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.
Pam Powell says
I am so sad!!! Your blog is the first one I always read. I have used your inspiration to help with paint colors and lighting in my new house. So much of the DYI that I have done was because of what I have read on Young House Love.
Everyone needs a break so I understand but please hurry back. You will be truly missed in many people’s lives.
Emily Elizabeth says
I started reading YHL in the spring of 2010 when we found out all we could afford was a brick ranch after relocating to a bigger city. I hated brick ranches, only old ladies lived in them with their old floral couches and stinky cats. I told the Realtor to steer clear. She took us to the neighborhood with the Tudors & century-old gems. She said we couldn’t afford any of them. Then my mom, who hates ranches, showed me your blog and that it was possible to be young and hip in a brick ranch. Y’all gave us inspiration to tackle anything we wanted to change, and like you we started doing small, affordable projects as we were saving for the larger projects we were scheming. We finally finished it this summer and I know we couldn’t have done it without having experienced your fearless approach to your own homes, as well as your honesty in the costs of projects. Because who would have known you can do a fabulous kitchen remodel for a couple thousand bucks when all the magazines says it costs tens of thousands?! Your 2nd home kitchen remodel was an inspiration– we finally got around to our own this spring. New handmade cabinet doors, cherry counter tops and marble tile. It’s gorgeous, and we did it ourselves. And after that last project was finished we had our house appraised for a re-fi. And guess what… We added $40,000 in just 4 years!
Please come back to us. Especially now that I have time to make table runners & vignettes, I need some inspiration! :)
XO
N Shirley says
Well, if Emily Elizabeth’s comment doesn’t get them to come back, I don’t know what it will take!
Donita says
We are just starting to make our sons shop in to a ranch style home. We did not realize how much we love the ranch style look until I started following YHL. John and Sherry had just bought their first home, not sure what year!! I was so excited to use all that John and Sherry have taught us here. We can still go through the archives but, I was anxious to see more updates from their new home! For inspiration for our home.
We did not get to pick what we live in. Our son graciously gave us his cute 700+ sp ft shop. My husband was diagnosed with cancer a few weeks after we moved to Oregon, to live closer to our kids and grandbabies!! For now, we are slowly making the 700 sq ft in to a small home and will add on a 23 x 30 ft room later. We are so thankful to have YHL to get inspiration.
I miss your blog but, hope you are having a wonderful “little” vacation!!
Gretchen says
I’m about to work on a photo book using My Publisher, which I found because of you guys. Just one of the many things I’ve picked up from you over the years! I wanted to let you know that I really love the blog and hope that you’ll be back soon!
Maureen says
My feelings for YHL lately seem to be mimicking Rose at the end of Titanic where she’s hanging on to the driftwood and shouting, “Come back, come back.”
Tanja says
Is it a month yet? I miss you guys.
I know you’re taking some well deserved time off but wanted you to know that you’re missed out here in blog land.
Grace says
You’re doing it right, all of it! You have my deepest respect for being so up front with your wise choices. God Bless you
Bethany says
It’s been a boring couple of weeks :( but hope you guys are enjoying the break.
Dayna W says
I guess I was more addicted to YHL than I realized bc I feel like I’m going through withdrawals! Is it blogiversary time yet? Are you going to skip it this year? I love the fun little traditions like seeing what Halloween costumes you come up, anniversary plans, and things like that. I hope you’re doing well and having a great time with family :)
Lisa says
Ditto! I feel like a total addict going through withdrawal! I find myself coming back every day just to make sure John and Sherry didn’t change their minds or they’ve had a 2 week break and are SSOOOO refreshed that they decided to come back. This blog thing is so bizarre, because I MISS John and Sherry and I’ve never even met them. I’ve been going to other blogs to get my design fix, even trying to find one I enjoy tuning in to every day!!! WAAAHHHH!!! It’s a wasteland out there! So many have way too many sponsored posts and it’s just not the same. Please come back to us!
On the bright side… something is different with this comment box set up, so at least John and Sherry are doing some kind of bloggy-restructuring and changes, which to me says they do plan to come back. Oh, happy little clue!
Nora says
Good for the both of you!! We will be right here waiting for you guys!
Jessie W. says
I keep coming back every day to see if a new post is up. Miss you guys! From reading your blog for years I know that you’ll come up with an amazing plan that fits your life and makes you (as well as the readers) happy! Good luck!
Kelli Barnett. says
I didn’t send any comments before, and rarely do at all although I do read your blog semi-regularly. People can certainly be harsh and the more successful you became it seems the more opinions you got. I am a newbie blogger so can’t give you much advice you don’t already know…but one thing my husband and I decided when we started our blog was that if we ever aren’t enjoying it then we will stop…maybe for awhile or maybe forever…but it has to be enjoyable. Our blog isn’t our income source, so I imagine that makes that a tough decision. Also- babies complicate things. We (rightfully so) give so much of ourselves to our children that it can wipe us clean of energy, inspiration and sleep! Do what makes you and your family happy and the rest will fall into place! Many blessings to you and your sweet family!
Gisela says
Hi guys, I just want to tell you that I miss you. And your kids and dog. And your book, cause i lent it to my sister-in-law before you published this last post and now I’m going through Petersik withdrawal. I guess chocolate will help.
Your friend from Buenos Aires, Argentina,
Rachel says
Just checking in today. Miss you, Petersiks! <3
Kristin H. says
(Sing super dramatically to the tune of Jewel’s you were meant for me)
I see the clock, it’s 10 A.M.
I feel so far from where we’ve been
I got my cereal, I got my coffee too
I got my computer, everything but you.
I go about my day tryin ta keep a smiley face
I just moved in to my brand new place
I DIY a bathroom mirror
Pick a color for our front door
We never put flat paint on the trim anymore ’cause
YHL taught me for so long
And during this short time that they’re gone
I know that they love me
And soon I know they will see
They were meant to blog
And I was meant to read.
I called my BFF, she was at work on the clock
Consoled my cup of coffee but it didn’t wanna talk
I read some other blogs, they were all boring news
No funny jokes being spoken or amazing puns used.
Put on my coat in the pouring rain
Went to Home Depot, it just wasn’t the same
‘Cause it was happy or I was sad
And it made me miss them oh so bad ’cause
YHL taught me for so long
And during this short time that they’re gone
I know that they love me
And soon I know they will see
They were meant to blog
And I was meant to read.
I go about my DIY, I’m doing fine
Besides what would I say if I had them on the line?
Same old story, not much to say
DIYers are on their own everyday.
I pick out some curtains, hang them high n wide
I know Sherry hates it when they block the light
I set up my ‘oh brother’ and sew the hems down.
I take a deep breath and a good look around
Put up a new shelf like John’s post I read
I wanna cut corners but I try to do what they said
I try and tell myself I’m happy they’re alright
I just shouldn’t DIY anymore tonight
’cause
YHL taught me for so long
And during this short time they’re gone
I know that they love me
And soon I know they will see
They were meant to blog
And I was meant to read.
Yeah, they were meant to blog and I was meant to reeeeeeeead.
erin says
this. is. epic.
Beth says
That.Was.Awesome. Coincidentally, I was also trying to come up with a song. You nailed it and there’s no way I can compete!
Donita says
Awesome!!!
Lisa says
Fantastic!
cris says
That is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Shannon B. says
Perfection! LOL We miss you YHL…I check back every day!
susan says
fabulous, kristin! you KNOW J&S enjoyed this with smiles and a few tears perhaps…
Gilly says
Oh man why did this make me cry LOL. So amazing.
Julie says
Amazing. You summed up my heart perfectly.
Kathleen says
The freaking best.
KC says
That was incredible. Ditto to your awesome song writing skills :)
Kayla says
This is the best comment yet (currently at 4400 and climbing!!). I’m hoping they can reignite the spark, and come back stronger than ever. In the meantime, I will try to entertain myself with the archives. =/
Ashley says
Simply amazing!
CarrieLea says
You win the internet. The whole thing. There is nothing more that can be said.
(also, I laughed and got teary at the same time. I’m blaming hormones.)
Chrissy says
LOVE!!!!
Jenna says
THIS!!!! So perfect!
SherryB says
Buh-rilliant!!!
Pam the Goatherd says
You said it so well, Kristin!!!! Now I’m going to go get a tissue to dry my tears and get back to work removing the 30 year old vinyl from my kitchen floor.
Jessie says
Winner. Everyone pack it up and go home. There’s nothing more that can be said. That was the BEST. EVAR.
Heather says
Kristin H WINS THE INTERNET!
Kristin H. says
Hehe thanks guys :) Blushing big time. We miss you J&S!!
Rachel P says
Oh god, I didn’t sign a permission slip for this feels trip! This made me tear up! :(
lisa says
I love this!!! exactly how I feel too!
unconventionalfarmhouse says
Wow!
Cara Hutchison says
Thank you thank you for hours of enjoyable blog reading! I have been reading for about 6 years, and have enjoyed every bit of it. I feel like I know you guys and I will send out a positive thought and a prayer for your “internal struggle.” Change is good. Best wishes. I”ll check back periodically.
Sydney W. says
I miss your blog! I can’t wait for your triumphant return! I’ve been reading other blogs in the meantime, but, they kind of stink…excited to be reunited with your lighthearted, happy, and helpful posts!
Hope you’re enjoying your break!
Lindsay says
Oh my gosh…how many of us keep coming back when we know there will be nothing new right now. lol
Elizabeth says
I keep checking everyday. I keep hoping I will see a new headline, but alas I see “Feeeeelings” Can’t wait until it changes! We miss you guys!!!
Alison says
We love you, we miss you, we hope you’re enjoying life. Please paint something and think of all 2 million of us fondly.
Gaelle says
Change is good. Your blog is awesome, and whatever else you will take on will be as well. If you come back to it it’s perfect, if you do something else you’ll make other people happy :)
Alyssa Benedict says
Just want you both to know that you are truly missed!
megan says
I love the Petersiks whether you pause, continue, stop, change, you name it. you have been and are inspiring! can’t wait to see what’s in store for you and your growing family. Only more love ahead!
Lisa says
Tick, tock, tick, tock…. I really miss you guys.
Gina says
miss reading your blog so much.
Praying for clarity and direction for your family.
Donita says
Stopped by in hopes of seeing a new post!!! Missing my Petersik family!!
Heather says
Just wanted to say, if you want to come back sooner! No one will hold you to the month ;) blogland is just blah without you guys. I cannot get out of the habit of checking your site first thing every morning.
BamaCarol says
Another restless night for this old woman. One of your older readers here…56 and counting but I’ve loved watching you over the years before Clara and now with Teddy and in your 3rd house. Seems like you have been part of the family. I hope you much happiness in whatever decision you make.
Katherine Brown says
I’ve been so busy with work that I haven’t visited in a few weeks – I’m so sad to see this! You will be sorely missed, but it is certainly understandable! Family comes first! Hope to see you back at it in the future when the time is right!
Jac says
My husband just put two mugs on his hands and was waving them around saying ‘I’m mug man’. Not really related, but thought you might need a laugh.
Ashley says
You all were part of my daily ritual during the time our son was in the hospital for almost 6 months. You were a ray of sunshine and some normalcy in a crazy place. We all miss you.
rachel laree says
I need young house love back in my life! My husband even asked if yhl was still on a hiatus. :((
Susan says
man, I miss you guys.
Alexis says
I will miss you guys and hope you come back to the blog. I was shocked when I read your last post. Your blog is still such a great resource and help to myself…and I don’t even have a house, just a tiny NYC apt. Best of luck to you and your family!
Sarah says
Um. Greatest thing ever.
Sarah says
It made me laugh! :)
Becky says
Can we call this “sabbatical” done already? Come back!
Jess says
Just popping by to see if anything has changed. No? Anyone? Bueller? Das coo, das coo. Welp, see you later!
Amanda B. says
Okay, some of us readers are sounding pretty pathetic. I’m guilty too I guess, just by writing this. But I just wanted to drop you guys a line, some pressure-free reader love. Hope today is a great day!
Carly says
You guys are still missed greatly!! Hope you are enjoying your time off. I can’t stop coming to your blog multiple times per day to see if anything has changed. Love you guys!!
emma @ {from my little pink couch} says
every time I visit & see “feeeelings” it makes me a little sad …
miss y’all. take your time … enjoy your kids … come back strong!
patty says
I am literally sad at the thought that you may not be around in this capacity any more. I completely understand however that you must do what you need for your little family. I have loved the time/projects/life you have shared with your readers.
Tiffany M says
I find myself constantly checking your site with hopes that you’re back. I love your site and have found it so useful and inspirational. With that said, I completely understand and agree with taking a step back. I ran a lifestyle/fashion blog for over 4 years and whenI bought my first house I found my priorities had changed. I no longer wanted to be working on photos and being tied down with the tasks of running a blog and working a full time job. I wanted time to live and fully enjoy life. I had always promised myself that when I longer enjoyed or wanted to blog I would stop no matter what. Being happy and honest with yourself is the most important. I hope you and your family and living each and every moment to the fullest. If you decide to come back you will be welcomed with a huge and loving audience. If you decide to not come back, we will all understand…and only wish you the best.
beijos,
Tiffany
Pam Groom says
Yah, I miss them too.
Sandra says
You are missed!
Mercy says
Need my YHL fix too! TOTALLY understand you needing a break, but wanted to let you know you’re sorely missed! Hope you’re vegging and relaxing and coming back fully charged!
Diane says
Great song, Kristin H. It’s good to see all of the positive, caring comments. We miss you.
Deb says
I have never commented on a blog in my life but wanted to say that I don’t care if you don’t blog everyday – no other blogger that I follow does. Just post when you have something to show or tell, but pleeeaaaase don’t disappear for ever! I’m with the others who check in every day just to see if you’ve changed your mind yet………….
Alli says
I haven’t commented before but I need to tell you guys how much I have learned from your blog! I am finally getting my bedroom decorated after 3 years and I love how it’s looking! Before I just had random stuff that didn’t really flow together but your blog has taught me so much. I never realize what curtains could do, pillows and little accents. And reusing stuff! I spray painted some old lamp bases which are adorable now! I learned that from the post you guys did from painting your chandelier. Thanks for all you do! So I hope, along with everyone else, you come back! This blog is awesome inspiration for me!
Cathie says
I’ve been a longtime reader and your blog is the only one I look to read every day. I love your honesty, sense of humor, money-sense and especially your design and diy skills! I miss your blog right now. I absolutely respect your need for a break. We had our second child two years ago and two kids is cah-razy! There’s probably lots going on behind the scenes that we don’t need to know about but I’d really love it if you came back–even if it’s on a different scale. It’s hard for me to understand how folks feel entitled to a certain amount of content from you. I enjoy reading just about anything you post and if it’s not up my alley that day, I’ll just skip it and come back later.
I hope that you’ll come back. I love the inspiration that you’ve provided and you’ve helped me realize how much I can do myself and how great things can look even if they’re not brand new out of the Pottery barn catalog. We’re hoping to build a new house next year and I really enjoyed seeing how you dealt with the show home and all the crafty solutions you’ve come up with in your own homes. Thanks for all the help and inspiration.
Kiley says
Please come back… i miss you.. sniffle
Ashley says
Just stopping by to say “Hi!” and looky here you’ve gone and changed your comment setup. Hmmmmm… ;) See, I knew you couldn’t quit us! Happy Blogiversary Week Lucky #7!