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.
Mary says
Just want to preface this comment by saying I support what you’re doing COMPLETELY. You are at heart CREATIVES and every creative needs to recharge. I find it odd, though, because I have been really into your latest posts. I think it might have to do with the fact that I am personally considering a remodel of a similar sort, but also…I feel like there’s this aspect of the internet where people are anxious to actually feel a personal connection to the blog writer, and I just don’t get that. Your blog, for me, has been a source of inspiration, eye candy, very informative how-to’s, and yeah, you seem like great people. But I am not overly invested in feeling like you are “writing from within” or “being real” or…whatever. You run a home blog. You post useful things. I read them. You are not my friends, or my family, I do not feel “like I know you”. I guess I’m just a bit further removed than other people. And I have been reading almost the entire 7 years.
So, anyway, I totally get the “spark” thing. You have to want to do it. But for me, you just need to keep being useful, not open or honest or revealing.
Good luck in everything. ;-)
Essie says
I just have to say, without reading any comments on this thread today… be encouraged!!! I think what I always loved about reading your blog (for 4 plus years now) is how real you guys are. I did sense things were becoming more “professional” and business like as opposed to the down to earth and casual attitude it once was. And for a family who lives on a small/one income I started feeling like I couldn’t really follow you guys anymore, because I couldn’t afford to buy/do what you guys were doing now. I realized you were becoming more successful and maybe that was what you wanted. But it is so encouraging to hear that you are taking a step back. In our fast paced world people get so consumed with material stuff and making a name for themselves and wanting more more more! You are parents and have two beautiful kids and it is WONDERFUL that you prioritize your family over your work. That’s how it should be!! Sadly, in our culture, people often do not believe that. I hope that whatever you guys end up doing that you will realize how good it is to always put family first. One day, when we are old and gray, it won’t matter how pretty our things are. What will matter are the people whose lives we’ve affected (specifically talking about our spouses and kids) and getting to think back to wonderful memories with them. So enjoy each moment with those babies. I have a 2.5 yr old and a 7 month old and had to take a social media break recently. I don’t want to miss one day with my kids because I was so focused on how to make our living room prettier. Ya know? This is long winded…but I just wanted to encourage you in your decisions! – Essie
Lauren says
Love you love you love you love you love you! We all love you guys so much! You guys do what you want, and what makes you happy. I feel lucky that I found you guys early on and feel like I’ve been along for a beautiful journey. THAT I KNOW DOESN’T END HERE! :) But if YHL turns into a 1-2 week blog or weekend projects, that’s fine! (Not saying you can’t take this break, too – just saying, whenever you come back, I think you’ll still have plenty of readers to see the amazing projects…)
I do love you guys. You rock. Your ideas are inspiring, your attitudes are inspirational, and you both are just too darling. I know whatever you choose you’ll flourish.
xoxo!
Lauren (a Midlo native who has always felt a little closer to you guys because of it! You’re my RVA pride!)
Lauren says
PS I bet it will feel amazing to make projects and not feel like you have to document every single second of it! :)
Jeanette says
Also, go listen to Taylor Swift’s Shake it Off. Even though you guys are owning the blog’s direction, a lot of people comment without thinking about the very real people sitting on the other side of the screen – it’s easy to consume free content and then complain that it’s not right. Don’t like it? Move on, I say :) Haters gonna hate.
Jennifer says
I have to say & I don’t comment often… I think you guys are thebomb.com & you’re doing a great job. I look forward to reading this blog everyday & you guys are such a source of inspiration & encouragement in my life- not only on the domestic house stuff but the family stuff too. Your projects with clara always inspire me to do similar things with my kids. Although selfishly as a reader, I always want more because I love it so much, I understand that you are real people & I FULLY supported you taking a step back & blogging less. I got every bit of it. And when things grow, it changes a bit so take some time off, get a REAL break (cuz when’s the last time you really had one??) and come back to us fresh, reenergized & full of joy. On a constructive note, I like the big posts but I really really love the small Posts too. I really really love the house crashes & reader redesigns & would love to see more of those. I think posts like that will help you “take a breather” while still giving me those pictures that I crave. And I really love hearing about the small kids projects you do with the kids too. I just love you guys & I really hope you come back. Sooner than later.
Katie says
Love you guys and what you do. Best to your family, and I hope you come back to the blog to do it your way, however that shapes up. Cheers!
Amy F. says
Good luck, Godspeed, and may you strike a balance that meets your needs!
Sending virtual hugs to your awesome family.
Stephanie M. says
Oh my goodness you guys! I am going to miss you terribly and I am going to check back everyday until you return! It is amazing how you’ve become like family, you have let so many into your hearts. Thank you for your honesty and thank you for taking a break for yourselves. I never knew how you did it, how you kept up with blogging, a family and all of your outside activities, plus squeezing in a date night here and there, all while letting millions of people watch, read and comment. You deserve this time, peace and blessings!
Gina says
I will continue to read your blog whether you post frequently or infrequently!! It is one of my favorites and I really hadn’t even noticed something being off. :P Much love to your family and enjoy your break!! :D
Alisa says
Love you, love your blog, and enjoy hearing about your outside projects. Enjoy your “sabbatical” and I hope it brings you joy. Most, enjoy your life and family-we only get one quick go around and you gotta do what is right for you. Thanks for giving me inspiration to make my own home a little more “me”. All the best!
Lb says
Whatever you decide is your decision. Don’t feel you need to justify that to anyone. You guys rock. You are all rockstars and you bring so much to the world. Your authenticity is one thing I have always appreciated about you. Keep being you.
Aja says
I don’t usually comment, but I’m so sorry you guys are feeling like this. I love your blog and hope that it’s something you guys end up feeling like you want to continue doing in the long run!
I totally understand taking a break to figure out what you want, and hope you end up coming back refreshed and happy!
Good luck, and I know a lot of us will be here waiting when you get back!
Ali B says
Family first is what I always say. Can’t wait for you guys to come back. I always enjoy my 5 minutes break at work to read your blog.
Laura Williams says
I hope you can make this a vacation that will help you reset yourselves. I hope it isn’t weird for me to say I will miss you while you are away, but I will.
I also want to say bless you for keeping the blog public while you are away. My biggest fear as I started to read was that you would take the whole thing away, which would mean I would have to start taking screen shots of my favorite posts… which seems a daunting task as there are so many I love.
Best of luck in getting your groove back!
Sarah says
This makes me think of something…”You should’ve been gone, knowing how I made you feel…”
Sorry! Just had to. I have been reading for many years but thankful that I have a life and I’m not crying or upset about you guys doing what you need to do. Take care and God bless!
Mallory Snyder says
Just do you, plain and simple. The blog (and your lives) belong to you, no one else despite what some readers may think. If something doesn’t feel right, its your prerogative to change it. As much as your fans love and adore your site and you guys personally (me included!), you have got to do what’s best for you. Work changes, life changes. Hoping to see you back in action soon or whatever your next big endeavor will be.
Allison says
Totally get it, I’m also taking a break from my job after 7 years. I’ll miss y’all and I’ll definitely be here when to get back! xoxo
Rachel says
While I’m sad that I will no longer have you guys as a daily read, I am happy that you guys are taking a much needed and well earned rest to refocus and recenter on who you are as a whole. Love you guys and I’m rooting for you!
Danielle Blake says
I want to thank you all for letting us into your private lives through your blog. That’s what has always drawn me to your blog. I feel like we’re looking into your lives and watching your family grow, your projects take shape, your houses become homes. Thank you so much for that opportunity. I enjoyed every minute of it. I really do hope we’ll see you again after your break. But whatever happens, thank you for being so open and welcoming.
Katie H. says
I’m sad that you all are feeling “off” and getting negative feedback. I’ll miss your daily posts! My husband and I have done so much to update our house based on your ideas and tutorials and now we have started a photo project like yours with our 1 week old. What will I read now during the endless feeding/sleeping times?? I wish you guys the best of luck and hope you find your groove again. We’ll miss you but focus in YOU and your family. Looking forward to your return!
Michelle Kersey says
Whoa! I don’t know where I was expecting this post to go… It wasn’t a break… But oh I’m so happy for you all to take charge of your happiness!!! I’m a photographer and I’ve had to take breaks too. I feel like in a creative industry, if you don’t take a break here and there, it becomes way more business than fun and you started it in the beginning because you love it and want to share that love. This is great. I’m proud of you guys! Now go hug those babies and know it will all work out how it’s meant to.
Laura Williams says
Oh and an easy-ish post I miss that you guys used to do are the budget blooms posts. Would even love some budget blooms posts from things you might have planted in your garden… not that you need post ideas right now :)
Kaity says
Thank you for this post and spending time to listen to reader feedback. Know you will be missed, and you will have many eager readers awaiting your return (if you so choose). Thanks for everything!
-Kaity
Lindsey says
I have actually never commented, but have been reading for 7 years. I LOVE your blog… check it daily, but I am SO happy for you guys and this break! Well deserved!
Ellee Jeffress says
Thanks for making this blog so awesome! I only started reading a few months ago and have loved crawling through the archives and following along with the show house and laundry upgrades. I wish we’d just meet you at the park or something so we could all hang out. (In Australia so totally unlikely!)
I’ve got kids similar ages to yours (plus one the middle) and I am always impressed with the amount of stuff you get done!
Suzi says
This makes me furious. The entitlement of people to demand that you a)share everything about your lives as often as humanly possible, b) come up with new projects constantly and tell everyone how to do it, and c) do it all for FREE because how dare you try and make a living for your family with the thing you love doing and we enjoy reading! The amount that people demand for free these days is absolutely insane. You were doing NOTHING wrong, and the fact that you had to brace yourselves when you hit publish is heartbreaking. I hope the break is restorative and wonderful, but I hope you aren’t afraid of making a living from this wonderful resource you’ve provided to all of us.
Rosamond says
Seconded. I just read some more comments from the thread last week, and I can’t believe how some people take it upon themselves to make harsh judgments and demands on you guys. Sheesh. You have been doing a ton of work. You are allowed to post less if you want to. You are allowed to shift the direction and even your voice as you grow and change and develop. You are allowed to go through phases of heavy/light/in-between. This is your life, and your work. You cannot and should not try to please everyone. Sheesh.
Miranda says
You will certainly be missed. I enjoy seeing all the projects and everything else you have to offer.
Becca says
I was thinking sabbatical too. I’ve never commented but have always enjoyed reading and very much admired your transparency. Hope the break and/or change of direction does you good! Even if you never write anything again you will remain one of my favorite blogs. :)
Pauline says
Really sad to read that but I totally respect your choices guys. It was always an exciting feeling to go to your blog every monday to check the news. I will miss that and miss your humor (which for me never changed) and your kiddos pretty face ! Wish you the best and awesome things to come and I secretly hope for you to come back here soon
Much love
Aylin says
I love reading your blog. I haven’t been there from the beginning as I only discovered you guys early last year, but your blog has become one of my favorites in terms of style, advice and fun factor. Your projects have given me a different outlook on how to look at house projects and you’ve definitely made me feel encouraged about tackling some things I would’t otherwise have even considered. I’m sure it’s like this for many readers. So take a break, you’ve done a lot of work and you deserve a mental break. I’ll be here when you get back :)
Laci says
I might cry. You guys are awesome! Thank you for the blog and sharing yourselves for the last seven years!! Although I’m sad for me, I’m really excited for ya’ll! I can’t wait to see what this break builds and inspires (even if I only see it as guest posts, magazine articles, etc). I’m not gonna lie though. I feel a little bit (ok a-lota-bit) like I felt when Friends ended. *Change doesn’t happen until the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of change.* So glad ya’ll are staying true to yourselfs!
(sorry for the bipolar reply; I’m a little emotional over here ;-) )
Laci says
*yourselves
Laci says
(it’s the ya’ll that messes the gramar all up)
Ashlee says
You all are rad. Enjoy your break.
Stacia Reagan says
Ditto to this: “Life is short. Hug what you love and leave the rest for someone else. Enjoy the break. When and if you come back, I’ll be ready to continue enjoying the adventure you let me take with you and your family. Best wishes always !!”
I have loved your blog for 7 years. Enjoy your break . . . I’ll be digging through the archives and finally put some of your great ideas to use in the meantime. :-)
annette says
As a follower for almost 3 years now I will be here waiting for your comeback. And I know it’ll be better than when britney came back from 2007! I love yall and remember just do you.
Shelley says
I’ve always admired your genuineness and integrity. You’re one of the few blogs I read daily. And I still love it. Hope this break is wonderfully refreshing for you guys!
Jennifer says
Over 1400 comments! Have fun reading that! HAHA
Man, I was on vacation and apparently missed the blog entry you’re talking about. But after reading this, I get it. I’ve been at my job for 7 years and I’m to the point of stabbing my eyeballs with a fork everyday. I love your blog. I found you guys when you were throwing your backyard wedding and have been following ever since. You’re my lunch time retreat, sitting in my cubihell, eating my Lean Cuisine and reading your blog. Paint ya a purty picture mm hmm? Our styles are so completely different, yet I love seeing everything you do. It’s such a fun, colorful, fresh breath of air. I’ll miss you and hope you do come back. Take a vacation to Tulsa and I’ll show you around! :)
Teresa says
I’ve read your blog everyday for quite awhile now and I regularly read other blogs, too. Yours is one of the best out there. That being said, I think y’all have your priorities straight. Enjoy the time you have as a family-make memories, laugh a lot and be there for each other. That’s what is REALLY important. :)
Jessica says
You guys have worked SO hard over the past 7 years, you totally deserve a break to refresh and recharge! Us readers support you 100 percent. My husband and I have learned SO much from you guys over the years, and will forever be grateful.
The only area of improvement I’d love to see is more family stuff (missing young house life and clara conversations!)
Brittney S says
I’m so sad! I love you guys and I think what you do is amazing. Personally I loved the sneak peek behind the scenes stuff, especially the show house! I could tell you guys felt a little off your game especially when teddy arrived. I think taking a break is an excellent idea to try and find your new groove. You two have been such an inspiration to me over the years and I absolutely love all your tutorials, they helped me so much with my home. I really do hope to see you guys back to your silly selves, even if it’s only a once a week post.
Love you to pieces and I hope you find your balance again!
Cassandra says
For however long you are gone, you will be missed.
Trisha says
Will be thinking of you all lots during this time of reflection. Your blog has always been a bright spot in my days. :)
EJanks says
While I never before made a comment, here goes…I have read you guys since the beginning. I wish all the family good times and easy roads. You will be greatly missed, especially by me, a married mom of two who works full time and always greeted your blog with a smile. Thanks so much for giving us all a lot of laughs, knowledge and the knowledge that we weren’t alone in our quest for a more put together life. Cheers to the Petersiks and Mr. Burger!
Susanna B says
Noooooooooooo! Your blog is the only one I absolutely have to read every day. Now I am so sad….you have been my number one inspiration for everything home. Tear rolling down my cheek…
Nicole says
I have followed you from the beginning:) Your charm, work ethic and talent has always been so inspirational. You guys really have the best blog out there. Best of luck to you on this next chapter in your lives. May your passion and creativity continue to thrive!
Leslie says
I’m so sad that you guys are taking a break, but you definitely have to do what is best for you. Honestly, blogging is intense and I really admire everything that you have done in these past seven years. I really hope that you come back to blogging, because you are definitely my favorite blog. Also, I wanted to thank you for all of the inspiration that you two have given me. Over the years, I have been so inspired by your wedding, your family, and all of the decor ideas you’ve had along the way. Have a lovely break and I hope to see you back soon. :)
Justine says
I’ve never posted before, but you will be missed. I hope you guys go on a mega vacation with the kiddos while you regroup.
Vilborg says
I will certainly miss my daily ritual of checking out your latest post.
Wish you guys all the best, it has been án inspiration and Joy to read your blog. Hope you find the groove again and want to share it with us :-)
Greetings from Iceland
Lesley says
You’ve worked very, very hard and deserve a sabbatical. I do hope you come back though, and that you feel freedom do continue with advertisers/other opportunities. I don’t think your groove is off one bit.
Jessica leman says
Oh my heart hurts that you had to make this decision. I feel like I’m losing a friend that I talk to every day! I respect both of you so much!!! I’ll be praying for you this next month that you can feel peace and joy in your decision. May God bless you as he already has!! Much love!
Marianne in Mo. says
Hope you’ll be back. Good blogs are few and far between these days.