This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Cathy says
SO much love and respect for you guys. It’s easy for us corporate stiffs to say that your gig is a dream job. And sure, on paper it may be, but the reality is that those of us with office jobs have clear, built-in boundaries between home and work, and I can totally see how the lack of such boundaries in your job could become wearisome over time, especially as your family grows. For selfish reasons, I hope that you can find a way to make the blog work for you in some capacity. But no matter where you end up, your grateful readers thank you for making the internet a better place over the past seven years.
Courtney says
I have only been reading since part way through the showhouse (a couple months ago!) – I don’t even remember what brought me here but I was immediately hooked! I don’t have the perspective on how things have changed around here like a lot of other readers seem to, but as someone who is able to look on things with a fairly fresh perspective, I have loved your projects and your writing style and I’ve loved sending your posts to my husband as inspiration (your laundry room! swoon!)
I totally understand the need to take a step back and reevaluate. I hope you realize change – whichever direction it comes from, slowly or quickly, can be a good, good thing. And may you find the best of it.
Sandy says
You will definitely be missed! One thing I have always appreciated about you guys, though, is how important family is for you and you don’t apologize for putting them first. Also, through the years I’ve picked up different blogs and over time I end up dropping them but I’ve been a loyal reader of yours since before Clara was born and here’s the reason why…integrity. You’ve had it when many, many others have sold out. Thank you for that. Integrity seems to be a lost value in our world today, it’s nice to know not everyone has lost it. Have a wonderful break! Breathe, relax, enjoy, savor, dream. You deserve it!
Krista says
I’ve been a loyal reader for years, before I bought my first home. A lot of projects I’ve done have been inspired by your blow. I’m so bummed to see y’all go, but I completely understand. Out of all the blogs I read, yours was the most down-to-earth and least corporate of the bunch. I hope y’all make a triumphant return shortly! I salute you for handling the criticism so well. You guys are the best, enjoy your break and know that we’ll all miss you!
Jo M-T says
Enjoy your break! As an over-thinker who routinely smacks myself about things I should have, would have, could have, I completely understand how hard this must be for you. You are inspirational in so many ways – because of you I’m refinishing my kitchen cabinets myself! Take care of you first, and this will be right with the world when the time comes.
Amy says
Good for y’all. Enjoy your sabbatical, find your spirits again and we’ll all look forward to your return.
Jenna says
Sad face…I love y’all and I’m going to miss you more than I should probably admit! BUT, as others have said, I will most definitely be here, patiently waiting on your triumphant return ;)
K Frer says
Bravo. Seriously. This post feels honest, refreshing, not defensive at all, and I think it’s great. I will fully admit to reading and taking part in the snark site I’m sure you wish didn’t exist (though I’ll say that I think my comments there were never cruel and I believe were constructive discussion and equally positive and negative, like they are with every blog I discuss. I like to operate under the idea that I wouldn’t type anything that I would be embarrassed to say to someone directly, and that I’m ok with my mom reading!) I have gradually scaled back my involvement there due to other things getting quite busy, but for your board in particular getting just ridiculous. A lot of what was said was true, but the bulk is just cruel, unhelpful and sort of nuts. Even though I believe that you don’t do a lot of what you do for the money or the freebies or whatever people believe you get, it’s definitely a lot of pressure to use what used to be fun as something that has to support a family of 4. It certainly looks like a dream job from the outside, but maybe it’s a case of the grass is always greener or be careful what you wish for or something? Anyway, this has gotten long and off track and maybe should have been an email, but I’ll leave you with this. I think it’s great that you’re taking steps to get the “love” back. I think it’s cool to redirect, and I’ll be curious what you’re up to, just like I’ve enjoyed reading about it for the past several years. Good luck, and I’ll look forward to seeing you back in my reader soon!
Kelly says
Can’t believe that there wont be any YHL to look forward to! I completely understand and I hope that you guys focus on the things that really matter and hopefully come back feeling refreshed! I’m looking forward to the second book and I’m thankful for all the information you have given us and the glimpse into your life!
Amelia says
Glad to see that you are taking a leap of faith so that you can get your life fine-tuned! I will be here when you get back and am cheering y’all on! I have been irritated to read the “negative” comments because I have not felt any negativity. I don’t want to denigrate those commenters who felt “cheated” when you failed to say you had bought the house. REALLY! My family has had to take a leap across the country for opportunities and carried the “left” house empty when it didn’t sell three times for a year each time! It was your business to make that choice. I have worried that your stress index would max out this year with the move, baby and house sale! Life happens. You are doing great! Breathe deeply and enjoy! Go with the flow! This blog is a treat I will miss but will peruse the old postings!
Leslie says
I have often wondered how you guys do it.
Kids change everything and divert your passions to new ones and make old ones somehow seem less shiny and sometimes, quite frankly, unimportant. I adore your blog and and have followed it religiously since I first discovered it. It is the first one I look for in my feed every day. But if you never wrote another post again, I would totally understand and would be grateful to still have the archives to refer to and the books to inspire me. Enjoy your break, however long it may be!
Courtney says
Did anyone else feel like you were reading a text from a significant other where the relationship had been strained for some time and this was the break up e-mail?
I have loved this blog for so many, many years, and so hope you guys come back to post!! I’ve learned how to and been inspired to DIY my own home through this blog! I agree with the other commenters that everyone takes a vacation — and you guys hardly EVER do!
I simply adore you guys and will be checking the blog daily in desperate hope you guys come back :) And reading the archives to quell the itch.
Gilly says
Courtney, I definitely told my husband “young house love just broke up with us.” :)
Scott E. says
This is much easier for me to say because I don’t have thousands of people reading my every word, but… Once you start worrying about what other people think, that’s a slippery slope you don’t want to go down.
I actually thought the posts have been great and informative. I guess I missed the one where you asked for feedback, and while I see how that could be a good idea to hear what your readers want, it opens up Pandora’s box.
My advice? Do what you need to pay the bills, and then only take on things you actually want to do, not because you feel the readers need something new.
Now I’m just rambling, but thank you for what you do.
Karly says
Thanks for your honesty! Much love, and if you come back so will I. Take care!
Michelle | CreatureType.com says
Wow, I’m happy that you guys feel like you can be honest and take the break you need, but I can’t deny that I’m pretty annoyed at the ~haters for taking it this far. I actually agree that I’ve been a little less interested lately because of the more “big business” things on the blog (the show house, books, etc) but I totally understand that y’all gotta get paid and to argue that that’s not important is complete ignorance. Whether or not a reader is responding to your style or budget is one thing, but you guys are always transparent about giveaways and ads, never do sponsored posts, and keep your light-hearted voice. That’s more than 90% of full-time bloggers do so I think people need to cut you some slack. :/
Anyway, much love and good luck to you guys! You have way more fans than critics and you know even the critics can’t wait to come check everyday for a new post. ;)
Cate says
Enjoy your soul-searching break! I’ll probably check every day anyway…just in case. :)
Emily Jones says
I rarely comment here, but I read every post. Of course we understand! Take care of yourselves, your beautiful children, and your lovely house. Come back when you’re ready. We’ll be here!
Christy says
Hey guys. I’ve been reading your blog now almost every day for over a year (so not long comparatively). I love watching the changes and the house you bought turn into the home you love. It’s wonderful and inspiring even if I don’t always agree with your choices (hey, it’s not my house, if it makes you happy, that’s what’s important). You make bolder choices than I ever would but I can appreciate that, and it makes me feel more emboldened to DIY certain things myself.
I agree with your decision and have noticed that your blog has turned from something you guys wanted to share to something you guys HAD to share. My only regret is that I wasn’t able to get that awesome blue octopus hook in time before it sold out (since there is no Target near me).
Just wanted you to know, someone in Vermont loves you guys and will miss this blog terribly for however long you’re away. Keeping my fingers crossed it’s not too long and will be checking back more frequently than I care to admit to see if a new post is up :)
Betsy says
Oh this makes me sad. I rarely comment, but I love this blog. I don’t even care what you post! I get inspiration from things and you make me laugh. I don’t typically read the overly technical posts because I know I won’t be doing that level myself (oh I wish I were handy–seriously even painting is a struggle for me), but I still appreciate the pictures and knowing a bit of what’s going on and hope that it helps someone else. I hope this break is good for you guys and that it will re-inspire you to come back guns blazing so to speak!
Chris says
Making a change is so hard, especially when the status quo looks so good on paper that you think something must be wrong with YOU when you realize it’s not as satisfying as it once was. But change is inevitable. You should know that discovering your blog several years ago helped me as my family downsized homes as a result of closing my once-successful business. You made me smile each day, and helped me turn a less than desirable house into a bright, happy home where our family is thriving. Yours remains one of the best blogs out there. Make the changes that will make YOU happiest and are right for YOUR family. We will still be here!
Amy says
Thanks for your honesty and sharing your thoughts on where you are. As a long time reader and reader of many similar blogs, I can honestly say that I admire you guys for not having posts full of sponsorships and posts that are clearly angling for sponsorships, free swag. Personally, I understand that I’m not paying to read your content and appreciate anything you are willing to post and share.
I can’t think of anyone who has never needed to step back and re-evaluate. Enjoy time away, re-invent, re-tool and get your grove back. And we’ll all be hoping to see you back soon.
Fahlon says
I wish you both the best. Thank you for the fun and inspiration over the years. Although you may or may not come back, your personalities are what grew this blog into a success and I’m sure whatever you pursue in the future will also be a big hit. Among the variety of people who read your blog, there is a large group of readers who honestly care about your happiness and well being, and understand any decisions you make.
Hope you have a great month!
Jessica says
Sad for us, happy for you. I can’t imagine how on earth I would continually come up with inspired ideas day in and day out even if I was really good at it like you guys are. Enjoy this time with your family! Can’t wait to see what DIY shenanigans you get up to after you’ve had a break and are feeling rested and re-inspired. :)
Chrystie says
I just wanted to comment and echo what so many people have been saying- your blog is a favorite of mine and I have always enjoyed it and have great respect for both of you! I have also just had another baby, and I’m not sure if little Teddy is sleeping through the night yet- but new babies are awesome, snuggly, precious and draining. Especially when you have older kiddos. I love my children more than anything in the world and am thankful for every day, but it takes everything I’ve got some days just to keep the wheels spinning. I can’t imagine also trying to be creative and cheery all the time too.
Please know that we support you 100%, and have truly enjoyed your blog. I hope that the time away gives you a chance to breathe and figure out what you want to do next. Best wishes!!!
Anna says
Never commented before…I appreciate your view of blogs in general and agree it’s overly sponsored (I too appreciate the lack of sponsored posts here). I hope you find your spark and return…but if not, enjoy the new path. I don’t have a blog, but I get those same feelings in my career. Good luck and thanks!
Kelly says
Thank you for all you’ve given. Looking forward to your blog posts each morning was a little jolt of happy for me. I’m sorry you guys lost your happiness along the way. Hope you come back; if you decide to, I’ll keep reading. :)
Corina says
Good Luck!! <3
~Loyal Reader!
Rachel McCoy says
May the break give you some much needed rest, clarity and perspective. Thanks for being brave enough to be honest with us, and for modeling something not many of us are good at. We’ll be here waiting for you. Spend some time on that bad ass back patio area with Clara and Teddy, take some naps, eat some sushi, and do your thing. Love you guys!
Courtney L says
You do you, and we’ll be right here when you get back! Thanks for the talk, love ya!
Jen Z. says
Totally sad, but totally understand. Will miss your great posts everyday, but you all need to take a step back and be happy in what you do. Totally respect this decision. Hope you come back with lots of spark, but if you don’t I have loved following you for probably 6 yrs now. I learned a lot from you guys. Enjoy your kids & Burger of course. Enjoy each other and your vacation from this sometimes crazy blog world we all live in. HUGS!!!
Andrea says
Just wanted to echo what a lot of folks are saying: 7 years is a long time to go without a significant break, I hope it’s a productive time for you all personally and professionally. I would also echo that no other blog has quite inspired me to give my home meaning and the level of personal touch that yours has. Thank you for all that you have shared.
julie says
We will all be here waiting for your guys. I will miss the inspiration you have given me and the positivity that you provide on a daily basis. You guys go do you and no matter what form you come back in, we will all welcome you back into our lives with open arms.
Vidya says
Hi Sherry & john,
I have your blog reader for the nearly 6 years and this is probably the first time I’m ever commenting. I discovered the whole blogging sphere from your blog and you instilled a love of DIY within me. I want you to know that you guys have something special and inspiring and I love what you have accomplished in the last 7 years. I wish you all the love, happiness and joy in the world and will be cheering you on with whatever you guys decide to do.
Lots of love, light and happy thoughts … from family to yours..
Take care,
Vidya
Jamie says
John and Sherry, I’ve been a reader for a long time. I’ll miss seeing you post, but you guys need to do what is right for you. I hope that when (if?) you come back to this space, you come back with the spark you say is missing, and we’ll be here to welcome you back. Take care!
Sarah Z says
As a long-time YHL blog reader, and a very recent first-time home-owner, this news is a major bummer. Your blog is the one I look forward to reading the most every morning (and I subscribe to A LOT of blogs), and I read every post’s every word. You guys are inspiring and, dare I say, role models, to me and my husband.
But, as a creative person who does a creative job everyday, I totally understand the burn out that happens when you’re stretched a little too thin for too long.
Here’s hoping for a productive time to refresh and reflect on all that you’ve done and continue to do. You guys have made such a great mark on the internet and in our hearts <3
Lindsay says
NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! What am I supposed to do at work now when I’m boooored? Extra work? That sounds like a terrible idea!
Seriously bad timing, you guys. I just bought my first house and I need your helps! So many helps! You guyyyyyyys! (Picture that whole thing spoken in a classic Tom Haverford whine.)
OKAY, I’m done being selfish. Enjoy your time off, you guys. You definitely deserve it and I still love you. Just please come back soon.
Darcy says
I feel like I could write 3000 words to tell you both how much this site, and you and your darling family, have meant to me. I will miss you, and I have to think of this as a sabbatical — I just cant handle the other options!!
I truly hope some time away, considering other options, and figuring out what is next for you both professionally will get the LOVE back into this.
We will all miss you, and I look forward to whatever changes are next for you! Much LOVE and RESPECT, D
Lauren says
You gotta be true to you….and some times that takes time and space. Proud of you guys for making such a tough call. Know that you’ll be hugely missed…and we’ll be here waiting when you’re ready for whatever is next.
Nothing but love, Lauren :)
Amy says
I am a long time reader (circa 2007ish?) but never post comments that often. I just wanted to say thank you for putting yourselves out there for so long. I will miss the blog during the break (hopefully just a break and not a forever goodbye?). I hope this break helps you find what your looking for. :)
Pamela F.B. says
Good for you! You all will be missed, but anyone who “knows” and loves you would want this for you. So, go guilt-free and explore what else life has in store for you. We will be here, there and everywhere the Petersiks go. Wait…does that sound stalkerish? You know what I mean! Be well!
Onward…
Mary Sterck says
I have always enjoyed reading your blog. It was a little bit of heaven in my daytime routine. I will miss y’all but I know that everyone needs some time to recoup. You have been doing this a long time and I never knew how you had time to DIY, plus have little kids and write this blog. I have learned to love the Richmond VA. through your writing and pictures. It certainly has been a great ride. Hope you will be back but if not know that you have a friend here in Germany that misses the US.
Kim says
You’ll be missed! But I’ll be back to read when you return! Much happiness sent your way.
Jo Ann says
I guess the 7 year itch applies to blogs too, not just relationships. :(
Will miss you tons!!! Have a good rest. Hope to see you again in a month or so.
Jenn says
Nooooooooo!!! So sorry to see you go. I wish you the absolute best while you’re trying to sort everything out, but wow I am going to miss checking this website pretty much every day. You guys have been such an inspiration to so many people. Hang in there and hope you get your mojo back. <3
Stephanie says
I’ll miss you! Best of luck as you try to figure out your next steps and regain your passion – or find a new one. And congratulations on such a graceful, honest post. You guys are a class act.
Jocelyn says
I don’t know if I’ve ever left a comment on your blog before, but I’ve been reading since Clara was an itty bitty baby (and then I read your archives to get all caught up on what I missed from the years before!).
I am sad to see y’all take a break, but I hope you get out of it what you need. I love your family (… and I know you understand this sentiment coming from a stranger…), and I think your blog is really fabulous. I usually don’t read the “Fab Freebie” posts, but I read everything else, word-for-word, even though I’m not at all a DIY kind of person! I love the way you both write and share details. And I enjoy hearing more about all the fun things you’re working on (including the Show House, the Target line and the book).
I read a lot of blogs that have become too “corporate brand” or full of paid sponsorships. But I’ve NEVER had the feeling that y’all are jumping the shark. In fact, I feel like you have done a really awesome job at staying genuine and true and honest. Nothing seems fake or overly pitched. And it has nevere felt like YHL: The Brand to me. You’ve just grown up and changed a bit, but I think you’ve done it nnaturally and with grace.
Also, I think it would make sense that the blog no longer has some of the “sparkle” to it that existed in the early days because your life is simply different now. You have two kids, and this is your third house. You’ve done so many projects, that some things simply aren’t exciting anymore, and that’s normal! But you still share a lot of enthusiasm, and I think the changes/updates/DIYs that you’re doing are very much in line with your life now.
Please don’t beat yourself up… we love you, and I think the blog is great.
Also, as a side note, I feel a ton of the blogs I love are going on hiatus (Harper’s Happenings, Heir to Blair and now y’all…. sob!!!!!). I will miss my Internet friends.
BeccaS says
Good for you! I absolutely love your blog and look forward to the posts every morning at work ;) But life evolves and we don’t always like change. Honestly, you guys should have taken a true “maternity” leave and took 3-6 months off when Teddy arrived. You deserve(d) that. I do not blog, I only read, but I felt a shift in the blogging world in the last year. I read various blogs and it seems like everyone is getting ‘burnt out’. I feel like there are readers out there that are demanding and harsh and instead of moving on…they write it in the comments like it is their right. It is our privilege to read your blog and you should not apologize for how much or how little information you share. That is your right to have privacy/protection for you and your family. I just hope this break guides you to your next journey in life….maybe jobs that you can leave behind at 5pm to separate family/work time…maybe you will continue blogging….maybe M&M will call and need a back-up dancer ;) Do what makes you happy!
“When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.” -John Lennon
Kim says
Everyone needs a little vacation, even from what you love. I hope that’s what this is, a vacation. I enjoy your big posts, your little posts, your giveaways. I also understand it can be draining. I know you have to be careful. Oh, how I know. My husband lost his job, we had to leave our home, and our family had to live in separately for four months, all because of a blog. Please do what is best for your family. It’s what is most important in the end.
Rebecca says
I’ve been a quite reader for about 5 years. I think I started back when we bought our house! And then I read lots of back blog posts when I got pregnant. I’ve enjoyed “getting to know” your growing family.
But you all need to do what’s best for you! I don’t even know how you do it, literally, with two kids (one infant!). I can hardly even wash the kitchen floor.
The internet, unfortunately, often serves to amplify the negative voices. I’m sure there are many more people like me, quite readers who think you’re amazing and that you don’t owe us anything.
Enjoy your time off! It is so well deserved.
Rebecca says
I can’t even spell quiet right!
marla says
Makes total sense. You need to do this for yourselves bc no one else will. You’ve poured yourself into something you love all this time – and stayed with it so diligently. Some of us get to take a much needed break in the form of maternity leave etc, or make a much needed change in the form of finding a new job or new career even. It’s so much harder to do that when it’s a business you’re running yourselves. I wish you both the best! I’ve so enjoyed seeing the work you do and hope you do come back, but if not, I know you’ll do great at whatever the next venture may be!