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.
Dawn says
Best of luck! Hope you are able to leverage this FABULOUS blog and brand to your future benefit. Fingers and toes crossed I will get to hear from you regularly in the future. You are both amazingly talented people. Will be checking back to hopefully see more from you.
Amanda says
So I’m not a big commenter, but I have been following you for the last few years. I’ve enjoyed reading and bonding with my mom and sister over posts. Sometimes life needs a little revamp. I feel like I’m stepping way out of my comfort zone, but the way you described it reminds me of how I felt after my son was born last year. I realized too late that I was suffering from postpartum depression and I wanted to suggest you keep an open mind for it being more than loosing enthusiasm.
Terresa says
I had this thought too. I can see that sharing your life with the world on the web for 7 yrs can lose some of its pizzazz but I did wonder if it’s possible there may some post-partum depression. The only reason I would even think about mentioning this was that I, too, had post-partum depression that I didn’t recognize at the time. It wasn’t until a year after the fact that I looked back on my “funk” and could clearly see that I was depressed. Please forgive me if you think I’m overstepping here.
Jessi says
Y’all deserve whatever break you need to take. Everybody deserves the freedom to get their groove back. But on a selfish note, whatever happens, I hope you still do holiday decorating posts. They’re my favorite, and you have a whole new blank canvas this year that I’m kind of super excited to see decorated ;-)
Kaylee S. says
This is actually my first time commenting even though I’ve been an avid reader of the blog for over two years. I just wanted you guys to know that I completely understand, major changes happen, especially after seven years. For instance every seven years your taste buds change, and while I hope you guys haven’t lost the taste for running this blog, I really hope you guys do what is best for you and your family because that is what matters. I’ll be checking in every day no matter what, love you guys.
Megan says
You guys are great. You will be missed. I loved every post you did. You guys “out of groove” still beat just about every other blog out there that I’ve read. Hope you guys feel refreshed by this break and come back ready to groove anew.
Monica says
I’ve had a nagging feeling that you guys were headed this way – esp with all that you have juggled this past year or so! I will miss checking in to see what you all are up to and how your darling children are changing and growing. Wishing you all the best!
jennT says
aaaaaaaww. big hugs guys. we love you too. and a break sounds like exactly what you need. then you’ll be back and we’ll be back and you will get your groove back. and then we’ll call you Stella.
Carrie says
Nothing unique about what I am saying, but want you to know just how many people…
– Think you guys are some of the most authentic bloggers out there, admitting what doesn’t work out as planned, acknowledging when you need to pull back and understanding that you are also allowed to have some privacy (it’s appalling to me that people were upset about the fact that you didn’t share that you owned a vacent alarm free house).
– Love all of the projects that you do, both the ones that I can replicate as a renter and the ones I just enjoy learning about.
– Would rather have a little YHL than no YHL at all.
I am in the midst of writing a Rosh HaShanah (Jewish new year) sermon about being motivated by the right things, so this has been on my mind a lot lately!
Keisha says
I understand your reasoning for a break. Just wanted to let you guys know how much I’ve loved your blog for all these years and should you decide to return, I will be right back here in a hot second :)
Audra says
As I read your post I kept thinking it felt like a break up letter and it was…sorta. As many others have voiced, I truly hope you’ll come back.
Sometimes stepping away and getting a fresh perspective is eye opening…if after awhile you feel energetic and passionate about blogging again then we will welcome you with open arms and hearts. If you feel there is something you’d love to do even more, then we (me) are happy for you and wish you all the best!
(Though do return to Instagram…we need cute Clara and Teddy fixes!)
Amy says
I’ll miss you guys in my blog reading routine! But, as I tell my husband, please do what makes you happy. The bills will get figured out. Glad you’re refocusing and hope to read up on new stuff soon!
Amy P says
Exactly what Reese at 11:03am said:
” I felt similarly [surprised]. While I wasn’t a fan of the weekly giveaways (3 regular blog posts, with one giveaway, and one day off felt “less” to me), I didn’t think your passion at all wavered. I am always happy to read these things…to hear what’s going on…
But only you see the broad scope of everything. And sometimes the naysayers can get in your head. And sometimes you just need a break.
Never apologize for wanting to better your stress levels, happiness, or goals. It’s your life and you’ve got one chance to live it.
Plus, with two totally adorable kiddos, a Burger, and a marriage… there’s already a lot there. Do come back….and do know you’ve got a talent that not many have. You can’t please everyone….but I think you’re pleasing a darn awful lot :) <3 "
Exactly. I am surprised, and truly hope you will be back after a short hiatus. Take care :)
Brandy Noelker says
Personally, I love you guys! Even if this turned into a side blog I’d love to read it! I’ve only discovered it this year and I have a lot of entries to catch up on. You guys should do what you feel is best for your family. I will continue to think of you as an awesome couple with the cutest kiddos :)
Valerie says
I love this blog and your family so much. I hope this break will help you see things clearly and I really hope you’ll be back, even if it’s a lighter version of the blog.
Michelle says
I have to admit, there was a time I read your blog daily, BUT looking back, that was during a time in my life when I spent much of my time online, face booking and reading my favorite blogs (insert this one here). To me, your blog has largely stayed the same. Now when I check on it, I try to go all the way back to where I left off last time and I even feel guilt for not following as closely as I once did because I feel like I am contributing to a decrease in income for you. However, I have grown, my tastes have changed and my interests have changed. We move often and for that reason we rent, and many of your blogs are irrelevant to me, but that’s not your problem. Generally, I will still read it because the writing style is like sitting down with an old friend and talking about all that’s been going on since we last saw each other. I’m saddened you are taking a break. I hope you find whatever it is you need and I hope, that I will be afforded the opportunity to peek in the window of your blog and check in on your family when I come to the realization that I haven’t in a while. Truth is, my life just got busier. You have a beautiful family and I enjoy reading about your lives. I’ll miss you and I will wonder about your family and how you are doing if you never come back.
Good Luck!
Marissa says
I am sad to read this post. *sniff *sniff. I absolutely LOVE your blog! I have been following it for years. I remember reading your post a while back about your day to day life to maintain the blog. I was very shocked at just how much time and energy you guys put into it. I can totally understand you both needing a break after 7 years! After my husband and I had our third child we took a deep breath and big step back and re-examined our lives. What we really wanted and what was really important to us. We realized that we were killing ourselves in our careers. “For What?” For more money and more things that we don’t need and don’t really care about. We made some changes and although it was painful. I don’t regret one minute of it. I will be truly sad if you guys decided to stop blogging but after all these years I feel like I know you. I know that you are wonderful people and I respect all that you have created. I am wishing you nothing but the best. Thank you for sharing so much of yourselves. Take care.
Sarah Schaffer says
I enjoyed reading this post like I do all of your others. I, for one, have not felt your posts have really been out of synch. As a reader, I recognize that this site is not about me and I have the freedom to tune in and out of different blogs as they relate to me personally. One thing I’d like to note is after all these years, I feel I’m not in the minority in saying that I follow along to follow YOUR journey. That includes your journeys of diy, but also of parenthood, buying and selling homes, vehicles, furniture, etc. What if the blog became more about the day in and day out vs having to be constantly cranking out projects and having deadlines that often seem unachievable with a home and family to run? I think it would be fun to hear more about how you manage a day with kids, meals, school and work just like the rest of us do. It could still bring daily inspiration and I’m sure a great deal of humor with your wit and writing style. Just a thought as when I tune in one day and see you’ve cranked out an entire room in the same time it’s taken me to get the laundry folded…I’m left wondering what’s not written in between the lines…:-)
Giselle says
I read the post and ended up with tears…. and is not because i’m overly sensitive…. well maybe a lil bit…. but mainly because i’ve been in this wagon for 5 years i think…. not many things in my life have been this constant for the past 5 years, so many things have changed in my life, but one thing was a routine, logging on at the end of the day and read your post…thinking back to when there was just 3 of you, Sherry, John and Burger, and then Clara and now Teddy, i’ve seen you grow and become a part of my life, as crazy as it sounds, now i’ve gotten married myself, had a beautiful baby girl last december, and when i had an emergency c-section at 33 weeks, having a 3 pound preemie, having to stay at home taking care of my tiny bean you were there every single day, cried every single day for 2 months, in fear of losing my baby and yet could turn to you to look positively at my situation…. i didnt mean to post something this long, but to sum it up, i was here for 5 years, you deserve to be happy, and we are happy if you are, and when you guys come back, if you do, i’ll be here for sure, and i can assure you i’ll still be checking YHL every day…. Love you guys, and thank you from the bottom of my heart….. you do not know how you have made an impact in my life
Michelle says
Wow! This makes me so sad both that people feel like you owe them something (you don’t) and that you guys haven’t been feeling the spark. I’ve been reading you ever since I saw the article about you in the WaPo around the time my husband and I bought our first house. You’ve inspired me both in a design sense and in a DIY sense, giving me the confidence that I could do something myself. I would be really sad if this was the end. I hope you are able to come back from this break refreshed and ready to keep posting! Miss you already!
Laura says
Hope you get the chance to do something amazing that helps breath new life. You both have a amazing gift. Your blog has inspired me not only for home projects…but to live and take risks. All the best:)
Meagan says
I have read your blog for years (since the first house), and it has always been one of my very favorites. While I understand the need to take a break and of course support your decision to do whatever is best for you and your family, I selfishly REALLY hope that you’ll ultimately choose to come back to blogging. It is so nice to visit a website that is creative and full of positivity…I would truly miss it if it was gone for good.
Jamie says
Thank you for letting us in your lives for 7 years. I know you guys will do what is right for you. Don’t let other people’s agenda dim your light. I know this was really hard for you. Enjoy the time off and good lick with what the future brings!!
Jennifer says
Glad to hear you guys are taking a break- you certainly deserve it! I’ve been reading your blog for years (I’m pretty sure this is the first time I’ve ever commented but felt it was necessary) and I don’t even own a home or aspire to do a lot of DIY if/when I ever own a home. Your style is catchy, entertaining, and informative. I can’t count how many times I’ve referenced your blog in conversations with my friends and family who do own their homes and enjoy DIY. I will continue to read your delightful posts when you choose to return. All the best in the meantime!
markcon says
Huge props for the courage it took to say all this and to step.away.from.the.keyboard. You can always earn a living but you gotta have a life you like first to make it worthwhile… if you’re not happy, then it all comes crumbling down anyhow, doesn’t it? Good luck. Will be checking back in.
Sarah says
I’ve never written a comment, but read your blog for years (since pre-Clara). I, too, will be patiently awaiting your return. I hope you enjoy your time away and return when you are ready. I have loved reading your posts and I can’t wait to see what you have in store for us, even if that means less posts or a switch for you guys. You guys rock!
Kendra says
I’m very happy for you. Enjoy the break and those kiddos. They’re the best! You’ll never look back and say “gee…we should have written more blog posts.” but you will wish for more snuggles with those babes!
StaceyP says
You guys have inspired me to do so many projects around the house-thank you for your style, attention to detail, and beautiful blog. Take a break and feel good about it. We’ll all still be here when you get back!
S says
Noooo!! While I’m sad for a break, I’ll be heartbroken if you don’t come back eventually, in some form!
DianeG says
Good for you guys. I’m sure that took a lot of guts, and I’m sorry that you had to go through some (often unnecessarily harsh) criticism to get there. I truly hope you arrive in a good place, regardless of what happens to the blog (which I have thoroughly enjoyed for the few years I’ve been reading). You have inspired me, and I always enjoyed your work – but obviously what’s most important is that you enjoy it, because at the end of the day, you own us nothing and yourselves and your family everything. I really, really wish you all the best. Off to read through the archives.
Nicole says
Reading this was bittersweet-so sad but happy knowing you are doing the best thing for you and your family. Thank You for everything and I will eagerly await your return.
Sena Dees says
I love your blog, and you guys. I feel like this is a break up of our 3 year relationship! But stepping away to gather inspiration is a great idea/ finding where this blog fits in your new life. Which let’s face it, you can only buy so many houses and now you’ve found your last (longest stay) house, so the blog will change, just like your loves have! Well, anyway. I love you guys, and hope you feel the love from us readers. I hope you guys come back soon though (selfishly on my part) you guys are fun! Enjoy a break and know you’re loved.
Ps. You guys don’t owe us reader anything as far as, where you get your $ from, although the info graphs are pretty clear, or when you move/buy a new house. That’s private stuff. And you’ll share when you’re ready, if you even decide to! You guys deserve privacy too ;)
<3
Katy says
Jeremiah 29:11- “‘For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.'”
We’ll all be sad (Especially me!) that you’re taking a break from the blog, but I’ll be praying that you find this time refreshing and beneficial and wonderful for your family!
Katy
Jamie says
I’ve been a reader for a long time and have always appreciated the transparency with which you run your blog. I also love the content. Sometimes more, sometimes less. You can’t be all things to all people, and that’s okay. You guys have done an awesome job and have taught me more about penny tile than I ever knew there was to know! I just wanted to say thank you for your thoughtfulness in including us in your mindset and best of luck to your family. Enjoy your time off and hopefully we’ll see you refreshed and refocused!
Jane says
Without presuming to know more about your life than you have shared, as a mom of 5 kiddos going from 1 to 2 was definitely the hardest for me. In order to overcome some hurdles, priorities have to be set. I sincerely thank you for letting us be apart of your sweet world. I will truly miss ya, and will be here ready to support you in whatever your new normal becomes. Hugs!
Allison, KY says
Just a note of appreciation. From a single momma in Kentucky you all have constantly awed me with your continued dedication to remain genuine and truthful to your viewers. You will be missed. Thank you for sharing your beautiful family, your new adventures and your continual optimism with this crazy world. We’ll leave the porch light on… :)
Stephanie says
Exactly how I feel!!
susan says
Good for you!
Heidi says
In the words of the sage Taylor Swift, “haters gonna hate…shake, shake, shake.” Do what you love. Embrace your successes. No one should begrudge you for any action. Ridiculous, in fact. Working full time and doing this for free would have meant the end, or defeat, long ago. Thank you for the education and humor in opening your doors to us. Best wishes.
Sarah says
NOOOO!!!! It’s the post-pregnancy hormones talking! You need sleep and a break and will hopefully be back soon. I love your site even when it’s things I can’t relate to as much. I’ve learned so much and will reference YHL many times in the future. Keep in touch, YHL! XOXOXO!!!!
Wyndi Hills says
I have too many words! I just cannot express them all…without a 3,000 word comment. I will miss your family SO much, whether you are gone for a brief time or forever. You have enriched my life. Best of luck to you all!
Marie says
You guys are very hardworking and do a great job. You deserve your success. I’ll miss your updates. You have a beautiful house and I really want to see how it turns out. I’m sure it’s tough to maintain the fine line between moving forward and becoming “a brand.” You shared a lot with people and I’m sure that’s tough to put yourselves out there every day. I’m sorry you felt you had to brace yourselves before posting. I didn’t really think you lost your mojo, even when I hated the concrete countertops ;) When you didn’t post last week, I honestly thought someone was sick. I don’t know why people think they are owed the world from bloggers. I hope you come back.
Jennie says
Lots of love to the Petersiks. I hope you take the time you need to rest and recharge. And then, if nothing else, I hope we’ll still get some updates on how you all are doing. I feel like I’m part of the family at this point. The house is secondary to how well we connect with you.
Kate says
This post is perfect. <3
leah says
hello!
i have actually never commented before but have been reading your blog since 2009! I read every day and look up to you guys in the design world. I don’t have a blog of my own and honestly don’t even aspire to :) I (like many others it seems) will miss your posts during your break but I hope and pray that you find what you are looking for – that you find out more of who you are and what you are meant to do in this season of your lives. I hope that you are refreshed during this month and whatever it is you end up deciding to do, you do it because it is what you WANT to do and what you feel is right to do. I only wish that I had commented sooner- it seems that a lot of times people comment when they are unhappy but the happy people just read and don’t really say anything! Anyway, our thoughts are with you as you figure all of this out! much love to you!!
Ashley says
Noooo I wanna cry! You two are amazing and my inspiration for my own home. This is so sad to hear. I hope absence will make your hearts grow fonder. Please do not leave what you love forever.
Alison says
I love your blog whatever you do. I just pop by for inspiration and humor. I’ve never read the comments, until the link a few days ago asking us to chime in. I was shocked at some of the rude and entitled comments from the other “fans.” A little I like this more than that is one thing, but some of the people were taking themselves way too seriously. John and Sherry deserve sometime off for that for sure. I’ve never felt that they lost their groove or their integrity.
Katie H says
This post makes me want to listen to sad songs on my ipod. But I understand and hope you enjoy your time off! I had been sensing a change for a few months in your posts, but didn’t mind as we just had our first baby and my life had changed as well and I completely understood the shift. And I also completely understand wanting to snuggle your cute kid rather than write a post. You both have worked so hard to get where you are today, and this break is well deserved. I’ll miss you while you are away!!
Sharon Faye says
I stumbled across your blog only a few years ago and was absolutely obsessed in going back and reading the archives so I could catch up on your projects. I have enjoyed every installment of your blog. I have loved reading about your projects that include your children and reading about the BIG projects like a bathroom and kitchen overhaul. It kinda gives me the idea that maybe, just maybe, my husband and I can do some of this stuff. Take whatever break you need for your and your family’s sanity, but please come back in whatever capacity you are able.
rebekah says
Well, I opened up the blog as I do ever day, and my heart sank into the pit of my stomach even before I read a single word. I knew in the way a parent know their kid has had a bad day, but says nothing and puts on a smile. Maybe it was something you said a few months ago, maybe it was some tone of your blog. But regardless, I will miss you all very, very much. I am happy about all the good times, sad I never won a give away ;) But mostly I am happy that you all are able to do what you need to do for you all and your family. Best wishes and I hope to see you all again soon!- Rebekah
Stephanie says
So many others have said exactly what I’m feeling – incredibly sad that I won’t have your posts to look forward to but happy for you guys to get to have a break and enjoy this time. I also have two young kids and the time goes by so quickly. I know you guys will read every comment so I want to be sure to say that you were by far my favorite blog. Your playful writing style, honesty, DIY know-how, and just plain adorableness brought a smile to my face every time I read a post. I’ve recommended your blog to countless people, even strangers for the in-depth and easy to follow instructions. I was thrilled when you came to the next town over for a book signing and dragged my hubby, 6 year old (who was crushing on Clara at the time) and 1 month old baby to the bookstore just to get to meet you face to face. I want to make sure to tell you that I noticed that you guys were clear about not being paid for the giveaways and that you weren’t constantly getting free samples of the things you were recommending. I’ve stopped reading several blogs because they felt like a paid advertisement, you guys were never that way. Sorry this is so wordy, I just want to say that I will truly miss keeping up with you guys and really hope that it works for you to come back, in whatever capacity you find will work for your family. Thanks for being such an inspiration. You made me feel empowered to try new things, and seriously, you guys are so cute you actually encouraged me to work harder on my marriage!! I love, love, love the blog and will miss reading. If, after your break, you find that you want to come back – I’ll be eagerly awaiting that first post. If you decide that interior decorating consulting would be a better fit, I’ll be the first to sign up! ;-) Thank you for such an amazing site (and thank you for leaving it up, I reference it at least once a week). Hugs!!!
Sarah says
You guys rock in every way! I have been following you for about 5 years now, and I am so excited for ALL your accomplishments. Making your own family and making your hobby into your dream. What a bummer though when your dreams feel like work! Ugh! But, once again, you guys rock! Your honesty and transparency is refreshing and encouraging to me, and I’m sure to your blogger family throughout the world.
I wish you all the best of luck! Obvi totes I will miss you for the time being! It’s not good bye just see ya later! :)