on your blog years ago, right after you were married and started. I have followed you ever since. Whatever you decide to do, I will respect, however I want to say thank you. Thank you for all of the amazing affordable ideas you shared with all of us over the years. I knew if I wanted a great idea that would not break the bank and add something to where I was living, I could turn to YHL and get ideas. You serve a purpose, the middle american’s who love fresh ideas and might not have a lot of money, but want to come home to something beautiful. So I hope after you take the time to “decide” what is next, I really hope you come back and continue on, as a lot of us will feel the void while you take the time away. Enjoy it, have fun and make the best decision you can for your family. We love you & thank you. I know I do & have really enjoyed watching your continued success! :-) Michael
Jessica says
I understand you asked for feedback, but it makes me sad how negatively some people reacted! This is a blog with lots of readers and you can’t possibly please everyone ALL of the time. I do understand that you are getting paid to write this blog but the readers aren’t directly paying you. If you don’t love the post, don’t read it. Simple as that! I can’t imagine if someone at my job criticized my work in this manner. Yikes. I personally love love love that you use “cheaper” products like Ikea, Target and Homegoods. Without those three stores my home would be empty :-) Keep your heads up. I assure you the happy readers far out number the unhappy readers.
Cheryl says
Boy I hadn’t seen this thread and only sorry I read some of these comments. Fuming here. If one more person says ‘we are all entitled to express our views’ I think I will have to, excuse me, throw up. And therein lies the problem with social media…entitlements and opinions. Enough said. And then there has to be that one poster who says they work, have a gaggle of kids, 12 dogs, a lawyer husband on the fast track, and they are busy too, so why can’t J&S post everyday, my God they only have two children, one dog and they get…gasp…paid for their blog. Do you work for free? Do we compare much?! Why is paid or it’s a business even part of this discussion. So what? It’s their job. Don’t like it, move on! Never, since the inception of Facebook and blog land have I truly seen the mean side of people. It’s truly depressing. Speaking of that, no wonder so many young people are depressed and stressed. This need to compete, keep up, please everyone and be judged is just exhausting! And debilitating. Everyone can do it better than you. Or so they tell you. Wow. Just wow. I wouldn’t do this job if it paid 7 figures. You’ll never please most people anyway cuz you know ‘we’re all entitled to our opinions’. Luv ya J&S!
Lori Terceira says
We are all responsible in one way or another of creating this “more posts and make them bigger and better, each and every time”. It’s exhausting and sucks the joy out of what they are trying to do, which when it all boils down is really to just make a nice family home. What I’ve seen is a passion that has now become a job and a slave to what other people’s expectations are for them. I say get back to your roots and what feels right for you, your family, and for your fans that love what you have to offer.
Me says
Whoa! I’m sending my kind thoughts to both of you john and sherry! Being parents is no joke.
To the “honest opinions because it was asked ” crowd: Everyone’s struggles are never the same. It’s no point comparing hardships and expecting them to be on your page. Unrealistic. Being kind to other parents goes a long way. They don’t OWE us anything.
Cheers!
Jaime A. says
I am fine with everything as it’s been… ;) except, is love to see more Young House Life posts. Does Clara still converse?!? What’s Teddy look like again?!? :) :) And I still love your DIY posts!! Short, long… Doesn’t matter!!
kmadden03 says
Love YHL in any dose, big or small! You actually inspired me to start chronicling my own home renovation/design on my website (below)! Hope you come back.
http://kaitlinmadden.com
The Kitchen Snob says
I could not read all these comments but as a blogger myself, I couldn’t resist chiming in. No, they do not have 80 hours per week to spend on the blog. One has to take care of the children, and a blogger (even two) can’t possibly post 5x a week unless they don’t care about content and are basically typing their daily diary. One blog post can take several days for me. There is the cooking which can take several tries (and for them an actual DIY project which can take days or weeks in itself), then the photo shoot, the photo editing, the draft writing, finalizing, etc. Not to mention all of the tweets, FB posts, comments, technical website problems, marketing, etc. Anyone thinking they are lazy for not posting 5x a week just doesn’t understand all the work that is involved. Before blogging, I, too, thought it looked easy. Trust me – it’s not. Especially if you want your work output to be high quality content. There are no sick days, no getting off at 5pm, no weekends. So for them to want to take a break for a month – that’s just a drop in the bucket. Sherry and John – you have a wonderful blog and I say kudos to you for taking a well deserved break!
Lara says
Hi guys! I am longtime reader (back to the TYH days) and really enjoy all your DIY and lifestyle posts. In fact, I love to search your archives for ideas when I have a project. When you changed the frequency of your posts, I thought that was a solid quality of life decision, so I simply checked in with the blog every couple of weeks instead of every week. No problem. As for the future of YHL, I’ve kinda been waiting on and expecting to see your next evolution… really like the book and the show house type of activities… I want to see you guys take it to the next level. I get the feeling you are hesitant to go the oprah/tv route, but that is really what I was anticipating your next step / growth area to involve… Anyway, hope that helps! Definitely don’t want to miss out on whatever happens :-)
Milo says
I love your blog and your style. Please do not stop it, forget about the 5 posts a week and people who don’t like what you do. You’re not quitting a job because a customer or in this case a passer-by your office is not liking the way you do things. If whoever pays you for your blog requires you to do more posts, longer and better and you feel you can’t or you don’t want to, then stop but otherwise keep sharing your life with the people who want you to. I can tell there is plenty. I could criticize and say you don’t give tips on French shops or furniture (I’m French in France) so I don’t like your blog… But I still do go on your blog because you two made it so nice, so take a step back, reflect and come back soon!! Xx
sseifipour says
J&S –
It’s been some time since you posted and I’m not sure if you’re still checking for feedback, but here’s mine:
If you want to keep blogging, I think you should seriously consider hiring an assistant. My husband started a business in October 2011. Things went fine and business was growing, and then I noticed things starting to fall through the cracks. Little tasks here and there were left undone, and it affected his business. So I stepped in. I asked him to delegate the small-but-necessary jobs to me (you know, scanning and faxing paperwork and whatever). He did. The business grew. I learned more and took on more. The business exploded. And now it’s been two years and I was on the Internet looking for a therapist this week because I’ve been doing something I’m great at but don’t really enjoy for so long. I want to be involved; I don’t want to HAVE to be involved. We made the decision that I will cut back on the paperwork side of things and begin to shift to the more creative marketing and training side, and we will hire someone to take over the paperwork.
Here’s the truth, and there’s no shame in it: We have taken our business as far as we can on our own, and in order to take it to the next level, we have to bring someone else in. It’s awesome! It’s a sign that we are growing! But we need to be operating in our strengths to continue to grow, and mine isn’t scanning and faxing anymore. Now I need to be focused on developing training systems for our employees, because that’s what I’m passionate about at this point in the game.
People come in all different flavors. Someone out there would love to do the things you don’t enjoy because it’s totally their thing. Everyone wins.
No matter what, I know you guys will figure it out. All the best to you and your family.
Chelsea says
I used to love the small projects, pintrest challenges, thrift store finds, Clara crafts, etc… To fill in the gaps between the technical longer post. While those larger posts help a great deal when us readers tackle similar projects. The smaller post tended to be more light hearted and fun. They are the reason I personally kept reading. I agree with your decision to scale back the blog for your family. They should always come first. But since the new house the blog has been kinda dry. Not as much humor and love. It’s sad :( I would love to see the blog back to its roots. But you guys need to do what you feel is right for your family.
Vivienne says
John and Sherry – you started this blog not for money or for readers, but for the love of DIY. You continued and expanded for the love of blogging. That is why it has always been such a great blog. Do what is right for you and your family – spend time with your family, do the projects you want to do, blog if and when you want to blog and then whatever you do will continue to be the genuine and enjoyable as it always has been.
Kristin says
I’m a bit late to the game. Has it really been a month since I last checked in? I don’t know if you are reading comments on this post any more, but I read many many many comments waiting to see if someone had mentioned what I’ve been noticing and I didn’t see a similar comment.
So here it goes: I love this blog (and sad to see you are taking a break?), but … I still live in the same small house. You have moved on to a much larger house, so much of what you post about now is not even possible for my tiny ranch home. I think I found your blog way back in the TYH days when looking up ranch home ideas. For me, that is where the disconnect has been.
But dang, you guys do good work. I hope you continue to write and follow your passions.
Deanna says
Love your site, take a break! No judgement here! I stop by for a fun read a couple times a week, and there are so many excellent past posts, I will be reading for a while just to catch up!
Stephanie Glover says
I have to say I haven’t read this blog in a while. Not because of anything John and Sherry is doing wrong, it’s because I hardly read any blogs anymore because I’m so busy!! I miss my blog reading. I started reading YHL back in 2008, so I’ve seen it grow and have seen John and Sherry’s business opportunities expand…I think all of us would eventually get to the point J&S has gotten to. Things are so exciting at first, you feel so lucky and blessed, this is a dream job!!! But then, inspiration wears off, kids come along, time management becomes more difficult. i worked from home for a short time, and I have to say, it was harder to do that than work at a regular job! My daughter would want me to jump on the trampoline with her, and trying to tell her no every single time because I was working sucked! Then later when i was ready to jump, she was playing with friends and it felt like I missed my opportunity. Or when the dogs throw up and your home. If i was at work, i wouldn’t know about it, and it would have to wait! But I’m here, so I have to tend to it. So my work gets behind, and we all know how starting one project turns into another. Well I have the STeam cleaner out…may as well steam clean all the carpets while i’m at it! Oh wait I”m supposed to be working! haha. Those are just a few examples. Whatever you decide to do John and Sherry, this is your life. Your priorities sound like they are in order. Family comes first, and what works for your family now may be different than what worked 5 years ago. Figure it out the best you can. And enjoy those sweet children!!!
Donna Stovesand says
I have followed your blog for at least four years. I am old, 50, have mostly grown children, 20 & 16. Once I DIYed most everything, but now have the good fortune to have projects largely done by others. We are on our fourth fixer-upper, quite possibly our last. Yet, I have your blog on my home page on its own with many other clumped together that I check on occasion. Your style isn’t mine but I truly enjoy your blog. Don’t change a thing. Don’t apologize. Be who you are, today, not seven years ago or seven years from now. Enjoy your children and every little project because it all goes so quickly. We will continue to read along, even one post a week. All the best and hurry back.
Cristy says
I have been reading you two for the past 5 years! Thank you so much for inspiring me so much! I love my house and I owe all my inspiration to you two! It is inevitable… Change is sure to come. I thank you from the bottom of my heart! My husband would say you guys were my hobby, I thank you for your insight and all of your wonderful ideas. Bless your family and your decisions! All the best to you! <3
queenie says
Honestly,I am 55 years old .Honestly ,I do not come here everyday ,Honestly I have been following you from the beginning ,Honestly I dont think I could ever stop popping in here to see what you are up too ,I guess we must share the same interests because I am still spray painting my old to update ,not that I like to save a dime here and there but its the idea of change on the cheap which leaves more money to spend on the family without the guilt of having spent it on something to just sit around and look nice ,which I must say I love to be trendy also but if I paid high dollor it would have to stay around a long time which would then be classified as antique at my age which in turn would put my style as ,…….well we all know where this is going but my point is we all love you or we would not be here . I must add that I have a degree in building construction and with so many new gadgets out there I love your reveiws on the ones you try out ,I love watching you shop for your big purchases ,the pros and cons of items I have considered myself ,,at my age I love that you have done my homework for me ,especially on your appliance shopping .Everyone needs change ,if you only left one post a year I would still be popping in to read it so sit back enjoy your family ,psssss please do not remove your blog ,I do come here often because I just plain enjoy reading it and looking back at all the before and afters !!!! Queenie
Jodi says
John and Sherry, I’m a long time reader, and have always been really impressed with your blog. My husband and I have tackled many home improvement projects that we probably would never have had the confidence to do without your step by step instructions. We are at the point now where we can come up with our own ideas and execute them based on knowledge gained from reading your blog. It has become almost like a super fun DIY course for home improvement newbies like us, and I LOVE that it is not written like an instruction manual. I like all of the posts you do. You can’t please everyone all the time. Do what you can with the time you have. Some people will leave, some new people will join the fun. Don’t stress. Do what you feel is best for you and your family and makes you happy, because when you really love something, it comes out in your work. No matter what you decide to put that engagement and enthusiasm in (blogging, possibly new jobs, projects, etc.), as long as you (and the kids!) are happy and healthy, that is ALL that matters.
Lyn says
Hi John and Sherry, I’m late in replying and have obviously seen your latest post, but, having seen some comments here, I wanted to reply. I love your blog and that for each house you have had you do things differently or expand on what you had previously done and learnt. You listen to your reader comments, reply to them, and are so helpful and courteous. I feel like some people who have commented have perhaps grown in a different direction. That is what happens in any job, and, in fact in life. In life, we don’t keep the same friends, some stick around some don’t and, some old friends pop by from time to time. You asked about short posts, and I must say I like both short and long, they provide such different content and are interesting. Even when I only have 2 minutes to spare, just an idea or a thought or something you’ve seen or done is nice to read, and then when I have time to read the longer post I haven’t time to read at that point, I’ll read it next time when I do. Both of you work on this blog and raise your children, so the kiddy, crafty and organisation posts interspersed with painting, refits and diy are a great mix. I would say do what is right for you, and you will gain new readers. Yes, you will loose some old readers, but like friends you never know they may pop back from time to time, even if it is to look for an old post. To me, a blog follows life ands it’s changes, do what is right for you. X
Mandy says
I fully support you guys no matter what you choose to do. We all have to do what works best & feels right in our own families. Family is obviously very important to you (as it should be) so whether you choose to blog again occasionally, full-time or get entirely different jobs I just hope you find your sweet spot again & don’t let the negativity get to you. You guys have been amazing & I can only imagine how much time & effort goes into the blog & the projects for them + outside projects. I have 2 young kids of my own & couldn’t do what you do, business or not, it wouldn’t feel like my job & family were separate enough so I absolutely get it. Just focus on your family & everything will work out. Wishing you all the best!
Morgon says
come back! you are missed!!
Melisa says
I came by today to visit you guys like always, and I found your note and these news of apocaliptic proportions.
Since you asked for honesty….
I can honestly say I’m sad. Im sad for the blog and all the good times but mostly sad for you.
I can only imagine how you must be feeling. This feedback thing is TOUGH! It got crazy mean crazy fast.
All I can say is that if you were feeling off its probably because you are exhausted, wanting change. But change is a scary thing when you are raising a family. Maybe slowing it down and recalculating priorities was in the cards for the P bunch. I only wish you could have been spared of the meaness.
At the end, all that matters is that you are happy, that Clara and Teddy are happy, and that Burger is happy. You are good people, you will be fine. You have each other.
Who cares how may posts? Who was keeping count? Crazies who for sure have no kids. For the rest of us mortals you have and always will be inspiring and awesome. You have impacted my life, and made me so much more creative and fearless. I mean it! I mean no-sew curtains, no-sew anything… thats badass!
Whatever you choose to do…. cliché fart loading ???FOLLOW YOUR HEART ?. You will always come out ok!
You are missed and always admired.