Life has been busier than ever for us – and there’s nothing like having a baby to confirm your true priorities. We’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately: what exactly are our goals? What are we working towards? Hoping to gain? The answer, we realized, was definitely not more blog hits or traffic or approval. Honestly we both feel unsettled by the idea of our blog growing any larger, and we look fondly back on the earlier days when we worked less, slept more, and spent more quality time with our family and friends. This little website of ours has already surpassed every expectation we ever could have had for it. So what are we chasing?
When Clara was born we were both blogging full time, but we had about a third of the traffic that we have now and we usually shared around one project a week amidst other home-related chitchat, family happenings, polls, reader makeovers, etc. It was one of the best times of our lives. We did less and had less, and we were completely comfortable. So in light of everything on our plates, this new baby boy, and a girl who’s growing up entirely too fast (cue the Armageddon music), we’ve decided to paddle back towards that.
We know this choice may directly correlate to fewer hits and therefore less income – and we’re ok with that. Sure, it’s a little scary not knowing where we’ll be in a few months or years (but we’ve never known that as professional bloggers anyway). We’ve made “risky” career choices before in the name of life quality – like leaving the NYC rat race and giving up steady salaries for blogging – but they’ve also been some of our best decisions.
Just like we did when we made those leaps, we’ve saved enough to help us sleep at night. We’ve also both left the door open in our previous professions, so even if this choice means we’ll eventually be taking on freelance advertising work again (which I did to make a living before we started this blog, and which John has dabbled with over the last few years) it’s a risk we’re willing to take in the name of bringing some balance back into our lives.
The good news is that our love of home improvement and blogging is burned deep into our hearts, and our to-do list is still a mile long. We have no plans to stop blogging anytime soon. We’ll still be posting our projects, planning, shopping, and other usual fare here regularly. But things will be noticeably different as we recalibrate our priorities (we think we’ll end up in the 3-5 posts per week range).
We’ll also be going back to sharing all of our family posts on Young House Love (sorry Young House Life). We’ve always had family stuff here – in fact some of our favorite (and most popular) posts are the personal ones about things like breastfeeding, Clara’s birth story, her photo project, this ridiculousness, and random facts about me and John. Between those types of posts always existing on our main site, and Instagram taking the place of the smaller family updates, Young House Life has felt less necessary lately, so we won’t be posting over there anymore.
We know some people will be relieved by this change of pace (many of you have encouraged us to slow down) or excited about the new looser style of posting, while others might decide to tune out – and we’re ok with that too.
We feel extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to make this choice. It’s not a decision that we’ve made lightly, and we realized that if we don’t seize it now, we may never have the chance to again. Teddy is our last baby and Clara is just a year away from kindergarten (how did that happen?!), so we want to enjoy this time with them instead of working our nights, weekends, and vacations away chasing some business goal we don’t even want.
We have no idea what the future holds, but even if the internet exploded tomorrow, we’re already so grateful for this amazing and completely unexpected journey of ours. This blog has surprised us in the most major of ways, and has led to some unbelievable experiences and opportunities, many of which we can’t quite wrap our minds around.
We still have big dreams for this house of ours and can’t wait to share how it evolves with you guys. But if you’ll excuse us, I have an almost impossibly tiny diaper to change and John’s off to buy some lumber again…
Rebekah says
Good for you all! I was always amazed at the amount of posts! I am sure you will find the right balance. But you are exactly right your little ones will only be this age once – enjoy it! I will enjoy reading whenever you post – and your site is the first one I check when I am trying to figure out how to do so etching for the first time. This week it was changing out a toilet -which was successful!
Sara says
I’ve always loved your blog and am so happy and excited for you! Keep up the family priorities and all of your faithful readers (including me) will continue to flock any time you have a chance to post!!
Congrats on the new baby!!
Texas says
I have really enjoyed your more “practical” posts on living economically/home organization/household management. Some of my favorites include Sherry’s post on make-up or clothes, the toiletries you and John share, organizing your kid’s clothes, organizing your house, and even stuff on some of your favorite recipes. I would love to see more blog posts from you about living a more frugal, simplified, natural, and stylistic “lifestyle.” I’m not sure if you don’t want your bog to become a “lifestyle” blog but I most certainly enjoy hearing about your lifestyle/household management issues, as well as about Sherry’s fashion choices.
Signed,
Someone who is not really into home decorating but likes your blog
Rah says
Congratulations on a wonderful decision. You are so wise! We’ll appreciate what you can reasonably share. And I really like the idea of combining the 2 blogs.
Andrea says
Another thumbs-up for this decision! You can define “success” any way you want, and to me, spending time together as a family is one of the most wonderful and fulfilling things to be successful at. Your little ones will only be this age once, so it’s great to take a look at how you’re spending your time and energy. Enjoy!!
christine says
This is probably a personal question, but I’m wondering what exactly caused this shift in you guys? Not that I blame you, I’m just genuinely curious, as I’m not yet a mother, but contemplating that option every day and I like to hear others’ perspectives. Do you feel differently since having Teddy than you did after Clara? Do you find blogging less meaningful? Thanks! (From a longtime reader)
YoungHouseLove says
I think our lives and our pace/workload changed a lot from when we had Clara in 2010, that having Teddy (and the months approaching his arrival) made it a very easy comparison to draw, and we realized that we wanted to paddle back towards that.
xo,
s
Richelle says
Mostly just more support for you guys – you didn’t sign up for this gig to become kabillionaires, and I totally and completely respect the idea of choosing what is best for your family based on your values.
Here’s to new adventures, whatever they may be.
Sara w says
Bravo to you! I in the midst of dialing back to find balance in my life as well (obviously I’m on a smaller scale). I like you MORE for doing what works for your family and not what works for your blog readership. I’ll continue reading and look forward to house and home updates. Congrats again on Baby Teddy!
Natalie says
OMG, that Eminem video is the best! You remind me of Ty from Clueless.
Congrats to you and your family – happy you are able to make time for what’s truly important.
annie says
i’m SO glad you added the oreo caveat. i was worried there for a second.
while i really really love your posts and wish for more, not less, i completely understand and wish you all the best!
ha. that kind of rhymed.
Amanda says
One word: HOORAY!
Also, you guys totally rule. I’ve been a loyal reader since two houses ago, and your blog is one of the best in my feed. As a parent to a young son myself, I thoroughly applaud your decision to make family, priority.
(Ok, more than one word…)
Jana says
Congratulations on your beautiful boy. I think it’s wonderful that you’re choosing to snuggle in and enjoy this season for all it’s worth. Wishing your sweet family all the best.
Melisa says
I needed this post and I support your decision 110%. Family is always always always #1. Enjoy those two little sweeties of yours!
Jackie says
Such an admirable decision! Congratulations! You will always have me as a reader!
Katherine says
So glad to read this post…I totally get it, agree, everything! I was literally thinking, “YES, this is the right thing” as I read it. Decisions like this is why we all come back and love your blog in the first place! And just to say, like you’d do with a GOOD BOOK, we can all re-read all of your old posts when we are missing you. Love to your family.
Jenni says
This makes we want to cry in a bitter sweet way! I know, I know, how selfish of me. I love your blog and I’m incredibly happy for you five ( hey Burger counts too) to have gotten to this point in your lives. I’ll miss your daily posts but I look forward to seeing where life takes you. I’ve been reading since your first house and I rely on your website for so much inspiration. All I can do is thank you.
Laura H says
Yessss!!! I love your blog and stress when I can’t keep up. In return, I have revisited it many times because I’ve been able to absorb a quality post and bookmark it and go back to it. You guys rock!
Brooke says
While I will miss your more frequent posts, I think it is awesome that you guys have made this decision! Congrats!! Enjoy those babes!
Kim says
You’re an inspiration. It’s so easy to just go, go, go with things, without slowing down enough to think if you really want what you’re chasing. I’m sure I’ll enjoy the blog just as much, if not more, with fewer posts–and this was a good example of the way most of us need to be thinking.
Jen says
Thumbs up peeps! Thumbs up!
Also, bc the site kept crashing when the post went live- congrats on Teddy. He is super adorable :) xoxo
Erin M says
Congrats for making this choice. Enjoy every second of new found free time loving and cherishing your two little ones and I will happily await your next post, whenever that might be.
Albita says
That is wonderful and it shows how committed you are to your family life. I respect that and it’s great to see that you truly do treasure life’s big yet small moments with the kids because like you say Clara grew up so quickly – she’s not a baby anymore. I feel the same way with my 2nd baby yet to be born next week or the week after. My daughter just turned 3 and i’m sad that i spent the majority of my days working to make sure our family is comfortable financially and missing so much of her day to day stuff….even though we do spend quality time every free chance i get with her. I think having that 2nd baby for SOME OF US puts it into perspective as parents and can make you realize you want to spend more time with them before they’re adults! life goes by in the blink of an eye. I’m happy for you that you’ve become successful in your blog and home improvement skills but you can clearly see life is not about making all that money…..what’s more valuable is spending that quality time with your kids and growing a balanced family who appreciates each other. In that area you will see it’s the best gift you can give your kids! Regardless of what you decide it’s clear you’ll be a successful family in every sense of the word because you know what’s important in LIFE.
God bless your family!!
Mandy says
Thankgoodness!!! :D Everytime I read a post about all the time you two spend on keeping the blog going, I’m baffled as to how you physically do it. I hope you can enjoy this time and start to breathe a bit easier, just enjoying your life as a family and the community created through your blog. You were the first DIY blog I discovered and my favorite. I’m really happy for the 5 of you! :)
Mikki says
Go for it! I’ll still be a loyal fan no matter how much or little you post! Enjoy life every day..it is way too short!
Joanna @ thenestbook says
You guys rock. You’ve been my favorite blog for years and I think a new looser style will be refreshing. :) Btw that bunny hat on Teddy is so cute I could just die! He is edible! :)
molly b says
What a raw and lovely post. I take my hats off to you guys and have only gained respect and love for you both and what you do. I find that part of life is constantly evaluating and re-evaluating what I am doing and why I do it. I have been reading for (5ish) years and love that little family of yours. Thanks for what you do and allowing yourself the freedom to do what matters most. And a HUGE congrats on that sweet baby boy (love the name!). xo
Beth says
You will never ever regret spending more time with your babies. Enjoy!!
Kahley DeVries says
I haven’t posted in a while – to recap – you guys featured my “bathroom gone gray” back a couple of years ago on your Reader Redesign – I am from Canada. I, like you – had a moment of clarity – an it actually led to me not blogging at all anymore. My blog was small and had an even smaller following but none the less – I had been pouring my little heart into something that while was fun… never felt quite right. I never knew WHAT I was chasing, and always knew that IF I got there, there was no way I could maintain it with my growing family. Honestly – you guys should be SO proud of yourselves! This post actually made me tear up – and I get it, I just totally get it. I am a stay at home mom, I run my own home based Interior Design business, and I have 3 littles. Turning our focus back to the little people who like you said – grow way too quickly – is the wisest thing we’ll ever do. I LOVE 3-5 posts a week. Usually I am binge reading your blog one day a week, as at this point in lift with a 7,4 and 8 month old – there isn’t even time to read a blog daily! But let me tell you – I am going NOWHERE!!! Love you YHL!!!!
Joan says
Good call! I always wondered how you had time to reply to almost every comment – it always seemed like too much busy work. I felt like you were chained to your desks and feel guilty writing this since I know you’ll read it! You’ll have plenty of time to make $$. As they say, keep it simple :)
Elaine says
Excellent decision!!
(We can always read from the wonderfully rich and entertaining archives if we need a YHL fix and just can’t wait a day for a post!)
Emily says
I completely support you guys in this decision. I love how you’re making family a priority. It’s a wonderful choice and example to all. No doubt this will prove a great improvement in your lives! If anything, this makes me want to read your blog more! I’ve always loved it but now I love it even more.
Also, I’m so grateful for YOU guys and all the inspiration, tips, motivation, and joy you’ve shared with all of us through your blog. It is such a blessing. Thank you, and keep up the amazing work :)
Jen V says
Good for you! You are so right – these moments pass in the blink of an eye and you’ll never get them back. Marinate in them as much as you can! :) Enjoy and congrats!!
Melissa says
Bravo!
Shawna says
Good for you! Life is a blessing and you’re making the right decision. I’ll miss you!
Amanda says
More is not always better! I’m so glad to hear you’re cutting back – enjoy that family time! :D
Marissa says
BRAVO!!!!!!
The family posts are my favorite. I highly doubt you will lose a significant amount of traffic… your appeal is not just your DIY skills, but the obvious loving bond between the two of you, and the impossibly adorable offspring you produced.
Trisha says
Reading your blog always makes my day and I will continue to be a loyal reader! It’s refreshing to read your honesty and inspiring to see your devotion to your family over worldly money and business pressures!
christina @ homemade ocean says
This makes me very happy! I have been a daily reader since 2009 and I sometimes miss the days of yesteryear.
I have been so elated at all of your successes but I am with you that family always takes priority. This post makes me love you all even more!!!!
Jessica says
Good for you! Reading your project posts and seeing the methods you use to get them done have always been a major kick in the you-know-what when I’m struggling to get a project done – like my half done kitchen that has a been dragging since November and has a strict deadline of early August when our first little one arrives. More and more though, your personal posts tend to shine new light on the life part of life for me. Everything you do is approached in such a practical and well thought out manner, I think everyone could take a little something away from your wisdom. Yup, wisdom. YHL book 3?… obviously after plenty of years of snuggles and fun with the kiddos! :)
Heather says
Good for you guys. Selfishly, I’m glad because I never kept up well with your blog anyway. I skipped a lot of posts because in my own busy life, it’s too hard to read blogs every day! I know what you mean about that “last baby” thing. My second is 8 months and we are about 98% sure she’s our last baby. It has really put things in perspective, and the “mom guilt” over the time I’m away is exponentially greater now that I have her in my life to give me that perspective. You guys have worked hard to get your blog to where it is now, so… it’s fine to relax a little. Coast. Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor—the success of your blog and side projects (AND your babies!).
Kim P. says
Love love love the blog and will never stop reading as long as you guys still post! With that being said, I think it’s wonderful that you are putting your family needs ahead of anything else. Congratulations on making such a huge decision! You have two BEAUTIFUL children to take care of and enjoy, and that always comes first :)
Agustina says
This is great guys! Family first!
My husband demo-ed our master bath 4 days before our daughter was born…so I totally understand/get where Johns is coming from!! Good luck and congrats on that sweet sweet baby boy!
ps. my favorite thing you post about your family are “clara conversations” crack me up every time!
Erin says
I think it is just amazing that you guys are putting what matters first. Not everyone would have to emotional strength to do that.
Tracey says
I can’t say I’m surprised and I can’t say am a little disappointed because I SO enjoy you, your family and your blog, but I COMPLETELY understand.
I will continue to read your blog with the hopes of seeing little Teddy holding a play hammer in his hand some day soon.
As a kindergarten teacher, I will wait for the day when you blog about letting Clara go off to school and ride the bus for the first time.
And of course I will always enjoy all the blogging on whatever– house,yard,thrift shop,Home Depot,vacation,adventures etc. you do, because you
two are the nicest people ever.
Good for you to realize that life is too precious to let pass you by. Enjoy your sweet babies and your life as you WANT IT!
Lauren Nicole says
Hooray for you guys! I have always admired and loved you guys so much because you do what is best for you. ENJOY those kiddos and tiny diapers while you’ve got them.
Truckloads of love (and lumber?!) from this devoted reader in Indiana!
Amber says
I have been reading your blog since 2008. I am glad to hear that you are going back to more of a slower pace. I think that is when I connected most with you guys. Your family is most important. I’m so happy that you have made the decision to treasure this time with them. I think this will make what you share with us even more exciting. Congrats on the new addition, baby Teddy!
Amanda says
I’ve been a daily (weekly) reader for over a couple of years now. It’s been lovely watching your family grow.
Your house projects are truly an inspiration for me. I will continue to pop my head in every morning and seek your older posts when I need some guidance.
I’m happy for you all of you
Live, Love and Laugh … together
Margaret says
Long-time reader, first-time commenter, never-time giveaway winner here.
WAY TO BE BRAVE!
Rebecca says
BRAVO! I am always amazed at how fast your projects come together and think to myself…they must work ALL the time! Enjoy the slower pace and savor the precious years while the babies are little!! I for one will not be going anywhere and look forward to the random post about life!!
Jill says
“You’ll never get this time back” becomes so clique, yet not enough people really take that time and embrace it fully. Congrats for being able to stop, in the midst of everything else, and see what you really want.
I took unpaid time off when I had my 2nd (and last) child last year. Best decision ever.
I wish you long walks, ice cream dates, and sitting on the back deck with your feet up while listening to music (and nursing…). ; )
We’ll still be here!